Scan barcode
bucolicbookshelf's review
4.0
Virginia Heath has become one of my favorite regency romance authors. After loving the Merriwell Sisters series I was very happy to be invited to read the first read in her new series. My hopes for this one were high and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest.
Georgie was a terrific MFC, and Harry (though a little dense) was a wonderful MMC. The secondary characters here give even more heart to the novel. I adored this series starter and look forward to reading more 😍
Recommended.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the DRC!
ofpensandswords's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This was a very fun, if mildly forgettable, read.
All's Fair in Love and War follows Georgie, a young woman who attended a prestigious school for governesses. For her first job, she is hired by Harry Kincaid, a navy captain whose flighty older sister has just dumped her three children on him while she goes on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Egypt. As Georgie and Harry clash over the best approach to raising three children unaccustomed to structure, sparks fly between them and they (of course) end up falling for each other).
Going into this, there were a lot of aspects that I was looking forward to. I love regency romances, I thought that the conflicting attitudes between Georgie and the captain sounded so fun, and I always adore books with children as significant characters (especially when romance book protagonists are thrust together to take care of children, à la The Long Game and Things We Never Got Over). It definitely did deliver on all of those points, and there certainly wasn't much that I disliked about the book. My only real complaint is that the romance is a little insta-love-y for my taste, but even that didn't bother me as much as it usually does.
Georgie is a wonderful protagonist—I loved her values, her conviction and confidence, and her rebellious streak. I also ended up really enjoying Captain Kincaid—he grew on me a lot more than I expected, and becomes much more likable once you understand how his childhood made him the way that he is. The children are all adorable and established as distinct characters, and I really enjoyed the dog character as well.
I think that my primary issue here is just that I can't with all honesty say that I will ever think about this book again. It's an enjoyable read, and I certainly had fun with it, but it's just not going to stick with me. There wasn't quite enough chemistry between the protagonists, character development, or plot to make this book something I will return to. I would still definitely recommend it if it sounds up your alley—I truly do not have any real complaints about it. It just did not click with me enough to make it memorable, and for that I can't give it any more than 3.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
All's Fair in Love and War follows Georgie, a young woman who attended a prestigious school for governesses. For her first job, she is hired by Harry Kincaid, a navy captain whose flighty older sister has just dumped her three children on him while she goes on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Egypt. As Georgie and Harry clash over the best approach to raising three children unaccustomed to structure, sparks fly between them and they (of course) end up falling for each other).
Going into this, there were a lot of aspects that I was looking forward to. I love regency romances, I thought that the conflicting attitudes between Georgie and the captain sounded so fun, and I always adore books with children as significant characters (especially when romance book protagonists are thrust together to take care of children, à la The Long Game and Things We Never Got Over). It definitely did deliver on all of those points, and there certainly wasn't much that I disliked about the book. My only real complaint is that the romance is a little insta-love-y for my taste, but even that didn't bother me as much as it usually does.
Georgie is a wonderful protagonist—I loved her values, her conviction and confidence, and her rebellious streak. I also ended up really enjoying Captain Kincaid—he grew on me a lot more than I expected, and becomes much more likable once you understand how his childhood made him the way that he is. The children are all adorable and established as distinct characters, and I really enjoyed the dog character as well.
I think that my primary issue here is just that I can't with all honesty say that I will ever think about this book again. It's an enjoyable read, and I certainly had fun with it, but it's just not going to stick with me. There wasn't quite enough chemistry between the protagonists, character development, or plot to make this book something I will return to. I would still definitely recommend it if it sounds up your alley—I truly do not have any real complaints about it. It just did not click with me enough to make it memorable, and for that I can't give it any more than 3.5 stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
allingoodtime's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
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
The burn in this book was a bit too slow for my taste, but there was great yearning so it helped to make up for the wait. This story did a wonderful job of being a series opener. The women this series is focused on are introduced, some briefly and some a little more. I did wish there had been more of the beginning of their friendship. However, that could have made this book too bulky if it had been included.
Georgie is loving, smart, witty, and strong. She knows her mind and doesn’t hesitate to speak it, which can be a huge problem when you are a governess. Harry likes order and is, at first glance, a cold slab of immovable marble. Turns out there is actually a very gooey center to Harry, especially when it comes to his family. These two have an instant spark, but both realize it is ridiculous to even think about such things when they are so different. Harry represents something Georgie hates after her upbringing, and Harry has no time for distractions if he wants to keep his career on the right path. Of course, they cannot resist each other forever.
When Harry and Georgie are working together they are fantastic. Whether it’s getting on the same page regarding the children or attending an important dinner together, they have each other’s backs and work well off each other. Those are my favorite parts of this book. Like I said, this is a very slow burn and there were times during the first half of the book that I wished they weren’t so adversarial. The deep longing was phenomenal though.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
sierramountainsofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️rating: 4/5
How fun! All’s Fair in Love and War was such an entertaining historic workplace romance between an uncle temporarily caring for three kids and the governess he’s hired to care for them. There’s so much pining and a delicious slow burn with a bit of spice at the end.
I especially enjoyed the characters! The kids are so rambunctious and I love them, they’re so fun! I also really enjoyed the main characters’ growth throughout as they slowly realized what (or who) they truly wanted. And what a crazy dog😂
A couple things annoyed me just a little, but definitely didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the story. I just wish Harry didn’t constantly refer to Georgie as a siren, vixen, or minx…it sometimes seemed like a constant rotation through those three words.
I do wish we had a little more at the ending, like an epilogue to see how it all ends up. It did wrap up rather quickly in the last chapter, and I’d love to see more of their HEA.
But overall I very much enjoyed the story and am intrigued to see whose story is next of the three best friends!
Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
lover97's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
thatsme_lauravz's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
*I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
A very fun regency romp! This is a promising start to Heath's new "Miss Prentice's Protegees" series. At times I did feel like the packing was off, and the end was rushed, but it sets things up very nicely for future books. Definitely a good read for fans of historical romance who are looking for a little fun in their stories!
A very fun regency romp! This is a promising start to Heath's new "Miss Prentice's Protegees" series. At times I did feel like the packing was off, and the end was rushed, but it sets things up very nicely for future books. Definitely a good read for fans of historical romance who are looking for a little fun in their stories!
paytonbox21's review
3.0
Something about this book did not connect with me, I really struggled to attached to the main couple as they were rarely in the same room for the first 50% of the book, and when they were Georgie was terrified of Harry and his reactions to her teaching. It felt like forever until her feelings were changed, and even then it was another 20% until we saw much of anything. The final 20% was fun, had a lot of pining, some spice, some drama, and more that I enjoyed, but not enough to override the slow pacing of the first half of the book!
I'm not sure if I will continue the series, but I have loved this author in the past, so I likely will continue to read them!
I'm not sure if I will continue the series, but I have loved this author in the past, so I likely will continue to read them!
transportedlfl's review against another edition
emotional
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
4.0
Thank you to SMP Romance and UplitReads for the complimentary book and to PRH Audio for the advanced listener copy. These opinions are my own.
Georgina is a would-be governess with a mind of her own. Despite her impeccable schooling and recommendations, she can't quite seem to get a position. Because during every interview, she actually speaks her mind about her unorthodox teaching methods and refusal to discipline children physically. But when Henry Kindcaid's nephew and nieces are left at his home with no warning, he needs a governess without much time for interviewing.
This was a fun story. I love Virginia Heath's approach to historical romance as true rom-coms. In this book, much of the comedy came from the children and the most amazing dog. I would read the book just for more of their hilarious antics.
But I also quite appreciated the excellent pacing of the romance. Harry and Georgina make a great couple with good chemistry, and both characters show growth over the story.
Eva Feiler and Shane East were fantastic narrators. Both captured the accents and feel of the plot quite well.
The book is the first in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series, and I quite look forward to reading about Georgina's friends from her governess training.
Georgina is a would-be governess with a mind of her own. Despite her impeccable schooling and recommendations, she can't quite seem to get a position. Because during every interview, she actually speaks her mind about her unorthodox teaching methods and refusal to discipline children physically. But when Henry Kindcaid's nephew and nieces are left at his home with no warning, he needs a governess without much time for interviewing.
This was a fun story. I love Virginia Heath's approach to historical romance as true rom-coms. In this book, much of the comedy came from the children and the most amazing dog. I would read the book just for more of their hilarious antics.
But I also quite appreciated the excellent pacing of the romance. Harry and Georgina make a great couple with good chemistry, and both characters show growth over the story.
Eva Feiler and Shane East were fantastic narrators. Both captured the accents and feel of the plot quite well.
The book is the first in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series, and I quite look forward to reading about Georgina's friends from her governess training.
jaywhygeereads's review
4.0
4.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.
The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and Lottie & friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.
We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
1.5 🌶️/5
This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.
The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and Lottie & friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.
We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.