This was another prompt that I had to research. The Goodreads group is absolutely brilliant for suggestions. Courtney Milan has been self-publishing her novels since 2011, and there were loads of books to choose from. I picked The Governess Affair which is the prequel to The Brothers Sinister series.

What it’s about?

Hugo Marshall earned the nickname “the Wolf of Clermont” for his ruthless ambition–a characteristic that has served him well, elevating the coal miner’s son to the right hand man of a duke. When he’s ordered to get rid of a pestering governess by fair means or foul, it’s just another day at work.

But after everything Miss Serena Barton has been through at the hands of his employer, she is determined to make him pay. She won’t let anyone stop her–not even the man that all of London fears. They might call Hugo Marshall the Wolf of Clermont, but even wolves can be brought to heel…

What I think:

This was a short read – a novella that is the prequel to Courtney Milan’s The Brother Sinister Series.

If you like historical romance, then this could be a series to add to your TBR.

Serena Barton finds herself in a compromised position. And though she blames herself for what has happened, she is determined to move on her with her life. She is resilient and dignified and determined to give up on her plan to secure her future.

But first, she has to get past the Wolf of Clermont, the Duke’s ruthless and unscrupulous right-hand man; the man who fixes the Duke’s messes and hides any scandals.

Hugo Marshall finds himself warming to Serena’s wit and charm and determination. He admires her desire to make her life better and can not deny the attraction he feels towards her.

Despite being a short read, Milan manages to cram in a lot. There’s wit and charm and romance, class divisions, and injustice.

This was a quick read and sets up the back story for the next generation and their adventures.

This is the first book by Courtney Milan that I have read, and it definitely won’t be the last!