Taming Mr Wright

by Judith Stephan

Amber Archer has not had it easy ... and just when things can't get any worse, she gets beaten up by her boyfriend and has to go into hiding. She becomes a reluctant governess for the daughter of the recently widowed Senator Michael Wright. He is cold and aloof, and Amber has to deal with his tirades, his stalkers and Amber's psychotic ex-boyfriend. Can she tame her wayward boss? Will the scandal of the Senator and his nanny destroy his career? Can they survive the tragedy that befalls him? If anyone can tame Mr. Wright, it is Amber. Set against the political backdrop of Hartford, Connecticut, and his ranch in Montana, this is a romance which is destined to fail. Or is it?

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2018

About the author

Judith Stephan was born in South Africa but currently lives in Canada where she is the Editor of a magazine. She is a prolific writer of romantic fiction with 6 novels to her credit, and more in progress. Judy gets her ideas from real life and loves a happy ending.

Reviews

[Suzanne Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book expecting a dramatic romance, but I didn’t expect the level of emotional depth it delivered. Amber’s journey from a place of fear and uncertainty toward independence and strength was written in a way that felt authentic and gradual. She isn’t magically “healed,” and that realism made her incredibly relatable. Michael, on the other hand, is the kind of character who frustrates you and intrigues you at the same time. His grief and need for control make him distant, but you can feel the vulnerability beneath the surface.
Watching their relationship evolve slowly through moments of tension, misunderstanding, and quiet connection made the story very compelling. By the end, I felt like both characters had truly grown, and that made the romance feel deserved rather than convenient.

[Flossie Bahringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story surprised me with how emotionally layered it turned out to be. At first glance it seems like a classic setup, a powerful, guarded widower and a vulnerable nanny entering his complicated household, but the emotional depth between Amber and Michael goes far beyond that trope. Amber’s past trauma is handled with care, showing how it shapes her fears, her hesitations, and even the way she interprets Michael’s behavior. Michael himself is frustrating at times, but his coldness makes sense once you see how deeply grief and responsibility have hardened him. The gradual shift in their relationship, from cautious distance to reluctant trust, felt authentic and earned. By the end I wasn’t just invested in their romance, I was invested in their healing.

[Hosea Hirthe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this to be an engaging story overall, though it took me a while to fully connect with the characters. The premise is intriguing, and the emotional stakes are clearly high from the beginning. Amber’s vulnerability and determination make her easy to root for, but Michael’s sharpness sometimes made it difficult for me to warm up to him in the early chapters. That said, the author does a solid job explaining the reasons behind his guarded personality, particularly his unresolved grief and the pressure of maintaining a public image. Even though I didn’t love every moment, I stayed curious about where the story would go, and the relationship arc ultimately felt meaningful.

[Lisa Simonis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books where the character development truly carries the story. Amber starts out feeling fragile and uncertain after everything she’s been through, yet she never allows herself to fall into another controlling situation. Her quiet determination and growing confidence made her such a compelling protagonist. Michael, on the other hand, is a fascinating study in grief and emotional restraint. Watching him slowly realize that his rigid control over his life is actually isolating him was incredibly satisfying. Their relationship isn’t perfect or easy, but that’s exactly what made it feel real and emotionally powerful.

[Hudson Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional intensity of this story is what really drew me in. From the opening chapters you can feel the weight of both characters’ pasts pressing into every interaction they have. Amber is trying to rebuild her life after escaping something painful, while Michael is struggling to keep his world structured after a devastating loss. Their personalities clash in ways that are frustrating and compelling at the same time, and that tension drives the story forward. What I loved most is how the romance grows slowly out of mutual understanding rather than instant attraction. It feels like two people cautiously stepping toward trust again.

[Roma Brakus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely has an interesting premise and some strong emotional moments, though it didn’t completely win me over. I liked Amber’s character and admired how she tries to maintain her independence despite her difficult circumstances. Michael, however, sometimes felt overly distant to the point that it created a barrier for me as a reader. I understand that his grief and responsibilities shape his behavior, but I wished there were a few more glimpses of warmth earlier in the story. Even so, the writing kept me engaged enough to finish, and I appreciated the emotional themes the author explored.

[Issac Bernier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely has an interesting premise and some strong emotional moments, though it didn’t completely win me over. I liked Amber’s character and admired how she tries to maintain her independence despite her difficult circumstances. Michael, however, sometimes felt overly distant to the point that it created a barrier for me as a reader. I understand that his grief and responsibilities shape his behavior, but I wished there were a few more glimpses of warmth earlier in the story. Even so, the writing kept me engaged enough to finish, and I appreciated the emotional themes the author explored.

[Reece Runte · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about this book was the tension that quietly builds between Amber and Michael over time. It’s not an instant, sweeping romance; instead, the connection forms through awkward dinners, silent observations, and moments where their emotional walls begin to crack. The author captures that slow evolution really well. I also appreciated how the story balanced the more dramatic elements with small domestic moments involving Sadie, which gave the narrative warmth and heart. While some parts of the story move a bit slowly, the emotional payoff makes the journey worthwhile.

[Micheal Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read with a strong emotional premise, though it didn’t completely win me over. Amber’s character is sympathetic and easy to root for, especially considering everything she has been through. However, I sometimes found Michael’s coldness difficult to get past, even when the story explained the reasons behind it.
That being said, the tension between the characters did keep me engaged, and I appreciated that the story attempted to explore themes like grief, control, and personal healing rather than just focusing on romance alone.

