In this light mystery, Alexandra gets a governess job, taking care of Evelina. She's a bit of a supernanny and solves Evelina's tantrum problem. Her father Nicholas is scowly and sardonic and somewhat mired in scandals and secrets but when Evelina disappears they both get drawn into an investigation that is larger than just one missing child. I figured out the clanking noises and the cloaked person's identity before the reveal but it was an interesting ride. Griz and Dragan from the first book are here, helping out again, and Griz has a lot of grit.
Steam level: A brief lovescene, not very detailed.

Dangerous Lover is a governess/employer romance. This is book three in the Crime and Passion series and while I had not read any of the previous books before reading, some reviews I have read since seem to suggest that you might get some backstory to other characters if you've read the other books first.

Alexandra is hired as a Governess to look after the illegitimate child of Sir Nicholas. Initially they have quite a difficult relationship, however just as Nicholas is starting to warm to Alexandra, his daughter Evelina goes missing.

The story does possibly leans more into the suspense and drama than it does the romance, but I did still enjoy the chemistry between the couple and how their relationship developed. The suspense was well-handled and get me interested throughout. I would definitely try something else by this author and will probably go back and read the other books in the series when I get the chance.

Mary Lancaster is an excellent author who knows how to draw the reader in and keep them entertained. This is a romantic mystery, light on the romance, yet still enjoyable. I have not read books 1&2 of this series and I may have enjoyed this book more if I had, I recommend reading the series in order. Thank you Dragonblade publishing for the opportunity to review.

3 Stars

📚I received a review copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

This book has more mystery then romance. I enjoyed the mystery very much. The romance wasn't developed enough.

Dangerous Lover (Crime and Passion Book 3) – Mary Lancaster



I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in order to provide an honest review.



Mary Lancaster is a Scottish author who writes romance novels. She has also written “The Imperial Season” series and the “Blackhaven Brides” series.



“Dangerous Lover” is about a young lady, Alexandra, who finds herself employed as a governess in the household of a Mr Nicholas Swan.

At first all is well and it is a simple appointment, Mr Swan hardly home, she is left to govern and teach his daughter, Evelina. Yet he is your typical dark and mysterious gentleman.

Things quickly get complicated when Evelina is kidnapped under Alexandra’s watch. Fortunately, with the help of some friends she is quickly recovered. Yet it soon becomes clear this was part of a much larger plan at hand.

The police soon suspect her employer, Mr Swan, is behind it all, though that is not the secret he is working so hard to keep. Will the truth be uncovered before the wrong man is punished? Can Alexandra figure out her true feelings for Mr Swan?



“Dangerous Lover” is a short romance fiction story that is an entertaining read. Filled with mystery, love and a little bit of danger. Perfect read for those that like a quick, romantic read. It was well written and I dearly loved Mr Swan’s character, he was the right combination of dark and mysterious.

Another wonderful romance, with a touch of the mysterious, from Ms. Lancaster.
Alexandra takes a position as the governess to Sir Nicholas' illegitimate daughter, Evelina. Alexandra finds Evelina delightful, but the mystery surrounding the house and family puts her on edge. As does the attraction she feels for her employer.
Thank you Mary Lancaster, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Romance and Mystery

The house and its owner seem to hold secrets, but Alexandra has secrets of her own. Will their secrets bring them together, or will they rip them apart? There is mystery, suspense, and romance. Alexandra and Nicholas will keep you wondering what will happen next. There are heroes, and there are villains. Can you guess who the villain might be? I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to those who like stories with romance, mystery, and a dash of suspense.

Amazing book! I loved how both the H and h had murky lasts they were trying to overcome. As usual, I was sucked into Lancaster's blend of humor and mystery with some swoonyy scenes. I love how she focuses on the characters and plot rather than overdone sex scenes. Everything is tasteful and romantic. Loved!

I love a romance book that also has a mystery with it. It helps the story along for me. This story is full of both, which means I thoroughly enjoyed it. As Nicholas and Alexandra work to solve kidnappings, they grow closer and have to overcome some pretty rough truths. Definitely worth reading.

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

Our heroine is Alexandra, and she is resource, strong, and kind to children. She becomes a governess, sight-unseen, to little Evelina, who is the illegitimate daughter of one, handsome Sir Nicholas Swan. He loves his child, but really has no idea how to form a closer relationship with her. There are secrets on both sides, but Evelina turns out to be a catalyst for Alexandra and Nicholas to examine and nourish their feelings for each other. Loved it!

Governess Alexandra Battle has to fend for herself in this world. She accepts a position as governess to the untamed Evalina in Nicholas Swan's household. Nicholas is the very epitome of a brooding and enigmatic hero, involved in very mysterious activities. Nicholas has reappeared in London after running away to Europe with a married lover in his youth. His younger brother has set up home with his wife and children in his ancestral home, and Nicholas is living in a strangely located and unusual house now he has returned, with his child and Lady Nora in tow. Alexandra has little trouble with Evalina but she is intrigued and by turns suspicious of Lord Swan and the unusual goings on in the house by day and night. Unsettled when Evalina disappears from the garden, Alexandra calls on Gris and Dragan to assist to uncover the mystery, and when Alexandra's own past comes knocking, the plot thickens.

This very gothic style romance/mystery was excellent fun to read, and Lord Swan was a wonderful brooding hero and Alexandra a resourceful and engaging heroine.

