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Desiring the Governess
When Miss Althea Claywell overhears her uncle’s decision to marry her to his sixty-year-old friend, she runs away. Her escape lands her in a small village where she encounters Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, who is also in need of a governess for his five nieces. Althea accepts the position with little reservation. Her uncle would never think to look for her at Ambrose Hall.
Preston had wanted Miss Claywell from the first moment he spied her in London, but only managed to secure two dances before he had to return home. When he stumbles across Miss Claywell in the village, he offers her the only position that she’s likely to accept. What he really wants is to have her in his bed.
Will desire rule, or will they manage to find love before Althea is found?
Preston had wanted Miss Claywell from the first moment he spied her in London, but only managed to secure two dances before he had to return home. When he stumbles across Miss Claywell in the village, he offers her the only position that she’s likely to accept. What he really wants is to have her in his bed.
Will desire rule, or will they manage to find love before Althea is found?
212 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2022
About the author
Jane Charles
157 books432 followersUSA Today bestselling author Jane Charles is a prolific writer of over fifty historical and contemporary romance novels. Her love of research and history lends authenticity to her Regency romances, and her experience directing theatre productions helps her craft beautiful, touching stories that tug at the heartstrings. Jane is an upbeat and positive author dedicated to giving her characters happy-ever-afters and leaving the readers satisfied at the end of an emotional journey. She is a lifelong Cubs fan, loves wine tastings, and lives in Central Illinois with her two huskies and husband. She is currently writing her next book while planning her dream trip to Europe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 24, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Miss Althea Claywell has spent four years on the marriage mart and has only ever been attracted to one man, Major Ambrose, but he only danced with her twice and never asked to court her before leaving town. Althea assumed that her uncle/guardian would let her inherit her trust when she turns 25 and go quietly into spinsterhood, but when she overhears him speaking to his friend and learning that he means to marry her off to Mr. Smith who is old enough to be her grandfather, she panics and runs away.
Major Preston Ambrose left town last year after learning that his brother and his wife died in an accident, making Preston the new Viscount Melcombe and the guardian of 5 young girls. His cousin Alec Winters, the Earl of Harwich suggests that he marry, but the only woman he ever wanted is Althea and he was so nervous around her he was never able to ask to court her. Alec suggests having their uncle, Mr. Smith help by arranging a marriage with Althea’s uncle, who is his good friend. But when he sees Althea in the village near his estate, he knows something is wrong and a letter from his uncle confirms it – Althea misunderstood the marriage terms and bolted. He is still tongue-tied around her and too embarrassed to admit the marriage proposal was from him, so instead asks her to be his new governess, thinking that he will be able to spend time with her and court her and hopefully marry her.
Althea agrees to be his governess for one month, she was going to travel to her mother’s family in Scotland but knows that is the first place her uncle will look for her, so staying with Preston is perfect and she hopes that they can get to know each other better and see if what she felt in London was real. But their courtship is plagued with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a heavy dose of inappropriate lust between a governess and her employer, with all this working against them, will they ever manage to clear the air and find their HEA?
This was a well-written story with two very likable characters and a great supporting cast. The story starts out well and the initial misunderstanding is well done and works perfectly, but as the story moves on, the misunderstanding and miscommunications begin to cause the story to drag and Preston’s inability to talk to her becomes unbelievable when he seems to lose all self-control when he sees her. Overall, I liked the idea of the story and the characters, it was a fun read and had some spicy love scenes, but I just wish the miscommunication/misunderstandings had been cleared up sooner. This is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to the next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher.
Miss Althea Claywell has spent four years on the marriage mart and has only ever been attracted to one man, Major Ambrose, but he only danced with her twice and never asked to court her before leaving town. Althea assumed that her uncle/guardian would let her inherit her trust when she turns 25 and go quietly into spinsterhood, but when she overhears him speaking to his friend and learning that he means to marry her off to Mr. Smith who is old enough to be her grandfather, she panics and runs away.
Major Preston Ambrose left town last year after learning that his brother and his wife died in an accident, making Preston the new Viscount Melcombe and the guardian of 5 young girls. His cousin Alec Winters, the Earl of Harwich suggests that he marry, but the only woman he ever wanted is Althea and he was so nervous around her he was never able to ask to court her. Alec suggests having their uncle, Mr. Smith help by arranging a marriage with Althea’s uncle, who is his good friend. But when he sees Althea in the village near his estate, he knows something is wrong and a letter from his uncle confirms it – Althea misunderstood the marriage terms and bolted. He is still tongue-tied around her and too embarrassed to admit the marriage proposal was from him, so instead asks her to be his new governess, thinking that he will be able to spend time with her and court her and hopefully marry her.
Althea agrees to be his governess for one month, she was going to travel to her mother’s family in Scotland but knows that is the first place her uncle will look for her, so staying with Preston is perfect and she hopes that they can get to know each other better and see if what she felt in London was real. But their courtship is plagued with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a heavy dose of inappropriate lust between a governess and her employer, with all this working against them, will they ever manage to clear the air and find their HEA?
This was a well-written story with two very likable characters and a great supporting cast. The story starts out well and the initial misunderstanding is well done and works perfectly, but as the story moves on, the misunderstanding and miscommunications begin to cause the story to drag and Preston’s inability to talk to her becomes unbelievable when he seems to lose all self-control when he sees her. Overall, I liked the idea of the story and the characters, it was a fun read and had some spicy love scenes, but I just wish the miscommunication/misunderstandings had been cleared up sooner. This is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to the next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher.
