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The Countess and the Commoner
Sarah, the Countess de Marchand, has many secrets. She’s spent the last two years writing a gossip column while also carrying on a love affair with lumber baron, Simon Archer. Realizing she cannot continue either endeavor forever, she dismisses Simon and retires to Dorset, sure that he will be better off without her.
Orphan-turned-millionaire Simon Archer knows no amount of money will make him worthy in the eyes of the ton. But when Sarah’s neighbor, the penniless Earl of Tryll, cooks up a scheme to fake Simon’s heritage so that it will be socially acceptable for him to marry his daughter, Simon accepts, if only to spite everyone.
Now forced back into each other’s social spheres, will Sarah and Simon be able to continue with their separate plans for the future? Or will their passion prove too powerful to dismiss?
Orphan-turned-millionaire Simon Archer knows no amount of money will make him worthy in the eyes of the ton. But when Sarah’s neighbor, the penniless Earl of Tryll, cooks up a scheme to fake Simon’s heritage so that it will be socially acceptable for him to marry his daughter, Simon accepts, if only to spite everyone.
Now forced back into each other’s social spheres, will Sarah and Simon be able to continue with their separate plans for the future? Or will their passion prove too powerful to dismiss?
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2024
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April 22, 2024
Sarah - widowed countess with a young son, and secret gossip columnist. Her marriage was a happy one, her husband’s love irreplaceable, but the loneliness in killing her.
Simon - self-made millionaire, grew up as an orphan and despises the ton who never lets him forget he’s not a gentleman. Then again, he never claimed to be one.
They meet at a masquerade, fall instantly for each other and share a secret passionate affair for two years until she sets him free.
The story picks up again a couple of months later when Simon is rumoured to be engaged to Lord Tryll’s daughter, Sarah’s neighbour in the country. A marriage of convenience that will only happen if Tryll can embellish Simon’s heritage, and Sarah can’t help but investigate.
Staying at the same house party, lust overrules reason, and resistance is futile… yet, they cannot be together, can they? Is love enough? Is happiness worth sacrificing everything else?
Heartbreak, hope, despair, joy, tears, loneliness, longing and most of all love - this is an emotional journey, wickedly delicious and a fascinating battle of wills. An original take on class-difference romance completed with deception, gossip, scandal, lies, secrets, shame, blackmail and family drama. They fight hard (and a little dirty), but love harder.
The story starts slow and then steadily picks up speed. It’s a well-written, compelling plot with interesting, layered characters. I would have liked a little more depth to Simon’s history - that part felt a bit too smooth - and I certainly hope Meredith, Beatrice and Jack will get their own story.
This was a very enjoyable and compelling read, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Simon - self-made millionaire, grew up as an orphan and despises the ton who never lets him forget he’s not a gentleman. Then again, he never claimed to be one.
They meet at a masquerade, fall instantly for each other and share a secret passionate affair for two years until she sets him free.
The story picks up again a couple of months later when Simon is rumoured to be engaged to Lord Tryll’s daughter, Sarah’s neighbour in the country. A marriage of convenience that will only happen if Tryll can embellish Simon’s heritage, and Sarah can’t help but investigate.
Staying at the same house party, lust overrules reason, and resistance is futile… yet, they cannot be together, can they? Is love enough? Is happiness worth sacrificing everything else?
Heartbreak, hope, despair, joy, tears, loneliness, longing and most of all love - this is an emotional journey, wickedly delicious and a fascinating battle of wills. An original take on class-difference romance completed with deception, gossip, scandal, lies, secrets, shame, blackmail and family drama. They fight hard (and a little dirty), but love harder.
The story starts slow and then steadily picks up speed. It’s a well-written, compelling plot with interesting, layered characters. I would have liked a little more depth to Simon’s history - that part felt a bit too smooth - and I certainly hope Meredith, Beatrice and Jack will get their own story.
This was a very enjoyable and compelling read, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author!
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
May 2, 2024
The Countess and the Commoner, written by Matilda Madison, is a captivating regency era romance novel. The protagonist, Simon, is a self-made and affluent man who carries a chip on his shoulder due to society's rejection stemming from his illegitimate birth and his commitment to "working" for a living. Unfazed by society's opinions, Simon falls deeply in love, displaying strength, assertiveness, and unwavering self-assurance. I found his character appealing, particularly his refusal to allow public opinions to dictate his world. He ardently loves Sarah and yearns to openly express his affection for her. Although their affair comes to an end, Simon struggles to move forward as his emotions continue to haunt him.
Sarah, a widowed mother, made a solemn promise to her late husband on his deathbed that she would never love another man as she loved him. She is dutiful, lonely, and burdened with guilt, constantly striving to do what is right for the sake of her son. Conflicted and tormented by her feelings for Simon, she believes it is the right decision to end their clandestine affair. However, her emotions for him never wane, leading her into an internal battle of uncertainty. Concerned about society's perception and the potential repercussions for herself and her son, Sarah grapples with the idea of pursuing another relationship with a man.
