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The Governess Affair
(Brothers Sinister 0.5)
by
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 fo ...more
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 fo ...more
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Showing 1-30
Jun 07, 2017
Jessica's Totally Over The Top Book Obsession
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
historical-romance,
read-in-2017
3.5 stars
***Spoilers***
Wow okay this story was different. The heroine Serena was raped by the hero's(Hugo) boss the Duke of Clermont. She was pregnant from said rape and Hugo marries her behind the boss's back to keep her child from being labeled a bastard. He plans it to be a married in name only to help her but they make love, which was really sweet, and they fall in love. I have to say I liked that this story was a little different as it started out with something horrid like rape(not that y ...more
***Spoilers***
Wow okay this story was different. The heroine Serena was raped by the hero's(Hugo) boss the Duke of Clermont. She was pregnant from said rape and Hugo marries her behind the boss's back to keep her child from being labeled a bastard. He plans it to be a married in name only to help her but they make love, which was really sweet, and they fall in love. I have to say I liked that this story was a little different as it started out with something horrid like rape(not that y ...more
May 03, 2012
UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish by:
Baba
Courtney Milan has become one of my favorite historical romance authors and books like this, The Governess Affair, is why. This introduction to the Brothers Sinister series is a charming, beautiful tale that I simply couldn't put down. And surprisingly, while this is a novella, a short read, it lacks nothing. A powerful story, romance, passion... yes, this book has it all - including one of the sexiest, sweetest bedroom scenes ever!
I fell hard for both Serena and Hugo... their secrets, their tor ...more
ETA on 4-24: Free on Amazon! Grab it!
Historical romance isn't my least liked genre though it's nowhere near my favorite, but every now and then I feel the need to read something that isn't YA or fantasy and I branch out into the world of corsets, cravats, and carriages. I generally don't enjoy the time I spend there, and I often find myself at odds with fans of the genre, but thankfully this short story has high ratings because it's a tale that people who don't automatically love the genre can s ...more
Historical romance isn't my least liked genre though it's nowhere near my favorite, but every now and then I feel the need to read something that isn't YA or fantasy and I branch out into the world of corsets, cravats, and carriages. I generally don't enjoy the time I spend there, and I often find myself at odds with fans of the genre, but thankfully this short story has high ratings because it's a tale that people who don't automatically love the genre can s ...more
Oct 26, 2015
✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans)
rated it
did not like it
·
review of another edition
Recommended to ✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) by:
Liz* Fashionably Late
Before you ask, I can tell you that NO, the Fluffy Siberian Bunnies (FSB™) have NOT hacked my account. This is really me non-reviewing this POC™. In my defense, I have to say that:
1/Liz forced me to do this.
2/This is the MacHalos' fault. Were it not for the bloody shrimping TBR Cleaning Challenge, I wouldn't have to get rid of all thecrap stuff that's been sitting on my Kindle for centuries.
3/Being stuck on a ferry for 8+ hours has the strangest effect on one's sanity.
4/I'm innocent.
Were I my y ...more
1/Liz forced me to do this.
2/This is the MacHalos' fault. Were it not for the bloody shrimping TBR Cleaning Challenge, I wouldn't have to get rid of all the
3/Being stuck on a ferry for 8+ hours has the strangest effect on one's sanity.
4/I'm innocent.
Were I my y ...more
Loved it!!! Just when I thought I was getting burned out (ney, sick and tired!) of Euro/Regency historical romances, I pick up this Courtney Milan novella and realize my problem might have been something else. I was just bored. But Courtney Milan infuses such flavor into her writing I couldn't stop devouring it. which is simply refreshing among the glut of today's bland and formulaic offerings. I honestly haven't been this excited to read a Euro/Regency era historical in many months now, and I c
...more
Hugo Marshall is determined and ambitious. As a former boxer Hugo has squared off against any number of opponents and won. But Hugo has met his match. Serena Barton is tenacious and optimistic. She'll fight until she gets what she's owed.
The Governess Affair is a novella and prequel to Courtney Milan's new series, Brothers Sinister. Set in 1835 a generation before the characters in the main series, this is an introduction to what looks like another impressive series from this talented author.
