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The Trouble with the Daring Governess
Coming soon! The Trouble with the Daring Governess by Annie Burrows will be available Dec 19, 2024.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 24, 2024
6 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Annie Burrows
184 books311 followersI've been published by Mills & Boon since 2007..but I'd been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. It was a long walk home from school, and there were no ipods in those days to keep you amused! When I wasn't daydreaming, I had my nose stuck in a book. My parents used to take me to the library every Saturday, until I was old enough to get there on my own, and my house was always full of books.
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
During school holidays, the whole family loved to visit stately homes and castles. As soon as we got home, my older sister and I would either dress up as lords and ladies, and romp around the garden, or, if it was raining, retreat to our bedroom where we would draw intricately detailed plans of our very own imaginary stately home, complete with secret tunnels, dungeons, and usually, a maze in the extensive grounds.
When I was old enough to go to university, I studied English literature, with Philosophy. I was not sure what I wanted to do after that, but meeting a handsome student of maths, who was the owner of a very powerful motorbike helped me make up my mind. Reader, I married him.
For many years I felt it was important to stay at home to raise our two children, but one day, when the youngest had gone to senior school, I began to wonder if all those stories I made up to occupy my mind whilst attending to mundane chores, would interest anyone else.
I started to write some of them down, and eventually decided that one of them was "deep" enough to merit attention from publishers. It took me almost two years to complete, mainly because I kept tearing it up and starting all over again. And having to keep going out to work to help pay for school fees, then university tuition, slowed progress down as well.
Needless to say, this masterpiece was rejected by every single publisher I sent it to, but by this time, writing had become an addiction.
Four more stories got rejected, before Mills & Boon bought "His Cinderella Bride", a regency romance.
I do have some other interests, besides writing! I love spending time pottering in my garden. And recently I've taken up ballroom dancing as a way to try and keep fit (and keep the romance alive in my marriage!)
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 23, 2024
Well this was a lot of fun!
A wonderful governess (quite in the way of Georgette Heyer’s heroine’s) who has to cajole and offer advice to her very pretty, spoilt charge who’s also an heiress.
What to do but laugh when Rosalind Hinchcliffe knocked her charge’s forbidden suitor, Cecil Baxter, off her balcony with a volume of Sense and Sensibility.
Rosalind thought she’d killed him. Fortunately her boss, Lord Caldicot had just come home and he, practical man that he is, helped her with the situation.
Michael was not raised to be the Marquess. He was an army officer. At the importuning of his family he’s finally come home to take up his duties, supporting and chaperoning his ward Susannah in her first season. Mostly that means paying the bills.
He’s a continual disappointment to said family who are contriving to find him a wife.
Well of course events go from one highly improbable situation to the next and I heartily enjoyed them all.
Thanks Annie Burrows for a fabulous read!
A Harlequin Romance ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
A wonderful governess (quite in the way of Georgette Heyer’s heroine’s) who has to cajole and offer advice to her very pretty, spoilt charge who’s also an heiress.
What to do but laugh when Rosalind Hinchcliffe knocked her charge’s forbidden suitor, Cecil Baxter, off her balcony with a volume of Sense and Sensibility.
Rosalind thought she’d killed him. Fortunately her boss, Lord Caldicot had just come home and he, practical man that he is, helped her with the situation.
Michael was not raised to be the Marquess. He was an army officer. At the importuning of his family he’s finally come home to take up his duties, supporting and chaperoning his ward Susannah in her first season. Mostly that means paying the bills.
He’s a continual disappointment to said family who are contriving to find him a wife.
Well of course events go from one highly improbable situation to the next and I heartily enjoyed them all.
Thanks Annie Burrows for a fabulous read!
A Harlequin Romance ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
November 24, 2024
My Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5
Right off the bat, I had an issue with the title of this book. Even though Rosalind had supposedly originally been hired to be a governess to Susannah, by the time this book takes place, Susannah is out is society and searching for a husband. Therefore, she would no longer have a need for a governess, and in fact, Rosalind is referenced at times as her companion, which would have made more sense especially when she started attending balls and other functions with her.
