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The Parasol Academy #2
The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Mary Poppins meets My Fair Lady in a feel-good blend of cozy fantasy magic, historical romance, humor, and Victorian era charm, as a recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses finds herself at sea on a ship commanded by a captivating Irishman.
For readers of India Holton, Heather Fawcett, Allison Saft, Katherine Arden, Freya Marske, and Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series.
Hermina Davenport can hardly believe the audacious exploit she is about to attempt. To protect an orphaned young viscount, the prim and proper governess feels she has no choice but to break the rules of the Parasol Academy Handbook! When the lad’s guardian, a ruthlessly ambitious explorer, ensorcelled by the evil Fae Queen, spirits him away on a dangerous North Pole expedition, Mina employs an invisibility spell to snatch him from the ship. But a magical misfire whisks Mina and her charge onto a different vessel, that of a ruggedly handsome Irishman—a strapping prizefighter from Dublin’s backstreets—and Mina finds she’s at sea in more ways than one . . .
Phineas O’Connell, Lord Kinsale, can no more explain the arrival of this English Rose than he can adapt to his newly-inherited title—though his disgruntled pet pug clearly has “thoughts” about the fair stowaway. But their enchanted encounter sparks an irresistible offer: Phinn enlists the polished Miss Davenport to transform this misfit marquess into a mannered gentleman ready for his seat in Parliament. No magic required, just enticingly intimate lessons in etiquette and elocution to smooth all his rough edges including a stammer. . .
But when enemies—both earthly and supernatural, past and present—threaten, a confrontation begins, where Mina’s nondescript umbrella is just one of her powerful weapons . . .
For readers of India Holton, Heather Fawcett, Allison Saft, Katherine Arden, Freya Marske, and Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series.
Hermina Davenport can hardly believe the audacious exploit she is about to attempt. To protect an orphaned young viscount, the prim and proper governess feels she has no choice but to break the rules of the Parasol Academy Handbook! When the lad’s guardian, a ruthlessly ambitious explorer, ensorcelled by the evil Fae Queen, spirits him away on a dangerous North Pole expedition, Mina employs an invisibility spell to snatch him from the ship. But a magical misfire whisks Mina and her charge onto a different vessel, that of a ruggedly handsome Irishman—a strapping prizefighter from Dublin’s backstreets—and Mina finds she’s at sea in more ways than one . . .
Phineas O’Connell, Lord Kinsale, can no more explain the arrival of this English Rose than he can adapt to his newly-inherited title—though his disgruntled pet pug clearly has “thoughts” about the fair stowaway. But their enchanted encounter sparks an irresistible offer: Phinn enlists the polished Miss Davenport to transform this misfit marquess into a mannered gentleman ready for his seat in Parliament. No magic required, just enticingly intimate lessons in etiquette and elocution to smooth all his rough edges including a stammer. . .
But when enemies—both earthly and supernatural, past and present—threaten, a confrontation begins, where Mina’s nondescript umbrella is just one of her powerful weapons . . .
432 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
3 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Amy Rose Bennett
36 books603 followersAmy Rose Bennett is an award-winning Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances and more recently, historical rom-coms with a dash of fantasy. A former speech pathologist, Amy is happily married to her very own romantic hero and has two lovely, exceedingly accomplished adult daughters. When she’s not creating stories, Amy loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, lose herself in a good book, and when she can afford it, travel to all the places she writes about.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 30, 2025
Fun, charming, and ever so lovely, I so enjoyed this second book of the series. I had trouble with book one, which is an uncommon experience for me with with Amy Rose Bennett books, so I’m beyond delighted to have devoured this book. Thanks to Kensington for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think of this novel as being in a world where Mary Poppins was not unique, and there was a whole school of women being trained to be governesses in her style, with fae magic, and trained in martial arts to protect their charges.
Hermina is one such graduate of the Parasol Academy, and is protecting her former student from his guardian, because he wants to take the 8-year-old boy to the Arctic. She spirits him away, with her magic, but, as so often happens, things don’t quite go as planned, and instead of getting to her mother’s home, Hermina finds herself on another boat with a Lord who just happens to be very handsome. Oh my. Well, besides fantasy, this is a romance, a very slow-burn romance in fact. Lord Kinsale and Hermina dance around their attraction to each other from the first moment he lays eyes on her, to the ultimate conclusion. All, while trying to keep Alexander, her charge, safe.
