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The Dashworth Brothers #2
The Governess' Unlikely Suitor
Katherine Hornel has carved out a life she loves. Being a governess might put her in the way of arrogant aristocratic families, but the children are always a delight. When a controlling employer makes life in his house impossible, she flees. But this is only the beginning of her problems. Bent on revenge, her ex-employer sets out to destroy not only her life, but also that of her brother’s. Penniless, she must find a different way to make ends meet, all while trying to stay true to herself.
Desperate to find out how his older brother died while living in America, Edward Dashworth hires investigator Simon Hornel. In exchange for Simon journeying so far from home, Edward promises to provide for his penniless sister, Katherine. It cannot matter that she is the most beautiful woman Edward has ever met. Not only has he sworn an oath to protect her, their difference in station makes a relationship impossible and, with the truth getting ever closer, he cannot afford to disrupt Simon’s search.
But when fate pushes Edward and Katherine together, temptation might be too hard for them to resist. And, if they give in, can they live with the consequences?
For fans of Bridgerton, Eloisa James and Tessa Dare
Praise for Ella’s writing
“Oh how I love Ella Matthews books and how her characters are written with such brilliant individualism.” Amazon review
“You won’t put this one down! I stayed up way past my bedtime! Can’t wait for the next brother to fall head over heels! Bravo well done!” Goodreads review
“As usual, Ms. Matthews delivers a well-written story with wonderful characters.” Goodreads review
• Regency romance
• Friends to lovers
• Private dance lessons
• Open door
Desperate to find out how his older brother died while living in America, Edward Dashworth hires investigator Simon Hornel. In exchange for Simon journeying so far from home, Edward promises to provide for his penniless sister, Katherine. It cannot matter that she is the most beautiful woman Edward has ever met. Not only has he sworn an oath to protect her, their difference in station makes a relationship impossible and, with the truth getting ever closer, he cannot afford to disrupt Simon’s search.
But when fate pushes Edward and Katherine together, temptation might be too hard for them to resist. And, if they give in, can they live with the consequences?
For fans of Bridgerton, Eloisa James and Tessa Dare
Praise for Ella’s writing
“Oh how I love Ella Matthews books and how her characters are written with such brilliant individualism.” Amazon review
“You won’t put this one down! I stayed up way past my bedtime! Can’t wait for the next brother to fall head over heels! Bravo well done!” Goodreads review
“As usual, Ms. Matthews delivers a well-written story with wonderful characters.” Goodreads review
• Regency romance
• Friends to lovers
• Private dance lessons
• Open door
- GenresRegency
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 27, 2025
Funny and swoony with characters you'll love and a story you just can't put down. Highly recommended for histfic romantics and anyone who loves beautifully written tales.
September 30, 2025
If you are looking for a Regency romance with characters who see the whole world—not just the ballroom—that is packed full of yearning, The Governess' Unlikely Suitor is for you. Thanks to Ella Matthews and NetGalley for the complimentary early copy.
Edward Dashworth is convinced someone killed his brother. A couple of years prior to the start of this book, his second-eldest brother, Sebastian, and his wife died in a supposed accident, leaving behind their young daughter, who was sent to England to be raised by her four remaining uncles. Edward is sure foul play was involved—why would his brother have left such a detailed will when he was still a young man if he weren’t in danger? To that end, Edward is determined to hire the best private investigator money can buy: Simon Hornel. There’s just one problem, and that is Simon’s sister, Katherine.
Kate Hornel was working as a governess in noble households up until the prior year when her abusive employer forced himself on her and she fled. That man refused to give her a reference and smeared her family’s name all over town, so neither she nor her brother can find work. The Dashworth commission could save them financially, but it would require Simon to travel to America, leaving Kate on her own in London. The Dashworths offer Kate a place with them as a paid companion to Freddie Dashworth’s wife, and Kate is determined to accept so her brother can take this career opportunity. The Dashworths are kind and welcoming; everything would be perfect if it weren’t for the handsome, magnetic Edward glaring at her whenever she enters a room.
It’s an established fact that I love a “man becomes guardian to a child he is ill-equipped to care for” book, and this series is that trope on steroids. We have four men who have no clue how to care for a child suddenly responsible for a three-year-old girl who has been through hell to get to them. Edward is only 23 and has spent much of his life running away from his childhood at the hands of his abusive aunt. He rarely spent time at the family home but is now forced to live there with his estranged brothers per the terms of the will. Edward’s coping mechanisms are very different from his older brother Freddie, the hero of the previous book. He is also younger, and he reads as such. I really liked the distinction in the brothers across both books of this series.
