A Mind of Her Own

Duty and Desire #2

by Elisabeth Greythorn

Duty bound him to claim a duchess. Forbidden passion bound him to her.



When Jane Ansley’s world crumbles, a governess post at the grand Westford Castle is all that remains of her prospects. Determined to carve out a life of her own, she clings to a long-denied to become a scholar, like her late father. Yet in the estate’s library, she uncovers ideas that challenge and unsettle—and writings that awaken more than just her mind. Can the Duke’s son quench the fire he never meant to ignite, and at what cost?

William Strathmore, Marquess of Blackmeer and heir to the Duke of Westford, chose the army to escape his rakish past. Now returned from war and hailed a hero, he believes himself a man of discipline and restraint. But meeting Jane shatters his illusions. An insatiable hunger breaks through his control, and duty gives way to the need to claim her. She consumes him—mind, body, and soul. Even as he searches for a duchess worthy of the title, will he realize too late that it was Jane all along?

A Mind of Her Own is a steamy Regency romance of forbidden passion, secrets that cost and scar, and choices that could ruin or save them both.

Hardcover

Published December 1, 2025

About the author

I write historical romance that doesn’t flinch. My stories live where war meets longing, where tenderness wrestles power, and love never arrives gently. Expect strong heroines, conflicted men, and heat laced with heartbreak.

A Desire Unbidden is my debut novel. I’m currently working on A Mind of Her Own, the next installment in my loosely connected Regency series. Outside of writing, I lose myself in stories wherever I find them—on stage, on screen, or on the page.

Join my newsletter for access to the extended epilogue of A Desire Unbidden, plus updates and other exclusive content: https://subscribepage.io/greythornpress

Reviews

[Ana Carolina Crespo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

I’ve been a fan of Elisabeth Greythorn since her first book, A Desire Unbidden, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for more. A Mind of Her Own did not disappoint!
I’m picky with romance, and at first, I thought the story moved a bit fast—but it’s written so well that I stayed hooked from start to finish. Elisabeth’s female characters are exactly my style: strong but poised, with no unnecessary drama. And the male lead? Hard-headed in the best way—just how I like.
The plot isn’t entirely original, and sometimes the characters’ stubbornness frustrated me—but the story is well composed, capturing beautifully that bittersweet tension between duty and desire.
I can’t wait to see what Elisabeth writes next!

[Mary Dallenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in the first chapter. I just had to keep reading and binged the entire book.

We meet William in the most decadent of positions, drunk and draped by three women of the night. His casual manner in the state in which he is found is humorous. I had to wonder how he would redeem himself to become the love interest.

Jane was an absolute delight. I liked her the moment she appeared on the page. The daughter of a scholar, she is smart and sharp as a whip, yet there is a vulnerability to her. In a time when birth determines your worth, she finds herself lacking. After the death of her beloved father, she becomes a governess, lowering her standing further. She accepts her new reality, but is fortunate to find a kindred spirit, Charlotte, a woman who also chafes at the confines of their sex.

Jane and William's first meeting was what sold me on the story. I had to read more. He encounters Jane and is captivated, by her beauty, yes, but also by her mind. He recognizes her intellect. We met William as an absolute reprobate. Yet now, returned from war, we see a man who sees past the face and figure of a woman to what lies beneath.

Jane continues to prove what a wonderful being she is when she helps her charge, young Margaret, blossom. And through her treatment of Margaret, William and Charlotte, half-siblings to Margaret, grow closer to the child, too.

There were many heart-warming scenes in the story. There were plenty of aching ones, too. William is jealous and possessive. His pride also drives a wedge between him and Jane. Jane is the standout. Her strength and determination shine through and turns her dismal situation into her happily ever after.

This was a much more gritty historical romance than I usually read, but it was well worth it. I enjoyed the entire thing. If I had one complaint, it is the inclusion of George and Christine, the characters from book 1 of the series. I hope their story is resolved in the end.

If you are looking for a spicy historical with two strong and loveable main characters, I highly recommend this book.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, intrigue, misunderstandings, jealousy, war, steam, love, action, pain, friends and a marriage of convenience. Jane is a young lady whose father passes away and leaves his family with nothing. Her Uncle steps in and tries to help by either offering her to marry or become a governess. Jane accepts the job of Governess and learns a lot about what happens to a woman when she takes a job. William is the Marquess but when his father passes, he will be a Duke. His father wants him to marry and produce an heir. He meets Jane and he loses control and wants Jane. It happens one night that they are together and then other nights. He becomes enraged when other men talk to her. Together they are good but apart not so. He forces her to marry him before he heads off to war and before the baby is born. Has lots to offer the reader. Would strongly recommend to everyone.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Sonia]

This novel features the class conflicts of an alpha MMC who is an army general and a future duke, and a bluestocking FMC who struggles but does not break. There is lots of action (aka steam) but it is well-integrated into the plot. MMC William is also a character in the previous book. The timelines of the two books are concurrent, so it was interesting to see characters from "A Desire Unbidden" making a crossover. In fact, I'm thinking that I'd like to reread the first book just so that I can appreciate the interplay more fully.

I can't wait for this author to write more books! She does an excellent job writing gritty stories of alpha heroes and the strong women that manage (barely) to tame them.

I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Did not feel the romance. It was entirely lust. The H marries the h only because his sister made him see reason. Honestly, even after married, the H still sees it as a sacrifice and all he gave up. 🙄

[Ojone Stephen-Nwosu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most unimaginable things in historical times is for a noble man not just any noble but a marques heir to a dukedom having any affection for a wait for it; governess. Unimaginable right? That the story of William and Jane. One driven by the zeal to not just survive but to become a scholar another leaving the life of a rake to become a responsible peer of the realm. Love the glue that hold it all together.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling, angst-driven historical romance that offers a refreshing departure from the standard tropes of the genre.

The premise sets the stage for classic tension: William, a Marquess and ducal heir, finds himself falling for Jane, the governess of his younger sister. Jane, the intelligent and highly educated granddaughter of a Viscount, is forced into this position after her family's unfortunate circumstances following her father's passing. I greatly appreciated that the author doesn't shy away from Jane's intellect and education; it's a central and defining part of her character and storyline, which was a real highlight for me.

This novel definitely delivers on the 'angst' promise. A significant source of their struggles, and the novel’s central conflict, stemmed from a frustrating lack of communication between the main characters, leading to misunderstandings and heightened drama.

There are plenty of open-door moments, but at times, these felt excessive and perhaps didn't always serve the emotional core of the story. While the physical attraction and lust between the main characters is undeniable, I struggled to truly feel the depth of their love.

My main point of contention lies with William's character arc. Early on, he is explicitly concerned with not treating Jane like a mistress or "doxy." However, when jealousy takes hold, this moral compass seems to shatter, leading him to treat her incredibly roughly—which felt hypocritical and poorly balanced with his earlier self. To reconcile this intense treatment, I think the narrative needed more genuine, tender moments to demonstrate a true emotional connection underneath the lust and conflict.

I enjoy an angst-y book, but I did find myself wishing for one less stupid, ill-thought-out comment from William. Furthermore, his subsequent grovelling after these comments often felt insufficient for the offense, leaving the reader wanting more significant remorse and effort to earn back Jane's trust.

On a positive note, the supporting characters truly enhanced the story. For example, Mrs. Scott offers valuable insight into William's difficult childhood, giving the conflict a deeper layer—even if it takes Jane a while to fully utilise that knowledge.

Overall, "A Mind of Her Own" is an engaging read that provides a bit more substance than typical historical romances and brings era appropriate storylines and angst. While I wished for better emotional balance and character consistency from the MMC, the strength and intelligence of the FMC and the overall compelling plot made it an enjoyable read.

3.8, rounded up to 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lily Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elisabeth Greythorn is a new author that has published her debut novel “A DESIRE UNBIDDEN” in July of this year.
I read that book in a day and was so captivated by the Marquess of Blackmeer, that appeared briefly as a secondary character, that to know his story was coming next made me very happy.
I enjoyed so deeply her first romance that I simply craved more stories told with her style.
When I find an author where an amazing plot weds masterful writing with passionate love scenes I’m on cloud nine!!
And she is very talented.
I’ve been reading romance for 30 years, I’ve liked and loved other authors but Elisabeth Greythorn really shines and I hope she keeps writing because her stories are amazing.
I find this story perfectly executed in its entirety.
I haven't found bumps in the narration, the pacing flows smoothly, the character growth is realistic.
I’ve not met a dull moment during the reading.
Never I felt I needed a break.
Actually I’ve devoured the story in no time and the book is on the lengthy side, but I was so engrossed and captivated that I couldn’t put it down and still I’d have wanted it to be longer to never leave the characters and their epic love story!

