Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC of All's Fair in Love and War! All opinions in this review are my own.

I loved Virginia Heath's previous series and I am happy to say that the first book in her new series does not disappoint! All's Fair in Love and War is the first in the Miss Prentice's Protegee's series about a group of friends who have graduated from a school for governesses. Georgie is the last one without a position but when Harry arrives desperate for a governesses for his nieces and nephew, Georgie steps in. Although Georgie and Harry are not together that often in the beginning of the book, the moments that they are interacting are of full of energy. Harry likes things to be very regimented but Georgie believes children learn best when they are moving. There are quite a few times that don't always work in Georgie's favor but they make for some good laughs.

While the first book focuses on Georgie, the introduction to her friends prove that there will be some fantastic stories still to come from this series!

Oh my gosh I freaking love this story, but I’m upset with it too. Georgina, the FMC age range is twenty one. If her age could have been say twenty four or older, the romance scenes or steamy scene as they call it would have more enjoyable for me to read. It’s like reading about to college kids getting it on. Blah!
Anyway I love reading about the story background and the MMC, Harry and his sister past history. Now their story was hilarious. I couldn’t stop laughing. Then when Harry met the do, Norbert I knew that it was not going to happen as the kids anticipated. And I also knew at that point you will need to grab your blanket. Get your favorite drink. Take your favorite snack…
Mine is Hostesses Chocolate Cupcakes by the way. Hop into your favorite snuggle chair and prepare to enjoy a book that’s positively encouraging. Not only that, but so exhilarating. It was a great way for me to release all my energy.
Norbert said so too. I give this book two snaps and a— Ohhh I almost forgot about the romance! The romance was a beautiful mixed in with the children and Georgie.
The romance took Harry by surprise, but I think that Harry had to wait for that right picturesque moment to come along to open his eyes and clear the cobwebs out of his head. Until next time my fellow readers.
Read on!

I absolutely loved this book!!!!
It was the mash-up of Nanny McPhee, The Mummy, Persuasion and Sound of Music I didn't know I needed in my life.
Ten out of ten would recommend!

I didn't really care for this book, especially after finishing the Bridgerton series and loving most of those (though those were not without their faults). Our main male character calls our FMC a siren in his internal monologue more times than he uses her name, which is why I can't remember anyone's names or titles in this book (I think she's Georgina that goes by Georgie??). His brain basically says how she's wooing him and she can't be trusted for that reason and it's all her fault for seducing him and distracting him from the work at hand which made me hate him.

Georgie (that's her name, right??) is fine, though a bit annoying as well. You're telling me she can't crush an interview because she HAS to say what's on her mind at all times even when it's to her detriment?? It was so annoying that she'd complain about not being able to get a job, but she had a way to change that and she refused to. I was getting very frustrated with the lot of them, and all the kids and dogs, so this was another hard one to get through for me.

Overall, not the worst regency romance book I've ever read, but I definitely think you can find better.

I don't think this title fits this book at all. I did enjoy the story but spent the whole time waiting for a war to start. The cover does tell you exactly what kind of story this is, and the kids were very cute.

I requested this book before realizing I had read another one by the author I didn’t really care for (Never Fall For Your Fiancé). I also was having a hard time keeping with reading at the time (ADHD) and ended up waiting until I could check out the audiobook from the library. I wish I didn’t wait so long to read it. It was one of my favorite books this summer. 5/5 I loved Georgie, and I thought that she was a well fleshed-out character. I think the pairing of her and Harry was done very well. The pacing of the books was great. And there were some cute laugh out loud moments. I understand that his might be the first book of a series, and will look out for the sequels that will follow. Thank you #NetGalley for the #ARC

Thank you to St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. This was cute but thought a different title would work better for this since no one is at war in the book. Seeing the romance slowly evolve was well done and I did like the characters. Sold read, 3 stars.

This was a super cute in-need-of-a-nanny romance. I enjoyed the chemistry between the nanny and uncle as well as all the shenanigans between them as they learned to work and live together. Also, the kiddos in the story were super loveable and heart-catching with all their adventures and mishaps.

I loved Georgie and Harry, the three adorable children and the dogs. You can really tell the true characters of people just by how they treat and interact with children and pets. This was a feel good book and I was rooting for their HEA. One minor quibble about the plot, I wish the kids would have been Harry's kids instead of his nieces and nephew. Excellent book.
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

This was my first regency book and it did not disappoint! As a lover of all things period drama, this was such a fun read, and I felt immediately transported into Georgie’s world.

Will definitely be picking up the rest of this series once released!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martins Press for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

The cover really should have a boat on it.

Hell would have to freeze over before Georgie liked a military man, but the high-strung Naval Captain Harry Kincaid will change that.

When left with his nieces and nephew suddenly until his sister returns, Harry seeks out a governess to look after and educate them. While it is clear he adores the children, he must work constantly to overcome a youthful mistake (that shows he might not be the strict, controlled, structured man he tries to be after a difficult childhood). He finds his governess, Georgie, all too appealing but is the only woman available even though neither are excited about it.

Quickly it's clear they should be worried as Georgie doesn't intend to teach the children in the regimented way he assumed, and they find themselves drawn to each other without control over their bodies. As they get to know each other and learn why they act and believe as they do, they need to self-reflect then fight for their future.

I enjoyed that this was a historical romance not between aristocrats so there was a slightly different side of society to see.

And we love when one exaggerates (says what they really want to be) to defend their love and make an ex jealous hehe.

Overall, I really liked Harry and how he personally develops and grows to be the person worthy of being with Georgie. They brought out the best in each other, especially when they finally came together and you could see how perfect they were for each other.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Read for: opposites attract, he falls first, pining, boss/employee, governess FMC, nautical puns, fake engagement

4 stars
2 spice

3.5 ⭐

“All's Fair in Love and War” by Virginia Heath is a delightful historical romance that effortlessly combines humor, passion, and a touch of adventure. Set against a backdrop of societal expectations and the constraints of the Regency era, the story follows Georgie, an outspoken governess, and Harry, a naval captain who unexpectedly needs a governess to care for his nieces and nephews. Heath's witty dialogue and charming prose make for an engaging read that keeps you turning the pages. The chemistry between the protagonists is palpable, bringing both tension and tenderness to their interactions.

Heath masterfully balances the romantic elements with moments of levity, often invoking laughter as the characters navigate their complicated feelings and the challenges of their world. The children and their personalities adds depth and richness to the narrative with Georgie becoming part of their family, making it a well-rounded experience. “All's Fair in Love and War” is perfect for fans of historical romance who appreciate a blend of sweetness and sass, leaving readers with a warm feeling and a smile long after the last page is turned.

Harry Kincaid is a Navy captain who was grounded for a youthful indiscretion he's been working hard to correct. He's well on his way to doing that when his flighty sister suddenly drops her three unruly children in his care before running off to Egypt with her husband. In desperate need of a governess who can put the hellions in tip-top shape, he goes to Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies prepared to pay and do anything for some help. He finds fledgling governess Georgie Rowe, who grew up with a Navy stepfather and hated every minute of the strict and regimented life she was forced to lead. They clash instantly, but seeing the kids bloom under Ms. Rowe's tutelage and seeing how Cpt. Kincaid dotes on them makes them both rethink their first impressions. Can there be more on the horizon for these two contrary souls than just a quick acquaintance and a sad goodbye?

This book is everything I look for in a historical romance. It's so good that I'm even ignoring the fact that I tend to dislike stories that use children as a jumping-off point for the romance. The fact that they're nieces and nephews helps a little bit, but it's mostly that Heath handles them as actual characters that have a role in the story rather than plot devices to push the leads together.

The plot is packed while somehow still feeling fresh and light. Everything that happens feels like it was planned and a natural progression of the story developing, which is a nice change to some of the romance I've read of late.

Overall, it's a romantic romp that mixes schooldays with Navy precision to create a delightfully entertaining read.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for the wonderful read!

Unfortunately, after multiple attempts I have been unable to get into this book. It felt very slow for me and the characters were not likable which made it hard to root for them and enjoy the story. Due to that I have decided to soft DNF the book and potentially pick it up at a later date.

I loved this historical romance. I usually dont gravitate towards them but this was so much fun. I look forward to more from virginia.

This was just the most precious romance reminiscent of Captain Von Trapp and Maria I think I've ever read!

When the flighty older sister of former naval captain, Henry Kincaid, decides on a whim to accompany her explorer husband on an expedition to Egypt, he finds himself unwittingly left in the lurch with her three unruly children and her giant, mad dog. With no clue how to manage the little rascals, a busy career at the Admiralty that requires all of his attention, and no idea when his sister is coming back, Harry has to hire an emergency governess to ensure that everything in his ordered house continues to run shipshape. In desperation, he goes to Miss Prentice’s School for Girls prepared to pay whatever it takes to get a governess quick sharp to bring order to the chaos.

Thanks to her miserable, strict upbringing, fledgling governess Georgina Rowe does not subscribe to the ethos that children should be seen and not heard. She believes childhood should be everything that hers wasn’t, filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery. Thankfully, the three Pendleton children she has been tasked with looking after are already delightfully bohemian and instantly embrace her unconventional educational ethos. Their staid, stickler-for-the-rules uncle, however, is another matter entirely

Read this if you love:
opposites attract
MMC who loves the children
heartwarming romance
the cutest kiddos
a mischievous pup
governess/captain relationship
a fantastic set up for future books
a little bit of spice

All in all this was absolutely delightful! Heath is already an author I recommend and I know this new series of hers will be no exception! I can't wait for more!

My first time reading Virginia Heath and I really enjoyed this! I love a regency romance and this one was too fun. Can't wait to see what's next.

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

Georgina Rowe is sent to Miss Prentice’s School for Girls to become a governess when she’s 16 years old. She’s essentially an orphan at that point, after both of her birth parents died and her step father essentially washed his hands of her. Six years later, Georgie has graduated but has been unable to find gainful employment. Miss Prentice feels this is because she speaks her mind too freely 😬. When Captain Harry Kincaid’s sister drops her three young children and their large dog at his estate for the summer, he is NOT pleased. He loves the kids but is busy prepping for a promotion and can’t handle being a full-time care giver. He seeks help from Miss Prentice who, sensing his urgent need, knows he won’t be able to refuse Georgie. Things get off to a rocky start but will Georgie be able to win over the kids and Henry by the end of the summer?

This was such a charming book! I am especially excited because it’s going to be a series. We met some of Georgie’s friends from the school in this book so I’m thinking they’ll each get their own story! Georgie and Harry are both funny and quirky in their own ways and it’s fun to see them both realize that there’s a spark. The kids and the dog are an adorable bonus as well! This is a slow-burn, regency style romance, but it was not in any way stuffy or too buttoned up! I definitely recommend this one and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Funny, well written and sweet. I immediately likes both FMC Georgie and MMC Harry, both were perfectly flawed and well developed. The book dragged on a bit - with the first 10% great and the last 80% enjoyable, the middle was a little boring.

I think this is my first governess romance. I love the cover!
Thank you for the opportunity to read it.