I rarely like spinster's stories but this one had me so good, that i had no other option but fall in love with such a beautiful story.

"Red" is a lady spy/assassin sent to find a traitor in household of a former soldier. She poses as a governess to his children but has no clue about childrearing and does not seem to be very affectionate.

Once Red and George "fall in love" and decide to marry she is still going to take assignments and work as a spy! And she knows ways to make sure they have no children so that it does not interfere with her work and because she is not maternal or loving at all.

I could not get into this book at all. It took forever to read. I couldn't connect to the characters or the story. I don't really care for spy books but do like a good mystery. This just did not hit the spot for me.

A Governess with a Mission and a Soldier in Desperate Need of Healing

Red must catch a dangerous spy, and to accomplish her goal, she must become a governess. She did not think she had a nurturing soul, but she found herself falling in love with the children and their father.

George was haunted by demons from his past. The war had left him with scars, both seen and unseen. However, it was not just the war that damaged his soul. Could love help him to heal?

A worthy mission, a love that defied all reason, and danger that would turn deadly made this story an excellent read. I recommend it to lovers of Regency romance.

I had never read a historical romance where the guy has PTSD. I think it was very well described and I really enjoyed how Red helps him through it. Her relationship with the children is great too... even if we don't really realize it until the very end. I would love to read more from you.

What a fun story! Red was the perfect character, everything unexpected. You'll fall in love with this family as you work to help Red solve the mystery.

Heat Factor: It’s spicy but it’s not high heat.

Character Chemistry: They absolutely have chemistry in their own little bubble.

Plot: Red is part of a secret group called the Lady Knights, and her new assignment is to pose as a governess in a house where a suspected assassin is hiding. Sir George has returned from Waterloo and is pushing his children away in order to process his trauma, guilt, and grief.

Overall: This was a very sweet read, but the suspense plot wasn’t as meaty as I’d hoped.

Try to imagine for a moment a book that combines The Sound of Music and—stay with me here—Charlie’s Angels (but ALL women). If it sounds simultaneously like something you need to read urgently and also like it could be a total disaster, you are where I was when I first picked up this book.

This is the third book in the series, and I did not read the first two before I started A Spinster’s Last Stand. I’m not totally sure it matters, but it might. For starters, we don’t get a very in depth explanation of what the group is or how the bigger series plot has progressed. I personally had very little trouble understanding the basic idea though. It’s essentially a small, all-women covert ops team, only historical and with direct references to The Sound of Music. Pretty straightforward. The suspense plot is simply that Red is meant to infiltrate a household, identify a French assassin, and take them down before they’re able to kill.

The romance plot is also pretty straightforward. Red is the “governess” and George has returned from war with few emotional skills and a great deal of trauma. Thus, he’s resorted to using whistles on his wayward and sort of angry children, and disappears every time he’s faced with flashbacks or night terrors to protect the children from himself. Red walks in and nixes the whistle immediately (obviously, it’s one of the best parts from the movie), and gets the kids in line with firm and loving kindness. She’s actually a great governess, except for her utter inability to keep her hands off the dad. Which is, of course, mutual. (Yay!)

It is my opinion that the only real flaw of this book is that the suspense plot seems to end up largely forgotten. While there are some tense moments where you think the assassination plot will thicken, they tend to fizzle out. For example, she makes a great list of suspects, and then we don’t really hear about it again except when she crosses George’s name off. None of those characters really develops enough for us to sift through our suspicions, or wonder who it might be. It’s left mostly untouched until we’re handed the villain in the last showdown. Furthermore, the only real tension regarding this very fascinating secret job she has involves her sword training practice, the way she boobytraps her room, and that she finds a bottle of poisoned vinegar in the kitchen. Otherwise it pretty much revolves around her role as a governess and the relationship. Which isn’t necessarily bad, those parts were fantastic—but if we’re going to have a women-only covert ops team set in post-Waterloo England, I’m going to want some more details. Actually, to be frank—I desperately need more details. The lack of details in this plot are actually going to bother me because it’s just such a darn good set up.

However, please recall that this is the third book in the series, and as the epilogue suggests, by this point in the larger series plot we’re looking at a big finish in the next book. So I do wonder if this book was kind of a set up for the last book, which will tie up loose ends. And this is why I don’t know if it matters that I didn’t read the first two books—maybe the first two have more suspense and villainy. I’d definitely read from the start to find out.

