A good, quick read. Main characters are interesting and the story entertaining, if a little darker than a normal romance. The mother-in-law is the quintessential evil-in-law that you love to hate. Definitely recommended.
Thank you Chastity Bowlin, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

This was a darker than I expected read. The evilness of the mother in law knows no bounds.

This was an entertaining read that I finished very quickly. The characters were complex and I must applaud the author on her depiction of Emily, a child being cruelly used.

I received an arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Haunting Story of Mystery, Romance, and Redemption

Simon thought that his mother-in-law was a godsend, but it would not be an exaggeration to call her the devil incarnate. Mercy used a child to further her own ends, and she would go to any lengths to keep the earl and her grandchild under her control. Simon kept Mercy under his roof even though he knew she was toxic. How, exactly, did she poison Emily’s mind? Why did Emily weep so much to force him to bring her back? Mercy was unkind to her granddaughter, so she should have been happy to see her gone; it was a mystery.

Simon went to London to get a governess for his daughter. Was he too late, or would Vivienne be able to save Emily from her grandmother’s machinations? Matters would get complicated by Simon and Vivienne’s feelings for one another. Then, there was Mercy who did not want a governess to undermine her power. It would be a twisted tale of treachery and deception. Could love win against someone as evil as Mercy? Simon and Vivienne must stop resisting the attraction they have for one another. They must allow themselves to accept that love so that it could win the war. I loved this story and would recommend it to those who like historical romance with mystery and suspense.

I would like to thank netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't like the fact that the person with mental health struggles was killed off.

This was another great read from Chasity- Simon Montclair, the Earl of Eastlington is emerging for the welter of grief and guilt at the death of his wife. Her mother, Mercy Milthorpe has taken advantage of his grief to take charge of his young daughter and manipulate and control Simon and his staff to protect her own position. The last thing she wants is her control being disrupted. Simon has finally realised that his little girl has become withdrawn and shut in and he suspects his MIL.

He visits the Darrow school to find a governess to help Emily, and engages Miss Vivienne Alcott who is well qualified to help the terrified little girl.

Chasity is great at a really angsty read, and handles this serious subject matter pretty well, and creates a lot of tension as Mercy co-opts the but.er and other staff to scare and intimidate Vivi and Emily and undermine Simon, to maintain control and get rid of any kind influence on Simon and Emily.

As Vivienne and Simon work together to uncover and thwart Mercy, they grow closer and a really satisfying romance develops.

I really enjoyed this one.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

Chasity Bowlin has written a story that is exceedingly poignant and draws the reader in and keeps them captivated to the very end. I have enjoyed every book I have read from this author and this book is no exception. This story is much more than a typical historical romance Ms. Bowlin adds in a cruel vindictive mother-in-law, a sweet child who needs saving, and a Hero who is willing to do anything to defend and protect those he loves.

There are numerous other reviews that give a good synopsis of the story, so I am going to skip that part😉 - just let me say there are aspects of this story that may be triggering: Child Abuse & Suicide. Both topics are handled amazingly well and they do not detract from the story.

I loved the ending our characters achieved it made all the hardships totally worth it!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When An Earl Loves a Governess is a sweet story, sad at times, that suffers a little bit from an uneven story arc. It follows yet another governess--it's Vivienne's turn--from the Darrow School as she embarks on a new post and does the forbidden: falls in love with her employer.

In this case, Simon, the titular earl, comes to the school to engage a governess for his daughter Emily, who has become withdrawn and fearful since her mother's questionable death some years prior. Before and since then, Emily has been "cared for" by her maternal grandmother, a vindictive, evil woman who uses Emily as a way to stay comfortably housed at the earl's estate. Seems a tad odd as Simon is a sincerely kind guy who wouldn't turn his back on family, but let's go with it. When Vivienne arrives, said grandmother does whatever she can to poison Emily further and drive Vivienne away. Vivienne immediately sees what the grandmother is doing and confirms Simon's suspicions. The two bond over their concerns and fall in lust/like/love in the process.

