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.

Secret past forged frienship and later love

Rosalyn Landor made this book a 4-star because the story was a little slow.

Minerva Lane was hiding a secret. She isn't who she says she is and she has been passing in the ton as the niece of two old spinsters. But now someone is investigating her.
See someone has been writing and circulating scandalous pamphlets trying to encourage workers to unionize against their betters and Mr. Stevens thinks that rebel rouser is Minnie Lane. The only thing Minnie can do is figure out the real author of the pamphlets so she can throw Mr. Stevens off the scent of her past before he discovers what she is really hiding.

Minnie's investigation leads her to Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, whom we met in the prequel as the legitimate heir of Clermont. In the prequel, Robert was so miserable to his illegitimate half brother Oliver at their boarding until Robert decided he wanted a brother and they became close.

Robert admits to Minnie that he is indeed the author of the letters, but he tells her that no one will believe her since he is a duke and it's not in his best interest to get the lower class to unionize. But Robert offers her a deal instead--to marry him and become his duchess and they both will be covered.

What's a girl to do, give Mr. Stevens a new suspect or accept the offer of marriage to a man who is doing something that will call attention to her and her past?

This book was good though it took a while to develop. I liked Minnie and I didn't think the past scandal was that bad. What made this book a 4 star for me was Robert's thoughtfulness and need to fix some society wrongs. He was brave and I am glad he stood up for those unable to fight for themselves.

I wish the author told us what became of Minnie's aunts that took care of her despite the secret. I am also glad she reconciled with Lydia, the heroine of the next book as I just started audiobook 1.5.

Thankfully stayed with it...!

There were moments when I considered giving up on this book. I rolled my eyes and persevered, thinking - “give it one more chance” - (more than once) ....And then it just got better and better. The characters vulnerability pulled me in; moments of bittersweet love and redemption sprinkled throughout. Milan has a way of developing damaged characters that stays with you even after finishing a book. It’s great writing- I’m hooked.

Great story!!!

I'd forgotten Courtney Milan can be risqué with her writing. Most people like it. I guess I'm a bit old fashioned. It was a bit to graphic in parts. But the story was fantastic!!!
Loved what a nice guy the hero (Robert) was, and how he saw past outward imperfections and was fascinated by the heroines (Minnie's) intellect and wit. He was intrigued by her, but also attracted to her.
Loved how Minnie was such a strong, intelligent woman, but had a major imperfection brought on by a traumatic experience, and she is quiet and reserved and fearful of crowds.
The person she is at the beginning bears little resemblance to the person she becomes because of the love and constant encouragement of Robert.

first timer

this is the first time I listened to a romance novel's audio book version. the love scenes were not as bad as I was expecting. I also think because the narrator was good. I wouldn't mind listening to her other performance. :)
And for the novel itself, I've always loved Milan's books. :) that's why I immediately grabbed this book when I saw it on sale.