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Brothers Sinister #1
The Duchess War
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...
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...
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2012
1561 people are currently reading
24043 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Milan
68 books5,483 followersCourtney Milan writes books about carriages, corsets, and smartwatches. Her books have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. She is a New York Times and a USA Today Bestseller.
Courtney pens a weekly newsletter about tea, books, and basically anything and everything else. Sign up for it here: https://bit.ly/CourtneysTea
Before she started writing romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of Michigan and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time.
Courtney is represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.
Courtney pens a weekly newsletter about tea, books, and basically anything and everything else. Sign up for it here: https://bit.ly/CourtneysTea
Before she started writing romance, Courtney got a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. After that, just to shake things up, she went to law school at the University of Michigan and graduated summa cum laude. Then she did a handful of clerkships. She was a law professor for a while. She now writes full-time.
Courtney is represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,092 reviews
July 4, 2017
DNF at 26%
OMG my eyes have glazed over. This book bored me so bad. After reading the first little novella in this series I was excited for this book, but Lord have mercy no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get into this read. I was so bored I got up and did dishes, came back tried again got bored went and did my yoga came back tried again. I reread the same line like 5 times and still can't tell you what I read. I just couldn't connect. The main couple have no chemistry together. The plot is too slow and boring to hook me and I'm just done. I have too many books to read to sit here and try to force myself to read a book that is making me want to take a nap.
OMG my eyes have glazed over. This book bored me so bad. After reading the first little novella in this series I was excited for this book, but Lord have mercy no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get into this read. I was so bored I got up and did dishes, came back tried again got bored went and did my yoga came back tried again. I reread the same line like 5 times and still can't tell you what I read. I just couldn't connect. The main couple have no chemistry together. The plot is too slow and boring to hook me and I'm just done. I have too many books to read to sit here and try to force myself to read a book that is making me want to take a nap.
December 11, 2012
I’m not sure if I can convey my feelings into words right now but I’ll be trying anyway. It goes without saying that I’ve had extremely high expectations. Unfortunately, though, The Duchess War will go down in history as a slight disappointment—to put it mildly. Some parts I loved, some I liked and some…not at all. Up until to the 70 % mark I really thought that The Duchess War would work out for me. Hope dies last after all. With this end in mind I felt totally underwhelmed throughout the next 22 % of the story. I’m not someone who beats around the bush, it was flat out depressing and a huge disappointment. Then we've had 3 % of happy and...that's it. The End at 95 %.
I completely understand that an author has to use conflicts to develop a story, however, when the already very dry plot is littered with conflicts it becomes utterly oppressive. Reading HR (emphasis on romance and I mean romance not sex) must be a pleasure. I want to indulge myself in lush writing, great dialogue and banter, wonderful and charming characters. I want to see the sparks fly. I want to feel the chemistry. Also, I’m fine by dealing with a conflict as long as I can see a resolution as well as a continuous (happy) development of the MCs relationship. But instead of offering a resolution once and for all there is another conflict, more pain, more problems, more heartbreak. Sadly, reading The Duchess War was not a joy, it was a task.
The hero was too bland and insecure to charm his way into my heart and the heroine, which I initially really liked a lot, proved me wrong when she allowed herself In addition I would have loved to see so much more interaction between H/h. If anything, the numerous secondary characters were all over the place. The first sex scene at 71 % (I can’t call it a love scene) was incredibly embarrassing. In conclusion, a To be honest, there was nothing glorious or delicious about the sex scenes. If anything, they were awful and stood in stark contrast to the overall excellent writing.
I regret bygone times because The Duchess War can’t hold a candle to Unraveled or Unveiled (my favorite CM book).
In hindsight I’d go so far and label The Duchess War as historical fiction. Where was the romance? Sadly, there was nothing romantic about the story, the characters or their almost non-existent “relationship”. If The Duchess War is Ms. Milan’s prime example of what readers can expect from now on, then I am awfully sorry to say that I’ll pass.
Steam: 2 / Chemistry: 1 / Sensuality: 1 to 2
December 10, 2014
Kindle Freebie! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A...
When I first began reading historical romances, I thought things like the ton, peerage, seasons, the need to marry well… I thought they were all silly things, a bunch of hogwash made up by authors to flesh out their stories. But then, as I did more research of this on my own, I discovered that not only was it not hogwash, it was often far worse than historical romance portrays it. So when I read books like The Governess Affair and The Duchess War, and knowing that this was a reality of the times, I find I become very emotionally attached to the… lessers. The Underdogs. Those who don’t fit and will never fit regardless of the kinds of people they are. It doesn’t matter how much good they do, how many lives they might save, or how they treat others. They would never fit. And yet there were those who took up more space than they were worth, but were welcomed wherever they went… it all seemed so unfair. So hopeless.
But not the way Ms. Milan tells the story.
The Duchess War is a story of right and wrong. Of honor - and not just honor when it’s convenient. It’s being a person of high integrity, no matter the cost - and in this story, the cost is terribly high. It’s also a beautiful romance. And not just about discovering love and holding on to it with every single thing you are - more importantly, it’s about being worthy of that love.
Robert and Minnie are such compelling characters, and had they been real people, I would truly believe that their chance meeting was destiny giving them a hand. They’re so very opposite from one another, but alike in the ways that matter. Both flawed, emotionally scarred people who recognized that in one another, and that's what drew them together. Were they perfect? No! They were human! There were times I was angry with Robert, times I was livid with Minnie, but in the end, I came to adore them both. And that's all that matters.
The bottom line: Courtney Milan never ceases to amaze me with her stories that are witty, clever, intelligent, sexy and so very romantic. She’s one of very few auto-buy authors on my list, one of the few whose stories I am guaranteed to love, and books like those found in The Brothers Sinister series are why.
So do yourself a favor and pick up the novella, The Governess Affair and this story, The Duchess War and settle in for two of the most delightful, poignant, lovely romances you’ll likely ever read.
My sincerest thanks to Ms. Milan for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts with you. It was a true pleasure, start to finish.
Sometimes love is an accident.The Duchess War is the first full length novel in Courtney Milan’s Brothers Sinister series, and a story that I've been looking forward to. Having read The Governess Affair, the prequel to this story, and having read the epilogue that sets up this book, I knew that what was to come would be a wonderful, emotional read, but this... it was so much more than I had hoped for.
This time, it’s a strategy.
Cover blurb: 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.Let me get this said right up front. This book is brilliant. The way Ms. Milan writes historical romances, the way she uses the ridiculous social standards of the times to not only hinder her characters but to make them triumphant – yes. Brilliant.
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 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…
When I first began reading historical romances, I thought things like the ton, peerage, seasons, the need to marry well… I thought they were all silly things, a bunch of hogwash made up by authors to flesh out their stories. But then, as I did more research of this on my own, I discovered that not only was it not hogwash, it was often far worse than historical romance portrays it. So when I read books like The Governess Affair and The Duchess War, and knowing that this was a reality of the times, I find I become very emotionally attached to the… lessers. The Underdogs. Those who don’t fit and will never fit regardless of the kinds of people they are. It doesn’t matter how much good they do, how many lives they might save, or how they treat others. They would never fit. And yet there were those who took up more space than they were worth, but were welcomed wherever they went… it all seemed so unfair. So hopeless.
But not the way Ms. Milan tells the story.
The Duchess War is a story of right and wrong. Of honor - and not just honor when it’s convenient. It’s being a person of high integrity, no matter the cost - and in this story, the cost is terribly high. It’s also a beautiful romance. And not just about discovering love and holding on to it with every single thing you are - more importantly, it’s about being worthy of that love.
Robert and Minnie are such compelling characters, and had they been real people, I would truly believe that their chance meeting was destiny giving them a hand. They’re so very opposite from one another, but alike in the ways that matter. Both flawed, emotionally scarred people who recognized that in one another, and that's what drew them together. Were they perfect? No! They were human! There were times I was angry with Robert, times I was livid with Minnie, but in the end, I came to adore them both. And that's all that matters.
The bottom line: Courtney Milan never ceases to amaze me with her stories that are witty, clever, intelligent, sexy and so very romantic. She’s one of very few auto-buy authors on my list, one of the few whose stories I am guaranteed to love, and books like those found in The Brothers Sinister series are why.
So do yourself a favor and pick up the novella, The Governess Affair and this story, The Duchess War and settle in for two of the most delightful, poignant, lovely romances you’ll likely ever read.
My sincerest thanks to Ms. Milan for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for sharing my honest thoughts with you. It was a true pleasure, start to finish.
March 21, 2017
If this was set in modern times, it would be a cool story of a girl who identified as a boy for her first 12 years of life being raised by an older lesbian couple. But, this is the ye old days.
Bigots!
So, poor Minnie has to act like a good girl and find herself a husband. This means that she isn't allowed to do the boy things anymore, like have an opinion, act smart, or burp the alphabet. Okay, I guess the last thing is probably good. As a mother of two boys I can attest to the fact that they can be strange and gross little creatures.
Don't play Scrabble with prepubescent boys.
Minnie ends up meeting a Duke named Robert and he sees this other side of her (the boy side), and he likes it. I'm not saying that Robert has homosexual tendencies. I'm just saying that he likes his women to have theballs guts to speak their opinions.
Also, I love Robert. You will too. He will be your next book boyfriend.
Sorry, honey. 23 years of marriage was a good run on the fidelity thing.
Robert is kind of a communist, but I love him anyway. Everyone has their flaws. Also, he has the most awesome family ever. When his brother and cousin decide to throw him a bachelor party:
"There shall be brandy!" Sebastian stood. "And we shall even drink it, although Robert will stop after two glasses because he always does."
"There will be food!" Oliver declaimed...
Sebastian grinned. "On the eve of your wedding, Robert, we shall offer you the sorts of female delights that you have always lusted after. Philosophical tracts upon philosophical tracts, all of them advocating political change that would result in an upheaval of the current social order. We shall set forth their essays, and then... Then, my friends, we shall argue about them!"
Wow, these guys know how to party! Feminist writings, a little brandy, and a rousing political discussion? They will feel like hell in the morning!
Boys Gone Wild
This book was witty and cute. I loved both of the main characters and all of the side ones. There is even a rake who cracks me up, so I just can't wait for his book. You all know my weakness for funny rakes.
Bigots!
So, poor Minnie has to act like a good girl and find herself a husband. This means that she isn't allowed to do the boy things anymore, like have an opinion, act smart, or burp the alphabet. Okay, I guess the last thing is probably good. As a mother of two boys I can attest to the fact that they can be strange and gross little creatures.
Don't play Scrabble with prepubescent boys.
Minnie ends up meeting a Duke named Robert and he sees this other side of her (the boy side), and he likes it. I'm not saying that Robert has homosexual tendencies. I'm just saying that he likes his women to have the
Also, I love Robert. You will too. He will be your next book boyfriend.
Sorry, honey. 23 years of marriage was a good run on the fidelity thing.
Robert is kind of a communist, but I love him anyway. Everyone has their flaws. Also, he has the most awesome family ever. When his brother and cousin decide to throw him a bachelor party:
"There shall be brandy!" Sebastian stood. "And we shall even drink it, although Robert will stop after two glasses because he always does."
"There will be food!" Oliver declaimed...