The second issue that I had was the insta-love between Michael and Rosalind (although it would appear she had harbored feelings for a much longer period of time, since shortly after she was hired). The problem I had with this was largely due to the fact hat both Rosalind and Michael spend way too much time lost in their own thoughts than actually speaking to each other (or in some cases even paying attention to the things they should be paying attention to). For example, Rosalind is told by Lady Birchwood that a certain naval officer was an inappropriate suitor for Susannah, and it makes her wonder if Michael's objections to another suitor (a Mr.Baxter) were as silly. But instead of simply asking him for the truth, she just goes on wondering about Michael's motivations. And although I enjoy being privy to the inner thoughts of characters, I needed to see more interactions between them that weren't them speaking about Susannah, or Rosalind doing something rash and Michael trying to talk her down to really believe in any attraction between them that went beyond the physical.
I will note that I found it curious that at no time, did Michael consider Rosalind an inappropriate match for himself, despite the fact that she was. Her grandfather may have been a General (therefore making her more appealing to the solider side of him), but she did not have the breeding or connections that would have made her an acceptable match for a Marquess. Yet, for some reason this inequality was never mentioned as a potential deterrent for either of them.
One last, and final really big issue I had is with the final showdown between our villain and our main characters. Michael becomes so focused on Rosalind and her well-being that he leaves Susannah to tie up the villain (who is now known to be violent in nature), before leaving said villain alone with Susannah and his aunt instead of staying with them until the blighter was removed from the house.
Now, I fully understand that I will likely be in the minority here with my thoughts as the story itself is well-written, it just didn't resonate with me the way I wanted it to. However, I do think it will appeal to others who enjoy historical romance novels, and I would read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Right off the bat, I had an issue with the title of this book. Even though Rosalind had supposedly originally been hired to be a governess to Susannah, by the time this book takes place, Susannah is out is society and searching for a husband. Therefore, she would no longer have a need for a governess, and in fact, Rosalind is referenced at times as her companion, which would have made more sense especially when she started attending balls and other functions with her.
The second issue that I had was the insta-love between Michael and Rosalind (although it would appear she had harbored feelings for a much longer period of time, since shortly after she was hired). The problem I had with this was largely due to the fact hat both Rosalind and Michael spend way too much time lost in their own thoughts than actually speaking to each other (or in some cases even paying attention to the things they should be paying attention to). For example, Rosalind is told by Lady Birchwood that a certain naval officer was an inappropriate suitor for Susannah, and it makes her wonder if Michael's objections to another suitor (a Mr.Baxter) were as silly. But instead of simply asking him for the truth, she just goes on wondering about Michael's motivations. And although I enjoy being privy to the inner thoughts of characters, I needed to see more interactions between them that weren't them speaking about Susannah, or Rosalind doing something rash and Michael trying to talk her down to really believe in any attraction between them that went beyond the physical.
I will note that I found it curious that at no time, did Michael consider Rosalind an inappropriate match for himself, despite the fact that she was. Her grandfather may have been a General (therefore making her more appealing to the solider side of him), but she did not have the breeding or connections that would have made her an acceptable match for a Marquess. Yet, for some reason this inequality was never mentioned as a potential deterrent for either of them.
One last, and final really big issue I had is with the final showdown between our villain and our main characters. Michael becomes so focused on Rosalind and her well-being that he leaves Susannah to tie up the villain (who is now known to be violent in nature), before leaving said villain alone with Susannah and his aunt instead of staying with them until the blighter was removed from the house.
Now, I fully understand that I will likely be in the minority here with my thoughts as the story itself is well-written, it just didn't resonate with me the way I wanted it to. However, I do think it will appeal to others who enjoy historical romance novels, and I would read more from this author in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
December 31, 2024
This was a fun book to read. When British army officer Michael became the new Marquess of Caldicot, he wasn't ready to give up soldiering. He hired a governess for his predecessor's daughter, Susannah, and returned to the war. Five years later, he returned to England to take up his duties, just in time for Susannah's debut. Unfortunately, being passed around to various female relations turned Susannah into a spoiled brat, prone to temper tantrums.
