Review: The Trouble with the Daring Governess by Annie Burrows

                                                     

Print Length: 272 pages

Publisher: Mills & Boon Historical (December 18, 2024)

From Goodreads.com: The Marquess wanted a governess...he got a whole lot of trouble!

Governess Rosalind is hired by Michael, the new Marquess of Caldicot, to guide his ward — a just-launched debutante. But Rosalind takes her role a little too seriously when she accidentally knocks one of her charge’s disreputable suitors off a balcony!

Former soldier Michael steps in to help captivating Rosalind — though from the sounds of groaning, the scoundrel is just fine, unfortunately! Yet she’s wary of trusting any man — least of all her employer. Anyway, why does he care so much...when she’s hardly a suitable match for a Marquess?

                                                         *******************

My Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5

Right off the bat, I had an issue with the title of this book. Even though Rosalind had supposedly originally been hired to be a governess to Susannah, by the time this book takes place, Susannah is out is society and searching for a husband. Therefore, she would no longer have a need for a governess, and in fact, Rosalind is referenced at times as her companion, which would have made more sense especially when she started attending balls and other functions with her. 

The second issue that I had was the insta-love between Michael and Rosalind (although it would appear she had harbored feelings for a much longer period of time, since shortly after she was hired). The problem I had with this was largely due to the fact hat both Rosalind and Michael spend way too much time lost in their own thoughts than actually speaking to each other (or in some cases even paying attention to the things they should be paying attention to). For example, Rosalind is told by Lady Birchwood that a certain naval officer was an inappropriate suitor for Susannah, and it makes her wonder if Michael's objections to another suitor (a Mr.Baxter) were as silly. But instead of simply asking him for the truth, she just goes on wondering about Michael's motivations. And although I enjoy being privy to the inner thoughts of characters, I needed to see more interactions between them that weren't them speaking about Susannah, or Rosalind doing something rash and Michael trying to talk her down to really believe in any attraction between them that went beyond the physical. 

I will note that I found it curious that at no time, did Michael consider Rosalind an inappropriate match for himself, despite the fact that she was. Her grandfather may have been a General (therefore making her more appealing to the solider side of him), but she did not have the breeding or connections that would have made her an acceptable match for a Marquess. Yet, for some reason this inequality was never mentioned as a potential deterrent for either of them.

One last, and final really big issue I had is with the final showdown between our villain and our main characters. Michael becomes so focused on Rosalind and her well-being that he leaves Susannah to tie up the villain (who is now known to be violent in nature), before leaving said villain alone with Susannah and his aunt instead of staying with them until the blighter was removed from the house. 

Now, I fully understand that I will likely be in the minority here with my thoughts as the story itself is well-written, it just didn't resonate with me the way I wanted it to. However, I do think it will appeal to others who enjoy historical romance novels, and I would read more from this author in the future.  

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.