This is the second book in the series, though you would not have to read the first, though the first was fun as well. The writing is clever and the characters are believable, including the bulldog, who she can think at, and they can think back.
There is a little bit of deus ex machina involved, but instead of god in the machine, it is the fae, but that’s fine, because that is built into the story. In fact, there is something that all nannies and governesses have, which is a magic pocket where when they need something, it will appear, from spells, to wands to treats for the dog.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 31st of March 2026
Hermina is one such graduate of the Parasol Academy, and is protecting her former student from his guardian, because he wants to take the 8-year-old boy to the Arctic. She spirits him away, with her magic, but, as so often happens, things don’t quite go as planned, and instead of getting to her mother’s home, Hermina finds herself on another boat with a Lord who just happens to be very handsome. Oh my. Well, besides fantasy, this is a romance, a very slow-burn romance in fact. Lord Kinsale and Hermina dance around their attraction to each other from the first moment he lays eyes on her, to the ultimate conclusion. All, while trying to keep Alexander, her charge, safe.
This is the second book in the series, though you would not have to read the first, though the first was fun as well. The writing is clever and the characters are believable, including the bulldog, who she can think at, and they can think back.
There is a little bit of deus ex machina involved, but instead of god in the machine, it is the fae, but that’s fine, because that is built into the story. In fact, there is something that all nannies and governesses have, which is a magic pocket where when they need something, it will appear, from spells, to wands to treats for the dog.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 31st of March 2026
December 26, 2025
I absolutely adored this book. I love when authors have a niece specialty in their “regular” life and that pours into their writing and style. Discovering the author drew from personal experience to create Phinn and his stutter, gave him so much more depth and made him infinitely more likable. Sometimes male main characters have a persona of strength or perfection, and let’s be honest, no real human man is like that. Phinn is not. He’s beyond kind, understanding, and most of all, incredibly endearing. I absolutely loved seeing Mina grow into herself as well and adored seeing them fall for one another.
The issue I had with book one was the foundation of the magic system. While highly interesting, I wanted to know more. This book cleared that all up. We hear more about the Parasol Academy’s magic origin story in this book and I loved it!
Found family, taking animals, magic, romance, a big teddy bear of a man, what more do you want?
Plot: 9.5/10
Spice: 2/5
Magic system: 9/10
The issue I had with book one was the foundation of the magic system. While highly interesting, I wanted to know more. This book cleared that all up. We hear more about the Parasol Academy’s magic origin story in this book and I loved it!
Found family, taking animals, magic, romance, a big teddy bear of a man, what more do you want?
Plot: 9.5/10
Spice: 2/5
Magic system: 9/10
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January 8, 2026Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this story and this is my freely given opinion.
I am loving this series so far - historical romance with a paranormal/cozy fantasy mash up.
In this story, Mina, a fellow Parasol Academy governess, and best friend of Emmeline from book 1, is caught in an ethical and professional conundrum. She has been discharged from her last position as governess to a young viscount, by his guardian. But she has made a deathbed promise to the boy's godmother to protect him from a danger the godmother has forseen. In order to protect the young boy, Mina makes the decision to kidnap him from his current guardian, who has suddenly arranged a trip to explore the Artic, and to take the young boy with him. Using her Fae-given powers, as a Parasol Academy employee, she steels young Christopher away, but instead of landing back on British shores, she and her charge end up in the wardrobe in a cabin of another ship, owned by the new Lord Kinsale, Phinn O'Connell.
Phinn is an ex-prize fighter, and Irishman, who grew up as a commoner, and knowing the suffering of poverty and loss. He never expected to inherit the title of Marquess and the wealth and influence that would come from it. Because of his experiences, he wants to use his newfound influence for good, but his path is stymied by peers who look down upon him for his common background and manners, as well as his unfortunate stammer. After his run in with the unusual and intriguing governess, he cannot get Mina out of his mind, and comes up with an idea to involve her in his life again, when he becomes involved with a young streetwise pickpocket.
