by Tessa Dare
Series: Girl Meets Duke #2
Genres: Historical Romance
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Heat Level:
He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson
The accidental governess
After her livelihood slips through her fingers, Alexandra Mountbatten takes on an impossible post: transforming a pair of wild orphans into proper young ladies. However, the girls don’t need discipline. They need a loving home. Try telling that to their guardian, Chase Reynaud: duke’s heir in the streets and devil in the sheets. The ladies of London have tried—and failed—to make him settle down. Somehow, Alexandra must reach his heart . . . without risking her own.
The infamous rake
Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to give her an education—in pleasure. That should prove he can’t be tamed. But Alexandra is more than he bargained for: clever, perceptive, passionate. She refuses to see him as a lost cause. Soon the walls around Chase’s heart are crumbling . . . and he’s in danger of falling, hard.
A feisty heroine, a troubled, soon to be Duke, and two orphaned girls made The Governess Game by Tessa Dare an addictive, swoon-worthy edition to the Girl Meets Duke series. Pirates, malaise, and lessons aided in delivering a heartwarming tale that left me wishing Tessa Dare released a new book every month. A girl can dream right?
I love strong, independent and feisty heroines and Alexandra Mountbatten was positively delightful. Alex, loves books, stars and by daydreams of one day owning her own cottage. By night, she dreams of a green-eyed gentlemen who literally knocked her off her feet.
Chase Reynaud, next in line to a dukedom, finds himself the guardian of two young girls. He has hired and lost an ungodly amount of governesses when Alexandra Mountbatten gives him a set down and he immediately hires hers. The events that unfold had me reading their story in just two sittings.
Daisy and Rosemonde, Chase’s young wards, were positively delightful and enhanced the story on so many levels. Morbid, hurt, fearful and determined these young ladies gave Alex quite the ride. I fell in love with them right along with Alex. And Millicent, the poor doll of a thousand deaths. Oh my. A few scenes had me giggling aloud. Dare shared brilliant one-liners and referenced a few things that pushed this story over the top. I think this is my favorite Dare book.
Heated and filled with deliciously swoon-worthy moments, their romance felt genuine. Sure, Chase is a lunkhead, but Dare allows us to see the man beneath the aloof exterior. I loved how strong and independent Alex was. While the story was predictable, it left me giddy and delivered that book high I am forever chasing.
I cannot wait for the next book. I weep knowing it will probably be a year before a new book is in my hands. If you want a story filled with humor, heat, swoons and more you’ll want to grab a copy of The Governess Game today. I know this will earn a spot in Caffeinated’s Top Ten Romances for 2018.
If you want a story filled with humor, heat, swoons and more you'll want to grab a copy of The Governess Game by Tessa Dare #historical #romance #mustread #NewRelease Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Bookworm
Tessa Dare is a favorite and I’m going to have to read this one soon, I’ve been waiting for it after I read the first in series.
Glad you enjoyed it so much!
Dani Eide
Ahhhh! A whole year! Lucky for you there are other great books to spent the time with too. Haha. Love your review. ♥️ Who doesn’t love a feisty heroine, Need to check out the more recent Tessa Dare.
Dani Eide
Ahhhh! A whole year! Lucky for you there are other great books to spent the time with. Haha. Love your review. ♥️ Who doesn’t love a feisty heroine, Need to check out the more recent Tessa Dare.
Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
Tessa Dare has some of the best feisty heroines and this one looks amazing. I love a governess romance like this one but haven’t read one in awhile. I think the last one I read was One Little Sin by Liz Carlyle which I loved but it’s been probably ten years since I read it! Adding this one to my TBR.
Deborah Haupt
You know I’ve heard some great things about this author. Man I need to get some historical romance books back in my hands. Thanks Kim.
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
I have read a few books by Tessa Dare a long time ago. I should get this one. It sounds like I would really enjoy it. Great review Kim!
Mary
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
I haven’t read Tessa Dare yet. This book sounds just fantastic. I really need to get started on this series very soon. Glad you enjoyed it!
Nadene
I have been hearing nothing good things about this book. I have never read this author before, I guess I need to change that.
Karen
I have never read anything by Dare!!! I have several of her books though and I need to just start one of them!
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Samantha
Oh my gosh this is getting such great reviews!! I have got to read it!
Lorna
I still have a Duke book by her from awhile back I still need to read but you make sound so good. I’ve liked other books by her.
Tyler H. Jolley
Nice review, Kimba, and very steamy! I hope you’re well. Btw, if my estimates are correct, you are crushing your reading goal for the year. Impressive, as always.
Heidi
You know me, not a huge fan of historical romances but both you and Nick are convincing me to read this one.
Angela Adams
“He’s been a bad, bad rake—and it takes a governess to teach him a lesson” — that opening line immediately grabbed my attention! Thanks for the post.
Anne
I don’t really read historical romance but you make this wildly appealing. Great review. Anne – Books of My Heart
Sophia Rose
That says it all that you had a good time and are dying for the next book. Tessa Dare is an author that I think will be a real treat when I get around to her books (and kick myself for waiting). 🙂
Quinn's Book Nook
I loved, loved, loved this book! It was just everything. I’m so glad you loved it too. And I cannot wait for the next book. I need it now!
Kimberly @ Book Swoon
I love feisty heroines and a devilish hero. Both you and Nick have fantastic thoughts on Dare’s writing. I definitely need to check this out.
Angie Elle
Goodness, yes! Poor Millicent could NOT catch a break, and then the Thames nearly did her in. LOL This was such a fun story!
Great review!
Ailyn Koay
does it involve frogs? I seem to read a lot of books like these involving something crawl. Not to say they don’t work, but some girls need to know how to really shock someone
kindlemom1
Nick reviewed this one as well and liked it so I for sure think I should add it to the pile.
Nick
I adored this one too, Kim! Tessa Dare can do no wrong. I loved the love story between Alex and Chase, but Rosamund and Daisy stole the show for me. They were so morbid and precious. I’m with you about having to wait almost a year for the next! Who do you think it will be about?