Kate is a competent, no-nonsense heroine who innately understands that the son of a duke doesn’t marry the impoverished daughter of a clergyman. She knows her place in society, and while she enjoys her sojourn into the life of a lady, she knows it’s not permanent. I really liked how she saw the world for what it is, saw both sides of Regency life, and wanted to do something tangible to make things better.
Okay, let’s talk about the best part of this book: the yearning. If you miss real yearning in Regency romances, look no further than this book. These two people are both experts at denying themselves—Edward because of his abusive childhood, and Kate because of her previous employer. Edward never wants to be in a position of power over someone with whom he has an intimate relationship, so he waits for Kate to come to him so she can have control. Kate believes Edward’s aloof attitude means he doesn’t actually like her, but whenever they’re together, she feels the pull between them. It takes 68% of the book for them to hold hands without gloves. Talk about yearning! By the time they actually did something, I was desperate.
The end of the book was a little abrupt for my taste. I was totally bought into the HEA and loved how things wrapped up, but I did want a little more from the denouement. Still, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series. I can’t wait to read Christopher Dashworth’s book next! 4.5 stars.
Edward Dashworth is convinced someone killed his brother. A couple of years prior to the start of this book, his second-eldest brother, Sebastian, and his wife died in a supposed accident, leaving behind their young daughter, who was sent to England to be raised by her four remaining uncles. Edward is sure foul play was involved—why would his brother have left such a detailed will when he was still a young man if he weren’t in danger? To that end, Edward is determined to hire the best private investigator money can buy: Simon Hornel. There’s just one problem, and that is Simon’s sister, Katherine.
Kate Hornel was working as a governess in noble households up until the prior year when her abusive employer forced himself on her and she fled. That man refused to give her a reference and smeared her family’s name all over town, so neither she nor her brother can find work. The Dashworth commission could save them financially, but it would require Simon to travel to America, leaving Kate on her own in London. The Dashworths offer Kate a place with them as a paid companion to Freddie Dashworth’s wife, and Kate is determined to accept so her brother can take this career opportunity. The Dashworths are kind and welcoming; everything would be perfect if it weren’t for the handsome, magnetic Edward glaring at her whenever she enters a room.
It’s an established fact that I love a “man becomes guardian to a child he is ill-equipped to care for” book, and this series is that trope on steroids. We have four men who have no clue how to care for a child suddenly responsible for a three-year-old girl who has been through hell to get to them. Edward is only 23 and has spent much of his life running away from his childhood at the hands of his abusive aunt. He rarely spent time at the family home but is now forced to live there with his estranged brothers per the terms of the will. Edward’s coping mechanisms are very different from his older brother Freddie, the hero of the previous book. He is also younger, and he reads as such. I really liked the distinction in the brothers across both books of this series.
Kate is a competent, no-nonsense heroine who innately understands that the son of a duke doesn’t marry the impoverished daughter of a clergyman. She knows her place in society, and while she enjoys her sojourn into the life of a lady, she knows it’s not permanent. I really liked how she saw the world for what it is, saw both sides of Regency life, and wanted to do something tangible to make things better.
Okay, let’s talk about the best part of this book: the yearning. If you miss real yearning in Regency romances, look no further than this book. These two people are both experts at denying themselves—Edward because of his abusive childhood, and Kate because of her previous employer. Edward never wants to be in a position of power over someone with whom he has an intimate relationship, so he waits for Kate to come to him so she can have control. Kate believes Edward’s aloof attitude means he doesn’t actually like her, but whenever they’re together, she feels the pull between them. It takes 68% of the book for them to hold hands without gloves. Talk about yearning! By the time they actually did something, I was desperate.
The end of the book was a little abrupt for my taste. I was totally bought into the HEA and loved how things wrapped up, but I did want a little more from the denouement. Still, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend the series. I can’t wait to read Christopher Dashworth’s book next! 4.5 stars.