Sebastian grinned. "On the eve of your wedding, Robert, we shall offer you the sorts of female delights that you have always lusted after. Philosophical tracts upon philosophical tracts, all of them advocating political change that would result in an upheaval of the current social order. We shall set forth their essays, and then... Then, my friends, we shall argue about them!"
Wow, these guys know how to party! Feminist writings, a little brandy, and a rousing political discussion? They will feel like hell in the morning!
Boys Gone Wild
This book was witty and cute. I loved both of the main characters and all of the side ones. There is even a rake who cracks me up, so I just can't wait for his book. You all know my weakness for funny rakes.
September 30, 2020
The only good thing about this book was this cheesy line
If you know Mrin aka me for some time...I am nothing but chessy😂
Totally memorized this line hehe
Minnie leaned over until she found the word M
"This is the most important one", she said
"M is for me I'm yours even when you make mistakes", she tapped against it
Chessy Mrin hopes to use it at least once in her lifetime
WHAT??!! A single girl can hope!! I am thinking about adding:M is also for Mrinmayi🤣😆
hmmm...how do I start this review???
I just wanna start by saying that
1)This DID NOT feel like a romance
2)This was probably not for me
3)I was promised a quiet & shy boy (that makes me sounds creepy xD)But what I mean is that the love interest was supposed to be this introvert & shy guy..& what did I get??!! A FLAKY GUY!!!!
☝this was me in the beginning of the book(Except I don't have time to rescue any Prince...I think I have different priorities)
Anyway..back to this book
This was supposed to be a historical romance?? But it read more like historical fiction(?)
Look I don't mind some plot in my romance novels BUT that plot should NOT be the focus
TBH even the plot would have been better if it was AT LEAST interesting
We have our Main character Minnie...who thinks of herself as Nancy Drew wanna be
But was there any mystery?? Not really
Then we have our Hero ROB (Whom I called Bob the Builder for half of the book hehe)(I am mature like that)
STAY FOCUSED TO THE REVIEW MRIN!!!!
Hmmm..NowBOB THE BUILDER Rob is a Duke with Hero complex
Trust me I thought he was sweet until he became too vanilla for me
I still held my hope though!!
I thought at least they will have sizzling chemistry...
BUT NOPE NADA NOTHING!!!!!
As my Buddy read buddy Tani said, I still don't feel any chemistry between MCs. Probably should pour some HCl to get reaction between them.
Agreed Tani!!
buddy read with Tani
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hero is quiet & shy in this book!!!!
Mrin to the Hero:
Potential book boyfriend alert!!!!
If you know Mrin aka me for some time...I am nothing but chessy😂
Totally memorized this line hehe
Minnie leaned over until she found the word M
"This is the most important one", she said
"M is for me I'm yours even when you make mistakes", she tapped against it
Chessy Mrin hopes to use it at least once in her lifetime
WHAT??!! A single girl can hope!! I am thinking about adding:M is also for Mrinmayi🤣😆
hmmm...how do I start this review???
I just wanna start by saying that
1)This DID NOT feel like a romance
2)This was probably not for me
3)I was promised a quiet & shy boy (that makes me sounds creepy xD)But what I mean is that the love interest was supposed to be this introvert & shy guy..& what did I get??!! A FLAKY GUY!!!!
☝this was me in the beginning of the book(Except I don't have time to rescue any Prince...I think I have different priorities)
Anyway..back to this book
This was supposed to be a historical romance?? But it read more like historical fiction(?)
Look I don't mind some plot in my romance novels BUT that plot should NOT be the focus
TBH even the plot would have been better if it was AT LEAST interesting
We have our Main character Minnie...who thinks of herself as Nancy Drew wanna be
But was there any mystery?? Not really
Then we have our Hero ROB (Whom I called Bob the Builder for half of the book hehe)(I am mature like that)
STAY FOCUSED TO THE REVIEW MRIN!!!!
Hmmm..Now
Trust me I thought he was sweet until he became too vanilla for me
I still held my hope though!!
I thought at least they will have sizzling chemistry...
BUT NOPE NADA NOTHING!!!!!
As my Buddy read buddy Tani said, I still don't feel any chemistry between MCs. Probably should pour some HCl to get reaction between them.
Agreed Tani!!
buddy read with Tani
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Hero is quiet & shy in this book!!!!
Mrin to the Hero:
Potential book boyfriend alert!!!!
May 3, 2015
Awww! Outstanding! It was so romantic! There are not enough adjectives to convey how great this book is. It is so much more than your usual historical romance.
WORKERS, read the top line in massive capital letters. And then, beneath it: ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!!!!!
"Oh, no", she protested. "I've never seen this before. And it’s really not my sort of thing." For one thing, she was fairly certain that any sentences that used more exclamation points than words was an abomination.
Robert is like no other hero. He is a duke, but a radical duke who cares for the people and who wants to abolish the peerage. He is a radical. And he is breathtakingly beautiful, strong, honorable, protective and so sweet to Minnie.
His fingers touched hers, and even through their gloves his hand felt overly warm. Despite every good sense, Minne could feel herself respond to him. Her smile peeked out to match his. In her imagination, for just that moment, there were moonlit paths. And that silver light painted every bleak facet in her life in magic.
Beside her, Mr. Charingford swallowed, the sound audible at this distance. "He is, of course, His Grace, the Duke of Clermont."
Minne almost yanked her fingers back. A duke? A bloody duke had found her behind the sofa? No. No. Impossible.
Minne is like no other heroine.She makes a wonderful journey throughout this book. She is hidden with a new name to escape a great scandal in London ten years earlier. Robert is the first one to see something more. But she is afraid. Utterly afraid.
This is a book about personal journeys. About the strength of love. About a true love that survives. There is no stupid misunderstandings. There are just very real hindrances to work around. And it is also a book about the English society in the late 1880. About the enormous differences between the classes. About making the world a slightly better place.
Courtney Milan is a truly remarkable writer. After reading The Governess Affair, I expected greatness from this book. It surpassed my expectations! It is somewhat dark, but we never lose sight of the strike of light. It is fun and very engaging! The characters are believable. The story is complex and enthralling. I can’t wait to move on the next one!
"Come, Miss Pursling," he said. "Men wouldn't ask any such thing. They'd already know what caught my eye." He leaned forward and whispered in conspiratorial fashion. "It's your tits."
The Duke of Clermont was smiling and cheerful, and he thrown it out there as if it were merely one more fact to be recounted. The weather is lovely. The streets are paced with cobblestone. Your tits are magnificent.
On a side note: I know that some don't want to read this book because the hero is a virgin. I can respect that. But putting this book aside solely for that reason is missing out big time. Yes, there might be a couple of pages of awkwardness. But a few pages in a book filled with wonderful, wondrous, amazing pages are absolutely nothing. Robert is strong and caring and radical and honorable and broken in all the ways we love our romance heroes. And the reason why he has abstained is that his father raped his best friend and bastard brother's mother. I respect him for it.
WORKERS, read the top line in massive capital letters. And then, beneath it: ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!!!!!
"Oh, no", she protested. "I've never seen this before. And it’s really not my sort of thing." For one thing, she was fairly certain that any sentences that used more exclamation points than words was an abomination.
Robert is like no other hero. He is a duke, but a radical duke who cares for the people and who wants to abolish the peerage. He is a radical. And he is breathtakingly beautiful, strong, honorable, protective and so sweet to Minnie.
His fingers touched hers, and even through their gloves his hand felt overly warm. Despite every good sense, Minne could feel herself respond to him. Her smile peeked out to match his. In her imagination, for just that moment, there were moonlit paths. And that silver light painted every bleak facet in her life in magic.
Beside her, Mr. Charingford swallowed, the sound audible at this distance. "He is, of course, His Grace, the Duke of Clermont."
Minne almost yanked her fingers back. A duke? A bloody duke had found her behind the sofa? No. No. Impossible.
Minne is like no other heroine.She makes a wonderful journey throughout this book. She is hidden with a new name to escape a great scandal in London ten years earlier. Robert is the first one to see something more. But she is afraid. Utterly afraid.
This is a book about personal journeys. About the strength of love. About a true love that survives. There is no stupid misunderstandings. There are just very real hindrances to work around. And it is also a book about the English society in the late 1880. About the enormous differences between the classes. About making the world a slightly better place.
Courtney Milan is a truly remarkable writer. After reading The Governess Affair, I expected greatness from this book. It surpassed my expectations! It is somewhat dark, but we never lose sight of the strike of light. It is fun and very engaging! The characters are believable. The story is complex and enthralling. I can’t wait to move on the next one!
"Come, Miss Pursling," he said. "Men wouldn't ask any such thing. They'd already know what caught my eye." He leaned forward and whispered in conspiratorial fashion. "It's your tits."
The Duke of Clermont was smiling and cheerful, and he thrown it out there as if it were merely one more fact to be recounted. The weather is lovely. The streets are paced with cobblestone. Your tits are magnificent.
On a side note: I know that some don't want to read this book because the hero is a virgin. I can respect that. But putting this book aside solely for that reason is missing out big time. Yes, there might be a couple of pages of awkwardness. But a few pages in a book filled with wonderful, wondrous, amazing pages are absolutely nothing. Robert is strong and caring and radical and honorable and broken in all the ways we love our romance heroes. And the reason why he has abstained is that his father raped his best friend and bastard brother's mother. I respect him for it.
July 29, 2013
This probably shouldn't have been my first Milan book. I knew going in that a few people didn't like The Duchess War as much as some of her other works but since I'd been wanting to try the author and got a galley for book 2 of the series, I figured 'why not?'.
I wasn't a fan. I mean, it wasn't bad or anything. The book wasn't on the level of 'asparagus pee' bad, but I wasn't feeling it either.
There was something missing from the equation. Without lush historical descriptions or witty banter, I at least hope for there to be something in the story to charm me. The story was all so plain and uh...eh.
And the sex read almost mechanical. It was cute how the man got "schooled" by his woman but I...uh...I...uh...don't really know what to write. The sex just didn't do it for me.
The plain (and scarred) heroine lands a Duke? No one really wanted her before? I think I've read this story a few times, so I guess I wanted to see something fresh added to the mix. Unfortunately, there was nothing new happening here.
Wow, I am quite the downer tonight. Let's get some good perspective back. The writing style was above average and the story was not bad overall. I can see the book being fine for anyone who likes to down shots of historical romance like a man after getting off work on Friday hitting the whiskey at a bar. The formula was solid enough and would stand up fine alongside other HR books.
I'll give book 2 a shot since I have it anyway and see if things get better. Since this isn't everyone's favorite Milan book, I'm hopeful there's still a chance that I might have a more positive outlook on take 2.
Sorry if there weren't any great quotes or pretty pics but I didn't feel any sort of motivation to have to dig deep for this review. But I gave you asparagus pee as a reference, so at least there's that. :p
I wasn't a fan. I mean, it wasn't bad or anything. The book wasn't on the level of 'asparagus pee' bad, but I wasn't feeling it either.
There was something missing from the equation. Without lush historical descriptions or witty banter, I at least hope for there to be something in the story to charm me. The story was all so plain and uh...eh.
And the sex read almost mechanical. It was cute how the man got "schooled" by his woman but I...uh...I...uh...don't really know what to write. The sex just didn't do it for me.
The plain (and scarred) heroine lands a Duke? No one really wanted her before? I think I've read this story a few times, so I guess I wanted to see something fresh added to the mix. Unfortunately, there was nothing new happening here.
