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acesarrows's review against another edition
4.0
A great read. And a solid introduction to this new series.
elinorsbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
crystalstarrlight's review against another edition
3.0
Bullet Review:
Ehhhhhh...historical romance isn't my thing, but I'm always trying new genres and I've heard good things about Milan. This isn't a BAD book, but it's obviously not for me. I was rolling my eyes at several scenes (which probably suffered due to the length of the book), and the outcome was pretty much spelled out from chapter 1.
That said, Milan did a more than decent job with the characters and the sexual tension. Definitely some nice sexy times if you know what I mean.
I doubt I'll continue this series, but if these types of books are your thing, this'll be right up your alley.
Ehhhhhh...historical romance isn't my thing, but I'm always trying new genres and I've heard good things about Milan. This isn't a BAD book, but it's obviously not for me. I was rolling my eyes at several scenes (which probably suffered due to the length of the book), and the outcome was pretty much spelled out from chapter 1.
That said, Milan did a more than decent job with the characters and the sexual tension. Definitely some nice sexy times if you know what I mean.
I doubt I'll continue this series, but if these types of books are your thing, this'll be right up your alley.
arinnroberson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
This was sweet. The issues were dark but well handled in a novella romance novel format. I adored Hugo what a darling of a man. Very sweet!
ltennant09's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
knitnetic's review against another edition
4.0
This novella was pretty good, overall. I had a really hard time getting started with the book -- I think a scene between Clermont and Serena might have been a bit more attention grabbing. As it stood, I actually had a little difficulty figuring out who was who between Hugo and Clermont in their opening scene.
My other issue with the book was that it seemed a little preachy, particularly about [spoilers removed]. I think it's very interesting to explore this side of historical romance -- we so often have bastard sons as heroes, but rarely see the effects of that on their mothers/fathers/stepfathers. Yet, it seemed as though Milan was very much trying to Make A Point, and it sort of came off as a PSA.
I loved the intimacy between Hugo and Serena -- his ability to set her at ease and make her desire him was impressive. The hairpin game was one of the better sex scenes I've read this year.
A nice little novella, this work is not as lighthearted as some other shorter romance novellas. That being said, I think it sets up the coming books well, and has me intrigued to read the novels.
My other issue with the book was that it seemed a little preachy, particularly about [spoilers removed]. I think it's very interesting to explore this side of historical romance -- we so often have bastard sons as heroes, but rarely see the effects of that on their mothers/fathers/stepfathers. Yet, it seemed as though Milan was very much trying to Make A Point, and it sort of came off as a PSA.
I loved the intimacy between Hugo and Serena -- his ability to set her at ease and make her desire him was impressive. The hairpin game was one of the better sex scenes I've read this year.
A nice little novella, this work is not as lighthearted as some other shorter romance novellas. That being said, I think it sets up the coming books well, and has me intrigued to read the novels.
sneeps's review against another edition
4.0
Ummm I know it's not romance but like... Brothers Sinister school days prequel where???
moiraholdman's review against another edition
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (Novella/ Historical Romance)
Synopsis: Hugo Marshall is the right hand of a Duke, which is a long way from where he grew up as a coal miner’s son. When the Duke orders him to get rid of a governess, he knows just what to do. Serena Barton has been through the wringer, and she is going to make the Duke pay. Will the Duke pay, or will Hugo get rid of her?
My Thoughts: You would think I would be sick of all of these historical romances, and I’m a little tired of them. But this was great! I really liked this quick story and I will definitely be picking up the next books in the series!! There is a 🌶️🌶️ scene, which I enjoyed, but wanted to warn anyone who doesn’t like those. I liked how strong Serena was, and that she knew what she wanted and knew what she was worth. I just wish it was longer! Anyway, I liked this a lot, and will read more by Courtney Milan!
If you love a novella or a historical romance, you’ll love this.
kelseyreadshr's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Governess Affair is the prequel novella to The Brothers Sinister series. This was a new to me author but this series has been on my TBR for a while. I liked this novella and has me intrigued to see how this backstory will influence the series. I enjoyed the storytelling and loved the MC.
The morally gray hero with his own set of morals and whose priority is to make something of himself but has his world turned upside down by the heroine. A strong heroine that advocates for her future and will accept nothing less. I loved how their relationship played out on page and was able to be conveyed in a shorter story. I enjoyed their battle of wills in the beginning and found their unlikely love story sweet.
I also liked how the author showed two different reactions to traumatic experiences in the form of Serena and her sister. An interesting point of tension in the story that also provides something thought provoking for the reader.
Be sure to check out the content warning below because this story does heavily revolve around it.
There is one encounter and I liked the manner it was done.
CW: the FMC is raped by a side character, it is referenced and a major plot of the story.
The morally gray hero with his own set of morals and whose priority is to make something of himself but has his world turned upside down by the heroine. A strong heroine that advocates for her future and will accept nothing less. I loved how their relationship played out on page and was able to be conveyed in a shorter story. I enjoyed their battle of wills in the beginning and found their unlikely love story sweet.
I also liked how the author showed two different reactions to traumatic experiences in the form of Serena and her sister. An interesting point of tension in the story that also provides something thought provoking for the reader.
Be sure to check out the content warning below because this story does heavily revolve around it.
There is one encounter and I liked the manner it was done.
CW: the FMC is raped by a side character, it is referenced and a major plot of the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
4.0
Overall, my only complaint was about the “her fingers and thumb barely touched” dick size, and really, I found I could live with that after complaining about it in two individual texts and three group chats. And after testing it on my own wrist. It is the way.