Isabelle Halloran is gently bred, well educated but impoverished, so she does what she has to do and goes out as a governess. But fate lands her in the home of the unlikeable Wardley family, who are rich but ill bred.

One night, Isabelle discovers her charge has left her own bed and snuck into the bed of houseguest Michael Severson. Michael is extraordinarily handsome, and known to be terribly dangerous. Years before, he'd left England under a cloud of suspicion - had he killed his mistress or not? But now he has returned to clear his name and uncover the identity of the real killer. Isabelle rescues her pupil, but puts herself in a compromising position. And when she is discovered in Michael's room, with Michael himself, she is dismissed. But Michael cannot leave her without resources...he offers to 'protect' her, then becomes determined to wed her...

This was the first book by Cathy Maxwell I've read. I was pleasantly surprised. The story had a few laughs, lots of suspense, the love scenes were not overly done, and the book flowed along nicely. I did find it a bit predictable to me (it might not be to another reader), but when the story is this well done, it doesn't matter.

Much better than I thought it would be!

Society dictates that a governess should be modest, quiet, and keep to herself.

She should never contradict her employer.

And, above all, she must not attract the attention of any male in the household.

But Michael Severson doesn't see Isabel Halloran as a governess -- he sees her as a woman, one whose lush curves cannot be hidden behind a dowdy gown ... and whose efforts at hiding her sparkling intelligence are betrayed by her wit.

Years before, Michael had left Regency England, falsely accused of a crime. Now he is back, dedicated to seeking retribution -- but not to taking a bride. But when his scandalous actions compromise Isabel's reputation, he does the unthinkable and offers her his hand -- a marriage in name only.

But although his bride's passions are untried, Isabel's sensuality clearly matches his own. And with each day, and night, that passes, Michael becomes determined that every kiss, every caress, will be made with one goal: to seduce his proper wife into tender submission.

Michael does not see Isabel as a governess, but as a lush curvy woman. But when he is caught compromising her he agrees to marry her- in name only. But with the passion she sparks in him may cause him to rethink his future.

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Very good book

I liked this book very much and am looking forward to reading the next one.

Great intelligent characters, caught up in past tradgedies work them out with wit and sizzle!

A very good historical romance.

This is a great read....very good love story.

A good read!

From the New York Times Bestselling Author of THE SEDUCTION OF AN ENGLISH LADY.

Regency romance - Michael Severson returns to England after exile for retribution. He hires a governess to pose as his fiance, & sparks fly.

Society dictates that a governess should be modest, quiet, and keep to herself. She should never contradict her employer. And, above all, she must not attract the attention of any male in the household.

Book Description

Society dictates that a governessshould be modest, quiet, and keep to herself.

She should never contradict her employer.

And, above all, she must not attract the attention of any male in the household.

But Michael Severson doesn't see Isabel Halloran as a governess -- he sees her as a woman, one whose lush curves cannot be hidden behind a dowdy gown ... and whose efforts at hiding her sparkling intelligence are betrayed by her wit.

Years before, Michael had left Regency England, falsely accused of a crime. Now he is back, dedicated to seeking retribution -- but not to taking a bride. But when his scandalous actions compromise Isabel's reputation, he does the unthinkable and offers her his hand -- a marriage in name only.

But although his bride's passions are untried, Isabel's sensuality clearly matches his own. And with each day, and night, that passes, Michael becomes determined that every kiss, every caress, will be made with one goal: to seduce his proper wife into tender submission.

Read All Book Reviews of "Temptation of a Proper Governess"