The Governess and the Beast: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Emily Barnet

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2026

Reviews

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Petalia Winthrop was chasing the man who had stolen her reticule, which contained her last eleven schillings, a trinket of her late mother’s, and the letter of reference from her previous employer, when she slipped on wet stones. Strong arms caught her and after a short discussion and determining that her reticule was not retrievable, her rescuer gave her an address where she could apply for a job. Four days later, Petalia met with Lady Maria Fenwick, aunt of Edmund, the Duke of Ashbourne. Edmund’s wife had died six years ago, shortly after giving birth to their daughter Mary, leaving the Duke and his three year old son Declan to mourn their loss. Now he needed a governess to teach Mary, his six year old biting terror, and Declan, who spent most of his time being silent and drawing maps. Because his face was scarred, Edmund wore his hair long, a full beard, and a scarf wrapped higher than normal. Grief ruled him, and his inability to suffer fools made him appear beastly to others. Of course, as in any governess and Duke tale, Petalia was good with the children and inadvertantly changed the household dynamics….which the Duke noticed. One evening when the two of them were in the library discussing the children’s progress, a tea incident occurred resulting in injury and rumors of impropriety circulating among the staff. Even though nothing inappropriate happened, gossip spread, requiring in a change in Petalia’s status. What I really enjoyed the most about this story was Petalia’s wordplay, (and the occurrences at Lady Carromere’s ball). Her conversations and comments were imaginative, witty, and effective. This story has unsettling moments as well as endearing ones, and the characters are realistic and believable. It is well written, drags you in and holds you hostage until the extended epiligue releases you with a smirk and a smile.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to read! In this time of worldly troubles, it was wonderful to escape to the world of Petalia and Edmund, in which Petalia is hired as a governess to Edmund’s children.
Although the children had defeated several prior governesses, and had terrorized the household staff, Petalia was able to take control of the classroom, allowing the household to breathe a sigh of relief. There are numerous scenes with the children (especially Lady Mary) coming up with quirky statements, actions and beliefs, that keep the tone of the book lighthearted and lively. The interplay between the governess and the children was well done and enjoyable.

As for the interaction between the Duke and Petalia, a slowly developing regard between the two added a love interest to the story. Although they were at the opposite ends of society, Edmund found himself falling in love with the children’s governess, hired after his wife had died some years before. His devotion to his first wife delayed his recognition of the growth of his feelings. The resolution to their situation comes dramatically, and all of the local community are drawn into their affairs. However, Petalia’s humor, self-control and good manners save the day in several situations. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Governess and the Beast” by Emily Barnet

-Petalia Winthrop becomes governess to the children of Edmund, the scarred and grieving Duke of Ashbourne, and soon begins transforming both the household and the Duke’s guarded heart. Their witty banter, engaging family dynamics, and lovable children are entertaining.

This is a well-written, fast-paced Regency romance with believable characters and plenty of heart. While there were a few timeline inconsistencies and the plot followed a familiar formula, the humor, emotional growth, and satisfying ending made it an enjoyable read.

[Heather]

DNF at 7%. I really don't enjoy this style of writing where the characters speak to each other in clipped, aggressive, negating context. They spend the whole novel telling each other what things are not.

"You are impertinent."
"Only when cornered."
"You are not cornered."
"That is not reassuring."
"It is honest."

Just goes on and on, reading a whole novel of this back and forth whiplash is exhausting. I find that I'm not interested enough in the plot to engage with the characters in their battles with each other.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent, I enjoyed it & was never bored. It is about a duke who rescued a woman from falling into the mud after a thief stold her purse. When she explained that she wouldn't be able to pay her rent, he gave her a card to seek employment. He needed a Governess but wanted his aunt to do the interview. That is the beginning of their friendship and it grew from there. I kept wondering if the children were still being taught. If you like intelligent conversation you'll love it.

[Carolyn R Swickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Edmund lost his wife six years earlier and has two children to raise. Petalia is alone, robbed and in desperate need of a job and safety. When they meet in London, a journey starts that will have major consequences for both of them and his family. Enjoyable.
Beautiful cadence to the English language used in the narrative and banter.

[dONNA bOWERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

A writer’s wit at it’s best

Delightful!! Loved the way it was written. A well spoken heroin, children were heard, hearts opened. A lovely slow burn without getting scorched! A story for all ages.

[toya · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a lot of funny quips. I liked it as a whole but I don't think there was enough to create fondness of the characters.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, clean regency romance. A good read!

[Dick R. McCart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very dear - book title was silly

This author deserves better book titles. She engages the reader in excellent conversation, and her characters are winsome. Good story.