The Governess Game

… put it in your pocket, never let it get away. That pretty much sums up the plot, but interesting characters and a rocky path towards self acceptance makes the journey worthwhile.

This was such a fun and emotional book. Yo will laugh out loud and need tissues. I highly recommend this series.

I generally read contemporary romance, but read the Duchess Deal after seeing all the positive reviews and was so happy I gave regency romance a try. I fell in love with the historical tale and the author, then read the Wallflower Wager and now The Governess Game. I truly am in awe of the talent and range of knowledge possessed by Ms. Dare. She delves into so many engaging topics such as various animals, pirates, astronomy, health ailments of the time, etc.

Of the three books, I have to say the Governess Game was my favorite, and it’s very hard to find a favorite. I love broken characters and women who are fierce and independent and in this book, our heroine is so deserving of the title. I love how she was friends with Emma and Penny from the other two books, who also were unique, strong, and loveable characters.

Alexandra Mountbatten suffers from a traumatic past loosing both of her parents, her father rather tragically, yet she is so hopeful, poised, and a true survivor. She is so wise and patient, and when she becomes the governess to two young girls, she remains loyal and steadfast in her desire to show them love and support, something they know nothing of. She is wise beyond her years, and it was so very moving to me how she could see through all of their pranks; she knew they were pushing her away because they feared getting too close. The same could be said for wealthy and handsome guardian, Chase Reynaud, whom suffered from self-loathing and a guilty conscious from something in his past. Not feeling worthy of love either, he pushed everyone away until Alex entered and upended his world.

I adored these two together and their wonderful honest banter. I loved how he couldn’t say the words but would show how he felt with his deeds, especially with the children, who were a hoot. Alex knew her station in life but dared to dream of a future with him, and it was so beautiful to read their every interaction. This book has it all–they were serious, flirty, funny, sexy, and at times, very emotional as they admitted truths about their past. I loved how smart and educated she was, and how she genuinely gave so selflessly. I loved how she pulled no punches with the children or with Chase letting them know that yes, sometimes life is unfair, and sometimes we make mistakes, but it’s our life to live and we need to move forward. She was such a steady, loving influence, all the while making learning fun, and embracing the uniqueness of each of them.

Tessa Dare has exceeded all my expectations with “The Governess Game.” I loved how everything came full-circle and how so many tidbits were included and then brought back up again. And of course, I loved the HEA, and would love a follow up book or novella catching us up with Alexandra and her friends.

This book was so very different from her other books and even from the series. The heroine was very naive, immature and childish in her thoughts in regards to the Hero who she didn’t even know! And the book took place in the Hero’s house, nowhere else. This just felt like the author wrote to give them a story and get it out of the way. No imagination, no laughs, no effort. It was soooo overly cheesy at the end and cliche. Skip this one.

Rake. Check.
Poor governess. Check
But an original story in plot and character make up that makes Tessa Dare’s books a reliable bet for an entertaining read. Does not disappoint.

Another perfect book from Tessa Dare. Highly recommend!!!!