Rules for a Proper Governess (Mackenzies Series Book 7)

Not the best romance from this series. It mixes up two worlds of historic London and some of it remains truly difficult to believe. The characters are a bit shallow and their attraction is not worked properly by the author, it remains mostly physical and repetitive. The previous Mackenzie romances are much more interesting, such as the romance of Cameron and Ainsley. Try those !

Jennifer Ashley returns to the Highland Pleasures series with her seventh book, Rules For a Proper Governess. When a Scottish barrister meets an East End pickpocket, most would not expect romance to follow, but Ashley will make you suspend your belief in the impossible with this leading couple. Readers looking for a historical with a unique perspective will love this book and it's underlying nod to stories like "My Fair Lady." Another enjoyable romance features one of the McBride's and the MacKenzie's.

What I liked:

The Highland Pleasures series follows two families, the MacKenzie's and the McBride's. The MacKenzie's tend to be my favorites because their books have been the more passionate of the series, with heroes and leading ladies that are a step above most historical pairings. However, I enjoyed this book featuring Sinclair McBride as much, or more than most of the MacKenzie books. Pairing McBride with a pickpocket was a remarkable way to add flavor to the book and a different kind of excitement. Ashley draws the reader in with a stolen watch and holds on tight.

I did have to suspend my ideas of what I thought was likely to happen in this book to some extent, but that's what it's all about. I wanted it to be possible for a young woman from the streets to meet a well educated, wealthy man and fall in love and Ashley made me believe it could happen. When Bertie, the heroine becomes the new governess for Sinclair McBride's children, however I did have a few doubts.

Bertie was a real joy as a heroine. From her Cockney accent to her zest for love and life. But she was still an uneducated woman from the East End. Just because McBride's children liked her, may not have been enough for her to get the job in any normal circumstance, but it was enough in this book. Of course the sparks flying between her and Sinclair might have had something to do with it. She gave him a new lease on life that he needed so desperately. It had to take a character that was completely different from the normal historical romance lady to draw McBride out and Ashley provides that in Bertie.

Sinclair is mourning the death of his wife seven years later. No has been able to bring the tortured, broody hero around, until he meets someone completely outside his normal existence. I liked the fact that Ashley doesn't make him perfect. He is flawed and heartbroken. He doesn't know how to take care of his children or how to move on. Bertie's refreshing take on life might have been a bit unconventional, but it was what he needed. Ashley made me believe in this connection, in this unorthodox romance, despite it's implausibility. They were simply perfect for each other.

Bottom Line:

Ashley's writing style in this one was very succinct. She had a plan as to how it needed to go and she executed it well. There were moments of levity and moments of action. Times where family and friends were the central theme and times when the lead couple were center stage. There were issues to overcome and even a bit of mystery. I thought the author did a great job of bringing it all together in a story about people from different sides of the tracks finding love together. A very good addition to this wonderful series.

The thing I like mostly about Ms Ashley's characters is, well, that they never act out of character. If they are rakes, they are rakes until the end and they don't apologize for it. If they care about the rules of the ton, they care about the rules (at least whilst in their presence.) If they are controlling and like to feel omnipotent (I'm talking to you Hart) they will be so and even their partners enjoy that. I knew she would not disappoint me with the newest release.
Bertie comes from the East side of London, where brigands and thieves fill up the streets and ends up as Sinclair McBride's new governess. His children, having lost their mother at a very early age, are still very impressionable of everything that goes on around them and Bertie shows them a different approach to life. So of course the children fall in love with her. However, it's not just the children, is it? There are certain aspects of Bertie's conduct that Sinclair finds irresistible. She's vibrant, full of life, outspoken, and perhaps much too frank for her own good.
Even though at the beginning we may think Sinclair does the saving because he actually got her out of the slums, she's no damsel in distress. She knows her way around and is very independent. In her mind it's him that needs the help and it's him that needs the saving. There are too many things endangering Sinclair's peace and Bertie will not leave his and his children's side until everything is resolved.
I very much liked that even though she was living in his household as the governess, there was no forced attempt to turn the story into a copy of "My Fair Lady." Yes of course there were some changes but in general Bertie remained Bertie. Sinclair noticed something particularly interesting and attractive in her from the get-go, but that's a signature we find in all of Ashley's stories. The build up of their relationship was steady and at a very credible pace, not to mention there were too many comical moments that I truly felt for poor Sinclair. Oh, and let's not forget the whole clan Mackenzie joins them and I don't mean just a few pages, I mean, the whole book is filled with their presence. I just love that about this series because I feel I get reunited with the whole family every time I read about them. Five stars of course and can't wait what more Jennifer has in store for us.

Rules for a Proper Governess is both touching and cheeky good fun. Jennifer Ashley’s seventh Mackenzies & McBrides novel is fast-moving, engrossing entertainment, thanks to the story’s utterly lovable characters.

