by Olivia Drake, Pub Date 7/27/2021
3.5 Stars.
Tessa James dreams of owning her own millinery shop where she can create beautiful hats for her patrons and not the monstrosities that she helps with at Madame Blanchet’s. However, when she and Blanchet have a falling out, she must come up with a different way to make her dream come true. She hears of a position in the Duke of Carlin’s home as a governess to his unruly 5 year old daughter, Lady Sophy. Lucky for Tessa, she knows how to handle young girls with difficult temperaments. Perhaps she can use this opportunity to find her father, who appears to be of noble blood, and demand a loan from him. However, first she needs to tell a few white lies in order to convince the Duke to hire her on.
Guy Whitby has just returned from four years traveling the world collecting botanical samples after the death of his late wife, a trip cut short by the passing of the previous Duke of Carlin. Since his return and subsequent adjustment to his position, he has gone through many, many governesses due to his daughter’s temperament. When Miss James shows up to apply for the position, he is reluctant to hire the pretty miss who doesn’t seem to have any references to speak of. However, hearing her tale, he decides to give her a chance.
As Sophy takes to Tessa, Guy finds himself taking to her as well. She is unlike the usual women who travel in his circles of society and she lights up when he talks to her of his travels. As they strain against their obvious chemistry, events turn dangerous as a thief destroys Guy’s study in the middle of the night. Tessa and Guy find themselves in an interesting position as truths are revealed and the Carlin Curse appears to become a real possibility. Can Guy and Tessa figure out what’s really going on before everything is upended? Or will they find themselves permanently unrequited?
I enjoyed this read. It had many delicious passionate scenes and plenty of intrigue. However, there were a couple of loose ends and the perspective seemed to change from paragraph to paragraph. The ending, although somewhat satisfying, felt very rushed and unfinished. I would have liked a little more detail or an epilogue. Nonetheless, it was a fun ride!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Always Lost in Words 