What do you think?
Rate this book
An Untamed Governess for the Rogue
He is her reason for existence. She is his ultimate risk...
After losing both her parents, Teresa Dowels' future seems uncertain. Forced to leave the house she grew up in, she finds employment as a governess at the Duke of Rowfex’s mysterious manor.
Luke Morton, second son of the Duke of Rowfex, is trying to preserve a well-hidden family secret. But life as he knows it changes the day he saves his younger sibling’s ravishing governess from rape.
However, it is only a matter of time before the attacker, a notorious criminal with an ulterior motive, strikes again...
When Luke disappears, all pieces seem to connect. With Teresa discovering the ugly truth about his family, time is against her. And only a miracle can keep them both alive...
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then An Untamed Governess for the Rogue is the novel for you.
This is Olivia's 5th novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "An Untamed Governess for the Rogue" today to discover Olivia's amazing new story!
After losing both her parents, Teresa Dowels' future seems uncertain. Forced to leave the house she grew up in, she finds employment as a governess at the Duke of Rowfex’s mysterious manor.
Luke Morton, second son of the Duke of Rowfex, is trying to preserve a well-hidden family secret. But life as he knows it changes the day he saves his younger sibling’s ravishing governess from rape.
However, it is only a matter of time before the attacker, a notorious criminal with an ulterior motive, strikes again...
When Luke disappears, all pieces seem to connect. With Teresa discovering the ugly truth about his family, time is against her. And only a miracle can keep them both alive...
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then An Untamed Governess for the Rogue is the novel for you.
This is Olivia's 5th novel, a historical Regency romance novel of 80,000 words (around 400 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "An Untamed Governess for the Rogue" today to discover Olivia's amazing new story!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2019
563 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Bennet
21 books49 followersHaving obtained a degree in Journalism, but with an affinity for literature and creative writing, Olivia Bennet knew from a young age that her future lay in the romantic ideals of the past. With a fascination for the Regency era and a good romance, she started her career as a historical romance author the old-fashioned way: with pen and paper.
Born in rural Devon, Olivia draws inspiration from the vast farmlands of the British countryside and the people living in the surrounding villages. An avid artist, she takes her sketchbook everywhere with her and captures the beauty of nature, which she then incorporates into her books.
Born in rural Devon, Olivia draws inspiration from the vast farmlands of the British countryside and the people living in the surrounding villages. An avid artist, she takes her sketchbook everywhere with her and captures the beauty of nature, which she then incorporates into her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 4, 2019
Excuse me while I dry my eyes....wow, what an ending! What a wonderful and poignant story Olivia Bennet has written for her readers. I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to know NOW what was going to happen next! lol
Teresa Dowels has been hired as a governess for the Duke of Rowfex's three youngest children and on her way to the manor, her carriage is come upon by highwaymen. Just as the leader is about to despoil her, Luke Morton, the Duke's second son, comes to her rescue. He vows to catch the highwaymen and make them pay for what was done to her. What follows is filled with twists and turns, family secrets, deceit, danger, kidnapping and of course, in the middle of all that, romance!
This story will make you realize that love truly is a very powerful emotion and forgiveness is a huge part of that love. The extended epilogue beautifully ties up the whole story .
I was given a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Teresa Dowels has been hired as a governess for the Duke of Rowfex's three youngest children and on her way to the manor, her carriage is come upon by highwaymen. Just as the leader is about to despoil her, Luke Morton, the Duke's second son, comes to her rescue. He vows to catch the highwaymen and make them pay for what was done to her. What follows is filled with twists and turns, family secrets, deceit, danger, kidnapping and of course, in the middle of all that, romance!
This story will make you realize that love truly is a very powerful emotion and forgiveness is a huge part of that love. The extended epilogue beautifully ties up the whole story .
I was given a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
July 21, 2019
Well I finished it
That’s about all I can say about this book. It didn’t have a bad story line but it could have been about 1/2-1/4 shorter and it dragged out with the oh I want you no I cannot stuff not to mention the angst of the brothers in a nobody loves me everybody hates me so I’m going to go eat worms kind of way. Also if you are going to advertise steamy then work it into the story not having the characters being so naughty with a simple kiss then doing a epilogue with them getting it on...admittedly the epilogue was after they were married but when it’s a let’s sneak out to the woods to consummate the marriage and it’s as long as one of the chapters just doesn’t work for me.
