Genre: historical romance/mystery
London, 1869

Jane Halliwell has fallen on difficult times since the scandalous death of her father, who left behind debt and misery. Stubborn to a fault, Jane’s gone against her mother’s wishes and become a governess in the household of Viscount and Lady Gilford. Her 16-year-old charge Meg is a bit stubborn, too, but Jane puts up a good front for her. One evening a guest withdraws from a dinner at the last minute, and Jane must sit in to balance the table, and she encounters her longtime crush, Lord Adrian Fielding, a former young associate of her father’s. When Viscount Gilford turns up dead, presumed murdered, everyone is a suspect, and Adrian and Gilford’s son Will are calling on Jane to help crack the case.

This is the fourth book in the series, and I was remiss in picking up the prior books. (How is it possible to read as many books as I do and still miss as many?) So, from a typical series order reader, I can say: the romance and the mystery stand alone very well. You do miss some backstory on the side characters who are clearly all friends, but I never once felt lost. There’s some great camaraderie, and I have full intentions of going back to read the first three books.

This series is a lovely blend of historical romance and historical mystery - the balance of murdery things and romancey things is quite good for a book of its length (a highly devourable 304 pages!). The romance between Jane and Adrian feels a little rushed, and Collins is asking us to take their past for granted rather than give us an on-page emotional past. Again, for the length and overall enjoyment of the murder mystery, I’m willing to concede this. The focus of the book is 1) solve the murder and 2) fall in love and 3) have a good time doing it.

When I say this book is devourable, I mean exactly that. The writing flies in a very enjoyable manner, and I wanted to keep turning the pages.

Another excellent book in this series!

Following the story of Poppy and Joshua, the Duke of Langham, we now get to see more of the duke's younger brother, Lord Adrian, who has worked in the Foreign Office his entire life. Many years ago he lost touch with Jane Halliwell, the young daughter of a diplomat who died during his post in Rome. The scandal of her father's death left her no choice but to seek work as a governess, which is why she is working in the home of one of her father's colleagues when he is tragically murdered. The Lord was definitely murdered, but his untimely death has investigators taking a closer look at the deaths of several other diplomats who have died under mysterious circumstances over the last several years -- including Jane's father.

The trail leads to a larger web of intrigue and additional crimes -- investigated by our old friend Eversham in addition to Adrian and Jane. The investigation gives them the opportunity to set the record straight on their distance over the years while also coming together in new ways. The perfect blend of romance and murder mystery -- and this new couple makes an excellent addition to this growing group of friends!

This is a very well written mystery. The characters are smart and witty and keep you searching for the clues. As they get closer to finding the culprit love grows sweetly between Jane and Adrian.

I've had a hard time with this series because I want to love it, but I just don't. This book in particular follows a governess as a murder happens at her employer's home; assisted by a childhood friend, she tries to solve it. While this is deemed a mystery and a romance, I didn't feel either of those were true of the book. I guessed the killer very early on because hints kept being dropped, so that was disappointing (I'm not a good mystery-solver...and yet...), and the romance was just...non-existent. The book takes place over a few days and, while the characters knew each other when they were younger, they've not interacted in, like 2 years?? And all of a sudden, they're professing their love?? Make it make sense!! There was no chemistry between them either, so even the one potential redeeming quality was missing from the story. I was very disappointed by this because it really had nothing going for it since the major plot points (and, tbh, the character development in general) were very lackluster. I would choose a different historical mystery/romance, if you're looking for one.

Miss Jane Halliwell, daughter of diplomat, she is now a governess to Lord Gilford's daughter Margaret. After the scandal of her father's death, she has chosen to keep her dignity and pride. Her mother moved in with a cousin in Scotland to hide. Her father, Charles Halliwell’s, death was made to be a suicide since all his money was missing.

Lord Adrian Fielding, Brother to the Duke of Langham, Joshua Fielding. He also works for, Sir Lionel Ramswool, who headed up his own specialized and little-known division of the Home Office that investigated wrongdoing by foreigners on British soil. He has been an underling to Halliwell, Ralston, Attingly, among others.

Foreign Office, Lord Gilford is holding a week-long symposium on advances in horticulture around the world. He is wanting to get the contract from Prince Maxim for the rights to the machine. A talking box.

Detective Inspector Eversham, is brought in to investigate Lord Gilford's death. He questions all there and keeps the attachés so that they remain safe.

Lord Payne, Charles Halliwell, Lord Attingly, Lord Ralston, Sir John Stafford,were the special delegation in the spring of 1865 in Rome, back story for where everyone knows one from.

As the investigation gets underway, information comes to light on other deaths. Jane is asked to act as hostess in place of Lady Gilford, while the new Lord Guilford tries to replace his father. Lord Adrian learns why Jane is furious with him, Jane's mom arrives and adds to the puzzle,pieces of who and why the murders are happening. The new Laid Attingly add even more. Hiwever, the final piece is received from Mrs. Stafford, while viewing her late husbands photos.

Who is the next victim? Why are they being murdered? Who is the murderer? Join the investigation, catch the clues, and snub some dignitaries as they snub you. Can you guess before all is revealed? I had an inkling, but got it with the first club at the bookshop. Manda Collins does a wonderful blend of Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes in regency style. The clues are there for any mystery buff, but wrapped in the delicate romance. Spirited, strong, independent Jane will not cow to the dominance of Lord Adrian or Inspector Eversham. She gives as good as she gets, placates to others as necessary, but holds to her principles. Lord Adrian wants to protect, keep women hidden from danger. He learns that is never a good thing.

Great who done it that while capture you and keep you drawn into recency era suspense and romance splashed in for fun.

An excellent blend of romance and murder mystery. The heroine is smart and knows her own mind and the hero loves her but acknowledges her right to be herself. A cast of family and friends to provide supportive role adds dimensions to the story. Lovely read!

I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.

This is book 4 in "A Lady's Guide" series. It can be read as a stand alone but several of the characters from other books do make an appearance in this book.
As in the other books of this series, we have a strong female character,Jane, a murder and a male hero to the rescue, the romance.
In this story Jane, now a governesses finds her employer, murdered. Adrian, a friend of the family and former coworker with her now deceased father, helps her through this ordeal.
When it becomes evident that there is a serial killer on the loose and Jane's father was a victim, Jane insists on being part of the investigation. Adrian is right there with her side by side helping to figure out who the killer is
I did figure that part out fairly easy. It was just the why that needed explaining. I liked both the main characters, very strong in their own way. But I felt the romance was a little flat. I just didn't feel the chemistry between these two. Because of that and the murderer not being a challenge to figure out, I'm giving it ⭐⭐⭐.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This book was a fast paced delightful read. It is part of a series, and those familiar with the series will love getting updates on old favorites, but it also reads well as a stand alone. In this story we meet Jane a former lady turned governess after her father passed away leaving a scandal in his wake. Jane is upset when her critical employer has her join them for dinner and she is forced to meet up with several people she knew well from her past before her circumstances changed. When Jane meets Lord Adrian, her former childhood crush and a man who she felt abandoned her family, she is less than happy to see him again. Things soon change once someone at the party is murdered. From then on so much starts happening and both the romance and mystery heat up quickly. I love Mandi Collins series, and how she brings you into her world with her strong capable female characters . A great story. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

It appears there may be foul doings in the Foreign Office. Lord Adrian needs to determine if there is a killer amongst them, who it is, and stop them. Having discovered the diplomat's body, Jane is conscripted to help by Scotland Yard agent Eversham. This story could be classified as a second chance at romance except the first chance never quite happened. Perhaps friends to enemies to lovers, except one of the friends was oblivious. Whatever the trope, this story is fun, romantic, and full of danger!

This was such an entertaining book! I love a good regency romance but throw in a murder mystery and it adds to the fun. I haven’t read anything else from this author but I plan to now!

Such an entertaining book! Historical romance that is also a murder mystery! Jane and Adrian have known each other for years, but have been estranged until they join forces to solve a murder mystery. Feelings resurface, but have too many years gone by, and Jane is unsure if Adrian can fulfill her dreams of love, family, and home. There are many twists in the mystery part of the story, but it is the growing feelings between Jane and Adrian that made this book come alive for me.

