Joyous!
Prentice protégé Georgie struggles to hide her inner Joan of Arc. So much so, in order to find her a position as governess, Miss Prentice has to stamp on her foot to keep her quiet during an interview with a potential employer.
Admiral in waiting, Harry Kincaid, has little choice but to engage Georgie to look after his sister's bohemian brood while she galivants off to Egypt, not to mention their very large dog.
After a miserable upbringing with her military stepfather, Georgie despairs of her employer's strict timekeeping and ideas about education. She gradually and successfully undermines his regime, creating happy children - and dog.
Along the way Georgie helps Harry look to his own career and consider just who's dream he's living, while she has to reconsider the future she thought she'd have.
With a fabulous cast of characters I loved this story from the first page, frequently laughing out loud at the chaos. At times it reminded me of The Sound Of Music, although Harry never actually used a whistle to gather in the children.
Great fun and a real page turner equals a happy reader.

Lovely start to the series, looking forward to the rest. Heath is a fantastic author. The cover is fantastic.

The definition of a regency romp! Really good warm, with funny moments and tender moments and enough drama to keep you turning the pages to find out what happens to Georgie and Henry well into the night ... (cough cough)

"All's Fair in Love and War" by Virginia Heath is a delightful and spirited historical romance that captures the charm and wit of Regency-era England. Heath’s writing is both engaging and humorous, bringing to life a story filled with lively banter, clever plots, and irresistible chemistry between the protagonists.

The novel centers around two characters who find themselves at odds—whether in competition, rivalry, or simply through misunderstandings. As they navigate the social intricacies and challenges of their time, their initial animosity begins to transform into something far deeper and more passionate. Heath expertly balances the tension and attraction between the characters, creating a slow-burn romance that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.

What sets "All's Fair in Love and War" apart is its combination of romance and humor. Heath has a knack for writing sharp, witty dialogue that captures the essence of the characters and their evolving relationship. The historical setting is richly detailed, adding depth and authenticity to the story while also providing the perfect backdrop for the romantic and often humorous antics that unfold.

The supporting characters and subplots add to the richness of the novel, making it a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable read. Heath's ability to blend romance with a touch of mischief and a lot of heart makes "All's Fair in Love and War" a standout in the historical romance genre.

This novel is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of romance, wit, and historical charm, with a plot that keeps you guessing and characters you can’t help but root for. Virginia Heath has crafted a story that is as delightful as it is romantic, making it a must-read for fans of Regency romance and anyone who loves a good love story with a dash of humor and a lot of heart.

It is 1820, and Georgie Rowe is the only one in her year group still to secure a post as a governess, perhaps due to her outspoken views on how young children should be educated. Naval captain Harry Kincaid is in urgent need of a governess, as his sister has gone to Egypt with her explorer husband, and left her three children in his care without so much as a by-your-leave. Being a naval officer, Harry is used to doing things in an orderly fashion, and, at first, is not impressed with Georgie’s progressive teaching methods. As Felix, Marianne and Grace are not used to traditional schooling anyway, Georgie has her work cut out, and that is before you factor in a very large and disruptive dog.
I enjoyed the fact that All’s Fair in Love and War was not about dukes and earls and invitations to society balls, but gave us a different picture of life in Georgian times. It was refreshing to read about Harry’s life in the navy, and for the setting to change from London to Plymouth and the surrounding countryside. We learn of Georgie’s miserable life with her step-father, who was a colonel in the army, before she was sent to Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies. This explains why she was not keen to become involved with Harry, as she foresaw what her life would be like when he went back to sea. For his part, Harry’s last experience of love almost destroyed him.
Although this is a romance novel, the children and Norbert the dog play a large part in the narrative. There is a lot of humour when the children play pranks, the dog misbehaves, and Harry consistently misquotes famous military leaders, only to be corrected by Georgie. We get both Georgie and Harry’s points of view which helps us understand the pressure Harry is under and his subsequent change of heart, and the importance to Georgie of having supportive friends among her fellow governesses. I thought there were too many overlong internal monologues that slowed down the narrative, but overall I really enjoyed All’s Fair in Love and War. I liked the ending (it reminded me of a scene in a movie), and though an epilogue would have been nice, hopefully we will meet them all again in the next book in this new series. Thanks to Headline Eternal and NetGalley for a digital copy to review.

