Hello Book friends!

Today I’m reviewing All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath. In this Regency romance we follows governess Georgina Rowe blue-stocking, unconventional educator, sunshine darling, and naval captain, Henry Kincaid, a stickler for rules, punctuality, but has a soft spot for his nieces and nephew. 💘

In a nutshell, this one book friends is one you won’t want to miss.

Now, let’s chat about the book itself.

Have you ever seen the movie Sound of Music? If you haven’t the synopsis can be found here. It’s a classic movie from 1965 following a nun turned governess, played by Julie Andrews, where she brings music, nurturing order, and love to a gaggle of children in need of something more than a tight run ship.

Although All’s Fair in Love and War is not based on the movie, the premise of the book reminded me of it. Where two people are in desperate need of something, the captain a governess, and the governess a job. It’s the perfect setup to a swoon-worthy story about the journey of seeing people for who they truly are, and the willingness to take risks outside of your comfort zone in order to find happiness.

A delight of a book, romance readers who love the tropes opposite attract, sunshine + grump, and found family, this is a regency novel that checks all the right boxes for those who love a good historical romance.

I'm a fan of Virginia Heath's other novels and All's Fair in Love and War did not disappoint! Henry and Georgina were fun and enjoyable main characters and played off one another quite well. The banter, wit, humor, and over the top scenarios and events made this Regency historical romance fun, playful, and a quick read.

I like that while this is a governess/employer romance, he’s the uncle, not the father. It’s a solid setup, and Georgie and Harry are both likable characters. She’s an endearing spitfire who somehow doesn’t grate on me, and he’s a laughable dork.

This is a slow, slow burn. There’s some repetition, like the plot is treading water. I think the story could use some more memorable moments to punch it up, though that may take away from the light, humorous tone.

This was super cute and a perfect read to start the new year. If you like Bridgerton- it’s a similar vibe. Likeable characters, good banter, a loveable dog- will be a great little regency romance to start off the summer when it comes out at the end of May. Thank you to NetGalley & St. Martin’s for the ARC!

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

4/1 rounded down to 4/5

Virginia Heath's "All's Fair in Love and War" is a delightful and heartwarming romantic comedy that introduces the charming chaos of the Pendleton household. Former naval captain Henry Kincaid is left in a quandary when his sister impulsively joins her explorer husband in Egypt, leaving him to manage her three lively children and a giant, unruly dog. In a bid to restore order, Henry hires Georgina Rowe, a governess with a refreshing approach to childhood.

The novel's strengths lie in its well-crafted slow burn romance and the portrayal of believable, fleshed-out children. Each child is given their unique personalities, complete with age-appropriate intelligence and choices, adding depth to the narrative. Heath skillfully brings character development to the forefront, elevating the story beyond the typical romantic comedy genre.

Georgina Rowe, with her unconventional educational ethos, serves as a breath of fresh air, challenging the staid and rule-bound nature of their uncle, Henry. The interactions between the characters are both humorous and endearing, providing a delightful balance of romance and comedy.

Heath's descriptive writing and thorough historical research contribute to the immersive experience of the novel. The vivid settings and well-drawn characters create a world that feels authentic to the Regency era.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. Internal monologues are plentiful, sometimes slowing down the pacing, particularly in the early chapters. Additionally, the occasional interruption of conversations, where a dialogue begins on one page and is not continued until several pages later, can be a bit jarring.

The pacing, especially in the beginning, may feel slow for some readers, and the reveal about a certain character happens rather quickly, disrupting the flow. Despite these minor issues, "All's Fair in Love and War" succeeds in delivering an engaging and heartwarming story that combines romance, comedy, and historical authenticity.

In conclusion, Virginia Heath's novel is a charming addition to the romantic comedy genre, offering readers a delightful escape into a world of love, laughter, and the unpredictability of family life.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Publishing: May 28, 2024
Series: Miss Prentice’s Protegees #1
Pages: 384

I have become a fan of author, Virginia Heath and her books. Not because I’ve received them via eARC, but because they have been quite refreshing and delightful. The Merriwell Sisters were a good series, and I was looking forward to reading this first in a new series. “All’s Fair in Love and War” is a well-written and entertaining story that had me smiling from one ear to the other. Georgie and Harry are likeable characters with sub-characters that complement them well in the book. The inner monologues, light banter, clashes in personalities were witty as the main characters weave through family dynamics as their love for one another gradually elevated in their relationship. There is attraction, slow burn romance and humor in this captivating historical romance. I do love a bit of steamy in my HR reads and there was a moderate closed-door intimacy towards the end of the story. I absolutely adored this story and thank you Ms. Heath for allowing me to have fun reading this book. Recommend.

