Watching Lisa Findlay on the stage of the Royal Coburg Theatre, Lord Ashe was captivated. When Lisa rejected his romantic advances he offered her a job as governess to his nephew. If the “ton”, or his dowager mother discovered her real profession, it would be a scandal.
But a tale as dramatic as any playwright had ever written was unfolding with a villain in the wings, a fortune at stake, and a lord discovering he too had a role to play as a hero for love!
Lissa Findlay is hiding on the stage in London, trying to protect her younger two brothers from something in her recent past. When Lord Ashe spies the waifish girl, he is inexplicably drawn to her. When fates intervene to recommend her to the post of governess for his nephew, Lissa feels like her luck may have finally changed.
This is a mysterious past/forbidden fruit kind of plot, with both H/H fighting their mutual attraction. Much of the action centers around Lissa’s care for the nephew and her brothers, and there are some really tender, sweet moments between the children.
Like many traditionals, the romance is subtle and kisses only. Lord Ashe has the largest character arc, and I was somewhat unconvinced it was through The Power of Love alone. Lissa is also a little Mary Sue leaning, as she somehow attunes to the nephew enough to diagnose and treat his illness (I am assuming some sort of asthma combined with allergies) whereas other doctor’s have failed. Although I am confused, because Lissa treats with barley water, which sources (https://www.breathingmatters.co.uk/asthma/) say can actually cause asthma. She also is beautiful, brave and just generally what most would like to be given the circumstances.
The villain, contrary to the blurb, isn’t traditional in the sense that he doesn’t really present any obstacles. In actuality, the conclusion wraps up pretty quickly and neatly.
Action takes place mostly at home, and for the majority in the Country. Limited interaction with ton or tonnish activities.
I think Carola Dunn is a solid Regency romance author, although this is not one of her best. I would recommend this for readers who love a little bit of a tortured past, down on their luck virginal heroine and a reforming rake.
3.75 out of 6 Mysterious past haunts the improper governess
| Content Rating/Heat Index | |
|---|---|
| Mature Content |   |
| Mentions of adult subject matter, including mistresses | |
| Intimacy | |
| Limited kissing. | |
| Violence | |
| Serious illness, mentions of beatings | |
| Overall |  |
|---|---|
| Appropriate for most ages. | |
