RULES FOR A PROPER GOVERNESS is Book 7 in Jennifer
Ashley's Mackenzies series. There is a lot
going on in this story and there are some thrilling moments
and more than a few sweet and sexy ones as well. There are
a few things that make RULES FOR A PROPER GOVERNESS a
delight -- the multifaceted and likable characters, exciting
clashes with villains, and a romance that is both tender
and incredibly erotic. This is why I love Jennifer Ashley's
books.
I'm not usually drawn to stories about governesses, unless
they are wonderfully gothic tales like JANE EYRE. The main
reason is that, one way or another, class always throws a
wrench into the romance. This is not the case with RULES
FOR A PROPER GOVERNESS. Jennifer Ashley creates the perfect
scenario with her characters and great story-telling to
make this governess story work.
One of the biggest factors that help this romance between
barrister Sinclair McBride and small-time thief Bertie
succeed is Sinclair's gregarious Scottish extended family.
His family, made up of both McBrides and Mackenzies, works
as an extremely supportive and caring unit. There was never
any worry that his family would object to his getting
romantically involved with Bertie because of her family or
what she's done to survive. Instead, their primary concern
is how Sinclair and his children are doing emotionally.
Whether it's a historical romance like RULES FOR A PROPER
GOVERNESS, or one of Jennifer Ashley's paranormal books,
the importance of family is always a strong theme. I also
love how Jennifer Ashley writes children. Sinclair's
children are adorable without being obnoxiously sweet.
The other thing that makes the romance between Sinclair and
Bertie work so well is Bertie herself. In addition to her
pragmatic yet sunny personality, she doesn't have a lot of
hang-ups. She sees Sinclair more as a good man and a very
attractive one, rather than somebody out of her class. Part
of why I love the romance that develops between Sinclair
and Bertie is because I think they are both complex
characters and I like them as individuals. The chemistry
between them is great and they generate a lot of heat.
Another thing that I like about RULES FOR A PROPER
GOVERNESS is how there isn't really any conflict between
Sinclair and Bertie. The sources of conflict come from the
villains in the story and Sinclair's troublesome in-laws.
RULES FOR A PROPER GOVERNESS has everything I want in a
historical romance. I love spending time with familiar
characters and meeting new ones. I eagerly await the next
book in this always entertaining series by Jennifer Ashley.
Scottish barrister Sinclair McBride can face the most
sinister criminals in London—but the widower’s two unruly
children are a different matter. Little Caitlin and Andrew
go through a governess a week, sending the ladies fleeing
in
tears. There is, however, one woman in town who can hold
her
own.
Roberta “Bertie” Frasier enters Sinclair’s life by
stealing
his watch—and then stealing a kiss. Intrigued by the
handsome highlander, Bertie winds up saving his children
from a dangerous situation and returning them to their
father. Impressed with how they listen to her, Sinclair
asks
the lively beauty to be their governess, never guessing
that
the unconventional lady will teach him a lesson or two in
love.
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