Jane Halliwell, the daughter of a diplomat is now working as a governess. It’s not what she planned for her life, but until she can sell her first novel it’s what she has to do. It’s the card she was dealt after her father’s untimely death and she handles it with grace. Jane’s mother fled to Scotland to avoid the rumor mill so she’s essentially without family and alone. On top of that there are whispers swarming of how Jane’s father actually died and the disgrace of his gambling addiction. Jane had nowhere to go. Eventually she ends up at her father’s friend Lord Gilford’s townhouse in Belgrave Square . Lord Gilford says he’ll take her in as a guest. Jane refuses and decides to work for her keep being a governess to the Gilford’s daughter, Margaret. The lady of the manor, Mrs. Gilford isn’t happy about this. She is pretty much a vulture. The Viscountess tries to hurt Jane with her cutting words at every turn.

Then in walks Lord Adrian Fielding. Jane had a crush on him as a girl and he happens to be at the Gilford’s symposium. He is even more handsome now and Jane can’t help but be drawn to him. Lord Adrian tried to keep tabs on Jane’s whereabouts after her father had passed, but he had no idea where she was. Adrian sees her and a spark is kindled. He is battling within himself on settling down and his feelings for Jane. That doesn’t stop him from keeping anyone else from courting her either. Then the story takes a turn. Jane finds Lord Gilford dead. Suspicions swirl and the mystery of whodunit is on.

I love how tender and loving Adrian is to Jane even though he’s at war with his feelings. He is still there and wants to protect Jane and put her first. Beautifully written historical and swoony romance with some really heartfelt and loving characters and smarmy ones too. This book makes me want to start all over with the first in the series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Manda Collins and Read Forever Publishing for my advanced copy.

It’s lovely to be in Collins’s imagined world where characters are warm and fuzzy, society a place where good triumphs over evil and everything recounted with a light, humorous, loving touch. I wrote this about Lady’s Guide #3, A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes, and I say it again about Passion and Peril.

In Passion and Peril, we’re introduced to eponymous governess, fallen-on-hard-times Jane Halliwell and long-ago acquaintance and somewhat friend, Lord Adrian Fielding (brother to the Duke of Langham, Danger and Dukes‘s hero). When the romance opens, Jane is in her third year as governess to Margaret, Viscount and Lady’s Gilford’s daughter. Though Jane is their social equal, she is a genteel, but poor semi-servant to a man who was her father’s colleague in the Foreign Office. (Because her father committed suicide after gambling the family fortune, Jane and her mother were left homeless and seemingly friendless.)

Though friends like Poppy, now the Duke of Langham’s wife, would offer her a home, Jane wished to earn her way in the world. She lives in semi-genteel limbo without the possibility of her own home and family…except for the presence, at the Viscount’s house party of domestic and foreign diplomatic dignitaries, of Lord Adrian Fielding, a friend of long acquaintance and Jane’s teen-age crush. When Jane lost her father, fortune, and position, and her mother left for Scotland to live with a friend, she lost contact with many from her former life. In the midst of the house-party, while Jane and Adrian renew their acquaintance and give hesitant nods to a mutual attraction, Viscount Gilford is murdered in his study.With Lady Gilford mourning and soon out of town, the new Viscount, Will, grieving, Adrian and Jane must hold the household together and help Detective Inspector Eversham find the killer. They are joined by Adrian’s brother, the Duke of Langham, and his wife and Jane’s friend, Poppy. Collins brings together a likeable, witty group of characters, familiar to readers who’ve followed the series and easily endearing to those reading it for the first time in this volume. Adrian, Jane, and co. unearth the possibility the Foreign Office suffered several mysterious deaths, linked by the clue the murderer leaves behind, a Machiavelli quotation and dried rose.

Though I guessed the murderer’s identity early in the narrative, what I read Collins’s semi-mystery, semi-romance for is appealing characters and the openness of her hero and heroine’s feelings and hots. I enjoyed that the characters’ hesitation to being together dispels early and dispels well; no faffing about for Jane and Adrian! Mild resistance and then maturity kicks in: feelings are admitted and the reader enjoys our couple together for the romance’s entire second half. I like impediments-romance and I like open, honest protagonists, Collins’s romance ethos is of the latter. Jane is open about her feelings and droll in her lust for Adrian. It’s a lovely, feminist reversal that Adrian is more circumspect in this attraction, but thoroughly frank and direct about wanting to be with Jane, marry Jane and make a life with her.

