Lord Archer Catches a Contessa
Series: Windermeres in Love #2
Author: Sofie Darling
Published September 27th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing

Goodreads Synopsis
How to plan the perfect heist? Take one bored Viscount...

A night out leads fun-loving Viscount Archer to one of London's less genteel music halls... and a muse for the frustrated composer. But nothing goes easy for the wild Windermeres, and Archie finds himself playing her knight in shining armor instead.

Add a fake Contessa on a quest for justice...

Miss Valentina Hart may have the voice of an angel, but she has all the grit necessary to save her family after they were swindled out of their fortune. When Archie ruins her plans, she's ready to gamble all to take down the villain-which is where the horse comes in...

And watch the sparks fly as they steal each other's hearts...

Tricking a villainous lord to save the fair damsel is just the sort of lark that Archie's known for, but this time everything is different. He's more interested in spending time with Valentina than planning the perfect con job. Can he pull off the greatest heist of all, winning his partner in crime's heart?
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lord Daniel Windermere, Viscount Archer - or Archie to his friends - has a reputation for seeking out pleasure and enjoyment. But, he's hiding a secret, and his talent at the piano is something only those closest to him know but barely understand. So when he spends the evening at the theatre, and discovers the beautiful and breathtaking singer, La Contessa, he's in awe. Miss Valentina Hart may be as far removed from nobility as possible, but she has a raw talent, and Archie is drawn in. Discovering that Valentina is in London to try and recover stolen money, Archie can't help but want to aid Valentina, but will the scheme succeed, or will they lose their hearts in the process?

I really liked the premise of this book. Valentina's father had been swindled out of his savings by a Lord Nestor, and others in her village had suffered too. She wanted to work her way through London society to confront Nestor, and hoped he'd return the money. Working as a singer at a London theatre, she was La Contessa. Meeting Archie was a hindrance, and a blessing in disguise. A hindrance because Archie is enticing, and the feelings he elicited in Valentina aren't helping her keep focused on the task; but a blessing as he and his family have opened their arms to her, and embraced her like one of their own. The muse and tortured artist aspect was great too, and they both aided the other, and brought out their best sides. I loved the scene at the musicale where Archie performs for the first time, and the chemistry between them - and the scene which followed - was definitely spicy! A great story for this fantastic couple.

Dates Read:
December 6-8, 2022

Rating
3 Stars