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Fairfax Twins #2
The Duke's Governess in Disguise
When Lady Emily Fairfax comes face to face with a girl who looks just like her, she thinks that she has seen a ghost! It soon becomes clear, however, that Miss Ava Smith is no ghost but is actually Emily’s long-lost twin sister.
Desperate to extricate herself from a loveless arranged marriage, Emily persuades her twin to swap places with her for a month. The plan is for Ava to stay in London and scupper Emily's engagement, whilst Emily takes Ava's place as a governess in Kent. It seemed like the perfect plan until Emily comes face to face with her new employer, the devilishly handsome Duke of Hemsworth-the ton’s most notorious rake.
After the death of his best friend, Lord Dunstable, Robert Charles Adrian De Lacey, Sixth Duke of Hemsworth had found himself with two wards. Determined to do right by them, Rob vows to leave his life of debauchery in London behind, a vow which is quickly challenged by the arrival of the children’s beguiling new governess, Miss Ava Smith. Knowing that he can never make a commoner his bride, Rob tries to push his attraction to Miss Smith aside, but despite his best efforts sparks soon begin to fly between the pair.
Their burgeoning romance is dramatically interrupted, however, when it becomes clear that a mysterious someone is seeking to hurt both Rob and the children. Can Rob discover who the villain is, before they harm his wards? Moreover, can he resist his enchanting governess?
Desperate to extricate herself from a loveless arranged marriage, Emily persuades her twin to swap places with her for a month. The plan is for Ava to stay in London and scupper Emily's engagement, whilst Emily takes Ava's place as a governess in Kent. It seemed like the perfect plan until Emily comes face to face with her new employer, the devilishly handsome Duke of Hemsworth-the ton’s most notorious rake.
After the death of his best friend, Lord Dunstable, Robert Charles Adrian De Lacey, Sixth Duke of Hemsworth had found himself with two wards. Determined to do right by them, Rob vows to leave his life of debauchery in London behind, a vow which is quickly challenged by the arrival of the children’s beguiling new governess, Miss Ava Smith. Knowing that he can never make a commoner his bride, Rob tries to push his attraction to Miss Smith aside, but despite his best efforts sparks soon begin to fly between the pair.
Their burgeoning romance is dramatically interrupted, however, when it becomes clear that a mysterious someone is seeking to hurt both Rob and the children. Can Rob discover who the villain is, before they harm his wards? Moreover, can he resist his enchanting governess?
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2019
622 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Stone
34 books142 followersClaudia Stone was born in South Africa but moved to Plymouth as a young girl. Having trained as an actress at RADA, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of acting on Broadway in 1988. She never did see her name in lights, but she did meet a wonderful Irishman called Conal who whisked her away to the wilds of Kerry, where she has lived ever since.
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 25, 2020
Not well written at all.
Very disappointed in the author’s continued word-for-word repetition. There were entire passages practically copied & pasted within this novel. The plot had the potential to be very intriguing yet due to lazy writing was rendered repetitious and uninspiring.
Very disappointed in the author’s continued word-for-word repetition. There were entire passages practically copied & pasted within this novel. The plot had the potential to be very intriguing yet due to lazy writing was rendered repetitious and uninspiring.
December 20, 2021
This book was a bit boring and even more unrealistic than the first. Emily was raised as a lady, so it was hard to believe that she adjusted to the life of a servant so quickly. How she was able to figure out who the villain was, was beyond believable. Sherlock Holmes couldn’t even figure it out.
There also wasn’t a lot of chemistry between Emily & the Duke. Things happened too quickly and left much to be desired. This was an okay read.
Content: Clean, Kissing
There also wasn’t a lot of chemistry between Emily & the Duke. Things happened too quickly and left much to be desired. This was an okay read.
Content: Clean, Kissing
March 17, 2019
I'm so excited that Emily's story is finally (finally!) here! Swapping places with her new-found twin sister sounded like the answer to Lady Emily's prayers-she can be rid of an unwanted suitor and have an adventure at the same time. When she realises that she'll be working as a governess for the Duke of Hemsworth, London's most notorious rake, Emily has to admit that perhaps her plan wasn't the wisest...
