Member Reviews

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Governess Emma Sullivan has a comfortable position in an Earl's household, but when the heir attacks her friends, and she stabs him, both Emma and Janey need to flee. When their money only gets them as far as the new town of Willowbrook, it's as if fate has played a hand. Janey's old beau is now the solicitor in the town, and with his title, can protect them both. Emma still worries that staying in town would be a risk, but meeting the young daughters of Spencer, the Earl of Carnhaven, gives her a reason to stay. Spencer has struggled in the years since his wife's death, and the impact it had on his relationship with his daughters. Meeting Emma opens his eyes to the possibility of being a family once again, and he wants nothing more than to have her by his side. Can he convince Emma to stay?

I had really enjoyed the first three books in this series, and originally thought it was a trilogy, so was pleasantly surprised when I saw a fourth book was available to read. I loved the relationship Emma had with all of the characters in this book. She was a perfect friend to Janey, and her interactions with Felicity and Cassandra were sublime from the get go. I felt like Spencer was a little harsh and pushy initially, but he loved his daughters, and Emma. It was his pain and suffering that had created the wall that he needed to tumble, and Emma helped him become the person he was always meant to be. A lovely romance, and great addition to the series.

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Excellent story by Laura Landon - loved the characters and plot! Can’t wait to read more from this author!

5 Stars
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I must admit that this book remind me to two Julia Quinn's characters, Sophie Beckett and Sir Phillip Crane and answers the question, what would happen if they fallen in love with each other, that being said i love the story and i love the characters the grown, the importance of trust.

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Spencer Washburn, the Earl of Carnhaven, suffered a terrible tragedy. Five years later he's still hasn't completely recovered. His two daughters desperately need him and the woman who suddenly appears in the village. Emma Sullivan is a governess and drawn to the Earl and his two daughters. But a scandal follows her and would destroy the reputation of the he and his daughters. Spencer is determined to have her in their lives, whatever it takes. An easy read that moves quickly with peril and finding love. Kissing only.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

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Excellent book and good plot and I enjoyed the characters very much. This was the first book I’ve ever read by this author and it didn’t disappoint.

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The Earl and the Governess

Emma was a governess at a house, where the son took advantage of the hired help. She defended one of the maids and thought she killed the cad. She and Jenny went on the run, and they ended up in Willowbrook. Emma became governess to an earl’s children. Both she and Jenny would find love. However, no matter how far Emma ran, trouble would find her. What happened when the past caught up with her? Emma lived in a society, where a commoner did not stand a chance against a nobleman, despicable though he might be. Could Emma beat the odds? She had Spencer and love on her side. I enjoyed this sweet historical romance with suspense and would recommend it.

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What is with the murder stories? I did like this one. Emma was an unlikely hero and the Earl was an interesting mystery.

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Such a great book! It was a great plot and I fell in love with the characters really quickly. I hope to read more from you soon!

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Helping her friend Janey, Emma finds herself in the middle of a crime scene. Afraid that she has killed an earl's son, she takes her friend and flees. But she only has enough money to go as far as Willowbrook. Spencer, The Earl of Carnhaven, then takes her in as governess for his two daughters. Spencer is a tortured soul who still carries the pain of losing his wife. Emma is intrigued and drawn by him, but the pain that he harbors doesn't allow her to come close. Slowly, he starts to open up to her and just as it seems they might have a future, trouble arrives that puts Emma in danger. Spencer can no longer keep his feelings for Emma at bay, and his protective instincts kick in. Danger and suspense weaved into this story kept me turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. The characters were strong and well-crafted and I became engrossed in the story from the very beginning. The storyline flowed smoothly and the plot progressed well. This is the fourth book of the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. A captivating addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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I loved the character of Emma here - she's a smart, fights for those she loves, and gives Spencer some much needed (although not always appreciated) hard truths about himself. It took me until about half way through the book to like Spencer. It's hard to like a guy who blames his 2-year old for the death of her mother and basically says he will never forgive her - let's not forget that it was her mother's fault that the boat capsized in the first place. And then all those years later to pretend that he loves his girls equally any time points out that he treats them very differently. I also thought he was quite pushy in getting Emma to agree to stay on as the girls' governess - he practically guilted her into it. One of my favorite parts of the book was Emma's relationship with the girls and how she helps Spencer reconcile with Felicity. As for the parts involving Slushman I'm not sure I totally believed that a court would have sided against him - although things may have been changing a little within society I don't think that progress would have had anyone punishing a peer for treatment of a servant. Of course I'm glad that they did, I just thought that part didn't totally ring true.

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This is the first book I've read by this author and I did enjoy it. The characters were well-written, maybe just a little too perfect though. I loved the Earl's daughters. They were sweet little girls. Emma was a good strong character who tried to do what's right and that included saving her friend Janey from their previous employer's son when he attempted to rape Janey. It was a pleasure to see Spenser's feelings change toward his younger daughter Felicity once he realized what he had subconsciously doing to the little girl.

The plot moves along well, but I'm not sure one of the aspects in the story that involves the villain was actually plausible or historically accurate. Most peers were immune from prosecution so what the magistrate ordered seemed quite out of character in Regency England. Beside that one thing, it was a well-crafted story.

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Emma takes a stand to save a life but by doing so, she have seriously violated the rules of her society. On the run, she continues to help others by taking care of an Earl's children. A fast paced story by an author I have not read before. I'm impressed with her creativity, depth of historical knowledge and research and the skill to draw these characters in such a realistic fashion. Looking forward to reading more of her works and recommend others to do the same.