So if you’re into angst and a long slog then this is the book for you
That’s about all I can say about this book. It didn’t have a bad story line but it could have been about 1/2-1/4 shorter and it dragged out with the oh I want you no I cannot stuff not to mention the angst of the brothers in a nobody loves me everybody hates me so I’m going to go eat worms kind of way. Also if you are going to advertise steamy then work it into the story not having the characters being so naughty with a simple kiss then doing a epilogue with them getting it on...admittedly the epilogue was after they were married but when it’s a let’s sneak out to the woods to consummate the marriage and it’s as long as one of the chapters just doesn’t work for me.
So if you’re into angst and a long slog then this is the book for you
August 3, 2019
Not what I was expecting.
I wanted to love this, I truly did, but trudging through several chapters of dialogue intended to propel the plot but only serving to feel tedious, made this 3/5 stars for me.
The twist was okay, if not foreshadowed, but the resolution seemed too . . . neat? Flippant? I don’t know; all I know was the villain got off too easily when one considers the damage they caused.
Further, the epilogue felt like it should have been part of the main story, for as lengthy as as it was.
All in all, I don’t think I would recommend this title.
I wanted to love this, I truly did, but trudging through several chapters of dialogue intended to propel the plot but only serving to feel tedious, made this 3/5 stars for me.
The twist was okay, if not foreshadowed, but the resolution seemed too . . . neat? Flippant? I don’t know; all I know was the villain got off too easily when one considers the damage they caused.
Further, the epilogue felt like it should have been part of the main story, for as lengthy as as it was.
All in all, I don’t think I would recommend this title.
Want to read
January 20, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/20/2021)! 🎁
July 7, 2019
Ugh. Untamed? Hardly. Finished, but not well written. Sorry.
July 12, 2020
Who's The Fairest🐺 Of Them All
Regency Era Romance, Abduction, and Thriller
Miss Teresa Dowels💃, now an orphan and unmarried at 22, has decided to broaden her limited horizons. She takes a governess job at the Rowfex Estate her friend resigned when she married.
She is on her way to the estate, when the Rowfex coach she is in is robbed, and her only possession, her mother's necklace, is taken by two highwaymen.
A handsome man on horseback shoots🔫 one of the robbers and rescues her. He identifies himself as Mr. Luke Morton🐺🔪🔫, and takes her on to Rowfex. Turns out he is Lord Morton🐺🔪🔫, the second son of the Duke of Rowfex!
Luke's older brother, Edmund🐶, is the heir and he is also a Marquess. He fought on the continent in the war, and was wounded. The war seems to have affected his mind somewhat, too. The two brothers have a friendly rivalry between them. The rivalry begins to extend to Teresa💃! A horse race🏇 decides who wins?!
Luke🐺🔪🔫 vows to find the highwaymen! He is highly attracted to Teresa💃💋, but of course his mom, the Duchess, says no way, she's the help. Mom threatens to send Teresa💃💋 away if he won't leave her alone, despite the fact that his three younger siblings Teresa is teaching love her very much and are doing great.
Teresa💃💋, for her part, tries to discourage Luke🐺🔪🔫, because she feels his station is far above hers, yet she is still in 💘love with him.
The highwaymen attack another coach near Rowfex, killing the driver and robbing two young women passengers! Luke🐺🔪🔫 goes after them with a small militia and is wounded.
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got the book with KU.
I liked this well written and exciting book very much but the main characters seemed to get hurt a lot! Gunshot wounds, thrown from horses, sick from getting wet and cold, etc. Adult scenes included. Great plot!
Regency Era Romance, Abduction, and Thriller
Miss Teresa Dowels💃, now an orphan and unmarried at 22, has decided to broaden her limited horizons. She takes a governess job at the Rowfex Estate her friend resigned when she married.
She is on her way to the estate, when the Rowfex coach she is in is robbed, and her only possession, her mother's necklace, is taken by two highwaymen.
A handsome man on horseback shoots🔫 one of the robbers and rescues her. He identifies himself as Mr. Luke Morton🐺🔪🔫, and takes her on to Rowfex. Turns out he is Lord Morton🐺🔪🔫, the second son of the Duke of Rowfex!
Luke's older brother, Edmund🐶, is the heir and he is also a Marquess. He fought on the continent in the war, and was wounded. The war seems to have affected his mind somewhat, too. The two brothers have a friendly rivalry between them. The rivalry begins to extend to Teresa💃! A horse race🏇 decides who wins?!
Luke🐺🔪🔫 vows to find the highwaymen! He is highly attracted to Teresa💃💋, but of course his mom, the Duchess, says no way, she's the help. Mom threatens to send Teresa💃💋 away if he won't leave her alone, despite the fact that his three younger siblings Teresa is teaching love her very much and are doing great.
