Tag: Ella Matthews

The Governess’ Unlikely Suitor by Ella Matthews

On By TracyIn Check Content Warning/Triggers, Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Governess' Unlikely Suitor (The Dashworth Brothers #2)The Governess’ Unlikely Suitor by Ella Matthews

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Dashworth Brothers #2

Release Date: October 10, 2025

Lord Edward Dashworth’s life changed forever upon the death of his elder brother Sebastian. Sebastian left for America years earlier and Edward and his three other brothers hadn’t heard from him since. After his death, his young daughter Charlotte arrived at the home of Edward’s eldest brother, Tobias, the Duke of Glanmore with instructions from Sebastian’s lawyer that the remain brothers must all live together and raise Charlotte for two years. If the brothers did not agree, Charlotte would be sent to live with the aunt who had raised the brothers – a fate they wouldn’t wish on their greatest enemy. Once Edward and his brothers move into the ducal residence and begin to bond with their niece, questions arise about Sebastian’s death. Edward finds an investigator he believes can find the answers they seek, but he refuses to take the job. But Edward isn’t going to give up without a fight and he and his brother Freddie, visit Simon Hornel, the man agrees to talk to him, but says he can’t take the job and leave his sister. When the brothers promise to care for his sister, he finally agrees to take the job. Edward is elated, until he meets Kate Hornel and knows his life is about to become even harder, as Kate is exactly the sort of woman that he is attracted to and completely forbidden to him.

Katherine “Kate” Hornel has had a rough year, she was forced to flee her last governess post in the middle of the night after being mentally and sexually abused by her employer. After she left, the employer made it impossible for her to find another post and even went as far as ruining her brother’s investigation business by smearing his good name. When the Dashworth brothers offer her brother a case, she will do whatever necessary, even move in with strangers. She never expected to fall for Edward, a man who she could never hope to marry, but doesn’t seem to stop his family from trying to push them together.

This installment of the Dashworth Brothers series is a well-written, slow-burn romance with a forbidden attraction trope, and touches on the impact of the off-page emotional and mental abuse suffered by the characters. I really enjoyed this story and loved not only the budding relationship between Edward and Kate, but the ongoing relationship between the brothers and Charlotte. I was also delighted with the further progression of the storyline centering around their late brother Sebastian, which left me totally invested in this series and impatiently awaiting the next installment! Overall, this was a lovely story of healing, hope and love, it was a bit slow moving and drawn out in places, but it was still a very touching read. This is the second book in the series, and the author does provide enough backstory that the book can be read as a standalone title, but I would recommend reading the series in order for the best reader experience.

*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. *

The Earl’s Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Earl's Unlikely Bride (The Dashworth Brothers #1)The Earl’s Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Dashworth Brothers, #1

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Lord Frederick “Freddie” Dashworth and along with his two younger brothers are called to the home of their elder brother the Duke of Glanmore, to meet with a solicitor regarding their brother Sebastian who left England years ago for America. They are shocked to learn that Sebastian is dead and that he left behind a 3-year-old daughter, Charlotte. His will states that the brothers must all live together for 2 years and raise Charlotte, an heiress, at the end of the time, the solicitor will award guardianship to one of the brothers. If the brothers refuse to follow his instructions, Charlotte will be sent to live with their aunt – the woman that raised the brothers after their parents died. As the brothers are united in their hatred for their aunt, they agree to the terms – problem is none of them know anything about raising a child. When Freddie runs into his neighbor, Miss Emily Hawkins at the modiste, he is wary about asking for help, as they have been at odds all their lives, but since he caught her in the Duke’s garden, he is not above blackmailing her to help Charlotte. He just never expected to fall so hard for the one person who is completely immune to his charm.

Emily Hawkins is the youngest of three daughters and the only unmarried one, making her the sole focus of her overbearing mother. Emily strives to be the perfect debutante, but she hasn’t “taken” and her mother is relentless in her criticism of Emily. She escapes into the duke’s garden for a respite and is found by Freddie. She has always thought Freddie was lazy and entitled, but after seeing him with his niece and getting to know him better, she realizes how wrong she was about him. But when they are caught in a compromising situation, she worries that marriage to him may cost her more than her happiness.

As usual, Ms. Matthews delivers a well-written story with wonderful characters. I loved Freddie and Emily, they both have their own insecurities to overcome, but when they work together, they are a force to be reckoned with! The book is not quite the story I thought it was going to be, but I am hooked! I can’t wait to find out the mystery surrounding their brother Sebastian’s death and seeing the remaining brothers find the women who will help them heal from the trauma of their upbringing. Highly recommended!

*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. *