readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
This is only my second Tessa Dare novel, but I’m already a big fan of her light-hearted, humorous take on historical romance. She has these great one-liners that remind me of Oscar Wilde. Such as: “I have never been wistful a day in my life. I am entirely devoid of wist.” That kind of joke just hits me right on my funny bone. In The Governess Game, Alexandra is not of the aristocracy (yay!) but has to make her own living setting clocks in rich people’s homes. Through a series of slightly goofy events, she ends up unwittingly being hired as a governess for the two young wards of Chase Reynaud, the heir to a dukedom and, by all accounts, an incorrigible rake. Chase has baggage with a capital B and is convinced he’s not fit to be anyone’s guardian, much less anyone’s husband or father, and therefore has sworn off anything other than casual, one-night flings. Alex is smitten with him but heard him loud and clear when he said he’d never consider seducing her, so she throws herself into governessing as best she can--and that’s not easy, either, because Chase’s two wards are quite the hilarious handful. I’m looking forward to the next in the series, [b:The Wallflower Wager|40972652|The Wallflower Wager (Girl Meets Duke, #3)|Tessa Dare|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1552950403l/40972652._SY75_.jpg|63928422], which comes out this week.
sri_savita's review against another edition
5.0
She wasn’t wishing on a star. She had a comet now.
Here was a woman willing to stare into dark emptiness night after night, on the hope that someday some tiny speck might shine back. As she gazed at him, Chase found himself wishing he could reward her observation. Only darkness here darling. Don't waste your time.
A friend and I are doing a Summer of Reading Tessa Dare (and watching Formula One, but that's an altogether different story...) and the fact that this book takes place over the summer makes it even more flawless. Fantastic audiobook narration. Honestly excited for when I re-read/re-listen to this in the future, because I know it is already a comforting favorite. Tessa Dare is in top form here, this story is sweet, funny, fluffy, and absolutely perfect for me. I inhaled this as quickly as the chocolate pudding I ate while reading/listening to it, and it nearly made me cry in some parts for how tender it was. I spent the WHOLE day cleaning my house, just so I could keep listening to this.
When I've collected myself I will add all the many quotes I loved to this review, but in sum, Alex is just the kind of heroine I love, and I love that Chase is a self-deprecating rake. Tessa created wonderful backstories and character wounds in this one. Both characters learned each other's jagged edges and how to care for and soothe those, and they always supported each other. To me, this is is Tessa's best series that I've read of hers so far, I love the modern sensibilities in these historical romances. This and The Wallflower Wager were instant hits for me!
Quotes of Note:
"To me, the truth doesn’t ruin anything. Why should understanding the universe diminish our sense of wonder at it?"
"We should go after the girls." "Yes, we should." Neither of them moved. Alex bit her lip. "We’re going to kiss instead, aren’t we." He caught her in his arms. "You’re goddamned right, we are."
Chase wasn’t good for much, but he could stand between her body and the world.
Keep her close. Make her stay. Make her yours.
Here was a woman willing to stare into dark emptiness night after night, on the hope that someday some tiny speck might shine back. As she gazed at him, Chase found himself wishing he could reward her observation. Only darkness here darling. Don't waste your time.
A friend and I are doing a Summer of Reading Tessa Dare (and watching Formula One, but that's an altogether different story...) and the fact that this book takes place over the summer makes it even more flawless. Fantastic audiobook narration. Honestly excited for when I re-read/re-listen to this in the future, because I know it is already a comforting favorite. Tessa Dare is in top form here, this story is sweet, funny, fluffy, and absolutely perfect for me. I inhaled this as quickly as the chocolate pudding I ate while reading/listening to it, and it nearly made me cry in some parts for how tender it was. I spent the WHOLE day cleaning my house, just so I could keep listening to this.
When I've collected myself I will add all the many quotes I loved to this review, but in sum, Alex is just the kind of heroine I love, and I love that Chase is a self-deprecating rake. Tessa created wonderful backstories and character wounds in this one. Both characters learned each other's jagged edges and how to care for and soothe those, and they always supported each other. To me, this is is Tessa's best series that I've read of hers so far, I love the modern sensibilities in these historical romances. This and The Wallflower Wager were instant hits for me!
Quotes of Note:
"To me, the truth doesn’t ruin anything. Why should understanding the universe diminish our sense of wonder at it?"
"We should go after the girls." "Yes, we should." Neither of them moved. Alex bit her lip. "We’re going to kiss instead, aren’t we." He caught her in his arms. "You’re goddamned right, we are."
Chase wasn’t good for much, but he could stand between her body and the world.
Keep her close. Make her stay. Make her yours.
caseymalsam's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, smart and most importantly practicing explicit verbal consent!! Most excellent.
bkmaes's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
samarakroeger's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
not quite as well-paced and compelling as The Duchess Deal but I still enjoyed myself immensely. not everything was explained but that's okay. maybe the first time I've actually enjoyed a "single foster dad" trope (or maybe I just DNFed a book with that trope by a certain other Tessa), AND I didn't get the ick from a man in a position of power falling for his helpless employee. a round of applause for Miss Tessa Dare is in order, I do say.
booktaintedskies's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
loriwaz's review against another edition
4.0
The Governess Game was a great surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed. Having read the series out of order, my expectations were low, but the pacing and character development in this book were terrific. The protagonists at the end were nicely developed versions of who the characters began the novel as, and the events occurred in a realistic time -- no instant love, no meet...greet..and marry in an unreasonable amount of time. The events throughout kept the plot interesting but were also fun and romantic. I would highly recommend this book.
shannonreadss's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was highly enjoyable to read, but I definitely liked it a lot less than the first book. I wasn't really feeling the chemistry I suppose. I did like the interactions with Rosamund and Daisy though, it was very sweet.
annestef1a's review against another edition
2.0
This was an okay read for me, probably would've rated it higher if I hadn't read too many HRs. It's very formulaic and cheesy, there are some inaccurate modern elements–like the closet-slash-folding bed thing–that made my eye roll so hard.
I was really close to DNF-ing this until I read the words "ma-ni-la". Apparently, the heroine is of Filipino descent and it's my first time reading that in a Historical Romance. Pretty vain, I admit, but I just can't help feeling happy with the representation.
I was really close to DNF-ing this until I read the words "ma-ni-la". Apparently, the heroine is of Filipino descent and it's my first time reading that in a Historical Romance. Pretty vain, I admit, but I just can't help feeling happy with the representation.
asha_m's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5