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4.5 Stars
Emma Sullivan flees a crime scene, certain she’s killed an earl’s son. Using every coin she has only carries her and the maid whose life she had saved as far as Willowbrook. When the widowed Earl of Carnhaven takes her in as governess for his two daughters. Emma is drawn to the man, but his tortured soul keeps her at an arm’s length. Just as a future seems possible, the man Emma thought she murdered tracks her down to exact his vengeance.
The fourth book in the series but it’s easily read on its own. I loved the mix of romance & suspense. I loved both Spencer & Emma, the chemistry between them grew & grew but Emma fears her past will catch up with her & when it does her worst fears come true, however Spencer is determined to help. A well written romance which drew me in from the start & I devoured it in a sitting. The characters had depth & apart from the villain were very likeable. Cassie & Felicity were a delight & I loved how close they became not only to Emma but also to Spencer.
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

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This was a delightfully engrossing introduction to a new-to-me author and she could very easily come to be one of my go-to authors. I love that the book is imaginative, intelligently-written and very captivating. I kept telling myself that I needed to put it down and get some sleep, but it was so interesting and exciting that I just had to see what happened next. Finally, at 7 AM, I read the last word and thought “WOW, just WOW.”

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Emma Sullivan and her friend have escaped London and managed to get as far Willowbrook. Luckily for them someone there is prepared to help them.

The Widowed Earl of Carnhaven has just realised he needs a governess for his two daughters. Since the death of his much loved wife, he has trouble communicating with one of them.

This historical romance is a rollercoaster of emotion and danger. Lots of the characters are in need of loving care, but not sure they deserve it.

This book is easily read on its own. The series is based around the town more than individual characters.

An exciting read.

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A very sweet romance between a governess and an Earl.
Emma found herself in situation where she had to save another woman from being violated by stabbing the aristocrat. They went on the run and Eventually Emma found herself in the employ of the Earl Spencer by being a governess to his two daughters. Spencer and Emma became close but her fear of the aristocrat possibly tracking her down overshadowed their relationship. As time passes, her fears come to realization and the outcome is uncertain.
An easy clean read with a HEA.

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Love and suspense

Two hearts full of pain and wariness come together and recognize their soulmate. Emma hasn’t led an easy life, but when push comes to shove, she’s there to help her friend, Jenny, no matter what it takes. And they are on the run from what it took to save Jenny. They ended up as far from London as their money would take them, Willowbrook. My heart hurt for Spencer, the Earl of Carnhaven, and the loss he experienced. I loved seeing the spark and slow burn of a relationship built between Emma and Spencer.

I enjoyed this book immensely! There are wonderful characters and an air of suspense that had me captivated from the beginning. Laura Landon has a unique talent for telling a fabulous story with beautiful people set in a small town with lots of emotion and entertainment. This was a quick and lovely read. I received a copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

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Emma was the governess for the Slushmore family after putting the two girls to bed she heard her best friend Jane scream out and knew exactly what was happening the oldest in only son lord rattle Slushmoor had an awful reputation among the staff for taking advantage of upstairs is made and that is exactly what her friend Jane did for the family. She felt she had no choice but to defend her friends honor and virtue and ultimately stab Sir Rattle in the back twice upon him passing out she knew her and Jane had to flee. This is how they found their self and Willoughby. As soon as Jane and Emma stepped off the coach James like went from a nightmare to a dream come true because her long lost Love was just getting to his business as a barrister and noticed her immediately that is where The two friends we’re staying win The barrister invited his best friend Lord Spencer Cordcave. A man Emma thought was one of the most handsome men she ever seen up close and personally. Over dinner she learned he had two daughters and he was a widow his wife Carolyn drowned in the lake behind their house. Although Spencer had been a widow for years he had no plans of changing your situation anytime soon but after meeting Miss Emma Sullivan he was intrigued by her smart whip in the care she displayed when just talking about his children that she didn’t even know. Ever since the death of his wife he couldn’t look at his youngest daughter because she looked just like her mother Caroline and when they were drowning he grabbed her instead of his wife who ultimately drowned. Little did Spencer know but Emma would change his life for the better but before they could have a happily ever after her past will find her in want retribution. I don’t read Regency romances a lot but if it has a good summary I am down to read it and after reading A Lesson Learned by Laura Landon I would definitely be interested to read more books by her I found the story intriguing I thought her historical accuracy was well done and the storyline was very interesting and in a book in which you know how it’s going to end that is very important I definitely recommend this book to Regency roommates friends especially those who don’t like inaccuracies when it comes to historical detail because I think Miss Landon has done her due diligence and ultimately has written a great romance story. I could’ve done without the last chapter but having said that it was still a great read. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free arc copy. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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I found this book to be suspenseful and fairly fast-paced as Emma and her friend flee the scene of a crime. Protective of her friend, Emma discovers that whilst the situation services Janey well in that it reunites her with the love of her life, Emma is left floundering as she knows that her actions in defense of Janey will be misconstrued by her employers. Fortunately, she meets with the Earl of Carnhaven, who is carrying his own secrets and pain. The romance between the main characters develops slowly, especially given the era and class differences. However, when trouble arrives on his doorstep, Spencer can no longer remain immune and his protective instincts towards Emma emerge. A thread of suspense runs through this book right up to the closing chapters when justice is finally served. I enjoyed the book, and although there were aspects that I questioned, it nevertheless came to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

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