A warm, cozy story with My Fair Lady vibes and Phinn is a lovable cinnamon roll hero that I absolutely loved. There is a sweet romance and friendship that quickly develops between Mina and Phinn, but Mina is greatly conflicted. For one, there is her dedication to caring for her charge and the inherent lies that eat at her to do so, both to Phinn and to the Parasol Academy - she is fully aware that not only is she breaching rules, but also breaking the law! Then let's not forget - Phinn is a Marquess, and she is merely a vicar's daughter, and governess - as well as a criminal! But she is dedicated to helping him achieve his goals of fitting into Society more and being able to use his voice and influence in Parliament to achieve a better future for others, by overcoming his speech impediment. As well, she is determined to protect her young charges from the influence of the evil Fae queen and her human servants.
A fun cozy historical cozy romance and fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed, with what appears to be a building story arc involving opposing Fae? I hope so.
4.25 stars out of 5
I am loving this series so far - historical romance with a paranormal/cozy fantasy mash up.
In this story, Mina, a fellow Parasol Academy governess, and best friend of Emmeline from book 1, is caught in an ethical and professional conundrum. She has been discharged from her last position as governess to a young viscount, by his guardian. But she has made a deathbed promise to the boy's godmother to protect him from a danger the godmother has forseen. In order to protect the young boy, Mina makes the decision to kidnap him from his current guardian, who has suddenly arranged a trip to explore the Artic, and to take the young boy with him. Using her Fae-given powers, as a Parasol Academy employee, she steels young Christopher away, but instead of landing back on British shores, she and her charge end up in the wardrobe in a cabin of another ship, owned by the new Lord Kinsale, Phinn O'Connell.
Phinn is an ex-prize fighter, and Irishman, who grew up as a commoner, and knowing the suffering of poverty and loss. He never expected to inherit the title of Marquess and the wealth and influence that would come from it. Because of his experiences, he wants to use his newfound influence for good, but his path is stymied by peers who look down upon him for his common background and manners, as well as his unfortunate stammer. After his run in with the unusual and intriguing governess, he cannot get Mina out of his mind, and comes up with an idea to involve her in his life again, when he becomes involved with a young streetwise pickpocket.
A warm, cozy story with My Fair Lady vibes and Phinn is a lovable cinnamon roll hero that I absolutely loved. There is a sweet romance and friendship that quickly develops between Mina and Phinn, but Mina is greatly conflicted. For one, there is her dedication to caring for her charge and the inherent lies that eat at her to do so, both to Phinn and to the Parasol Academy - she is fully aware that not only is she breaching rules, but also breaking the law! Then let's not forget - Phinn is a Marquess, and she is merely a vicar's daughter, and governess - as well as a criminal! But she is dedicated to helping him achieve his goals of fitting into Society more and being able to use his voice and influence in Parliament to achieve a better future for others, by overcoming his speech impediment. As well, she is determined to protect her young charges from the influence of the evil Fae queen and her human servants.
A fun cozy historical cozy romance and fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed, with what appears to be a building story arc involving opposing Fae? I hope so.
4.25 stars out of 5
January 8, 2026
This was a fun and charming book, just like the first in this series. I adored every second of it!
It has kept the fun of the previous book, as well as the splash of ‘danger’ and tension. I adored all of the characters but especially young Tom Fleet! This book also kept that Mary Poppin’s style of ‘Britishness’ - that is to say, over exaggerated but funny and this British reader found it charming once again. It matches the fun style of the book.
The story also tackles (outside of the central romantic plot):
• how Irish people were viewed by British,
• the famine and touches upon the impacts this had on families,
• class divisions,
• living with a stammer
The author was a speech therapist and she uses her background as a professional in the book to portray Marquess and his therapy as he navigates society with a stammer. This was a really unique and interesting storyline to me.
It is, perhaps, a little repetitive of basic logic within the “world” (e.g., repeating of the te-ley-grams etc). To an extent this works to keep the books interconnected but readable as stand alones. But, it is occasionally over repetitive in the book itself; it didn’t affect me much reading as I genuinely really enjoyed the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and Amy Rose Bennett for giving me a chance to read this as an eARC. This is a series I’m really loving and will potentially become comfort reads!
General warnings or story info:
- bigotry / racism (towards Ireland)
- potential fatphobia (the mother of the FMC at times is said to comment on the FMC’s love of cake and weight)
- Spice (explicit 2-3🌶️)
It has kept the fun of the previous book, as well as the splash of ‘danger’ and tension. I adored all of the characters but especially young Tom Fleet! This book also kept that Mary Poppin’s style of ‘Britishness’ - that is to say, over exaggerated but funny and this British reader found it charming once again. It matches the fun style of the book.
