The Duchess War

The Brothers Sinister, Book 1

By: Courtney Milan

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly - so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past.

Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention.

But that is precisely what she gets.

Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he's up to, he realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he's determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy Miss may prove to be more than his match...

The Duchess War is the first full-length book in the Brothers Sinister series. It is preceded by The Governess Affair, a prequel novella.

©2012 Courtney Milan (P)2013 Courtney Milan

Loved it!

I loved this book. This was the first of her books that I had read. It had me laughing, crying, mad and on the edge of my seat! I as always Love Love Roslyn Landor! I have yet to find a narrator who can do so many great voices so well. ❤️

<br />Loved it from beginning to end!

Best narration, love Rosalynn Landor's distinctive voice. Especially when paired with a great story like this!

Landor BORES Me to Tears

I can't always tell who's talking. It's more like reading aloud as opposed to narrating. This was a better read than listen.

Not a repetitive regency romance. Surprising and so good!

This book was very good and also surprising. I love regency romances but they can get repetitive. This one was very unique and well written too. Bravo!

Politically Charged Romance Novel

A political agenda wrapped up in a romance novel.

There is so much to unpack with this romance novel. If you don't go into the political side of this, the romance was alright. I wasn't super thrilled with the male lead, and also found the female annoying many times. There were some good emotional punches that did get me in my feels, but overall, I found this book mediocre.

It was a very nice performance though by Rosalyn Landor. I would listen to move books narrated by her.

Wonderful twists and turns. anguish and forgiveness.

I love this author and narrator, fun to listen, great escape, beautiful narration. i recommend highly.

A DEEP EMOTIONAL WONDERFUL FEEL GOOD ROMANCE

This book is why Courtney Milan is an auto download for me - thanks to her gifted writing you're transported back to1863 where she crafts loveable compelling but flawed characters who find themselves involved in an emotional, touching, sexy, humorous, heartbreaking, breathtaking love story that's full of secrets and scandals that'll keep you riveted.

This is the story about Robert (a handsome, caring, radical Duke) and Minnie (a 'Plain Jane' with brains) both of whom are emotionally scarred but for different reasons and the class differences and obstacles that they have to overcome. Their relationship starts off as a skilful game of wits but, as attraction between them flourishes, there's great chemistry and witty, flirty banter between the pair then they soon realise that their needs, goals and ideals are actually the same.

However, when their feelings for each other grow it forces them to reveal vulnerabilities, share secrets and undergo personal life changes but before their romance can ever progress to a HEA ending that they (and the listener) craves, the truth must painfully and publicly come out by betraying each other and only then can honor, acceptance, forgiveness and love follow.

Plenty of twists, interesting secondary characters, friendships, passion and a bitter-sweet romance can be found in this very entertaining and enjoyable listen but so too can we get a feel for the social divide and working environments between the Upper and Lower classes of a, thankfully, bygone era. Robert says such touching, tender, thoughtful words that you can't help but fall in love with him too.

Worth a credit? As long as CM keeps writing them and they're hopefully narrated by the talented Ms. Landor, then I'll keep buying them - so that's a YES and I hope you too will fall in love with Minnie and Robert as I did.

Loved it!!!

What a great book. The story was amazing and I can’t wait for the next in the series.

Good story with a great narrator.

I did not feel this was predictable but it was your classic happy ending historical romance story. It kept with all of the general unofficial rules of these types of stories. I liked the story, it was traditional in a sense but I love this narrator she made it come alive.

Sweet. Funny. Clever.

Well written. Very clever. Great love story! A little too political but the characters are smart and I enjoyed this book.