Rosalind has done her best to mitigate Susannah's willfulness, but it is an uphill battle. As the book opens, Susannah has a temper tantrum over Michael's refusal to consent to her marriage to Mr. Baxter, a very unsuitable suitor. It is a good introduction to the challenges Rosalind faces. Later that night, while Susannah is at an event, Rosalind discovers Mr. Baxter attempting to enter the house via the balcony in her room. I loved how she stopped him by throwing a book and knocking him off the balcony. Thinking she's killed him, Rosalind attempts to flee but is stopped by Michael, who handles the situation while convincing her to stay. They form a pact to team up to protect Susannah from fortune hunters like Mr. Baxter.
I enjoyed watching Rosalind and Michael's relationship develop. It starts as an employer/employee but quickly becomes a friendship with an unexpected undercurrent of attraction. They spend time together planning their strategy and watching over Susannah, giving them time to get to know each other. Their feelings for each other grow, but the class differences are an obstacle to them being together. It worries Rosalind more than Michael, who believes her lineage is fine, especially for a man who never expected to be a marquess. I liked both characters. Rosalind is practical and pragmatic, having been hurt in the past. Michael is a good man whose kindness brings Rosalind out of her shell.
The ending is exciting with an attempted kidnapping, confessions good and bad, and an amusing big moment for Michael and Rosalind. I feel that their future will be filled with laughter and love. Though she has some maturing yet to do, Susannah exhibited some character growth by the end.
Rosalind has done her best to mitigate Susannah's willfulness, but it is an uphill battle. As the book opens, Susannah has a temper tantrum over Michael's refusal to consent to her marriage to Mr. Baxter, a very unsuitable suitor. It is a good introduction to the challenges Rosalind faces. Later that night, while Susannah is at an event, Rosalind discovers Mr. Baxter attempting to enter the house via the balcony in her room. I loved how she stopped him by throwing a book and knocking him off the balcony. Thinking she's killed him, Rosalind attempts to flee but is stopped by Michael, who handles the situation while convincing her to stay. They form a pact to team up to protect Susannah from fortune hunters like Mr. Baxter.
I enjoyed watching Rosalind and Michael's relationship develop. It starts as an employer/employee but quickly becomes a friendship with an unexpected undercurrent of attraction. They spend time together planning their strategy and watching over Susannah, giving them time to get to know each other. Their feelings for each other grow, but the class differences are an obstacle to them being together. It worries Rosalind more than Michael, who believes her lineage is fine, especially for a man who never expected to be a marquess. I liked both characters. Rosalind is practical and pragmatic, having been hurt in the past. Michael is a good man whose kindness brings Rosalind out of her shell.
The ending is exciting with an attempted kidnapping, confessions good and bad, and an amusing big moment for Michael and Rosalind. I feel that their future will be filled with laughter and love. Though she has some maturing yet to do, Susannah exhibited some character growth by the end.
May 5, 2025
Annie Burrows will melt every single reader’s heart with her latest enchanting Regency romance, The Trouble with the Daring Governess.
Miss Rosalind Hinchcliffe has certainly got her hands full with her latest charge, Susannah. Headstrong, spoiled and determined to always get her own way, Susannah has thus far managed to see off a whole slew of governesses, but Rosalind is determined to buck the trend – especially as she simply cannot afford to lose this job. Rosalind can handle high-spirited debutantes and snooty dowagers intent on putting her in her place. What she isn’t sure she can handle is her employer, Michael, the new Marquess of Caldicot, who is stirring something deep within Rosalind that is far from professional…
As a former solider, Michael would sooner be facing a dangerous enemy on the battlefield rather than attending balls and other high society functions. But having recently inherited his title, Michael knows that he must keep up appearances and act as a marquess should. However, he has recently started to find himself drawn not to the empty-headed eligible debutantes being thrown his way at every turn – but to intelligent, witty and ebullient Rosalind!
Rosalind is like no woman he has ever met before and although she might be far removed from high society’s idea of the perfect bride, Michael cannot think of a more suitable woman for him to call wife. Will these two soulmates manage to bridge the social chasm that divides them and find a way to be together? Or will dangerous enemies and impossible obstacles conspire to keep them apart forever?
