Mr. Grier and the Governess... Where do I begin?

As I've said before, I've read a ton of regency romance before, the most popular being the Bridgeton series. But even light-hearted miss Quinn can put her characters in such suffering (at worst) and unease (at best) that can make a reader like me squirm.

My point being: regency romances tend to make their main characters— and even side characters —suffer a great degree. I'm not saying Miss Barnes didn't hone and shape Mr. Grier And Olivia (the aformentioned Governess) through trials and obstacles. She did, in a very dignified and purposeful way.

What I loved about this universe is its kindness towards Olivia, Grayson, and everyone else. It's not a bleak world, though society has caged many a good person here, it's more of how the characters have built a kinder environment for both main characters to thrive.

I love how Olivia was taken in by the Sutton Hall staff without even knowing who she was, due to the fact she was sopping wet in the rain. I've read many books that would have thwarted miss Poole from finding such kind people. But here, she found family in her charge, friends from the staff, and true love from a man who has decided to marry for love or not marry at all.

I admire her for her tenacity, her sense of family, and her enormous heart for loving Mr. Grier even when at first he has made it clear he cannot marry her.

Spoilers: he did, despite all, and come hell or high water for society.

Mr Grier is just the man I love in a story; he is very Darcy-like.

I love the plot and every petty and non-petty friction between the characters. I love that it's a found-family trope in regency, and I love that the ending is so perfect for everyone. Note: it has HEA.

Would love to read more of Miss Barnes' work!

Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing me this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

After the death of her father, Miss Olivia Poole goes in search of not only a livelihood, but also the right to live her life without the control of the strict rules to which he subjected the family.

She takes with her the promise made to her also deceased sister Agnes, to fulfill the items on a list in which are their desires to live moments never lived before due to lack of opportunity or also for all the austerity they were subjected to. This list includes items such as sail a boat, go for a late night swim, learn to ride a horse, wear something scandalous, learn to fence, sleep outside under the stars or see the ocean.

She then ends up getting a job as a governess at Mr. Grayson Grier's house. This job will make it easier to live some of those moments but will force her to hide her accomplishments since some of the wishes could not be considered as suitable for the instructor of a sixteen year old girl, Miss Juliana Edwards.

Mr. Griers lives a life ruled by obligations and tormented by the horrors of war, the death of his father and one of the his best friends and mistakes of the past.

It builds up between Miss Poole and Mrs. Grier, a relationship initially based on respect, admiration until they find themselves in love with each other. He then becomes part of the last item on the list by having his name added after experience a kiss, but they both stifle their feelings because of social conventions.

The reader follows without wanting to stop reading the attempts, obstacles, difficulties of execution and successes in fulfilling the desires of the sisters described in the list so many years before, as well as the feelings aroused by living each of them, still waiting to know what would be the next desire as well as the development of the couple's feelings that oscillates between reason and emotion.

Historical romance lovers and fans of Jane Eyre need to to have Mr. Grier and the Governess by Sophie Barnes!

Olivia Poole (nod to JE) is finally out from under the controlling thumb of her vicar father and now needs to make her own way in the world. Thankfully her father highly educated her and she now hopes to find a job as a governess.

Too bad she needs a position immediately but there are none and her lack of references aren’t making things easier! A housemaid position will have to do…

Taking a risk, she arrives unannounced and finds the position filled but is welcomed by the houses ward and soon finds that her governess skills coming in handy… that is until the handsome guardian returns and puts her to the rest!

This epic romance was an absolute delight! I loved all the fun nods to Jane Eyre and the beautiful way Barnes introduces her characters, their stories and weaves together their love story!

I was swept away from the beginning and bereft when I finished… which wasn’t long because I totally binged this romance!

This was a romance that harkens back to the classics and completely delivers! Pick this one up today!

Thanks to Sophie Barnes for my eBook review copy from NetGalley. Paperback version purchased by myself. Opinions expressed are completely my own.



#MrGrierAndTheGoverness #SophieBarnes #NetGalley

Mr. Grier is focusing on what are his responsibilities, not women. But when he meets the new governess hos unflappable disposition is tested.
I enjoyed this book. But what I really enjoyed were the side stories that were interwoven in the actual story. Excellent writing, although similar to other governess stories, it kept my attention all the way through.

I recieved a free copy so that I can tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

This was a pleasant read though it could have been far shorter. The protagonists belong to different stations; she is the governess, he is the lord of the manor. She has witnessed her whole family pass away without any security blanket to cushion the fall. He is a rich, untitled man with a ward who will soon be of age A slow burn, I found myself struggling to get through the second half of the book. It was just too long!

I admired Olivia, the female lead, for her willingness to persist through some very challenging circumstances. She wills herself to find joy in completing her sister's bucket list, on principle of a vow she had made to her dying sister. I especially admired her for advocating for Greyson's ward, Juliana. She recognizes the inherent individuality and interests of the girl and works the system to encourage her unique interests.

Grayson is an interesting hero. He's emotionally shut off and his ward, Juliana has paid the price for this through the years. He's bossy, demanding, and a slight know-it-all. There is instalust in this story. But he is an stubborn man; constantly refusing to recognize that he can in fact marry the woman he loves as he isn't actually titled, just rich. This had my eyes rolling more than a few times.

