Une Gouvernante Mystérieuse Pour Le Comte Réticent

The Dukes' Ladies #2

by Abby Ayles

Tout ce qu'il voulait, c'était une gouvernante pour ses enfants. Il n'aurait jamais imaginé trouver une seconde chance en amour.
Sebastian Blackburn, comte de Grimshaw, est plus que contrarié par la perte de sa dernière gouvernante. Il semblerait qu'elle n'ait utilisé son emploi que comme un moyen de s'assurer un parti avantageux. Maintenant, il a besoin d'une nouvelle institutrice pour ses deux filles orphelines de mère, et cette fois, Lord Grimshaw ne fera pas confiance à un avoué pour pourvoir le poste. Il a appris à ses dépens que s'il veut que quelque chose soit bien fait, il devra s'en charger lui-même.
Miss Hannah Jacobson est désespérément à la recherche d'un emploi. Après une année de harcèlement par le baron Edgley, puis un renvoi honteux sans référence lorsqu'elle refuse ses avances, Hannah se retrouve désormais sur la liste noire de tous les postes de gouvernante à Londres. Hannah est désespérée de s'assurer non seulement sa propre subsistance, mais aussi celle de ses parents appauvris et de ses nombreux frères et sœurs qui dépendent de son soutien financier.
Lord Grimshaw est épuisé par les innombrables candidates jeunes, belles et sociables que l'avoué lui présente, quand soudain Hannah Jacobson entre. Elle est quelconque et misérablement vêtue. Elle porte d'énormes lunettes disgracieuses et un bonnet matronal qui lui couvre presque tout le visage. Lord Grimshaw est certain que cette femme effacée n'attirera l'œil de personne de sitôt et l'engage sur-le-champ.
Hannah sait que c'est sa dernière chance d'obtenir un emploi et de partir avec une recommandation exceptionnelle pour compenser son précédent emploi, mais pourra-t-elle supporter toutes ces règles extravagantes et autoritaires que le comte impose pour le bien de sa famille ?Et que se passera-t-il lorsqu'elle se retrouvera soudainement traquée par le valet de pied de Lord Grimshaw ?
Lord Grimshaw sera-t-il capable de voir au-delà des apparences de sa nouvelle gouvernante et de découvrir le secret qui la tourmente ? Et comment réagira-t-il lorsque, bien qu'il ait trouvé une mère convenable pour ses enfants, son cœur se sentira continuellement attiré par Miss Jacobson, avec un fort désir de la protéger ?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2024

About the author

Abby Ayles was born in the northern city of Manchester, England, but currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their three cats. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Arts and worked as a history teacher in middle school.

Her greatest interest lies in the era of Regency and Victorian England and Abby shares her love and knowledge of these periods with many readers in her newsletter.

In addition to this she has also written her first romantic novel, The Duke's Secrets, which is set in the era and is available for free on her website. As one reader commented – ‘Abby’s writing makes you travel back in time…’

When she has time to herself, Abby enjoys going to the theatre, reading and watching documentaries about Regency and Victorian England.

Reviews

[Noella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Na vele hindernissen vindt Lord Grimshaw opnieuw de liefde bij de nieuwe gouvernante van zijn dochtertjes.
Mooi romantisch verhaal, maar ook niet meer dan dat.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely Delightful

This is a great Cinderella story and I just loved it. The heroine hides her beauty beneath spectacles and a mobcap. The last house she was in had a lecherous Baron after her and he frightened her. Plus The Baron told his wife that the h was chasing him and she believed it and turned her out. The Hero wanted a governess that won't get married and leave like the last one did so he wants homely. He hired her on the spot! She falls in love with his daughters, aged 5 & 7, and is living this place because she has her own room with a fireplace. Unfortunately therapists vile, lecherous footman that tries to accost her. She is scared to tell because last time they didn't believe her and She was fired. Plus he chokes her and threatens her with a knife. The Hero sees them leaving and totally misjudges the heroine, it was awful. He takes off to London and finds a woman that he thinks would be a good mother. She isn't by the way and decides he'll marry her. He is also still in love with his dead wife and he feels if he doesn't love the new wife then he won't be betraying her. He was an idiot. There are lots more issues going on, stalking, crying, loving, not loving, everything, and I don't want to spoil the whole story because it is worth reading.