One of the things I love about this author is that she writes about characters that are true to their time.
No modern stories in historical clothes.
When I read her stories I get all the right vibes, that I'm reading a love story set in another time period, where the characters have obstacles to overcome that had real weight back then, and overcome these difficulties by acting in a way fit to the era they lived in.
She doesn’t take the easy way out of a conflict but resolves it in a plausible manner given the historical context.

That of William and Jane is a forbidden love story impeded by their difference in social class.
This aspect is well executed, believable; it’s not just a trope mentioned randomly in the blurb to tease us readers and that doesn’t even factor in the story as an impediment in the end.
This author delivers what she promises.
She doesn’t tell...she shows.
The class difference topic makes the love so ANGSTY and FORBIDDEN.
And I’m a sucker of angsty stories! They are soooo gooood! My kryptonite!

The romance between William and Jane is full of LOVE, PASSION, TORMENT, ANGST, STEAMY SCENES (they are so passionate and captivating I cry of joy! But I will also address this aspect in the review).

In the end this book tells a love story with an HEA but the path to reach this point has its bumps along the way.

William is a Marquess, heir to a dukedom.
Above a duke there’s only the royal family as importance.
There are societal prejudices and norms, there’s a way one has been educated and conditioned to follow certain rules and see things in a certain way.
It's not easy task to decide to be with a woman so below your own station just because you might fall in love with her or have “ruined” her.
One so high in the social ladder has power and lineage but even nobility has its rules to adhere and limits to their will in who to marry.
Interest above love.
You can like or not like it but back then it’s how things were.

William’s father talking to him about a prospective bride:

I want you to do your duty,” Westford snapped. “You are not marrying her for love. You are marrying her for what she brings. And you will do it by the book—the proper courtship, the proper ceremonies, even the proper sort of whispers.”

And as one might expect a love story where the hero is a duke and the heroine is a governess has many barriers to climb over.

Jane is a governess.
When she fell on hard times she took a position as a governess, a woman of servitude that had few chances of uplifting from her life of poverty and solitude.
She never expects to ever marry given her servant position, lest of all a duke that is someone so far and above her reality that she never even dreamed as a girl something like this could even be happening.
She was a woman of her time as well.

The author makes you feel this social distance is real, a true obstacle to their love.
But still in the end both of them must subject to the reality of their circumstances in their own world. Poor or rich, common or noble it doesn’t count.

Jane’s uncle is talking with her mother:

Robert smiled faintly. “I believe it. And she ought to be somewhere her mind is used. I’ve inquired about governess positions. With the right endorsement, I could even press the Viscount, I’ll see her settled.” Margaret nodded slowly. “And if she were to marry?” “Without a dowry, her chances are poor.” He hesitated. “There’s a clerk in my office. Quiet, steady, honest. I could speak to him. He’d give her a roof. She’d be safe.” He paused, frowning slightly at his teacup. Margaret gave a soft sigh. “But she’s not made for that. She’d rather teach grammar to spoiled girls than marry a man she cannot admire.”

The fact is that Elisabeth Greythorn creates characters that have many layers, with flaws and virtues, that give them depth and substance.
And she shows you how they are.
She doesn’t simply tell you this and that but crafts the story to make you see things happen and take shape.

But William is not only an heir to an impressive title.
And Jane is not only a servant without aspirations.

William was a rake in past years that bought a commission into the army to find a purpose in his empty and hollow debauched life.
After years spent warring on the Continent during the Napoleon Wars this general that fought for his country is hailed as a hero and doesn’t want any scandal to stain his reputation.
And then he meets Jane.

Jane wants to be a scholar and dedicate her life to her desire for knowledge.
But knowledge has no restrictions, and when she enters in contact with more progressive books they wide her horizon and open her mind to more liberal views and her body to a different kind of desire. And then she meets William.

“She began to read. In every line her heart leapt. Here, set down in clear words, were her own thoughts: the folly of empty accomplishments, the injustice of confining women’s minds, the call for true education. She nodded, breath quickening, as if someone had reached into her soul and given voice to all she had longed to say.”

