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blodeuedd's review
3.0
Elizabeth was a governess, and she was happy with her job.
Edward was a doctor, that got called to the house a lot. And he fancied her.
But she was a governess and she had rules to follow. Which I understood, she could get fired, and what would she do then. Stay the course.
Obviously they soon get it on. They will find a way.
It's a novella, so it does not really have time to evolve. I do think it would have worked great as a novel. The romance would have had time to build more. But I could still believe it, they really wanted each other and that was their romance.
There is a bit of drama at the end to make it harder for them and then they lived happily ever after. A cute short novella.
Edward was a doctor, that got called to the house a lot. And he fancied her.
But she was a governess and she had rules to follow. Which I understood, she could get fired, and what would she do then. Stay the course.
Obviously they soon get it on. They will find a way.
It's a novella, so it does not really have time to evolve. I do think it would have worked great as a novel. The romance would have had time to build more. But I could still believe it, they really wanted each other and that was their romance.
There is a bit of drama at the end to make it harder for them and then they lived happily ever after. A cute short novella.
kateh3077's review
4.0
This book told the story of a young governess called Elizabeth living in Recency London and it follows her life as a governess including her relationships with her friends Miss Ephram and Miss Woodward as well her romance with her Families doctor Dr. Edward Fellows.
On Goodreads this book is listed as a Historical Romance which it very definitely is and a very well researched one as well which is shown in the references made about dress codes and expectations placed on women particularly unmarried ones of the time.
All the characters were well developed and multi faceted which meant that they were easy to connect with. Elizabeth is a wonderfully well developed and multi faceted character who I connected with on many levels. I loved reading about her relationships particularly the ones with her charges (Miss Norton and Miss Cassandra) and Dr. Fellows. The way the author wrote about the two girls who were Elizabeth's charges really made me the reader see what their lives were like but also that they were typical children in the way that one was the mischievous/prank puller while the other was the sensible/practical/ one.The girls had the tendency to pull pranks especially the older one probably mainly as a way to try to get their parents attention. Dr Fellows was an amazing character who was really caring and a stickler for following etiquette but when you read the scenes that concerned his interactions with and thoughts about Elizabeth you saw him as the gentle loving and considerate person he really was. I really did not like Mr and Mrs Norton at all because although they conformed to societies expectations it was clear they saw their daughters as an inconvenience which was shown perfectly when they came down with Scarlet Fever so they left them in the care of Elizabeth without a by way of leave.
The plot was developed and world building done in such a skillful way that it seemed to develop organically while keeping me as the reader wanting more. All the descriptions of the different expectations placed on men and women of the time as well as how people dressed/wore their hair etc. really portrayed the time period well.
I gave this book a five star rating because the writing was entrancing and I really connected with the characters, and it was a great start to what I am sure will be an amazing series - I can't wait to read the other books in the series. It is a book that I will both recommend to as well as buy for anyone who I think would enjoy Historical Romance.
On Goodreads this book is listed as a Historical Romance which it very definitely is and a very well researched one as well which is shown in the references made about dress codes and expectations placed on women particularly unmarried ones of the time.
All the characters were well developed and multi faceted which meant that they were easy to connect with. Elizabeth is a wonderfully well developed and multi faceted character who I connected with on many levels. I loved reading about her relationships particularly the ones with her charges (Miss Norton and Miss Cassandra) and Dr. Fellows. The way the author wrote about the two girls who were Elizabeth's charges really made me the reader see what their lives were like but also that they were typical children in the way that one was the mischievous/prank puller while the other was the sensible/practical/ one.The girls had the tendency to pull pranks especially the older one probably mainly as a way to try to get their parents attention. Dr Fellows was an amazing character who was really caring and a stickler for following etiquette but when you read the scenes that concerned his interactions with and thoughts about Elizabeth you saw him as the gentle loving and considerate person he really was. I really did not like Mr and Mrs Norton at all because although they conformed to societies expectations it was clear they saw their daughters as an inconvenience which was shown perfectly when they came down with Scarlet Fever so they left them in the care of Elizabeth without a by way of leave.
The plot was developed and world building done in such a skillful way that it seemed to develop organically while keeping me as the reader wanting more. All the descriptions of the different expectations placed on men and women of the time as well as how people dressed/wore their hair etc. really portrayed the time period well.
I gave this book a five star rating because the writing was entrancing and I really connected with the characters, and it was a great start to what I am sure will be an amazing series - I can't wait to read the other books in the series. It is a book that I will both recommend to as well as buy for anyone who I think would enjoy Historical Romance.
