I really enjoyed this story. I liked Georgie's character and the banter between her and Harry. I also loved the dog, Norbert, and his antics. I thought there was a good balance of humor added to the story. The only critique I have is that there were times when in the middle of a conversation there would be a sidebar of information and background given that completely takes you out of the conversation and then by the end when you read the other character's response, you have to go back to see what they are even responding to. Otherwise, I thought the story was well done and I enjoyed reading it.

Adorable historical romance between a doting uncle and the headstrong governess he hires to keep charge of his nieces and nephews while they are in his care.

This is a fast read with a fun story line. At times, the internal monologuing of the characters in the middle of a conversation was a bit overwrought but was easy to skim without missing much of the story.

The author definitely has series potential with the other governesses that we meet in the book.

Overall would recommend for a light hearted romance.

This was a fun regency romance read, perfect for fans of Lydia Drake's The Governess and the Duke. While I enjoyed the story, I would have preferred the main characters to spend a bit more time together to develop their relationship. As the main female character, Georgie, is the governess, there is quite a bit of the book you're just seeing her with the children. While it makes sense for her position, I would have loved to have had the couple's relationship shown more throughout the book. I'd still definitely recommend the story to regency romance readers.

What a delightful romp! Georgie is a governess who hasn’t landed a position. Along comes Harry, who has been saddled with his sister’s three children, and is in desperate need of a governess. The antics of the children and their dog, Norbert, add in the fun. Two different people meeting in an unlikely manner and fall in love.!

Georgie, a protégee of the famed Miss Prentice, is hired as a governess for Captain Henry Kincaid when his sister leaves him in charge of her three children. Georgie is tasked with teaching the captain’s immensely spirited nieces and nephews, while Henry navigates his promotion in the navy and his previous failed engagement.

This slow burn historical has super fun side characters and sub-plots, with a sweet and satisfying romance. My only complaint would be that the relationship was almost too slow - with the majority of the story following other plot lines and the end feeling a little rushed. I love Virginia Heath’s historical romances and I am excited to pick up more from her in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyed this so much! Laughed out loud at the part about "shore leave." Liked the hero and heroine and thought their relationship progressed really nicely, just thought the conflict at the end was a little contrived. Overall a delightful read, and I look forward to reading more from this author!

If you're looking for a historical romance outside of the ton - Virginia Heath's latest is a perfect read!! I loved every second of this feisty red-headed governess's pension for teaching children in her way! Not to mention - I'm pretty sure we all love a crisp and tight man in uniform!!

Settle into the perfect breezy seaside while you're following all of the misadventures of Harry & Georgie!

NOTES:
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - Slow burn
- Fake Dating
- Age Gap

**Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR 🖤

This book was lovely. It read like a Bridgerton novel, was the right kind of slow-burn, and had likeable characters and a strong female heroine. Four stars because I do think some of the content between Georgie and the kids could have been a bit more succinct, but at the same time it did leave me wanting to keep reading so that I could get to the parts where Georgie and Harry were together again. Would definitely recommend this sweet and spicy book to anyone who likes Catherine Center, or Emily Henry-style banter.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and Net Galley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

Virginia Heath's "All's Fair in Love and War" invites readers on a delightful journey through the enchanting world of historical romance. Set against the backdrop of Regency England, this novel seamlessly blends wit, charm, and passion in a tale that will capture the hearts of readers.

At the center of the story are the vibrant characters of Lady Penelope Lennox and Major Jack Trestain. Penelope, with her sharp intellect and unwavering determination, is a refreshing heroine who defies the conventions of her time. Jack, a seasoned war hero with a heart of gold, is the perfect foil to Penelope's spirited nature. Their chemistry is palpable from their first encounter, and Heath masterfully crafts their relationship with a perfect balance of tension and tenderness.

Heath's skillful blend of romance and intrigue is incredible. As Penelope and Jack navigate the treacherous waters of London society, they find themselves embroiled in a web of deception and danger. The plot twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they root for the protagonists to overcome the obstacles in their path.

Heath's prose is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to a bygone era with vivid descriptions and rich historical detail. From the bustling streets of London to the lavish ballrooms of the ton, the author paints a vivid portrait of Regency society, complete with all its glamour and intrigue.

