Follow-your-heart-or-your-head historical romance with a hardy Scotsman and a fallen English rose, both scarred and grieving. More lighthearted than it sounds, with enough drama and sexiness to keep even the most seasoned reader entertained. I love this author's works and she still delivers a good story every single time. Keep them coming. Net Galley Feedback

If you lime highlanders, governesses, good historical romances - this book is for you. You will jot only find a main heroine Frances lovey bit entertaining at times. I think this book is one that I will enjoy reading again, and I don't read books twice!

Book: The Highlander and the Governess
By Michelle Willingham


📚📚📚BOOK📚REVIEW📚📚📚

Book: The Highlander and The Governess
By Michelle Willingham

Series: Untamed Highlanders, Book # 1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)

1)Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
2)Administrator of Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
3)Administrator of Tartan Book Reviews
4)Administrator of Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥

Overall Rating: Five Stars and Five Kilts



1813, Scotland

Frances Goodson, the daughter of a Baron, is now being shunned by London society. She was ruined due to an awful decision in her past. Just because she believed the sweet words of a silver tongued nobleman’s deception and empty promises! As beautiful Frances was very young, innocent, gullible and naive. She now lives in poverty in exile away from her family. This was her choice, as she did not want any of her bad decisions to affect her family by the ton. She also decided never to marry or have children. It wasn’t like gentlemen were lining with marriage offers! Who would want her anyway she thought, as she had little self esteem and a very low opInion of herself!

So after three years of heartache she was overjoyed to receive an offer employment! It was to become a governess in Scotland, which was perfect, to start a new life and fresh beginning! Frances had assumed the offer was from Lachlan MacKinloch, Laird of Locharr, for his children. When Frances arrives, she immediately falls in love with Scotland and this beautiful castle she will be living in. She is soon disappointed to learn this laird is a bachelor, and he never made this offer of employment! She discovers it was his mother, who is traveling abroad, that offered her this position. Frances decides to give her son lessons in acceptable manners and proprieties to win a wealthy, shy, English heiress. As Laird MacKinloch is to marry a woman he has not seen in a decade!

Lachlan wants this bonnie English governess to leave as soon as possible and out of his atmosphere. A man who others see as a hideous scarred monster, from a tragic accident of his past. He has healed physically, but is still suffering mentally. Feeling guilt and heartache from this accident, making promises to a family member. Especially since he could not save this family member, from this horrific accident! Frances is also mentally suffering from the past and they both need to heal for different reasons. They are two peas in a pod in many ways-even though they don’t realize it.

So even though Lachlan finds his governess teaching him how to to behave in London society ridiculous! He can’t ignore her beauty, kindness, and humor. Frances bribes to stay longer even without pay! She soon wins the hearts of the MacKinloch Clan and eventually the Laird himself. She soon become air to Lachlan though he knows he can’t keep her and a new wife under the same roof. Nor would he ever humiliate she or his new wife with a mistress, not even a wife he does not care for romantically! This marriage is only a business arrangement to keep his clan fed which Frances truly admires about the Laird.

Frances soon realizes
she is in dangerous territory falling for a man she can never have. Soon the Laird feels the same, but he knows he has no choice but to marry the woman or his Clan will not survive. As this star crossed couple will have to say goodbye forever and never see each other again. Can these two broken individuals survive such a sacrifice? Read and find out!

Have a box of Kleenex ready fo this extraordinary tale! Another Michelle Willingham story really pulled at my heartstrings. It was absolutely captivating and brilliant. I truly felt for this broken couple who never seemed to be able to get what they both truly desired. Any historical reader who wants to read an extraordinary conflicted romance which is always the most fun to read will absolutely love “The Highlander and The Governess”.

I am a big fan of Ms. Willingham’s work and loved the previous MacKinloch Clan series. You can imagine how thrilled I was that this clan got a new life! In addition I loved seeing characters like The Duke and Duchess of Worthingstone from her previous novel “Undone by the Duke”again too . I love revisiting characters from previous books it is like a mini reunion and update of their happily ever after too! As I have been reading Michelle Willingham books since her debut, which are always magnificent and definitely always capture my heart! This is the first book in her brand new (Untamed Highlander) series, as I definitely can’t wait for the next book to be released!