As my first encounter with Madison's writing, I found her storytelling engaging and well-written. The prologue effectively captured my interest, enticing me to delve further into the narrative. While the plot may not be entirely groundbreaking, it avoids feeling repetitive and incorporates unique twists and turns. I became invested in the story, eagerly anticipating how Sarah would reconcile her inner turmoil and allow herself to love Simon. I admired Simon's openness about his feelings and his ability to create an environment where Sarah felt secure in reciprocating his love. She could rely on him for both affection and stability. Witnessing Sarah's painful battle with guilt was a poignant experience, as it took her considerable time to relinquish her feelings of remorse. Eventually, she accepts Simon's love and blossoms within it. Together, they choose to prioritize their love over societal expectations.
I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate second chances at love, exploration of class differences, and a medium level of sensuality in an open-door romance. Madison skillfully crafts a tale that resonates with these themes, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.
I received an early copy directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah, a widowed mother, made a solemn promise to her late husband on his deathbed that she would never love another man as she loved him. She is dutiful, lonely, and burdened with guilt, constantly striving to do what is right for the sake of her son. Conflicted and tormented by her feelings for Simon, she believes it is the right decision to end their clandestine affair. However, her emotions for him never wane, leading her into an internal battle of uncertainty. Concerned about society's perception and the potential repercussions for herself and her son, Sarah grapples with the idea of pursuing another relationship with a man.
As my first encounter with Madison's writing, I found her storytelling engaging and well-written. The prologue effectively captured my interest, enticing me to delve further into the narrative. While the plot may not be entirely groundbreaking, it avoids feeling repetitive and incorporates unique twists and turns. I became invested in the story, eagerly anticipating how Sarah would reconcile her inner turmoil and allow herself to love Simon. I admired Simon's openness about his feelings and his ability to create an environment where Sarah felt secure in reciprocating his love. She could rely on him for both affection and stability. Witnessing Sarah's painful battle with guilt was a poignant experience, as it took her considerable time to relinquish her feelings of remorse. Eventually, she accepts Simon's love and blossoms within it. Together, they choose to prioritize their love over societal expectations.
I highly recommend this book to readers who appreciate second chances at love, exploration of class differences, and a medium level of sensuality in an open-door romance. Madison skillfully crafts a tale that resonates with these themes, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.
I received an early copy directly from the author (Thank You!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 11, 2024
I really enjoyed the unusual set up Madison's novel, The Countess and the Commoner, as well as loving the dynamic between Sarah and Simon. Both characters had their demons but you could tell the affection and passion they shared between the surface. I would recommend!
Tropes -
* Widow Heroine/Single mother
* [Sexy] Masquerade Ball
* Working Heroine [gossip columnist]
* Insta Lust
* Working/self made Man Hero
* Second chance romance.
Tropes -
* Widow Heroine/Single mother
* [Sexy] Masquerade Ball
* Working Heroine [gossip columnist]
* Insta Lust
* Working/self made Man Hero
* Second chance romance.
July 23, 2024
This is a new author for me. I read her Gambling Peers series Book 1 and liked it and since I have no idea when book 2 will come out, I thought I'd try another series of hers and last Friday was double points day on Amazon so I got this one. :)
I loved this book. I loved this story. I loved Sarah and Simon. They were so hot together. I loved their heartache, their chemistry, their angst, their love story. I couldn't put it down. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen. It was so good. Sex was good. Just a great overall read. I added to my favorite books read for July.
I loved this book. I loved this story. I loved Sarah and Simon. They were so hot together. I loved their heartache, their chemistry, their angst, their love story. I couldn't put it down. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen. It was so good. Sex was good. Just a great overall read. I added to my favorite books read for July.
May 5, 2024
This is a romance that deals primarily with class differences and illustrates how much they impacted English society. Though our hero is one of the wealthiest men in England due to his success in industry, due to his humble beginnings being raised in a home after being left by his mother, Simon does not have the respect of those in the peerage and does not have a true place in polite society.
This is the main impediment to an open relationship between Simon and Sarah, a widowed Countess who needs to protect her place in society so her son (an earl) will be able to take his place and manage his role when he comes of age.
The book opens with Sarah and Simon meeting for the first time and the start of their multi year affair, but the meat of the book take place a few years later as Sarah has just ended their affair, which they have managed to keep secret. Though class is what keeps them secret, the real reason Sarah has ended the affair is how much she has fallen for Simon after promising her late husband she would love no one but him. He guilt has led her to end the relationship which she can't see as having a real future due to the social realities they face. Needing to move on with their lives raises new feelings and obstacles for both of them, and they begin to reconsider what they really want and what is possible for them.
This was a well written book with well drawn characters, but it did take me awhile to really get sucked into the story. I'll certainly read more by the author in the future. I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my honest review.
This is the main impediment to an open relationship between Simon and Sarah, a widowed Countess who needs to protect her place in society so her son (an earl) will be able to take his place and manage his role when he comes of age.
The book opens with Sarah and Simon meeting for the first time and the start of their multi year affair, but the meat of the book take place a few years later as Sarah has just ended their affair, which they have managed to keep secret. Though class is what keeps them secret, the real reason Sarah has ended the affair is how much she has fallen for Simon after promising her late husband she would love no one but him. He guilt has led her to end the relationship which she can't see as having a real future due to the social realities they face. Needing to move on with their lives raises new feelings and obstacles for both of them, and they begin to reconsider what they really want and what is possible for them.
