In order to escape an arranged marriage, the highborn Lady Jane Stanhope disguises her identity to become the governess of the son of the mysterious Marquess of Saybrook, whose growing attraction to her could prove her ruin
Andrea Pickens is a pseudonym for an author who has also written as Cara Elliott for Grand Central and Andrea Penrose for Kensington and NAL. Her historical mysteries and romantic novels are set in Regency England, an era that has fascinated her ever since she picked up a copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
A graduate of Yale, she has won numerous writing awards, including two Daphne Du Maurier Awards for historical mystery, the Golden Leaf, and she’s been a three-time finalist for the prestigious RITA Award. Her books have been translated into nine different languages.
This was a relatively robust novella about a Duke's daughter who flees an unwanted marriage by disguising herself as a governess. So the defiant governess isn't really a governess, which is a twist on the Regency cross-class, employer-employee romance that makes it so that there's really no cross-class romance. I found the bits with the child a bit saccharine for my tastes, and the chances that a pampered aristocrat could just magically become a competent governess to a shy, neglected child was a wee bit far-fetched. But it was entertaining enough. The heroine is written to be sassy and more progressive than her era, which I don't mind but will probably annoy people who prefer heroines who are well-behaved and don't manufacture their own adventures by purposefully flouting the rules of society. The novel was reluctant to go dark with any of the characters, and I think her behavior would probably have made more sense if her father had truly been a tyrant rather than an indulgent patriarch who was dabbling in authoritarianism briefly. The reason it's not clear she needs to run away is that it's not clear her father would actually force her to marry someone she hated. Still, the heroine Jane was well-matched with the hero, a marquis, and it was one of the better novellas I've gotten from free from Amazon.
Tl;dr: This is a sex-free romance novel. It had a bit of a dragging start, but Lady Jane's masquerade as a governess gave her a good chance for personal growth, which was believable and well-written. Her love interest, the Marquis, and his ward Peter provided some good balance for her. The conflicts are not particularly challenging or deep, but the story is a nice read all the same.
This was not my first time starting The Defiant Governess. I've always read a few chapters, gotten bored, and picked up another book. But I decided to power through this time and was pleasantly surprised. The overly flowery writing and the sluggish start mask a surprisingly endearing story; once Jane gets on her way to her position as a governess, I really began to enjoy the novel.
In the rather 'meh' opening chapters, we hear how everyone dotes upon Jane, and her brother and father speculate if she's been too spoiled when they've allowed her to have -shock!- opinions and interests. But as a governess, Jane begins to grow and change as a person, retaining her opinionated nature but learning a far greater degree of sympathy towards others.
The highlight of this book for me was how Jane acted as a bridge between her love interest, the Marquis of Saybrook, and his ward Peter. The secret the Marquis was carrying wasn't really well developed, but I didn't necessarily mind since we got to see his character evolve, although perhaps not to the degree it could have had this plot point been fleshed out further.
The only thing I disliked about this novel was that the Marquis thought it was appropriate to spank Jane at one point. I don't know if the author was going for humor or sexiness, but neither rang with me. It just seemed strange, and was inconsistent with the Marquis' generally open minded approach to women and society. It was even worse when the spanking came up in front of Jane's father and brother at the dinner table and was a source of amusement to both. Yuck.
If you can look aside from the cringeworthy spanking, it’s a sweet read.
Several typos and missing words which doesn't bother me really but it's a good story and they shouldn't be in there. It takes the quality of the story down. And it was a good story. No sex scenes though. Just a kiss at the end and so it was very proper but it fit the story. I love governess story's and this one had a little twist to it. Loved the child Peter and the hero and heroine were delightful. No major angst or other woman. Totally safe. At times it lagged a little but overall I enjoyed it and would definitely read this author again.
I love when motherly instincts take over the heroine's previous rebellious personality. Clean romance but I surprisingly found it a speedy read. Maybe it's the banter between the two that was engaging and charming.
If I wanted to READ 'Jane Eyre', I would've picked UP 'Jane Eyre'.
The 'Defiant Governess' is about Jane and Edward. Jane takes a position as governess to Edward's ward (which is actually his child) while he is away on the continent, and breathes life into the household. One day while she's taking a letter to the post, she finds herself in the road in the way of an enormous black horse and its gentleman rider... who happens to be her employer, but doesn't tell her that until he summons her to the drawing room later that evening.
It's Jane Eyre... play by play. What the heck?!?! Even the same NAMES (although Pickens swaps out 'Fairfax' for 'Fairchild', and 'Highwood' for 'Lowood'). It was a total scam off Bronte. Even Edward's first amour - she throws herself off the roof, just like in 'Jane Eyre'. C'mon...!!!
