The witty wordsmith that is Tessa Dare has made me so happy with this clever story. This is a laugh-out-loud, wonderfully written narrative involving disagreeable but endearing orphan girls who are borderline macabre in their role-play. Chase Reynaud is ill-equipped to be their guardian. The heaven-sent mestiza-filipino Governess, Alexandra Mountbatten, turned their lives upside down, and they are all better for it!

Wickedly witty. I highly recommend.

An honest review of an eGalley provided by the publisher.

Alex's supportive group of friends defy convention, preferring to listen to each other, rather than the male-dominated Regency society that surrounds them. Alex's unusual job gains her entry into society's most exquisite homes but only as an employee. Alex and Chase met previously at a bookshop, but he doesn't remember her. However, he wants her for his wards' governess, despite her lack of skills and social standing. Serendipity ensures he gets his way, but she proves to be a disturbing employee who threatens his dissolute habits.

Alex 's caring nature and empathy endear her to the girls. Believable and charming the two girls provide much of the story's humour and poignancy. Importantly, they catalyse the romance between Alex and Chase. Alex wants Chase to give the girls the parental love they need but getting them the father they need involves constant interaction with the rake whose sense of the ridiculous and sensual expertise endanger her heart.

This lovely story encompasses all the best qualities of Regency romance; humour, historical detail and sensuality intertwine to make an addictive read. The plot showcases other elements of Regency society outside of the 'Haute Ton', which gives the story a unique perspective. Alex's intelligence and tenacity are far more critical in this tale than her looks and social skills.

Escape to Regency London in this absorbing tale, and you may not want to return.

I received a copy of this book from Mills & Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I really, really love Tessa Dare’s books and her latest is no exception. I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite, that honour goes to the first in this series, The Duchess Deal, but it does have all the things I love, a sweet but feisty heroine, a troubled hero, quite a few funny moments, a bit of drama and a lot of chemistry.

This time around there is a very Jane Eyre feel to the story as Alexandra Mountbatten, orphan making her own way in the world accepts a job as governess to the two wards of soon to be Duke and rake about town Chase Reynaud. She’s trying to make enough of a living to be independent and he’s looking to get the two wards he’s been landed with, who are not the best behaved, shipped off to school. Neither are really looking for a relationship but as you can probably guess sparks fly between them.

I really loved Alex as a character. She’s clever, caring, a little naive and wonderfully unconventional. She also doesn’t let her financial situation or the hardships of her past hold her back. She has no experience as a governess but seems to instinctively know how to help Rosamund and Daisy who it’s safe to say have some issues (doll Millicent dies of some horrific disease most days).

Chase, I have to admit, I had some reservations about initially. The rake thing doesn’t really do it for me, but as the story progressed he did grow on me. It’s also difficult to resist someone who’ll eulogize a doll so eloquently and hilariously (in case you can’t tell those doll funerals were a highlight of the story for me) and there are reasons for why he behaves as he does.

The biggest draw was however the relationship between Alex and Chase. There is some brilliant banter between them and some serious heat. I just loved how their relationship developed and changed. There aren’t many surprises (there’s no mad wife locked in the attic for example) but it’s an enjoyable journey.

If I had one criticism of this story it’s that there are certain elements that are becoming very familiar from Dare’s other books and it’s starting to feel a little formulaic (sorry). I suppose there is a limit on how unique they can be but if like me you’ve devoured a large number of them in a short space of time they start to all feel quite similar. Certain characters seem to keep popping up.

Despite this though I would really recommend to anyone who loves a historic romance. I should also add that while this is the second in a series it can easily be read as a standalone, although The Duchess Deal is brilliant so you should read it too.

I really enjoyed reading the previous novel in this series, The Duchess Deal, and hoped at the time that the brief encounter between Alex and Chase would be further developed in a future novel - so I was really pleased when I received the opportunity to read and review this book. The humour in the story really helps it whisk along and the excellent characterisations of Chase’s wards as subjects in their own right meant that every aspect of the story was really enjoyable to read. I look forward eagerly to the third novel in the series.

I thought The Duchess Deal was one of my favourite Tessa Dare books but oh my goodness I just could not get enough of The Governess Game. It was so, so good and I couldn't stop smiling throughout. I was that person with a silly grin on her face because the book was so damn adorable and downright funny. Seriously, people on the bus probably gave me side-eye thinking I was going to go off on one… or I was on something.

I admit I don't remember the whole of The Duchess Deal as much as I thought I did because when I started reading I'd totally forgotten about Alex's chance meeting in the bookshop. Once I got remembering everyone from the last book, though, I was all kinds of happy. I loved Alex and her total misunderstanding in meeting Chase for the second time. Her swift put down of him and his behaviour was awesome and the names she gave his man cave were awesome. I adored Chase and Alex together from the very beginning. Especially when he chased her and offered her his coat when she was dripping wet and accepting a job offer as a governess for his unruly wards.

