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Baldwin, the Viscount of Mountgarret, was content with his life. Unexpectedly, his childhood friend dies, leaving him his most prized treasures: his two young daughters. Baldwin’s priorities begin to shift as he arrives home and meets his wards’ infuriatingly stubborn governess. His interest is piqued by the mystery surrounding her, but she’s only a governess. He certainly can’t pursue her. Can he?

After three “unsuccessful” Seasons, Emeline Warren discovers a heinous plot to force her into marriage with an aging earl. She flees from her ancestral home and unwittingly becomes a governess to two little girls. Finding herself attracted to their reluctant guardian, she’s determined not to fall prey to his charms.

Can two unlikely lovers let go of their foolish pride, or will they lose what matters most?

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 5, 2019

404 people are currently reading
270 people want to read

About the author

Laura Beers

76 books495 followers
Laura Beers is an award-winning author. She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. She can't sing, doesn't dance and loves naps.

Laura lives in Utah with her husband, three kids, and her dysfunctional dog. When not writing regency romance, she loves waterskiing, hiking, and drinking Dr Pepper.

You can connect with Laura on Facebook, Instagram, or on her site at www.authorlaurabeers.com.

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5 stars
709 (50%)
4 stars
447 (31%)
3 stars
198 (14%)
2 stars
45 (3%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
Profile Image for Be.
87 reviews
Read
February 5, 2020
I can't rate this because I didn't finish it... it felt way to modern in thinking. I may have not been in the mood, so I may pick it up and finish it in the future. It was neat how the author tied in "The sound of music" & "Cinderella" type themes into the story however.
Profile Image for Jenni.
228 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2023
The Reluctant Guardian is book 2 in the Regency Brides: A Promise of Love series. Like book 1 in this series, the secondary characters (the Duke and Duchess of Blackbourne) feature quite prominent but they actually had their own story in book 2 of the Miss Bell's Finishing School series. I still haven't read that one but wished I had so I could have a clear picture of their story since there are many references to it in both this book and book 1.

In this book, Baldwin, Viscount of Mountgarret becomes guardian to his late best friend's two young daughters, Phoebe and Sophia (ages 10 and 8 respectively). Completely uninterested in raising the girls, he tries to decide what to do with them but in the meantime sets his housekeeper to work to hire a governess.

Emeline Warren is holding out for a love match but her stepmother and stepsister have grown impatient waiting for her to find a husband. Since her father is always traveling on business her stepmother arranges a marriage and is hell-bent on seeing Emeline married and out of the way so she can focus on her daughter's upcoming season. Even if that means locking Emeline in her chamber and forcing her to wed or threatening her with Bedlam should she refuse.

Escaping her stepmother with the help of Harry, the stablemaster, Emeline travels to the country estate of Lord Mountgarret and finds herself taking a temporary position as governess to the master's two wards arriving that afternoon. Confident she won't be discovered by her stepmother, Emeline steps into the role with gusto, making friends with the girls and beginning their lessons. When Mountgarret arrives days later to meet his wards, they immediately start off on the wrong foot and he fires Emeline before quickly realizing he needs her, and they negotiate her return. But when an unexpected couple shows up offering to take the girls off of Mountgarret's hands, it just might be the perfect solution to free him of the burden of raising Phoebe and Sophia. But if the girls leave, what will become of the pretty governess? Will Emeline's secrets come to light? Will Mountgarret decide to keep the girls after all?

This was a good story, but not a great one. My number one issue with this book was that there was no hint of romance until Lord Mountgarret kissed Emeline in the grotto (62% into the story). Aside from mentions of 'he's handsome,' and 'she's pretty,' the reader has to assume there is interest because it's inevitable, but the author doesn't do her job to convince the reader. There's also much more interaction between Emeline and the children than there is between her and Baldwin. I really liked Emeline and the two girls. But Baldwin spent most of the book talking about how much he didn't want to keep the girls, yet he's sitting there complaining the girls don't like him. Gee, I wonder why? He was really the moody, gruff guy with his nose constantly in his ledgers, too busy to raise two young girls, and he reminds us of this repeatedly. Honestly, I wanted to know more about Harry Garvey because I could totally see a possible love interest there.

