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Matches Made in Scandal #1
From Governess to Countess
The scandalous truth about the count’s new mistress!
A Matches Made in Scandal story
Count Aleksei Derevenko has hired governess Allison Galbraith for her skills as a herbalist, not a mistress! But when rumors spread, Allison is more shocked by her wanton reaction to Aleksei—inscrutable and impossibly handsome, his icy blue eyes promise white-hot nights of sin. She knows too well how fragile her reputation is, but will the price of their passion be worth paying?
“Readers will be seduced by the passionate natures of the protagonists, and the fast-paced, thrilling adventure” — RT Book Reviews on The Harlot and the Sheikh
“Fairytales do come true … There is plenty of action and adventure to captivate all readers” — RT Book Reviews on Sheikh’s Mail-Order Bride
Matches Made in Scandal miniseries
Book 1 — From Governess to Countess
Book 2 — From Courtesan to Convenient Wife — coming soon
A Matches Made in Scandal story
Count Aleksei Derevenko has hired governess Allison Galbraith for her skills as a herbalist, not a mistress! But when rumors spread, Allison is more shocked by her wanton reaction to Aleksei—inscrutable and impossibly handsome, his icy blue eyes promise white-hot nights of sin. She knows too well how fragile her reputation is, but will the price of their passion be worth paying?
“Readers will be seduced by the passionate natures of the protagonists, and the fast-paced, thrilling adventure” — RT Book Reviews on The Harlot and the Sheikh
“Fairytales do come true … There is plenty of action and adventure to captivate all readers” — RT Book Reviews on Sheikh’s Mail-Order Bride
Matches Made in Scandal miniseries
Book 1 — From Governess to Countess
Book 2 — From Courtesan to Convenient Wife — coming soon
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 20, 2018
21 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Marguerite Kaye
250 books338 followersMarguerite Kaye is a prolific historical romance author hailing from Argyll’s West Coast. She is a voracious consumer of books, Scotland’s world-class larder, and the occasional cocktail.
Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
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Find out more on her website at www.margueritekaye.com
Join her on Instagram
Follow her on TikTok
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 25, 2018
I've given this a B- at AAR, so that's 3.5 stars rounded ip.
I’ve been looking forward to Marguerite Kaye’s new, four-book Matches Made in Scandal series, as each story is set in a different European city. While I certainly don’t object to historical romances set in the UK, I am always keen to venture elsewhere, and was definitely enticed by the thought of reading romances set in some of the most fabulous cities in the world – St. Petersburg, Paris, Venice and, finally, London.
From Governess to Countess opens with renowned – and now disgraced – herbalist, Allison Galbraith receiving a visit from a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’. This character links the four books in the series, and has a reputation for helping women in need of redemption and a second chance. Allison, a forthright Scot, had acquired a reputation as London’s pre-eminent herbalist, the only option open to a woman with a vocation to help the sick at the time the book is set. But when we meet her, she has been ostracised and vilified in the scandal sheets by a pre-eminent society physician following an incident to which the reader is not made privy until later in the book, but which has obviously destroyed not only Allison’s reputation but her confidence, too.
The Procurer tells Allison that she has come to offer her the chance to rebuild her life and career. She has been charged with finding someone with Allison’s particular talents to fill the position of governess to the children of the recently deceased Duke and Duchess Derevenko, and, enthused at the idea of travel and of getting away from England for a time – and the hefty fee – Allison agrees.
Count Aleksei Derevenko is a military man through and through, and was somewhat exasperated when he learned his late brother, Michael, had changed his will shortly before his death and named Aleksei as guardian to his young children. He can’t understand why his brother made the change when his former choice, their cousin, Felix, would have done a much better job, given he is familiar with all the court customs and protocols it will be necessary for children of such illustrious lineage to learn as they grow up.
When the woman he has engaged as governess for Catiche, Elena and Nikki arrives, Aleksei is momentarily taken aback. His idea of a governess – and herbalist – is certainly not the voluptuous young red-head standing before him who stirs up all the desires and appetites he has had no opportunity to indulge for months. By the same token Allison had not expected her new employer to be a tall, striking military man with ice blue eyes and a mouth that puts her in mind of kissing.
Over a cup of zavarka (black tea), Aleksei explains to Allison that he requires her services as a governess for as long as it takes him to make alternative arrangements for the guardianship of his nieces and nephew. Their former governess, Anna Orlova – to whom they had all been very attached – disappeared without explanation just before his brother’s death, and Aleksei does not feel equipped to deal with them. He plans to spend some of his time trying to find Orlova and to bring her back if he can; in the meantime, he wants Allison to assume charge of them.
What Aleksei doesn’t tell Allison until a little later, however, is the reason he particularly wanted someone knowledgeable about herbs and their properties to fill the position. He strongly suspects his brother-in-law and sister were murdered, and wants Allison to ascertain if the symptoms they exhibited could have been produced by any of the herbs available in the palace gardens or elsewhere in St. Petersburg.
From Governess to Countess is therefore part romance and part mystery as Allison and Aleksei work together to discover the truth about his brother’s death, while at the same time exploring the attraction that has pulled them toward one another since their very first meeting. Neither of them wants anything permanent; Aleksei intends to return to the army and Allison to England, and both agree that their liaison must be of finite duration. Neither of them, however, has bargained on love.
Ms. Kaye develops the relationship between her two protagonists very well, and the easy friendship into which they fall is enjoyable to read and something a little out of the ordinary for the genre. They are intensely drawn to one another physically, but they connect on an emotional level, too, and their frequent exchanges are refreshingly honest. There is no drawn-out angst, even towards the end when it seems the time for parting has arrived, and I was very relieved at the lack of flimsy contrivance for the sake of injecting some unnecessary drama into the story. I liked the way that Allison uses her time in St. Petersburg to really think about what she wants to do with the rest of her life and work out how to pursue an independent future. Aleksei is an attractive hero who is obviously an alpha male, but without the arrogance that is so often associated with the type; he’s thoughtful, insightful and charming, with a strong sense of honour and a good sense of humour, and the way he comes to appreciate the importance of family and to realise that the children need his love and guidance is nicely done.
On the downside, however, I found myself rather more invested in the friendship and comradeship between Allison and Aleksei than in their romance, which is pretty much founded on insta-lust. The couple has undoubted sexual chemistry, but Allison’s eagerness to jump into bed with Aleksei at the first opportunity makes her seem far too modern in spite of the different social mores of St. Petersburg and her desire to take charge of her own life. There are a couple of places in the mystery part of the story where both protagonists jump to conclusions without foundation, and in one particular place, they make an assumption that comes so completely out of the blue – and is so obviously wrong – that I had to read it several times to make sure I’d read it correctly!
Marguerite Kaye is one of my go-to authors, and even when her books don’t work for me on every level, her stories are extremely well-written and researched, her characters are interesting, and she makes excellent use of whichever historical setting she has chosen. While From Governess to Countess wasn’t a resounding success, it’s nonetheless an enjoyable, low-angst read, and one that merits a recommendation in spite of the reservations I have expressed.
I’ve been looking forward to Marguerite Kaye’s new, four-book Matches Made in Scandal series, as each story is set in a different European city. While I certainly don’t object to historical romances set in the UK, I am always keen to venture elsewhere, and was definitely enticed by the thought of reading romances set in some of the most fabulous cities in the world – St. Petersburg, Paris, Venice and, finally, London.
From Governess to Countess opens with renowned – and now disgraced – herbalist, Allison Galbraith receiving a visit from a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’. This character links the four books in the series, and has a reputation for helping women in need of redemption and a second chance. Allison, a forthright Scot, had acquired a reputation as London’s pre-eminent herbalist, the only option open to a woman with a vocation to help the sick at the time the book is set. But when we meet her, she has been ostracised and vilified in the scandal sheets by a pre-eminent society physician following an incident to which the reader is not made privy until later in the book, but which has obviously destroyed not only Allison’s reputation but her confidence, too.
The Procurer tells Allison that she has come to offer her the chance to rebuild her life and career. She has been charged with finding someone with Allison’s particular talents to fill the position of governess to the children of the recently deceased Duke and Duchess Derevenko, and, enthused at the idea of travel and of getting away from England for a time – and the hefty fee – Allison agrees.
Count Aleksei Derevenko is a military man through and through, and was somewhat exasperated when he learned his late brother, Michael, had changed his will shortly before his death and named Aleksei as guardian to his young children. He can’t understand why his brother made the change when his former choice, their cousin, Felix, would have done a much better job, given he is familiar with all the court customs and protocols it will be necessary for children of such illustrious lineage to learn as they grow up.
When the woman he has engaged as governess for Catiche, Elena and Nikki arrives, Aleksei is momentarily taken aback. His idea of a governess – and herbalist – is certainly not the voluptuous young red-head standing before him who stirs up all the desires and appetites he has had no opportunity to indulge for months. By the same token Allison had not expected her new employer to be a tall, striking military man with ice blue eyes and a mouth that puts her in mind of kissing.
Over a cup of zavarka (black tea), Aleksei explains to Allison that he requires her services as a governess for as long as it takes him to make alternative arrangements for the guardianship of his nieces and nephew. Their former governess, Anna Orlova – to whom they had all been very attached – disappeared without explanation just before his brother’s death, and Aleksei does not feel equipped to deal with them. He plans to spend some of his time trying to find Orlova and to bring her back if he can; in the meantime, he wants Allison to assume charge of them.
What Aleksei doesn’t tell Allison until a little later, however, is the reason he particularly wanted someone knowledgeable about herbs and their properties to fill the position. He strongly suspects his brother-in-law and sister were murdered, and wants Allison to ascertain if the symptoms they exhibited could have been produced by any of the herbs available in the palace gardens or elsewhere in St. Petersburg.
From Governess to Countess is therefore part romance and part mystery as Allison and Aleksei work together to discover the truth about his brother’s death, while at the same time exploring the attraction that has pulled them toward one another since their very first meeting. Neither of them wants anything permanent; Aleksei intends to return to the army and Allison to England, and both agree that their liaison must be of finite duration. Neither of them, however, has bargained on love.
Ms. Kaye develops the relationship between her two protagonists very well, and the easy friendship into which they fall is enjoyable to read and something a little out of the ordinary for the genre. They are intensely drawn to one another physically, but they connect on an emotional level, too, and their frequent exchanges are refreshingly honest. There is no drawn-out angst, even towards the end when it seems the time for parting has arrived, and I was very relieved at the lack of flimsy contrivance for the sake of injecting some unnecessary drama into the story. I liked the way that Allison uses her time in St. Petersburg to really think about what she wants to do with the rest of her life and work out how to pursue an independent future. Aleksei is an attractive hero who is obviously an alpha male, but without the arrogance that is so often associated with the type; he’s thoughtful, insightful and charming, with a strong sense of honour and a good sense of humour, and the way he comes to appreciate the importance of family and to realise that the children need his love and guidance is nicely done.
On the downside, however, I found myself rather more invested in the friendship and comradeship between Allison and Aleksei than in their romance, which is pretty much founded on insta-lust. The couple has undoubted sexual chemistry, but Allison’s eagerness to jump into bed with Aleksei at the first opportunity makes her seem far too modern in spite of the different social mores of St. Petersburg and her desire to take charge of her own life. There are a couple of places in the mystery part of the story where both protagonists jump to conclusions without foundation, and in one particular place, they make an assumption that comes so completely out of the blue – and is so obviously wrong – that I had to read it several times to make sure I’d read it correctly!
Marguerite Kaye is one of my go-to authors, and even when her books don’t work for me on every level, her stories are extremely well-written and researched, her characters are interesting, and she makes excellent use of whichever historical setting she has chosen. While From Governess to Countess wasn’t a resounding success, it’s nonetheless an enjoyable, low-angst read, and one that merits a recommendation in spite of the reservations I have expressed.
October 4, 2022
Set in St Petersburg.
Russian Count Aleksei employ’s Allison Galbraith to be Governess to his brother’s 3 orphan children. But he also wants her for her Herbalist skills. As he thinks his brother has been killed.
Interesting story with likeable H and h.
Russian Count Aleksei employ’s Allison Galbraith to be Governess to his brother’s 3 orphan children. But he also wants her for her Herbalist skills. As he thinks his brother has been killed.
Interesting story with likeable H and h.
February 19, 2018
This is book one in this new series; Matches Made in Scandal and what a sterling start, to what is set to be a great series. Judging by this book we are in store to meet some wonderful character’s and become absorbed into some gripping and romantic stories. From Governess to Countess is a mixture of devoted and endearing love and a gripping ‘Wants going to happen next’ story,
From Governess to Countess is an engaging story, it dazzles you with the chemistry between Allison and Aleskei and teases you into wanting more. The twists and turns regarding what happened with Aleksei’s brother which runs throughout the story is intriguing but more than that, I particularly like how vivid St Petersburg and the Deverenko palace are, you can just feel the grandeur and the glitz. Ms Kaye transport’s you to a glamourous and place where people aren’t who they seem and has created a supremely ogle-worthy hero who glitter’s and shimmer’s in your imagination.
I hugely enjoyed this book, and I am so looking forward to seeing where Ms Kaye is going to take this series. Highly recommended!
From Governess to Countess is an engaging story, it dazzles you with the chemistry between Allison and Aleskei and teases you into wanting more. The twists and turns regarding what happened with Aleksei’s brother which runs throughout the story is intriguing but more than that, I particularly like how vivid St Petersburg and the Deverenko palace are, you can just feel the grandeur and the glitz. Ms Kaye transport’s you to a glamourous and place where people aren’t who they seem and has created a supremely ogle-worthy hero who glitter’s and shimmer’s in your imagination.
I hugely enjoyed this book, and I am so looking forward to seeing where Ms Kaye is going to take this series. Highly recommended!
June 20, 2021
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. Without doubt this is Marguerite Kaye's best book so far. I could not fault it or its entertainment value.
Now this has a Scottish heroine that has a profession and she's not afraid to go up against men in the early nineteenth century. Sadly, she's suffered for it. I love that Marguerite brings us these heroines.
Though in this new trilogy The Procurer (a tantalising woman we do not yet know much about) sets Allison (what a great name!) on a path to Russia (yay for historical Russia) to a historical Russian hero all of which I was thrilled to see.
Russia and its customs are vividly brought to life along with our hero Aleksei and his nephew and nieces. This also brings in the mystery part of the story - just what happened to Aleksei's brother and sister-in-law? In the Russian court the rules are different and Allison and Aleksei's relationship forbidden. So what will happen to them once this mystery is solved?
I loved the strong heroine, Russian history, herbalism and the conflicted Russian hero. Plus the mystery and the bereaved children added enough extra conflict and action to go with the sexy, steamy scenes between the hero and heroine.
What a great read. I really liked the unconventional ending. I look forward to finding out where The Procurer sends our next heroine.
Now this has a Scottish heroine that has a profession and she's not afraid to go up against men in the early nineteenth century. Sadly, she's suffered for it. I love that Marguerite brings us these heroines.
Though in this new trilogy The Procurer (a tantalising woman we do not yet know much about) sets Allison (what a great name!) on a path to Russia (yay for historical Russia) to a historical Russian hero all of which I was thrilled to see.
Russia and its customs are vividly brought to life along with our hero Aleksei and his nephew and nieces. This also brings in the mystery part of the story - just what happened to Aleksei's brother and sister-in-law? In the Russian court the rules are different and Allison and Aleksei's relationship forbidden. So what will happen to them once this mystery is solved?
I loved the strong heroine, Russian history, herbalism and the conflicted Russian hero. Plus the mystery and the bereaved children added enough extra conflict and action to go with the sexy, steamy scenes between the hero and heroine.
What a great read. I really liked the unconventional ending. I look forward to finding out where The Procurer sends our next heroine.
