A light, Regency romance story, I felt many of the points to be blatantly ahistorical (I know that happens with historical romance, but this was so blatant it pulled me out of the story). I generally enjoy this author's works and this was no exception. Not a story that will stick with me a long time, but a pleasant way to spend a few days reading.

It took me a minute to warm up to Yasmin, much like the ton. That is entirely on me.

Like many of James’s heroines, Yasmin is likeable and kind but, and this is what makes James worth reading, she is an individual. Her story is sweet and frustrating without being so contrived as too be implausible. Overall, another successful entry from James.

The second installment in Eloisa James’ Would-be Wallflowers series features a sweet romance with Darcy/Elizabeth overtones, while also managing to comment on the expectations we place on ourselves and others because of outside forces – societal and familial. Both characters struggle with trauma from their pasts and how it affects their relationships and behavior. The obstacles are unique for this genre (the FMC’s past as a victim affects her ability to be intimate) in a refreshing way, although perhaps some trigger warnings should be added. The MMC skates pretty close to gaslighting at times, although he does ultimately realize it and correct himself. I wish he’d come to that conclusion earlier. They have the same argument over and over and it made me start skimming in those passages. Perhaps some additional editing could clean this up. I overall enjoyed this historical romance by Eloisa James and l look forward to the next book in the series.

I'd give this one 3.5 stars. I've enjoyed the Would-Be Wallflowers series from Eloisa James, and The Reluctant Countess is no exception. Yasmin is smart and confident, yet vulnerable. Giles, like so many heroes, struggles under the expectations and responsibilities of his title. Their romance is believable, and the obstacles somewhat original for the Regency genre. Well written, well plotted, well paced and enjoyable to read.

Another in Elisa James' Wallflower Series, this Regency Romance will certainly satisfy readers of this genre.

Eloisa James' historical romances never disappoint! The hero is a Darcy-esque disapproving and stern faced fellow who finds himself enamored with a woman who is judged to be of poor reputation based solely on her attire and mother's behavior. Yasmin has the wisdom and wherewithal to realize that changing yourself to please others never works.

Delightfully self-possessed and independent, Yasmin wins her man while enraging his manipulative and conniving little sister. The little sister's actions at the end seemed incongruent with her personality, but I have a feeling that story will unfold in a future installment.

The Reluctant Countess, by Eloisa James, is a historical romance with an enemies-to-lovers twist, and is exactly what you always expect from this author—excellence. I loved it!
Giles and Yasmin, the main couple, are interesting and well-fleshed out, and I fell in love with them myself. The Wallflowers world is always a ton of saucy fun, and I greatly enjoyed the peripheral couples from novels past and future, as well.
I’d recommend this book to any historical romance lover, and Eloisa James fans will not be disappointed.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I loved uniqueness of this romance. There are so few romantic novels set in the Napoleonic Era that this book was a real treat.
The characters are great even the evil sister. She way worse the Mr. Darcy aunt.

Yasmin is a barely tolerated member of the ton. Her mother was a mistress of Napoleon so Yasmin’s morals are quite in question. And then there is the scandalous fact that she was tricked into believing she was married to a young man at the age of sixteen so that he could debauch her.
But she is drawn to Giles, Earl of Lilford.
Giles is one of the most staid, proper members of the ton. Also the son of scandal, he strives to have the most immaculate, irreproachable reputation. His countess must be “aligned with virtue.” [love that phrase!]
But he is drawn to Yasmin.
Certainly there can be nothing between them? Or might there be?

Another great Eloisa James read. I love how unique and unconventional her female leads can be and this one doesn’t disappoint. Yasmin has been through so much and has a tarnished reputation yet she doesn’t let that stop her from being herself. Nor from respecting who she is. She won’t even alter her style to appease the prudes of society (Giles sometimes included). Giles is drawn to her joy yet can’t completely get over his priggishness. At first. But love will out, right?
Then there is the odious sister. Ms. James likens her to Lady Catherine de Bourgh from Pride and Prejudice but I found her even more nasty. She is just the sort of character you love to hate.
I would happily recommend this book to my patrons.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and HarperCollins in exchange for my honest review.

Another great story from Eloisa James. It isn't quite an enemies to lovers story, but it does have some of that flavor, if that is your catnip. The heroine is delightful. The hero is very stuck in his ways. I liked the appearance of characters from other books. My only quibble is that I need to know what happened to the hero's awful sister!

Yasmin has come to Iive with her grandfather, the Duke of Portbellow to escape from a scandal in France. Giles is the Earl of Liliford who is trying to get his sister married. He is enthralled with Yasmin but is disapproving of her scandalous past. His sister hates Yasmin. The Earl wants Yasmin to be his wife. He first has to get his sister to the altar. Scandal follows Yasmin to London. She loves Giles. She decides to go to the county. She writes letters to Giles and he writes to her. They never receive each other’s letters. Someone wants to end their relationship. Giles won’t let it happen.

The book was great Eloisa James doesn’t disappoint.