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!

This was the kind of lighthearted read that I needed! I loved Georgie and Harry and how their misconceptions about each other created a perfect chemistry between them. Georgie didn’t want another military man in her life — didn’t want anyone that reminded her of her harsh and cold step-father, and she immediately painted the navel Captain Harry in those same colours.

As a Governess, Georgie wasn’t at all what Harry anticipated for the feral offspring of his sister — who happened to leave him in full responsibility of them whilst she sailed off to Egypt for 3 months — however, beggars couldn’t be choosers and much to his chagrin he had no choice but to offer Georgie the job. Immediately she began unravelling his too-structured world and that’s where the sparks began to fly.

Hindered by duty and one very pesky dog named Norbert, this lighthearted tale of following your heart versus the future mapped out for you had me smiling from ear to ear. All’s Fair in Love and War was a refreshing historical romance with breath of comedic air!

Thank you so to St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read early!

Certain starchy heroes hit just right. That includes Captain Harry Kincaid, MMC of this book. This guy is starchy, OK? He carries two pocket watches so he can be sure never to be late even if one were to stop working; he gets "twitchy" whenever his strict schedule is interrupted; his job is basically purchasing logistics for the entire British navy. Unexpectedly left in charge of his nephew and nieces, he hires a governess to take charge and make sure his life runs on its usual impeccable schedule.

Georgie, the governess, is passionate about treating children like people, meaning that she doesn't think they should be cooped up inside for 7 hours a day or be "seen and not heard." This seems like it's setting up an order/chaos opposites attract romance. But it turns out that Georgie and Harry are some truly remarkable characters: they are both able to change their minds when presented with new evidence. They also both appreciate competence, and they're both good at their jobs.

Virginia Heath has a knack for writing humor, and this book is really funny. It's also a Regency romcom that tackles professional burnout - and does that really well!

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Virginia Heath has done it again...this romp set in the Regency era is a first in a series, and it will be a wonderful series! In All's Fair in Love and War, we find a young Captain has his three nieces and nephew dumped upon him while his sister and brother-in-law tromp off to Egypt. He adores the young ones, but he has no idea how he will deal with him and his busy schedule. He finds the one governess that has not found a position from Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies, and hires her to save the day. Georgie has an outspoken mind that was banished by her military step father, so she has ideas of the Captain without even knowing him. When they are thrust together due to the antics of the children and their beast of a dog, they discover neither is who they thought they were.

Heath has a knack for writing humorous romance. Wit is exceptionally displayed in both main characters as well as the children. There are some steamy moments, and a few moments that almost bring you to tears. If this first installment is any indication of the rest of the series, then all will be a great hit!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

A fun Regency romance with an enemies-to-lovers theme. No huge surprises, but it's entertaining and the sparring between the main characters provides a good bit of entertainment.

This was an absolutely funny book! I hope that the next books in the series are the same! Georgie is the kind of governess I think I'd be, teaching isn't all about the classroom and there's so much that can be learned outside of one. Harry's strictness just doesn't mesh with Georgie's exuberance, but in time they learn to work together to take care of Harry's nephew and nieces. I loved the ending - I won't spoil it here - and I can't wait to see where the next book in the series takes us.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Georgie and Harry are a wonderful, wacky and feisty couple who have a unique relationship that makes you smile, laugh and get mad with them.

3.5 stars rounded up. There were parts of this book that were soooo funny and adorable (Norbert and Cuthbert!) and I always loved a regency read. But there were parts that dragged a little for me too? Especially the Navy parts? And I’m just someone who prefers regency romances that focus on the emotional and not the physical. So maybe this book was just not right for me in particular but I think the author did a great job overall.

Thank you to St. Martin’s and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

All's Fair in Love and War || Virginia Health

"When Georgie allowed a man to properly scramble her wits, she was resolute that it would not be for a nitpicking and pompous military man."

"...Not when Miss Georgina Rowe was the sensible but inspiring sort. The unsentimental, unromantic, not-easily-impressed sort. The sort who had long resigned herself to the life of passionless servitude and spinsterhood she had been trained for and wanted to be greatful for. Yet here she was, transformed into a passionate woman who craved seduction."