witandsin's review
2.0
My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/09/review-governess-was-wicked-by-julia.html
Elizabeth Porter is a governess to two young girls with indifferent parents. She adores her charges, even though they’ve been acting out and feigning illness ever since their brother, the heir, was born. Of course, their theatrics do bring the handsome Dr. Edward Fellows to their door, and Elizabeth cannot deny the pleasure his company brings. She knows the doctor can never marry someone like her, but that knowledge does nothing to halt her attraction to him. The longer they are around one another, the more Elizabeth wonders what harm there could be in a stolen moment or two…
The Governess Was Wicked is a bit of a difficult book to review. I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. Julia Kelly has a breezy writing style that made the story easy to enjoy, but unfortunately this is one of those tales that the longer I thought about it the less satisfying I found it. Elizabeth and Edward are perfectly likeable characters who have a lot of potential but are never truly fleshed out. They have an easy compatibility and it’s clear to see that they would suit each other well. So why doesn’t he ask her to marry him on page one? It’s honestly not too clear (aside from the fact that there would be no story). The difference in Elizabeth and Edward’s stations isn’t a big leap, and the other obstacles in their path are thrown up and knocked down with little rhyme or reason. They don’t always behave with logic or sense, and though that can work in a story, it has to feel organic and it never did. At the end of the day, The Governess Was Wicked wasn’t my cup of tea, but I did like Ms. Kelly’s writing enough that I’m looking forward to reading about Elizabeth’s friends in the next two Governess books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Elizabeth Porter is a governess to two young girls with indifferent parents. She adores her charges, even though they’ve been acting out and feigning illness ever since their brother, the heir, was born. Of course, their theatrics do bring the handsome Dr. Edward Fellows to their door, and Elizabeth cannot deny the pleasure his company brings. She knows the doctor can never marry someone like her, but that knowledge does nothing to halt her attraction to him. The longer they are around one another, the more Elizabeth wonders what harm there could be in a stolen moment or two…
The Governess Was Wicked is a bit of a difficult book to review. I wanted to like it a lot more than I actually did. Julia Kelly has a breezy writing style that made the story easy to enjoy, but unfortunately this is one of those tales that the longer I thought about it the less satisfying I found it. Elizabeth and Edward are perfectly likeable characters who have a lot of potential but are never truly fleshed out. They have an easy compatibility and it’s clear to see that they would suit each other well. So why doesn’t he ask her to marry him on page one? It’s honestly not too clear (aside from the fact that there would be no story). The difference in Elizabeth and Edward’s stations isn’t a big leap, and the other obstacles in their path are thrown up and knocked down with little rhyme or reason. They don’t always behave with logic or sense, and though that can work in a story, it has to feel organic and it never did. At the end of the day, The Governess Was Wicked wasn’t my cup of tea, but I did like Ms. Kelly’s writing enough that I’m looking forward to reading about Elizabeth’s friends in the next two Governess books.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
jaimiejaimiejaimie's review
4.0
Rating is closer to 3.5. Fast read, some steamy scenes, and fun characters. What more could you want?
amandacole's review
3.0
Originally posted at Desert Island Book Reviews
After a disappointing romance read earlier this week, I was glad to find this book entertaining, quick, and light, which is just what I like in a romance. This book stars Elizabeth Porter, a governess in a wealthy household, and Dr. Edward Fellows, the physician who treats the family’s illnesses. In typical romance novel fashion, they’re attracted to each other and want to be together, and conflicts and romance ensue.
There was nothing remarkably good or remarkably bad about this book. It was decent for what it is, and while I didn’t have strong feelings about the characters (except for Elizabeth’s employer, Mrs. Norton, who I really hated!), I enjoyed reading this. There wasn’t much that was new or different for the genre and there wasn’t much depth, but the romance was there and I appreciated that it seemed to develop at least somewhat over time (no overnight marriages here!).
I’ve never read anything by Julia Kelly before, and I was glad to find that the writing wasn’t bad and the story seemed to be nicely developed. I was satisfied with the way things progressed and would read more by this author. I gave this book three stars because while it was enjoyable and done fairly well, it wasn’t outstanding or particularly unique. That said, I’d recommend it for a quick read if you enjoy the genre.
*ARC from Pocket Star Books via NetGalley
After a disappointing romance read earlier this week, I was glad to find this book entertaining, quick, and light, which is just what I like in a romance. This book stars Elizabeth Porter, a governess in a wealthy household, and Dr. Edward Fellows, the physician who treats the family’s illnesses. In typical romance novel fashion, they’re attracted to each other and want to be together, and conflicts and romance ensue.
There was nothing remarkably good or remarkably bad about this book. It was decent for what it is, and while I didn’t have strong feelings about the characters (except for Elizabeth’s employer, Mrs. Norton, who I really hated!), I enjoyed reading this. There wasn’t much that was new or different for the genre and there wasn’t much depth, but the romance was there and I appreciated that it seemed to develop at least somewhat over time (no overnight marriages here!).
I’ve never read anything by Julia Kelly before, and I was glad to find that the writing wasn’t bad and the story seemed to be nicely developed. I was satisfied with the way things progressed and would read more by this author. I gave this book three stars because while it was enjoyable and done fairly well, it wasn’t outstanding or particularly unique. That said, I’d recommend it for a quick read if you enjoy the genre.
*ARC from Pocket Star Books via NetGalley
lucyhargrave's review
4.0
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I Read Romance
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.
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...
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I Read Romance
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.
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...
Read the full review on Forget the Classics, I Read Romance
english_teacher's review
4.0
I liked this one better than the second. I liked the slightly goofy type heroes who are cute yet sexy at the same time. The fact that the hero and the heroine knew each other for two years and have been lovesick since made their attraction plausible.
melissadeemcdaniel's review
4.0
This trio of Governess books is sweet and spicy. In each of the books, the Governess in question is doing her job, raising a society family’s children for them. The job requires that the employee keep her head down, repress her own personality, and watch out for wayward impulses, family members and co-workers. For the most part, Elizabeth, Mary, and Jane are stellar at their jobs, except for that minor matter of keeping their own personalities repressed.
Elizabeth is in love with the family physician (Wicked). Mary with the master of her house (Wanton), and Jane with Sir Nicholas Hollings (Wild). The trio have each other’s love and support as they work through the obstacles between them and their individual HEAs.
Elizabeth is in love with the family physician (Wicked). Mary with the master of her house (Wanton), and Jane with Sir Nicholas Hollings (Wild). The trio have each other’s love and support as they work through the obstacles between them and their individual HEAs.
missmarketpaperback's review
3.0
A cute governess romance novel. This is a lot more realistic than most, which is to say it’s kind of a bummer at times. I liked the main characters and their cute story.
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