Again all the elements historical romance readers will absolutely love from beginning to the end. A fabulous setting, captivating characters, the plot twists were absolutely phenomenal, with breathtaking dialogues! Plus the My Fair Lady similarities was pure genius in my opinion! It’s a book readers don’t want to miss which I absolutely and unequivocally highly recommend!

I received an advance readers copy from the Harlequin publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

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The Highlander and the Governess is the first book in Michelle Willingham's new and exciting "Untamed Highlanders series", and what a series it promises to be, WOW, simply WOW.
Frances Goodson is the daughter of a baron and ruined. Lachlan MacKinloch, Laird Locharr, whose clan was left desilute by his deceased father. Set in Scotland and England.
Fast paced, intriguing, adventurous and unpredictable. Well written and well crafted. I absolutely loved this story. The characters will grab your attention, and your heart and never let go, they're interesting, engaging and charming. There are a few bumps in the road for a scarred, highlander and a ruined governess.
Entertaining characters, steamy romance, a few laughs, loss, plenty of romance, sad moments, and the chemistry between Lachlan and Frances was absolutely amazing and helped carry this story alone. I was hooked from the first page to the last. Once again, Ms. Willingham
has written another must read Romance, a heart wrenching tale, with her usual flare for descriptions and details. Readers are sure to enjoy The Highlander and the Governess. A definite keeper!

I just reviewed The Highlander and the Governess,#MichelleWillingham.

#TheHighlanderAndTheGoverness #NetGalley
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewer: AprilR

Good start to the new series. As the book opens, Frances is on her way to Scotland for a job tutoring someone in etiquette for a London season. She wasn't given any details and believed her student to be a young lady getting ready for her first season. Imagine her shock when she discovers her student is none other than the laird himself!

Lachlan is not happy when Frances shows up. His mother did the hiring unbeknownst to him. He was contracted to marry an English heiress by his father and hers and is not enthused about the idea. However, he needs the woman's dowry to save his people from starvation, so he'll go through with it. He sees no need to change who he is to do so.

I loved the first meeting between Frances and Lachlan. He is determined to send her home, and she is equally committed to staying, both having their reasons to do so. Frances has a scandal in her past that made it impossible for her to remain in Society and estranged her from her family. Her work as a governess is all she has. Lachlan carries a load of guilt over his father's death and feels that the marriage is also his way to honor his father's wishes. I laughed at the way Frances bargained her way into staying and doing what she was hired to do. There were sparks between Lachlan and Frances from the beginning, and they burned hotter by the day. I loved how comfortable they became with each other and the teasing and banter between them. I ached for them both as they grew closer, and their feelings deepened because both knew that there was no chance for them to be together.

Their situation became even more heartbreaking when the story moved to London. Frances's lessons proved to be invaluable, and Lachlan was wholly accepted. He was still unaware of some of the pitfalls in front of him, and there were a couple of great scenes where Frances kept him from disaster. The more time Lachlan spent with his bride-to-be, the more he realized that neither of them wanted the marriage. I ached to see Lachlan's protectiveness toward Frances and her determination not to interfere with what he needed to do. I wasn't sure how they would find a way to be together. I loved how Lachlan made it happen, perhaps imitating the methods of his ancestors. There were a couple of interesting twists at the end that wrapped up the story quite nicely.

I liked the introduction to Lachlan's friends, who I assume will be the subjects of the other books. I am especially interested to see the next book, as I believe it will be about Lachlan's ex-fiancée and his friend Camford.

A ruined lady turned governess

Can she tame the Highlander?

Book #1 of Untamed Highlanders.

When Frances Goodson is summoned to Scotland to give etiquette lessons, she’s not expecting to tutor a handsome laird!
The scandal of her past means going home is not an option. She must help wild, scarred Lachlan MacKinloch win a wealthy London heiress so he can save his clan even if he does insist that she leave.
She’s determined to fulfill her task even if her erstwhile student is determined to make her leave. Also there is the fact that she has no where else to go because the scandal from her past has rendered her unwelcome by her family. I look forward to book #2 of this series.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for story line and characterization.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

The Highlander and the Governess by Michelle Willingham is the First book in the Untamed Highlanders Series. This is the story of Frances Goodson and Lachlan MacKinloch.
Frances is a Governess but does tutoring / etiquette lessons and for this next job that is what she is asked to do. But to her surprise it is for a male adult...Lachlan. Lachlan feels the guilt of his father passing and also the weight of his clansman. Lachlan needs to marry a wealth London lady to help his people or so he is being directed too. Not thinking to need Frances he does allow her to stay and that is when both start to have feeling for each other...but money is still a issue.
Enjoyed their story.