Teresa💃💋, for her part, tries to discourage Luke🐺🔪🔫, because she feels his station is far above hers, yet she is still in 💘love with him.
The highwaymen attack another coach near Rowfex, killing the driver and robbing two young women passengers! Luke🐺🔪🔫 goes after them with a small militia and is wounded.
ARC Received from Bookfunnel🌀
I also got the book with KU.
I liked this well written and exciting book very much but the main characters seemed to get hurt a lot! Gunshot wounds, thrown from horses, sick from getting wet and cold, etc. Adult scenes included. Great plot!
June 9, 2019
Spine tingling, distressing, shock filled, suspense filled, tension filled drama of a dysfunctional family, its perceived deep buried secrets and a side of romance. This book tells a spell binding story of Teresa Dowels, a governess who lost her parents, shunned from her village and was taken in by the Duke of Rowfex to teach his three youngest children. She is strong, kind and is a gentle soul. She is filled with compassion and wisdom learned from her loving parents. On her way to her new post her carriage was waylaid by highwaymen. The brigand stole the only thing left of her mother, a necklace and they almost stole her virtue. Lord Luke Morton, the second son of the Duke of Rowfex, happened upon the scene, scared off the highwaymen and saved Teresa from being dishonored. Luke become obsessed with finding these highwaymen as they continue to plague travelers near their home. He also swore to avenge what happened to Teresa. Luke's eldest brother, Edmund, the Marquess of Harpington and heir to the dukedom, saw the attraction between Luke and Teresa. He vehemently opposed it and did his mother, Louisa, the Duchess. Luke is well meaning but is impetuous and stubborn. When he and Edmund were children, they were inseparable. Now, as adults their rivalry to best each other knows no bounds and not once but twice endangered others. It seems they have misinterpreted preconceived notions about each other without really knowing if what they believe of each other is true. Louisa languishes in torment over the way they treat each other. Now Edmund feels singled out of the family. He feels he is an outsider and his father unfortunately contribute to his reality. He realizes that Luke is the favorite of his family and wishes he could be adored and loved by them as Luke is. But since Edmund returned from the war, he has become more melancholic, inflexible and emotionally unreachable. As Edmund and Luke team together to bring the highwaymen to justice, things get progressively worse. Luke's life is endangered on more than one occasion. Edmund takes the brunt of his parent fear and displeasure that Edmund did not do more to protect Luke. Edmund is finally coming to his wits end that no matter what he does he will never gain his father's approval like Luke does. As clues dribble in for the search of the mastermind, the Sphinx, Teresa, Edmund and Luke separately stumble upon the family's darkest secret. Despite Edmund's attempts to keep Luke from Teresa, the two form an unbreakable loving bond. As the hunt for the Sphinx continues, Luke and Edmund walk into a trap, are beaten and Luke is kidnapped. No one knows if he is alive or dead or if his freedom be ransomed. As the story unfolds, shocking, unbelievable, unconceived truths are uncovered. This book will keep you turning page after page. I was immersed and absorbed into the story from the beginning. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
June 9, 2019
Miss Teresa Dowels having lost her parents was now going to be a governess for the Duke and Duchess of Rowfex. The Duke had sent his carriage to pick her up and they were returning to the manor house. It started to storm with a great deal of thunder and lightning. The carriage skidded to an abrupt halt with the horses whinnying. She thought they had hid a treacherous ditch and would soon be on their way but instead they had been stop by Highwayman and one of them wrenched open the door and told her he wanted all of her money and jewelry are he was going to kill her. She told him she didn't have any and he noticed the necklace around her neck which she begged him to leave her because that was all she had left of her mother and he took it. She went berserk and began beating on and try and pulling on the necklace trying to get it back they fell out of the carriage into the mud and he kept fighting with her finally he called his friend to come over and help him then Teresa got up and started running and he took her down. He was preparing to write her before anything happened the Highwayman heard a gunshot and then one of them was shot in the shoulder and they took off and she was saved from the right. The gentleman who saved your said his name was Mr. Morton and it was technically his name was actually Lord Luke Morton she was sick a week than the Duchess invited her for lunch and so that she could meet her charges. When her and the Duchess arrived in the dining room she was introduced to the rest of the family in this order the eldest son Edmund the Marquess of Harpington, Lord Luke, Lady Felicity, Lord Thomas, Lady Philomena, and Lady Elspeth the last two twin girls the age of four who would be under her charge along with their brother Lord Thomas who was eight. Thomas and the two little girls fell in love with Teresa. Luke kept watching her and his mother informed him that if he did not stop and go and learn how to run the estate to help his older brother that she was going to let her go and then she would have to get another governess. To find out exactly what happens you have to read the book. It's a good book...
