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

satisfying

It is very satisfying when the two main characters can compete on an even playing field. Both of these characters are flawed but lovable. I especially love the ending.

Wonderfully Told Story

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Tracking Books Read Review (Short)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.50

Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: The Governess Affair had elements that I normally hate but it totally worked in this story.

Overall Thoughts: Here is the deal: I am not really a fan of novellas and can only think of a handful of times that one has caused me to buy a whole series. The Governess Affair did that even with elements that I don't normally like. I will warn you that for a novella, it deals with a pretty heavy subject matter. It is handled with care and done wonderfully. I really enjoyed this and hope the rest of the series is as unique.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrator: Rosalyn Landor/Running Time: 3 h 50 min


Rosalyn Landor is my FAVORITE Historical narrator. I have come to the conclusion that she can do no wrong in my book. She has the perfect voice for historical settings.

Very good

I liked this story a lot. I loved Hugo and was so happy he finally belted the pig of a duke. Hugo has become one of my favorite heroes. Serena was a terrific heroine. I loved her determination, I understand her reluctance to say she was forced. Unfortunately that is still common today with date rape. Not much has changed...mores the pity.

An excellent short story and a perfect narration.

CM and RL, PURE ART!

I am so so happy I found such a talented artistic author like Courtney Milan. And I am ever HAPPIER that Rosalyn Landor had finally narrated one of her books. WONDERFUL WONDERFUL. You can imagine what kind of audible experience you would get if you combine an excellent story, attractive characters, witty dialogue, and SENSATIONAL performance by Rosalyn Landor.
I LOVED this book. Excellent introduction to the series. I can not wait for the rest of the books in the series. And please please please let it be Rosalyn who narrates them.
I highly recommend this book. BUY it and ENJOY :)

Awful

Rosalyn Landor is one of my favorite narrators but this story was just plain boring. The best narrator in the world could not help this book.

A knockout!

A well written and equally well voiced story. Moves quickly with engaging characters. Determined heroine, meets honorable, intelligent yet calculating hero. Unpredictable and enchanting, and highly recommended.

5-Star Pocket-Sized Regency

This short story has all the elements wanted in a good regency romance, it was a perfect story for a quick read. steam and sweetness 5/5

Short, but Delightful!

This was a perfect 'prequel' to The Brothers Sinister series. I love Courtney Milan's way of creating romantic chemistry between the characters. And I particularly liked the bit about the hair pins... Very sexy!

This book was very short - but each of the characters had good depth! The witticisms exchanged between the two main characters were excellent.

I was a bit confused about the 'Twelve Year Later....' afterward - but it made more sense when I began the actual book 1 of the series. As I said before, this book is actually a prequel.

The Governess Affair

An intro to The Brothers Sinister series, The Governess Affair has me curious about the upcoming books. I enjoyed the characters in this story, the repartee between Serena and Hugo, and the sense that upcoming books will be enjoyable. I'm a fan of Courtney Milan so I know The Brothers Sinister will be a fun series.
I've listened to many of Rosalyn Landor's audiobook performances and think she does a wonderful job with historical romances.

Great beginning

Loved this novella. Rosalyn Landor is THE QUEEN when it comes to these historical romances. She gives life to the stories.

This one featured Hugo Marshall, "The Wolf of Claremont" (I hope I am spelling it correctly since I listened to this book) and Serena Barton.

Serena Barton was fired from her job as governess and she camped out in front of the Duke of Claremont's estate demanding justice for her termination. But she wouldn't say what he did because she wanted the silence to fuel all sorts of speculations which may be more harmful to the Duke's reputation. The Duke retaliated by sending his "wolf" to solve his problem. What Hugo encountered was a woman unlike any he'd ever known, now his job became very unpleasant.

Loved the writing, love the couple. It was a good introduction to this series. I look forward to book 1