I really enjoyed Mary and Eric. Eric is a widower and has brought in Mary to help launch his daughter. He didn't count on falling for her. This was a quick, enjoyable read!

Mary, possibly one of the best governess's available responds to a letter of the wealthy Earl of Asten. He no longer knows how to reach his daughter, who seems to have retreated into herself in the last few months. But when Mary arrives she immediately feels a pull the the handsome Earl. She's further taken by surprise when she realizes that the attraction is reciprocated. But an Earl with a governess? It's unheard of.

I really enjoyed the dialogue in this novel. The story in itself was very Cinderella-like, but the dialogue made it really fun and fresh. Especially that between Mary and her charge. The moments where Mary stands up to the horrible Lady Laughlin. She could have caused a lot more harm in the novel, but Mary knew how to nip it in the bud.

Though once again the characters fell in love too quickly, it's novella length, plus the cuteness of the story allowed me to set those frustrations aside. A wonderful read to pass the time.

Unfortunately this never downloaded to my kindle. Cannot review unfortunately

The Governess was Wanton by Julia Kelly

A governess relies on her reputation. They are the women at the top of their field. These three woman are friends through their work and their circumstance.

Lord Asten has a dilemma. He is a widow but wants his daughter to have the guidance of a woman. He hires Mary as she was the best governess and one who was available. Mary has to contend with Lady Laughlin, a baron’s widow, who has designs on Eric and tries to bully Eleanora, Eric’s daughter.

Eleanora admires Mary’s ability to put Lady Laughlin in her place. Mary also attracts Eric’s attention for her gentleness and kindness to Eleanora but also because he is attracted to her. He finally sees what his daughter had been trying to tell him about Lady Laughlin. Mary is also about reputation and is unable to reconcile that Eric wants her and is willing to marry her, despite the fact it would elevate her to the peerage (and well over Lady Laughlin!).

This story was a great read. It has many elements of the Cinderella trope all with the possible wicked step mother and step sisters. We also see the friendship between the three governesses as they talk, or don’t, about their love life. Each of them understands the anxiety they might feel about loving out of their circle.

Reviewed by Heather

5 out of 5 stars!!! When Mary starts her latest job as the governess to the Earl of Asten's only daughter, she finds her world tilted of its axis by the Earl (Eric) himself. He's handsome, smart, and kind with a roguish streak the only seems to come out around her. They try to maintain distance between them but the night of the masquerade ball the distance becomes obsolete but only Mary knows the truth. Will Mary & Eric be able to have more than stolen moments together or will their ranks keep them separated forever?

This novel enamored me from the very beginning!! The illicit situation that brews between Mary & Eric is sweet and all consuming; it had me wanting their story to be never-ending. All the characters were entertaining in their own right making this Cinderella-ish novel so fun to read!

Yet, what captured me was Mary & Eric. The intense connection they shared was thrilling to read about while charming in a way that wish I could've read about more (like in an epilogue). They were perfect for one another. And how Mary just seemed to fit into Eric and his daughter's lives was so seamless that it only took putting down "the rival" to make everything work for them. 💖

This is one of my favorites so I definitely recommend it to those looking for a slightly erotic historical romance!!!

Review By: From Me to You ... Book Reviews
-- read more of this review and THREE TEASERS on my blog: frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com --

I loved this book I simply couldn't put it down. Eagerly looking for to reading more from this author