The Governess Gamble by Tracy Sumner

The Governess Gamble Series: The Duchess Society series
on October 18, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 112
Goodreads

A sizzling Christmas romance by USA Today bestselling author Tracy Sumner!

A woman from another world…
American Heiress Francine Shaw never dreamed she would become a governess! But desperate times call for desperate measures when Francine must flee to London to escape a scandal, save her reputation and... find a titled man to marry or risk losing her family.
But when her new employer turns out to be a “love ‘em and leave ‘em” rake, Fanny finds herself trapped in more ways than one. Stunned by the sizzling heat she finds developing between herself and the handsome and enigmatic Viscount Remington, she bravely makes him an offer he can't refuse...

He's not who she thinks he is...
As it turns out, Francine is not the only one who is hiding her true identity. Despite his devilish reputation, Chance Allerton has a tender heart of gold—and has secretly vowed to marry for nothing less than love. When he learns he has a ward just before Christmastide, he seeks the aid of the Duchess Society in the hopes of finding a governess for the child. When a beautiful, clever American hellion shows up on his doorstep instead, Chance is soon in over his head.
Francine Shaw exceeds his every expectation…and soon Chance finds himself utterly infatuated.

Can a wicked viscount learn to love? Or is this dalliance with the governess merely a Christmas tryst destined to end in heartache?

The Governess Gamble is part of The Duchess Society series. Although this is a novella and therefore relatively short, the characters are wonderfully complex and well developed. I loved the heroine Francine Shaw, an American. Franny is witty, clever and delightfully vulnerable at times. She is a relatable character. There are some very steamy scenes as only this author can write them.

“She was an intriguing mix of daring and naivete. Embarrassment and hunger crossing her face in swift intervals. Her expression begging him to kiss her. The look of unconcealed longing sending an aroused rush through him. What would it be like to seduce someone who wanted you but didn’t want to want you?” I can’t wait to read more in this series.