My review for "The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses" by Amy Rose Bennett

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 . . .

Title: The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses
Author: Amy Rose Bennett
Serie: The Parasol Academy #2
Editore: Kensington
Pagine 433
Uscita: 31 Marzo 2026
* thanks to NetGalley and to Kensington


The series "The Parasol Academy":
1) The Nanny's Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes
2) The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses

Nuova lettura in inglese, anche stavolta con il desiderio di vederla pubblicata nel mercato italiano.

A Londra, in pieno periodo vittoriano, la Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses diploma tate e governanti per prestare servizio per famiglie aristocratiche e ricche, fornendo persino alle allieve un manuale pratico per coadiuvare regole di galateo e limiti dei loro talenti magici.
Questo è, infatti, il secondo volume che mescola (abilmente) ambientazione storica, aspetti romance e avventurosi, un tocco di humour e una cornice fantasy.

Miss Davenport è la governante di un un giovane visconte orfano, che viene trascinato dal suo tutore (e da una malvagia regina Fae) in una spedizione ad alto rischio nel Polo Nord.
Nel tentativo di salvarlo con un incantesimo, la nostra Mina atterra sulla nave sbagliata, in balia di un rude capitano irlandese (ho detto che è un ex-pugile sexy e arrogante?).
Ma Phineas, il capitano, oltre a essere esperto di boxe, è anche un Lord di fresca eredità e necessita incredibilmente di un'insegnante di buone maniere per sopravvivere in società.

Indovinate chi si assumerà l'incarico di educarlo all'etichetta?

Trama ricca e divertente, una governante talentuosa e intrepida, e una lettura perfetta per le soleggiate giornate estive. 

Bonus: un carlino con manie di protagonismo.

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In London, during the Victorian era, the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses trains nannies and governesses to serve aristocratic and wealthy families, even providing its pupils  with a practical handbook to guide them on matters of etiquette and the limits of their magical talents.

This is, in fact, the second volume in the series, which skilfully blends a historical setting with elements of romance and adventure, a touch of humour and a fantasy backdrop.

Miss Davenport is the governess to a young orphaned viscount, who is dragged by his guardian (and an evil Fae queen) on a high-risk expedition to the North Pole. In an attempt to save him with a spell, our Mina ends up on the wrong ship, at the mercy of a gruff Irish captain (did I mention he’s a sexy, arrogant ex-boxer?).

But Phineas, the captain, as well as being an expert boxer, is also a newly inherited lord and desperately needs a tutor in etiquette to survive in high society. Guess who’ll be taking on the task of teaching him etiquette?

A rich and entertaining plot, a talented and intrepid governess, and the perfect read for sunny summer days. Bonus: a pug with a penchant for the limelight.