St ...more
DNF @ 50%. I really expected to like this one. I enjoyed The Heiress Effect. But then, part of the reason that I enjoyed it was because none of the characters were fucking idiots.
So the premise of this book is a ruined governess seeking recompense from the man that ruined her, who happens to be a duke. He sends his man of business to handle it because he has better things to do. The first thing his servant does is ask what the female lead wants. The next five conversations that they have go som ...more
3.75 stars.
I quite enjoyed this short read. First time reading this author but I will be checking out other books by her.
I liked both characters. She was strong and would not back down for anything!!
As you know, if I don't do a review straight away, they are usually short. Thank fuck, I hear some of you say!!!
Apr 30, 2016
Nenia ✨ Queen of Literary Trash, Protector of Out-of-Print Gems, Khaleesi of Bodice Rippers, Mother of Smut, the Unrepentant, Breaker of Convention ✨ Campbell
rated it
liked it
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THE GOVERNESS AFFAIR is the fourth Courtney Milan book that I have plowed through this month. I regret nothing about this experiment, except for the fact that I have gone through all the books of hers that I already owned, so any further binges must be put on hold until I am able to obtain more books. Booooo.
GOVERNESS AFFAIR is the direct prequel to THE DUCHESS WAR. I think it could be read as a standalone, but reading it was also interesti ...more
"You could make me say it again," he whispered. "Make me say it always. Make me say it so often that you never have cause to doubt. I love you."
Oh yes, again, I love it when a story turns from pretty good to amazingly good! 3 stars for the first half and 5 stars for the second half of the story.
"A perfect sunrise--seen once, remembered always. Never duplicated."
This was a first for me but certainly not my last read by Courtney Milan. I really loved the second half of the story. In hindsight I th ...more
Oh yes, again, I love it when a story turns from pretty good to amazingly good! 3 stars for the first half and 5 stars for the second half of the story.
"A perfect sunrise--seen once, remembered always. Never duplicated."
This was a first for me but certainly not my last read by Courtney Milan. I really loved the second half of the story. In hindsight I th ...more
5...I told you so Karla...Stars!!
Safe. Yes Serena, Hugo Marshall is...Safe, and the most honorable of men. One of the softest, sweetest stories, I've ever read! Never were two people more meant to be together.
I'm doing the Yippee Skippee and I can't stop smiling!
Thanks for the push Jill and Dhes, it was so worth dropping everything!
Dec 25, 2013
Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies
rated it
it was ok
Recommended to Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies by:
Navessa
I blame myself. My disappointment with this book is partially my fault. I just set the bar too high. I built up my own hype. I gave myself unrealistic standards for this book.
I've resisted reading this novella since it was released, despite reading all the glowing reviews on it. I thought for sure it would be good, and that I would love it if I ever gained the courage to read it. Why? Because of the premise. The rape, the defilement of an innocent governess? Her strength in standing up for herse ...more
I've resisted reading this novella since it was released, despite reading all the glowing reviews on it. I thought for sure it would be good, and that I would love it if I ever gained the courage to read it. Why? Because of the premise. The rape, the defilement of an innocent governess? Her strength in standing up for herse ...more
Apr 22, 2012
Anna (Bobs Her Hair)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Romance readers
Recommended to Anna (Bobs Her Hair) by:
Jill's review
Grade: A+ or 5 brightly shining stars
Beautiful, poignant, and skillfully written novella! I absolutely loved it!
***updated to add full review****
The Story
Serena Barton is a ruined woman. Her dismissal as a governess position leads her to demand compensation from the Duke of Clermont. Serena will not leave empty-handed. She is prepared to fight for there is much at stake. She’s aware the duke employs an unmerciful man of business, yet she bravely resolves never to be weak again.
Hugo Marshall has ...more
Beautiful, poignant, and skillfully written novella! I absolutely loved it!
***updated to add full review****
The Story
Serena Barton is a ruined woman. Her dismissal as a governess position leads her to demand compensation from the Duke of Clermont. Serena will not leave empty-handed. She is prepared to fight for there is much at stake. She’s aware the duke employs an unmerciful man of business, yet she bravely resolves never to be weak again.