The end annoyed me. The protagonists seemed hellbent on having poor communication skills. The misunderstanding were stupid, and I can't forgive a relationship with poor communication skills. It just doesn't work for me. Some of the subplots like the repeated blackmail were unnecessary. This book would have benefitted from having an aggressive editor to cut the noise.

Thanks netgalley for an advance copy of this book.

A five and thirty spinster that now has to set out into the world on her own. Life has not treated Olivia well. Her vicar father has died and the new one has set her out of her home. Olivia decides to apply for a work as a maid at a hall that was advertising for a position. Bad weather hinders clear understanding when she arrives at the hall. When it is proven that Olivia is more suitable for a governess position for his niece, Mr. Grier is not happy with the situation. There is also a list that she and her deceased sister had made up that Olivia feels she has to complete to ensure that her sister still lives on. Trust and understanding ensures a happy ending. Sophie Barnes writes fantastic books. Try and read them all.

The second book in the Brazen Beauties series. Olivia Poole gets hired by Grayson Grier to look after his ward. I enjoyed seeing their story get a happy ending even with the misunderstanding that happened. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is story is about 2 characters who are brought together when, Olivia, a spinsterish vicar's daughter applies for a position in Grayson's home while he is away in London visiting friends. They meet after Olivia is offered the position as governess to Grayson's ward, Juliana, after her previous governess was dismissed. The story is a slow burn bringing Grayson and Olivia together to discuss Juliana's progress and carry out the list of things Olivia had promised her deceased sister she would experience once she was free of her life with their father. Mrs. Barnes provides the reader with a richly woven tale of love that can occur when you aren't expecting it. I received this story as an ARC from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

As well written and easy to read as usual for this author however I did find it somewhat slow and it was a bit of a predictable read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is another great Regency Romance with many twists that I did not see coming. The action and plot move this series along, making me love every book. I felt excited as I read this and feel happy that I read it. Amazing! I Loved It!!! No Spoilers!.

A historical twist of the Cinderella story and a bit of a old favorite classic thrown in written with Sophie Barnes typical flare! Olivia Poole has lost the last member of her family. Her father was a Vicar and a hard taskmaster. Hoping for any type of employment she winds up on the doorsteps of Sutton Hall. Where the kindly Housekeeper and Butler give her shelter from the storm…..alias fairy godparents.
Grayson Grier has many obligations, one of which is to return home to Sutton Hall and sort out the mess with his ward and find a new governess. Once home he discovers that his staff had already found a replacement, but Miss. Poole lacks references. Of course there is also the problems of two ladies trying to get him to propose and how to avoid that. A secret that must be kept and a new governess that is constantly distracting him.
Slow building romance, but a servant mustn’t have feelings for her employer. And a employer mustn’t lust after their staff. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #MrGrierandtheGoverness

A wonderful story of love found when least expected, when it seems fate steps in.

She was left to make her way, when her all her family where gone and goes to apply for a job as a maid. But when that job does not turn out, a better one does! She becomes the governess for the owner's ward.

When he finds out, a new governess if hired, he goes to determine what is going on. When he meets her, there is a definite attraction, but he wants to marry for love!

Loved this couple was older and their journey to happiness had several twist and turns, including a great side romance of another couple. Not to be missed!

Different stations.

What I liked about this book was that Olivia and Grayson were older, she's 35, he's in his mid-forties. There is a difference in station, she's a highly educated vicar's daughter, he's technically her employer, as Olivia accidentally becomes a governess to Grayson's teenage ward. I also liked that Grayson had a good relationship with his friends and mother, though he is in over his head with a ward he needs to launch into society. I also appreciated that their relationship had to develop and evolve.
Recommend.

I received a copy from Netgalley; this is my honest review
-The premise of the story is that Olivia and Grayson are of two different stations in life. Grayson had previously discussed this with someone (I can't remember with whom) and he was okay with mixed stations as long as love was involved. Then when Juliana read the story of Ferdinand and Louise, he doesn't understand why Juliana is upset (saying they shouldn't be together). Then the problem arises once more with Olivia and it's not a small problem.
-Up to ~52% I enjoyed the banter, the list, Juliana, etc. Five stars. But after that, most of my notes look like "OMG she's going too far with this". I dropped to 3 stars, thus the 4 stars. Olivia has been sheltered all her life (and she's 35 now) and is NOT street smart, and yet she believes she's right in everything she sees and make up huge assumptions.
-At 75% I just realized that both Grayson and Olivia have been lying to everyone as to where they were gone to. At some point, Grayson gives some time to Olivia so she can think of what she would answer. I don't think it's a good start.
-I loved how Nathaniel solved his problems, and those of Mrs. Newhurst's too with Henry.
-I loved, loved, loved the side story with Philip and Mary. Something I thought of them as ghosts too. They were discreet and quiet and were up to mischief with the master.
-Unbelievable bit: Olivia went dancing with Grayson a month after her wrist was broken. Nope. That's not happening. Especially when he spun her around.
-I have a love/hate relationship with the idea of doing someone else's bucket list but the author wrote it well by adding some wishes for both ladies.