A Governess’s Guide to Passion and Peril is book four in the Ladies Most Scandalous series. This is a new to me author and the first book I’ve read of hers. This would probably be best read in series order. While the plot of the story is standalone, the characters and their relationships with one another came across as already established.

I enjoyed this story for the first three quarters but the last quarter lost me on the plot and romance. I liked the strong heroine and how she held her own with the investigation. The hero was likable as well. I didn’t believe their romance though, maybe the building of their feelings happened in the previous books. The FMC held a previous tendre for the MMC and while she does still have feelings for him we didn’t get these inner thoughts on how she felt about him now. Whereas, the MMC seemed to have gone from clueless to in love in a short time frame. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect but thought the ending was rushed. Overall, it was enjoyable and had me invested in seeing the investigation through.

There was one encounter and a fade to black.

I received an advance ecopy from Forever Publishing via Net Galley. All opinions are my own.

The fourth entry in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, like its predecessors, is a fun historical romance with a heavy dash of murdery mystery that's light on the steam. This one focuses on Jane Halliwell and Lord Adrian Fielding. (They both appeared briefly in A Spinster's Guide but you didn't get any backstory there.) Turns out they used to know each other: Jane's father was in the foreign service, and at one time was Adrian's mentor. After Jane's father died at his own hand after losing all of his money gambling, Jane lost touch with her previous social equals. She is now working as a governess for another foreign service acquaintance when Adrian is invited to a house party. Her employer is soon found dead, and Adrian asks Jane to act as the hostess while they investigate the guests for any involvement in the murder.

Like many murder mysteries, this one takes place over the span of only a few days. Like all of the books in this series, the romance unspools alongside the murder mystery. This works pretty well here, since Jane and Adrian know each other; it's easy to see how investigating in close proximity would bring them together romantically. This is a fun one that doesn't break any new ground. If you've liked the other books in the series, this won't be a disappointment, and you can definitely start here without missing out on anything. It's pretty low steam but it's not closed door. A nice addition to the series.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

A Governess’ Guide to Passion and Peril
Rating: 4 stars
Pub date: 3/26

Jane Halliwell finds herself thrust back into the ton after her employer's untimely demise. Jane is a governess at the moment, but she used to be more than that before her father’s death. Forced to navigate treacherous waters alongside the handsome Lord Adrian Fielding, Jane must confront not only a murderer on the loose but also the unresolved feelings she harbors for Adrian from years past.

An exciting blend of romance and mystery, Jane and Adrian unravel the tangled web of secrets surrounding the murders plaguing the Foreign Office. With Jane's sharp wit and Adrian's diplomatic skills, they make a dynamic duo, their chemistry sizzling off the pages.
This was a fun, romantic mystery and a nice escape from the modern world for a while. I loved these characters! Jane's resilience and Adrian's determination to protect her will have readers rooting for their happily ever after from the very first page.

While this is the fourth book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, each book is a standalone so you can read them out of order. Fans of the series will love all the cameos from past characters.

So, if you're in the mood for a swoon-worthy romance with a dash of danger, look no further. This book offers a thrilling escape that will leave you eagerly turning pages. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Read Forever Publishing for my advanced copy.

A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril is the fourth book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series. Some characters from the previous books make appearances but otherwise, it can be read as a stand-alone. This book is similar to the others in the series. There is a murder mystery and romance. Just like the other books, the main female is headstrong and some of the behaviors, thoughts, and actions may not be as historically accurate. I enjoyed the story and thought it was entertaining. This is, however, the first book in the series that I figured out who the murderer was well ahead of time. I wish there had been a bit more of a mystery to it instead of it being more obvious. That being said, I thought it was a good book even if it wasn't my favorite from the series.

I've read one previous book in this series, and need to go back and read the other two for sure now, because I've really enjoyed them. I liked how much characters from previous books made reappearances in this one. I'm really enjoying the murder mystery/romance combination as well. This one was quick and fun. I enjoyed following all the clues laid out for the mystery and making my guesses along the way. I enjoyed the way the romance developed and how sweet and sexy it was. I enjoyed all the strong female relationships throughout. I enjoyed the historical setting and all the details about the foreign office. It really was just a fun book and I definitely recommend.

