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The Seven Curses of London #9
Gambling for the Governess
A gamble like no other...
Amelia Tippin might be only a maid at the prestigious Beasley Governess Academy, but she knows she’s capable of more. When her Aunt Beasley dies before allowing her to attend classes, a desperate Amelia takes a gamble and applies for a governess position despite her lack of formal training.
Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, has but one mission—discover what or who caused the carriage accident that took both his sister and brother-in-law’s lives. Hiring a suitable governess for his niece and nephew who will also tolerate his eccentric—if brilliant—father will allow him to venture to the dark side of London to find the cause.
With love as the prize.
Christopher is more than intrigued by the new governess who has a way with the children as well as with his impossible father. He can’t resist her charms and sharing kisses has never been so delightful, but wariness lingers in her eyes, making him wonder at the cause.
Amelia soon realizes that revealing the secret she holds places both her position and the connection quickly building between her and the handsome viscount in danger. Yet how can she hope for anything more with her deceit standing between them? When Christopher finds the man who stole the lives of his family, he must decide how much of a gamble he’s willing to take to win the governess's heart.
Amelia Tippin might be only a maid at the prestigious Beasley Governess Academy, but she knows she’s capable of more. When her Aunt Beasley dies before allowing her to attend classes, a desperate Amelia takes a gamble and applies for a governess position despite her lack of formal training.
Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, has but one mission—discover what or who caused the carriage accident that took both his sister and brother-in-law’s lives. Hiring a suitable governess for his niece and nephew who will also tolerate his eccentric—if brilliant—father will allow him to venture to the dark side of London to find the cause.
With love as the prize.
Christopher is more than intrigued by the new governess who has a way with the children as well as with his impossible father. He can’t resist her charms and sharing kisses has never been so delightful, but wariness lingers in her eyes, making him wonder at the cause.
Amelia soon realizes that revealing the secret she holds places both her position and the connection quickly building between her and the handsome viscount in danger. Yet how can she hope for anything more with her deceit standing between them? When Christopher finds the man who stole the lives of his family, he must decide how much of a gamble he’s willing to take to win the governess's heart.
325 pages, ebook
Published October 29, 2019
332 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Lana Williams
93 books374 followersLana Williams is the USA Today Bestselling Author of 50 historical fiction novels filled with mystery, romance, adventure, and sometimes a pinch of paranormal to stir things up.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/.
She spends her days in Victorian, Regency, and Medieval times, depending on her mood and current deadline.
Lana calls the Rocky Mountains of Colorado home where she lives with her husband and a spoiled rescue dog named Sadie. Connect with her at https://lanawilliams.net/.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 31, 2019
Ms. William’s latest book, the ninth in the ‘Seven Curses of London’ series is Gambling for the Governess. Amelia Tippin’s family fell on hard times, leading her to attend her aunt’s prestigious governess academy, sort of an early version of majoring in teaching. But her aunt is not her friend and instead of allowing her to attend the academy, she puts her to work as a maid.
Amelia is smart, however, and takes advantage of every opportunity to learn the trade vicariously, with no one the wiser. It’s a good thing, too, since her aunt dies and the academy closes before she’s finally allowed to official attend. With her knowledge, but no official certificate in hand, and no other prospects to support her mother and herself, she presents herself at the home of Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont.
Christopher is desperate to find a suitable governess for his sister’s children, Ronald and Charlotte, who have come to live with him after the untimely death of his sister and her husband. He suspects foul play in their deaths, but he’s not free to investigate until he finds a governess to watch the kids. His desperation and a confusing first visit lend good fortune to her cause and she’s hired without the need of explaining that she is not formally trained or experienced.
Still, Amelia is knowledgeable and the children, along with their eccentric grandfather, take to her right away. Williams has beautifully fleshed out these characters adding extra fun and interest to any scene they inhabit. It’s those little extras that often make these books so much fun to read. Plus, if you’ve been reading along with the series from the first book, you’ll continue to meet the growing cast of characters that all will work together, in time, to begin to fix the seven curses that plaque London’s seedy underbelly.