Sinclair McBride has been a living ghost since the death of his wife. Though he fights passionately for what is right, the only reason he keeps going is his two children. It broke my heart that Sinclair had forgotten how to truly live. Of course, when Bertie enters his life his world is turned upside down in the most delightful way. Bertie Fraiser is one of my favorite Jennifer Ashley heroines. She grew up on the streets and has lived a hard life, but she hasn’t lost her sense of wonder. She’s got a huge heart and it opens almost instantaneously to Sinclair and his two children, Andrew and Cat. Bertie isn’t exactly governess material – on paper. She’s a woman from the streets with quick fingers and a charming smile. But she’s exactly what the McBride family needs. I loved watching her with Cat and Andrew; they need love as much as their father does. The four of them made the most wonderful family, even before they realized that is what they’d become. As for the romance between Sinclair and Bertie, it was easy to become invested in it as the two have crackling chemistry. It doesn’t hurt either that both of them are incredibly likeable. Quite simply, it was pure pleasure to watch their relationship develop.

There’s a bit of danger and intrigue in Rules for a Proper Governess, mostly tied to vile letters Sinclair receives regarding his late wife. But truly, what makes this book stand out is the focus on family. Sinclair may only be related to the infamous Mackenzies through his sister, but that doesn’t make him any less one of them. Fans of the Mackenzies & McBrides series are surely going to delight in the roles their favorite past heroes and heroines play in Rules for a Proper Governess. The Mackenzies are as entertaining as ever, and I had to smile every time my personal favorite Mackenzie, Ian, showed up on page. That being said, Ms. Ashley did a fantastic job of not letting the boisterous Mackenzies overpower Sinclair and Bertie. The two of them not only held their own, but shined even among the crowd, which is as it should be in their book.

Rules for a Proper Governess was a joy to read from beginning to end. The Mackenzies & McBrides is one of my favorite series, and Sinclair and Bertie’s book shows just why. Ms. Ashley has once again delivered a wonderfully engaging romance filled with unique characters who capture your heart and stay with you long after you’ve finished their tale.

Kimberly
Review courtesy of Wit and Sin

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una

Sinclair McBride is a hard working lawyer and widower who is pick- pocketed by “Bertie” and from that moment on the chemistry between them begins. Daisy, his wife had had a turbulent past and McBride had rescued her from that. Now dead, Sinclair has started to receive mysterious notes about her. He turns some of these over to the police but not much is found out about the sender. He is constantly bullied and harassed by Daisy’s brother about his children. Edward would like to get control of them. He wants Daisy’s children raised in the proper English fashion and not by an unruly Scotsmen. As for the McBride children: Andrew is a precarious 8 year old that terrorizes every governess that they hire and Cat is withdrawn and does not show any emotions of a child. Their father has immersed himself in work since their mother’s death and doesn’t seem to have any time for them. I can picture McBride as a large outspoken Scotsman (he is known as Basher McBride) who is strictly no nonsense at work (fair but honorable) but when at home in Scotland is quite at home fishing on the lochs and dancing with his kin.

Bertie (Roberta) has grown up having to fend for herself in East London with an abusive but somewhat caring father: “He protected me from Jeffrey’s advances” but who makes her steal or pay the consequence. “I might as well do it now as he will make me do it anyway” Jeffrey her boyfriend is a cad and only her father protects her from him. She lands the governess job when the last governess leaves the children at the park in Bertie’s care. Bertie returns them home and is kept because she can keep the children under control. I love the way that Bertie is a strong woman personality of her times and actually will seek out what she wants.

Trust is built by all and Bertie and Sinclair’s love builds throughout. They have comical moments when Bertie shows Sinclair what a good pick-pocket she is. Both have pasts that threaten their own and the children’s safety but together they find their true love and loyalty to each other. The children thrive under Bertie’s care and come to trust and love her and slowly come out of their shells. Sinclair takes her home to Scotland and finds that his family loves her. Bertie finds there that she can be a part of this new life.

This is a delightful historical fiction that is great for curling up on a favorite chair on a fall afternoon. There is romance, mystery, comedy and intrigue all tied up in the love story between Sinclair McBride and “Bertie” Frasier that takes place in Victorian London.

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Generally speaking, the McBride installments in Jennifer Ashley’s Highland Pleasures series just aren’t as strong as the ones focused on the MacKenzies. This book doesn’t buck the trend. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it. I did. I just didn’t love it as much as, say, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron, featuring the hero’s sister Ainsley. Of course, it’s through Ainsley that we met Sinclair. He was introduced as a brooding widower with two unruly children. Surprisingly, the heroine of this story isn’t the woman I expected; though the widow he kissed on-page a few books back does make an appearance.