But beyond its captivating romance and thrilling plot, "All's Fair in Love and War" also explores deeper themes of honor, sacrifice, and the power of love to conquer all obstacles. Penelope and Jack's journey is not just a love story, but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, "All's Fair in Love and War" is a charming and captivating read that will delight fans of historical romance. With its engaging characters, riveting plot, and lush historical detail, Virginia Heath's novel is a true gem that is sure to leave readers longing for more.

This is a good start to a new Regency romance series, featuring an unconventional governess hired to help a rule following naval officer temporarily care for his absent sister's three spirited children. It takes awhile, but opposites do attract, and Georgie and Harry's journey is well worth taking. I am looking forward to what comes next!

A naval captain in need of a governess for his nieces and nephews finds one and of course more then he bargained for.

This story was cute and an easy read. You have Georgie, a governess trying her best with 3 unruly children and a dog, and Harry a naval captain wanting to live his dreams where it’s pretty difficult to also find and keep a love.

If you like a predictable love story, high jinxes with kids and a big dog this story is for you.

I found it perfectly enjoyable.

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

This book was enjoyable, but I found it overlong. There were descriptions that were repetitive. There are only so many times you can read the guy was a soft-boiled egg before you wonder if the author knows any other way to describe someone with a big heart. That quibble aside, there was humor and the secondary characters were well drawn. The chemistry between the romantic pair was palpable. Library patrons should enjoy this book.

This was cute. I enjoy Virginia Heaths writing style & her characters! Enjoyed the governess & grumpy Captain. And the kids. Fun read.

I loved this book!! It was fabulous and well done. The characters were on point and I thought the plot was well developed. I would recommend this book to others.

This book made me laugh out loud! Main character was relatable, enjoyed watching them grow. Romance was as to be expected, but still made for a good read.

Title: All’s Fair in Love and War by Virginia Heath
Publication Date- 05/28/24
Publisher- St. Martin’s Press
Overall Rating- 3 out of 5 stars

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I need to start this review off by acknowledging that I DNF’d it at 25%. Before you stop reading this review let me tell you why and give you hope that it may be a book for you. I personally really enjoy regency romance and I liked the concept of this one. We have an unhinged (for her time) governess who is going to work for a basically retired military man and help babysit his nieces and nephew for 3 months.

I read this book off and on at night for like a month before I finally decided it wasn’t for me. The characters are great, the story is interesting, this was a me problem. The thing I struggled with the most is it is so slow moving. This is coming from someone who enjoys slow moving plots, especially in romance and this was either too slow or not interesting enough for me. I would have liked it if there were more comedy scenes because you can tell that the author is a detailed writer and adding more comedy/ banter would have increased my enjoyment. Speaking of a detailed author, I think that is part of what made it feel slow. The story got caught up in details that I personally didn’t have interest in.

Even though the story moved slow, the romance felt instalove at times. Which I think those things in combination could really work for some. I truly liked the main female character and was indifferent about the male. I’m sure they build a wonderful love together.

All in all, this is not a bad book I just didn’t need to be there for the long haul.

This book was so fun! Recency romances are my favorite and this didn’t disappoint. I love a dual POV as well! I love the characters, the setting, the side characters, everything. Georgie was my favorite!

Okay, so this was a 3.5 star read for me. It was good, and I loved the cast of characters, but there was just so much darn internal dialogue. More than I've seen in a historical romance in a good long while. And while it's nice to have dual POVs and see the yearning from both sides of the spectrum, it was hard as a reader to really be sold this love story that was mostly happening in each of the character's heads. All that being said, I think Georgie's friends seem like a grand old time, and I'm looking forward to seeing them as heroines in future books.

I love a good regency romance and this one was a great slow burn with a happy ending. The perfect read to finish on Valentine's Day. Georgie and Harry are written perfectly, and in a way that has you routing for them from the beginning. This is the first in a series and I'm looking forward to reading more as they come out. As always, Heath provides a sweet, slightly spicy story from another world. I'll always pick up a book from her.

This book is a nice quick read. The main character Georgie is great! She’s relatable, quirky and lovable. You get drawn in and want her to succeed! Definitely worth the read!