October 9, 2025
Lord Edward Dashworth’s life changed forever upon the death of his elder brother Sebastian. Sebastian left for America years earlier and Edward and his three other brothers hadn’t heard from him since. After his death, his young daughter Charlotte arrived at the home of Edward’s eldest brother, Tobias, the Duke of Glanmore with instructions from Sebastian’s lawyer that the remain brothers must all live together and raise Charlotte for two years. If the brothers did not agree, Charlotte would be sent to live with the aunt who had raised the brothers – a fate they wouldn’t wish on their greatest enemy. Once Edward and his brothers move into the ducal residence and begin to bond with their niece, questions arise about Sebastian’s death. Edward finds an investigator he believes can find the answers they seek, but he refuses to take the job. But Edward isn’t going to give up without a fight and he and his brother Freddie, visit Simon Hornel, the man agrees to talk to him, but says he can’t take the job and leave his sister. When the brothers promise to care for his sister, he finally agrees to take the job. Edward is elated, until he meets Kate Hornel and knows his life is about to become even harder, as Kate is exactly the sort of woman that he is attracted to and completely forbidden to him.
Katherine “Kate” Hornel has had a rough year, she was forced to flee her last governess post in the middle of the night after being mentally and sexually abused by her employer. After she left, the employer made it impossible for her to find another post and even went as far as ruining her brother’s investigation business by smearing his good name. When the Dashworth brothers offer her brother a case, she will do whatever necessary, even move in with strangers. She never expected to fall for Edward, a man who she could never hope to marry, but doesn’t seem to stop his family from trying to push them together.
This installment of the Dashworth Brothers series is a well-written, slow-burn romance with a forbidden attraction trope, and touches on the impact of the off-page emotional and mental abuse suffered by the characters. I really enjoyed this story and loved not only the budding relationship between Edward and Kate, but the ongoing relationship between the brothers and Charlotte. I was also delighted with the further progression of the storyline centering around their late brother Sebastian, which left me totally invested in this series and impatiently awaiting the next installment! Overall, this was a lovely story of healing, hope and love, it was a bit slow moving and drawn out in places, but it was still a very touching read. This is the second book in the series, and the author does provide enough backstory that the book can be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Katherine “Kate” Hornel has had a rough year, she was forced to flee her last governess post in the middle of the night after being mentally and sexually abused by her employer. After she left, the employer made it impossible for her to find another post and even went as far as ruining her brother’s investigation business by smearing his good name. When the Dashworth brothers offer her brother a case, she will do whatever necessary, even move in with strangers. She never expected to fall for Edward, a man who she could never hope to marry, but doesn’t seem to stop his family from trying to push them together.
This installment of the Dashworth Brothers series is a well-written, slow-burn romance with a forbidden attraction trope, and touches on the impact of the off-page emotional and mental abuse suffered by the characters. I really enjoyed this story and loved not only the budding relationship between Edward and Kate, but the ongoing relationship between the brothers and Charlotte. I was also delighted with the further progression of the storyline centering around their late brother Sebastian, which left me totally invested in this series and impatiently awaiting the next installment! Overall, this was a lovely story of healing, hope and love, it was a bit slow moving and drawn out in places, but it was still a very touching read. This is the second book in the series, and the author does provide enough backstory that the book can be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
October 13, 2025
What a joy to read a book like this, where all the characters are interesting, loving, funny but realistic, and the story makes you happy, joyful and touches your heart. The writing is so good; it is a joy to read as I’ve said, and the pace is perfect.
I have read book one in this series and loved it (see my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and I already got to know the Dashworth brothers, all reeling from an abusive upbringing but such kind, valuable men with good hearts and so much love to give. Each and every brother has his own scars but also his own precious qualities and talents, which you discover in each book.
Book two is about Edward, who desperately tried to avoid the wrath of his abusive and cruel aunt, which shaped his view of who he has become. He never wants to take advantage of anyone and has sworn to himself to defend the ones that cannot defend themselves. He is such an honorable man who deserves all the happiness there is, and you’ll love him for all the ways he shows kindness to others.
The Dashworth brothers decide to hire an private investigator in order to find out what happened to their deceased brother Sebastian and that is how they meet Katherine. They agree to have her live with them under the guise of being a companion to their sister-in-law Emily, so that Simon can travel to America while his sister is looked after and safe. Katherine used to work as a governess and has had bad experiences with the attitude of the upper class towards the lower class, the working people. But she cannot help falling in love with Edward, and Edward fell in love with her the moment he met her. They both need to overcome their own doubts, low self esteem but it is a beautiful story with lots of love, humor, depth and a bit of mystery regarding what happened to Sebastian. I loved Edward for his kindness, his willingness to be called Teddy by his niece Charlotte and the way he cut fruit cake into fish shaped pieces. Why he did that? You will find out when you read the book! You will love this book!!
I loved Katherine taking her power back and taking a stand against Chorley. Good for her! And kudos to his butler! I liked the secondary story of Pete and Silas… it made me love Edward even more. And I loved the banter between the brothers!!