The story also tackles (outside of the central romantic plot):
• how Irish people were viewed by British,
• the famine and touches upon the impacts this had on families,
• class divisions,
• living with a stammer
The author was a speech therapist and she uses her background as a professional in the book to portray Marquess and his therapy as he navigates society with a stammer. This was a really unique and interesting storyline to me.
It is, perhaps, a little repetitive of basic logic within the “world” (e.g., repeating of the te-ley-grams etc). To an extent this works to keep the books interconnected but readable as stand alones. But, it is occasionally over repetitive in the book itself; it didn’t affect me much reading as I genuinely really enjoyed the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and Amy Rose Bennett for giving me a chance to read this as an eARC. This is a series I’m really loving and will potentially become comfort reads!
General warnings or story info:
- bigotry / racism (towards Ireland)
- potential fatphobia (the mother of the FMC at times is said to comment on the FMC’s love of cake and weight)
- Spice (explicit 2-3🌶️)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was lucky enough to read book one in The Parasol Academy series early, and somehow I lucked out again with book two — this series just keeps getting better.
Hermina “Mina” Davenport breaks academy rules when she attempts a spell to save the young viscount in her care… only to find herself quite literally landing on the ship of Phineas O’Connell, a newly minted marquess who is completely unprepared for his new life and title. What follows is an unlikely partnership when Phinn asks Mina to help him become a proper gentleman — and of course, sparks begin to fly.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the representation. Phinn has a stutter, and it’s portrayed with such care and authenticity. Knowing the author is a former speech pathologist really shows — this felt thoughtful, respectful, and genuinely well done.
This story is a delightful mix of magic and romance, with just the right amount of charm and intrigue. Mina, a governess from the Parasol Academy, is determined to protect her latest charge from a truly unsettling, bewitched guardian, and the magical elements blend beautifully with the growing romance.
If you enjoy historical romance with a magical twist, strong characters, and meaningful representation, this one is an absolute treat.
💫 Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. 💫
Hermina “Mina” Davenport breaks academy rules when she attempts a spell to save the young viscount in her care… only to find herself quite literally landing on the ship of Phineas O’Connell, a newly minted marquess who is completely unprepared for his new life and title. What follows is an unlikely partnership when Phinn asks Mina to help him become a proper gentleman — and of course, sparks begin to fly.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the representation. Phinn has a stutter, and it’s portrayed with such care and authenticity. Knowing the author is a former speech pathologist really shows — this felt thoughtful, respectful, and genuinely well done.
This story is a delightful mix of magic and romance, with just the right amount of charm and intrigue. Mina, a governess from the Parasol Academy, is determined to protect her latest charge from a truly unsettling, bewitched guardian, and the magical elements blend beautifully with the growing romance.
If you enjoy historical romance with a magical twist, strong characters, and meaningful representation, this one is an absolute treat.
💫 Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. 💫
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses continues The Parasol Academy series with another charming, magical adventure. Hermina Davenport breaks academy rules when she attempts a spell to save the young viscount in her care, only to land on the ship of Phineas O’Connell, a newly minted marquess completely unprepared for his new life.
Phinn soon asks Mina to help him become a proper gentleman, and their unlikely partnership deepens as they work together. But danger from both the human world and the Fae realm closes in, leaving Mina to rely on her magic, her courage, and even her unassuming umbrella to protect them all.
This story is a lively and charming addition to the series. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Phinn’s journey as he navigates society with a stammer and seeks therapy to manage it. It felt fresh and thoughtfully handled. While the books connect through the academy and its governesses, this one can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. The writing is engaging and playful, with historical elements woven in that highlight the tensions between the British and the Irish, the effects of the famine, and the realities of class divides. There is also a touch of spice, making it an all‑around enjoyable historical romance.
Phinn soon asks Mina to help him become a proper gentleman, and their unlikely partnership deepens as they work together. But danger from both the human world and the Fae realm closes in, leaving Mina to rely on her magic, her courage, and even her unassuming umbrella to protect them all.
This story is a lively and charming addition to the series. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Phinn’s journey as he navigates society with a stammer and seeks therapy to manage it. It felt fresh and thoughtfully handled. While the books connect through the academy and its governesses, this one can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. The writing is engaging and playful, with historical elements woven in that highlight the tensions between the British and the Irish, the effects of the famine, and the realities of class divides. There is also a touch of spice, making it an all‑around enjoyable historical romance.
