An Unlikely Governess (Avon Romantic Treasure)

Having survived Cholera and losing both her parents, Beatrice finds herself on the verge of starving to death if she doesn't find employment soon. She finds herself as nanny to difficult seven year old Robert, Duke of Castle Crannoch, an orphaned little boy who is under the care of his uncle Cameron who lost the use of his legs in the same accident that killed Robert's parents. Upon her arrival she meets and is charmed and intrigued by Cameron's son Devlen, who is himself independently wealthy and the only person who seems to have genuine concern for young Robert. When several attempts are made upon Robert's life, it seems that Cameron who has always coveted the role of Duke is up to foul play...in order to protect Robert, Devlen and Beatrice must work together. The problem is they are attracted to one another and it would be against propriety for the virginal governess and Devlen to start an affair. However, the attraction wins out and they find themselves unable to stay away. The danger to Robert increases and they must put his safety above all. I found the love scenes intensely sensual but not bawdy. The characters are so honest with one another that its incredibly refreshing and makes the story even better. The child Robert is an endearing child prodigy, more defensive than unlovable. Cameron and his wife Rowena, complex and mysterious. Just an overall great book.

An Unlikely Governess was a delightful and unique surprise. I enjoyed how honest and realistic the heroine was and the problems in the book were deeper than your average romance novel. I also loved Ms. Ranney's descriptive writing style and nonformulaic methods. It is rare to find a romance novel that I do not speed read through! This book kept my interest on every word and sentence. It is a definite keeper and I hope to read more of Ms. Ranney's stories in the future!

I loved this book! But I also loved Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart. An Unlikely Governess was way too close to the plot of that book for comfort. I believe even some of the dialogue was similar. Did anyone else pick this up? An editor, perhaps? The only difference was who turned up as the villian in the end. This was an excellent read but I was uncomfortable with the similiarities to Nine Coaches Waiting.

In chapter 1, Beatrice Sinclair grips the wall to avoid being crushed by the carriage barrelling along the winding road -- this moment reinforces Beatrice's tenuous grip on life and foreshadows an ending that enthralls and thrills. The carriage becomes a symbol of protection as it carries her away from the danger of starvation and into dangers at Castle Crannoch and into the world of two most unlikely rescuers...Devlen and Robert Gordon. Ranney does not feel compelled to reveal everything about her heroine nor does she demand our pity; but Ranney does demand our respect for Beatrice, and thereby we recognize Devlen truly loves Beatrice for herself. We love Devlen. Ranney provides a highly romantic story that twists and turns on sensuality -- smells, glances, touches, feelings, sounds, tastes -- and not on graphic sexuality. Yet, we get the "picture" of the snow, the soap, the bath, the leather, the fabric, the books, and the past. Beatrice's first line "I'll work very hard, I promise" draws us into Ranney's story as effortlessly as Beatrice is drawn into the carriage and into Devlen's arms. Ranney and Devlen have us from "hello."

A year ago, her parents died from the cholera epidemic leaving Beatrice Sinclair impoverished, but in the last three months she finds herself in dire straits. Desperate to eat, she seeks work as a tavern wench in Kilbridden Village, Scotland, but the owners reject her as not being right for their customers due to her "airs". They tell her to go to nearby Castle Crannoch where her kind will find work. Though she knows of the rumors that no moral woman would accept a job at the castle, Beatrice concludes that is her last hope. Near the castle in the rain she meets Devlen Gordon, who takes her to see the nine year old Duke Robert, as she requested. The Duke insults her so she begins to leave, but faints from a lack of eating. After she is fed, Beatrice is hired as governess to teach the rude Robert manners. Beatrice soon finds herself drawn to her host though she considers him a devil, but also feels sympathy towards her lonely employer. Someone wants Robert dead; Beatrice vows to risk her life to keep him safe though she wonders who will keep her heart safe from the sharpest cut of all, Devlen. This interesting 1830s gothic romantic suspense is filled with surprisingly delightful twists centered on Beatrice's efforts to uncover who in the dark castle is determined to see Robert dead. The suspects surround Beatrice with each having greed as an obvious motive; her biggest fear is that the brooding Devlen is behind the assaults. Fans of early nineteenth century romances will want to read Karen Ranney's fine historical thriller. Harriet Klausner