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The Honorable Scoundrels #1
The Governess Who Captured His Heart
Temptations or Priorities...?
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in the northern part of England. If this means accompanying an older gentleman on his travels, then she will. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected, but rather seduction itself...
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir—or be cut off from inheritance. When he confides in Louise, together they form a plan. But the closer they become, the more temptation beckons...
Until finally a choice must be made: Love or money? Or is it possible to have both?
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in the northern part of England. If this means accompanying an older gentleman on his travels, then she will. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected, but rather seduction itself...
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir—or be cut off from inheritance. When he confides in Louise, together they form a plan. But the closer they become, the more temptation beckons...
Until finally a choice must be made: Love or money? Or is it possible to have both?
30 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2017
381 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Barnes
67 books1,753 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Sophie Barnes writes historical romance novels in which the characters break away from social expectations in their quest for happiness and love. Having written for Avon, an imprint of Harper Collins, her books have been published internationally in eight languages. With a fondness for travel, Sophie has lived in six countries, on three continents, and speaks English, Danish, French, Spanish, and Romanian with varying degrees of fluency. Ever the romantic, she married the same man three times—in three different countries and in three different dresses.
When she’s not busy dreaming up her next swoon worthy romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, baking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading.
For all the latest releases, promotions, and exclusive story updates, subscribe to Sophie Barnes’ newsletter today: www.sophiebarnes.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
August 26, 2019
I sighed in relieved knowing I'm in the minority here. The main reason I couldn't connect with the story is because I didn't feel any chemistry between both MC. He's the heir of a dukedom for crying out loud. If one maid/chaperone got sick, couldn't they hire a new one?! I don't believe that they have to be there soon. And if the inn was pack, they could rent a room in the village. Someone would surely need the income and it have been done in other book before. It would be more believable if they were robbed, lost in the jungle and have to rely on each other to return safely.
November 5, 2017
Review For: The Governess Who Captured His Heart Sophie Barnes The Governess Who Captured His Heart by Sophie Barnes is the first book in the new series called "The Honorable Scoundrels" This is the story of Louise Potter and Alistair Langley. This is a Novella with almost 90 pages. Louise is the middle sister with Josephine the oldest and Eve the youngest. Although the sisters are descends of an Earl their father wasn't and he had tried his hand at law. Which after the death of his wife nothing seem to work for him and along with his drinking. After he past the sisters were left with just a townhouse and bills. So Louise thought to take a position as a Governess. Louise would have to travel to the location of the job but was assured that she could take the trip with the older Uncle. But that turned out to be Alistair who was anything but old. This was a sweet, quick and really enjoyable story! I can't wait for more in this series. https://twitter.com/soapsrus68 https://www.facebook.com/RomanceBookR... https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
November 17, 2017
I love this little novella.
Alistair and Louise were such a sweet and wonderful couple. On a seven day carriage ride where Alistair was going to see the girl his brother wanted him to marry and and Louise was going to his brother's home to be the governess to their niece's three boys, they fell in love.
And there was so much sexual tension in this story it was unbelievable. There was a bedroom scene and it was somewhat described but not so much the readers who hate sex wouldn't be bothered by it.
It really was a great novella and now I'm off to read the next one in this series.
February 21, 2023
After about 40% I gave up. The writing was fine but I was rather bored. 3 ⭐.
November 1, 2017
Series: The Honorable Scoundrels #1
Publication Date: 11/7/17
I had the great honor of being a beta reader for this series and I thought it just couldn’t get much better! However, Sophie Barnes has proven me wrong. The finished version of this novella is a sweet, delightfully delicious story of a love that grows over the course of a week of travel in a carriage. Those close quarters certainly give our H/h a chance to get to know each other and to fall in love – even though the heroine is convinced that it is a relationship that can never be.
The series features three impoverished, gently-born sisters who live in a London townhouse. The older sister, Josephine is twenty-six, Louise (our heroine in this novella) is twenty-four, and Eve, the youngest is twenty. Their great-grandfather was an earl, but their grandfather was a younger son who went into law. He was very successful and provided a good foundation for his family. His son, however, just didn’t have the talent for it and when his wife passed away, he took to drink and lost case after case. He finally had to quit practicing and continually sold off properties until all that was left upon his death was the small townhouse that wasn’t in the best of neighborhoods. The two older sisters are determined to give the younger one a season in order to see her well settled. Josephine has found work in London and is doing her best to keep them afloat, but they are barely scraping by. In order to help, Louise finds a position as a governess, but it is far from London.