Wow, I am quite the downer tonight. Let's get some good perspective back. The writing style was above average and the story was not bad overall. I can see the book being fine for anyone who likes to down shots of historical romance like a man after getting off work on Friday hitting the whiskey at a bar. The formula was solid enough and would stand up fine alongside other HR books.
I'll give book 2 a shot since I have it anyway and see if things get better. Since this isn't everyone's favorite Milan book, I'm hopeful there's still a chance that I might have a more positive outlook on take 2.
Sorry if there weren't any great quotes or pretty pics but I didn't feel any sort of motivation to have to dig deep for this review. But I gave you asparagus pee as a reference, so at least there's that. :p
September 1, 2016
*3.5 stars, rounded up for an awesome narration*
August 3, 2015
I am dying to read a good romance, but why is it virtually impossible to find one that at least makes some logical sense?!
Search continues...
Search continues...
March 7, 2020
BR for my near-annual reread of this book. Safe to say, it's more than a comfort read now!
__________
The moment they lay a baby on a mother's chest, the moment the groom sees his bride, the laughter in a room after a long day of work, the conversations that are so entertaining that you doubt you'll forget...Of course, life is made up of moments. Books are too, and my favorite books are the ones that capture those little and not so little moments as a series that lends itself to a character, relationship, and thus a story.
Don't get me wrong, this story had a meaty plot. But it also conveyed its characters with moments and didn't rely on the plot and lots of exposition, as odd as that sounds. the moment Minnie kisses a chess piece, the moment Robert meets Oliver's mother, the moment Robert decides to ride with Minnie, and well, then so do his friends. I could go on and on. I won't. This book is indeed made up of all these wonderful and terrible moments, revealed bit by bit by. And it's wonderful. Hard not to adore Robert immediately when he's smoking/not smoking, hard not to adore and understand Minnie when punching the couch. The why and how that become revealed slowly, peeling back these characters layer by layer to make you invest and love even after you know you really liked them already.
Wonderful.
__________
The moment they lay a baby on a mother's chest, the moment the groom sees his bride, the laughter in a room after a long day of work, the conversations that are so entertaining that you doubt you'll forget...Of course, life is made up of moments. Books are too, and my favorite books are the ones that capture those little and not so little moments as a series that lends itself to a character, relationship, and thus a story.
Don't get me wrong, this story had a meaty plot. But it also conveyed its characters with moments and didn't rely on the plot and lots of exposition, as odd as that sounds. the moment Minnie kisses a chess piece, the moment Robert meets Oliver's mother, the moment Robert decides to ride with Minnie, and well, then so do his friends. I could go on and on. I won't. This book is indeed made up of all these wonderful and terrible moments, revealed bit by bit by. And it's wonderful. Hard not to adore Robert immediately when he's smoking/not smoking, hard not to adore and understand Minnie when punching the couch. The why and how that become revealed slowly, peeling back these characters layer by layer to make you invest and love even after you know you really liked them already.
Wonderful.
September 9, 2016
3.5
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
Es una lectura ágil y muy amena. La novela empieza muy bien, buenas luchas dialécticas y unos personajes que resultan muy atrayentes por la "originalidad", sobre todo de él.
El personaje de ella, aunque esconde un secreto, resulta mucho más típico, la anodina guapa.
Entiendo que en la época esa cicatriz que quitara toda su belleza, pero somo siempre la novela empieza dando a entender que es una mujer de lo más normal y, al parecer y también como siempre, es quitarse los lentes y mostrar ante el protagonista una belleza deslumbrante (estoy exagerando un poco) y que, además, es muy inteligente.
La primera parte me ha gustado mucho, hasta que llega un hecho en concreto y la novela ha perdido parte de su frescura y una estrella en su camino.
Sobre la "modernidad de sus diálogos" algo que ya he comentado.... sigo dándole vueltas a si me gusta y lo tomo como algo adrede y buscado o si no me gusta y lo veo como una falta de documentación o, por otra parte, un fallo de traducción - que también podría ser-.
De todas formas, me ha resultado una lectura muy agradable y seguiré con le serie. Tengo ganas de la historia de Oliver
Reseña completa: http://masromance.blogspot.com.es/201...
Es una lectura ágil y muy amena. La novela empieza muy bien, buenas luchas dialécticas y unos personajes que resultan muy atrayentes por la "originalidad", sobre todo de él.
El personaje de ella, aunque esconde un secreto, resulta mucho más típico, la anodina guapa.
Entiendo que en la época esa cicatriz que quitara toda su belleza, pero somo siempre la novela empieza dando a entender que es una mujer de lo más normal y, al parecer y también como siempre, es quitarse los lentes y mostrar ante el protagonista una belleza deslumbrante (estoy exagerando un poco) y que, además, es muy inteligente.
La primera parte me ha gustado mucho, hasta que llega un hecho en concreto y la novela ha perdido parte de su frescura y una estrella en su camino.
Sobre la "modernidad de sus diálogos" algo que ya he comentado.... sigo dándole vueltas a si me gusta y lo tomo como algo adrede y buscado o si no me gusta y lo veo como una falta de documentación o, por otra parte, un fallo de traducción - que también podría ser-.
De todas formas, me ha resultado una lectura muy agradable y seguiré con le serie. Tengo ganas de la historia de Oliver
November 10, 2016
I think this was a case of me not reading the book correctly, because so many of my friends loved this book to pieces and I thought it was good, but nothing exceedingly fascinating. In fact, I had to skim at different points with this book. I found it slow at first and a bit tedious with all the talk of factories.
It starts off with the Duke, Robert, coming to the town of Leicester and checking out the factories. He's not too into being the duke and accidentally comes upon Minnie while he's hiding at a party. She's a shy miss who's also in hiding from an odious wannabe finance. Robert is intrigued by her intellect and she's interested in him because he's hot. They end up continuously encountering each other because he's writing papers encouraging workers to request better working conditions and wages. Minnie isn't happy about this because she has been accused of writing these unionist papers by the local sheriff. She sets about to either blackmail or expose Robert into stopping his writings. It rather does the opposite since he's very, very interested in Minnie and her sharp intellect now.
The romance as a whole is cute in that it's based on liking each other for their wit and minds vs just physical attributes. Minnie is fun in her stratagems and snappy wit. Robert is super sweet and likeable. And maybe that's why I didn't love this book, I'm used to the male mc's being alpha semi-assholes. Maybe that's what I'm programed to like now, but I more so think this book didn't click with me because not a lot happens. Minnie is also very insecure in a lot of ways and I didn't enjoy her inner monologue or POV. Robert's POV was funny and sweet. I can see how he's Jess' Bae.
The secondary characters of Sebastian, Violet, and the half brother were all good and amusing. I liked Sebastian and Violet best of all. Lydia was interesting due to her past, but she definitely has very poor taste in men. The aunts were interesting and could've been fun if they'd been eccentric.
The book picked up the pace in the middle and continued at a somewhat better clip as it progressed, but I think the author missed an opportunity to make the villain do much worse and the aftermath was over immediately. It was all resolved instantly, which is much less drama and much less fun. I think this book was too tame for me.
It starts off with the Duke, Robert, coming to the town of Leicester and checking out the factories. He's not too into being the duke and accidentally comes upon Minnie while he's hiding at a party. She's a shy miss who's also in hiding from an odious wannabe finance. Robert is intrigued by her intellect and she's interested in him because he's hot. They end up continuously encountering each other because he's writing papers encouraging workers to request better working conditions and wages. Minnie isn't happy about this because she has been accused of writing these unionist papers by the local sheriff. She sets about to either blackmail or expose Robert into stopping his writings. It rather does the opposite since he's very, very interested in Minnie and her sharp intellect now.
The romance as a whole is cute in that it's based on liking each other for their wit and minds vs just physical attributes. Minnie is fun in her stratagems and snappy wit. Robert is super sweet and likeable. And maybe that's why I didn't love this book, I'm used to the male mc's being alpha semi-assholes. Maybe that's what I'm programed to like now, but I more so think this book didn't click with me because not a lot happens. Minnie is also very insecure in a lot of ways and I didn't enjoy her inner monologue or POV. Robert's POV was funny and sweet. I can see how he's Jess' Bae.
The secondary characters of Sebastian, Violet, and the half brother were all good and amusing. I liked Sebastian and Violet best of all. Lydia was interesting due to her past, but she definitely has very poor taste in men. The aunts were interesting and could've been fun if they'd been eccentric.
The book picked up the pace in the middle and continued at a somewhat better clip as it progressed, but I think the author missed an opportunity to make the villain do much worse and the aftermath was over immediately. It was all resolved instantly, which is much less drama and much less fun. I think this book was too tame for me.
November 20, 2014
I keep forgetting how much I enjoy Courtney Milan's books, and this one has become an instant favorite. And suddenly I'm having a hard time articulating why. I think it comes down to the characters. Minnie and Robert aren't just interesting or engaging. They are kind even as they're kind of broken. And they're witty and intelligent and, most tellingly, they need each other desperately.
And I think that's the key to my engagement (with this book, at any rate). It's not just that I liked Minnie or that I felt so keenly for Robert. It isn't that I enjoyed the story and their struggle to trust one another. I think what draws me so strongly is that they not only fit so well together, but that they truly needed each other to be whole.
And Milan's characterizations are outstanding. Even as I find Minnie's strategic brilliance unlikely and Robert's politics are on the far edge of the impossible I not only don't care, I buy into it fully as a part of what makes them unique and interesting—and not even as defining characteristics so much as a simple, integral part of who they are. So not only do I enjoy being with them and am fully engaged in their relationship, I'm also drawn deeply into characters I recognize and feel a certain kindred relationship towards. These are people I feel that not only could exist, but that I'd like to get to know (even if I suspect we wouldn't actually be friends).
Anyway, yes, this is a deeply personal rating, though I think it isn't an unearned one. And even as I'm a huge Milan fan, I admit I have to pace myself with them. Her stories tend to put the characters through a wringer and the couples tend to end up united by adversity as well as mutual need/desire/love and that means I spend much of her books twisted with anxiety for their sake (yes, even though I know they'll win through in the end because romance). The emotional catharsis is deeply satisfying but also exhausting. This book is an example as I'm emotionally drained enough that I look forward to the next with as much anxiety as anticipation.
A note about Steamy: This was on the low side for Milan, which puts it on the borderline high side for me. Two or three explicit sex scenes and a couple shorter bits. They're intense (and long) enough that each one counts as twice as many from any other author, though...
And I think that's the key to my engagement (with this book, at any rate). It's not just that I liked Minnie or that I felt so keenly for Robert. It isn't that I enjoyed the story and their struggle to trust one another. I think what draws me so strongly is that they not only fit so well together, but that they truly needed each other to be whole.
And Milan's characterizations are outstanding. Even as I find Minnie's strategic brilliance unlikely and Robert's politics are on the far edge of the impossible I not only don't care, I buy into it fully as a part of what makes them unique and interesting—and not even as defining characteristics so much as a simple, integral part of who they are. So not only do I enjoy being with them and am fully engaged in their relationship, I'm also drawn deeply into characters I recognize and feel a certain kindred relationship towards. These are people I feel that not only could exist, but that I'd like to get to know (even if I suspect we wouldn't actually be friends).