Soon, sparks are beginning to fly between the pair, but something sinister is afoot at Hemsworth House and Emily's wards may be in danger.
This book was so much fun to write; as well as romance, there's a little bit of mystery too! I do hope you enjoy xx
Soon, sparks are beginning to fly between the pair, but something sinister is afoot at Hemsworth House and Emily's wards may be in danger.
This book was so much fun to write; as well as romance, there's a little bit of mystery too! I do hope you enjoy xx
March 20, 2019
This is one of two books that tells the story of two sisters who were separated shortly after they were born. A marquess's wife nearly died after giving birth to her only daughter. The infant died that night, and not wanting his wife to be broken hearted at the child’s passing, he arranged for a servant to acquire a replacement infant from the seamier side of London. The servant chose a not-quite-on-the up-and-up orphanage, where twin girls had just been born. So the servant took one of them back to the marquess. The first couple of chapters after this setup detailed the charmed life Lady Emily led. Unfortunately, her mother died; her mother's fondest wish had been that she marry a duke. Of the two available young dukes, one is a notorious London rake, so her father--in hopes of fulfilling her mother's desire--sets her up to marry the other duke. Lady Emily is not entirely pleased with this, as it appears that the duke is only looking for a pedigreed broodmare. One day, she goes out shopping and happens upon a young woman who looks exactly like her. They determine that they must be sisters. Almost immediately, Lady Emily hatches a scheme where they will trade lives for one month so she can escape marriage to the duke.
What she doesn't know is that she's going to be sent to the home of the other duke. The Duke of Hemsworth was given the charge of two young children after their parents, Lord and Lady Dunstable, died in a carriage accident; he was best friends with their father. Ava, the sister who had grown up in poverty, had contracted to become his wards’ governess. Lady Emily takes her place, going to Kent to fulfill her sister's obligations.
Robert, the duke, and Lady Emily as Ava nearly collide in the road as she approaches his ducal seat. They both have a flash of attraction, of course, but he not only has just taken a vow of celibacy after a rather tawdry split from his most recent mistress, but he is also aware that he shouldn't allow romantic feelings for his wards’ governess. How will this all play out? Will he be able to keep his feelings and inappropriate thoughts in check, or will they grow? Will Lady Emily tell him that she is not Ava but nobility herself? What are the strange things that seem to be happening around the house? Is someone trying to poison James, the young Lord Dunstable, the duke’s ward? What's going on with the wards’ much older brother and uncle?
As you might be able to tell, this is a rather complicated story with multiple plotlines. The author actually did an excellent job of juggling them. I found it interesting that she actually made the duke a true rake. Quite often in these Regency tales, a gentleman who is said to be a rake merely is just a misunderstood young man either by his design or by society’s incorrect judgment. Not in this case. In fact, the first chapter told from the duke’s perspective shows the roguish character the man is as he grapples with the image of the man he wants to be. Even though he wants to improve, he still definitely has moments where that rake comes through, and it is very well done and quite amusing.
I thought that the setup for the premise of the book was rushed. The two young women meet and question each other a little bit and then immediately decide that they have to be sisters. Not only does that seem improbable, but then they decide instantly to do Lady Emily's swap scheme. It was just too neat, tidy, and convenient. The book also felt rushed in the end, both in finding out what happened to the other sister as well as resolving Lady Emily’s plotline.
Aside from the issue of the rushed setup and end, the story itself was quite engaging. The wards, James and Cressida, are delightful, James with his sweetness and Cressida with her reticence yet longing for connection. The duke is at his best, too, when he is trying to learn how to be a proper guardian to these two lost young Souls.
The book has an alarming number of issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Punctuation was particularly problematic. Commas were not only misused in the usual ways; they are also misused in new and creative ways. Sometimes they were improperly placed so that they chopped up a sentence and hindered meaning. Multiple times they were improperly used in dialogue, including at the end of an action near dialogue that wasn't a dialogue tag as well as improperly bracketing a dialogue tag/action between two complete sentences of dialogue. Capitalization in quotes was often wrong as well. Semicolons, too, were randomly thrown into the work when a comma should have been used. Sometimes spaces were forgotten between a comma and the next word. Occasionally, too, there was a misspelling or wrong word; even one of the character's name was misspelled. This disregard of punctuation, in particular, was really quite distracting.