It's a good thing I like 'Jane Eyre'.
And the spelling, and the grammar, and the punctuation is just AWFUL. What a total, utter, dismal disappointment.
This particular book is weaker than other series regency romances by Andrea Pickens. The heroine is a bit annoying, the hero is a bit too broody, and although I don’t mind far fetched plots in romance novels, this one is pushing believability even for me. I had trouble buying that a pampered young woman could run away from home and successfully become a governess to a shy child just like that. Surely she would be found out and/or not know how to deal with children effectively. The explanation for why the hero is so cold and withdrawn is also overly complicated. That being said, I still enjoyed parts of the book and will continue to pick up Pickens books for my TBR pile.
Not bad, but impossible for the era. A duke’s daughter runs away and becomes governess, that too in a household where she could be defiant. Characters were ok. Child was cute and lovable. Why did housekeeper call marquess mr edward? There are no villains, only some slight misunderstanding. Plot is very shallow in every aspect, but it’s a quick enjoyable read for sure.
Enjoyable, but not very challenging. The characters were not very deep and had very little personal growth. On the other hand, it was a nice, simple love story just perfect for a rainy day.
Enjoyable, engaging story! Likeable characters, fun dialogue, especially when the hero and heroine get into arguments and the heroine tears a strip off the hero on multiple occasions. There are (probably intentional) plot coincidences with "Jane Eyre" but in no way can this book be called a rip-off of "Jane Eyre" as some reviewers have stated. It really is completely different from "Jane Eyre", starting with the character and origin of the heroine - in this book she is an heiress, raised by an indulgent father, feisty (in a good way), and her governess clothes are a disguise.
There are two anachronisms - the first one occurs in a couple of places - the work "okay" was not used in Regency England. The second one is the mention of a "monarch butterfly" which is a species that has NEVER been seen in the wild in England. (The author is a highly-educated person - degree from Yale in "intellectual history", according to her bio - so I'm surprised she allowed these into the book.)
There is also some suspension of disbelief required for this story - the heroine, the daughter of a duke, secretly runs away from home when her father announces that she *must* marry someone he approves of, but she doesn't really like, and the engagement will take place in 3 weeks. She then spends almost 6 months as the governess of the hero's ward while her father and brother have NO IDEA where she is. They apparently don't look for her at all, but happily welcome her back home when she returns. This really stretched my suspension of disbelief - if I had a sheltered 2o-year-old daughter disappear from home, I would be frantic and searching for her high and low! Maybe the author couldn't see how a search for the daughter would work with the plot, so she just ignored this aspect.
Finally, the edition I read (the original 1998 Signet edition) has absolutely the WORST, least romantic cover picture I have ever seen on a Regency romance. The couple in the picture look like a 12-year-old girl being taught to dance by her father, and they both look like complete dorks.
This is a great series; all the books can be read as stand alone. Each book is special, and this one is too. Jane is the daughter of a Duke and has had all the privileges that go along it. She is a little spoiled by all the servant, her father and her brother. Thomas, her brother is the oldest by a year and they are as close as twins. She is always getting in trouble by running around with Thomas and his friends. Life is going along great till her aunt spoils everything. Telling her father that she is ruining her reputation by her actions. She tends to not think of the consequences of her actions, also being outspoken and using language that most young ladies wouldn’t even know. When her father puts his foot down and tells her she will let a man she doesn’t like court she is furious. She decides to run away and fulfill the job as a governess to a young boy that her best friend was supposed to take before she married. Edward the Marquess of Saybrooks has been away from home for over a year. His young ward, Peter is lonely and has been mistreated by the last governess. When he returns, he only planned to meet the new governess. He is shocked by the changes in Peter and the whole household; The governess has taken over and is nothing like any governess he has ever met. She is outspoken, smart, witty and not afraid to talk back to him! These two are so great, both have secrets, and they will have to accept much to find out what is important. This is a slow burn romance without any drama or villain's but a wonderful read. I usually like some steam to my romances, but this book had me laughing out loud and hoping everything ends well for both. Be sure and grab a copy and get started you will not be sorry. I can’t wait for the next book. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
In this story, we meet the strong-willed daughter of a Duke who’s used to getting her way. When her father insists she marry a man she could never love, she runs away. With some help, she takes her friend’s place as a governess to Lord Saybrook’s nephew. To keep her identity hidden, she dulls her hair, wears plain clothes, and becomes "Plain Jane."
Jane settles into her new role quickly, forming a warm bond with Peter, a shy boy in need of love and attention. When Lord Saybrook returns, Jane’s outspoken nature leads to a few clashes with him. At first, she doesn’t think much of Edward, but as they spend more time together, she realizes he’s more complex than she thought.
I loved seeing Jane’s growth. Becoming a governess helps her mature—she’s kind, supportive, and compassionate. Edward, on the other hand, has faced deep tragedies and shut himself off emotionally until Jane brings him back to life. Their connection feels genuine, with an undeniable spark beneath the surface. When an accident occurs, Jane decides to return home, raising the question: Will Edward fight for her? What will happen when he learns who she really is?
I adore Andrea Pickens books. Her characters are bold and outspoken, which I love. That said, I was surprised that as the Duke’s daughter, Jane could run away without anyone searching for her, and when she returns, no questions are asked—this seems unlikely for that time period.
Still, I really liked both Edward and Jane and found their relationship authentic. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I look forward to more from Pickens!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Used to having her own way, Lady Jane rebels when faced with her father's decision to broker a marriage between her and the Duke of Branwell, a man she does not like. Knowing that her father will not back down, Jane starts to make plans. When an unexpected letter lands in her hands, Jane sees an opportunity she cannot pass up. Making her way to the home of the Marquess of Saybrook as a governess, all goes well until the Marquess returns home. From their initial unexpected meeting, Saybrook rubs Jane the wrong way, and without thinking, she speaks her mind. Realizing her mistake when she returns to the manor house, Jane promises herself to be more cautious in the future. However, Saybrook is the tinder, and she is the spark, and before she can help herself, she is once again upbraiding the Marquess. As Saybrook and Jane spend more time in one another's company, sparks of another kind occur, secrets start to emerge, and Jane realizes that she needs to disappear before she is found out. Returning home, duly chastened, Jane is appalled when Saybrook and his young nephew find their way to her family home, and even more so when it emerges that her father, the Duke, has discovered where she has been. With their blinders removed, there is an awkwardness between Saybrook and Jane, however, they cannot dismiss their feelings for one another, bringing the novel to a lovely conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift through Oliver Heber Books and BookSprout, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
“The Defiant Governess” by Andrea Pickens is part of the Intrepid Heroines series. The lady of the hour is Lady Jane Stanhope. She is smart, impetuous, witty, and strong willed, and yes, definitely intrepid. She is the daughter of a duke, however, she runs off after a threat of a forced marriage and becomes Jane Langley, governess. Her charge is Peter, a shy, fearful, quiet, lonely boy who lost his parents and became a ward of the Marquess of Saybrook, Edward, a man who tends to stay away from his home and Peter. Edward is distant and haughty, he is also crushed by the weight of guilt that he carries. I liked these two characters, Jane, the plucky governess who stands up to her employer, and Edward, the standoffish, rude marquess who becomes intrigued with his ward’s governess. Peter was also a great character, his transformation was a joy to read. I liked the plot and enjoyed the banter between Edward and Jane. The story definitely moved right along and was easy to read. It is not overly long. The romance is slow burn with only a few kisses for steam. More obvious chemistry between Jane and Edward and a bit more steam was needed. Both main characters are hiding secrets which added tension to the story. Overall, this was a pretty good read, especially if you like a story no overt intimacy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, my thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Lady Jane Stanhope is a beautiful and spoiled duke’s daughter. She is a bit of a hellion and enjoys time and trouble with her brother. One antic too many, and the duke has had enough, with the encouragement of a meddlesome family member. He demands that she accept the addresses of another duke. While visiting her Nana (who is an old family nurse), she learns that her friend who had sought a position as a governess is to be married and will not be taking the job. Jane plots to escape her father’s demands and take her friend’s place as governess for the ward of the Marquess of Saybrook. When she arrives, she meets Peter, a beautiful, smart, and lonely boy. Things go well until Edward, the marquess returns. There are a few clashes between Jane and Edward, but eventually an attraction develops. A misunderstanding causes Jane to leave, but when an accident injures both Peter and Edward, she returns to take care of them. When she leaves again, they follow her. A reunion, surprises, a ball, and an agreeable ducal father open the door for a happily ever after for the couple, and Peter. Nice story with great characters. I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
First off, it's a clean novel, meaning no kissing or smut .... I'm more of a spicy historical girl so I felt waiting for a bit of heat but we don't get that at all (aside from that one cringe inducing soaking scene???). Then we have our leads, Jane and Saybrook. I really wanted to love them but I just didn't FEEL the connection. Jane is flighty, opinionated and kind of dumb IMO (you don't want to marry a boring average guy so u run away to be a servant??) and Saybrook is just brooding. I didn't see why they even liked each other, let alone fell in love? then there's the thing with the child. Jane's magically super good with frightened neglected kids? she's (as far as we know) never even been around children before but here she is getting him to face his fears and bonding with the staff?. Also, I honestly thought she was too perfect, aside from being a bit prone to outbursts, she has no flaws.
