The Governess Gamble

The Duchess Society #3.5

by Tracy Sumner

A sizzling Christmas romance by USA Today bestselling author Tracy Sumner!

A woman from another world…
American Heiress Francine Shaw never dreamed she would become a governess! But desperate times call for desperate measures when Francine must flee to London to escape a scandal, save her reputation and... find a titled man to marry or risk losing her family.
But when her new employer turns out to be a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” rake, Fanny finds herself trapped in more ways than one. Stunned by the sizzling heat she finds developing between herself and the handsome and enigmatic Viscount Remington, she bravely makes him an offer he can't refuse...

He's not who she thinks he is...
As it turns out, Francine is not the only one who is hiding her true identity. Despite his devilish reputation, Chance Allerton has a tender heart of gold—and has secretly vowed to marry for nothing less than love. When he learns he has a ward just before Christmastide, he seeks the aid of the Duchess Society in the hopes of finding a governess for the child. When a beautiful, clever American hellion shows up on his doorstep instead, Chance is soon in over his head.
Francine Shaw exceeds his every expectation…and soon Chance finds himself utterly infatuated.

Can a wicked viscount learn to love? Or is this dalliance with the governess merely a Christmas tryst destined to end in heartache?

The Duchess Society Series
#1 The Brazen Bluestocking
#2 The Scandalous Vixen
#3 The Wicked Wallflower
#4 One Wedding and an Earl
More to follow!

Christmas novella: The Governess Gamble

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Regency

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 18, 2022

About the author

"Witty dialogue and steamy sensuality.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Find me everywhere on social here!
https://linktr.ee/tracysumner

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

As usual, beautiful prose.

As usual, MMC damaged by terrible father, trying to fight his way to success and self-esteem.

As usual, sexually bold FMC rebelling against social strictures.

As usual, both main characters have a singular interest: for Fran, it was art. For Chance, it was designing furniture.

And as usual, this author wrote a fairly convincing romance in a short format.

***spoilers***

But I will never, ever understand or enjoy reading about the nonsense of a woman in the 1800’s refusing a marriage proposal from a titled man she loves and who sets her on fire for the reason that “he doesn’t love her,” while intending to marry a man she cares not one whit for instead.

”No. Then I’d say no.”

“Hillsdale? He gets a yes? When I get a no?” He gestured to the room they’d torn up in their passion, knowing he was being a jackass but unable to stop himself.

…”I can marry him knowing my father’s money is all he’s after. It’s business. But not you, Remy.”

Fran, Fran, Fran. You think it would be heartbreaking to be married to a man who doesn’t love you back? Try celebrating your 30th wedding anniversary with that wet noodle you intend to marry while watching the man you love living his life with someone else and get back to me about heartbreak, you idiot.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (A lovely developed scene for a novella!)
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person perspective from both hero and heroine

Should I read in order?
This novella is a part of Sumner’s The Duchess Society series. I couldn’t quite place where it is, it’s after book 1 but before book 3, so perhaps #2.5? Either way the whole series is fabulous and you should read them all! The heroine from book 0.5 has minimal page time and the heroine from book 1 has a bit more. The hero from book 3 is here too but he hasn’t had his HEA yet.

Basic plot:
Franny is forced to leave America due to a bad decision. Here in England, she’s looking for a marriage agreement that will give her freedom. As an heiress she can buy a title. But Chance has caught her eye numerous times and when an opportunity to become a governess for his ward, she accepts.

Give this a try if you want:
- Later Georgian time period (1823)
- Country estate setting
- Viscount/furniture designer hero
- Artist/governess heroine
- American/English pairing (heroine is American, from Pennsylvania, hero is English but has Scottish heritage on his mother’s side)
- Unrequited love – heroine has watched the hero at a number of occasions and he’s never noticed her
- Heroine is an heiress working as a servant
- Child in the story/governess – hero has become ward to his third cousin (child’s mother was his mother’s second cousin ;))
- Curvy heroine
- Average novella steam – 1 wonderful developed full scene

My thoughts:
Can I just say every time I read about Hildie I just want to reread her and Tobias’ story???? Ughhhhh I love them so, so much. Anyway, this novella is equally as fabulous and a lovely addition to this truly amazing series by Sumner. I have really been loving all these novels.