Romantically, it’s a good book. Red is really brassy and strong-willed, and I liked how she engaged with other characters. George is softer, despite being set up as a hard, tightly controlled military man. Is there a little part of me that kind of wanted Red to be the boss in the bedroom? Yes. It wasn’t even a small part, if I’m honest. I really, really did. She was not, he was the “teacher,” but it was still pretty good.

Honestly, the cutest part is that George ends up being a big softy who researches honeybees. He writes a whole manuscript about it, so of course Red sits down and reads it cover to cover despite having just ascertained that the murderer has run out of time and is likely to strike at any moment. It wouldn’t have been my strategy as an assassin detective, but I am not one, so I really couldn’t say that it wasn’t tactically brilliant. The honeybee part just cracks George open into a more interesting character though, and the way it plays out was very well done.

Anyway, if you’re interested in checking this one out, I say go for it—but if I could do it again I’d start with the first book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

"A Spinster's Last Stand" by Cara Maxwell offers a tale of second chances, unexpected attractions, and the Lady Knights of England, but it falls just short of being an amazing read. The story introduces us to Ethelreda McGovern, a Lady Knight who faces punishment and banishment but is instead assigned the role of governess to Sir George Caldwell's children.

Ethelreda, or Red, is not the typical governess. Her fiery spirit and unconventional ways make her stand out, and as she navigates her new role, she finds herself tempted by her employer, Sir George, a wounded soldier haunted by his past. The attraction between them is undeniable, but their journey is complicated by the shadows of their histories and the dangers that arise.

While "A Spinster's Last Stand" is a good read with well-drawn characters and a unique premise, it doesn't quite reach the level of being amazing. The characters are engaging, and the story has its moments of intrigue and passion. However, it may not fully deliver on the potential of its premise, leaving readers wanting a bit more depth and development in certain areas.

Overall, if you enjoy historical romances with unconventional heroines and wounded heroes, this book offers an entertaining read. It's a story of redemption and love, but it doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of the genre.

This is the third installment of the Lady Knights series. Ethelreda, Red, has failed at her mission as a Lady Knight, and now her punishment is to be a governess to Sir George Caldwell's children. The punishment couldn't any worse, because Red doesn't have a maternal bone in her body. But under this guise, she must carry out her mission and capture the assassin, Antoine Legrand. Only she never expected desires and passions to be stirred by her employer. George loves his children, but things were getting out of hand and he was in desperate need of help. He never expected that help to come in the form of a fiery red-head with a wild and free spirit. A wounded soldier, he has put the horrors behind him. Although his body has healed, he has a long way to go before the same can be said for his soul, and Red just may be the person to help him with that.
The story captured my interest from the very start and kept me engaged till the end. The storyline flowed smoothly and the plot twists had plenty of suspense and intrigue to keep me interested. Definitely a captivating addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Ethelreda McGovern as Ethelreda Trudeau, enters the home of Sir George Caldwell late of His Majesty's Fifth Regiment of Foot. As the governess to his children, she is the least maternal of the Lady Knights. Her job is to capture, Antoine Legrand, an assassin. No one knows what the assassin looks like and the connection to Oxley Park. Attention to detail and her skill with weapons, Red is confident she will find this assassin. As she searches for Legrand, she grows to love George and his children. When the assassin strikes, she's ready. This book may start out slow, but soon picks up the pace for a fast finish as all the pieces start to fall into place. Red is a Lady Knight that could give James Bond a run for his money!
Very, very HOT!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Both the suspense and the romance in this intriguing novel move slowly but as the plot ramps up, so does the attraction between Lady Knight Ethelreda and the suspense becomes quite intense. The book is well-written and as with other books by this author, I did not want to put it down. Sent to the home of the widower Sir George Caldwell as a governess to his unruly children, Red's initial introduction to the family had echoes of the movie, The Sound of Music as the beleaguered George takes a military stance in order to cope with being a father. As Red makes inroads into winning the family's trust and respect, she never forgets the reason why she has actually been sent on this assignment as it is her last chance to redeem herself. I enjoyed the interaction between Red and the Caldwell family, the children bringing both humor and heartache, and the retired military man facing his own demons, bringing home to one the horror of war. Ultimately, Red's quest is successful and the main characters are brought together in a heartwarming conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Sir George just wants his kids to behave and mot scare away the governess. Ethelreda just wants to serve her queen the best eay she knows how. BUT a governess? Really? Could she get a different assignment?
This is definitely a different kind of book unique and entertaining. The ending surprised me. I was not suspecting that!
I have given my honest review for a complimentary copy.

Set in a time when societal norms and expectations placed immense pressure on unmarried women, the story follows the charming and fiercely independent protagonist as she navigates a world filled with societal constraints and romantic misadventures. The character's resilience and determination to live life on her terms make her instantly relatable and admirable.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend humor and romance seamlessly. The witty banter between characters adds a layer of amusement to the story, while the slow-burning romance keeps readers eagerly turning pages. The novel not only explores the complexities of love but also touches on themes of self-discovery and personal empowerment.

A Spinster’s Last Stand by Cara Maxwell is another of the Lady Knights series. For some reason, this book didn’t really grab me. Not sure why as it had good characters and a decent plot. Sometimes you just don’t connect. Ethelreda McGovern was a spinster, by choice. She was also part of an exclusive group of women working undercover for the queen, the Lady Knights. She had been in a small town for several months, establishing her false identity when the time came to embrace her assignment and go and meet the family for whom she would be the new nanny. She was not looking forward to the nanny part. When she arrived Sir George Caldwell, himself, answered the door. Where were the servants? Then she met the children: both deprived of love, showing it in different ways. The daughter, Eveline, had the makings of a lady knight. Red could see it in her eyes. Archie just wanted to be a little boy. Their father summoned them with a whistle and they marched and stood with military precision. This didn’t look like fun, but she was here to catch an assassin, not get involved with the family.

Sir George had been at Waterloo and had, what we would now call PTSD, both nightmares and daymares. He didn’t know how to cope and often when out on his own, sometimes for weeks. It had left the children stunned. Beyond that, he was a good man and wanted to be a good father, but he had terrible memories of his wife and earlier life. Red was courageous and very bold. She loved her life and was proud that her sisters had made good marriages. She was confounded, though, trying to determine who the assassin was and why he was here. She also then had to cope with her growing feelings, not only for George, but for the children, as well. Excellent and interesting characters. Decent plot as the assassin was revealed and detained. It was a job well done even if I had trouble connecting with it.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Spinster’s Last Stand by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #Dragonblade #CaraMaxwell #ASpinstersLastStand

“A Spinster’s Last Stand” is book three in Cara Maxwell’s series Lady Knights. The book opens with Lady Ethelreda “Red” McGovern receiving her next assignment as a Lady Knight. Her cover is a governess while her mission is to ferret out and capture a famous French assassin and any accomplices before action is taken against Sir George Cauldwell, former military Colonel who most recently served in Europe fighting against Napoleon. Sir George is a broken man still fighting bloody battles in his mind. I found this a great premise from which to build a story. I liked Red’s character as a well-equipped, well-trained knight. She was strong and smart. We know she has had many successful missions and she is considered an expert with a sword, which she always carries with her, hidden in the handle of her parasol. She also hides knives on her body for additional protection. Even though it wasn’t called PTSD at the time, Sir George was definitely suffering from events stemming from the war, George had distanced himself from his family. He has immersed himself into the study of his bees. Red was determined to help the entire family. The story is also a very steamy romance. Red begins to feel desire and lust for the first time as she realizes George’s desire and lust for her. Their encounters are sexy and passionate. Bit by bit they are falling in love and the dynamics in the household begin to change for the better. The children, Archie and Eveline, are also great characters in the story, slowly warming up to Red as she is a very unconventional governess. I enjoyed this story from beginning to end, it is very well paced, and holds the reader’s interest page after page. I definitely recommend this novel for Regency era romance readers who like something extra like lady knights and uncovering the identity of a foreign assassin. I received this novel fro, NetGallery, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

I have waited long for Red’s story. It was filled with all the fire and ferocity that is Red herself. Taking a post as a governess was bound to challenge her. She is not maternal, not patient, not anything you would expect of a nurturer. At least, that’s what she believes. But Red has never backed down from a challenge and like every other, she takes to the position with her whole heart and soon gives it away to the Caldwell family. I was captivated by the growing love between Red & George, but equally captivated by her love for his children. She is everything that is needed to heal this family. The Lady Knights never fail to bring the action, the suspense and the drama and I am here for it all! Cara writes with such a clever hand that wraps you up in the emotion. I thought my heart would burst during Eveline’s conversation with her dad, that girl has all the potential of the next generation of Lady Knights. I cannot wait for Jane’s story next, I just know it’s going to exceed all expectations. Jane is ever the over-achiever.

