I'm not actually sure that I have the words to describe how great this book was. A governess spy with a big secret. A rich cop with a questionable background. And both trying to make it in the ton, how could you not like the concept of this book.

Emily is the pinnacle of a strong female main character that I wish I could be more like. She is street smart but she also has a big heart. And she isn't afraid to speak her mind, which is important in books of this era, when so many women didn't speak up.

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, which I'm hoping is about Frankie. I also hope that we get to know the identity of The Dove sooner rather than later.

This is a new to me author, and the first book in a series.

What drew me to this book was the underlying sub-plot of a network of governesses that act as spies to help right the wrongs perpetrated by the nobility. It's an intriguing idea, and has a nice set up in this story. I look forward to seeing how that expands throughout the series.

In this book we meet Emily (aka Esther), who is as unconventional a governess as you've ever seen. She's more comfortable teaching her charges how to survive on the streets than math or science, but finds a way to keep that part of her life hidden.

Zach is one of richest men in England, but started his life in similar poverty-ridden areas of London as Emily. He's a detective with the Metropolitan Police looking into a string of mysterious deaths and thinks Emily can help.

Together they learn more about the incidents, eventually leading them to the person responsible. (Full disclosure - I knew who it was going to be very early on, BUT it was still a satisfying reveal) Along the way they fall in love, and manage to persevere - even with Emily's past comes back to haunt her.

I really enjoyed this first book, and am looking forward to the next one!

Tropes: MC's with rough/shady pasts; "Big Secret"; murder mystery
Steam level: 3
First in a series

3.5 stars rounded up. This is a pretty solid debut book, with a few caveats. First off, what I liked:
--The idea of the Dove creating a network of governess spies is an interesting one, although you do have to suspend some disbelief.
--Emily, the MFC, and Zach, the MMC have both pulled themselves up from terrible poverty. Neither is nobility.
--MC's have strong chemistry.
--There are scenes with genuine humor and the banter is funny.
--Decent research into the time period (although the world building didn't quite come together--see below).
--The twist at the end was unique and unexpected.

What I'm not crazy about, but it's not a deal breaker:
--The language and behavior are quite modern and American at some points. Not OTT anachronistic, I've read worse, but at times it did pull me out of the storyline.
--Emily and Zach's relationship is a bit insta-lusty for my taste. Would have liked it if the relationship had been slower burn.

What I didn't care for:
--I found the pacing in the first half, especially, surprisingly slow. I was expecting something more mystery focused, with the MC's working together with the Dove's help to solve the case. Instead, there are several chapters devoted to the MC's getting physical that are fine, but not integral. Or a scene is rehashed by both MC's without doing much to further the plot or characterization. Or, you get the perspective of a secondary character (a scheming mama of the ton) whose insights and attitudes aren't that important to the storyline. The actual solution to the mystery comes along very suddenly.

Overall, this is a good debut HR with some mystery and mayhem added to the mix. With tighter editing and more of a sense of the period, it would have been a solid 4 stars.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. The book is scheduled to be released January 23.

Emily Leverton is not your typical governess, she is not a genteel lady fallen on hard times, no, she is a rough and tumble girl who was raised on the streets. But she was determined to have a better life and escaped the streets as soon as she was able. She knows she is a terrible governess, but she does her best and is shocked when she is summoned to meet the owner of the most prestigious governess agency in England – Perdita’s Governess Agency. She meets with the “Dove” and is offered a unique opportunity, she will be trained as a governess and spy. The Dove wants information on the elite upper classes who often get away with heinous crimes, she wants to make sure they pay for their crimes like anyone else, and having a spy in the household to gather information is invaluable. Emily agrees and hopes by helping the Dove bring down corrupt members of the ton she will be making amends for the sins of her past. While working for the Earl of Eastmoreland’s family she is called upon to deliver a forgotten fan to Lady Minnie, the earl’s eldest daughter at the ball she was attending. It is there that she spies a man being besieged by a marriage-minded mama and her daughters, when she catches his eye, she spontaneously blows him a kiss before exiting the ballroom, never expecting to see him again. But to her complete shock, he follows her and makes his interest known. Emily would love nothing more than to accept his attentions, but she has secrets; big secrets that would ruin them both. She tries to brush him off, but when she learns that he is working on a case for the police, she changes her mind and decides that helping him helps her too. She just needs to remember to keep her distance and guard her heart from wanting what she can never have.