Another win for this book was the fact I enjoyed it despite there being children involved! I'm not normally one for books with children in. Sometimes the kids are cute in books and sometimes they just feel like a plot device and don't get fully fledged personalities. That was definitely not the case when it came to Rosamund and Daisy. That pair had so much personality it was bursting off the page with every scene they were in. They were hilarious little troublemakers and they were awesome. From the daily funerals of poor Millicent (a doll) which were hilarious to the petty thievery of Rosamund. They were not good, sweet little girls. They were beasts and I loved them. Especially when they started their lessons in piracy. They stole, they were dramatic, and they weren't afraid to talk back when necessary (or tip some water out of a window when Chase needed to cool off with his womanising).

I admit a little bit more of the cute romance between Alex and Chase would have made me happy, we got plenty of good scenes with them together but I would always be happy for more. Especially as when they were together I felt like they bounced back and forth from being head over heels (and in denial) to acknowledging their love but denying themselves because it's not the done thing. I hate that back and forth in romance and the ending was then dragged out because of it. But I did adore the two of them and was happy with every page we got with them on it. And their grand romantic finale was pretty amazing. I couldn’t help but swoon at Chase’s grand romantic gesture and Alex deserved to be swept off of her feet just a little.

It was a fantastic read. I loved Alex and Chase and their book was amazing I cannot wait for what the next one will be. I will spend my time contemplating rereading Tessa Dare because I know I’ve not read some of her earlier books, like the Stud Club books. She always has me laughing whilst reading her romances and they are the kind of books you want to hug close upon finishing because you are always happy to see her characters got their happily ever after.

The Governess Game is the second book in the Girl Meets Duke series by Tessa Dare which can be read as a standalone story.

Alexandra Mountbatten has quite a unique job, she sets and winds the clocks in the homes of the elite. When she arrives at the home of Chase Reynaud to do the job he assumes she is there to take on the job of governess to two young girls whom he is the guardian of. She quickly puts him straight and leaves. Not long after, events occur which see her not only taking a plunge into the Thames, but also back at Chase's door with no choice but to accept the governess position.

With the weight of guilt on his shoulders over the death of a loved one, Chase has long decided that he wants no commitments. He has no choice but to take in his two young wards, but he is determined to keep them safe from him by making sure he never develops feelings towards them. He also refuses to become committed to a single woman and has made quite the name for himself as a rake, enjoying passionate nights with many different women. He is content with his life, or is it all just a facade?

Having Alexandra living under his roof, looking after his wards, and constantly being a source of distraction for him because of her beauty and her whole being changes his whole life. He starts to give in to feelings that he has been fighting for most of his life. Alexandra has been secretly in lust, if not in love with Chase since she first bumped into him, literally, in a bookshop many months ago. Working for him is nothing like she expected, but in ways, it is so much more. The more she gets to know him the more she likes him, and it's not hard to love his two wards. The three of them need Alexandra even if they don't realise it at the start. The question is, will the happy months they spend together all come to an abrupt end if Chase keeps to his plans of sending the girls off to school after the summer?

What an absolute delight this book was. Chase's young wards were fabulous with the antics they got up to, not least the multiple deaths and funerals of one of the youngest one's dolls. Every scene with them in it was wonderful even if it wasn't a funny one. The emotional scenes were just as good and happily were evened out with even funnier scenes to follow. As for the relationship between Chase and Alexandra, they were either battling their attraction to each other or giving in to it in a big way. The intimate scenes between them were off the scale because not only was their passion palpable, their love, despite not owning up to it made their lovemaking much sweeter to read. I just couldn't wait until Chase realised that he wasn't a danger to Alexandra or his wards.

Everything about this story was wonderful, my poor face ached from so much smiling and laughing throughout it. Romance, passion and fabulous humour throughout made this a perfect book that I happily recommend.

This was a great read with interesting and lively characters. I loved the main characters of Alexandra and Chase. Alex had an unusual background, She was quite forthright in her views and had a love of astrology. Chase had a childhood bereft of love and had a poor opinion of himself. He had many meaningless affairs. They had some very amusing and witty dialogue that brought a smile to my face. Chase’s two wards, Rosamund and Daisy were two loveable imps. I wondered what they would get up to next. I’m looking forward to reading the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and even bought the one before it, after I'd read. Tess Dare has a lovely touch with characters. The touches of wit always go down well with me. In fact, she can evoke just about every emotion.

A fun and quick read of a historical romance. The story was nice if predictable, and the characters were just the right amount of quirky. The ending was a bit rushed - perhaps the author knew that the reader would know how it would all end, so she didn't feel like dragging it out more. But that's okay, still a fun read. I also enjoyed the little idiosyncratic references from modern pop culture. I'd recommend to anyone seeking a quick quirky historical romance with a HEA.