In this book’s case, the curse is gambling. Christopher is on the hunt for the truth behind his brother-in-law’s bad habits and the culprit behind their tragic end. Along the way he’ll learn that there are no financial or class borders for those who have become addicted to the various games, from lottery to racing, everyone is welcome and many are victims.
Back at home, he’s discovered that Amelia is not only a talented governess; she’s a beautiful woman who is stealing his heart without even trying. Amelia worries what Christopher will think when he finds out she’s not a graduate of a prestigious governess academy, but the former maid. She loves her job and the children and, if she’s honest with herself, the boss is pretty wonderful too.
As Christopher’s search in the gambling dens of London increases so does his attraction to Amelia. But there are disreputable characters lurking around who don’t appreciate his interest in their livelihood. He’s taking a gamble not only with his heart, but with their lives.
There’s romance and danger in the pages of Gambling for the Governess that will keep you turning pages until the very last word.
March 18, 2022
4.5 STARS
Loved the children and the Earl - what great secondary character's. Great dialogue between all the character's that at times made me laugh out loud.
The h is honest and tells the H's father (the Earl), who she really is. He convinces her that he will tell his son, but not yet. He will inform his son (the H) when he sees how well she interacts with his niece and nephew. The h hasn't had an easy life and was taken advantage of by her aunt who ran an academy for Governesses.
The H is trying to discover if his sister and her husband were murdered. He is now responsible for his niece and nephew and wants answers. He can't get help in his investigation because he promised the children's other grandfather to keep it quiet. His son was gambling a lot and doesn't want Society to learn of it and tarnish his reputation.
This story has nasty villains, suspense, humor, great main and secondary character's, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Bedroom door mostly closed - heat level 2 out of 5, within marriage.
No cheating and no cliffhanger. You get two epilogues - one 2 months in the future. Then you have to download the second epilogue which is 6 months in the future. I dislike having to do this. If you download the second epilogue you are signed up for her newsletter. This wasn't a problem because I already get her newsletter because I enjoy this author.
Even though part of a large series, it is a stand alone. (ljb)
Loved the children and the Earl - what great secondary character's. Great dialogue between all the character's that at times made me laugh out loud.
The h is honest and tells the H's father (the Earl), who she really is. He convinces her that he will tell his son, but not yet. He will inform his son (the H) when he sees how well she interacts with his niece and nephew. The h hasn't had an easy life and was taken advantage of by her aunt who ran an academy for Governesses.
The H is trying to discover if his sister and her husband were murdered. He is now responsible for his niece and nephew and wants answers. He can't get help in his investigation because he promised the children's other grandfather to keep it quiet. His son was gambling a lot and doesn't want Society to learn of it and tarnish his reputation.
This story has nasty villains, suspense, humor, great main and secondary character's, HEA, some romance and a tad of spice. Bedroom door mostly closed - heat level 2 out of 5, within marriage.
No cheating and no cliffhanger. You get two epilogues - one 2 months in the future. Then you have to download the second epilogue which is 6 months in the future. I dislike having to do this. If you download the second epilogue you are signed up for her newsletter. This wasn't a problem because I already get her newsletter because I enjoy this author.
Even though part of a large series, it is a stand alone. (ljb)
November 3, 2019
Gambling for the Governess is the ninth book in the Seven Curses of London series. Even though it is part of a series, I felt like it was fine as a standalone book. Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, was trying to discover what had caused his sisters and brother in laws carriage to crash killing them. Someone is trying to blackmail his previous brother-in-laws father and Christopher is determined to find answers. His investigation is hindered by his eccentric father and his niece and nephew’s governess quitting. He needs to find a governess for the children that can handle his eccentric father’s disturbances so he can have more time to investigate. Amelia Tippin was a maid at her aunt’s governess academy. She wanted to be a student of the academy but her aunt kept putting her off, until her aunt dies and the academy closes. Amelia needs a job to help support her mother, so she applies for the position of governess. She had listened to the lectures at the academy and had read several of her aunt’s books for governesses but can she actually get a position as a governess? When Christopher’s father hires Amelia even after she tells him of her lack of experience, she couldn’t believe it. She loved the position and adored the children. Christopher felt attracted to Amelia upon meeting her, but tries to control it since he is her employer. His mind keeps drifting towards her even though he is supposed to be focused on his investigation. As he continues his research, the danger increases and he has to protect Amelia and his family. The book had an interesting plot, great characters and was perfectly paced. The intrigue and all the twists made it hard to put the book down. I haven’t read all the books in the series, but the ones I have read have been just as good as this book. I received an ARC and an voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
October 29, 2019Now Available! A charming Victorian Romance filled with mystery and adventure!
A gamble like no other...
Amelia Tippin might be only a maid at the prestigious Beasley Governess Academy, but she knows she’s capable of more. When her Aunt Beasley dies before allowing her to attend classes, a desperate Amelia takes a gamble and applies for a governess position despite her lack of formal training.
Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, has but one mission—discover what or who caused the carriage accident that took both his sister and brother-in-law’s lives. Hiring a suitable governess for his niece and nephew who will also tolerate his eccentric—if brilliant—father will allow him to venture to the dark side of London to find the cause.
With love as the prize.
Christopher is more than intrigued by the new governess who has a way with the children as well as with his impossible father. He can’t resist her charms and sharing kisses has never been so delightful, but wariness lingers in her eyes, making him wonder at the cause.
Amelia soon realizes that revealing the secret she holds places both her position and the connection quickly building between her and the handsome viscount in danger. Yet how can she hope for anything more with her deceit standing between them?
When Christopher finds the man who stole the lives of his family, he must decide how much of a gamble he’s willing to take to win the heart of the governess.
Order the next exciting story in the Seven Curses of London series today!
A gamble like no other...
Amelia Tippin might be only a maid at the prestigious Beasley Governess Academy, but she knows she’s capable of more. When her Aunt Beasley dies before allowing her to attend classes, a desperate Amelia takes a gamble and applies for a governess position despite her lack of formal training.
Christopher Easton, Viscount Beaumont, has but one mission—discover what or who caused the carriage accident that took both his sister and brother-in-law’s lives. Hiring a suitable governess for his niece and nephew who will also tolerate his eccentric—if brilliant—father will allow him to venture to the dark side of London to find the cause.
With love as the prize.
Christopher is more than intrigued by the new governess who has a way with the children as well as with his impossible father. He can’t resist her charms and sharing kisses has never been so delightful, but wariness lingers in her eyes, making him wonder at the cause.
Amelia soon realizes that revealing the secret she holds places both her position and the connection quickly building between her and the handsome viscount in danger. Yet how can she hope for anything more with her deceit standing between them?
When Christopher finds the man who stole the lives of his family, he must decide how much of a gamble he’s willing to take to win the heart of the governess.
Order the next exciting story in the Seven Curses of London series today!
April 23, 2021
He gambled and won his lady love
Loved the book about Amelia and Christopher. Amelias father was a Sir and her mother a daughter of a vicar. But when her father died and their circumstances have been reduced she thought her Aunt was going to help by letting her enroll in her Governess Academy. Amelia was reduced to a maid instead. She learned on her own how to become a governess and when her aunt dies leaving everything to charity Amelia has to take it among herself to lie to get a job.
Christopher and his family is still grieving for his sister who along with her husband was killed in an accident. Christopher does not believe it was an accident and decides to investigate. While gone his father the Earl hires Amelia as the new governess even knowing the truth about her. He has promised he will tell his son about her background.
The children, the staff, his father have fallen in love with Amelia and when he finally learns the truth will he send her away. A beautiful written story and a fantastic series. Can’t wait to read more.
Loved the book about Amelia and Christopher. Amelias father was a Sir and her mother a daughter of a vicar. But when her father died and their circumstances have been reduced she thought her Aunt was going to help by letting her enroll in her Governess Academy. Amelia was reduced to a maid instead. She learned on her own how to become a governess and when her aunt dies leaving everything to charity Amelia has to take it among herself to lie to get a job.
Christopher and his family is still grieving for his sister who along with her husband was killed in an accident. Christopher does not believe it was an accident and decides to investigate. While gone his father the Earl hires Amelia as the new governess even knowing the truth about her. He has promised he will tell his son about her background.
The children, the staff, his father have fallen in love with Amelia and when he finally learns the truth will he send her away. A beautiful written story and a fantastic series. Can’t wait to read more.
October 31, 2019
Loved the Story
I really enjoy reading books by Lana Williams and this is another great one! This one is about Amelia Tippin who is looking to find a job as a governess. She finds a job working for Viscount Beaumont. She is the governess for his niece
Charlotte and nephew,, Ronald.
There are different events that happen that the book would be better read!! Happy Reading
I really enjoy reading books by Lana Williams and this is another great one! This one is about Amelia Tippin who is looking to find a job as a governess. She finds a job working for Viscount Beaumont. She is the governess for his niece
Charlotte and nephew,, Ronald.
There are different events that happen that the book would be better read!! Happy Reading
January 7, 2020
A wonderful series!
Just finished the last of the series The Seven Curses of London. Each book of the series is a wonderful story all by itself. Together they make a delightful journey through romantic history. Thank you, Jack.
Just finished the last of the series The Seven Curses of London. Each book of the series is a wonderful story all by itself. Together they make a delightful journey through romantic history. Thank you, Jack.
September 23, 2020
Beautiful love story
I loved this story it was exciting and full of romance. I tried to get the extended epilogue but it wouldn’t download on my IPad. I get them from other authors with no trouble.
I loved this story it was exciting and full of romance. I tried to get the extended epilogue but it wouldn’t download on my IPad. I get them from other authors with no trouble.
September 7, 2020
Sixth curse
I loved reading about the sixth curse of London and how the characters dealt with what was happening around them.
I loved reading about the sixth curse of London and how the characters dealt with what was happening around them.
November 28, 2019
An entertaining read without much depth.
I enjoyed most of this book by Lana Williams. It started off with a bang and then fizzled out somewhere in the middle. Amelia is a strong, well crafted character and I liked her immensely. Christopher has a lot to deal with since the death of his sister and her husband, and he is determined to solve that mystery. There is some action throughout the story but nothing that is very gripping. We are given a lot of detail about gambling and racketeering during the period which was informative and interesting. I wish the author had spent more time developing the relationship between Christopher and Amelia. They have no spark and their intimacy at the end of the book feels rushed and lacks sincerity. Overall the story is well written but the characters just fall flat. I am not sure that I would read anything else by this author.
I enjoyed most of this book by Lana Williams. It started off with a bang and then fizzled out somewhere in the middle. Amelia is a strong, well crafted character and I liked her immensely. Christopher has a lot to deal with since the death of his sister and her husband, and he is determined to solve that mystery. There is some action throughout the story but nothing that is very gripping. We are given a lot of detail about gambling and racketeering during the period which was informative and interesting. I wish the author had spent more time developing the relationship between Christopher and Amelia. They have no spark and their intimacy at the end of the book feels rushed and lacks sincerity. Overall the story is well written but the characters just fall flat. I am not sure that I would read anything else by this author.
Read
May 25, 2022Amelia is applying for a governess position to Christopher’s niece and nephew. However it was an Earl and the grandfather to the children who interviewed her. Somehow the truth came out. She had no experience as a governess. She had never trained to be one. Her aunt had promised to train her but when she arrived at the academy to start her training her aunt made her a maid instead. In the more than two years she spent there her aunt kept postponing her training. That didn’t stop Amelia from learning all she could. However she didn’t quite agree with her aunt’s philosophy on how to treat children. When she explained all this to the Earl, he hired her. When Christopher arrived home she was already in the nursery with the children. Thus begins a most enchanting story.
May 28, 2022
A bit drawn out
Tracking down the blackmailer took way too long and it made no sense to not allow real authorities to know who else had been compromised.
The biggest mystery, though, is why Miss Singh was even introduced to the story. Why was she invited to live there, WTF was behind her animosity toward Amelia, and what exactly did she hope to attain by going on the attack as she did? We got no answers here as she was finally escorted out of the picture with no real closure or explanation for the extraneous character and unnecessary conflict. Just weird.
Tracking down the blackmailer took way too long and it made no sense to not allow real authorities to know who else had been compromised.
The biggest mystery, though, is why Miss Singh was even introduced to the story. Why was she invited to live there, WTF was behind her animosity toward Amelia, and what exactly did she hope to attain by going on the attack as she did? We got no answers here as she was finally escorted out of the picture with no real closure or explanation for the extraneous character and unnecessary conflict. Just weird.
November 21, 2022
Amelia is hired as a governess, but her references are next to non-existent, her training isn't usual, and the family is in the midst of grief and a mystery. The romance between the H/h is sweet and slow, and really nice. Conflicts are plenty, the resolutions are good, and there's a HEA. Standalone.
May 22, 2022
beautiful
This was a lovely romantic story. Loved the children’s characters and the old eccentric earl! Enjoyed the mystery and adventure tied up in this romantic story. Great read!
This was a lovely romantic story. Loved the children’s characters and the old eccentric earl! Enjoyed the mystery and adventure tied up in this romantic story. Great read!
June 14, 2022
A good read
Not a bad book. The characters were a little light, this may have been because they were part of a series and were developed in other books in the series. Dialog was a little stilted. Action scenes were a little underdeveloped.
Not a bad book. The characters were a little light, this may have been because they were part of a series and were developed in other books in the series. Dialog was a little stilted. Action scenes were a little underdeveloped.
November 2, 2022
Truly Enjoyable
This sweet story captivated me! Amelia and Christopher's adventures throughout the book kept me entertained and wanting more. The author's style was flawless, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
This sweet story captivated me! Amelia and Christopher's adventures throughout the book kept me entertained and wanting more. The author's style was flawless, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
November 10, 2019
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
May 26, 2022
romance and intrigue
A lot of action and intrigue all work together with the romance until they reach their hea
The intimacy scene was not necessary to the story
A lot of action and intrigue all work together with the romance until they reach their hea
The intimacy scene was not necessary to the story
May 27, 2022
reluctantly giving 3 stars
I loved this book right up to the epilogue where the author tarnishes a wonderful, clean story with an unnecessary sex scene. :(
I loved this book right up to the epilogue where the author tarnishes a wonderful, clean story with an unnecessary sex scene. :(
November 3, 2019
Desperate for employment Amelia Tippin goes to the London house of Viscount Beaumont who is looking for a governess for his niece and nephew. Luckily for her, she is interviewed by the Earl (the children’s grandfather) who is prepared to overlook her lack of formal training and she is given a three week trial period. During that time she becomes attached to all the family and particularly the Viscount but is in a state of worry because the Earl has still not come clean to his son about her training. From his side, Christopher finds his attraction to the new governess a distraction from his mission to uncover and bring to justice a blackmailer that caused the death of his sister and brother in law. A well written story with a touch of suspense.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 14, 2019
Gambling on Love
Sometimes, having the right credentials is made a priority above all else. Can a woman who was never trained to be a governess be the right choice? Is it the credentials that make the difference, or is it love and kindness that are the most important qualities for a governess? Love is blooming, but what happens when Christopher finds out the truth? If you enjoy romance with a dash of adventure, you might like this story. I enjoyed reading this Victorian romance.
Sometimes, having the right credentials is made a priority above all else. Can a woman who was never trained to be a governess be the right choice? Is it the credentials that make the difference, or is it love and kindness that are the most important qualities for a governess? Love is blooming, but what happens when Christopher finds out the truth? If you enjoy romance with a dash of adventure, you might like this story. I enjoyed reading this Victorian romance.
October 30, 2019
Lana Williams does not just write a romance story she writes a book with a mixture of everything. Love of Family, a little mystery and two people taking their time to get to know each other and falling in love. She does not rush the romance or the story she lets you enjoy it - all of it. And I did enjoy it. I enjoyed the children, I enjoyed the Earl and of course I enjoyed Christopher and Amelia.
November 12, 2019
This is a very sweet story with a wonderful happily ever after! The danger that the couple faced kept my attention and was well done. I enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy. These opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
I was provided an advanced reader's copy. These opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
November 5, 2019
Gambling, secrets, blackmail - love all of the twists, turns, and mystery. I received an ARC of this book.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews