Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

Never Spar with a Viscount by Lindsay Lovise

Series: Secret Society of Governess Spies #3

Release Date: March 10, 2026

After refusing to wed the man her father selected for her, Miss Ivy Bennett decided to live life on her terms, she took a position as governess to new Viscount Brackley’s young sisters and has done her best to steer clear of the man. But when the Dove, founder of Perdita’s, the most exclusive governess school in England, recruits her investigate the new viscount as he has been sighted leaving the homes of several residences in London where the ladies of the house have fallen victim to “female hysteria”, she has no choice but to interact with the man. The more time she spends with Owen Brackley, the harder it is to believe that he is responsible for the problems in London. When Ivy’s eldest brother, Barnes, who happens to be Owen’s former best friend, shows up with news that their father has a new suitor for her, Owen suggests they pretend to be courting, to save them both from their family’s interference. Owen promises to help Ivy catch the eye of the man she really wants to marry and she will keep his meddling, matchmaking stepmother at bay. It seems like the perfect plan, until she falls in love with him.

Owen Brackley has been living abroad for years building up a successful horse breeding business, a business he intended to start with Barnes. But shortly before they were set to graduate from Harrow and start their business, Barnes punches Owen and cuts all ties with him with no explanation. Now years later, it is clear that Barnes still hates him and Owen still has no idea why, so it gives him bit of perverse joy in tweaking his nose by courting Ivy. He tells himself that he really means to help Ivy win the husband of her dreams, but the heart wants what the heart wants and his heart wants Ivy. But before they can claim their HEA, they will need to solve the mystery of what is causing the female hysteria and clear Owen’s name.

As with the previous books in this series, this story is well written, nicely paced and filled with likable characters that you want to root for. Owen and Ivy have both survived awful fathers and have lived life on their own terms. I thought the author did a great job of describing the abuse they endured without being graphic, so even sensitive readers should be able to enjoy this story. In addition to Owen and Ivy, there are a lot of entertaining secondary characters, including Owen’s 8 young sisters, Ivy’s brother Barnes and her friend Diane, who all add a lot of laughter and lightness to this story. The book has wonderful characters, a great mystery, secrets, steamyish love scenes, witty banter, adorable little girls, suspense, surprising revelations and finally a happy ending complete with an epilogue. I really enjoyed this story and would happily recommend this title to my fellow HR readers. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

How to Save a Spy by Jane Charles

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Duke of Lies #5 / The Devils of Dalson #2

Release Date: March 9, 2026

Rhys McNaught was recruited by the Home Office directly from school and was tasked with spying on the ton to find French spies. But after years of spying for King and country, Rhys wanted out and longed to return to his home on Antigua. Unfortunately, the spy game didn’t pay well and he was in debt, therefore delaying his return home, but fate had other plans for Rhys in the form of Leander Ashby, the Duke of Lionston. The duke offers Rhys a way out of his debt and a chance to get home, eventually, if he will work for The Lion Watch, a private group that collects information. Rhys has no choice but to agree and goes to the Caribbean island of Martinique to gather information about the French activity. He hopes the assignment will be quick and he will be able to complete his mission and finally get home! But things take turn when he returns to his hut to find it overrun with young ladies and learns the sea captain he uses to pass information is dead and the ship is lost. He immediately butts heads with the eldest, Miss Tempest Driscoll, who kicks him out of his house and even worse, she hides his rum! So why does he find her so attractive and irresistible?

Tempest Driscoll is the eldest daughter of a British diplomat based in Dominica. After the death of her stepmother, Tempest had to take over everything. She has been acting as secretary, hostess, governess and steward for her father, so when the opportunity for a quick getaway arose – she jumped at the chance. She and her sisters traveled to her uncle’s home for Christmas and were on their way home when their ship was attacked by the French. They barely escaped and sadly the ship and the crew were lost. They made it to the island and found Rhys’ hut. Tempest insists that she and her sisters need to stay in the hut and banishes Rhys to the jungle, after assuming he was nothing more than a drunk. But soon she realizes her mistake, and they form a friendship with the promise of more. But when the French capture Rhys can she save the man she has come to love?

This was a fast paced, well-written long novella with wonderful characters and lots of adventure that I am delighted to recommend. I absolutely adored Rhys; he is the quintessential heart-of-gold hero, but Tempest took a bit longer for me to warm up to, however, she won me over in the end. This is a quick, low/no steam read with lots of adventure, great secondary characters, witty banter with a happy ending that includes an epilogue. This novella has ties to more than one series but can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

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