Sandy M’s review of Rules of a Proper Governess (Highland Pleasures, Book 7) by Jennifer Ashley
Historical Romance published by Berkley 7 Oct 14

This Highland Pleasures series is one of very few lately that hasn’t disappointed me, especially considering how many books there are so far. I had a terrific time with Sinclair McBride and his thief cum governess Bertie. This lively young woman is exactly what Sinclair needs – a good kick in the kilt to begin seeing and living life again. The surprises she gives him keep coming and soon he can’t imagine his life without her.

Bertie’s first glimpse of the impressive barrister is when he turns the court on its head, demanding the woman accused is, in fact, innocent, then pointing a finger at the person truly guilty. Sinclair’s success brings him to the attention of Bertie’s father and self-appointed beau, and Bertie knows no good will come of it all. So she tries to soften the blow by picking the man’s pocket. Though Sinclair may be slow to catch on, he figures Bertie out and gives chase. He doesn’t realize it, but thus begins their journey.

Having just missed being behind bars, Bertie can’t stay away from Sinclair. She can’t resist checking out where he lives, catching another glimpse of him off to another day of work. It’s his children, however, who pull Bertie further into their lives. Andrew is as rambunctious as they come, while little Cat keeps to herself and the doll her late mother gave her. Her exuberance for the small things in life and her non-noble upbringing has Bertie connecting to both kids immediately – so much so the current governess walks off the job there in the park. So it’s up to Bertie to get them home safely. And she never leaves.

This new situation is good for both Sinclair and Bertie, as well as the children. As streetwise as she is, Bertie is also childlike in her own right. Not that she acts like a child, far from it. It’s her outlook on life, despite her home life, her calm-under-pressure attitude, and her refreshing say-what-you-mean-and-want way that makes her so much fun. She has so much of it all to spare, it makes watching Sinclair grudgingly open up to it just as much fun. Everyone who comes in contact with Bertie instantly falls in love with her, though Sinclair tries his best to avoid that.

It’s not all hearts and roses, though. There is a dangerous mystery running through their lives, and when it comes to a head, you really see how these two work and belong together. They go through so much in a short period of time, along with spending the Christmas holiday with the rest of the McBride and the Mackenzie families. I’m so glad we’re able to catch up with all of the wonderful characters in this series. Especially my Ian. Still love that man the best.

I know this series is probably ending soon, all out of Mackenzies and McBrides to write about, and that’s going to be a sad day for me. I’ve enjoyed every story Jennifer Ashley has given readers in this series. One of my all-time favorites out there.

Grade: A

Summary:

To Kiss A Thief…

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.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: