A bemused earl. A governess disguised. A forbidden love and a terrible wrong that must be made right!At No.18, Baldwin Summers, the Earl of Cartwell, deals with innumerable problems. At thirty-six, he’s changed. He’s no longer simply ‘Win’, that famous hero of Waterloo, but hailed as his profligate brother’s heir. He’s pensioned off his two mistresses and become oh, so bored with gambling. Yes, … gambling. Yes, too, his mother presses him to marry—but he’d rather remove his spleen with a pickle fork than wed just any young peagoose.
Suddenly, he’s had thrust upon him guardianship of his friend’s eight-year-old daughter. Though she tickles him with her wit…and her exotic pets, the child needs a firm hand. With no idea how to mold her into a socially acceptable creature, he hires a governess.
However, that woman presents his most pressing problem—and his delight. She enchants his ward. But she’s beguiling him as well. And it’s a wonder because she is so very…odd. She knows (yes, indeed) bugs, defeats him every time at chess—and dances. In his upstairs hall. Alone. For the joy of it.
He cannot ignore her. He cannot control her. Worse, he cannot quell his mad desire to kiss her.
She is a temptation and a mystery. With a problem.
Stubborn, she refuses to allow him to help.
He won at Waterloo. But can we win the woman he loves?
If you love witty historical romance, starring endearing heroes and sassy heroines featuring (gasp!) servants, this upstairs, downstairs comedy is for you! Buy HIS TEMPTING GOVERNESS to begin laughing!
Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent series:
Her Beguiling Butler, Book #1
His Tempting Governess, Book #2
His Naughty Maid, Book #3
Though this book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone.
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We get to revisit Dudley Crescent with the wonderful story of Win and Belle. The story is very sweet. The characters are very likeably written and I could see the respect and eventual love developing. For the comedic relief, we have Daphne and her dog and monkey. All around this story was a delight to read and just one where in the end you said “ahhhhh”.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
This is the first book by Ms De Lando I have read and found it a joy to read. I loved the touch of paranormal and would have loved to read a little more in it. I found both of the main characters likeable and the secondary characters a pleasure to have in the story. The story followed nicely and the suspense was good. I would encourage to read this book. I received this as an ARC.
His Tempting Governess is the second book in author Cerise DeLand’s Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent series. Once again the author has captivated her reading audience with loveable characters, a entertaining plot and fun dialogue. “Win” Earl of Cantwell and governess Isabelle Swanson were made for each other and reading about their path to a HEA was very pleasing. I really liked Win’s ward, eight-year-old Daphne Lennard and her precocious money and cute dog. They added lots to my enjoyment of this story. Be prepared for some fun scenes and some big surprises. A delightful read!
Cerise DeLand has delivered a delightful Regency romance with His Tempting Governess. She adds just the right amount of sass, spice, and charm with a touch of whimsy and a generous dose of humor. Belle is just whom our hero Win needed. Such likable characters. I was won over by the precocious niece, a dog, a monkey, and lest I forget, the talking portraits. This one hit all the right buttons with me. You’ll enjoy.
Loved the characters, the story and the wit . Fun to read and kept me interested.
A child, a dog and a monkey.
Win, the Earl of Cartwell, suddenly has an eight year old ward. He also acquired her two companions. Now his goal is to find a governess who can handle all three. Into his life comes Belle. A charming, be still my heart hero. If I was in my twenties I’d give Belle some competition.
Love the historical setting and heroic Lord who saves the spunky heroine. With more good additions of quirky pets, a child who also needs love, a cranky old dowager, and an English country estate it fits all the needs of a good read.
Win and Isabelle are wonderful complex interesting characters in this historical romance. Win is responsible as guardian for Daphne,hes friends 8 year old daughter, and hires Isabelle as governess. This book has humor and drama and is a really great read!
Baldwin Summers has left his military career behind, inherited the title Earl of Cartwell, and become guardian to his friend’s eight-year-old daughter Daphne, along with her monkey and her dog. He hires Miss Isabelle Swanson to be the little girl’s governess. Besides being a wonderful governess for Daphne, she is intelligent, independent, plays chess, and dances in the hallway. There is more to Miss Swanson than meets the eye. She is keeping a secret, and Win wants to know what it is; he wants to know her better.
His Tempting Governess is the second of the Delightful Doings in Dudley Crescent, and is truly a delight. The characters are wonderful. Win is honorable and caring, a true gentleman. Belle is determined to get back the happy and secure life she once had. Daphne is sweet, but precocious, and her pets are fun. Shrew, the butler, and Win’s grandmother lend their support and add to the humor. The story unfolds at an easy and enjoyable pace. There is Belle’s predicament and the mystery that surrounds it, but there is humor and healing as well. I happily recommend this one. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series.
Can I just get it off my chest right up front? I love Cerise DeLand’s stories! She has a style uniquely her own that won me over with the first book I read of hers and could not wait for more! From a humorous farce to a serious suspenseful tale, with characters that enchant me long after I have turned the last page, there is always a great tale to be found. Her historical knowledge is immense and she continues her travels to Europe and investigates more ( yes I am envious!) that she shares with her readers.
Delightful, humorous, some suspense, a precocious eight year old girl, a menagie that might attack if provoked and a handsome, lovable hero that just might be one of my favorite.
Baldwin Summers, the Earl of Cartwell needs a governess for his ward Daphne, who he had taken in when one of one of his best friends who was with him in the war passed away.
Daphne is very difficult and will hardly speak to anyone although she may yell. Well wouldn’t you if your life had suddenly changed, your family was gone and you ended up with an Earl? Of course she brought her companions who I have to say were so much fun!
After numerous interviews with ladies with many running from the house, Isabelle Swanson shows up for the job and after a few missteps by Win she comes to take care of his ward.