Anyway, yes, this is a deeply personal rating, though I think it isn't an unearned one. And even as I'm a huge Milan fan, I admit I have to pace myself with them. Her stories tend to put the characters through a wringer and the couples tend to end up united by adversity as well as mutual need/desire/love and that means I spend much of her books twisted with anxiety for their sake (yes, even though I know they'll win through in the end because romance). The emotional catharsis is deeply satisfying but also exhausting. This book is an example as I'm emotionally drained enough that I look forward to the next with as much anxiety as anticipation.
A note about Steamy: This was on the low side for Milan, which puts it on the borderline high side for me. Two or three explicit sex scenes and a couple shorter bits. They're intense (and long) enough that each one counts as twice as many from any other author, though...
April 27, 2016
Robert is bae. Robert is love. Robert is life.
I fucking love Robert.
I fucking love this book.
It even had a Raahoshing scene.
So much YAS.
5 marry-me-robert Stars
Thanks fot the buddy read you awesome people over at Unapologetic Romance Readers!
I fucking love Robert.
I fucking love this book.
It even had a Raahoshing scene.
So much YAS.
5 marry-me-robert Stars
Thanks fot the buddy read you awesome people over at Unapologetic Romance Readers!
November 11, 2017
Update Oct 21st, 2017
I've noticed that, whenever I re-read a Courtney Milan book, how much I am used to the generic male lead characterisation of a possessive, jaw-grinding, growling man who only thinks with his dick. And then Courtney Milan comes along and actually says what it's like to be ruled by a dick, at least where the heroine is concerned. I guess the best thing to do whenever I re-read this book, is to update my review with quotes. This time it's about 'tits'...more or less.
Original review:
This has been my first re-read of The Duchess War and it won't be my last. I still haven't read The Governess Affair yet, but if I were asked by someone who is new to Milan's books, I'd recommend this one. For it's warmth, humour, intelligence, depth, for Minnie and Robert, and all the other characters, for its poignant writing.
There are so many beautiful reviews out there, I'll just put my favourite quotes in. One last thing: I could quote each and every scene with Robert's mother, the Duchess. What a magnificent character.
I've noticed that, whenever I re-read a Courtney Milan book, how much I am used to the generic male lead characterisation of a possessive, jaw-grinding, growling man who only thinks with his dick. And then Courtney Milan comes along and actually says what it's like to be ruled by a dick, at least where the heroine is concerned. I guess the best thing to do whenever I re-read this book, is to update my review with quotes. This time it's about 'tits'...more or less.
He’d obviously expected her to swallow that codswallop about her hair, because he paused, slightly taken aback. And then, he gave her a shake of his head and a grin. “Come, Miss Pursling,” he said. “Men wouldn’t ask any such thing. They’d already know what caught my eye.” He leaned forward and whispered in conspiratorial fashion. “It’s your tits.”
**********
“Of course I’m overmatched.” He was lightly stroking her cheek. “The male of the human species has a fundamental flaw. At the moment when we most want to say something clever and impressive, all the blood rushes from our brains.”
“It does?”
“Physiological fact,” His Grace said. “Arousal makes me stupid. It makes me say idiotic things like ‘I like your tits’ and, ‘Help, we’ve had a paste emergency over here.’ It makes me want to stay around you even though I know I’m overmatched, even though I’m sure you’re going to win.” His voice lowered. “You see, I want to watch you do it.”
**********
“I think,” he said carefully, “that given the amount of use I put my left hand to, I really shouldn’t qualify as a virgin. I’ve had scores of sexual experiences. Just… not with other people. I wasn’t saving myself for marriage.”
Just for you.
*************************
Original review:
This has been my first re-read of The Duchess War and it won't be my last. I still haven't read The Governess Affair yet, but if I were asked by someone who is new to Milan's books, I'd recommend this one. For it's warmth, humour, intelligence, depth, for Minnie and Robert, and all the other characters, for its poignant writing.
There are so many beautiful reviews out there, I'll just put my favourite quotes in. One last thing: I could quote each and every scene with Robert's mother, the Duchess. What a magnificent character.
She shook her head. "Don’t tell me to look up. Don’t ask me to want. If I do, I’ll never survive."
**********
The boundaries of her life pressed in on her like prison walls.
**********
Minnie hadn’t just taken on a new name when her great-aunts took her away; she’d taken on a new personality. She hadn’t even known how to walk like a girl at first. For that initial year, her great-aunts had constantly corrected her behavior. Don’t contradict. Don’t speak up. Don’t step forward. Anything that drew attention was absolutely forbidden; she’d found herself shrinking smaller and smaller until a walnut could have encompassed her personality—and left room for it to rattle around.
*********
"She looked away. “I need more time.”
“Time? Time for what?” Lydia demanded.
But Robert held up his hand. “Then have it,” he said. “Think it through from all angles. Consider your strategies, if you must, and advance your supply lines. Whatever it is you must do to feel secure.” He flashed her a smile, a confident smile. A smile that said he knew she wouldn’t turn him down.
“Take your time,” he said, stepping closer to her and leaning in. “And in the end, Minnie, take me.”
**********
Sebastian grinned. “On the eve of your wedding, Robert, we shall offer you the sorts of female delights that you have always lusted after. Philosophical tracts upon philosophical tracts, all of them advocating political change that would result in an upheaval of the current social order. We shall set forth their essays, and then…” He paused, as if for dramatic emphasis. “Then, my friends, we shall argue about them!”
**********
“You’re marrying my son in three days. You know it will be a complete disaster.”
**********
"[...] The world rarely cares for my inclinations. When matters don’t go my way, there’s only one thing to do.” [...]
“What is that?” Minnie asked. [...]
“Do you like cats, Miss Pursling?” [...]
“Have you ever seen a cat attempt to pounce on a target, and miss?”
“Of course.”
“And what does the cat do?” [The duchess] didn’t wait for an answer. “It acts as if it intended to miss. ‘Yes,’ it says, ‘I let that one go as a warning to all the others. Now I shall lick my paws for the next five minutes, precisely as I had planned.’”
**********
He knew that many of his compatriots avoided marriage at all costs. They saw matrimony as an annoyance, a wife as another person who would nag and prod. But when he repeated his vows, he heard “as long as we both shall live” and he hoped.
**********
“Assume I said something bloody brilliant,” he muttered.
**********
He’d told her that he had no expectation of love.
It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in love. The thought of love was like water in the desert. Now there was a stupid cliché, one that made him think of a man in ragged clothing staggering through the Sahara, searching for an oasis among the sand dunes.
But the Antarctic was a desert, too—a cold desert, one made dry because water there turned to ice the instant it hit the air.
So he believed in love. He’d always believed in love. He’d been surrounded by water all his life; it had simply been frozen solid. He’d loved as hard as he dared and watched it freeze before his face.It was no surprise now when he checked his feelings and discovered that he loved her. The surprise was that this time, when he dared to take a sip, he found water instead of ice.
He could have wept.
**********
“Well?” Mr. Charingford said. “What is it that you see instead?”
“I see Minnie.” His voice caught. “I see who she might have been in ten years, when her great-aunts’ health faded away.”
Mr. Charingford drew in a sharp breath.
“I see your daughter if the market for hosiery should vanish.”
“Not Lydia,” Charingford said in shocked tones. “Surely not…” But he trailed away unhappily.
“I see who my brother might have been if another man hadn’t stepped in to raise him. I see my childhood cook, if I hadn’t pensioned her off. The only person I don’t see is myself.” He let his hands trail over the catwalk. “I have never been there, and I never will. The only thing I understand now is that I cannot comprehend what it is like to stand on a factory floor and look up and sing.”
July 18, 2014
I do enjoy these. Milan writes well and creates really decent interesting people that give you slightly more faith in humanity. Lovely set of characters and a lovely warm bath of a book.
As a corollary I find her villains a bit cardboard - it's somewhat as though she's so good at consideration and thought and caring that she's not really able to put an unpleasant person together. But meh, who cares. I'm gulping this entire series.
As a corollary I find her villains a bit cardboard - it's somewhat as though she's so good at consideration and thought and caring that she's not really able to put an unpleasant person together. But meh, who cares. I'm gulping this entire series.
Read
February 1, 2021TW for discussion of rape, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional abuse with a child.
I was more hesitant to go into this one because I know that not a lot of people love this one. I was really excited to try out Courtney Milan, though, so I went in with an open mind AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.
The beginning of this book is definitely more quiet, but I think that's just the nature of Minnie and her character. Minnie doesn't like attention and Robert immediately describes her as someone who is quiet and tries to make herself small, but she's actually quite an intriguing and intelligent woman. Minnie is convinced that Robert's hiding something and makes it her mission to uncover what it is. But we also learn that Minnie is also hiding something that can in no way get out or else it would ruin her.
I definitely think the second half of this book was much stronger than the first half and I was swoooooning over the romance. I loved how much Robert fell in love with Minnie, but they both had secrets and problems that they had to deal with. Robert just made my heart melt and I felt for him and his past. He is such a hardened man because he was never loved as a child, but he feels like it was his fault and he has to make up for the faults of his awful father. Minnie is also very hurt from her past and experiences anxiety in large crowds because of something that had happened. I really loved the representation of Minnie's anxiety and the discussion of how she lived with her anxiety and being in society. A lot of secrets and problems unravel in the second half as Minnie and Robert are falling more in love. Their first time physically together was just so perfect, but it was only perfect because they were so imperfect and just trying to figure things out together, which was so cute.
Throughout the book, they both do hurt each other in some way, but they really communicated with one another and had discussions about what they did and why and what that meant for the future of their relationship. I just adored this book and cannot wait to continue on with the series!
I was more hesitant to go into this one because I know that not a lot of people love this one. I was really excited to try out Courtney Milan, though, so I went in with an open mind AND ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK.
The beginning of this book is definitely more quiet, but I think that's just the nature of Minnie and her character. Minnie doesn't like attention and Robert immediately describes her as someone who is quiet and tries to make herself small, but she's actually quite an intriguing and intelligent woman. Minnie is convinced that Robert's hiding something and makes it her mission to uncover what it is. But we also learn that Minnie is also hiding something that can in no way get out or else it would ruin her.
I definitely think the second half of this book was much stronger than the first half and I was swoooooning over the romance. I loved how much Robert fell in love with Minnie, but they both had secrets and problems that they had to deal with. Robert just made my heart melt and I felt for him and his past. He is such a hardened man because he was never loved as a child, but he feels like it was his fault and he has to make up for the faults of his awful father. Minnie is also very hurt from her past and experiences anxiety in large crowds because of something that had happened. I really loved the representation of Minnie's anxiety and the discussion of how she lived with her anxiety and being in society. A lot of secrets and problems unravel in the second half as Minnie and Robert are falling more in love. Their first time physically together was just so perfect, but it was only perfect because they were so imperfect and just trying to figure things out together, which was so cute.
Throughout the book, they both do hurt each other in some way, but they really communicated with one another and had discussions about what they did and why and what that meant for the future of their relationship. I just adored this book and cannot wait to continue on with the series!
March 21, 2018
3.5 stars.
I couldn’t warm to the heroine after she had been bought like that.
Even with the hero excuses to take her back into his life, just made me more angrier.
The story was good though, only I expected more loyalty from my heroine than this.