Louise’s new employer offers her the opportunity to travel to their estate with the employer’s uncle since it will be a much more comfortable mode of travel than the mail-coach would be. Just imagine the surprise of both the uncle and Louise when each finds the other to be totally different than they expected. Louise expected a portly, elderly gentleman and Alistair Langley expected a plump, middle-aged spinster. That is definitely NOT what they got.
Once you meet them, you can’t help but like both Alistair and Louise. They are both good, caring people. I hope you’ll read and love this book and this series as much as I have.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 11/7/17
I had the great honor of being a beta reader for this series and I thought it just couldn’t get much better! However, Sophie Barnes has proven me wrong. The finished version of this novella is a sweet, delightfully delicious story of a love that grows over the course of a week of travel in a carriage. Those close quarters certainly give our H/h a chance to get to know each other and to fall in love – even though the heroine is convinced that it is a relationship that can never be.
The series features three impoverished, gently-born sisters who live in a London townhouse. The older sister, Josephine is twenty-six, Louise (our heroine in this novella) is twenty-four, and Eve, the youngest is twenty. Their great-grandfather was an earl, but their grandfather was a younger son who went into law. He was very successful and provided a good foundation for his family. His son, however, just didn’t have the talent for it and when his wife passed away, he took to drink and lost case after case. He finally had to quit practicing and continually sold off properties until all that was left upon his death was the small townhouse that wasn’t in the best of neighborhoods. The two older sisters are determined to give the younger one a season in order to see her well settled. Josephine has found work in London and is doing her best to keep them afloat, but they are barely scraping by. In order to help, Louise finds a position as a governess, but it is far from London.
Louise’s new employer offers her the opportunity to travel to their estate with the employer’s uncle since it will be a much more comfortable mode of travel than the mail-coach would be. Just imagine the surprise of both the uncle and Louise when each finds the other to be totally different than they expected. Louise expected a portly, elderly gentleman and Alistair Langley expected a plump, middle-aged spinster. That is definitely NOT what they got.
Once you meet them, you can’t help but like both Alistair and Louise. They are both good, caring people. I hope you’ll read and love this book and this series as much as I have.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
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September 1, 2021
The Governess Who Captured His Heart was an enjoyable read featuring a romance between a governess and her new employer's uncle.
After the death of her father, Louise Potter accepts a governess position to help her sisters keep their home. Unfortunately the position is in northern England and in order to get there, Louise will need to travel with her new employer's uncle. Under the impression she is travelling with an older gentleman, Louise arrives and is shocked to discover a handsome man around her age. With Alistair Langley's plans of a quite journey ruined, he resigns himself to accompanying his niece's new employee only to be shocked by the arrival of a young, beautiful woman. As Louise and Alistair journey north, their attraction grows throwing off both of their plans for their futures.
Louise and Alistair's romance is very slow to start despite how short this book was. While their attraction to one another is immediate, they both agree to do the proper thing and refuse to give in to that attraction. While they spend time together alone in the carriage, their feelings for each other deepen as they get to know each other. My main complaint about their romance was I didn't fully buy the connection between them. Their attraction for one another is well written, but I feel like we didn't get enough outside of that to make their falling in love believable. I also didn't fully love Alistair as a character at first as he's a bit stuck up and it takes most of the book for him to loosen up. I did ultimately enjoy the ending where Louise and Alistair get together.
Overall The Governess Who Captured His Heart was an enjoyable enough read and I am interested in reading the other books in the series in the future.
After the death of her father, Louise Potter accepts a governess position to help her sisters keep their home. Unfortunately the position is in northern England and in order to get there, Louise will need to travel with her new employer's uncle. Under the impression she is travelling with an older gentleman, Louise arrives and is shocked to discover a handsome man around her age. With Alistair Langley's plans of a quite journey ruined, he resigns himself to accompanying his niece's new employee only to be shocked by the arrival of a young, beautiful woman. As Louise and Alistair journey north, their attraction grows throwing off both of their plans for their futures.
Louise and Alistair's romance is very slow to start despite how short this book was. While their attraction to one another is immediate, they both agree to do the proper thing and refuse to give in to that attraction. While they spend time together alone in the carriage, their feelings for each other deepen as they get to know each other. My main complaint about their romance was I didn't fully buy the connection between them. Their attraction for one another is well written, but I feel like we didn't get enough outside of that to make their falling in love believable. I also didn't fully love Alistair as a character at first as he's a bit stuck up and it takes most of the book for him to loosen up. I did ultimately enjoy the ending where Louise and Alistair get together.
Overall The Governess Who Captured His Heart was an enjoyable enough read and I am interested in reading the other books in the series in the future.
October 31, 2017
Sophie Barnes is a new to me author that I've been keeping an eye on for some time. When this trio of novellas popped up on NetGalley, I quickly jumped at the chance to read them. I received advanced reader copies in exchange for an honest review and, as far as The Governess Who Captured His Heart, I liked it.