Sumner has a wonderful talent for creating that longing even in a short amount of page time. I have really adored a number of her novellas, which I think can be a true challenge to make feel whole, steamy and emotional. I love that her characters are unique and they have their own interests and goals. Our hero here has a passion for making furniture and our heroine is an artist. Secluded together at a country home is enough to ignite some breathtaking passion that I just ate up between these two characters. Loved what Chance and Fanny bring to The Duchess Society series.

Quotes/thoughts:
Oh. Oh.

“I think you’d better go,” he whispered, his voice ragged. If she continued to gaze at him like this, her desire his for the taking, he was going to drag her to the door, lock it, and shove her against it. He loved tupping standing up.

Ugh and here comes Sumner again just wrecking me with these hot romantic lines

“However, either you’re leaving this room right now, or I’m coming around the desk to kiss the blessed breath from you. Push you against the wall and show you what the heat of my regard really feels like. My desire to erase every thought from your mind is blindingly compelling. Draw the air from your lungs into mine. Send you into a molten puddle at my feet, one I’ll happily follow. It’s your choice of course. Completely. Your. Choice. But I’m shaky. And close to making it for you.”


Amount of kisses/intimate scenes:

Random notes: Hero smells like chalk, nutmeg, spicy and citrus.
69% - kisses that lead to a dry hump against a wall/door that lead to a bed, oral for her, missionary

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
4 stars.





➕ What I liked :




Curvy/full-figured heroine.

American heroine+ English hero.

Rather interesting main characters.
(Hero is a Viscount/furniture designer and heroine is an artist.)

The romantic build up and chemistry was OK but…..

Strong heroine.

Interesting side characters.
(The heroines companion is one…. But also one of the heroes friends)

Rather interesting plot.

Not a naive/innocent heroine.


Rather good steam.

Mostly a country estate setting.










➖ What I disliked:

The plot and characters needed a little more depth.

The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is a curvy/full-figured woman…. The cover shows a slim woman on the cover…. Not at all like the curvy/ full-figured heroine described/portrayed in the book.

The romance was kind of rushed and need more depth and development.
(Because it was rushed even for a novella the romantic build up and chemistry felt rather insta-lust/inst-love.)


Some issues were never resolved.
(What happened with the “other man” Hinsdale and how did he and the Ton react to the heroine and hero marrying…. How did the heroines father react to the marriage? Etc.)



The ward of the hero was at times a little bit too precocious.
(The child is 6 years old but in some parts seems more like a 12 year old.)

In the beginning of the story the heroine was a little bit too self-deprecating about her looks/appearance.
(About her body/size, about her hair, about her freckles etc.
A little more confidence from the heroine when it came to her looks/appearance would have been nice.)

[Diana N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all of the Duchess Society books. Just like the others, this book also has a strong female main character.

I though that it was really sweet that while at the Duchess Society, Franny decides to help after she overhears that Lord Remington needs a governess for the child he has been tasked with caring for.

I liked that both characters were a bit damaged in a way, but understood and desire eachothers quirks. Franny definitely was influenced by her American culture, but was basically being told to marry due to scandal. Chance definitely had a bunch of mistresses, but only wanted to marry for love. My favorite part was they each had their own talents, art and woodworking.

I was glad to see some familiar characters in this book and hope Franny and Chance pop up in future books!

readers should know you received this book for free.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shelby Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been loving Tracy Sumner’s Duchess Society books. This novella (just over 100 pages) fits into the story line of The Wicked Wallflower. As usual, the characters are lovely, they’re relatable and fun to read about. The plot is cute and succinct. I was hoping for more of a holiday feel! It’s mentioned but the book doesn’t give strong holiday aesthetic/vibes.
Thanks to Wolf Publishing for the ARC. Also posted on https://shelbygreads.wordpress.com/20... along with my reviews for the rest of the series.

[Mina]

This was such a fun read! I loved the novella with these cute characters that need to make things work. I really did love it and I don't know why it took so long for me to read it.

[Suzy Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Governess Gamble is a short novella with an American heiress and a destitute viscount crossing paths and unexpectedly finding love. I’d thought because it was set during the Christmas season that there would be more than minimal references to the holiday. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by Mary Balogh’s splendid Christmas novellas.

