After a terrible upbringing with her strict military uncle, Georgie is sent to Miss Prentice’s school to become a proper governess; however her outspoken nature has made it difficult to secure a position even though her skills are outstanding. Then Captain Kincaid walks in desperate for a governess because his flighty sister has left her three children in his care while she has gone to Egypt for several months. The three children are more wild than military and Georgie loves taking care of them (after some initial bumps in the road) - the trick is to get Captain Kincaid on board with her philosophy, and to stop thinking about him all the time, although he seems to be looking at her a lot too…

This was a regency-era romance, which I don’t think I have read before so I didn’t know what to expect, and it was really fun because @virginiaheathwrites took the genre and created a modern version. It had the pining, the slow burn and some really cute kids, funny character and a dog for hijinks. While I was nervous that it was going to read more like a traditional romance novel, it read more modern and almost rom commy except for one element that irked me - Captain Kincaid kept using anachronistic phrases to describe Georgie and it just didn’t go with the more contemporary take on this romance. Besides that I really did enjoy the modern spin on an old fashioned genre (I read it in a day) and I’m excited because it seems to be the first in a series and will definitely pick up the next one when it is published.

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the ARC to review

4.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5

This is a cute and entertaining historical romance, not too spicy. I would have enjoyed more time with Harry and Georgie together, instead of them dealing with their own problems separately. There was so much longing and pining between the two the majority of the book, I would like to experience more interaction between Harry and Georgie. Overall it was an enjoyable read, although I would like a longer drawn out grand gesture and groveling at the end.

The side characters are amazing, from the nieces and nephew, to Georgie’s mentor Miss P and her governess friends, from Ada to Tom to Simpkins, to Flora to the dogs. They all made the book fun and brought laughter and joy and funny moments.

We get:
Dual POV
She’s an aspiring governess
He’s a naval captain
Opposites attract
Canine friend(s)
Longing and pining

All’s Fair in Love and War is Virginia Heath’s first book in her new series about Governesses from Miss Prentice’s School for Girls. It is a slow burn Regency romance that follows an uptight and serious Navy man who is tasked with taking care of his three rambunctious nieces/nephew for a couple of months after his sister leaves for Egypt. He enlists the help of Georgina, a bright governess who can’t seem to get past the interview stage in order to get hired.

The book starts off a bit slow for our liking but it had a super fun premise and a very sweet and rewarding ending. The kids are endearing and Georgie’s evolution as a governess as she finds her footing is an entertaining adventure. Grumpy Captain Harry is in over his head both at home and at work. This leads to some exciting romantic tension especially when he can’t seem to get his mind off the new governess.

And we can’t forget about the star of the show: Norbert, the big goofy dog that causes the most lovable chaos and some laugh out loud moments!

Read if you like:
▪️Enemies to Lovers
▪️Forced Proximity
▪️Opposites attract
▪️He falls first
▪️Slow burn
▪️Sound of Music with a little bit of Pride & Prejudice vibes

As this book opens, we learn the circumstances under which Georgina 'Georgie' Rowe arrives at Miss Prentice's School. She's to learn to be a top ranked governess able to make her own way in this world.

Seven years later, we find Georgie has no interview skills, leaving her without a position as a governess. Instead, she aids Miss Prentice in teaching the new arrivals.

Arriving home close to midnight from the admiralty, Captain Harry Kinkaid is informed by his man Simpkins, that Lord and Lady Pendleton, his sister Flora and her husband, are on their way to Egypt. With the luggage in the hallway, he's thinking she left without it, not realizing that's not all she left behind. She's left her children and their dog, in his care without warning or notice.

Captain Kinkaid arrives on Miss Prentice's doorstep desperate for a governess. Instead of letting Georgie take the lead on the interview Miss Prentice does and Georgie has a temporary position. The children Felix, age 10 and Marianne, age 9 and Grace, age 5 are homeschooled. He doesn't however tell her how undisciplined they are. This she will discover on her own.

The first day, Georgie starts off by rearranging his carefully orchestrated classroom to her idea of a good learning environment. Going so far as to teach that first day outdoors in the garden to learn where the children are in their studies.

The afternoon goes well until the end when the dog, Norbert manages to create chaos where there was once organization. Of course, that's when the captain arrives home.

In spite of the chaos, Georgie had learned important things about the children that afternoon and they had also gotten to know each other. Now Georgie could formulate lesson plans with accuracy.

Harry wasn't going to let her treat his things in this manner but when he starts to speak, she dismisses him to go fetch a mop to clean the mess. Things went well the rest of the week and Georgie even enjoyed time with her friends Lottie and Portia on Saturday. A storm reveals Grace's fear of thunder and shows yet another side of the Captain. One Georgie is sure how to interpret.

The next week begins with the Captain away and the children's attitude in the classroom changes radically. It takes a while a, but she finally gets out of them that there was no incentive to be good. They had no classroom at home, and they missed being there. They also know their Uncle has a need for organization and neatness and try to make him 'twitchy' just to get things to behave.

Georgie on hearing that felt sorry for the Captain, who unwitting gets taken by the three of them on a regular basis. She also tells them they must confess that to him.

Then things all change as the Captain gets transferred to oversee the completion of the Boadicea which would be his command as Commodore. The problem is it's far behind schedule and it was up to him to set things to right.

The children's home was close to Plymouth and that's where they would be heading, and Georgie agrees to go along. The Captain in the meantime is struggling with his growing attraction to her. It's making him question his priorities.

I love the way this book takes us so vividly back in time. I got a kick out of the children's antics and Georgie's way of teaching. The attraction between her and Harry grows throughout this book and there are so many decisions that must be made.

I look forward to the next book in this series.

After being turned down for 30 Governess positions for her modern approach to child discipline, Georgie finally lands a job with the very desperate (and hot hot hot) Captain Harry Kincaid, whose sister left her 3 children and their dog with him when she left for an expedition in Egypt. Though Georgie and Kincaid may have differing opinions and social classes, will they be able to sort out their differences and acknowledge their attraction to one another?

I thought this was just okay. I found the story too slow for my tastes. However, there were elements of this that I enjoyed:
•Harry’s wild sister Flora (I loved her a lot)
•The last 70ish pages, pretty much everything after they traveled to the children’s home near Plymouth.
•The final conflict
•The ending line. MIC DROP.

Ultimately though, the pacing was too slow for me and I didn’t feel Georgie and Harry’s chemistry. The tangents are long winded and frequent in the first 150 pages. It felt like pages and pages of rationalizations and reiterations and sprawling thoughts that really bored the heck out of me.

All's Fair in Love and War is book one in the Miss Prentice's Protegees by Virginia Heath .
I was so excited for a new Heath series! Heath never disappoints with her historical Regency romance stories.
This story was such fun and flowed very smoothly.
This was absolutely amazing and I can honestly say I love every second of it!
I thought the characters were all utterly charming and I found myself loving their connection.
It’s the swoonyworthy romance between Georgie and Harry that really makes this great, not to mention how amazing the flirty conversations, witty banter and romantic tension between them was.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

The start of a new Heath series is always welcome. Though the setup is not exactly explained (and I hope it will be in the future)
Georgina Rowe is somehow plucked from her miserable stepfather, The Colonel, to go to a school for governesses.she meets 3 other students who become her best friends, and I presume the heroines of the next books. I hope we also get a book about the owner of the school, Miss Prentice.
Georgie has been turned down by 30 families because she can't seem to keep her opinions to herself.
Along comes Henry Kincaid, who has been left with his sisters feral children and is in desperate need of a Governess. She gets the job.
The clash of this willful yet talented teacher and Captain Kincaid of her Royal Navy is fun and yet serious.
They both have had horrible upbringings, and they have reacted in opposite ways.
Georgie brings order and fun to his 2 nieces and nephew. He, on the other hand, must suppress all his feelings towards her.
Oh, and I forgot to mention Norbert the dog who brings much humor to the book. We also meet his son, who is just as adorable. When Georgie has her most difficult moments with Henry, her friends point out that if dogs and children love him, he must have some redeeming qualities.
This is quite an enjoyable story, and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend it.