June 30, 2019
Different kind of hero
The first thing that I would have to say is that this book had a different kind of hero from most books I have read. Luke was a fun loving rogue and I liked that about him but I also felt that he was immature as well as his brother Edmund. Luke was quick to jump into situations without thinking things through often with bad consequences. The rivalry between the brothers was constant throughout the book even though I also could feel the love they had for each other. Teresa's influence on Luke helped him to become a better man in the end. However, I have to admit that I found the constant rivalry between the brothers as well as their feelings towards their parents rather tedious but once I finished the book, I understood what it was leading up to. The extended epilogue revealed how true love and forgiveness can heal the most damaged of people. Even though I was annoyed with the rivalry between the brothers, I did feel that it depicted a realistic family as most families have their problems and sometimes those problems can lead to a lot of resentment. This story redeemed itself very well by the end but I like a strong hero, which is my preference in a romance and I didn't feel Luke fit that bill in the beginning thus the 4 star rating. However it was interesting to see him mature throughout the book so I won't hesitate to highly recommend this one.
The first thing that I would have to say is that this book had a different kind of hero from most books I have read. Luke was a fun loving rogue and I liked that about him but I also felt that he was immature as well as his brother Edmund. Luke was quick to jump into situations without thinking things through often with bad consequences. The rivalry between the brothers was constant throughout the book even though I also could feel the love they had for each other. Teresa's influence on Luke helped him to become a better man in the end. However, I have to admit that I found the constant rivalry between the brothers as well as their feelings towards their parents rather tedious but once I finished the book, I understood what it was leading up to. The extended epilogue revealed how true love and forgiveness can heal the most damaged of people. Even though I was annoyed with the rivalry between the brothers, I did feel that it depicted a realistic family as most families have their problems and sometimes those problems can lead to a lot of resentment. This story redeemed itself very well by the end but I like a strong hero, which is my preference in a romance and I didn't feel Luke fit that bill in the beginning thus the 4 star rating. However it was interesting to see him mature throughout the book so I won't hesitate to highly recommend this one.
June 10, 2019
An Untamed Governess for the Rogue by Olivia Bennet is a Regency romance. Typical of the time, our heroine, Teresa, is left to vicious fate after her parents die. She has no money and no home. Thankfully she had a friend who was leaving her position as governess to three children recommend Teresa as her replacement. Sadly as Teresa is making her way to her new home, highwaymen waylay the coach and Teresa is accosted and nearly raped. At the last minute she is recued by a chivalrous gentleman who puts her on his horse with him and transports her to her new home, telling her his name is Luke. While that was the truth, the whole truth is that he is the second son of the household and a nobleman.
The area has been plagued by these attacks and so Lord Luke and his brother, the Marquess of Harpington determine that it must stop and they will be the ones to stop it. From here, it gets more complicated, with Teresa falling in love with Luke, no matter how inappropriate. This time period is not complete unless replete with rules and mores and this is no exception. It is a character driven book with a decent plot. The pacing of the plot is excellent! I recommend it. Excitement! Interesting! Good timing!
I received a free ARC of this book. All opinions contained herein are my own.
The area has been plagued by these attacks and so Lord Luke and his brother, the Marquess of Harpington determine that it must stop and they will be the ones to stop it. From here, it gets more complicated, with Teresa falling in love with Luke, no matter how inappropriate. This time period is not complete unless replete with rules and mores and this is no exception. It is a character driven book with a decent plot. The pacing of the plot is excellent! I recommend it. Excitement! Interesting! Good timing!
I received a free ARC of this book. All opinions contained herein are my own.
June 27, 2020
DNF: Don't call it steamy if it's lukewarm, folks!
For someone who is looking for a very long, dragged-out, waffling kind of "romance" -- quite tame and clean (well, by my standards) -- this is for you!
For anyone who wants actual chemistry between the characters, and anything resembling truth in advertising, this ain't it!
Who's roguish? Who's untamed? This H&h aren't remotely near that territory. I got through chapter 12, barely, after nodding off and skimming paragraphs for a while. Then, I looked at how many chapters were left, and I just laughed, shaking my head sadly, and saying, "Oh no, no, no!"
Maybe if the opening had gripped me a bit harder, maybe if the characters were more interesting, or the "steam" was present, maybe if the heroine hadn't seemed a total numpty; yadda, yadda, but the magic was missing. In the words of Dave Lister, I was "completely smegging un-gripped!".
