Series: Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings, #3
Traits & Tropes: hidden identity; impoverished hero
Publication Date: 02.01.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; England, 1831
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 4/5
Since her kidnap and subsequent ruination by a would-be suitor during her first season as a debutante, Lady Priscilla Fellowes has devoted herself to teaching domestic sciences at Miss Primm’s Private Seminary for the Education of Ladies. She loves the school, her students, and her fellow teachers, so when its reputation is threatened by a spiteful student, Priscilla will do anything to save it, including impersonating one of the young ladies.
All Priscilla must do is refuse an unwanted suitor to ensure that one of her students keeps a potentially ruinous secret to herself. Everything goes according to plan until the suitor proves to be more determined than expected and she finds herself attended a house party at his family home. Soon, Priscilla herself is in love with Emerson Huntington, the Earl of Hardwood, who believes himself to be on the cusp of marrying her student.
I was intrigued by this concept as I’ve never read anything quite like it before, but I probably would’ve have picked it up if not for my having read the previous book in the series. You risk spoilers on this one as it’s hard to discuss my thoughts without also mentioning a couple of key plot points. I enjoyed this set up, but I felt that the deception went on way too long. It was also hard to buy the whole threat of being imprisoned in Newgate looming over Emerson because this simply wouldn’t be a thing for an earl. He may have had to endure trial by peers but definitely not given such a bad cell or robbed and abused by the guards. Besides that fact, the lies just went on too long and I think Priscilla missed some golden opportunities to come clean. I would’ve liked more time in the end with them together and everything out in the open between them, rather than their reunion being the climax of the story. Other than that, and Priscilla being a bit immature for her years, their connection seemed very solid and believable, and I really liked Emerson as a hero. I’ll continue with this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1859694753
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4528100844
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