Mr Grier and the Governessby Sophie Barnes was a delightful surprise. I really enjoyed this novel. I thought the female characters were well-rounded and interesting. The main male character, Grayson made me feel sorry for him because he lost the act of being joyful.

Olivia Poole has no place to go, but screwing up her courage she decided to try to see, house-maids position in a nearby town. The problem being once she got there, the job was no longer open. The housekeeper and the butler, being really good people, were willing to keep her overnight while they problem-solved how to help her out. Meanwhile the governess at the home is threatening her ward.

Grayson Greer is struggling. He has a young ward that really needs an understanding governess. Juliana is very intelligent and incredibly interested in biology. She wants to learn the reproductive system of mice and dissect animals which is so far out of the norm for this time.Her present governess was threatening her and the housekeeper and butler were horrified and let her go. Luckily Olivia was there.

Olivia Poole becomes her governess and helps her find her way. However Grayson and Olivia spark off each other quite nicely. With a little help from different inhabitants of the house and a lot of luck perhaps they'll be able to find their happily ever after with each other.

Mr. Greer and the Governess was a great read. I love historical romance novels and this one's a great one to read. I hope everyone enjoys it like I did.

Sumptuous romance!

Richly detailed and delightfully surprising, this endearing romance kept me captivated from start to finish. We're immediately dropped into Olivia's grief, sharing her experiences as she faces an uncertain future with equal parts awe and desperation.

Grayson was a little harder to get to know, until he returned to his manor and accepted emotional responsibility for his ward's well-being. Profoundly insightful inner monologues add tremendous depth to the story, carrying the reader along with the characters as they first clash then bond with each other over their shared interest in seeing to Juliana's future.

This book is longer than average, but not even a little bit drawn out. There's a lot at stake for both Grayson, his ward, his brother, and Olivia as well, plus we get a charming secondary romance that I wouldn't have missed for anything. To rush the romance would have been a great disservice; the slow burn and gradual acceptance of changes was the only approach that could work for these characters. The surprise solution near the end of the book spilled quite a few secrets even as it exquisitely wrapped up all the loose ends.

The timeline runs concurrently with that of the earlier book, Mr. Dale and the Divorcée, but is not significantly connected to that story. It has a wonderful HEA that, like the earlier book, ties up everyone's story with a happy ending. It was a joy to read and one I will surely read again and again. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I loved this story! Wonderfully written, well-defined characters, and an emotional roller-coaster of a plot. Mr. Grayson Grier is a former military man, ready to do his duty to his estate, and duty means marrying, but certainly not for love. Olivia Poole, who becomes the governess, is the daughter of a vicar, homeless and nearly penniless. Their journey to HEA is beautifully written with emotional highs and lows, and interesting secondary characters both good and bad. Highly recommend! I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book from NetGalley, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sophie Barnes is always so pleasing, her characters interesting and easy to love, and her plots fast-moving. She is exactly what I need when I feel I am in a reading rut.

I loved Olivia Poole, the daughter of a poor Vicar who has just passed away. She is all alone in the world, and comes to a house with a kind staff who take her in. They realize she's well-educated, so they suggest she become the governess of the ward living in the house. I love all of the characters in this book, and especially Juliana, the young ward, because of her desire to be a scientist in a time when she isn't even allowed to go to university, and it supposed to only care about gowns and nabbing a husband. Olivia is also a winning heroine. She is clever enough to call out Mr. Grier, who turns out not to be as immovable as he first seems. I just really adore that everyone is kind to each other, and there is sexy tension, but no one has to undergo a total character reversal for the love to evolve. I really only have the highest praise for this sweet book.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.

Mr. Grier and the Governess is book 2 in the series. It. Can definitely be read as a stand alone.
This the story of Grayson and Olivia.
Grayson is a gentleman, not of the peerage. He is a land owner, a veteran, and head of his family.
Olivia is a spinster, a daughter of a vicar and extremely well educated. After taking care of her dying sister, her sick mother and eventually,years later, her father. When her father died, she was given a week to vacate the vicarage. She finds a job at Sutton Hall,
The story of Olivia and Grayson is one where two people who have lost themselves due to their past history. They find themselves and each other and fall in love. Of course not without some obstacles.
What I liked is that it was a romance between two mature people, Grayson is In his early 40's and Olivia her 30's. I loved Grayson 's ward Julianna.
What I didn't like was the romance part felt a little flat.
But all in all , I enjoyed this book.
I give it ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

Grayson Grier is incensed that a new governess for his ward was hired and the other one fired while he was in London. He must return to Sutton Hall to check out this new governess. Olivia Poole, after her father's death, goes to Sutton Hall to apply for the position of a housemaid. The most she can hope for without references. Instead she is given the job of governess to Grayson's ward. Olivia's first meeting with Grayson goes better than expected. They are immediately attracted to each other. Day by day, night by night it only grows stronger. A difference in class is an obstacle. But Grayson finds himself caught in the middle of two ladies and blackmail. Will he ever acknowledge his love for Olivia? A mature couple find love!
Passion off the charts.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.