My thanks to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Ok, this author seems to be hit-or-miss for me. I tried the paranormal Regency of her's and really hated the MC h and couldn't finish it. Then I read Miss Truelove Beckons and I really like it.

This one lands somewhere in the middle. The characters weren't really developed in a way that made them feel real to me, so their motivations for what they didn't make sense and it wasn't clear if what they were doing matched their characterization or not. When I read, the characters need to feel like real people and what they do needs to jibe with who they are. I did not get that here.

And the turn around for the MC H to go from making moon-eyes at the antagonist to being in LURVE with the MC h was so fast it made my head spin. There was no build-up and it wasn't believable in the slightest.

The poor MC h was kicked out and she had to find work to sustain her, which she did via Deus ex Machina/one heck of a coincidence, and for THREE MONTHS absolutely NONE of the other characters, INCLUDING THE MC H who allegedly loved her, thought ONCE to see if they could find her and see how she was doing.

And then the MC H comes back and is all, you need to leave the life you built for yourself here and come away with me. Granted, she doesn't immediately, BUT he doesn't grovel NEARLY enough when he does change her mind.

The girl she was chaperoning, can't recall her name, I'll call her Angelica, since she was a beautiful as an angel, but was a spoiled brat on the inside, ends up doing a complete 180, OFF page, her father is just EVIL, he kicked the chaperone out, no money, no reference, and then he LIED about it when asked by his daughter.

The H's BFF was also a complete 180, off page as well and none of it was believable.

2 stars for the kitty on the cover actually having some page time in the book and I didn't absolutely hate the book, I was just disappointed in it. I expected more. Recommended if you enjoy quick clean Regency romance books.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I really liked this story of Lord Dante Pierson and Chaperone Amy Corbett.

This was a fast-moving story; however, I was torn between liking the characters and just wanting to smack some sense into them! ha ha. I really liked the male leads and Amy, the chaperone, but I didn't like Lady Rowena at all and so I struggled a bit with the ending where Lord Bainbridge falls for her and just happens to bring out her goodness all of a sudden. I needed hints of that goodness behind her spoiled and just plain mean personality throughout the book instead of just all of a sudden telling me that she's not so horrible and awful after all at the end. Lord Bainbridge's humor balanced very well Lord Pierson's fanciful falling so head over heels for Lady Rowena and convincing himself that she is his salvation and means to make himself a better man and save his title and inheritance, so I bought that, but, again, I didn't buy Bainbridge falling for Rowena because nothing positive was ever hinted at for her character throughout the rest of the book. I still did like the way the story moved along and the interactions between the characters, the scenery, the different locations, and how Puss came to be Amy's cat, as well as the developing romance between Pierson and Amy and how that resolution came to be. Had Lady Rowena and Bainbridge's story been hinted at and developed more throughout the book, that "surprise" would have been more much more believable. Still, an enjoyable read, though with the constant mention of illicit lovers and debauchery of society during that time as if it were alright did make me wonder if there were any decent people at the time, not to mention in the book!! The writing and story kept me entertained and moved the book along and wanting to find out what happened.

Wasn't a favorite of mine - the characters didn't really 'speak' to me. But it was a decent read.

The chaperone's secret is a classical historical fiction where a rake reforms for the love of his life. But the twist here is that his love is not as usual a gentle lady but her chaperone. The book takes you to the ballrooms, shows the effort of the hero to woo a lady but instead you see him falling little by little falling in love with another. How he overcomes his biasing and realize his true love is what this story is about. I found this book to be okay to read as there was not much inventive in the plot and the male lead character also needs more work. But still the book is okay for a one time read. May be with little more investment in characters it may come out better.

The well-developed characters pull the reader into their world and allows them to picture and almost smell the faraway land where the story unfolds in such a way they may close their eyes and go back in time to this historical era, become part of the characters, and feel the gripping tale unfold.

I would recommend this book. I found the characters believable.

The Chaperone’s Secret (Classic Regency Romances Book 19)
by Donna Lea Simpson
Anna Swedenmom's review Dec 13, 2017 · edit
really liked it
An enjoyable read. While it could of been better absolutely, I found the characters as well as the story rated the four stars. The reader while not should expect a lot of surprises, instead what could be expected is Cinderella story like read that warms the heart and keeps you wanting more. Well written and a good light read. So buy and enjoy. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna

It was an enjoyable story but in some parts seemed to drag on. I don’t know, I think that the story could have been better. The rake falls in love at first sight with a lovely lady, although underneath her innocent face lies a harpy, and the chaperone falls in love with the rake, while she is trying to secure her charge ends up in a good marriage.

I do like a story where the secondary characters are actually the main ones, so The Chaperone’s Secret sounded right up my street, and I enjoyed the storyline. Amy’s rather convoluted thought processes and her unselfishness in regards to her charge, even when Rowena was being difficult, was amusing, and I would have been quite happy with a book with those two characters and Lord Bainbridge.
I had a bit of a problem with Pierson: I didn’t actually like him. To be frank I thought he did not feel like a real person and was a bit one-dimensional – I'm not quite sure why!
I didn’t finish the book, not because I couldn’t read it, but because I ran out of time! I had an electronic review copy, courtesy of Netgalley and Beyond the Page, and I didn’t realise it was time-limited, or I might not have saved the book for a long weekend…
However, the first Happy Ever After was reasonably satisfying (although I couldn’t work out why they had to elope) and I will assume that the second HEA happened, just because there’s no point in an unhappy ending! I would happily recommend this to those looking for a light, relaxing, lose-yourself-in-the-romance story - and please could someone let me know what happens to Amy?

easy, light-hearted, pleasant read. No real surprises but still an enjoyable read. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

I enjoyed my introduction to Donna Lea Simpson’s romance novels in The Chaperone’s Secret. Although its no surprise that Amy, Rowena’s chaperone falls in love with Lord Pearson, who loves Rowena, there are a few surprises in store for the reader of this light-hearted romance.

The Chaperone’s Secret by Donna Lea Simpson.
Dante Pierson is worst than a rake really and when at his lowest he happens to see a angelic women who he vows to clean himself up so that he can try to win her hand. Amy Corbett has been assigned to ensure that Lady Rowena is chaperone but also that she marries. Lady Rowena may look like a angel but that is were things see to end. When Dante tries to win her hand, Amy is torn because she likes Dante but moves forward to do what she thinks she should do.

Amy Corbett once a governess is now chaperone to Lady Rowena Amy knows her job should be easy—if only the calculating Rowena weren’t so set on toying with men’s hearts, including that of her latest prey, the debauched Lord Dante Pierson. Pierson has almost hit rock bottom & after seeing Rowena vows to reform but Rowena is toying with him.
Amy realizes that for all the talk of his wastrel ways, Pierson is actually a gentle and caring man to be championed and cherished.
An easy enjoyable sweet read the characters are fairly well portrayed I just didn’t relate to them. The story is well paced no mystery or suspense just a reformed rake finding love with the ‘help’ rather than the lady
This book is republished & was originally published as Lord Pierson Reforms.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is an okay read. Not really compelling or exciting, but pleasing enough. A quick read about a rake choosing to reform for love, but finding the woman he loves is not the one he thought he loved.

While a classic regency romance, it was a little bland. The chaperone character was a bit to perfect and the lead male character did not have enough "zing attachment" to her to be fun.

I wanted to like this, but its taken too long to get into the actual story. All I'm getting is a spoiled brat who has no idea how privileged she is and a soppy governess pinning over somebody she knows will never look at her, let alone anything else.

Amy Corbett, governess to the Donegal family in Ireland, was upgraded to the role of Chaperone to their 18 year old daughter Bridget who publicly eschewed marriage, but changed her mind when confronted with the love of a handsome young English Gentleman who could afford to keep her in a lifestyle in which she would be more than happy to become accustomed, resulting is a swift marriage. The Donegals, tooting Amy's success, attracted the attention of Duke Sylverton who was having difficulty getting his spoiled youngest daughter to accept a proposal, and suddenly Miss Corbett found herself in the whirl of the London Ton attending all the entertainments offered during The Season. Her charge, Lady Rowena Revington, was amazingly beautiful, but also willful and not inclined to give up her personal pleasures for life as a wife to some stuffy aristocrat. Rowena made a habit of enticing gentleman to declare their love then handily rejecting them, all while maintaining an air of impeccable decorum. This worried Amy, not just for the hurt feelings of all these lovelorn men, but also her own personal fate if she failed at her task, as she had little funds and no where to go. However, if successful, the promised bonus would allow her to live a modest lifestyle out in a little cottage in Kent, perhaps using her talents as a seamstress to meet her basic needs.

Lord Dante Pierson, a viscount who was considered a rogue and a rake by polite society, sees Lady Rowena's visage as she travels by in her carriage and decides that this is the angel who can bring about his transformation. His heavily mortgaged home of Delacorte
needs attention especially since the land steward, Mr Lincoln, has disappeared with the quarterly earnings of the staff. Unfortunately, Pierson has been in the habit of ignoring his problems through a haze of drink and gambling. In fact, when he sees this transforming vision, he is too drunk to walk unaided, relying on two women of the night to assist him to his home. To add insult to injury, Rowena is having a good laugh at his expense when her carriage splashes the Viscount as it passes.

Somehow Lord Pierson, with the assistance of his best friend, Lord Bainbridge, must find a way back into the good graces of society so he can properly woo this prospective lady love. When Rowena learns of his naughty past, she seems interested, so Amy encourages the relationship. Pierson tries to get in Miss Corbett's good graces so she'll allow the outings necessary in a proper courtship, and Amy earns the confidences of the viscount as he vows to make improvements to his home so his heirs will have something worthwhile to inherit. Bainbridge also shows her some courtesy as he watches out for his friend's interests. With the advice of the more experienced Chaperone, Mrs Bower, Amy tries to do the right thing for all parties concerned, ignoring her own growing feelings towards the kind hearted Pierson.

There are a few twists and turns in The Chaperone's Secret by Donna Lea Simpson leaving one wondering who, if anyone, will end up together in the end. Simpson also delves into the topic of the life of the lower classes during the Regency Era and how they are dependent on the largesse of their employers who expect long hours of work for little pay with the constant threat of being kicked out without a reference leading to a life on the streets.

Originally published in 2004 as Lord Pierson Reforms, Simpson presents an Interesting premise with likable characters (even the unredeemable daughter seemed to have a heart) and while there is a bit too much repetition, it is not overwhelming. Perhaps a little more show and a little less tell would make this a better read.

Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Viscount Dante Delacorte Pierson was a rake and wastrel, like his grandfather and his father. His estate was poor because no one, paid it any attention. Lady Rowena Revington was the duke's daughter, spoiled, rude and was very good at swearing. Once in public, then she was sweet, demure and kind. Miss Amy Corbett was a governess, the duke bought over from Ireland. She was a sweet and gentle person. Lord Bainbridge was Pierson's friend and he tried to show him Rowena was not what he thought.
Needless to say this is a fun but complicated story. There is definitely humor, some hardship and some very nasty people. The author has taken all the threads of the story and made the book into a wonderful tale of loneliness and unrequited love. The characters appeared realistic and are stuck with all the faults of humans, I loved it.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

The rake's progress!

I felt like I was reading a version of the Cinderella story with Cinders being Amy Corbett and her charge Rowena, the ugly stepsister. Amy has been snaffled away from her kind employer by Lady Rowena's autocratic father, the Duke, to chaperone his daughter during the coming season, and to ensure that Rowena finally marries. Failure is not an option. He really is a very unlikeable man. Unfortunately, Amy in accepting the employment that is, well 'fait accompli' is at the mercy of the Duke and his daughter.
Lady Rowena is disdainful of others and solely concerned about her impact on men in particular. Her shallowness and meanness is breathtaking.
Lord Dante Pierson sees a vision go by late at night when he's sprawled in the gutter with two helpful 'ladies of the night'. Cupid's arrow pierces his heart. He's in love and determined to mend his dissolute ways and pursue the fair, unknown lady. That fair lady being the outwardly angelic Rowena, whose sweet countenance harbours a petulant inner self.
Now this all makes for a whole lot of heartache for Amy's position as chaperone.
I liked the way the characters were presented. Rowena was a fright, as was meant to be.
Amy is disturbed by the effect Rowena has on Pierson. She foresees nothing but disaster for the relationship. There is nothing she can do about it.
This novel had huge potential. There were a couple of interesting surprises towards the end but to my mind the storyline devolved into a fairly predictable melodrama.

A NetGalley ARC
(November 2017)