I cannot believe I have not read Michelle Willingham before. This is my first foray into her works and luckily the first book in a new series, Untamed Highlanders. This story has a lot going on and I thought not only was it fun, especially at the beginning, but also very sad in parts where loss is described. Both Lachlan and Frances suffered losses and were drawn together in their understanding and love for each other. Love highlanders, who does not?!?! Definitely will be on the lookout for the story of Regina and Dalton.

The Highlander and the Governess is the first book in Michelle Willingham's new Untamed Highlanders series. I've really enjoyed this author's books in the past, so I was excited to receive this one. I just love the possibilities in beginning a new series. The first one sets the tone for the rest; if you don't like it, that doesn't bode well for the next installments. I am glad to say that this new series started on a perfect note. I was drawn in and couldn't bear to put it down until I was through.

Frances Goodson is the daughter of a baron. When she was young she was ruined and disgraced; she is now trying to support herself as a governess. She is sent to Scotland for a new position. Who was her charge to be? Was it a young lass? A little laddie? Try a very tall, large, scarred ADULT brawny Highland laird! She was not expecting that! Neither, apparently, was said braw Highlander. Unbeknownst to Lachlan MacKinloch, Laird Locharr, his mother hired a governess to teach him comportment so he could go amongst London society without disgracing himself. His deceased father entered into a marriage agreement with a friend for Lachlan to marry his daughter. Lachlan had no desire for marriage; however, his clan is destitute and he must marry the young woman for her dowry to save his people. He tries to immediately send Frances home, but she needs this position. She has nothing to return to, so she does everything in her power to get Lachlan to agree to extend her stay.

I just loved the romance between Frances and Lachlan! He wanted nothing to do with the whole situation, but Frances was able to earn his respect with her perseverance, charm and good humor. There were sparks between them from the beginning, which eventually turned into an inferno. (There were definitely steamy, swoon-worthy scenes in this story.) It was heartbreaking that they knew they could never be together because Lachlan desperately needed the dowry funds for his suffering clan. I spent so much of the book either in tears or on the verge of them. How could they possibly get what they both so desired? I just loved the entire book, and I definitely look forward to the next one.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A perfect read for those addicted to Highlander romantic stories. Willingham, while not writing a Gothic romance, gives the impression of the dark castle on the sea feel in her novel, along with the handsome, wild Scotsman.

Francis is trying to make a new life when she takes her first Governess job. Although Lachlan thinks he doesn’t need her help. He agrees to let her stay because he thinks he’s helping her. This is when things really get Interesting. Nice love story.

This book is a tragic forbidden love story. The highs and lows of the book keep a reader interested. The climax is a kidnapped governess. The Laird saves his governess from poverty and a life meager existence. You can't go wrong with this book.

I was given this title in exchange for an honest review

This is a cute, short little read that will leave you feeling giddy with a big smile on your face. It will also leave you wanting to know a certain someone's story that I hope we get because I've got questions!

This is well written and funny with quite a bit of steam. It was nice to see Frances grow and finally let go of her awful past. Lachlan was a sweet man who really blamed himself for the death of his father. Watching them come together was a treat and I'm so glad I read this novel!

Will go live on my blog: 09/04/2019

Frances Goodson arrives in Scotland and is impressed by the grandeur of the castle where she’s been hired to be a governess.  She’s been told nothing about her charges, but she can’t wait to get started.

When she finally is admitted to the home, she finds out that the Laird’s mother had hired a governess behind her son’s back because she thought he needed help with his manners and etiquette.  He’s to hopefully get engaged to a London lady soon, and the mother wants nothing to get in the way of that happening.

The Laird, Lachlan McKinloch, wants nothing to do with the governess or her etiquette lessons.  He orders her out of the house at once.  She talks him into letting her stay one day but then he insists she must leave.  One day turns to two and then soon she’s there for a month.

