Temptation of a Proper Governess (Cameron Sisters, #1)

Temptation of a Proper Governess (Cameron Sisters #1)

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3.73 of 5 stars 3.73  ·  rating details  ·  451 ratings  ·  20 reviews

Society dictates that a governess should be modest, quiet, and keep to herself.

She should never contradict her employer.

And, above all, she must not attract the attention of any male in the household.

But Michael Severson doesn't see Isabel Halloran as a governess—he sees her as a woman, one whose lush curves cannot be hidden behind a dowdy gown ... and whose efforts at hid

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Paperback, 384 pages
Published August 31st 2004 by Avon (first published 2004)
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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 838)
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Liz
Holy crap! I loved this book!! I literally JUST finished it and I had to get out of bed and jump on the internet to review it! Its been such a long time since I've read a historical romance that I've really, thoroughly enjoyed and connected with. NOW I remember why I started devouring these books!!

So, this is the story of Isabel Halloran. When we meet her, she is the governess of a 17 year old who appears to be the nastiest, loosest 17 year old I've ever read about!! Isabel interrupts this 17 ye...more
Josephina
The plot of this book sounded interesting, and the main characters were likeable enough, I suppose. Yet somehow, the novel didn't quite live up to expectations. The elements were all there, but the execution was lacking. I finished the book wondering if the author had really known what story she wanted to tell before she started writing it, in fact.

The plot was so bland that I'm not sure if I can remember it well enough to write a clear review. But I will do my best. This is spoilery, but the st...more
Syahira Sharif
I find its getting harder to find enjoyable Historical Romance since I think majority authors from the sub-genre kept recycling the same characters for everything. One of the major flaw in this book came from Maxwell inability to create a good consistencies with the plot i.e a murder mystery and romance. I've read various Avon books in the past and this one lack believability.

The book focus on the Micheal Severson struggle to clear his name after he was accused of a crime that he wasn't even sur...more
Nisha
Not exactly a memorable read, but it was really good. The characters are wonderful. Isabel is strong and feminine, easy to empathize with. Michael is sexy since he is not a rake (or isn't anymore) and works very hard to clear his name. Hardworkers are oh-so-sexy, especially in after reading about Rakes and Rogues from the era. He's smart too, since he realizes that he likes Isabel early on, and doesn't delude himself into thinking that he did it for the sake of revenge.

I would love to learn more...more
Paigersoccerfan
This was a fairly typical romance book. It takes place in 1803, in England. The governess is swept off her feet by a handsome, strong and innocent (of course) suspected murderer. She saves his life, they marry and she helps him prove his innocence.
I have read many books that take place in this time period and by comparison found a lot of historical inaccuracies , but they didn't really affect the story. I just found them irritating. It was a fine, frivolous read, as romances go, but not a keepe...more
Nonieღserenity2bliss
I've fallen in love with Cathy Maxwell's books since I read my first book by her late last year. Since then, I always make sure I pick up a copy or two whenever I'm drop by at the local rental bookstore, and I've loved and enjoyed every single one of them.

Except for maybe this one. I wasn't that caught up in the story until the later part of the book where the mystery of identifying the killer really picks up. It is still a great read, but not as great as Ms. Maxwell's other books.
Amy
I really like Cathy Maxwell's books. They fulfill my need for cheesy romance and have strong female characters, plus I like her writing style. Unfortunately, this book wasn't my favorite.

The story was a bit bland and I didn't feel any type of build up or passion between the two characters. Even the sexy time was not up to Maxwell's standards.

It was still a fun little read.
Taryn
This was my very FIRST book I've read by Cathy Maxwell. And let me tell you, I'm going to be finding even MORE books by her.
Isabel is a brave character, not afraid to speak her mind in a very masculine society.
And Michael is willing to look past the fact that Isabel's a governess and marry her because of her beauty.
You get romance (duh), a mystery killer, and family secrets.
Susan
Another winner for me. I liked how Isabel was strong and a bit outspoken. She really stuck up for herself, even if it wasn't fashionable for a woman to do so. And I like seeing the evolution of Michael from a bad boy rake to respectable businessman, mostly due to Isabel.

I enjoyed the story and the book read fast.
Sherri   *The Lady Hillindale*
2.5 stars. Everything about this book was ALMOST good, but not quite what I would consider a pleasurable read. The hero was almost an alpha male, the heroine almost spunky, the villain almost evil. The romance itself was bland and I found myself skipping those parts just to further the story along.
penelopewanders
I thought I had read something by this author which disappointed me immensely, but reading my reviews of her books on bookcrossing, I wonder if I haven't mixed her up with someone else. I started to read this the other day, then put it down thinking I'd already read it. I must have just read the first chapter at some point because I saw this was listed TBR on all my lists and picked it up again - indeed, it was new. I enjoyed it very much - it wasn't quite what I was expecting as very early in t...more
Thea
It was a nice simple story, the plot was good however there are some elements missing. A good enough read for a relaxing night.
Danette Steward
Mostly a big downer plot. Not Maxwell's best. Easy read because the print was big and it went fast.
Chris
I think I remember reading this book & enjoying it.
Artemisa
This is an ok book. It has a nice mystery (even if the reveal is kind of obvious) and some sexy (but not sleazy) sex moments.
I guess it just a nice Harliquin book. Easy to read, easy to just go along with the story and root for the main characters.
April
What a great story! I laughed and cried many times! Such wonderful writing and really engaging characters!! I love this authors work!!

Such a great story for Isobel and Michael! I loved how they ended up getting married and then their love story!

I am currently on a Regency kick and this one was terrific!!
Robin
Pretty good story with likeable characters, but nothing that leaves a memorable impression
Lindsay
Not without entertainment value, but almost too far-fetched.
Danique♥
May 16, 2013 Danique♥ marked it as to-read
Shelves: romance
Lisa Ann
May 16, 2013 Lisa Ann marked it as to-read
Shanon
May 15, 2013 Shanon marked it as to-read
Sarina
May 14, 2013 Sarina marked it as to-read
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Temptation of a Proper Governess (ebook)
Temptation of a Proper Governess (Hardcover)
Temptation of a Proper Governess (ebook)
Temptation of a Proper Governess (ebook)
Temptation of a Proper Governess (Paperback)

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CATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.

She lives in beautiful Virginia with her children, horses, dogs, and cats.
More about Cathy Maxwell...
Four Dukes and a Devil In the Bed of a Duke (Cameron Sisters, #3) A Seduction at Christmas (Scandals and Seductions, #1) In the Highlander's Bed (Cameron Sisters, #5) Married in Haste (Marriage, #1)

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