I felt like Vivienne isn't Emily's governess long enough for her to gain Emily's trust like she did, especially since Emily's been under her grandmother's influence for so long. The climax comes far too early in the book, with the last several chapters dedicated to getting married and setting up a future novel; I would have preferred more time spent on Vivienne working with Emily and also connecting with Simon (rather than instalove).

Overall though, it's a nice book with a nod to the gothic genre (if not a full commitment to it). Vivienne and Simon are good people, and I always applaud when the good guys get their happy ending.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

This is the fifth installment of the Hellion Club and while I have only recently started reading books by this author and have not yet read the previous books in the series, I enjoyed this story and plan to go back and read the books I missed. This book definitely goes a lot deeper than most Regency romances, making it a bit of a darker story. Simon is a widower with a beast of a woman as a mother-in-law. His daughter Emily is shutting him out more and more and he comes to realize that his mother-in-law has been poisoning her mind against him. He needs help in getting through to Emily and he finds that help in Vivienne who he hires as a governess. As she spends more time at their home, she unquestionably falls in love with Emily and also begins to see the mother-in-law for who she really is. Simon and Vivienne are both falling for each other, but they cannot let that distract them from joining forces to release Emily from her grandmother's hold. Vivienne will face danger and as the final confrontation comes to play, you will find yourself on the edge of your seat anxious to see how it all ends. A very intriguing and suspenseful tale that captured my interest from the start and held it all the way through. A quite enjoyable read and as I mentioned above, I will definitely be looking to catch up with the previous books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have really enjoyed this series so far.
Simon needs a governess for his young daughter. Not just to educated her, but to help break the hold her grandmother has over her. She is too meek, quiet, and afraid for a small child.
Vivienne was raised at the school after her father and stepmother refused to care for her after her mother's death.
The relationship with Simon and Vivienne was great even if it was instalove.
It was heartbreaking the way the little girl was treated but I liked how she got her HEA with her father and Vivienne.
Like always I can't wait for Effie and Heathcliff's story which won't be for another 2 books.

A NetGalley read. I have enjoyed this series. Another of the students from Darrow School is going to be the governess of a young lady who is way too shy and scared of everything. Her father wants to see her be happy and laugh again. Vivienne Alcott has love for the child right away. She can see the problems causing the distress in the child. The earl's mother-in-law has stayed on to help with Emily after her daughter died. To secure her place for the future she has turned Emily against her father. Then Vivienne and the earl are falling in love as well. Can the problems in this household be helped?

While gruesome to consider, it was the machinations of Mercy (what an oxymoron), the grandmother, and the plight of Emily (Simon’s daughter) that had me riveted to the page! Even though the romance between Simon and Vivienne was pivotal to the story as it instigated the dire actions of Mercy, it seemed to be a secondary plot line. I also felt the romance was rushed since it was an insta-love situation which didn’t really fit the strict protocol expectations of the time period. However, once Mercy was outed as the villain and dispatched, the romance truly bloomed. In fact, it got quite steamy! It was a suspenseful tale with a different focus from other Regency romance books I have read which made it an interesting read. And there is a tantalizing lead up to the next book in this series.

When an Earl Loves a Governess by Chasity Bowlin. What a fabulous story of child abuse. This has been a good series, but none of the previous stories have had the gravitas of this one. There is also a devastatingly handsome earl who is a good man but had allowed this abuse to happen under his nose. One day he's had enough and he goes to the Darrow School to hire a governess for his daughter. Simon Montclair, Earl of Eastlington, has reached his breaking point. It isn't that he misses his dead wife, but he does feel some guilt over her death. Now the guilt is compounded by what he is allowing his daughter to go through. The young woman who takes charge of delivering him to Miss Darrow would do nicely. She is bright, intelligent, and lovely. Little did he know she had a backbone of steel. They come to an agreement and he returns to his home in Umbria. She follows several days later full of trepidation. That trepidation turns to anger as she is greeted rudely by the butler and given rules that she believes to be inappropriate. Late she runs into the child's grandmother with a lovely little girl, Emily, to whom the grandmother is overtly verbally cruel. She will not allow this to continue.