As always an excellent read from Mary Lancaster. Recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Alexandra Battle is hired as the governess for Sir Nicholas Swann's daughter. His daughter may be illegitimate, but he deeply loves her. The interest between Nicholas and Alexandra happens very quickly, but the fact she is a member of his staff holds back any pursuit. Children of wealthy parents are missing and held for ransom. Tisa Dragan and his wife Griz are already trying to solve the puzzle when Nicolas' daughter Evalina is kidnapped. Finding her and her kidnappers will lead to many clues to find who is in charge. If only Alexandra can trust Nicholas and his innocence in the kidnappings. Love will lead to trust. Tisa and Griz make a great team at solving puzzles. With their continued involvement, I hope more books are in the series. I've already read this book twice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

Alexandra Battle is true to her name, and ready to face anything, even accepting the post as governess to Evelina, the illegitimate daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan. Whilst Evelina is a challenge, Alexandra comes to care for her whilst her father, is a mystery and a very attractive one. What Alexandra cannot fathom is how a wealthy baronet would choose to live in an unfashionable area of London, caring for a young dying child. When Eveline disappears, Alexandra must call upon her two friends to help in finding Nicholas’ daughter.
The mystery aspect of this storyline was well delivered with a subtle romance happening in the background. Both were interesting and I particularly enjoyed how the mystery was gradually revealed. Not having read books in this series, I am so looking forward to reading about Tisa and Griz, who make a great team, helping Alexandra and Nicholas to find Evelina.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Despite my mountainous TBR pile, I’m always thrilled to add a new favorite writer to my list. I’m currently enjoying the Crime and Passion series by Mary Lancaster. I reviewed Book 1 and Book 2 earlier, and just finished Book 3, Dangerous Lover.

The constant in the series is the delightful crime-solving couple, the unconventional Lady Grizelda and her revolutionary-in-exile husband, Dragan Tizsa.

The most recent novel features Alexandra Battle. After following her criminally charming pianist father across Italy, Alexandra takes refuge in London, respectably caring for children as a governess. She’s very good at it. She finds herself hired to look after a six-year-old girl with a penchant for temper tantrums. The girl is the daughter of Sir Nicholas Swan, a man with a shady, rakish past, also recently returned to England from Italy.

The novel follows the expected trajectory as far as the relationship goes, but takes some adventurous detours. Nicholas is not what he seems. Alexandra’s past comes back to haunt her. And Dragan and Griz, while only secondary characters in this book, do come through to help with their usual panache.

This series is loads of fun, with well-developed protagonists and a charming love story.

I have read all of Mary Lancaster's books and enjoyed them. This is no exception. It was fun to see Lady Griz and her husband Dragan (from Mysterious Lover) come into this story. So often characters from previous books in a series are mentioned or "come by for a visit" but rarely play any kind of significant role. In this book, they did, and it was a good way to carry the story along and keep us acquainted with these characters. Thanks to #NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the opportunity to read this installment of the series. #DangerousLover

I couldn't put this book down! Alexandra is a strong governess, who has experienced a lot of pain in her life. Sir Nicholas is the eldest son, who ran away at 19 and became his own man. Little Evelina is his natural daughter and brings the two of them together. I never write a spoiler. I will tell you that someone is kidnapping children and ransoming them. The action is great, the plot well developed and it was close to the end before I could guess who dun it!! Splendid read.

Alexandra Battle was hired to be governess to Sir Nicholas Swan's illegitimate 6 year old daughter, Evelina. Lady Grizelda and Dragon Tizsa, who we met in Book One play supportive roles.
There are many twists and turns in this story with kidnappings and secrets that keep you guessing until the very end.
Excellent well-written story! Terrific characters! Wonderful romance between Alexandra and Nicholas!
I think this is my favorite book in this series! Mary Lancaster is one of my favorite authors, and she has definitely written a fabulous series. You should read all of her books if you haven't.

This book seemed to go on forever needlessly until everything was tied together near the end. I would have preferred a little more action throughout. It has been a while since I read a romance that was heavy on the crime (although I found this lacking, too) with little passion, but it did manage to keep my interest.

Ooh I do love this series.

Miss Alexandra Battle has accepted a job as governess to a sweet little girl who has had a few problems to face in her young life, and is known to let her feelings be known. Alexandra is a very good governess with a few secrets.

Sir Nicholas Swan ran away from his family to the continent as a young man who thought he was in love. Now many years later and a good deal wiser it's time to settle into his real life. He does have a few ideas that maybe wouldn't be popular among the English elite.

Our characters in this book may not be quite what you are used to reading about in historical romances of this era, but I promise they will easily grab your attention and keep it. Don't expect to find meek mannered ladies and gentlemen who do nothing except spend their inheritance.

This is part of a series that, if you are reading all of them, are best read in order. You will otherwise find some spoilers. Each book has, however it's own lead characters and a fabulous story.

I have read and enjoyed each one and I'm hoping there will be many more like it.

I loved it.

Wow. Talk about grabbing me from the start, I could not stop until the end! Well written and reading as a wonderful gothic novel, with the setting of a house with many secrets.

She took the job as governess to his daughter. He was an enigma, that took time to unravel, but was well worth the journey!

Step into the imagination of Mary Lancaster and be taken into a story of secrets, suspense, and amazing characters that will keep you on the edge trying to figure out what is happening!

A slow burning attraction begins and you never know where it will lead! I have to say this is my favorite of the series so far, although each story is well worth the read! Mary at her best!