Hugo Marshall has ...more
3,5 Stars
Setting the stage for the following series about the next Victorian generation, Courtney Milan gives us a solid novella about two common people whose lives have been anything but common and who soon and poignantly recognise each other's hard-won inner strength, finding both healing from past hurts and hope for a brighter future in their love.
Hugo Marshall, a coal miner's son and an ex-pugilist, is now the Duke of Clermont's unscrupulous right-hand, the final step in a steady social a ...more
Setting the stage for the following series about the next Victorian generation, Courtney Milan gives us a solid novella about two common people whose lives have been anything but common and who soon and poignantly recognise each other's hard-won inner strength, finding both healing from past hurts and hope for a brighter future in their love.
Hugo Marshall, a coal miner's son and an ex-pugilist, is now the Duke of Clermont's unscrupulous right-hand, the final step in a steady social a ...more
May 21, 2018
Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-romance
Maybe this edition was expanded as it is showing on Goodreads as 154 pages whereas the editions with this cover 
are showing as 101 pages. Believe me, this one felt longer than a novella! I think Ms Milan may have expanded this slight story beyond what it could bear.
I really liked the original idea. I liked the opening scenes. I could overlook anachronisms such as duke wearing a coat with gold thread - in 1835.
But too many things were improbable, too many scenes were repetitive and this book w ...more
are showing as 101 pages. Believe me, this one felt longer than a novella! I think Ms Milan may have expanded this slight story beyond what it could bear.I really liked the original idea. I liked the opening scenes. I could overlook anachronisms such as duke wearing a coat with gold thread - in 1835.
But too many things were improbable, too many scenes were repetitive and this book w ...more
4.5 stars
Despite my best intentions to start Nalini Singh's series, I simply didn't have the mindset and instead went for another novella whilst I'm still away from home.
Finally! Finally! Finally! After a very long time; after many of my GR friends telling me to read The Governess Affair already; and after reading two or three duds in a row, I went ahead and pulled this little beauty out of the depths of my Kindle and read it in one go. Not that it was a big thing (it's a novella after all), but ...more
Despite my best intentions to start Nalini Singh's series, I simply didn't have the mindset and instead went for another novella whilst I'm still away from home.
Finally! Finally! Finally! After a very long time; after many of my GR friends telling me to read The Governess Affair already; and after reading two or three duds in a row, I went ahead and pulled this little beauty out of the depths of my Kindle and read it in one go. Not that it was a big thing (it's a novella after all), but ...more
"Are you flexing your muscles for me?" she asked.
"That", he said smoothly, "would be vanity".
What a romantic, inspiring, heartbreaking, heartwarming, wonderful, amazing tale.
"If you fell out of a tree as a child, I'd clean you up and bandage your knees, and next I looked you'd be out climbing again. You never learned your lesson."
Oh, she'd learned her lesson: Climb harder.
Somehow, Serena didn't think that was the lesson Freddy had expected her to learn.
I have a soft spot for rape-recovery tales ...more
❦ BR with the awesome Kat and Nenia ❦
So, The Governess Affair...
♬ ♪ Congratulations! ♬ ♪ You successfully entered my I don't care territory : no chemistry, not to mention that the rape issue isn't well-handled in my opinion. To be frank, the characters' behavior is incomprehensible to me. I. DON'T. GET. THEM. Add a complete and utter boredom, and what do you get? Certainly not a good romance.
3'5 Estrellas. Me ha gustado mucho, la lástima es que al ser un relato corto no profundiza demasiado en la historia, y siempre te quedas con ganas de saber algo más. Algo más de los personajes, de lo que les llevó a ser quienes son actualmente.
Sin duda el personaje que más me ha gustado es Hugo Marshall, éste ex-boxeador no tiene nada de rudo o duro, es un oso amoroso, con todas las letras. Trata a Serena con una paciencia, una amabilidad y una ternura que nada tienen que ver con el sobrenombre ...more
Sin duda el personaje que más me ha gustado es Hugo Marshall, éste ex-boxeador no tiene nada de rudo o duro, es un oso amoroso, con todas las letras. Trata a Serena con una paciencia, una amabilidad y una ternura que nada tienen que ver con el sobrenombre ...more
5 STARS!!!!!
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He didn't want to talk. He didn't want to answer any questions. He didn't know who he was or what he wanted or what dreams would come to fill his heart. He only knew that if he couldn't have her, nothing would ever be right again. And so he kissed her. He tasted her, sweet and steady against him, put his hand in the small of her back and drew her toward him.