January 5, 2026
Oh how I adore this series! I loved the first book so much and was so excited to find out there was going to be a sequel. The book is pitched as Mary Poppins meets My Fair Lady and I can see why. We have a semi-magical governess teaching an Irish man who is a little rough around the edges how to be a nobleman. This was such a fun, witty story. I adore the children as side characters as well as the (kind of) talking pug. In the first installment there was another talking animal of sorts. I really love the light use of magic in the series and that it connects to fae. I appreciated the representation in the story. Our MMC has a stutter and is represented very well. The author is a former speech pathologist and you can tell she took great care into portraying him. I also appreciated that our FMC is plus sized, as we don’t see this as often as we should. I pray there is another book in the series and this element is present! I have a feeling this series isn’t over yet! If the next book is about the two characters I think it will be, it is sure to be my favorite yet!
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was wacky and whimsical in a wonderful way! I’m not sure how I feel about the whole kidnapping plot, but it turned out okay by the end. These are the kind of books where you go in knowing there’s going to be a guaranteed happy ending. There were a whole lot of cringey moments in this story that I wasn’t a super fan of. And if you’re reading it for the spice, you’ll be waiting until the last couple of chapters. I wish we got to learn more about Tom and Christopher. It’s crazy that a book about a governess barely talks about the children. If you like the idea of Mary Poppjns with less children and more spice, then this is the one for you. If you want more day-to-day details in your plot and less big events, then this isn’t the one for you.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC for me to review.
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC for me to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is a very entertaining mix of magic and romance as Mina, a governess from the Parasol Academy, tries to protect her latest charge from a bewitched guardian. Mina has access to fairy magic, which includes teleportation, being able to share thoughts with animals and having a pocket from which useful things appear when needed. Her hero is an Irishman who has recently and unexpectedly become a nobleman; he hires her to help him learn the rules of the English aristocracy and to minimize his stammer so he can proudly take his place in Parliament. I appreciated the gentle humor in this book as well as the goodness of the characters. Although this is book 2 of the Parasol Academy series, I have not read book 1 and perfectly understood the magic and plot while reading this as a standalone.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley, Kensington Publishing and Amy Rose Bennett for providing me with a free copy for review. The following is my opinion, freely given.
A lovely, sweet and joyful cosy fantasy. I haven't read the first Parasol Academy, which I will be rectifying shortly!
This was a lovely "Bridgerton with magic" read. Amy Rose Bennett has created a lovely and magical world that is as warm and satisfying as a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters day.
Mina and Phinn are delightful well developed characters and while this book won't surprise regular romance readers, it is a lovely light read that is entertaining and heart-warming.
A read in one sitting, make you feel warm and tingly and ready to believe in the magic of love book.
Totally Wizard!
A lovely, sweet and joyful cosy fantasy. I haven't read the first Parasol Academy, which I will be rectifying shortly!
This was a lovely "Bridgerton with magic" read. Amy Rose Bennett has created a lovely and magical world that is as warm and satisfying as a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters day.
Mina and Phinn are delightful well developed characters and while this book won't surprise regular romance readers, it is a lovely light read that is entertaining and heart-warming.
A read in one sitting, make you feel warm and tingly and ready to believe in the magic of love book.
Totally Wizard!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mina, a governess, kidnaps her charge in order to protect him from his guardian. Through her magic, she accidently teleports them to Phinn's boat. After dropping them off in Bristol, Phinn cannot stop thinking of her. When Phinn takes a young pickpocket off the street, he realizes that the boy will need a governess. Convincing Mina to come and bring along her ward, they all live together. Phinn needs Mina to help him to reduce his stutter and teach him the finer ways of society. Can Mina's magic and Phinn's muscles protect them against the evil fairy queen? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Definitely much better than the previous book with a more fleshed out story and more meaningful actions by characters. I’m still not convinced by the overarching plot and I would love to see less of a deus ex machina ending from the academy and have the MCs solve things themselves. As always the kiddos are delightful.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Enjoyed this sweet story more than the first book. The plot and dialogue is stronger and I loved Phinn and the boys. There were still moments that felt a little artificial, especially towards the end, but overall this is a totally enjoyable easy, cozy read. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun book, fun love interest, great plotting, interesting vibes, fantastic characters, and generally awesome story. the Fae aspect worked really well woven in. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews