What do you think?
Rate this book
The Governess and the Beast: A Historical Regency Romance Novel
"He hid his face from the world but she refused to look away."
Petalia Winthrop arrived in London with eleven shillings, a letter of character, and her late mother's hairpin. By breakfast, a thief had taken all three, and the only person to stop for her was a scarred stranger in a scarf who told her to keep her balance and expected her to obey.
She did not expect to see him again. She certainly did not expect to be sent to his house.
The Duke of Ashbourne has not shown his face in society for years, not since the accident that ruined it and hardened everything behind it. He keeps to his estate, keeps his scars covered, and keeps every governess at arm's length until she gives up and goes. His small daughter is running wild, his aunt is out of patience, and the last thing he wants is another clever woman in his home studying the ruin of his face.
But Petalia Winthrop is not so easily frightened off, and she has never in her life been able to leave a locked door alone.
She refuses to be intimidated by his temper. She refuses to pity his scars. And slowly, without either of them intending it, she begins to reach the wild little girl the household had given up on, and the guarded man everyone else had learned to fear.
A governess is meant to be sensible. A duke is meant to be untouchable. And a scandal from Petalia's past is about to arrive at Wrenfield's door to remind them both exactly how much they have to lose.
He was certain no one would ever look at him again without flinching. She was the one woman who never once did.
A tender, slow-burn Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency romance featuring a scarred, reclusive duke, a fearless and quick-witted governess, a motherless child, and a love that refuses to stay behind locked doors. Book 2 of Wounds and Scandals, fully standalone, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Perfect for readers who love brooding dukes, brave heroines, and clean, slow-burn romance with no cheating and no cliffhangers.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited.
Petalia Winthrop arrived in London with eleven shillings, a letter of character, and her late mother's hairpin. By breakfast, a thief had taken all three, and the only person to stop for her was a scarred stranger in a scarf who told her to keep her balance and expected her to obey.
She did not expect to see him again. She certainly did not expect to be sent to his house.
The Duke of Ashbourne has not shown his face in society for years, not since the accident that ruined it and hardened everything behind it. He keeps to his estate, keeps his scars covered, and keeps every governess at arm's length until she gives up and goes. His small daughter is running wild, his aunt is out of patience, and the last thing he wants is another clever woman in his home studying the ruin of his face.
But Petalia Winthrop is not so easily frightened off, and she has never in her life been able to leave a locked door alone.
She refuses to be intimidated by his temper. She refuses to pity his scars. And slowly, without either of them intending it, she begins to reach the wild little girl the household had given up on, and the guarded man everyone else had learned to fear.
A governess is meant to be sensible. A duke is meant to be untouchable. And a scandal from Petalia's past is about to arrive at Wrenfield's door to remind them both exactly how much they have to lose.
He was certain no one would ever look at him again without flinching. She was the one woman who never once did.
A tender, slow-burn Beauty-and-the-Beast Regency romance featuring a scarred, reclusive duke, a fearless and quick-witted governess, a motherless child, and a love that refuses to stay behind locked doors. Book 2 of Wounds and Scandals, fully standalone, with a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Perfect for readers who love brooding dukes, brave heroines, and clean, slow-burn romance with no cheating and no cliffhangers.
Also available with Kindle Unlimited.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 29, 2026
Read: 9/27/26
Setting: Regency (i think) England
Trope: governess, loosely fairytale/ Beauty & Beast, class differences, widower, forced marriage
3.5 stars
A delightful story, even if it was predictable.
Plot: Petalia runs straight into a Duke while chasing a thief. As luck would have it, the man was in desperate need of a governess for his two children and offers the job to Petalia. Oh and what a job! These children might have managed to scare off the previous governesses, but they have met their match in Petalia. It doesn't take long for Petalia to win over the children and household. The Duke is another story.
Edmund has been scarred, inside and out, and prefers to keep his distance from others. Unfortunately for him; there's something about Petalia that he can't seem to stay away from. He looks foward to her daily reports and hates himself for it. One night, he asks Petalia to have tea after dinner with him. Then the string of calamites happen, starting with the footman spilling tea down the front of Petalia's dress. Because of the pain, Edmund orders her to change behind a screen and ...you can guess where this is leading. Petalia is now compromised and has to marry Edmund to save her reputation. Can love grow between? How do the children feel about their marriage? And the biggest question; can Petalia heal the pain that has consumed Edmund and bring light into his barren life? You bet this Wonder Woman can!!!
Liked:
1. I loved Petalia!! She's a fantastic character! She was really good at reading people and then bringing out the best in them. Petalia had a wonderful wit as well. Just brilliant!
2. Edmund could act the beast, but underneath he had a soft heart. He was extremely thoughtful and would give the sweetest gifts. I almost cried when he replaced her mother's stolen brass hair clips with new brass clips. - a gift she never took off. He knew she would value them more than real jewels. 🥰 He was also a good father, even if he wasn't overly warm.
3. I loved the friendship that developed between the couple. Never a dull moment with these two joking back and forth.
4. The kids were hilarious and very realistic for children their age.
5. This book was well written and fast paced. Though, the best part of the book was the witty dialogue between the MC. I laughed so much while reading this book.
Dislike:
1. I don't mind a clean book as long as the romance is strong. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. These two had a great friendship, but I needed more. The romance lacked the passion.
2. I still don't know how he got his scars. 🤷♀️ I've had the flu, so maybe I was confused and missed the one time he talked about it.
Conclusion: I highly recommend this book, even if it lacks a strong romance. The story's charming and worth a try.
3.5 stars for plot
1/2 star for humor
Setting: Regency (i think) England
Trope: governess, loosely fairytale/ Beauty & Beast, class differences, widower, forced marriage
3.5 stars
A delightful story, even if it was predictable.
Plot: Petalia runs straight into a Duke while chasing a thief. As luck would have it, the man was in desperate need of a governess for his two children and offers the job to Petalia. Oh and what a job! These children might have managed to scare off the previous governesses, but they have met their match in Petalia. It doesn't take long for Petalia to win over the children and household. The Duke is another story.
Edmund has been scarred, inside and out, and prefers to keep his distance from others. Unfortunately for him; there's something about Petalia that he can't seem to stay away from. He looks foward to her daily reports and hates himself for it. One night, he asks Petalia to have tea after dinner with him. Then the string of calamites happen, starting with the footman spilling tea down the front of Petalia's dress. Because of the pain, Edmund orders her to change behind a screen and ...you can guess where this is leading. Petalia is now compromised and has to marry Edmund to save her reputation. Can love grow between? How do the children feel about their marriage? And the biggest question; can Petalia heal the pain that has consumed Edmund and bring light into his barren life? You bet this Wonder Woman can!!!
Liked:
1. I loved Petalia!! She's a fantastic character! She was really good at reading people and then bringing out the best in them. Petalia had a wonderful wit as well. Just brilliant!
2. Edmund could act the beast, but underneath he had a soft heart. He was extremely thoughtful and would give the sweetest gifts. I almost cried when he replaced her mother's stolen brass hair clips with new brass clips. - a gift she never took off. He knew she would value them more than real jewels. 🥰 He was also a good father, even if he wasn't overly warm.
3. I loved the friendship that developed between the couple. Never a dull moment with these two joking back and forth.
4. The kids were hilarious and very realistic for children their age.
5. This book was well written and fast paced. Though, the best part of the book was the witty dialogue between the MC. I laughed so much while reading this book.
Dislike:
1. I don't mind a clean book as long as the romance is strong. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case. These two had a great friendship, but I needed more. The romance lacked the passion.
2. I still don't know how he got his scars. 🤷♀️ I've had the flu, so maybe I was confused and missed the one time he talked about it.
Conclusion: I highly recommend this book, even if it lacks a strong romance. The story's charming and worth a try.
3.5 stars for plot
1/2 star for humor
August 21, 2026
Romantic Wit
This was a “Duke marries the governess to save her reputation” trope, and although that theme is common, the witty dialogue made this one a little different.
The characters were charming and fun, and the Duke’s children were rebellious yet intelligent.
This was a four star clean romance in which even from the beginning we knew they were meant for each other.
This was a “Duke marries the governess to save her reputation” trope, and although that theme is common, the witty dialogue made this one a little different.
The characters were charming and fun, and the Duke’s children were rebellious yet intelligent.
This was a four star clean romance in which even from the beginning we knew they were meant for each other.
September 7, 2026
4.0. Rated G. Regency Romance
Sigh….very romantic. 🥰
But it took me a while to get into it because of the writing. It seemed old fashioned. Maybe just meant to go with “the times”. Early on I wondered if I wanted to read it because of the writing. Continuing was a good choice.
Edmund - the beast because of scarring on his face and a gruff attitude.
Petalia - the governess who gets caught in a compromising position.
Their chemistry is great. ( kissing only though) Banter is hilarious and well done, but it’s a lot.
Side characters and his two kids are so good!
Edmund- “I love you because when I am with you, I do not feel less scarred. I feel less ashamed of being seen.”
Recommend!
Sigh….very romantic. 🥰
But it took me a while to get into it because of the writing. It seemed old fashioned. Maybe just meant to go with “the times”. Early on I wondered if I wanted to read it because of the writing. Continuing was a good choice.
Edmund - the beast because of scarring on his face and a gruff attitude.
Petalia - the governess who gets caught in a compromising position.
Their chemistry is great. ( kissing only though) Banter is hilarious and well done, but it’s a lot.
Side characters and his two kids are so good!
Edmund- “I love you because when I am with you, I do not feel less scarred. I feel less ashamed of being seen.”
Recommend!
July 12, 2026
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.
July 14, 2026
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.
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.
July 13, 2026
“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.
-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.
Did Not Finish
August 7, 2026DNF 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.
"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.
August 16, 2026
The Governess and the Beast
This story is so good that I could not enjoy it more! The dysfunctional family of the Duke was so well developed and the main servants with their view of the family was so honest. The governess was brilliant and the Duke’s reaction to the to the family and the governess as perfect. The reactions of the neighbors to the governess’s burn to her chest was greatly over blown. The governess forced to marry is just the beginning. You will enjoy this book so much!
This story is so good that I could not enjoy it more! The dysfunctional family of the Duke was so well developed and the main servants with their view of the family was so honest. The governess was brilliant and the Duke’s reaction to the to the family and the governess as perfect. The reactions of the neighbors to the governess’s burn to her chest was greatly over blown. The governess forced to marry is just the beginning. You will enjoy this book so much!
September 9, 2026
Wonderful, beautiful, sweet Regency romance♥️♥️
What a beautiful book. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Petalia was such a great FL, their banter was so entertaining. I loved the romance that blossomed between both main characters, a very realistic and comforting slow burn. I liked Edmund’s thoughts about how he felt towards Petulia and the guilt that followed due to his deceased wife, it felt very natural and reasonable. I liked how Petulia respected his feelings and was patient. The aunt was such a supportive person as well. I recommend this book!!!
What a beautiful book. I finished it in less than 24 hours. Petalia was such a great FL, their banter was so entertaining. I loved the romance that blossomed between both main characters, a very realistic and comforting slow burn. I liked Edmund’s thoughts about how he felt towards Petulia and the guilt that followed due to his deceased wife, it felt very natural and reasonable. I liked how Petulia respected his feelings and was patient. The aunt was such a supportive person as well. I recommend this book!!!
July 19, 2026
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.
August 29, 2026
A Thief/A Pursuit/A Duke/A Governess..
Petalia is governess after several mishaps for Duke Edmunds children. He
Sees all & passes the schoolroom more than necessary. Due to an accidental tea
Spill Petalia is scalded but not too severely. As talk responses come in it is clear the only answer is to marry. Duke
Edmund has fallen in love with her but hasn’t said much. He is not the beast, despite his scares, that everyone thinks he is. And his wife loves him back.
Petalia is governess after several mishaps for Duke Edmunds children. He
Sees all & passes the schoolroom more than necessary. Due to an accidental tea
Spill Petalia is scalded but not too severely. As talk responses come in it is clear the only answer is to marry. Duke
Edmund has fallen in love with her but hasn’t said much. He is not the beast, despite his scares, that everyone thinks he is. And his wife loves him back.
September 6, 2026
Heartwarming!
Petalia and Edmund; Lady Maria, the children Declan and Mary, and all the characters in between, Mrs. Holroyd, the housekeeper and Pritchard, the butler, made up for a wholesome, heartwarming story. The prose of Ms. Barnet and her wit for storytelling makes this story unforgettable; well-developed with some moments that would require the reader to reach for a tissue box. Love, laughter and endless wit fill each page until the extended epilogue.
Petalia and Edmund; Lady Maria, the children Declan and Mary, and all the characters in between, Mrs. Holroyd, the housekeeper and Pritchard, the butler, made up for a wholesome, heartwarming story. The prose of Ms. Barnet and her wit for storytelling makes this story unforgettable; well-developed with some moments that would require the reader to reach for a tissue box. Love, laughter and endless wit fill each page until the extended epilogue.
July 29, 2026
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.
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.
October 8, 2026
Less on Courtesy, More Children
I liked this book. This book was similar to another book that had conversations going around in circles about courtesy, but this one didn't concentrate on that. At first, it was Master to Servant, then it became more boyfriend and girlfriend. I figure that this one was better because there were children involved.
I liked this book. This book was similar to another book that had conversations going around in circles about courtesy, but this one didn't concentrate on that. At first, it was Master to Servant, then it became more boyfriend and girlfriend. I figure that this one was better because there were children involved.
August 4, 2026
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.
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.
August 17, 2026
Enjoyed the uniqueness of the writing for a historical but it also held the reader slightly apart from the characters. I didn’t connect with them and the romance felt flat but it was a nice story. The wit was fun
Read
September 23, 2026About halfway through, I started to notice patterns and speech structures that suggested to me that AI wrote this book. I asked google, which used AI to tell me that yes, this "author" is most likely AI. 🙄
September 29, 2026
scandal before love decreed
Scary, humorous, and seriously delightful characters. I don’t believe a normal person could handle Mary or Declan, let alone the Duke. Yet, our heroine does with seemingly no real difficulty.
Scary, humorous, and seriously delightful characters. I don’t believe a normal person could handle Mary or Declan, let alone the Duke. Yet, our heroine does with seemingly no real difficulty.
July 22, 2026
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.
July 23, 2026
Sweet, clean regency romance. A good read!
July 31, 2026
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.
This author deserves better book titles. She engages the reader in excellent conversation, and her characters are winsome. Good story.
August 12, 2026
The beast
The Governess and the b g east are not the only interesting characters in this book. The whole household keeps the story moving. This is a book for sand and sun. Enjoy
The Governess and the b g east are not the only interesting characters in this book. The whole household keeps the story moving. This is a book for sand and sun. Enjoy
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews