Countess Of Scandal: Number 1 in series (Daughters of Erin) [Mass Market Paperback]

Set mainly in Kildare, Ireland. When they were children, lady Elizabeth "Eliza" Blacknall and William "Will" Denton were often together. They had been close friends. But in the year 1790, Will purchased his commission in an English regiment and went to England, leaving fifteen-year-old Eliza behind in Kildare.

Seven years have now passed. Eliza is now a widow, Lady Mount Clare. The young Irish countess is still the vibrant, intelligent, and independent lady that Will recalls so well. Will has returned, as an English soldier, to crush the Irish uprising. And it seems that Eliza is in the middle of it all. The last thing he wants is to see her neck in a noose when Lord Lieutenant Camden and his generals unleash their forces. All too soon Ireland is embroiled in bloody conflicts. Will's regiment is ordered to the front lines. Will worries not only about Eliza, but his mother too. Battle lines become blurred and Will must choose between all he cares for and his honor and duty to the king.

**** FOUR STARS! I found this story to have a deep and serious plot, very political. But the romance between Eliza and Will came across to me as unbelievable in the early parts of the tale. After all, early in the story Will admits to Eliza that he is determined to climb high in the English ranks and about how he believes in the Crown. He seemed to truly believe in his English duty. So I found it difficult to accept that he would put it all on the line for a lady from his past, no matter how close they had been. Otherwise, this story is intense, with action and high drama. I proudly recommend it to all fans of Historical Romances, as well as to fans of History. It is MORE than clear to me that the author has done her research and understands this era very well. BRAVA! ****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

With rebellion and war raging all around them can two lives that have been separated by time and upbringing be brought together again to find the true meaning of love and life? This is absolutely the case with Lady Elizabeth "Eliza" Mount Clare nee Blacknall and Major William Denton. These two people grew up together, explored the innocence of young love and survived being torn away from each other as teenagers when Will went to fulfill his commission as a soldier in the English Army. Yet once they are reunited with the backdrop of chaos and confusion surrounding the Irish Rebellion against England the love between them is still there and longing to be tapped into.

But when they are reunited conflict comes between them as Will is defending England against the Irish rebels that Eliza is fighting to protect and shelter. But it seems that with a quiet whisper and a stolen kiss they can only remember the past and their feelings for one another regardless of the present or who it will affect the future. While they may have been physically apart that was never the case with them emotionally and that their love was forged with such a strong and deep bond that even though they are on different sides their bodies are as one and their heart beats with the same rhythm. But when Will is ordered to return to his childhood home to "spy" on the activities and keep an eye on Eliza it is then he starts to question the decisions he has made and whether everything that seemed so right can now be so clouded with distrust. When Will is seriously injured and it is Eliza's family that cares for him the truth of what has to be done becomes clear and the steps he takes to correct the past misdeeds is forged with danger and despair. But Will knows that with Eliza by his side nothing will be wrong and all he need to is convince her of what has to be done to make them safe and able to forge a life together.

How is it possible to take such a devastating time in history and turn it into a heart-warming, tender love story - good question! The answer it appears is the writing ability of Laurel McKee and the talent to turn what could be seen as only sadness and despair into love and romance. This book gives you a history lesson that makes you understand how personal this fight was and help the reader understand how tragic the circumstance was but yet how two people that really love one another can make the best of the worst times. You have to learn to trust even when the person you love may be the one who is spying on you. Excellent Read!

Mary Gramlich ~ ("The Reading Reviewer") ~ www.marygramlich.com

This book was more about the war in Irland than romance between the characters. Once I realized how this book was turning out,it was never ending. The ending of this book was weird as well. Now, I will debate on getting the next installment. I rather read about the characters involvement with each other than their freedom belief. Down load the sample and maybe you will understand what I'm trying to say, unfortunally I didn't. For the price its a long book, so maybe its worth it for you. Good reading!!!