Review: A Governess Should Never... Kiss at Christmastide by Emily Windsor

About the Book:

Title: A Governess Should Never… Kiss at Christmastide

Author: Emily Windsor

Publication Date: Nov. 6, 2023

Synopsis:

Let the Spirit of Christmas sweep you away! Christmas in Cumbria features THIRTEEN STORIES of love and romance from your favorite authors…
Let these glorious stories full of Christmas magic and true love—with more than a hint of steam— sweep you away to a time gone by. Indulge yourself free of guilt with this collection from USA Today and Amazon bestselling authors:

Tammy Andresen, Sadie Bosque, Chasity Bowlin, Collette Cameron, Jane Charles, Adele Clee, Christine Donovan, Amanda Mariel, Nadine Millard, Emily Royal, Tabetha Waite, Emily Windsor, and Elizabeth Ellen Carter

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

Review:

Emily Windsor’s A Governess Should Never… Kiss at Christmastide is part of a collection of holiday-themed historical romances called Christmas in Cumbria. I’ve been swooning over Windsor’s romances for a while now, and I’m happy to say I adored Charlotte and Marcus and their beautiful romance. Childhood friends, they haven’t seen each other in years, but when they finally do, there are definitely old feelings still there. They have amazing chemistry and banter, and their time together as they both try to win a bet between them is fantastic.

Marcus has changed a lot since Charlotte last saw him. No longer the carefree boy she played with, Marcus is curmudgeonly and seems to only care about filling his coffers. Total Scrooge vibes! However, as Charlotte begins to work for him and convince him of the importance of remaining with his ward (who is fantastic!) over the holidays, she begins to see past that seemingly greedy persona. She finds out what drives Marcus, and it changes her perceptions.

Charlotte has an equally difficult time of it. She’s barely keeping a roof over her and her uncle’s heads, and she’s in desperate need of a job, which is why she works as a governess for his ward. Marcus and Charlotte have both been through so much, which only adds to their clear chemistry and connection.

I loved this story! It’s quick and fun and romantic, the characters are compelling, and the banter is fantastic. Plus, there’s a great cameo from a famous poet and some fun Dickens inspiration.

Though I’ve only read the one story so far, I’m excited to read the rest of the book; there are so many amazing historical romance authors contributing, and if they’re anything like Windsor’s Christmas Carol-inspired story, I know I’ll be in for a treat.