A few characters from the previous books in the series make an appearance and hints are given for the next book. Overall, I thought this was a basic run of the mill HR. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[PlotTrysts · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short 'n' sweet historical romance between a British peer and an American heiress… and while he's definitely strapped for cash, at the outset he's not looking for a rich wife. No, he just learned that he inherited the guardianship of a young girl. (Old timey noblemen seem to collect wards.)⁠

Frannie's practically engaged to someone else, but when she overhears Chance begging the Duchess Society to help him find a temporary governess (just for the holidays!), she volunteers. Why? We've got a few HR reasons for you:⁠

1. She wants to draw him. (That's not a euphemism, she's an artiste!)⁠

2. She thinks he's HAWT. (She once walked in on him sensually touching some furniture and ever since then she can't get his dextrous fingers out of her mind.)

At first, she masquerades as a governess, but he soon learns the truth about her heiress-ness and gets majorly PO'd (because he asked for a GOVERNESS, not a rich wife)… but that can't stop his attraction to her.⁠

There's plenty of Christmas joy to go around, and when they end up in the bedroom it's hotter than a pot of wassail. ⁠

We were left a little cold, though, and wished for a little more depth in their interactions. They seemed to jump from attraction to feelings to TRUE LOVE pretty quickly (to be fair, it is a novella). We also just didn't connect with the writing style. That said, if you liked the previous books in the Duchess Society series, you'll probably like this one just as much.⁠

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.

This is a cute little Christmas themed novella from the Duchess Society series. American heiress Francine Shaw was brought to England by her wealthy merchant father to make a match and gain him a title in the family. She had made scandalous error in her past in America and he hoped to broker a marriage for her before rumors of her ruin followed her. Francine is aware of his plans, and while she plans on falling in with them, when the opportunity presents itself, she decides to follow her wishes and give herself one last little adventure to do what she wants before becoming betrothed to the man of her father's choosing.

Chance Allerton appears to be a rakish, handsome, carefree Viscount, who cares for nothing more than womanizing. However, he has to manage an impoverished estate and hides his innovative money making venture, which is the design and making of beautiful bespoke furniture. He is determined to turn around his fortunes, and not by marrying an heiress, as he does not want to marry except for love. His life is thrown for a loop when he suddenly finds himself with a young girl as his ward. He turns to his friend Hildie, from the Duchess Society to find him a temporary governess to help manage her. Francine becomes aware of his scheme and lands herself and her companion on his doorstep to take the role of governess, and wins both his and his wards heart.

This is a cute, bubbly feel good Christmas themed love story with snowmen, little girls, and a Viscount charmed by a fresh American beauty, as well as cameos by a few members of the Duchess Society.

3.75 stars out of 5

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

No one in this bloody country had any idea she was real beneath the posturing. The most unique woman in the room.

This was super cute and super sweet! I had a really fun time reading it. Franny was one of the thirstiest heroines I've read lol. She was so hot for Remington that she weaseled her way into his life just to be able to look at him and draw him (she's an artist). I loved that she had no filter and wasn't as reserved as everyone thought she should be in polite society. Their romance ended up being really cute and I think this was a great addition to this series.

She was making him forget everything but her. The ground shifted beneath his feet, around his heart, in ways he wasn’t ready to allow. Because something about this—about her—felt right. Which scared the shite out of him.

Also, I was picking up on some foreshadowing involving Remington's brother so I'm intrigued by that to see if he comes up again.

“Francine Shaw, if I adored you less, I’d be able to say more. Say it better. I love you quite madly and without hope of recovery. I only know I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything in this life.”

c h a r a c t e r s
• Francine 'Franny' Shaw
• Viscount Chance Allerton

s e t t i n g
• London, Winter, 1823

t r o p e s
• artist heroine
• woodworking hero
• she's practically engaged
• curvy heroine
• American heiress in London
• hidden identity (kind of)
• governess/employer (kind of)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Tracy Sumner’s books. This is another different twist on the governess trope. Can a governess not be truly a governess and yet succeed at the job? Oh yes and so much more! This wealthy American heiress, Franny, wants nothing more than to be herself. That in itself runs contrary to British culture so she is not very popular. On the other hand, Remington is nothing more than a dirt poor title with a mansion falling down around his ears. An interesting opposites attract story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Aririshikokuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never read novella before, so this one was my 1st.
It was good to read about hildy and Tobias again(1st book in The Duchess Society)
Things escalated quickly between the H and h(Chance and Franny), maybe because this was a novella but still rating this 5 stars because couldn't stopped reading. Now I really need to read Pippa and Xander(are the name correct?) book.

[Amanda books_ergo_sum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just saved me from a reading slump! 😮‍💨

I was DNFing every book I picked up for days until this gem. But this author’s writing just draws me in every time—we get right into it and so much meaning is conveyed by the simplest of gestures or scenes.