Zachariah “Zach” Denholm was born and raised in Whitechapel as the son of a butcher. He made his fortune through smart investments and is now one of the richest men in London. Never one to laze about, Zach works as a Detective Constable for the Metropolitan Police and is currently working on a case involving the brutal murders of prostitutes in the Bethnal Green slums. The press has dubbed the killer the “Evangelist” and mentions Zach’s participation in the case, making him even more popular in the ton – which is the last thing he wants. When a cheeky governess blows him a kiss, he is intrigued and when he meets her, he is snared. He knows she is not what she pretends to be and that just makes him want her more. The more time they spend together, the harder he falls, and though she denies it, he is sure she is falling too. But Emily is not like any woman he has ever known and winning her will not be easy but he is sure the extra effort will be worth it. But when her big secret is revealed, Zach feels a moment of doubt, and that is all Emily needs to walk out of his life. Will he realize his mistake before it's too late or has he lost her forever?

OMG, OMG, OMG – I LOVED this book! I am so impressed by this new-to-me author, I love her writing style and the fact that she nailed the titles and proper address was just a surprise bonus for me. Emily and Zach are wonderful characters and so easy to like, and even though there is technically adultery in the book – I didn’t even care - I KNOW, I can hardly believe it myself, but the way the author handled it was perfect and it was a complete non-issue for me. The book has so much going on but it never felt “busy”, it was close to perfect and definitely a keeper. The book has secrets, murder, witty banter, lots of emotion, great secondary characters, more than one villain, a mysterious benefactor, steamy love scenes, a bit of heartache, a couple of nail-biter scenes, a few tears, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I cannot wait for the next book and I think I might actually read her upcoming contemporary paranormal romance that is coming out this fall – If you know anything about me and the books I read, you will be floored by that statement – Needless to say, I highly recommend this title, it is the first book in a new series and in my opinion, is a must-read!

5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This was not at all what I expected, but I really loved it!

I enjoyed that it has the twist of governesses being spies of the ton, and it makes sense because no one really thinks of them. But that only added to Emily’s story, which I could not wait to see unfold because she had so many secrets.

I also really enjoyed Zach as a character. His story of how he came into his riches but it didn’t change him as a person. And how he accepted every part of Emily, even though she has always been told that she is less than.

The spice was also unexpected, but just another facet that made me really love this book.

I can’t wait for more!

Blowing kisses leads to murder…say it isn’t so. Okay, so it is not but it was fun to say. This story is quirky, not the norm and delicious. It reminded me of Manda Collins, Adele Clee and some of Anna Bradley’s mysteries. I loved that we have a Detective Constable and an Agent (of the Dove) working on the same mystery and are not peers. I am all over those. Catnip. Zachariah (love that name) and Emily (aka Noodles) work together, although through different agencies, to catch the Evangelist. I thought I had it figured out but dang it Lindsay threw some red herrings in there to throw us off. One thing, event though this story is action-packed, I thought it went on a little too long with Emily’s secret. I am okay with secrets but not the entire story especially when it could have been cleared up earlier. I believe this is Lindsay's first book. Applaud this story.

Genre: historical romance
London, 1838

Emily Leverton - not her real name - has been posing as a governess. She’s not a very good governess, but she is very good at acting. She’s cast aside her past, hidden the Big Secret, and worked hard to make her life respectable as a widow. Emily is recruited by a woman known as the Dove, who oversees a top tier governess agency which doubles as a spy network, infiltrating the top households of the ton. Here, she meets Zachariah Denholm, ex-soldier, railroad magnate, and current detective because he enjoys having something to keep his mind busy. He’s searching for a serial killer known as the Evangelist. It’s love nearly at first sight for Zach, the first time he watches Emily take down a petty thief on the streets. Emily’s information-gathering mission and Zach’s detective work inevitably overlap in this cheeky and adventurous historical romance.

I really enjoyed this debut from Lindsay Lovise! The villains were villainous, the hero and heroine were flawed, the romance was a delight. I don’t always love when the villains are such caricatures, but it worked here. Emily has a lot of reason not to trust the men in her life, and seeing insight into her late-husband, father, and step-father, helps build that distrust on page for us without hitting too many sensitive nerves. Do I like a heroine with a less traumatic past? Sure. But the overly dramatized relationships of her past help the novel retain a lighter tone overall.

Despite the fact that Zach has made a fortune, he’s still very much a man of his origins, so this doesn’t feel as much like a class difference romance as it could have. The obstacles for Zach and Emily to overcome feel more realistic, and they work really well together as a team. There’s nothing better than picking up a romance where the couple just fits, despite their disagreements.