This was a fine read. I did wish there was a less task based reason driving the plot, I kept feeling as though talk of the mission disrupted the build of the romance for me and so it ended up falling flat. It also made it all feel rushed. The spice is about a 2🌶️.

A very nice reaad!

This series started super interesting, than the second book didn't feel that great, but this one!
To be honest, I was pretty invested to read Ethelreda's story, I found her to be very interesting. And this book took her character into a very nice adventure.

She is part of a group of women spies in service of the Queen, and now she is tasked to find a French assassin, while working as a governess for an ex captain who fought at Waterloo. While warming up to the children, she also fall in love with this very troubled and charming captain, something pretty unexpected for the woman who was more interested in fighting than men.

From all the books in the series, her story is somehow the most common, the least extraordinary in terms of imagining spy guests. But it succeeds on keeping it all surprising, unexpected, fun and full of action. I was so taken aback with who the spy was! Which is so refreshing!

I loved who well the book was written, it kept me on my toes, but it was equally charming in its romance development and endearing when building the family relationships. Each character has a special voice and they are all nicely constructed.

I received a copy of this in order to share my view on it.

Ethelreda McGovern has failed the Lady Knights, the Queen, and herself. Her punishment? Banishment would be appropriate. Forced retirement seems inevitable. The least maternal of the Lady Knights, Ethelreda is dreading her new assignment: governess to the children of Sir George Caldwell. The horrors of Waterloo ought to be behind him. Instead, the ghosts of his past follow him back to England and join forces with the painful memories awaiting at home. This wounded soldier’s body has healed, but his soul is another story entirely.
The third book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own reading in order is what I’d recommend. This series is different as we have female knights, I must admit I do have to suspend belief but it’s fiction, it’s entertaining & I enjoyed it. I really liked both George & Red & loved the chemistry between them & I felt they certainly fell in lust but love well the jury’s out on that. A delightful read with lots of action & a charming couple
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Lady Ethelreda McGovern, Red to her friends, is convinced her rustication in the country is the prelude to an early and forced retirement from the Lady Knights for bungled up missions. But it’s much worse! For her new mission she’s to infiltrate Sir George Caldwell’s household as the new governess to his two children. She’s skilled with knives, experienced at close combat and catching villains. How bad could children be? No, sticky hands and runny noses will not deter her from the mission! Their father however…

War wounds healed, George returned home from Waterloo haunted by horrors and dreading the painful memories awaiting him. In his absence, his wife had died and now his son and daughter had only him, a shell of a man. He loved them dearly, but he just couldn’t handle them.
He’s only too happy when the new governess with stellar references seems to find her footing with them. A spirited and spunky, redheaded, self-declared spinster with the most enticing luscious curves…

Once a rake and unable to resist, George starts the game of seduction, and Red starts wondering why she stayed on the sidelines of romance for so long… Of course, that’s when her tedious mission suddenly gains momentum and a deadly edge. Her duty as a Lady Knight takes precedence, and her heart will wait. At least she hopes he will…

📚 Yes! This was just one of those well-written, witty, fast-paced, utterly enthralling tales I just couldn’t put down! Red is this wonderful, focussed, buxom heroine with the biggest heart. Children are not her thing, yet she steps right in to give them the attention they crave and help their father with his issues. All this without losing sight of her mission. Granted, she might get distracted a bit, but in the end, she heals a family and saves the day. Luckily even broken and traumatised George realises what an exceptional gem she is before it’s too late.

Lovely, emotional book.

George the Mmc suffers from ptsd and guilt from the death of his wife. He is also unable to relate to his 2 kids after many years at war.

Red, a spy and with a character as strong as iron, comes into the household posed as a governess to capture an assassin. Over time, she gradually breaks the walls of the children and George and grows to love them as they do too.

Some action in the latter half leads to the mystery and capture of the assassin being solved, and a hea.

A nice read with some spice and lots of action and emotions.