A lady banished from Court. An earl pledged to the king. Sizzling sparks fly as their fates collide during a dangerous play for the crown that could change the course of history... 1715. In the glittering world of 18th Century England, Elizabeth Hartwell's dream of carrying on her beloved father's medical studies is shattered when King George is crowned and she's dismissed from Court. She's out of favor. In danger. And no wonder. Her cousin is the Pretender, James Stuart, plotting to seize the crown by force. Despite misgivings, she accepts protection from Ashton Wentworth, Earl of Haverdale, recently returned from exile and determined to restore his family name and fortune. He is pledged to King George, but in an ironic twist of fate finds himself caught up in the Jacobite Rising to crown the Pretender as King James III.Suddenly, with the future of England at stake, sides must be chosen. Loyalties tested. Battles fought. And a dangerous alliance is forged when Elizabeth and Ashton embark on a daring plan to prevent more bloodshed, even while they struggle to navigate their own feelings for each other and an attraction that neither can deny. Conflicted by divided loyalties, torn between duty and desire, ambition and family, they face loss, betrayal and impossible choices at every turn in a world that seems determined to keep them apart. Here is a stirring historical novel of courage, conflict, unshakeable love and epic adventure as seen through the eyes of a heroic young woman who straddles two worlds and makes medical history in her own right. With stunning period detail, richly drawn characters and a captivating love story at its heart, The Countess Game will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Perfect for readers who enjoy a novel filled with historical people, places and events.