Escaping His Grace

Gentlemen of Temptation #2

by Kristin Vayden

From an elite London gentleman’s club to a genteel Scottish estate, scandal becomes a family affair in this dazzling tale of deception and unexpected love . . .
 
Miss Miranda is not really a Miss, exactly. Nor is her name Miranda, exactly. But to escape her tyrannical duke of a father, changes were required. Now in the Scottish countryside, employed by her new brother-in-law’s unsuspecting friend, Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick, Miranda feels safe—except for the danger of falling in love. And the Viscount’s broad shoulders and seductive brogue are no help at all. Certainly, a peer of the realm would never entertain a dalliance with the help . . . And definitely not kiss the help . . . Except this Viscount isn’t a typical peer of the realm . . .
 
Between managing Temptations and his newly acquired ward, the last thing Heathcliff needs is investigators inexplicably hounding him about the whereabouts of some duke’s runaway daughter. At least he’s secured a governess—no doubt a sour woman. Or so he expects, until he meets intriguing Miranda. Now Heathcliff is the one faced with temptation. But there’s more to lovely Miranda than meets the eye—a truth that could change the course of all their futures . . .

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Regency, Regency Romance, Adult

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2019

About the author

Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! She loves to make soap, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and gluten free muffins. Life is full of blessings and she praises God for the blessed and abundant life He's given her.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping His Grace was another wonderful installment in the Gentlemen of Temptation series with a fantastic romance and a wonderful set of characters.

To escape her domineering duke of a father, Miss Miranda has fled to Scotland to become a governess to the ward of Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick. Nevermind that she’s a lady and not exactly named Miranda. But just as she’s beginning to settle into her new position, the Viscount shows up at the estate and soon the pair find themselves in deeper than either one could have imagined.

For sake of convenience and so as to not spoil anything, I will refer to the heroine as Miranda. Miranda is initially unsure what will become of her after fleeing her father, but she is determined to make the best of it and so she embraces her new role as a governess. Miranda quickly finds that her life as the daughter of a duke actually perfectly prepared her for teaching a young woman how to be a lady. Heathcliff experienced love that went wrong early in his life and as a result he’s adverse to falling in love again or marrying. When he was ostracized by society, Heathcliff decided he wasn’t going to try and please anyone but himself leading to him becoming a bit of a rogue.

Miranda and Heathcliff’s relationship doesn’t have the best start with Heathcliff not yet knowing Miranda’s true identity. One thing I was happy about was that the secret of her identity was cleared up pretty quickly and so the two didn’t move forward based on a lie. The pair have a very flirtatious and bantery relationship which I absolutely loved and made for some fantastic scenes. The chemistry between them was incredible and the sex scenes were quite steamy. Their relationship ended up being fairly drama free despite Miranda’s father searching for her which was a nice surprise. I have to admit I was expecting a long drawn out process for the two to be together which thankfully was not the case.

Lucas and Liliah, the couple from the first book in the series, return in this installment and I was so happy to see the pair again. I love how devoted they are to each other and it was nice getting a little glimpse of them happy and together. Iris, Heathcliff’s ward, was a delightful young lady who detested learning the finer arts of being a lady. I loved how quick she was to try and get out of the lessons she disliked and how she had a sense of humor about her situation. I really enjoyed the friendship she sparks with Miranda and I’m very happy that she’s the focus of the next book in the series.

Overall Escaping His Grace was a fun read that was light on the drama which I appreciated. I’m excited to pick up the third and final book in the series, The Temptation of Grace, soon.

**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

[kris · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lady Samantha goes undercover as Miss Miranda, governess to Viscount Kilpatrick (aka Heathcliff Marston)'s ward, Iris. In the first 24 hours of knowing one another, Heathcliff startles "Miss Miranda" into a pond, drops her off in the guest room across the hall from his room, corners her in the stables, offers to educate her in the ways of pleasure, and discovers she's actually the daughter of a duke (and the sister of his bff's new wife).