[Susy Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! The perfect way to start the new year ✨️.
The beautiful Earl with chocolate eyes. The tender governess and, of course, the most angelic children.
I need more books like this in my life.
Solid 5 stars 🌟.

[Deborah KV · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ridiculous

Here are the points that do not defy credulity.
1. She was a governess attacked by a Baron
2. The Earl fell in love with her
And then there were the other hundred pages of utter nonsense.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this sweet novel.
I liked the heroine and fell in love with her determination and sweet heart.
The hero I liked less. Although I admired his devotion to his girls, I thought that his treatment of Hannah was rather harsh for the majority of the novel. Although he became more likeable in the end, he still wasn't my favourite character ever.
The plot was pretty good, but I thought that some of the problems could've been easily solved by better communication.
I enjoyed the setting, and although there were some historical inaccuracies, the overall novel was filled with good lessons and sweet romance.
All in all, an enjoyable clean read!

[Aki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Der Anfang war gut, aber das Ende...

[HR-ML · Rating 3 out of 5]

Regency England. The alpha hero needed to tone it down
a notch or 2, IMO. He had adorable daughters.

Sebastian was a controlling earl who needed a governess
for his daughters, & Hannah desperately needed that job.
Seb was a time + detail fanatic & came across as harsh.
Hannah did not want to assume all men w/ titles were
lechers.

Brooding Seb made too many assumptions w/o proof
about the h & Hannah guarded secrets. Seb dwelled on
his late wife and this became repetitive & unnecessary.

The widow McCarthy added some humanity and wisdom
to the story. The MCs helped navigate a horse through a
blizzard. This resulted in my favorite scene, as they
traveled to the small town to check in on the widow.
The author ensured all farm animals, including 2 goats,
received care (none stranded) during the heavy snow.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

This author is touted as a best seller, but that speaks very badly of her readers. She certainly is good at plotting. However, the writing is pedestrian, the historical details of this historical novel fly inconsistently throughout the 19th century, and the characterizations are decidedly flat. Hopefully this is an anoxmaly among her books, but I will not be trying others.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

To no avail, poor governess Hannah tries so hard to stay unnoticed and out of trouble. Earl Grimshaw just wants a good long-term governess for his precious daughters and he’s going to make sure he gets it even if he has to hire a troll and imprison her on his property! Of course, the heart has a way of interfering with the even best laid plans ...

[Linda Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of a woman determined to find a way to support herself and her family. I admired her for doing whatever she has to do to keep a low profile after the abuse by her previous employer. It takes the Earl some time to truly appreciate the opportunity he has been given.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful love story

I received this book free from the author as part of the ARC team. This is my honest review.

This book is really quite well done, dealing with issues that plague women to this day. The issue is handled with grace and sensitivity. I will say no more, as I hate spoilers.

Hannah is a sweet, but spicy character. Her growth through the pages, as it unwinds, is inspiring. She has fears that she is able to overcome with grace & a little bit of tussle. She is a character of love throughout.

Grimshaw comes across as bullying in the beginning, yet his character has a great heart. His growth is also a pleasure. The characters of Lady Caroline & Lady Rebecca will steal your heart!

What I enjoyed about this book was the heart contained in the writing. The author managed to create her story with so much care & that comes through clearly. I liked most of the characters, but there does need to be a villain! There is so much more I would like to say, but spoiling the book is not on my agenda. Rather, I will highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great romance. Whatever you do, do not fail to get the extended epilogue! That is definitely a do not miss!

[Diane Meyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cute story that has been told hundreds of times but nicely written. However, I thought it lacked the passion and the true romance that I really like.

My other huge complaint is that the author does not give the whole ending here (that I bought and paid for) and I truly HATE that. Don't give me an intro to another book while saying, "do you want to know what happens in this book...to see click here and jump through hoops to get the full ending". I travel and at 37,000 feet I have no WiFi. It left me incredibly frustrated. Hence the 2 stars and I won't take the chance again with this author.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The governess

