Miss Caroline Ritter is a diamond of the first water and a much sought after debutante. When she is found in a compromising position, she is ruined in the eyes of the ton. And, since she can no longer marry a peer, her father casts her out. After years of menial jobs, Caroline applies to Adorna Bucknell's Distinguished Academy of Governesses for a position. When asked what she is accomplished at Caroline has but one reply -- flirting.

The Duke of Nevett wants his son, Jude, the Earl of Huntington, married and producing grandchildren to carry on the family line so he hires Caroline to teach Jude to flirt so that he can secure a bride. However, Jude is on a mission to find out who killed his older brother and to foil a plot against England. He is only playing the dandy and fool in order to gather information for the Home Office. He dresses outrageously to make society think he is a nincompoop of the highest order so he can get closer to the men who murdered his brother and discover why they are in England.

This is Ms. Dodd's seventh book in the Governess Bride series. This book started off with a bang but somewhere in the middle, it became got choppy. The episode at the opera was over the top and unbelievable, with his mother sitting just ten feet away. However, the scene after the opera -- now, that was very erotic and believable.

There are some time gaps and a few scenes that were way too outlandish to be enjoyed. I think it is very distracting when minor characters are introduced to fill pages and then rushed so you have no idea why they were even mentioned in the first place.

I wish that Ms. Dodd had expanded the Freshfield storyline because the conclusion seemed very anti- climatic to me. It was enjoyable to learn what Jude did to insure Caroline's safety and to make sure she was no longer bothered by Freshie. Caroline's character was hard to figure out -- one moment she was a strong woman living on the streets supporting herself -- and the next she was a cowering weakling when confronted by a couple of old biddies. The repartee between Caroline and Jude could be very funny. The very idea that the Duke had no idea that Jude and Duchess set Caroline up in his house and he just thought she arrived early each day for work was a hoot. The ending of this book has expertly set up the story for her next book.

Book Summary

Miss Caroline Ritter, accomplished flirt, acknowledged beauty, and ruined gentlewoman, offers lessons to any rich, noble lord too inept to attract a wife. Discard your silly affectations and your garish clothing! Learn the art of witty conversation, elegant dancing, equestrian feats and irresistible seduction at the opera! With Miss Ritter's help, you can become the most sought-after aristocrat at the ball!

Send your request to the Distinguished Academy of Gover nesses.

Please, absolutely no devastatingly attractive men with hidden agendas, such as secret missions or vengeful plots against evil villains—specifically not Jude Durant, the earl of Huntington, the most handsome, the most covert, the most dangerous of all the aristocrats in Regency London.

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