I always feel like I need to start a review of a second chance romance off with a disclaimer: I greatly dislike that trope. For the most part, I find them repetitive and boring. I am happy to say, however, that this novella was not repetitive or boring.

Collin Hunt and Erienne Stone were childhood sweethearts kept apart by their social status. Erienne accepts a position as governess to Collin’s niece and nephew at the same time Collin is forced to take a holiday from work. They soon learn the past doesn’t always stay in the past as they begin spending time together.

As I said, I usually find these stories to be repetitive, but the shorter length of a novella helped keep this from happening. I didn’t have to read the same “what if” thoughts over and over like I would’ve in a full length second chance romance. And I enjoyed the flashback to Collin and Erienne’s past explaining why they parted ways.

I really liked both Collin and Erienne, and felt they made a good couple. A lot of the novella was from Collin’s POV, and I loved that. He was a good guy and I wish we had gotten more of him than a novella. I regret to say I didn’t read Derek and Lucy’s story, but I liked them so much here that I will probably go back and do so.

My only real issue with this novella was the fact that I couldn’t really see why Collin and Erienne couldn’t be together this time. It seemed like they parted ways again a second time because reasons and because it was expected.

4.5 stars

Great Story about a 2nd chance at Romance. Collin is presurised to give up Erienne but has never forgotten her.

Erienne is a governess and starts to work for Collin's sister-in-law who is an unashamed matchmaker. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but it didn't diminish my enjoyment of this one. Nice balance of passion
and romance though I didn't know why she ran off towards the end without talking to our hero.

My only quibble is the use of the word creek. I think this is very common abroad but not used much in the Uk. I think of a creek as more of a coastal estuary and I think in this book it really meant as a riverbank. A small thing but it tends to pull me out of the book while engrossed and start me thinking.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Mr. Hunt, I Presume, by Valerie Bowman is book number 10.5 in her Playful Brides series. This novella is the first book of Bowman’s that I have read.

Miss Erienne Stone, a daughter of a baron is rejected by her childhood love and goes into service as a governess instead of marrying without love.

General Collin Hunt gave up the love of his life 14 years ago, believing that he would never be good enough for her or her family. He has devoted his life to his military career and made an impressive name for himself.

When Collin’s matchmaking sister-in-law/ Duchess, comes across Erienne’s name on a letter of interest while searching for a new governess, she cannot help but try to give these two one more chance at their happy-ever-after.

This was a fun read and for a novella I was very impressed; this story have the feel of a novel. The past was fast moving, but didn’t skip on details. I especially enjoyed the parts with Collin’s brother the Duke and his wife. In some novellas there is little time or energy spent on the side characters due to the limited space, but Valerie gave the side couple their due as well.

I highly recommend this book. I am looking forward to the next in the series (and going back to find his brother, Here Hunt and Lucys story as well!)

Mr. Hunt, I Presume, by Valerie Bowman is due to release February 8, 2019.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Xpresso Book Tours through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received an advanced review copy of this story.

I thought this second chance romance was charming. This story focuses on Collin Hunt and Erienne Stone. Both are lovely, sympathetic characters and enjoyable to read about. There was tension between Erienne and Stone from the start because of their past relationship. I felt the progression of the relationship between them went a bit fast for me.

It was great to Derek and Lucy again and see their children. They rounded out the story and served as the mentors to Collin and Erienne.

Novellas always leave me wishing they were longer and that’s the case with this one.

I’m looking forward to Valerie Bowman’s next book in this series.

4.5 stars

14 years ago Erienne Stone and Collin Hunt were in love, but in an effort to be noble, Collin pushed her away. When he later regrets his action and tries to reconcile, he learns that she is married and he is too late. He is heartbroken and buries himself in work to forget.

Erienne has worked as a governess for the last 14 years, but now that her charges no longer need her, she is seeking new employment. Lucy Hunt, the Duchess of Claringdon is looking for a new governess and when Derek lets slip one of the applicants, Erienne Stone might be someone from Collin's past, nothing will stop her from meeting this woman.

Erienne knows she is a fool to go anywhere near the Hunt Family, but she can't resist. When Lucy offers her an outrageous salary, one that would enable her to help her family pay for her brother's medical bills, she can't say no. She knows seeing Collin again might be a possibility, but Lucy assures her it wouldn't be anytime soon. She accepts the position, for the money of course, but secretly hopes to learn about Collin, the only man she ever loved.

Collin is now a general in the army and has an important position at the Home Office. He works constantly and his commanding officer insists that he take a holiday. With no choice in the matter, he decides to visit with his brother Derek and his family. He arrives and soon learns that Erienne is working for them. He wonders what happened to her husband and tells Derek that this will not be a problem.

Erienne is not as sure, but attends dinner at Lucy's insistence. He is even more handsome than she remembers! He asks her odd questions and soon she is just overwhelmed and flees. Later while walking in the garden, they meet again. He apologizes for hurting her and kisses her. It is clear that the passion between them never died, but can they overcome the hurt and put the past behind them? Or are there some wounds that even love can't heal?

I thought this was a well written, fast paced novella with enough backstory to establish a believable love between Erienne and Collin. The story is entertaining and satisfying, with amusing moments (provided mostly by Lucy and Derek), lies, betrayal, steamy love scenes and a very overdue HEA. If I had any complaint, it would be the ending seemed a little rushed, but it is a novella... I am happy to recommend this book, it is part of the Playful Brides series, but it can easily be read as a stand alone title with no problem.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

This was a sweet little novella with a nice second chance romance, and was pretty low on angst. Because it is a novella, I understand that there is a lot sacrificed for brevity. I still would have liked to see a little more character development, especially in regards to the big misunderstanding--I questioned the way the characters reacted to their situation in some instances. I actually think this story might have been better suited to a long form novel--especially in exploring the military career of the hero. But it was well written and very feel good, and I would recommend to someone who loved regency romance but wanted something quick and light.

Never have I read a novella with such passion and emotion. I typically avoid novellas exactly because it's hard to develop characters in so few pages, but Valerie Bowman does not have that problem. Erienne and Collin have a story more tragic than Romeo and Juliet, but, fortunately, there was no poison involved and they have a fairy godmother in the form of Collin's matchmaking sister-in-law to make things better.

I thought I would sit down to read a few chapters and was instantly swept away. Many authors have trouble writing authentic heroes with legitimate obstacles to love, but I felt Collin's hurt and wanted him to overcome the weight of his past. And I ached for the time they lost together.

The story was truly a marvel. I am already thinking I might go back and read it again.

A sweet second chance romance, featuring Collin Hunt and Erienne Stone. Collin is brother to the Duke of Claringdon. Lucy, Duchess of Claringdon, is the matchmaker extraordinaire. A quick read novella, with just enough backstory for those who haven't read others in the "Playful Brides" series of books, that it stands alone quite well while not being repetitive for dedicated readers.. Both Collin and Erienne have lived with erroneous information about the other, without ever giving their hearts to another in the intervening years. Collin has made something of himself in the army. Erienne has chosen to not marry for just title or money, and has instead chosen a life of service as a governess, an unexpected twist. What a delight to see a hero and heroine be worthy of a reunion. Too often a "misunderstanding" story leaves me frustrated. Here, the misunderstandings are due to others and once they are cleared up, happy ever after is straight ahead. An enjoyable read all the way around.

An enjoyable light quick read. Liked the characters and enjoyed the story will look for more in this series.

I really enjoyed Collin and Erienne's story!! This was a quick enjoyable read! I always enjoy a great reunion story and Bowman did a great job! Erienne is hired to be the governess of the Duke and Duchess of Claringdon's children. She took the job, even though there was a chance of being reunited with her first love, the duke's brother. And with the Duchess of Claringdon helping things along, you know that is exactly what happened!

This was a great addition to the Playful Brides series and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!

This was a well-written historical romance. Erienne Stone knew General Collin Hunt when they were young. They were in love, but they were separated and never expected to see each other again. They unexpectedly cross paths again when she begins work as a governess at an estate and he goes to visit his brother at his brother's country estate. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is part of the Playful Brides series. I enjoyed this novella and look forward to reading more books in the series.

Erienne Stone is one tough heroine. She doesn't bow to her family's pressure as a young woman, preferring to work as a governess than not marry the man she loves. Meanwhile, Collin Hunt believes his sweetheart has married a titled lord. Both go off to live 14 years of useful, productive lives -- alone. She teaches young children and he is a spy. Now, her charges are grown up and Miss Stone becomes a governess to the family of Collin's older brother, the Duke of Claringdon. When the two meet, despite the misunderstanding and lies of Miss Stone's mother, they quickly realize that love it was and love it remains. Of course, even in a novella, the course to true love has its ups and down. But these two are remarkably unbitter despite the wasted years. Their happy ending is particularly sweet -- and well-deserved, and the Duchess of Claringdon can chalk off another match made in, if not heaven, in meddling.

Mr. Hunt, I Presume is a great story about second chance at romance. It is a novella in the Playful Bride series. It tells the story of Collin and Erienne. Due to some intervention by his sister-in-law, Lucy, Collin reunites with Erienne after fourteen years. They had been young and in love when Collin thought that she could do better than him. Her love for him had been strong that she made the choice to become a spinster rather that marry someone without love. This decision caused some strain for her due to that she had to take employment as a governess to financially help her family. Which she is now hired to be to Collin's nephew and niece.
There was so much angst between these two characters when they finally reunite. You could tell that they were so much in love with each other. Though it did take some intervention, again, on behalf of Collin's family for these two to finally realize they belonged together.
Overall this novella did not feel rushed and told us a complete and wonderful story. Extra points because the heroine was not a shy debutante, but a 32 year old spinster who was ready to live her life.

Miss Erienne Stone has only ever loved one man - Collin Hunt, but he broke her heart when he left her 14 years earlier. She left her comfortable home and went into service instead of marrying anyone else. Now Erienne has taken a job as governess for Collin's brother, Derek, the duke. She had no idea when she arrived that Collin had also come for a visit. Collin had never forgotten Erienne, the girl he left because he thought he wasn't good enough for her. Can these two tortured souls come together and confess their undying love for each other?

I really liked the beginning of the book. The depth of Erienne's feelings for Collin and her refusal to marry anyone else even though her parents begged her to marry to shore up their dwindling finances, was bordering on tragic. The plot point to help pay for her brother's Peter's medical care seemed to have been an add on to the story. When Erienne and Collin finally meet, I expected much more angst especially since 14 years had separated their last encounter. I realize this was a novella, but the story went from angst/anger/terror of seeing each other to succumbing to their passion. If you're looking for a quick read without too much drama, this is the book to choose.

I wasn't crazy about this book. I did try to remind myself of the era and take that into considerations. So we meet Collin who was in love with Erienne but for some reason since his father was a drunk they kept saying or thinking that he was not good enough for her? What that was your dad not you! but anyhoo it is what it is. So he goes to the military and she becomes a governess? Yeah didn't get but again it happens, so she is working for his sister in law who has too much time on her hands besides taking care of her children which she should have done instead of being a busybody, again sorry for rant. So as I was saying Erienne is working for sister in law and they meet again, but they are wishy washy and she doesn't admit her feelings or realize them til an almost death experience and then its like of my god, yeah no..And then he in a dramatic fashion waits to go after her when she is in an interview, why then? you had other more appropriate times? But whatever..again it is so so..

This story was a long lost love meets up with the one that got left behind. I enjoy these stories, they are nice afternoon reads without too much investment. HOWEVER, the series is just that...a series. I haven't read any of the other 10 books before this one and I didn't have any trouble quickly catching up with what was going on.

Erienne Stone was the heroine that was jilted because the man she loved didn't think he was good enough for her. Drives me crazy, but that's the time in history. It's all about aristocracy, status and rank within Britain's high society. Erienne is a Baron's daughter but chooses to take herself away and become a governess instead of marrying within her rank. That's kind of a crap shoot, because who knows whole she'll get. Her parents, or rather her mother, decided it was ok to tell a lie to keep her daughter from being happy with the only man she'd ever loved. Great parenting, right?

Collin Hunt, war hero and spy. He started out with nothing - he and his brother. His brother came home a war hero for making decisive troop movements to help win the war. Collin came back a quiet and unsung hero that did not get lands and a title for all the danger he lived through. Collin is working himself ragged but he can't stop himself. Why? Because he doesn't have anyone. He can only think of her. Erienne Stone.

There is no blood or gore. A little sex but for good reason. It ends in a HEA, but this time I can totally understand the thinking behind the rush to leave the lover at the end. There is a solid reasoning being made so I really think it's worth a 5 star rating.

I had read a previous book in this series and I’m a sucker for a good novella, so I couldn’t resist.

I love love loved Erienne and Collin. I loved that they were childhood friends and the history between them. I especially loved that they pined away for each other. Lucy is straight up adorable I need to go find her book immediately.

Plot wise, it was quick and to the point. There was a touch of drama, but that’s to be expected after 14 years. The angsty times were short lived and it had a fabulous grand gesture.

Overall, it was a fun read. I can’t wait to start the next book.

**Huge thanks to June Third for providing the arc free of charge**

This was a fun, second chance novella addition to the Playful Brides series.

Erienne Stone met Collin Hunt when they were children but by her teenage years they fell in love. Too bad Erienne's family thought that Collin wasn't good enough for their daughter. When Collin came back from the army to see Erienne, her father told him to go away and that someone of his stature should leave her alone. The next time Collin tried, he was told that the 18 year old Erienne moved to Shropsbury with her husband, the Viscount. Dejected, Collin threw his life into his work and 14 years later he is a General.

Feeling abandoned by Collin, Erienne goes to Shropsbury to be a governess. The only person she wanted to marry was Collin so if she couldn't have him, she'd be happy being a spinster. After 14 years working for the same family, Erienne must find a new governess job. When Mrs. Griggs refers her services to the Duke of Claringdon's house, Erienne is unsure of this because that is Collin's brother Derek. When Derek's wife, Lucy finds out who she is, she wants to play matchmaker and bring Collin and Erienne back together. Lucy hires Erienne, not realizing that Collin is on his way to their place. Guess Lucy's matchmaking ways are moving faster than she thought.

I just love a second chance story. Both Collin and Erienne were wronged by Erienne's parents and the funny part was neither of them could ever get over the other. They really were destined to be together. I really enjoyed what these two went through to get to their happy ending. I really even liked both of these characters. It was just sad that it took them so long to find their way back to each other.

This was a sweet novella. Ottawa tough genre, because the limited length means the story has to move very quickly. As with almost all novellas, I wanted to know more about the characters and their history; the broad outlines were there, but I wanted more development. Having said that, I love the troupe of reunited first live, and I believed the love between Erienne and Collin. Very sweet story.

Series: Playful Brides #11.5
Publication Date: 2/8/19
Number of Pages: 120

My rating is 3.5 stars rounded up to 4

This is a lovely second-chance romance novella. It is well-written, but I felt it was a bit rushed and I didn’t feel as if I were ‘finished’ with it at the end. I loved the storyline, I liked the main characters, I adored the secondary couple, and the children were wonderful. I just felt like there were chunks of story that were missing or things progressed much too fast. Too fast? Consider the scene during their first dinner and then moving to the library. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but when you read it you’ll see what I mean.

I loved that we got to spend time with Lucy and Derek again. Catching up with them and seeing their love and their life as a married couple was wonderful and their two children were a great addition to the story. It was nice to see that Derek has resigned himself to Lucy’s matchmaking and just loves her to distraction. This time, Lucy is matchmaking for Derek’s brother, Collin and their childhood neighbor Erienne Stone. I would have thought that Collin’s story would have come earlier in the series since Lucy and Derek were the featured H/h in the first book, but maybe it took a while to find just the right lady for him.

Collin and Erienne had a relationship of some sort when they were younger. You learn what that relationship was in bits and pieces as you move through the story. It is a story of family betrayal and feelings of unworthiness that cost these two fourteen years of being miserable and apart. Neither of them ever married.

Collin Hunt and his two brothers are basically ‘from the wrong side of the tracks’. Their father was put out of the army because of his overindulgence in alcohol. Their father was also cruel to them because he was training them to be soldiers. Both Collin and Derek were very good at soldiering. Derek’s success earned him the title of Duke of Claringdon for his heroism during the war and Collin is now a general and a high ranking member at the Home Office. Most of Collin's career can’t be mentioned because he spent his time as a spy.

Erienne defied her parent's marriage expectations and left home to become a governess. Now, fourteen years later, the children she was caring for are grown and it is time for her to move on to her next family. When the agency sets her up with an interview with the Duchess of Claringdon, she doesn’t feel she can turn it down. She’s truly surprised at herself when she finally – after much persuasion by the Duchess – accepts the job. She’s torn – she wants to know about Collin, but she’s afraid she can’t handle actually seeing him.

It really is a nice story, but I think I could have lived with a little less backstory if it bought me more time with the couple in the ‘now’. More time for me to know them and them to know each other and especially more time for a less abrupt ending. There was a distinct lack of conversation and discussion between them. They just go straight to lust and remain there. The proposal is entertaining but certainly lacks romance. As I read, I thought “What, this is it?” and it was.

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