And then it just sambas its way through walls of summary narrative in order to get them wed and bed and living happily "in love" ever after.

1. Honestly, this felt like more of an outline than a book.

An example: in the first chapter, Heathcliff's Terrible Backstory is revealed: he was married once before! To a woman his father did not approve of! Who he loved! And she betrayed him! With another man! So you understand the gist, right? A hero who will need to overcome his trust issues and rediscover the true meaning of love, or something. And then the train leaves the station, goes half a meter, and derails into the forest, killing the woodland creatures and creating a forest fire that decimates an entire national park.

(Except not really because it's actually a Thomas the Tank engine toy falling over and knocking down some blocks. I.e., not a significant event AT ALL.)

Because Heathcliff and Samantha end up married and in love by the end of the book and NONE OF THE ORIGINAL SET UP MATTERS IN THE SLIGHTEST. Heathcliff goes "oh I guess I never knew what love was before but I sure do now" and if you're wondering HOW? WHY? WHEN? WHERE? the answer is: IT DOESN'T MATTER BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS NOT GOING TO TELL YOU ANY OF THOSE THINGS.

Miss Miranda / Samantha has an equally half-assed history with a overbearing father who wants to marry her off to the meanest bidder (we're told) and wants to be "free" and "make her own choices" and then proceeds to do nothing to achieve either of those ends??

2. The book introduces a whole ass character named Miss Iris who Mirantha starts to bond with and then that plot point is dropped around the time where the author was like "deus ex machina; marriage proposal; footsy; feelings; footsy; MARRIAGE; SEX; FEELINGS; THE END" and reader, I scrumt.

3. I am not joking: I think their FOOTSY got more on page time than actual romance development.

4. Which, footsy. I yuck not the yums but BOOTS???????? AREN'T SEXY FOR FOOTSY?????

5. Also the couple from, presumably, the first book shows up (Lucian and Lilian) and they're just schmoopy all over the place but not in a "yay so glad to see them!!" kind of way, just in that "why won't the KIDS stop NECKING in the YARD I'mma GET THE HOSE".

6. Also also the fucking tone??? Both of them (married for what? a whole fucking month??? just keep elbowing their counterpart characters and being like "well now you got an old lady of your own who's gonna keep you in line hurdee-hurdee-dur" and it kind of felt like drowning in the new version of boomer memes. Just with more "LURVE" instead of "CHAINS".

7. It was just really bad, okay? But it went fast, and I was truly curious if Samanda would get kidnapped by her evil father for a truly epic stand-down with like actual stakes or something and NOPE. NONE OF THAT.

It ends with a bang (penis in vagina, natch) and with a whimper (the plot, dur).

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sequel to Falling From His Grace, Escaping His Grace follows the Duke of Chatterworth’s second daughter, Samantha, in her desperate bid to avoid being married off at her father’s convenience. Hiding in Scotland as a governess to the Viscount Kilpatrick’s ward is about as safe as she can get, especially since the viscount is her new brother-in-law’s best friend.

The only problem is, Heathcliff has no idea ‘Miss Miranda’ is the missing duke’s daughter who has half the country searching for her. She’s beautiful and intriguing, though, and he’s tempted. Very tempted. Until his best friend arrives and tells him the truth.

This is a fun, charming Regency. I felt very sorry for Heathcliff from the beginning, when we were given the story of his tragic first marriage and perfidious wife, though I was a bit surprised he never told Samantha about that, when so much was made of it in his inner thoughts. The story unfolded fairly predictably, but the author put a few fresh twists on the plot with Samantha in particular, emphasizing her desire to have control over her own life and choices.

One thing I really did like was Heathcliff’s decision to wait until Samantha was legally his wife and then actually sticking to his resolve, despite being tempted. I think much less of the hero when they make the resolution and then fail, and it’s a trope I see fairly often in historical romance.

I’m struggling a little with rating this, because I quite liked it and there’s nothing intrinsically WRONG with it, but at the same time, two days after finishing it, I had to go back and check on the main characters’ names, which is usually a sign it’s a bit too forgettable. As I said before, it’s quite predictable, with nothing out of the ordinary to make it stand out. I liked it well enough but didn’t love it, so I’ll give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.

