Description
The rules are simple: fake a relationship and solve a mystery. That should be easy … right?
Ivy Bennett has escaped the marriage mart once already—by becoming a governess to the new Lord Brackley’s unruly little sisters. Spending her days in the schoolroom and her nights running a secret self-defense class for women, she has absolutely no interest in a husband. So when Ivy is handed a secret assignment by the spymaster known as the Dove, she sees an opportunity: fake a courtship with the enigmatic Owen Brackley to avoid her conniving father’s attempts to marry her off, complete the mission, and finally secure her freedom. Simple. Until it’s not.
Women across London are succumbing to a strange madness, and they all share a connection to Brackley—the same man who looks at Ivy like he sees right through her and is none too bothered by her lack of ladylike charm. As Ivy gathers gossip like breadcrumbs and dodges increasingly dangerous attempts on Brackley’s life, she realizes two things: someone wants the viscount gone, and the closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to tell what’s real and what’s just part of the game.
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Sexual Content - 3/5
3/5
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Violence - 2/5
2/5
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Language - 0/5
0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 1/5
1/5
Summary
Reviewed by Donna
Never Spar with a Viscount by Lindsay Lovise was a thoroughly enjoyable read and a great introduction to this author for me. I would happily pick up more of her books. Although I didn’t realize at first that this story is part of a series, it works very well as a standalone. One of the unique elements that ties the series together is the mysterious “Dove,” who enlists governesses to help hold elite men accountable for their misdeeds. It reminded me slightly of the Hell’s Belles series by Sarah Maclean.
In this installment, Ivy quickly realizes that Owen is not the villain he’s been made out to be, and that a much larger scheme is unfolding. Their relationship develops naturally and features several beloved tropes, including fake dating, a brother’s best friend, nursing back to health, and the ever-charming governess/noble dynamic. Ivy and Owen have wonderful chemistry, and their interactions are both engaging and heartfelt.
I particularly enjoyed Ivy’s role as a governess teaching her young charges how to defend themselves—these scenes added warmth and charm to the story. There are also some standout moments featuring Ivy’s brother and her best friend that feel ripe for their own story.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical romance with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
And I adore the book cover. That is what made me stop and read the description.
Content Notes: Open-door romance; minor character drug use.