This was a well written book with well drawn characters, but it did take me awhile to really get sucked into the story. I'll certainly read more by the author in the future. I received a copy of the book from the author and this is my honest review.
May 4, 2024
Very well written, full of drama, love, romance, steam, action, intrigue, secrets, society, kidnapping, twists and turns. Sarah is a widow but also a Countess with a young son who will inherit an Earldom when he turns 18. Simon is a self made millionaire who came from nowhere with brother. Not knowing who his father or mother really was, Simon knows and dislikes society and they way they treat people. He meets Sarah at a ball and together they start a hide and seek affair for some time till she breaks it off. Both of them are just too afraid to say what they think and feel about each other. Simon ends up agreeing to be engaged to be engaged to another women but all he really wants is to be near Sarah. Both have secrets that you that you learn about as you read this fabulous story. Hope for more on Jack, Meredith, the Duke and Beatrice in some future books. Excellent book to curl up with and enjoy. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 30, 2024
Sarah is a widowed Countess who has been living a secret life for the past two years: writing a gossip column and having an affair with a wealthy but untitled commoner named Simon. When she realizes the affair has turned into something more, she ends things, stops writing her column and retires to the country. Simon has no desire to be part of the ton but when an opportunity arises for him to wed an Earl’s daughter who just so happens to be Sarah’s neighbor, he accepts. As Sarah and Simon are forced into the same circles, they are forced to confront their feelings for each other, but can they overcome their differences to be together?
OHHHHHHH man. I loved this book so much. The structure of this historical romance is so novel in that you literally start out with the love interests together. The tension in the prologue had me SWEATING fam. It also was unique in the fact that they were from different classes, which created such a peculiar set of challenges. This book had angst, tension, lust, and spice. I honestly could not get enough of a MMC who walked on the wild side and did not live by the rules of polite society. Simon was absolutely delicious. I cannot wait for the book two of the reluctant rogue series and I have so many ideas of who i want it to be about!!
Thank you so much to Matilda Madison for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are honest, voluntary and my own.
OHHHHHHH man. I loved this book so much. The structure of this historical romance is so novel in that you literally start out with the love interests together. The tension in the prologue had me SWEATING fam. It also was unique in the fact that they were from different classes, which created such a peculiar set of challenges. This book had angst, tension, lust, and spice. I honestly could not get enough of a MMC who walked on the wild side and did not live by the rules of polite society. Simon was absolutely delicious. I cannot wait for the book two of the reluctant rogue series and I have so many ideas of who i want it to be about!!
Thank you so much to Matilda Madison for the ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions in my review are honest, voluntary and my own.
May 7, 2024
I found this to be an enjoyable read, I have read many historical romances over the years and I don't think I have really ever read one quite like this, where the man is a Commoner, it made for a good point of difference. All sorts of themes in this book class-difference, secrets, scandal, gossip, blackmail, arranged marriage vs marrying for love.
I hope other characters introduced in this book also get their story told, Jack, Meredith and Beatrice.
This is the first book I have read by Matilda Madison and I will be on the look out for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I hope other characters introduced in this book also get their story told, Jack, Meredith and Beatrice.
This is the first book I have read by Matilda Madison and I will be on the look out for more.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2024
Y'all know I love romances with widow heroines. I love romances with a forbidden aspect, especially if they deal with class differences or social qualms. I absolutely adored this story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2024
Thank to BookSprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the start of a new series by Matilda Madison, but the main characters here have played roles in a previously published book, Worth Waiting For (Book 1 of the Worth series). Sarah, the widowed Countess de Marchand, was the reputed mistress of the Earl of Canton in that first book, but it was a ruse to protect her from fortune hunters after the death of her beloved husband. This book features Sarah and her love affair with the low-born, wealthy entrepreneur Simon Archer, after her widowhood. Some prominent themes are differing classes/social standing, second chance at love, social prejudice.
Sarah loved her husband dearly and when he was dying made a vow to not love any other man the way she loved him. She is very aware of her standing in society and her responsibilities to her family, including maintaining a pristine reputation in Society for her family, including her young son and his legacy. I had a bit of a quibble with this, because in Worth Waiting For, she had the public reputation of being the lover/mistress of the married Earl of Canton. Regardless, pivotal to her choices in this book is the concern for her reputation and status as a peeress and lady. But after the death of her beloved husband, she does miss the warmth, closeness, and intimacy she had in her marriage, and in an effort to find some facsimile of that, she attends a notorious salacious masquerade, where she meets the magnetically attractive Simon Archer, a low-born commoner who, with his brother, scorns society, but through their bold business endeavours have built an incredible amount of wealth. She and Simon share an electric kiss, and he boldly chases her down when she changes her mind about the masquerade and leaves. He proposes a no-strings attached affair with her, with the promise of discretion, pleasure with no attachments, until she decides to end things.
She agrees and they are involved for several years in a passionate, satisfying, but hidden affair - until she decides to leave London, and live with her son at their country estate, and focus on his learning to take the reins of his earldom. Sarah had found herself becoming more emotionally attached to Simon, contrary to their agreement and what she had promised to her husband, and decided to cut things off before they became more intense. Breaking her own heart... but little did she realize, Simon had already fallen deeply in love with her, and when she severed their affair, she broke his heart as well. Simon, having faced scorn and rejection from Society before, was also left angry and embittered by her rejection as well.
Their paths cross again when an impoverished peer takes Simon up on a rash and drunken vow he made to wed, offering up his unwed daughter as wife to Simon, so long as they can feed Society an acceptable lineage for Simon and his brother, even if they have to make it up.
It turns out that this earl and his daughter, the proposed future Mrs. Archer to be, happen to be the neighbours of Sarah and her son, thus bringing Simon back into her sphere again.
This story has a lot of emotional angst as Sarah and Simon fight their continued emotions about each other, mixed up with jealousy, resentment, anger, and misunderstanding. There is also added drama as Sarah inadvertently reveals some unknown mystery of Simon's past. Sarah also has secrets from her own past that she wants to keep hidden as their revelation could harm her standing and open her up to the scorn and distrust of Society. Ultimately Simon and Sarah cannot deny their desire and love for each other, regardless of their past and Society's prejudices, including those of their own families. Eventually, they decide to follow their hearts and find their happily ever after.
I loved the prologue and how Sarah and Simon met and started their affair. The body of the story skips over the affair and tells the story from the point of when they had broken up and there was a lot of angsty resentment and emotional turmoil. It started out on such a romantic, steamy high and then suddenly there is an emotional low. Simon seemed so certain of his love for Sarah and how devastating it was to lose her in his life. Sarah was so convinced that she could not have Simon because of her need to protect her position in Society and allowing others, such as her mother, to influence her. That did not sit easily with me. It felt like their relationship and regard for each other was rather uneven for much of the story.
3.75 stars out of 5
This is the start of a new series by Matilda Madison, but the main characters here have played roles in a previously published book, Worth Waiting For (Book 1 of the Worth series). Sarah, the widowed Countess de Marchand, was the reputed mistress of the Earl of Canton in that first book, but it was a ruse to protect her from fortune hunters after the death of her beloved husband. This book features Sarah and her love affair with the low-born, wealthy entrepreneur Simon Archer, after her widowhood. Some prominent themes are differing classes/social standing, second chance at love, social prejudice.
Sarah loved her husband dearly and when he was dying made a vow to not love any other man the way she loved him. She is very aware of her standing in society and her responsibilities to her family, including maintaining a pristine reputation in Society for her family, including her young son and his legacy. I had a bit of a quibble with this, because in Worth Waiting For, she had the public reputation of being the lover/mistress of the married Earl of Canton. Regardless, pivotal to her choices in this book is the concern for her reputation and status as a peeress and lady. But after the death of her beloved husband, she does miss the warmth, closeness, and intimacy she had in her marriage, and in an effort to find some facsimile of that, she attends a notorious salacious masquerade, where she meets the magnetically attractive Simon Archer, a low-born commoner who, with his brother, scorns society, but through their bold business endeavours have built an incredible amount of wealth. She and Simon share an electric kiss, and he boldly chases her down when she changes her mind about the masquerade and leaves. He proposes a no-strings attached affair with her, with the promise of discretion, pleasure with no attachments, until she decides to end things.
She agrees and they are involved for several years in a passionate, satisfying, but hidden affair - until she decides to leave London, and live with her son at their country estate, and focus on his learning to take the reins of his earldom. Sarah had found herself becoming more emotionally attached to Simon, contrary to their agreement and what she had promised to her husband, and decided to cut things off before they became more intense. Breaking her own heart... but little did she realize, Simon had already fallen deeply in love with her, and when she severed their affair, she broke his heart as well. Simon, having faced scorn and rejection from Society before, was also left angry and embittered by her rejection as well.
Their paths cross again when an impoverished peer takes Simon up on a rash and drunken vow he made to wed, offering up his unwed daughter as wife to Simon, so long as they can feed Society an acceptable lineage for Simon and his brother, even if they have to make it up.
It turns out that this earl and his daughter, the proposed future Mrs. Archer to be, happen to be the neighbours of Sarah and her son, thus bringing Simon back into her sphere again.
This story has a lot of emotional angst as Sarah and Simon fight their continued emotions about each other, mixed up with jealousy, resentment, anger, and misunderstanding. There is also added drama as Sarah inadvertently reveals some unknown mystery of Simon's past. Sarah also has secrets from her own past that she wants to keep hidden as their revelation could harm her standing and open her up to the scorn and distrust of Society. Ultimately Simon and Sarah cannot deny their desire and love for each other, regardless of their past and Society's prejudices, including those of their own families. Eventually, they decide to follow their hearts and find their happily ever after.