April 14, 2018
Whether it was my mood, or a super-busy two weeks, I slogged through the first in Kaye’s new series, From Governess to Countess. If I had to give you a baseline of my narrative immersion, it’d be: perked up to the premise, dragged my way through two-thirds and zipped through the last. Kaye’s novel is well-researched, with a fascinating and nicely developped setting, a lovely heroine and engaging secondary characters. The hero, on the other hand, is concocted out of bleached-out niceness and a copious dose of cluelessness.
I loved the premise: a mysterious “Procurer,” a woman, in 1815 London, seeks out disgraced women to offer them a task that may reestablish their finances and reputation. She is a “procurer” of second chances and her first mission is Miss Allison Galbraith, a Scottish herbalist, whose work has been derided by London’s medical establishment. The Procurer offers Allison a job, in St. Petersburg, as governess to the three orphaned children of Duke and Duchess Derevenko, presently in the care of their military-officer Uncle Aleksei, recently returned from defeating Napoleon.
Aleksei, however, has plans for his hired governess that have nothing to do with her paedagogical abilities. Allison’s governess position is the cover for the true purpose of her presence at the Derevenko Palace, her knowledge of herbs and, in particular, poisons. Kaye does a wonderful job of building the suspense that will tells us why Allison’s knowledge and foreigner’s neutrality and discretion are necessary to Aleksei. Thereafter, the mystery proceeds in fits, starts, and sputters, as Kaye tries to establish a growing relationship behind her hero and heroine, contend with Allison’s arrival in a strange culture, as well as her attempts to reach three grieving orphans, and describe the glories of early 19th century St. Petersburg. Despite so much going on, the narrative dragged in the first half.
Was it a case of it’s me, not you, vis-à-vis From Governess To Countess? Probably a little of both. Why did the narrative take so long to get off the ground? And why could I never fully be immersed in it? I think my problem lay with the hero and the reasons around which he and Allison couldn’t be together. While working to care for the children, solve a mystery, and run huge estates, Aleksei is a caring, gentle man who easily expresses his affection and attraction to Allison. As does she. They smoothly fall into a physical affair that is spicy, solicitous, attentive, and warm-hearted.
All well and good, it’s obvious they’re falling in love. Into this narrative, Kaye weaves some marvelous scenes: a droll one where Allison badly renders Scottish ballads, several boat rides along the Neva, and, my favourite, a wonderfully-rendered outing to a food market. The problem? Even though the war is over and his duty clearly with his nieces and nephew, this lovely man, Aleksei, cluelessly insists that he’s never envisioned a life with a family, or being married. He cares only for his freedom. Duh. He insists on the impossibility of being with Allison, his reasons vague, and even purchases her passage from St. Petersburg back to England. Allison, in turn, has always envisioned a life as a healer, but she manages to work her knowledge in the Derevenko Palace by opening a dispensary for the many servants Aleksei employs. She is more aware of her feelings and desires, though she indulges in some cross-class contradictory thoughts that were unconvincing. In the end, I greatly enjoyed the atmosphere and historical background to the novel, but never really warmed to Allison and Aleksei, together or apart, until the end. With Miss Austen, we deem Kaye’s From Governess to Countess “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.
Marguerite Kaye’s From Governess to Countess is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on March 1st and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-ARC, from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
I loved the premise: a mysterious “Procurer,” a woman, in 1815 London, seeks out disgraced women to offer them a task that may reestablish their finances and reputation. She is a “procurer” of second chances and her first mission is Miss Allison Galbraith, a Scottish herbalist, whose work has been derided by London’s medical establishment. The Procurer offers Allison a job, in St. Petersburg, as governess to the three orphaned children of Duke and Duchess Derevenko, presently in the care of their military-officer Uncle Aleksei, recently returned from defeating Napoleon.
Aleksei, however, has plans for his hired governess that have nothing to do with her paedagogical abilities. Allison’s governess position is the cover for the true purpose of her presence at the Derevenko Palace, her knowledge of herbs and, in particular, poisons. Kaye does a wonderful job of building the suspense that will tells us why Allison’s knowledge and foreigner’s neutrality and discretion are necessary to Aleksei. Thereafter, the mystery proceeds in fits, starts, and sputters, as Kaye tries to establish a growing relationship behind her hero and heroine, contend with Allison’s arrival in a strange culture, as well as her attempts to reach three grieving orphans, and describe the glories of early 19th century St. Petersburg. Despite so much going on, the narrative dragged in the first half.
Was it a case of it’s me, not you, vis-à-vis From Governess To Countess? Probably a little of both. Why did the narrative take so long to get off the ground? And why could I never fully be immersed in it? I think my problem lay with the hero and the reasons around which he and Allison couldn’t be together. While working to care for the children, solve a mystery, and run huge estates, Aleksei is a caring, gentle man who easily expresses his affection and attraction to Allison. As does she. They smoothly fall into a physical affair that is spicy, solicitous, attentive, and warm-hearted.
All well and good, it’s obvious they’re falling in love. Into this narrative, Kaye weaves some marvelous scenes: a droll one where Allison badly renders Scottish ballads, several boat rides along the Neva, and, my favourite, a wonderfully-rendered outing to a food market. The problem? Even though the war is over and his duty clearly with his nieces and nephew, this lovely man, Aleksei, cluelessly insists that he’s never envisioned a life with a family, or being married. He cares only for his freedom. Duh. He insists on the impossibility of being with Allison, his reasons vague, and even purchases her passage from St. Petersburg back to England. Allison, in turn, has always envisioned a life as a healer, but she manages to work her knowledge in the Derevenko Palace by opening a dispensary for the many servants Aleksei employs. She is more aware of her feelings and desires, though she indulges in some cross-class contradictory thoughts that were unconvincing. In the end, I greatly enjoyed the atmosphere and historical background to the novel, but never really warmed to Allison and Aleksei, together or apart, until the end. With Miss Austen, we deem Kaye’s From Governess to Countess “almost pretty,” Northanger Abbey.
Marguerite Kaye’s From Governess to Countess is published by Harlequin Books. It was released on March 1st and may be found at your preferred vendors. I received an e-ARC, from Harlequin, via Netgalley.
February 22, 2018
Naughtiness 3. 5*
Utterly beautiful, most definitely another series starting brilliantly as I'm sure they all will be. Definitely enchanting and I truly adored getting to know our characters, our Heroine and Hero most deservedly of each other as are the characters around them.
As always I will not give spoilers, those who love historical romance, scandals, feisty smart heroines, and mysterious goings on will adore this book as much as I have and definitely recommend it highly and cannot wait for the next in the series.
Thank you so very much Lady Margeurite for writing this awesome book and for the honour to read it. Xx
Utterly beautiful, most definitely another series starting brilliantly as I'm sure they all will be. Definitely enchanting and I truly adored getting to know our characters, our Heroine and Hero most deservedly of each other as are the characters around them.
As always I will not give spoilers, those who love historical romance, scandals, feisty smart heroines, and mysterious goings on will adore this book as much as I have and definitely recommend it highly and cannot wait for the next in the series.
Thank you so very much Lady Margeurite for writing this awesome book and for the honour to read it. Xx
September 3, 2018
The introduction of The Procurer and series set-up were certainly more than enough to hook me (I love this concept!), but the romance and mystery fell flat. For a book set in St. Petersburg (anything involving the Czarist court has so much potential for shenanigans and intrigue!), the story itself was fairly insular and lacked urgency. This isn't a bad read, more like pleasant with a side of meh. Still, I love the series concept so will read the next book in the series and hope for better.
February 22, 2018
From Governess to Countess is the first book in the Matches Made in Scandal series by Marguerite Kaye.
Allison Galbraith is a herbalist, she's always known that she would never be able to compete with the male-dominated physicians. They have tried to bring her down at every opportunity. When one finally succeeds she withdraws from society until she is approached by a woman known as the Procurer. This woman offers her a job, no questions asked, somewhere away from London where nobody will know about her scandal. A chance to start anew. Allison accepts the opportunity.
