The Accidental Countess (34 page)

—
Kirkus
(starred review)

“Smart, witty, sassy, and utterly delightful!”

—
Romantic Times
(4
½
stars, Top Pick!)

“[A] charming take on Cyrano de Bergerac.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Fun, engaging romance with great characters!”

—
Fresh Fiction

SECRETS OF A SCANDALOUS MARRIAGE

“From the gripping opening line to the highly satisfying climax, Bowman keeps readers in her grasp with her unique storytelling and unconventional plotting. Readers will be captivated by how her smart and sensual story unfolds.”

—RT Book Reviews
(4½ stars!)

“Bowman woos Regency romance fans with this … refreshing page-turner.”

—
Publishers Weekly
(starred review)

“[W]orks beautifully as a tale of suspense as well as a conflicted romance that blooms slowly under most difficult circumstances. I’m giving it one of RRT’s rare
Perfect 10
s.”

—
Romance Reviews Today

SECRETS OF A RUNAWAY BRIDE

“A fantastic follow-up to Bowman’s dynamic debut… an enchanting, smart romance that shines with laugh-out-loud humor, delectable dialogue, smart prose, wit, and wisdom. This entertaining and highly satisfying romp is a pure joy and delight to read.”

—RT Book Reviews
(4½ stars! Top Pick!)

“A fun … yet emotionally poignant late-Regency romance which succeeds on every level.”

—
Kirkus Reviews

“This was an absolutely delightful book and an author that I look forward to reading more from.”

—
Night Owl Reviews

“The tale overall is incredibly charming, the writing dramatic, and the characters bold.”

—
Romance Reader

“Absolutely delightful.”

—
Fresh Fiction

“A sexy, quirky, altogether fun read, Valerie Bowman’s
Secrets of a Runaway Bride
is everything a romance should be. Block out a few hours for this one … once you start reading, you won’t be able to stop!”

—Sarah MacLean,
New York Times
bestselling author

“Valerie Bowman pens fabulous, sexy tales—it’s no secret she’s a Regency author to watch!”

—
USA Today
bestselling author Kieran Kramer

SECRETS OF A WEDDING NIGHT

“The most charming and clever debut I’ve read in years! With her sparkling dialogue, vivid characters, and self-assured writing style, Valerie Bowman has instantly established herself as a romance author with widespread appeal. This engaging and sweetly romantic story is just too delightful to miss.”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Lisa Kleypas

“Clever, fun, and fantastic!”

—
New York Times
bestselling author Suzanne Enoch

“Ms. Bowman is quite the tease. How I love a good society scandal. The hero is absolutely yummy!”

—Award-winning author Donna MacMeans

“Bowman’s engaging sense of characterization, gift for creating sexual chemistry, and graceful writing style give her debut romance a splendidly satisfying emotional depth.”

—Booklist
(starred review)

“This fast-paced, charming debut, sparkling with witty dialogue and engaging characters, marks Bowman for stardom.”

—Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Bowman’s cast of intriguing, well-developed characters—particularly smart, sensible Lily—makes this an engaging debut that will have readers seeking future installments.”

—Publishers Weekly

“
Secrets of a Wedding Night
is positively enchanting. It became impossible to put down after reading just a few pages. I was up very late finishing this wonderful tale of love and second chances.”

—Romance Junkies Book Reviews

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Valerie Bowman
grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s the youngest) and a huge supply of historical romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her two rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS. Valerie loves to hear from readers. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, and at
www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com
.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

THE ACCIDENTAL COUNTESS

Copyright © 2014 by Valerie Bowman.

Excerpt from
The Unlikely Lady
copyright © 2014 by Valerie Bowman.

All rights reserved.

For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

www.stmartins.com

eBooks may be purchased for business or promotional use. For information on bulk purchases, please contact Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department by writing to [email protected].

eISBN: 9781466839434

St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / November 2014

St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.