Sinclair’s leading lady is actually Bertie, a pickpocket who lives in the low-end of London with her thug of a father. She is unabashedly unrefined and refreshingly honest. She starts to fall for Sinclair when he saves her friend from a conviction for a crime she didn’t commit. Unfortunately, her father doesn’t share that same regard and forces her to steal from the infamous barrister. She almost gets away with it, but he catches up with her –and somehow, despite the circumstances, the two find themselves drawn to one another and give in to a kiss before they part ways.

That kiss prompts Ainsley to seek Sinclair out later… to find out where he lives. That’s when she inadvertently crosses paths with his kids, and their governess quits, leaving the children in Bertie’s care. They take to her right away and insist she become their new caretaker. Apparently, the kids are so unruly, the very fact that they actually like her makes it seem like a good idea to give Bertie the job. And from there, it’s only a matter of time before the fire between Bertie and Sinclair ignites all over again.

So obviously, the premise strains credibility. I mean, Bertie can barely speak proper English. She is a complete stranger and she has never been a governess. Not to mention no one has ever suited these kids but she beguiles them in one afternoon? Add to that, she’d have to look like a total stalker after her first encounter with Sinclair. But you have to put all of that away and just go with it.

Poor Sinclair is really kind of a basket case. His wife has been dead for the past seven years, and he has not recovered from losing her. But Bertie, with her warmth and vitality, finally starts making him come back to life. Not only that, she helps the children and their relationship with their dad with her common sense, love, and support. It’s a little cheesy, but not in a terrible way. It’s just very… optimistic. Bertie is the Cockney diamond in the rough who changes this rich, empty family into a loving, happy unit. The good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad. It’s not complex. But it’s an enjoyable, feel good journey.

(Side note, I was very surprised to see this takes place before The Wicked Deeds of Daniel MacKenzie. I wonder why that was published before this one.)

Rating: B/B-

Absolutely loved this story!!!!!! Sinclair--true brooding hero & a feisty/quick witted heroine is a perfect match!!!!!! :)

From the beginning could feel the emotions of the characters!!!! What a brilliant concept that some authors overlook with trivial detail & a cookie cutter format! Fully immersed in this character driven plot I felt like I was there & could understand as well as agree with all the choices the characters expressed!! True escapism...a rare treat to find within any genre of writing!!!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!! :)

Bertie has been raised on the London streets to be a pickpocket. She meets Sinclair McBride after he gets her friend acquitted on a trumped up charge. She is intrigued by his air of sadness and threatened by her father she steals his watch; his lone memento of his dead wife. He realizes what she has done and chases after her; and there begins the tale. Bertie is fabulous. Earthy and loving she brings warmth back to the lonely Sinclair's life. We see old friends again ; most welcome of whom is Ian. A wonderfully written story.

This was an awesome read. I've been impatiently waiting for this book since reading an excerpt. I LOVE Bertie and Sinclair. They are so perfect for each other. You can't help rooting for them and the kids. I love that they didn't fight their natural and mutual attraction and the only angst that came in the book was from outside sources. My favorite story of these series has always been Ian and Beth's story, but I love this one just as much. I also like the cameos of all the Mackenzies and other McBrides. This is one of Jennifers best!!! Thanks Jennifer!

This what historical romance should look like. Absolutely loved this awesome story about two wonderful people caught up in sad, painful lives. Sinclair and Bertie come from two different worlds. But it is the horrible actions of deceitful family members that make their lives unbearable.

Whew! Ashley's Mackenzies are seriously climbing the ranks of my favorite historicals. The quick of it is that Sinclair saved one of Bertie's friends from the noose and she returned his favor by...picking his pocket and snagging a watch Sinclair was hell bent and determined to get back. Yes. It was quite the first meet. And so started a bit of an obsession on both their parts and one day a chance happening that landed Bertie the gig of watching over Sinclairs two young children who were...hellions and out of options. It's one devil of an awkward situation especially seeing how the two of them want to strip each other all nekkid and do naughty things to each other. Heh.

I loved the characters. They're not your every day historical hero and heroine. He's a Scottish Barrister that's lost his zest for life after losing his wife and she's...an East End pick pocket with a cockney accent that's full of life and spirit. They were...quite the pair. And I absolutely adored them together. Him and his sometimes grumbling. Her endless light and cheer no matter what was happening. She rolled with things and was just a great heroine. And I loved seeing him trying to get back to the living. Wanting what she brought to his home. It was sweet and gah had me tearing up now and again.

Heat-wise. Gah. Yums. I really do love Scottish men and their kilts. *ung* Their chemistry was wonderful and so damn sexy.

There was a nice little bit of suspense and mystery happening too. Loved that! There are some threatening letters coming to Sinclair and thugs from Bertie's life and oh it added a nice little element. Got a couple of serious gasps out of me with things I just didn't see coming and had my palms sweating a couple times too.