Count Aleksei Derevenko has hired Allison for her skills as a herbalist, with the ruse of being hired as a governess for his 3 wards. She never dreamt that her new life would be starting in Russia! She also never dreamt that her employer would be an impossibly handsome man whom she feels an immediate attraction to. Aleksi immediately feels the same attraction to her. They both try to push it aside because neither have any intention of marriage, they want their independence. Plus focus has to be paid on the real reason Aleksei hired Allison. He believes his brother, father to his wards, was murdered. He needs Allison's herbalist skills to figure out if perhaps his brother was poisoned, and if so what herbs could have created the poison and how they would have been administered.
What follows is the fascinating story of Allison finding the answers to Aleksei's questions, as well as their relationship becoming stronger and more passionate despite their efforts to control themselves. We see Allison's relationship with the children go from strength to strength and there are some wonderful moments with them and the family dog! Was Michael murdered, if so who did it? What of Allison and Aleksei, they are totally different classes, plus they both want their independence to do different things, so surely there is no way they can have their happy ending...or is there?
I loved this story. Marguerite Kaye has the fabulous talent of setting the scenes and describing in beautiful detail the places where the story is taking place. I loved being able to visualise Aleksei's palace in Russia, the rooms, the grounds, the carriages. The description of the clothes, from the livery of the staff, Aleksi's uniform, to Allison's gowns, I could picture them all. So we have the perfect setting for romance, a fabulous mystery to solve plus a totally unexpected twist thrown in. From start to finish this story kept me captivated and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
Allison Galbraith is a herbalist, she's always known that she would never be able to compete with the male-dominated physicians. They have tried to bring her down at every opportunity. When one finally succeeds she withdraws from society until she is approached by a woman known as the Procurer. This woman offers her a job, no questions asked, somewhere away from London where nobody will know about her scandal. A chance to start anew. Allison accepts the opportunity.
Count Aleksei Derevenko has hired Allison for her skills as a herbalist, with the ruse of being hired as a governess for his 3 wards. She never dreamt that her new life would be starting in Russia! She also never dreamt that her employer would be an impossibly handsome man whom she feels an immediate attraction to. Aleksi immediately feels the same attraction to her. They both try to push it aside because neither have any intention of marriage, they want their independence. Plus focus has to be paid on the real reason Aleksei hired Allison. He believes his brother, father to his wards, was murdered. He needs Allison's herbalist skills to figure out if perhaps his brother was poisoned, and if so what herbs could have created the poison and how they would have been administered.
What follows is the fascinating story of Allison finding the answers to Aleksei's questions, as well as their relationship becoming stronger and more passionate despite their efforts to control themselves. We see Allison's relationship with the children go from strength to strength and there are some wonderful moments with them and the family dog! Was Michael murdered, if so who did it? What of Allison and Aleksei, they are totally different classes, plus they both want their independence to do different things, so surely there is no way they can have their happy ending...or is there?
I loved this story. Marguerite Kaye has the fabulous talent of setting the scenes and describing in beautiful detail the places where the story is taking place. I loved being able to visualise Aleksei's palace in Russia, the rooms, the grounds, the carriages. The description of the clothes, from the livery of the staff, Aleksi's uniform, to Allison's gowns, I could picture them all. So we have the perfect setting for romance, a fabulous mystery to solve plus a totally unexpected twist thrown in. From start to finish this story kept me captivated and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.
February 28, 2018
Hampstead - 1815
Hampstead with its clean air is a popular spa retreat. A woman known as The Procurer arrives in town looking for a Miss Allison Galbraith. Allison had once been a talented herbalist, but she is now shunned by society. This happened through no fault of her own. It was a man named Anthony Marchmont who make her his scapegoat. After listening to the requirements of the position offered by The Procurer, Allison accepts.
Packing her herb chest, she sails to the lovely city of St. Petersburg and is taken to the Derevenko Palace. The opulence of the palace is breathtaking. She meets Count Aleksei Derevenko. He is taken with her beauty and pleased that she will be the governess. It turns out her charges are the children of his brother, Michael, and wife, both of whom are deceased. Aleksei is the children’s guardian, but rather resents it because he is a soldier and that is the life he prefers. The children are Catiche, 13, Elena, 10, and Nikki, the heir, age 4.
As Allison settles in, Aleksei confides to her how his brother and sister-in-law died. With her knowledge of herbs, Allison is convinced that they had been poisoned. She is amazed at the extensive herb garden at the Palace.
Allison and Aleksei share quiet dinners and talks which leads them to an inevitable attraction. Allison knows that her future with be in Scotland when she returns home. For now, in addition to teaching the children, the begins treating the ailing servants with her herbs, thus helping them to heal.
But Aleksei will not rest until he finds out who killed his brother and sister-in-law. Can Allison help him? Can they just enjoy their time together knowing it is only for a short time?
This is a well-written novel about life in Russia. The descriptions depicted by the author are so well done as to make the reader feel like they are right in the middle of it gazing in awe. What an incredible imagination Ms. Kaye possesses.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Hampstead with its clean air is a popular spa retreat. A woman known as The Procurer arrives in town looking for a Miss Allison Galbraith. Allison had once been a talented herbalist, but she is now shunned by society. This happened through no fault of her own. It was a man named Anthony Marchmont who make her his scapegoat. After listening to the requirements of the position offered by The Procurer, Allison accepts.
Packing her herb chest, she sails to the lovely city of St. Petersburg and is taken to the Derevenko Palace. The opulence of the palace is breathtaking. She meets Count Aleksei Derevenko. He is taken with her beauty and pleased that she will be the governess. It turns out her charges are the children of his brother, Michael, and wife, both of whom are deceased. Aleksei is the children’s guardian, but rather resents it because he is a soldier and that is the life he prefers. The children are Catiche, 13, Elena, 10, and Nikki, the heir, age 4.
As Allison settles in, Aleksei confides to her how his brother and sister-in-law died. With her knowledge of herbs, Allison is convinced that they had been poisoned. She is amazed at the extensive herb garden at the Palace.
Allison and Aleksei share quiet dinners and talks which leads them to an inevitable attraction. Allison knows that her future with be in Scotland when she returns home. For now, in addition to teaching the children, the begins treating the ailing servants with her herbs, thus helping them to heal.
But Aleksei will not rest until he finds out who killed his brother and sister-in-law. Can Allison help him? Can they just enjoy their time together knowing it is only for a short time?
This is a well-written novel about life in Russia. The descriptions depicted by the author are so well done as to make the reader feel like they are right in the middle of it gazing in awe. What an incredible imagination Ms. Kaye possesses.
Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.
February 9, 2018
Looking for a romance read?
If you're a fan of a simple love story, without the arrogant male lead (a cliché that can become dull) and without a spineless female character.... You just might enjoy this read.
Allison is a selfless herbalist, but the physicians in England have stifled her efforts. Her false reputation precedes her. But when a Count in St Petersburg offers her a position as governess to his wards, she is hopeful of a second chance.
This is a love story combined with a simple murder mystery. I liked the book, it was a simple distraction. Though for someone who appreciates history in historical fiction novels, the history wasn't much of a character in the tale told. There were customs, traditions, but it wasn't substantial. Nonetheless, a suitable holiday read I'm sure.
I received this book through NetGalley.
If you're a fan of a simple love story, without the arrogant male lead (a cliché that can become dull) and without a spineless female character.... You just might enjoy this read.
Allison is a selfless herbalist, but the physicians in England have stifled her efforts. Her false reputation precedes her. But when a Count in St Petersburg offers her a position as governess to his wards, she is hopeful of a second chance.
This is a love story combined with a simple murder mystery. I liked the book, it was a simple distraction. Though for someone who appreciates history in historical fiction novels, the history wasn't much of a character in the tale told. There were customs, traditions, but it wasn't substantial. Nonetheless, a suitable holiday read I'm sure.
