Ward was a big ol' dummy throughout most of this book. He didn't even think to look in Debrett's? ( )

I am happy to report that there are a number of entertaining and interesting conversations in this book. I am saddened to report that almost none of them occur between our hero and heroine. ( )

James did a good job writing a case for both characters, their feelings and actions are justified, not just dramatic or convenient for moving the plot forward. Even when there's some mistaken identity, it's written in a believable way. I appreciate when writers attend to those details. ( )

Eloisa James has done it again. In this installment of Desperate Duchesses By the Numbers we once again meet an unorthodox woman going against society's dictates to have a career - this time as the owner of a Registry for Governesses. Of course, Mrs Eugenia Snowe could simply sit back and take her place as a member of the ton but she chooses to use her time to help families find just the right governess no matter how difficult the child/children might be.
Theodore (Ward) Reeve might be illegitimate but he was raised by his father an Earl and as such he was accepted in society by most. When his long lost mother dies and leaves 2 much younger and more legitimate siblings in his care he realizes that he needs a governess to bring them up to snuff before their grandmother is able to bring a suit for custody of the young children. While it might have been a good thing for the children to be raised in the Dowager Duchess's house, she was such a mean woman that Ward wouldn't subject the children to that.
This book is filled with familiar characters from previous books by Ms James and it is wonderful to see that everyone's story has turned out so well. ( )

A madcap adventure with 2 mischievous children.

Ward desperately needs another governess. Eugenia can't believe his household needs another one of her highly desired governesses! Ward takes matters into his own hands & kidnaps Eugenia! Desperate times call for desperate measures. Good thing Eugenia likes him! And thus mayhem happens.

Both have fears and hopes for the future but can they get them to mesh together? ( )