oriental_muse_0818's review against another edition
2.0
DNF at 78%.
Is it just me or is Edgar a total pervert ?!?!
Is it just me or is Edgar a total pervert ?!?!
landragraf's review against another edition
3.0
As posted on Smitten By Books
3.5 Stars
Mary Poppins meets Jane Eyre equals a hero to swoon for and a heroine who’s got way more than a spoonful of sugar.
Bell’s first book to her second series with Avon is filled with all some of the things that make this author’s books great – secrets, fire-filled heroines, and of course, Dukes! From Mari’s arrival in London, to her devious, but intelligent way of taking over as Edgar’s governess to his two children – this book starts on a whirlwind of activity and doesn’t let up.
I easily kept turning pages, anxious to watch the growing sexual tension between the duke and the governess as well as seeing how Mari would quell the rebellious nature of the duke’s twins, Michel and Adele. There are interesting historical elements as well involving antiquities, and steam powered engines. What made this story super rich are the characters themselves and the slow burn of Mari and Edgar falling for one another.
I also love all the little Easter eggs from Mary Poppins and Jane Eyre, and what made them perfect is they fit the characters so well. Not to mention a certain female sister reminds me very much of an adventuring swashbuckler who uses a whip. There are more Easter eggs where those came from. You’ll just have to jump right in and read to learn more.
My only hesitance on the book was the wrap felt a little too neat and tidy. Mainly with Mari’s external conflicts, everything was wrapped up in a nice bundle more forced than flowing. I was able to except it, but really hoped for something more than road less traveled than obvious.
Overall, this is one series I can’t wait to continue. For readers who love Sarah MacLean and Maya Rodale.
3.5 Stars
Mary Poppins meets Jane Eyre equals a hero to swoon for and a heroine who’s got way more than a spoonful of sugar.
Bell’s first book to her second series with Avon is filled with all some of the things that make this author’s books great – secrets, fire-filled heroines, and of course, Dukes! From Mari’s arrival in London, to her devious, but intelligent way of taking over as Edgar’s governess to his two children – this book starts on a whirlwind of activity and doesn’t let up.
I easily kept turning pages, anxious to watch the growing sexual tension between the duke and the governess as well as seeing how Mari would quell the rebellious nature of the duke’s twins, Michel and Adele. There are interesting historical elements as well involving antiquities, and steam powered engines. What made this story super rich are the characters themselves and the slow burn of Mari and Edgar falling for one another.
I also love all the little Easter eggs from Mary Poppins and Jane Eyre, and what made them perfect is they fit the characters so well. Not to mention a certain female sister reminds me very much of an adventuring swashbuckler who uses a whip. There are more Easter eggs where those came from. You’ll just have to jump right in and read to learn more.
My only hesitance on the book was the wrap felt a little too neat and tidy. Mainly with Mari’s external conflicts, everything was wrapped up in a nice bundle more forced than flowing. I was able to except it, but really hoped for something more than road less traveled than obvious.
Overall, this is one series I can’t wait to continue. For readers who love Sarah MacLean and Maya Rodale.
hopevollm's review
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was really cute. Love a Duke and governess romance. Edgar had so much character growth because he learned what was important
vpalmer0508's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
Not as great as I remembered it being and got bored with the story.
vee615's review against another edition
2.0
Girl lies her way into the household of the duke to be governess to his unruly children. Love happens within a week and girl tries to find the mystery of her past in London. The only thing I liked about this book is that the hero did not react in typical angry fashion when the lies came to truth. He was like yea don't care love her anyway. This was really nothing special.
scottishpixie26's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing book by Lenora Bell. Loved this book. A practically perfect blend of Mary Poppins and Jane Eyre in every way. A great start to a new series.
kerryanndunn's review against another edition
3.0
"Butterflies in one's belly sounded like a pleasant sensation-all silky, fluttery wings-but in truth it was nearly a sick feeling. She longed to see him and dreaded it at the same time."
A bodice-ripping romance mashed up with Jane Eyre AND Mary Poppins???? Yes, please! This is just the cheesy distraction I needed in this crazy world. This book was silly, yes, but also charming and well drawn, with a corker of a female lead, two adorable children, a misunderstood Duke, instant lust, and fun secondary characters. I enjoyed the nods to Jane Eyre and Mary Poppins, little Easter eggs dropped throughout.
There is some steam here but it's of the roll my eyes and giggle variety. I did appreciate the Duke using the pull out method. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
A bodice-ripping romance mashed up with Jane Eyre AND Mary Poppins???? Yes, please! This is just the cheesy distraction I needed in this crazy world. This book was silly, yes, but also charming and well drawn, with a corker of a female lead, two adorable children, a misunderstood Duke, instant lust, and fun secondary characters. I enjoyed the nods to Jane Eyre and Mary Poppins, little Easter eggs dropped throughout.
There is some steam here but it's of the roll my eyes and giggle variety. I did appreciate the Duke using the pull out method. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
madeleinehelena's review against another edition
2.0
"It’s almost an indulgence, isn’t it? To repeat one’s missteps over and over in one’s mind until that’s all one can see? If you’re not careful, you could become stuck in a continuous loop in your mind, going over and over the dark, bad things and never moving forward, into the light."
*Just had to include that quote as it resonates with me (a person with anxiety and intrusive thoughts).*
For a large part of the book, I struggled to understand Edgar's motivations and reasons for acting the way and saying the things he did. It was explained more clearly during the last few chapters, but I felt it was a bit late. And I never really connected with Mari for some reason. Perhaps it's the way she is described - it's like she doesn't really have a personality...
I also felt that things resolved too quickly, with events seemingly added towards the end for dramatic effect.
I found myself quite often looking forward to the next book in the series, focusing on Edgar's sister India. I mean, this bickering/bantering is so much fun:
"“Balderdash and bilge,” said Ravenwood. He towered over India, even though she was tall for a woman. “I always knew you were cracked in the head, Indy.”“And I always knew you were a twenty-four-carat fool with shite for brains, Ravenwood.”“Ahem,” said Edgar, breaking into the conversation."
*Just had to include that quote as it resonates with me (a person with anxiety and intrusive thoughts).*
For a large part of the book, I struggled to understand Edgar's motivations and reasons for acting the way and saying the things he did. It was explained more clearly during the last few chapters, but I felt it was a bit late. And I never really connected with Mari for some reason. Perhaps it's the way she is described - it's like she doesn't really have a personality...
I also felt that things resolved too quickly, with events seemingly added towards the end for dramatic effect.
I found myself quite often looking forward to the next book in the series, focusing on Edgar's sister India. I mean, this bickering/bantering is so much fun:
"“Balderdash and bilge,” said Ravenwood. He towered over India, even though she was tall for a woman. “I always knew you were cracked in the head, Indy.”“And I always knew you were a twenty-four-carat fool with shite for brains, Ravenwood.”“Ahem,” said Edgar, breaking into the conversation."