Vivienne (Vivi) is aghast at this household and has no problem with confrontation. Little Emily responds as does the earl. The grandmother and butler respond as well, negatively. Vivi's way of dealing with the child is perfect and obvious and things start to get slightly better. The earl is decisive now that he has someone in the house to give him a little motivation. The relationship between Simon and Vivi is fraught with concern for Emily. They both truly want the best for her. Mercy, the grandmother, is concerned only for herself and sees only one way to accomplish her goals. She is the supreme villain. She reads people perfectly and goes for the jugular. Vivi has dealt with her kind in the past and will not allow it to continue. This juxtaposition of personalities makes for some entertain and heart-breaking confrontations. Wonderful!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of When an Earl Loves a Governess by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #chasitybowlin #whenanearllovesagoverness

This is the 5th in a series that I haven't read. It does work as a standalone but there are definitely links to the other books - particularly towards the end.

Vivienne is a governess who has been trained at the Darrow School (the progressive "Hellion Club) and she is placed in the household of the Earl of Eastlington (Simon). They have an immediate connection but decide not to act on it because they are employer/employee.

Simons daughter Emily is very troubled - her mother died after a long depression and her grandmother is Actually Evil. As is the butler. Simon does not keep a particularly orderly house!

Vivienne to the rescue.

I quite enjoyed this book. I'm certainly interested to find out what happens between Effie and Highcliff also... I'll be keeping an eye out for their story!

Received an ARC from Netgalley.

This series has been really fantastic and this new addition only adds to it!

When Simon, a widower finds that his daughter Emily, is becoming almost uncommunitive and it appears his mother in law, Mercy is poisoning her mind, he reaches out to a school and finds a governess to hopefully help Emily come back to herself.

It does not take long for Vivienne to recognize something is not right and is determined to help Emily. Realizing Mercy is at the root of the problem, she needs Simon's help. But the attraction between them begins to grow.

Suspense, secrets, and a danger are met on this journey to find happiness for everyone!

Simon Montclair, Earl of Eastlington, has come to The Darrow School, aka the Hellion Club, to find a governess to help his daughter who has become increasingly withdrawn and frightened since the death of her mother. Miss Vivienne Alcott has just returned from her last position. She readily accepts his offer to care for his daughter Emily. When she arrives at Edgecombe House, determines the most likely cause of the problem is, just as Simon suspected, Mercy Milthorpe, his insidious mother-in-law. How can the two of them eliminate Mercy’s influence on his daughter and his home, and repair the damage?

This is an intense and suspenseful story packed with secrets, danger, and finally, a happy ending. The characters, good and evil, are written with descriptions that draw you into the story. Watching the changes in sweet Emily, Simon, and even his household staff brings tears and smiles. At the same time Simon and Vivienne are working to set things right in his household, they are falling in love. Actually, more in love as they were attracted like magnets from the moment they met. A compelling story with a well-earned happily ever after, and a great addition to the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

The Earl of Eastlington is a widower and has a small daughter to raise. That certainly is not his most constant problem; it is his mother-in-law, Mercy Milthorpe. She has a terrible habit of going behind his back and encouraging his daughter, Emily, with dreadful thoughts, making her more of a ghost than a loving child. It would be easy to rid himself of supporting her, but his promise to his dead wife keeps her existence there. Simon decides he needs to have a governess to nurture Emily and finds a wonderful candidate in Ms. Vivienne Alcott. As, the story develops as the Earl and Vivienne discover the horrible atmosphere that has engulfed the staff and home led by Mercy, herself. Just how are they going to solve this problem and as a reader, you do not want to put the novel down. I genuinely enjoyed the characters, the plot and how this adventure draws you into it. Thank you for an interesting read.