[Pelusa Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) This is the second book in this series and just as enjoyable as the first one. I guess you can read it as a standalone since the author does a fairly good job of explaining who is who, but you will get so much more from the story if you read the first book to know how everything came to be and you will not regret it since I loved that story too. In this book we have Samantha who is going by Miranda and is working as a governess for Heathcliffe and working with his new ward Iris. I liked Iris she was spunky and as Samantha kept thinking reminder her so much of Lila (first book). When Heathcliffe finds out who she really is he is upset since he is really attracted to her and already kissed her and was planning to do so much more, but now knowing who she is changes everything since he is not thinking of marriage, he has been there and regretted it and now does not see himself as worthy of Sam. The story was fun my friends so grab a copy and Enjoy! Loved reading of Lila and Lucas, and can't wait for the next one with Iris.

[Romancebooksandmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Samantha is on the run from her father so it's time to pretend to be Miss Miranda and get hired on as a Governess in the house of her new brother in laws best friend. Viscount Kilpatrick Heathcliff lives his life on the edge after suffering a betrayal by his late wife, even though he wants Miss Miranda he can't let himself have her especially after he finds out she's really Lady Samantha.

I enjoyed this story for the most part though it seemed more rushed then the first book and there was so much left unsaid before the two main characters came to an understanding, he doesn't tell her about his first wife and the betrayal, which would have explained to her a lot of his actions, she doesn't even know about the club he helps run. (Though I hope someone tells her soon LOL)

Plus well I understand people calling her Miranda out loud I find it so weird that she herself in her thoughts thinks of herself as Miranda. just rubbed me a little. all in all a solid four star read and I can't wait to read the last book in the series which is currently sitting on my tbr pile.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. The main characters were very likeable. I liked the banter between Heathcliff and his friend, Lucas. Miranda/ Samantha’s handling of Iris, Heathcliffe’s ward, was kind and understanding. The immediate attraction between Heathcliffe and Miranda was something they both tried unsuccessfully to ignore. This is affected by certain events but can their attraction lead to something more meaningful. This was a good paced storyline and although I hadn’t read the first in the series, it wasn’t an hindrance to my enjoyment of the story. I will be interested to see how Iris’s story unfolds in the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Miranda is not really a Miss, exactly. Nor is her name Miranda. But to escape The Duke of Chatterworth her tyrannical father, changes were required. Now in the Scottish countryside, employed by her new brother-in-law’s unsuspecting friend, Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick, Miranda feels safe. Between managing Temptations and his newly acquired ward Iris, the last thing Heathcliff needs is investigators inexplicably hounding him about the whereabouts of some duke’s runaway daughter. At least he’s secured a governess, no doubt a sour woman or so he expects, until he meets the intriguing Miranda. Now Heathcliff is the one faced with temptation.
His is the second book in the series & follows on immediately from the first when Samantha leaves for Scotland, it could be read on its own but to fully appreciate the bullying Duke of Chatterworth I’d recommend reading the books in order. It’s a well paced book that grabbed my interest from the start & held it all the way though. Heathcliff has vowed never to fall in love or marry again but hadn’t been prepared for Miranda. Miranda hasn’t had a season & has always lived a very sheltered life so al last was able to spread her wings. The attraction between the pair sizzles but they also grow to like each other too. I also liked Iris & look forward to her story & perhaps a certain Marquis? It was also good to see how happy Lucas & Liliah are.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of a hidden identity to escape a tyrant of a father, that weaves a tangled tale! Samantha has escaped her father and ends up hiding under the name of Miranda, becoming a governess.. Her new brother in law has found her a position in the home of his best friend, Heathcliff ( yes I do love that name!). Iris is the ward of Heathcliff and she is suppose to get her ready for her come out.
Heathcliff has endured one tragedy after another, the last being his cheating wife and stillborn child. He tries to stay out of the spotlight and runs an exclusive gaming hell. But when he arrives home thinking the new governess will be an old curmudgeon, imagine his surprise when he finds Sam/Miranda? A beautiful lady who he cannot help but be attracted to!
But the adventure begins when he finds out who she is and that she is being hunted down by investigators hired by her father! Another lying woman!
A delightful story that runs through the gamut of emotions and takes you on a page turning read. I read the first book in this series which was just as good but this can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you will want to read this one too!! I read this through NetGallery.

