I'm a big fan of Virginia Heath and her Regency romcoms, including The Merriwell Sisters trilogy, and I always look forward to her new releases. All's Fair in Love and War was definitely worth the wait! I had to put all my chores on hold as I just couldn't put the book down.

The plot appeared quite straightforward (a young bachelor in a desperate need for someone to help him cope with his three incredibly unruly (but secretly adorable!) nephews and nieces meets a charmingly outspoken, feisty young governess, sparks fly, and after lots of banter and a reasonable amount of time they realise their first impressions weren't exactly right and this wonderful attraction isn't something to fear and resist, but quite the opposite. Sounds simple, and yet, the story and the characters felt refreshingly original, entertaining, and relatable.

If you are a parent/grandparent/uncle/aunt or a childcarerer, you will recognise the familiar dilemma and precarious balance of stimulating children's creativity and curiosity and ensuring they have a safe routine. Georgie, our female protagonist, is a wonderful teacher, committed to learning what her little charges are interested in and bringing the best in them. She clearly loves her job and isn't afraid of any challenge. Captain Harry Kincaid seems to be her opposite (of course, we see pretty soon how deceptive this strict facade is). Harry's desire to lead an orderly life stems from his difficult childhood and is a sign of being a responsible and loving person. You can't help falling in love with these two main characters and rooting for them. Strangely enough, for once, I could easily envisage the protagonists making different choices and never becoming a couple. Their lives would have been full of Miss Prentice's four D (duty, decorum, diligence, and discretion) and maybe they would have even been content, but happy? They obviously needed each other for that!
You can probably tell I had such a great time with the book- 5 stars from me, for sure! If you are looking for a happy, joyful, entertaining read, don't miss this first instalment in Virginia Heath's new series Miss Prentice's proteges. Looking forward to reading the next one!

This is a delightful historical romance, where you have two enemies who reluctantly must get together. There is banter, and I love the setting, and all of the characters are interesting. Really fun book to read when you want a light historical romance.

Charmed is an understatement. This book encapsulates everything I want from a rom com and the fact that it was a historical romance was the most delicious cherry on top for me.

Georgie is an unconventional governess tasked with caring for the three Machiavellian nieces and nephew of by the books Naval Captain Harry. He’s immediately enamored with her, and her fiery red hair, but that simply won’t do because he has a warship to prepare.

What follows is Pride & Prejudice meets The Sound of Music in this positively delightful romp where these opposites slowly, and I mean slowly, come to terms with the fact that they are actually perfect for each other.

This had the perfect mixture of romance and comedic elements. While children and animals are often a detriment to me in a romance novel these children, and that scabrous bag of fleas Norbert, had me falling for them just as hard as I fell for Georgie & Harry.

Absolutely loved this book. I’ll be buying myself a trophy copy for my shelves. This was such a breath of fresh air.

Tropes Include
🩷 Regency Romance
💛 Enemies to Lovers
🩷 Forced Proximity
💛 Slow Burn
🩷 Opposites Attract
💛 One Boat (!!)
🩷 Found Family

Thank you so much to St Martins Press, SMP Romance, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I’m not sure if it’s ever taken me as long to read a book as this one. I picked up an ARC copy from NetGalley. I was intrigued by the synopsis of the book. I have never read this author before so I was not sure what to expect. The story started out fine, learning the characters and their backgrounds. Georgie was forced to grow up quickly and stand on her own. She learned well and was bound to make a wonderful governance. Unfortunately, when she opened her mouth, she stuck her foot in it every time, so after numerous attempts to be hired, she failed. Then one day when a desperate Naval Captain was in search of a governess for his nieces and nephew, that had been dropped off at his door. Georgie had finally landed her first job. I was really getting into the story at this point in the game. A much too grumpy Harry was obviously miserable with his life. He took out his frustrations on Georgie. She could not do anything correctly in his eyes. There were some witty and enjoyable moments throughout the book, but it just started to drag. Unfortunately, for this reader, I am a closed door enthusiast, and this book is definitely open door. The more you read the wider the door opens. That’s what ultimately turned me off. I’m giving it three stars for the storyline and some of the witty banter. I hope that the Author made some major changes before the final product hit the press I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Something about this book did not connect with me, I really struggled to attached to the main couple as they were rarely in the same room for the first 50% of the book, and when they were Georgie was terrified of Harry and his reactions to her teaching. It felt like forever until her feelings were changed, and even then it was another 20% until we saw much of anything. The final 20% was fun, had a lot of pining, some spice, some drama, and more that I enjoyed, but not enough to override the slow pacing of the first half of the book!