January 3, 2023
If anyone can mess up a courtship it is Preston, Lord Macombe. Eight years in the army fighting against Napoleon's army wasn't exactly conducive to courting a woman. Meeting Althea Claywell at a ball, Preston knows she's the one. But his bumbling attempts to ask for her hand leaves his mind anytime he is around her. A misunderstanding of a contract brokered by his uncle causes her to flee London. Fortunately, she practically falls into his hands and he hires her as his nieces' governess for one month. Surely he can win her hand. Nope! He continues to use the wrong brain. All he can think about is how much he desires her and leaves her thinking he only wants her for his mistress. With a little help maybe Preston can open his mouth and get it right. With five neices always creating havoc, it brings some levity to what could otherwise be a frustrating book to read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.
February 4, 2022
This is a fun Regency romance in the new series by Jane Charles that features ladies who turn to the governess profession to get themselves out of a jam. While running from an arranged marriage, Althea ends up in the village where the only man she was ever really attracted to happens to live. When Preston offers her the job of governess to his five nieces, Althea thinks it's the perfect solution, until she remembers that he is the nephew of the man she was to be betrothed to.
It makes for an interesting story when one person knows something the other one doesn't. And then one lie of omission leads to another, and pretty soon the hero and heroine are in love but you know it's all going to be in jeopardy once the other person finds out the secret. This is one of those stories where you are waiting for the secret to be revealed and the fireworks to start.
I enjoyed getting to know all the nieces and the people of the village. I could see many different stories playing out here among the residents.
It makes for an interesting story when one person knows something the other one doesn't. And then one lie of omission leads to another, and pretty soon the hero and heroine are in love but you know it's all going to be in jeopardy once the other person finds out the secret. This is one of those stories where you are waiting for the secret to be revealed and the fireworks to start.
I enjoyed getting to know all the nieces and the people of the village. I could see many different stories playing out here among the residents.
February 12, 2022
Desiring the Governess, by Jane Charles. Well I can only say this. This romantic love story was… awesome! Thank you Jane Charles! You have captured my hopeless romantic emotions and carried them away with this oh so charming love story.
Althea and Preston really played with my emotions at the end there. I found myself pleading with Althea to not deny Althea. Other times I was yelling for Preston to go get his woman. I honestly believe that this book was well written. The characters thoughts, emotions and dialogue brought a lot of realistic moments to the story.
The talks of war and how one must deal with it. Another is how women are treated if they don’t stay in line and form to the strictures of the society or ton. How women should conduct themselves to the shame of how they feel towards someone who hasn’t confessed themselves in return. This book really had me riding that emotional roller coaster. I will say this though, I am so glad that the girls were there.
Having them underfoot, in the home is what really pulled Preston and Althea out of the fog that they were end. The moments when Preston, Althea and the girls were together I thought were the best parts of the story. The story was entertaining and delightful. The story of Althea and Preston story makes you want to feel the joy of being romantically in love.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
Althea and Preston really played with my emotions at the end there. I found myself pleading with Althea to not deny Althea. Other times I was yelling for Preston to go get his woman. I honestly believe that this book was well written. The characters thoughts, emotions and dialogue brought a lot of realistic moments to the story.
The talks of war and how one must deal with it. Another is how women are treated if they don’t stay in line and form to the strictures of the society or ton. How women should conduct themselves to the shame of how they feel towards someone who hasn’t confessed themselves in return. This book really had me riding that emotional roller coaster. I will say this though, I am so glad that the girls were there.
Having them underfoot, in the home is what really pulled Preston and Althea out of the fog that they were end. The moments when Preston, Althea and the girls were together I thought were the best parts of the story. The story was entertaining and delightful. The story of Althea and Preston story makes you want to feel the joy of being romantically in love.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
March 24, 2022
All in all a sweet read, with likable characters, especially the children. Would have liked to have seen the progression of shared honesty between the H and h a bit earlier, but the dance contributes to the suspense and enticement of the story. Enjoyed enough to want to read others in the series.
February 16, 2022
When Miss Althea Claywell overhears her uncle’s decision to marry her to his sixty-year-old friend, she runs away. Her escape lands her in a small village in northern England where she encounters Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, who is also in need of a governess for his five nieces. Althea accepts the position with little reservation. Her uncle would never think to look for her at Ambrose Hall. Preston had wanted Miss Claywell from the first moment he spied her in London, but only managed to secure two dances before he had to return home when his brother & sister in law died. When he stumbles across Miss Claywell in the village, he offers her the only position that she’s likely to accept.
A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I really liked Althea who seemed to always hear bad news when she eavesdropped. I liked Preston but wanted to shake him several times. The pair were instantly attracted to each other in London but Preston was the strong silent type who felt uncomfortable in society. I loved the misunderstandings, assumptions & secrets. If only they had talked! A loved how their relationship grew but their insecurities kept them from being honest with each other. They are aided & abetted by five delightful girls
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. I really liked Althea who seemed to always hear bad news when she eavesdropped. I liked Preston but wanted to shake him several times. The pair were instantly attracted to each other in London but Preston was the strong silent type who felt uncomfortable in society. I loved the misunderstandings, assumptions & secrets. If only they had talked! A loved how their relationship grew but their insecurities kept them from being honest with each other. They are aided & abetted by five delightful girls
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 15, 2022
Anthea lives with her uncle Clarence. Another season ending and she has still not found a husband yet. The only gentleman she did like was the shy Major Ambrose, who asked her to dance. She overhears a conversation with her uncle saying that a marriage contract has been signed. She believes, mistakenly, her marriage is with uncle's elderly friend, Mr Smith. Boy, did she get that wrong! She leaves a letter for her uncle and then flees.
Major Ambrose has now become Viscount Melcombe and has five nieces to look after. I think we know where Althea ends up as a governess.
I very much liked this story, but I also found it frustrating - He didn't talk and she wouldn't ask. I was thinking to myself "why don't you bloody ask her".
Apart from the frustration, this was a good story. Lovely characters, especially the nieces. 4☆
Major Ambrose has now become Viscount Melcombe and has five nieces to look after. I think we know where Althea ends up as a governess.
I very much liked this story, but I also found it frustrating - He didn't talk and she wouldn't ask. I was thinking to myself "why don't you bloody ask her".