Yes, I liked it. I didn't love it. I may or may not read it again. It is a very quick read - easily finished in one night - but it is very well written. BUT, the thing this had going for it is that the hero and heroine do exactly what you hope two intelligent, moral, respectable people of the era would do. The plot is a road trip story where a week spent alone in a carriage creates forced intimacy. But, where this story stands out is in the judgments, reactions, and maturity of Louisa and Alistair.
For example, they bring along a chaperone. They admit to being attracted to each other and openly admit to perusing their physical forms. They talk openly about their thoughts and opinions, particularly their preconceived notions about each other. They recognize the attraction between them and that it may be inappropriate and try to distance themselves from each other. Realizing the feelings are stronger than anticipated, they talk about various possible paths for their futures. They move forward with their family's blessings. AND, this is huge, they WAIT for their wedding night! Shocking. I know.
Plus, with it being a novella, you don't usually feel like you get to really understand the characters and often doubt if their feelings are lust or true love. Because of the nature of their conversations, you know that Louisa and Alistair have a solid foundation and have every likelihood of a happily ever after.
In general, if you want a fast, sweet, emotionally mature read, by all means give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
Yes, I liked it. I didn't love it. I may or may not read it again. It is a very quick read - easily finished in one night - but it is very well written. BUT, the thing this had going for it is that the hero and heroine do exactly what you hope two intelligent, moral, respectable people of the era would do. The plot is a road trip story where a week spent alone in a carriage creates forced intimacy. But, where this story stands out is in the judgments, reactions, and maturity of Louisa and Alistair.
For example, they bring along a chaperone. They admit to being attracted to each other and openly admit to perusing their physical forms. They talk openly about their thoughts and opinions, particularly their preconceived notions about each other. They recognize the attraction between them and that it may be inappropriate and try to distance themselves from each other. Realizing the feelings are stronger than anticipated, they talk about various possible paths for their futures. They move forward with their family's blessings. AND, this is huge, they WAIT for their wedding night! Shocking. I know.
Plus, with it being a novella, you don't usually feel like you get to really understand the characters and often doubt if their feelings are lust or true love. Because of the nature of their conversations, you know that Louisa and Alistair have a solid foundation and have every likelihood of a happily ever after.
In general, if you want a fast, sweet, emotionally mature read, by all means give this one a go. You won't be disappointed.
January 6, 2018
I wanted to like this more than I did! Sadly I just never believed in the connection between Louise and Alistair. There was so much supposed connection made from their conversation in the carriage, but I feel like we only got about 40% of the conversation in text, with the rest glossed over. And Alistair's primary reason for wanting to marry Louise was so he could have sex with her?! Sure, that's probably a very real reason, but I want it to be dressed up a little bit, and have a little more romance in my romance novel.
I also found his family's reaction to his sudden fall into love perplexing as well, and if I were his niece, I'd be a bit frustrated that my newly-hired governess had been stolen from me before she even began employment! Again, I feel like the novella ends before we get answers to some very important questions - what is Alistair going to do to support a wife? Will he also take over support for Louise's sisters, and give Eve a season? How do her sister's feel about missing her wedding, and her leaving for a job and coming back married? Of course, this being a series, each sister gets her starring turn, so maybe some of those questions will be answered in later stories.
I also found his family's reaction to his sudden fall into love perplexing as well, and if I were his niece, I'd be a bit frustrated that my newly-hired governess had been stolen from me before she even began employment! Again, I feel like the novella ends before we get answers to some very important questions - what is Alistair going to do to support a wife? Will he also take over support for Louise's sisters, and give Eve a season? How do her sister's feel about missing her wedding, and her leaving for a job and coming back married? Of course, this being a series, each sister gets her starring turn, so maybe some of those questions will be answered in later stories.
August 30, 2020
The Governess Who Captured His Heart
Super short novella. I liked the premise but it was too quick to establish any kind of relationship believability IMO.
Super short novella. I liked the premise but it was too quick to establish any kind of relationship believability IMO.
October 16, 2017
Publisher's Description:
Temptations or Priorities…?
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in the northern part of England. If this means accompanying an older gentleman on his travels, then she will. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected, but rather seduction itself…
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir—or be cut off from inheritance. When he confides in Louise, together they form a plan. But the closer they become, the more temptation beckons…
Until finally a choice must be made: Love or money? Or is it possible to have both?
My Thoughts:
I am reading all three of these novellas and I accidentally read book #2 first. It is OK to read them out of order though as the first two reveal nothing of the content of each other. They do fit nicely together though they are fine to be read as standalone titles.
Assumptions can most definitely lead to surprises.!
