The Heiress Effect

Brothers Sinister, Book 2

By: Courtney Milan

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Miss Jane Fairfield can't do anything right. When she's in company, she always says the wrong thing - and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can't save her from being an object of derision.

And that's precisely what she wants. She'll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.

Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He's the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances - and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he'll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn't need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn't need to fall in love with her. But there's something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can't resist...even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

The Heiress Effect is the second full-length book in the Brothers Sinister series. It is preceded by The Governess Affair, a prequel novella, and The Duchess War, the first in the series. Each story stands alone, but those who prefer to read in order might want to start at the beginning.

©2013 Courtney Milan (P)2013 Courtney Milan

A perfect example of the contradictory nature of humans.

This was very interesting. The two main characters have very deep and vulnerable talks which really adds a level of rawness that I think can be one sided in romance novels. I really related to Jane because I consider myself an emotionally honest person, I say what I feel when I feel it, with the people I feel most comfortable with. And the complexity of her playing the roll of the "anti-chameleon" and Oliver playing his own roll mirror each other nicely. This one had me at the edge of my seat banging my hands on any solid object in order to contain my excitement. I really admire Jane and her fierceness and her determination to not quash her flame. Oliver is so brave and fragile at the same time it's perfect!

Pretty good

This was a fun and interesting story, though sometimes Oliver’s interest in Jane seemed a little too focused on his physical needs as per usual in these types of books. I loved the humor. There were plenty of chuckle-to-myself moments, along with a few insightful moments. Oliver could have bucked up sooner in the story, but Jane more than makes up for it. She’s funny and strong in a unique way. Supporting characters had interesting characters and twists. The secondary romance was interesting and likable but sometimes a slight distraction when having to switch from the main players.

Amazing

I couldn’t stop laughing the first hour. And the dynamic between the primary characters was so sweet and witty and overflowing with chemistry.

So good

One of Courtney's best. Funny. Romantic and sexy with a little politics and a lot of learning to be authentic to one's own self. Oliver is charming, if a bit uncomfortable with himself. Jane is strong and aware and knows how to make the best of a bad situation. Also love Emily's story and the Johnson sisters, too.

Great story with an even better narration...

I loved this book!!! The characters are complex, the conflicts are real and it's written in a way that you get to care for the different characters. This is a rich story that handles intense subjects such as political influence, human rights, mental illness and epilepsy. And the thread that binds all of those subjects are two great love stories. By the end you feel satisfied and happy because you see that love conquers all.
Narration: Rosalyn Landor is one of the most experienced and amazing narrators I've ever listened to. She adds intensity and passion to the story and has an uncanny ability to make very different voices to all characters (and this story had lost of characters). She nails every characterization (men, older men, young women, old women).
If you enjoy historical romances then you must add this title to your collection.

love the dialog, not typical romance or characters

This was a great next book in the series. Makes me want to listen to the first one again as it's been a while. These two main characters are definitely unique, especially Jane. As one other reviewer said, probably a little over the top to think her actions and attire would have been accepted in that time period. But, it is fiction so I like to believe it. Many social issues described here as well. Makes me appreciate living in this century. I really liked Jane's strength, in spite of many struggles. I also liked the fact that Oliver was not 'perfect', he had flaws too and that makes it more interesting. As always this narrator is fabulous. Really glad to find this series, and this one is definitely worth a credit.

Political influence, social action, civil rights

CM highlights the historical climate of voting rights, discrimination, and woman's rights in this colorful romantic adventure.

Entertaining and enlightening

Rosalyn Landor's narration was wonderful as usual and Courtney Milan gave her an excellent story to tell. Ms Milan's story was set during the rise in the importance of the merchants and working class in England. She addressed topics and issues that are usually glossed over in historical romances.

Okay I guess

I oddly feel conflicted over this book. I really enjoyed the first book and honestly I enjoyed Emily and Anjan's story probably more than I enjoyed the first book. But it's a subplot in Jane and Oliver's story. I found myself struggling to connect with Jane, mostly due to needing a man to fix her problem.... I know that is not at all how it's supposed to come off but that's how it felt. And then the resolve to everything just feels weirdly unbelievable. Oliver I liked in the first book. He seemed like the strong, quiet sort from the first book, the level headed reasoner in the group of friends. This book didn't feel the same. I felt a little disappointed honestly.

A big improvement over the previous one

I don't know if the author read the reviews of the previous book but you can definitely tell there's an improvement. There's much more sutilty in the sex scenes and a story somewhat more credible.
I definitely enjoyed this book more that I did the last, and was thinking about not buying this one but I don't regret it.