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Governess Brides #7
My Favorite Bride
When Miss Samantha Prendregast arrives at Devil's Fell to take charge of six rebellious girls, the vibrant, outspoken governess is not quite prepared to deal with the tall, dark and dashing master of the grand estate. The children she can manage with intelligence, guile . . . and a little bribery. Their widowed father, Colonel William Gregory, is not so easily charmed -- and far too easy to fall in love with, which she dares not do.
William always cherished the orderliness of his life, until this captivating troublemaker began flouting his authority and distracting him with her witty defiance and breathtaking beauty. Despite the fact that they clash at every meeting, William finds himself inexplicably drawn to Samantha's fire. And now he's even contemplating marriage, which would be sweet madness indeed.
But before he can successfully woo her, William must discover what it is that Samantha is hiding from him. But the secret the lady is preciously guarding is far too shocking and dangerous to ever reveal .
William always cherished the orderliness of his life, until this captivating troublemaker began flouting his authority and distracting him with her witty defiance and breathtaking beauty. Despite the fact that they clash at every meeting, William finds himself inexplicably drawn to Samantha's fire. And now he's even contemplating marriage, which would be sweet madness indeed.
But before he can successfully woo her, William must discover what it is that Samantha is hiding from him. But the secret the lady is preciously guarding is far too shocking and dangerous to ever reveal .
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 3, 2002
195 people are currently reading
1475 people want to read
About the author
Christina Dodd
103 books5,911 followersUpcoming:
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
— 6/30/26 TEACH THE TORCHES TO BURN: Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #3 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
New and Now!
—MUCH ADO ABOUT MISTLETOE: Daughter of Montague Christmas novella https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— THUS WITH A KISS I DIE Daughter of Montague Historical Fiction #2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA Historical Fiction Trade Paperback Once upon a time a young couple met and fell in love. You probably know that story, and how it ended (hint: badly). Only here’s the thing: That’s not how it ended at all…
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
— WELCOME TO GOTHIC: A Gothic novella in ebook (at last!) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— WHAT DREAMS MAY COME Daughter of Montague novella 1.5 "I’m the daughter of Romeo and Juliet. Yes, that Romeo and Juliet. No, they didn’t die in the tomb…" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
— GIRL ANONYMOUS “Crackling sexual chemistry and a few love scenes guaranteed to scorch readers’ fingers as they turn the pages." — ⭐️ Booklist
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her suspense, paranormal, historical, and mystery novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 15 million copies in print. Praised for her “brilliantly etched characters, polished writing, and unexpected flashes of sharp humor that are pure Dodd” (Booklist), her award-winning books have landed on numerous Best of the Year lists and, much to her mother's delight, Dodd was once a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle. She lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest, where her 700 lavender plants share the yard with her husband’s various “Big Projects,” including a treehouse, zipline, and their very own Stonehenge.
Enter Christina’s worlds and join her mailing list for humor, book news and entertainment (yes, she’s the proud author with the infamous three-armed cover) at christinadodd.com. For more information on A DAUGHTER OF FAIR VERONA, visit daughterofmontague.com. Her legions of fans know that when they pick up a Christina Dodd book, they'll find the story, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty!"
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.
(Source: http://www.christinadodd.com )
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
May 23, 2012
My computer seems to hate this book, because it crashed three times when I was reviewing it and then ate the review on Amazon so it's not shown up. Alas, I did not hate the book...for the most part. I actually enjoyed about 95% of it. Unfortunately, that last 5% has made it fairly unlikely that I will re-read this book in future.
Yes, this is "inspired" by The Sound of Music, but that's not necessarily a deal-breaker for me. I like re-tellings of well-known stories. Some really good authors have taken already-great stories and added elements, a twist, SOMETHING to them to make them seem fresh and amazing. The Sound of Music isn't my favorite musical, and I haven't seen it in well over a decade, so I won't judge this book on those merits. I will simply say that I don't mind the inspiration.
The heroine, Samantha, is witty, smart, and feisty. All things I like in my heroines. She's also wonderfully flawed. Her temper gets in the way of her holding her tongue more than once, and I, for one, found that very relatable. I have been accused of having a similar issue in the past.
The hero, the Colonel, is strict, proper, regimented, a little stiff. He's not the kind of reckless rakeshell who's going to steal into your window in the middle of the night, but I actually found something oddly appealing about him. Until the end, but that will be discussed below. I liked seeing his character progression and growth throughout the novel.
The supporting characters were engaging and likeable, as well. I normally don't like stories with children, becuase I rarely find that they add to the plot or significant character development. Often, they are a crutch for the writer at best and deus ex machina at worst. However, while there was a passel of children in this book, I actually liked them all. They each had individual characters that were distinct from each other, and I do think they contributed to the character growth. So on that account, I was highly impressed.
There are two things about this book that rather ruined the experience for me. Without going into spoilers, they are as follows:
1) At the end, the Colonel's attitude towards Samantha - when he learns The Great Secret From Her Past - is so ludicrous it annoyed me. It turned the character from "straightlaced, proper gentleman" to "insufferable, boorish ass." I honestly couldn't STAND him for the last part of the book, and that is a shame as I had really enjoyed him to that point. In his attitude towards Samantha, his expectations for their future "relationship" and his attitude in particular about her in regards to his children is so completely idiotic that I felt like his head was firmly planted in his posterior to such an extent that emergency surgery might be required.
2) I have noticed a disturbing trend in Christina Dodd's books, and this one continued it. Now, I admit I didn't re-read the book immediately preceding this in the series, because I own it but couldn't find it at the time of my re-reading. However, exempting that, I believe there has been a scene with sexual assault, abduction, or rape in every single one of the books in the series so far. This one is no different. I might not have noticed as much or been as bothered by it if the theme hadn't been GALLOPING through these books. I don't think it struck me quite as hard the first time I read this novel. However, certainly when one reads the series in a row like I have done, it's hard to miss.
Enough with weapons in bed, Dodd. Enough with blasting open locked doors and cutting clothes off women. There has been enough of this theme in her novels that I don't want a book that even toes that line for my next read, let alone one that dances merrily over it. You know what I find hot, steamy, sexy? Consensual sex. But that's just me.
If it weren't for these two factors, this book would get a higher rating, and I would happily re-read several times in the future. Unfortunately, the ending spoils an otherwise enjoyable book, and I doubt I will read this one again.
Yes, this is "inspired" by The Sound of Music, but that's not necessarily a deal-breaker for me. I like re-tellings of well-known stories. Some really good authors have taken already-great stories and added elements, a twist, SOMETHING to them to make them seem fresh and amazing. The Sound of Music isn't my favorite musical, and I haven't seen it in well over a decade, so I won't judge this book on those merits. I will simply say that I don't mind the inspiration.
The heroine, Samantha, is witty, smart, and feisty. All things I like in my heroines. She's also wonderfully flawed. Her temper gets in the way of her holding her tongue more than once, and I, for one, found that very relatable. I have been accused of having a similar issue in the past.
The hero, the Colonel, is strict, proper, regimented, a little stiff. He's not the kind of reckless rakeshell who's going to steal into your window in the middle of the night, but I actually found something oddly appealing about him. Until the end, but that will be discussed below. I liked seeing his character progression and growth throughout the novel.
The supporting characters were engaging and likeable, as well. I normally don't like stories with children, becuase I rarely find that they add to the plot or significant character development. Often, they are a crutch for the writer at best and deus ex machina at worst. However, while there was a passel of children in this book, I actually liked them all. They each had individual characters that were distinct from each other, and I do think they contributed to the character growth. So on that account, I was highly impressed.
There are two things about this book that rather ruined the experience for me. Without going into spoilers, they are as follows:
1) At the end, the Colonel's attitude towards Samantha - when he learns The Great Secret From Her Past - is so ludicrous it annoyed me. It turned the character from "straightlaced, proper gentleman" to "insufferable, boorish ass." I honestly couldn't STAND him for the last part of the book, and that is a shame as I had really enjoyed him to that point. In his attitude towards Samantha, his expectations for their future "relationship" and his attitude in particular about her in regards to his children is so completely idiotic that I felt like his head was firmly planted in his posterior to such an extent that emergency surgery might be required.
2) I have noticed a disturbing trend in Christina Dodd's books, and this one continued it. Now, I admit I didn't re-read the book immediately preceding this in the series, because I own it but couldn't find it at the time of my re-reading. However, exempting that, I believe there has been a scene with sexual assault, abduction, or rape in every single one of the books in the series so far. This one is no different. I might not have noticed as much or been as bothered by it if the theme hadn't been GALLOPING through these books. I don't think it struck me quite as hard the first time I read this novel. However, certainly when one reads the series in a row like I have done, it's hard to miss.
Enough with weapons in bed, Dodd. Enough with blasting open locked doors and cutting clothes off women. There has been enough of this theme in her novels that I don't want a book that even toes that line for my next read, let alone one that dances merrily over it. You know what I find hot, steamy, sexy? Consensual sex. But that's just me.
If it weren't for these two factors, this book would get a higher rating, and I would happily re-read several times in the future. Unfortunately, the ending spoils an otherwise enjoyable book, and I doubt I will read this one again.
February 28, 2019
Good men don’t often make good heroes. They can end up boring, stuffy, or moralistic prigs. The Colonel von Trapp (not his real name) falls into the moralistic prig category. The heroine is not a fallen woman, but merely stumbled a little as she was a notorious cutpurse as a young girl. The fact that she is tall, thin and a Nordic blonde made her fairly memorable.