Two friends reunite years later when a murder happens at a dinner party they both attend... now they'll have to find the killer and figure out the hidden feelings between them. Jane Halliwell dreams about a house of her own, but all her dreams were crushed when her father died and her and her mother were left penniless and cast outside society. She now works as a governess while also trying to write her own book. When her employer is murdered during a house party Jane is forced back into the ton and forced to work with the very same lord who broke her heart all those years ago. Lord Adrian Fielding is consumed with his job at the Foreign Office, he's always been focused on him job yet he has one regret, Jane. Adrian had been close to Jane's family, her father was a mentor and friend to him and when her father died he was forced to go away for work yet regretted never being there for young Jane. When he returned from work he discovered Jane and her mother outcasted into society and it was too late for him to do anything and when he tried to talk to her a few years later she did everything to avoid him despite how much he tried to talk to her. Now he's finally meeting her again, and he wants answers to her icy demeanor and it can't be helped that just being around her has him wanting to protect her at all costs and wanting to be there for her.... and maybe finally realize that despite the fact that she use to have a girlish crush on him and is now cold, he is falling for her. Adrian and Jane will be forced to work together to find out who the killer is and if there is a larger conspiracy at play while the killer starts going after them too. Yet being together after all these years has feelings coming out again and if they can solve the case and survive the killer, they might just have a chance at romance. This was an absolutely adorable historical romance. I adored Adrian and Jane so much, and from the bat you can see how much Adrian is head over heels for Jane (but just wont admit it). I loved the murder mystery element in this and I think this is such a fun book in the series, though you can read it as a stand alone. I've loved this series so much and this one was a great new one in the series!! It's a fun sweet read that will put a smile on your face the entire time.

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

This is a fun, entertaining, captivating read. Adrian and Jane are interesting, relatable, intriguing, complex, entertaining characters. I enjoyed their romance with all it’s twists and turns. They are fun characters to spend some time with. I also enjoyed the mystery subplot and how it played out. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. While this is the forth book in the series, I read it as a stand alone and didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. The story is easy to read and get into.

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

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

DNF at 32%. The writing is good, I just don’t think I’m a fan of historical romances. The murder mystery aspect was fun and it seems the characters relationships have potential but it’s just not for me. Give it a shot if you tend to enjoy this genre!

A Governess’s Guide to Passion & Peril

I love Manda Collins! We’re first introduced to Jane and Adrian in the previous book, A Spinster’s Guide to Danger & Dukes, and we know there’s history there! Finally, we get to find out what that history is, during a mürder investigation of all things!

Adrian previously worked under Jane’s father, and young Jane was a bit in love with him, but circumstances diverted their paths. Jane ends up becoming a governess, but it isn’t the best experience for her as she’s looked down upon for her father’s actions and fall from society. Adrian is a bit astounded by this and doesn’t understand why Jane is so cold toward him, but eventually he figures it out and the two are able to work together to solve the mürder of Adrian’s most recent mentor. I enjoyed how the romance between them developed, they both had things to overcome, but they did so like adults and communicated with each other! Look, Adrian is so overprotective and jealous and in love with Jane from the start and he doesn’t even know it!!! ‼️ I loved it!!! Ugh. It was so good! 👏🫠 And when he finally does acknowledge it? He’s all in. 😅🔥

The mystery element was fun, but I did figure out the villain early on. I enjoyed how Jane stepped in to assist the investigation, especially because it stressed Adrian out so much! Ha! I loved the cameos made by our previous Ladies Most Scandalous! The dynamics between Jane and her mother could have been fleshed out a bit more. I would have enjoyed some more follow up on how things worked out with them after the events of the book unfolded.

I love the Ladies Most Scandalous series, and enjoyed this newest addition! This was a solid read for me, and I’m already impatiently waiting for Collins’s next release!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the complimentary arc. All opinions are my own.