I knew this was a novella and a prequel when I downloaded it. My problem was that it wasn't much of a story. We learn a little bit about Chloe, some about Jacob and his animals, and that Tommy impersonates a gentleman (she's not), but not much else about the six or seven (I was never sure) adopted children of Bean. Bean actually seemed interesting and I'd like to learn more about him, his background, his good causes, and why he's adopting all these children, but he doesn't make it past about halfway through the story. The scheme to stop the boarding school was nonsensical and the duke who stole their painting and then died was just weird, coming in and out as he pleased. The son of the duke (who I'm guessing is going to be the hero in the next book) was just an a-hole for all he's supposed to be on the side of the common people. Chloe should admire him for his good deeds, but why she'd ever be attracted to him romantically made no sense since he ignored her and her sibling quite rudely. It certainly didn't make me want to buy any of the rest of the series. ( )

The Governess Gambit by Erica Ridley
Wild Wynchesters Prequel #0.5

Six orphans become a family after being adopted by Baron Vanderbean. We don’t hear much about their pasts or early years together as this book begins with almost two decades after Chloe was adopted. This book sets the stage for the series and gives us a hint about the characters that will appear throughout the books.

What I liked:
* Baron Vanderbean – or Bean to his children. An older man with a generous spirit who helped not only the six he adopted but many others as well.
* The six Wynchesters – can’t wait to hear more about each and every one of them.
* That the story was fun…even when it was a bit sad
* That the six were close to one another and to Bean
* The way the group worked together as a team to solve problems and help others just as Bean had and must have taught them to.
* Knowing that there will be more books to look forward to.
* That the goal the Wynchesters worked toward was achieved
* Getting to know Chloe and knowing that she will be a main character in the next book.

What I didn’t like:
* Miss Spranklin: cold, cruel, greedy, unscrupulous woman
* The exploitation of the orphans
* Faircliffe: both he elder and the younger left much to be desired…at least in this book
* One of the deaths that occurred.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes

Thank you to the author and ReadForeverPub for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4 stars ( )