The Captain
The irreverent governess
The kids but all girls. They even sing at the house party the pretty kickass other woman hosts
The other woman who ties up the man she really wants and offers the h the thieving opportunity of a lifetime.
Channeling The Sound of Music, the reluctant governess has come to the wilds of the Lake District from the wilds of London. She longs for a sky filled with soot that she can teeth into rather than clear air and being eaten by a bear. Her six female charges aren’t too happy to see her, and it’s straight from the Hollywood von Trapp playbook. Instead of Nazis we have the same Russian spies and British traitors from In My Wildest Dreams, the Sabrina of the series.
The H is a moralistic sort that is more guilt ridden over his wife’s death than devastated. True to his von Trappness, he has his daughters on a rigid, military schedule. Christina Dodd kind of lost me with the governess/charges interaction. CD can be hysterical, and I felt the push-pull dynamics were a teensy bit phoned in.
The H asks the OW to help with a society house party to lure the spies in, and it’s a tad boring. Heck, the OW actually looks out for the h even though she wants the H as a husband as she would like the status and to be asked to the right parties. Thankfully a charming Scot and lust distracts her.
When the penny drops for the H regarding the heroine’s past life, he loses it. His wife had been killed by bandits, and the only good thief is a dead thief. Things were pretty ugly, and the heroine wisely leaves.
A cutesy ending and a pretty hefty grovel save the hero from two skillets to the head.
The Captain
The irreverent governess
The kids but all girls. They even sing at the house party the pretty kickass other woman hosts
The other woman who ties up the man she really wants and offers the h the thieving opportunity of a lifetime.
Channeling The Sound of Music, the reluctant governess has come to the wilds of the Lake District from the wilds of London. She longs for a sky filled with soot that she can teeth into rather than clear air and being eaten by a bear. Her six female charges aren’t too happy to see her, and it’s straight from the Hollywood von Trapp playbook. Instead of Nazis we have the same Russian spies and British traitors from In My Wildest Dreams, the Sabrina of the series.
The H is a moralistic sort that is more guilt ridden over his wife’s death than devastated. True to his von Trappness, he has his daughters on a rigid, military schedule. Christina Dodd kind of lost me with the governess/charges interaction. CD can be hysterical, and I felt the push-pull dynamics were a teensy bit phoned in.
The H asks the OW to help with a society house party to lure the spies in, and it’s a tad boring. Heck, the OW actually looks out for the h even though she wants the H as a husband as she would like the status and to be asked to the right parties. Thankfully a charming Scot and lust distracts her.
When the penny drops for the H regarding the heroine’s past life, he loses it. His wife had been killed by bandits, and the only good thief is a dead thief. Things were pretty ugly, and the heroine wisely leaves.
A cutesy ending and a pretty hefty grovel save the hero from two skillets to the head.
October 18, 2022
"My Favorite Bride" is the story of Samantha and William.
Firstly, this will be a biased review. Why? Because I LOVE "The Sound of Music". My English teacher introduced me to the movie during middle school, and I think I must have watched it easily over two dozen times in the last 15 or so years. This book is heavily inspired from that, hence after reading the blurb I had high expectations. Thankfully, this did not let me down!
When Samantha Prendregast from Distinguished Academy of Governesses gets into trouble with a lecherous employer, Lady Bucknell asks her to go and work for Colonel William Gregory in Cumbria, away from London. He has six young daughters, and desperately needs a nanny. Even though Samantha is reluctant, she unwillingly agrees and is soon dropped off to his country home.
But Samantha is not one to be mesmerized by the beauty of the mountains and vast forests. Having grown up on the streets of the London, initially working as a pickpocket until she was rescued by Lady Bucknell- Samantha fears the countryside- and expects wild animals to leap at her. Soon she is confronted by a rude "highwayman"- who then turns out to be her employer- William Gregory!
An army colonel, William is all about order and rules his home with an iron fist. She also meets his six daughters- Agnes, Vivian, Mara, Henrietta, Emmeline and Kyla- ranging from 13 to 3 years in age- the oldest of whom take a slight dislike to her and start to plan her downfall.
But Samantha is not easily deterred. She challenges the regime run by William, and vows to stay on for an year- unlike the previous eleven governesses. She is also able to confront the kids, thwart their plans and pranks, and soon after she helps Agnes understand menstruation (the poor child thinks she is dying!)- makes them love and care for her! As William too starts falling for her charms, Lady Teresa Marchant, his intended bride shows up- and William is made to choose between his ideal and completely inappropriate bride. Will the blooming love between them triumph? What will happen when William will learn about Samantha's past? Will Samantha agree to marry?
Honestly, I totally enjoyed it! From the scenes in the start where the heroine imagines all the wolves and animals attacking her in the forest, to the end where the adorable kids dress up as highway(wo)men to "kidnap" the heroine- there are so many instances which made me go aww and laugh at the same time. The young kids were so adorable!
The banter and chemistry between the hero and heroine was really witty and adorable- and their lovemaking was SO SEXY!!
One of my favorite scenes is when the heroine stands up to the hero informing him about Agnes becoming a woman. It really showed the strength of her character.
The OW Teresa was not evil, but a strong and devious character- who also finds her HEA
Now coming to the hero. Strong, brooding, VERY fertile. I had a problem with his presumptions once he realizes the h's truth- and he was SO MEAN- calling her a scarlet woman while still wanting to sex her- WTF. The only reason Im not removing a star for it is because he does grovel in the end, and it satisfied me (though he could have done a lot more- she gave him NO reason to doubt her).
There is a secondary plot involving the treachery and spying by Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh- but the MCs totally stole the show.
I LOVED it. Good angst in this one!
Safe
4.5/5
Firstly, this will be a biased review. Why? Because I LOVE "The Sound of Music". My English teacher introduced me to the movie during middle school, and I think I must have watched it easily over two dozen times in the last 15 or so years. This book is heavily inspired from that, hence after reading the blurb I had high expectations. Thankfully, this did not let me down!
When Samantha Prendregast from Distinguished Academy of Governesses gets into trouble with a lecherous employer, Lady Bucknell asks her to go and work for Colonel William Gregory in Cumbria, away from London. He has six young daughters, and desperately needs a nanny. Even though Samantha is reluctant, she unwillingly agrees and is soon dropped off to his country home.
But Samantha is not one to be mesmerized by the beauty of the mountains and vast forests. Having grown up on the streets of the London, initially working as a pickpocket until she was rescued by Lady Bucknell- Samantha fears the countryside- and expects wild animals to leap at her. Soon she is confronted by a rude "highwayman"- who then turns out to be her employer- William Gregory!
An army colonel, William is all about order and rules his home with an iron fist. She also meets his six daughters- Agnes, Vivian, Mara, Henrietta, Emmeline and Kyla- ranging from 13 to 3 years in age- the oldest of whom take a slight dislike to her and start to plan her downfall.
But Samantha is not easily deterred. She challenges the regime run by William, and vows to stay on for an year- unlike the previous eleven governesses. She is also able to confront the kids, thwart their plans and pranks, and soon after she helps Agnes understand menstruation (the poor child thinks she is dying!)- makes them love and care for her! As William too starts falling for her charms, Lady Teresa Marchant, his intended bride shows up- and William is made to choose between his ideal and completely inappropriate bride. Will the blooming love between them triumph? What will happen when William will learn about Samantha's past? Will Samantha agree to marry?
Honestly, I totally enjoyed it! From the scenes in the start where the heroine imagines all the wolves and animals attacking her in the forest, to the end where the adorable kids dress up as highway(wo)men to "kidnap" the heroine- there are so many instances which made me go aww and laugh at the same time. The young kids were so adorable!
The banter and chemistry between the hero and heroine was really witty and adorable- and their lovemaking was SO SEXY!!
One of my favorite scenes is when the heroine stands up to the hero informing him about Agnes becoming a woman. It really showed the strength of her character.
The OW Teresa was not evil, but a strong and devious character- who also finds her HEA
Now coming to the hero. Strong, brooding, VERY fertile. I had a problem with his presumptions once he realizes the h's truth- and he was SO MEAN- calling her a scarlet woman while still wanting to sex her- WTF. The only reason Im not removing a star for it is because he does grovel in the end, and it satisfied me (though he could have done a lot more- she gave him NO reason to doubt her).
There is a secondary plot involving the treachery and spying by Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh- but the MCs totally stole the show.
I LOVED it. Good angst in this one!
Safe
4.5/5
November 13, 2022
4 Estrellitas. Como conclusión de la serie de las Institutrices me ha gustado mucho. Digo como conclusión porque en castellano la publicación acabó aquí y en inglés hay dos o tres libros más, pero la trama de espionaje de trasfondo aquí queda cerrada y con ello me basta.
"El reto de amarte" es el sexto libro de la serie Institutrices y en ellos tenemos a Samantha Prendregast y a William Gregory.
En su niñez Samantha fue una golfilla huérfana londinense a quien Adorna, lady Bucknell, la actual directora de la Distinguida Academia de Institutrices, pilló in fraganti. Lady Bucknell se la llevó con ella y la reformó en su academia, dándole una educación y convirtiéndola en institutriz.
Pero Samantha tiene un problema, y es que su pasado siempre vuelve a ella. Aunque es hermosa y viste y se comporta como una dama, ciertos comportamientos y arrebatos vulgares vuelven a ella de vez en cuando, y ya han sido varios los empleos que ha perdido debido a perder los nervios con sus empleadores o porque estos han descubierto su pasado como ladrona.
