Rules for a Proper Governess

MacKenzies & McBrides, Book 7

By: Jennifer Ashley

Narrated by: Angela Dawe

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.

©2014 Jennifer Ashley (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Ashley writes the kinds of heroes I crave." (Elizabeth Hoyt, New York Times best-selling author)

Another winner

This was an audiobook version of my favorite Scots/English combination families, the Mackenzies and the McBrides. The performance was well done with several different accents done with precision and talent. I am glad Ms. Ashley has used the same artist for all these audiobooks. I love everything Jennifer Ashley writes about these families, but I especially enjoy the complicated men and how they find peace and love. I end up teary-eyed at least once every book!
This was true about this book and the sweet relationship between Sinclair McBride and the street smart Bertie Frazier. I don't particularly care how unlikely it would have been for this relationship to occur in real life. I empathized with poor Sinclair struggling to go on despite losing his wife, and I enjoyed the tenacity of Bertie as she struggled to be a good person despite her upbringing. The relationship between all the characters grew naturally and drew me into their world. The kids are well-written and I enjoyed their relationship with Bertie, too. Even though the mystery of who the bad guy was was obvious as soon as we are given all necessary information, it's enjoyable to watch the ending play out and the inevitable conclusion occur. Thank goodness there are so many characters from previous books woven into this book and I love seeing the entirety of the clans come together for occasions; that always is a bonus in one of Ms. Ashley's books. A-.

A nice addition

This is one of the best in the series. A break from the darkness that plagues the other books it was a delight. I loved the new addition of Bertie!

Different twist.

It's a different twist on the traditional regency romance. Will keep you listening until you complete the story and want more.

Favorite of the series so far

I’ve listened to all Jennifer Ashley’s highland books in order, and I love this story the most so far. There was one mistake where Daniel got younger, but it was still an amazing story!

Absolutely enchanting

What did you love best about Rules for a Proper Governess?

The character of Bertie, the governess and heroine, is perfect. She is everything a fierce woman is supposed to be. She is strong, funny, HONEST, tender, sexy and clever. Dawe did an excellent job of her voice, and I really cannot say enough good things about how this character was written and narrated.

What did you like best about this story?

What I especially loved about this particular story is that the main characters of Sinclaire (sp?) and Bertie have strong feelings early on in the story. I am absolutely sick unto death of stories where the characters have very little relationship beyond a sexual nature, or hate each other through most of the story only to have it resolved the last couple of chapters. Bertie and Sinclaire love each other, even if they may not come to realize it fully; they treat each other with affection and care, and the reader can see the relationship grow. It makes for such a satisfying listen.

What does Angela Dawe bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dawe brings just the right emotion to the story, and the characters say the right thing at the right time in the right way. I did feel that there were a few times that her Scottish accent sounded a bit like Count Chocula, but that was not ALL the time. And Bertie? Bertie is just perfect. PERFECT.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

If this were a film, I would say the tag line might read: She broke every rule, and it could not have been more perfect.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my all time favorite Audible listens, and I recommend it totally as a very charming, hot, fun, funny, romance novel.

Excellent!!

What a wonderful story . Great characters and the MacKenzies to boot. I loved this book !

Sexy, Heart-warming, LOVED IT!

I'm not sure what exactly it is about this book....but I just LOVED IT! Bertie is such a complete character. The relationship between Sinclair and Bertie is so well developed. It feels right...not forced on the reader. The kids and the whole staff of supporting characters are exceptional. Andrew is just super. I like how the kids played a big role in this story. I laughed out loud several times. Imagine "The Nanny" with a cockney accent, but SO MUCH BETTER!

While some of the books in the series may lack substantial conflict....this book may have too much. That was the only thing.. I felt like the conflict elements were too plentiful and some of them played out kinda weird. BUT that didn't take away from how awesome this book was.

This book is sexy too! Sinclair needed to get some and once he did....he couldn't get enough.

This is tied as my second favorite book in the series.
I listened to it twice...back to back! I loved it that much.

Nice Story

What made the experience of listening to Rules for a Proper Governess the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the way the story started off with the two main character, Sinclair and Bertie being introduced. The way Bertie looked at Sinclair as he defended her friend, won the case but then he looked so sad. You wanted to find out why and if Bertie would become an integral part of his life.

What did you like best about this story?

The lower classes of people are always looked down on and this time was no different, but Bertie got a chance.

Which character – as performed by Angela Dawe – was your favorite?

I loved the voices for Andrew and Cat and the snooty brother-in-law, Edward. The voice she used for him, really made him seem disgusting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Cat lost her doll and Bertie went after it. She just cried for her mother. That was the first emotion you hear from her through the whole book.

Any additional comments?

Sinclair and his children were introduced to the series in one of the earlier books. I knew there was the makings of another story. This was a nice one.

A really good listen.

I loved it! The story is so sweet! I never got bored and wanted to turn it off or skip parts. Just a wonderful story.

Great story but it should be read prior to Daniel’s story.

This is a great story but it should be read prior to Daniel’s story. It was a fun book and laughed quite a bit. As always, Angela Dawe does a fantastic job narrating. This entire series has been wonderful.