Won't force myself to trudge through a morass of dialogue and internal musings that do nothing to add to the plot or action; been there, done that. Meh
For someone who is looking for a very long, dragged-out, waffling kind of "romance" -- quite tame and clean (well, by my standards) -- this is for you!
For anyone who wants actual chemistry between the characters, and anything resembling truth in advertising, this ain't it!
Who's roguish? Who's untamed? This H&h aren't remotely near that territory. I got through chapter 12, barely, after nodding off and skimming paragraphs for a while. Then, I looked at how many chapters were left, and I just laughed, shaking my head sadly, and saying, "Oh no, no, no!"
Maybe if the opening had gripped me a bit harder, maybe if the characters were more interesting, or the "steam" was present, maybe if the heroine hadn't seemed a total numpty; yadda, yadda, but the magic was missing. In the words of Dave Lister, I was "completely smegging un-gripped!".
Won't force myself to trudge through a morass of dialogue and internal musings that do nothing to add to the plot or action; been there, done that. Meh
March 21, 2026
DNF at 60% (Chapter 21)
I almost never DNF a book, but I just could not make myself finish Olivia Bennet's "An Untamed Governess for the Rogue." I should have known from the first chapter that this book would not be for me, but I kept reading because I hoped things would get better. Unfortunately, the book did not improve after that first chapter; if anything, it seemed to get worse.
The reason the book did not start off well for me is that the heroine, governess Miss Teresa Dowels, immediately came across to me as TSTL. After being attacked by highwaymen who gave her a pretty significant head wound and would have succeeded in raping her if not for the hero, Lord Luke Morton's, timely intervention, she tries to go after them to get her stolen necklace back. Yes, it was originally her mother's necklace and the only thing of hers Teresa had left, but was it really worth the risk to her safety? Of course not! She didn't seem very smart to me to begin with when she refused to just hand over the necklace when they were first threatening her with pistols, but trying to go after them was even more ridiculous. I guess this series of events was supposed to demonstrate that Teresa was "brave" or "spirited" or something, but it did not work out that way for me.
Luke didn't seem to be especially bright either. After the highwaymen attack another carriage near his family's estate, he decides to go after them. By himself and in the darkness of pre-dawn, he follows one of the men into a wooded area, where there is almost no light and Luke can only hear the highwayman's voice taunting him. Luke decides to shoot randomly in the direction of the voice and appears to think he actually has a chance of hitting him, but (shockingly!) misses with both of his (single shot) pistols. Of course, while Luke is reloading, the highwayman shoots Luke instead (because he could see out from his hiding place, which Luke, if he had any common sense at all, would have realized was a possibility).
Meanwhile, back at Luke's family estate where she is employed, Miss Dowels learns that Luke has gone off in search of the highwaymen and is "sad" because Luke is putting his life in danger for her, but thinks that she is too "humble" to deserve such consideration. Teresa decides to steal a horse from the stables and rides off to try and save Luke from himself. (Obviously, this is a wonderful idea because she was so successful at fighting the highwaymen during her first encounter with them!) Teresa arrives just after Luke has been shot and jumps in to take care of his wound. In the meantime, Luke, in his infinite "wisdom," has decided that he's going to tell his family that he fell from his horse onto a tree branch to explain his gunshot wound, so they won't worry so much about it. (I'm sure those two types of wounds look exactly the same and no one will be able to tell the difference!)
Over the next few days/weeks, Teresa continues to nurse Luke because apparently she used to help her (now-deceased) father, who had some kind of medical training, with his patients, so Luke's mother, the duchess, decides that Teresa is the most qualified person to do it. While he's convalescing, Luke tells Teresa that he will continue to pursue the highwaymen, and will absolutely get her precious necklace back for her! (Obviously, her necklace is the only thing that matters here. It's not like these guys are out there robbing and threatening to rape other young women or anything.) Because, despite his family's objections and his mother's outright threats against it, Luke really cares for Teresa. I'm not sure why since there has been basically zero relationship development between them up to this point, but I guess he thinks she's pretty and is grateful because she nursed him back to health? He still knows nothing concrete about her or her background. Teresa is also "strangely drawn" to Luke, but again, I'm not really sure why. She herself has told him that he's "silly," but I guess now that she's seen his "muscular" chest she wants to jump him?