This was a delightful romp through familial chaos and unexpected love. When former naval captain Henry Kincaid finds himself saddled with his sister's unruly brood and a giant dog, he turns to the no-nonsense Georgina Rowe for help. What follows is a heartwarming tale of adventure, laughter, and the discovery of what truly matters in life. Author [Name] expertly weaves together humor, romance, and a touch of whimsy in this charming novel that will leave readers smiling from ear to ear. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply in need of a feel-good read,

All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath was an adorable regency romance. The first book in the Miss Prentice's Protegees series.

Henry Kincaid has just been left with his sister's three rambunctious kids and massive dog. In need of help he needs to hire a governess and quick. Georgina Rowe is a new governess who believes in the fun of learning and growth for a child. When these two opposites attract, chaos and excitement ensue.

I found myself chuckling at the main characters and loved the dual POV. I'd consider this a slow burn romance at its heart with adorable chemistry. A few steamy scenes to boot! I would've liked a little more dialogue and less inner monologue but overall this was the sweet and funny regency I needed this weekend. I also really liked where the author got her inspiration for the setting (Plymouth).

Thank you St. Martins Press for the #gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. True rating 3.5/5.

dnf at 22%

First off, I have 3 other books by this author and liked them. I was very excited for this one since the cover is so pretty and the summary was intriguing. I started to read it and realized that I would put it down every other page because the book was not hooking me. The characters are funny and unique but I COULD NOT DEAL WITH ALL THE INNER MONOLOGUE.

The characters would go off internally for over 5 pages and I was dying each time.

I will stop talking badly since the book isn't out yet but if anyone is interested, try at your own risk.

Will try the author again in the future......

All's Fair in Love and War is a cute and easy historical romance. When Uncle Harry gets saddled with his three nieces and nephew for a month, he hires a governess from Miss P's school. Georgie has struggled to get hired as a governess because of her headstrong and honest nature. With Uncle Harry in a bind, he hires Georgie out of desperation. There is a lot of humor, classic British references and slow burn chemistry in this book. I really enjoyed reading it.

Thank you SMP Romance for the gifted copy to review.

I think the best compliment I can give this book is that it is a regency romance you haven’t read before. I adored it and flew through it--Heath's work was well-written and paced expertly.

Romance readers, if you like Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn, you’ll love Virginia Heath’s “All’s Fair in Love and War.”

A heartwarming tale of found family, this book follows Georgie, an opinionated governess, and Harry, a would-be stickler and navy leader. For years, both of their paths have been set—with no room for a detour, let alone for love. Things go off-course when Harry’s sister leaves her three young children in his care, temporarily. Can the order-loving Captain and the free-spirited governess call a truce?

Enemies to lovers. Found Family. Moderate spice. Forced proximity. A new take on grumpy-sunshine. An adorable dog who steals the show.

In the end, this is a story about the dreams we have for ourselves – when to insist on them, and when to let them go.

New series, opposites, regency...

A new series featuring governesses. In the first book, Georgie is a governess trying to find her place. She keeps things fun and a bit on the chaotic side. She's well-intentioned.

Henry likes neatness and order, a bit regimented (as, that's his profession). He's overwhelmed and outnumbered and needs a governess, stat.

A very slow burn, lot's of slice of life, but a light and fun regency read.
Recommend.

Virginia Heath's writing is a standout for me in historical romcoms, and All's Fair in Love and War is as delightful as her last series! Georgie and Harry are both such strong characters, and I really appreciated how they each poked at each other's childhood wounds before they looked close enough to see what was underneath. They had such great chemistry from the start, and I loved them both individually and then together! Also, the children and silly Norbert were very fun additions! I'm excited for the rest of this series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

This was a sweet, quick read with an untraditional governess, rowdy, “Machiavellian” children, and a navy man who is “ultimately a good egg… but only when he forgets to be a hard-boiled one.”