Also, you mean to tell me that a titled Lord did not have suspicions about the fact that this governess speaks a bunch of languages, rides like a professional, has ladylike manners and speech and is highly educated.... but you thought you were getting a farmer's daughter? I call bs
This romantic historical tale grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. When Lady Jane Hunter is abducted by rebels seeking revenge on her father, it seems like a story destined for tragedy—but what unfolds is a surprising, slow-burn romance between captor and captive that defies expectation.
Griffin, a humble villager running from his own heartbreak, never signed up for cruelty. His horror at Lady Jane's situation and his quiet acts of compassion make him an instantly likable and layered hero. Jane, too, is no mere pawn—she’s resilient, clever, and refuses to give in to fear.
Their growing bond, forged in the midst of danger and desperation, feels both believable and beautifully earned. As they flee together, hunted by those who once trusted Griffin, the emotional stakes rise just as sharply as the physical ones. The tension between duty, survival, and love is written with heart and sensitivity.
This is a story about finding hope in the darkest places, and how love can grow even when the world says it shouldn’t.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
We have Dukes daughter Lady Jane Stanhope is a hoyden, beautiful spoiled with a caring heart! One escapade too many and her father the Duke commands she marries another Duke! Jane has a childhood friend a farmers daughter who had applied for a governess position with the Marquess of Saybrook aka Edward. They both have secrets and regrets but Peter who is at the center of it all is a very handsome, intelligent yet lonely boy! Jane assumes the position of governess and she is just as smart mouthed and opinionated because that’s part of her charm! When Edward literally risks his life for Peter his ward it is Jane who nurses them both! Jane leaves and is followed per Edward’s request for her safety! Edward is afraid not wants to make things right! They both jump to conclusions again! Sigh! What a rocky road to HEA! In Janes absence her father had a change of heart of course! These two deserve a HEA! Bravo.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Jane Stanhope has devised a plan to circumvent her father’s wish for her to be courted and married. Her companions are her brother, Thomas, with whom she acts like a veritable hoyden, and Mary Langley the daughter of her father’s tenants. Mary was preparing to relinquish her position as a governess when Jane decided to go in her place. Jane managed, with a great deal of difficulty, to present herself as an obedient servant…most of the time. Hers is not the only secret. The Marquess of Saybrook has a strained and distant relationship with his 8 y/o ward. Read what happens as Jane becomes close to young Peter and his uncle Edward. An accident occurs after Jane makes a hasty departure for home. This sets off a chain of emotionally complicated series of events that have delightful consequences for all…eventually. I thoroughly enjoy Pickens’ heroines. They’re usually bold, outrageous and assertive, and for this novel…defiant. I have received an ARC from OHB and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily. A read worthy of 5 stars 🌟
I picked this book to read because because I had read others by this author and wanted to explore her other series. The edition I received of this book is old with a very old-fashioned picture on the front cover. So I'm thinking it would be a silly piece of fluff but hopefully passable. Well, to my surprise this was a thoroughly pleasurable read! There was more depth to it than anticipated. (Granted, nothing earth-shattering but better than expected.) The characters had nuance. Even after 24 hours, it is casting a pleasurable glow to my day.
My only criticism is this: she runs away, leaving no word of where she has gone, is gone for 5 months, and when she comes back the reaction is, "Oh, glad you are back." They weren't looking for her? They weren't turning their lives upside down trying to find her? They weren't more angry about her leaving them no word as to her safety? That just struck me as unrealistic, even within the confines of a romance.
This was an ok story for me, if you leave out the spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. The story is told of a duke’s daughter, Lady Jane who has just been informed by her loving father that she is set to marry a man he approves of, but she does not like. She proceeds to run away from home and to find employment. She manages to secure a position as a governess to the young ward (actually his son) of Edward, the Marquess of Saybrook. While there, Jane begins to look outside herself and grow up and mature as a person who projects more sympathy and compassion toward others. She gets along very well with young Peter and the shy, neglected child becomes attached to her.
