Release Day: All’s Fair in Love and War, Virginia Heath

If you’re looking for a slow-burn, regency romance this summer (and why shouldn’t you be) have a look at All’s Fair in Love and War, releasing today. If you want to hear more, have a read of my review below.

– Em

Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy from NetGalley!

⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

TW: light steam, not suitable for younger readers. 

I love regency romances. I love regency romances so much that I own a small library of Julia Quinn books, so I was, understandably, beyond excited for All’s Fair in Love and War after reading the plot. Don’t get me wrong, there were things I adored in this story, but I came away feeling like it was mostly a series of missed opportunities. 

In All’s Fair in Love and War, we meet Georige, a governess unable to secure a teaching position, despite her bright ideas on learning. After an unhappy childhood, she wants to avoid the miserable life of the navy and all its stuffy officers, and is content with her lot in life. Cue Captain Harry Kincaid, said stuffy officer, so dead-set on being punctual that he carries two pocket watches. Harry’s sister is taking a spontaneous trip to Egypt, so has left her three excitable children and their even more excitable dog, Norbert, in his care and he’s desperate for a governess. Georgie and Harry are immediately at odds over how to look after the children, but as they spend more time together, they can’t deny their growing attraction.

In theory, *chef’s kiss*. In reality…not so much. I cannot stress how much potential this book had, with the leads perfect for that lovely enemies-to-lovers arc, and adorable children to show them the domestic bliss in their future. But it just all fell a bit flat, and lacked the spark or banter-filled chemistry for a four star read. The sweet moments Georgie and Harry did have together (and there were some!!) were overshadowed by wordy and unnecessary writing. I feel like Georgie’s ideas on education, as great as they are, went on too long and too often. At the end of the day, this is a romance. And even then, it didn’t really feel like it kicked off properly until the 40% mark. 

Georgie and Harry were brilliant leads for a regency romance. It was great to see Harry go from a traditional navy man to more relaxed and focused on his own happiness. The children and the staff were fantastic and really helped to create some funny, sweet moments. Harry and Georgie making the youngest, Grace, hot chocolate during a storm was ADORABLE and hands down my favourite moment. When Georgie and Harry do have their moments, like this one, it is genuinely enjoyable so it’s just a shame that it takes so long to get there.

Unfortunately, I don’t have an overwhelming desire to return to All’s Fair in Love and War, but if you’re looking for a regency, slow-burn romance then this might be for you. If you enjoyed this post, give it a like or look at our Instagram if that’s more your speed @for_the_plot1814!