I'm not sure if I will continue the series, but I have loved this author in the past, so I likely will continue to read them!

I am a massive fan of Virginia Heath, and will automatically read anything from her I see. All’s Fair in Love and War was just as funny and swoony as I would expect from a Virginia Heath book.

I love a nanny/single dad story, and this take on a nanny/single uncle who is in charge of his flighty sisters kids while they explore the world was just as good. I thought Georgie’s reluctance to see Harry as anything but a strict authoritarian added so much to the story, especially since we saw Harry lighten up and embrace his more “chaotic” side through their relationship. I also liked how Virginia threw in the little fake dating bit as well, because that really did just add a bit more to my enjoyment (I love a fake dating). Also! I love how Virginia does an excellent job at including the children in the stories she writes as actual characters and not just minor side characters. They were just as enjoyable to read as the rest of the cast!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and rated it 4.5 stars!

This was such a sweet book. I love cinnamon roll hero’s and Henry Kincaid is that in spades. He’s a Naval Officer and the captain of the ship HMS Boadicea getting ready to deploy.

One day he is surprised to find that he’s been hastily left in charge of his nieces and nephew. His sister takes off for Egypt with her husband and in the interim places them in Henry’s care unbeknownst to him.

Henry is in immediate need of help so he wants to hire a governess. That’s when Georgina Rowe enters the picture. Trained by the highly regarded Miss Prentice, she is ready for her first job posting. Little does she know how much her life will change.

If you love the trope where the H falls first then you are going to love this story. It’s a slow burn historical romance with a man that isn’t afraid to show his softer side, and a woman who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. It’s a dazzling story with witty and smart banter that make it an utterly charming read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Virgina Heath novel, and I was really excited to find a Regency romance author I had not currently enjoyed. Fans of Bridgerton may enjoy this.

This story was ultimately a forbidden romance because the Captain employed Georgie as his Governess. Even though governesses were often preyed upon as young single women without the protection of family (hello, Jane Eyre vibes), it was known that they were to be off-limits to an employer or their progeny for a relationship of any kind. The Captain is so struck by Georgie from the first that he decides he needs to sow some wild oats, but never does. The siren pull of Georgie is too much.

This is really a lust to love story, and it kind of blows my mind that Georgie falls for this (but girl definitely has daddy issues). There is so much internal monologuing early on that you know exactly what the Captain is thinking and feeling and how his body responds to Georgie. It doesn't always feel sweet, but a little predatory. Yes, she eventually gives in willingly, but she breaks a zillion of her own rules to do so. The Captain also has a lot of his own commitment issues and has been manipulated so hard by people close to him for years that he does the same thing to Georgie. There is some open door action between these two. The story also could have used an epilogue since it winds up in the last 8% of the book.

The real gem of the story is the relationship Georgie and the Captain both have with the children. The Captain is desperate when his sister leaves her hooligans at his home, and Georgie is his answer to survival. Her methods are so different from his own, and it kind of turns his world upside-down. The Captain craves control and Georgie and the children upset his well-ordered life... really in the best of ways. These sweet parts alone are why I'm giving this four stars.

After a terrible upbringing with her strict military uncle, Georgie is sent to Miss Prentice’s school to become a proper governess; however her outspoken nature has made it difficult to secure a position even though her skills are outstanding. Then Captain Kincaid walks in desperate for a governess because his flighty sister has left her three children in his care while she has gone to Egypt for several months. The three children are more wild than military and Georgie loves taking care of them (after some initial bumps in the road) - the trick is to get Captain Kincaid on board with her philosophy, and to stop thinking about him all the time, although he seems to be looking at her a lot too…

This was a regency-era romance, which I don’t think I have read before so I didn’t know what to expect, and it was really fun because @virginiaheathwrites took the genre and created a modern version. It had the pining, the slow burn and some really cute kids, funny character and a dog for hijinks. While I was nervous that it was going to read more like a traditional romance novel, it read more modern and almost rom commy except for one element that irked me - Captain Kincaid kept using anachronistic phrases to describe Georgie and it just didn’t go with the more contemporary take on this romance. Besides that I really did enjoy the modern spin on an old fashioned genre (I read it in a day) and I’m excited because it seems to be the first in a series and will definitely pick up the next one when it is published.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC to review

4.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5

This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.

The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and her governess friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.

