The Duchess War

The Brothers Sinister, Book 1

By: Courtney Milan

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly - so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past.

Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention.

But that is precisely what she gets.

Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he's up to, he realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he's determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy Miss may prove to be more than his match...

The Duchess War is the first full-length book in the Brothers Sinister series. It is preceded by The Governess Affair, a prequel novella.

©2012 Courtney Milan (P)2013 Courtney Milan

Wow!!

This was such a good book! I was blown away by the storyline and enjoyed every second of it! I cannot wait to continue this series and read more of Courtney's work!!

Compelling love story!

Wonderful book! The writing is incredible, filled with passion and emotion. Robert is probably the best beta male characters I have ever read. I loved him from the start. Minnie is one of the sweetest and bravest heroines I have ever had the pleasure reading of. Wonderful story, unforgettable characters, I'm so glad I found this novel. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Nice book.

It took me a little bit to get into the book, as well as rewinding several times to listen again. Once I got into the book, it stuck and I couldn’t get enough. Rosalyn Landor does a wonderful job narrating.

Okay...

This story was okay. It wasn't my favorite or my least favorite. It took me awhile to get into it. The narrator was great! I just never found myself really invested in the storyline. It was a nice story. I guess I just expected a little more.

A DEEP EMOTIONAL WONDERFUL FEEL GOOD ROMANCE

This book is why Courtney Milan is an auto download for me - thanks to her gifted writing you're transported back to1863 where she crafts loveable compelling but flawed characters who find themselves involved in an emotional, touching, sexy, humorous, heartbreaking, breathtaking love story that's full of secrets and scandals that'll keep you riveted.

This is the story about Robert (a handsome, caring, radical Duke) and Minnie (a 'Plain Jane' with brains) both of whom are emotionally scarred but for different reasons and the class differences and obstacles that they have to overcome. Their relationship starts off as a skilful game of wits but, as attraction between them flourishes, there's great chemistry and witty, flirty banter between the pair then they soon realise that their needs, goals and ideals are actually the same.

However, when their feelings for each other grow it forces them to reveal vulnerabilities, share secrets and undergo personal life changes but before their romance can ever progress to a HEA ending that they (and the listener) craves, the truth must painfully and publicly come out by betraying each other and only then can honor, acceptance, forgiveness and love follow.

Plenty of twists, interesting secondary characters, friendships, passion and a bitter-sweet romance can be found in this very entertaining and enjoyable listen but so too can we get a feel for the social divide and working environments between the Upper and Lower classes of a, thankfully, bygone era. Robert says such touching, tender, thoughtful words that you can't help but fall in love with him too.

Worth a credit? As long as CM keeps writing them and they're hopefully narrated by the talented Ms. Landor, then I'll keep buying them - so that's a YES and I hope you too will fall in love with Minnie and Robert as I did.