Lady Bucknell le encuentra otro y espera que ésta vez le sirva a Samantha como escarmiento teniéndola bien lejos. Samantha nunca ha salido de Londres, pero Adorna le ha buscado un empleo en el campo, en el distrito de los Lagos, donde trabajará para el coronel retirado William Gregory, como institutriz de sus seis hijas.
Samantha se va enfurruñada y con miedo de lo que pueda encontrar en el campo, hasta que el cochero del pueblo la abandona por el camino y la encuentra un misterioso jinete que será su empleador.
William Gregory se retiró del ejército cuando su esposa murió en la India, y se estableció con sus seis niñas en la hacienda familiar. William es estricto hasta la saciedad y espera lo mismo de sus hijas y de la educación que les dé su institutriz. Pero las niñas no son dóciles y han espantado a las últimas institutrices que han tenido, hasta que llega Samantha.
En seguida, Samantha acabará metiéndose en el corazón de cada una de ellas. Y todo cambiará cuando su padre decida dar una fiesta campestre para presentar a sus hijas a la vecindad. Pero ésta fiesta guardará un pretexto secreto, William, una vez retirado del ejército, continuará su tarea como espía y vengando la muerte de su esposa.
Sí, la trama de espionaje comenzó en el cuarto libro y en éste tendrá su conclusión, pero para ello será necesaria la intervención de Samantha, y ella no puede exponer en público su vida pasada.
El romance de Samantha y William será imposible, pese a la atracción naciente entre ellos. William necesita casarse y darles una nueva madre a sus hijas, y lleva un tiempo pensando en lady Marchand, la mejor amiga de su esposa, también viuda, y que acudirá a su casa para organizar la fiesta de William. De ello se espera que William anuncie su compromiso con Teresa; pero entre ello se interponen Duncan, el mejor amigo de William, y Samantha.
Lo que más teme Samantha, ahora que se ha acomodado a su nueva situación, es que su pasado sea desvelado, pues ello puede suponer un nuevo fracaso para lady Bucknell y la academia y perder a William, que nunca la perdonaría, y a las niñas.
Realmente el libro me ha gustado mucho. Los protagonistas en seguida se te meten en la piel, sobre todo las niñas, y aunque el romance tarda en aparecer, éste empieza a ritmo lento hasta que concluye.
La historia me ha convencido y en general he disfrutado mucho de ésta serie, me da pena acabarla, porque de momento ha sido la serie de Christina Dodd que más me ha gustado, pero ha merecido la pena.
"El reto de amarte" es el sexto libro de la serie Institutrices y en ellos tenemos a Samantha Prendregast y a William Gregory.
En su niñez Samantha fue una golfilla huérfana londinense a quien Adorna, lady Bucknell, la actual directora de la Distinguida Academia de Institutrices, pilló in fraganti. Lady Bucknell se la llevó con ella y la reformó en su academia, dándole una educación y convirtiéndola en institutriz.
Pero Samantha tiene un problema, y es que su pasado siempre vuelve a ella. Aunque es hermosa y viste y se comporta como una dama, ciertos comportamientos y arrebatos vulgares vuelven a ella de vez en cuando, y ya han sido varios los empleos que ha perdido debido a perder los nervios con sus empleadores o porque estos han descubierto su pasado como ladrona.
Lady Bucknell le encuentra otro y espera que ésta vez le sirva a Samantha como escarmiento teniéndola bien lejos. Samantha nunca ha salido de Londres, pero Adorna le ha buscado un empleo en el campo, en el distrito de los Lagos, donde trabajará para el coronel retirado William Gregory, como institutriz de sus seis hijas.
Samantha se va enfurruñada y con miedo de lo que pueda encontrar en el campo, hasta que el cochero del pueblo la abandona por el camino y la encuentra un misterioso jinete que será su empleador.
William Gregory se retiró del ejército cuando su esposa murió en la India, y se estableció con sus seis niñas en la hacienda familiar. William es estricto hasta la saciedad y espera lo mismo de sus hijas y de la educación que les dé su institutriz. Pero las niñas no son dóciles y han espantado a las últimas institutrices que han tenido, hasta que llega Samantha.
En seguida, Samantha acabará metiéndose en el corazón de cada una de ellas. Y todo cambiará cuando su padre decida dar una fiesta campestre para presentar a sus hijas a la vecindad. Pero ésta fiesta guardará un pretexto secreto, William, una vez retirado del ejército, continuará su tarea como espía y vengando la muerte de su esposa.
Sí, la trama de espionaje comenzó en el cuarto libro y en éste tendrá su conclusión, pero para ello será necesaria la intervención de Samantha, y ella no puede exponer en público su vida pasada.
El romance de Samantha y William será imposible, pese a la atracción naciente entre ellos. William necesita casarse y darles una nueva madre a sus hijas, y lleva un tiempo pensando en lady Marchand, la mejor amiga de su esposa, también viuda, y que acudirá a su casa para organizar la fiesta de William. De ello se espera que William anuncie su compromiso con Teresa; pero entre ello se interponen Duncan, el mejor amigo de William, y Samantha.
Lo que más teme Samantha, ahora que se ha acomodado a su nueva situación, es que su pasado sea desvelado, pues ello puede suponer un nuevo fracaso para lady Bucknell y la academia y perder a William, que nunca la perdonaría, y a las niñas.
Realmente el libro me ha gustado mucho. Los protagonistas en seguida se te meten en la piel, sobre todo las niñas, y aunque el romance tarda en aparecer, éste empieza a ritmo lento hasta que concluye.
La historia me ha convencido y en general he disfrutado mucho de ésta serie, me da pena acabarla, porque de momento ha sido la serie de Christina Dodd que más me ha gustado, pero ha merecido la pena.
July 13, 2021
***Caution on a rape scene***
England 1847. Jumped ahead @70%. Not a fan.
Wm= not a hero.
William, former career military & now a spy seeking
traitors, had 6 daughters. Samantha, former thief,
now a governess, was tested by her said charges.
Sam's 1st impression of Wm.? A bully. IMO, Wm. fell
in lust, not love, w/ Sam. The 2nd sex scene had Wm.
pull a knife on Sam, she fought him off, but still he
had sex w/ her. Then the author & h justified this:
"William would never hurt her. Not Physically."Huh?
Sam should have smacked him. Women know: no
means no.
William for all his posturing /strutting, was not a man
of honor. Samantha's father forced her, as a kid, to be
a thief or she would not eat. Wm didn't try to under-
stand her theft history. This had a silly ending.
Duncan and Lady Teresa provided the real romance in
this story.
England 1847. Jumped ahead @70%. Not a fan.
Wm= not a hero.
William, former career military & now a spy seeking
traitors, had 6 daughters. Samantha, former thief,
now a governess, was tested by her said charges.
Sam's 1st impression of Wm.? A bully. IMO, Wm. fell
in lust, not love, w/ Sam. The 2nd sex scene had Wm.
pull a knife on Sam, she fought him off, but still he
had sex w/ her. Then the author & h justified this:
"William would never hurt her. Not Physically."Huh?
Sam should have smacked him. Women know: no
means no.
William for all his posturing /strutting, was not a man
of honor. Samantha's father forced her, as a kid, to be
a thief or she would not eat. Wm didn't try to under-
stand her theft history. This had a silly ending.
Duncan and Lady Teresa provided the real romance in
this story.
January 31, 2024
3.5 stars really.
My first Christina Dodd. Serena recommended.
Gruff older ex military hero with six kids and desperate governess.
I liked the writing and will definitely try another Dodd soon. I didn’t love the ending.
My first Christina Dodd. Serena recommended.
Gruff older ex military hero with six kids and desperate governess.
I liked the writing and will definitely try another Dodd soon. I didn’t love the ending.
October 6, 2018
Recuerda mucho a la historia de la familia Von Trapp retratada en el cine por la película The sound of music (Sonrisas y lágrimas en España).
Tenemos a un coronel viudo con seis hijas a las que quiere mucho pero a las que le pasa revista como al más entrenado ejército el cuál necesita a su Julie Andrews particular, en este caso llamada Samantha, para sacarlo de ese orden estricto y soltarle un poco el pelo (y ayudarle a vestir a sus hijas con otra cosa que espantosos uniformes).
Una historia bonita que no me di cuenta de que ya había leído hasta que llevaba ya bastantes páginas por lo que tampoco puedo decir que resulte inolvidable.
Eso sí, después de leer varios libros de esta serie no puedo evitar preguntarme si la autora tiene un problema con los epílogos que siempre tiene que terminar las historias de forma tan abrupta.
Tenemos a un coronel viudo con seis hijas a las que quiere mucho pero a las que le pasa revista como al más entrenado ejército el cuál necesita a su Julie Andrews particular, en este caso llamada Samantha, para sacarlo de ese orden estricto y soltarle un poco el pelo (y ayudarle a vestir a sus hijas con otra cosa que espantosos uniformes).
Una historia bonita que no me di cuenta de que ya había leído hasta que llevaba ya bastantes páginas por lo que tampoco puedo decir que resulte inolvidable.
Eso sí, después de leer varios libros de esta serie no puedo evitar preguntarme si la autora tiene un problema con los epílogos que siempre tiene que terminar las historias de forma tan abrupta.
September 18, 2020
3 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you’re looking for a light regency romance novel then My Favorite Bride would be a good book to pick.
Miss Samantha Prendregast is sent from the distinguished Academy of Governesses on a mission to Devil’s Fell, a land located in the countryside, to bring about order and tame Colonel William Gregory’s six daughters aged from 12 to 2.