I found myself smiling so often as I read this, not because of what was happening in the story, but from the sheer joy of reading such a beautifully written book. Over and over again, I’d read a certain passage and just stop, take a deep breath, highlight it, and then read it again; savouring everything, every word.

Captain Henry Augustus Kincaid. his grandfather favorite and fixer of issues, sympathetic soul,
bohemian artistic parents, his sister who was more like them than he is.
Lady Flora Pendleton,his sister, her husband Lord Pendleton, the chikdren Felix. Marianne and Grace. Norbert shaggy mutt, is the new addition to the family.


Miss Georgina Rowe, her father died when she was a baby, her mother remarried the colonel who despised children, her mother died of smallpox when she was ten. The Colonel moved them from Army base to base. Georgia rebels at all the moves, the attitude of the Colonel, and refuses to adhere to military rules. At sixteen he deposited her at MISS PRENTICE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS,
Miss Prentice, code of conduct is duty, decorum, diligence, and discretion the 4 D's of a governess.

Lottie/Charlotte raised with 4 brothers on a farm, Portia, intellectual of the group the bluestocking, Kitty the daydreamer, adventurer. All four became quick friends. However, Georgia is the only one to have thirty-three interviews and rejections.

Now Lady Flora and her husband have decided to find the source of the Nile River, therefore have left the children with Captain Kincaid, without asking. As Flora believes freed thinking is the best education the children are wild, unruly, and very undisciplined. So to Miss Prestige he goes and to make sure Georgia gets the post she sits in on the interview, answers the few questions, and refuses to allow George to talk.

With a temporary position she can put her education ideals into action, once she sees the classroom, those ideals become a little hard to full fill. The captain has a blackboard, desks, books and the other education materials she asked for. However, they butt heads as their backs are to the window doors, their is a schedule posted on the blackboard, and ones noted. To make matters worse the big clock sitting above the blackboard has bold numbers.

Now you have a male that likes structure, a governess who speaks her mind plus abhors structure. Three children that manipulate their uncle, a butler who would rather be back at sea, a dog who has to have a tree not a bush to do his business, all under one roof.

Join the madcap schooling as learning philosophies collide and dog mayhem abounds. Add into that mix the Navy wants him at the shipyard to complete the newest ship building. A nasty neighbor who wants payment for Cuthbert, puppy and Norbert offspring. Will they all survived? Who's teaching style wins? How much structure, rules, timeline is adhered to? How long before George brings out her "St Joan De Arc" attitude.

The fun of combatants trying to win. This is such a fun, laugh out loud, sarcastic witty banter, and stubbornness to lovers read you will enjoy. Having been on both sides of these characters I can attest to the mindset of the characters are so accurate and spot on attitudes! But the dog does steal the scenes!

AHH IM ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH HARRY!!!! This book was everything i hoped and more. i am such a huge virginia heath stan and im so happy that this book was as great and expected. i normally stay away from books with children but i found this crew totally endearing and i found myself wanting more. if this is the start of a new series, i will be reading every book!

I am a big fan of Virginia Heath’s Merriwell Sisters series and I’m very excited about this one too. So far it’s off to a great start! Georgina is so fun and caring towards the children even after the upbringing that she had. Harry is a bit of a stick in the mud but he is doing his best to do things right for his Sister’s children. Together Georgie and Harry have a slow burn opposites attract relationship with lots of funny situations along the way. I’m very excited to read more from the series! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

All’s Fair in Love and War is historical fiction. It had comedic aspects and likable characters, and a sweet romance.

Harry needs a governess to teach and take care of his nieces and nephew while their parents are away. Georgie is a protege without a job, and her mentor happily sets her out to take this new and quickly needed position. Harry and Georgie first bump heads and have differing opinions on how to take care of the children. As time passes, their feelings toward each other change and attraction blooms.

I enjoyed the story, but the inner monologues and some of the parts explaining what was happening were a bit wordy for me to stay focused. That caused me to lose some interest and have to skim to get back into the story.

I did find the interactions amongst the characters to be funny, and laughed at the part about Harry needing “shore leave.”

This book gave Sound of Music vibes, and had a sweet, romcom premise. If some of the parts can be cut down to be a shorter, less wordy book, it would be even better!

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for the ARC!

A tight-laced Navy man must find a governess for his three wild nieces and nephews, and she ends up being much more than he bargained for in almost every way.

