Synopsis
“So tell me, Miss Beaujeu, why should I employ you as governess?”
But this rugged Welsh duke of an employer is unlike any other: dubbed Mean, Moody & Mysterious in gossip columns, he’s known to scowl a path through London society. And why have three governesses fled his employ within the last twelvemonths?
"I appoint you as governess. When can you start?"
Rhys Cadogan, the Duke of Aberdare, never procrastinates. And besides, with a house party to be hosted at his coastal estate, the sole purpose of which is to find him a wife, he’s in somewhat of a rush.
But this drab-gowned paragon of a governess is unlike any other: lauded in her references, she exudes composure and intelligence, a perfect fit for his troubled niece. So why do Miss Beaujeu’s eyes also flash with a wild silvered gleam?
The Prudent Governess and the Passionate Duke.
One should never judge a duke by his Mean, Moody & Mysterious reputation or a governess by her tightly pinned hair, for beneath both tamed fa̤ades lay wildness and shared passions Рnot to be denied.
With forbidden kisses on stormy nights, a house full of prospective brides, a scandalous rake of an heir, dragon folklore and cinnamon biscuits, the vocation of governess has never been so thrilling…
A fun, heart-warming stand-alone Regency romance. This tale contains sensual scenes.
Review
It's a delightful historical romance novel, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. And loved the characters, settings, as well as story. In short, this book is perfection. I think everyone would enjoy it, but especially historical fiction fans would love it. The story flows beautifully, and there is some intrigue along with the romance, which I found to be a perfect combination.
Isabelle is a governess who has seen many successful debutantes. She isn't someone easily intimidated and she knows all the rules a governess must follow. So, when she is employed by the Duke of Aberdare, she is ready to take charge. However, the household turns out to be very different than she expected. But she likes Mari for whom she is hired. And the Duke might be Moody but he is always polite to her and it is obvious that he cares about his niece a great deal.
Aberdare doesn't want to get married without love but his cousin is adamant that he must fulfill his duty to his title and family legacy. And that leads to the present house party of the most unwelcomed young women who all want to be his wives. How will he ever decide when he can't even get along with any of them? And it doesn't help that his eyes stray towards the governess more often than he cared to admit. What the future holds for him, only time would tell.
Overall, it's an interesting historical fiction and I highly recommend it to my fellow readers. I quite enjoyed the places and descriptions. They were thorough and will take you to the past very easily.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but the review is my honest opinion.