And let's talk love. Baldwin eventually offers for Emeline because he's decided to keep the girls and they need a mother. Romantic fail, Baldwin. THEN to win her over he tells her he loves her. I don't buy it. THEN at the first test, not ten minutes later when she's coming clean about all her secrets, he turns his back on her, claiming he spoke out of turn, but he is honor bound if she still wants to marry. So romantical, Baldwin.

The author takes a very modern approach to this historical story, which may not be your cup of tea if you are a stickler for historical accuracy. I'm sort of ok with anachronisms once I realize that's the kind of book (or author) I'm reading, but I think I will set this author aside for a while and move on to something else. What tipped the scales for me to move on was when the author took a cheap shot by lifting and paraphrasing dialogue from "The Sound of Music." It sticks out like a sore thumb and made me roll my eyes.

Guardian/ward, Governess, and forced proximity are my catnip but this one was just ok. It could have been so much better if there had actually been a romance of some sort. I did rather adore the girls. Phoebe can bring a frog to my dinner table anytime. I just might start quoting "Do you have a frog on your person?" 😂 3 stars from me on this one. Chaste kisses only. Sweet and clean read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kellyn Roth.
Author 28 books1,128 followers
did-not-finish
September 28, 2021
DNF. Just not for me! The characters felt kind of bland. Made it to 25%. Might be an excellent book, but I didn't want to be delaying finishing it any longer.
Profile Image for Ashley Johnson.
579 reviews40 followers
May 17, 2020
This story was fairly basic, but was entertaining. The plot wasn’t as interesting to me as the previous book in this series. The hero was a bit hard to root for and there were more interactions between the children and the heroine than the with the hero. Everything was wrapped up happily by the end of the story, but it seemed a little too rushed at the end for my liking.
Profile Image for RACHEL.
65 reviews
December 11, 2020
This fricken guy.
Lord Baldwin Mountgarret spends the first 3/4 of this book plainly stating how much he hates children, doesn't feel fit to raise them, is unsure about keeping the ones he ends up with and is absolutely SHOOK when the kids aren't enamored by him.

Baldwin: *is a stern, funless jerk that doesn't like children*
The Children: *are not excited to spend time with him*
Bladwin: *insert shocked pickachu face*

Like honestly my guy, at least pretend to tolerate them.

Anyways here's my review.

This book, like the last, suffers a bad case of "everyone not the main characters should be suspected of murder until proven otherwise". It moves the plot in funny ways and makes for an incredibly light read (what with everyone one being inherently good or evil with no gray area) but it strains my sense of disbelief. Cartoonishly evil relatives are one thing but the fact that Baldwin ends up justifying keeping Sophia and Phoebe not because he's come to love them, but because the other option was well.

We get more Nicholas and Penelope, which does in fact make me want to read the Miss Bell's Finishing School books because that place is starting to sound WILD. I liked the children, they were well written (a nice change from a lot of romance where the kids feel like props rather than characters) and for the most part I liked Emeline

I didn't really go for the pairing of Baldwin and Emeline, which severely dampened my enjoyment but not enough to give up on the series or author.

