Welcome to Litsy!

I don‘t read a lot of romance but I have heard of Milan and when I asked some fellow book lovers where to start with her books, they suggested this novella. I was impressed with the character development and the obstacle at the root of the story. https://cannonballread.com/2023/01/the-governess-affair-a-novella-elcicco/

Why did I wait so long to read anything by Courtney Milan?! There‘s nothing in romance that I love more than a good enemies to lovers tale, and this prequel novella delivers fantastic banter, strong lead characters, and a love scene with beautiful consent. The epilogue was perfection. I adore Serena and Hugo.

I love when a series starts with a novella so we get background into the characters!

Serena has a problem with a Duke. She refuses to leave the front of his home until he concedes to her demands. The Wolf works for the Duke and is known to get rid of problems without conscience. Until he meets Serena, a woman that fights back.

The pacing was off; the characters did not seem real; and there was a somewhat strangely-handled sexual assault. There was a sweet sex scene that was very consent-focused, the female lead was fiery and intelligent, and I always find some joy in a hate-to-love romance, but overall, this didn't really do it for me. I'm doing my best to keep an open mind for The Duchess War for my book club--don't judge a novel by its prequel novella, as they say.

This was a fun novella to start the rest of story for the boys. To see each falling for each other despite their reservations and own interest was amazing. Now to get around to reading the rest of the books. #romantsy

This is a prequel to the Brothers Sinister series and a great introduction to Courtney Milan. I enjoyed Serena and Hugo‘s story. My only complaint is that I wish it had been a full novel rather than a novella. I have the first full book on my Kindle and hope to read it soon.

Finished on February 12.

I do not often love books where romance is the focus, but I do love an occasional don‘t have to think to hard and know it will be a happy ending book. This fast read (under 200 pages) served the purpose on a hard to settle my Brain last night. A pick because it helped me end the day and fall asleep 🥰

A duke has a problem with a woman, and asks his fixer to take care of it. There's going to be sparks.

I wasn't riveted, but it's a decent teaser kind of book. Good enough that I might try another of her books down the road.

What word(s) did English speakers use for meat between bread prior to the use of sandwich in the 1840s??

Next book.

I think I would have liked to see this fleshed out into a full novel instead of a novella - I like a slow burn, and this moved a bit quickly for my tastes. But I still really enjoyed it and found it touching.

It's not pure fluff - both characters have pretty dark backstories, so I encourage anyone who needs content warnings to go looking for them.

4/5

This was a great historical romance, and a great introduction to Courtney Milan. It's a novella, so I finished it in about two hours, and then checked out the next two books in the series from my library.

#romantsy

Today feels like a good day to finally get around to reading this book.

Image from Happy for Now's YouTube channel.

I was hesitant to read this because the heroine was raped, but I ended up really liking the characters and wishing the novella was longer. Courtney Milan managed to give their story depth that is not usually managed so deftly in shorter story.

It‘s 1-year-scan day, so I‘m hiding out in the cancer centre with a cup of tea and a mountain of choc bics before I head up there. Courtney Milan‘s keeping me company.

Ikea happened this morning, so I‘ve already got my steps in for the day.

An enjoyable novella that has me looking forward to the series.

Start reading... Let's see 😊

@Mommamanzi thanks for a generous giveaway! I‘m tagging the book that introduced me to my new favorite romance author!

Started the Brothers Sinister series with this touching novella. I think it was my first Courtney Milan, and as I went right ahead with the following book, I think that's proof that I'll be reading many more.

More thoughts below under the spoiler tag.
#romantsy

Well, this little novella was everything I wanted from a historical romance! Thanks for the tip @xicanti on where to start with Courtney Milan-- your suggestion was perfect. Even Olive was on board! I've already checked out the next 2 in the Brothers Sinister series from #Libby... #romantsy

Not sure if I wasn‘t in the right frame of mind or this book just wasn‘t for me. While the story started strong and I enjoyed the clever banter between the MCs, in the end, I felt kinda blah about the whole thing. Based on reviews by fellow Littens, I am clearly in the minority! The writing was good, so I‘m planning on reading the next book in the series. Perhaps if I‘d read this in one sitting, I would have enjoyed it more. 2/3⭐️🤷🏽‍♀️

An excellent novella!

Last night I figured I'd read a bit of this historical romance, just to see how I got on with Milan's writing. Next thing I knew, it was past midnight and the novella was over.

Because WOW. Milan's prose is witty and graceful, her characters feel real, and she approaches sensitive subject matter--the aftermath of rape--with great empathy. I couldn't tear myself away. #romantsy

there was a lot of potential for these two characters. The story is well written but it feels rushed; even for a prologue, it feels that the author had to tie up loose ends before the ending which she did and again, very well written but I found it wanting.
the prologue did what it needed to, which is to peak my interest in reading another story from the author which I might do

This is a sweet #romantsy novella, easily finished in a single sitting. Milan takes a delicate situation and somehow makes this happy ever after poignant and not too sugary.

#24in48 #readathon update. Here's what I've been up to today. I finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire on audio. I started Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham. I also read all of The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan. I've taken a few naps today as my house is freezing and I just seem to be exhausted. I've never made it more than 5 hours so I'm so excited about 15!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Great novella! Loved the banter. I actually teared up from the deft way the author handled the love scene; the way that the past trauma was addressed was perfect.

Very much looking forward to the rest of the series!

Finished this last night for a final tally of 176 books. 👍🏽

Officially Courtney Milan addicted ☺️

Needed something more lighthearted after a string of heavy reads. This novella was just the right thing. I loved Serena's wit and her banter with Hugo had me laughing out loud. Looking forward to reading more of the series.

4 out of 5 stars.

First #fridayreads choice done. I feel like I'm in a good series.

“I am done with things happening to me. From here on out, I am going to happen to things.”

Excerpt From: Milan, Courtney. “The Governess Affair.” Milan, Courtney. iBooks.