Rating: Very Good
Source: Edelweiss
Description: Dear Lady Truelove...
My twin brother and I need a new mother, though Papa insists he'll never marry again. Must be nice, brainy, and fond of cats...
Lady Truelove may be London's most famous advice columnist, but James St. Clair, the Earl of Kenyon, knows his wild young sons need a tutor, not a new mother. They need a man tough enough to make his hellions tow the line, and James is determined to find one.
Miss Amanda Leighton, former schoolteacher and governess, knows she has all the qualifications to be a tutor. And while female tutors are unheard of, Amanda isn't about to lose the chance at her dream job because of pesky details like that. If Lord Kenyon insists on hiring a man, then she has only one option.
Jamie isn't sure what to make of his new employee, until he realizes the shocking truth—beneath the ill-fitting suits, his boys' tutor is a woman. An unconventional, outspoken, thoroughly intriguing woman. Despite Amanda's deception, he can't dismiss her when his boys are learning so much. Yet Jamie, too, is learning surprising lessons—about desire, seduction, and passionate second chances.
Genre: Romance - Historical
Why I Picked This Book: Laura Lee Guhrke has written some of my favorite historical romances but it's been awhile since I've read anything by her so I had to pick this one up!
My Impression: One of my least favorite things in a romance is a relationship that is based on a lie/hidden identity so I was a bit nervous going into this one. However, I decided to trust Guhrke and take a chance on this one and am so glad I did! Amanda is very different from the usual romance heroine. She's on her own and while highly educated is not from an aristocratic or particularly wealthy background. She's ruined after a choice which she deeply regrets and is not only not welcomed by society but is finding it increasingly difficult to get a job. The fact that she starts dressing up as a man isn't for nefarious purposes or to trick anyone about her abilities but simply out of necessity. I really enjoyed that it isn't all that simple for Amanda to become a man. She has a lifetime of habits that she has to overcome and there are a number of practical issues as well which I don't think I've ever seen addressed in this kind of book.
Jamie isn't the typical hero either. For one thing his marriage was incredibly happy and he dearly misses his wife. He was more than a little rebellious as a child and has made a complete change as an adult. He's active in politics and while he does have a title he actually has to go to work or put in effort. As well, while he loves his children he's not always great at showing them and seems at a loss at how to be involved in their lives which I think is probably more realistic than the typical doting and involved dad we frequently see portrayed.
If you're looking for a steamy romance look elsewhere. The romance doesn't even start until more than halfway through the book. However, there's lots going on. Amanda is getting to know the boys and is getting used to the big changes in her life. Jamie is still trying to regain his footing after the death of his wife. They're both trying to do their best for the boys and are learning to work together.
This was an entertaining read with characters that are both likable and sympathetic. I absolutely flew through it and finished the last page with a happy contented sigh.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! While I'm behind on her books Laura Lee Guhrke is definitely an auto buy for me.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you like historical romances that are a bit different from the usual than this is a must read.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I wondered if you were ever going to get back to historicals! I'll have to add this one to my list.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the heroine tutoring of rambunctious twin boys.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover as well as the story.thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI've not read this author before, although I have heard of her and I love your review, it certainly is tempting me, so am going to see if I can find a copy.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new to me author. If she's one of your favorites, I will have to give her books a try.
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