So, if the potential over-the-top evilness of any non-main characters doesn't bother you and you've enjoyed any other Laura Beers books, I say give it a shot.
Profile Image for Pamela.
1,825 reviews39 followers
November 26, 2019
This was a great book with touches of a fairy tale in all the right places. Emmie is a loving daughter, and wants to do as her father, and overbearing step mother wants. She has had three seasons, with all the trimmings ,but no one to love ,in all the offers. She wants what her parents once had. She refuses the Titled gentleman that is her father's age, and very pudgy, to her stepmother dismay. Her father has been gone for eight months on a merchant voyage, for his company. Her stepmother makes demands ,and consequences that she cannot ignore, so she escapes on her horse. She has certain plans for the next two months, until she will get her inheritance from her grandmother, but there will be no reading ,and relaxing. A sad event has changed the owner of the mansion, and his life is in turmoil. The servants lives are even more distressed, as guests arrive unhappily, and no one has told anyone of the long term plan. Emmie jumps in to help, but the Lord of the manor is not pleased, with any of it. The story is heartwarming, despite the problems. The Lord comes across as abrupt, and way to stiff, and structured. There is some funny moments, and I loved the characters, where she is staying. The stepmother, and stepdaughter not so much. There is a slow forming romance, and a wonderful feeling of healing. I don't want to give away the best part of this book. It does all come together, with the help of friends, and even gives us an epilogue. I really loved Emmie, her spunk, and her kindness. Caring,kindness,and some dealing opens up the Lord, into a more giving man. It seems to be a cross from Cinderella, and a stodgy , stuffy, and structured curmudgeon. Do not miss this one, since it leaves you smiling....5 stars.....very clean romance, no violence, or sexual content.
Profile Image for Chesney.
740 reviews
November 5, 2019
*I received an ARC from the author and these are my opinions.*
I love when I find good books from great authors. The Reluctant Guardian can be read as a stand alone but always I recommend reading the previous novels to help you get aquatinted with the characters who make an appearance in this one. We learn a little of Baldwin in Miss Bells finishing school as Penelope’s cousin. He has become the guardian to little girls. Emeline who lives with her evil stepmother and stepsister. And yes, they are pretty nasty cause she ends up running away and inadvertently becomes a governess to the wards of Baldwin. The chemistry between Baldwin and Emeline is definitely there but they are both trying to fight it. Great storyline with some fun characters and a sweet happy ending.
Profile Image for Katherine  .
40 reviews14 followers
June 24, 2024
2.5 stars

It was a cute story emphasizing love and kindness with a decent amount of character development towards the end. However, the relationship and connection between the two main characters seemed to be missing something. The way that Baldwin realized he fell in love and decided to marry Emeline was so sudden that it didn't make much sense to me. Like yes, he slowly found himself caring for her but then one second he was highly against marriage and then next he decided to woo her and marry her. This happened within 7 pages. 🥴 And then the way he proposed and said one of the reasons he wanted to marry her was "because we get along nicely. Don't we?"... Like no. Absolutely not. It was just a really cringey proposal in my opinion. 😔

As for the writing, I found a lot of elements to be repeated. Like "He/They/She hate(s) me" and "I don't see why not." And some of the conversations between Emeline and Baldwin even seemed repeated. They kept saying and bringing up the same things they talked about earlier in the book.

Overall, it was an ok book. I would recommend it if you want a quick and light read but just be aware that the romance can seem a bit rushed.
1,711 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2020
Not Cinderella!

When this book started with the evil stepmother and step sister I feared the dreaded remake of Cinderella.
Fortunately, it took another turn and never looked back. Instead of suffering, Emeline bolts to find a safe refuge for two months until she turns twenty-five and inherits her own place to live and money to live on. She ends up on a estate that is searching for a governess. It will allow her to hide in sight for the next few months. What she didn't count on was falling in love with the children or the earl of the estate. The children were orphaned and the earl was their new guardian. Now they all just needed to become acquainted.
Profile Image for Nicole.
425 reviews
November 4, 2020
I really want to give an honest review but I don't want it taken in a mean-spirited way. I think this author has some delightful ideas for stories and some interesting characters. She rarely develops these characters which leaves her stories flat. I'm talking more the potential for her secondary characters to be an interesting addition to the story. Instead I feel like it ends up reading like a book aimed at a much younger audience with very simplistic dialogue and forgettable characters. I keep on trying to read her books but I just can't get over this. So much potential but just fell flat for me.
1,361 reviews8 followers
October 5, 2022
Love This Author and This Story

I've never read anything by Laura Beers I didn't enjoy. My biggest complaint is I usually can't put the book down, and a myriad of tasks are left for another day. Emeline and her stepmother are at odds, and she needs to get away. Baldwin has been given guardianship of his goddaughters, and he's not sure he even wants them. Naturally these two adults end up together and work out what love truly entails. I loved Emie and the happy ending. Look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Lauren.
25 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2020
A clean read.

I like clean romance books however this was a bit boring . The synopsis captured my attention and I thought it would have been more exciting but it wasn’t. I find it could have been more passionate and descriptive with their kiss and still remain clean but, the first kiss happened out of no where, no buildup whatsoever. Mind you, only at 31% did they actually meet.
6 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2020
Romantic, intelligent, charming and a bit suspenseful

This is a romantic and intelligent read. It is charming and a bit suspenseful. I liked the strong female Character heroine and the charming young heroines. The male lead was flawed but a strong male hero. I liked the relationship the hero had with is cousin and cousins husband. They were always willing to tell just how badly he messed up.. a good read !
Profile Image for Melissa Buell.
Author 13 books49 followers
July 4, 2020
I started and stopped this book a few times. I was frustrated with the wording but I wanted to finish the story. Example of heavy-handed writing and non-Regency era way of life and speaking drive me crazy. Speaking with the horse groom in such a friendly manner wouldn't be done. The main character shouts often, which is annoying and no one calls him out for it. Using phrases such as "ancestral home" multiple times is annoying. The phrase "show, don't tell" comes to mind.
10 reviews
February 17, 2022
I have become such a fan of this author. Already each of the books I have read of hers are impossible to put down. Thank goodness she has written many books. If you have never had the pleasure of reading her books do yourself a favor and start today. They will whisk you away to some of the best reads you will ever read. I promise you will be following her for may books to come.

Sincerely,
Lisa P.
An avid Laura Beers fan.
2,385 reviews13 followers
April 9, 2022
The Reluctant Guardian

I really enjoyed this Tory. Baldwin was awarded guardianship of two orphan girls , Phobe and Sophie. Their father and mother died in a carriage accident. . He was not happy at all about given this duty. Thomas and Baldwin were good friends throughout their school years. Emmiline escaped from her home with the help of someone who cared for their horses. She went to Baldwin’s estate in secret, posing as a governess. You will enjoy this beautiful story.
7 reviews
February 28, 2025
It was a good story. I enjoyed it

I don't want to post a review. I don't want to post a review. I don't want to post review. I hate writing reviews. I should just be able to give it stars. Leave me alone about the reviews please. It was a good book. I enjoyed it. I need more words. I need more words. I need more words. I need more words
Profile Image for Karen.
640 reviews
July 3, 2025
Saaaaweeet!

Well worth the read and charming in every way. Some things may remind you of “The Sound of Music”, at least they did me! An overly strict disciplinary father figure with a governess who is willing to plead that he give up some ground to know the children better and love them. Great story, recommended whole heartedly.
131 reviews
March 29, 2020
A sweet love story

This author has a wonderful flair for building her characters, she gives them substance and color. I highly recommend them for anyone who likes the Regency romance era.
Profile Image for Diane Pope.
689 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2020
The frog became a prince.

This was a delightful story. I was worried when I was first introduced to Baldwin. I instantly loved Emeline and the girls. The story was perfect with just enough excitement to keep it interesting.
261 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2020
Lies

What happens when someone lies about who they are. What excuse is there to help justify it. Should you love the person who you know nothing about. Read this book to see what happens..
Profile Image for Sharon Osburn.
224 reviews4 followers
December 22, 2021
I loved it!

The heroine and hero were perfect! The happily ever after ending was perfection with tears running down my cheeks. It was fast paced and kept my interest and it was entertaining! Anyone who enjoys a happily ever after in this time period should read it.
1,293 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2023
guilty pleasure

Regency Romance is my escape from reality. When I just want to get away, I find an RR to escape into and there I stay until I’ve cleared my head and I can face the world again.
52 reviews
March 19, 2020
Wonderful story

I enjoyed this book very much. I am glad they found love for themselves and the children. Excellent reading thanks.
157 reviews3 followers
March 23, 2020
Wonderful Regency Romance

This is a wonderful book. I love all things regency. This book is a sweet, clean love story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
67 reviews
April 8, 2020
Great clean story

Baldwin and Emie had great interactions. Loved the tie in with Nicholas and Penelope. Well written and engaging storyline with memorable characters.
1 review
April 11, 2020
Cute story

Loved this story! Such a wonderful way to end this awesome series. I’ve read all of miss bells books and brethren in arms over the last week! Loved them all!
Profile Image for Erika.
369 reviews14 followers
April 26, 2020
Flat and predictable. One conversation leads to change of heart, the characters were all over the place- not very consistent.
Profile Image for Ashley Lavering.
Author 10 books125 followers
April 30, 2020
Heartwarming

This was a heartwarming story about loss and heartache but how love and kindness and overcome it and start to heal you. Clean romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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