Frances is running from a scandal and poverty.  She was from a good family but they turned their backs on her when scandal hit.  Frances will do anything to stay away from London, even stay in Scotland and work for no wages.

Frances is able to get the Laird to work on etiquette like the proper fork to use, dancing, and the biggie: the need to always have a chaperone. Of course they don’t always, and next thing you know the two are falling in love.  Unfortunately the London hopeful has 20,000 pounds as a dowry so Lachlan can’t marry Frances as he needs the money the marriage will bring to save his people, who are starving.  His father wasn’t good with money before he died and made the arrangements with his best friend for their kids to marry.

I really liked this book up until the point where Frances and Lachlan return to London, then it just turned into a disaster.  I knew that Lachlan didn’t want to marry the other girl, but he knew that he was going to, no matter what.  That didn’t stop him from sleeping with Frances right after he asked the other woman to marry him! My God, Lachlan, have some honor!  Frances wasn’t much better but letting him when her brain was saying “no, this isn’t right.” Smart brain.  It all works out in the end but not before some serious issues that I really didn’t think made up for Lachlan’s behavior.

Overall it was a decent story, but not one I loved. You’ll probably have to read it for yourself and see what you think about Lachlan’s actions as well as some of the secondary characters.  If you do, please let me know your thoughts, I’d love to hear them.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Heat Factor: Thought it was going to be totally innocent. Was totally wrong.
Character Chemistry: Do pieces of cardboard have chemistry?
Plot: Woe is me, I must marry for $$$
Overall: zzz

I was having so much fun reading Harlequin romance again I thought I’d dip my toes into a Harlequin Historical. I’m not sure it was a good life choice. The presentation was wooden and I was never invested.

Lachlan MacKinloch is Laird of Locharr, and he’s been hiding out in his castle since his father died some years ago. We begin at this point because Lachlan is planning to marry the daughter of his father’s friend to honor his father’s memory/wishes. Also, he desperately needs Lady Regina’s dowry because somehow his father managed to lose all the family’s wealth. The clan needs the wealth. Oh me, oh my, the struggle of not being able to marry where one wishes!

Frances Goodson has been trained as a governess by an agency for a year, and Locharr is her first placement. She’s flat broke because of a number of reasons, and she somehow has no idea who her charges are. You know who? The Laird. Lachlan’s mother decided to retain a governess to teach her son how to behave in London society so he can court a woman that he’s theoretically already engaged to. He’s even been to London before. Wat.

So this isn’t your typical governess story. I feel slightly misled by the title, not gonna lie. But the cover description is pretty clear so it’s not like there’s a pretence of an actual governess trope.

Here’s the synopsis:
Lachlan: I don’t need you.
Frances: Yes you do!
Lachlan: I really don’t. But maybe you need me because you’re super sad.
Frances: You neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed me!
Lachlan: I guess you can stay so I can help you. Plus you’re hot.
Frances: Sweet! Now I can have one nice thing in my otherwise miserable life.
Lachan’s mom: The governess is a harlot.
Lachlan: Be nice.
Frances: My life is really hard.
Lachlan: Apparently I have no idea how to function in society after all.
Frances: Told you so. But I love you anyway. It’s really too bad we can NEVER MARRY.

Then we get into all that “I love you but I can never have you” nonsense. It is followed by that “I don’t care what happens, we don’t need money” nonsense. I might have cared at all if these protagonists weren’t so amazingly dull.

Willingham also used “but” when she was continuing a thought and “and” when she was transitioning from one thought to another, so the flow of the writing was jarring. Furthermore, some of the foundational plot construction was problematic. So much why:

Why did Lachlan’s mother feel like a governess was warranted when her son was raised as a gentleman? One of his best friends is a duke and another is heir to an Earldom.
How does Frances think she’s going to be a governess if the people who would need a governess are also the people who have ostracized her for being compromised?
Why does Lachlan grouse about money for literally everything and then buy Frances a down mattress? Plus a bunch of other stuff!
Why was Lachlan’s father marking his disbursements the way he chose? No spoilers, but it makes absolutely zero sense other than to make a mystery.
WHY IS THE CRAZY DAD EVEN NECESSARY?

I might try again with historical category romance, but this one was a slog.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Pretty steamy, the romance is pretty basic, but I’m assuming you don’t read these for the plot. Solid three