I Was a Countess and Now I Have to Pretend to be a Commoner

Rating: 3.5/5

Summary: Lady Whitmore is a Countess without any money. When her Grandmother arranges a pathetic match for her, she decides to take fate into her own hands. Assuming the alias of her recently fired maid, Adelaide, she joins the Glittering Court. As Adelaide trains with other common ladies, she must kept her identity and knowledge a secret. A growing connection to Cedric Thorn complicates things when she learns a deadly secret about him. Now she’s determined to save him, but can she save herself as well?

The plot was interesting and I was immediately intrigued by Adelaide’s predicament. I was kind of confused though because she seemed okay with the whole I have to make a good match, but then as soon as her cousin was presented, she was like no. But maybe it was easier to accept in thought rather than practice. Adelaide is a strong and opinionated woman, she has no problem telling you what she thinks. I loved her for that and her general spirit, we’d get along great.

While I was reading, I was in the story. There were a couple times were it was slow, but the simmering attraction between Adelaide and Cedric kept me coming back. I had to know what would happen to them. It seemed like they were doomed. Mead weaves her story craftily and there were a bunch of unexpected plot twists that had me either screaming with happiness or sadness.

I liked the other two girls in the story; however, Tamsin kind of got on my nerves a bit. She has some big secret she won’t tell and has to be the best so she can be the diamond in Adoria. She was a little obnoxious sometimes. Mira on the other hand, I loved her the whole time! I don’t know exactly why, but she was my favorite after Adelaide. She seemed to possess a secret badass-ness that she tried to keep under wraps, but I could feel it. I was waiting for her to start wielding a crossbow or staff, because she would rock it.

The ending was happy enough and I think there’s enough for a sequel, but I’m wondering if it will follow Adelaide or someone else? I would love to see Mira’s perspective. I need to know her secrets and Tamsin’s! Mead hints at it, but never spells it outright. I’m looking forward to what will happen next.