Lord Grimshaw insists on interviewing the new governess for his daughters. He wants someone who will not be getting married and leaving the girls soon. Hannah has disguised herself so she will not appear attractive. She's had enough of unwanted attention. Read the drama to follow as Hannah gains her own courage. What his daughters really need is a mother.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching story of young woman, Hannah Jacobson, growing up in Great Britain in the 1800’s. We see how difficult life was for young girls from large, poor families in the 1800’s. Unless they had a sponsor to send them for training, they seemed doomed to repeat the cycle of poverty in which Hannah’s parents are trapped. From the first pages, we become attached to this courageous young woman who has survived a cruel upbringing in a girl’s aschool which does not believe in spoiling their students with such extravagances as heat in their rooms and sufficient food to stave off their hunger. Despite such treatment, she has become a kind, loving young woman who is grateful to her aunt and uncle for providing the funds for her training, which her parents, encumbered by 11 other children, could not afford. She has developed appreciation for the hard life of the servants and tries to not further burden them.
Life is difficult even after the training, as attractive young women can be the victims of unwanted attentions from males in the household in which they work. Threats from the perpetrators make these young women fearful of reporting these offenses, as well as the very real possibility that the girl will be blamed for enticing males, rather than being understood to be the victim. It is into such a situation that Hannah had been placed at her first place of employment. She left that situation, but without a recommendation, but with the determination to hide beneath a large hat and glasses to mask her beauty. She thus hoped to escape men’s unwanted attentions.
Her new employer, Sebastian Blackburn, the Earl of Grimshaw, has 2 young daughter he loves dearly. The first impression we gain of the Hero, Sebastian Blackburn, the Earl of Grimshaw, is one of a harsh, opinionated man with great authority who does not always exercise it kindly. As we come to see his interactions with his children, his suffering from the death of his wife which has led to the need of a governess, we begin caring for him as well. He hires Hannah as her drab garb, hidden face with unbecoming glasses, convinces him she will not likely be marrying and leaving his employ, as did the first governess.
We watch as yet again, Hannah becomes the intended victim of an unscrupulous man, despite the disguises she has made. This man, an employee of the earl, physically threatens her as well as taunts her by saying ‘who will the earl believe- someone who has worked for him for years, or a new governess, about whom they yet know nothing.’ Hannah finds herself in a position where she feels she can’t talk to anyone in the house, especially the earl, and must fight off this lecherous man on her own. Situation after situation brings her to the brink of disaster with this man, yet she must carry on with her duties without complaint.
We hold our breath as suspicion after suspicion falls upon Hannah, praying she will not be sent penniless away, again without a reference. When Hannah IS finally dismissed by the Earl, with no possible job opportunities in sight, we grieve for Hannah. Will Hannah also become the victim of the stalker? Where will Hannah now go, in the middle of winter? Will the earl ever see the upright, virtuous young woman under the disguise, and be willing to trust her, and forgive her mistakes? Will Sebastien and Hannah find their way to each other despite the gulf between their social status?
Your heart, too, will become entangled in this wonderful book, which is clean and has a HEA ending. The life lessons Hannah’s behavior teaches us makes her a good role model for young ones. Readers of Regency Romances will not be disappointed.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am actually surprised that I finished this book. I was watching the percentage complete from about 25%, which is never a good sign.

There were bits of the storyline that were good, but the whole idea of girls rushing to become governesses to find husbands clashed with everything else I have read from that era. Usually, it is portrayed as the fastest way to become a spinster. I'm not saying Ayles was wrong in her storyline, but past books painted my beliefs on the subject.

The big letdown of the book was the writing style, though. It fell quite flat, with a lot of "tell" rather than "show". The rare times when Ayles did manage to use "show", she clearly didn't trust her ability to do so because she would tell us what was happening immediately afterwards. Sometimes three times on the one page.