What a disappointment! 😫
Yeah, that’s not my heroine 😤
However with all those complaints, I still enjoyed the story:)
I couldn’t warm to the heroine after she had been bought like that.
Even with the hero excuses to take her back into his life, just made me more angrier.
The story was good though, only I expected more loyalty from my heroine than this.
What a disappointment! 😫
Yeah, that’s not my heroine 😤
However with all those complaints, I still enjoyed the story:)
March 14, 2017
Es la segunda vez este mes que me pasa esto. Ya había leído este libro pero no lo había calificado, así que pensé que no lo había hecho. En cuanto terminé el primer capítulo supe que ya conocía está historia pero como soy muy curiosa y muero por leer las demás historias, bueno... volví a leerlo y me encantó otra vez.
La parte del tren, es inolvidable jajaja era de las cosas que más me acordaba y volver a leerlo me volvió a sacar miles de carcajadas
La parte del tren, es inolvidable jajaja era de las cosas que más me acordaba y volver a leerlo me volvió a sacar miles de carcajadas
November 21, 2020
One of my Favorites
This is the fourth time for me to read this book. I love it! Robert and Minnie are both intelligent and moral people who are not perfect but perfect for each other.
I am re-reading for the HRBC Series challenge and plan to finally read every book in the series.
This is the fourth time for me to read this book. I love it! Robert and Minnie are both intelligent and moral people who are not perfect but perfect for each other.
I am re-reading for the HRBC Series challenge and plan to finally read every book in the series.
September 9, 2015
Written August 18, 2014
4 1/2 Stars - simply delightful, a genre winner
Book #1
I very much liked the novella prequel in this Brother Sinister series I read more than a year ago. #0.5 - The Governess Affair (4.5 stars) took place in London 1835 and was the story about Serena (Barton) & Hugo Marshall.
Leicester 1863...
This full-length romance takes place when the next generation become adults, 28 years later. We meet two people with very different backgrounds: Minnie (Wilhelmina Pursling / Minerva Lane) and Robert Blaisdell, the ninth Duke of Clermont.
And, was it a good historical romance... for me?
Yeah, The Duchess War is a tender sweet, thoughtful and very romantic story about a nice man and secondly the perfect woman (and wife) for him.
***********************************************************
As an audio...?
Wow... This story was beautifully narrated with a slightly melancholic mood. My heart was touched. ...it felt like an old classic 200 year old solid romance with some steamy hot element amidst the beautiful very neat conversation between them. ~ Rosalyn Landor, undoubtedly a skilled narrator, are reading this novel with so much seriousness and empathy that this never gets silly or ridiculous as many romances read aloud may feel sometimes.
***********************************************************
The Duchess War is by no means a sweet cheerful and sparkly 'light' romance about a young lady in distress. It is instead a gentle story about two people and a slowly growing attraction. A Cinderella story (she) with an heartbreaking ugly duckling (he) theme.
# Minnie, Miss Minerva Lane, the heroine isn't the most dazzlingly beautiful woman, but rather a bit of a smart little invisible wallflower mouse in an oldish Jane Eyre style. She is the bespectacled poor woman who always hides in the corners and don't want to be seen but always in the end is the very wise one in the party.
# The hero, Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, however is dazzling handsome, tall, blond and a real tender gentleman. For once, it was also he, the hero, who was the real main character in this romance. Because it was his sad childhood, and his doubts that anyone could love him, which made this to a really interesting story with a great topic. ~ Much of the book is also told from his point of view.
Courtney Milan is not only very good at writing steaming hot scenes, it is also very fresh and brazenly straight without silly glitzy excesses. ...To be an historical at least.
***********************************************************
I like that feeling of a sedate and kind of serious , quite realistic, novel. —You can't always get the prince and the kingdom.— All these stories about poor young women, of a good honorable family with little means, who really need to (actually must..) find a proper husband to escape a poor graying —"nobody"— spinsters terrible situation.
There is also both a hero here, who is not the typical alpha male, and some tidily interwoven issues about important social (status, ancestry, parenting, etc.) and labor (conditions in factories) issues, from England in this time 150 years ago.
...In other words: Full marks if you want more than another sweet cheezy historical romance.
I enjoyed this HR audiobook a lot, and will absolutely read, or listen to, more books in this series. Next up is the novella #1.5 - A Kiss for Midwinter, about Minnie's sweet best friend Lydia Charingford and Doctor Jonas Grantham, a young goodlooking admirer.
I LIKE - a good one in the old-fashioned pleasant style
*********
The Brother Sinister series by Courtney Milan. Four full lenght novels and three short novellas (so far).
Next...
4 1/2 Stars - simply delightful, a genre winner
Book #1
I very much liked the novella prequel in this Brother Sinister series I read more than a year ago. #0.5 - The Governess Affair (4.5 stars) took place in London 1835 and was the story about Serena (Barton) & Hugo Marshall.
Leicester 1863...
This full-length romance takes place when the next generation become adults, 28 years later. We meet two people with very different backgrounds: Minnie (Wilhelmina Pursling / Minerva Lane) and Robert Blaisdell, the ninth Duke of Clermont.
And, was it a good historical romance... for me?
Yeah, The Duchess War is a tender sweet, thoughtful and very romantic story about a nice man and secondly the perfect woman (and wife) for him.
***********************************************************
As an audio...?
Wow... This story was beautifully narrated with a slightly melancholic mood. My heart was touched. ...it felt like an old classic 200 year old solid romance with some steamy hot element amidst the beautiful very neat conversation between them. ~ Rosalyn Landor, undoubtedly a skilled narrator, are reading this novel with so much seriousness and empathy that this never gets silly or ridiculous as many romances read aloud may feel sometimes.
***********************************************************
The Duchess War is by no means a sweet cheerful and sparkly 'light' romance about a young lady in distress. It is instead a gentle story about two people and a slowly growing attraction. A Cinderella story (she) with an heartbreaking ugly duckling (he) theme.
# Minnie, Miss Minerva Lane, the heroine isn't the most dazzlingly beautiful woman, but rather a bit of a smart little invisible wallflower mouse in an oldish Jane Eyre style. She is the bespectacled poor woman who always hides in the corners and don't want to be seen but always in the end is the very wise one in the party.
# The hero, Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, however is dazzling handsome, tall, blond and a real tender gentleman. For once, it was also he, the hero, who was the real main character in this romance. Because it was his sad childhood, and his doubts that anyone could love him, which made this to a really interesting story with a great topic. ~ Much of the book is also told from his point of view.
‘His voice was rough when he spoke again. “So beat me to flinders,” he said. “Win. Overmatch me, Minnie. And when we’re alone…”
His fingers touched her chin lightly.
“When we’re alone,” he whispered, “look up.”
He could have tilted her chin, forcing her to do so. But his forefinger remained warm and steady on her face. He waited, and in the end, Minnie couldn’t help herself. She looked up.’
Courtney Milan is not only very good at writing steaming hot scenes, it is also very fresh and brazenly straight without silly glitzy excesses. ...To be an historical at least.
“I’m sure your prick is as massive as your head is thick.”
***********************************************************
I like that feeling of a sedate and kind of serious , quite realistic, novel. —You can't always get the prince and the kingdom.— All these stories about poor young women, of a good honorable family with little means, who really need to (actually must..) find a proper husband to escape a poor graying —"nobody"— spinsters terrible situation.
There is also both a hero here, who is not the typical alpha male, and some tidily interwoven issues about important social (status, ancestry, parenting, etc.) and labor (conditions in factories) issues, from England in this time 150 years ago.
...In other words: Full marks if you want more than another sweet cheezy historical romance.
I enjoyed this HR audiobook a lot, and will absolutely read, or listen to, more books in this series. Next up is the novella #1.5 - A Kiss for Midwinter, about Minnie's sweet best friend Lydia Charingford and Doctor Jonas Grantham, a young goodlooking admirer.
I LIKE - a good one in the old-fashioned pleasant style
*********
The Brother Sinister series by Courtney Milan. Four full lenght novels and three short novellas (so far).
Next...
December 12, 2012
2.5 stars
It's very hard for me to rate this book. For a book with such a beautiful writing, it feels almost like a crime to give it a low rating. However, reading is not just a process of thinking, but also a process of feeling. And with romance genre, my rating should reflect how I feel toward the main characters and their way to get the HEA.
With this book, what I felt mostly was frustration.
When I've finished reading The Duchess War I liked the title even more because honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better title that could describe what I’ve found inside the book.
Terrible past. Trauma. Conflicts. Lies. Betrayals. Pain. More conflicts. More lies. More betrayals. More pain.
Hell, it is a WAR indeed.
Our heroine Minerva Lane has a traumatic past. So has the hero, Robert Blaisdell. I don’t know whose past is more terrible. The only difference is Minnie’s scar is visible while Robert’s is not. Because of her shameful past, Minnie has to live in lies such as hiding her true identity. Apparently a fake identity is not enough to convince us that she has a very bad past, so we also have to deal with her scar, her trauma, and her introverted traits. Minnie also suffers from a severe self-esteem issue. As much as I understand it is not her fault because her great aunts unintentionally shove uninspiring thoughts inside her head, I was tired with the repetition that: she is nothing, she can’t be more, she can’t hope. And then Minnie knows Robert and she is starting to hope. Who wouldn’t? Robert is all sweet, kind, and caring, pretty much a trademark of Courtney Milan’s heroes. He lives forever under his father’s shadow, he can’t forgive his mother, he believes no one could love him, and he’s desperately in need of love.
I didn’t like their desperate voices when they are alone, contemplating their pasts. But when Robert and Minnie are together their interactions were great. Courtney Milan also intelligently mixed the story with some historical facts which makes it more compelling. I had been compelled, before everything went downhill right after Robert .
The story raised its tension by using conflicts-storm and multiple plots-attacks. It’s like the author tried to use every possible way to make the characters as alive as they could. When a process to develop a great character is overdone, tiresome process is all I can see. However, I felt Minnie’s conflicts are not for nothing. I didn’t enjoy the process of her transformation to a better character, but I did like the outcome. Robert, on the other hand, was losing his authenticity. I could understand him no more.
It was very stressful to find that Robert was not the only character who does things contradictory to their nature. That is, if you really can be sure what is their true nature. Almost all of the supporting characters are there to provide more and more conflicts to the hero and heroine. Take Minnie’s great aunts, for example. They had saved Minnie and we can see they truly care for her. Yet it is because of them Minnie has the false believe that she is nothing. Robert’s mother is another example. She knows exactly she has miserably failed as a mother. When she reveals how she had been feeling when Robert was a child, at some point I did believe she possess a tiny bit of compassion. Yet she can easily transform to Cruella De Vil when she talks about Sebastian, her very own nephew, and Oliver, her late husband illegitimate son. How about Minnie’s bestfriend, Lydia? They appear to have a very strong friendship you can almost believe together they can move mountains. Yet when Lydia knows the truth about Minnie, the betrayal hurts Lydia so much she turns her back in an instant. And is Oliver count? He’s been a great brother and friend to Robert. . Sebastian and Violet were the only two characters that genuinely there “only” to support the hero and heroine. But of course, because they don’t dramatises the story, they only have so much appearances.
In the end, I wasn’t happy when all the conflicts are resolved and comes the HEA. Robert and Minnie can betray each other once again for all I care. I just wanted to arrive at the last page safely and get over with it.
