A Governess's Guide to Passion and Peril

By: Manda Collins

Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells

Two friends reunite and discover hidden feelings while investigating a murder in this sensual, witty historical romance—perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore and Netflix's Bridgerton!

Jane Halliwell once dreamed of a home of her own—but those dreams (and her dowry) died with her father. Now, she works as a governess, preparing her charge for a future no longer within her reach. When her employer is murdered during a house party, however, Jane is forced back into the world of the ton. But stepping in as hostess will require working with the same lord who once broke her girlish heart.

Lord Adrian Fielding was too consumed with his job at the Foreign Office to pay young Jane much heed, but he always considered her a friend. Which is why he’s confounded by her icy demeanor now. More troubling still is his desire to melt the tensions between them. But his mentor’s murder means he must first find the culprit—and ensure Jane’s safety as she manages a house full of foreign dignitaries. Only Jane insists on joining the investigation, and Adrian, despite all his diplomatic skills, finds himself seduced by her sharp wit and sparkling eyes.

But with a vicious killer circling ever closer, will it soon be too late for their chance at forever?

Critic reviews

"A fast-paced, run romp."—Library Journal

“The mystery unfolds effortlessly, delivering a slew of suspects, tantalizing clues, and danger around every corner without ever overshadowing the love story. This sensual romance will have pages flying.”
—Publisher's Weekly on A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

“Compelling, evenly paced, and delightfully fun.”
—Kirkus on A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

“Collins keeps the heat smoldering between the well-drawn main characters in this installment, and the mystery keeps the pace moving nicely . . . [for] fans of Julia Quinn and Evie Dunmore.”
—Library Journal on A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes

"Another fetching mix of sprightly wit, nimble plotting, and engaging characters that is certain to endear her to fans of historical romances and cozier historical mysteries."—Booklist on An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

"The mystery drives the action while the romance provides the heartbeat of the story, and the two weave together to create a well-plotted, entertaining tale for fans of both genres. Expectations and prejudice based on class and gender are scrutinized throughout, while the leads are witty, fierce, bighearted, and easy to love. . . . A successful and thoroughly enjoyable mix of mystery and romance."
—Kirkus on An Heiress's Guide to Deception and Desire

"A delectable mystery that reads like Victorian Moonlighting (with a good heaping of Nancy Drew's gumption). Collins writes with a brisk whimsy, her diverting characters popping off the page . . . adroitly threading the needle of her darkly amusing sense of humor, genuine suspense, and a deep sense of connection. . . . A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem is wickedly smart, so engrossing it'd be a crime not to read it immediately."—Entertainment Weekly on A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, A-

"Smartly plotted, superbly executed, and splendidly witty."—Booklist on A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem

"When I pick up a Manda Collins book, I know I'm in for a treat."—Tessa Dare, New York Times bestselling author

"[Manda] Collins is a delight! I read A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem waaay past my bedtime, absorbed by its spot-on period detail, the well-crafted characters, and of course the intriguing mystery. Brava!"—Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times bestselling author

"With wicked smart dialogue and incredibly strong characters, Manda Collins reminds me why I love historical romance so much. Witty, intelligent, and hard to put down, you'll love A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem."—Rachel Van Dyken, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Mystery, romance and an indomitable heroine make for a brisk, compelling read."—Madeline Hunter, New York Times bestselling author

Great series.

Lovely story. Good addition to the series. I like the romance. Their feelings read as genuine. I normally don’t like simple, super-evil villains, but it worked here because the heroine was so surprised by it.

Fun read

MJW is an instant listen for me; simply the best narrator. This series is so fun and entertaining. Excited for the next installment.

Another winner in this series

Great characters.
Fabulous narrator.
Just a joy to listen to.

The fly in the ointment: the villain was a bit too predictable.

Just Okay

This one was just okay for me. I didn't like that we were just told that Adrian and Jane were in love, instead of seeing them fall in love. I guess they were always in love but it just left the romantic part of the book lacking for me. The mystery of the culprit was too easy. I knew from the first interaction the killer had with Jane after the murder who it was.

The narrator

I love this series but this one wasn’t my favorite however, the narrator has done an incredible job through out the series!!