I received this book through NetGalley.
February 22, 2018
New beginnings, romance, redemption and mystery in St Petersburg.
Herbalist Allison Galbraith is hiding away in London after a scandal tarnished her professional reputation. One day she is visited by a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’ and offered the opportunity to travel to St Petersburg and get her life back on track.
Enter the dashing Alexei, officer of the Russian army and ‘His Illustrious Highness’ Count Derevenko who has employed Allison, publicly to be governess to his late brother Michael’s children, but privately to investigate his suspicions that Michael’s death was not as natural as it appears.
As we see St Petersburg through Allison’s eyes, the reader is transported to Russia through vivid, sumptuous descriptions of buildings, palaces, gardens, ducal barges and sleighs and a ‘guided tour’ up the river in a rowing boat (one of the most romantic scenes in the whole book). Indeed, so richly detailed are the locations that I was surprised to read that Marguerite Kaye has actually never visited Russia, but has clearly done a great deal of research and created a wonderful landscape in which to set her story of the mis-matched, but perfect for each other herbalist and Count.
Allison is well created and believable as a woman wanting to be respected in a male dominated profession; the scandal that ruins her reputation is not particularly her fault, but, naturally, society would take the side of the (male) physician. Her reaction to Russian society is a delight as she is put in situations she would never expect to find herself in (“standing in the foyer of the Winter Palace…on the arm of a disturbingly attractive man she had met for the first time today. And she was wearing a dead woman’s ball gown” is a wonderful quote that sums up Allison’s change in circumstances quite perfectly in one paragraph)
Similarly, Alexei, the brooding hero, suddenly finding himself without a battle to fight in the army and the reluctant guardian of his orphaned nieces and nephew, is richly crafted, and, together, the pair really do come to life as the story progresses.
The murder mystery element adds an extra layer to the story (and some interesting points about poisonous plants!), but what I loved about this book was it’s glorious Russian setting and watching Allison and Alexei fall in love with each other, neither expecting a happy ever after. There are some poignant quotes about falling in love and realising what life would be like for Allison and Alexei without each other, but it would spoil the wonder of the story if I quoted them in this review.
As always, the author writes with rich historical detail which makes the book a joy to read (and could encourage further reading about St Petersburg at the time the book is set), and, adding in a likeable hero and heroine who you believe in and want a happy ending for gives the story a heartwarming and enjoyable quality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next story in the series.
Thanks to M&B for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Herbalist Allison Galbraith is hiding away in London after a scandal tarnished her professional reputation. One day she is visited by a mysterious woman known only as ‘The Procurer’ and offered the opportunity to travel to St Petersburg and get her life back on track.
Enter the dashing Alexei, officer of the Russian army and ‘His Illustrious Highness’ Count Derevenko who has employed Allison, publicly to be governess to his late brother Michael’s children, but privately to investigate his suspicions that Michael’s death was not as natural as it appears.
As we see St Petersburg through Allison’s eyes, the reader is transported to Russia through vivid, sumptuous descriptions of buildings, palaces, gardens, ducal barges and sleighs and a ‘guided tour’ up the river in a rowing boat (one of the most romantic scenes in the whole book). Indeed, so richly detailed are the locations that I was surprised to read that Marguerite Kaye has actually never visited Russia, but has clearly done a great deal of research and created a wonderful landscape in which to set her story of the mis-matched, but perfect for each other herbalist and Count.
Allison is well created and believable as a woman wanting to be respected in a male dominated profession; the scandal that ruins her reputation is not particularly her fault, but, naturally, society would take the side of the (male) physician. Her reaction to Russian society is a delight as she is put in situations she would never expect to find herself in (“standing in the foyer of the Winter Palace…on the arm of a disturbingly attractive man she had met for the first time today. And she was wearing a dead woman’s ball gown” is a wonderful quote that sums up Allison’s change in circumstances quite perfectly in one paragraph)
Similarly, Alexei, the brooding hero, suddenly finding himself without a battle to fight in the army and the reluctant guardian of his orphaned nieces and nephew, is richly crafted, and, together, the pair really do come to life as the story progresses.
The murder mystery element adds an extra layer to the story (and some interesting points about poisonous plants!), but what I loved about this book was it’s glorious Russian setting and watching Allison and Alexei fall in love with each other, neither expecting a happy ever after. There are some poignant quotes about falling in love and realising what life would be like for Allison and Alexei without each other, but it would spoil the wonder of the story if I quoted them in this review.
As always, the author writes with rich historical detail which makes the book a joy to read (and could encourage further reading about St Petersburg at the time the book is set), and, adding in a likeable hero and heroine who you believe in and want a happy ending for gives the story a heartwarming and enjoyable quality.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and look forward to the next story in the series.
Thanks to M&B for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
May 18, 2018
The Procurer contacts Allison at the exact right time. Her good name has been ruined, just because the men of the ton don't accept that she's a woman working as a herbalist. She's more than happy to leave England and work for Aleksei, a Russian Count. He needs a governess with herbalist skills and can't trust anyone living nearby. He needs Allison's help with a matter of great importance. Will she be able to assist him and what will happen when sparks fly?
Allison didn't come to Russia to have an affair. The last thing she wants is to be associated with more scandal, but Russian society doesn't seem to mind that there's more going on between her and Aleksei than just a regular business relationship. Can she take the risk and follow her heart? Allison will only be in Russia for a short time and the reward will be independence, would it be so bad to go after a bit of happiness for herself for a change?
From Governess to Countess is an intriguing romantic story. Aleksei's family has many secrets and I couldn't wait to find out what they were. He needs Allison's help and her herbalist skills are an important part of her job. He's looking after his brother's children and doesn't know what to do with them. Allison's warmth and kind way with people instantly puts everyone at ease and I loved how she defrosts the household and makes the members happier and more content. She's a wonderful intelligent woman with many skills and I kept hoping her future would bring her happiness instead of struggles.
Marguerite Kaye has a lovely easy flowing writing style that immediately drew me into the glamorous world she's writing about. I loved the opulence of Aleksei's home and was fascinated by the descriptions of the rooms, furniture and clothing. It makes the story come to life in a fabulous way. I really enjoyed the choice of romance being combined with a thrilling mystery and couldn't wait to find out more about the matter Aleksei's looking into. I was captivated from beginning to end and liked From Governess to Countess a lot.
Allison didn't come to Russia to have an affair. The last thing she wants is to be associated with more scandal, but Russian society doesn't seem to mind that there's more going on between her and Aleksei than just a regular business relationship. Can she take the risk and follow her heart? Allison will only be in Russia for a short time and the reward will be independence, would it be so bad to go after a bit of happiness for herself for a change?
From Governess to Countess is an intriguing romantic story. Aleksei's family has many secrets and I couldn't wait to find out what they were. He needs Allison's help and her herbalist skills are an important part of her job. He's looking after his brother's children and doesn't know what to do with them. Allison's warmth and kind way with people instantly puts everyone at ease and I loved how she defrosts the household and makes the members happier and more content. She's a wonderful intelligent woman with many skills and I kept hoping her future would bring her happiness instead of struggles.
Marguerite Kaye has a lovely easy flowing writing style that immediately drew me into the glamorous world she's writing about. I loved the opulence of Aleksei's home and was fascinated by the descriptions of the rooms, furniture and clothing. It makes the story come to life in a fabulous way. I really enjoyed the choice of romance being combined with a thrilling mystery and couldn't wait to find out more about the matter Aleksei's looking into. I was captivated from beginning to end and liked From Governess to Countess a lot.
February 17, 2018
It is refreshing to read a Regency era historical romance set in the opulence of Russia. Ms. Kaye gives us a true introduction to the architecture and vast wealth that was controlled by the aristocracy in that country. There is a mystery to solve, was the death of the Duke murder or natural causes? Can Allison help with the determination since she is an herbalist?
There is an attraction immediately between Allison and Aleksei but will their differing social stations prevent their romance.
