The Fallen Governess

False Rumors #1

by Laura A. Barnes

A fallen lady must rise above her disgrace.

A lady with limited options. A gentleman left without a choice. Could two souls forced together find it in their hearts to forgive one another?

Vivian Wescott was once a debutante who won the affection of the most sought-after bachelor in London. However, her family’s fall from grace forced her into a life of servitude. With what remained of her pride, Vivian eagerly arrived in Scotland to begin her position as a governess. Only to discover her new employer was her ex-betrothed. A gentleman who had thrown her over, yet still held her heart within his grasp. Could Vivian ever forgive how he had abandoned her when she needed him the most?

Maximilian Courtland led his life following the demands of a strict society. However, chaos had descended on his life. The bitter ending to his betrothal didn’t compare to the heartache of losing his cousin. Now pressed with raising two young children, he must rely on the governess his sister hired. Not any governess, but the very lady who betrayed him. Would Max discover the truth of Vivian’s love before it was too late?

Max ended their betrothal because of a rumor. He now protects Vivian from another rumor that would destroy her reputation. Would the truth ever prevail? Or would the lies forever keep them apart?

The Fallen Governess is the first book in Laura A. Barnes’s False Rumors series. If you love second chance romances, then you’ll love how Vivian and Maximilian overcome the deceit of others with the strength of their love.

Indulge in The Fallen Governess

Genres: Romance, Second Chance

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 14, 2023

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lauraabarnes ​

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...​

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraA...​

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labarnesaut...​

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@labarnesauthor​

Twitter: https://twitter.com/labarnesauthor

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laura...

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2*Stars*
Rumors of her broken engagement and scandalous family is only part of the reason Vivian must flee London. With her three fellow governesses, they publicly confronted a peer and his attack on a young woman in his employ. All four must seek employment outside of London. Their only option is Scotland. Vivian was tricked to find herself in the employment of her former fiance, Max, as a governess for his niece and nephew. Lord Courtland. Max believed nasty rumors about Vivian's virtue when he broke the engagement. When confronted with the truth, Max knows he can only win her back with love. Then there are the threatening letters. A lot of pain, angst and tears.
It's a small cliffhanger that will follow in the next book. VERY HOT!!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different kind of regency as it does not take place within ballrooms, society calls or London for the most part. Vivian has had a lot to deal with lately. Her family is broke and hiding it from society as much as they can. Her very proper mother refuses to stop spending money they don’t have; her father is a drunk drinking to hide his shame being the one who caused them to lose everything. Her brothers are the worst of rakes using their friends to gamble, drink and run around. Only her little sister, Chole is worth saving. On top of all this her betrothed Maximillan Courtland broke off their engagement. After saying some very hateful, nasty things to her. All rumors and untrue but he believed the worst of her and broke her heart. Now she works as a governess to have funds to send to Chole. After one of her friends also a governess is wronged Vivian, and her friends shame the peer then have to leave London as all of them are blacklisted and can’t find work. She finds work for all of them in Scotland. Only to find when she gets there it is with none other than Max, she has been set up by her best friend and his sister Joy! Neither Max nor Vivian wants this arrangement, but his cousin and his wife were killed in an accident and Max is the guardian for his children, Bennett and Leah. Max is demanding, unkind, nasty to Vivian from the start, really disliked him. Vivian stays for the children till a replacement can be found. During this time both Max and she must deal with their feelings and what they think happened before. As secrets come out, feeling and passion flare, our couple will have to work through a lot to reach the truth. There is a mystery also involved. Much regret and sorrow will follow. It is quite a story of redemption and love. I do think Vivian should have made him grovel more. Once you start this story you will not be able to put it down. I read it straight thru, didn’t get anything else done that day! I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of her dissolute brothers, her mother’s reckless spending, and her dishonest father, Vivian Westcott and her family are shunned by the ton. Their scandalous behavior resulted in the loss of her betrothal and her current employment as a governess. After assaulting a member of the ton for his licentious behavior towards Sara (a governess friend), Vivian and her friends lost their positions and were looking for another. She finds them all one in Scotland. Meanwhile in Scotland, Maximilian Courtland needs a governess for his cousin’s (Seamus - deceased) 2 children. His sister Joy (Vivian’s best friend) contacts Vivian using an alias so she would accept the position. Max is outraged when she arrives, but he’s also confused and conflicted regarding his current feelings for Vivian. He is rigid, arrogant and avoids conflict and scandal at any cost.

