Mr. Gardiner and the Governess Author: Sally Britton
Series: Clairvoir Castle Romances #1
Genres: Historical Romance
Format: Audio, eBook, Print
Pages: 228
Date: November 25, 2020
Publisher: Pink Citrus Books
A duke’s governess, a gentleman entomologist, and a castle full of flowers is the perfect setting for a summer romance.
As the new governess to the duke’s family, Alice Sharpe must learn to control her impulsiveness. Employment in the duke’s household is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and could mean living in comfort the rest of her days. Unfortunately, her first encounter with the duke’s houseguest, a handsome gentleman obsessed with insects, proves she may not be ready for the austere role of governess.
Rupert Gardiner has one goal: to have his work in entomology and botany published by the Royal Society. He is fortunate that the Duke of Montfort, believes in him and enlists Rupert to make a record of all the flora on the castle grounds. But Miss Sharpe’s spontaneity and continual appearance during his work is an annoying distraction. At least, that’s what he tells himself.
While Alice struggles to adapt to her new role, constantly striving to go unnoticed while still being herself, she cannot help but admire Rupert’s intelligence and focus. The more often they fall in together, the more her admiration deepens. But could a gentleman such as he ever fall in love with the governess?
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About Sally Britton
Sally Britton is sixth generation Texan, received her BA in English from Brigham Young University, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back. Sally lives in Arizona with her husband, four children, and their dog. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.
From the first moment I saw this cover and title I knew I wanted to read it. It was just so appealing to me. And I was not disappointed. I found the story adoringly cute. I love governess stories but this one has the twist that it isn’t a widower master of the house that becomes the love interest. I thought the family on the estate she is employed in had very interesting characters. Certainly not the snooty of the ton.
I liked both main characters. He is not a typical type hero. He is somewhat geeky even if he is good looking. He is socially awkward and more interested in insects than people. And the fact that she is not put off by insects made for a fun situation. I won’t go into the whole of my personal family story but I will say that there is one marriage in my family that came to be over insects as well but in a different way than this story. The children in this story were mischievous matchmakers and very cute and likeable.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Sex: some kisses
Language: no
Violence: attempted sexual assault, thwarted
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.