In the Viscount’s Arms

Great, just want to read the rest of the series now.

*I received a free digital ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Addictive

The beginning was a bit bland, especially as we know exactly what we’re getting into after reading the title and description – the story can only go in one direction. The exciting part is how we get there.

There is an obvious attraction between our two main characters, Octavia Staunton and Viscount Althorne (Lord Simon Caswell). Octavia impresses his Lordship right from the very start with her gentle manner in trying to instruct his obnoxious niece, despite all the tantrums and refusals. Somehow the three of them form a tenuous bond that can only grow over time.

We hear about how Simon’s niece, Leah, tragically lost both of her parents. Yet, despite the start where the Staunton sisters are just coming out of mourning for their parents, who died a year previously, we hear nothing of what caused their deaths. This could have been a point of conversation, yet the only thing we hear about them, aside from their deaths, is about their scandalous marriage. It might seem morbid, but it bugged me to not get the full picture of what happened.

That aside, once I got into the pace of the book, I could barely put it down. The last few chapters and pages just breezed by, as the romance heightened. It was quite beautifully done, although we have to wait to the next book for any nuptials. Luckily I already have it ready to go!

Final rating: – Really liked

Wonderfully Written Victorian Romance with Excellent Characters

It has been a while since I have read a Victorian romance that captivated me as thoroughly as this one. I kept reading it when I should have been doing other things! I can give no higher compliment to a book.

Octavia is a strong woman who has guided her younger sisters for a long time, but especially during their year of mourning after losing both parents. The book opens when their mourning has ended. Their parents were never wealthy, and by this point, these young women have very little money left. Octavia, as the eldest, believe she needs to support her younger sisters and so shows up at the local lord’s manor house to apply for a position as a governess. This viscount is reclusive, the villagers knowing little about him. She gets the job and is challenged at every turn by her charge, the six-year-old niece of the viscount who has terrorized every governess before Octavia.

The hero is beleaguered when we first meet him, as he has much business to attend to and the constant search for governess adds even more to his plate. He never wanted to be a viscount, but his older brother died tragically before the little girl was even born. After the girl’s mother’s death soon after the birth, he has both a large estate and a young girl to look after. He is unsure about Octavia at first but soon sees that she truly cares and intends to stick around no matter what.

So, what did I like about this book? Before I talk about the main characters, whom I adored, I have to say that the plot is really well done. There are no outlandish things as can often happen in stories like this; no highwaymen, kidnappings, forced captivity, or overturned carriages. instead, we see the relationships of several characters slowly unfold, revealing both the individuals and the dynamics between them.

I thoroughly enjoyed both the hero and the heroine. Both were sympathetic and genuinely decent people doing their best in difficult circumstances. The viscount is a swoon-worthy hero. He is a loving and indulgent uncle who never wanted the responsibility of guardian but who rises to the challenge. He takes his faults quite seriously and does not find tears to be unmanly. There are several little lovely romantic moments throughout the book. The romance aspect only comes on gradually, which I appreciate in a book like this. Sometimes I get so tired of the instalove stories. It’s as if the authors cannot imagine and write the gradual way that most people fall for each other. Luckily, that didn’t happen here. The couple comes to know each other first as inevitable companions throughout their days, and they do become friends. Both believe—somewhat nonsensically—that it can be nothing more, while it is clear to the reader they are coming to care for each other as more than just friends. The evolution of the relationship was a pleasure to read, as was the relationship between Octavia and the little girl. Actually, it was lovely to see the relationships between all three characters evolve as they became a family. Such delightful little moments between them here and there, like playing skittles in the nursery wing’s corridor on a rainy day to picnics in the nursery.

The evolution of the romantic relationship was perhaps so slow that it almost felt a little jarring when things heated up between the couple. That’s one of the downsides I saw in this book. I didn’t quite believe it when things became so amorous so quickly. I kept thinking they’d get caught during the house party! That said, though, I did think their first time together was completely in character, sweet, and absolutely adorable in parts. Too often, unfortunately, this pivotal scene in a romance often seems perfunctory. Not the case here.

The other thing that I didn’t quite believe was that the other Staunton sisters would do what they did (no spoilers!) without contacting Octavia. These sisters are supposed to be so close. But how can they be if they don’t tell their sister what is going on in their lives?

Book 2 is firmly set up in this one, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the relationship between the second daughter of the Staunton family and the duke (friend of this book’s hero) plays out. If you enjoy well-plotted Victorian romance with well-drawn, round, three-dimensional characters, you may very well enjoy this book.

A Viscount and a governess. After a year of bereavement for their parents, the three Staunton sisters must do something to bring in money. They are well bred ladies but poor so the oldest, Octavia, gets a job as a governess for the local Viscount’s niece. But Simon has been holed up in the country for six years since gaining custody of his niece, after his brother’s and sister-in-law’s deaths. Octavia is breath of fresh air, a wonderful governess to his niece, and becoming a friend to him. But he wants more, and he can see her as his countess and with his niece they would be a family. He just needs to convince Octavia. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Prim and proper finds her match?
Octavia has suffered a major loss yet she has kept it together for her sisters. Now she has set out to make a life for herself and takes a job as a governess. Simon needs a governess for his niece so out of need they come together to solve the problem. Now that is not all because Simon realizes that he cares for this lady yet she is a governess and making a life with her would not be the thing to do. This is a good piece very well-written and it takes its time to develop. No major steamy parts it just a good romance. The ending will leave you with questions so be prepared. I highly recommend this gem. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it

Loved this book!
This is a new-to-me author, and I so enjoyed her writing style.

The H/h were awesome, as well as the supporting characters (especially the Viscount’s niece). Though I’ve read many with the lord/governess type storyline, this was fresh and different, and beautifully and romantically done. I’m so anxious for #2 to be released in December, and continue on this journey!