This story is about how Max has to overcome these faults and many more in order to re-establish a relationship with Vivian and a loving relationship with his wards. They are the highlights of the novel. I disliked his churlish character immensely and cheered the servants who had the audacity to treat Max with disdain and disrespect, particularly Bowers, the butler. Yay, Scots! The novel reveals how shallow and credulous he was to believe a fellow gentleman’s report of how Vivian’s virtue was compromised. What an idiot! To further frustrate readers, another rumor surfaces without the source being found. Overall the storyline was good, but I felt there were too many moving parts. I did receive an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to a new series!!

The ton lives and thrives on rumors, scandals and personal suffering...as long as it doesn't touch their lives. They are happy to spread untruths if it keeps society from looking at them too closely.

Lady Vivian and her new friends have stood up for themselves, but ended up finding themselves without jobs and more importantly....without references. Their predicaments can only lead to a great series of HEAs.

Watching Max and Vivian dance arpund each other was delightful. I was a bit frustrated with Max's strong adherance to his belief that he was right and Vivian was a lying cockold. His initial treatment of her was putting him in line for a massive facer. Thankfully he let his heart, and passion, lead him in the right direction. Vivian was unforunate in her dreadful family and originally her now broken bethrothal. Once they stopped pointing fingers and accusasions at each other they were so in sync and could provide the right environment for Max's charges to thrive.

The servants, especially the butler, Bowers, were priceless. He skated on a thin line of good butler and irreverence, with irreverence winning out more often than not. Always finding themselves shocked and unhappy with Max and his behavior was all in a normal day.

There was tension, a threat to Vivian and her friends, that seemed to just go away, but I am hoping in coming stories in this series it will resurface and a true conclusion ca.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Laura A. Barnes books since 2019 and this is my 18th book by her. I can truthfully say, I have really enjoyed every book of hers that I've read. Always great characters and always great stories. I am so excited about this new series! I do have to say I had no idea what this story was about before I started reading it as I do not read author’s book synopsis anymore. Most of the books I read are by my regular established authors that I already love their writing and know I’ll get a good read so I’d rather just be surprised from the get-go. That is what happened with this book. I just picked it up and started reading. 😊

I was given this book as an ARC read in return for an honest review.

I loved this story. I loved Vivian and Max. Even though Max was a bit of an ass at the beginning, he definitely redeemed himself plus we can’t really help what type of family we were born into. Some folks just get stuck with the worst. It so unbelievable for me to make sense sometimes of how the “ton” lived there lives, especially regarding marriage. Yikes. I think I’d rather not have been part of the ton. But I love, that true love prevails.

I kind of got mad with myself because I read fast anyway but I love Laura’s writing and storytelling so much, I found myself reading faster to see what happens. I finally slowed myself down and just enjoyed the ride. I am really looking forward to reading this series.