Another amazing book - When an Earl Loves a Governess is the wonderful romance of Vivienne and Simon. Obviously, by the title you begin reading knowing the earl is going to fall in love with his child’s governess. What you find out while reading is the reason said governess is needed. His sweet daughter, Emily, is being emotionally abused by his cruel, vindictive mother-in-law. Simon needs Vivienne to help him ‘find’ his daughter again.

Vivienne is adorable and loved by Simon’s staff even as his MIL talks negatively to little Emily. Emily is not sure what to think, but does not know Vivienne well enough to completely trust her. As Simon and Vivienne become closer, things get worse for them and for Emily.

Readers need to know that not only is there child abuse included in this tale, there is a suicide. So, this book is not light-hearted, but it is well-written and handles both situations respectfully under the circumstances.

This book is part of the Hellion Club series and can be read as a stand-alone.

This was so much more than I expected?? I don't know why but I expected a dry, cliche, light novel, with more romance than plot. Cute, but nothing new. And there is honestly nothing wrong with those types of books, which is why I chose this one.

But, nevertheless, this turned out to be so much more, (consider this a trigger warning because there are mentions of child abuse and manipulation throughout the book), and I don't think I'll be able to stop thinking about it for the next couple of days haha.

In other words, loved it!! Running to get the other books in the series right now :)

Also, before I continue, I wanted to thank Chasity Bowlin, for letting me receive a copy of this book via NetGalley as an ARC (and thank you Dragonblade Publishing NetGalley). All thoughts and opinions are my own.

~

First things first, I'll try my best not to include spoilers, but just in case, if you don't want to know anything about the book, stop reading here!!!

This book really stood out to me because of its highlight on child abuse and manipulation. You don't really see much of that in Regency-era novels, but the situations in this story are very realistic and can be seen happening even today. This adds depth to the plot and lets the author include the dramatic scenes that are to die for.

Bowlin's depictions take you to the Regency time frame and make you become hopelessly enamored with her characters. From an earl to a manipulative grandmother, to a hired governess and evil butler, from greed and guilt to running away and falling in love, this book has it all! It's even part of a greater series which I cannot wait to read!

However, though I was genuinely tempted into giving this 5/5 stars, I didn't really like the way the relationship between Simon and Vivienne was slightly rushed. There seemed to be a lot of misunderstandings at first, but the two became very close very quickly, which I understand but cannot actually visualize.

Overall, this book was a great read, and I recommend this to all historical fiction readers who would love a new take on romance during the Rgency era and some drama!

Oh, this story is so nice and sweet!! I loved it!
Widower Simon Montclair, Earl of Eastlington, needs a governess for his daughter Emily. Mercy Milthorpe, her grandmother, has been poisoning Emily against him for reasons that he could not fathom. Desperate for help, he turns to the Darrow School and the lovely Miss Vivienne Alcott for aid.
Vivienne instantly falls in love with Emily, a child so painfully haunted by her mother’s death and so tormented by the insidious whispers of her grandmother that she has become like a ghost herself. But her desire to help Emily is complicated by her attraction Simon. The longer Vivienne remains at the isolated country estate, Edgecomb Manor, the more she realizes just how ruthless Mercy Milthorpe is—and how hopeless she is to resist the earl. Simon and Vivienne must determine whether or not they can join forces to save Emily without giving in to their feelings for one another.
This love story is easy to read and engaging. I adored Vivienne, she is smart, witty and shiny. A beautiful force of nature. Simon is hunted by his past and his mistakes. He is instantly attracted to the light that lives in Vivienne. The interactions between them are sweet, romantic and full of longing. The attraction between them is right on the pages and there are nice and well written sexy times. I hate hate hate the grandmother. Evil woman. Emily was a wonderful side character.
I have read all the books in this series and I think this is my favorite so far.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

dear me, but these people would have a lot less problems if they learned not to blurt their plans to people they neither like nor trust. But then, the book would be about a third of its' current length. Also, the nods to the time the book is supposed to take place in are very perfunctory, especially with regards to what was a very, very strict hierarchy.

The love story is nice and comfortable, though.