The banter between Jane and Edward was sweet and kept the story going for me. I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this story so much. It ticked all the boxes for me, especially the budding romance between the governess, Jane, and the master of the house, Edward. They had marvellous chemistry even when they thought they disliked each other.
The young boy that Jane takes charge of, Peter, was sweet, almost reclusive since losing his parents. The way he blossoms under her care had me smiling often. Jane's mothering instincts certainly came to the fore, considering she hadn't had any governess training at all.
If you enjoy the book Jane Eyre and perhaps would like a less dark version of it, then this will be the perfect book for you.
There were quite a few typos that editors have missed, which need addressing, but other than that, I happily recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jane chafes at her father's ultimatum to stop her hoyden ways and agree to let a suitor she is not interested in court her. But Jane won't accept that easily and convinces her friend to let her take her place as governess. Why a pampered Duke's daughter who has been allowed to do whatever she wants thought she would be a good candidate I'll never know. But she does have extensive knowledge beyond what a lady would be taught which helps her with her new charge Peter. If only his guardian didn't cause her to say things that another would have been dismissed over. Jane and Edward's encounters were often funny. But despite the growing attraction between them they both have secrets that could be insurmountable.
Though this is in a series, it can be read as a stand alone.
Jane has always been able to do what she wants as the daughter of a duke. But, though she is spoiled she is also kind. However, her willfulness often gets her in trouble.
When her father demands she marry, she escapes and becomes the governess for a young, sad boy whose ward is neglectful. However, the guardian has his own reasons.
Edward has decided he will never love again and does his best to remain aloof and cold. Jane’s presence throws a whirlwind into his household.
I always enjoy spririted heroines and thoughtful heroes. This book has both.
A very enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is filled with love affection and laughter.
Jane only intended to go be a governess to a little boy and to gain her independence away from her father however once she meets that little boy's uncle.. he makes her heart feel alive and she can't seem to keep her tongue under control.
Edward only meant to introduce himself to the new governess who has made a great improvement on his ward however once he lays eyes on her, he thinks she's not only changing his ward for the better but him as well.
With the help of a precious little imp who only needed love and affection, they both find what their own hearts have been longing for..
A subterfuge to avoid marriage To avoid a marriage arranged by her father, Lady Jane Stanhope disguises herself as a governess with the complicity of her old nanny and finds word in the household of the Marquess of Saybrook. She rapidly wins the affection of his ward, a shy little boy starved for attention. Her conviction that her charge needs more than dry education sparks lively discussions with the marquess that lead him to question whether she truly is a governess. However, she soon has to battle her growing attraction for the man. It can only lead to heartbreak as there is no acceptable future between a governess and a marquess. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story of Lady Jane and Edward a Marques. Jane is about to be forced into a marriage she does not want. She runs away from her home and takes the job of governess that her friend was to have taken. Disguising her blonde hair and wearing horribly unfashionable dresses, she takes the job. She and her charge Peter, an eight year old,get along splendidly. The child becomes more outgoing . His uncle Edward is pleased with Peter's progress, but he often becomes involved in spirited arguments with Jane. Does this mean he has feelings for her? Does she return his feelings? Can they reach agreement after she has deceived him?
This was a fun romp that feels in some ways like an homage to JANE EYRE. Lady Jane takes on the role of plain, bespectacled governess to a rich man's ward, only to fall for the wealthy guardian. However, Lady Jane is no impoverished orphan, and Edward has no mad wife in the attic, so despite secrets and lies, the course of their love goes a bit more smoothly than that of the more famous Jane and Edward.
Note that some of the interactions between the leads are dated. The scene that troubled me most was one in which Edward disciplined Jane--and not in a kinky, sexy way. (Or was it?)
Spice level: some steamy kisses and references to arousal, but no sex.
i absolutely loved this unique love story that I found on BookSprout. Two souls running from different things in different ways.. She too outspoken, trying to hideaway as a Governess. Him trying to forget the past. Can they save each other or will it destroy them both. The telling is what makes for a fascinating and too short tale. I coul not put it down. I’m gladly volunteering to give this review.
Lady Jane Stanhope is faced with an unwanted “ arranged marriage “. She defies her father’s dictates and runs away . She changes her name and takes the governess job her friend was about to turn down. She arrives at the estate of Edward Fleetwood, Marquess of Saybrook to assume the post as governess to his ward Peter. As Jane Langley she manages to bridge the gap between Peter and Edward and fall in live. While the ending is as expected- where was Jane’s family this whole time? How did she manage to stay hidden for so long? The book is a little too short for me and there are a few jarring anachronisms. I also was unaware this was previously published.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.