The story itself was complex and enjoyable. I just wish I wasn't so distracted by all of the errors.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What she doesn't know is that she's going to be sent to the home of the other duke. The Duke of Hemsworth was given the charge of two young children after their parents, Lord and Lady Dunstable, died in a carriage accident; he was best friends with their father. Ava, the sister who had grown up in poverty, had contracted to become his wards’ governess. Lady Emily takes her place, going to Kent to fulfill her sister's obligations.
Robert, the duke, and Lady Emily as Ava nearly collide in the road as she approaches his ducal seat. They both have a flash of attraction, of course, but he not only has just taken a vow of celibacy after a rather tawdry split from his most recent mistress, but he is also aware that he shouldn't allow romantic feelings for his wards’ governess. How will this all play out? Will he be able to keep his feelings and inappropriate thoughts in check, or will they grow? Will Lady Emily tell him that she is not Ava but nobility herself? What are the strange things that seem to be happening around the house? Is someone trying to poison James, the young Lord Dunstable, the duke’s ward? What's going on with the wards’ much older brother and uncle?
As you might be able to tell, this is a rather complicated story with multiple plotlines. The author actually did an excellent job of juggling them. I found it interesting that she actually made the duke a true rake. Quite often in these Regency tales, a gentleman who is said to be a rake merely is just a misunderstood young man either by his design or by society’s incorrect judgment. Not in this case. In fact, the first chapter told from the duke’s perspective shows the roguish character the man is as he grapples with the image of the man he wants to be. Even though he wants to improve, he still definitely has moments where that rake comes through, and it is very well done and quite amusing.
I thought that the setup for the premise of the book was rushed. The two young women meet and question each other a little bit and then immediately decide that they have to be sisters. Not only does that seem improbable, but then they decide instantly to do Lady Emily's swap scheme. It was just too neat, tidy, and convenient. The book also felt rushed in the end, both in finding out what happened to the other sister as well as resolving Lady Emily’s plotline.
Aside from the issue of the rushed setup and end, the story itself was quite engaging. The wards, James and Cressida, are delightful, James with his sweetness and Cressida with her reticence yet longing for connection. The duke is at his best, too, when he is trying to learn how to be a proper guardian to these two lost young Souls.
The book has an alarming number of issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage. Punctuation was particularly problematic. Commas were not only misused in the usual ways; they are also misused in new and creative ways. Sometimes they were improperly placed so that they chopped up a sentence and hindered meaning. Multiple times they were improperly used in dialogue, including at the end of an action near dialogue that wasn't a dialogue tag as well as improperly bracketing a dialogue tag/action between two complete sentences of dialogue. Capitalization in quotes was often wrong as well. Semicolons, too, were randomly thrown into the work when a comma should have been used. Sometimes spaces were forgotten between a comma and the next word. Occasionally, too, there was a misspelling or wrong word; even one of the character's name was misspelled. This disregard of punctuation, in particular, was really quite distracting.
The story itself was complex and enjoyable. I just wish I wasn't so distracted by all of the errors.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2019
The second book in the Fairfax Twins series a well-written story that I was not putting down until I finished reading. What a sick man, he did not care who he hurt. Lady Emily Fairfax meets Miss Ava Smith and they change places Emily becomes Ava a Governess. She goes to look after the wards of Lord Dunstable, Robert Charles Adrian De Lacey, Sixth Duke of Hemsworth who took in James and Cressida the children of his friends lost their lives. But something is not right there is murder, suspense, drama, danger to everyone, a very evil man, and a man who falls in love but does not want to admit it. I loved the last chapter in this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2019
A happy ending for the twins?