Louise Potter's family has a desperate need of funds so when she is offered the position of governess to three young boys she readily accepts. Her new employer also offers her a ride to her new position with the uncle of her new employer. Her employer's oldest son is eleven after all so the man must be nearly in his dotage..
On his way to meet the lady his brother has arranged for him to marry, Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage ride with the governess his niece has hired, but he loves his niece and relents. The woman must be in her forties and stuffy anyway, so he intends to spend the journey sleeping.
Imagine both their surprises to find young, attractive and desirable people rather than their mistaken assumptions.
Can this inopportune beginning lead to a love neither thought to ever find?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and an sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames. This is a sweet rather than steamy romance.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Temptations or Priorities…?
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in the northern part of England. If this means accompanying an older gentleman on his travels, then she will. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected, but rather seduction itself…
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir—or be cut off from inheritance. When he confides in Louise, together they form a plan. But the closer they become, the more temptation beckons…
Until finally a choice must be made: Love or money? Or is it possible to have both?
My Thoughts:
I am reading all three of these novellas and I accidentally read book #2 first. It is OK to read them out of order though as the first two reveal nothing of the content of each other. They do fit nicely together though they are fine to be read as standalone titles.
Assumptions can most definitely lead to surprises.!
Louise Potter's family has a desperate need of funds so when she is offered the position of governess to three young boys she readily accepts. Her new employer also offers her a ride to her new position with the uncle of her new employer. Her employer's oldest son is eleven after all so the man must be nearly in his dotage..
On his way to meet the lady his brother has arranged for him to marry, Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage ride with the governess his niece has hired, but he loves his niece and relents. The woman must be in her forties and stuffy anyway, so he intends to spend the journey sleeping.
Imagine both their surprises to find young, attractive and desirable people rather than their mistaken assumptions.
Can this inopportune beginning lead to a love neither thought to ever find?
I gave this book 4.5 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and an sensual rating of 2 of 5 flames. This is a sweet rather than steamy romance.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the publisher to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 26, 2017
4.5 stars
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in Whitehaven in northern England. Her new employer Lady Channing has arranged for Louise to travel with her uncle as he’s visiting for Christmas. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected.
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir or be cut off from inheritance. A housemaid accompanies them but then she’s taken ill.
A lovely novella, Alistair & Louise are immediately attracted to each other & this attraction grows by leaps & bounds but they also like each other. Whilst travelling for over a week they get to know each other & become each other’s confidant. They are both delightful & likeable. This is the first in a trilogy of novellas about the Potter sisters & I can’t wait to read the other two
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Determined to help her oldest sister make ends meet, Louise Potter accepts a governess position in Whitehaven in northern England. Her new employer Lady Channing has arranged for Louise to travel with her uncle as he’s visiting for Christmas. There’s only one problem: Louise is about to discover that her travelling companion is not the elderly man she expected.
Alistair Langley has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. But the matron he expected to find at his door is instead a beautiful young woman, one he knows he can’t travel alone with. After all, he’s going to visit his brother who is pressuring him to marry and produce a Langley heir or be cut off from inheritance. A housemaid accompanies them but then she’s taken ill.
A lovely novella, Alistair & Louise are immediately attracted to each other & this attraction grows by leaps & bounds but they also like each other. Whilst travelling for over a week they get to know each other & become each other’s confidant. They are both delightful & likeable. This is the first in a trilogy of novellas about the Potter sisters & I can’t wait to read the other two
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 29, 2019
1.5 stars.
Insta-lust turns into love too quickly in this underdeveloped, even for a short, novella. I appreciated the lack of OP drama and mentions of OW in the H's past (honestly, I'm surprised by how many authors insert these elements into novellas). I also liked that the H was an honourable guy who was willing to wait (OK, fine, a couple of a days) for the wedding to consummate their union. Other than that, though, the lack of historical veracity (an unmarried woman traveling by carriage with a man for a day let alone six would've resulted in her ruined reputation) and modern language made this a less than satisfying read.
Insta-lust turns into love too quickly in this underdeveloped, even for a short, novella. I appreciated the lack of OP drama and mentions of OW in the H's past (honestly, I'm surprised by how many authors insert these elements into novellas). I also liked that the H was an honourable guy who was willing to wait (OK, fine, a couple of a days) for the wedding to consummate their union. Other than that, though, the lack of historical veracity (an unmarried woman traveling by carriage with a man for a day let alone six would've resulted in her ruined reputation) and modern language made this a less than satisfying read.
October 28, 2017
After the death of their parents, the Potter sisters got by as best as they could, selling their home to take up cheaper lodgings and looking for work...not the done thing.