I loved the prologue and how Sarah and Simon met and started their affair. The body of the story skips over the affair and tells the story from the point of when they had broken up and there was a lot of angsty resentment and emotional turmoil. It started out on such a romantic, steamy high and then suddenly there is an emotional low. Simon seemed so certain of his love for Sarah and how devastating it was to lose her in his life. Sarah was so convinced that she could not have Simon because of her need to protect her position in Society and allowing others, such as her mother, to influence her. That did not sit easily with me. It felt like their relationship and regard for each other was rather uneven for much of the story.
3.75 stars out of 5
May 5, 2024
I would preface this review by reiterating that even effortful objective reviews are still made through the reviewer’s lenses–so that it still has shades of the reviewer’s ways of seeing the world and their own preferences, and even, perhaps, to an extent, their circumstances surrounding their current situations.
That said, I think there will be people who would enjoy Matilda Madison’s new release The Countess and the Commoner. In this class-difference, Regency-set romance, Sarah, the Countess de Marchand and Simon Archer, a wealthy but untitled man with common roots, embark on a secret affair. Her passionate relationship with Simon is not the only scandalous secret Sarah keeps–she is also the society gossip Paula Pry.
The stage is set when Sarah and Simon meet, but properly picks up a couple years later when Sarah cuts off their arrangement and retires to the country, retiring along with it her scandalous alter-ego. Her motivation for this abrupt change in lifestyle is to take up, properly, the reins of her position and throw her entire effort towards raising her only son. After all, she has had a happy marriage, and feels she owes it to her dear departed husband not only to not fall in love again, but to be so above reproach to give their son his place in the world.
Simon, however, struggles to accept the separation. He hatches the scheme to marry a nobleman’s daughter, who also happens to be Sarah’s neighbor. In order to be more palatable to society, Simon’s prospective father-in-law connives with a sleazy publisher (who also happens to be Paula Pry’s publisher) to spread the falsehood that Simon has noble blood by virtue of being an illegitimate son of an obscure foreign royal.
The concocted falsehood turns out to have a grain of truth (or at least an adjacent , as Sarah finds out in her own curious investigations. Add to this the aforementioned publisher’s pushy maneuvers to get Paula Pry out of retirement, and it’s one scandal after another threatening to spill over and ruin everything, including Sarah and Simon’s attempts to navigate their changed and changing relationship.
The Countess and the Commoner is not any longer than the average historical romance novel, but it feels packed with its pages full of things to say about social standing, class difference, and even what constitutes duty and how that sometimes may preclude being true to oneself. I respect that Ms. Madison attempts to serve all that to her readers, and I’m grateful that she respects her readers to give them all these misguided decisions and messy indecisions. I couldn’t fully connect to all of these layers going on–and that may just speak of my preferences and circumstances for the moment, but it’s my sincere hope that those who might like to explore these themes give this a read and truly enjoy it as it deserves.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is made voluntarily, honestly, and for free.
That said, I think there will be people who would enjoy Matilda Madison’s new release The Countess and the Commoner. In this class-difference, Regency-set romance, Sarah, the Countess de Marchand and Simon Archer, a wealthy but untitled man with common roots, embark on a secret affair. Her passionate relationship with Simon is not the only scandalous secret Sarah keeps–she is also the society gossip Paula Pry.
The stage is set when Sarah and Simon meet, but properly picks up a couple years later when Sarah cuts off their arrangement and retires to the country, retiring along with it her scandalous alter-ego. Her motivation for this abrupt change in lifestyle is to take up, properly, the reins of her position and throw her entire effort towards raising her only son. After all, she has had a happy marriage, and feels she owes it to her dear departed husband not only to not fall in love again, but to be so above reproach to give their son his place in the world.
Simon, however, struggles to accept the separation. He hatches the scheme to marry a nobleman’s daughter, who also happens to be Sarah’s neighbor. In order to be more palatable to society, Simon’s prospective father-in-law connives with a sleazy publisher (who also happens to be Paula Pry’s publisher) to spread the falsehood that Simon has noble blood by virtue of being an illegitimate son of an obscure foreign royal.
The concocted falsehood turns out to have a grain of truth (or at least an adjacent , as Sarah finds out in her own curious investigations. Add to this the aforementioned publisher’s pushy maneuvers to get Paula Pry out of retirement, and it’s one scandal after another threatening to spill over and ruin everything, including Sarah and Simon’s attempts to navigate their changed and changing relationship.
The Countess and the Commoner is not any longer than the average historical romance novel, but it feels packed with its pages full of things to say about social standing, class difference, and even what constitutes duty and how that sometimes may preclude being true to oneself. I respect that Ms. Madison attempts to serve all that to her readers, and I’m grateful that she respects her readers to give them all these misguided decisions and messy indecisions. I couldn’t fully connect to all of these layers going on–and that may just speak of my preferences and circumstances for the moment, but it’s my sincere hope that those who might like to explore these themes give this a read and truly enjoy it as it deserves.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is made voluntarily, honestly, and for free.
April 9, 2024
𝗜 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝘆 the author 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 “𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀”
⭐️⭐️⭐️��️.5
“ℐ 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓃 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒶 𝓋𝒾𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝑒. ℐ 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉. ℐ 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈. 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
My dear friends, never promise your partner on their deathbed that you will never fall in love again, even if you are totally sure that they are the love of your life.
