About the Book:

A lady turned governess…

A life-changing proposal!

When Lady Alexandra Mannerly last saw Malcolm Gordston, he was a poor crofter’s son—someone a sheltered duke’s daughter would never be allowed to marry. But scandal has rocked her arrogant family, and Alex now leads a quiet life as a governess in Paris—where she meets Malcolm again! Now he’s a wealthy, powerful department store owner…and determined to make her his bride!

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                                 The Governess’s Convenient Marriage (Debutantes in Paris Book 2)

My Review:

Lady Alexandra “Alex” Mannerly, daughter of the Duke of Waverton, has been told time and again that her sole purpose in life is to marry well in order to further enhance her family’s already lofty social standing.  Unfortunately, Alex is a shy young lady who dreads her upcoming first season, and convinces her parents to allow her to attend Miss Grantley’s Academy for Young Ladies so that she can polish up her social skills.  While away at school, she becomes best friends with Emily and Diane, whose presence does help her when the dreaded season finally arrives.  Before long, there is a scandal involving Alex’s father, and the whole family suffers a reversal of fortune, and leaves town.  Alex chooses to become a teacher at the academy where she was formerly a student, then accepts an opportunity to become a governess in Paris.

Malcolm Gordston is the son of a former tenant of the Duke of Waverton at his Scottish holding.  When Malcolm’s father couldn’t pay his obligations to the duke, he was evicted from the property.  Young Malcolm was forced to make his way in the world, and he is sure of only two things – he will never love as his father did, as it only causes pain, and if he ever has the opportunity to be in a position of power over the Duke of Waverton, he will crush him.  Years later, Malcolm is a millionaire and the owner of a string of exclusive and successful department stores.  He’s now in Paris to oversee the opening of his latest store.  Though he’s technically in trade, his great wealth has opened some doors for him.

Alex and Malcolm had a friendship as children, when she visited Scotland, until the duke saw them together and chased Malcolm away.  When they meet again as adults, neither immediately recognizes the other, but both are struck by an intense and immediate attraction.  Ironically, Malcolm still feels he’s not good enough for a duke’s daughter, while Alex feels her family disgrace makes her unsuitable for a wildly successful man like Malcolm.  As they spend time together, their attraction only grows, and Malcolm begins to think that having a wife with Alex’s abilities and connections can only benefit him.  He proposes, and Alex accepts.  Now all he has to do is be sure not to fall in love.

Alex has a softness and vulnerability about her that I found very appealing.  Being the daughter of a duke and goddaughter of a princess never spoiled her, or made her hard or arrogant.  I loved her sweetness and kindness and her willingness to help others.  Malcolm had a tougher life, and has grown to be a fair, yet hard and determined businessman.  I love that he had principles and a softer side that he tried desperately to hide.  After seeing how his mother’s death destroyed his father, he’s dead set against love, though he showers Alex with care, gifts, and most precious of all, his time and attention.

Alex’s and Malcolm’s marriage may be one of convenience, but they definitely are physically in tune with one another.  What will happen when Alex longs for real love while Malcolm intends to run from it?  Their brief honeymoon is barely over when the real world intrudes, bringing a former love, doubt, danger, and a money hungry duke.  THE GOVERNESS’S CONVENIENT MARRIAGE is a warm and well written romance which kept me totally involved with the story as well as the characters from beginning to end.    ~Rose