You will always grab my attention straight away with "Governess" in the title, a bookish heroine and using my name (Alexandra). I expected to enjoy this; Dare tends to delight me with her writing and there's nothing more I love than a libertine getting tamed.

I did not receive expect to start it at 10pm and stay awake until 130am to finish it. It's a WORK night, I knew better. And yet the time flew by.

I won't say this was perfect - Chase's excuses are hollow sounding next to Alexandra's trauma. And while we were meant to see that Chase's actions did not match his protestations, it was somewhat frustrating.

Oh but their banter was on point and he did know how to eulogize really well. Alexandra was a fun heroine; not well bred, but well read for sure she was clever as well as practical.

Overall very well recommended. Surprisingly the heat level isn't EXACTLY piping hot. The intimacy scenes are tasteful and more about the two of them realizing "holy cow the other is so good!" and the scene of sex is adorable in it's awkwardness. (Chase's umm precautions against by blows and the pox is...unique considering his reputation) ( )

Chase and Alex are an interesting couple and the two little girls are cute. I enjoyed reading how Alex connected with the girls as their governess and do her best to show them they are cared for. Alex was also able to get under Chase's skin and help him heal and learn that love is not meant to be feared but cherished. ( )

A full five stars for this one. I'd noticed a propensity for Ms. Dare's heroes to come up with their self-doubt as the black moment out of the blue, but this one started in with it from the start. As much as I've enjoyed her other books, this one takes you for the whole ride, through the hero's insecurities right along with the heroine's.

Full of humor and heat, this book has it all. Well done, Tessa. ( )

Pandering garbage and low hanging fruit. Boring and I'm 90% sure I read this before. Blah. ( )

The Governess Game
3.5 Stars

While this follow-up to The Duchess Deal has toned down both the fairytale elements and the over-the-top humor, the plot and the characterization are still too anachronistic. Regency noblemen did not hire random women to be governesses nor did they wed commoners with obscure origins.

Nevertheless, Alexandra Mountbatten and Chase Reynaurd are likable characters and their verbal sparring and slow-burn romance make for delightful reading. Alex's original backstory, occupation, and interest in astronomy all contribute to her charm as does Chase's obvious care and affection for his two young wards, whose antics are a highlight of the book.

Overall, this is a light-hearted and entertaining story, but for a truly excellent rakish duke versus prim governess romance, I highly recommend Elizabeth Hoyt's Duke of Sin

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