"The Lord With Bare Feet!"

Christina Dodd launches the Academy for Governess series in fine style with this fun and different book.

The Governesses in question are all well-born, but poor and determined to improve both their own lot and that of others in the same boat.

Lady Charlotte Dalrumple takes a post to teach the children of Lord Wynter Ruskin proper manners. When she arrives at his home, she discovers that she will need to teach Wynter how to behave like a proper Regency gentleman as well.

Wynter has been living with Bedouin tribesman since he was 15. Wynter needs a wife and he is more interested in seducing and wedding Charlotte then learning proper behavior, but heeds his Mother's declaration that he needs to learn how to behave for his children's sake. The fun is watching both characters as they each persevere with their separate goals.

Wynter is just a delight: sexy, handsome, caring with a great love for his children. The image of Wynter talking to Charlotte dressed as a proper Regency gent with totally improper bare feet is one that stuck in my mind. The dialogue between the pair is witty and adult.

Charlotte who tries very hard to be prim and proper but her baddinage with Wynter excites her more then she wants to admit, even to herself.

Dodd has created full-blown characters including very realistic children and Wynter's mother who is so happy with the return of her prodigal son. RULES OF SURRENDER will have readers looking forward to the next books in the series.

Reviewed by Linda Hurst
Posted January 6, 2002