[Dean Cisneros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really surprised me with how emotionally layered it became. At first the story seems like a straightforward romance involving a wealthy widower and a nanny entering his complicated life, but it gradually reveals deeper themes about loss, recovery, and emotional walls. Amber’s resilience is inspiring, and Michael’s slow realization that control isn’t the same as healing adds a powerful dimension to the story.
By the time the characters begin to truly understand each other, the emotional payoff feels earned. It’s the kind of story that lingers with you after you finish reading.

[Fredda McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a slow-burn romance in the best possible way. The tension between Amber and Michael practically vibrates off the page, especially in those early awkward dinner scenes and quiet, charged encounters in the gym.

What really made it work for me was the character growth. Amber refuses to become small again after surviving abuse, and that strength challenges Michael in ways he doesn’t expect. By the time his emotional armor starts cracking, I was fully invested.

[Cara Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

What stood out to me most about this book was the atmosphere surrounding Michael’s household. There’s a constant feeling of restraint and emotional distance that slowly begins to shift as Amber becomes part of the environment. The interactions with Sadie add warmth to the narrative and remind the reader that beneath Michael’s rigid exterior is a father who is simply trying to protect what he has left.

[Ophelia Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional tension between Amber and Michael is written beautifully. It’s not explosive or overly dramatic; instead, it builds slowly through awkward encounters, careful conversations, and moments where both characters reveal small pieces of themselves.
I really appreciated how the author allowed the relationship to develop over time rather than rushing it. That slow burn made the eventual emotional breakthroughs much more satisfying.

[Yun Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something incredibly engaging about watching two emotionally guarded people slowly lower their defenses. Amber brings warmth and patience into a household that has been defined by silence and restraint, while Michael’s guarded heart begins to show cracks over time.
What makes the story work so well is that neither character changes overnight. The transformation is gradual, and that realism gives the romance its emotional weight.

[Aglae Hermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the very first chapter. Amber’s introduction was intense and emotional, and I felt completely invested in her journey from that moment on. Michael Wright is the definition of complicated, cold, guarded, but clearly hurting. Watching their dynamic unfold was addictive. I couldn’t put it down.

[Robert Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to feel this emotionally invested, but this story completely drew me in. Amber’s introduction is raw and painful, and you can almost feel her fear and humiliation through the pages. What I appreciated most is that her trauma isn’t treated as a quick plot devic, it shapes her decisions, her insecurities, and even the way she approaches Michael.

[Kathleen Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Wright is frustrating, yes, but in a very layered way. His grief, his need for control, and his emotional repression all feel believable. Watching him slowly realize that his rigid walls are pushing away the very people he needs most was deeply satisfying. This wasn’t just romance — it felt like two damaged people learning how to trust again.

[Doris Figueroa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the contrast between Amber’s vulnerability and her growing determination. She may start the story feeling fragile, but she never becomes passive. Instead, she slowly finds her voice and begins to challenge the rigid structure of Michael’s life, which creates some of the most interesting moments in the book.

[Candida Doud · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job portraying how grief can manifest in different ways. Michael’s need for order and emotional distance makes sense once you understand what he’s been through. Amber’s presence gradually disrupts that controlled environment, and watching those changes unfold was incredibly satisfying.

[George Augustus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book ended up being far more heartfelt than I expected. Beneath the tension and drama, it’s really a story about people learning how to rebuild trust after painful experiences.
Amber’s determination not to lose herself again and Michael’s eventual willingness to open his heart created a powerful emotional arc that made the ending feel satisfying.

[Ines Runolfsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the slow-burn tension between Amber and Michael. The push-and-pull felt realistic, especially considering both of their emotional baggage. Some moments made me frustrated (mostly because Michael can be such a jerk), but overall it was a satisfying romance.

[Gerardo Breitenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Wright might be one of my favorite broody heroes ever. He’s flawed, grieving, controlling at times, but layered. The ranch scenes in Montana were beautifully described and gave the story warmth and depth. I absolutely loved how Amber slowly challenged his walls.

[Odie O'Kon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story had strong emotional moments, especially in the beginning. Amber’s backstory was heartbreaking. I did feel like some of Michael’s behavior crossed the line into overly harsh territory at times, which made it hard for me to fully warm up to him. Still, it kept me turning the pages.

[Ansel Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an emotional rollercoaster. I loved how Amber grows from a vulnerable woman escaping abuse into someone stronger and more confident. The political backdrop added an interesting layer without overpowering the romance. Definitely one of my favorite reads this year.

[Myah Tremblay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated that the book tackled domestic abuse and healing in a way that felt honest. Amber isn’t magically “fixed”, she struggles, doubts herself, and grows slowly. That made her feel real. The chemistry with Michael was intense from the start.

[Jennyfer Lueilwitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up until 2am reading this. The tension in the gym scene? Unmatched. The emotional undercurrents at dinner? So well written. The author does a fantastic job showing grief, control, and vulnerability in a believable way.

[Eric Yost · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts I loved, especially Sadie, who completely stole my heart. But some of the dialogue felt a bit stiff to me. Still, the overall arc of the story was compelling enough to keep me engaged.

[Jared Kling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber and Sadie’s bond was one of the sweetest parts of this story. It softened Michael’s character in such a natural way. The mansion setting, the Montana ranch, the political tension, it all felt cinematic.

[Stacey Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

The character development is what truly shines here. Amber’s strength builds slowly and convincingly. Michael’s grief feels raw and authentic. Their relationship isn’t instant, it’s earned. I adored that.

[Issac Powlowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The emotional depth surprised me. I expected a straightforward romance, but there’s so much more beneath the surface, trauma, political pressure, public image vs. private pain. It felt layered and mature.