The Governess Affair

The Brothers Sinister, Book 1

By: Courtney Milan

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

The start of a new series from New York Times best-selling author Courtney Milan....

She will not give up.

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she's demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it's not the duke she fears. It's his merciless man of business - the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke's dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn't stand a chance. But she can't stop trying - not with her entire future at stake.

He cannot give in.

Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition - a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner's son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it's just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don't work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can't bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He'll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love....

©2012 Courtney Milan (P)2012 Courtney Milan

Really enjoyed this audiobook!

If you could sum up The Governess Affair in three words, what would they be?

Witty, fun, charming

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Governess Affair?

I loved when Marshall brought Serena hot tea, sandwiches, towels, and a umbrella because of him she was cold and soak and wet.

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. Really enjoyed listening to her.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I think it was when Marshall realized he needed Serena and no longer cared about his job.

Any additional comments?

I love both main characters. I haven't read a book like this. Marshall is a pain then can turn around and be so nice and charming to Serena. I love that Serena saw threw his facade. Highly recommend.

Slow start, Great finish!

This book has just the right mix of intrigue and humor. Sucks you right in. The narrator is good too. Can't wait to dive into the next installment.

great little story

good story, looking for deeper character development in future stories. all in all worth listening to.

*insert obligatory title here*

*insert obligatory 15 word review because all I want to do is rate the book*

Fantastic novella to start the series

Usually I check my progress in a book several times while listening to see how much time or how many chapters are left. When this book ended, I thought maybe I'd accidentally hit a button and skipped to the credits. Then I realized I didn't even know how many chapters were in the book because I hadn't checked my progress once. I just listened, completely taken away. Fantastic writing and perfect narration! I can't wait to start the next in the series!

PLSE DON'T LET THE SHORT LENGTH PUT YOU OFF

Because if you do you'll miss this tender novella written and read by the best.

I love C.M. and all her books have been an automatic download and I've never been disappointed. Yes, it's short but there are a lot of feelings that are packed into it - desperation, defiance, duty, desire and finally...... love.

Worth a credit? It's on sale at the moment so, at $7.77 I'd just buy it.

A short book under 4 hours

What draws me to romance books is the power given to the heros. I am sure that’s what most readers like and that is why especially most historical romances include a powerful, titled or wealthy man. The heroin however can be from any level of society and really needs not a lot of power, money or beauty to recommend her as long as her personality is likable. Here, the story has a man of business to a Duke as the hero and an impoverished lady as a heroin. The story was good and I do admit I enjoyed listening to it but the short length and the non sizzling storyline was not enough to keep me craving to return to it any single free moment that I had. It was a definite 4 however.

She put it down in less than five hours.

This was a great story, know beating around the bush, repleating the samething over and over agian, you will not find that here. This audio was short but had a lot of meat. I'm a big fan of CM. The narrator was a excellent fit.

A SUBTLE LOVE STORY

What made the experience of listening to The Governess Affair the most enjoyable?

It was different to the usual lord-lady love story. The romance was between the Duke's man and a governess. I could picture the two of them sitting on the bench very easily.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing was excellent. The dialog between the two characters was very believable. I checked out other books by Courtney Milan.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love Rosalyn's voice. I went to find other audiobooks she narrated.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I would have loved to have had the time to listen to it straight through but unfortunately I couldn't..

Any additional comments?

The whole book was a very enjoyable and a lovely way to spend a few hours.

One of the Best Novellas in HR Genre

This novella packs more punch than many full-length historical romances. A delightful, heartwarming story, with some grim, painful scenes, and a tantalizing hint of Robin Hood. The audio performance does not fully do the book justice, but it comes close. Landor shines, with one exception: Her portrayal of the hero during the passionate scenes felt fairly weak. Didn't suit the text, which I read twice before listening.

Now, getting back to the story: Milan is masterful in portraying Hugo's big dilemma and Serena's difficulties.

Hugo. This stevedore-sized, shrewd, boxer-turned-businessman is torn between two desires: power and wealth to overcome childhood poverty versus true love. Give up years of striving and scheming in exchange for a simpler life, comfortable but not pampered or powerful?

Sigh. I totally adored Hugo, and thanks to Milan for making his inner turmoil feel real. I felt his struggle. I wasn't sure when he'd abandon his "grand plan" and give the old villain the boot. I couldn't predict when he'd do right by Serena. Or how he'd do it.

Milan pulled me squarely into Serena's corner, too. I liked and admired this stubborn governess. Her turmoil was real, too. A single woman, pregnant, jobless, with a ruined reputation and an idiotic, useless sister. Enjoyed Serena's defiance of the powerful men pushing her around -- the duke and his huge henchman, Hugo. (Wonderful Hugo, initially a horror but ultimately a hero.)

When Serena and Hugo finally got naked, it was sweet and hot, but not overdone or tasteless.

Intriguing epilogue, set about a decade into the future, hinting at the sequel.