I found this book fascinating because of the setting and a good read because of the mystery and romance.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
More reviews on my blog: http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
There is an attraction immediately between Allison and Aleksei but will their differing social stations prevent their romance.
I found this book fascinating because of the setting and a good read because of the mystery and romance.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
More reviews on my blog: http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
October 30, 2018
From Governess To Countess is a regency style romance set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is book #1 of the Matches Made In Scandal series.
The book opens in London 1815; a woman known as The Procurer has been asked to find a herbalist. Allison Galbraith is currently hiding after being made a scapegoat by those who call themselves doctors, and who disapprove of her herbal remedies. With her confidence and her reputation in pieces, she accepts the Procurer’s job offer.
Count Aleksei Derevenko has requested, ostensibly, a governess for his three young wards; in reality he wants a herbalist, who is unknown to his Russian peers, and who can solve a mystery. See here for the full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bN7
The book opens in London 1815; a woman known as The Procurer has been asked to find a herbalist. Allison Galbraith is currently hiding after being made a scapegoat by those who call themselves doctors, and who disapprove of her herbal remedies. With her confidence and her reputation in pieces, she accepts the Procurer’s job offer.
Count Aleksei Derevenko has requested, ostensibly, a governess for his three young wards; in reality he wants a herbalist, who is unknown to his Russian peers, and who can solve a mystery. See here for the full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-bN7
April 30, 2018
In the movie 'Nanny McPhee', there were two memorable characters that I am quit found of. One is staunch Lady Adelaide Stitch, who considered duty above anything else. And another is Mrs Selma Quickly, a vile woman who was the initial fiancee of Cedric, the father of seven unruly children in the story. One of her most famous quote was '.....I have my reputation to uphold!' Both are great characters, and I can vividly recall their expression and the tone of their voice inside my head even now.
Marguerite Kaye's first of Matches Made in Scandal series, From Governess to Countess, is also about duty and reputation. Aleksei was unwilling being entrusted with the duty of his nephew and nieces, as well as the reputation of Derevenko Dynasty, from his deceased brother Michael. Allison Glbraith arrived St. Petersburg, with her reputation of a herbalist utterly in tattered, hopping somehow she was able to rebuild it in the foreign land where no one recognized her. She became the governess of the three Dervernko children, at least officially, while behind the public eyes of the Russian court, she must conducted the task Aleksei had given her. It was about the truth of his dear brother and his sister-law's sudden passing. As they unraveled about the mystery surrounded by their death, they discovered their undeniably attraction toward each other, as well as how the name of duty and reputation had connected them all.
Coming from an military background, Alexsei understood very well what duty was about. He knew it was his duty to take up what his brother had given him, despite it wasn't what he wanted to to willingly. Not entirely, anyway. Not until he figured out what happened to his brother. As he dug up each and every scrap of clues, he also needed to consider what would he do, after his duty to the country was no longer needed-the War had ended. In that aspect, he wasn't much different than Allison, who was to rethink what she would do to rebuild her reputation, once the task his lordship had tasked her. Somehow her task was more difficult, in my opinion, as the society had never been so kind to women no matter what era they were in, or where they were. Yes, she learned that too during the course of the story. For a moment, it was all but a dead end. Until both of them looked at everything from completely different perspective. It did not have to be a duty to Alexsei to look after his nephew and nieces, but love. And it was also for love that he must kept the name of Derevenko Dynasty alive. As for Allison, she had already built up an reputation, after all, at another different members of the public. She had absolutely nothing to worry about.
The boundaries around Duty and Reputation are very blur. They usually built around people's perspectives. Once you look at things, or individuals, from different angle, suddenly everything become quite different. It was something Alexsei and Allison learned in this story. Perhaps it is something that we learn in our lives, too
Marguerite Kaye's first of Matches Made in Scandal series, From Governess to Countess, is also about duty and reputation. Aleksei was unwilling being entrusted with the duty of his nephew and nieces, as well as the reputation of Derevenko Dynasty, from his deceased brother Michael. Allison Glbraith arrived St. Petersburg, with her reputation of a herbalist utterly in tattered, hopping somehow she was able to rebuild it in the foreign land where no one recognized her. She became the governess of the three Dervernko children, at least officially, while behind the public eyes of the Russian court, she must conducted the task Aleksei had given her. It was about the truth of his dear brother and his sister-law's sudden passing. As they unraveled about the mystery surrounded by their death, they discovered their undeniably attraction toward each other, as well as how the name of duty and reputation had connected them all.
Coming from an military background, Alexsei understood very well what duty was about. He knew it was his duty to take up what his brother had given him, despite it wasn't what he wanted to to willingly. Not entirely, anyway. Not until he figured out what happened to his brother. As he dug up each and every scrap of clues, he also needed to consider what would he do, after his duty to the country was no longer needed-the War had ended. In that aspect, he wasn't much different than Allison, who was to rethink what she would do to rebuild her reputation, once the task his lordship had tasked her. Somehow her task was more difficult, in my opinion, as the society had never been so kind to women no matter what era they were in, or where they were. Yes, she learned that too during the course of the story. For a moment, it was all but a dead end. Until both of them looked at everything from completely different perspective. It did not have to be a duty to Alexsei to look after his nephew and nieces, but love. And it was also for love that he must kept the name of Derevenko Dynasty alive. As for Allison, she had already built up an reputation, after all, at another different members of the public. She had absolutely nothing to worry about.
The boundaries around Duty and Reputation are very blur. They usually built around people's perspectives. Once you look at things, or individuals, from different angle, suddenly everything become quite different. It was something Alexsei and Allison learned in this story. Perhaps it is something that we learn in our lives, too
May 7, 2018
This is a sumptuous account of the Romanov court just after the defeat of Napoleon. We see through the eyes of an English herbalist and apothecary, who arrives in St Petersburg to become a governess after clashing with the male-dominated medical establishment at home.
A Count has adopted his brother's orphaned children and attends court balls although he feels more at home on campaign. Everyone assumes the new Englishwoman is his mistress, and after a while the lady thinks that she might as well be. I like that she ministers to all the levels of staff with healing mixes, a way to demonstrate the huge numbers of workers required to sustain the lavish lifestyle of the very few. However, the herbalist has another assignment; root out a poisoner.
As autumn turns to winter we move from boats to sleds and troikas for transport. Everything from clothing to furnishings and herbs are wonderfully described. This is an adult romance between people freed from the yoke of war and keen to start anew. I enjoyed every page.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
A Count has adopted his brother's orphaned children and attends court balls although he feels more at home on campaign. Everyone assumes the new Englishwoman is his mistress, and after a while the lady thinks that she might as well be. I like that she ministers to all the levels of staff with healing mixes, a way to demonstrate the huge numbers of workers required to sustain the lavish lifestyle of the very few. However, the herbalist has another assignment; root out a poisoner.
As autumn turns to winter we move from boats to sleds and troikas for transport. Everything from clothing to furnishings and herbs are wonderfully described. This is an adult romance between people freed from the yoke of war and keen to start anew. I enjoyed every page.
I downloaded an e-ARC from Net Galley and Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
March 5, 2018
In this the first of the ‘Matches made in Scandal’ series, Marguerite whisks us away to St Petersburg in the Regency period.
In an intriguing and definitely out of the norm for a romance novel, we have a female herbalist heroine. She is approached by a woman known as the ‘Procurer’ (I need to read her story) and offered a position as governess to a Russian Count’s wards. Her skills as a herbalist will come into play during the course of the book.
The romance (after all this is a Mills and Boon) is entwined delightfully with uncovering a murder mystery. Count Aleksei Derevenko is everything and more a Russian aristocrat should be. With passionate love scenes heightened by gloriously descriptive backgrounds this is a joy from start to finish.
In my opinion Marguerite has taken the Historical romance novel to a new level.
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
In an intriguing and definitely out of the norm for a romance novel, we have a female herbalist heroine. She is approached by a woman known as the ‘Procurer’ (I need to read her story) and offered a position as governess to a Russian Count’s wards. Her skills as a herbalist will come into play during the course of the book.
