The Royal Governess by Barbara Lohr

While Christina tutors the Heir Apparent, she captures his father’s heart.

Seeking safe harbor, Christina Newhart escapes to a Mediterranean island with daughter Lexi. King Marco Giovanni Pietro di Napolitano needs a governess for Gregorio, his teenage son. Christina tailors her resume to fit his requirements, but has she oversold herself? A skilled equestrian? She doesn’t ride. Upon arrival, she finds her new pupil polite and teachable. His father? Charming but inflexible.
A widower, Marco wants nothing less than Harvard for Gregorio. Christina’s application had mentioned a son, a companion to Americanize the future king. Lexi is an unwelcome surprise. Marco’s mother Ama disapproves of the new governess and her purple-haired daughter. Undaunted, Christina sets out to claim her position. She will not be sent home and lose the generous fee that would ensure Lexi’s college tuition.
So she becomes Marco’s advisor. His Royal Highness needs a queen. A Gatsby gala will be perfect to screen prospects, with Christina’s help. Although many young women are eager to capture the handsome king’s heart and the crown, they’re not keen on the awkward Heir Apparent. Marco’s attention wanders. He sends his governess mixed messages. As she waltzes in his arms at the gala, Christina can’t deny the feelings she has for this impossible man, who supposedly kept his first wife in a tower.
And she can’t stop asking hard questions. Is Harvard Gregorio’s dream…or Marco’s missed opportunity? Ama enlists Christina’s aid to persuade Marco that Harvard will not be a good fit for her grandson. Can Christina change the mind of this proud, stubborn man? Will Marco realize his queen should be an experienced woman and mother, not a girl?