After a fight with his brother, the Earl of Malzard, and forced to sell his army commission Catesby Burgoyne, or Cate comes across a young woman in need of assistance. Despite what his family may think, he does the honorable thing and makes sure his mystery woman makes it home safely. Cate and his mystery woman share some brandy, conversation and an embrace, that when he leaves both are left wondering.

Prudence Youlgrave knows that no respectable lady should go walking alone at night but she just had to escape her tiny house. She definitely knew that she shouldn’t have let Mr. Burgoyne come into her house and she definitely shouldn’t have allowed him to kiss her. But she has other things to worry about, such as her brother who refuses to help her. Refusing to be left being Prudence makes her way into her brother’s new home and works on finding herself a husband.

Weeks had gone by since Cate has last seen Prudence but the sudden death of his brother makes Cate the Earl of Malzard. Needing an escape, Cate finds himself looking for his mystery woman and when he discovers she is about to be married he steps in and claims the bride for himself.

Prudence has no idea that Cate has become the Earl of Malzard and Cate has no idea where Prudence has come from. As they set out on their journey, they find themselves learning about each other. And no matter who they are, they discover that they are right for each other.

At first, I was a little put off by Prudence because she came across as a little haughty, especially around her friend Hetty. Then, when she pushed her way into her brother’s house almost demanding that she marry, and marry well. But, again I found myself applauding her tenacity to take matters into her own hands.

I fell in love with Cate, and his sword, the moment I read the first sentence. Yes, he was drunk but he was honorable. Plus, he has this charm about him that I don’t think any woman can resist:

Cate Burgoyne.
A ne’er-do-well, but so tall and strong. So fearless and quick with his sword. The memory of him racing to the attack still made her breathless. So handsome.
What created that quality, handsome? Clean-cut features, a firm mouth, lean cheeks – but it was more than that. It was the whole of him, including the confidence in every line.

Reading An Unlikely Countess you tell the Jo Beverly has done her research. However, her research does not overwhelm the story. Instead she weaves the information into the story and before you know it you’ve learned something. While Cate is teaching Prudence about how life as his countess will be, he is also teaching you.

An Unlikely Countess is well written, as can be expected coming from Jo Beverly. There is an emotional depth to Cate and Prudence that has you rooting for them to pull through from the beginning. This is not my favorite of The Malloren World series but definitely a strong story that fans should not miss.

Reviewed by: Jamie