The romance (after all this is a Mills and Boon) is entwined delightfully with uncovering a murder mystery. Count Aleksei Derevenko is everything and more a Russian aristocrat should be. With passionate love scenes heightened by gloriously descriptive backgrounds this is a joy from start to finish.
In my opinion Marguerite has taken the Historical romance novel to a new level.
I received this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Read
April 28, 2018"The first in the sexy new Matches Made in Scandal series will keep readers up past their bedtime! A publically disgraced London herbalist takes a new post as governess to the nobility of Russia. Unabashed passion takes hold of Count Aleksei Derevenko and governess Allison Galbraith instantly, and the couple indulges in forbidden ecstasy while trying to solve a deadly mystery. Their quick manner with one another adds to a quick-moving plot, since they are already so in tune with one another" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: Matches Made in Scandal
Miniseries: Matches Made in Scandal
April 18, 2018
Onward
Marguerite Kaye's series Made in Scandal takes us on a journey to St. Petersburg, Russia in From Governess to Countess. And, that's all right by me. A change of scenery is sometimes beneficial, especially if you are given the words that take you there. While I applaud Ms. Kaye's attempt to entice by moving the scenery to a different climate, I didn't think it necessarily worked. For me, it might as well have been located in a cold England. While all the historical "stuff" which I identify with Russia in the 1800s was there, the ambience of the place didn't come alive for me. Maybe my problem is I've read an awfully lot of non-fiction books about historical Russia. I'm very much aware of just how hypocritical Russian nobility was. The elite of Russian society would have been a hard path to maneuver through. Especially if you were a governess. Which is what our heroine Allison Galbraith is. You know, a mind, which is distracted while reading can be a terrible thing. I was immediately disturbed with the scene in the beginning of the book. In that scene our hero, Count Aleksei Derevenko, takes his governess, Allison, to an aristocratic party and introduces her around, as a guest. I found it hard to believe that a lowly governess would even be allowed to cross through the doors of any palace in Russia, especially as a guest. When it comes to Romanceland, there are a lot of things I will gloss over, or even come to accept if the writing interest me. For me, this scene became a big blinking red light flashing before my eyes. But I continued, even though I don't think a governess would have been allowed on the dance floor - I persevered. Even though I knew in about 100 years the society these people belonged to would disappear under a barrage of bullets - I persevered. You see, I had to finish some kind of book in 2018.
Here’s the plot. Allison Galbraith is an herbalist who has been disgraced in England. She is given another chance by a mysterious woman calling herself “The Procurer”. Allison is packed off to Russia to help Count Aleksei with his orphaned nieces and nephew. She will pretend to be a governess while all the time helping Aleksei solve the murder of his brother and sister-in-law. Aleksei must have a foreign herbalist because he cannot trust any Russian. So, this story has a romance, two murders, three resentful children, the decadent court of Alexander I, and a boatload of suspects for us to shift through. Even though it had all the ingredients to make a good story, for me there just wasn’t any spark.
First the romance between Allison and Aleksei lacked chemistry. Oh sure, they fell instantly in-lust, but I wouldn’t have realized that if I hadn’t been told that they were hot for each other. There wasn’t any fire. The three children were introduced later in the book than I expected. They were pretty flat; there wasn’t any chemistry between Allison and the children – good or bad. They start out resenting her, we are told - then they don’t. This is a case where the children in the book do not steal the show. Then there are the murders to be solved. What can I say about the murder/mystery? No thrill, no suspense, then it is solved solved.
Tours. I guess because this book takes place in Imperial Russia, we are given guided tours of the place. We get to look at room, after room of over-indulgence. Even though everything is described in detail, there was a lack of life brought to these settings. Sometimes when I read a book I can actually feel the place, smell it, and hear all the sounds floating around. I couldn’t find any ambience of a place in this story.
While I finished this story, sad to say it was hard to do so. I didn’t find any of the characters in the tale exciting and what should have been a colorful setting turned out to be just gray. Big disappointment, I was hoping for something to pull be out of my slump.
KaysBlog
Marguerite Kaye's series Made in Scandal takes us on a journey to St. Petersburg, Russia in From Governess to Countess. And, that's all right by me. A change of scenery is sometimes beneficial, especially if you are given the words that take you there. While I applaud Ms. Kaye's attempt to entice by moving the scenery to a different climate, I didn't think it necessarily worked. For me, it might as well have been located in a cold England. While all the historical "stuff" which I identify with Russia in the 1800s was there, the ambience of the place didn't come alive for me. Maybe my problem is I've read an awfully lot of non-fiction books about historical Russia. I'm very much aware of just how hypocritical Russian nobility was. The elite of Russian society would have been a hard path to maneuver through. Especially if you were a governess. Which is what our heroine Allison Galbraith is. You know, a mind, which is distracted while reading can be a terrible thing. I was immediately disturbed with the scene in the beginning of the book. In that scene our hero, Count Aleksei Derevenko, takes his governess, Allison, to an aristocratic party and introduces her around, as a guest. I found it hard to believe that a lowly governess would even be allowed to cross through the doors of any palace in Russia, especially as a guest. When it comes to Romanceland, there are a lot of things I will gloss over, or even come to accept if the writing interest me. For me, this scene became a big blinking red light flashing before my eyes. But I continued, even though I don't think a governess would have been allowed on the dance floor - I persevered. Even though I knew in about 100 years the society these people belonged to would disappear under a barrage of bullets - I persevered. You see, I had to finish some kind of book in 2018.
Here’s the plot. Allison Galbraith is an herbalist who has been disgraced in England. She is given another chance by a mysterious woman calling herself “The Procurer”. Allison is packed off to Russia to help Count Aleksei with his orphaned nieces and nephew. She will pretend to be a governess while all the time helping Aleksei solve the murder of his brother and sister-in-law. Aleksei must have a foreign herbalist because he cannot trust any Russian. So, this story has a romance, two murders, three resentful children, the decadent court of Alexander I, and a boatload of suspects for us to shift through. Even though it had all the ingredients to make a good story, for me there just wasn’t any spark.
First the romance between Allison and Aleksei lacked chemistry. Oh sure, they fell instantly in-lust, but I wouldn’t have realized that if I hadn’t been told that they were hot for each other. There wasn’t any fire. The three children were introduced later in the book than I expected. They were pretty flat; there wasn’t any chemistry between Allison and the children – good or bad. They start out resenting her, we are told - then they don’t. This is a case where the children in the book do not steal the show. Then there are the murders to be solved. What can I say about the murder/mystery? No thrill, no suspense, then it is solved solved.
Tours. I guess because this book takes place in Imperial Russia, we are given guided tours of the place. We get to look at room, after room of over-indulgence. Even though everything is described in detail, there was a lack of life brought to these settings. Sometimes when I read a book I can actually feel the place, smell it, and hear all the sounds floating around. I couldn’t find any ambience of a place in this story.
While I finished this story, sad to say it was hard to do so. I didn’t find any of the characters in the tale exciting and what should have been a colorful setting turned out to be just gray. Big disappointment, I was hoping for something to pull be out of my slump.
KaysBlog
December 31, 2020
I was so excited to read a regency romance set in imperial Russia - what a wonderful source - but this was just boring and flat. The research done was clearly not very comprehensive; from giving the "old, respected Russian noble family" a Ukrainian surname to having two of the children referred to by French nicknames and the third referred to by Russian name to having guest appearances by famous folks of early nineteenth-century Russia, complete with all their nicknames, only to never see or hear about them again, it just felt super stilted. Serfdom is never mentioned, which on the one hand I understand - this is Romancelandia - but on the other hand Kaye's references to servants (in contexts such as going off and visiting relatives nearby, or hanging out in the servants hall) make me wonder if she even knew that it existed. I also have to add that the big reason the count needed our heroine's presence - she, an herbalist, is going to help him research whether his brother and sister-in-law were poisoned - doesn't make any sense: how would an English/Scottish herbalist have a comprehensive knowledge of the herbs and poisons available in the Russian empire? Yes, (I'm assuming) there was an Apothecary's Garden in St. Petersburg with the familiar western European stuff... but the Russian empire was expanding south and east at the time, and certainly sat on several trade routes, and a would-be Russian poisoner could easily have had access, for example, to something from the Caucasus with which our heroine would be entirely unfamiliar. It's just silly. The world really wasn't global back then.