The characters weren't entirely believable either. The woman Sebastian thought he might marry was over-the-top bad, and yet Sebastian failed to see she might not be good for his kids, all the while taking every little thing Hannah did as a sign that she was going to leave and hurt the kids? His split personality when it came to protecting his children didn't work for me.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Jacobson learned early on that life wasn't easy, but that she could make the best of what she'd been given. When she let go without references from her first governess position after refusing the advances of Baron Edgley, she's desperate for a new position. Sebastian Blackburn, the Earl of Grimshaw needs a new governess for his two little girls after the former governess marries one of the local men. Disgusted with what the previous governess had done, he chooses Hannah because he believes her to be unattractive behind the large glasses and cap she's donned to downplay her beauty. Hannah quickly falls in love with her two charges, and gradually comes to understand and love Sebastian. He returns her affection, but feels guilt over betraying his late wife. He goes to London purposely to find a mother for his girls that he won't be interested in. His choice is not to anyone's liking, as they all find out during a visit over Christmas. Eventually Hannah and Sebastian get their HEA. Well done, clean. Also downloaded the extended epilogue that answers a few more loose ends.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms Sykes has out done herself her this wonderful book. There are twists and turns in almost every chapter. The Earl's mistrust in women all because of a former governess. He is still morning his late wife and trying to take care of his two small daughters the best he can on his own.. The Earl of Grimshaw leaves for London in search of a new governess for his small daughters. Hannah Jacobson is in search of a new governess position. She applied and is hired by Lord Grimshaw not knowing that she is exactly what he is looking for. Hannah is tired of men preying on her because of her beauty so she dressed in frumpy dresses, large glasses and a cap to cover her hair. The Earl has a list of rules he expects Hannah to follow some of which Hannah is not sure she can follow. What will the Earl do when he discovers his governor's secret? If you have me her read one of Abby's books you are in for a fantastic treat. If you enjoy this book as much as I did please let your reading bubbles know so they may also enjoy this fantastic book.

[Debbie West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great clean romance but missing something important

I was pleasantly surprised & very happy to read this as a clean romance! So few romances of this period are clean. I loved the story. It was very heartwarming & had some pretty funny moments due to mistaken identity. 😁😁 However, a very big issue was left unsolved, & that really bugs me. Sebastian's late wife wrote letters to her daughters, & she wrote a lengthy one to Sebastian's future wife. A very big deal was made by the author of this last letter. Yet it was completely ignored at the end of the story. I didn't expect the author to tell every word of it, but at least a scene with Hannah reading it with Sebastian finally knowing the contents would have completed the story! Other than that omission, though, I truly loved the characters, especially "Grannie". My grandchildren call ME Granny too! I'm sure all readers of clean romances will love this book as much as I do.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The duke of Grimshaw needs a new governess for his two young daughters! He’s hoping for an ugly one so she won’t find love and leave like the last one! Hannah Jacobson desperately needed a job! After her former employer, the baron, who keep trying to seduce her, left her with no reference she was nervous to find a job without a lecherous boss. This time the beautiful Hannah tried to hide as much of her skin as possible and make herself look unattractive! This worked and she was hired immediately! The job came with some difficulties as the duke had very strict rules! When the footman sets his sights on her and torments her she is terrified of losing her job , yet again she doesn’t want this repulsive mans attentions! This was a very nice regency romance with some wonderful characters. The plot was a bit slow in parts but I really enjoyed this book! And of course it has its HEA!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet love story

A sweet story of two characters Lord Grimshaw and Hannah whom have so much in common even though they're from different backgrounds but still find love. Lord Grimshaw was disappointed in his last governess and Hannah in her last employer. I was expecting more with the villain of the book. The whole situation seemed a little anticlimactic to me. I don't want to give anything away so I'll let you read it to find out. I really liked Grannies character Mrs. Ayles brings to light a sad situation with our elderly. I was glad it had a happy outcome for her but reminded me a lot of the song by Harry Chapin " Cats in the cradle". Overall this was a lovely read and would highly recommend it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah lost her last position because she refused the Baron's advances. She disguises herself with large unbecoming glasses and a cap that covers most of her face. She also wears drab clothing and goes to an interview with the Earl of Grimshaw for the position of nanny to his two little girls. Believing her to be plain, maybe homely he hires her right away. His last nanny was beautiful and only wanted the position to find herself a husband.
Can Hannah obey the many rules the Earl has? What happenens when his footman stalks Hannah?
Will Hannah and the Earl fall in love?
This is one of the best stories I have read. This story is well thought out and well written. Characters are fleshed out.
I recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby Ayles you are pulling my heart strings with this story! ! I love the breathtakingly Handsome Lord Grimshaw .His two precious lovable little girls are his whole life since his wife,Ann died. But he wants them to have a mother who will love and nuture them, and treat them as if they are her own. He has a hard time letting a new woman in that special place in his heart. Hannah,the new Governess is beautiful and so kind hearted. She just adores these two little girls. Lord Grimshaw wants to tell Hannah how he really feels about her,but is struggling with his guilt.What Hannah doesn't know is Lord Grimshaw has set his eyes on her to be his new wife!!! I loved this story from the first page to the End. A Absolute Must Read !!

