Listen free for 30 days
-
The Duchess War
- The Brothers Sinister, Book 1
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Series: The Brothers Sinister, Book 1
- Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £24.19
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
A Kiss for Midwinter
- By: Courtney Milan
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him... or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way. Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year.
-
-
Tender, funny and heart-wrenching
- By Caz on 16-11-13
-
A Duke in Shining Armour
- Difficult Dukes, Book 1
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bookish, brainy Lady Olympia Hightower should be elated she's marrying the ‘catch' of several London seasons. Her large spendthrift family certainly is! And yet, Olympia finds herself sneaking out the chapel window, in a mad attempt to escape her glorious future as a duchess. Virtue was never a virtue for Hugh Philemon Ancaster, Seventh Duke of Ripley, but even he can see his duty as best man requires him to recapture the fleeing bride, and return her to the bridegroom. But with every one of Olympia’s clever turns, he’s finding it harder to give her up.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Ioana on 01-12-21
-
More than a Mistress
- Mistress Series, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An arrogant duke does the unthinkable - he falls in love with his mistress.... She raced onto the green, desperate to stop a duel. In the mêlée, Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, was shot. To his astonishment, Tresham found himself hiring the servant as his nurse. Jane Ingleby was far too bold for her own good. Her blue eyes were the sort a man could drown in - were it not for her impudence. She questioned his every move, breached his secrets, touched his soul. When he offered to set her up in his London town house, love was the last thing on his mind.
-
-
More than a mistress
- By Astar on 16-04-16
-
Her Every Wish
- The Worth Saga
- By: Courtney Milan
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Crash has never let the circumstances of his birth, or his lack of a last name, bother him. His associations may be unsavory, but money, friends, and infamy open far more interesting doors than respect ever could. His sole regret? Once lovely, sweet Daisy Whitlaw learned the truth about how he made his fortune, she cut him off. Daisy's father is dead, her mother is in ill health, and her available funds have dwindled to a memory. When the local parish announces a charity bequest to help young people start a trade, it's her last chance.
-
-
Even the great Rosalyn Landor did not save it
- By Julia on 16-03-17
-
Simply Unforgettable
- The Simply Quartet, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stranded together in a rustic country inn, Lucius Marshall, who is the Viscount Sinclair, and Frances Allard share a night of glorious, unforgettable passion. But Frances knows her place, and it is far from the privileged world of the sensual aristocrat. Due to begin her teaching position at Miss Martin's School in Bath, Frances must try to forget that one extraordinary night - and the man who touched her with such exquisite tenderness and abandon.
-
-
Excellent
- By Anonymous User on 17-04-19
-
Only a Kiss
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, injured in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendships forged in steel and loyalty. But for one, her trials are not over.... Since witnessing the death of her husband during the wars, Imogen, Lady Barclay, has secluded herself in the confines of Hardford Hall, their home in Cornwall. The new owner has failed to take up his inheritance, and Imogen desperately hopes he will never come to disturb her fragile peace.
-
-
An interesting story.
- By Thor on 12-10-20
-
A Kiss for Midwinter
- By: Courtney Milan
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 4 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him... or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way. Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year.
-
-
Tender, funny and heart-wrenching
- By Caz on 16-11-13
-
A Duke in Shining Armour
- Difficult Dukes, Book 1
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bookish, brainy Lady Olympia Hightower should be elated she's marrying the ‘catch' of several London seasons. Her large spendthrift family certainly is! And yet, Olympia finds herself sneaking out the chapel window, in a mad attempt to escape her glorious future as a duchess. Virtue was never a virtue for Hugh Philemon Ancaster, Seventh Duke of Ripley, but even he can see his duty as best man requires him to recapture the fleeing bride, and return her to the bridegroom. But with every one of Olympia’s clever turns, he’s finding it harder to give her up.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Ioana on 01-12-21
-
More than a Mistress
- Mistress Series, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An arrogant duke does the unthinkable - he falls in love with his mistress.... She raced onto the green, desperate to stop a duel. In the mêlée, Jocelyn Dudley, Duke of Tresham, was shot. To his astonishment, Tresham found himself hiring the servant as his nurse. Jane Ingleby was far too bold for her own good. Her blue eyes were the sort a man could drown in - were it not for her impudence. She questioned his every move, breached his secrets, touched his soul. When he offered to set her up in his London town house, love was the last thing on his mind.