Ice mingles with Fire as William and Samantha’s attraction ignites despite their status and background. Samantha’s dark past follows her like a shadow while William’s guilt, grief and the heavy weight of being a single father of six blinds him from the reality of his and his daughters’ situation.
The romance between Samantha and William sparked early on and while I did enjoy some of their interactions but I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t much angst to it.
William’s daughters were a delight and I wish there were more scenes of them although I loved all of their interactions with Samantha.
The plot confused me sometimes and it didn’t feel stable to me. I was thrust into new situations without proper build up towards them. There wasn’t a smooth transition.
If you’re looking for a light regency romance novel then My Favorite Bride would be a good book to pick.
Miss Samantha Prendregast is sent from the distinguished Academy of Governesses on a mission to Devil’s Fell, a land located in the countryside, to bring about order and tame Colonel William Gregory’s six daughters aged from 12 to 2.
Ice mingles with Fire as William and Samantha’s attraction ignites despite their status and background. Samantha’s dark past follows her like a shadow while William’s guilt, grief and the heavy weight of being a single father of six blinds him from the reality of his and his daughters’ situation.
The romance between Samantha and William sparked early on and while I did enjoy some of their interactions but I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t much angst to it.
William’s daughters were a delight and I wish there were more scenes of them although I loved all of their interactions with Samantha.
The plot confused me sometimes and it didn’t feel stable to me. I was thrust into new situations without proper build up towards them. There wasn’t a smooth transition.
January 16, 2017
The von Trapp family without the music plus rape. Hate, hate, hate the hero. Unfortunately, the author must have hated the hero as well. Right up until the last chapter the hero is a complete and utter asshole who in no way deserves the heroine. Suddenly, we're up against a word quota or something because the hero does a complete 180, the heroine behaves totally out of character, and we have a HEA. Oh, wait, I'm thinking the author maybe threw us a bone by leaving out an Epilogue. Without an Epilogue I am free to imagine the hero suffering a tragic fall from his horse one month following his wedding. Left a wealthy and beautiful widow, the heroine subsequently mets a suitable hero, and only occasionally thinks fondly of the dead asshole for giving her this chance at a real HEA that does not involve a rapey, arrogant, shallow, judgmental, and dogmatic asshole.
May 31, 2009
Can you tell I'm on a regency romance kick? I love happy endings. and I like books how I like movies: pure escapism.
November 19, 2013
This is a once-you-start-you-can't-stop kind of book.
I absolutely loved it!
I absolutely loved it!
July 13, 2013
So we are still dealing with spies and the damage they can do when they tell the opposite side what they know. This story deals with the capture of Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh. I was kind of sad that this couple was part of the ring in England causing all the harm. I mean they had been friends with the Throckmorton's for a long time and were the godparents of Ellery. I am sure that finding out that they have been harboring spies was quite a blow to the family. The story shows Lady Featherstonebuagh's true colors however. She isn't a very nice person and she is a scheming and mercenary woman to boot. Her husband is a womanizing nitwit that should have been caught a long time ago. I think that they got what they deserved in the end.
Now on to the main part of the story the part of the story that brings two people that are in need of love and companionship. There are also the children that are without a mother and in need of someone that will understand them and what they are going through. Colonel William Gregory treats the girls as if they were part of his battalion and not as his children. I am surprised that the girls hadn't hurt anyone to this point. They so wanted their father’s attention they were willing to do almost anything. It took someone that was sneakier and clever enough to outsmart them to keep them in line. I grew very fond of the girls as I read the story. They are all very clever and logical, at times. They have learned to stick together and scheme to get rid of those that can’t or won’t try to understand what they are going through.
Colonel Gregory is one of those upright, righteous people that can’t see that some people are driven to do what they do to survive. His world has always been black and white. Being in the military all his life has defined in ways that many people don’t understand. His record is exemplary. He is a great tactician and is clever in his search for the spies that were involved in the murder of his first wife. He is also all alpha male. I like him for the most part. However, there were times I wanted to smack him and show the error of his arrogant ways. I guess that is the perfect definition of an alpha male.
Samantha Prendregast is the product of her upbringing. She was raised on the street of London and forced to beg or do whatever was necessary to bring home money for her father to squander away. Her mother died when she was seven and no one else would take her in and care for her. However Samantha was intelligent enough and determined enough to change her ways so she could have a better life. She has learned to be a good governess. She has wonderful manners and speaks properly. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in and she won’t tolerate a bully or anyone being abused. I like her very much.
This was a very good story that moved with speed to a climax that had some twists that I hadn't expected. There are parts of the story that some people are not going to like but that is what makes life interesting. Ms. Dodd continues to write stories that draw you in and won’t let you go until the last page. Her characters are lovable when they should be and despicable when they should be. Another addition to the series and genre that everyone should read.
Now on to the main part of the story the part of the story that brings two people that are in need of love and companionship. There are also the children that are without a mother and in need of someone that will understand them and what they are going through. Colonel William Gregory treats the girls as if they were part of his battalion and not as his children. I am surprised that the girls hadn't hurt anyone to this point. They so wanted their father’s attention they were willing to do almost anything. It took someone that was sneakier and clever enough to outsmart them to keep them in line. I grew very fond of the girls as I read the story. They are all very clever and logical, at times. They have learned to stick together and scheme to get rid of those that can’t or won’t try to understand what they are going through.
Colonel Gregory is one of those upright, righteous people that can’t see that some people are driven to do what they do to survive. His world has always been black and white. Being in the military all his life has defined in ways that many people don’t understand. His record is exemplary. He is a great tactician and is clever in his search for the spies that were involved in the murder of his first wife. He is also all alpha male. I like him for the most part. However, there were times I wanted to smack him and show the error of his arrogant ways. I guess that is the perfect definition of an alpha male.
Samantha Prendregast is the product of her upbringing. She was raised on the street of London and forced to beg or do whatever was necessary to bring home money for her father to squander away. Her mother died when she was seven and no one else would take her in and care for her. However Samantha was intelligent enough and determined enough to change her ways so she could have a better life. She has learned to be a good governess. She has wonderful manners and speaks properly. She isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes in and she won’t tolerate a bully or anyone being abused. I like her very much.
This was a very good story that moved with speed to a climax that had some twists that I hadn't expected. There are parts of the story that some people are not going to like but that is what makes life interesting. Ms. Dodd continues to write stories that draw you in and won’t let you go until the last page. Her characters are lovable when they should be and despicable when they should be. Another addition to the series and genre that everyone should read.
June 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book but I was a bit disappointed in our hero. I get he was a military man, but his first response to any improvement Samantha made was bitter disdain. I loved how she did not let him bully her She was the governess, and her sass had gotten her sacked a few times. He was the gentleman in a massive house surrounded by woods. I loved the children in the story. There is also a military plot, and spies to catch. Plus there are some steamy love scenes. She is an innocent, but she is very attracted to William. I did like the way they went back and forth. I wish there would have been a little more trust in her, and when he learned her secret, he became an ass. He eventually relents, but he knows her sad story, yet still makes negative comments. It ended well. I just felt if he loved her as much as he stated ,he should have not put her through so much. I actually liked the hero Samantha, better than William. 4 stars.
November 11, 2025
Many Years Ago = 4 stars
2025 = 3 stars / skimmed some / review written
A Historical Romance based on the "Sound of Music"
The story started strong with humorous scenes, but dragged in the middle as the plot became predictable. The romance shifted from instant attraction to unlikely feelings. The English spy subplot was dull, and as the ending was clear, I waited for the secrets to be revealed and the drama to play out. While the resolutions came too easily, the heartwarming conclusion left me satisfied.
🤗 The delightful children stole the show early on, but faded into the background in the second half. That's when the focus shifted to the spy plot and the shallow romance. I skimmed the two sex scenes, since they were hard to enjoy with the obvious breakup coming. The villain's POV, told in short chapters, was unhelpful and annoying. 😬
📕 SUMMARY & SPOILERS: 📕
Samantha (22) is a tall, thin blonde with a fiery spirit and strong sense of justice. Outspoken and quick-tempered, she often gets into trouble. Six years ago, Adorna, the governess academy owner, rescued her from the streets and taught her to behave like a lady to find honest work.
Her backstory: the daughter of a swindler who exploited her mother, she was raised to steal after her mother died when she was seven. She then survived in London as a pickpocket. She currently is in need of a job after losing her last position for being outspoken.
Due to her notorious past, Adorna sends Samantha to the Lake District to be a governess for Colonel William Gregory's six daughters, ages four to twelve. Nervous about leaving London, she fears the countryside is filled with wild animals and lake monsters.
Colonel William (34) is a younger son who went into the military and served in India. He married Mary, an Englishwoman he didn't love. During a mission, Mary was tragically killed, and William feels guilty for choosing his job over her desire to return home.
Now back in England after his elder brother's death, he inherits the estate and raises his six daughters like little soldiers, unsure how to be a proper father. He’s dedicated to finding Mary's killers and patrols the district as a peacekeeper, hunting for spies, agents, and thieves to gather intelligence for the Home Office..
Samantha, the twelfth governess, must teach the mischievous children a lesson to earn their respect. In a key scene on a bridge, the girls try to tip her into the mud, but Samantha pretends to be scared and tricks them into falling instead. After ten minutes of play, she takes them home to find Colonel William waiting.
Colonel William is strict and values honor and morals. With a sterling reputation, he sees life in black and white and often clashes with Samantha, whose troubled past is about to be revealed.
Duncan Monroe, a charming rogue and William's loyal friend, acts as a highwayman during their patrols.