Despite the gravity of the circumstances, Collins keeps a firm narrative hand on the mystery, but delights with humour and makes a feminist point with a light touch. I thought the scene with the French diplomat’s wife sneakily pinching Langham’s butt was a hoot. As in previous Lady’s Guide romances, Collins’s feminist point winks to the reader rather pounding things home. Adrian indulges in some growly over-protectiveness and Jane amusingly poo-poos him. The beauty of Collins’s romances? A droll, wry gentle humour and characters who work things out, a respite from angst and a turning towards joy, contentment, affection, ease, and the comforts of friendship and family.

Manda Collins’s A Governess’s Guide to Passion and Peril is published by Forever and releases today, March 26. I received an e-galley from Forever, via Netgalley. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion, written without the use/aid of AI.

Another fun addition to the Ladies Most Scandalous series - I really enjoyed A Spinster’s Guide last year and keep meaning to go back to read the earlier books, which I have bought, but other arcs are getting in the way.

The murder mystery aspect of this romance made it very unique and I found that to make it even better than the typical regency romances out there - combining my top two genres and they blended so well. I liked the chemistry between Jane and Adrian, their history and backstory, and how they both came to be where they were (at the estate), and why she was a governess in the way that she was. The murder mystery they were solving was a very good twist to the whole story and I didn’t see that ending coming at all!

I really liked this one - it was good but not spectacular (I see that while I’ve rated this a 4, last book I’d rated a 5, but without re-reading I couldn’t tell you why or if that still stands or holds up). I would definitely recommend this to all historical romance lovers, especially those who enjoy storylines that are unique and have the mystery and suspense element in them.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and this is my honest feedback.

Tropes: murder mystery; friends to lovers
Steam level: 2
Part of a series, but works fine as a standalone

3.5 stars I couldn't quite round up. This author is new to me, and though I haven't read the previous entries in this series, I had no problem jumping into the storyline. I'm a fan of historical romance/mysteries and thought the writing style here was solid and everything moved right along. As I got past the first third, though, I knew that while the proceedings were pleasant enough, this wouldn't quite be the book for me. I never felt that Jane and Adrian had much romantic chemistry. An underlying sense of danger and strong emotional tension are lacking, even toward the end, although it's all played very straight. Also, the mystery is a cinch to solve--tbh I would have appreciated more red herrings--and .the resolution is sort of "meh." Obviously, if you're looking for sexy, edgy, or twisty, this book won't scratch your itch, but I'd hoped for a bit more humor and cleverness.

Characterwise, I was on the fence with Jane and Adrian, finding Adrian rather thick at times. Meanwhile, Jane could come across as a bit of a martyr, having a track record of dealing with not one but two unpleasant, snipy older women who should have been at least tolerant of her but inexplicably believed the worst of her as governess. (It's mentioned many times that she could have chosen not to be a governess but didn't want to "put anyone out"). There were also jarringly awkward scenes involving Jane's friendship (??) with the son of her current employer. That character just didn't work for me, and disappeared early on, so I'm really not sure what his purpose was (I hope he doesn't become the MMC of a later book in this series).

On the upside, even with the baddie being obvious, this is a quick read, and the epilogue is cute.

Overall: This would be best described as a "cozy" historical mystery/romance, with a dose of steam dashed in toward the end.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary opinion. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Net Galley for this opportunity.

Jane Halliwell is a governess. She's had to become one after her father died and left her and her mother with nothing. She's working for Lord and Lady Gilford, who knew her parents.

Lord Gilford works for the Foreign Office, like Janes father did. He's holding a meeting at his house with a few members of the Foreign Office and people from other counties. And when there's a murder at the Gilfords house, there's plenty of suspects.

