His Rags-to-Riches Contessa (Matches Made in Scandal)

Our Review

HIS RAGS-TO-RICHES CONTESSA is a wonderful continuation of the MATCHES MADE IN SCANDAL series. This is the third book, and it didn’t disappoint! This time we’re in Venice, Italy in the early 1800’s during Carnival time with a Count and the penniless woman who is going to help him achieve his goals to catch his father’s murderer. There are lots of twists and turns, and it was a fast-paced read.

The prologue sets the stage when The Procurer is introduced once again. We’ve met her in the two previous books in the series, FROM GOVERNESS TO COUNTESS and FROM COURTESAN TO CONVENIENT WIFE. Once again, someone not wealthy or part of the elite society will be playing a major role. Luca and Becky have immediate chemistry when they meet at his home in Venice after she travels from England to fulfill her agreement. They are ill-suited due to their backgrounds though. We learn about the characters a little at a time as their layers are pulled back.

The vivid descriptions of Venice: its darker side, the Lido,the beach, the gondolas, and the palazzos were so vivid I felt like I was there. And the details about the food, dress, masks, and costumes only added a richness to this wonderful romance. Luca’s mom plays an important role throughout as she befriends Becky but also tries to get her to do her bidding. There is some closure and a happily ever after, but too much is left to chance, and the book ended too abruptly for me. An epilogue would have given me the closure I look for. I loved the cover and the backdrop of Venice. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, A SCANDALOUS WINTER WEDDING.

Ms. Kaye is one of my favorite historical authors. I never know where she’ll take me next. The Historical Note at the back of the book was interesting and helped give some background to the story.