15 October 2016

The Governess was Wicked by Julia Kelly

Hey everyone,


Today I’m reviewing The Governess was Wicked by Julia Kelly, a historical romance about a Governess and a doctor. I was immediately intrigued by the occupations of the hero and heroine because it differs from the usual suspects of aristocrats, soldiers or ‘mistresses’. I wanted to see how Julia Kelly would incorporate ideas of class and social standing into the romance. Also before I start I need to thank Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for sending me an arc copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The book:
This delightfully charming and saucy Regency era romance is first in the Governess series in which three best friends are employed as governesses for different families, and all find themselves wanting something they can’t have.

Elizabeth Porter is quite happy with her position as the governess for two sneaky-yet-sweet girls when she notices that they have a penchant for falling ill and needing the doctor. As the visits from the dashing and handsome Doctor Edward Fellows become more frequent, Elizabeth quickly sees through the lovesick girls’ ruse. Yet even Elizabeth can’t help but notice Edward’s bewitching bedside manner even as she tries to convince herself that someone of her station would not make a suitable wife for a doctor. But one little kiss won’t hurt...


My thoughts:


When we meet Elizabeth Porter she is working as a governess for Juliana and Cassandra Norton, two girls who often fake illnesses to gain attention. Although Elizabeth isn’t always convinced of the girl's maladies she won’t take the risk incase they are seriously ill. This results in many late night visits from a Doctor Edwards Fellow, the family physician. Both Elizabeth and Edward occupied an unusual position in society. Elizabeth as a governess is slightly above the rank of a servant but is still considered replaceable and of little importance by her employers. Above all else Elizabeth has to be beyond reproach, she can’t risk any scandal being attached to her name.

He was the sort of man Elizabeth could imagine forgetting herself with. But a governess could never forget herself, no matter how much she wanted to.

Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Doctor Edward Fellow is just the temptation she doesn’t need.  The attraction between Elizabeth and Edwards has been simmering since they first met. Both of them have been repressing their desire and affection for each other. Elizabeth because she doesn’t want to risk her position and couldn’t imagine that a doctor would ever be seriously interested in a governess. Edward is fighting his attraction to Elizabeth because he views her a lady, despite the general belief held by society that governesses are fair game, Edwards knows that Elizabeth deserves better. Add in the complication that Edwards is meant to be leaving for America soon and any relationship between the two seems impossible.

He’d set his sights much higher if he had a mind to marry. Taking a governess as a wife simply wasn’t done.

I really enjoyed how Julia Kelly played with the social standing that governesses occupied during this period. Elizabeth is often being challenged by the family butler, who views her a rival to his authority in the house. She is more than a servant but has been taught that governesses shouldn’t dream of marriage, a family of their own or love. Her entire future rests on securing a letter of recommendation from the Nortons when Juliana and Cassandra have outgrown her. Yet when Juliana and Cassandra get seriously ill, Elizabeth is left to care for them, with the help of Doctor Fellows.

He wanted to go to her, even though every ounce of propriety and common sense held him back. The moment his restraint broke he would compromise the lady irrevocably.

Edwards and Elizabeth can’t resist the attraction between them any longer. Finally giving into temptation when the girls are on the road to recovery; regrettably, Mr. Norton returns to London earlier than expected. I loved that Edwards’s first concern was Elizabeth, and he immediately tries to defend her to Mr. Norton. Yet even during this moment Elizabeth can’t trust in Edward’s love for her. She can’t imagine that a Doctor would ever choose to marry a governess. From this point onwards Edward realises he has to fight for Elizabeth and he does and if I do say so myself it was pretty wonderful to read about.

I have every intention of marrying your governess. You are compromising my chance at happiness as well as that of a woman who has been nothing but kind to your daughters.

Overall I have given The Governess was Wicked 4 stars and plan on continuing the series. In fact, I’ve already been sent a copy of The Governess was Wild, the third book in this series so keep your eye out for the review!
My rating:
Happy reading and see you next time!

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