At 16, Georgina 'Georgie' Rowe was sent away by her colonel stepfather to Miss Prentice's Governess School. Flash forward 18 months after graduation, Georgie is still without a job due to poor interviewing. Captain Henry 'Harry' Kincaid is working up the ranks at the Admiralty, working long, exhausting hours. He previously had been engaged to a woman who left him for another man, ruining his chance to run his own ship. His world is flipped upside down when he returns home from a long work day to his two nieces and nephew, who have been left at his home for the next few months. Desperate for help, he seeks out a governess, and luckily, Miss Prentice has the perfect person for the job.

Harry immediately is taken by Georgie's looks, but is determined to not let another "siren" lead him astray. He also doesn't appreciate Georgie's teaching style and initially believes she's not cut out for the job of teaching his rambunctious nieces and nephew. Georgie initially finds the Captain a difficult person, as he is very regimented and no-nonsense, but begins to warm to him as she sees how much he cares for his nieces and nephew, however, she is burned by being raised by a horrible militant man. Despite it all, their chemistry over comes first impressions, but Harry is tied to the sea and Georgie's position is short term, and she hated the military life she grew up in. Can they overcome these challenges, or is their romance just a fleeting moment to look back fondly on?

-Dual POV
-3rd person POV
-regency era
-he falls first
-governess falls for employer
-doting uncle
-loveable furry friend
Spice: 3/5

I will also be posting a review on instagram @unboundedtbr in the coming week or so.

I don't wanna say I am disappointed by the book because it wasn't bad, but after reading another book -- Never Wager with a Wallflower -- by the same author, I expected different. This one was a lot more adult, which I didn't mind, but the characters felt immature. I didn't really see how they went from coexisting to being so in love.

All's Fair in Love and War
Book one in the "Mrs. Printice's Protegees"
Rating: 3 stars
ARC provided through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

I was very close to DNFing this book. Between the sister, the kids and Henry they were playing havoc with my anxiety. The former because of their flighty behavior and the latter for being fixated on structure. There was no leeway for him.

I was so worried about what the kids were going to do that I seemed to not really enjoy the romance. It took until the second half of the book for me to see Georgie and Henry kind of connect. Of course the majority of their banter was them trying to outdo the other in their quotes about battle and life. It got a tad boring.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press Romance for the ARC of All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath. All opinions are my own.

This is the second book that I’ve read by this author. Previously, I read Never Fall for Your Fiancée. While I enjoyed that book, I loved this book!

All’s Fair in Love and War was funny, witty, romantic, and had such lovable characters in it.

Harry and Georgie had amazing chemistry from the very beginning. I loved how clueless Georgie was to Harry’s attraction to her. He was pining after her so bad, and she thought that he found her ugly.

As someone in the education field, I really enjoyed reading about Georgie as a teacher and governess to the Pendleton children. She was a great teacher, and I loved how she used hands-on experiences to encourage the kids’ interests and talents.

Norbert the dog was a lot of fun. It was so sweet how he stuck to Felix’s side and was very protective of him.

Harry’s feelings towards his job felt very realistic to me, and I enjoyed learning about his work with the royal navy. It was also nice to see his character growth personally and professionally.

Georgie was such a fun protagonist. I loved her sass and that she didn’t let Harry push her around. She was also such a good role model to the Pendleton children. I loved that she grew as a character but didn’t change the best parts about herself but instead learned to love them.

The story had lots of memorable moments and scenes that made me laugh out loud. This book was very entertaining but also heartfelt.

Overall, I would recommend this book! It does have some open-door romance scenes, but they can be skipped if necessary.

The first of a brand new series by Virginia Heath. The focus of the Miss Prentice’s Protegee’s series is four women who are trained to be governesses. All are very briefly introduced in this story with Georgina Rowe as the focus. Her father died before she could remember him and her mother died some years later. It left Georgina in the care of her step-father who was in the Army. At 16 she was sent to be schooled to become a governess. She isn’t good at interviewing as she is outspoken. But when Henry Kincaid arrives at the school in desperate need he hires her on the spot. His sister has left her three children with him while she has taken off to explore for a few months with her husband. The children with their unruly dog Norbert are causing havoc in his otherwise organized household.