Josephine found work as an accountant and Louise just got hires as a governess. Her employer believing her to be middle aged arranged for her young uncle to escort Louise. Louise believed him to be elderly so again didn't see a problem...until she called on him to start their journey and they both learned they were close in age.
Bringing a maid was the hasty solution...too bad she fell ill the first night.
They pushed on and tried very hard to just be amiable traveling companions. She was committed to her position and he was ordered by his father to marry the lady chosen for him, much to his dismay.
Fortune eventually smiles on the pair for a HEA..but not too quickly.
I requested and received this short sweet historical from NetGalley.
Josephine found work as an accountant and Louise just got hires as a governess. Her employer believing her to be middle aged arranged for her young uncle to escort Louise. Louise believed him to be elderly so again didn't see a problem...until she called on him to start their journey and they both learned they were close in age.
Bringing a maid was the hasty solution...too bad she fell ill the first night.
They pushed on and tried very hard to just be amiable traveling companions. She was committed to her position and he was ordered by his father to marry the lady chosen for him, much to his dismay.
Fortune eventually smiles on the pair for a HEA..but not too quickly.
I requested and received this short sweet historical from NetGalley.
October 29, 2017
Louise Potter is determined to help her sister make ends meet so she takes a job as a governess for Lady Channing in Northern England. Lady Channing arranges for Louise to travel with her uncle who’s visiting for Christmas. What Louise discovers is not an elderly uncle traveling companion, but handsome Alistair Langley who has no desire to share his carriage with his niece’s newly hired employee. Alistair’s brother has been pressuring him to marry and produce an heir or be cut off from his inheritance. Alistair & Louise are immediately attracted to each other, they have a week to travel and become better acquainted and each other’s confidants. This is an enchanting story and I can’t wait for the next novella. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
October 25, 2020
Immensely Enjoyable!
Louise and Alistair are both shocked when they realize that the person they thought they would be traveling with was not who they either of them had imagined.
This is a delightful, short and passion brewing story with well matched characters with whom I quickly fell in love. The story reads like a dream, says what it has to ever so nicely and I enjoyed it immensely. This is the kind of story that I could easily read more of.
Louise and Alistair are both shocked when they realize that the person they thought they would be traveling with was not who they either of them had imagined.
This is a delightful, short and passion brewing story with well matched characters with whom I quickly fell in love. The story reads like a dream, says what it has to ever so nicely and I enjoyed it immensely. This is the kind of story that I could easily read more of.
February 10, 2019
Good
I found this a good book. Louise is an Earl's granddaughter but years of mismanagement of funds by her previous generations means she has to go out to work. In her journey up north to her governess role she is accompanied by the uncle of her employer and they become close.
I found this a good book. Louise is an Earl's granddaughter but years of mismanagement of funds by her previous generations means she has to go out to work. In her journey up north to her governess role she is accompanied by the uncle of her employer and they become close.
August 12, 2018
A cute novella. It's my first book by Sophie Barnes and was a good read. Looking forward to reading the other books in th trilogy.
October 27, 2017
This is the first of 3 novellas about 3 sisters. Louise has taken a position as a governess and is to travel with her new employers uncle to their estate. Assuming he is an older gentleman she agrees, and he is expecting a boring, middle aged woman who knits. They were both surprised.
Louise and Alister's love story was a fun read. I laughed as I watched them fall in love. I highly recommend this book. I am anxious to read the next two sisters stories.
Louise and Alister's love story was a fun read. I laughed as I watched them fall in love. I highly recommend this book. I am anxious to read the next two sisters stories.
October 20, 2017
Educated, but impoverished gentry, Louise Potter doesn't have a lot of choices when it comes to making money. When she is acquires a position as a governess to three boys, she knows she's going to have her work cut out for her. What she doesn't expect is to share a carriage with her new employer's dashing uncle. Alistair is everything Louise could want, unfortunately she knows that due to her position she could never have it.
The novella is an interesting format and one that is just starting to come into its own. However, there is an inherent danger that things and conflicts can be rushed and unfortunately that is somewhat in play here. Louise and Alistair are great characters. Like the hero, I loved Louise's honesty and candor. The two played well off of each other and I enjoyed their banter. Unfortunately the resolution to the conflict was a little too pat. Too neat. Which had me knock it down a star.
This is still a fun, light regency read and I recommend it on that alone.
Four Stars.
** I received an ARC through NetGalley
The novella is an interesting format and one that is just starting to come into its own. However, there is an inherent danger that things and conflicts can be rushed and unfortunately that is somewhat in play here. Louise and Alistair are great characters. Like the hero, I loved Louise's honesty and candor. The two played well off of each other and I enjoyed their banter. Unfortunately the resolution to the conflict was a little too pat. Too neat. Which had me knock it down a star.
