*I received this book (Via eArc by Netgalley) for free from the Publisher (St. Martin's Press / St. Martin’s Griffins ) in exchange for an honest review*

I stumbled across this book and I found it quite endearing and a fun fluffy read and I quite enjoyed the banter and the blossoming romance. I know that this may be a series and I to think it would be fun to read more with these characters. I overall think it was quite interesting and it kept me highly entertained when I need a relaxing time as well as a way to decompress from real life problems. It was just what I needed and I hope to explore more into this world and see how it plays out.

RELEASE DATE: May 28, 2024

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press / St. Martin’s Griffins and NetGalley for the ARC and I am looking forward to when it releases.

Captain Harry Kincaid, of the Admiralty, is left with his two nieces and nephew when his sister and her husband sail off to find the source of the Nile. He needs a governess. Georgie and her very Joan of Arc thinking hasn't been able to make it through an interview and obtain her first job. Harry is stunned when he meets Georgie with her outstanding red hair. An unexpected attraction. Not good when he's overworked with the Admiralty and has no time for women. How long has it been anyway? Besides she's an employee. Adjustments all the way around with three children, a new governess and a captain who wants to control the children like a ship. Not to mention the dog. Love grows when you least expect it, no matter how hard you try to ignore it. But will the navy stay his first mistress?
What a disappointment when you turn the last page and it's the end of the book!
Mild descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

Who doesn't love a Regency version of the Sound of Music?! That's what I expected with All's Fair in Love and War. We get introduced to Georgie and her friends who get selected to go to governess boarding school. In true Virginia Heath fashion, there are some laugh out loud moments and some tender ones with kids. There is a lot of misunderstanding and early judgements in this one, especially on Georgie's part. It was frothy and fun, but I think what I didn't love was that Harry's character felt a bit flat, where it seemed to have 2 emotions: angry and aroused. I didn't feel the yearning as strongly between the two as I have noticed in her other novels either. I was a bit surprised to not have an epilogue but I am looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this advanced copy and all opinions are my own.

Steam: 🔥🔥
Heart Flutters: ❤️

All’s Fair in Love and War is the first novel in Heath’s new Miss Prentice’s Protegees series. After enjoying her other series, The Merriwell Sisters, I was looking forward to reading this one. The story follows 22-year-old governess Georgina (Georgie) Rowe. She attended a school for governesses when she was 16 after her moth died and her colonel stepfather no longer wanted her. Her next assignment is to work for Naval Captain Harry Kincaid after his sister dropped her three kids and dog with him while she traveled to Egypt. The pacing of the story starts by setting up Georgie and her struggle to get a governess job and then transitions into her adjustment to her new position.

As the story is dual POV, the reader gets to be in the heads of both Georgie and Harry. It takes a bit to get to know Harry, but he ended up being an enjoyable character. Georgie, on the other hand, was a little more difficult to like as her inner monologue got to me. It was a little negative and repetitive, which made the story drag in some places. I think some reworking on the inner monologues would have increased my engagement with the writing. The romance and characters were good, but this novel did not quite live up to the three in the other series. I think this series has a lot of potential as Heath is a very talented writer. While this one was not as great as the others, it was still worth the read and I would read the next one in the series.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

Another fantastic book by Virginia Heath! I have never been a huge fan of victorian era romances, but anything Virgina Heath puts out I will definitely be reading. How can I not? The glances. The small touches. The everything. Loved it.

Henry Kincaid's sister decides to leave the country and leave her 3 small children with Henry while she is away. There is no set date for her to come back home. What is Henry supposed to do with 3 young children? It's time to interview for a governess who will know exactly what to do.

Georgina cannot land a job as a governess and her boss is going to take matters in her own hands by going to the interview with Georgina. She tells Georgina not to say anything and she will answer the questions. With the help of her boss, Georgina lands the governess gig with Henry and she starts immediately.

Will Georgina be able to handle Henry's nieces and nephew? Will she be able to keep her job? Will Georgina be able to meet Henry's expectations?

This was a fun read, but I've come to realize that I'm not really into romance stories that are period pieces. This is definitely a great read for those who love Bridgerton as it has a similar vibe. It was quite a funny book and I really enjoyed reading it after a crazy day at work.

After finishing The Merriwell Sisters series I KNEW I had to jump on her next book. I was excited to see the start of this fun series.

