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Book Review: The Governess Affair (Brothers Sinister) by Courtney Milan

The Governess Affair is a prequel novella to the Brothers Sinister series by Courtney Milan. This author has been recommended to me multiple times- so over the holidays I bought the Sinister Brothers box set and have enjoyed every moment of binge reading it has brought me. If you enjoy historical romance with complex characters and conflicts this series is definitely for you.

Three months ago, governess Serena Barton was let go from her position. Unable to find new work, she’s demanding compensation from the man who got her sacked: a petty, selfish, swinish duke. But it’s not the duke she fears. It’s his merciless man of business—the man known as the Wolf of Clermont. The formidable former pugilist has a black reputation for handling all the duke’s dirty business, and when the duke turns her case over to him, she doesn’t stand a chance. But she can’t stop trying—not with her entire future at stake. Hugo Marshall is a man of ruthless ambition—a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When his employer orders him to get rid of the pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at the office. Unfortunately, fair means don’t work on Serena, and as he comes to know her, he discovers that he can’t bear to use foul ones. But everything he has worked for depends upon seeing her gone. He’ll have to choose between the life that he needs, and the woman he is coming to love

The Governess Affair is a story that captured my imagination from the very beginning- and while it resolved itself beautifully, I was left wanting more about all of the characters when it was over. Serena lost her position because of a selfish man. Hugo works for that man but is not blind of his faults- in fact he is much more aware of them than most. In his efforts to make his own future Hugo has done things that he is not proud of, but he has his limits. The battle of wills between Serena and Hugo was very well written- and they way each of their concerns and complications were addressed was as close to perfect as I have ever seen. I have never seen a better handling of consent and trust after abuse- and to see the respect and love this pair developed was lovely. My only problem was that I did not want to leave the characters behind- which was easily solved as I dove into The Duchess War immediately.

The Governess Affair is a lovely prequel that wrapped up well but left me eager for more about the characters. Fine as a stand alone or when read out of order, but I am very glad to read the story in chronological order. I think I have a new must buy author. I have since read most of this series and I recommend them all- including the novellas!

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