This is book 2 in the series. This book was more of a romance than the last one, which was a murder mystery. It was an interesting read, which centred a lot on cooking and showed the strength of the human nature of both men and women when they put their past behind them and look to a new future. I enjoyed the read, but felt the romance was a bit quick, and it did have some mild sex scenes that this reviewer skipped. There was some action that made it more enjoyable than just a romance. They set up a nice mystery for the next in the series, so I am looking forward to it. The characters are well-written and relatable. It was a quick read. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

This book was a typical class differences trope, but in a unique setting. Both protagonists have undergone a lot in their lives and just push their way through to create a bond that deep and abiding. The writing was good, the characters interesting and the villian really wicked and mean

Overall a good read

#TheChefandtheCountess #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. This was an interesting historical fiction romance set in Britain.

I loved the way the author portrayed the characters and their experiences. The author shed light on the challenges faced by children in the past and how certain situations mould people early on. For example, Liam’s rough childhood affected his ability to fully trust people and express his emotions.

The book also explored women’s treatment regardless of their social status. They weren’t considered/ignored when it came to inheritance and sometimes considered as an afterthought (something that’s still evident in the world today). This was evidenced by the unfair treatment of Celia and her friend by men in their lives.

I also loved the dynamic between Liam and his workers.

The only aspect that could have been done better was the chemistry between both Celia and Liam. It felt rushed and underdeveloped.


Overall I’d rate it 3.5/5 stars.

This second book in The Duke's Bastards series was another captivating, adventurous, and well written historical romance. A Baroness, a cheff, illegitimate family, dram,action, and so many emotional issues that were entertaining. I really enjoyed the love of not only family and friends and the way things fall into place for many lives. I can't wait for three. I highly recommend reading!

This was a wonderful book! I love any romance that has a food aspect to the story and great romance!

I enjoyed this story from beginning to the end..

I wasn't too sure about this book as this is a new to me author but I was blown away with it!

Both characters prove that love can overcome all obstacles and help heal wounds.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series..

Such a great book!!!
I love reading historical romance and I haven't done it in a while. I can say, I was pleasently surprised.
Liam and Celia are such a good couple and the emotional journey they endure to be happy is wild.
The writing style is great and I would love to read more books from this author.

Historical romance is one of my favorite genres to read for pleasure; The Chef and the Countess was an enjoyable read. The characters are well developed, and it’s evident that their stories are far from over; there’s clear potential for future installments. Both the plot and characters are engaging and there's a satisfying blend of romance and intrigue.

It's clear the the author aims to inform as well as entertain as she weaves in period details that are informative and add depth. However, at times these historical facts feel more like stand-alone additions rather than seamlessly integrated elements of the narrative. They don’t detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story.

I look forward to reading what comes next.

This novel speaks of the resilience of women when put into difficult circumstances. Left destitute by her late husband and abused by her only family, Celia hits rock bottom before she can start finding her way up again. Fortunately, she is an optimistic person at heart, and instead of weeping over her losses, she takes up the challenge to learn new skills and makes friends with the people around her and her circumstances. Liam's past may have been painful, but he too adapted to the opportunities he was given, and together with Celia, he finds both a family and a home. There is some suspense in this book, and Celia's nemesis receives his just reward. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

When Misfortune Leads to Unexpected Love
Celia, a down-on-her-luck countess, finds herself in a dire situation when her disreputable cousin offers her up as payment for his gambling debt. Fortunately, Liam—owner of a thriving restaurant and gaming establishment—is a man of integrity. Though he wants nothing to do with the arrangement, he can't bring himself to turn Celia away. She soon begins working in his kitchen, and a quiet bond grows between them.
As affection deepens, secrets from the past begin to surface. Liam, shaped by hardship and betrayal, struggles with feelings of unworthiness—especially when he discovers Celia’s true identity. And when threats emerge against both his business and Celia herself, trust becomes more important than ever.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian romance filled with heart, suspense, and a romance that bridges social divides. Perfect for fans of historical love stories with emotional depth and a touch of intrigue.

She's surrounded by horrible men....

Until Celia, a countess, very recently widowed, is drugged and given to Liam to pay off her cousins debt. Totally illegal, but Liam, an illegitimate son of a duke, takes her in. Liam is a reluctant hero, with a soft spot that he hides behind a gruff, large exterior. Liam has no idea Celia is a widowed countess, so he puts her to work. Celia, as a widow, not provided for, has no money and even less rights. She deserves a decent man in her life and Liam is certainly that. He is a chef, who owns a restaurant and feeds the poor on Mondays. He's good to his staff and is building a found family of half brothers. Celia softens Liam's rough edges and she gains confidence in herself, instead of just letting others dictate her life. I really enjoyed this unlikely pairing of a countess and a chef.
Recommend.

Book two of this series brings us into the world of class differences as well as illegitimacy among the Ton. While this isn't unique in a story line what adds flavor and spice to the plot is that the main character, Liam, is a chef. This author continues to take a look at both sides of the regency good and bad, wealthy and poor, wronged and redeemed. Beautifully written with an even pace, in depth characters and a villain that you will want to throttle yourself. Don't miss out on an enjoyable adventure.