These two book series is the story of twin girls separated at birth and then later in life finding each out. This book is Emily story, but you will also get a touch of Ava too. This group of books were so unusual and interesting you really do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but I highly recommend you get both girls stories. Awesome twists with glorious misunderstanding and a fun read. Hope you take a chance and pick it up it well worth it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
These two book series is the story of twin girls separated at birth and then later in life finding each out. This book is Emily story, but you will also get a touch of Ava too. This group of books were so unusual and interesting you really do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but I highly recommend you get both girls stories. Awesome twists with glorious misunderstanding and a fun read. Hope you take a chance and pick it up it well worth it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 23, 2019
This is one book in a duet of charming regency romances about identical twin sisters separated at birth through no fault of their own. When the girls first meet and realize that they are exact replicas of each other, twin sisters in fact, Emily and Ann decide to switch places, Emily to escape an unwanted betrothal and experience freedom from the restrictions of ton life. And Ann to experience ton society and break off Emily's engagement. This is Emily's exciting story as a governess in a duke's household and of falling in love with her duke. A charming and sweet romance to indulge in.
March 25, 2019
Loved this one!
Liked the characters (especially the sisters), liked the plot and the whole idea of this novel.
Would have loved to get the kids' reaction to the marriage between the MCs or an epilogue of some sorts.
The only thing I didn't so much love was that some scenes were repeated. That means that we get both POVs on one incident, of course, which is nice, but it also means that we already know what's gonna happen and that's, frankly, pretty boring. Anyways, it doesn't happen that often, so no worries.
Liked the characters (especially the sisters), liked the plot and the whole idea of this novel.
Would have loved to get the kids' reaction to the marriage between the MCs or an epilogue of some sorts.
The only thing I didn't so much love was that some scenes were repeated. That means that we get both POVs on one incident, of course, which is nice, but it also means that we already know what's gonna happen and that's, frankly, pretty boring. Anyways, it doesn't happen that often, so no worries.
March 18, 2019
I loved this sweet twin switch love story! The characters were interesting and fun and the story was just as good. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2019
A great second part
This is not a sequal rather a story that goes in the same time as the first one. Loved this one a little more as it had that classic gothic setting of murder and murderous relative. The only thing I didn't like is that it did not make clear who the father of the twin was.
This is not a sequal rather a story that goes in the same time as the first one. Loved this one a little more as it had that classic gothic setting of murder and murderous relative. The only thing I didn't like is that it did not make clear who the father of the twin was.
March 19, 2019
3.5 stars
Not as good as book one. Though that one had the sister who grew up with more going on in her life, and the hunt for the birth parents.
I expected a little more angst in this, an H who was more brash. It lacked either, so that may be why it was a tad boring.
Not as good as book one. Though that one had the sister who grew up with more going on in her life, and the hunt for the birth parents.
I expected a little more angst in this, an H who was more brash. It lacked either, so that may be why it was a tad boring.
March 24, 2019
Not as interesting
The first book had me laughing and the story line was more interesting. This felt long and boring. Wish there was more to the plot. The end was just blah.
The first book had me laughing and the story line was more interesting. This felt long and boring. Wish there was more to the plot. The end was just blah.
March 31, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
July 21, 2020
Enjoyed it
I enjoyed this clean romance and the mystery that leaves you turning the pages to find what is going to happen next.
I enjoyed this clean romance and the mystery that leaves you turning the pages to find what is going to happen next.
July 17, 2020
Adorable
Fantastic 2nd book, although, it could be read as a stand alone but don't do that!!!! You will miss the fabulous descriptions of both books in regards to the leading ladies
Fantastic 2nd book, although, it could be read as a stand alone but don't do that!!!! You will miss the fabulous descriptions of both books in regards to the leading ladies
July 15, 2020
I enjoyed the second book in this duo. The characters are great. It was a bit predictable but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. The plot was believable and so were the characters. I like this author and would read more books they wrote.
June 19, 2019
Good book !
July 14, 2020
Excellnt read. Glad to have an end to the twins' subterfuge and know it ended well.
August 19, 2020
It was so fun to read both of the twins stories after they switched places. Like I said in my review of the first book, this was kind of like the prince and the pauper. One twin was raised wealthy and the other was raised as an orphan. The circumstances under which this happened was pretty sad, that one twin was left behind at the orphanage.