One of the men who was at the meeting was Lord Adrian Felding. Lord Adrian's older brother is a duke, and he and Jane knew each other years ago. Jane was a teen and had quite the crush on Lord Adrian, who worked with her father. But he only saw Jane as a young girl. After her father died, he was gone from her life. Without a proper goodbye. So when these two reunite, it isn't rainbows and unicorns! Ugh, the pain of unrequited love!

There's a murderer in their midst, and the more they investigate... the more questions pop up. And suddenly, they're not just trying to solve a singular event. It becomes very personal to Jane.

There's murder, attempted murder and some romance mixed in! The romance really popped up for me. Ole Adrian had his mind set one way then... interest?!

Now I haven't read books 1 and 2, but I have read book three. There are a lot of reappearing characters, but it isn't too complicated that you couldn't jump right in! But it was nice to see how this small circle of friends supports each other.

Another intriguing romance/mystery from the inimitable Amanda Collins.

When Jane Halliwell’s father, a high ranking diplomat, committed suicide due to his gambling debts Jane was shocked. Jane and her mother returned to England from Rome, unable to endure the ostracism they experienced from the diplomatic community. That included Lord Adrian Fielding, who’d been in and out of their home in Rome, and for whom the young Jane had conceived a crush.
With no funds to support them Jane’s mother had fled to a cousin in Scotland. Jane stayed in London determined eventually to make her way as a novelist
Now, five years later, Jane is working as a governess in the home of a diplomatic friend of her father’s, Lord Guilford. Guildford’s wife was not pleased and made Jane’s life difficult, treating her as a servant. Jane meets Adrian again at a symposium on roses being held at the Guilford's home.
Disaster strikes. Jane discovers Lord Guilford's body in his study. He’s been stabbed.
Now it seems other diplomats whose deaths has been put down to natural causes may have been murdered.
Jane joins forces with Adrian and Detective Inspector Eversham, agreeing to act as hostess for the symposium guests, in order to puzzle out the mystery of who’s been murdering the diplomats.
The Duke of Langham, Adrian’s brother, and his wife Poppy, also a friend of Jane’s, arrive to give assistance.
A fast paced who dunnit with a rekindled (sort of) romance nicely filling the gaps between murders.

A Forever ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Jane's father was a highly regarded diplomat whose suicide derailed her future and left her working as a governess to one of his friend's daughters. She's accepted her new life, but when her employer is murdered and there are signs that it might be tied to other diplomat deaths, she's determined to be a part of the investigation every step of the way. That her girlhood crush, Lord Adrian, is one of the people leading the investigation means nothing, or so she keeps claiming. Meanwhile, Lord Adrian finds that he can't quite keep his thoughts or attention from the fine young woman the little girl he left in Rome has become. And he'll need all his wits about him as what started out as one murder investigation reveals that there is more past deaths than first thought.
A Manda Collins romance is a guaranteed good time because not only do you get deliciously sweet romance, but there's always some intrigue and danger to spice things up. And it all plays out in a way that feels totally believable to the era while still letting the female lead stand up for herself and have agency in her life. I particularly loved how this volume brought all the previous 'scandalous' ladies and their husbands to support Jane and Lord Adrian while showing how their relationships are still going strong.
It does feel like things happen a little too quickly between the couple, even considering that they'd met previously, but their finding each other once again happens during a very emotional time and it feels natural, so I'm letting that bit slide.
Overall, it's high on the romance and full of great intrigue that was obvious from the beginning but still fun to follow along as the characters figured it out.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the exciting read!

I have enjoyed the previous books in the Ladies Most Scandalous series and was looking forward to this one which can be read as a standalone. I did enjoy seeing characters from previous novels pop up in the story.

This was a second chance regency romance with a miscommunication trope. It was a light, quick read with a bit of banter and almost no steam.

Unlike the previous books I found this was more of a mystery with a romance subplot. I didn't feel the romantic tension or chemistry between Jane and Adrian and there was little development in their relationship. Adrian always seemed to treat her either like a child or bossed her around. Honestly I was disappointed in the romance portion of this book.

If you're a fan of the series you may like this one but if you're new I'd start with the first book in the series instead.

Thank you to the publisher for my e-copy of this book.

Five years ago, while her father, Charles Halliwell, a foreign office agent, was stationed in Rome, Miss Jane Halliwell, developed a tendre for Lord Adrian Fielding, her father’s protégée. But Adrian had no interest in her, a fact made clear when her father committed suicide and Adrian left for a new post almost immediately, without saying a word to her. Shunned by the people that they once called friends, Jane and her mother returned to England. Her mother moved to Scotland with a distant relative and Jane took a position as a governess, only to be dismissed without a reference when her employer’s wife accused her of trying to seduce her husband. Lucky for Jane a friend of her father’s, Lord Gilford, hired her, much to the displeasure of his wife, a dear friend of her former employer. Determined to make her way, Jane endures the rancor of Lady Gilford, hoping to find a publisher for her novel and earn enough to retire from London. But her life is turned upside down once again when Lord Adrian arrives at the Gilford Home to attend a symposium being hosted by her employer. Things go even more awry when Lord Gilford is murdered, and she finds herself partnering with Lord Adrian to find the murderer.

Lord Adrian Fielding hasn’t seen Jane in years, while in Rome he was a young man sowing his oats and Jane was the daughter of his mentor and therefore off-limits, not to mention, she was an innocent and he was not looking to marry. But after the death of her father, Adrian was ordered to leave and never got the chance to say good bye or offer his condolences. When he saw her again two years ago working for his cousin, he had no idea why she was working as a governess or why she refused to speak to him, the experience didn’t sit well and he was determined to learn the reason why, but once again they parted ways with no resolution. Now that he has her in his sights again, he is going to get answers, and answers he gets. He is shocked by the trials Jane has gone through and wants to help her. When Lord Gilford is murdered, he keeps her close by asking her to play hostess to the other guests when Lady Gilford and Jane’s charge Margeret leave for their country home to mourn. Having Jane close awakens feelings in Adrian he has never experienced and when things turn even more deadly, he knows he will do anything to keep her with him always. But first they need to find a serial killer before they become the next victims!

I really enjoyed this story, it was definitely more mystery than romance, but there was a very sweet romance woven into the story. This book is a well written, nicely paced story that lets readers catch up with previous characters, enjoy some heated kisses, learn some surprising revelations, collect clues that lead to the murderer and delight in happy ending for Jane and Adrian. This is the fourth (and I think final – but don’t make me swear to it) installment of the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This was a fun historical romance with some light mystery hijinks.

Jane’s fortunes changed when her father died, and now works as a governess in the household of one of his former colleagues at the Foreign Office. During a gathering at this estate, the owner is murdered in suspicious circumstances. Lord Adrian is a former acquaintance of Jane’s, and they are thrown together in a few ways as the murder is investigated.

I liked both characters and their love story, and found the mystery and side characters to be quite entertaining. Recommended if you’re looking for a fairly light fun read!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Another Manda Collins book. I was so thrilled to receive an advanced copy of this book to review as I absolutely adored both Caro and Poppy’s stories. However, while this story did an absolutely wonderful job with the Peril, I was disappointed in the passion. I couldn’t find much passion between Lord Adrian and Jane at all. There was very little build-up to their happily ever after, minimal tension, nothing. The book was much more murder mystery with a dash of romance.

For fans of Bridgerton or Victorian Era romance, this is perfect! Miss Jane Halliwell has recently found herself cast out of English society after her father's death, and now works for one of his old friends. On the night of a grand party, her employer, Lord Gibson, is found dead with a note left on the body. For many ladies, this would be a sign run far away, but Jane jumps headfirst into solving this crime with her childhood crush, Lord Adrian. The two begin searching for clues to find out what truly happened to Jane's employer and possibly even her own father.
A whimsical, regal romance that will take the readers on a mysterious journey through the Ton of England.

A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril was a perfect little palette cleanser. Part cozy mystery and part historical fiction you get to escape to the ton and help a Lady solve a mystery. This was my first book in the series but I'll definitely be going back and exploring the other stories. You don't need to have read the others to read this.

Jane is working as a governess for a prominent family when the Lord of the house holds a symposium for some foreign delegates. She's reunited with Lord Adrian who she had known (and crushed on) years earlier. Jane had a fall from society after her father's scandalous death and now has to make a name for herself. These two team up to solve a mystery and catch some feelings too.

This one wasn't spicy or particularly shocking in the mystery front but it was a great escape from reality.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

In which we find out who the murderer is....

This is the last book in this series and it delivers.
I really liked Jane Halliwell, a governess who is practical, whip smart and forced to be a governess because her father was murdered and their lives were destroyed. It has not been an easy life for her, but she's tough.

Adrian is back and back into Jane's life again. The story wraps up the who done it nicely (the clues were there, peeps). There are ties from the past to both the murderer and Adrian and Jane.
Recommend.

Thank you to those at Forever/Grand Central Publishing for gifting me an eARC copy in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own.

The fourth installment in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, "The Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril" has a blend of romance and mystery with an engaging narrative.

Went between 4 and 5 stars for this one because it was captivating and very lovely, but I ended up on 4 stars because as I don't think it quite reached the depths of greatness that book 3 did, and I want to give the credit where its due!

The smut in this book is my favorite kind: blush-worthy but still vague. There's a very delicate balance between sensuality and being gratuitous, and Manda's ability to convey passion really adds to the experience!

Adrian comes across as charming but is lacking a lot for me that would elevate his character to the same level as the other love interests we've been introduced to in the series. On the other hand, Jane shines with her unique personality and fits in perfectly with the group of ladies we've come to know and love. To add, Adrian's stubbornness and adamant nature started cute and protective but was almost grating by the end of it.

We all love a mystery subplot, but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. Nothing "wrong" with it, just not particularly exciting.

Fantastic portrayal of side characters, who may have small roles but all have big personalities.

What a great new book in this series! I love the suspense plot line mixed in with the historical romance. I usually read historical romance slower, but adding in a serial killer plot line and I’m hooked!

I love Adrian and Jane, they were childhood friends and have reconnected while investigating a murder of one of Adrian’s coworkers. They have such a good friendship and made a near seamless transition into more with good communication! Adrian is so protective over Jane too and it’s so sweet!

The serial killer plot line was so good! It has great twists and turns, it holds my attention and keeps me wanting more! Can’t wait too see what comes next from Manda Collins!

This was another wonderful adult historical romance/mystery from Manda Collins! Her characters are always great, with a fun plot. I would definitely recommend to fans of her previous novels!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

3.5/5 stars
1/5 spice

Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Governess FMC
Murder mystery
Forced proximity
Dual POV

This one felt a little rushed, but so had its fun moments. It was a little predictable, but it was a more lighthearted murder mystery, so it was a lot easier to read. I enjoyed seeing previous characters in the series make an appearance. I liked how Jane was a strong-willed character that was a part of the investigation and didn't shy away from what was happening... even when Adrian tried so hard to shelter her. I did crave a bit more tension between Jane and Adrian but it worked in this situation that they moved quickly into admitting their feelings for each other.

Overall, this book could be read as a standalone and is great for fans of cozy murder mysteries. The spice is low on this one, but there is a brief scene that is descriptive. But it doesn't take away from the story and works with the development of their relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever/Grand Central Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and offered voluntarily.

A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril is the fourth book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, and like its predecessors, a murder has taken place, and it's our hero and heroine's job to solve the case.

The story really sucks you in right from the beginning. I liked both Jane, a girl with a once-promising future who's forced to work as a governess with the passing of her father, and Adrian, a wealthy Lord who works in the foreign office, as individual characters, so their coming together really made me smile, especially since Jane has had a long-term crush on Adrian. They are forced to work together when Jane's employer is murdered at a house party. The murder investigation takes place over the course of a couple days, so it was totally believable for me, given their history, that feelings would arise.

Overall, this was really cute, and I had a fun time reading it. Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley for the E-arc in exchange for an honest review.

A quick read, this historical romance with mystery was really fun! Multiple murders, foreign intrigue, childhood friends to lovers, and our old friends from the previous books all together again! Jane and Adrian make for a great investigative pair, and they are mature and great at communicating! Woo!

I do admit I guessed the villain early on, so I wasn’t surprised when the reveal happened, but it was all very tidy and a sweet epilogue! Hoping for one more book in the series 🤞🏼