Katherine’s admission in the nunnery… oh, it was perfect! Sooo beautiful… Edward’s reaction was lovely but also funny! This book has made me smile a lot. I can highly recommend it and I want to encourage everyone to also read book one, although both books can be read as a standalone. I personally cannot wait for the next book in this series; ‘The Lord’s Unlikely Betrothal’, I am looking forward to it!
Thank you Ella Matthews for writing about the Dashworth brothers, I loved both books and will be waiting for the release of book three, I can’t wait!
. .. .
I have read book one in this series and loved it (see my review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) and I already got to know the Dashworth brothers, all reeling from an abusive upbringing but such kind, valuable men with good hearts and so much love to give. Each and every brother has his own scars but also his own precious qualities and talents, which you discover in each book.
Book two is about Edward, who desperately tried to avoid the wrath of his abusive and cruel aunt, which shaped his view of who he has become. He never wants to take advantage of anyone and has sworn to himself to defend the ones that cannot defend themselves. He is such an honorable man who deserves all the happiness there is, and you’ll love him for all the ways he shows kindness to others.
The Dashworth brothers decide to hire an private investigator in order to find out what happened to their deceased brother Sebastian and that is how they meet Katherine. They agree to have her live with them under the guise of being a companion to their sister-in-law Emily, so that Simon can travel to America while his sister is looked after and safe. Katherine used to work as a governess and has had bad experiences with the attitude of the upper class towards the lower class, the working people. But she cannot help falling in love with Edward, and Edward fell in love with her the moment he met her. They both need to overcome their own doubts, low self esteem but it is a beautiful story with lots of love, humor, depth and a bit of mystery regarding what happened to Sebastian. I loved Edward for his kindness, his willingness to be called Teddy by his niece Charlotte and the way he cut fruit cake into fish shaped pieces. Why he did that? You will find out when you read the book! You will love this book!!
I loved Katherine taking her power back and taking a stand against Chorley. Good for her! And kudos to his butler! I liked the secondary story of Pete and Silas… it made me love Edward even more. And I loved the banter between the brothers!!
Katherine’s admission in the nunnery… oh, it was perfect! Sooo beautiful… Edward’s reaction was lovely but also funny! This book has made me smile a lot. I can highly recommend it and I want to encourage everyone to also read book one, although both books can be read as a standalone. I personally cannot wait for the next book in this series; ‘The Lord’s Unlikely Betrothal’, I am looking forward to it!
Thank you Ella Matthews for writing about the Dashworth brothers, I loved both books and will be waiting for the release of book three, I can’t wait!
. .. .
October 13, 2025
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: The Governess’ Unlikely Suitor
Series: The Dashworth Brothers, Book 2
Author: Ella Matthews
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
📝 My Thoughts:
Having adored The Earl’s Unlikely Bride (5⭐️!), I couldn’t wait to continue the Dashworth saga, and this one delivered a beautifully emotional ride. It’s a slower, more introspective story, centered on longing, healing, and the quiet strength of love.
Kate and Edward’s romance is gentle, slow-burning, and steamy. There is a real sense of vulnerability between them. Edward shows his love through actions, and his quiet devotion makes him a hero who steals your heart effortlessly. Their relationship also explores the class divide beautifully.
This story also stands out for its honesty. Both characters carry imperfections that make them real and relatable. Kate still battles the fear and self-doubt left by her abusive former employer, while Edward’s need for order and control stems from the emotional scars of a harsh childhood under his aunt, Miss Dunn.
The secondary characters truly shine, the Dashworth brothers. Their teasing, loyalty, and bond bring warmth and humor throughout. It was also such a joy to see Emily and Freddie again.
The mystery of their late brother Sebastian’s death unfolds slowly in the background. While it doesn’t dominate the plot, it keeps you reading and adds depth to the brothers’ journey.