Apart from the frustration, this was a good story. Lovely characters, especially the nieces. 4☆
February 19, 2022
A very excellent way to start a new series. Humor, Love and so much more. A shy misunderstood hero and a strong witty independent heroine. He is looking to make her his after just 3 encounters in London. But there was a slight misunderstanding with a letter and eavesdropping. So she ran away from her home but she ran away to the man she was supposed to be married off to. But instead his nieces wants her as a governess.. This is a perfect way to court her and for them to get to know each other better. And they suit perfectly.
This story is filled with steam, laughter, love and happiness.
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views.
This story is filled with steam, laughter, love and happiness.
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views.
February 6, 2022
Excellent romance. Intelligent independent and interesting heroine. Funny, slightly befuddled and tongue tied hero who loses all thought when his love interest is around.
Five precocious and adorable nieces keep life interesting and afford the heroine access as their governess.
Five precocious and adorable nieces keep life interesting and afford the heroine access as their governess.
February 23, 2022
Northumberland, England 1815
People who eavesdrop, often only hear part of the story, which is never good!
Such was the case when Althea heard her uncle agreeing to a marriage contract to his friend, Mr Smith. Unfortunately Mr Smith was her uncle's age! No, she just could not do it. So she escapes during the night and heads to mother's family in Scotland
Preston could not believe it! When he had taken his five nieces to town, he had only hoped to make them smile again. He was now their guardian, since the death of their parents.. As one ran off and he ran to find her, who did he run into, but Althea! The woman he had met in London and had totally fallen for, but his shyness had made him awkward.
I love these two, who were wanting the same thing but were at cross purposes! Preston just needed some self confidence and I wanted to shake him at times, but he was so sweet. A delightful journey to finding true love will keep you riveted until the end!
People who eavesdrop, often only hear part of the story, which is never good!
Such was the case when Althea heard her uncle agreeing to a marriage contract to his friend, Mr Smith. Unfortunately Mr Smith was her uncle's age! No, she just could not do it. So she escapes during the night and heads to mother's family in Scotland
Preston could not believe it! When he had taken his five nieces to town, he had only hoped to make them smile again. He was now their guardian, since the death of their parents.. As one ran off and he ran to find her, who did he run into, but Althea! The woman he had met in London and had totally fallen for, but his shyness had made him awkward.
I love these two, who were wanting the same thing but were at cross purposes! Preston just needed some self confidence and I wanted to shake him at times, but he was so sweet. A delightful journey to finding true love will keep you riveted until the end!
February 5, 2022
Desiring the Governess is book one in the Love of a Governess series. I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a little long and found myself skimming towards the middle. I normally don’t like children as characters in romance. After all, I read to escape the dailiness of life. But I thought the children in this book were very well developed and added depth to the story. The hero is unusual because he is extremely shy and has trouble conversing with women. I liked his vulnerability. It made him relatable. There were a few steamy scenes. Overall, this book is a well written romance.
March 26, 2022
Preston is a big dummy and Mrs Wilson should have kicked his butt! Definitely would have saved everyone a lot of trouble! Fun read.
December 17, 2022
Miss Althea Claywell has had four seasons without finding a husband & she just heard her uncle talking to his sixty-year-old friend about marrying her. She makes a run for it to heard to the country & at one of the stops, she encounters a small girl chasing a bunny to pet. She finds the child has wandered from family & then suddenly Preston Ambrose comes looking for his niece. Preston is the one man she has been smitten with since meeting him in London a few months ago.
Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, is first, so relieved to find his niece & secondly, astounded to see the lady he hasn't be able to forget since he watched & met her in London. But right now, he needs a governess & what better way to get to know Althea better than to have her teaching his five nieces. Althea is not sure about being a governess but what else can she do to stay hidden from her uncle, so she accepts the position for one month.
Then fun starts here - Preston is beyond shy around ladies, Althea fights feelings for him because he doesn't feel the same, the nieces bring fun & humor to the HEA. This was a fun story, I thought it was a little too long & drug a bit in getting Preston to step up, but a entertaining read with wonderful characters. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, is first, so relieved to find his niece & secondly, astounded to see the lady he hasn't be able to forget since he watched & met her in London. But right now, he needs a governess & what better way to get to know Althea better than to have her teaching his five nieces. Althea is not sure about being a governess but what else can she do to stay hidden from her uncle, so she accepts the position for one month.
Then fun starts here - Preston is beyond shy around ladies, Althea fights feelings for him because he doesn't feel the same, the nieces bring fun & humor to the HEA. This was a fun story, I thought it was a little too long & drug a bit in getting Preston to step up, but a entertaining read with wonderful characters. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
Wildly tripey. I am more than willing to engage suspension of disbelief in favor of bending the rules of society just a bit when it comes to these “historical” romances. However, in this case, the entire set up was such a trope that it was tripe and just a most dreadful cliché. The girl runs away from home to avoid marrying somebody three times her age, only the proposal was not from him and was from the man whom she very conveniently ended up with miles and miles from home. The plot is certainly hackneyed, definitely forced, and would have been more interesting, I believe, if the author had set aside her wish to make this about an employer/employee relationship, i.e. lord of the manor and governess, and instead make it into an exploration of how the relationship might’ve developed as an arranged marriage if she had accepted the correct proposal from the outset. However, since this is obviously a “Governess” series, that was not in the author’s mind. Please someone remind Hollywood not to hire her for plot ideas.
Rating rounded down moreover for the unbelievable behavior of not one, not two, but multiple people who turned a decidedly 2020’s blind eye to premarital sex and canoodling in a bedroom with a broken door latch (this plot point has all the subtlety of a politician in church during election year). At least would have liked to have some measure of realism here. Brew a scandal, for Pete’s sake. Go big or go home. Don’t let everyone agree with your stupid decisions, that’s why they’re STUPID.
Author also shoehorned into the story her own post-suffrage opinions on why girls should marry, completely contrary to the time, and conveniently allowed the hero to agree so that fair maidens of today’s era would not anachronistically hate him too much for what today would be misogyny yet at the time would have been sound social doctrine.
Further rounded down for poor editing, poor grammar, typos, and frequent sentences which, with the addition of simple helping verbs like “had,” “has,” etc., would’ve made the writing much clearer. Quickly found myself skimming halfway through, and the love scene was of course underwhelming. Did not care for the end, and if I had not reviewed it this evening, I would have assured that it slipped into my own obscurity of memory. As it is, embedding it in my memory bank to help you avoid putting it in yours.
Also don’t like the man’s haircut on the cover art. A little research into hairstyles of the time makes a lot of difference.
Rating rounded down moreover for the unbelievable behavior of not one, not two, but multiple people who turned a decidedly 2020’s blind eye to premarital sex and canoodling in a bedroom with a broken door latch (this plot point has all the subtlety of a politician in church during election year). At least would have liked to have some measure of realism here. Brew a scandal, for Pete’s sake. Go big or go home. Don’t let everyone agree with your stupid decisions, that’s why they’re STUPID.
Author also shoehorned into the story her own post-suffrage opinions on why girls should marry, completely contrary to the time, and conveniently allowed the hero to agree so that fair maidens of today’s era would not anachronistically hate him too much for what today would be misogyny yet at the time would have been sound social doctrine.
Further rounded down for poor editing, poor grammar, typos, and frequent sentences which, with the addition of simple helping verbs like “had,” “has,” etc., would’ve made the writing much clearer. Quickly found myself skimming halfway through, and the love scene was of course underwhelming. Did not care for the end, and if I had not reviewed it this evening, I would have assured that it slipped into my own obscurity of memory. As it is, embedding it in my memory bank to help you avoid putting it in yours.
Also don’t like the man’s haircut on the cover art. A little research into hairstyles of the time makes a lot of difference.
February 11, 2022
📚Desiring the Governess 📚
Love of a Governess Book 1
✒️ Jane Charles
https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesA... Release Date 02/22/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R1778CB/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When Miss Althea Claywell overhears her uncle’s decision to marry her to his sixty-year-old friend, she runs away. Her escape lands her in a small village where she encounters Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, who is also in need of a governess for his five nieces. Althea accepts the position with little reservation. Her uncle would never think to look for her at Ambrose Hall.
Preston had wanted Miss Claywell from the first moment he spied her in London, but only managed to secure two dances before he had to return home. When he stumbles across Miss Claywell in the village, he offers her the only position that she’s likely to accept. What he really wants is to have her in his bed.
Will desire rule, or will they manage to find love before Althea is found?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his silences drive her to her imagine the worst…
It sometimes does not do much good to eavesdrop, and while Althea our heroine believes she made the right decision, yet as she did not have all the clues in her hands, her reaction might then had been a bit rash.
Still she is here in the countryside newly engaged to tutor a bunch of sweet young girls in service of a man she has pined for months.
Preston is a man of few words, having overcome his stammering, he is still not at easy with women he is attracted to. And Althea is all his dreams come true, thus he finds himself tongue-tied in her presence. Always plagued by a deficiency of words and inability to speak when in her vicinity.
His brain goes suddenly on vacation and only his primary instincts take action.
It was fun to watch Preston being resolved to confess his feelings to always have his rational thoughts flee to the window when she is in sight.
Same can also been said about Althea, she chastises herself afterwards yet she happily complies to his kiss.
The girls are fun.
I just feel like it took a little too long for Preston and Althea to finally come to the matter of their heart’s content.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZoyY2Mj...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Love of a Governess Book 1
✒️ Jane Charles
https://www.facebook.com/JaneCharlesA... Release Date 02/22/2022
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R1778CB/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
When Miss Althea Claywell overhears her uncle’s decision to marry her to his sixty-year-old friend, she runs away. Her escape lands her in a small village where she encounters Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, who is also in need of a governess for his five nieces. Althea accepts the position with little reservation. Her uncle would never think to look for her at Ambrose Hall.
Preston had wanted Miss Claywell from the first moment he spied her in London, but only managed to secure two dances before he had to return home. When he stumbles across Miss Claywell in the village, he offers her the only position that she’s likely to accept. What he really wants is to have her in his bed.
Will desire rule, or will they manage to find love before Althea is found?
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will his silences drive her to her imagine the worst…
It sometimes does not do much good to eavesdrop, and while Althea our heroine believes she made the right decision, yet as she did not have all the clues in her hands, her reaction might then had been a bit rash.
Still she is here in the countryside newly engaged to tutor a bunch of sweet young girls in service of a man she has pined for months.
Preston is a man of few words, having overcome his stammering, he is still not at easy with women he is attracted to. And Althea is all his dreams come true, thus he finds himself tongue-tied in her presence. Always plagued by a deficiency of words and inability to speak when in her vicinity.
His brain goes suddenly on vacation and only his primary instincts take action.
It was fun to watch Preston being resolved to confess his feelings to always have his rational thoughts flee to the window when she is in sight.
Same can also been said about Althea, she chastises herself afterwards yet she happily complies to his kiss.
The girls are fun.
I just feel like it took a little too long for Preston and Althea to finally come to the matter of their heart’s content.
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CZoyY2Mj...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
February 23, 2022
Eavesdropping never benefits the listener. Add to that the living uncle/guardian decides to not give her a choice. This starts out adventure!
Miss Althea Claywell was so looking forward to her growing attraction to Captain Ambrose. Now she does not know what to do with the news her uncle stated. So she runs await heading to her mother's family in Scotland. That is until a little unmatched child distracts her.
Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, formerly Captain Ambrose, was captivated with Althea while he was in London. She to his brother's death he is now responsible for his three niece's and the title. He is great as a commanding officer but awkward as a gentleman called or suiter
When one of the girls chases a bunny and speeds past Althea she follows to protect the child only to come face to face with the one person she had hoped would see the true her but then vanished. Now she knows why, but will be help her or can she help him?
The girls suggest that Althea be their governess since she knows what they will need and is nice. The oldest however, is not happy. After the death of their parents the one governess they did have gave stern instructions and bad advice to all three girls.
When Preston received the message within minutes of Althea's arrival he agrees to the idea so that he can woo and win her heart. However he does not follow the advice given to him until it is too late and may loose his true love and hearts desire.
Will all work out or will her uncle find her? Will she learn what she wants and will love triumph? Will Ambrose finally find the words to express how he feels? Will the people trying to help him get fed up and stop or force him to say what he really needs to?
Join in this madcap adventure of discovery and exploration of abilities. With great writing and world building these characters come to life and create a new dimension for those reading this fantastic story.
Miss Althea Claywell was so looking forward to her growing attraction to Captain Ambrose. Now she does not know what to do with the news her uncle stated. So she runs await heading to her mother's family in Scotland. That is until a little unmatched child distracts her.
Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe, formerly Captain Ambrose, was captivated with Althea while he was in London. She to his brother's death he is now responsible for his three niece's and the title. He is great as a commanding officer but awkward as a gentleman called or suiter
When one of the girls chases a bunny and speeds past Althea she follows to protect the child only to come face to face with the one person she had hoped would see the true her but then vanished. Now she knows why, but will be help her or can she help him?
The girls suggest that Althea be their governess since she knows what they will need and is nice. The oldest however, is not happy. After the death of their parents the one governess they did have gave stern instructions and bad advice to all three girls.
When Preston received the message within minutes of Althea's arrival he agrees to the idea so that he can woo and win her heart. However he does not follow the advice given to him until it is too late and may loose his true love and hearts desire.
Will all work out or will her uncle find her? Will she learn what she wants and will love triumph? Will Ambrose finally find the words to express how he feels? Will the people trying to help him get fed up and stop or force him to say what he really needs to?
Join in this madcap adventure of discovery and exploration of abilities. With great writing and world building these characters come to life and create a new dimension for those reading this fantastic story.
August 12, 2024
Althea Claywell was not in her first Season, but she was sure that she would still be able to find a husband. Her hopes were raised when she met Major Ambrose.
Tall, strong - he looked very good in his dress uniform - and a wonderful dancer.
Althea was sure that he would be the perfect match for her. But there was one problem: the Major hardly said a word.
The dances were always silent, and the one time they met in Hyde Park, she practically talked alone.
Still, there was a connection. He seemed more shy than uneducated.
However, after that outing the Major disappeared from the parties.
When Althea overheard her uncle talking to his best friend, a man in his sixties, about having signed the marriage contract for his niece - after all, she had had all the time and opportunity to find a husband, and had not been able to, she panicked and decided to run away.
Taking the mail coach to Scotland, to her mother's family home, she ended up stopping in a small country town... and met Major Ambrose, who was now the new Viscount Melcombe.
With the death of his elder brother, Preston Ambrose had been urgently called home. Now, not only was he a viscount, but he was also the guardian of his five nieces.
When he met Miss Claywell in the small town of his ancestral home, he at first thought she was there because of him, because of the marriage proposal he had asked his uncle to make to her uncle, but it all turned out to be a big mess, and he was facing the woman who had enchanted him in London.
Preston had been in the Cavalry for 8 years. He knew all about battles, but not about matters of the heart, and being around a single lady always made him feel tongue-tied. Perhaps if Miss Claywell would stay a while at his house, he could woo and win her...
A delightful tale of misunderstandings, a shy gentleman, an impulsive young lady and matchmaker nieces.
5 stars
Tall, strong - he looked very good in his dress uniform - and a wonderful dancer.
Althea was sure that he would be the perfect match for her. But there was one problem: the Major hardly said a word.
The dances were always silent, and the one time they met in Hyde Park, she practically talked alone.
Still, there was a connection. He seemed more shy than uneducated.
However, after that outing the Major disappeared from the parties.
When Althea overheard her uncle talking to his best friend, a man in his sixties, about having signed the marriage contract for his niece - after all, she had had all the time and opportunity to find a husband, and had not been able to, she panicked and decided to run away.
Taking the mail coach to Scotland, to her mother's family home, she ended up stopping in a small country town... and met Major Ambrose, who was now the new Viscount Melcombe.
With the death of his elder brother, Preston Ambrose had been urgently called home. Now, not only was he a viscount, but he was also the guardian of his five nieces.
When he met Miss Claywell in the small town of his ancestral home, he at first thought she was there because of him, because of the marriage proposal he had asked his uncle to make to her uncle, but it all turned out to be a big mess, and he was facing the woman who had enchanted him in London.
Preston had been in the Cavalry for 8 years. He knew all about battles, but not about matters of the heart, and being around a single lady always made him feel tongue-tied. Perhaps if Miss Claywell would stay a while at his house, he could woo and win her...
A delightful tale of misunderstandings, a shy gentleman, an impulsive young lady and matchmaker nieces.
5 stars
February 8, 2022
I really loved reading Preston and Althea's story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Miss Althea Claywell meets a certain Major Preston Ambrose who not only intrigues her, but causes her heart to skip a beat. Three meetings and two dances later the Major disappears from Town without a world.
Althea lives with with her uncle and one evening overhears a conversation between him and his friend, as eavesdropers nothing good froms a overheard conversation especially this one. Much to her horror Althea overhears her uncle declaring that she is to be married off to his sixty year old friend!! She can not imagine anything worse, it is not that she does not care for him she thinks of him as a dear old friend, but husband no.
Althea decides the best course of action is to runaway before they can set their plan in action. However fate had other plsns and Althea soon finds herself in acquaint village of Willanton facing Major Ambrose and his 5 nieces.
Preston is no longer a Major, but a Viscount with 5 precocious wards due to the untimely deaths of his brother and his wife in a boating accident. His wards are in desperate need of a governess and Preston offers her the role in the hopes that he can court her as he wished to do in London.
Preston and Althea's story is full of misunderstandings as Preston is her mysterious would be betrothed who gets extremely tongue tied when it comes to talking to the woman he wants to marry and says all the wrong things whilst trying to reveal all that is in his heart. How will he explain that his uncle (her uncle's friend) was brokering a marriage with her on his behalf and that he knows why she is running away. Will Althea forgive him and will their love help pave their way.
Miss Althea Claywell meets a certain Major Preston Ambrose who not only intrigues her, but causes her heart to skip a beat. Three meetings and two dances later the Major disappears from Town without a world.
Althea lives with with her uncle and one evening overhears a conversation between him and his friend, as eavesdropers nothing good froms a overheard conversation especially this one. Much to her horror Althea overhears her uncle declaring that she is to be married off to his sixty year old friend!! She can not imagine anything worse, it is not that she does not care for him she thinks of him as a dear old friend, but husband no.
Althea decides the best course of action is to runaway before they can set their plan in action. However fate had other plsns and Althea soon finds herself in acquaint village of Willanton facing Major Ambrose and his 5 nieces.
Preston is no longer a Major, but a Viscount with 5 precocious wards due to the untimely deaths of his brother and his wife in a boating accident. His wards are in desperate need of a governess and Preston offers her the role in the hopes that he can court her as he wished to do in London.
Preston and Althea's story is full of misunderstandings as Preston is her mysterious would be betrothed who gets extremely tongue tied when it comes to talking to the woman he wants to marry and says all the wrong things whilst trying to reveal all that is in his heart. How will he explain that his uncle (her uncle's friend) was brokering a marriage with her on his behalf and that he knows why she is running away. Will Althea forgive him and will their love help pave their way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
What a delightful story! Althea is finishing up her fourth season and still hasn't found her love. She met a gentleman, Major Preston Ambrose and enjoyed his dances. When she sees him in the park she falls in love; however, that is the last time she sees him. She grows tired of all the dandies, their fancy talking and flowery words. Just when she thinks she will be heading to the country with her guardian (her Uncle) she overhears him talking to his friend about a marriage contract...hers. Mr Smith is the same age as her Uncle, and while she adores him she doesn't want to marry him. So she runs away to her mother's family in Scotland. While taking a break she stops in a small village and see a young girl in trouble. While offering the girl some assistance she meets Major Ambrose again and learns he was looking for the girl. She is one of five of his orphaned nieces. He thanks her and lets slip he is in need of a governess or three. Althea jumps at the chance to stay "hidden" and takes the position. Preston hires her, even though she has no experience and is an upper class, just so he can have her around. He is sure she will be his wife. He just has to convince her. Althea comes to fall in love with the girls and worries about falling deeper in love with Preston, since it isn't proper for a governess to mingle with the Lord. Well Preston has a few secrets up his sleeve and starts to "convince" Althea she is for him!
I truly hope those nieces get their stories!!
I truly hope those nieces get their stories!!
February 19, 2022
How does a Lord and a proper miss turned governess work within social expectations and miscommunications to find love?
Desiring the Governess is book 1 in Jane Charles’ new trilogy in which this question will be answered. Lord Preston Melcombe and Miss Althea Claywell met in London during the season, but never got the chance to truly court before he left unexpected due to family obligations. Fast forward a year, they meet on a street in the village of Willanton when she assists with his rambunctious youngest niece who has wondered off by herself. Althea is running from her guardian, whom she believes is trying to marry her off to his 60 years old best friend. Seeking a safe place to not be found, Althea accepts when Preston offers her the job of governess to his five nieces.
I love these characters and how they develop and grow during the course of the story to ultimately get their HEA. Their own internal struggles in turn affects their growing relationship and each other. Preston’s growth touched me the most of all (and not for the typical historical romance hero growth reasons). The adorable nieces, to whom Preston is now guardian are at times obstacles as well as help in the growing romance.
It was a good read and I’m looking forward to the other books in the series. I enjoyed the light hearted moments as much as the romance and the characters. The secondary characters add colour to the village of Willanton and the story.
Desiring the Governess is book 1 in Jane Charles’ new trilogy in which this question will be answered. Lord Preston Melcombe and Miss Althea Claywell met in London during the season, but never got the chance to truly court before he left unexpected due to family obligations. Fast forward a year, they meet on a street in the village of Willanton when she assists with his rambunctious youngest niece who has wondered off by herself. Althea is running from her guardian, whom she believes is trying to marry her off to his 60 years old best friend. Seeking a safe place to not be found, Althea accepts when Preston offers her the job of governess to his five nieces.
I love these characters and how they develop and grow during the course of the story to ultimately get their HEA. Their own internal struggles in turn affects their growing relationship and each other. Preston’s growth touched me the most of all (and not for the typical historical romance hero growth reasons). The adorable nieces, to whom Preston is now guardian are at times obstacles as well as help in the growing romance.
It was a good read and I’m looking forward to the other books in the series. I enjoyed the light hearted moments as much as the romance and the characters. The secondary characters add colour to the village of Willanton and the story.
February 25, 2022
This is the first book of Ms. Charles' new series, To Love a Governess, and I believe it is off to a brilliant start! An amazing romantic love story, I just loved it!
Preston gave eight years of his life to the war, and doesn't have much experience in courting women. Although a courageous and brave soldier, he is shy and awkward around women and generally feels uncomfortable in society. When he meets Althea at a ball, he knows immediately she is the one, but does not have the opportunity to spend more time with her as he had to return home when his brother and sister-in-law died. Althea overhears her uncle planning to marry her off to one of his friends and sees no other choice but to run away. It just so happens that the village she ends up in is where Preston is. Althea was also quite taken with Preston when she met him in London. When he offers her the position of governess and she accepts, he sees that as an opportunity to woo her and win her hand. This was such a well-written and entertaining story, I enjoyed every minute of it. Althea and Preston each had their insecurities and misunderstandings threatened to come between them, but despite that I love how their relationship blossomed and grew. A simply wonderful beginning to the series! I can't wait to read the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Preston gave eight years of his life to the war, and doesn't have much experience in courting women. Although a courageous and brave soldier, he is shy and awkward around women and generally feels uncomfortable in society. When he meets Althea at a ball, he knows immediately she is the one, but does not have the opportunity to spend more time with her as he had to return home when his brother and sister-in-law died. Althea overhears her uncle planning to marry her off to one of his friends and sees no other choice but to run away. It just so happens that the village she ends up in is where Preston is. Althea was also quite taken with Preston when she met him in London. When he offers her the position of governess and she accepts, he sees that as an opportunity to woo her and win her hand. This was such a well-written and entertaining story, I enjoyed every minute of it. Althea and Preston each had their insecurities and misunderstandings threatened to come between them, but despite that I love how their relationship blossomed and grew. A simply wonderful beginning to the series! I can't wait to read the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 15, 2022
This was a good story at the outset of an uncle (Preston) who inherited a viscountcy when his brother tragically died. He also became responsible for his five nieces. I really enjoyed the children in the story. They all had their own personalities and were so realistic. I just could not get into Preston's character. He was not a simpleton nor was he an idiot, it’s just his shyness and lust got in the way every time he was near Althea. Sometimes it bordered on the ridiculous. I could not respect him especially after the way he treated Althea and expected her to understand where he was coming from when he did not explain or share his thoughts or feelings. Althea was running away from the only home she could remember because of overhearing a partial conversation and assuming the wrong thing. Although the experience helped her become more aware of her own feelings it was a shame that she gave into her desires without fully knowing Preston. I really feel the relationship between Althea and Preston was not fully developed and therefore lacking. The only bright spots in the story were the children.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2022
Jane Charles’ “Desiring the Governess (Love of a Governess Book 1)”
Miss Althea Claywell runs away from the impending doom of being forced to wed her uncle’s 60 year old friend. Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe has wanted her since he first saw her in London and is delighted to find her now in his small village. Needing a governess for his five nieces he offers althea the position. The problem is, Preston is shy and can’t find the words to express himself. Years of fighting napoleons army left no room for courting and brushing up on one skills. Althea can’t help but misunderstand his intentions.
I always look forward to Jane Charles stories as they are sure to be delightful. Misunderstandings abound in this fun story. It’s well written and the characters are well developed. I enjoyed the children and felt that they added something extra special to the story. Preston’s shyness was sweet but I thought about yelling at him to tell her how he felt a couple of times. Ms. Charles’ is a wonderful writer and her humor shine in the situations and dialogue.
Thank you so much Ms. Charles for this charming love story!
Miss Althea Claywell runs away from the impending doom of being forced to wed her uncle’s 60 year old friend. Lord Preston Ambrose, Viscount Melcombe has wanted her since he first saw her in London and is delighted to find her now in his small village. Needing a governess for his five nieces he offers althea the position. The problem is, Preston is shy and can’t find the words to express himself. Years of fighting napoleons army left no room for courting and brushing up on one skills. Althea can’t help but misunderstand his intentions.
I always look forward to Jane Charles stories as they are sure to be delightful. Misunderstandings abound in this fun story. It’s well written and the characters are well developed. I enjoyed the children and felt that they added something extra special to the story. Preston’s shyness was sweet but I thought about yelling at him to tell her how he felt a couple of times. Ms. Charles’ is a wonderful writer and her humor shine in the situations and dialogue.
Thank you so much Ms. Charles for this charming love story!
May 1, 2022
Cuando comencé a leer "Desiring the Governess" tenía mucha fe en que se volvería una de mis novelas favoritas de este genero, supongo que en gran parte se debe a la porta maravillosa y al pequeño resumen que uno se encuentra en Goodreads pero estuvo un poco muy equivocada.
Al leer algunas reseñas pude notar la carencia de comunicación entre la pareja que parecía resaltar en las críticas que le restan sus puntos. Seré honesta, no me gusta mucho este trope, llega a ser muy molesto porque se siente como si fuera que nunca avanzan hacia el otro y se vuelve tedioso hasta un punto como en este caso me sucedió.
Tenía la esperanza que la comunicación fuera creciendo a medida que transcurría la historia y que capaz nos dieran otra problemática mas interesante que evitara que nuestros personajes estuvieron juntos pero nuevamente volví a equivocarme porque terminó siendo lo mismo que el principio. Incluso al final no sentí que valiera la pena tanto viaje porque aún sentía que había mucho que trabajar en la relación, todo fue muy apresurado y no contrastaba con los que no venían dando.
Como pareja sentía muy poca tensión, todo transcurría demasiado lento y definitivamente no se trataba de un slow burn como para evadir ese aspecto, el beso ni siquiera pareció emocionante y las escenas spicy les faltaba lo spicy en todos los sentidos, pareciera que no estuvo escrito con verdaderas ganas.
Lo positivo es que como personajes individuales son muy interesantes y hasta complejos, quizás se hubieran llevado mejor si realmente conversaran de verdad y no sobre temas que realmente no los ayudaba a conocerse mejor. Las sobrinas eran entretenidas pero robaban mucho espacio y era imposible que pudieran pasar tiempos a solas y definitivamente llegan a ser aburridas las interacciones debido a esto.
Como punto final, espero encontrar otra novela de la misma autora que me algo más de sabor y no recaiga en lo mismo que esta historia. No me cierro a las posibilidades de que mejore y quizás haya libros mejores de ella que ojalá alguna vez tenga la fortuna de leer.