This is a solid debut and I look forward to the rest of the series and more from Lindsay Lovise in the future. While I didn’t have an audiobook, I also suspect this will be a delight to listen to.

Historical romance, lady spies, a mystery to solve and the guy falls first?! Perfection. I didn’t know what to expect with this book and it completely overwhelmed me in such a fantastic way.
Meeting the Dove was when Emily’s life completely changed. Undercover as a governess she’s learning the secrets of the ton to help those being hurt by them. Her complicated past helps and hurts her in her quest as does the fascination and pull she has to the handsome detective Zach. Their fun flirtation and chemistry is the best part of the story. I do wish there was more of Emily doing work For the Dove but I’m hoping for more of her story and more mystery in the next book. Highly recommend!

Street-wise governess Emily is hired to spy on her high-society patrons. Railroad magnate Zach is determined to learn more about the charming woman, unraveling her secrets while hunting a killer. When Emily’s dark past comes to light, will it destroy everything?

I loved the intrigue and the unique characters in this book. The high level of tension and emotion throughout kept me turning pages.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I absolutely devoured this book. I could not put it down! I think all historical romances should have a mystery component, because it really drives the plot along so well. I don't even have much more to say about it because I read it so fast. I definitely recommend this to anyone who may be new to historical romance and doesn't really understand the tropes or the vibes yet. This one has something for everyone!

A beautiful blend of mystery and romance!

Initially, the book's title drew me in. Then, I dove into the book, and from the first chapter, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. The author gave great complexity to the main characters, Emily and Zach. As we read, we continually learn about different facets of their characters. Complex characters combined with suspense make it hard to put the book down since we are constantly curious about what will happen next. I liked this book's blend of mystery and romance. It kept my attention throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Format - EARC (netgalley)

Rating- ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Spice- 🌶 🌶

Series- The Secret Society of Governess Spies #1

Troupes- instant attraction, only one bed, forced proximity, he falls first

Representation-

CW- murder and violence

This is my first book form Lovise but it defiantly will not be my last I’m so looking forward to the next in this series!

Emily and Zach are not your typical historical romance novel characters neither are of the peerage but are street smart and from the slums. Getting to the Ton from the perspective of an outsider was so much fun! Add into it the intrigue of a murder to catch and the threat of Emily’s secrets coming to haunt her and you have a well paced plot with dynamic characters you want to be friends with and an Author with a brand new fan!

I loved the chemistry between out MCs and the spice in this one was a nice surprise! You never know with new to you authors if your gonna get and then like their spice but Lovise delivers!

This was a fun fast paced highly enjoyable read! Looking forward to the next!

This is the first book that I have read by this author but, definitely will not be the last.

This is such a wonderful, entertaining story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end.

Emily grew up in a family of con artists and is trying to make herself respectable. She becomes a governess and meets Zack, who also grew up poor, but is now very wealthy from making good investments. He also volunteers for the police in solving murders.

The chemistry between the two was spectacular and I loved how kind Zach was to Emily even when she tried to push him away.

There were lots of secrets and intrigue throughout the story and a surprising end.

I can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. All comments and opinions are mine.

A fantastic new voice in historical romance! Great characters, and I couldn't put it down with all the twists and turns. Hope we get another book soon. Highly recommend!

3.5

After a childhood that forced Emily into some difficult situations and a life of thievery, she’s finally found some stability in her position as a governess. She knows it’s a precarious situation as she is merely playing the part of being a governess, but she will fight tooth and nail to keep herself out of the same predicaments she found herself in when she was subject to her family’s whims.

Then one day, she receives a mysterious note from someone calling themselves “The Dove”. Turns out The Dove is a mysterious woman who trains other women to be spies, and sets them up in affluent households to get to the secrets eluding the police to help them solve crime. This seems like an easy progression for Emily who already bends the truth of who she is, plus the extra money can’t hurt especially when all she really has to do is pay attention, listen to the gossip, and pass along the information.

While doing her job, Emily meets Detective Constable Zachariah Denholm. Immediately, Zach is intrigued by this governess. Though he’s got his hands full with investigating a serial murderer dubbed The Evangelist, Zach can’t help but be drawn to Emily. As they end up running into each other again and again, they’ll find they have a lot more in common than previously thought.

I wish there was a bit more with Emily’s actual spying as I thought it was one of the most interesting aspects of the story. I'm glad it's an aspect that's seemingly setup to run throughout the series so I'm hopeful that we'll get deeper in The Dove's covert operation.

