Reviews with content warning for Panic attacks/disorders - The Governess Game

5. A joy to read! I loved Alexandra and her logical, intelligent brain. Her being into astronomy was so fun to read about, and I loved her intellectual curiosity and her way with the girls. Her learning how to connect with and earn the trust of Chase’s wards was great. I loved how real both of the girls (and Alex’s own memories/trauma from childhood) were. I’m excited to read more in this series, though I’m not sure I’ll love any of the ladies in the friend group as much as the astute, stubborn, and resourceful Alex.

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jackbifrost's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Yes I'm, once again, reading a Regency romance, do not perceive me.

This is the second book in the Girl Meets Duke series and IMO the best one (I can say that now that I've read all three that are out so far). It's not really enemies-to-lovers, more like 'we really don't like each other and don't want to spent time together to oops we might be attracted to each other, to oh no we kissed and are now falling in love'.

But I really enjoyed the dynamic between Alexandra and Chase, their snappy dialogue was great fun and the development of their romance was believable. There's also a little bit of hurt/comfort in this book, which I'm a sucker for. The plot, narrative, character progression and romantic tension all came together brilliantly to make this a really enjoyable romp.

Content warnings for death of a parent, panic attacks, grief, violence, period-type sexism.

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emfass's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I honestly loved so much about this story. Very mild spoilers below.

The two wards, Rosamund and Daisy, and the havoc they wreaked. (Especially the doll, Millicent, that Daisy pretends is sick with some new horrible disease every morning and they have to hold a doll funeral. This was such a fun character-revealing touch.) The relationship between Alex and Chase, and they way they worked together to care for Rosamund and Daisy even in the mist of figuring out their feelings for each other. The way Chase's backstory affected him. Alex's love of astronomy, and Chase's support of her pursuing her passion.

The one thing that bothered me: while I loved Alex's resilience in the face of Chase's insecurities, he ends up saying some awful and hurtful things to her, and she just...takes it, somehow knowing not to believe him. Part of me is like, good for you! You absolutely see through his bullshit! And most of me is like, under no circumstances should you allow this man to talk to you this way, especially after sharing such intimate moments with him, even if you can tell he's lying to himself.

Mary Jane Wells is, once again, just spectacular. I want to listen to her read historical romances for the rest of my life.
And Tessa Dare writes the most delightful banter.

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