My only quibble was that being so far into the series there are a LOT of characters that pop in and out--his siblings, their mates, kids, etc. I've only read 2 of the books now and whew it can be a bit of a head twirler keeping up with who everyone is.

All in all, Rules for a Proper Governess was a delightfully sexy and exciting read. Ashley never fails to deliver a truly knock out romance that'll leave you all sappy and smiling. A little jaunt to the Scottish highlands, Christmas treats, quirky yet lovable characters...yep. It has it all.

I've read all of the Mackenzie series, except for one, and they just keep getting better!! Perhaps my love of Scottish Romance novels helps me to love her stories even more, but she writes every story so beautifully. She writes such a perfect balance of sex, romance, wit, suspense and wonder that it's simply impossible to put the book down. I'm SO thrilled she is continuing this series!! I hope the stories never stop coming!

Bertie has been raised on the London streets to be a pickpocket. She meets Sinclair McBride after he gets her friend acquitted on a trumped up charge. She is intrigued by his air of sadness and threatened by her father she steals his watch; his lone memento of his dead wife. He realizes what she has done and chases after her; and there begins the tale. Bertie is fabulous. Earthy and loving she brings warmth back to the lonely Sinclair's life. We see old friends again ; most welcome of whom is Ian. A wonderfully written story.

This was an awesome read. I've been impatiently waiting for this book since reading an excerpt. I LOVE Bertie and Sinclair. They are so perfect for each other. You can't help rooting for them and the kids. I love that they didn't fight their natural and mutual attraction and the only angst that came in the book was from outside sources. My favorite story of these series has always been Ian and Beth's story, but I love this one just as much. I also like the cameos of all the Mackenzies and other McBrides. This is one of Jennifers best!!! Thanks Jennifer!

This what historical romance should look like. Absolutely loved this awesome story about two wonderful people caught up in sad, painful lives. Sinclair and Bertie come from two different worlds. But it is the horrible actions of deceitful family members that make their lives unbearable.

Whew! Ashley's Mackenzies are seriously climbing the ranks of my favorite historicals. The quick of it is that Sinclair saved one of Bertie's friends from the noose and she returned his favor by...picking his pocket and snagging a watch Sinclair was hell bent and determined to get back. Yes. It was quite the first meet. And so started a bit of an obsession on both their parts and one day a chance happening that landed Bertie the gig of watching over Sinclairs two young children who were...hellions and out of options. It's one devil of an awkward situation especially seeing how the two of them want to strip each other all nekkid and do naughty things to each other. Heh.

I loved the characters. They're not your every day historical hero and heroine. He's a Scottish Barrister that's lost his zest for life after losing his wife and she's...an East End pick pocket with a cockney accent that's full of life and spirit. They were...quite the pair. And I absolutely adored them together. Him and his sometimes grumbling. Her endless light and cheer no matter what was happening. She rolled with things and was just a great heroine. And I loved seeing him trying to get back to the living. Wanting what she brought to his home. It was sweet and gah had me tearing up now and again.

Heat-wise. Gah. Yums. I really do love Scottish men and their kilts. *ung* Their chemistry was wonderful and so damn sexy.

There was a nice little bit of suspense and mystery happening too. Loved that! There are some threatening letters coming to Sinclair and thugs from Bertie's life and oh it added a nice little element. Got a couple of serious gasps out of me with things I just didn't see coming and had my palms sweating a couple times too.

My only quibble was that being so far into the series there are a LOT of characters that pop in and out--his siblings, their mates, kids, etc. I've only read 2 of the books now and whew it can be a bit of a head twirler keeping up with who everyone is.

All in all, Rules for a Proper Governess was a delightfully sexy and exciting read. Ashley never fails to deliver a truly knock out romance that'll leave you all sappy and smiling. A little jaunt to the Scottish highlands, Christmas treats, quirky yet lovable characters...yep. It has it all.

Jennifer Ashley never fails to keep me reading straight through her books. This is another in a great series. She puts together people who probably never would have been able to be together and makes you happy to see the underdog and the top dog fit. Thanks Jennifer on another good story and please hurry and write more.

I've read all of the Mackenzie series, except for one, and they just keep getting better!! Perhaps my love of Scottish Romance novels helps me to love her stories even more, but she writes every story so beautifully. She writes such a perfect balance of sex, romance, wit, suspense and wonder that it's simply impossible to put the book down. I'm SO thrilled she is continuing this series!! I hope the stories never stop coming!

I enjoyed this book very much. A lovely romance develops between a widowed man in Mayfair and a woman from Cheapside. Throw in 2 children needing a mother and it's a winner. This is well written and keeps you interested the entire book. I do not write plot spoilers but I believe you will enjoy this!