I will not be reviewing this book as it unfortunately expired on my NetGalley shelf before I was able to read it. My review is based on the blurb of the book, which I will be reading when it was released.

A laugh out loud historical rom com that I consumed very quickly. There were times I genuinely laughed out loud which doesn’t happen often to me.

At times I wanted more depth and less skipping past certain moments or blocks of time, but keeping a lot of internal monologues especially by Harry the MMC. I could have done with less of those but I did enjoy that the book was dual POV, especially because we got to see Harry realise his own idiocy due to his amazing sister setting him straight.

I liked Georgie as FMC, she had her odd moments but seeing her with the kids really made me warm to her. The three children and the dog were scene stealers, I could picture the three of the causing havoc for years.

I felt the trope of the governess + employer was handled very well, both were conscious of it but it wasn’t so much of a pressure that it felt repetitive. I really enjoy this trope but struggle to find good versions of it so I’m glad to have a good example.

This was my first Virginia Heath book but I’ve been meaning to read her previous trilogy for ages. This has definitely made me want to pick those up soon.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I've always wanted to read a book from Virginia Heath and I'm so happy this one's been my first! It's a very funny and sexy historical romance story, first in a series I can't wait to continue in the near future. I've since then bought other books from the author and am looking forward to finishing them all!

All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath is the first installment in her new Regency series, Miss Prentice’s Protegees (St. Martin’s Griffin, May 2024).

Former naval captain Henry Kincaid, hires fledgling governess Georgie Rowe to manage his sister’s three unruly children and their dog. His well-ordered style clashes immediately with Georgie’s noisy, adventurous outlook, but where’s there’s a spark...

Henry Kincaid and Georgie Rowe were fun and enjoyable main characters; their chemistry was apparent from the beginning, and I enjoyed how they challenged one another. I think their story was a good launch point for this new series. Overall, though, I was disappointed. The pacing was all over the place – too much exposition and too little time spent developing the hero and heroine’s relationship; their scenes felt rushed and short-changed. I enjoyed the sense of humor and comedy imbued in the story, but some of these moments were just way over-the-top and too drawn out. Ms. Heath’s previous books have been absolute delights to read because they exuded energy and emotional depth, but All’s Fair in Love and War fell flat for me. I’m sad to say I am struggling to finish this book (which is a first for me).

I DO recommend All’s Fair in Love and War (with its charming hero and feisty heroine). I will definitely be reading the next installment (Ms. Heath is one of my favorite go-to authors; her books make me laugh, smile, and relax me).

I was intrigued when I read the premise of this story. Georgie had been employed by Captain Kincaid to be the governess of his nieces and nephew after his sister left them in his care unceremoniously.

Georgie and Harry were very different in the methods they preferred to teach the kids. Georgie was free-spirited and wanted them to have fun while learning. Harry on the other hand was a stickler for time and did not approve of her methods. Their butting heads was hilarious at times.

I did struggle to get through 60% of the story since it was mostly internal monologues and lengthy paragraphs; not the typical banter I'd expect from two adults at war with each other.

The remaining bit of the story was interesting however and I enjoyed seeing Georgie and Harry fall for each other. Georgie didn't like his profession as a captain in the Navy, and the prospect of waiting months on end and hoping for him to come back alive didn't sit well with her. I do love how everything worked out in the end.

Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I read a novel by Virginia Heath I always expect a good dose of entertainment, romance, and intrigue and All’s Fair in Love and War didn’t disappoint.

Sixteen-year-old Georgina “Georgie” Rowe is left by her odious stepfather on the steps of Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies where she will learn to become a governess. Six years later, all her friends have found jobs, while she’s just failed her thirty-third job interview because she simply can’t help voicing her more progressive teaching method to the parents.

Captain Henry Kincaid comes home from a long day of work to discover that her free-spirit sister has left her three young children in his care while she is off on an adventure with her husband in Egypt. Desperate for help, he turns to Miss Prentice and offers Georgie a job on the spot. Right from the beginning, they argue on their different ideas not only about teaching, but about everything. After a troubled childhood spent following her stepfather from navy base to navy base, Georgie wants to make sure that the children have the care and stability that she’s never had and she prefers children to have fun while learning. Henry, on the other hand, was raised by a stern Admiral who instilled in him a sense of duty and discipline and, following a romantic mishap that almost put a stop to his rise in the Navy, he has put his job in front of everything else, including his family. Being a Navy man, he believes in time management and order and prefers a more traditional and strict kind of schooling and life. Of course, the more time they spend together, the more their differences pale against the attraction they feel for each other.

If you are looking for a witty and romantic read, I can’t recommend All’s Fair in Love and War enough: there is slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, an adorable dog who often gets in trouble, and three energetic and charming children who know how to create havoc!

At 16, Georgie Rowe is sent to a prestigious school for governesses by her abusive stepfather after her mother dies of smallpox. Six years later, she's the last of her friends to be hired and is sent to Captain Harry Kincaid's household. Harry's free-spirited sister has left her three unruly children (and a dog) with him, while he, a strict and orderly Navy man, struggles with the new responsibility. Georgie, a bit of a rebel, works hard to manage the disciplined Captain and the energetic children who are not used to traditional schooling. Their romance develops slowly but engagingly, with a significant location change and many fun moments with the children and secondary characters. Georgie's past trauma, particularly her memories of her abusive stepfather, adds depth to the story.

3.5 stars. This Regency romance follows Georgie Rowe, a governess trained at a prestigious girls' school, as she secures a position in the household of naval officer Harry Kincaid. Harry unexpectedly gains temporary custody of his sister's three children, leading to Georgie's newfound role in their lives. Despite Harry and Georgie's contrasting personalities and Harry's deep commitment to his career, the relationship between the two protagonists gradually deepens, forcing them to make difficult choices.

The book is promising with its intriguing plot, and there were several aspects I found commendable. In particular, the portrayal of the three children under Georgie's care and Harry's bond with them was compelling. In addition, the 19th-century naval setting provided insight into how naval service affected family dynamics, which enriched the narrative.

What spoiled my enjoyment, however, was the imbalance between the characters' internal reflections and their actual interactions. Much of the book consisted of Georgie and Harry's inner thoughts, with minimal dialogue between them. This resulted in a slow-paced and somewhat cumbersome first half, where the development of the relationship felt primarily internal rather than manifested through tangible actions. While internal dilemmas are crucial to building tension in a romance, the lack of substantial interaction hindered the believability of the relationship's development. The second half of the book showed some improvement in this regard, as more significant events unfolded - but by then, the two were already in love.

It's unfortunate that the book wasn't more finely tuned, as it had the potential for rich emotional depth and longing that felt somewhat lacking. Nevertheless, I believe the book, despite its shortcomings, can provide enjoyable entertainment for historical romance enthusiasts.

A charming and steamy regency romance with a bold and outspoken heroine failing to build a career for herself and a brooding naval officer with an aversion to chaos. These two are an unlikely match but a sweet one when they get to know each other and break down walls built between them. Harry may not always have been saying the right things, but he's willing to hear he's wrong (sometimes) and his heart's in the right place. This is steamy romance was fun to read and I'm looking forward to Virginia's next book!

4 ⭐️

I think this may be my favourite Virginia Heath book. The tension was excellent, and the comedic relief was done well.

The best part was both the main characters' interactions with the children and how it changed their perspectives of each other. Each of the side characters felt well placed, too.

Within the first 20%, we get enough backstory to show us why our main characters see life and childhood the way they do and why they may not agree on it. I wouldn't say its enemies to lovers, but they definitely have different views when they meet. Despite the short time frame, their romance feels like it develops naturally.

I've gone with 4 stars because I do feel like the 3rd act conflict was somewhat unnecessary and would have preferred a more emotional realisation from Harry in regards to the admiral. But it works out in the end.

I'm looking forward to continuing the series (I am hoping Lottie will be next) and seeing where the others end up.

I received an advance review copy of this book, and this review represents my honest opinion. Thank you to netgalley, Virginia Heath, and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Review posted to goodreads and storygraph

Harry Kincaid, is left with his flighty older sister's three unruly children, when she & her husband set sail for Egypt & he hasn't a clue how to handle it. Desperate, and prepared to pay whatever it takes, he turns to Miss Prentice's School for Young Ladies for an emergency governess who can get his formerly ordered house running shipshape again. After a strict and miserable upbringing, fledgling governess Georgie Rowe doesn't believe that children should be seen and not heard. She believes that childhood should be filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery. Thankfully, the three Pendleton children are already delightfully bohemian and instantly embrace her unconventional approach. However, their staid, stickler-for-the-rules uncle, is another matter entirely.
The start of a new series & another delightful romance from the author. The characters have depth & are likeable, the pace is more of a stroll than a sprint but it held my interest all the way through. I loved both Georgie & Harry, she wants to embrace & enjoy life, he runs to a tight timetable & even has two watches. I loved the chemistry between them & how it grew hotter & hotter. The three children are a delight, manipulative until they meet their match in Georgie, throw in one large excitable dog & a puppy & I was one happy reader. There’s witty banter & humour including wardrobe malfunctions & a captured frog, which added to the enjoyment
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

All’s Fair in Love and War is the start of a new series by Virginia Heath following four friends graduating from Miss Prentice’s School for Girls and embarking on a career as governesses.
Miss Georgina Rowe is the only one among her friends still to procure a job as a governess. She never seems to be able to go further than an interview, largely due to her inability to hold her tongue when she disagrees with an employers strict views on bringing up children. The shame of being the oldest protegee of Miss Prentice without a job is not to be borne. So she grabs at the chance of a job when Captain Henry Kincaid turns up in desperate need of a governess for his nieces and nephew, after his sister leaves them on his doorstep for three months. The Captain may be set in his ways and have rigid ideas about what should happen in the schoolroom but she will grit her teeth and see through her first employment no matter what it takes. If only she can keep herself and the children out of scrapes for more than a day and she can stop yearning after the handsome captain himself!
Harry Kincaid’s stellar work for the Admiralty has him on course for a glittering career. His ordered and busy life cannot be disrupted just as he is set to achieve the promotion he has worked so many years for. Miss Rowe seems like the answer to his prayers. Surely she will be able to get his unruly nephew and nieces in line. If only he can keep his inappropriate attraction for his governess at bay. Marriage cannot be an option if Harry is to keep his career – but is it what he really wants?
This is a lovely slow burn romance with plenty of laughs along the way. Harry’s love of order in his life doesn’t detract from the fact that he is a wonderful uncle and a family man at heart. His family often frustrate him but he loves them all truly – a fact the children take full advantage of! I liked that Georgie and the children helped him unbend and he truly realised that the path he was on was not going to make him happy. He did take an awful long time to reach his epiphany though and was often so clueless. His offer to give up his career if Georgie told him to and his bewilderment when she refused was an absolute face palm!
Georgie is a lovely heroine. I loved how she managed Harry, the children and their dog! Her childhood was spent as an unwanted burden on her Colonel stepfather - going from military base to base till the death of her mother. She secretly yearns for a family of her own but she knows that she will always be second best to Harry’s career and refuses to accept that. She is smart and wise to children’s mischievous ways. Although she herself was completely clueless to her own charms and her belief that Harry kept staring at her because he disliked her red hair made for amusing reading.
I loved the side characters – the children were delightful and Harry’s sister arrived just in time to make him take a hard look at himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved Harry and Georgie and am looking forward to the next instalment. I received an advanced review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I just finished my ARC of ALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR provided by Virginia. .Wow! She hit all the relationship traps we have fallen into if we have any sort of life. Children not wanting to be in the classroom, different learning styles, expectations on so many levels, disappointing outcomes, and of course, big, rambunctious dogs. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I look forward to the next one. Thank you Virginia.

An absolutely delightful story about an overwrought Captain and his headstrong governess. Sweet, funny, and wholesome, it's the perfect book for anyone currently experiencing Bridgerton withdrawal.

I really enjoyed this book : It’s intelligent, humorous and historically authentic , as well as being emotionally satisfying.. Georgie and Harry are fabulous characters who I really enjoyed spending time with. For once, the children really played a great role in the story.

My love of historical romance and historical fiction in general started with Georgette Heyer many years ago. One of the things I loved about her was her wit and humour - which sadly few writers can emulate so well. Virginia Heath manages to combine intelligent writing with a deft touch that allows for fun and humour along, as well as more serious issues being addressed.