A Companion for the Count – Review

by Sally Britton

Publisher : Pink Citrus Books (April 29, 2021)
Language : English
Paperback : 260 pages
ISBN-10 : 1947005294
ISBN-13 : 978-1947005297

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Miss Emma Arlen’s position as a companion never included distracting her mistress’s suitors, but when a handsome Italian ambassador arrives determined to find an English bride, Emma happily takes up the cause.

Emma Arlen has spent a decade as a member of the duke’s family, in the position of companion to his daughter and ward to the duke himself. She would do anything to show her support to the ducal family for their love and kindness. When Lady Josephine begs Emma to distract a most determined Sicilian suitor, she agrees at once. How hard can it be to keep one man entertained for a few weeks?

Luca, the Conte di Atella, left his home in the newly formed Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under the direct orders of King Ferdinand I. Luca’s duty as ambassador to England includes everything from negotiating better trade agreements to strengthening the bonds between the two nations. If possible, by marrying a lady of high birth. When he optimistically sets his sights on Lady Elinor, Miss Arlen consistently disrupts his plans. The more time that passes, the more he realizes he does not mind at all.

Continually in the conte’s company, Emma recognizes in him a spirit of adventure and nobility like she has never witnessed before. When the time comes for him to go, will she be able to part with him and keep her heart intact? 

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Emma Arlen always tries to stay happy and positive, but I felt bad that she is always being used by people who just want to get closer to the Duke’s daughter.

As someone of Italian descent, I had an extra soft spot for the character Luca and everything connected to the Italian culture. The scene where Luca and Emma make pasta is one of my favorites. It even makes me want to try my hand at making pasta myself. I also loved learning all the history and politics of Italy during this time. I am ashamed to say I didn’t know much about it.

I loved Andrew and the Duke’s daughter Josephine! They had a fun relationship, and I can’t wait to see where that goes.

This was a very sweet story, and I loved the characters and the history.