“Jane, for her part, was curious. What drove passion—about Byron, about the new poets, about all the voices who spoke too plainly of love and forbidden longing. But this… this thing that drew her to his lordship so fiercely it unsettled her bones, this instinct that felt both natural and damning at once. It was her undoing.”

“She no longer knew whether she feared dishonor—or longed for it.”

William is not a general in name only. You see him fight the war.
Jane is not a scholar on paper. You see her cultivating her passion.

These characters are real, therefore they make mistakes, act foolishly, know where they go wrong and try to amend their errors, sometimes they succeed and other times they worse the situations…feelings and emotions don’t always follow reason and logic.

And so William and Jane will fight, love, recognize their flaws but these don’t disappear magically because the characters are human beings.
And a character growth doesn't mean they will have to change completely.
They are not equipped with a switch on and off button that makes them undergo a complete transformation at the end of the book because the story is finished.
There must be consistency and coherency and the growth of the characters is not always obtained by making them become a total different perfect flawless person, but someone that acknowledges what he or she might do differently and smooth the edges of how they’d act normally.
That’s because three dimensional characters have layers that show flaws, depth and substance.

So William may act in a foolish way sometimes but he is a man that has never had to account to anyone about his actions. Others had to.
He can’t change his ways all of a sudden without appearing unbelievable and false.
And he is a man falling in love for the first time that has never seen love between his parents, never known a mother’s love, never brought up to expect it in a marriage…he has no model or guide…

Mrs Scott about William and his mother:

“So if that boy of hers doesn’t know how to act right—if he says the wrong thing, or holds himself stiff when he ought to bend—well. It’s not that he doesn’t feel. It’s that no one ever showed him how.”

William is jealous of other men that show admiration and attraction toward Jane, as a woman and a scholar. It’s caused by his love and his insecurities that bring him to be unreasonable sometimes, to unleash his unrestrained feelings without thinking of the consequences of his words and actions.
But who among us has always had the lucidity to act reasonably when in the throes of intense emotions?

“Heat rose sharp at the back of William’s neck. His hands clenched the window frame until his knuckles whitened. He had no name for the thing uncoiling in his chest, but it had stolen his breath.”

But Jane is not without freedom. She chooses to give into her attraction to William, She chooses to be with him, to know passion and desire even when William tried to be honorable.

“Do not speak to me of honor,” Jane whispered, her voice fierce. “I am bound to service. I will never marry. What does it matter if I am virginal still—so long as no one knows?” Her eyes shone with unshed tears. “I would rather live one hour of passion than go to my grave never having known it.”

And in the end William is happy to oblige!
*SQUEEE*
I LOVE THIS COUPLE SO MUCH!!!

This is not a fade to black, closed door romance.
The caption “steamy romance” between the tropes has not been added just because.
If one expects no intimate scenes they will be disappointed and should not read the book expecting something less spicy.

But if you love passionate love stories where the main characters show their off the charts chemistry on page better not to miss this book!!

For me the author balance the sex and sensual scenes perfectly, they are tasteful, never vulgar and really engaging…and holy hotness, I wanted more and more!
Exactly what I long to find in a romance where a great plot creates an intense and burning love that expresses itself in its physical form as well.
I think the physical aspect in a romance is not excessive when it shows the love and the strong attraction the characters feel for each other.
It's another way of expressing their connection.
Intimate moments for its own sake are boring because there's not plot to sustain them and they prove to be mechanic and formulaic.
But here in this story have no fear because they are part of the romance; what William and Jane can’t say with words they tell with their bodies. The sex scenes are perfect.
Just a little tease for you...

“[…]Instead, she pressed her mouth to the hollow of his neck. The gesture was almost chaste. He kissed her in return—lightly at first, then deeper. Soon they were tangled in silence again, dawn brushing the bare curve of his spine, their bodies moving with the slow ache of passion and sorrow entwined.”

Elisabeth Greythorn combines an engaging plot, excellent writing style, historical accuracy, a great knowledge and a fiery love in this romance novel.
There’s so much more to find out reading the book that one can’t tell with a simple review.

And the blurb at the end about Major Clarence Pembroke and Polly?
I’m already longing for their book!
Clarence is a major presence in the first book of the series where the hero is General George Ashford and he left a huge lasting impact on me. George and Christine’s story, A DESIRE UNBIDDEN, overlaps with that of William and Jane, that’s why they appear briefly and only in the moments William meets them in London or saves George during a battle.
Theirs is another love story you wouldn't want to miss, trust me!

In conclusion Elisabeth Greythorn is a new fantastic author that has become a favorite of mine!

[Bookish Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mind of Her Own by Elisabeth Greythorn has several elements that really shine, especially its heroine. Jane is a wonderfully strong, distinctive character, and I found myself rooting for her from the very beginning. Despite all the tragedy in her life, she remains resilient and thoughtful, and her relationship with Margaret is one of the sweetest parts of the book—tender, supportive, and full of genuine connection. Charlotte is another highlight, and I would’ve loved more time spent delving into her story; she’s intriguing and deserves her own book!

Where the novel struggled for me was with the leading man. William is certainly a rake, but for my taste he crosses into territory that makes it hard to fully enjoy the romance. His behavior is a little too wild in the beginning, and I’m not convinced he ever truly understands the consequences of his actions. He definitely needed far more groveling, growth, and clarity to make his arc satisfying.

There were a few historical details that didn’t feel quite accurate for the time period. They’re small things, but noticeable enough to pull me out of the world here and there. While the core story is good, the pacing is uneven. The book feels too long, and some scenes could benefit from editing for tightness and clarity. Ashford appears out of nowhere, and I wasn’t sure how it tied into anything we’d been following.

Overall, A Mind of Her Own has strong characters—especially Jane and the women around her—and moments of real sweetness. But the pacing issues, the uneven romance arc, and the occasionally confusing plot developments kept it from fully landing for me. Still, there’s a lot here to enjoy for readers who love determined heroines and complex relationships.

[Bee ♡♪ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was so bad that it was kinda good. The hero was a snivelling POS, but for whatever reason I could see some aristocratic bastard behaving exactly like him, thinking that he’s God’s gift to women or something just because he’s an aristocrat 👎😫.

And the female lead was also so stupid. Like, I really didn’t blame her uncle for turning her out. What gives that she was so careless about her actions and how those actions would affect her own siblings? Especially when they are poor af right now.

Yeah, I mean, essentially the idea of virginity = good morals and all is bullshit, but come on now!! that was the 1800s. You know you have no other option but your current employment as a governess, so why would you involve yourself with a man of the household, especially given how well-read you are??? Like, you are a scholar who can read Greek and Latin, but can’t make choices that are good for you?

ALSO i have this strong suspicion that this book is written with the help of AI. Some of the parts were such blatant copy of the typical chatgpt writing style :/ i am obviously not 100% sure tho.

ANYWHO, it was kinda fun (keyword being kinda), given that I skim-read most of it.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heroine immediately captivated me. In a difficult environment, fraught with tension and false pretenses, fiery and determined Jane Ansley seemed to have everything to lose, but her strength of character, knowledge, and agile mind made her stand out. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, weighing every decision she made and the pros and cons of each. She was certainly taking a big risk, and that kept me intrigued, waiting to see how the situation would unfold. William frustrated me, amused me, and saddened me with his way of thinking and acting, but apparently, he had no other frame of reference; that's all he had ever known. He truly had to struggle with himself. A story that kept me in suspense, attentive to the interesting twists in the plot's development, with so many emotions, conflicting feelings, the political situation of the time, romance, and torrid passion. I enjoyed it immensely, and I definitely, have a new author for my list.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author, and it won't be my last time! I found her writing, intriguing, fresh, and interesting. Jane is a young head strong, strong willed, intelligent, and knows her true worth among men and women. She won't be bought. William has eyed the girl from youth onward. He can't possess this strong feisty woman. She doesn't bend the knee easily. She bargains for what she wants and her best interests. Can William bend the knee for love and come up to snuff before he loses his precious gem?? The real hero of this story imo was Charolette. Without the strength and support financially and emotionally Lottie showed Jane, she wouldn't have become a pinnacle to be coveted and not shared. Can't wait for the next book. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have William Strathmore, Marquess of Blackmeer and heir to the Duke of Westford, arrogant and used to getting his way with women! This author seems to follow a pattern with the hero having survived the horrors of war are flawed by more than duty! It seems to take a tremendous challenge or blow for them to see clearly what has been right for them all along! I wanted to read this story but dreaded it as I read some of his behavior in the previous book! Jane Ansley’s Is strong despite the harsh blows life has given her! She is beautiful and resilient and much more deserving of a very flawed hero! But do they deserve a HEA? She surely does! Bravo I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!