Henry is a bit pompous and is used to order, especially working for the Navy. But he is kind and doting as an uncle. I like that things are proper but the characters are not titled. There isn’t the rigidness of society's rules. Georgie is able to speak her mind to Henry, as an employee in a smaller household. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the whole series. Heath likes to write with lightness and humor. A dog covered in mud, split breeches, and overly familiar servants who are well cared for fit her storytelling. If I have one complaint, it is that although she always gets to passionate scenes eventually, they come off as perfunctory, with basic descriptions. It is seldom a breath taking or memorable moment after so much build up. But she is consistent and I know what to expect and I don’t mark her down for it.

A sweet fun Regency romance. between Georgina the governess and the navy Captain Harry.
Really like Georgina character very outspoken.
Harry was left in charge of his niece and nephew, hired Georgina as their governess but she isn't the type he was looking.for
Everything doesn't go as he expected.
Love the Norbert the dog.
Really fun cute story.
Enjoyed reading.
Voluntarily reviewed.

I adored Henry and Georgina's story!! It was so much fun watching these two interact with one another and wondering who was going to win the "battle" of the day. Such a fun read!

A MISS.

I’ve never read any books by this author so I figured why not give it a go? And unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be picking up another.

The bones of this book were fine. I liked the idea of the story and the characters, it just let me wanting in the execution. The writing style is extremely wordy and it made each scene feel wildly drawn out. I think this book could have been 50 pages shorter and much more charming.

For a romance, it didn’t bring the swoon. There’s a lot of focus on the main storyline vs. the romantic storyline (until the second half at least). Some of the banter is fun, but the spice was kind of odd too. This was a mishmash bag of things. While I liked small aspects, the over arching issues stood out way too much.

Overall audience notes:

Historical Romance
Language: low
Romance: 2-3 open door

I received this ARC from NetGalley and these are my own opinions.

This was a cute, fairly mild regency tale about an unorthodox governess who lands a job with a desperate, seemingly uptight naval captain, who needs someone to watch his nieces & nephew unexpectedly. It was a little dense and hard to get through. Too slow in some parts and then too rushed in others. I'm all for a good slow burn, but it needs to be worth it once we get there. And with very little angst or other drama, I had to force myself to slog through it at some points. It picked up toward the end and I wish it had that pace throughout. I felt like there was an opportunity for more conflict in several parts of the book, and that would have helped this not feel so heavy and dull sometimes. I think if you like light, only mildly spicy regency stories, you would find this entertaining. It was not my preferred cup of tea.

<i>I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

The summary has so much potential! It isn't often that I come across a historical romance where neither character is part of the <i>ton</i>, as it were. I was so excited for a fresh take and these two seemed perfect for the enemies to lovers storyline.

Unfortunately, there isn't anything special about it.

Georgie and Harry are fully realized characters but they come off as young and immature. They're both annoying for a good portion of the story. The children are much more interesting! And I wish we had seen more of Flora. She seems delightful. Even Norbert is easier to like than Georgie and Harry are 60% of the time.

The story moves very slowly. I think the biggest hindrance is their internal monologues. They're so long and repetitive. I was fed up with them before I was 1/3 of the way through. And then it just kept happening. The repetition read both as lazy storytelling AND as the characters harping ad nauseum.

There are better historical romances out there (by this author, even) so I can't see myself recommending this one.

4.5/5⭐️

I loved this sweet story and its lovable characters.

Georgie Rowe is an outspoken and opinionated young governess who believes that children should enjoy a childhood that is everything hers was not…namely filled with fun, laughter and adventure. Her first long-overdue posting (see outspoken and opinionated…) is to the household of former naval captain Harry Kincaid whose flighty sister leaves her three children with him for an extended stay before leaving for Egypt. Harry, as an organized and meticulous perfectionist, is ambitious and aiming for the title of Admiral while working all hours of the day in the process.

Obviously, Georgie and Harry’s styles clash. But as they begin to appreciate certain aspects of the other’s ways, and as Harry’s star begins rising and he is offered his own ship (the largest and newest in the fleet), he must decide if a naval career taking him offshore for extended periods is really what he wants when a part of his heart (namely Georgie) is left onshore.

Very well written and Harry and Georgie are just such wonderful characters, both separately and as a couple. Throw in three mischievous, unruly children, and you’ve got the recipe for hijinks and heartwarming.

Happy to see that this is the start of a new series as I will definitely be checking into the future stories of Georgie’s governess friends.

Recommended.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin for providing the free early arc of All’s Fair in Love and War for review. The opinions are strictly my own.