2.5/5 stars
This story follows a young woman who helps the captain with three of his niece/nephews. I have read Virginia Heath’s books in the past and very much enjoyed them but sadly this one kind of missed its spark compared to the others. It was still a great read as the storyline was still good and I loved how kids were involved in this book. It made it so much cuter. The pacing was fast in the beginning but it did get slow towards the middle. I liked the setting and the historical accuracy of the book. This story is told from both Harry and Georgina.

Georgina is a governess who is now taking care of three young children for Harry. She was a sweetheart with mixed feelings but there wasn’t much development. Then there is Harry who I liked in the beginning but began to not like him in the end. There are quite a few side chapters but I loved the children who just made this book. They were so fun and dramatic that I just loved it. My least favorite thing about this book was the romance. For some reason, I just couldn’t feel the chemistry and it felt like there wasn’t enough screen time for the two.

The ending was ok but I just didn’t get because I just wanted a historical romance and we didn’t get the romance. It wasn’t a bad book per se because the story was good and the kids made this book but if the romance was wonderful it could have gotten more stars. I recommend reading Heath’s The Merrill Sisters because those were really great.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

All’s Fair in Love and War is a sweet Regency romance for those of us already experiencing a Bridgerton hangover. There is much to love in this sweet romance with an empowering message. Readers have a lot to delve into in this sweet story of mismatched love that ultimately comes together exactly as it should. Author Virginia Heath succeeds in creating a Regency romance with the right balance of historical accuracy and fantasy.

A spectacularly fun and different Regency romp!

Georgie is a governess (or trying to be one at least) after graduating from Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies.
Harry is a naval officer whose sister has gone on an Egyptian adventure, leaving her 3 kids in his care. He is busy with work, and has no idea what to do with the kids, and hires Georgie to look after them.

Banter, misquoting of military greats, clashes about how children should be taught, rule following/spontaneous faceoffs follow to much delight.

The children, dogs, and all surrounding characters are so well done!

This book was so delightfully charming! While I did find the pacing to be a bit slow at times, I thought the banter, mayhem, and character development more than made up for it. I adored all the characters in this book and thought everyone played the perfect part. This was my first read by this author but it certainly won’t be my last! What a wonderful beginning to a new series. Highly recommend if you’re into regency era romcoms!

All's Fair in Love And War is the first book in a new Regency romance series by Virginia Heath, Miss Prentice's Protegees. Henry Kincaid, a bachelor and a Royal Navy captain, finds himself in charge of three unruly children, his nieces and a nephew. Since he doesn't know how to manage the children, he seeks a governess's help. As one of Miss Prentice's protegees, Georgina Rowe comes highly recommended. But she is too spirited and the polar opposite of buttoned-up Henry. They disagree on almost everything, but Henry has no choice but to hire her.

All's Fair In Love And War is a charming historical romance. Henry and Georgina have great chemistry and an entertaining banter. Their sweet slow-burn romance unfolds as they spend more time together and learn about each other. There are several interesting secondary characters, including children whose antics provide a lot of entertainment. The book has many sailor jokes and puns that made me chuckle. I found the pacing a little slow and repetitive at times, but I enjoyed the story overall.

Well this story was absolutely delightful! The entire cast of characters was entertaining, lovable, and fit so well together. I truly hope the other governesses get their own books because I’m invested in this wonderful world.

This was so charming! I loved it and can we take a moment for the cover?! It was a slow burn but I enjoy those types of books! Thanks for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review! Will recommend!

"All's Fair in Love and War" by Virginia Heath is a delightful Regency romance that blends humor, heart, and a clash of ideals. The story follows Georgie Gage, a governess who believes in cultivating joy and adventure in her young charges. However, she clashes with her new employer, the stern and serious Lord Rupert Trentham, who has very different ideas about how children should be raised.

As Georgie and Rupert butt heads over their contrasting philosophies, an undeniable attraction begins to simmer between them. Heath skillfully balances the comedic tension with genuine emotional depth, as both characters are forced to confront their own pasts and preconceptions.
Georgie is a wonderfully engaging protagonist - confident, principled, and unafraid to challenge societal norms. Readers will root for her as she works to thaw Rupert's icy exterior and show him the value of embracing childhood wonder.

The supporting cast, including Rupert's mischievous niece and nephew, add further charm and humor to the story. Heath's writing is lively and engaging, with just the right touch of playful banter.

Overall, "All's Fair in Love and War" is a delightful Regency romp that offers a fresh take on the governess trope. Fans of witty, character-driven romance are sure to enjoy this charming and heartwarming novel.

This was adorable! I really loved this utterly delightful historical romance! As usual, Virginia Heath's writing is humorous,witty, and filled with fun characters.

All's Fair in Love and War is a governess romance, and I always enjoy them! This one was particularly well done. The children were endearing and lovable little hellions. The relationship between Georgie, the governess, and Harry, the naval captain and uncle, was fantastic! They, of course, start off butting heads and end up madly in love. I truly loved all of the silly naval puns. They were a super cute addition to the story.

I can't wait for more charming governess romances to come in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinion are completely my own.

Although the premise of the story and the characters entertained me, I found the story itself lacking. I believe the writing style is putting me off. It's not over descriptive or immature, it just seems wordy.

virginia heath never misses. i fell in love with this family from the very start. something about a governess love story just sets my heart ablaze

Harry Kincaid's sister decided to join her husband in Egypt and leave her children in Harry's care. With a busy schedule, he he goes to Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies prepared to pay whatever it takes to hire an emergency governess. New governess Georgie Rowe believes childhood should be full of joy, games, and adventure, everything she didn't have as a child herself. While the children embrace that wholeheartedly, Harry does not. The two clash over the children, and sparks fly.

Georgie had been hand picked to receive one of Miss Prentice's scholarships, and was left there on her sixteenth birthday after years of a terribly strict stepfather who never cared about her feelings. Seven years later, in May 1820, she was finally chosen as governess after thirty-three failed interviews because of her outspoken belief that "spare the rod, spoil the child" was a terrible thing to do. She gets this current job with Miss Prentice leading the interview, as well as with Harry's desperation. Working with the Admiralty, he's used to order and following a strict timetable; the one time he followed his heart it was for an engagement to a fickle woman that left him as soon as possible. Being rigid in his work life had earned him promotions, though he continued to have reminders of the "one blemish" on his otherwise spotless record.

Both have their ghosts behind them, and share affection for the three children in Harry's care. This leads to continual proximity and hijinks that allow them to see past the surface of each others' lives. It's further complicated by the family dog, an adorable puppy, and Harry's potential promotion even as the two are attracted to each other. The final third has a bit of a farce added to the story, adding even more hilarity to an already fun story. This is a great start for a new series of romance novels.

I'm so sorry. I had to DNF. I think Regency may not be for me. I found this to be dry and I had a hard time picking it up and finishing it.

There will be no review or positive star rating on this published book until SMP Marketing boycott ends........

Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook.

I really enjoyed Virgina Heath’s Merriwell sisters series and when I heard she had a new regency romcom series I was on board! 🛳️ see what I did there? 😉

Georgina is trained to be a governess but when it’s been years without any jobs, she’s starting to panic and perhaps she’s a bit unconventional in that she speaks her mind. Weird employers don’t want to hear her thoughts 😆

Harry is living the busy bachelor life in the Navy and his life is on track until his sister drops his 3 nieces and nephew + wild wolf dog at his house without so much as a “please and thank you”. So nice 😬 He needs a governess fast!

I love the cover, see the wild kids in the background? This book checks all the boxes! Hearing it’s a retelling of “The Sound of Music” 😍

Plus it has grumpy/sunshine, different worlds, lovable rambunctious animals and children, impossible HEA, governess, enemies to lovers, touch of fake dating, and HEA with steamy scenes 💜

This book released last month. Thanks to the publisher for the earc. These are my own thoughts and opinions and I can’t wait for the next book.

Firstly, I want to thank NetGalley for the arc!
This book was fun and sweet, with a charming cast of characters!
We follow Georgie who is a governess in desperate need of a job. In comes Harry who is in desperate need for a governess! After being left with his nieces and nephews unexpectedly, Harry hires Georgie to be the governess.
There’s a fun back and forth with Harry and Georgie, it’s opposites attract, until they pull back some layers and realize they are a better fit to each other than they initially thought.
Georgie is feisty and independent and sure of herself and Harry is orderly and neat, and proper. But as they come together, they begin to blend together a little bit. Harry’s humor comes out, and Georgie begins to take his regiments a little more seriously for his sake.

I loved seeing this slow burn come together and the chemistry between Georgie and Harry felt real and believable.

I feel like the ending was maybe a little rushed. I also wish we saw Georgie tell Harry she loved him. He declared his love for her multiple times and we never see her return the favor, which I didn’t really like. Other than that though, I enjoyed this read, I think it’s perfect for a palette cleanser or for those who love the historical romances!

This was fine and didn't have anything massively wrong with it, I just could not get into the story. The Sounds of Music vibes were there and the kids were cute, but I just needed more romance between the two to get invested in the story. It was too much of a slow burn and after almost of month of trying to read this I just could not get into it and I'm done forcing myself to keep going.

I like a governess romance, but needed the couple to be on page together more. Historical romance can be so lush and romantic and while this wasn't bad it was just so boring to me.

Georgie is opinionated, which prevents her from receiving a placement as a governess even though she is a skilled teacher and protege of Miss Prentice. However, when Henry Kincaid is desperate for help with his nieces and nephew who unexpectedly came to stay, she is hired. The children are wild, but lovable, and she even begins to have feelings for their uptight uncle…

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💭 Thoughts 💭

I enjoyed this one! A fun romance. Nothing truly unexpected but an easy read.

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⌛️ Favorite Moment ⌛️

On Georgie’s first day with the kids, when Henry comes home from work he finds the classroom thoroughly trashed thanks to the kids gigantic goofy dog Norbert. This scene was laugh out loud funny!

All’s Fair in Love and War is a promising start to a new series. Why? Well great characters for one! I also enjoyed that the author took the time to set the scene so we could enjoy the story and let the romance unfold.

The main characters were interesting and I loved their interactions with the children. The hero is a military man, a formal, punctilious clock watcher who finds himself the guardian of his sister’s children. It was fun seeing him relax and enjoy himself.

I can’t wait for more books in this series!

If you are a fan of The Sound of Music combined with Regency romance, this book is for you.

All's Fair in Love and War is the first installment in a new series, Miss Prentice's Protegees. An adorable, funny, heartwarming story about a young governess who is too outspoken to get a job after her training, and the gruff naval captain who has suddenly been charged with taking care of his sister's children and their large pet dog. The story, quite appealing, charming, romantic and adventurous tries to prove single women back in the day could hold their own against any man. And do so comically.

Georgia Rowe has just completed her training as a governess at Mis Prentice's School for Young Ladies, but she can't seem to get a job, unlike all her friends who she met at the school. You see, Georgia just doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut when future employees begin to interview her. She has been told she seems to intimidate those who are questioning her.

Harry Kincaid is a no-nonsense former Navy man who lives alone. He likes his quiet and peace. But when he arrives back to his house, he discovers his sister has dumped her three young children on his doorstep while she and her husband decided to go on a trip to Egypt. Felix is the oldest, Marianne the middle child and Grace the youngest. And oh, did I mention their puppy Norbert who is larger than all three children?

So, after a few horribly exhausting days, Harry decides he can't do this, so he decides to seek out a governess for the duration of his sister's trip. And that is when Harry and Georgia's fate is sealed.

But their relationship certainly does not start off well. Harry does not appreciate Georgia's teaching style or methods which are filled with outdoor amusement, laughter and curiosity. His idea of school is a classroom indoors with learning its only purpose and absolutely no dog tagging along for the lessons! No matter how much Norbert dislikes being alone and barks!

As they agree to disagree on just about everything, the one thing they both seem to notice is each other. But both realize pretty much from the get-go that a relationship could never work out. Right?

As they attempt to base their relationship on the children, they become even more enamored with each other. Georgia can't see this ending well and Harry has too much baggage from his past. But All is Fair in Love and War, right? And there is a great deal of both in this wonderfully, light enjoyable read.

Thank you #NetGalley #St.Martin'sGriffin #VirginiaHeath #All'sFairinLoveandWar for the advanced copy.