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian Blackburn, the Earl of Grimshaw, is seeking a Governess. He decides to interview them himself in his solictor's office. He finally decides on Miss Hannah Jacobson, she is from a poor family but she is clean and neat. She seems smart and demure. She went to Hendricks Preparatory School for
Young Ladies, it was cold, hunger killed some of the girls and it was always cold. They sent her to Baron Edgley, who was a beast. She felt the school didn't care where she was sent as long as she had a job.
A warm and whole hearted tale of a man who had lost his wife to illness. He is now raising his two girls. The girls were sweet but needed a touch of a woman that they could respect. The characters are well developed and seem so life like. The story line is interesting and keeps your attention. There are some humorous moments. In the beginning the Earl thinks like a fool and at first I did not like him.
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sheree K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this book last year but, for whatever reason, it didn't post on Amazon.

This was a wonderful read. I love reading about this era and the author is excellent in her descriptions of the people, their dress and the surroundings. Noelle's dilemma was does she follow her duty to family or her heart. Her intended actually took the choice away from her in a sudden twist in the storyline. It all works in a HEA for all. I highly recommend this to all Regency romance lovers. You will not be disappointed. There is also an extended epilogue that can be downloaded which takes up a year later. Very nice touch. Maybe a sequel someday?
I received an ARC copy and this is my voluntary review. Thanks Abby!

[Crazychriss889 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read.

Plot?
Earl needs a governess who will stay with his daughters for a while which is why he has certain worrying stipulations.
Governess who needs the money but who has already been in hell in the previous household.
Not very historically accurate (Earl falls for a governess with a poor and non-noble background and yet noone cares)

Characters?
Disappointing that the heroine's past is just used for the plotline but not focused on when she finally finds her true love. Not sure she'll suddenly just like being touched and so on after what her previous employer did (not that we really know what he did exactly but still...)
So the characters are not full fledged out, in my opinion.
Love that the hero is so keen on spending time with his kids.

All in all, nice read.

[Ruby Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME BOOK

I want to thank you for this amazing book. It was literally a book that I could not put down. I thought that the earl's choice to begin the process of looking for a proper governess for his young daughters was subsequently hilarious. He did not want to get burned by another governess yet that is exactly what he got. Only this time he was the one but ed by love of the only governess that he thought would not fall for any of the men on his estate. I just could not put this book down until it was finished. You are a master at putting words to paper. Thank you again for allowing me to be able to read your books. Ruby Hanson.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this story. The author kept our heroine a mystery while we learned all the Earl's secrets. Sebastion is an unreasonable man because he is tired of governesses running off to get married. Hannah is hoping for a position where she isn't stalked by a man. Even, in the Earl's house there are predators, and the footman stalks Hannah at all hours of the night. The thing I hate the most is Hannah breaking the Earl's rules. I know she thinks this is best for the girls, but surely it would all come to light and she would be out of a job. All's well that ends well, and this story is well-written because the Earl is smitten.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow building of family and love for their daughters.

This is a lovely story of a widower with two lovely daughters and how he tried to ease the scars of losing their beloved mother. In his desire to provide a stable home and governess for his children the Earl has made some unreasonable rules for the governess to follow, all for the safety of his daughters hearts. A lovely story of growing respect with understanding and possible attachment. I very much enjoyed yet another good story from Abby Ayles. Hope you will enjoy this book as well as I have enjoyed this book.

[Chaitali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful regency romance

The book is all about second Chance. the heroine is scared after being in position as a Governor to a Baron who was harassing her . even in her new position with the hero there was a footman who kept bothering her. and our hero is still in love with his dead wife and scared of falling in love which he does with his governors because that could be a betrayal to his wife. They fall in love slowly and the journey is beautifully penned by the author. I got to read this book to Kindle unlimited but I don't mind paying for it to be permanently that in my library.

[Susan Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl," pits two strong-willed characters against each other. I loved the governess and her determination to have a better life and more control over her body and mind. She did her job brilliantly but always held back because of the trauma she experienced in her previous situation. The character of the Earl is fully developed with lots of internal conflicts. He wants to trust this new governess but he's been burned before.

Abby Ayles is fully equipped to handle these twists and makes the novel a joy to read. "A Mysterious Governess for the Reluctant Earl" is also included in the three-book collection, "The Mysteries of a Lady's Heart."