The Ungrateful Governess

The Ungrateful Governess by Mary Balogh is a historical romance but unfortunately, I don’t believe this is one of her better works. I was glad that the two main characters finally got together at the end of the book, as I wouldn’t wish either of them on anyone else. I found him to be an arrogant, ignorant snob and her an absolute ninny.

The story-line is a familiar one in romance, the governess who attracts the visiting gentleman, but in fact, he is no gentleman, just an aristocrat who preys on lower class women and she is actually the granddaughter of a marquis. There an attempt by the author to make him appear more liberal as he finally offers to marry her before he finds out her true background but by then it was too late for me. show more He had already blundered and blustered his way to revealing his true colors and she showed herself to be a coward who always opted to run away rather than face up to the facts.

I am a fan of this author, but I really believe she missed the mark here but I do note that the book was originally published in 1988 and I think we (the fans) expect more from our romantic characters today. show less

It pains me to give a Mary Balogh book a 3 star rating. I know this is one of her early books and I am happy they're bringing out her back catalog regardless.
Anyway, Jessica is a governess when the Earl of Rutherford visits the house where she currently lives. After a fairly innocent incident in the library, Jess is fired without a reference. When Charles (Rutherford) finds out, he sends her to his grandmother for employment. However, his grandmother recognizes Jess from her resemblance to her own grandmother and takes her under her wing. Charles is appalled, not realizing Jess's background.
Jess is very modern or confused - I was never sure which, but it ultimately became annoying with her always sending the wrong signals. Charles show more treads a dangerous line between being a charming rake and a man who forces women (he doesn't, but he is manipulative). I was especially appalled by the attitude of his grandmother towards him; she seems to seem him as a spoiled brat but also a typical man of the era who's saved by his charm.
I liked the secondary romance much better and I wish there had been a bit more focus on it because I was disappointed by the primary story. Oh well, even a poor Balogh story is still an interesting read. show less

Not a favourite. He was a little too pleased with himself for his resolve not to rape anyone; she was a unnecessarily obstructive. I did relate to the skating scene, though: I'm completely hopeless on ice. :-)

The Earl of Rutherford causes Jessica Moore to lose her position without a character and, feeling guilty, offers her 2 solutions - a position as his mistress or the assistance of his grandmother to find an alternative position. I liked very much the interplay between Jessica and Rutherford but the book was a little lacking in tension and angst compared to some of my favourite Baloghs.

Another enjoyable Signet Regency from Mary Balogh. The misidentification of Miss Moore provides most of the plot.

Romance