Tessa Dare is one of my favourite authors, so I was thrilled to get my hands on an early copy of The Governess Game. It's a historical romance, but written in the style of a modern romantic comedy, and is the second in the Girl Meets Duke series. Each book is effectively a stand alone, so you don't need to read them in order. The link between the stories is a group of female friends.

Chase Reynaud is in denial. He doesn't want to be the heir to a dukedom and he certainly doesn't want to be the guardian to two little orphaned girls, Rosamund and Daisy. The girls aren't thrilled to be dumped on him either and delight in making his life difficult. Their best time for frightening off a new governess currently stands at seventeen and a quarter hours. Which is why Chase offers Alexandra a fortune to take on the job - and is why she takes it!

Alexandra Mountbatten earns her living ensuring the clocks of the wealthy keep perfect time. How she ends up as the governess to the two young wards of Chase Reynaud is a little convoluted but didn't spoil my enjoyment of the story. Purists won't like the historical inaccuracies; although some of these, like the quote from The Titanic movie, are deliberate and add to the fun. But that's The Governess Game in a nutshell - a lighthearted romcom that's a whole lot of fun.

I loved the characters, their rapid-fire banter and all the one liners. Chase tries so hard to duck out of his responsibilities - there is a running joke throughout the story about his attempt to build himself a 'gentleman's retreat'. But the best part of the story is definitely the antics of the children - Daisy's doll 'funerals' had me in stitches and she reminded me of Tootie in Meet Me in St Louis.

Recommended, especially if you love light-hearted, funny historical romance, and authors such as Julia Quinn and Eloisa James.


The Governess Game is out in the UK on the 28th of August 2018.

Thank you to Tessa Dare and Mills & Boon for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

'The Governess Game' follows Alexandra, a single woman working to provide for herself while living in Victorian London. Until events unfold and she ends up being hired as a governess by the duke's heir, in the hopes of caring for and teaching the young wards that he is newly the guardian of. 

I feel as though the author did a great job in keeping the book very authentic to the time in which it is set, although there was a couple of things that I picked up on here and there, but it wasn't worrisome enough to pull me out of the story. The plot was continuously intriguing, and Tessa Dare's writing was once again extremely addictive. It's one of those books that makes you feel happy.

Even though it was a very enjoyable read, I also found it very predictable and a little underwhelming in some cases. I think that was because the plot was predictably structured, whereas most of the book is the build up to a slight problematic dip in the road and is inevitably resolved a little too half hazard way. Which did disappoint me, as I really enjoyed 'The Duchess Deal', that one seemed to have so much more depth. It's not that its bad in any way shape or form, but it just didn't wow me. 

The book as a whole was very well written, and a very quick easy read. Alexandra was an interesting and unique protagonist but something stopped me from loving her, I'm not sure whether it was the writing or something else entirely, but I found her a little boring. In addition, Chase was very similar to many other characters/love interests I've read about previously so that didn't help the story at all. I'm not going to lie, my favourite scenes most of the time, were the ones with Rosamund and Daisy. They were hilarious, unique and the most well developed characters in the whole book; they were the entire reason I kept reading. 

I also loved the scenes in which characters from the previous novel popped up, that was great! I just couldn't seem to connect to the main characters in this particular story. I found myself rolling my eyes at a lot of the dialogue.

I will be picking up more of the author's work in the future, I just feel as though this one was sadly not for me.

Rating: 3 Stars

I've rated this three stars despite not finishing it because the author writes with a delightful sense of humour and a wonderful turn of phrase. Her ideas are fun, well-executed, but, as with many American writers, lacks the ability / desire / can't be bothered to do her research and get the little details that bring the past to life right and so I found that these erring details spoiled the book as it was transformed from a fun read set in 1817 to a story dated 1817 that could actually have been set in any year in a span of around 200 years and with a few tweaks would fit in almost any year.

Yes, I know it is Mills & Boon, but that doesn't mean the author can merely SAY it is set in Regency era London to let you know it is set in the Regency era, you should be able to work out the Regency bit from the story, but that just isn't the case here..

Lovely light hearted read.. Typical of this genre but it did not disappoint.
Loved the storyline.
Can’t recommend it enough.

I received a free ebook version of this book from Netgalley. Thankyou to both Netgalley and Mills and Boon! My review is still honest.