Something I didn’t mention in the review for the first book that kind of annoyed me was how quickly Emily’s dad started treating Ava like she was also his daughter. I just think there would be some uncertainty and awkwardness. It was too perfect. Also, I think Emily’s dad would be upset and worried when he found out she had gone traipsing off to the country. He doesn’t seem to act like there was any cause for concern. Especially for that time. She would be compromised and her reputation would have been destroyed when it came out that she played governess to a well known rake.
Also, she fell into the role of governess relatively easy, for someone who wasn’t even used to dressing themself, or waking up before noon. I think the transition was too easy.
But all that said, I still really liked the story and love that I got to read both of the sisters stories. I do wish Emily’s duke could have met Ava though, to see who should have shown up to his house, and to see just how much they did look alike.
Something I didn’t mention in the review for the first book that kind of annoyed me was how quickly Emily’s dad started treating Ava like she was also his daughter. I just think there would be some uncertainty and awkwardness. It was too perfect. Also, I think Emily’s dad would be upset and worried when he found out she had gone traipsing off to the country. He doesn’t seem to act like there was any cause for concern. Especially for that time. She would be compromised and her reputation would have been destroyed when it came out that she played governess to a well known rake.
Also, she fell into the role of governess relatively easy, for someone who wasn’t even used to dressing themself, or waking up before noon. I think the transition was too easy.
But all that said, I still really liked the story and love that I got to read both of the sisters stories. I do wish Emily’s duke could have met Ava though, to see who should have shown up to his house, and to see just how much they did look alike.
May 20, 2020
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request, and have voluntarily left this review. Twins separated at birth, one rich, the other poor are reunited and switch lives for a month. Emily heads off to Kent, to her sister's governess position. On the way she hears a rumour of the events happening at estate and the blame being put upon the children she'll be working with. She finds herself getting far to attached to her wards and manages to get in the middle of a murderous plot. With well written characters and great narration, you'll keep listening to this very enjoyable tale until the very end.
May 21, 2020
I enjoyed this book so much that I listened to it in two days. It has excellent dual narration. The story was so interesting with twin swap, intrigue, great romance buildup. I actually wanted more. I wish this story covered both twin stories and you could see what happened with both of them. It’s a clean romance and I know many people appreciate that and it felt real. I just couldn’t stop listening. Highly recommended for people who enjoy historical romances.
May 21, 2020
I had listened to the other episode in this series, and was concerned when this one commenced, as the first chapter is the same as the previous episode. However, once the backstory was re-established, then this tale from Emily part of the switch is told.
Both stories are dramatic and romantic, with a touch of humour thrown in.
I recommend this series to any who are interested in the Regency Romance genre.
Both stories are dramatic and romantic, with a touch of humour thrown in.
I recommend this series to any who are interested in the Regency Romance genre.
August 13, 2021
The same physical attraction 'not romance' is present in this book, which is really disappointing because the plot was good. So, with the repeating of parts from the previous book, word by word, this became a two stars review. Some inspirations from Jane Eyre can also be detected here.
May 21, 2020
It was an excellent story. There is the element of miss taken identity that I love. I got this book through audio unleashed and this is my voluntary and honest review.
June 17, 2020
I received this book for free. I am voluntarily posting this review and any opinions expressed herein are my own.
This is the second book in the Fairfax Twins series. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger ending. You do not have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and soon thereafter I read this book. While I really like the premise of this book [Prince and the Pauper retelling] and the manner in which the author writes, there is a lot of repetition which is the reason I downgraded it - I probably would have rated it higher if I had not just read the first book. The book starts almost exactly the same as the first book in the series. Instead of a brief summary of events which occurred in the first book, they are completely rehashed - some of it exactly [word for word]. Additionally, the POV of the story changes by chapter between the MC of the Duke and Emily. Again, the same scenes are rehashed - providing very little if any additional information from the new POV. Several times, I had thought I was listening to the same scene again that there was an error in the QC but no, it was only that the POV had changed.
I really enjoyed the characters and this book had a bit of mystery to it which I rather enjoyed. The story is clean with a bit of romance and some nice humor. I felt that between the two books, I probably enjoyed this one more.
The narrators, Duke DeFoix and Duchess DeFoix, did a very good job and have very pleasant voices.
This is the second book in the Fairfax Twins series. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger ending. You do not have to read the first book in the series to enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and soon thereafter I read this book. While I really like the premise of this book [Prince and the Pauper retelling] and the manner in which the author writes, there is a lot of repetition which is the reason I downgraded it - I probably would have rated it higher if I had not just read the first book. The book starts almost exactly the same as the first book in the series. Instead of a brief summary of events which occurred in the first book, they are completely rehashed - some of it exactly [word for word]. Additionally, the POV of the story changes by chapter between the MC of the Duke and Emily. Again, the same scenes are rehashed - providing very little if any additional information from the new POV. Several times, I had thought I was listening to the same scene again that there was an error in the QC but no, it was only that the POV had changed.
I really enjoyed the characters and this book had a bit of mystery to it which I rather enjoyed. The story is clean with a bit of romance and some nice humor. I felt that between the two books, I probably enjoyed this one more.
The narrators, Duke DeFoix and Duchess DeFoix, did a very good job and have very pleasant voices.
June 8, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
I liked the first book in the series a lot, though I found some aspects of it a bit unbelievable; this time, however, I have no doubts as to the credibility of events whatsoever... :)
Part two follows Emily who, pretending to be her sister Ava, takes a position of a governess to the wards of a notorious rake - Duke of Hemsworth. Obviously, sparks soon begin to fly but there must be some obstacles on the way to the happy ending, and so Ms Stone provides us with more than one :)
I liked all the characters in the book in the sense that I think all of them very well written, both the good and the bad ones. Also, the criminal twist is very skillfully woven into the tale of romance and is really believable. The pace is good, and the tense moments well balanced with more intimate, emotional ones.
Narration by Duke and Duchess DeFoix is splendid:) I like the way they read in turns male and female parts of the book. I also like the voices they give all the characters but the winner this time is the voice of little James - a perfect voicing of a small kid :)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I liked the first book in the series a lot, though I found some aspects of it a bit unbelievable; this time, however, I have no doubts as to the credibility of events whatsoever... :)
Part two follows Emily who, pretending to be her sister Ava, takes a position of a governess to the wards of a notorious rake - Duke of Hemsworth. Obviously, sparks soon begin to fly but there must be some obstacles on the way to the happy ending, and so Ms Stone provides us with more than one :)
I liked all the characters in the book in the sense that I think all of them very well written, both the good and the bad ones. Also, the criminal twist is very skillfully woven into the tale of romance and is really believable. The pace is good, and the tense moments well balanced with more intimate, emotional ones.
Narration by Duke and Duchess DeFoix is splendid:) I like the way they read in turns male and female parts of the book. I also like the voices they give all the characters but the winner this time is the voice of little James - a perfect voicing of a small kid :)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 12, 2020
Too many editing errors to earn 4 stars
If the author would eliminate the excessive use of THAT and learn how to use commas appropriately, the book would be fantastic. As it is, there are hundreds of nuisance errors that significantly detract from enjoyment of what should be a wonderful story.
Combined independent clauses need separating with commas and conjunctions. Phrases after independent clauses generally do not need commas; two adjectives before a noun do not need separation by a comma; and commas should not separate the noun from the verb in the main sentence.
Another annoying thing: The author retells long scenes of the book switching from Emily’s point of view to the Duke’s point of view (or vice versa), and it does not serve to advance the plot, only to bore the reader.
The plot and mystery elements are compelling. The protagonists are likable, and the children are very sweet. Readers would do well to read this book after the first one, as it would make the most sense. The characters get their HEAs, but this one loses a bit of shine as it’s a rehash of a lot of book one’s ending told from Emily’s POV.
If the author would eliminate the excessive use of THAT and learn how to use commas appropriately, the book would be fantastic. As it is, there are hundreds of nuisance errors that significantly detract from enjoyment of what should be a wonderful story.
Combined independent clauses need separating with commas and conjunctions. Phrases after independent clauses generally do not need commas; two adjectives before a noun do not need separation by a comma; and commas should not separate the noun from the verb in the main sentence.