The Villains, who William plans to expose:
▪️Pashenka, the ringleader.
▪️Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh, elderly spies and the ones responsible for Mary's death. They visit the finest homes across England to gather and sell secrets to the Russians.
Teresa, the Countess of Marchant, is asked by William to plan a house party. He considers proposing to her, seeing her as a perfect match. However, Teresa notices William's attraction to Samantha and, having endured an unloving marriage, refuses William. Instead, she’s drawn to Duncan. Their animosity leads to sex and plans for marriage.
(I would have rather read more about Teresa and Duncan, instead of the spy subplot.)
Drama arises when Samantha offers to retrieve a map from Velda, revealing her past as a pickpocket. William learns the truth and treats her harshly. He proposes marriage out of duty after taking her virginity, which she refuses. He still suspects her of stealing his late wife’s mementos.
The villains are defeated, and Samantha leaves for London, leaving the heartbroken children behind. William, missing her, learns Mara took her mother’s items to remember her. In a humorous twist, William and the girls disguise themselves as highwaymen to rescue Samantha, proving they’re good actors.
William’s heartfelt, humble apology shows he’s changed. They confess their love and plan to marry, then discover the girls took the horses and left them stranded. William makes their return home a long journey to ensure they spend the night in the wilderness, promising to keep her safe from all the dangerous animals. 😂 HEA.
2025 = 3 stars / skimmed some / review written
A Historical Romance based on the "Sound of Music"
The story started strong with humorous scenes, but dragged in the middle as the plot became predictable. The romance shifted from instant attraction to unlikely feelings. The English spy subplot was dull, and as the ending was clear, I waited for the secrets to be revealed and the drama to play out. While the resolutions came too easily, the heartwarming conclusion left me satisfied.
🤗 The delightful children stole the show early on, but faded into the background in the second half. That's when the focus shifted to the spy plot and the shallow romance. I skimmed the two sex scenes, since they were hard to enjoy with the obvious breakup coming. The villain's POV, told in short chapters, was unhelpful and annoying. 😬
📕 SUMMARY & SPOILERS: 📕
Samantha (22) is a tall, thin blonde with a fiery spirit and strong sense of justice. Outspoken and quick-tempered, she often gets into trouble. Six years ago, Adorna, the governess academy owner, rescued her from the streets and taught her to behave like a lady to find honest work.
Her backstory: the daughter of a swindler who exploited her mother, she was raised to steal after her mother died when she was seven. She then survived in London as a pickpocket. She currently is in need of a job after losing her last position for being outspoken.
Due to her notorious past, Adorna sends Samantha to the Lake District to be a governess for Colonel William Gregory's six daughters, ages four to twelve. Nervous about leaving London, she fears the countryside is filled with wild animals and lake monsters.
Colonel William (34) is a younger son who went into the military and served in India. He married Mary, an Englishwoman he didn't love. During a mission, Mary was tragically killed, and William feels guilty for choosing his job over her desire to return home.
Now back in England after his elder brother's death, he inherits the estate and raises his six daughters like little soldiers, unsure how to be a proper father. He’s dedicated to finding Mary's killers and patrols the district as a peacekeeper, hunting for spies, agents, and thieves to gather intelligence for the Home Office..
Samantha, the twelfth governess, must teach the mischievous children a lesson to earn their respect. In a key scene on a bridge, the girls try to tip her into the mud, but Samantha pretends to be scared and tricks them into falling instead. After ten minutes of play, she takes them home to find Colonel William waiting.
Colonel William is strict and values honor and morals. With a sterling reputation, he sees life in black and white and often clashes with Samantha, whose troubled past is about to be revealed.
Duncan Monroe, a charming rogue and William's loyal friend, acts as a highwayman during their patrols.
The Villains, who William plans to expose:
▪️Pashenka, the ringleader.
▪️Lord and Lady Featherstonebaugh, elderly spies and the ones responsible for Mary's death. They visit the finest homes across England to gather and sell secrets to the Russians.
Teresa, the Countess of Marchant, is asked by William to plan a house party. He considers proposing to her, seeing her as a perfect match. However, Teresa notices William's attraction to Samantha and, having endured an unloving marriage, refuses William. Instead, she’s drawn to Duncan. Their animosity leads to sex and plans for marriage.
(I would have rather read more about Teresa and Duncan, instead of the spy subplot.)
Drama arises when Samantha offers to retrieve a map from Velda, revealing her past as a pickpocket. William learns the truth and treats her harshly. He proposes marriage out of duty after taking her virginity, which she refuses. He still suspects her of stealing his late wife’s mementos.
The villains are defeated, and Samantha leaves for London, leaving the heartbroken children behind. William, missing her, learns Mara took her mother’s items to remember her. In a humorous twist, William and the girls disguise themselves as highwaymen to rescue Samantha, proving they’re good actors.
William’s heartfelt, humble apology shows he’s changed. They confess their love and plan to marry, then discover the girls took the horses and left them stranded. William makes their return home a long journey to ensure they spend the night in the wilderness, promising to keep her safe from all the dangerous animals. 😂 HEA.
September 15, 2023
I went on the hunt for a book with a plot similar to the Sound of Music, and this one sounded the best.
Well, it was! The children were each well drawn characters with a personality to each, all the characters were jumping off the page, tbh. It was well written and a fun read.
Well, it was! The children were each well drawn characters with a personality to each, all the characters were jumping off the page, tbh. It was well written and a fun read.
August 10, 2008
Miss Samantha Prendergast is on a mission. She's to be the governess of six little girls. Though not an easy task at first, she quickly charms the little tykes, but their father is another story altogether.
Tall, dark, and handsome, Colonel William Gregory is all about order and discipline, until the new governess challenges everything he believe in. She's distracting, has absolutely no regard for authority, she's witty, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Despite their differences, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other, up to the point when the Colonel is contemplating marriage.
The only problem is the little secret Samantha's been keeping from everybody, a secret too dangerous to ever be revealed.
When her past emerges, will Samantha and William still have a chance for a happily ever after?
And the ending will bring a smile to the face of even the most disgruntled anti-romantic.
Though this book was a little too similar to The Sound of Music for comfort, it was still a refreshing little gem to be savored.
Ms. Dodd has an uncanny knack to bring her characters to life before the reader's eyes. So much in fact that, despite the predictability of the plot, one cannot help but avidly turn the pages to discover just what will happen next.
Tall, dark, and handsome, Colonel William Gregory is all about order and discipline, until the new governess challenges everything he believe in. She's distracting, has absolutely no regard for authority, she's witty, and breathtakingly beautiful.
Despite their differences, the two are inexplicably drawn to each other, up to the point when the Colonel is contemplating marriage.
The only problem is the little secret Samantha's been keeping from everybody, a secret too dangerous to ever be revealed.
When her past emerges, will Samantha and William still have a chance for a happily ever after?
And the ending will bring a smile to the face of even the most disgruntled anti-romantic.
Though this book was a little too similar to The Sound of Music for comfort, it was still a refreshing little gem to be savored.
Ms. Dodd has an uncanny knack to bring her characters to life before the reader's eyes. So much in fact that, despite the predictability of the plot, one cannot help but avidly turn the pages to discover just what will happen next.
August 2, 2016
It's my first christina Dodd's book I read, I have to say it had a charming wit, nice descriptions and my-type of writing.
- Liked the Heroine, how bold and straight forward she was, and her background was more of a bonus and a twist to me. Especially when she wanted to kiss the Hero, she didn't hesitate, just grabbed him and pulled him in to a kiss.
- The Hero was entertaining, how he was infatuated with the heroine, and kept flirting with her, he kinda ruined the whole image at the end when he turned in to a complete jackass.
- What really bothered me here, is how much he hurt her, and how the writer didn't prolong how guilty he felt after he discovered the truth, and how quickly she forgave me. Like honestly Dude! he accused her of everything, raped her, blamed her and planed to imprison her, and everything she did was love the bastard(well he wasn't a bastard before but he honestly turned in to one nearing the end), but how fast everything worked out didn't give the story it's credit worth.
- And a spin-off of the sound of a music was a great change, I'm kinda fed up with the typical Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella.
Overall, *thumps up*
- Liked the Heroine, how bold and straight forward she was, and her background was more of a bonus and a twist to me. Especially when she wanted to kiss the Hero, she didn't hesitate, just grabbed him and pulled him in to a kiss.
- The Hero was entertaining, how he was infatuated with the heroine, and kept flirting with her, he kinda ruined the whole image at the end when he turned in to a complete jackass.
- What really bothered me here, is how much he hurt her, and how the writer didn't prolong how guilty he felt after he discovered the truth, and how quickly she forgave me. Like honestly Dude! he accused her of everything, raped her, blamed her and planed to imprison her, and everything she did was love the bastard(well he wasn't a bastard before but he honestly turned in to one nearing the end), but how fast everything worked out didn't give the story it's credit worth.
- And a spin-off of the sound of a music was a great change, I'm kinda fed up with the typical Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella.
Overall, *thumps up*
June 11, 2013
Again I had no idea that this was part of a series, and thinking about the beginning of this book and the governess agency that places Samantha with the Colonel William Gregory and his girls I can see where they were linked together. I never knew before, so this stands alone just fine. I love that this is so similar to The Sound of Music. I really enjoyed the wonderful relationship between Samantha and William. They have a great rapport and I totally bought them together. The kids were great and I thought Samantha's handling of them was well done. The ending was especially enjoyable and I was grinning as I read it. Only one thing kept me from rating this higher; how come William could get 6 children with his first wife, whom he had never loved as much she had loved him? He kept coming back to her when he just thought she was ok? I know that is not terrible, but something about this kinda killed my usual admiration for the hero in a story. The spy mystery part was ok, essential to the story line. A solid B.