This is still a fun, light regency read and I recommend it on that alone.
Four Stars.
** I received an ARC through NetGalley
October 22, 2017
I liked this story very much. It kept me wanting to know how Louise and Alistair were going to admit to each other that they were in love. They each knew it in their own hearts but admitting it to each other was another thing. It was great taking the journey with them in the carriage ride and "feeling" the emotions along the way. Sophie has a great gift of written expression and I really enjoyed this book. I received a kindle copy of the book from netgalley.
October 16, 2017
This was really somewhere between a novella and a novel. A young lady, newly hired as a governess , is to travel to her new position with the uncle of her employer. Assuming him to be an older gentleman, she agrees. He is expecting a boring, middle aged spinster. Both are shocked to find they are both young, attractive and desirable. He brings a maid along for safety, the maid becomes ill on the first stop, and they travel alone further. Both fight the attraction they feel. His brother wants him to settle down and marry at their destination. She plans to help support her family. It’s a sweet story, with two other novellas written by the author taking place simultaneously. The stories fit together nicely about the three sisters. I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2017
This is the first story in a series of 3 novellas about the Potter sisters. This story is about Louise. She is on her way to Whitehaven to begin her life as a governess.
Alistair is the heir to a dukedom. He has been summoned to Whitehaven to see his brother, the Duke. He is asked to escort Miss Potter to Whitehaven. They spend over a week traveling together in the carriage, where you see their relationship develop and grow.
Of course it is not smooth sailing. He is on his way to meet the Lady whom his brother has arranged for him to marry.
Louise feels she is not of the same class as he.
So will they work it out?
Of course they will.
Alistair is the heir to a dukedom. He has been summoned to Whitehaven to see his brother, the Duke. He is asked to escort Miss Potter to Whitehaven. They spend over a week traveling together in the carriage, where you see their relationship develop and grow.
Of course it is not smooth sailing. He is on his way to meet the Lady whom his brother has arranged for him to marry.
Louise feels she is not of the same class as he.
So will they work it out?
Of course they will.
October 16, 2017
It is an amazing read. I would have loved there to be an epilogue to know more. But I hope that there will be a bit in the next books. It is very well written and true to its time period. The characters are well described and develops through the story. I was caught from first to last chapter. It has a lot to it; laughs, sighs, hot chemistry and one steaming scene. It is so touching and it feels like you are there with the characters on their trip. A sweet story that was full of love, laughs and chemistry.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
October 11, 2017
This is book 2 of the series and like the other 2 it is a lovely novella. I have to say that I did love Alistair quite a lot and Louise is quite entertaining as well.
I really think they made for a really good match and I really wished the book was longer. Honestly, a fantastic little book and I am going to very very highly recommend it!
I really think they made for a really good match and I really wished the book was longer. Honestly, a fantastic little book and I am going to very very highly recommend it!
October 2, 2017
This is a really sweet short story about forbidden love. Louisa and Alistair had no idea that their journey of just a week would bring love to their lives. The courage to defy convention from the beginning makes this story stand out. I wish it was longer (especially the carriage scenes) to give their characters more depth. Very nice read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
September 5, 2017
A job she desperately needed. A family visited he dreaded. A week-long journey that will make them question what they really want.
Travel along as Sophie Barnes brings to life the determined Louise Potter as she seeks employment to help her struggling family and Alistair Langley, a man determined to thwart his brother’s control.
Ms. Barnes has written a sweet story of love between the different layers of society. Who knew a week long journey could be so much fun?!
Travel along as Sophie Barnes brings to life the determined Louise Potter as she seeks employment to help her struggling family and Alistair Langley, a man determined to thwart his brother’s control.
Ms. Barnes has written a sweet story of love between the different layers of society. Who knew a week long journey could be so much fun?!
September 5, 2017
Another touching story from Sophie about forbidden love overcoming obstacles for a happy ending.
November 12, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
The Governess Who Captured His Heart will probably capture a lot of readers’ hearts in this short and sweet historical romance.
The trope is a classic. Two people, trapped together on a long trip with not much to entertain themselves except each other. They have an unexpected opportunity to get to know each other to an amount of depth that would never have occurred outside of this carriage ride, when they are stuck with each other’s company, and no one else’s, for hours at a time. For an entire week.
Louise Potter is on her way to her first posting as a governess. Her new employer offers her the opportunity to ride to the estate in comfort, as her uncle is traveling to visit her at the same time. Louise hears “uncle” and expects someone middle-aged and probably overweight, bald, or both.
Alistair Langley, on the other hand, hears “governess” and expects someone starched from head to toe and equally comfortably middle-aged, possibly with grey hair confined to a severe bun. Certainly someone matronly at the very least.