[SusanT62 · Rating 5 out of 5]

William is the heir to a dukedom. His father wants his son to marry and start churning out future heirs. Jane is a governess. What happens when they meet?

I loved this book. It had it all: a rake and a governess plus lots of steamy action. Jane is educated and she is so very strong. She knows her worth. William definitely matures by the end of book and becomes the man worthy of Jane. There is a lot going on in this story. The author pulls it all together and gives us the happily ever after we want for this couple.

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

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars! This AI book cover does a disservice to what is an enthralling, well developed story. I hope the author considers that it might be a deterrent and/or hindrance for other potential readers… because it truly is one of my favorite recent reads and I hate the idea that this book could be overlooked.

The unflinching conflict, the flawed yet redeemable characters, exceptional pacing, all entwined in the forbidden nature of plot that doesn’t shy away from the realities of actions and society of 1800s.

Though the fmc had few flaws, her intelligence and academic prowess was evident in her actions and discourse. I could not put this book down.

Looking forward to what else EG may write!

[Kathleen P · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spicy connection between the Marquess and his half-sister’s governess cannot be denied. Her desire was initially sparked by reading improper material, but escalated in his arms. I enjoyed their story and the embedded literary references. I am voluntarily posting this review after receiving a complementary advanced review copy.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her life has changed and the only thing left for her is a governess. She find the library and is so happy with the book. He is home as a hero and he is looking for someone to marry but will he see it is her. See where they will take you
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and finding love in an unexpected place

[Mary Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free thinker

When I read book one I thought William was a gentleman but the beginning of book two has him as a libertine...reminded me of the duke of sin by Elizabeth hoyt. Then I realised that book two starts before book one and thus overlaps.

I hope the next story is a different slant to the oppressive jealous alpha male who thinks the heroine isn't good enough to match his aristocratic pedigree.

Looks like it might be similar but Major Clarence's story...

The covers might have an AI element but they are lush 😍

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful suspense filled story that grabbed and held my interest until the very end. A few twists that were unexpected but it added depth to the plot. Lots of emotional conflict as well as romance and passion.

Interesting plot line and characters.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good novel. It uses the familiar governess romance trope, but honestly, that’s about where the tropes end. The characters feel realistic and psychologically grounded, and what I appreciated most was how many layers the story had.

Jane Ansley is the daughter of a rector who was also a scholar. When he dies unexpectedly, the family is left destitute. Although he was the son of a viscount, Jane’s noble connections mean very little in practice. She’s just a poor relation, largely ignored by her father’s family. Her mother’s brother, a practical merchant, eventually finds her a post as a governess, which is how she comes to enter the household of the Duke of Westford.

Jane becomes governess to the hero’s younger half-sister and forms a close friendship with his elder sister, who is a patroness of women in literature and involved in radical literary circles in London. Through her, Jane is introduced to modern poets and progressive ideas about women’s rights, which becomes an important part of her growth.

The hero, William, is a general, a marquess, and the duke’s only heir. Pressured by his father to marry and secure the line, he approaches marriage as a duty rather than an emotional commitment. What he doesn’t expect is to fall so deeply for Jane. His obsession grows even as he convinces himself he can control it, and his jealousy and possessiveness stem from the fact that he simply never learned how to love. Raised by a cold, distant mother, and then orphaned young, emotional intimacy is something he doesn’t know how to handle.

What I loved most about this novel is that the conflicts aren’t neatly resolved the way they are in many romances. Sex doesn’t equal forgiveness, and even marriage doesn’t magically fix everything. When it happens, it’s closer to a marriage of convenience than a fairy-tale ending. Jane’s journey is especially satisfying: from a woman with a classical education, to engaging with modern ideas, to choosing a sexual relationship on her own terms, making her own decisions, and facing the consequences of those choices. In the end, she earns the happiness she gets, rather than simply being handed it.

[Channy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series, look forward to the next book!

[Gail Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book!!!

[Sian Iles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written with more depth than the usual Regency. Interesting primary characters and development. A great read. Will read more by this author.