The Fallen Governess: A Second Chance Enemies to Lovers Regency Historical Romance

Laura A. Barnes

Mar 2023 · False Rumors Book 1 · Laura A. Barnes

About this ebook

Enjoy this steamy second chance starter by International Bestselling regency author Laura A. Barnes ...

A fallen lady must rise above her disgrace.

A lady with limited options. A gentleman left without a choice. Could two souls forced together find it in their hearts to forgive one another?

Vivian Wescott was once a debutante who won the affection of the most sought-after bachelor in London. However, her family’s fall from grace forced her into a life of servitude. With what remained of her pride, Vivian eagerly arrived in Scotland to begin her position as a governess. Only to discover her new employer was her ex-betrothed. A gentleman who had thrown her over, yet still held her heart within his grasp. Could Vivian ever forgive how he had abandoned her when she needed him the most?

Maximilian Courtland led his life following the demands of a strict society. However, chaos had descended on his life. The bitter ending to his betrothal didn’t compare to the heartache of losing his cousin. Now pressed with raising two young children, he must rely on the governess his sister hired. Not any governess, but the very lady who betrayed him. Would Max discover the truth of Vivian’s love before it was too late?

Max ended their betrothal because of a rumor. He now protects Vivian from another rumor that would destroy her reputation. Would the truth ever prevail? Or would the lies forever keep them apart?

The Fallen Governess is the first novel in the False Rumors series. For fans of Tamara Gill, Cara Maxwell, or Eve Pendle, this is a second chance historical romance set in Scotland. An enemies to lovers story that can only end in a happily ever after.

Indulge in The Fallen Governess

Ratings and reviews

4 1/2*Stars* Rumors of her broken engagement and scandalous family is only part of the reason Vivian must flee London. With her three fellow governesses, they publicly confronted a peer and his attack on a young woman in his employ. All four must seek employment outside of London. Their only option is Scotland. Vivian was tricked to find herself in the employment of her former fiance, Max, as a governess for his niece and nephew. Lord Courtland. Max believed nasty rumors about Vivian's virtue when he broke the engagement. When confronted with the truth, Max knows he can only win her back with love. Then there are the threatening letters. A lot of pain, angst and tears. It's a small cliffhanger that will follow in the next book. VERY HOT!!! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

"He wanted the girl he fell in love with, but he feared he had destroyed her." I actually started reading the second book in this series, The Wishful Governess, first but found myself confused and realized I needed to read book one first. So I put The Wishful Governess aside and dove into this book. I'll be honest, I really, really disliked Max. He was such and arrogant prat. I mean, seriously, what on earth did Vivian ever see in him? I couldn't help but feel she was well rid of him. Clearly he never truly loved her, despite his insisting he did. I had no idea how Laura could ever possibly redeem him. Mini-spoiler: she does. Max truly changed as the story continued and, thanks to his thoughts as well as his actions, he admitted his many errors and repented, a lot. He truly became a different, much better man. I'm so glad I didn't quit. Watching Max defend her without hesitation and work so hard to win her trust and forgiveness was spectacular!

The first book in the False Rumors series. Vivian Wescott and Maximilian Courtland where once engaged until he listened to gossip and lies and broke it off. She has now come back into his life as a Governess to his deceased cousin's children that are now under his care. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest until the end. I hope the rest of the series is this thrilling. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

About the author

International bestselling author Laura A. Barnes fell in love with writing in the second grade. After her first creative writing assignment, she dreamt of becoming an author. Many years went by with Laura filling her head full of story ideas and some funny fish songs she wrote while fishing with her family. In 2017, she made her dreams a reality. With her debut novel Rescued By the Captain, she has set out on the path of a published author.​

When not writing, Laura can be found devouring her favorite romance books. Laura is married to her own Prince Charming (who for some reason or another thinks the heroes in her books are about him) who she enjoys traveling with and binging shows on streaming services. You can usually find her spending time with her children and grandchildren. Besides her love of reading and writing, Laura loves to travel. With her passport stamped in England, Scotland, and Ireland; she hopes to add more countries to her list soon.​

While Laura isn’t very good on the social media front, she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her on the following platforms:​

Website: http://www.lauraabarnes.com

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