Felt like a bunch of random events leading up to an action packed last 25%. That last quarter held the majority of the plot, really. BUT - The characters were nice (The kids especially were pretty funny.) and the domesticity combined with the gothic-like setting still made this enjoyable for me. 3.75 stars.

Alright so here's what worked for me:

I liked Verda a lot, she's a no nonsense kind of woman, pragmatic and sympathetic

I really liked all the kids, Noah and Docia in particular, and I enjoyed their childish bickering.

As much as I hated Damein, I couldn't help but be hopelessly intrigued by him, he was just so interesting! Similarly with the whole "My Julius" stuff with Noah!

Here's what didn't:

The romance is sorely lacking, it felt like the author was just marking items off a check list "First kiss at 40%, second at 55%, sex scene at 75%" - all the scenes felt so stilted and forced because the MCs barely spend any time together as individuals, or have any conversations.... Like yeah they're attracted to each other but... What else? When you're doing the governess trope, you have AMPLE opportunity for some forced probably proximity, which really wasn't taken advantage of.

The pacing is really atrocious at points, there would be absolutely nothing happening in several chapters and then so much happening in the space of a few pages that I have to go back and read it several times over. In the beginning, it sort of felt like the author expected the reader to already have at least some context about who these characters are because we're not so much introduced to them as we are placed in the middle of their story.

Overall - not terrible but certainly not impressive. I am unlikely to pick up another by this author any time soon.

3.5 stars

Verda Fairclough’s father is looking to marry her off to a horrible duke for his financial gain. Lysander Oshea steps in to help, eventually convincing her to be a governess to his nephew, even though she knows nothing about children. She’s trying to figure out how to manage the children and he’s trying to convince her they have a future.

There is a definite gothic vibe to the book – from the “dark and stormy” (not to mention cold and dank) castle on the cliffs and several supporting characters who you can’t quite tell their level of sanity. This certainly adds a different (and welcome) feel from many of the other historical romance books I’ve read.

The plot did feel a bit disjointed at times. There were a few times when the next chapter would jump a week or more in the actual timeline, but the characters seemed in the same place as before. Some of the characters’ emotions seemed a bit unclear and scattered at times.

Overall, this was a good read, especially if you are looking for a historical romance that is a change from the glitz and glam of London or high society.

Oooh, this book is a hard one to rate. This is my first time reading a book by this author. It started off very well. I was very impressed with the writing. This isn't even a Lyon's Den book, but Mrs. Dove-Lyon and the den get a cameo!

But soon the plot became... I don't even know how to describe it - confusing, mad cap, tongue in cheek? I'm not sure. I feel like everyone may get what's going on in this book but me?

What I *DO* know is that all five stars belong to 10 year old Noah and his baby infant brother, "My Julius" . I am not kidding. I may have just read the Most Notable of all of notable children.
What an adorable, PRECIOUS little boy, taking care of My Julius like that. I may have lost the plot but I don't care. I hope one day we get Noah's story because he's gonna be a great, great dad. Oh my heart!!!

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own

I really enjoyed this book, the characters and the storyline. There was just enough romance, intrigue and mild suspense to make it interesting and unable to put down. It really packed a punch for being a shorter book. I am looking forward to reading more from this author as I enjoyed the writing style so much!

If you enjoy Gothic romances, you'll devour this. It has great characters, mystery, murder, and a steamy romance.

I also really liked the setting of the old castle. It truly set the ambiance for the Gothic setting.

This is open-door spice so be warmed that this does get rather steamy!

A great historical Gothic romance that will keep you turning the pages.