Will I continue the series? Most likely. Thanks to Courtney Milan's Christmas novella The Wicked Gift in The Heart of Christmas which I read in between my short break while reading The Duchess War, I have found hope in her stories again.
Buddy read with Anna and Mimi
It's very hard for me to rate this book. For a book with such a beautiful writing, it feels almost like a crime to give it a low rating. However, reading is not just a process of thinking, but also a process of feeling. And with romance genre, my rating should reflect how I feel toward the main characters and their way to get the HEA.
With this book, what I felt mostly was frustration.
When I've finished reading The Duchess War I liked the title even more because honestly, I couldn’t imagine a better title that could describe what I’ve found inside the book.
Terrible past. Trauma. Conflicts. Lies. Betrayals. Pain. More conflicts. More lies. More betrayals. More pain.
Hell, it is a WAR indeed.
Our heroine Minerva Lane has a traumatic past. So has the hero, Robert Blaisdell. I don’t know whose past is more terrible. The only difference is Minnie’s scar is visible while Robert’s is not. Because of her shameful past, Minnie has to live in lies such as hiding her true identity. Apparently a fake identity is not enough to convince us that she has a very bad past, so we also have to deal with her scar, her trauma, and her introverted traits. Minnie also suffers from a severe self-esteem issue. As much as I understand it is not her fault because her great aunts unintentionally shove uninspiring thoughts inside her head, I was tired with the repetition that: she is nothing, she can’t be more, she can’t hope. And then Minnie knows Robert and she is starting to hope. Who wouldn’t? Robert is all sweet, kind, and caring, pretty much a trademark of Courtney Milan’s heroes. He lives forever under his father’s shadow, he can’t forgive his mother, he believes no one could love him, and he’s desperately in need of love.
I didn’t like their desperate voices when they are alone, contemplating their pasts. But when Robert and Minnie are together their interactions were great. Courtney Milan also intelligently mixed the story with some historical facts which makes it more compelling. I had been compelled, before everything went downhill right after Robert .
The story raised its tension by using conflicts-storm and multiple plots-attacks. It’s like the author tried to use every possible way to make the characters as alive as they could. When a process to develop a great character is overdone, tiresome process is all I can see. However, I felt Minnie’s conflicts are not for nothing. I didn’t enjoy the process of her transformation to a better character, but I did like the outcome. Robert, on the other hand, was losing his authenticity. I could understand him no more.
It was very stressful to find that Robert was not the only character who does things contradictory to their nature. That is, if you really can be sure what is their true nature. Almost all of the supporting characters are there to provide more and more conflicts to the hero and heroine. Take Minnie’s great aunts, for example. They had saved Minnie and we can see they truly care for her. Yet it is because of them Minnie has the false believe that she is nothing. Robert’s mother is another example. She knows exactly she has miserably failed as a mother. When she reveals how she had been feeling when Robert was a child, at some point I did believe she possess a tiny bit of compassion. Yet she can easily transform to Cruella De Vil when she talks about Sebastian, her very own nephew, and Oliver, her late husband illegitimate son. How about Minnie’s bestfriend, Lydia? They appear to have a very strong friendship you can almost believe together they can move mountains. Yet when Lydia knows the truth about Minnie, the betrayal hurts Lydia so much she turns her back in an instant. And is Oliver count? He’s been a great brother and friend to Robert. . Sebastian and Violet were the only two characters that genuinely there “only” to support the hero and heroine. But of course, because they don’t dramatises the story, they only have so much appearances.
In the end, I wasn’t happy when all the conflicts are resolved and comes the HEA. Robert and Minnie can betray each other once again for all I care. I just wanted to arrive at the last page safely and get over with it.
Will I continue the series? Most likely. Thanks to Courtney Milan's Christmas novella The Wicked Gift in The Heart of Christmas which I read in between my short break while reading The Duchess War, I have found hope in her stories again.
Buddy read with Anna and Mimi
December 19, 2012
4.5 Brilliant Stars
Courtney Milan is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books flow effortlessly and soon I find myself lost in the world and the lives she’s created.
Robert Alan Graydon Blaisdale is the Duke of Claremont and he’s determined to right his father’s wrongs. For me, he started out not the sexiest hero created, but as the story unfolds we get to know a man of remarkable character. I was drawn to the empathy he feels for those less fortunate. His radical beliefs are such that if I’d lived in his era I hope I would have whole heartedly supported his endeavors to change how the system works. He’s honest, intelligent, and a man who feels deeply for the plight of those who have no voice. His childhood background tugged strongly on my heart and I soon realized how it had shaped him into a man I soon came to love and admire. Unfortunately, this same background has left enough internal scars to cause him tremendous pain and feelings of inadequacy. I desperately wanted his utmost dream to come true.
Minnie aka Wilhelmina Pursling aka Minerva Lane has overcome great adversity from her past. She grew up delighting in a type of freedom most young women never experience. Now, her future is bleak and she lives in fear of discovery. What touched me most was Minnie’s lack of hope. How devastating to live each day, masquerading who you are and having no hope for a better future.
The setting is Leicester, England, 1863. With industry booming we get a glimpse of the conditions of the factory worker and their lack of voice. Robert has arrived determined to fix a problem occurring in this small town. Quite by accident he meets the intriguing and quiet Minnie. Why she tries to be invisible is another mystery to be solved.
Needless to say, I loved this book. I did have a minor quibble with a few aspects, but overall, it was an incredible read. I was somewhat disappointed at a decision made but it all worked out. A few times this felt more historical fiction than romance. Loving HF, this did not detract from my enjoyment and the sweet, warm romance developing soon gains first place. I became immersed in the relationship between Robert and Minnie along with their secrets. I found my emotions invested in their HEA.
As always, the secondary characters fit perfectly with the story. We meet Robert’s family and I was immediately attracted to his cousin, the delectable scientist, Sebastian. I loved the banter and the humor. I also became intrigued with Robert’s mother and was happy to see how she fit into the ending. Ms. Milan gives a very satisfying epilogue and now I’m once again waiting for the next installment to be devoured.
Courtney Milan is one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books flow effortlessly and soon I find myself lost in the world and the lives she’s created.
Robert Alan Graydon Blaisdale is the Duke of Claremont and he’s determined to right his father’s wrongs. For me, he started out not the sexiest hero created, but as the story unfolds we get to know a man of remarkable character. I was drawn to the empathy he feels for those less fortunate. His radical beliefs are such that if I’d lived in his era I hope I would have whole heartedly supported his endeavors to change how the system works. He’s honest, intelligent, and a man who feels deeply for the plight of those who have no voice. His childhood background tugged strongly on my heart and I soon realized how it had shaped him into a man I soon came to love and admire. Unfortunately, this same background has left enough internal scars to cause him tremendous pain and feelings of inadequacy. I desperately wanted his utmost dream to come true.
Minnie aka Wilhelmina Pursling aka Minerva Lane has overcome great adversity from her past. She grew up delighting in a type of freedom most young women never experience. Now, her future is bleak and she lives in fear of discovery. What touched me most was Minnie’s lack of hope. How devastating to live each day, masquerading who you are and having no hope for a better future.
The setting is Leicester, England, 1863. With industry booming we get a glimpse of the conditions of the factory worker and their lack of voice. Robert has arrived determined to fix a problem occurring in this small town. Quite by accident he meets the intriguing and quiet Minnie. Why she tries to be invisible is another mystery to be solved.
Needless to say, I loved this book. I did have a minor quibble with a few aspects, but overall, it was an incredible read. I was somewhat disappointed at a decision made but it all worked out. A few times this felt more historical fiction than romance. Loving HF, this did not detract from my enjoyment and the sweet, warm romance developing soon gains first place. I became immersed in the relationship between Robert and Minnie along with their secrets. I found my emotions invested in their HEA.
As always, the secondary characters fit perfectly with the story. We meet Robert’s family and I was immediately attracted to his cousin, the delectable scientist, Sebastian. I loved the banter and the humor. I also became intrigued with Robert’s mother and was happy to see how she fit into the ending. Ms. Milan gives a very satisfying epilogue and now I’m once again waiting for the next installment to be devoured.
August 29, 2025
**5 Sublime Stellar Stars**
The minute I pick up a Courtney Milan book, I know that I’m going to become totally absorbed in the world she has created. Her stories are original and thought-provoking, her characters are compelling, her research is meticulous and her writing is superb.
Robert grew up watching his father abuse his privileged position without ever having to answer for his crimes no matter who got hurt. This instilled in Robert a determination to be nothing like his father. He champions those who have no voice of their own and is passionate about making right everything his father destroyed.
My heart ached for the young Robert growing up starved of love by a cruel, unfeeling father and a mother who simply abandoned him. Even his dreams that he could one day be a part of his half-brother Oliver’s loving family are cruelly shattered. But despite everything, he is still a romantic at heart but has convinced himself that he would never be loved.
Minerva Lane is an intelligent, brilliant woman forced to assume a false name and fade into the background. She is terrified that her scandalous past may one day resurface and destroy her drab but safe existence. Memories of her father’s betrayal and the terrible aftermath have left her emotionally and physically scarred. Plain and without a dowry, her options are limited.
The romance between Robert and Minerva plays out so beautifully. Ms Milan makes you feel all their fears, hopes, despair and joy. The scene where Robert is forced to betray Minnie, knowing that he would lose her, was so heartrending. Only Ms Milan could write such a brilliant wedding night scene. It was realistic, sensual and funny. The scene with the primer in the Epilogue just tugs at the heartstrings.
I love the camaraderie between Robert, Oliver and Sebastian and the scenes between Robert and Oliver are so poignant. I love Sebastian’s humour especially in the train scene…so funny. Then there is Lydia, Minnie’s friend, who has plenty of secrets of her own. I wanted to hate Robert’s mother but, in the end, I could only feel compassion for her.
The historical social and political aspects of the story are interesting and I love the way they are woven into and form an integral part of the story.
I can’t end this review without mentioning Ms Milan’s superb writing. Here are some of my favourite excerpts:
There were times when it felt like words were mere threads, completely inadequate to contain the enormity of her thoughts. The landscape in her head rearranged with tectonic vigor, coming together with a certainty that was larger than her ability to explain.
"Look at yourself sometime the way you are now, all fire and anger, ready to do battle with me."
"I have looked high." Her voice was an urgent whisper. "And I have fallen farther than you can imagine. So don’t you lecture me. All I want is to pretend that this is enough—that I can be satisfied by the scraps that remain to me."
She stared at the pieces and realized that she wasn’t at the beginning of this game, but near the end. Now there were entire swathes of the board that were unreachable, pieces that had been stolen away, moves she could never make.
His Grace explained his choice of bride as follows: "Why would I take a conventional wife, when I could have an extraordinary one?"
This is such a beautifully crafted and emotionally satisfying love story and only confirms why Courtney Milan is one of the foremost authors of Historical Romance. Highly recommended!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STELLAR STARS
The Brothers Sinister series to date (click on cover for more details):
The minute I pick up a Courtney Milan book, I know that I’m going to become totally absorbed in the world she has created. Her stories are original and thought-provoking, her characters are compelling, her research is meticulous and her writing is superb.
Robert grew up watching his father abuse his privileged position without ever having to answer for his crimes no matter who got hurt. This instilled in Robert a determination to be nothing like his father. He champions those who have no voice of their own and is passionate about making right everything his father destroyed.
My heart ached for the young Robert growing up starved of love by a cruel, unfeeling father and a mother who simply abandoned him. Even his dreams that he could one day be a part of his half-brother Oliver’s loving family are cruelly shattered. But despite everything, he is still a romantic at heart but has convinced himself that he would never be loved.
Minerva Lane is an intelligent, brilliant woman forced to assume a false name and fade into the background. She is terrified that her scandalous past may one day resurface and destroy her drab but safe existence. Memories of her father’s betrayal and the terrible aftermath have left her emotionally and physically scarred. Plain and without a dowry, her options are limited.
The romance between Robert and Minerva plays out so beautifully. Ms Milan makes you feel all their fears, hopes, despair and joy. The scene where Robert is forced to betray Minnie, knowing that he would lose her, was so heartrending. Only Ms Milan could write such a brilliant wedding night scene. It was realistic, sensual and funny. The scene with the primer in the Epilogue just tugs at the heartstrings.
I love the camaraderie between Robert, Oliver and Sebastian and the scenes between Robert and Oliver are so poignant. I love Sebastian’s humour especially in the train scene…so funny. Then there is Lydia, Minnie’s friend, who has plenty of secrets of her own. I wanted to hate Robert’s mother but, in the end, I could only feel compassion for her.
The historical social and political aspects of the story are interesting and I love the way they are woven into and form an integral part of the story.
I can’t end this review without mentioning Ms Milan’s superb writing. Here are some of my favourite excerpts:
There were times when it felt like words were mere threads, completely inadequate to contain the enormity of her thoughts. The landscape in her head rearranged with tectonic vigor, coming together with a certainty that was larger than her ability to explain.
"Look at yourself sometime the way you are now, all fire and anger, ready to do battle with me."
"I have looked high." Her voice was an urgent whisper. "And I have fallen farther than you can imagine. So don’t you lecture me. All I want is to pretend that this is enough—that I can be satisfied by the scraps that remain to me."
She stared at the pieces and realized that she wasn’t at the beginning of this game, but near the end. Now there were entire swathes of the board that were unreachable, pieces that had been stolen away, moves she could never make.
His Grace explained his choice of bride as follows: "Why would I take a conventional wife, when I could have an extraordinary one?"
This is such a beautifully crafted and emotionally satisfying love story and only confirms why Courtney Milan is one of the foremost authors of Historical Romance. Highly recommended!
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 STELLAR STARS
The Brothers Sinister series to date (click on cover for more details):
February 16, 2013
What an original, soothing read! The Duchess War took me completely by surprise, and I'm shocked I still recall most of what happened in it, nearly two months after I read it. Given my crappy memory, that's a sure sign I enjoyed this book.
No doubt, the greatest appeal of The Duchess War lies in the characters. I had trouble fully relating to Minnie, but there's no denying how awe-inspiring she is. After being betrayed by the one man her entire world revolved around at a young age, Minnie reconstructed her life by the help of her great-aunts and through sheer determination. Her willpower is absolutely remarkable, and the many facets of her enigmatic personality are revealed little by little as the story progresses. While I can't say I love her, I certainly came to admire her for her resilience.
Robert was simply adorable. I love how Minnie outsmarted him at every turn but he was so obviously better with emotions and completely devoted to her. There was a lot more to this book than just the romance however, and I loved reading about the workers' movement in England at the time.
The ending was practical and prefect, something that's tough to come across in historicals featuring dukes and duchesses and happily ever afters. Though a bit on the serious side, I highly recommend The Duchess War to anyone looking for a refreshingly different HR.
Favorite passage:
*Buddy read with Aly. You can read her review here.*
For more reviews, visit my blog:
No doubt, the greatest appeal of The Duchess War lies in the characters. I had trouble fully relating to Minnie, but there's no denying how awe-inspiring she is. After being betrayed by the one man her entire world revolved around at a young age, Minnie reconstructed her life by the help of her great-aunts and through sheer determination. Her willpower is absolutely remarkable, and the many facets of her enigmatic personality are revealed little by little as the story progresses. While I can't say I love her, I certainly came to admire her for her resilience.
Robert was simply adorable. I love how Minnie outsmarted him at every turn but he was so obviously better with emotions and completely devoted to her. There was a lot more to this book than just the romance however, and I loved reading about the workers' movement in England at the time.
The ending was practical and prefect, something that's tough to come across in historicals featuring dukes and duchesses and happily ever afters. Though a bit on the serious side, I highly recommend The Duchess War to anyone looking for a refreshingly different HR.
Favorite passage:
“You see, there’s this woman. [...] Normally, one might say that there was a beautiful woman—but I don’t think she qualifies as a classical beauty. Still, I find that when she’s around, I’d rather look at her than anyone else. [...] There’s something about her that draws my eye. Something that defies words. Maybe it’s her hair, but I tried to tell her that, and she told me I was being ridiculous. I suppose I was. Maybe it’s her lips. Maybe it’s her eyes, although she so rarely looks at me. [...] She’s clever. Every time I see her I discover that I’ve underestimated her prowess. She ties me in knots.
[...] So beat me to flinders. Win. Overmatch me, Minnie. And when we’re alone…”
His fingers touched her chin lightly. “When we��re alone,” he whispered, “look up.”
*Buddy read with Aly. You can read her review here.*
For more reviews, visit my blog:
December 2, 2014
A few clever verbal exchanges initially did not save this book, I'm afraid. The heroine's character had an interesting premise of a grey mousy character who blended expertly in with the shadows through years of imposed repression of her true spirited and intellectual nature. Unfortunately, there were too many inconsistencies in her character and her background. On one page, she resented her misguided great aunts for raising her to become this meek non-entity and a few pages forward, she credited the same elderly ladies for always giving her the choice of self-determination. The hero himself was very insecure and like a moth seeking light, he desperately grasped onto people expressing any hint of warmth his way. Not capable of own original thought, he plagiarised the heroine' own words in his socially inflammatory publications and with little thought of the harm the action might befall her. There certainly were a lot of inadvertent thoughtlessness associated with this Duke, who'd rather not be one. As a powerful peer, he could achieve social reform far more effectively if he had learnt to utilise and overtly channel his political power and social standing towards achieving such ends rather than through clandestine distribution of pamphlets that had little overall impact. I made the 70 % mark before giving up through the sheer force of Ms Milan's reputation alone. Once again, she (like the hero in their first sex scene) missed the target for me and I might have to conclude that perhaps the two of us are incompatible.
March 22, 2017
3 Stars
Después de haber leído un libro con personajes tan memorables como Callie y Gabriel en 9 reglas que romper para conquistar a un Granuja, este libro me quedó cortó la mayor parte se me hizo aburrido sobre todo el comienzo, no pude simpatizar con los protagonistas pero más en especial con Minnie que me cayó súper mal, tenía una actitud demasiado insoportable aunque al final puede que haya cambiado, Robert era un tanto inocente y soñador y se merecía una mejor protagonista.
También me esperaba un libro más romántico y de eso no tiene nada ya casi al final que es lo que me gustó y de pronto ya se había acabado.
Algo que aplaudo y que en realidad por eso le doy las tres estrellas es porque este libro realza a la mujer con una protagonista diferente ( que su actitud no me gustó), inteligente, independiente para la época en la que está narrada.
PD: El personaje que más me gustó es Sebastián, algo curioso que es por lo que llegué a esta serie y la escena del tren fue lo mejor del libro que por eso no lo abandoné.
Después de haber leído un libro con personajes tan memorables como Callie y Gabriel en 9 reglas que romper para conquistar a un Granuja, este libro me quedó cortó la mayor parte se me hizo aburrido sobre todo el comienzo, no pude simpatizar con los protagonistas pero más en especial con Minnie que me cayó súper mal, tenía una actitud demasiado insoportable aunque al final puede que haya cambiado, Robert era un tanto inocente y soñador y se merecía una mejor protagonista.
También me esperaba un libro más romántico y de eso no tiene nada ya casi al final que es lo que me gustó y de pronto ya se había acabado.
Algo que aplaudo y que en realidad por eso le doy las tres estrellas es porque este libro realza a la mujer con una protagonista diferente ( que su actitud no me gustó), inteligente, independiente para la época en la que está narrada.
PD: El personaje que más me gustó es Sebastián, algo curioso que es por lo que llegué a esta serie y la escena del tren fue lo mejor del libro que por eso no lo abandoné.
March 5, 2017
Lectura muy entretenida y original, admito que me he llevado una grata sorpresa. Actualmente no es fácil que me guste un libro, o incluso que una autora me convenza escribiendo algo "distinto", pero Courtney Milan lo ha conseguido. Conocí a la autora con el relato corto que inició ésta serie, y digamos que me abrió el apetito para conocer las historias de Robert y Oliver.
¿Y qué tenemos en "La guerra de la duquesa"? No es el típico libro de época victoriana basado en los grandes salones londinenses, no. Éste libro se desarrolla en la industrial ciudad de Leicester, Robert Blaisdell, duque de Clermont llega a la susodicha para enmendar una serie de errores que cometió la gestión de su padre en las fábricas que le pertenecían y entre sus obreros. En Leicester conocerá a la señorita Minnie, una joven retraída, tímida y apocada, de éstas personas que no les gusta llamar la atención y que se conforman con ser un "ratoncillo". Pero al conocerla, Robert se dará cuenta de que Minnie no es como aparenta ser, es voluntariosa y puede ser tan fiera como cualquier guerrera. Sus primeros encuentros se verán teñidos por cierta acidez en sus palabras, pero que a la vez serán muy divertidas.
¿Y quién es Minnie? Aparentemente es una joven huérfana que vive en una granja con sus tías abuelas, por tanto es poco más que una campesina con cierta educación. ¿Y tenemos aquí la típica historia de un noble que se enamora de una plebeya? No, puede que Minnie no sea del tipo de mujer que hace desviar la vista a los hombres un par de veces para verla, pero Robert ve en ella algo que no ven todos, ve picardía, inteligencia y cierta vulnerabilidad, ve algo que le cautiva, alguien que puede ser su igual, su compañero, que le comprenda y le sea fiel. Robert quiere algo muy distinto a la relación que tuvieron sus padres. Pero Minnie oculta un secreto, oculta un pasado que la ha atormentado durante toda su vida, y éste será uno de los grandes enigmas del libro que te tendrán enganchada a sus páginas.
¿Qué más tenemos aquí? Un duque que no quiere serlo ¿Habéis leído alguna vez un libro donde un noble quiere abolir la nobleza? Sinceramente no me suena que yo lo haya hecho, así que sólo por esto aplaudo a la escritora. Quienes leímos el relato corto nos hicimos una idea de la clase de monstruo que fue el viejo duque de Clermont, el padre de Robert. Robert ha crecido en un hogar donde no ha habido amor ni afecto, el pan de cada día era la ira, la desilusión, y unos padres que nunca le quisieron, tuvo una infancia muy solitaria, y él sólo era un niño que quería el amor y la seguridad de unos padres, sólo encontró a alguien a quien llamar familia cuando fue a Eton, cuando un chico con el que se estaba peleando le dijo que era su hermano, su hermanastro, Oliver (si quieres conocer la historia de sus padres, te recomiendo que leas "El affaire de la institutriz"). Pues bien, el adulto Robert se encarga de solucionar todos los desaguisados que cometió su padre, es un joven que aboga por los derechos de los más desfavorecidos, las clases obreras y trabajadoras, y será esto lo que le lleve a Leicester y a conocer a Minnie.
No puedo contar mucho más sin desvelar la trama, pero de verdad creo que es un libro que toda lectora de novela romántica debe conocer. La historia de amor es quizás lo único que ha podido empañarse de tópicos y clichés, pero ha sido muy bonita. Sólo ha habido una cosa que ha estropeado en parte mi percepción del libro, por supuesto no voy a desvelarlo, sólo es algo del pasado de Minnie que me ha quedado muy descolgado, porque no me ha parecido ni lógico, ni verosímil, creo que la escritora podía haber llevado la historia de otra manera.
He quedado muy, muy satisfecha, los personajes secundarios me han encantado, las dos tías solteronas de Minnie, los amigos de Robert, Sebastian y Violet (sí, me han dejado con ganas de su historia), incluso la duquesa, a pesar de ser una fría arpía a la que he odiado en más de una ocasión, ha llegado a producirme cierta satisfacción, sobre todo al final del libro. Y ahora mismo me voy a conocer la historia de Oliver.
¿Y qué tenemos en "La guerra de la duquesa"? No es el típico libro de época victoriana basado en los grandes salones londinenses, no. Éste libro se desarrolla en la industrial ciudad de Leicester, Robert Blaisdell, duque de Clermont llega a la susodicha para enmendar una serie de errores que cometió la gestión de su padre en las fábricas que le pertenecían y entre sus obreros. En Leicester conocerá a la señorita Minnie, una joven retraída, tímida y apocada, de éstas personas que no les gusta llamar la atención y que se conforman con ser un "ratoncillo". Pero al conocerla, Robert se dará cuenta de que Minnie no es como aparenta ser, es voluntariosa y puede ser tan fiera como cualquier guerrera. Sus primeros encuentros se verán teñidos por cierta acidez en sus palabras, pero que a la vez serán muy divertidas.
¿Y quién es Minnie? Aparentemente es una joven huérfana que vive en una granja con sus tías abuelas, por tanto es poco más que una campesina con cierta educación. ¿Y tenemos aquí la típica historia de un noble que se enamora de una plebeya? No, puede que Minnie no sea del tipo de mujer que hace desviar la vista a los hombres un par de veces para verla, pero Robert ve en ella algo que no ven todos, ve picardía, inteligencia y cierta vulnerabilidad, ve algo que le cautiva, alguien que puede ser su igual, su compañero, que le comprenda y le sea fiel. Robert quiere algo muy distinto a la relación que tuvieron sus padres. Pero Minnie oculta un secreto, oculta un pasado que la ha atormentado durante toda su vida, y éste será uno de los grandes enigmas del libro que te tendrán enganchada a sus páginas.
¿Qué más tenemos aquí? Un duque que no quiere serlo ¿Habéis leído alguna vez un libro donde un noble quiere abolir la nobleza? Sinceramente no me suena que yo lo haya hecho, así que sólo por esto aplaudo a la escritora. Quienes leímos el relato corto nos hicimos una idea de la clase de monstruo que fue el viejo duque de Clermont, el padre de Robert. Robert ha crecido en un hogar donde no ha habido amor ni afecto, el pan de cada día era la ira, la desilusión, y unos padres que nunca le quisieron, tuvo una infancia muy solitaria, y él sólo era un niño que quería el amor y la seguridad de unos padres, sólo encontró a alguien a quien llamar familia cuando fue a Eton, cuando un chico con el que se estaba peleando le dijo que era su hermano, su hermanastro, Oliver (si quieres conocer la historia de sus padres, te recomiendo que leas "El affaire de la institutriz"). Pues bien, el adulto Robert se encarga de solucionar todos los desaguisados que cometió su padre, es un joven que aboga por los derechos de los más desfavorecidos, las clases obreras y trabajadoras, y será esto lo que le lleve a Leicester y a conocer a Minnie.
No puedo contar mucho más sin desvelar la trama, pero de verdad creo que es un libro que toda lectora de novela romántica debe conocer. La historia de amor es quizás lo único que ha podido empañarse de tópicos y clichés, pero ha sido muy bonita. Sólo ha habido una cosa que ha estropeado en parte mi percepción del libro, por supuesto no voy a desvelarlo, sólo es algo del pasado de Minnie que me ha quedado muy descolgado, porque no me ha parecido ni lógico, ni verosímil, creo que la escritora podía haber llevado la historia de otra manera.
He quedado muy, muy satisfecha, los personajes secundarios me han encantado, las dos tías solteronas de Minnie, los amigos de Robert, Sebastian y Violet (sí, me han dejado con ganas de su historia), incluso la duquesa, a pesar de ser una fría arpía a la que he odiado en más de una ocasión, ha llegado a producirme cierta satisfacción, sobre todo al final del libro. Y ahora mismo me voy a conocer la historia de Oliver.
December 10, 2012
If anyone else had written this book I wouldn't have noticed the flaws. It's still a good book, but Milan has set the bar pretty high, so I was very aware when things went wrong.
Minerva Lane goes by the name Wilhelmina Pursling. She has a huge secret in her past, Minerva Lane having been destroyed in society rather than just ruined, and it would be disastrous for her true identity to become public. So she has spent her life incognito in the care of her "aunts". She dresses like a mouse, she acts like a mouse, she does everything possible to fade into the background.
Robert Blaisdale, the Duke of Clermont, is the product of a loveless marriage containing a destructive level of acrimony. He's known friendship (with his half-brother -- the result of Robert's father's rape of a governess) and he's known sycophancy, but he doesn't feel like anyone's ever loved him or can love him. His parents certainly didn't seem to.
So sets the premise. The story doesn't take place in London (for the most part) and the romance is full of wit and sweet, poignant moments. There's a lack of honesty at some points, but, as usual with Milan, those moments are dealt with organically and tend not to escalate in that engineered direction.
The story is really very nice and I loved the two main characters. They were fun and funny and -- eventually -- sexy. I was rooting for them the whole way.
So what went wrong? The last few scenes were a real disappointment. I'm not sure why Milan did it this way, but there was a climax that was so clunky and out of character it didn't make sense at all. I mean ... the cows were out of the barn on that particular issue so what's the big deal? It was confusing more than effective in an emotional way. So it was like reading a Courtney Milan book with an ending that any other historical romance author might have chosen to write. The situation should have been handled differently, IMO, in a manner that jibes with Milan's usual adherence to consistent patterns of behavior for her protagonists.
But the epilogue is sweet -- although it felt a little bit rushed, to be honest.
All that said, I highly recommend Courtney Milan as a historical romance writer. She's really my favorite in the genre right now and it actually says a lot that this kind of contrivance would even bother me. It's just that it's so strange that it would occur in a Milan book. She's made it harder for other historical romance novelists, that's for sure, but she's also made it hard for herself. My expectations are very high.
Minerva Lane goes by the name Wilhelmina Pursling. She has a huge secret in her past, Minerva Lane having been destroyed in society rather than just ruined, and it would be disastrous for her true identity to become public. So she has spent her life incognito in the care of her "aunts". She dresses like a mouse, she acts like a mouse, she does everything possible to fade into the background.
Robert Blaisdale, the Duke of Clermont, is the product of a loveless marriage containing a destructive level of acrimony. He's known friendship (with his half-brother -- the result of Robert's father's rape of a governess) and he's known sycophancy, but he doesn't feel like anyone's ever loved him or can love him. His parents certainly didn't seem to.
So sets the premise. The story doesn't take place in London (for the most part) and the romance is full of wit and sweet, poignant moments. There's a lack of honesty at some points, but, as usual with Milan, those moments are dealt with organically and tend not to escalate in that engineered direction.
The story is really very nice and I loved the two main characters. They were fun and funny and -- eventually -- sexy. I was rooting for them the whole way.
So what went wrong? The last few scenes were a real disappointment. I'm not sure why Milan did it this way, but there was a climax that was so clunky and out of character it didn't make sense at all. I mean ... the cows were out of the barn on that particular issue so what's the big deal? It was confusing more than effective in an emotional way. So it was like reading a Courtney Milan book with an ending that any other historical romance author might have chosen to write. The situation should have been handled differently, IMO, in a manner that jibes with Milan's usual adherence to consistent patterns of behavior for her protagonists.
But the epilogue is sweet -- although it felt a little bit rushed, to be honest.
All that said, I highly recommend Courtney Milan as a historical romance writer. She's really my favorite in the genre right now and it actually says a lot that this kind of contrivance would even bother me. It's just that it's so strange that it would occur in a Milan book. She's made it harder for other historical romance novelists, that's for sure, but she's also made it hard for herself. My expectations are very high.
July 16, 2014
Oh, I'm sooooo happy to discover another wonderful author of historical romances! :)
The way Ms. Milan writes is very interesting and unusual and I like it very, very much!
The main characters are unique too!
The heroine, Minerva/Wilhelmina, Minnie, is fantastic in her very peculiar and interesting quiet way. She makes a weapon of her quiet. Her apparently demure behaviour is like a calm water on the surface, but very strong current beneath! It's fantastic how she uses her clever, clever tounge!
She harbours a big secret (even if I didn't find it so very big *shrug*), and in order to keep it she must refuse Robert's pursue and she's very clever about it, arriving even at blackmail!
Robert is a sweet hero: honorable and, in the depth of his hart still a small boy playing a knight in white armour. He really wants to make things better for the lesser classes and he's sincere in his want.
Obviously, at the beginning, Minnie doesn't belive it, but as she comes to know Robert, she falls in love not with his exterior, but with his soul! A wonderful journey!
Robert is intrigued by Minnie at the beginning, but fascinated a brief time later with her intelligence and wit! It's a short step from falling completly in love.
His love is so incredible to all the others because Winnie is scarred, poor, inatractive nobody.
But for Robert she's his moon and his stars. It was so lovely reading it!
This was a wonderful, wonderful book! I'm looking forward to reading all the other books in this series! :)
The way Ms. Milan writes is very interesting and unusual and I like it very, very much!
The main characters are unique too!
The heroine, Minerva/Wilhelmina, Minnie, is fantastic in her very peculiar and interesting quiet way. She makes a weapon of her quiet. Her apparently demure behaviour is like a calm water on the surface, but very strong current beneath! It's fantastic how she uses her clever, clever tounge!
She harbours a big secret (even if I didn't find it so very big *shrug*), and in order to keep it she must refuse Robert's pursue and she's very clever about it, arriving even at blackmail!
Robert is a sweet hero: honorable and, in the depth of his hart still a small boy playing a knight in white armour. He really wants to make things better for the lesser classes and he's sincere in his want.
Obviously, at the beginning, Minnie doesn't belive it, but as she comes to know Robert, she falls in love not with his exterior, but with his soul! A wonderful journey!
Robert is intrigued by Minnie at the beginning, but fascinated a brief time later with her intelligence and wit! It's a short step from falling completly in love.
His love is so incredible to all the others because Winnie is scarred, poor, inatractive nobody.
But for Robert she's his moon and his stars. It was so lovely reading it!
This was a wonderful, wonderful book! I'm looking forward to reading all the other books in this series! :)
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