This was a fun, slow burn romance. The disparity between how the two main characters feel about themselves and each other at the start of the book was a good angle to add to their relationship, and it gave the characters more depth and reasons not to immediately jump into each other's arms. The child characters in the story were well-written and had their own distinct personalities, though as is often the case in adult fiction, they were a bit mature for their ages.

The beginning of the book was a little slow, but set the stage well for what followed. Once the pace picks up and all of the major characters are introduced, the book finds its footing and becomes an easy read. The writing is descriptive, the dialogue is witty, and the inner conflicts the main characters deal with were expressed in a realistic way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.

A relaxed and sweet regency romance. 4/5

Such a lovely story! A wonderful love story about overcoming one's past & learning to follow your heart to true happiness is the premise to All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath.
Set in historical England, this story is not only a historical piece, but a feel good romance that will leave you cheering on these characters throughout the entire story, as well as smiling at the end of the book.
Thank you, #NetGalley, for the ARC & I do hope to read more from Virginia Health again soon.

This is an enjoyed historical romcom. Not my favorite in the series but I did read it all.

Some of the things I think people would enjoy: 1) tension- if you like the give and take of love interests this book has that!

Delightful side characters- in spades!!!

Good teaching methods- okay this one may just be a me thing as I am a teacher. But I did like the messages this book sent about making a classroom more engaging.

I read the author's The Merriwell Sisters series and loved it so I knew I was going to like this one too!

This is book 1 of a new series featuring young ladies who are friends and governesses, and protegées of Miss Prentice. In this book, we see Georgie, who is desperate to get her first job, and Harry, a Navy captain saddled with his sisters children while she travels to Egypt.

From the get-go, I loved the whole cast of secondary characters: the friends, the children, the servants, the dogs. They all added a rich layer to the story and made it so much fun.

Georgie and Harry have some hiccups in the beginning, disagreements on how to discipline the children, but soon find a middle ground that develops.

Can't wait to read more in this series!

(Sexual content in the last third of the book.)

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

4.8⭐️
Don't normally do historical romances (yes, I haven't even read Pride & Prejudice!😨) but this was such a great experience, I will indeed be dabbling in it from now on, especially other Virginia Heath books!

Not having read any historical romances before, I really didn't know what to expect, except knowing that this was a romcom so that was that. But, I really really enjoyed it so much!

The main characters were so well written, and the SIDE CHARACTERS OMG so so good!
The slowest burn? Delicious!
And I love me a little enemies-to-lovers forbidden romance🤭🤭
Light, fun read with witty banter and tension to fill a whole room!
It's also closed door for those who prefer books that way.

Georgie was one of the best fmc I've read this year! Fierce, strong, outspoken, enchanting, out of the norms, young woman. Always fighting for what she believed in, even at a time when women should be compliant and opinion-less.

It's a 4.8 for me, only because:
1) I thought some scenes were overly detailed and didn't really need to be.
2) I wanted a little more interaction with the side characters (Tom, Ada, Simpkins, Mrs. Rigby, Flora, Miss P and the protégés, and even the kids).

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I absolutely adored this read! It is very “Bridgerton, but make it rom-com” .

There is perfect tension between the love interests and the predictability of the story made it a cozy, feel-good read. Some of the scenes and dialogue were laugh-out-loud funny and written so well that it was effortless to picture exactly what was happening.

The romance is closed-door in nature so this can appeal to a broad audience.

There were a couple of sentences that I think were missed in editing as they seemed like they needed a “not” added to make sense contextually, but hopefully those will be caught before the book is officially published.

Overall, a fun, cozy read that I will be recommending!

Cute, predictable and likable characters. A governess who has an inner Joan of Arc, a handsome, misguided Navy man, 3 children and a dog with military quotes thrown in. I almost gave up 2/3rds of the way through as the story seemed to go nowhere.

I can’t believe I didn’t like this. I absolutely loved her previous trilogy, so I was very much looking forward to her next books. However, I struggled to get into this one. The style of writing is my basic complaint. There is so much internal monologue that I struggle to get immersed into the story. A conversation can begin, but doesn’t continue till pages later. Personally I am not a fan of this style. Especially in an HR where I want/need to see the characters interact so I feel they are falling in love. I didn’t get that with this book. If that type of writing doesn’t bother you, I recommend this. However, if you’re like me, I would pass on this.

I've never read a Virginia Heath book before, and I really liked this one. Very classic, old school regency romance, with a good plot and nice main characters. Slow burn, the misdirection was plausible, and the cute children were not obnoxious or too twee. Just very well executed.

I received a free ARC of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.