When her husband Robert, earl de Marchand, was dying of a fever, Sarah promised him that she would never ever fall in love again. She would never remarry and she would keep the estate until their son grew up. Big mistake, because not three years later Sarah feels lonely, so lonely that she thinks of taking a lover, one with whom she would never fall in love. But fate never plays fair and precisely the one she chooses, handsome commoner Simon Archer, is precisely the one she will fall in love with, again.
Simon is someone’s son, a secret that will be unveiled later in the book, his mother left him and his older brother Jack, at a nunnery when he was a baby. Ever since then, both brothers have found their fortune in timber and other investments, they’re incredibly rich, but that will never allow them join the ton, nor they want to be one of them. But Simon is a family man at heart and he dreams of a wife and children by his side, therefore when Sarah tells him they no longer can be together because of the promise that binds her, he decides to look for a wife somewhere else. Even though he’s deeply, madly in love with Sarah.
Sarah is much like the dog in the manger, when she realizes that Simon intends to become engaged to some other woman, she’s suddenly upset, will she have the courage to be honest to herself and fight for the man she loves?
This and much more is what Matilda Madison has to offer us. The story starts at a slow pace, but it reaches a moment when everything becomes so exciting that I couldn’t, I wouldn’t stop reading. I think what engaged me in the story is the powerful feelings and sensations that both Simon and Sarah are feeling, the angst, the longing, the desperation, the little hope and the perseveration. Before they can be together one of them needs to realize what is really setting them apart. A promise to a dead man? Class differences? Family and friends? Fear of rumors and half-truths? All of those factors are cards on their table, is love the highest scoring card that will invalidate all others? I cannot answer to that question, you will need to read this compelling story, feel the same as Sarah and Simon feel and hope for the best. Be moved as I was moved, cry as I cried, laugh as I laughed, dream. Always, always dream.
𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 “𝗥𝗲𝗹𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀”
⭐️⭐️⭐️��️.5
“ℐ 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒾𝓃 𝓈𝓊𝒸𝒽 𝒶 𝓋𝒾𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓇𝒶𝓁 𝓌𝒶𝓎 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝑒. ℐ 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒷𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒾𝓉. ℐ 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽 𝓎𝑜𝓊, 𝒶𝓁𝓌𝒶𝓎𝓈. 𝒜𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
My dear friends, never promise your partner on their deathbed that you will never fall in love again, even if you are totally sure that they are the love of your life.
When her husband Robert, earl de Marchand, was dying of a fever, Sarah promised him that she would never ever fall in love again. She would never remarry and she would keep the estate until their son grew up. Big mistake, because not three years later Sarah feels lonely, so lonely that she thinks of taking a lover, one with whom she would never fall in love. But fate never plays fair and precisely the one she chooses, handsome commoner Simon Archer, is precisely the one she will fall in love with, again.
Simon is someone’s son, a secret that will be unveiled later in the book, his mother left him and his older brother Jack, at a nunnery when he was a baby. Ever since then, both brothers have found their fortune in timber and other investments, they’re incredibly rich, but that will never allow them join the ton, nor they want to be one of them. But Simon is a family man at heart and he dreams of a wife and children by his side, therefore when Sarah tells him they no longer can be together because of the promise that binds her, he decides to look for a wife somewhere else. Even though he’s deeply, madly in love with Sarah.
Sarah is much like the dog in the manger, when she realizes that Simon intends to become engaged to some other woman, she’s suddenly upset, will she have the courage to be honest to herself and fight for the man she loves?
This and much more is what Matilda Madison has to offer us. The story starts at a slow pace, but it reaches a moment when everything becomes so exciting that I couldn’t, I wouldn’t stop reading. I think what engaged me in the story is the powerful feelings and sensations that both Simon and Sarah are feeling, the angst, the longing, the desperation, the little hope and the perseveration. Before they can be together one of them needs to realize what is really setting them apart. A promise to a dead man? Class differences? Family and friends? Fear of rumors and half-truths? All of those factors are cards on their table, is love the highest scoring card that will invalidate all others? I cannot answer to that question, you will need to read this compelling story, feel the same as Sarah and Simon feel and hope for the best. Be moved as I was moved, cry as I cried, laugh as I laughed, dream. Always, always dream.
May 15, 2024
The Countess and the Commoner is a second-chance romance that puts its protagonists through a wringer—but it’s a struggle of their own making. Neither Sarah nor Simon was willing to be honest about their feelings when they were having an affair, which Sarah broke off when she felt their connection becoming more than casual. Coming back together when Sarah hears that Simon might marry a neighbor leads them down the same paths of deception and self-deception.
I really appreciated that Madison took the unusual twist of having this couple’s first connection be an affair that ended. It’s a great way to start this type of romance because there are all sorts of layers of regret and bitterness on both their parts that Simon and Sarah need to work through. Sarah is a countess and loves that role and the responsibility to raise her son after she’s widowed (though why she started writing a gossip column didn’t quite make sense to me). So marrying someone like Simon, who is incredibly wealthy and yet not at all of the nobility, seems both impractical and a shattering of the promise she made to her dying husband never to love another (a trope I don’t like, but Madison makes it work here). Simon, on the other hand, is completely gone for Sarah and bitterly crushed when their affair ends—so much so that he’ll marry another just to be near Sarah.
I also enjoyed the robust secondary characters in The Countess and the Commoner, from newspaper publishers to lords and ladies, who cause further complications for Simon and Sarah. These two are both flawed protagonists, and the best part of this book is seeing how both realize what they need to keep and more importantly, what they need to let go of to be able to be together openly as a couple. It’s a grand read from Madison, and fans of historical romance should search The Countess and the Commoner out!
I really appreciated that Madison took the unusual twist of having this couple’s first connection be an affair that ended. It’s a great way to start this type of romance because there are all sorts of layers of regret and bitterness on both their parts that Simon and Sarah need to work through. Sarah is a countess and loves that role and the responsibility to raise her son after she’s widowed (though why she started writing a gossip column didn’t quite make sense to me). So marrying someone like Simon, who is incredibly wealthy and yet not at all of the nobility, seems both impractical and a shattering of the promise she made to her dying husband never to love another (a trope I don’t like, but Madison makes it work here). Simon, on the other hand, is completely gone for Sarah and bitterly crushed when their affair ends—so much so that he’ll marry another just to be near Sarah.
I also enjoyed the robust secondary characters in The Countess and the Commoner, from newspaper publishers to lords and ladies, who cause further complications for Simon and Sarah. These two are both flawed protagonists, and the best part of this book is seeing how both realize what they need to keep and more importantly, what they need to let go of to be able to be together openly as a couple. It’s a grand read from Madison, and fans of historical romance should search The Countess and the Commoner out!
July 24, 2024
Well written, hot, and very swoony
I don't usually pick up historicals, but Matilda Madison is quickly becoming a must-buy! I first read the second book of the series, The Beauty and the Boxer, and loved Sarah and Simon in their roles of the sage, happily married secondary characters. I was curious about how they came together, since Sarah was a widowed young noblewoman and Simon was a rich businessman with humble roots, and, oh boy, did The Countess and the Commoner deliver! Sarah and Simon had a clandestine relationship for two years, which Sarah broke off because they were both getting miserable and bitter thanks to their inability to openly be together; that's where the book starts. I generally read contemporary romance, where this type of societal scorn doesn't exist anymore (at least for hetero relationships), so it was interesting to read about Sarah - who was smart, tough, passionate, and all around a great heroine - denying her own bleeding heart in order to conform to the peers' rigid standards and ensure good prospects for her sisters and son. I was really heartbroken for Simon, who was all in from the start and would've done anything for her, but was powerless against the enormity of societal pressure on Sarah. The side plots involving Simon's parentage and Sarah's literary pursuits, as well as the glimpses of upcoming stories involving Sarah's sisters, further enhanced the reading experience. All around, this was a great book, with beautiful fluid writing, and so much deep emotion and raw passion between Simon and Sarah, there might've been smoke coming out of my ears!
I don't usually pick up historicals, but Matilda Madison is quickly becoming a must-buy! I first read the second book of the series, The Beauty and the Boxer, and loved Sarah and Simon in their roles of the sage, happily married secondary characters. I was curious about how they came together, since Sarah was a widowed young noblewoman and Simon was a rich businessman with humble roots, and, oh boy, did The Countess and the Commoner deliver! Sarah and Simon had a clandestine relationship for two years, which Sarah broke off because they were both getting miserable and bitter thanks to their inability to openly be together; that's where the book starts. I generally read contemporary romance, where this type of societal scorn doesn't exist anymore (at least for hetero relationships), so it was interesting to read about Sarah - who was smart, tough, passionate, and all around a great heroine - denying her own bleeding heart in order to conform to the peers' rigid standards and ensure good prospects for her sisters and son. I was really heartbroken for Simon, who was all in from the start and would've done anything for her, but was powerless against the enormity of societal pressure on Sarah. The side plots involving Simon's parentage and Sarah's literary pursuits, as well as the glimpses of upcoming stories involving Sarah's sisters, further enhanced the reading experience. All around, this was a great book, with beautiful fluid writing, and so much deep emotion and raw passion between Simon and Sarah, there might've been smoke coming out of my ears!
April 24, 2024
I’ve thought about this book a lot in the month since I read the ARC, and I’ve gone back and reread passages (the entire Prologue is fantastic).
Simon Archer is an orphan who, together with his brother, have become some of the richest men in England. He meets Sarah Cummings, the Countess of De Marchand at a masquerade ball, a young widow who is lonely but promises to be respectful of her loving marriage and is mindful of her societal position. Sarah and Simon are forced together at a house party, where he is courting a respectable bride amongst the impecunious gentry.
A small quibble I had with the plot is the time jump that cause this to be a second chance romance of sorts. The time jump was less of a problem for me than other books because Madison excels at interior emotion of her characters and the longing / angst of a relationship thwarted. I had all the best heart pangs!
I would have liked to read more story further into the future for our couple – how they manage to straddle two different classes – when there is some sense of Simon’s acceptance (if for no other reason than his money), but also an acknowledgement Sarah’s world may shrink due to a public relationship with her man.