Celia has had a series of unfortunate events in her life.
Her parents died, she was at the mercy of her uncle, married to an elderly Earl for years whom she cared for and when he died, she was alone and penniless.
She eventually finds herself at the restaurant of Chef Liam, the illegitimate son of a Duke.
Their relationship is fraught with class differences and a strong attraction.
Secrets abound and the storyline has many twists.
Second book in this series with a fascinating concept of illegitimate half brothers finding each other.
Romantic read with interspersed action.

It is not absolutely necessary that you read the first book in the series before reading this, but it would probably be helpful in understanding the relationship between the "Duke's Bastards" and the three main women in each novel. I think I liked this book a little more than the first primarily because there was less of an impediment between the two main characters. With Celia being widowed rather than still married I did not have to be hoping for something terrible to happen to another character in order for their relationship to work out. I appreciated that the two main characters had a pretty much immediate physical attraction, but did not act on anything until they had time to develop that into something deeper. My only real complaint with his story is that some of the big changes just seemed to come about too easily/quickly. Liam goes from being gruff and shut-off emotionally to talking about love and having "family" dinners within a week? Some of his surliness started to soften after the events of the first book, and I am glad to see that he does open up to others, it just all felt like it happened in the blink of an eye. I did really like Celia, but her sunshiny attitude was a little hard to believe at times, it was like she was not allowed to be angry or have real feelings of despair. This book also has one of those endings where the bad guys suffer, but do not have to really face their misdeeds - which is kind of both satisfying and dissatisfying at the same time.

I did not realize the book was part of a series at first but it is obvious from the context. The feel of the time period is strong. This book touches on the troubles that women may have faced for having no say in their inheritance or who they married. While some marriages turned out fine and these women lived well, there are many who ended up like Celia or worse. Celia was an interesting character to follow. I felt the falling in love aspect happened very fast, especially for someone with so many issues revolving around the men in her life. Liam is on the moodier side of male leads which I do not care for, but it was nice when he apologized for his actions and did not expect Celia’s forgiveness out right. She is also someone who admits her folly and wishes she had done better by herself in the past; stood up for herself. Another theme is that of abandoned children, a problem that ran wild at the time. There is a cast of interesting characters, such as Enya, the boys, and Doctor Drew ( probably my favorite) and the elusive Duchess. The book has what I would consider to be ‘spicy’ ( skipped these parts) as they say, but I do not read enough romance to compare.

Liam Hallahan, illegitimate son of a disreputable duke, carries hidden scars from a childhood living on the streets. Through sheer determination, he acquired an education, took the gaming hall he’d inherited and successfully turned it into a respectable restaurant. Men have ruled Celia Gillingham’s life for as long as she could remember. Orphaned at a young age, her uncle negotiated a marriage for her with an old earl. After her husband’s death, Celia, now alone and penniless, goes back to her uncle’s home, only to find herself dropped off at an East End business by her viscount cousin. He tells Liam that Celia will work off his gaming debt. Instead, Celia asks Liam for a job. And Liam reluctantly agrees, putting the countess to work in his kitchen.
A well written book which drew me in from the first page & held my interest until the last. I really liked both Liam & Celia who were an unlikely couple but they were perfect for each other. I liked the chemistry between them & thoroughly enjoyed their journey to a HEA which wasn’t easy. A well paced story & strong characters added to my enjoyment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

A wonderful romance with an unlikely pairing in Liam and Celia. A passion for cooking and so much more. Interesting characters kept the story moving towards a deserving happy ending.

Class Differences v Love.
After eleven years of marriage to a man many years her senior, Celia finds herself without a home and with very little money. Her only option is to return to her aunt and uncle who forced her into the marriage in the first place. However on reaching London she finds that her aunt (her only surviving blood relative) is not there and her uncle and cousin are unwelcoming. Worse is yet to come but turns out to be a blessing in disguise when she meets Liam Hallahan and takes up a position in his restaurant. However her spoiled cousin has a vindictive streak and is not prepared to leave matters there…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars.
Thankyou Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc. Expect an honest, unbiased review from me, always.
I don't usually read this kind of historical romance but I'm so glad i did. I was hooked from the very beginning. The FMC suffered so much all because of societys expectations and silly male arrogance.
Book opens to FMC at her husbands side who is on his deathbed, having a final few words and realising she's been done over, screwed out of security and comfort.
Unfortunately she has nowhere to go from her dead spouses home where she's basically kicked out of so as to make space for the heir and his family. It shows the reality women face in all walks of life, even the high society people have terrible circumstances despite marrying young, to prominence, it's not enough, especially back in thise days. I love how she realised early on in the book, the missed opportunity, and wished she had known to do more to protect herself but she was young, alone and unprepared for life's suprises. Hindsight, right?! But then, I guess, that's how we learn, isn't it? Through experience.
This is a must read full of emotions, romance and more. You won't regret it.

This was a highly anticipated release and I'm glad to report it was worth the wait.

I loved the characters and thought their romance was super romantic. I loved that they bonded over cooking, how cute is that? The plot was interesting and the pacing was just right.

Can't wait for the next book!