The Duchess War

The Brothers Sinister, Book 1

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

Very engaging and full of surprises.

This is the typical romance novel with quite a few twists. The characters were very memorable and unique.
Also
Spoiler:
I LOVED that Robert was a virgin. Their first time was so sweet and erotic and awkward and real.

Excellent slow burn; but worth the wait

I’m not usually a huge fan on slow burns, and in truth, Ms. Milan does give us some teases that do satiate a little.

But wait is worth it when you have such endearing characters as Minnie and Robert. And it is refreshing to have a sex scene not go well, but to have a partner who is willing to learn. And then once we do get to the steamy scenes, Ms. Milan does not disappoint. My only complaint is that I would have like subsequent scenes to have a little more detail. But she is a master at crafting the anticipation.

Most entertaining

Liked the story very much. The interaction between a reclusive lady chess player who was raised by a selfish father & a Duke who was raised by 2 cold & distant parents was interesting & kept my attention. The ending was well done.

Relatable characters

This was enjoyable. Story was engaging. It had a bit of mystery and a bad guy, as well a hero’s and heroine’s. The narrator did a beautiful job as well.

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.