⚠️ Triggers: Mentions of past abuse and trauma. The romance is warm and steamy, NOT for readers looking for a clean or closed-door story.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
“When the church doors opened, everything else faded away. Edward could no longer hear, all he could see was his bride, her smile, the love in her eyes whatever the future held, they would handle it together.” 💞
📌 Final Verdict:
A heartfelt and beautifully written Regency romance filled with tenderness, longing, and hope. The mystery adds intrigue, the love story warms the heart, and I cannot wait to read Christopher and Tobias’s stories next. ✨
#RNreads #RegencyRomance #BookReview #EllaMatthews #TheGovernessUnlikelySuitor #DashworthBrothers #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #SlowBurnLove #RomanceReaders #SteamyRomance #EmotionalRead #SeriesILove
Title: The Governess’ Unlikely Suitor
Series: The Dashworth Brothers, Book 2
Author: Ella Matthews
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
📝 My Thoughts:
Having adored The Earl’s Unlikely Bride (5⭐️!), I couldn’t wait to continue the Dashworth saga, and this one delivered a beautifully emotional ride. It’s a slower, more introspective story, centered on longing, healing, and the quiet strength of love.
Kate and Edward’s romance is gentle, slow-burning, and steamy. There is a real sense of vulnerability between them. Edward shows his love through actions, and his quiet devotion makes him a hero who steals your heart effortlessly. Their relationship also explores the class divide beautifully.
This story also stands out for its honesty. Both characters carry imperfections that make them real and relatable. Kate still battles the fear and self-doubt left by her abusive former employer, while Edward’s need for order and control stems from the emotional scars of a harsh childhood under his aunt, Miss Dunn.
The secondary characters truly shine, the Dashworth brothers. Their teasing, loyalty, and bond bring warmth and humor throughout. It was also such a joy to see Emily and Freddie again.
The mystery of their late brother Sebastian’s death unfolds slowly in the background. While it doesn’t dominate the plot, it keeps you reading and adds depth to the brothers’ journey.
⚠️ Triggers: Mentions of past abuse and trauma. The romance is warm and steamy, NOT for readers looking for a clean or closed-door story.
🔖 Favorite Quote:
“When the church doors opened, everything else faded away. Edward could no longer hear, all he could see was his bride, her smile, the love in her eyes whatever the future held, they would handle it together.” 💞
📌 Final Verdict:
A heartfelt and beautifully written Regency romance filled with tenderness, longing, and hope. The mystery adds intrigue, the love story warms the heart, and I cannot wait to read Christopher and Tobias’s stories next. ✨
#RNreads #RegencyRomance #BookReview #EllaMatthews #TheGovernessUnlikelySuitor #DashworthBrothers #HistoricalRomance #Bookstagram #SlowBurnLove #RomanceReaders #SteamyRomance #EmotionalRead #SeriesILove
December 24, 2025
This was a quietly compelling story about resilience, loyalty, and temptation, with just enough drama to keep the pages turning.
Katherine is the kind of heroine I instantly rooted for. She’s capable, principled, and trying her best to survive in a world that keeps knocking her down. Her love for children and her determination to stay true to herself make her feel very real. Watching her rebuild her life after being wronged was both frustrating and satisfying in the best way.
Edward is torn between duty and desire, and that inner conflict drives much of the story. I liked that he wasn’t perfect—his sense of honor sometimes gets in his own way, but it also makes his choices feel meaningful. The promise he makes sets up a slow, aching tension that grows naturally as he and Katherine are pushed together again and again.
The mystery surrounding Edward’s brother adds an extra layer of intrigue without overwhelming the emotional heart of the story. It raises the stakes and gives the plot a steady sense of forward motion.
Overall, this is a gentle yet engaging romance with strong characters, emotional restraint, and a satisfying build-up. If you enjoy stories about found strength, difficult choices, and love that feels both risky and earned, this one is well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Katherine is the kind of heroine I instantly rooted for. She’s capable, principled, and trying her best to survive in a world that keeps knocking her down. Her love for children and her determination to stay true to herself make her feel very real. Watching her rebuild her life after being wronged was both frustrating and satisfying in the best way.
Edward is torn between duty and desire, and that inner conflict drives much of the story. I liked that he wasn’t perfect—his sense of honor sometimes gets in his own way, but it also makes his choices feel meaningful. The promise he makes sets up a slow, aching tension that grows naturally as he and Katherine are pushed together again and again.
The mystery surrounding Edward’s brother adds an extra layer of intrigue without overwhelming the emotional heart of the story. It raises the stakes and gives the plot a steady sense of forward motion.