PS Don't you love this cover?

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escaping his Grace by Kristin Vayden is the second book in the Gentleman of Temptation series. This book can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first one but after reading this one I will definitely be going back and reading the first. The writing is fantastic and I don’t want to miss a single thing in this series. Though it is not necessary to read the first I recommend doing so, because I felt like I was missing some important history in regards to the Duke. It didn’t take away from the story, just left me curious is all. I was pretty drawn into the story for almost all of it, there isn’t really a dull moment. It’s interesting and I loved the characters and the relationships. The hero and heroine were fantastic, I really enjoyed them and connected with them emotionally. I laughed and I cried. All in all, a fun, witty, and enjoyable read.

[Fae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just like the first book, I was very and even more disappointed in this book. I looked forward to reading about Heathcliff because I really liked him in the first book but this was a no no. This author did not develop the romance properly between the hero and heroine because they barely even spent time with one another. I feel she spent too much time on the inner thoughts and the conversations between Heathcliff & Lucas.

I started skimming from around chapter 16 onwards after Samantha said she loved Heathcliff. I was ??? How?? After a few shared kisses and barely even interacting, how the heck are you in love with him? I cannot understand.

But I did like the author’s easy to understand & simple writing, so 2 stars it is.

[Lori ◡̈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really good story! I would say that I loved the first book in the series better. This book #2 probably could have been a nice novella actually. My only problem that prevented it from being a 5-star rating is I think the author is maybe trying to keep her writing clean, so she stops at just strongly felt kisses, and that's it. Which is sad for me, because she writes so well to create an emotional build up but then when all you get after that build up a few smooches, it feels kind of like a let down. But that's just my opinion, people that like cleaner books would love this series. Because Kristin is a really great storyteller :)

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Runaway Duke's daughter becomes an incognito governess to the young ward of a Scottish Viscount. Unlikely, but its the premise of this story.

I got this ebook from Amazon📚 with KU.

No one should ever name their child Heathcliff! They could name it either heath or cliff but not Heathcliff! that's an awful name And it's a rip off from "Wuthering Heights", an Emily Bronte novel.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 / 4 Stars

***HOOPLA Audio***

MCs: Maranda (aka Samantha) and Heathcliff

Escaping His Grace has been out since 2019 and there are a lot of GR blurbs about the storyline.

This book was entertaining and I'm in the mood for this kind of fluff. I'm listening while doing other things; I really don't have time for in-depth books right now. So, it's hitting the spot. You get a little history about the MC's past. There is insta attraction. They guy says he'll never marry and POOF...he's tripping over his emotions over the chit. Nothing new, but I'm liking the series.....

[Cathy Geha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escaping His Grace by Kristin Vayden
Gentlemen of Temptation #2

In book two of the series we find Lilah’s younger sister on her way to Scotland to be governess to Iris, Heathcliff Marston’s ward. She is a lady masquerading as a governess and wants to be free from her father so has taken the chance her sister’s husband offered to help out his friend and finds herself teaching dancing lessons and comportment and such to a young woman soon to make her debut into society.

Heathcliff and the governess Miranda/Samantha do a bit of a dance as he thinks a dalliance might be fine with the hired help BUT when he finds she is a lady his mind begins to think otherwise...though hiss body does not. He has had one dipping of the toe into marriage and has no desire for another. This is a somewhat predictable story without too much of a ruckus occurring and a straightforward romance with a HEA.

Did I enjoy the story? Yes
Would I like to read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Lyrical Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

[Romantic Intentions Quarterly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second in the series, this is not one of Kristin Vayden’s best. Heathcliff, Viscount Kilpatrick, was betrayed by his first wife and is determined to never let love rule his life again. However, he is drawn to his new governess, Miranda, not realizing that she is in fact, Lady Samantha, posing as a governess in remote Scotland to escape her tyrannical father. Heathcliff is quite comfortable coming close to the line in forcing his attentions on Miranda, the governess, but once he realizes her true standing, he takes a big step back. If that’s not enough to make you close this book, the general unlikability of both romantic leads might push you over the edge. Of course, they are unable to resist their pull to one another, despite Heathcliff’s reluctance to marry. Will they overcome their self-made obstacles to reach happiness? Of course—and it’s not particularly enjoyable to find out how. – Megan Osmond

This review appears in Romantic Intentions Quarterly #4.

[Ermione Pickwick · Rating 2 out of 5]

The beginning is so beautiful and charming, I read the prologue and I though "yes! this is it!"...then around halfway through the story becomes very slow and a bit confusing. What a pity really. There was huge potential here.
But, I believe the author is very capable and I have great expectations for the next novel in the series, Ramesy's I hope.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick, has lost both his parents, his cheating wife and his stillborn child (though he's not sure if it was actually his or not) in rapid succession. Along with his two equally downtrodden friend, Lucas Mayfield, the Earl of Heightfield, and Ramsey Scott, the Marquess of Sterling, Heathcliff establishes an elite gaming hell called Temptations, which thrives on anonymity and exclusivity. Samantha, under the assumed name of Miranda, has accepted employment at Heathcliff's Scottish estate as a governess to his new ward, Iris. Miranda got this position thanks to her sister's recent marriage to Heathcliff's friend, Lord Heightfield, thus enabling both sisters to escape the control of the tyrannical father, the Duke of Chatterworth. Upon arrival, Miranda experiences some definite culture shock due to her self-imposed demotion from the status of lady. With investigators sniffing around the viscount due to his best friend's hasty marriage to the duke's eldest daughter (not exactly with the duke's approval), Lord Heightfield decides it is best to keep Heathcliff temporarily in the dark about Miranda's true identity. In fact Healthcliff isn't able to meet Miranda upon her arrival, not that he really cares to actually meet the sour new governess, so long as she does her job well enough to enable him to marry his new ward off as soon as possible. When he finally does meet his new governess, he is decidedly surprised. She is nothing like what he expected and he senses there is more to her than meets the eye. He is also decidedly attracted to her. When his friend Lucas and his wife, Liliah, Miranda's sister, visit the estate, Lucas clues Heathcliff in to Miranda's true identity. Heathcliff can't believe he's been duped by a woman yet again; though he knows it's not really her fault, he still holds the trickery against her. He just seems to be having a hard time holding on to his feelings of resentment. Miranda wants the viscount, but when her sister and brother-in-law begin making plans for her to meet eligible suitors in Edinburgh, Heathcliff doesn't protest, so Miranda sees she must go along with the scheme if she has any hope of finding a love match and escaping her father. She can't be with someone who would use her and then show no feelings for her. Heathcliff is jealous and quietly tries to find issues with the suitors, even though he tells himself it's no competition since he'll never marry again. Heathcliff feels he would certain fail as a husband yet again and he isn't willing to risk his friendship with Lucas, though his feelings may change as Miranda's true location is betrayed and she finds herself in danger of being found by her father.

This was a complicated trope with the relationship beginning on a foundation of lies, but I found it very well done and enjoyable. My only complaint was that Heathcliff never really opened up to Miranda/Samantha about his past and his hurts and reasons for being the way he is. Otherwise, a great read.

