Abigail Hallaway accepted a governess position in Northumbria in order to avoid marriage and gain her independence from her sisters. Her new employer, Elliot Wright the Earl of Brendall, however, is an insufferable brute; his harsh and candid way of speaking shock and disgust Abigail. Not only is Elliot Wright rude and unpleasant, but his alleged dangerous tendencies and questionable past make Abigail realize that there is more to this man than just a harsh exterior.

Although Abigail struggles to endure the Earl's mysterious and rude disposition, she can't help but feel a strong physical attraction to the impossibly handsome Earl. Meanwhile, Elliot Wright desperately attempts to put a stop to his increasing fascination with the pretty new governess by avoiding her at all costs. Abigail mistakes his seeming indifference to her as further proof of his rudeness but cannot control her attraction to him.

Elliot, however, keeps a tragic and painful secret from his past that could change Abigail's feelings for him and make her lose her heart to him completely. As his feelings for Abigail intensify, he is more determined than ever to keep her safe by denying her the one thing she most desires: his love. Although the secret desires of the governess and Lord Brendall remain suppressed, the undeniable chemistry between Abigail and Elliot can only be contained for so long.

THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. Although Abigail and Elliot's angsty romance takes precedence over the majority of the novel, this book contains many hidden treasures within its pages. Tiffany Clare took a historical romance novel and transcended genres by creating a compelling mystery within a romance. THE SECRET DESIRES OF A GOVERNESS is excellent reading material for those who like their romance novel with explosive love scenes and a good solid plot.