Saturday, January 29, 2011

Review -- Seducing The Governess

Seducing the Governess
by Margo Maguire
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: February 22, 2011









The strand of hair must have fallen down again, because Lord Ashby reached for it. He rubbed it between two fingers, the gesture causing an onslaught of radiant heat that coursed from her shoulders to her hands, and especially across her breasts. It was as though a flash of hot sunlight had pierced through her, leaving her singed and raw.

She trembled.

His touch was thoroughly improper, but Mercy could not summon the wherewithal to step away. She closed her eyes as the permeating heat suffused her, suddenly centering and pooling in her lungs and deep between her thighs. His hand was hot on her shoulder, and when he slid it down her back, Mercy felt herself leaning into his touch. Her heart jolted, its rhythm racing frantically as the pressure of his touch increased.

He eased her gently toward him, and Mercy sensed a ravenous hunger emanating from him.

Her breath caught in her throat when she realized he shared her hunger. He was going to kiss her.


Nash Farris, Earl of Ashby, is a scarred man. The physical scars are easy enough to see. His marred handsome face is a daily reminder of the furious and bloody battle he survived while at Waterloo. Nash’s emotional scars are more hidden. The accidental deaths of his two beloved brothers (in separate incidences) has damaged his heart and his soul. Returning to Ashby Hall, which has not been cared for since the recent death of his brother, Nash finds the estate falling apart around him. And while the task of righting Asby Hall is daunting enough, Nash also finds himself the guardian of his small niece Emmy, his only living relative. Several of the soldiers who served under Nash during the war have joined in the efforts to bring Ashby Hall back to its former glory. Nash quickly discovers he needs more experienced help, especially when it comes to raising and educating little Emmy. Steadfast in his resolve to provide only the best for sweet Emmy, Nash hires Mercy Franklin to serve as the young girl’s governess. But soon Nash discovers Emmy is not the only person at Ashby Hall that needs to be schooled. Mercy Franklin needs a few lessons in passion and love and Nash believes he is the perfect teacher.

Since the death of her reverend father several months ago, Mercy Franklin’s world has been falling apart at the seams. With little or no money to live on, Mercy and her mother survived off the sparse generosity of the parish families. As her mother lay on her death bed, Mercy’s world comes crashing down by her mother’s revelation that Mercy is not their biological child. With no family to claim, Mercy must create a new life for her and hopefully, one day, find her real family. Picking up the tattered pieces of her life, Mercy finds employment in the lake region as a governess to the niece of the new Earl of Ashby. Already a bit nervous about her first appointment as governess, Mercy’s nerves kick into overdrive when she arrives at the dilapidated Ashby Hall and discovers all of the servants are former soldiers. With everything at Ashby Hall not exactly what Mercy was expecting, she has half a mind to turn around and leave. But the moment she lays eyes on the sweet, angelic face of her young charge, Mercy knows she cannot leave this little girl in the care of former soldiers. Maternal instincts are not the only new feelings she experiences on her first day at Ashby Hall. Upon talking with the new Earl of Ashby and noticing his fine features, it seems tingles of passion and maybe something more are bound to be an everyday experience for a once sheltered Mercy Franklin.

I had so much fun reading this book. Out from under the suffocating hand of her reverend father, Mercy is quick to offer her opinions on everything at Ashby Hall. I found this to be an endearing quality, especially when it referred to the shy little Emmy (who I must say stole my heart). And it seems that Nash found this quality endearing also as Mercy is the one thing that brought light back into Nash’s dark and dismal world. There is some mystery involved in this story, but I don’t want to give away any of the details and spoil it for you. And yes, by the end of the book you do find out who is Mercy’s real family.

Everyone should know by now that Margo Maguire is an auto buy for me. Every story Margo tells fills me with a few giggles, a lot of sighs and a very happy feeling. Seducing the Governess is another wonderful story to add to my keeper shelf. I hope that you will pick this one up!


~ Buffie




Book Depository (Free shipping worldwide)





26 comments:

  1. Oops, wrong cover. Margo Maguire has been a favorite since I first started reading romance. There is always something a little different about her characters and story. I can just see Mercy walking into a house full of men trying to get a household into shape.. I can imagine what that would be like. A child, and this one sounds like a sweetheart, is always good glue to hold the story together.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm a fan of Margo's books, too. Love her older Harlequins.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I do enjoy reading Margo's books. Thanks for the review. This one I'll grab for my TRL.
    Carol L.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oops is right, Pat!! So sorry about that!

    Isn't Margo's books just fabulous? And you are correct, there is always something special about her characters and Nash, Mercy and Emmy are very special.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Jane! Glad to see another fan of Margo's book here. If you love her older stuff, then I think you will really enjoy this one.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for stopping by Carol! This is a book you will definitely want to read.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm heading off to work this Saturday morning, so I will respond to comments when I return. Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great review, Buffie! This sounds like a wonderful read. I'll be adding it to my list. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've had this one on my list since Margo first talked about it at The Jaunty Quills...and this review seals it. Thanks for the fabulous review, Buffie!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like a great book-will have to add it to my list! I've never read any books by Margo Maguire but it sounds like I need to start.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This book sounds great! I love books with young children in them. Thanks for the review, Buffie! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. I would LOVE to have the chance to read this book. I have always been fascinated by novels featuring governesses. Can't wait for it to be released. More plots like this please!

    ReplyDelete
  13. This book sounds fantastic! How can you not love a story about a wounded soldier and a caring governess?

    Just another book to add to the never ending 'Must Buy' list!

    Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter

    ReplyDelete
  14. uThanks, Gannon! It is a great read. Bet it will be number 3 million and one on your TBR list - LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks, Andrea! I have been waiting for this one too. And now I can't wait for the next one!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for stopping by Lisa! So, you haven't read any Margo Maguire books!!??!! Girl, you need to rectify that immediately! LOL! She has so many wonderful books that you will have days of great reading to look forward to.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for stopping by Lisa! So, you haven't read any Margo Maguire books!!??!! Girl, you need to rectify that immediately! LOL! She has so many wonderful books that you will have days of great reading to look forward to.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey TrishaM! Little Emmy will just steal your heart away. She is such a wonderful addition to this story.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi Connie! So you love governess stories, huh? Then this book is right up your alley. I hope that you will buy it because I'm sure you will enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks so much for stopping by today, Lisa Jo! This is one fantastic book. I'm a sucker for a wounded soldier :-)

    ReplyDelete
  21. No, I haven't! lol

    Okay, okay...I hear ya! There are quiet a few authors that I'm ashamed to admit I haven't read.

    I promise I will pick up this book and read it right away! :-D And check out her backlist!

    Take care,

    Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter

    ReplyDelete
  22. LMAO...okay, I just figured it out. I wondered how you knew I didn't read any of Margo's book...then I realized there was ANOTHER Lisa who posted before me.

    Wow. Not the brightest crayon in the box today!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great review Buffie

    Margo is an autobuy author for me I do so love her stories I look forward to this one

    Have Fun
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  24. LOL @ Lisa Jo!!!! Girl, it's been a long day for me too :-)

    But since you haven't read any of Margo's book, you really need to start with this one!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey there, Helen!!! I know you love Margo Maguire as much as I do ... and you are going to love this one!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sounds like a great book....have not read any Margo Maguire books but this one looks very goog

    ReplyDelete