An entertaining, emotional read.
Simon Archer is an orphan who, together with his brother, have become some of the richest men in England. He meets Sarah Cummings, the Countess of De Marchand at a masquerade ball, a young widow who is lonely but promises to be respectful of her loving marriage and is mindful of her societal position. Sarah and Simon are forced together at a house party, where he is courting a respectable bride amongst the impecunious gentry.
A small quibble I had with the plot is the time jump that cause this to be a second chance romance of sorts. The time jump was less of a problem for me than other books because Madison excels at interior emotion of her characters and the longing / angst of a relationship thwarted. I had all the best heart pangs!
I would have liked to read more story further into the future for our couple – how they manage to straddle two different classes – when there is some sense of Simon’s acceptance (if for no other reason than his money), but also an acknowledgement Sarah’s world may shrink due to a public relationship with her man.
An entertaining, emotional read.
August 2, 2024
I love a good historical fiction, and this was everything I could have hoped for and more. Matilda Madison truly takes you back in time where peerage and social standing is a barrier to own's true feelings. This came into play quite a bit during Sarah and Jack's second chance story.
The pacing was excellent, the interactions between the two protagonists felt natural and had me immediately invested in their relationship, and the spice, my God, the spice. It was slow burn and angsty at times before it combusted into a five alarm fire.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance. Grab a copy today for a guaranteed five star read.
The pacing was excellent, the interactions between the two protagonists felt natural and had me immediately invested in their relationship, and the spice, my God, the spice. It was slow burn and angsty at times before it combusted into a five alarm fire.
I highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance. Grab a copy today for a guaranteed five star read.
April 28, 2024
This is a highly entertaining book, well written and emotional, but I must confess that I was irritated with the heroine for most part of the book for her reluctance to fight for her love. I hate when the characters allow Society’s expectations to interfere with their lives! I loved big, uncouth Simon instead, who was so sweet and so in love! I would have trimmed the book a little bit at the beginning, because it dragged on, but the second half was really gorgeous. Definitely worth reading.
May 9, 2024
This book evokes so many emotions in both the characters and the reader. The main characters, Sarah and Simon, will go through various feelings, including heartbreak, jealousy, loneliness, hope, tears, and love. The tension between them lasts throughout the book. The writing takes you in and lets you feel every emotion. This book is hard to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 10, 2024
What a great book!! Matilda Madison's writing is beautiful.
Sarah is a widow who had a wonderful marriage and promised her husband that she'd never love anyone else again. This has been an unfortunate promise to have made in hindsight, because she is incredibly lonely. She decides to go to a masquerade party. She meets Simon, who is a businessman. Their chemistry is electric. You can tell already that they are going to be smoking hot together in their opposites-attract ways.
Next, we skip ahead and they are already broken up. This was the only small issue I had with the book - I felt like we just missed out on a whole lot. But it ended up being fine because there were a lot of remembered flash backs to catch the reader up to current date.
Along the way we are introduced to some key side characters: Sarah's sisters Meredith and Beatrice, and Simon's brothers: Damien and Jack.
There's angst! Drama! Finally Simon and Sarah realize they just cannot live without each other and of course, a well - deserved HEA.
I really hope the next book(s) will focus on the siblings. I would really love to see Beatrice + Damien and Meredith + Jack. :) :)
Thank you to Matilda Madison for the ARC.
Sarah is a widow who had a wonderful marriage and promised her husband that she'd never love anyone else again. This has been an unfortunate promise to have made in hindsight, because she is incredibly lonely. She decides to go to a masquerade party. She meets Simon, who is a businessman. Their chemistry is electric. You can tell already that they are going to be smoking hot together in their opposites-attract ways.
Next, we skip ahead and they are already broken up. This was the only small issue I had with the book - I felt like we just missed out on a whole lot. But it ended up being fine because there were a lot of remembered flash backs to catch the reader up to current date.
Along the way we are introduced to some key side characters: Sarah's sisters Meredith and Beatrice, and Simon's brothers: Damien and Jack.
There's angst! Drama! Finally Simon and Sarah realize they just cannot live without each other and of course, a well - deserved HEA.
I really hope the next book(s) will focus on the siblings. I would really love to see Beatrice + Damien and Meredith + Jack. :) :)
Thank you to Matilda Madison for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
The Countess and the Commoner is the first book in the Reluctant Rogues Series. Sarah Countess de Marchand has been lonely since her beloved husband died. On a mission for excitement she attends a Masquerade ball. There she meets Simon Archer, the rags to riches lumber merchant. And although extremely wealthy, totally not the accepted company of a Countess.
They embark on an affair until Sarah realises there is no future with Simon. She packs up her life to live quietly in Dorset, never seeing Simon again.
But Simon loves her and has other plans.
Full review https://romancebookfest.com/2024/04/t...
They embark on an affair until Sarah realises there is no future with Simon. She packs up her life to live quietly in Dorset, never seeing Simon again.
But Simon loves her and has other plans.
Full review https://romancebookfest.com/2024/04/t...
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