Anyway, this is one of those romance novels where the powerful hero nonetheless has nothing to do all day but hang out with the heroine and work on their side project (investigation). Kaye pays vague lip service to the stratification of the Russian court but then has the hero escort his new governess to an imperial ball, as his date, within the first fifty pages. It's neither particularly historically accurate nor, unfortunately, particularly interesting. It's a shame because the setting is great one and I'd have loved to see more books with it.
Anyway, this is one of those romance novels where the powerful hero nonetheless has nothing to do all day but hang out with the heroine and work on their side project (investigation). Kaye pays vague lip service to the stratification of the Russian court but then has the hero escort his new governess to an imperial ball, as his date, within the first fifty pages. It's neither particularly historically accurate nor, unfortunately, particularly interesting. It's a shame because the setting is great one and I'd have loved to see more books with it.
February 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I'm now on my second reading. This is due to my propensity to rush through Marguerite's books and then have to take it more leisurely on the next read!
I liked the fact that it's a regency novel set elsewhere to London. Its set in Russia and our heroine has gone to help a Count solve a mystery. Marguerite's descriptions are excellent and its easy to picture the landscape, houses and overall ambience. The Heroine is a herbalist but had a bad experience in London so is pleased to be starting again somewhere else, initially she doesn't think this will include her healing talents. Allison has had her confidence badly dented so the book shows how she gets her spark back. Helping to do this is the Hero Aleksei, a soldier with lots of family responsibilities. It's the start of a new series and I think it really wets the appetite for the other volumes. Marguerite has one of the stories online at https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl....
There's a small cast of characters which helps us concentrate on the interactions between Allison and Aleksei. I also liked the fact that the heroine was a little older than many of the female protaganists in other books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and hope like me you enjoyed the story.
I liked the fact that it's a regency novel set elsewhere to London. Its set in Russia and our heroine has gone to help a Count solve a mystery. Marguerite's descriptions are excellent and its easy to picture the landscape, houses and overall ambience. The Heroine is a herbalist but had a bad experience in London so is pleased to be starting again somewhere else, initially she doesn't think this will include her healing talents. Allison has had her confidence badly dented so the book shows how she gets her spark back. Helping to do this is the Hero Aleksei, a soldier with lots of family responsibilities. It's the start of a new series and I think it really wets the appetite for the other volumes. Marguerite has one of the stories online at https://www.harlequin.com/shop/articl....
There's a small cast of characters which helps us concentrate on the interactions between Allison and Aleksei. I also liked the fact that the heroine was a little older than many of the female protaganists in other books.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and hope like me you enjoyed the story.
March 11, 2018
In the first of the Matches Made in Scandal series, a mysterious woman called The Procurer goes to the English countryside to find Allison Gailbraith who's hidden out following her ostracization from society following the death of one of her clients. The Procurer wants her to go to Russia as a governess/herbalist to a Russian duke and his charges. The chance to put her past behind her was more than she could pass up. Once in St. Petersburg, Count Aleksei Derevenko was much more than she bargained for, strictly military, with no idea of what to do with 2 orphaned nieces and a nephew. From the beginning, the two of them were fighting an instant attraction. As they search for the answers to the mystery, Aleksei comes to realize that his future is with Allison and the children.
When Aleksei takes Allison to the Winter Palace for a reception the first night, the description was so realistic that I felt as if I was there and each successive palace was felt the same way. I had some idea of the opulence of the Russian court but never imagined it to be this grand! The historical aspects were not very prominent in the story but the romance and the descriptions were great.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review and I have tried to do so. I quite enjoyed it.
When Aleksei takes Allison to the Winter Palace for a reception the first night, the description was so realistic that I felt as if I was there and each successive palace was felt the same way. I had some idea of the opulence of the Russian court but never imagined it to be this grand! The historical aspects were not very prominent in the story but the romance and the descriptions were great.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review and I have tried to do so. I quite enjoyed it.
April 25, 2018
I was drawn to this book mainly because it takes place in Russia (and because that cover is gorgeous!) Sadly, this one was just OK for me. Too much of the plot development happens with a "3 weeks later" and we have to catch up on any developments after that. I also had trouble feeling the connection between our MCs. They left it until too late to discover their true feelings and it lost some of the romance because of it. And the mystery about the death of the former Duke had a lackluster conclusion and was a let down.
While it was a nice change of pace and scenery, this book left me feeling disappointed. I already bought book 2, so I'm hoping it will be an improvement.
While it was a nice change of pace and scenery, this book left me feeling disappointed. I already bought book 2, so I'm hoping it will be an improvement.
January 16, 2018
Its a good read. I would consider it not one of her best but still a nice read. It flows well. I enjoyed the first part of the book the most as it seemed to have a faster pace and lots of intrigue. I was not so happy with the last part it seemed to slow down and be just okay. As a romance, it has passion as well as characters you will like. Perhaps the best I can say about the book it is a nice relaxing read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Regards, Anna Swedenmom
March 1, 2018
A great start to a new series from author Marguerite Kaye. I always love books by Ms. Kaye, and this one did not disappoint. Both the hero and heroine are intelligent and honest - and mutually admiring of the other. I always love the fact that Ms. Kaye has so much smart and sassy dialogue between her hero/heroine. And we also get a huge mystery to solve in this story. I am definitely looking forward to the other books promised in this series. Bring them on!!!!
March 4, 2018
This is the first book in a series by Marguerite Kaye called in Matches made in scandal and this book starts with our heroine Allison Galbraithe who is hiding away from a mystery in London until a The Procurer turns up out of the blue with a job offer from Alexsei Derevenko, this is the first time I have read Marguerite Kaye via a friend so it was very interesting for me to read and I loved the story line. I also admit I had to google a few words as didn't know what they meant but that my fault as just getting into historical romance but I loved the story. Thank you Marguerite you definitely have a new fan in me. X
May 26, 2023
Dnf. From what I read the writing was good and setting was interesting but it didn’t capture my interest enough. I felt no chemistry and didn’t like the instalust
Read
March 19, 2024very nice
February 28, 2018
Read my review on RomanceJunkies.com by clicking on the link below:
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/fro...
http://romancejunkies.com/reviews/fro...
February 13, 2018
3.5 Stars
Allison Galbraith is hiding in the country when The Procurer visits her with a proposition, to become the governess to three children. So Allison travels to St Petersburg where she meets Count Aleksei Derevenko who has hired her for her skills as a herbalist as well as a governess.
An enjoyable read with strong characters. The pace of the story is very good, there is mystery & romance which kept me turning the pages. Aleksei & Allison were immediately attracted to each other & working together to look into the Duke & Duchess’s deaths means they spend time together & the attraction grows. Alexsei was everything you wanted in a hero, honourable, gorgeous & caring. Allison was a strong intelligent woman but I didn’t warm to her, I felt she was a twenty first century woman in her mannerisms & the way she behaved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Allison Galbraith is hiding in the country when The Procurer visits her with a proposition, to become the governess to three children. So Allison travels to St Petersburg where she meets Count Aleksei Derevenko who has hired her for her skills as a herbalist as well as a governess.
An enjoyable read with strong characters. The pace of the story is very good, there is mystery & romance which kept me turning the pages. Aleksei & Allison were immediately attracted to each other & working together to look into the Duke & Duchess’s deaths means they spend time together & the attraction grows. Alexsei was everything you wanted in a hero, honourable, gorgeous & caring. Allison was a strong intelligent woman but I didn’t warm to her, I felt she was a twenty first century woman in her mannerisms & the way she behaved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
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