This premise was fun: an American wallflower heiress was meeting with the The Duchess Society to go over some paperwork for an engagement she wasn’t thrilled about when in walks Viscount Remington, charming rake and scoundrel, looking for a last minute governess to watch over his new ward for the holidays—insert ‘I volunteer as tribute’ meme here 🙋‍♀️😆

I just loved everything about this! Love a found family holiday story. There was so much intimacy building in every small moment. There was a whispered “stay” (my literal kryptonite). And there were all these motifs that were mirrored in both MC’s POV chapters that made me go, “They’re made for each other!” 😭

The rake-wallflower compatibility was everything but the American heiress-British peer culture class/compatibility was also everything! He was literally dumbstruck by her and my heart was squeezed to within an inch of its life! And they both had artistic interests and when they started working together on a project.. my heart 🥰 They brought out the best in each other and I was just so happy for them.

Plus I loved these characters. Who doesn’t love a rake who everyone wants a piece of but no one loves for himself? And Franny is my new favourite Tracy Sumner heroine. She was shy but bold, knew her own mind, and the way her artistic eye described a setting.. at one point she described Remington lit up in his workshop by multiple candles and I felt like I was looking at a Rembrandt painting.

Such a good holiday story! I kind of can’t believe it was just a novella? It packed a full novel punch. Add it to the stack of five star reads from this series 🥰

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A woman from another world…
American Heiress Francine Shaw never dreamed she would become a governess! But desperate times call for desperate measures when Francine must flee to London to escape a scandal, save her reputation and… find a titled man to marry or risk losing her family.
But when her new employer turns out to be a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” rake, Fanny finds herself trapped in more ways than one. Stunned by the sizzling heat she finds developing between herself and the handsome and enigmatic Viscount Remington, she bravely makes him an offer he can't refuse…
He's not who she thinks he is…
As it turns out, Francine is not the only one who is hiding her true identity. Despite his devilish reputation, Chance Allerton has a tender heart of gold—and has secretly vowed to marry for nothing less than love. When he learns he has a ward just before Christmastide, he seeks the aid of the Duchess Society in the hopes of finding a governess for the child. When a beautiful, clever American hellion shows up on his doorstep instead, Chance is soon in over his head.
Francine Shaw exceeds his every expectation… and soon Chance finds himself utterly infatuated.
This is an excellent book full of sexy scenes and love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this holiday novella; it was sweet and heartfelt, and beautifully written. I also really liked the relationship between Chance and Franny, although I would have loved to see a little bit more of how their different artistic talents complimented each other. Granted, I realize this is a novella rather than a full-length novel, but I was hoping to see Chance actually incorporating Franny's visions or sketches into the finished furniture projects. I also wanted to know more about Arthur, Chance's brother, as it was unclear what the difficulties in his life were. But it was great to see Chance grow as a man to want to become both a loving husband to Franny and a doting father to Katherine, his ward.

Still, a lovely read that will warm your heart during the holidays - or at other times of the year!

[SusieQ_Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Governess Gamble by Tracy Sumner provides all the holiday feels tied up neatly with a big red bow. When a financially strapped Viscount finds himself with an unexpected ward to care for, he turns to the Duchess Society for help.
Sparks fly when Francine shows up on Chance’s doorstep for the Governess position. A touching story about discovering people for who they truly are and finding new appreciation for what you have through another’s eyes.

I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Donique Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Allerton…Viscount Remington, doesn’t want a wife, needs a governess for his newly acquired ward. Francine Shaw..an American heiress, father wants her to marry a title, decides to become a temporary governess. I was curious as to how the story would unfold and I found that I really enjoyed watching the romance grow. The H and the h each found themselves caught unaware and of course immediate denial but the communication between them was refreshing. Yes, there is steamy steam.