We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining

All’s Fair in Love and War is Virginia Heath’s first book in her new series about Governesses from Miss Prentice’s School for Girls. It is a slow burn Regency romance that follows an uptight and serious Navy man who is tasked with taking care of his three rambunctious nieces/nephew for a couple of months after his sister leaves for Egypt. He enlists the help of Georgina, a bright governess who can’t seem to get past the interview stage in order to get hired.

The book starts off a bit slow for our liking but it had a super fun premise and a very sweet and rewarding ending. The kids are endearing and Georgie’s evolution as a governess as she finds her footing is an entertaining adventure. Grumpy Captain Harry is in over his head both at home and at work. This leads to some exciting romantic tension especially when he can’t seem to get his mind off the new governess.

And we can’t forget about the star of the show: Norbert, the big goofy dog that causes the most lovable chaos and some laugh out loud moments!

Read if you like:
▪️Enemies to Lovers
▪️Forced Proximity
▪️Opposites attract
▪️He falls first
▪️Slow burn
▪️Sound of Music with a little bit of Pride & Prejudice vibes

As this book opens, we learn the circumstances under which Georgina 'Georgie' Rowe arrives at Miss Prentice's School. She's to learn to be a top ranked governess able to make her own way in this world.

Seven years later, we find Georgie has no interview skills, leaving her without a position as a governess. Instead, she aids Miss Prentice in teaching the new arrivals.

Arriving home close to midnight from the admiralty, Captain Harry Kinkaid is informed by his man Simpkins, that Lord and Lady Pendleton, his sister Flora and her husband, are on their way to Egypt. With the luggage in the hallway, he's thinking she left without it, not realizing that's not all she left behind. She's left her children and their dog, in his care without warning or notice.

Captain Kinkaid arrives on Miss Prentice's doorstep desperate for a governess. Instead of letting Georgie take the lead on the interview Miss Prentice does and Georgie has a temporary position. The children Felix, age 10 and Marianne, age 9 and Grace, age 5 are homeschooled. He doesn't however tell her how undisciplined they are. This she will discover on her own.

The first day, Georgie starts off by rearranging his carefully orchestrated classroom to her idea of a good learning environment. Going so far as to teach that first day outdoors in the garden to learn where the children are in their studies.

The afternoon goes well until the end when the dog, Norbert manages to create chaos where there was once organization. Of course, that's when the captain arrives home.

In spite of the chaos, Georgie had learned important things about the children that afternoon and they had also gotten to know each other. Now Georgie could formulate lesson plans with accuracy.

Harry wasn't going to let her treat his things in this manner but when he starts to speak, she dismisses him to go fetch a mop to clean the mess. Things went well the rest of the week and Georgie even enjoyed time with her friends Lottie and Portia on Saturday. A storm reveals Grace's fear of thunder and shows yet another side of the Captain. One Georgie is sure how to interpret.

The next week begins with the Captain away and the children's attitude in the classroom changes radically. It takes a while a, but she finally gets out of them that there was no incentive to be good. They had no classroom at home, and they missed being there. They also know their Uncle has a need for organization and neatness and try to make him 'twitchy' just to get things to behave.

Georgie on hearing that felt sorry for the Captain, who unwitting gets taken by the three of them on a regular basis. She also tells them they must confess that to him.

Then things all change as the Captain gets transferred to oversee the completion of the Boadicea which would be his command as Commodore. The problem is it's far behind schedule and it was up to him to set things to right.

The children's home was close to Plymouth and that's where they would be heading, and Georgie agrees to go along. The Captain in the meantime is struggling with his growing attraction to her. It's making him question his priorities.

I love the way this book takes us so vividly back in time. I got a kick out of the children's antics and Georgie's way of teaching. The attraction between her and Harry grows throughout this book and there are so many decisions that must be made.

I look forward to the next book in this series.

After being turned down for 30 Governess positions for her modern approach to child discipline, Georgie finally lands a job with the very desperate (and hot hot hot) Captain Harry Kincaid, whose sister left her 3 children and their dog with him when she left for an expedition in Egypt. Though Georgie and Kincaid may have differing opinions and social classes, will they be able to sort out their differences and acknowledge their attraction to one another?

I thought this was just okay. I found the story too slow for my tastes. However, there were elements of this that I enjoyed:
•Harry’s wild sister Flora (I loved her a lot)
•The last 70ish pages, pretty much everything after they traveled to the children’s home near Plymouth.
•The final conflict
•The ending line. MIC DROP.

Ultimately though, the pacing was too slow for me and I didn’t feel Georgie and Harry’s chemistry. The tangents are long winded and frequent in the first 150 pages. It felt like pages and pages of rationalizations and reiterations and sprawling thoughts that really bored the heck out of me.