Annie Burrows hits gold yet again with this charming, captivating and superb Regency tale. The Trouble with the Daring Governess is written with great style and flair and will make readers laugh and cry as they find themselves completely caught up in Rosalind and Michael’s heartwarming romantic tale.
With a beguiling blend of laugh out loud humour, emotional intensity and immersive period detail, The Trouble with the Daring Governess is an outstanding Regency romance from Annie Burrows that will make readers swoon!
Miss Rosalind Hinchcliffe has certainly got her hands full with her latest charge, Susannah. Headstrong, spoiled and determined to always get her own way, Susannah has thus far managed to see off a whole slew of governesses, but Rosalind is determined to buck the trend – especially as she simply cannot afford to lose this job. Rosalind can handle high-spirited debutantes and snooty dowagers intent on putting her in her place. What she isn’t sure she can handle is her employer, Michael, the new Marquess of Caldicot, who is stirring something deep within Rosalind that is far from professional…
As a former solider, Michael would sooner be facing a dangerous enemy on the battlefield rather than attending balls and other high society functions. But having recently inherited his title, Michael knows that he must keep up appearances and act as a marquess should. However, he has recently started to find himself drawn not to the empty-headed eligible debutantes being thrown his way at every turn – but to intelligent, witty and ebullient Rosalind!
Rosalind is like no woman he has ever met before and although she might be far removed from high society’s idea of the perfect bride, Michael cannot think of a more suitable woman for him to call wife. Will these two soulmates manage to bridge the social chasm that divides them and find a way to be together? Or will dangerous enemies and impossible obstacles conspire to keep them apart forever?
Annie Burrows hits gold yet again with this charming, captivating and superb Regency tale. The Trouble with the Daring Governess is written with great style and flair and will make readers laugh and cry as they find themselves completely caught up in Rosalind and Michael’s heartwarming romantic tale.
With a beguiling blend of laugh out loud humour, emotional intensity and immersive period detail, The Trouble with the Daring Governess is an outstanding Regency romance from Annie Burrows that will make readers swoon!
December 15, 2024
Rosalind Hinchcliffe is governess and companion to Lady Susannah Caldicot, 17. The young woman has always been very willful with many people washing their hands of her. She is known to throw childish temper tantrums if she doesn’t get her way. Rosalind has a big job trying to calm the girl and to find ways to get her to listen to good advice. Susannah is the ward of Lord Michael Caldicot, Sixth Marquess of Caldicot. Her widowed aunt,bLady Birchwood is trying to put the young girl out in society but her ways are quite trying for the woman.
Susannah has decided that she is in love with Cecil Baxter, a young man totally unsuitable for her. She declares that she will elope with him. So, one evening while Rosalind is quietly reading in her room while Susannah is at a soiree, Cecil Baxter, climbs up to the window thinking it’s Susannah’s room. Rosalind is so frightened, she throws a book at him knocking him down to the ground where he lands in some bushes. She finds him outside with what appears to be blood and thinks that she has killed him. Michael comes home just then and finds the man groaning who then runs away.
The next day, Michael suggests to Rosalind that she be outfitted with a nice wardrobe and accompany Susannah to her events. Although Rosalind feels out of place at these events, she strives to see that Susannah is safe. When Michael unexpectedly asks Rosalind to dance, both of them are mesmerized by the other. Is there a chance they might get together?
This book is a bit slow at times but It is quite nice. It’s clean But with the promise of more love to come. There’s a lot of subtle humor here too so come and enjoy this book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Susannah has decided that she is in love with Cecil Baxter, a young man totally unsuitable for her. She declares that she will elope with him. So, one evening while Rosalind is quietly reading in her room while Susannah is at a soiree, Cecil Baxter, climbs up to the window thinking it’s Susannah’s room. Rosalind is so frightened, she throws a book at him knocking him down to the ground where he lands in some bushes. She finds him outside with what appears to be blood and thinks that she has killed him. Michael comes home just then and finds the man groaning who then runs away.