As it was, there were so many extra elements to follow. The females of the ton trying to “catch” Zach into matrimony, Emily’s mysterious past - which includes Emily’s deceased husband, Emily and Zach’s burgeoning relationship, plus the main mystery of solving the crimes of The Evangelist. I think there could have been some benefit by trimming it back a little bit to allow more focus would have made the overall story a lot sharper.

I liked the setup of Emily and Zach being on different teams but working toward the same goal. Of course this is unbeknownst to Zach, yet Emily is fully aware of who he is, and it's the secrets she carries that makes her hesitate in starting anything with him. This is an instance where the lack of focus on Emily's spying is really highlighted because it could have given us many more compelling moments between them. The back-and-forth of it all gets to be a little too repetitive for me, but I liked how steadfast Zach was in wanting to learn more about Emily. There's an interesting twist toward the end which I think validates Emily's reluctance toward a relationship, and looking back I think Lindsay Lovise did a great job keeping it under wraps with only subtle hints but still delivering a slight gut-punch upon reveal.

I do think this is a very good start to a series. After this, I'm invested in seeing how it grows and some of the characters introduced already have been clamoring to get their stories.

I loved the premise of this book and it did not disappoint. The banter between the main characters combined with the sizzling romance and the plot twists, made this book one I could not put down.

I have not read many historical romance books before, but I enjoyed this one. I am super excited to see that it is part of a series.

I appreciated that we got to hear from both the female and the male perspective. If you love a strong feminine approach to historical fiction, this book is for you.

Thanks to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for providing the ARC.

Never Blow a Kiss is the first book in the Secret Society of Governess Spies series.

Emily Leverton has endured a lot in her 24 years and just when she thinks she’ll need to find a new position, Emily finds herself recruited by The Dove to spy on ton families while working as a governess. Zach is a self-made man and military veteran who would rather work as the Detective Constable for the Metropolitan Police than live as a man of leisure. He’s the head of the task force to bring down The Evangelist, the nickname for the person behind a recent series of murders. Emily and Zach have a memorable first meeting when they come across one another one evening when Emily brings a forgotten reticule to her employer’s oldest daughter at a ball. While they’re not working together, they continue to run into one another because of either their investigations or her work as a governess. As attraction builds and Zach falls first and falls hard will it be enough to overcome not only Emily’s past but her Big Secret too? Plus, bringing the culprit to justice.

It was about a fifth of the way in when it’s mentioned that the FMC has a shameful secret beyond just her secret past and I was anxious about what the secret would be. At this point I was well invested in the characters and worried that once the secret was revealed that it would end up not being that big of deal. It’s happened too many times in HR I’ve read and made me wary. I’m so glad that it was not the case for this story and could understand why Emily kept it secret for so long. The author also did a great job of keeping the identity of the villain secret until the end. I loved Zach’s and Emily’s story and with the author justifiably creating a legit Big Secret and enough twists to keep the reader guessing on the villain is why this was a five star read. I liked Zach in that he was from a similar background as Emily and allowed her the space and freedom to take care of things she was capable of. Emily has a lifetime of not being able to trust people and her journey to trusting Zach is a bit slower. The epilogue sets up book two nicely and am excited to read it when it comes out.

There are three and a half encounters that are on the upper side of mid-steam.

This book contains reference to spousal abuse and murder.

Advanced ecopy of the book provided by Net Galley and Forever publishing for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I’m so excited that this is a debut and a new series! Governesses who spy plus romance? Sign me up. I loved Emily and Zach’s story. Emily is contacted by someone named the Dove who wants her to spy on the ton and share any useful information with her. She helps to solve crimes and hold the members of the ton accountable.
From Emily and Zach’s entertaining meet cute, I was drawn to them. They have such great chemistry and their banter was hilarious. I loved the combination of mystery and romance. This one kept me guessing and I loved the intro for book 2! I’d recommend this for fans of Manda Collins and Sarah Maclean’s Hell’s Belles series!

This is a magical debut. This one has romance, mystery, thrills, and some chemistry! I love that we get poor- working class characters with this one, one a cop and the other a spy. Emily is not only street smart she fought her way to be a governess- which just makes you like her more. Zach falls so hard for Emily it's adorable- his nickname for her is perfection as well.
The mystery is also super well woven into the storyline and didn’t see the ending coming!
I’m super excited for more of this series! I couldn’t put this one down and excited to have more of Dove as well!

This assured debut has everything that a hist-rom fan would want. Governess spy Emily, who has a past, teams up with Zack, who works for the London police on the trail of a serial killer. This intelligent romance includes intrigue and spice and the start of a series I will definitely follow. Enjoy!