Now the fun begins. Prepare to laugh out loud, sigh, talk to the characters and stay up late and try to read until the end!! Just in case you cannot tell, I really enjoyed this story and I know you will too!
One more new author I discovered today, I purchased this book because of the blurb and a great advance review I read not so long ago confirmed I did a good choice.
I do adored Win, the Earl of Cartwell, he is a war hero but he does not blot about it nor did he became rake or a rogue taking profit of his name. He is a kind mind who looks out for those under his care.
From the very beginning he knows Isabelle is the one for him and never her position as a governess derails him to make her his future countess. But first he must win her trust and prove he won’t fail her as she was betrayed in the past.
But he struggles to gain her confidence as she is determined to solve and fight alone the unfairness she suffered.
I can understand she wants to win back what was stolen from her, Isabella’s history is slowly distilled along the story, so I was like Cartwell, at loss at time for her need to deny herself his help. I loved him more when at each step, even in the dark, he stands for her and wish only to help her.
Cartwell is one of the best male characters I have read, he knows what he wants but does not push to far as he wants first to earn Isabelle’s faith.
I’m just a bit confused at Isabelle’s determination to work alone when a few help could have solve her case more easily. It is not showing weakness that accepting an outstretched hand, just being a clever mind to bring together more strength to fight a wrong done.
4.5 stars.
Another amazing book from Cerise Deland! So much fun!
At No.18, Baldwin Summers, the Earl of Cartwell, deals with innumerable problems. At thirty-six, he’s changed. He’s no longer simply ‘Win’, that famous hero of Waterloo, but hailed as his profligate brother’s heir. He’s pensioned off his two mistresses and become oh, so bored with gambling. Suddenly, he’s had thrust upon him guardianship of his friend’s eight-year-old daughter Daphne. He Now needs a governess, Isabelle Swanson ticks all the boxes & more. However she has secrets that she’s not willing to share.
A lovely fun read that had me laughing out loud, endearing likeable characters & a well paced story all added to an engrossing read. I adored Win, who wouldn’t fall in love with him, Izzy is intelligent, loving & utterly charming. Children & animals always steal a book but this time they are up staged but two portraits, Roderick & Caroline’s banter from the wall is priceless. There are secrets however the joy of the book is the developing relationship between Win & Izzy & his campaign to win her
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This book had one of the most delightful heroes (Baldwin Summers, Earl of Cartwell) I’ve read in a very long time. He had a very poor childhood, cruel parents and a wastrel for an older brother. Did he do the woe-is-me routine? NO! Did he become the biggest rake in the ton? NO! Did he run off to war thinking he’d just die there? NO! Does he have low self-esteem and let others run over him because he feels inadequate? NO! He is a wonderfully well-rounded, caring, loving, self-confident man. He deals wonderfully with his termagant of a mother and he is honest and honorable. You just don’t get much better than that. For me, he is what made the book enjoyable. By the way – contrary to the book blurb – I didn’t find him bemused at all.
Baldwin has the nickname Win because that is what he does. He is a hero extraordinaire from the Napoleonic wars – a brilliant leader and superb tactician who cared for his men and treated them well. When Win’s best friend and former fellow soldier dies, he leaves Win as guardian to his 8-year old daughter and her dog and monkey. She’s a delight and Win quickly comes to care for her and fully plans to do his best by her and her pets. First thing on the agenda is to find a governess – but – he’s been through so many interviews and just can’t find that perfect one. Most of them run out of the room screaming when they meet the monkey. Then, his friend’s wife recommends someone and Win agrees to interview her – he doesn’t hold out much hope, but he’ll give it a try. Poor Win is in total shock and disbelief when he walks into his parlor for the interview and there is an absolute angel in pink standing before him. ** I loved the scene when Win first interviews Isabelle – it is so cute **
Miss Isabelle Swanson’s life was one of pampered luxury until an unscrupulous steward took advantage of her grandfather’s dementia. She fully intends to recover everything, but she needs money to do it, so she applies for a governess position. She’s delighted to meet the child who will be her charge and the animals who give her comfort.
I really liked Isabelle, but I did have trouble identifying with her plight. I could see absolutely no reason for her to feel she had to do the task alone. She would have lost her home and everything in it before she would have asked for help from people with far more knowledge and resources than she had. She was portrayed as a very intelligent and sensible person and that part of her actions just didn’t fall into the intelligent or sensible bucket.
I enjoyed the read and the characters were delightful. I particularly liked Shrew, the butler, and Daphne, Win’s ward.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved it! From the first page to the last His Tempting Governess will keep your attention from the moment you begin the journey with Isabelle and Win until the very end! Cerise DeLand has written a whimsy and fun story, filled it with characters that come off the pages and pull you into their tale, a story that is well-written, an enjoyable plot with witty and playful banter and a scamp of a ward who you will fall in love with.
I’m a little delayed with this review … LOL
I liked the couple. A man who could have become difficult and bitter, but on the contrary, manages to have a heart of gold, caring about other people.
Isabelle is that resilient girl who, out of necessity, accepts the work of governess.
Between the two, of course, I fell in love with Win. And their romance is sooo good…
A delightful novel.
4 stars
This is an endearing and magnificent second book in the Dudley Crescent Series! A story full of romance and a touch of mystery, beautiful Isabelle has sought employment as a governess to earn money to fight for her rightful inheritance. When Lord Cartwell hired Isabelle, he had no idea he would hold such strong feelings for her. He knew she was a lady of breeding because of the way she dresses, talks, and her ability to play chess. What is Isabelle hiding? Will Lord Cartwell gain her trust, as well as, her heart? Each book that Author Cerise DeLand has written only gets better and continues to ensnare me into this beautiful time period!