Title: The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit MarquessesAuthor: Amy Rose Bennett
Series: The Parasol Academy #2
Pages: 432
Publication Date: March 31, 2026
Publisher: Kensington
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Historical
Synopsis:
Hermina Davenport can hardly believe the audacious exploit she is about to attempt. To protect an orphaned young viscount, the prim and proper governess feels she has no choice but to break the rules of the Parasol Academy Handbook! When the lad’s guardian, a ruthlessly ambitious explorer, ensorcelled by the evil Fae Queen, spirits him away on a dangerous North Pole expedition, Mina employs an invisibility spell to snatch him from the ship. But a magical misfire whisks Mina and her charge onto a different vessel, that of a ruggedly handsome Irishman—a strapping prizefighter from Dublin’s backstreets—and Mina finds she’s at sea in more ways than one . . .
Phineas O’Connell, Lord Kinsale, can no more explain the arrival of this English Rose than he can adapt to his newly-inherited title—though his disgruntled pet pug clearly has “thoughts” about the fair stowaway. But their enchanted encounter sparks an irresistible offer: Phinn enlists the polished Miss Davenport to transform this misfit marquess into a mannered gentleman ready for his seat in Parliament. No magic required, just enticingly intimate lessons in etiquette and elocution to smooth all his rough edges including a stammer. . .
But when enemies—both earthly and supernatural, past and present—threaten, a confrontation begins, where Mina’s nondescript umbrella is just one of her powerful weapons . . .
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This was such an entertaining historical romance and a great addition to the series. The Mary Poppins vibes were so fun! Mina has the same capable, slightly no-nonsense energy as Mary Poppins, and she’s also warm and protective in a way that made me really like her. She’s competent, kind, and quietly brave, especially when it comes to protecting her young charge. I don’t think there’s anything she wouldn’t do for him, and I don’t blame her. He’s such a sweetie! The whole situation she ends up in is a little chaotic, but I loved how determined she was to do the right thing, even when it meant breaking all the rules.
And then there’s Phin. I adored him! A former prizefighter turned reluctant aristocrat with a stammer and a genuinely good heart? Yes, please! lol I liked him right from the start. He’s so kind, he cares about people, and he wants to do good with his new position. I really liked watching him try to find his place in a world that doesn’t quite accept him while still holding onto his values. I also liked watching him fall in love with Mina.
Mina and Phin have a great romance with a unique meet-cute. Their connection grows deeper as she moves into his home and helps him with his ward, his speech, and navigating society. Their love story is a bit of a slow build, but you can feel the chemistry between them from the start, and they have some really interesting conversations about literature and life. I also really liked the found family element. Mina, Phin, the kids, and even a delightfully opinionated pug created such a warm, supportive little unit. It was heartwarming to see this motley group form such a strong connection despite the threats, secrets, and danger they face and the magical world Mina keeps hidden.
Overall, The Governess’s Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses was an entertaining read and a nice blend of historical romance and fantasy. I can’t wait to see who the focus of the next book in the series will be! Special thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
- found family
- cinnamon roll hero
- magical governess
- forced prximity
Amy Rose Bennett is an award-winning Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances and more recently, historical rom-coms with a dash of fantasy. A former speech pathologist, Amy is happily married to her very own romantic hero and has two lovely, exceedingly accomplished adult daughters. When she’s not creating stories, Amy loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, lose herself in a good book, and when she can afford it, travel to all the places she writes about.