I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

SETTING: In this entertaining story, we learn what happens to Samantha when she and her sister Liliah escape their father’s clutches to start new lives. In book 1, Liliah marries and she and her husband arrange with her husband’s friend Heathcliff Marsten, for Samantha to become governess for Heathcliff’s new ward, Iris. To masque her identity, Samantha assumes the name “Miranda”, and is thus introduced to the Marsten household, arriving even before Heathcliff has met his new charge.
“Miranda” finds her main task to be preparing Iris for entry into society, as she has had an exceptional education traveling the world with her scholarly parents, who recently met an untimely death. Dancing, table manners and polite social conversation are the main tasks at hand. When Heathcliff rejoins his country household, he is enchanted with the governess, whom he guesses has fallen on hard times and had to accept a position to support herself. The romance begins.
The Duke of Chattersworth, Liliah and Samantha’s father, hires investigators to find his runaway daughters. They had stalked Heathcliff’s London home, but he had no idea of the young ladies at that time. However, when the investigators come to Scotland, his country home, things get serious for “Miranda”, as it becomes clear her father will stop at nothing to retrieve her and marry her off. What is to be done to protect “Miranda”/Samatha? Will she indeed be kidnapped from her hiding place, or will she manage to elude her father once again? Will she be able to maintain her new friendship with Iris, who has only “Miranda” now that her parents are gone?
CRITIQUE: Wonderfully entertaining book! A good storyline, with believable characters. Although this is the 2nd in a series, the book easily stands on its own (I have not read the first and had no problem picking up the story with this book). As it is a clean story, readers of all ages will enjoy it.
I received this book in a Goodreads’s giveaway, as an ARC. This is the first book of this author for me, and I plan to read the other books in this series. My review is voluntary. A 5 star story😊.

[MC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't grab me, for whatever reason. Several copyediting errors throughout (extra words, incorrect/extra punctuation), which I always find distracting. It was a bit confusing to get to know the character with one name, then about two-thirds through have it switch back to their "original" name. The author did try to repeat the old/new name a few times once the story reverted, but it's still an odd writing choice. Overall I'd say it was a matter of not caring for the author's style. No swearing, but some spicy scenes (one full sex scene). Probably won't read again.

PLOT

Lady Samantha, in an effort to escape her unfeeling & tyrannical father, has changed her name and run off to Scotland, posing as a governess for a gruff viscount. Heathcliff, the half-Scot in question, has no desire to entangle himself in another romantic attachment, as his experiences with love in his youth broke his heart. However, this could still be a good opportunity for Samantha (now "Miss Miranda") to find a connection to a gentleman in Scotland who could save her from her father's grasp. Samantha's sister, the newly married Lady Heightfield, set up this ruse, with the help of her husband, who just so happens to be one of Heathcliff's closest friends & business partner.

What happens when Heathcliff finds himself drawn to the woman he's hired as a governess for his young ward? At first, it's just fun flirting and a few stolen kisses - but when he finds out she's actually a well-bred lady? He wants to cut the relationship off at the knees: she deserves someone far better than him. But what about Samantha/Miranda's growing affections for the sensual Scot? Will Heathcliff be able to stand by while her sister marries her off to some other gentleman nearby? And will Samantha settle for anything less than a love match?

[One chapter more · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viscount Heathcliff Marston goes back to his Scottish home to find his new employee, Miss Miranda, already deep into her new responsibilities as a governess to his ward. There is something about her that curious his mind. What does she hide? Why does she behave more like a Lady herself instead of a simple governess? He's on a way to discover her secret...

This beautifully written novel has landed on my lab in the beginning of this year and, honestly, I have mixed feelings about it. On one side I have found the sentences perfectly put together, flowing through the chapter magically on a flying carpet and on the other hand the story was quite boring, leaving me in an awful reading slump. Such a great potential that was wasted with a plot with no action and disappointment. This is a book that you appreciate only for writing and not the story itself.

First 70% of the book is filled with tension and excitement but once we reach that point, reader, AKA me, finds oneself bored and lacking the action. Once reached the end there is just misery left that nothing has happened. It's like this story was more about feelings than actual lives of the characters. I really don't want to say anything bad about this book because I really loved Kristin's writing but unfortunately this is how I felt.