THOUGHTS 💭
⚓️ They needed each other; Georgie needed a chance to prove herself a wonderful governess and Harry needed a governess to help corral his nieces and nephew.
⚓️ I love an intelligent, spitfire, rebellious, take no 💩 FMC, particularly in historical romances - Georgie was so fun to read and had me laughing and guffawing at her audacity. Some of my favorite moments were when her “Joan of Arc” came out.
⚓️ This book was charmingly hilarious; the characters and the situations in which they found themselves were thoughtfully crafted and wonderfully funny. 🐸
⚓️ There was a sweet slow burn here between two characters who were set on not falling for each other; I loved when they couldn’t stay away from each other anymore!

Thanks so much to Virginia Heath and SMP Romance for the ARC of this book!

All's Fair in Love and War is a delightful enemies to lovers story; when Captain Henry Kincaid finds himself unexpectedly responsible for his two nieces and nephew he must find a governess immediately which is just the opportunity Georgina needs. Found to be too outspoken at previous interviews this will be Miss Rowe's first job. Hilarity ensues thanks to the children and staff, but also connection as Captain Kincaid and Miss Rowe become Harry and Georgie. They learn that their disagreements have far more to do with skeletons in the nursery than any current differences in opinion. The banter is wonderful and the pacing of the romance is very well done, and with enough care that one is unsure whether this will be happy for now or for ever after.

Virginia Heath's "All's Fair in Love and War" is an absolute delight, brimming with charm, humour, and heartwarming moments. This enchanting historical romance is a perfect blend of mischief, mayhem, and love, guaranteed to captivate readers from start to finish.

When former naval captain Henry Kincaid is left to care for his sister's three rambunctious children and their oversized, eccentric dog, he finds a way over his head. Heath paints a vivid picture of Harry's ordered world spiralling into chaos, and his desperate need for a competent governess is hilarious and relatable. Enter Georgina Rowe, a spirited and unconventional governess who quickly becomes the heart and soul of the story.

Georgina's progressive views on child-rearing are a breath of fresh air. Her belief that children should enjoy their childhood and learn through laughter and adventure brings joy and life into the Kincaid household. The three Pendleton children, already full of bohemian energy, immediately warm to Georgina's methods, creating a series of delightful and endearing scenes. Heath's depiction of their lively escapades is heartwarming and entertaining, making it impossible not to fall in love with the characters.

The chemistry between Georgina and Harry is electric from their very first encounter. Harry's initial resistance to Georgina's unorthodox ways provides ample opportunity for witty banter and playful tension. As the story progresses, their interactions evolve from contentious to affectionate, with Heath masterfully building a slow-burn romance as tender as it is passionate. Harry's transformation from a strict, rule-bound guardian to a more open-hearted and flexible man is beautifully portrayed, adding depth to his character and making his journey all the more satisfying.

Virginia Heath's writing is engaging and evocative, quickly drawing me into 19th-century England. Her attention to detail and ability to craft vivid, lively scenes make the setting come alive. The supporting characters, from the naughty children to the loyal household staff, are well-developed and enrich the narrative.

"All's Fair in Love and War" is more than just a romance; it's a story about the transformative power of love and the importance of embracing life's unpredictability. Heath's skillful storytelling and knack for creating lovable characters and humorous situations make this novel an absolute must-read for historical romance fans.

In conclusion, "All's Fair in Love and War" is a joyous, heartwarming tale that will leave readers smiling long after they've turned the last page. Virginia Heath has crafted a gem of a story that celebrates love, laughter, and the beautiful chaos of family life. Don't miss out on this delightful adventure!

⚓️ ARC Review ⚓️

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I love a good historical romance and I have not gone wrong with Virginia Heath’s writing in this genre before and this one proves no different.

I really enjoyed this book. Georgie was a spitfire and I loved reading her perspective. I loved that she was a governess as well as the teacher in me enjoyed this aspect of the story. Harry was a wonderful character as well: rough around the edges at first but then showing his warmth little by little. Loved his relationship with his sister’s kids.

I enjoyed the dynamic between these two! They had some good banter and some delicious chemistry. I loved that it wasn’t instant attraction either, it built over the course of the story.

Lovely read!

All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath releases on May 28, 2024.

📚 All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 ~ 3.5 stars (4 on Goodreads)

What do a governess and a naval captain have in common?
1) A brood of Machiavellian children that know how to get what they want, and can be deviously rowdy, and
2) Annoyance at finding each other ridiculously attractive.
This book took my favorite parts from The Sound of Music and imagined just what if the Captain and Maria had had a little love affair? Harry is the stern, stuffy, scheduled (hello, TWO timepieces) navy officer you would envision that is unaware of his physical attractiveness and has his life interrupted when his sister runs off to Egypt, leaving her three children behind. In need of help in the form of a Governess, Georgie is exactly what no one has previously hired; she’s vocal in her expectations, terrible at interviews, and an extremely non conventional educator. So of course these two opposites would have mad chemistry right? Not exactly. Initially both Georgie and Harry are unbelievably put out that they find the other attractive and their feelings are an inconvenience that must be mitigated. I love it when the MCs try to fight their desires and go to extremes to avoid or downplay their feelings. In the same vein as rivals to lovers, the mismatch of personalities is what ultimately draws them together. This was definitely a slow burn which I didn’t mind, but the pacing slowed for awhile in the middle. I loved it when Georgie and Harry finally got together, but I felt like I wanted an epilogue or more of their “after”. The story really takes off in the last thirty percent and I think it would be nice to see how this relationship really works in the long run.
If you’re looking for a low angst, sweet and often funny historical romance with big Navy energy, rowdy dogs and children, you can’t go wrong with All’s Fair in Love and War. It was my first Virginia Heath and I know won’t be my last. I received an early copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🪭.5
Slowburn pace: 🐌🐌
Times “Bloody Boadicea” was said: 2️⃣9️⃣!!!

All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath, book one in the Miss Prentice’s Protégées series, is an opposites attract, enemies to lovers dynamic, with Georgie and Harry being at odds from the beginning. This is an enjoyable, cute, rom-com love story, filled with childish and canine hijinx and mischief. There are manipulative, but adorable children, and an overgrown, over exuberant, undertrained canine to pile on the cuteness, and then throw in a puppy version of the misbegotten canine as well.

Captain Harry Kincaid of the Royal Naval is hardworking and a disciplined fixer for the Admiralty, which helped him rise through the ranks of the Navy quickly. He is overwhelmed, and overworked, with his responsibilities for the Navy which that necessitate strict time management and order. He is overwhelmed when his flighty, impulsive sister drops her near-feral children and their wayward dog at his home to care for while she gallivants off on an adventure with her husband to Egypt. He loves his wild, willful, manipulative nieces and nephew with all his heart, but needs to arrange for their care so he can focus on his career in the Navy. To this end, he goes to Miss Prentice and ends up hiring Georgie to be their temporary governess.

Georgina Rowe endured the lack of care, love, and militaristic discipline from the Colonel, her stepfather who raised her after the death of her mother and dragged her to various military barracks and then abandoned her to attend the run by Governess-extraordinaire, Miss Prentice. Fortunately for her, she was given a home, a chance to make friends, and a way to learn to make a living for her future. After several years at the school and becoming a protégée of Miss Prentice, Georgie is ready to proceed with being a governess, but has been unable to secure a position as she has strong feelings about how children should be raised and cared for. Georgie is determined not to allow that for her future charges, but lacks the guile and diplomacy to stay quiet about her strong views during her interviews.

Georgie works hard to navigate managing the exacting Captain and the energetic children who aren't used to traditional schooling. Her belief in cultivating joy initially clashes with Harry’s love of regime and rules, but unexpected love blossoms amidst the mayhem.

Ms. Heath wrote a humorous, clever, entertaining and amusing conclusion to this trilogy that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with escapades, clever banter, sizzling chemistry and endearing characters giving Harry and Georgie a chance to fall in love. I’m looking forward to the stories for Georgie's friends from Miss Prentice's School for Girls.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#NetGalley #StMartinsPress