Talk Sweetly to Me

The Brothers Sinister, Book 5

By: Courtney Milan

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 3 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She’s a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper’s daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She’ll take obscurity, thank you very much.

All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He’s an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he’s also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn’t just a scandal waiting to happen. He’s waiting to happen to her…and if she’s not careful, she’ll give in to certain ruination.

Talk Sweetly to Me is the final novella in The Brothers Sinister series. The other books in the series are:

• ½.The Governess Affair (prequel novella)
• 1. The Duchess War
• 1½. A Kiss for Midwinter (a companion novella to The Duchess War)
• 2. The Heiress Effect
• 3. The Countess Conspiracy
• 4. The Suffragette Scandal
• 4½. Talk Sweetly to Me

©2014 Courtney Milan (P)2014 Courtney Milan

Outstanding series!

I have thoroughly enjoyed each book in this series. The main reason is because Ms Milan has followed through with the initial characters while introducing new ones as each book in the series progressed. The story lines of each book are different and interesting. I didn’t want to stop listening until they were over. Then I couldn’t wait to start the next one. The narrator ‘s voice is very pleasant to listen to. This adds to the experience. I would highly recommend this series.

Very enjoyable book.

This was a very enjoyable book. I loved how the main characters are very smart and likable. I can’t imagine what it would have been like back in the 1800s since interracial couples are unfortunately just barely being accepted now. Glad I listened to this one as well. The entire series was very intense and enjoyable.

Nice, but too idealistic...

Any additional comments?

The shorter length of this book didn't work. The complexity of an interracial relationship in this era needs a lot more exploration. Both in the character development, and in the explanation of the racial climate of the time.

I felt like I kind of knew Stephen from his appearance in the last book, but even then, he has obviously lived through his share of struggles. It's sweet that he is truly in love with Rose, but up until the very end, he seems oblivious to her day to day challenges. As a 'radical' journalist, one would think he would be a bit more in touch with reality. I don't think it would've harmed his 'happy go lucky' image for him to recognize how much Rose has to do to fit into the dominant culture.

Rose is amazing, but I didn't get a sense of who she is and why she fears what she fears. There are huge holes in her story that would've helped to round out her character.
Here are a few questions:
Why isn't her genius more of a big deal? There was a WHOLE book in this series about a woman scientist and all the controversy surrounding that idea; a Black, female astronomist/mathematician is equally amazing.
Why wasn't her history mentioned? Sure, her grandfather is talked about, but certainly there is a story behind how her family became shopkeepers--BLACK shopkeepers.
Why isn't there more of a description of her physically? Surely Stephen's attraction is physical as well as intellectual. Perhaps the author skipped past this in order to avoid the idea that he is only attracted to her exoticism. (kudos if that's the case)

I applaud Courtney Milan for attempting to tackle interracial relationships in this era and in this genre. However, as someone who lives the controversy of an interracial marriage everyday, the brevity of the book is almost an insult. I realize that historical romance is all about fantasy, but this story is a bit too unrealistic.

As always, Rosalyn Landor is great!

Enjoyable read.

I loved this story. Wished it was longer. Loved the characters and subjects that are touched on here(it never gets too deep, but doesn't ignore race women's rights) Really enjoyed this story💜

Too short for my precious credit

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I enjoy the author and series so when I saw a couple more installments were out, I nabbed them. As I installed them in my library, I noticed this was less than 4 hours long, the length of part 1 only of most books. Hugely disappointed, feeling cheated. I really dislike spending the same on a short story as I do on a full length, 8-10 hr read. Courtney Milan is a gem, and the series is good, but DO NOT GET THE AUDIOBOOK. Get a discounted hardcopy or borrow someone elses. At least until they make these a better value.

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

She has done well in all the books I've heard her narrate.

Was Talk Sweetly to Me worth the listening time?

The time, yes, not the cost.

Any additional comments?

I hate this costs the same as an eight to ten hour book. I do recommend the series overall.

Love this story!

absolutely loved how she told a historical with an African woman. Please write more like this!

Sweet Little Story

Not much of a plot, but a sweet story of two idealistic young people from different worlds who find common ground in their love for each other. Although the reality of an interracial romance in the place and time period of the book would be a far more difficult undertaking than it portrays, the fantasy of such a possibility is nice to contemplate.

*insert obligatory title here*

*insert obligatory 15 word long review here despite the fact that I only want to rate the book*

Great

I really liked this book and would recommend it .It had a great storyline and sexual storyline. I wish this book was a movie or TV show.

The doctor made me really mad and I wish more could have happen to him.

The couple was great together and I wish there was more on their story with them having children.

Sweet !

What a sweet ending to a wonderful series. I devoured every book and enjoyed every moment. Loved both the H and h of this story. Rose Sweetly was such a treat and suited Stephen Shaughnessy to perfection. The two have their ups and downs with racial prejudice and the like. But, eventually true love wins out. Beautiful narration by Rosalyn Landor once again. This, and all the books in the series, are highly recommended and worth 5 brilliant stars.