The next day, Michael suggests to Rosalind that she be outfitted with a nice wardrobe and accompany Susannah to her events. Although Rosalind feels out of place at these events, she strives to see that Susannah is safe. When Michael unexpectedly asks Rosalind to dance, both of them are mesmerized by the other. Is there a chance they might get together?
This book is a bit slow at times but It is quite nice. It’s clean But with the promise of more love to come. There’s a lot of subtle humor here too so come and enjoy this book.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 20, 2024
A Feisty Governess with principles
The word Daring in front of Governess made me wonder if this character was going to be a bit more forward than you would expect, but the character of Rosalind, is one of a resourceful girl who has not been well treated by life or her family. Lord Caldicot, the hero, is also a resourceful individual, still much of a soldier at heart, whose nature does not settle well with his elevated role. Errant fortune hunters, spoilt heiresses and temperamental dowagers combine to trouble the waters of this well matched pair who have to take on the formidable task of chaperoning his lordship's petulant ward. A really enjoyable read. Five stars
The word Daring in front of Governess made me wonder if this character was going to be a bit more forward than you would expect, but the character of Rosalind, is one of a resourceful girl who has not been well treated by life or her family. Lord Caldicot, the hero, is also a resourceful individual, still much of a soldier at heart, whose nature does not settle well with his elevated role. Errant fortune hunters, spoilt heiresses and temperamental dowagers combine to trouble the waters of this well matched pair who have to take on the formidable task of chaperoning his lordship's petulant ward. A really enjoyable read. Five stars
December 19, 2024
Governess Rosalind and her employer, new marquess Michael, work together to protect his debutante ward from a predatory suitor. Despite the growing connection between Rosalind and Michael, she hesitates to trust him, given their differences in social standing.
This book is hilarious. It’s smart and fun to read. No-nonsense Rosalind is businesslike but has been deeply hurt. Michael’s kindness helps her blossom.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is hilarious. It’s smart and fun to read. No-nonsense Rosalind is businesslike but has been deeply hurt. Michael’s kindness helps her blossom.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 23, 2024
She's not really a governess nor is she daring...
That aside, Rosalind was once a governess, but since her bratty charge is now 17 and attempting to launch her into society, she's now more of a paid companion. Michael is a marquess, a former soldier and now guardian to said bratty almost debutante who wants to run off with someone unsuitable. Rosalind is also an unsuitable match for Michael, but that's not a plot line, just that he's her employer. They think about each other, but don't seem to communicate very much. But they are both decent sorts.
That aside, Rosalind was once a governess, but since her bratty charge is now 17 and attempting to launch her into society, she's now more of a paid companion. Michael is a marquess, a former soldier and now guardian to said bratty almost debutante who wants to run off with someone unsuitable. Rosalind is also an unsuitable match for Michael, but that's not a plot line, just that he's her employer. They think about each other, but don't seem to communicate very much. But they are both decent sorts.
February 22, 2025
I'm always wary of reading regency romances written by modern authors they always fall flat. But not this one. Rosalind is spunky governess who would rival Elizabeth Bennett. And I knew that I was going to like her when she hit a rogue with vol 1 of Sense and Sensibility. And Michael the former Solider turned Marquess was so much better than Mr. Darcy if I may say so. This one was a sweet historical romance but there is language.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
November 11, 2024
Rosalind is glad to get hired to be a governess even though her charge is a spoiled debutante. When soldier Michael hires the governess, he hopes she can tame his ward. While Rosalind appears prim and proper, Michael finds that she is constantly getting herself in trouble. They are attracted to each other but know they are not in the same social circles. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Harlequin for my honest review.
September 21, 2025
I enjoyed most of this historical romance. The romance between Rosalind and Michel is one that grows over time. The two start as an employee and employer and goes on to become friends followed by clear feelings for each other. The ended offered plenty of excitement and action. I take issue with the title since Rosalind is not a governess, instead she was a companion, and I wouldn't describe her as daring.
March 18, 2025
Made a smile, didn't want to put it down.
But a lot of whispering going on in chapter 4.......
But a lot of whispering going on in chapter 4.......
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews