This is the second book in the series that I have read and I won't be reading anymore. The plot is so convoluted that I couldn't get into it. Timothy comes across as a jerk especially with how little interest he takes with his daughter, that I could not like him.

Anne is hired as Governess to Timothy, an Earl. Anne was chosen due to her reputation for keeping employer secrets, which Timothy has in abundance. She also bares an uncanny resemblance to Timothy's wife, who is nowhere around nor is there an explanation of her whereabouts. Timothy asks Anne to pretend to be his wife at his Christmas ball. This leads to many questions for Anne. Mystery and Mayhem are in abundance in this addition to the Governess Bureau series. First Rate! I recommend this, as well as the other books in the series. Highly enjoyable read.
Thank you Emily E K Murdoch, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

Miss Anne Gilbert. She’s known for keeping her employer’s secrets, and when she is selected by the Earl of Clarcton, that is precisely why.Because the Earl, Timothy Lexington, has secrets. Secrets he has worked hard to keep from the world for the last two years. While scandal waits in the wings, Clarcton Castle has entire wings that are shut off and the Countess is nowhere to be found.When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Emily E K Murdoch is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book.

A Governess of Discretion and an Earl with Secrets

He hired her because she is known for her discretion, but Timothy is a troubled soul. He is a man with secrets. Where is Timothy’s wife, and what happens when he asks his governess to play the role of his countess? Things are about to get complicated because hearts become involved, but there is a cloud of mystery, secrets, and mistrust. All must be revealed before love can take root. If you like stories with romance and mystery, you might enjoy this story. I think I would have liked the story if it were a bit shorter, but I still enjoyed the tale.

Emily Murdoch's "A Governess of Discretion" is a very enjoyable read. It is part of her "Governess Bureau" stories set in Regency England. The Earl of Clarcton comes to the governess Bureau to engage a governess for his young daughter. Miss Anne Gilbert, a renowned and gifted governess, is given the assignment. But there is something that the Earl isn't saying about his wife....and no one in the household talks about her. The plot is creative, the characters well-drawn, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

#AGovernessofDiscretion #NetGalley

The Governess of Discretion is book two in the Governess Bureau by author Emily E. K. Murdoch. This is a series bound together by a highly sought after bureau of skilled, refined, and disciplined governesses whom are available to raise and educate the nobility’s offspring.

The Governess Bureau has very strict standards and “When the nobility and gentility of England are at their wits end, they send a discrete note to Miss Vivienne Clarke’s Governess Bureau. Only accepting the very best clients, their governesses are coveted by minor royalty, with every governess following three rules:
1.   You must have an impeccable record.
2.   You must bring a special skill to the table.
3.   You must never fall in love…”

So far, In books one and two of this series the “rules” have been blown to pieces — this is the story of how Miss Anne Gilbert finds herself surrounded in a world of mystery and possible scandal as she tries to care and guide the Earl of Clarcton’s daughter.

I loved the mystery and subterfuge embroiled in this story. I wanted to know just exactly what hideous secrets the earl and all his employees were hiding and of course how these secrets would be brought to light. I did enjoy the way the author slowly reveals bits and bits of the backstory it made for an intriguing plot. I have to admit I felt like the romance between the H/h was vague and there were a lot of jumps the reader was expected to make. I would have liked to see more on page romance where the man actually worked to get his lady. It just felt a little skimpy for me, especially with all the hidden agendas and then arguments between H/h — there was very little reconciliation between the two characters. Needs more emoticons.

Overall a fun romantic mystery story 3.5 Stars | 3 Flames

3.5

A Governess of Discretion is a regency romance, with multiple perspectives. Timothy needs a governess to help with his four year old child as well as a secret motive, to insure the eligible ladies of society stop throwing themselves at him. That is where Anne comes in, she is hired to look after this child, but getting information from anyone about her new charge or the household becomes daunting. As Anne and Timothy get to know each other, Timothy starts letting people back into their lives. Anne begins to understand the complex man that is her new master. I loved Anne as a character, she was sweet, dealt with bad behaviors and bad tempers, like a pro. Tim's character, I really did not like him, even after I found out why he handled things the way he did. He just came off angry all the time or how he handled his child up until Anne showed up, pissed me off. So it put a bit of a hiccup in the development of the Romance between him and Anne. The plot and the writing were great, I liked how the storyline flowed. I was more of a drama and hardship kind of story. If you are looking for a more heavy hearted romance leaning more toward the plot , I would definitely check this story out. While I did have some problems with it, I still enjoyed it very much.
Trigger warnings: infidelity, accidental death, sexual harassment
I received this advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

I enjoyed this book.
The one thing I applauded the author for was a very unique storyline with some twists. The tension that builds throughout is very well done as well.
Overall I came to like the character of Timothy. At first, he is quite cold and standoffish but then you start to see gentle traits to him and by the end, you come to understand his pain and hurt.
Anne however I didn't much care for. As a governess, she was quite out of line in terms of attitude. I understand she is outspoken but I felt too much so, especially if she was one of the best governesses at the Bureau.
There were some loose ends that were left hanging I felt, particularly when it came to the footman Holt and his part in the history of the family.
I do highly recommend this book, it is a sweet, slow-burning love story, HEA, mystery, nothing explicit written.
I received an advanced copy in exchange for my review

I got a free copy of this from NetGalley for preview and this is my review for the same.

I really enjoyed the first and this second book in the series. I have not read a lot of Emily Murdoch, but she will be on my radar for future reads. I would say this is 3.5 stars; a solid read that I generally enjoyed.

This is the second book of the Governess Bureau. It was a bit slow going at first; the hero came across as an ass. Socially awkward, short tempered, a bit hot and cold. The heroine seemed to handle him rather well though. I liked her relationship with the child in the story; it seemed rather sweet and the child seemed to be starved for love and loveable as well. I warmed up to the hero when he did show his love for the child, despite his conflict about her.

A couple of the accessory characters and the relationships with them seemed a bit unclear, such as why the housekeeper was so hostile. The footman and his place in the story seemed a bit too short and rather unresolved in the end, as far as I was concerned; especially in light of his connection to the mystery central to the story.

The familial connection between the heroine and the hero, that was discovered later in the story, and the connection the mystery struck a bit of a cold note for me. Far too coincidental perhaps? But ultimately, I am looking for something fun and escapist to read that doesn't tax my brain power too much during these stressful times. Ultimately, I did find it novel with a heroine that was likeable and believable, and a decent romantic story line that had some conflict, was not too sweet and cutesy, a bit of steam, and an HEA.

Throw a dog or two in and I would have been even happier.

While the story took a while to really get going, Anne and Timothy's story is worth it. Timothy is looking for a Governess who can keep certain things hidden. Anne is known as a 'Governess of discretion' so after a bit of convincing she accepts the post of Governess to Frances.

While Anne comes in as a governess she ends up playing other rather surprising roles. I really enjoyed their story and would definitely recommend it to other Historical Romance readers!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in 'The Governess Bureau series" I haven't read the first book in the series but I don't feel this distracted from me enjoying the story. However I might go back and read the first book as I really enjoyed the and the character of Miss Anne Gilbert and have a feeling Meredith story, who has a cameo in this book would be just as entertaining.

Miss Clarke runs the very reputable Governess Bureau, and Anne happens to be one of her best members of staff who comes with great approval from her previous employees as she keeps the mans scandalous secrets.

Earl, Timothy Lexington, is in need of a governess for his four year old daughter and hears of Miss Gilbert from the disgraced lord who's secret she has kept, but everyone knows about as he is not himself discreet. I really enjoyed this book it was the perfect mix of historical fiction and romance. With characters who has a spark from the outset and we are along for the ride to see the feelings blossom.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing. for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All my opinions are my own,

Anne Gilbert is a governess with the Governess Bureau. She I s known for her truthfulness, intregetity, and keeping her employers families information confidential. The Earl of Lexington, Timothy is seeking just such a governess because he has some major issues within his household and after seeing Anne he believes part of his problems can be solved by her in two areas if he can get her to agree.

This book is truly an amazing maze because your on one path for sure and then you are turned around and blocked off and have to go back! The author has done a superb job in keeping the characters fresh and engaging which sometimes can be overdone in a series like this about a specific type of character! However, that is not the case with this series! Read on everyone because I can’t wait for the next release!

I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.

Another great addition to The Governess Bureau series. Anne is so capable and right from the beginning I want her protected and happy. Timothy didn't capture me fir quite a while!

No spoiler here, but I recommend this story and believe you will enjoy the characters, the plot, and the ending!

