Devon’s review of The Countess Takes a Lover by Bonnie Dee
Historical Romance eBook released by Samhain 6 May 08

Bonnie Dee is one of my favorite ebook authors. I have read a number of her books in several different subgenres, and she can be counted on to deliver an unusual romance, with plenty of emotion, passion and vivid characters. Dee specializes in a different kind of hero. Not your typical alpha, they are often tormented or damaged, but also intelligent, passionate and thoughtful. With The Countess Takes A Lover, Dee once again proves how hot a so-called “beta” hero can be.

Christopher Whitby is not as damaged as other Dee heroes, but this intellectual, shy botanist does not measure up to what his father thinks a man should be. So he enters into a bargain with the notorious Comtesse duChevalier, Meredith, to seduce his son and make him into a man. The very experienced Meredith is intrigued by the challenge, and even more intrigued by the shy and charming Christopher. So on the pretext of having him fix up her greenhouse, Meredith invites Chris to her country estate. She intends to tutor him in the art of love, then send him on his way, but will the tutor become the tutored (heh, I’m clever).

Dee pulls off an entertaining role reversal here. Meredith is the jaded, sexually experienced one. She has suffered in the past, and is now devoted to making money and her own pleasure, remaining emotionally distant. Sound familiar? Christopher is the dreamy virgin. He never seems weak or wimpy though. It’s that whole brain as the sexiest organ idea. Christopher is so passionate and focused on his flowers, the idea of that focus being turned on a woman is romantic and hot.

This book is classified by Samhain as a Red Hot. There are plenty of steamy sex scenes. They were woven into the story well, and added to the deepening connection between the hero and heroine. This was a fast and satisfying read, both erotic and romantic. Recommended for those who like erotic historicals, as well as those who can enjoy a hero who relies on brain more than brawn.

Grade: B

     Summary: 

     Who is learning more…the novice? Or the master?

     Countess Meredith du Chevalier, a widow with a reputation for being sexually adventurous, is intrigued when she is approached by a gentleman who wishes her to “make a man” of his son. Sensing a passionate man beneath Christopher Whitby’s reserved exterior, Meredith takes on the challenge, inviting the botanist to her country home to revitalize her abandoned greenhouse.

     Chris finds people to be a chaotic, animalistic species, and has chosen to devote his life to the study of plants. One kiss from the vivacious countess, however, and his inner animal is aroused. But lust is only a fraction of what he feels for the vulnerable woman hiding behind a brittle façade. He resolves to coax her to grow until her petals unfurl in a glorious bloom.

     To her surprise, Meredith finds Chris brings much more to life than just fallow soil. But just as their love begins to thrive, he learns about the secret arrangement. Meredith must risk her heart for the most dangerous lesson of all—love.

     Read an excerpt here.