I was so impressed by The Governess Was Wild that I purchased the first and second books in this series. I wanted to know the other girls’ stories, and I wanted to read more of Julia Kelly’s work. I’m still listing my review of the third installment first, because I read it first, but the other two follow.
Title: The Governess Was Wild
Author: Julia Kelly
Series: Governess #3
Impressive
I would like to thank Julia Kelly, PocketStar Books, and Simon & Schuster, Inc., for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
When Jane Ephram realizes her charge flew the coop, she knows she has to get the young lady back before the situation is discovered and both their reputations—and therefore their lives—are ruined. But where to start her search? Perhaps by interviewing the gentleman whose horse had been stolen during the night? That horse was the key to a better future for Nicholas Hollings and his debutante sisters, so he’s all for chasing after the runaway charge. What he wasn’t expecting was to fall in love with the governess…
It amazes me how some books can be so similar in content but written so differently. This plot wasn’t complicated or original, but Kelly managed to make it inexplicably engaging and charming. It’s crazy how authors can make or break a novel with an element as simple as tone or personal style. Something about this story had me devouring the words and eagerly turning the pages. It wasn’t even hurt by the two that came before it—I feel it can stand on its own. (Though I really want to read the other two now.)
I read a novella the other day that seemed shallow, as if it were only skimming the surface of the story, so I am thoroughly impressed that this one had a depth that was as complete and soulful as a novel twice its length. The plot, while simple (sometimes less is more, right?), was tidy and well-paced, presenting a problem, experiencing conflicts, and finding a solution. And I was taken with the characters, even the secondary ones that weren’t present for long. Both Jane and Nicholas were extremely likable and sympathetic. Jane tried to be responsible, wanting only to do what was right, and was punished for it. Nicholas, too, was doing his best to be self-sacrificing and responsible, and the first time he wants something for himself—Jane—he can’t have her. It was so satisfying, so rewarding, to see them achieve their HEA.
I’m tempted to say this book was darn near perfect, but I don’t want to go that far…although I, Queen Nitpick, didn’t notice any flaws.
Title: The Governess Was Wicked
Author: Julia Kelly
Series: Governess #1
A solid start
Elizabeth Porter is resigned to a life as a governess. She is neither a lady nor a servant, a mother nor a nursemaid. She is simply a teacher, educating someone else’s children again and again. She secretly longs for more, for adventure…for love. Dr. Edward Fellows is leaving for American in a few short months. That is only one of the reasons why he shouldn’t touch the Norton’s governess. But his fingers itch to touch her cheek, his arms ache to hold her… Could one unguarded moment really cause much trouble?
I liked this one quite a bit. Like Wild, it had a depth that one wouldn’t expect from a novella, though its plot was just as simple as Wild’s. However, I’m afraid I didn’t feel as close to Elizabeth and Edward as I did Jane and Nicholas. Also, it seemed to me that their relationship was based on attraction and not friendship so much. The book was trying too hard to be sexy when I would have rather seen them bond on an intellectual level.
Title: The Governess Was Wanton
Author: Julia Kelly
Series: Governess #2
Stunning
Mary Woodward is the fairy godmother of governesses because she isn’t afraid to put her foot down with her charges—and their parents. Eric Bromford, the Earl of Asten, is at a loss as to how to handle his daughter, who has been withdrawn and moody of late. He hires Mary to get to the bottom of his daughter’s strange behavior. Never would he have expected her to change his own attitude, reawakening a passion long forgotten. But respectable governesses don’t dally with their employers. Will they be able to resist temptation?
As a personal rule, I never call anything perfect, but I’m sorely tempted with this book. The characters were endearing (except the Laughlins, blech) and quite down-to-earth. Mary’s fear of abandonment was subtle, giving her more dignity. She, Lady Eleanora, and Asten all had complete arc, beginning with weakness that they conquered by the end. Asten! He had a wonderful sense of humor! He had a couple of one-liners that made me laugh out loud. And I loved that he and Mary were not only physically attracted to one another, but very attracted to one another’s characteristics as well. They became friends as well as lovers.
And the elements of Cinderella? Also subtle. I found it charming.