The story only deteriorates from there, with Luke's brother Edmund getting involved to try and prevent Luke and Teresa's relationship, at least in part because of the brothers' ongoing sibling rivalry (which, BTW, includes not one but two "duels" that were actually horse races because each is determined to prove that he is the better rider); Luke taking increasingly stupid risks to try and track down the highwaymen and get Teresa's necklace back so that she will think he is worthy of her; and so on. As for Teresa, far from being "untamed" as she's described in the book's title, she just seems like a sad, pathetic young woman who alternates between being scared of her own shadow and making stupid decisions that may seem brave but are actually of no apparent benefit to herself or anyone else. Neither she nor Luke were particularly likeable or sympathetic lead characters, and when I was more than halfway through the story and found that I didn't care what happened to them (plus found myself rolling my eyes at their actions in nearly every chapter), I finally gave up on this book.
I've read previous books by this author, and for the most part they were decent reads. However, I did not find the quality of the writing or the plot of this book to be anywhere close to the quality of the author's previous books. I have to question whether this book was even written by the same person given how dramatically different it was from those previous books. If it was written by the same person, it might be time to take a break from releasing a new book every single month and focus on quality over quantity. The one thing I can say for certain is that if the next book released by this author is as poorly written as this one, she will have lost me as a reader.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I almost never DNF a book, but I just could not make myself finish Olivia Bennet's "An Untamed Governess for the Rogue." I should have known from the first chapter that this book would not be for me, but I kept reading because I hoped things would get better. Unfortunately, the book did not improve after that first chapter; if anything, it seemed to get worse.
The reason the book did not start off well for me is that the heroine, governess Miss Teresa Dowels, immediately came across to me as TSTL. After being attacked by highwaymen who gave her a pretty significant head wound and would have succeeded in raping her if not for the hero, Lord Luke Morton's, timely intervention, she tries to go after them to get her stolen necklace back. Yes, it was originally her mother's necklace and the only thing of hers Teresa had left, but was it really worth the risk to her safety? Of course not! She didn't seem very smart to me to begin with when she refused to just hand over the necklace when they were first threatening her with pistols, but trying to go after them was even more ridiculous. I guess this series of events was supposed to demonstrate that Teresa was "brave" or "spirited" or something, but it did not work out that way for me.
Luke didn't seem to be especially bright either. After the highwaymen attack another carriage near his family's estate, he decides to go after them. By himself and in the darkness of pre-dawn, he follows one of the men into a wooded area, where there is almost no light and Luke can only hear the highwayman's voice taunting him. Luke decides to shoot randomly in the direction of the voice and appears to think he actually has a chance of hitting him, but (shockingly!) misses with both of his (single shot) pistols. Of course, while Luke is reloading, the highwayman shoots Luke instead (because he could see out from his hiding place, which Luke, if he had any common sense at all, would have realized was a possibility).
Meanwhile, back at Luke's family estate where she is employed, Miss Dowels learns that Luke has gone off in search of the highwaymen and is "sad" because Luke is putting his life in danger for her, but thinks that she is too "humble" to deserve such consideration. Teresa decides to steal a horse from the stables and rides off to try and save Luke from himself. (Obviously, this is a wonderful idea because she was so successful at fighting the highwaymen during her first encounter with them!) Teresa arrives just after Luke has been shot and jumps in to take care of his wound. In the meantime, Luke, in his infinite "wisdom," has decided that he's going to tell his family that he fell from his horse onto a tree branch to explain his gunshot wound, so they won't worry so much about it. (I'm sure those two types of wounds look exactly the same and no one will be able to tell the difference!)
Over the next few days/weeks, Teresa continues to nurse Luke because apparently she used to help her (now-deceased) father, who had some kind of medical training, with his patients, so Luke's mother, the duchess, decides that Teresa is the most qualified person to do it. While he's convalescing, Luke tells Teresa that he will continue to pursue the highwaymen, and will absolutely get her precious necklace back for her! (Obviously, her necklace is the only thing that matters here. It's not like these guys are out there robbing and threatening to rape other young women or anything.) Because, despite his family's objections and his mother's outright threats against it, Luke really cares for Teresa. I'm not sure why since there has been basically zero relationship development between them up to this point, but I guess he thinks she's pretty and is grateful because she nursed him back to health? He still knows nothing concrete about her or her background. Teresa is also "strangely drawn" to Luke, but again, I'm not really sure why. She herself has told him that he's "silly," but I guess now that she's seen his "muscular" chest she wants to jump him?
The story only deteriorates from there, with Luke's brother Edmund getting involved to try and prevent Luke and Teresa's relationship, at least in part because of the brothers' ongoing sibling rivalry (which, BTW, includes not one but two "duels" that were actually horse races because each is determined to prove that he is the better rider); Luke taking increasingly stupid risks to try and track down the highwaymen and get Teresa's necklace back so that she will think he is worthy of her; and so on. As for Teresa, far from being "untamed" as she's described in the book's title, she just seems like a sad, pathetic young woman who alternates between being scared of her own shadow and making stupid decisions that may seem brave but are actually of no apparent benefit to herself or anyone else. Neither she nor Luke were particularly likeable or sympathetic lead characters, and when I was more than halfway through the story and found that I didn't care what happened to them (plus found myself rolling my eyes at their actions in nearly every chapter), I finally gave up on this book.
I've read previous books by this author, and for the most part they were decent reads. However, I did not find the quality of the writing or the plot of this book to be anywhere close to the quality of the author's previous books. I have to question whether this book was even written by the same person given how dramatically different it was from those previous books. If it was written by the same person, it might be time to take a break from releasing a new book every single month and focus on quality over quantity. The one thing I can say for certain is that if the next book released by this author is as poorly written as this one, she will have lost me as a reader.
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Luke and Teresa were brought together when he saved her from a highwayman. As she was to be the governess for his younger siblings, and he was the second son of the Duke, the could be nothing between them. The highwayman is determined to capture the girl who got away and Luke is determined to protect her. He and his older brother, Edmund, plan to rid their roads of these marauders. There is much danger, romance, betrayal and a twist that I didn't see coming. Read this book and get to know this family with their secrets loves, losses, heartbreaks and triumphs
June 25, 2019
A secret kept too long
Teresa accepts a position as a governess at the Roxwen manor.
Luke rescues her from a highwayman and brings her back to the manor. Accidents continue to plague Luke and he is determined to find the highwayman and assuage Teresa’s fears.
Teresa is afraid to admit her feelings for Luke as she could lose her position as governess. Luke has fallen for her and wants to protect her. His brother Edmond who is the heir and had been wounded in the war. He has not adjusted well and is envious of his brother Luke.
Who is the Sphinx? And why does he want Teresa?
What a mystery...
Teresa accepts a position as a governess at the Roxwen manor.
Luke rescues her from a highwayman and brings her back to the manor. Accidents continue to plague Luke and he is determined to find the highwayman and assuage Teresa’s fears.
Teresa is afraid to admit her feelings for Luke as she could lose her position as governess. Luke has fallen for her and wants to protect her. His brother Edmond who is the heir and had been wounded in the war. He has not adjusted well and is envious of his brother Luke.
Who is the Sphinx? And why does he want Teresa?
What a mystery...
June 26, 2019
A good story that holds you from beginning to final page, with strong believable characters that well written and developed. Luke the second of a Duke saves Teresa when the coach she is riding in is robbed on her way to Rowfex to be the governess. The story is full of drama, family secrets, mystery, suspense, twists, turns and love. Enjoyed that the relationship between Luke and Teresa took time to developed and liked all the characters even the villain. Recieved an ARC from the book funnel and this is my honest review.
June 4, 2019
Betrayals and deceit! Luke's mom was a manipulative, elitist tyrant. It baffles me how she could act so high and mighty after all she had done! Edmund was childish in his jealousy of Luke. Ed was evil in his soul. I loved drunk Luke, because he was so sweet and honest. Luke was a person of integrity and morales, and I appreciated that aspect of his character. Good final resolution in the epilogues.
June 6, 2019
This is the story of Luke and Teresa. It is a very mysterious story with a lot of action. It had me guessing at who was responsible for a long time. I also welcomed the steamy scene at the end of the Epilogue. This book is extremely well written. You will not be disappointed after reading this book. I didn't want it to end. The Extended Epilogue is exceptional. I look forward to the next book Olovia Bennet writes.
September 3, 2019
An Untamed Governess for the Rogue
Well written novel about a young woman whose parents died thereby forcing her to take a governess position for Duke of Rowfla. There she meets the two elder sons of the Duke and Duchess and also discovers a family secret. Her carriage is attacked on the way there and the second son rescues her. She finds herself falling in love with him. Steamy, deception, lies, rescues and betrayal.
Well written novel about a young woman whose parents died thereby forcing her to take a governess position for Duke of Rowfla. There she meets the two elder sons of the Duke and Duchess and also discovers a family secret. Her carriage is attacked on the way there and the second son rescues her. She finds herself falling in love with him. Steamy, deception, lies, rescues and betrayal.
October 28, 2019
LukeMorton, Lord Rowfex & Teresa Dowles story was entralled in sadness and tragedy. He always had doubts about his place in the world. She was certain her life as a governess was all that life was meant for her to have. Together the will discovered life has so much more to offered. Highly Recommend.Happy Reading.
The character of Edmund Rowfex, Lord Hardpington was that of a tragic & disturbed individual, no matter what I was touched by his story.
The character of Edmund Rowfex, Lord Hardpington was that of a tragic & disturbed individual, no matter what I was touched by his story.
January 27, 2021
Taken by Surprise
This was a story that had an appeal that took me by surprise. There was the long standing start to the story with a young woman alone, going to her first job as a governess. And of course she meets a handsome hero before her destination. But here is where the tale becomes very interesting. The reader is caught in a web if adventures that are very eye-opening, thrilling and full of some mystery. Do not put it down for long, it is a story that begs to be read.
This was a story that had an appeal that took me by surprise. There was the long standing start to the story with a young woman alone, going to her first job as a governess. And of course she meets a handsome hero before her destination. But here is where the tale becomes very interesting. The reader is caught in a web if adventures that are very eye-opening, thrilling and full of some mystery. Do not put it down for long, it is a story that begs to be read.
April 17, 2021
Left without any family, Teresa has secured employment as a governess in the home of the Duke of Rowfex. She is to have charge of the three youngest children. On her journey to this post her coach is attached, she is saved by the arrival of Lord Luke returning from muster practice. He brings her home to Rowfex.
The plot twists several times to the HEA end. I recommend this story to lovers of historical romance, there is some violence
The plot twists several times to the HEA end. I recommend this story to lovers of historical romance, there is some violence
June 4, 2019
Olivia has truly written a great book. It has adventure betrayal romance and more. Luke rescued the governess from dishonor and mixed feelings resulted. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in an interesting read. I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary honest review which I have freely written here.
June 13, 2019
I dont usually read historical romance, but was offered and ARC and decided I'd give it a shot. It took me longer than I care to admit to get through(life got in the way) but wow! This book was really good! I only wish that it had moved a little faster, as it felt that, at 50% progress, not much had happened.
July 14, 2019
this book must have been mislabeled - more like no steam
So this was labeled a Steamy Romance....ummm not sure how as there was as absolutely no steam until the epilogue. Yep NONE. This was probably the slowest burn romance I have read. I think this book is more a suspense / who dun it than romance. Just my opinion. Probably won’t be reading anymore of these.
So this was labeled a Steamy Romance....ummm not sure how as there was as absolutely no steam until the epilogue. Yep NONE. This was probably the slowest burn romance I have read. I think this book is more a suspense / who dun it than romance. Just my opinion. Probably won’t be reading anymore of these.
April 8, 2023
A story full of emotion
This is a story that is full of emotional turmoil and suspense. It is a story that has a steamy finish, and a cast of brilliantly crafted characters. There is a link at the end to an extended epilogue, that brings this tale to a very moving end. A book that once you start reading you will not be able to put it down.
This is a story that is full of emotional turmoil and suspense. It is a story that has a steamy finish, and a cast of brilliantly crafted characters. There is a link at the end to an extended epilogue, that brings this tale to a very moving end. A book that once you start reading you will not be able to put it down.
June 4, 2019
Another well written book by Olivia Bennet, this one had a little bit of everything. Betrayal, deceit, manipulation and a love that wouldn't be accepted. I would definitely recommend this book to those that enjoy historical regency romances.
June 16, 2019
Great Book
This is a wonderful book. It is well written and the plot is easy to follow.The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish.I cannot wait to read her next book.
This is a wonderful book. It is well written and the plot is easy to follow.The twists and turns are surprising and keeps the readers intrigued from start to finish.I cannot wait to read her next book.
June 22, 2019
A beautiful story.
This story made me cry and yet it was very heartwarming. There are so many facets to each personality. Story is well written and draws you into the emotions of the caracters.. Recommended.
This story made me cry and yet it was very heartwarming. There are so many facets to each personality. Story is well written and draws you into the emotions of the caracters.. Recommended.
January 21, 2021
Review
Thought story line and and language quite simple in places. Felt quite drawn out in places. However I persevered and liked the main characters and twist in the tail at the end
Thought story line and and language quite simple in places. Felt quite drawn out in places. However I persevered and liked the main characters and twist in the tail at the end
December 5, 2023
Amazing book
I love this book. I don't always like romance books, but this one was very enjoyable. I hate that Luke's brother tried to have him killed because of his inheritance, but I'm so glad that didn't happen.
I love this book. I don't always like romance books, but this one was very enjoyable. I hate that Luke's brother tried to have him killed because of his inheritance, but I'm so glad that didn't happen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews