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.