Another annoying thing: The author retells long scenes of the book switching from Emily’s point of view to the Duke’s point of view (or vice versa), and it does not serve to advance the plot, only to bore the reader.
The plot and mystery elements are compelling. The protagonists are likable, and the children are very sweet. Readers would do well to read this book after the first one, as it would make the most sense. The characters get their HEAs, but this one loses a bit of shine as it’s a rehash of a lot of book one’s ending told from Emily’s POV.
August 25, 2020
I didn't like this one as much as the first. Storyline-wise, there was more in it than the first book, but I felt like it fell flat in terms of execution. It all just sort of dragged on and while I liked the children, Emily and Rob just didn't excite me as characters.
To me, it was obvious early on who the guilty person was, so I spent most of the book getting frustrated that the characters were missing obvious clues instead of enjoying the mystery.
I also felt that towards the end, Stone wanted the book to end as much as I did. The last few chapters completely lacked emotion, including the HEA scene.
I also felt going through the whole scene with Ava and Kilbride was just to fill the book. Even if people hadn't read the first one, it could have just been referenced rather than having it all play out again. I just didn't think much was added to the storyline by including it all in this book.
The book needed a good editor/proofreader as well.
To me, it was obvious early on who the guilty person was, so I spent most of the book getting frustrated that the characters were missing obvious clues instead of enjoying the mystery.
I also felt that towards the end, Stone wanted the book to end as much as I did. The last few chapters completely lacked emotion, including the HEA scene.
I also felt going through the whole scene with Ava and Kilbride was just to fill the book. Even if people hadn't read the first one, it could have just been referenced rather than having it all play out again. I just didn't think much was added to the storyline by including it all in this book.
The book needed a good editor/proofreader as well.
July 10, 2023
This book is the other half of the lost Fairfax twin stories. Unfortunately, the author chose to copy verbatim hunks from the first book. On top of this, the editing in this story could have been better. Lord Fairfax is to be congratulated for accepting the second twin. When he got the midwife to buy a new baby at the orphanage, he had no way of knowing it was a twin. Twenty years later, he is faced with two daughters, and he does the generous thing and accepts both. He says if he'd known there were two, he would have insisted on getting both.
Meanwhile, Lady Emily has an adventure as a governess. She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth and suddenly saw how the other half lived. She grows a new empathy for her sister and all women who must grow up earning their keep.
Fairfax Twins – Total of 3
1. The Duke's Bride in Disguise (2018)
** 2. The Duke's Governess in Disguise (2019)
3. The Importance of Being Eunice (2019)
Meanwhile, Lady Emily has an adventure as a governess. She grew up with a silver spoon in her mouth and suddenly saw how the other half lived. She grows a new empathy for her sister and all women who must grow up earning their keep.
Fairfax Twins – Total of 3
1. The Duke's Bride in Disguise (2018)
** 2. The Duke's Governess in Disguise (2019)
3. The Importance of Being Eunice (2019)
February 23, 2021
Loved the 2nd book about Emily finally finding her happiness with the Duke her mother told her she should never have anything to do with. He is nothing but the worst kind of rake.
When Emily comes face to face with her twin, they realized they were separated at brith. Where Emily was raised but a wonderful loving peer of the realm and Ava in a foundling home. When Emily suggests they switch places for a month Ava agrees. Emily is going to be the governess to the ones person her mother told her to stay away from the Duke of Hemsworth.
A wonderful tale of two people falling in love while trying to keep the wards happy and safe. Can Robert over come is reckless past to see his future with the woman who has captured his heart before it’s too late. Another great read.
When Emily comes face to face with her twin, they realized they were separated at brith. Where Emily was raised but a wonderful loving peer of the realm and Ava in a foundling home. When Emily suggests they switch places for a month Ava agrees. Emily is going to be the governess to the ones person her mother told her to stay away from the Duke of Hemsworth.
A wonderful tale of two people falling in love while trying to keep the wards happy and safe. Can Robert over come is reckless past to see his future with the woman who has captured his heart before it’s too late. Another great read.
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