I will try other books of this author just to see if I could find a better plot. Her hard work deserves an applause and I will not rest until I find that book that put her out there!


Thank you NetGalley for supplying me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Miranda is not really a Miss, exactly. Nor is her name Miranda, exactly. But to escape her tyrannical duke of a father, changes were required. Now in the Scottish countryside, employed by her new brother-in-law’s unsuspecting friend, Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick, Miranda feels safe—except for the danger of falling in love. And the Viscount’s broad shoulders and seductive brogue are no help at all. Certainly, a peer of the realm would never entertain a dalliance with the help. And definitely not kiss the help. Except this Viscount isn’t a typical peer of the realm. Between managing Temptations and his newly acquired ward, the last thing Heathcliff needs is investigators inexplicably hounding him about the whereabouts of some duke’s runaway daughter. At least he’s secured a governess—no doubt a sour woman. Or so he expects, until he meets intriguing Miranda. Now Heathcliff is the one faced with temptation. But there’s more to lovely Miranda than meets the eye—a truth that could change the course of all their futures.
This was a decent read. I read through it pretty quickly. It was fairly light without much drama. I liked both main characters. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story with likeable characters, that made me want to read both the previous and next book in the series.
To escape her father, Samantha’s new brother-in-law finds her a position in the Scottish household of his best friend. However in order that Samantha’s new identity and location is not inadvertently given away to her father’s investigators he doesn’t tell Heathcliff the truth whilst he is residing in London. Therefore when he returns to Scotland and first meets and is attracted to “Miss Miranda” he is not aware of her social standing as Lady Samantha, younger daughter of the Duke of Chatterworth. Once he knows the truth he pulls away, knowing he is not worthy of her but he finds her temptations difficult to resist.
What I disliked was the use of American words such as fall, if a book is set in England and all the characters are English, I find this jarring and it interrupts my reading flow. At least there were only a few typos (these may ha e been addressed in the final copy).
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viscount Kilpatrick - Heathcliff
Miss Miranda aka Samantha

Miss Miranda is spirited away to Scotland to be a Governess to escape her father the Duke of Chatterworth for Vicount’s new Ward Iris. Heathcliff has not seen Miss Miranda because when they were supposed to meet he had to meet with investigators about the missing sister in law his best friend Lucas was now related to, he just assumed she was stern, older and severe, until he returns to Scotland and meets her. Heathcliff and Miss Miranda both fall for each other immediately but they steal some kisses until Lord Heightfield and his new wife, Miranda’s sister arrive. Heathcliff has never fully gotten over the betrayal of his first wife, so he doesn’t want anything to do with marriage. Miranda knows she must marry but wants a love match and to feel like she has some control over her life. Both do recognize they want the other, but how to get together. I really enjoyed this book. It reads fast and the characters are interesting. The relationship between Heathcliff and Lucas is great and o is the relationship of Samantha and her sister Lilliah. I would definitely read more in the series.

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Miranda (Samantha) and Heathcliff's story!!

Miranda has been sent to Scotland by her sister to make sure that she is safe from her father's plans to marry her off for his gain. She ends up at the home of Heathcliff who needs a governess for his ward. She didn't plan for for for her employer.

Heathcliff is shocked by his reaction to the new governess. After a disastrous first marriage, he has no plans to marry again. But the temptation of Miranda, might be enough to change his mind. Only she wants a marriage based on love and he doesn't know if he is capable of loving again.

Can they get their HEA?

Loved this story and have been looking forward to it since I read the first book in the series. Vayden did not disappoint! The attraction between the two was there from the start. Heathcliff didn't think he could give Miranda what she needed, so he was determined to stay away from her, but things out of their control changed all that. :)

I've loved both books in this series and can't wait for the next one, which comes out in April!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second book by Kristin that I’ve read and it is the second book in the Gentleman of Temptation series. This story is about Lady Samantha and Lord Viscount. Samantha is in hiding from her father. With the help of her sister and brother in law they arranged for her to seek safety in the home of the Viscount. However, he was not aware of her true identity until later. Samantha fell for the Viscount almost immediately. And the same can be said about him. Heathcliff tried everything to stay away from her. But they had a connection from the very start and it just was inevitable they were going to end up together. It took knowing that Samantha could end up marrying another man and that her father could take her away, that helped him finally fold. And Samantha could be more pleased! All she wanted was to feel loved and that she mattered to someone. This was a great book. And the fact Liliah and Lucas were in the book too, was awesome! I would recommend reading Falling from his Grace first to get the background, but it could be read as a stand alone.

[Chris Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in a trilogy. Younger sister Samantha is hiding from her father, a Duke, whom plans to marry her off in a politically advantage marriage. Her father had attempted this with her older sister who has recently gotten lucky to marry for love. Her new brother in law know a Heathcliff Marston, Viscount Kilpatrick needs a governess for his ward. He has sworn off relationships with women. So Samantha is put in his Scottish Manor to assist his ward but under an assumed name, Miss Miranda.
Miranda gets along well with his ward and for a week they have the manor to themselves and the servants. When he finally arrives it only takes seconds of one look to know he is in deep trouble, and attempts to avoid both ladies. He was burned badly by his first wife, so he does not trust his own judgement. Then her sister and brother in law a close friend of Heathcliff's drop in to explain who Miss Miranda really is. There is a traitor on staff that work for the Duke. What will they do now?

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miranda (an assumed name) has escaped her father, the Duke of Chatterworth and is in hiding in Scotland working as a governess for Iris, the ward of Heathcliff, the Viscount Kilpatrick. Her sister, Liliah has just married Lucas who is the eighth Earl of Heightfield and the one who gave a glowing reference for Miranda to his best friend Heathcliff. The story is well written and tells of a young girl escaping her tyrannical father along with her sister Liliah who just secretly got married. When Heathcliff returns to his Scottish home he is drawn to Miranda but because of a previous bitter marriage he tells her nothing can ever of their attraction. A party is to be held to try and find her a husband but when the Duke discovers where his daughter is plans have to change. There is a HEA but there is a lot that happens before this comes about. The book is worth read and I would highly recommend it.

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a very engaging read! A nice addition to the series and one you will not want to miss. I do not think I recall my expectations of this book as I requested the ARC, however, what I know it met just about all the criteria I could of had. This author has such a way about her writing that it does pull one in as well as taking you to another world. One where you can just sit back and enjoy the ride as the story unfolds. While perhaps a couple of elements were missing to me that would of taken this book from a good read to a great read, You will not be disappointed in the overall story itself. I like the characters, the way it unfolds and for the most part the layers of the book. So for a good read buy and just enjoy another world for awhile. I was given this ARC via NetGalley, all opinions expressed here are my own and voluntary. Regards, Anna

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The scenes are lovely (and sometimes chuckle- inducing); the dialogue is fun. It is refreshingly free from the annoying "I didn't talk and you didn't talk so now we have distance" version of drama. In fact, one of the things I like the most is that they have conversations when they need to. I also appreciated that the couple from the prior book still have unique personalities, instead of just becoming stock happily-in-love boring non-entities.

This will go in my re-read pile.

I docked one star because there a few pacing problems and a few conversations/reactions that I would have loved to see. I don't think it's quite a stand-alone book - It doesn't quite convey just how dastardly the villain's actions are, so my sense of urgency was because I had read the previous book which did a very nice job illustrating the villain's nastiness.

[Trudi Jorda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liliah the eldest daughter of the Duke is happily married having escaped her father and taking her younger sister with her to Scotland to be the governess to the ward of one of her husbands friends. Samantha the younger sister changes her name to Miranda and is to teach the ward of the Viscount Fitzpatrick how to be a lady for her come out. The Duke is trying to find Samantha and doesn't believe that she went to America to stay with family to avoid the marraige he has arranged for her in order to get rid of his debts. He has people looking all over for her and as the Viscount and Samantha develop feelings for one another her location is discovered. No spoilers but things do have a tendency to work out!