Customer Reviews

The Souvenir Countess (Berkley Sensation)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

1792 Paris remains an unsafe place for the aristocracy. Lady Alix de la Brou knows she must flee, but first searches for her missing mamam so that they can find sanctuary across the Channel. However, Alix instead finds herself in danger until visiting Englishman Rafe Harcourt rescues her from Madam Guillotine. To keep her reputation intact as they journey to England together, they marry though she is convinced she wed a commoner.

In London, they separate and Alix moves in with her mother, who had previously escaped from France. Rafe missies his French spouse and wants her back, but she refuses to return to him saying he married her under false pretenses by not revealing he was an earl and only wed her to take her to safety in accordance with acceptable convention. Rafe has his work cut out as he courts his wife in an attempt to prove to her he loves her.

Though the heroine is a charmer, her behavior at times seems odd (battle fatigue syndrome perhaps?); yet fans will still enjoy this French Revolution Era romance due to the dysfunctional loving relationship between the lead couple. Rafe is a delightful protagonist while fans will feel empathy towards Alix's plight of loving him, but not able to trust his motives. Fans will enjoy Joanna Nevins swift-paced sensational story that brings the time period alive on both sides of the Channel inside a fine historical romantic read.

Harriet Klausner

I thought that this was a very well researched book, with great pacing. I enjoyed it. Definitely a cut above much of what I have been reading! The characters were fun; I liked that Alix was young and a bit self focused, that Rafe was...well, you'll have to read it for yourself!

I liked the writing, the pacing, the story. I could feel the silk, hear the angry mobs, feel the fear. The interaction was believable; Rafe and Alix, as well as a rich array of secondary characters, were multi dimensional. The historical setting added depth and excitement. The writing was intelligent and even.

I look forward to more books from this author!

Take it from someone who generally does not read romance novels (my wife forced me), this one is a humdinger! Check it out...you won't be sorry! I was also impressed by its historical accuracy

The Souvenir Countess is one of the best non-Regency romances I've read up to date. The plot is intriguing and the characters are three-dimensional.

Rafe Harcrest is a man who likes to plan out his life and future. Therefore, as he's decided to have a family, he's chosen out the perfect, poised, passionless bride. However, as he's about to propose, he develops a sudden impulse..to run away to France...

Where he meets the lovely, yet frustrating Alix de Rabec de la Brou, a fugitive aristocrat. Having given his word that he would see her safe, he has no choice (at least in his opinion) but to marry so that (since they discovered her mother fled to London) when they arrive in England, they would not be fodder for a scandal.

Yet he never counted on wanting the marriage to last...or that Alix may be in yet more danger. As these two stubborn blue-bloods clash in a match of wills, the fun begins, with a delightful sprinkling of laugh-out-loud dialogue and internal monologues (esp. of jealousy).

This book is a joy to read, filled with passion, witty dialogue, and just the right mix of danger/intrigue. Don't miss the sequel, A Souvenir of Love.

I really enjoyed this novel, and the sequel Souvenir of Love, I hope Ms Novins continues with the story line to include other characters introduced in book 2, Only disapointment for me was that she has only written the two books. I find her novels to have very interesting plots, with just the right amount of love interest,cannot put them down once I start them.

Being obsessed with the French Revolution I picked this book up on a whim. What a great find. Excellent page turner.

Joanna Novins' first novel is a page-turner full of the heat of passion flaring against the cold brutality of the French Revolution. Her characters are complex and deliciously flawed. Sexy but stuffy straight-arrow Rafe Harcrest loosens up delightfully as the determined and clever Alix de la Brou puts to good use the lessons she learned at the Court of Versailles. Rich, historically accurate descriptions put you right in the scene and the plot's twists and turns keep you squarely set in the story. Novins' dialogue had me laughing out loud in places, and when Rafe broke Alix's heart, I cried too. This book truly is a souvenir. It's a keeper and one you will want to read and read again. I can't wait to see more from this author. Luckily, it seems I won't have to wait long. The sequel is coming out next month.

Joanna Novins' first novel is a page-turner full of the heat of passion flaring against the cold brutality of the French Revolution. Her characters are complex and deliciously flawed. Sexy but stuffy straight-arrow Rafe Harcrest loosens up delightfully as the determined and clever Alix de la Brou puts to good use the lessons she learned at the Court of Versailles. Rich, historically accurate descriptions put you right in the scene and the plot's twists and turns will keep you squarely set in the story. Novins' dialogue had me laughing out loud in places, and when Rafe broke Alix's heart, I cried too. This book is a keeper and one you will want to read and read again.

The French Revolution made it a crime to be rich, and Alix de la Brou was guilty. After her father's savage death, she sets off to the hoped for safety of her mother's house in England. She can't make it there on her own, she needs help, in the form of Rafe Harerest. However, her life is not the only thing at risk, her reputation is as well. The only thing that will save that is a marriage that turns very convenient when passion turns it into a real one. No matter how great the heat between Rafe and Alix, it will take danger and testing to prove their love true.

** Danger and passion fill this fast paced book. Alix seems a bit flippant and shallow at times, but Rafe has all the earmarks of a hero, albeit rakish. **
Amanda Killgore