A Governess of Discretion by Emily E.K. Murdoch is the second in the Governess Bureau series. The Governess Bureau is am employment agency of sorts, which has very high standards for the governesses it represents, the third of which states: Never fall in love... Easier said than done, apparently. Miss Anne Gilbert has appeared to obtain an interview for her fourth posting, her last one having ended successfully. Timothy Lexington, the Earl of Clarcton, was standing behind her where she hadn't noticed him. Once her heard the words, "...a governess of discretion..." he was sold. Between that and her appearance, he hired her immediately, after which came several long days in a carriage during which her complained about the state of the roads, 36 times. It was a very pleasant journey. They did finally arrive and she was overcome with the size and beauty of his estate. She fell instantly in love with her four-year-old charge, Frances. Things were looking better than they had on the journey north. Until he asked a favor of her: would she pretend to be the countess for the Christmas ball he was hosting? The countess had not been seen for several years and marriage-minded young women and their mothers were inundating him. He wanted that to stop.

This was a convoluted story of love and loss; of a staff so loyal to the Earl that they would say almost anything or not say. Falling in love was a slow process, one that almost failed to take root because of situations and personalities from the past. It would have been a better story had there been less ruminating and more action, but it was entertaining enough, and certainly different that many Regency stories. They were both good characters that were moral and upright, if misguided. Murdoch is a lovely writer and this is a good series. I am happy to see it continue, although poor, Miss Clarke, the mistress of the Governess Bureau is going to have to relax this rule. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Governess of Discretion by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #agovernessofdescretion

I received an arc from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
Timothy and Anne were a refreshing duo. Their meeting and connection came about in a mysterious way and the mystery behind Timothy’s wife’s disappearance keeps you wondering throughout the book.
I did find myself not as interested in the details and paging through a lot, so this was more of a 3 star read for me.

This is one of those books I really wanted to like more than I actually did. The premise seemed interesting until you realize that Timothy covered up his wife's death and pretended she was still alive. There were a lot of little things that just didn't make sense with this story. For example, based on everything we learn about Louise I do not for one moment believe she would lower herself to have an affair with a servant, let alone plan to run off with him. Then there is a suggestion that Holt was somehow involved in what happened to Louise but it goes nowhere - I also must have missed where he suggests he had something to do with it as Anne later tells Timothy. And why does Holt make a comment to Timothy about how he should not give up on Anne when her return would only bring to light everything he had done? Speaking of Holt, I would have liked just one more mention of him to find out how he reacted to his being sent off to the Navy. I also would have liked to know what exactly happened at Anne's prior placement - did her former employer appreciate her discretion regarding his mistress or him not paying her for several months?

I liked the parts with Anne and Frances and would have liked more them with Timothy - the ones we did get were sweet and made me root for them as a couple more than all of the ones with her getting her training for the ball. I wish that Anne hadn't run off to London after her argument with Timothy, I thought she was made of stronger stuff than that.

It took me some time to get into the story, its slow at the beginning but towards the middle, the pace picks up and I couldn't wait to know all the Earl's secret. This is the second book of The Governess Bureau Serie´s and it can be read as a standalone.
I like Anne, she was discreet but she was curious about everything and a little fun at times. But when the Earl makes the request of being his wife for just a little bit, she is intrigued. But, that is his dead wife. I had a little trouble liking the Earl, he wants Anne to be "his wife" while taking care of this daughter and maybe be his mistress while they are at it. In the end, we get the secrets, there is no cliffhanger.

I found a certain amount of suspense in this novel as secrets abound. Selected by the Earl of Clarcton as a governess to his daughter, Miss Anne Gilbert, known as a Governess of Discretion, is taken aback not only by his speedy choice but also that he insists that they depart the city immediately for his home. Anne is concerned about the household as no one is willing to discuss the Countess with Anne. As she gets closer to the truth, Anne finds herself agreeing to a charade that goes against everything she believes in. Anne had my full sympathy, but Timothy Lexington is hard to like with his prevaricating and the manner in which he blew hot and cold towards Anne. He had so many secrets, that they kept tripping him up. Whilst the novel does come to a happy conclusion, I found the closing chapters left me with a grumpy feeling and a lot of questions. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is book two in the Governess Bureau series.

Miss Anne Gilbert is set to become the Governess in the Earl of Clarcton household.

The Earl, Timothy, is keeping secrets. He wants Anne to play a dangerous game if deceit at his Christmas ball. To his astonishment, she plays his Countess so well that he starts thinking of keeping her around.

But will Anne say yes to being his Mistress AND Governess for his daughter Frances?

Mystery, lies, deceit and romance are all in this book.

Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Anne is a governess known for keeping her employers secrets.
Timothy has secrets that need keeping. When Timothy requests quite scandalously that Anne pretend to be his countess she doesn't know what to say.
This book is a convoluted tale with kidnapping and a mystery.
What happened to the countess?
Emily Murdoch tells an exceptional tale.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.