May 2, 2013
I'm not in the mood for one of my snarky reviews. I'll say this: it's not a bad book, as long as you don't care an inch about such a pesky thing called real life.
(I keep wondering why authors want to write historical novel this badly. Call it fairy tale and be done with it. It's easier and everyone is happy.)
If you do like fairy tale romances and are a fan of the movie The Sound of Music feel free to read and enjoy My Favorite Bride (which by the way would be favourite in British English...you know, the language spoken in the country this story is set ... < grin >)
(I keep wondering why authors want to write historical novel this badly. Call it fairy tale and be done with it. It's easier and everyone is happy.)
If you do like fairy tale romances and are a fan of the movie The Sound of Music feel free to read and enjoy My Favorite Bride (which by the way would be favourite in British English...you know, the language spoken in the country this story is set ... < grin >)
June 29, 2022
it's supposed to be 1 because I didn't love it. like the descriptions of him being hairy having fur and the unnecessary detail about hairy balls? absolutely godless content tbh. also I just didnt really like him he seemed like a little bitch. and what the hell is a tumescence????
but the other two stars are only for chapter 26
because of this nonsense:
“I’ll watch you. I’ll keep you honest. I’ll keep you pregnant with my babies.” He stood straighter as he spoke. “You probably already are pregnant.”
and the girls coming to get her.
but the other two stars are only for chapter 26
because of this nonsense:
“I’ll watch you. I’ll keep you honest. I’ll keep you pregnant with my babies.” He stood straighter as he spoke. “You probably already are pregnant.”
and the girls coming to get her.
March 6, 2014
Uma divertida história entre um viúvo com 6 filhos e um governanta sem papas na língua, que era uma garota do submundo de Londres e uma ladra de carteira. Risos e paixões tornam esta leitura bem estimulante.
Want to read
June 12, 20122.99 on kindle right now.
Read
June 17, 2021This guy is an asshole. Why would she like him? Plus too many women saying no and men going ahead anyway, and the woman being ok with it.
Read
March 13, 2014"Utilizaba sus enormes ojos marrones para coquetear y halagar a la gente, pero nunca se permitía que estos dejaran traslucir su inteligencia" "Una dama siempre controla el tono de su voz." "Era el tipo de hombre que llamaba la atención de las mujeres. Y realmente había llamado la atención de Samantha, y la manera como él la miraba le producía una extraña sensación de incomodidad.Deseando fundirse con la pared de color crema para quedarse mirándolo hasta comprender la extraña sensación que le recorría el abdomen y hacía que le temblaran las rodillas. Y ese nudo que sentía más abajo… en el vientre. No era una sensación dolorosa, pero… no sabía de qué se trataba, solo sabía que no le gustaba nada sentirse así. " "La noche pasada, Samantha no había podido ver sus ojos, pero ahora sí que podía. Eran azules, hermosos, profundos, de color cobalto y tan fríos como el hielo en lo más profundo del invierno, con unas cejas oscuras que se mantenían elevadas sin formar una curva, dando a su rostro una apariencia taciturna." "—Sus posesiones pueden ser reemplazadas. Pero su vida no. " "Aquel hombre era la prueba de que algunos caballeros atractivos tenían defectos que los hacían insoportables. Lo cual, por supuesto, era una ventaja para ella. Ese tipo de defectos mantenían a salvo a muchas muchachas."". Su corazón empezó a latir cada vez con más fuerza. ¿O acaso siempre había latido así, pero ella no se había dado cuenta hasta ahora? Sus pulmones se llenaron del aroma de aquel hombre atractivo y el vello de todo su cuerpo se erizó, en respuesta visceral a una cercanía que la ponía nerviosa y la excitaba a la vez." "¿Alguien? No era alguien. Era una belleza." "Aquella lengua hacía que le entraran ganas de besarla y de realizar otras actividades, así que lo mejor era decir que tenía una lengua insolente y dejarlo estar." "No puedo esperar a mirar en los ojos de esa joven señorita. " "Ninguna mujer podría cautivar su corazón, porque él era un hombre frío, dado a cálidas pasiones, pero nunca al amor." "Su mirada se clavó en los ojos de ella; una mirada profunda y absorta,
y por primera vez en su vida ella supo reconocer allí un alma gemela. Un hombre
que ocultaba su verdadero ser detrás de una fachada de austeridad. Un hombre que
trataba de luchar contra su propia naturaleza.
Así era ella. Sensata y sobria. Cuando en realidad lo que quería era bailar,
correr, cantar. Disfrutar de la vida en todos los sentidos.
Seguramente se equivocaba. Seguramente él no era como ella.
Se quedaron mirando el uno al otro durante un largo instante, y Samantha notó
un calor y un aturdimiento que embriagaban su cuerpo. " "Él no sonrió, pero sus ojos de zafiro azul cobalto —que cambiaban constantemente de tonos azulados— contenían una calidez que la hicieron sentirse sofocada y que se le aflojaran las rodillas." "Él hacía lo que quería con su vida, de una manera que no lo hacía nadie más, y eso lo convertía en un hombre peligroso para ella, para quien la unión familiar era un faro que brillaba en la oscuridad como una quimera" "¿Cómo podía hacer aquel hombre que ella pasara de la desilusión a una reticente admiración en tan poco tiempo? " "Sollozando, se echó en los brazos de Samantha, como si ella fuera un puerto en el que refugiarse en medio de una tormenta" "Los labios de él se entretuvieron en los de ella, recorriendo su contorno. Ella cerró los ojos. Vio destellos de luces de colores: rubí, zafiro, esmeralda. Entre los dedos de las manos notó el pulso de las venas del cuello de él acelerado, y su propio corazón se aceleró para alcanzar el ritmo de él. Así que por eso se besan un hombre y una mujer. Para verse, sentirse y conocerse mutuamente de una manera maravillosamente imposible. Ella se podría haber quedado toda la noche así, sin cansarse jamás de su ternura" "La atracción que sentía por el coronel no podía ser buena para su corazón." "Y la forma como la miraba era cálida, líquida, tan llena de azul que ella tuvo deseos de hundirse en aquella mirada y navegar en ella a la deriva." "Él no era más que un hombre. Un hombre por el que se sentía atraída, sí, eso tenía que admitirlo.""Los ojos del coronel Gregory centellearon un instante mientras miraba a Samantha y los dos compartieron un momento de… oh… ¿cómo llamarlo? Acaso… camaradería.""Al oír su nombre, el coronel Gregory se dio la vuelta y se la quedó mirando de una manera realmente halagadora. No le sonrió, pero sus ojos azules brillaron como carbones ardiendo. Samantha se sonrojó y maldijo su piel blanca" "Samantha no se había mostrado con él con el mismo talante desafiante que demostraba ante los demás hombres. Con él ella era amable y tímida. Con él Samantha se convertía en un
manojo de nervios." "¿cómo podía no sentirse fascinado por ella? Se comportaba de manera
natural, muy diferente a como lo hacían las demás damas""No la observaba porque creyera que podía hacer algo fuera de lugar, la miraba porque no podía apartar los ojos de ella" "Él se sintió contento. Con esa única mirada le acababa de demostrar lo
vulnerable que era ella a su lado y le había hecho sentir su deseo de volver a tenerla
entre los brazos con la excusa que fuera" "Enamorada. ¿Del coronel Gregory? Eso era imposible. Eso sería el colmo de la estupidez.
De acuerdo. Tenía que admitirlo. Se sentía atraída por él. Le parecía que tenía una seductora figura, una conversación estimulante y la manera en que besaba le impresionaba. Pero eso era todo. Una simple fascinación por la manera como la había besado. Por eso, cuando él hablaba, ella se fijaba en sus labios y se los imaginaba recorriendo su piel. Por eso se pasaba la mitad de la noche preocupada por lo que debería ponerse en la próxima ocasión. Se sentía atrapada por su magnetismo, pero nada más. La sensación de tener constantemente el corazón en un puño, el irresistible
deseo de bailar a la caída del sol, la necesidad que sentía de verlo de día y de noche
todo eso no era amor. No por un hombre que estaba tan por encima de sus
posibilidades. No por… no por ningún hombre. Lo sabía. Lo sabía muy bien. "
"Y cuando él miraba a Samantha… ella sentía que no podía resistirse a sus encantos. Cuando el coronel miraba a Samantha, a esta le flaqueaban las rodillas y perdía toda su voluntad." "Él se la quedó mirando con una sonrisa, como si su sola presencia le produjera placer."
"El coronel Gregory pierde la cabeza por una mujer.—No por una mujer cualquiera . Por ti. Solo por ti." "Estaban esperando encontrarse el uno al otro. Esperando que llegara aquel fuego en el que ambos iban a consumirse. Y nada podía evitar que así fuera. No importaba cuánto daño pudieran haberse hecho o cuántos insultos se hubieran dicho, se deseaban apasionadamente. Y eso no lo podía cambiar nada. " "Se había enamorado, apasionadamente, locamente." "él llamó su atención. Llenó todo su campo de visión. Estaban de pie muy cerca y ella tuvo que respirar con ímpetu aquel aborrecible aire fresco. También él debía de estar respirando con fuerza, pues ella sintió de repente que se ahogaba como si le faltara el aire.""Tengo que cambiar, pues de lo contrario no podré mantenerte a mi lado y no podría soportar perderte. Será duro, pero creo que yo puedo cambiar un poco y hacerte cambiar también a ti. " "creo en ti. Pero no puedo obligarte a que creas en mí. con una expresión apenada, él se puso de pie—. Entiendo que dudes de que te quiero realmente. Dudas de la veracidad de mis palabras y de mi carácter" "
y por primera vez en su vida ella supo reconocer allí un alma gemela. Un hombre
que ocultaba su verdadero ser detrás de una fachada de austeridad. Un hombre que
trataba de luchar contra su propia naturaleza.
