The Governess and the Rogue by Mimi Matthews

 

The Governess and the Rogue by Mimi Matthews is number six in the Somerset Stories, and could be read as a standalone. If you have read the other books in the series, you will enjoy visiting with past characters and catching up.

Beatrice Layton is a governess who has had a rough time. The final straw is losing her position on the ship she is sailing on to England from India. Colonel Jack Beresford has been serving in Her Majesty’s Army until he was injured severely and is now coming back to England though he is still hotly pursued by women for his family’s wealth and status. The two decide an engagement of convivence may help them both while on the ship.

The Governess and the Rogue was a beautifully written story and I was very invested in the characters. Beatrice and Jack had amazing banter, wonderful chemistry, and romantic tension. I loved how they helped each other to see the best in themselves. The historical details in the story painted a picture of the time and helped me to immerse myself in the book. I was so drawn into the story and my only complaint was that the story and series ended.

There is nothing quite like a Mimi Matthews story to bring you joy, help you believe there is good in the world, and appreciate sweet romance. This clean story is one you do not want to miss. I highly recommend The Governess and the Rogue by Mimi Matthews.

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

Mimi Matthews is a USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of historical romances. Her critically acclaimed works include The Siren of Sussex, a 2023 RUSA Reading List shortlist pick for Best Romance; Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Book of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion and a 2021 Daphne du Maurier Award nominee.

Mimi’s novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, BookPage, and Shelf Awareness, and have been mentioned in The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, NPR, Oprah Daily, Parade, Elle, and Marie Claire. They have been translated into ten languages. 

When not writing historical romance, Mimi authors nonfiction books and articles on all aspects of nineteenth century history—from animals, art, and etiquette to fashion, beauty, feminism, and law. Her work has been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, the Costume Society UK, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.