This was a great story that I quickly found myself caught up in. It was written with such thought and detail you picture yourself there and the characters are friends.

This book is part of a series but it can be read as a standalone. I haven't read the others. I have a track recorded of being underwhelmed with historical romances at the moment and this book did not break the trend.

It was predictable and over long. I did like the mature ages of the main characters but there was so much unnecessary details that it detracts from the story.

I didn't hate it but it also wasn't memorable.

I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I usually love a rake and a list that has to be completed and that includes some romance and adventure, but this one wasn't for me.

I adore Sophie Barnes, she has a way of beautifully laying out her story with an ease and understanding. Her characters are drawn with care and consideration. The plotting beautifully focused on the building of the romance and featuring the characters and their journey. Mr. Grier and the Governess highlights Barnes' talent in the best light and my heart is left warm and full. If you love Sophie Barnes you are sure to enjoy this novel! If you have never read Sophie Barnes, what are you waiting for?

I love a governess and employer romance, I love watching the way the author will traverse the terrain of power and make sure that the hero and heroine always stay on the same foot and pace. This is a lovely and soft romance between two mature people, who are both independent on their own, trying to work their way through their current situations, and finding an understanding with each other. Sophie Barnes is able to softly grown this romance, and crafts a heroine who is worth rooting for.

I have been charmed by this series and Barnes' other works and I am highly looking forward to what is next from her!

I just love it when a sneaked peak or overheard conversation has positive results!
Olivia becomes a governess, but has her bucket list. And on that list.... is an item she wants her employer, Grayson, to help her with. Oh this is so good! Don't miss this latest by the amazing Sophie Barnes!

A woman with a list! This was a delightful and entertaining romance.
Many thanks to BookBuzz and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Mr. Grier and the Governess by Sophie Barnes was highly entertaining as well as romantic. Usually, historical contain either simple plots or convoluted ones. This book on the other hand simply reads as a bystander re-counting of events that they felt needed to be shared. Olivia Poole’s personality comes through very clearly through the pages and her character develops more as the book continues. One can see why she was given the job of governess when maid was no longer available. She is out to live her life and make new experiences after living quite hard and Grayson Grier really does seem to be quite Darcy like as she extols. The dialogue between the two main characters grabs you from the go and though this is by no way a rushed romance, you find yourself perfectly comfortable with the pace set by the writer. After all, with two people from different class systems falling in love and one of them being miles above the other’s class system is no surprise that scheming widows, marriage minded mothers, a darling ward and some blackmail would not arise. All in all, it keeps the reader enthralled and my only complaint comes with Olivia running away and not taking a stand. That simply did not sit well with me after her character and her strength were so well defined in the book. I cannot say much ore without giving the whole story away, so I’ll give you guys a chance to checkout this well worth read on your own. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review, happy reading!

Thanks to Netgalley for another ARC. I enjoyed this one, although I have to admit that one of my least favorite tropes is misunderstandings between the love interests. I really cannot take it when people make assumptions and act on them without giving the other person the opportunity to explain. I mean, it was a necessary part of the plot, but it irritated me, nonetheless.

This story involves Mr. Grayson Grier, a wealthy gentleman, and Miss Olivia Poole, a vicar’s daughter turned governess after the death of her father, who left her penniless. Naturally, they’re going to fall in love, and very early on we learn the main impediment between them is social standing. He views her as a servant and she views him as master, and therefore, anything between them would be socially unacceptable. Although Olivia fantasizes about a life with Grayson, she knows it can never be because he must maintain his social position. Grayson, selfishly, feels the same way. Okay, he’s not completely selfish—he’s considering the imminent coming-out of his charge Miss Juliana Edwards. He’s trying to figure out how to marry Olivia without affecting Juliana’s ability to attract the right husband.

Meanwhile, Grayson is caught between two other women expecting marriage—one thinks she loves him and her mother is threatening unfounded blackmail, while the other is a former lover of his whom he’d dumped once he’d found out she’d been lying about her marital status. Now widowed, she doesn’t pretend to love him, but threatens a different kind of blackmail. There’s one point in the story where Lady Oldbridge, mother of the young lady who thinks she loves Grayson, thinks she has him trapped. She goes to his house with her husband and Grayson finds them waiting in his parlor. “They turned, their expressions brightening with the sort of glee one might expect from villains who’d just executed a devious plan without anyone being the wiser.”

Grayson’s younger brother, Nathan helps him to navigate these deadly waters, avoiding the “parson’s mousetrap” with either of these women, in surprising yet logical ways. The misunderstanding occurs because Grayson doesn’t explain to Olivia what is going on, and she jumps to conclusions based on hearsay.

I don’t think I’m spoiling anything. I’m not providing details. You don’t read a romance for the mystery. We all know it’s probably going to end with an HEA, and this one does. It’s good and I recommend it.

This is an author that I have been reading for many years. I have loved reading her books from the first one I picked up. Her books keep getting better and better with every book that she writes. Her books are engaging and hard to put down. This book is no different. This is a well written historical romance story about a guardian and his ward. What happens with them you do not want to miss. They pulled me into their world from the start. They have great growth and chemistry throughout which made their story easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced story that is hard to put down. The characters bring the story to life on each page. The author's use of details made me feel as if I was part of their story. This is a must read story that you don't want to miss. I highly recommend this book and this author.

I used to say that I could not stand to read romance novels. It appears that I have changed my mind recently and have started reading many, many books of that genre. Some of those books were just okay, some were horrendous, and some were amazing. I enjoyed this story and how the characters interacted. It didn't seem like a total cookie cutter romance story and I am thankful for that. The characters actually felt like there was attraction that came on naturally instead of being forced on the reader.

Olivia Poole has had a strick upbring when he father dies she decides to break out and find a job and fufill her sister's bucket list Grayson Grier is raising a friends daughter and needs a new governess this book is good I just reviewed Mr. Grier and the Governess by Sophie Barnes. #MrGrierandtheGoverness #NetGalley
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I love this series by Barnes. The characters have a lot of development and growth. The romance and attraction are sizzling.

This is the delightful second installment of The Brazen Beauties series. I was hooked from Book 1 and this one also did not disappoint.
With her father now gone, Olivia is forced to leave the vicarage she had grown up in and find her own way. She travels to Sutton Hall in hopes of securing a position as a housemaid. Grayson is the heir of Sutton Hall, but is rarely in residence. When he finds out that a new governess for his ward has been hired without his input, he immediately makes plans to return so that he may see this new governess for himself. When he arrives, he meets Olivia, the new governess. There is an immediate spark between them when they meet, and it doesn't take long for them to grow close and develop an affection for each other. However, their difference in class will prove to be an obstacle. Not to mention Grayson must deal with a little blackmail.
This story was well-written, intriguing, and entertaining and I had an absolutely lovely time reading it. The build-up between Olivia and Grayson was strong and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. A lovely addition to the series and I am looking forward to reading more!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

So heartwarming... when you're not reading this book, you'll be hugging it. Remarkable characters, who will stay with you for a long time. A true escape within the pages of a book, filled with adventure, rekindled romance and second chances.

Give me an older heroine any day and I’m happy. I enjoyed the first book in this series and this was great too. Olivia and griers interest was a slow burn but effectively rendered. I loved Olivia’s relationship with everyone in the house.

Sophie Barnes crafts a nice story in this trope, and no earls or other aristos, just respectable gentry and trade.
I liked Olivia and her charge was delihhtful in her desire to understand natural sciences through mice... although I did agree that keeping them in the bedroom in boxes was less than ideal. Such a shame that she could go to university then. But I'm sure she continued in her studies eventually writing scientific articles.

Lovely heroine, haunted hero, well developed and likeable characters, and believable situations and actions made for a lovely read. I was vested in these characters, I cared about what they were going through and couldn’t wait to see how they would come together. Highly recommended!

Sophie Barnes's second book in The Brazen Beauties Series, and the series title fits so well! I've always loved this author's books and this one is no exception. A well created world, and two people meant to find each other with some fun and love along the way.

Olivia is our heroine, brought low by the loss of her entire family - most recently her father. She's even considered too old to marry. This causes her to answer an ad for a position as a maid that starts her life in a new direction. When she gets to the home for the position, she learns it's been filled, the staff takes her in and allows her a better position as a governess - they take it on themselves to sack the current governess. When Mr. Grier comes home, he finds his ward happier due to a new governess and himself drawn to the woman.

What follows is discovery of each other, how Grayson and Olivia come together - especially with Olivia's list to finish off - a list she started with her sister who has passed on how to live her life to the fullest - last on the list? A kiss! There was no one Olivia wanted to check that box besides Grayson and as he becomes more and more tempted by her daily, he will likely rise to the occasion.

I really enjoyed this book, both characters are working with the circumstances given to them. Olivia in particular was a great heroine, ready to meet the challenges head on with determination.

Definitely a great weekend read that will leave a good feeling with you for the rest of the week!

My opinion is my own and freely given.

This is a story with some emotions involved for sure. I enjoyed the way secrets were revealed. And then just when you thought all secrets had been exposed, more secrets became known. Lots of side stories in this book which certainly kept it interesting. You will be turning page after page to see what happens next.

Mr. Grier and the Governess by Sophie Barnes is the second book of The Brazen Beauties. Olivia Poole has passed the typical age for marriage in Society. She has taken up the job as governess to Mr. Grier’s ward after Olivia’s father passed away and she must leave home to start a new life. Olivia made a vow to her late sister to live life to the fullest, and she doesn’t intend to break that promise. The last challenge on her list the sisters created together is for her to kiss someone. This will be tricky, because the only person Olivia can imagine kissing is Mr. Grier. Grayson Grier inherited from his father before he expected to, and now he must do right by his new ward. He is aggravated when he learns his staff has elected to fire the current governess while he’s out of town. When he meets Olivia, he hires her on against his better judgment. He is tempted by her more and more each day.

I enjoyed Olivia the most in this story. I think she’s well-educated and determined. I didn’t feel the chemistry between Olivia and Grayson much, though.