Así era ella. Sensata y sobria. Cuando en realidad lo que quería era bailar,
correr, cantar. Disfrutar de la vida en todos los sentidos.
Seguramente se equivocaba. Seguramente él no era como ella.
Se quedaron mirando el uno al otro durante un largo instante, y Samantha notó
un calor y un aturdimiento que embriagaban su cuerpo. " "Él no sonrió, pero sus ojos de zafiro azul cobalto —que cambiaban constantemente de tonos azulados— contenían una calidez que la hicieron sentirse sofocada y que se le aflojaran las rodillas." "Él hacía lo que quería con su vida, de una manera que no lo hacía nadie más, y eso lo convertía en un hombre peligroso para ella, para quien la unión familiar era un faro que brillaba en la oscuridad como una quimera" "¿Cómo podía hacer aquel hombre que ella pasara de la desilusión a una reticente admiración en tan poco tiempo? " "Sollozando, se echó en los brazos de Samantha, como si ella fuera un puerto en el que refugiarse en medio de una tormenta" "Los labios de él se entretuvieron en los de ella, recorriendo su contorno. Ella cerró los ojos. Vio destellos de luces de colores: rubí, zafiro, esmeralda. Entre los dedos de las manos notó el pulso de las venas del cuello de él acelerado, y su propio corazón se aceleró para alcanzar el ritmo de él. Así que por eso se besan un hombre y una mujer. Para verse, sentirse y conocerse mutuamente de una manera maravillosamente imposible. Ella se podría haber quedado toda la noche así, sin cansarse jamás de su ternura" "La atracción que sentía por el coronel no podía ser buena para su corazón." "Y la forma como la miraba era cálida, líquida, tan llena de azul que ella tuvo deseos de hundirse en aquella mirada y navegar en ella a la deriva." "Él no era más que un hombre. Un hombre por el que se sentía atraída, sí, eso tenía que admitirlo.""Los ojos del coronel Gregory centellearon un instante mientras miraba a Samantha y los dos compartieron un momento de… oh… ¿cómo llamarlo? Acaso… camaradería.""Al oír su nombre, el coronel Gregory se dio la vuelta y se la quedó mirando de una manera realmente halagadora. No le sonrió, pero sus ojos azules brillaron como carbones ardiendo. Samantha se sonrojó y maldijo su piel blanca" "Samantha no se había mostrado con él con el mismo talante desafiante que demostraba ante los demás hombres. Con él ella era amable y tímida. Con él Samantha se convertía en un
manojo de nervios." "¿cómo podía no sentirse fascinado por ella? Se comportaba de manera
natural, muy diferente a como lo hacían las demás damas""No la observaba porque creyera que podía hacer algo fuera de lugar, la miraba porque no podía apartar los ojos de ella" "Él se sintió contento. Con esa única mirada le acababa de demostrar lo
vulnerable que era ella a su lado y le había hecho sentir su deseo de volver a tenerla
entre los brazos con la excusa que fuera" "Enamorada. ¿Del coronel Gregory? Eso era imposible. Eso sería el colmo de la estupidez.
De acuerdo. Tenía que admitirlo. Se sentía atraída por él. Le parecía que tenía una seductora figura, una conversación estimulante y la manera en que besaba le impresionaba. Pero eso era todo. Una simple fascinación por la manera como la había besado. Por eso, cuando él hablaba, ella se fijaba en sus labios y se los imaginaba recorriendo su piel. Por eso se pasaba la mitad de la noche preocupada por lo que debería ponerse en la próxima ocasión. Se sentía atrapada por su magnetismo, pero nada más. La sensación de tener constantemente el corazón en un puño, el irresistible
deseo de bailar a la caída del sol, la necesidad que sentía de verlo de día y de noche
todo eso no era amor. No por un hombre que estaba tan por encima de sus
posibilidades. No por… no por ningún hombre. Lo sabía. Lo sabía muy bien. "
"Y cuando él miraba a Samantha… ella sentía que no podía resistirse a sus encantos. Cuando el coronel miraba a Samantha, a esta le flaqueaban las rodillas y perdía toda su voluntad." "Él se la quedó mirando con una sonrisa, como si su sola presencia le produjera placer."
"El coronel Gregory pierde la cabeza por una mujer.—No por una mujer cualquiera . Por ti. Solo por ti." "Estaban esperando encontrarse el uno al otro. Esperando que llegara aquel fuego en el que ambos iban a consumirse. Y nada podía evitar que así fuera. No importaba cuánto daño pudieran haberse hecho o cuántos insultos se hubieran dicho, se deseaban apasionadamente. Y eso no lo podía cambiar nada. " "Se había enamorado, apasionadamente, locamente." "él llamó su atención. Llenó todo su campo de visión. Estaban de pie muy cerca y ella tuvo que respirar con ímpetu aquel aborrecible aire fresco. También él debía de estar respirando con fuerza, pues ella sintió de repente que se ahogaba como si le faltara el aire.""Tengo que cambiar, pues de lo contrario no podré mantenerte a mi lado y no podría soportar perderte. Será duro, pero creo que yo puedo cambiar un poco y hacerte cambiar también a ti. " "creo en ti. Pero no puedo obligarte a que creas en mí. con una expresión apenada, él se puso de pie—. Entiendo que dudes de que te quiero realmente. Dudas de la veracidad de mis palabras y de mi carácter" "
October 12, 2021
Londra
Vara anului 1847
― Problema nu e că ai fost o hoaţă de buzunare, Samantha, ci că insişti să dezvălui defectele angajatorilor tăi chiar angajatorilor înşişi, iar ei detestă acest tip de sinceritate.
Adorna, Lady Bucknell, vorbea pe tonul blând şi îngânat caracteristic, şi oricine ar fi ascultat-o ar fi zis că accepta cu calm cea mai recentă concediere a Samanthei.
Samantha Prendregast nu făcea însă aceeaşi greşeală. Stătea în faţa biroului cu bărbia ridicată, exact aşa cum o învăţase Adorna.
― Nu, doamnă.
Biroul Distinsei Academii a Guvernantelor fusese decorat în nuanţe albastru-deschis, iar frumuseţea blondă, plină de eleganţă a Adornei strălucea ca un diamant aşezat pe un suport îmbrăcat în satin.
― Te-am avertizat cu privire la domnul Wordlaw. Ţi-am spus că e genul de bărbat care consideră că femeile trebuie doar văzute, nu şi auzite, iar tu m-ai asigurat că te vei putea descurca.
Samantha rezistă impulsului de a se legăna înainte şi înapoi.
― Da, doamnă.
― Şi, cu toate astea, după nici două luni, eşti înapoi la Distinsa Academie a Guvernantelor, fără slujbă, fără referinţe şi fără garanţia că dorinţa de răzbunare a domnului Wordlaw nu îţi va distruge reputaţia în faţa puţinilor reprezentanţi ai înaltei societăţi care încă nu o cunosc. Adorna îşi împreună mâinile sub bărbie şi o fixă pe Samantha cu ochii ei mari şi albaştri.
― Aşadar, ce ai de spus în apărarea ta de data asta?
Samantha se gândi ce ar putea să spună, cum ar putea să o împace pe Adorna, dar renunţase să mintă cam tot atunci când încetase să mai fure.
― Îşi terorizează fiul. Băiatul nu vrea să studieze Dreptul. Micul Norman se bâlbâie deja, iar când tatăl l-a târât în faţa întregii familii şi l-a luat în râs, inima mea s-a înmuiat şi am vrut… ― simţi cum se încinge din nou la gândul acelei zile ori, cine ştie, era efectul căldurii de vară din oraş ― … să-i dau individului o lecţie.
― Prin urmare, i-ai spus soţiei sale despre amantă şi ai convins-o pe amantă să renunţe la el. Ce câştig are micul Norman din asta?
― Tatăl doamnei Wordlaw e cel care deţine controlul banilor. Femeia şi-a luat băiatul şi şi-a părăsit soţul, lucru pe care ar fi trebuit să-l facă de mult, dar era prea mândră să admită că a făcut o greşeală. Bunicul lui Norman va avea grijă ca micuţul să poată să-şi îndeplinească visul. Samantha îşi aminti cât de fascinat era copilul de ştiinţă. Cred că băiatul va deveni un mare inventator.
Vara anului 1847
― Problema nu e că ai fost o hoaţă de buzunare, Samantha, ci că insişti să dezvălui defectele angajatorilor tăi chiar angajatorilor înşişi, iar ei detestă acest tip de sinceritate.
Adorna, Lady Bucknell, vorbea pe tonul blând şi îngânat caracteristic, şi oricine ar fi ascultat-o ar fi zis că accepta cu calm cea mai recentă concediere a Samanthei.
Samantha Prendregast nu făcea însă aceeaşi greşeală. Stătea în faţa biroului cu bărbia ridicată, exact aşa cum o învăţase Adorna.
― Nu, doamnă.