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OH BOY!!!! I've got a new author!!! What a wonderful little gem this is. It's just a short novella ...more
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He didn't want to talk. He didn't want to answer any questions. He didn't know who he was or what he wanted or what dreams would come to fill his heart. He only knew that if he couldn't have her, nothing would ever be right again. And so he kissed her. He tasted her, sweet and steady against him, put his hand in the small of her back and drew her toward him.
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OH BOY!!!! I've got a new author!!! What a wonderful little gem this is. It's just a short novella ...more
Love, love, love this book
Setting / Time / Genre: Regency, I think.
Length: 201 pages.
Series: Yeppers and I am reading em all! This is the fist. An introductory novel if you will.
Sexy times: One or two scenes. All well done. There's a scene with hair pins. Just trust me on this. Hashtag worthit.
Plan on reading more by the author Hell to the yeas, my friends.
Synopsis in one sentence or slightly more: Hmmm, there's this governess, and this man of business and a sh!thead of a Duke, and an issue ...more
Setting / Time / Genre: Regency, I think.
Length: 201 pages.
Series: Yeppers and I am reading em all! This is the fist. An introductory novel if you will.
Sexy times: One or two scenes. All well done. There's a scene with hair pins. Just trust me on this. Hashtag worthit.
Plan on reading more by the author Hell to the yeas, my friends.
Synopsis in one sentence or slightly more: Hmmm, there's this governess, and this man of business and a sh!thead of a Duke, and an issue ...more
Oct 05, 2012
Mimi Smith
rated it
it was amazing
Recommended to Mimi by:
InD'tale Magazine
Shelves:
historical-romance
5 stars
Loved, loved, LOVED it. It's so hard to write a great, believable novella. It's too short, there's no time for the characters to feel real, or the relationships... But here, boy...
We have:
1. Serena Barton, a former governess, girl with big dreams and a grudge against the Duke of Clemont.
2. The Duke of Clement, a rather simple and shallow gentleman with little self-control, morals and a money problem, which led to his spouse problem.
3. Hugo Marshall, the Wolf of Clemont, a boy who has plan ...more
Loved, loved, LOVED it. It's so hard to write a great, believable novella. It's too short, there's no time for the characters to feel real, or the relationships... But here, boy...
We have:
1. Serena Barton, a former governess, girl with big dreams and a grudge against the Duke of Clemont.
2. The Duke of Clement, a rather simple and shallow gentleman with little self-control, morals and a money problem, which led to his spouse problem.
3. Hugo Marshall, the Wolf of Clemont, a boy who has plan ...more
A great start to the Brothers Sinister series!
This is a novella of how Selena and Hugo meet and fall in love. They are the parents of Oliver (book #2) and Free (book #4).
I loved Selena and I've enjoyed how Milan writes her female leads in all the books that I've read.
They are usually smart, independent and courageous. If you're going to read historical romance, you might as well read about female characters you admire and male characters that fall in love with those qualities. They are not insec ...more
This is a novella of how Selena and Hugo meet and fall in love. They are the parents of Oliver (book #2) and Free (book #4).
I loved Selena and I've enjoyed how Milan writes her female leads in all the books that I've read.
They are usually smart, independent and courageous. If you're going to read historical romance, you might as well read about female characters you admire and male characters that fall in love with those qualities. They are not insec ...more
Okay, so this is where the fact that Goodreads treats audiobooks as just another edition of a book is problematical, because I've already read and reviewed the ebook and can't create a separate review for the audio. So, instead, I've added it to the review of the book, so apologies to those of you who are seeing this on your feeds for the third or fourth time!
Anyway. This most definitely the review of the audiobook version which has appeared at Audiogals today.
Also - my original rating for the b ...more
Anyway. This most definitely the review of the audiobook version which has appeared at Audiogals today.
Also - my original rating for the b ...more
Written March 22, 2013
A little shiny genuine gem pearl, 4 1/2 Stars.
Book #0.5
A wonderful story, I loved it. Two nice a bit special characters, not the richest, no one is noble, not the prettiest or the most handsome, not the most innocent, not the nicest BUT with two really, really smart and cunning brains. I got mad (stupid and mean men), got hurt in the heart (... just choose her!), I smiled (over and over), laughed (the letters), and am very pleased at last.
A really good reading as so often ...more
A little shiny genuine gem pearl, 4 1/2 Stars.
Book #0.5
A wonderful story, I loved it. Two nice a bit special characters, not the richest, no one is noble, not the prettiest or the most handsome, not the most innocent, not the nicest BUT with two really, really smart and cunning brains. I got mad (stupid and mean men), got hurt in the heart (... just choose her!), I smiled (over and over), laughed (the letters), and am very pleased at last.
A really good reading as so often ...more
August, 2013 - Re-read
A perfect Novella to begin her new Brothers Sinister Series.
I always enjoy Milan's writing style and this short story doesn't disappoint. CM gives a strong sexy hero that I came to love along with a heroine who is persistent and smart. The banter between Hugo Marshall, aka Wolf of Clermont, and Serena Barton kept me invested and wanting more.
This author's talent shines through in this delightful read. There is a scene involving hair pins that I particularly liked. Who wou ...more
A perfect Novella to begin her new Brothers Sinister Series.
I always enjoy Milan's writing style and this short story doesn't disappoint. CM gives a strong sexy hero that I came to love along with a heroine who is persistent and smart. The banter between Hugo Marshall, aka Wolf of Clermont, and Serena Barton kept me invested and wanting more.
This author's talent shines through in this delightful read. There is a scene involving hair pins that I particularly liked. Who wou ...more
Sep 16, 2014
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
rated it
really liked it
Recommended to Heather K (dentist in my spare time) by:
Jill
*3.5 stars*
Lovely start to a new series. Narrator was good in the audio, and I immediately bought the next two in the series the moment I finished.
this was so GOOD
4.75 stars for this wonderful little story. It's short but quite meaty -- Milan gets the job done. I just wanted it to be longer, so Hugo and Serena could have more lovin' time together. But sometimes a short read is perfect, and many long books get bogged down with repetition and endless rumination. No so in this case!
Courtney Milan just keeps getting better. In her first books, her characters seemed a bit too ... cerebral and almost unemotional, even though the plot was always well orchestrate ...more
Courtney Milan just keeps getting better. In her first books, her characters seemed a bit too ... cerebral and almost unemotional, even though the plot was always well orchestrate ...more
When I think of novellas that actually deliver, this is the first I think of. I'm surprised I gave it a 4 initially last November, maybe because before I didn't have all the context of the series.
But now I do. And it's that much sweeter, a quick and beautiful book that delivers swoons just when the hero just says "I solve problems." I'm a sucker for Sabrina and Hugo, and a bigger sucker for Robert's vulnerability so that epilogue is something else entirely to me. And Oliver and his pride ("I pu ...more
But now I do. And it's that much sweeter, a quick and beautiful book that delivers swoons just when the hero just says "I solve problems." I'm a sucker for Sabrina and Hugo, and a bigger sucker for Robert's vulnerability so that epilogue is something else entirely to me. And Oliver and his pride ("I pu ...more
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Courtney Milan’s books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly and Booklist. She is a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller and a RITA® winner.
Courtney lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat.
Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After th ...more
Courtney lives in the Rocky Mountains with her husband, an exceptionally perfect dog, and an attack cat.
Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After th ...more
Other books in the series
Brothers Sinister
(4 books)
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“I will not be browbeaten, however nicely you do it. I am done with things happening to me. From here on out, I am going to happen to things.”
—
43 likes
“Never hit a man with a closed fist," he told her. He could feel her pulse.
"Why? Because it gives you an excuse to manhandle me?"
He let go. "Slap his face instead."
"Ha."
"It will make him take you less seriously, and then he won't be expecting it when you knee him in the groin.”
—
19 likes
More quotes…
"Why? Because it gives you an excuse to manhandle me?"
He let go. "Slap his face instead."
"Ha."
"It will make him take you less seriously, and then he won't be expecting it when you knee him in the groin.”
