Baldwin, the Viscount of Mountgarret, was content with his life. Unexpectedly, his childhood friend dies, leaving him his most prized treasures: his two young daughters. Baldwin’s priorities begin to shift as he arrives home and meets his wards’ infuriatingly stubborn governess. His interest is piqued by the mystery surrounding her, but she’s only a governess. He certainly can’t pursue her. Can … Can he?
After three “unsuccessful” Seasons, Emeline Warren discovers a heinous plot to force her into marriage with an aging earl. She flees from her ancestral home and unwittingly becomes a governess to two little girls. Finding herself attracted to their reluctant guardian, she’s determined not to fall prey to his charms.
Can two unlikely lovers let go of their foolish pride, or will they lose what matters most?
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This was a sweet regency romance about a woman who had run from a horrible situation and a bachelor Lord who was content to remain so.
Lord Mountgarret was content to remain a bachelor. His financial situation had greatly improved and he was a workaholic. Then, his friend, Thomas, died and left him as guardian to his two young daughters, Phoebe and Sophia. He had no idea what to do with two young girls and he was convinced that someone else would be better suited to be their guardian but he wanted to do right by his friend. He had been gifted Thomas’ greatest treasures.
Emeline Warren was a woman who was almost 21 years old. She had had three seasons in London but had yet to marry. She had received many proposals, but just couldn’t agree to marry any of them. Her evil stepmother and wicked stepsister, Juliet, were determined to get her out of the way before Juliet’s first season. Fearing for her life, Emeline ran and ended up the doorstep to Lord Mountgarret’s estate. She only had two months to wait to receive her inheritance from her grandmother so she could lie low and work as a governess for that period of time. No harm in that, right?
I won’t give away the rest of the story but there is a wonderful conclusion to this story. I very much enjoyed reading it and was sad when it ended.
I checked this book out of the Kindle Owner’s Lending Library and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
A fun historical romance
My rating is 4.5 stars
As much as I enjoy reading Regency stories, I certainly wouldn’t want to live in that era! With women relegated to second place, daughters being forced to marry against their wishes, ladies discouraged from learning anything useful or doing too much reading. Yuck!
When Emeline ‘s step-mother reveals her dastardly plan, Emeline knows she needs to escape and doesn’t waste a moment doing so. Hiding on Lord Mountgarret’s estate, in the cottage of his housekeeper sounded like such a great plan. Until she was persuaded to take charge of the sweet orphan girls as their governess.
I loved the lessons she taught! I would have loved tromping through the woods, learning about medicinal herbs first-hand! And catching frogs. And so many other non-ladylike activities. And when Emeline was taken to task for allowing the girls to conduct themselves in such a manner, her reply and the way she stood up for the girls was delightful. Yay!
Sure, Baldwin, Lord Mountgarret, was stuffy. And had no clue what little girls like to do. Or how to raise them. Or how to tie his cravat (yeah, I cracked up at all those references!) Yet he was charming. His fear of becoming like his father overruled his desire to enjoy life and influenced his every action. Until Emmie.
The girls were nothing short of adorable, especially once they learned to warm up to the stoic viscount. Their hunger for love was heartwarming and their love of unconventional activities made them lots of fun. They managed to twist all the adults’ hearts around their little fingers!
This was a fun story full of second, third, and maybe even fourth chances. And who doesn’t appreciate that because we all need them, don’t we?
As the second book in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Love series, there are a couple of characters from the first story here. Yet the author has integrated them in a way that hints at it without making it necessary to read the first to enjoy the second. She also didn’t try to retell the first story in this one. Instead, she naturally integrated details into the narrative in a way that if I had not read A Clever Alliance, I wouldn’t have realized the things shared were a part of it. I appreciate when authors don’t try to sell their other books in the one I’m reading!
If you enjoy historical fiction, you will want to read The Reluctant Guardian, even if you are not typically a fan of Regency romances.
Read my review of The Reluctant Guardian by Laura Beers at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Irritations turn to adoration! I’m glad the hero received a book of his own after he played a part in his cousin’s story 🙂
“Life is entirely worth living when you find the one person that your heart connects with. It becomes filled with joy and happiness, filtering out all the pain of your past. It becomes meaningful.”
I read this book in one day, it was so heartwarming I just couldn’t put it down. I had strong Cinderella vibes at the beginning with Emeline and her stepmother and stepsister. It was perfection. My brain kept getting strong Beauty and the Beast vibes as well, with Baldwin being all grumpy and stewing and Emeline not taking any of it and having multiple “you must control your temper” moments. I love when I can find a story with hidden fairytale aspects. Oh and Phoebe and Sophia were such wonderful characters in this story they truly make your heart melt. And the best part we get to see Penelope and Nicholas again. I highly recommend you read this story if you are looking for an awww worthy Happily ever after.
“….always choose kindness. Life is much easier that way.”
I really enjoyed how well-written the characters are in this book. The changes they go through and the ways they improve was great. I loved the sweet, clean love story. The ending was wonderful! I definitely recommend this fantastic book!
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.