[FD · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb describes the history of Vivian and Maximillian. This is hardly mentioned in the book itself. The story focuses mainly on the moment they meet again, and you get to know their history a bit along the way. Vivian and Maximillian were engaged until he cruelly broke off the engagement. Ostracized by her family family, Vivian has no choice but to work as a governess and, much to their horror, ends up working for Max as a governess to his two wards. Although both have feelings of bitterness and resentment, they can't help but still have feelings for each other.
A nice start to what looks to be a good series. Vivian and her friends, also governesses, have to deal slander from unknown sources, and in this story it is not revealed how. The other governesses will probably also receive a book and this theme will continue to be worked on. I would follow the series! In this book I found the characters of Vivian and Max less pleasant at times. I especially had trouble with Max, although according to the zeitgeist, I think he is very rigid in his views on virtue and is a hypocrite. They both had their moments, but a little more effort from Max, and a little more resistance from Vivian would have been nicer.
The most enjoyable character in this story was the butler.
Enjoyable read nonetheless.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I loved this book is an understatement, I loved it so much, I finished it in less than a day, I did not want to put it down, and when I was done I was annoyed at myself for finishing it so quickly. This is the first book in a new series, and the book gives you hints on who the future books will be about and I cannot wait for them to come out. This story is about Vivian who was part of society and engaged to Max a Lord, until her family’s secrets came out, and Max broke off their engagement. (There might have been other reasons for Max to do that, but I will not tell you what they are). Vivian decides to get a job as a Governess to send some money for her sister. Circumstance in London causes her and her new friends to leave London and go to Scotland to find jobs. Max’s cousin and his wife have recently died and Max is now the guardian of their two children which he needs a governess. This is where Vivian and Max are put together again. Their love scenes had so much chemistry. I know Max was unfair in how he treated Vivian, but the author had me liking him because you know his thoughts and where he was coming from. I always enjoy books by this author, and this is just another one to add to my favorites.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe, and when emotions run high, trust can run low. That was the case for Max where Vivian was concerned. She was already dealing with her family’s scandal when he terminated their betrothal and broke her heart. After which Vivian became a governess to help make ends meet. However, when one of her governess friends was accousted by her employer, Vivian publicly humiliated him, thus ending all their chances for future employment. Vivian and her friends found themselves with jobs in Scotland, but she had no idea that she would be working for Max. And that’s when the fun really begins. No matter how much they try to deny it, their attraction draws them together. Both battle with their pride. Both have ah-ha moments, and both have suffered significant loss in the last few months. Their intense emotions lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings and steamy encounters. Because their relationship is so volatile, and surprises abound, it was hard to put this book down. This is a well crafted tale filled with emotional extremes and a variety of characters…..and I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Vivian, was raised in the aristocracy, being the daughter of a Viscount. Then through her father’s poor choices, it was all lost to her. Rumors abound and lies are told, and she found herself losing the man she loved, and forced into a life of servitude . A woman’s reputation was everything to her, even for a servant, and once lost, even through lies, she was left with few options to support herself. She finds a governess position up north in Scotland, but when she arrives, it turns out to be for the newly orphaned wards of the very man that threw her over. He said very cruel things to her, and treated her poorly. It was very difficult for me to endear myself to him, especially when in spite of his cruelty, she still loved him. Max was very conflicted by his feelings for her as well, believing the lies and betrayal she caused. The sparks flew between them in passion of a love/hate relationship. Even when the lies are revealed, it is very difficult to ever regain trust again and be able to find a future together.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written, full of love, romance, action, drama, steam and sin. Vivian and Max had it all till a rumor was started or planted in his head. He breaks off the betrothal before asking her if and what he heard was true, leaving her to fend for herself. With her family having money issues and the rumors, she is able to find a job as a governess but has to make a run for it after defending a friend. She and her friends run to Scotland to new positions as governess only to find out that hers is taking care of Max's niece and nephew. They both find that their feelings never really changed and still want each other. They both fight that love but give into it, Getting their happily ever after. Of course they both try to find out who started the rumors about her and will be continued in the next book of the series. Can't wait. Great read, enjoyed it very much. Would recommend this book to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Courtland and Vivian Wescott were engaged until Max let a vicious, and false, rumor convince him to break the betrothal. The effect on Vivian is devastating. After a bit of trouble in town and some meddling from Max’s sister, Vivian is now governess to his deceased cousin’s two children. It will be hard to live in the same house with animosity between them. Is there any possibility Joy’s matchmaking scheme will work? Vivian and Max belong together, and their story is a slow-burn second chance. Max’s nephew and niece are quite rambunctious. It was nice to see the way the three of them warmed up to each other. A lovely story with engaging characters who bring you into their story. This is the first story in the False Rumors series, and it appears Vivian’s friends and fellow governesses are waiting in the wings.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very complex character driven story.
Max was not one of my favorite characters it took him forever to get his head out of the sand (yes I could say something else but I being nice). I felt so bad for Vivian she has a family that is worth nothing, she had a man who she loved but believed false rumors and friends who were having problems because on her. Vivian never did anything wrong but she held the belief that she was responsible for so much. I have to be honest for much of the story I was glued to each page. Maybe not so much the steam part it kind of took me away from the story I guess. This is a very good story a heartbreaking drama within the romance. It is a book I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like historical fiction but it can end up being overly predictable or anachronistic. This book is neither. While there are some expected moments there are also moments that amuse, surprise and allow the reader to slip into escapism mode.
I liked the characters. I love Vivian’s spirit and sweetness. I like her relationships with the other women in the story. The kids are fantastic and add another element to the storyline.
The premise is interesting and I am looking forward to see what happens next in the false rumours series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Second Chance for Love . . .