All's Fair in Love and War is book one in the Miss Prentice's Protegees by Virginia Heath .
I was so excited for a new Heath series! Heath never disappoints with her historical Regency romance stories.
This story was such fun and flowed very smoothly.
This was absolutely amazing and I can honestly say I love every second of it!
I thought the characters were all utterly charming and I found myself loving their connection.
It’s the swoonyworthy romance between Georgie and Harry that really makes this great, not to mention how amazing the flirty conversations, witty banter and romantic tension between them was.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The start of a new Heath series is always welcome. Though the setup is not exactly explained (and I hope it will be in the future)
Georgina Rowe is somehow plucked from her miserable stepfather, The Colonel, to go to a school for governesses.she meets 3 other students who become her best friends, and I presume the heroines of the next books. I hope we also get a book about the owner of the school, Miss Prentice.
Georgie has been turned down by 30 families because she can't seem to keep her opinions to herself.
Along comes Henry Kincaid, who has been left with his sisters feral children and is in desperate need of a Governess. She gets the job.
The clash of this willful yet talented teacher and Captain Kincaid of her Royal Navy is fun and yet serious.
They both have had horrible upbringings, and they have reacted in opposite ways.
Georgie brings order and fun to his 2 nieces and nephew. He, on the other hand, must suppress all his feelings towards her.
Oh, and I forgot to mention Norbert the dog who brings much humor to the book. We also meet his son, who is just as adorable. When Georgie has her most difficult moments with Henry, her friends point out that if dogs and children love him, he must have some redeeming qualities.
This is quite an enjoyable story, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend it.

This was a delightful romp through familial chaos and unexpected love. When former naval captain Henry Kincaid finds himself saddled with his sister's unruly brood and a giant dog, he turns to the no-nonsense Georgina Rowe for help. What follows is a heartwarming tale of adventure, laughter, and the discovery of what truly matters in life. Author [Name] expertly weaves together humor, romance, and a touch of whimsy in this charming novel that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply in need of a feel-good read,

All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath was an adorable regency romance. The first book in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series.

Henry Kincaid has just been left with his sister's three rambunctious kids and massive dog. In need of help he needs to hire a governess and quick. Georgina Rowe is a new governess who believes in the fun of learning and growth for a child. When these two opposites attract, chaos and excitement ensue.

I found myself chuckling at the main characters and loved the dual POV. I'd consider this a slow burn romance at its heart with adorable chemistry. A few steamy scenes to boot! I would've liked a little more dialogue and less inner monologue but overall this was the sweet and funny regency I needed this weekend. I also really liked where the author got her inspiration for the setting (Plymouth).

Thank you St. Martins Press for the #gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. True rating 3.5/5.

dnf at 22%

First off, I have 3 other books by this author and liked them. I was very excited for this one since the cover is so pretty and the summary was intriguing. I started to read it and realized that I would put it down every other page because the book was not hooking me. The characters are funny and unique but I COULD NOT DEAL WITH ALL THE INNER MONOLOGUE.

The characters would go off internally for over 5 pages and I was dying each time.

I will stop talking badly since the book isn't out yet but if anyone is interested, try at your own risk.

Will try the author again in the future......

All's Fair in Love and War is a cute and easy historical romance. When Uncle Harry gets saddled with his three nieces and nephew for a month, he hires a governess from Miss P's school. Georgie has struggled to get hired as a governess because of her headstrong and honest nature. With Uncle Harry in a bind, he hires Georgie out of desperation. There is a lot of humor, classic British references and slow burn chemistry in this book. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thank you SMP Romance for the gifted copy to review.

I think the best compliment I can give this book is that it is a regency romance you haven’t read before. I adored it and flew through it--Heath's work was well-written and paced expertly.

Romance readers, if you like Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn, you’ll love Virginia Heath’s “All’s Fair in Love and War.”

A heartwarming tale of found family, this book follows Georgie, an opinionated governess, and Harry, a would-be stickler and navy leader. For years, both of their paths have been set—with no room for a detour, let alone for love. Things go off-course when Harry’s sister leaves her three young children in his care, temporarily. Can the order-loving Captain and the free-spirited governess call a truce?

Enemies to lovers. Found Family. Moderate spice. Forced proximity. A new take on grumpy-sunshine. An adorable dog who steals the show.

In the end, this is a story about the dreams we have for ourselves – when to insist on them, and when to let them go.