Biroul Distinsei Academii a Guvernantelor fusese decorat în nuanţe albastru-deschis, iar frumuseţea blondă, plină de eleganţă a Adornei strălucea ca un diamant aşezat pe un suport îmbrăcat în satin.
― Te-am avertizat cu privire la domnul Wordlaw. Ţi-am spus că e genul de bărbat care consideră că femeile trebuie doar văzute, nu şi auzite, iar tu m-ai asigurat că te vei putea descurca.
Samantha rezistă impulsului de a se legăna înainte şi înapoi.
― Da, doamnă.
― Şi, cu toate astea, după nici două luni, eşti înapoi la Distinsa Academie a Guvernantelor, fără slujbă, fără referinţe şi fără garanţia că dorinţa de răzbunare a domnului Wordlaw nu îţi va distruge reputaţia în faţa puţinilor reprezentanţi ai înaltei societăţi care încă nu o cunosc. Adorna îşi împreună mâinile sub bărbie şi o fixă pe Samantha cu ochii ei mari şi albaştri.
― Aşadar, ce ai de spus în apărarea ta de data asta?
Samantha se gândi ce ar putea să spună, cum ar putea să o împace pe Adorna, dar renunţase să mintă cam tot atunci când încetase să mai fure.
― Îşi terorizează fiul. Băiatul nu vrea să studieze Dreptul. Micul Norman se bâlbâie deja, iar când tatăl l-a târât în faţa întregii familii şi l-a luat în râs, inima mea s-a înmuiat şi am vrut… ― simţi cum se încinge din nou la gândul acelei zile ori, cine ştie, era efectul căldurii de vară din oraş ― … să-i dau individului o lecţie.
― Prin urmare, i-ai spus soţiei sale despre amantă şi ai convins-o pe amantă să renunţe la el. Ce câştig are micul Norman din asta?
― Tatăl doamnei Wordlaw e cel care deţine controlul banilor. Femeia şi-a luat băiatul şi şi-a părăsit soţul, lucru pe care ar fi trebuit să-l facă de mult, dar era prea mândră să admită că a făcut o greşeală. Bunicul lui Norman va avea grijă ca micuţul să poată să-şi îndeplinească visul. Samantha îşi aminti cât de fascinat era copilul de ştiinţă. Cred că băiatul va deveni un mare inventator.
June 24, 2023
Heavily inspired by the Sound of Music movie.
Set in Victorian Era England.
Samantha is 22. She's been sent by her employment agency to the wilds of Cumbria to be the governess for Colonel William Gregory's six daughters (stair-stepped ages from 3 to 12). William is in his early/mid thirties.
William is a military man through and through. He feels guilt that his late wife (who loved him much more than he did her) was murdered in India when he was posted there. Three years later, he has returned to his estate in Cumbria and rules the roost with military precision, while working with the Home Office to capture traitors and spies in the area and in doing do hopefully bring his wife's murderers to justice.
The children initially try to run Samantha off but she is kind to them and also knows how to thwart all their tricks. They grow to care for her, and she for them.
Samantha stands up to William's overbearing attitude. She shows him how his children need more from him, which wins his respect. He is attracted to her looks and her strong personality.
I wasn't a huge fan of the romance. It felt like Samantha was being taken advantage of and when her past as a child-pickpocket in London becomes known to William he immediately dumps her and treats her awfully. Completely unfair and ridiculous behaviour for a grown man who just seduced an innocent employee.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Set in Victorian Era England.
Samantha is 22. She's been sent by her employment agency to the wilds of Cumbria to be the governess for Colonel William Gregory's six daughters (stair-stepped ages from 3 to 12). William is in his early/mid thirties.
William is a military man through and through. He feels guilt that his late wife (who loved him much more than he did her) was murdered in India when he was posted there. Three years later, he has returned to his estate in Cumbria and rules the roost with military precision, while working with the Home Office to capture traitors and spies in the area and in doing do hopefully bring his wife's murderers to justice.
The children initially try to run Samantha off but she is kind to them and also knows how to thwart all their tricks. They grow to care for her, and she for them.
Samantha stands up to William's overbearing attitude. She shows him how his children need more from him, which wins his respect. He is attracted to her looks and her strong personality.
I wasn't a huge fan of the romance. It felt like Samantha was being taken advantage of and when her past as a child-pickpocket in London becomes known to William he immediately dumps her and treats her awfully. Completely unfair and ridiculous behaviour for a grown man who just seduced an innocent employee.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
August 1, 2017
2,5/5 en realidad.
La verdad es que me han parecido muy incoherentes tantos las situaciones como el comportamiento de los personajes, pasaban de un humor a otro rápidamente sin que ninguna situación lo provocara, o tomaban decisiones sin fundamento ninguno... no sé, todo el tiempo tenia la sensación de que había cosas que pasaban "detrás de escena" y que lo que leía era el resultado de eso que yo no había podido ver. Era bastante desconcertante porque no lo entendía.
La trama de espionaje que hay detrás en la historia habría quedado genial si la autora lo hubiera explicado un poco, pero todo se daba por sentado o se explicaba de manera confusa, con muchos nombres, espías y ministerios mezclados...
El protagonista masculino la verdad es que no me ha gustado, es muy brusco y parece que no entiende que haya otros puntos de vista a parte del suyo. Quiere someter a todo el que tiene alrededor, desde sus hijas hasta a Samantha...
El amor la verdad es que yo no lo he visto por ninguna parte, los sentimientos de ambos iban del "amor" al odio y al desprecio demasiado rápido como para que resultara creíble.
El final me ha parecido bonito, pero no como para arreglar esta desastrosa historia. Creo que por ahora no volveré a repetir con esta autora.
La verdad es que me han parecido muy incoherentes tantos las situaciones como el comportamiento de los personajes, pasaban de un humor a otro rápidamente sin que ninguna situación lo provocara, o tomaban decisiones sin fundamento ninguno... no sé, todo el tiempo tenia la sensación de que había cosas que pasaban "detrás de escena" y que lo que leía era el resultado de eso que yo no había podido ver. Era bastante desconcertante porque no lo entendía.
La trama de espionaje que hay detrás en la historia habría quedado genial si la autora lo hubiera explicado un poco, pero todo se daba por sentado o se explicaba de manera confusa, con muchos nombres, espías y ministerios mezclados...
El protagonista masculino la verdad es que no me ha gustado, es muy brusco y parece que no entiende que haya otros puntos de vista a parte del suyo. Quiere someter a todo el que tiene alrededor, desde sus hijas hasta a Samantha...
El amor la verdad es que yo no lo he visto por ninguna parte, los sentimientos de ambos iban del "amor" al odio y al desprecio demasiado rápido como para que resultara creíble.
El final me ha parecido bonito, pero no como para arreglar esta desastrosa historia. Creo que por ahora no volveré a repetir con esta autora.
May 3, 2018
Hmmm ceritanya mirip film Sound of Music. Samantha (mantan pencopet di jalanan London) direkrut & dididik oleh Lady Bucknell sebagai pemilik agensi penyalur Governess. Sayangnya Samantha ini sering terlibat masalah di tempat kerja dengan para atasannya karena sifat Samantha yang berani menentang bos-nya yang berbuat sewenang2 terhadap dirinya atau orang2 di sekelilingnya. Ditambah dengan fisik Samantha yang cantik ikut menunjang mereka berbuat kurang ajar. Akibat insiden terakhir, Lady Bucknell mengirim Samantha keluar London untuk bekerja untuk Kolonel William, seorang duda dengan 6 anak perempuan. Istri William tewas dibunuh 3 tahun lalu yang kemungkinan bwrhubungan dengan aktifitas William (& Lady Bucknell) sebagai mata2 Inggris. Jadi ada pengejaran penghianat negara, ditambah ada Teresa, seorang janda (countess, cantik, elegan, kaya) yang William pikir cocok menjadi istri & ibu bagi anak-anaknya. Sayangnya porsi Samantha & anak-anak William kurang banyak, lebih dominan soal menangkap si mata-mata & komplotannya.
3,4🌟
3,4🌟
December 22, 2020
In another book in this series,"In My Wildest Dreams", the author took on Sabrina and did a fairly good remix of Sabrina.
This book is supposed to be a remix of "The Sound of Music" with a colonel von trapp, the huge number of children and a remixed version of Maria. Maybe Julie Andrews did too good a job with her version that Christina Dodd's version doesn't really work.
The Chemistry between the main characters is not very convincing and maybe even the espionage angle was not really handled all that well on this book.
The reason for the separation, the forgiveness and I guess the 'rape' was all a bit too much. Not a convincing book at all.
All in all this is one book in the series that is definitely worth a miss
This book is supposed to be a remix of "The Sound of Music" with a colonel von trapp, the huge number of children and a remixed version of Maria. Maybe Julie Andrews did too good a job with her version that Christina Dodd's version doesn't really work.
The Chemistry between the main characters is not very convincing and maybe even the espionage angle was not really handled all that well on this book.
The reason for the separation, the forgiveness and I guess the 'rape' was all a bit too much. Not a convincing book at all.
All in all this is one book in the series that is definitely worth a miss
April 19, 2022
The book started out well. I liked the damaged but recovering and independent heroine Samantha and the fact that she had turned her previous employer's life upside down. Now she was embarking on a governess position in the "wilderness" and she was totally out of her comfort zone. But soon the book felt like a take-off on The Sound of Music" with a poor governess facing a former military commander who had strict discipline over his brood of children and she turned to music and stood up to the commander. I liked him for much of the book but by the end he completely fell apart and practically raped her. The subplot of the spy ring seemed contrived and unbelievable. The ending did not do it for me.
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