I loved how her characters are fun and not perfect.

I’m a binge reader - and she slows me down and forces me to read every word. She has a great style of writing that forces your to enjoy the book.

I highly recommend and look forward to the rest of the series.

I just reviewed All's Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath. #NetGalley

This was a delightful book. I’ve never read this author and I now cannot wait for the next. I loved these characters and their chemistry.

I love Virginia Heath so I was excited to get her newest book to review. Georgie and Harry’s story is slow burn of what initially looks like total opposites. The development of their individual history shows just how perfect for each other they may be. Georgie is a product of two lost parents and a stepfather that was strict military and Harry is a naval officer on the fast track. But he needs a governess and Georgie just happens to be just what he needs, in every way. Once Harry discovers all may not be what it seems in his world, he’ll need to reassess. Fun read with some laugh out loud moments with kids and a big dog. I wish we did have a little more of them as a couple but otherwise perfection.

Virginia Heath’s new series starts with an utterly charming and wonderful book, All’s Fair in Love and War. 23-year-old Georgina Rowe left her regimented past with a military stepfather at age 16 when she was shipped off to Miss Prentice’s School for Girls where she resigns herself to the life of a spinster-governess. She is finally hired by desperate 30-year-old Captain Harry Kincaid who’s become surprise-saddled with his flighty sister’s unruly three children and their pesky large dog for an extended visit. Georgina wants to fill the children’s days with adventure and a nurturing approach to their education, something her own childhood was lacking. Harry is the opposite; he wants the children brought to heel and leave behind the Bohemian approach to child-rearing that he was subjected to and which his sister has firmly embraced up until now. Harry can’t stop himself from noticing how enticing Miss Rowe is with her red hair and endearing smile for the children. Georgie can’t help noticing that Harry is handsome; too bad he is “nine tenths dislikable” with his starchy ways. As the two are forced to live in the same house and interact with each other, they can’t help but clash and of course, fall in love.

I loved how endearing these characters were. Both Georgie and Harry have a lot of initial prejudice to get past to truly see how perfect they are for each other. They are opposites in many ways, but the children become a great tool for revealing their true natures and the values that are at the heart of their characters. I love the way Heath shows us their developing relationship through lots of action and witty dialogue. There is lots of delicious humour in this book often centring on the children and their dog. There is a particularly hilarious scene involving the dog, a frog, a chase through the house, and a startled captain having a bath. It is also amusing to see how often Georgie corrects Harry when he’s quoting military leaders. She is fierce and intelligent, and I love how she eventually melts along with Harry who’s not nearly as starchy as he seems. There is lots of yearning, witty banter, sarcasm, a multi-day road trip, and a wonderful first kiss. The secondary characters are also well-developed and help to round out the world of the story. I found myself smiling through most of this book. Every page was just so pleasing and exquisitely written. I highly recommend this amusing and entertaining read to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, funny, and emotional historical romance. I can’t wait to read more in this series!

I am not a fan of books with excessive navel gazing. Narratives that are all up in the character's heads give me a headache. I much prefer dialogue and action to the pages long recitation of the why of a character's thoughts and reactions. Boring. Fortunately, the last 20% of the book was a lot better than the first 80%. The ending was wonderful, but it was such a slog to get there.

Duty, Diligence, Discretion and Decorum. The four D's are qualities that every governess must possess according to Miss Prentice. These are the principles that Georgina Rowe, Georgie, strives to live by and pass on the little darlings she will be in charge of, if she can ever get a governess job, that is. Meanwhile, she is teaching at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, teaching yet another class of girls to do the job she so desperately wants to do.

When his sister dumps her three hellion kids on him, Captain Henry Kincaid is desperate. He really, really needs a governess. His job at the Admiralty is all consuming and he has no time for his two nieces and nephew. He desperately needs a governess and Georgie desperately needs a job. This is a match meant that is to be.

Somewhere between Harry's law and order existence and Georgie's more unconventional educational methods lies true love.

My thanks to the Publisher and Author for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.

This story is pure delight and very funny. Harry and Georgie could not be more opposite in temperament which makes from some great fireworks. Every character in this story is great in the role they play. Put animals into play and it becomes even more fun. The author has outdone herself with this story that starts this series. Readers will love the dialogue as they turn the pages and unveil the plot. This will make a great summer read and one that you will want to own.

Slow but spicy burn Regency romance with a kids and dogs and secret liaisons. I think you’ll love the dashing hero, feisty heroine and the very enjoyable storyline.

Story ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy. These opinions are my own.

Georgie has lost both of her parents and is studying to be a governess. Harry Kincaid needs a governess to care for his sister’s children while she is abroad. They are matched together, but all is not smooth sailing. Harry is under a lot of stress with his job with the royal Navy. Georgina is trying to follow Harry’s strict rules for educating the children. Over time, the two of them grow to like each other and soon fall in love. The ending is what you expect, and I enjoyed their story. The only things keeping it from a prefect review is that it was too long and the kids a tad too precocious. I look forward to future books with Georgie’s friends.

Georgina Rowe started at a prestigious school for girls at 16, where she learned to be a governess. Now that she has graduated, she is still unable to get a job after 33 interviews. She's been told the problem is that she has never learned to "hold her tongue," as she has expressed in her interviews that she believes children should be seen and heard—and no one else seems to agree with her.
Henry Kincaid has unexpectedly been left in charge of his sister's children. While he loves them dearly, he is not ready to take on a guardian role. He needs help watching the kids, and he needs help now—which is how our two main characters meet, and the chaos ensues.
“Wondering how on earth it was possible that the stiff, authoritarian, annoyingly perfect but pompous military stickler whom she loved to hate had somehow managed to go from being nine-tenths disagreeable to at least three-quarters agreeable in the space of just one day.”
Overall, I enjoyed this story and it tended to stay on the fun side throughout. It is a perfect sweet little romance that leaves you smiling and giggling the whole time, with a few little twists that keep the story interesting.
It was cute seeing how Georgie went from not being able to stand Henry, to quickly finding him more attractive while watching him interact with the kids. Plus, I really want to cuddle Norbert..

Viiginia Heath knocked this one out of the park. I'm still swooning from my book hangover! Captain Harry Kincaid and Georgie Rowe are relationship goals and there's plenty of crazy dog, naughty kid and tight breeches action to keep the laughs coming. Oh the breeches! LOL

Georgie is the last governess left on the shelf due to her unconventional thoughts about education and sharp tongue. Harry is swamped trying to manage his naval career and now his sister has left her three unruly children and one unruly dog with him for the summer. He needs a governess quick to keep his house in order. She needs one good reference to get her career started. They are a match made in Heath Heaven!

I just don't think it's possible to give one of Heath's rom coms less than five stars. They are all magical, fun and deeply romantic reads. I would love it if they made it to the big screen. I cannot wait for the series to continue. I loved this book so much I may reread it when I need a pick-me-up and that's something I never do. If you loved "Every Duke Has His Day" by Suzanne Enoch, or the books of Martha Waters or India Holton, this one will rank high on your list as well.

A funny, joyfully tense, regency read!!


Attention Bridgerton fans your next favorite regency series is starting right now!!

I loved reading this story and found Georgina and Harry to be such a slow burn heaven that will heat up any room that it is being read in!

Historical romance, Enemies to lovers (my absolute FAVORITE trope), opposites attract, slow burn, forced proximity, secret pining and, he falls first PERFECTION!! Virginia Heath has written my new favorite romance and I can’t wait to get into the rest of the books as they release!!

Georgina's parents died when she was young. Her father died first in a carriage accident, and her mother died several years later from smallpox. Before her mother died, she remarried a Colonel. Georgina's stepfather took care of her until she was sixteen and sent to Miss Prentice's school to learn how to be a governess. Georgina has chaffed against rules and regulations and has a difficult time biting her tongue. She might have been practiced at doing so, having lived most of her formidable years with the Colonel. But she can't seem to keep quiet during interviews and thus far hasn't landed a job yet despite thirty-three interviews. She's desperate.

Harry grew up in a chaotic house. His parents loved him, but his grandfather was an Admiral in the navy and took Harry under his wing. The rules and structure of the navy seemed to suit Harry well. And he followed his grandfather's path from then on. His sister, Flora followed after their parents, and she now lives a much more free lifestyle. So free that Flora and her husband leave on a trip to Egypt without their children without even discussing the particulars of it with Harry. Doesn't seem too odd until you factor in that they plan to leave their children under Harry's care. Given Harry's background managing men in the navy, I find it odd that the children could manipulate him so easily, but I suppose emotions often blind us. And I'm 100% sure my own children emotionally manipulate me as well.

Harry freaks out because he has no time to watch his nieces and nephew, and he doesn't know what to do with them. So he goes to Miss Prentice to find a temporary governess. Being desperate himself, he takes Georgie on without a second thought. Only Georgie isn't really following what he expects a governess to do. The description makes it seem that these two are constantly bickering over the way the children are taught, but truthfully, that takes very little of the plot of this book. Harry is drawn to Georgie physically from early on. He knows he must maintain his distance. Georgie doesn't even like Harry at first. So this isn't an instalove story. Her feelings soften and change over time.

I do have to say that this is the fourth book I've read by Virginia Heath. I found it to be completely predictable given the other books I've read by her. It seems she might have a pattern. But I would have preferred some unpredictability. Surprise me dagnabit! However, 'twas not to be.

The predictability played a big role in my enjoyment of this book. It was exactly as I was expecting. And sometimes a book meeting your expectations is a wonderful thing. In this case, I was left wanting (not in a good way). Harry and Georgie were likable. I found a few things in their characters to be odd, considering the backgrounds of both. But humans aren't robots and just because we expect a certain outcome doesn't mean we always get it. So maybe those things could be explained away. I will say that Virginia Heath is good at getting me to feel invested in the characters, so I do want to keep reading her future books to see how the secondary characters' stories play out. But at this point, I expect those to be a little predictable, too. All's Fair in Love and War gets 3.5 Stars. Have you read All's Fair in Love and War? What did you think? Let me know!

I loved this book! Virginia Heath has done it again! All's Fair in Love and War was so heartfelt and sweet. The children (and Norbert) were some of the cutest characters I've ever read about. The whole cast of characters was hilarious and I laughed out loud on multiple occasions.

The TENSION (!!!) in this book was INSANE. Omg I love slow burn so much and Heath did it very well in this book. Every little look and touch had my heart squeezing with anticipation. The PINING from both main characters (but especially Harry) was done perfectly. I loved how head over heels Harry was basically from the beginning and how oblivious Georgie was. Georgie certainly didn't think of herself as beautiful and I thought it was so sweet reading about his point of view because in his mind, she was the most beautiful being on the planet. He called her a temptress and a siren, he thought of her as perfect and it was so cute. I also just loved both Georgie and Harry. Georgie called herself "St. Joan" after Joan of Arc and that is certainly who she was; strong, stubborn and intelligent. Harry was the sweetest, as Felix said; "he's a good egg, when he forgets to be hard boiled," a quote that truly encompasses Harry's character. He tries to be all tough and strict when in reality he's a big soft cinnamon roll who adores his nieces and nephews, and has the biggest heart.

TROPES:
- Historical romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Opposites attract
- Single guardian
- Forced proximity
- Slow burn
- He falls first
- Secret pining
- Found family
- Hilarious side characters

All's Fair in Love and War may just be my new favourite from Virginia Heath! I cannot wait to see what she does next. Thank you so much to Virginia, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the ARC! Congrats on the release. :)

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR was a cute story. Filled with comedic mishaps, incredible side characters, an enemies to lovers vibe, and a regency romance that will scratch the Bridgerton void in your life, this book was a fun start to a new series. However, this is not the most fast paced novel and the main interests in the story take a while to grow on the reader.

This book is prefect for those looking for an easy regency romance filled with enemies to lovers and angst. Georgie, the FMC and outspoken governess, is hired by Captain Henry Kincaid, the MMC, to look after his wild nieces and nephew. Georgie is not a fan of military men and Captain Kincaid is not a fan of chaos. Together, they’re enemies from the start. The side characters are funny and really make the book to be honest with you. They get the characters into crazily fun situations and that is the part that I really enjoyed most about this book. Together, when these elements worked together, it created an engaging and fun novel. But when they aren’t there, it makes the book a bit slow.

While I want to give it 5 stars, the pacing on this story was a bit all over the place and it took awhile to get into this story. The main characters are really stuck in their head for the first half of this book and it creates a true slow burn, but not in the best way. There’s lots of internal monologuing and explaining what happens instead of letting them unfold. It means the pacing of the book is a bit disjointed and the main characters themselves are hard to root for in the beginning. And at the end, the same problem occurs, with them being too much in their heads, and the story is rushed.

Overall, this is a great read if you like light regency romances, enemies to lovers, character growth, and fun side characters.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!