After absolutely loving The Duchess Deal recently, I was so excited for another romance from Tessa Dare. After this one, I can officially say I will read everything she has written and everything she will ever write-her romances just click with me in a way that perhaps only The Hating Game by Sally Thorne has done before, which is my all time favourite romance book.
The Governess Game follows Alexandra, a single working class woman living in the Victorian era. When circumstance forces her to take the role of governess to two troubled children, wards of a known rake, we are taken on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey through all different kinds of love.
I think what makes Dare stand out is that her heroines are intelligent, confident, admirable women who are just like what I aspire to be. Both Emma from The Duchess Deal and Alexandra in this one have been wonderful characters who truly stand out in the romance genre. They are not simpering idiots, or lack self respect, or will take any kind of awfulness from a man. Their relationships are built on respect and independence, and I just love it. They are well ahead of their time settings, being rather modern women in an old setting. These feminist elements are fantastic-there is some discussion in this one about men being forgiven for sexual promiscuity while women are often blamed and persecuted.
Dare's heroes are equally wonderful. Chase is such a tender hearted, damaged young man and my heart just broke for him. He's a great match for Alexandra and a great father figure to the girls, who were absolutely adorable rascals. His journey and development was one of the strongest aspects of the book as a whole.
I do have to say that you shouldn't expect total realism from this series. Everything is a little exaggerated, and things are a little convenient, and it isn't historically accurate at all, but this is a romance novel that intends to make you feel good, and it definitely succeeds. It's a fun, light hearted read that actually makes me feel better about my day and is one I really feel I take something away from, unlike so many other romances. It's laugh out loud hilarious and sexy in a non-cringey way and provided me with a great evening of reading.
I would urge anyone to give Dare's books a chance-this one could probably be read as a standalone, but I would recommend reading The Duchess Deal first. Let me know if I have managed to persuade anyone-I would love to fangirl with someone else about these gems!

3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book especially at the start. The first 60% was witty and the repartee between Alex, Chase and the children was heartening. Then Chase started having second thoughts and I thought it became too angst ridden. Tessa Dare’s characters are always realistic and I felt that Alexander’s character was warm and interesting, Chase had quite a few flaws and I think he started to get on my nerves. Alex was feminist enough to be prepared to jettison him and get on with her life. The final fifth was good so it was just that later middle section which I felt went off the boil. Overall the story was engaging and I liked that the heroine had several different careers, horologist, astronomer and governess. Ash and Emma turn up from the first book, which I’ve also read, and it was good to see how they were getting on.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by NetGallery in exchange for my honest review

This was an adorable example of the genre; peppered with anachronistic phrases (and behaviour!) and references to contemporary memes, but done in such a cheeky, light-hearted way that it works. Loved the adoption plot and the forming of the family, loved the side characters. Would've liked a little more substance.

A wonderful read it was enjoyable and I really enjoyed it would totally recommend reading it it won’t disappoint

4.5 Stars
Alexandra Mountbatten works setting the times on clocks but she tumbles into the Thames & her livelihood slips through her fingers, she 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. The ladies of London have tried and failed to make him settle down.
Like any self-respecting libertine, Chase lives by one rule: no attachments. When a stubborn little governess tries to reform him, he decides to prove he can’t be tamed.
This is the second book in the series & we met Alex in the first book, this book could well be read on its own. The characterisation is so very, very good & the verbal spats between Alex & Chase are brilliant, their attraction is apparent from the start & that first kiss was toe curling. The pace of the story is good & flows effortlessly. Rosamund & Daisy are delightful & add so much to the book. I really liked Alex who had worked to better herself. I liked Chase but not entirely happy with the way he pursued a member of his staff, this was the only downside for me in an otherwise lovely book.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A classic meeting and a misunderstanding lead to a sizzling romance. The Governess Game is the second book in the Girl Meets Duke series.
After clumsy meeting with a handsome stranger in a shop, Alexandra Mountbatten fantasizes about him but doesn’t think she will ever see him again. As chance would have it, she ends up knocking on his door and he offers her a job as governess to his two unruly wards. Chase Reynaud, enjoyed his life as a rake with no attachments, except now he has inherited two little girls who need to be tamed quickly so that he can send them to boarding school and return to his normal life of debauchery, which isn’t an easy task. After fifteen governesses quit, an intriguing woman shows up and gives him a berating, he believes he has found the solution. However he is very attracted to her as she is different from any one before.
Alex and Chase’s relationship is very unconventional compared to the usual regency romances. Alex holds her own and is clever and independent. Chase although a womaniser, is a lovable character and truly confused by his feelings for Alex. The girls are a good comic feature and I loved Daisy’s seemingly endless list of ways to kill of her doll. The conversations are well written and funny. It was great to have interactions from the other characters in the series and see how their stories are progressing.
This is the second Tessa Dare book that I couldn’t put down and finished in one night. Really looking forward to Nic and Penny’s Stories.

Oh this is such a romantic, sexually seductive, humorous, historical, erotic story. From one page to the next you won't want to stop reading until the end, and then you'll wish there was more.
Sooooo good!