Al leer algunas reseñas pude notar la carencia de comunicación entre la pareja que parecía resaltar en las críticas que le restan sus puntos. Seré honesta, no me gusta mucho este trope, llega a ser muy molesto porque se siente como si fuera que nunca avanzan hacia el otro y se vuelve tedioso hasta un punto como en este caso me sucedió.
Tenía la esperanza que la comunicación fuera creciendo a medida que transcurría la historia y que capaz nos dieran otra problemática mas interesante que evitara que nuestros personajes estuvieron juntos pero nuevamente volví a equivocarme porque terminó siendo lo mismo que el principio. Incluso al final no sentí que valiera la pena tanto viaje porque aún sentía que había mucho que trabajar en la relación, todo fue muy apresurado y no contrastaba con los que no venían dando.
Como pareja sentía muy poca tensión, todo transcurría demasiado lento y definitivamente no se trataba de un slow burn como para evadir ese aspecto, el beso ni siquiera pareció emocionante y las escenas spicy les faltaba lo spicy en todos los sentidos, pareciera que no estuvo escrito con verdaderas ganas.
Lo positivo es que como personajes individuales son muy interesantes y hasta complejos, quizás se hubieran llevado mejor si realmente conversaran de verdad y no sobre temas que realmente no los ayudaba a conocerse mejor. Las sobrinas eran entretenidas pero robaban mucho espacio y era imposible que pudieran pasar tiempos a solas y definitivamente llegan a ser aburridas las interacciones debido a esto.
Como punto final, espero encontrar otra novela de la misma autora que me algo más de sabor y no recaiga en lo mismo que esta historia. No me cierro a las posibilidades de que mejore y quizás haya libros mejores de ella que ojalá alguna vez tenga la fortuna de leer.
February 15, 2022
Preston is slow of speech. He can talk to anyone he knows well, but he can't seem to talk to just anyone. When he sees Althea in a ballroom in London, he knows immediately she will be his. The problem is, he can't talk to her. Before he can work up his nerve, he has to leave town. Althea really is interested in Preston, but she isn't sure he feels the same way. He doesn't even talk to her and then he disappears. When Althea listens in on a conversation between her uncle and a friend, she discovers that her uncle is marrying her off to the old friend. She doesn't want to spend the rest of her life with an old man. Once she is on the way to her mother's family, she runs into Preston. He now is the guardian of his 5 nieces and needs a governess. She needs a job, so why not? Preston hopes that while she is in his home, she will come to know him and perhaps love him. Will she get to know the real him? Will she stay?
May 5, 2026
He has returned from service in the war and gets dragged to social events where he is very uncomfortable.
She is finishing a fourth season of social life in London as a ward of her uncle, and finds no joy in the people or events.
Due to a misunderstood overheard conversation between her Uncle and his friend, she thinks that they plan for her to marry the friend, and quickly departs to head to Scotland, where her mother's relatives still live, as she can see no other future.
At a stop for the mail coach in which she is traveling, a gentleman and his five recently orphaned neices are there. He happens to be the man who she met in London when they shared a dance. The girls convince him to hire her as their new governess, and she agrees to a month's trial.
He cannot successfully court her for various reasons, and their situation becomes rather awkward.
She is finishing a fourth season of social life in London as a ward of her uncle, and finds no joy in the people or events.
Due to a misunderstood overheard conversation between her Uncle and his friend, she thinks that they plan for her to marry the friend, and quickly departs to head to Scotland, where her mother's relatives still live, as she can see no other future.
At a stop for the mail coach in which she is traveling, a gentleman and his five recently orphaned neices are there. He happens to be the man who she met in London when they shared a dance. The girls convince him to hire her as their new governess, and she agrees to a month's trial.
He cannot successfully court her for various reasons, and their situation becomes rather awkward.
February 9, 2022
Be careful when you snoop to get all of the conversation not just part. Althea overheard her uncle and his 60 year old friend discussing a marriage contract for her. This set her off on a crazy journey - running away and ending up in the small village where the man who was supposed to be her husband ends up hiring her to be a governess. Preston, the new Earl is a shy man who was attracted to Althea when he was in London but for some reason he's too shy to talk to her. When she shows up practically on his doorstep, instead of clearing up the misunderstanding when he is in her presence, he can't admit his feelings or plan. Add in 5 precocious nieces and you have a great story.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 17, 2022
This is the story of a man who is shy and a woman who is afraid to be bold. Preston and Althea meet in London, he is very shy and does not talk much, but Althea feels something for him. Then he leaves town. Preston is now responsible for his 5 nieces after his brother and sister-in-law pass away. He meets up with Althea again and turns shy and does not know what to say, so he decides he will ask her to be his nieces governess so she can get to know him better. I like how when Preston is with Althea all thoughts leave his head and he forgets to say what is on his mind and what he feels. This is a book I enjoyed and would recommend.
I receive an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
I receive an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest opinion.
February 17, 2022
This was a fun light read. I enjoyed it and will look out for the next in the series. The main character was ridiculous at times but this was in a fun way. All the characters were likeable especially the children who all came across as individuals. Having grown up with four sisters it was easy to believe the oldest one would try and take on the role of parent, one would escape into fiction and another would always end up in scrapes. The previous governess was a monster but she has already been vanquished leaving nothing to stand in the way of true love but poor communication and there was plenty of that.
I received a copy for an honest review.
I received a copy for an honest review.
March 8, 2025
Eavesdropping can lead to lots of misunderstandings. This book has many examples of this. Althea happens to hear a discussion her uncle has with a friend which causes her to flee. Her belief that she is expected to marry is repugnant to her. On her trip to Scotland to go to her mother's family she happens upon Preston. He has been in her dreams since she first met him early in the Season. Their story turns into lots of missteps, misunderstandings and strong desire. Preston is a fun character who loses his ability to speak to Althea as he is so struck with desire by her beauty. A fun read ensues!
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