Overall, this is a gentle yet engaging romance with strong characters, emotional restraint, and a satisfying build-up. If you enjoy stories about found strength, difficult choices, and love that feels both risky and earned, this one is well worth the read.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 11, 2025
Kate and Edward's tale of mistrust, understanding and gentle romance is an engaging read. Kate's brother, Simon, is a private investigator whom the Dashworth Brothers want to hire to find out what happened to their brother in America. Simon insists that they look after Kate, which puts her in Edward's orbit, something he finds disconcerting. Kate wonders why he appears to dislike her without knowing her at all. It's a fascinating story about two individuals whose pasts have caused emotional issues that affect their present lives. It is lovely to see them falling for each other, even if, at first, they lack the insight to see this Both are stronger in the other's company The romance is poignant, with a passion that breaks through as they come to understand and accept their attraction It's a realistic story exploring the darker side of Regency life I like the dynamic between the brothers, the lovely romance and the storytelling that engages from the start.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
October 7, 2025
After fleeing a cruel employer bent on revenge, governess Katherine Hornel must start over with little more than her pride. When Edward Dashworth hires her brother to investigate his sibling’s mysterious death, he promises to care for Katherine in return. But as the two grow closer, duty, class, and loyalty threaten to keep them apart, even as their hearts say otherwise.
Both Katherine and Edward are wonderfully developed characters. I found them to be kind, respectful, and easy to care for. Their friendship feels genuine before it deepens into love, and I particularly enjoyed Edward’s warm, engaging family, who I’m sure will feature in future books. While the story unfolds at a gentle pace, it’s filled with sincerity and heart. A lovely, well-written romance with charm, compassion, and a satisfying conclusion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Both Katherine and Edward are wonderfully developed characters. I found them to be kind, respectful, and easy to care for. Their friendship feels genuine before it deepens into love, and I particularly enjoyed Edward’s warm, engaging family, who I’m sure will feature in future books. While the story unfolds at a gentle pace, it’s filled with sincerity and heart. A lovely, well-written romance with charm, compassion, and a satisfying conclusion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
This was a nice idea for a plot and the heroine is a great character. A governess is left vulnerable because a former employer has attempted to ruin her reputation. Her brother is enlisted by a dukes brother to find out about the suspicious death of a relative and offers the heroine a safe place in his household. Inevitably they fall in love. The romance however was predictable despite the impression the two leads gained that the other partner would never accept them a lot of time was spent based in the household, detailing their growing affection and in an explanation of their personal feelings. Wider aspects of the story could have been explored much more fully, such as the investigation of the suspicious death or the conflict with the former employer. For me, the book was too passive and could have had more action based.
October 14, 2025
The Governess' Unlikely Suitor follows the tale of Edward Dashworth and Katherine (Kate) Hornel. Edward is from a well-to-do family and is investigating the death of his older brother. I absolutely loved the Dashworth brothers and their interactions with one another. They were so funny!
Kate's brother is an investigator and is hired by the Dashworths. Kate moves in with Edward's family to serve as a companion to his sister-in-law and niece.
There is one scene towards the end that felt out of place in the story. That scene makes this book suitable for audiences ages 18+ due to the nature of the content.
Overall, this was a sweet Regency era romance novel. It is the second book of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kate's brother is an investigator and is hired by the Dashworths. Kate moves in with Edward's family to serve as a companion to his sister-in-law and niece.
There is one scene towards the end that felt out of place in the story. That scene makes this book suitable for audiences ages 18+ due to the nature of the content.
Overall, this was a sweet Regency era romance novel. It is the second book of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2025
ADORED the characters, marveled at the vibrant storytelling, wondered if they'd ever communicate, and felt the power of actions over words 😉.
Check out my full review on my site! eARC received via NetGalley for review, opinions are my own!
Check out my full review on my site! eARC received via NetGalley for review, opinions are my own!
October 11, 2025
Another sweet entry in the series. Ending was a bit rushed but I loved the MMC with OCD and FMC with PTSD and how they came together. Wish we’d spent more time with them figuring out how to be together but the first half was delightful to read.
October 31, 2025
Ella Matthew’s writes the most brilliant characters and the ones that we’re introduced to in this compliment each other well. Katherine Hornel has loved being a governess but when events make it impossible to stay in her current position she flees to find refuge with her brother Simon, a private investigator. Her previous employer though is determined to ruin them both. However, Edward Dashworth, along with his brothers, enlist the help of Simon to find out what happened to their brother Sebastian. In exchange for travelling to America to seek answers he asks that the family look after his sister Katherine. What follows is a story that is so full of wit, charm and misunderstandings. At times a slow burn but also one that keeps you totally engaged and entertained. One thing I really liked was how the characters interacted with each, how the relationship between the brothers is explored but also how the topics of mental abuse and neglect are not shied away from. This is an absolutely brilliant addition to the Dashworth Brothers series and I seriously can’t wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews