A review by literarialuminaria
An Unlikely Match For The Governess by Lauri Robinson

5.0

Loving him was so easy, but it was also hard. So very hard.

Lauri Robinson’s “An Unlikely Match for the Governess” is an absolute emotional rollercoaster that throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of love, loss, and unwavering determination. This story expertly exposes the depths of villainy and despicability some characters can reach, making your heart ache even more for the ones you’re rooting for. Aislinn, the devoted governess to a pair of adorable orphaned twins, Fern and Ivy, faces the terrifying possibility of being torn away from the children she loves. Her fierce determination to keep her newfound family intact leads to an unconventional proposal: a marriage of convenience. What begins as a practical arrangement between Aislinn and Luke, the twins’ aristocratic uncle turned American Cowboy, evolves into a deepening connection that neither of them anticipated or even wanted.

One of the most endearing aspects of this novel is Luke’s natural, though not necessarily effortless, bond with Fern and Ivy. There’s something incredibly heartwarming about a man who genuinely connects with children, and the author beautifully captures the blossoming relationship between Luke and the girls. The relationship between Aislinn and Luke is tender, sweet, and exceptionally well-developed, given the limited time they’ve known each other before joining forces to do what’s best for the twins. You can ✨feel✨ the main characters falling in love in such a natural, intrinsic way. Their love story unfolds organically, which is honestly a pleasant and welcome departure from the rushed relationships often found in similar narratives.

The vivid descriptions, especially when Luke describes witnessing a tornado in America, add substance to the story. Additionally, you can’t help but get caught up in the emotions, whether it’s a long awaited first kiss, the (sweet and tastefully done) mature content, or the unexpected twists that keep you turning the page until the wee hours. There are definitely moments you’ll want to shout at the characters, especially when lies, deception, and misunderstandings come to a head; however, while frustrating, it all adds complexity to the plot, keeping you engaged and emotionally invested (really letting you love – or hate – the characters).

“An Unlikely Match for the Governess” is a wonderful tale of strangers to lovers (kind of)… more like, strangers to partners, to spouses, to friends…to lovers. This book beautifully proves that love can conquer even the most unexpected (or vile) challenges and circumstances. So, grab your favorite drink, settle into a cozy reading spot, and get ready for a seriously enchanting historical romance that will give you all the warm and fuzzy feels.