At one time Vivian Wescott was a debutante who attracted a handsome bachelor. But her family became disgraced and she became a governess, discovering her ex-betrothed is her new employer! Maximilian Courtland strictly followed the rules. Raising two children means that he needs the governess his sister hired who had betrayed him. Would he ever discover the truth? Or would the false rumors pull them away from each other?

The Fallen Governess is the first book in Laura A. Barnes’s False Rumors series. Can Vivian and Maximilian overcome the lies through keeping their love alive?

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good historical romance about betrayal, lies and second chances. The story develops nicely but the plot is frustrating because of the situation not the writing. The story is about Vivian and Max. She was a debutante heavily sought after. Now she has relocated to Scotland to become a governess. Max has devastated by the loss of his cousin and now is in charge of raising the children. When he finds out who his new governess is going to be he is not happy. She was the one who betrayed him. This is a good story with really witty and good banter. Max is very frustrating but did redeem himself. Vivian was great.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fallen Governess is a second chance romance from Laura A. Barnes, a writer whose work is new to me. I really enjoyed the journey of Vivian and Max on their way to an HEA. The story begins after Max's betrayal, and we get glimpses of their past together throughout the book. This works very well for the pacing. The banter between Vivian and Max is great. The steamy bits are wonderful. The mutual pining pulls all the heart strings just right. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 was because I felt that Vivian capitulated a little too fast and too much (although I 100% understand her reasoning) and that Max did not have to grovel nearly as much as his betrayal warranted. But these are author's choices that I may not totally agree with, yet I understand the characters' motivations for them. I will definitely check out Barnes's backlist to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the False Rumors series. Vivian Wescott and Maximilian Courtland where once engaged until he listened to gossip and lies and broke it off. She has now come back into his life as a Governess to his deceased cousin's children that are now under his care. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest until the end. I hope the rest of the series is this thrilling. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Max and Vivian's story of love and second chances. Max thought Vivian had betrayed him and ended their betrothal. Vivian was devastated and heartbroken. Soon circumstances lead to Vivian accepting a position as governess in Max's household. Leading to attraction, passion and the uncovering of the truth that ultimately puts Max into a tailspin as he tries to regain Vivian's heart. Will she forgive him only time will tell.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivian and Max have a history that ended terribly. Her parent's fall from grace and a rumor have Max breaking their betrothement. Months later his sister sees an opportunity to get them together. He needs a governess for his two new wards and Vivian needs a position. Back together again, sparks fly and feelings ignite but forgiveness is needed to mend these hearts.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Barnes is a new author for me and she has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Max and Vivian and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with hope, drama, misunderstanding and steamy chemistry. This book is part of the False Rumors Series. Definitely recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great start to the False Rumors series, it had a wonderful concept and I was engaged with what was happening. It worked in the historical setting. I enjoyed reading this a lot.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca]

This book was sheer perfection. I simply adored it. It was jam packed with romance and love. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Christine Pruett]

1

[mary dewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

non-historical. full of modern anatomical terms. too sexually graphic. basically soft porn

[Anij · Rating 4 out of 5]

"He wanted the girl he fell in love with, but he feared he had destroyed her."

I actually started reading the second book in this series, The Wishful Governess, first but found myself confused and realized I needed to read book one first. So I put The Wishful Governess aside and dove into this book.

I'll be honest, I was over a quarter of the way through the book and, if I hadn't felt the need to finish so I could read book two, I probably would have quit. The sole reason was because I really, really disliked Max. He was such and arrogant prat. I mean, seriously, what on earth did Vivian ever see in him? I couldn't help but feel she was well rid of him. Clearly he never truly loved her, despite his insisting he did. I had no idea how Laura could ever possibly redeem him.

Mini-spoiler: she does. Max truly changed as the story continued and, thanks to his thoughts as well as his actions, he admitted his many errors and repented, a lot. He truly became a different, much better man, who was worthy of Vivian's love. By the time I got to the end of the story I was so happy I didn't quit. Watching Max defend her without hesitation and work so hard to win her trust and forgiveness was spectacular!

This is a true second-chance story that was painful in many ways. So, don't give up if you find yourself wanting to hit Max in the head with a brick. Stick with it, I promise, it's worth it.

Now, I'm off to read book two and see what's happening with Grace and Calum. I'll let you know what I think of it when I'm done.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The viciousness of the rumour broke them apart. But they had a second chance at overcoming betrayal and mistrust because their love is strong and true. Once they had pride get in the way. But the truth set them free. Lovely, steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.