[Madi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since it is a novella it was very fast paced. I really enjoyed that.
The characters were really strong. They each had their own personality and were easy to keep separate. I would have loved to read more about how Franny and Kat interacted.
It could have spent less time on how depleted the estates and his funds were.
The spice level was pretty good too 🌶🌶🌶. It was a nice surprise.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! So soft and funny, and sexy like omg the TENSION and DESPERATION between these two was off the charts! It's a short story, and I wish it could've been a proper novel. Also, I forgot how much I love this world and its characters... Mac especially 💖

(thank you booksirens for providing me with a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion)

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually rather leery of the governess trope but it totally worked here. Chance and Franny were adorable together and I enjoyed seeing them come together, especially as the pull between them felt so inevitable. It was nice to see two who had been bound by duty come together to create happiness and warmth for themselves. It certainly helped to put me into the festive spirit.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibilities and memories that were not the best, Charles Allerton seemed not to want to recognize the opportunity that was presented to him with Francine. Shrewd, impetuous, despite her past experiences, Francine had a purpose in mind and the viscount found himself struggling to keep up with her with this American that was making him doubt his judgment. Interesting Chance's predicament and how Francine was breaking down his barriers. I liked the novelty of the characters, Francine a voluptuous American and Chance an almost dispossessed nobleman trying to protect those who depended on him. Ada's character was good, the voice of reason and the protection. She made me smile with her accurate and sometimes humorous comments. Like these interesting and entertaining stories. Voluntarily reviewed this copy that I received free from Hidden Gems Books.

[Alyssa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sparking hot novel is dripping on romance! From their chemistry and down to even their gazes, Tracy has written with such voracity and vivid details it fees as if you were there! I couldn’t put it down and all I want is more!

This is such a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!

Though I was given a free ARC by the author, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[The Arcist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid, quick read. This novella is a great read for anyone who wants a quick steamy, feel-good romance. I, personally, would have liked to see more development in the book. I like the characters and wanted to see more but wasn't disappointed overall.

I'd be curious to read the next installments

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol P - H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my! What a dashing daring love story! The sizzling chemistry is off the charts! Franny is so brave to take charge of her own future and seize the chance to get to know the man who makes her pulse race. Tracy Sumner’s expert story crafting doesn’t disappoint. I admit I enjoyed it so much I read it twice! I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Rach3l · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this spinoff. I enjoyed the duchess society series so I’m happy to read more books that include some of the same characters. This one doesn’t disappoint.

Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review

[Tina Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sumner writes such terrific stories! I just love reading them. She has a way of combining an interesting plot, well developed characters with wonderfully steamy scenes.

Some steamy historical books have virtually no plot to connect the steamy scenes but this author weaves a tale throughout the book to keep the reader engaged. The steamy scenes are a nice bonus in my mind.

I was excited to receive an ARC for this book since I had already read Book 1 and liked it. I’ve bought the second book in the series and devoured it too. This novella is a bit shorter so it was a quick read done in one afternoon.

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alexa Jaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Delightful!

Have you met the ladies of The Duchess Society? This is just so much fun! I just love this world. I also love this beautiful cover! 💕

Prepare yourself as Tracy Sumner weaves her magic and we find ourselves enchanted by the Regancy times and setting whilst Chance and Franny negotiate society and their adventures to find each other… Will the Wicked Viscount learn to love?

I am adding a tip - experience says… drink your coffee before you begin… unless you like cold coffee. I did not want to put this story down.

I love Tracy Sumner adventures and romance. I love the mischief and intrigue and whilst I received an ARC for this one I bought Naughty & Nice Anthology, and as always the thoughts and ideas about the book are my own. 💕

What are you waiting for?

💕 Happy Reading! 💕

[Books4EverAfter | Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I would enjoy this more as I love a good governess trope. I did enjoy the chemistry and steam between the main characters. But I just wanted more. This is also possibly why I have a harder time loving novellas. More pining, longing, the forbiddeness and banter. That is what makes governess tropes such a fave trope of mine.

I also could get the feeling that I was missing context of the side characters and relationships, which means this is probably a spin off a main series.

This is my first read by this author, and this book has intrigued me with their writing to also try something else by them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Judith A. Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Governess Gamble, by Tracy Sumner
This could have been a terrific book, but I, somehow, didn't seem to be able to keep it stright in my mind! Maybe it was the fact that I'd had foot surgery and really, at the time, couldn't keep the storyline straight in my mind. At some point in time, I couldn't seem to find the last part of the story on my Kindle.....then a few days later, I came upon it again, and by that time ai didn't care. So it is a bit confusing.
It could have been a better read, but not in my lifetime!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicely Done. Another couple gets the Duchess Society treatment. Francine is an American heiress in London to be married. Chance is a Viscount in need of funds. The characters are interesting and fun. The story is entertaining as Francine charms her way into Chance’s life. It is fast moving which keeps the reader interested to see how the story will be resolved.