The only thing that either of them got remotely correct was the bun – if not the color.
Louise Potter is in her mid-20s, just barely considered “on the shelf” by polite society. Which she used to be a part of before her father drank away what was left of the family fortunes and then inconveniently died, leaving Louise and her 2 sisters with no income and a house they can’t afford but desperately want to keep. Her older sister has managed to become an accountant, and now Louise has secured employment as a governess. They hope to put together enough funds to keep the house and give their youngest sister the season they never had.
Alistair Langley is just over 30. His family’s history is just a bit irregular, or at least his parents’ marital escapades were. His “niece” is very nearly his own age. And their family, while definitely of the upper crust, is far from conventional.
Alistair is the heir to a title, and is being pressured to marry and secure the family line. Louise is under pressure of her own, to make a success of this first posting and help her sisters.
But a week of forced intimacy leads both of them, step by reluctant step, to the inescapable conclusion that whatever they thought their futures would be, their best chance of happiness is with each other – even if it’s a chance that neither of them believes they can take.
Escape Rating B+: This one is a great little story. At 87 pages, it is short – a nice little pick-me-up if you want to just get swept away, but don’t have very long to stay swept. And the short length of the story works well in this particular instance. While I would love to know more about both Louise’s circumstances and Alistair’s rather peculiar family, it isn’t strictly necessary to enjoy this story.
I think that has to do with the way this story is laid out. All of the action, and certainly all of the romance, takes place on that trip. Everything is confined into a relatively small space and time. It would have been all too easy to expand things, and most of it would have felt like extra padding. This is just right.
Most of the romance is in the banter and the unresolved sexual tension, which ratchets up deliciously with each conversation. This is a romance where these two people, first surprised by each other, then discomfited by each other, discover that they have much more in common than they or society would expect them to.
They have a likeness of mind (as well as an attraction of the body) and like definitely calls to like.
I also liked that their conversations and internal thoughts felt “real”. They both do want, and they both are responsible people, and those two drives conflict with each other. They are both bound to their duty, and it makes them respect each other – as well as helping the readers to like and respect them.
In this short length, and with this particular circumstance, that this is also a relatively clean romance works well. They might, and particularly in Alistair’s case, they do, have quite salacious thoughts, but they don’t act upon them until after the wedding. If he’d ravished her when he first discovered that he wanted to, this would be a different story, and probably not nearly as good.
The Governess Who Captured His Heart is the first novella in the Honorable Scoundrels trilogy featuring the Potter sisters. I’ll be reading The Earl Who Loved Her next week. I can’t wait to find out how youngest sister Eve meets her match!
The Governess Who Captured His Heart will probably capture a lot of readers’ hearts in this short and sweet historical romance.
The trope is a classic. Two people, trapped together on a long trip with not much to entertain themselves except each other. They have an unexpected opportunity to get to know each other to an amount of depth that would never have occurred outside of this carriage ride, when they are stuck with each other’s company, and no one else’s, for hours at a time. For an entire week.
Louise Potter is on her way to her first posting as a governess. Her new employer offers her the opportunity to ride to the estate in comfort, as her uncle is traveling to visit her at the same time. Louise hears “uncle” and expects someone middle-aged and probably overweight, bald, or both.
Alistair Langley, on the other hand, hears “governess” and expects someone starched from head to toe and equally comfortably middle-aged, possibly with grey hair confined to a severe bun. Certainly someone matronly at the very least.
The only thing that either of them got remotely correct was the bun – if not the color.
Louise Potter is in her mid-20s, just barely considered “on the shelf” by polite society. Which she used to be a part of before her father drank away what was left of the family fortunes and then inconveniently died, leaving Louise and her 2 sisters with no income and a house they can’t afford but desperately want to keep. Her older sister has managed to become an accountant, and now Louise has secured employment as a governess. They hope to put together enough funds to keep the house and give their youngest sister the season they never had.
Alistair Langley is just over 30. His family’s history is just a bit irregular, or at least his parents’ marital escapades were. His “niece” is very nearly his own age. And their family, while definitely of the upper crust, is far from conventional.
Alistair is the heir to a title, and is being pressured to marry and secure the family line. Louise is under pressure of her own, to make a success of this first posting and help her sisters.
But a week of forced intimacy leads both of them, step by reluctant step, to the inescapable conclusion that whatever they thought their futures would be, their best chance of happiness is with each other – even if it’s a chance that neither of them believes they can take.
Escape Rating B+: This one is a great little story. At 87 pages, it is short – a nice little pick-me-up if you want to just get swept away, but don’t have very long to stay swept. And the short length of the story works well in this particular instance. While I would love to know more about both Louise’s circumstances and Alistair’s rather peculiar family, it isn’t strictly necessary to enjoy this story.
I think that has to do with the way this story is laid out. All of the action, and certainly all of the romance, takes place on that trip. Everything is confined into a relatively small space and time. It would have been all too easy to expand things, and most of it would have felt like extra padding. This is just right.
Most of the romance is in the banter and the unresolved sexual tension, which ratchets up deliciously with each conversation. This is a romance where these two people, first surprised by each other, then discomfited by each other, discover that they have much more in common than they or society would expect them to.
They have a likeness of mind (as well as an attraction of the body) and like definitely calls to like.
I also liked that their conversations and internal thoughts felt “real”. They both do want, and they both are responsible people, and those two drives conflict with each other. They are both bound to their duty, and it makes them respect each other – as well as helping the readers to like and respect them.
In this short length, and with this particular circumstance, that this is also a relatively clean romance works well. They might, and particularly in Alistair’s case, they do, have quite salacious thoughts, but they don’t act upon them until after the wedding. If he’d ravished her when he first discovered that he wanted to, this would be a different story, and probably not nearly as good.
The Governess Who Captured His Heart is the first novella in the Honorable Scoundrels trilogy featuring the Potter sisters. I’ll be reading The Earl Who Loved Her next week. I can’t wait to find out how youngest sister Eve meets her match!
December 30, 2017
The Governess Who Captured His Heart is the first story in a trilogy of novellas called The Honorable Scoundrels. Josephine, Louise and Eve Potter are sisters who are gently-born but impoverished. They are great-granddaughters of a member of the aristocracy. Their grandfather went into the practice of law and accumulated wealth and estates. Their father unfortunately didn’t have the acumen his father did and wasn’t successful. The family have now fallen on hard times since their mother died and their drunk father left law practice and squandered the wealth. After their father died the estates were sold, the Mayfair Mansion was gone, dowries spent, and all hopes for a happy future were crushed. All three novellas, one for each sister, take place at the same time.
I read this short historical romance in an afternoon and I was quite captivated by its simplicity and likeable characters. Louise’s novella is light and gives a glimpse into a carriage-bound flirtatious relationship during a week-long journey that doesn’t take the usual angst-ridden emotional toll on the reader that this genre is generally known for.
The Governess Who Captured His Heart: 4- stars (flirtatious)
Louise Potter has acquired a Governess position. She is educated but, being from impoverished gentry, she has limited options when it comes to making money to help improve her and her sister’s living conditions. Louise travels for one week with her new employer’s Uncle in a carriage to take up her new position.
Louise is an honest and quite candid personality. These characteristics in a character often raise the probability of having conflicts and issues rushed in a hasty fashion which happened here, but being a short read, it didn’t really bother me. Alastair and Louise’s HEA happened nicely and is quite believable, however, if this was a full-length novel, such brevity would not be acceptable.
Lord Alastair Langley is the heir to a title and is being pressured to marry his niece’s sister-in-law to secure the family line. Alastair finds himself enduring a week-long journey to his niece’s estate in the company of their newly hired Governess. The tempting journey does indeed prove him to be honourable.
Most of this story is banter between Alastair and Louise within the confines of a travelling coach which leads to much unresolved sexual tension.
I recommend this book. I will be reading the next two novellas about Louise’s sisters, Eve and Josephine.
I read this short historical romance in an afternoon and I was quite captivated by its simplicity and likeable characters. Louise’s novella is light and gives a glimpse into a carriage-bound flirtatious relationship during a week-long journey that doesn’t take the usual angst-ridden emotional toll on the reader that this genre is generally known for.
The Governess Who Captured His Heart: 4- stars (flirtatious)
Louise Potter has acquired a Governess position. She is educated but, being from impoverished gentry, she has limited options when it comes to making money to help improve her and her sister’s living conditions. Louise travels for one week with her new employer’s Uncle in a carriage to take up her new position.
Louise is an honest and quite candid personality. These characteristics in a character often raise the probability of having conflicts and issues rushed in a hasty fashion which happened here, but being a short read, it didn’t really bother me. Alastair and Louise’s HEA happened nicely and is quite believable, however, if this was a full-length novel, such brevity would not be acceptable.
Lord Alastair Langley is the heir to a title and is being pressured to marry his niece’s sister-in-law to secure the family line. Alastair finds himself enduring a week-long journey to his niece’s estate in the company of their newly hired Governess. The tempting journey does indeed prove him to be honourable.
Most of this story is banter between Alastair and Louise within the confines of a travelling coach which leads to much unresolved sexual tension.
I recommend this book. I will be reading the next two novellas about Louise’s sisters, Eve and Josephine.
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