The Countess's Groom by Emily Larkin

The Countess's Groom by Emily Larkin

Published by Entangled Publishing

The Countess’s Groom by Emily Larkin

I want to ask why is this a short story? It was a fantastic read, but it ended to soon. It was certainly over before I was ready for it to be done. It could have been longer and at times I felt that that story lines were cut too short. Information that the reader could have benefited from appeared to have been axed, quite brutally. Yes, this kept the plot moving, there were no lengthy descriptions waxing poetic at the scenery, but it also meant there was some depth missing to important event sequences. 

I would like to see this extended into a full length novel.

Emily Larkin does a fantastic job at making the reader invest in her characters, even within the limited word count. She created a tale that was, well, a little bit nerve racking... I worried the Countess’s letters would be found and her affair would be exposed. I worried her vile husband would discover her duplicity and foil her plans of escape. I worried she would suffer more beatings. I worried the groom would be accused of theft, then I worried he wouldn’t return. My autocrit report is going to pull me up on how many times I used the word “worried” in the sentences above, but I think it’s important to let you know just how anxious I was.

Is a short story really supposed to illicit such strong concern? 

My Rating

❀❀❀❀-

I would happily read more from Emily Larkin, especially something of a greater word count

Disclaimer

I obtained an ARC from the publisher with a view to providing an honest review. The thoughts expressed above, are entirely my own. I don’t really like the concept of rating novels as they are subjective and subject to change. A five star book today, may be re-evaluated when compared to future novels.

The Summary

Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a marriage from hell. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom Will Fenmore offers to help her find a way out.

Will has loved Rose since she was brought to Creed Hall as a new bride, but their relationship has only ever been that of mistress and servant. Born worlds apart, Will knows he could never be her husband, but maybe he can be her salvation.

As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart, but trusting him with her body is another matter. Can she conquer her fear of the marriage bed? Is the future she dreams of—being Will’s wife—possible?

About the Author

Emily grew up in a house full of words and books -- her mother worked as a librarian and her father was a novelist – so perhaps it’s not surprising that she became a writer.

She loves to travel and has lived in Sweden, backpacked in Europe, and journeyed overland in the Middle East, China, North Africa, and North America. She enjoys climbing hills, yoga workouts, and watching reruns of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly.

Emily writes fantasy novels (with strong elements of romance) as Emily Gee, and historical romance novels as Emily Larkin.