-
-
More than a mistress
- By Astar on 16-04-16
-
Her Every Wish
- The Worth Saga
- By: Courtney Milan
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Crash has never let the circumstances of his birth, or his lack of a last name, bother him. His associations may be unsavory, but money, friends, and infamy open far more interesting doors than respect ever could. His sole regret? Once lovely, sweet Daisy Whitlaw learned the truth about how he made his fortune, she cut him off. Daisy's father is dead, her mother is in ill health, and her available funds have dwindled to a memory. When the local parish announces a charity bequest to help young people start a trade, it's her last chance.
-
-
Even the great Rosalyn Landor did not save it
- By Julia on 16-03-17
-
Simply Unforgettable
- The Simply Quartet, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Stranded together in a rustic country inn, Lucius Marshall, who is the Viscount Sinclair, and Frances Allard share a night of glorious, unforgettable passion. But Frances knows her place, and it is far from the privileged world of the sensual aristocrat. Due to begin her teaching position at Miss Martin's School in Bath, Frances must try to forget that one extraordinary night - and the man who touched her with such exquisite tenderness and abandon.
-
-
Excellent
- By Anonymous User on 17-04-19
-
Only a Kiss
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Survivors' Club: Six men and one woman, injured in the Napoleonic Wars, their friendships forged in steel and loyalty. But for one, her trials are not over.... Since witnessing the death of her husband during the wars, Imogen, Lady Barclay, has secluded herself in the confines of Hardford Hall, their home in Cornwall. The new owner has failed to take up his inheritance, and Imogen desperately hopes he will never come to disturb her fragile peace.
-
-
An interesting story.
- By Thor on 12-10-20
-
Slightly Married
- Bedwyn Saga Series, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like all the Bedwyn men, Aidan has a reputation for cool arrogance. But this proud nobleman also possesses a loyal, passionate heart - and it is this fierce loyalty that has brought Colonel Lord Aidan to Ringwood Manor to honor a dying soldier's request. Having promised to comfort and protect the man's sister, Aidan never expected to find a headstrong, fiercely independent woman who wants no part of his protection, nor did he expect the feelings this beguiling creature would ignite in his guarded heart.
-
-
Very enjoyable, warm
- By Mo Bass on 16-05-21
-
Heartless
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Life has taught Lucas Kendrick, duke of Harndon, that a heart is a decided liability. Betrayed by his elder brother, rejected by his fiancée, banished by his father, and shunned by his mother, Luke fled to Paris, where he became the most sought-after bachelor in fashionable society. Ten years later fate has brought him back home to England as head of the family who rejected him. Unwilling as he is to be involved with them, he must assume responsibility for his younger siblings, the family estate he once loved - and the succession.
-
-
Soap opera
- By HMM on 14-03-19
-
The Duke Who Didn't
- Wedgeford Trials, Book 1
- By: Courtney Milan
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Miss Chloe Fong has plans for her life, lists for her days, and absolutely no time for nonsense. Three years ago, she told her childhood sweetheart that he could talk to her once he planned to be serious. He disappeared that very night. Except now he’s back. Jeremy Wentworth, the Duke of Lansing, has returned to the tiny village he once visited with the hope of wooing Chloe. In his defense, it took him years of attempting to be serious to realize that the endeavor was incompatible with his personality.
-
-
Amazing book!
- By Kindle Customer on 28-12-20
-
Mr. Impossible
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rupert Carsington, fourth son of the Earl of Hargate, is his aristocratic family's favorite disaster. He's irresistibly handsome and unapologetically irresponsible, & trouble follows wherever he goes. Still, Rupert somehow manages to escape entanglement - emotional or other - with maddening grace! But now he's a prisoner in Cairo's most infamous jail and his only chance out is accepting a beautiful widow's dangerous proposal.
-
-
Amusing and entertaining!
- By R. Card on 08-12-17
-
Indiscreet
- The Horsemen Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Viscount Rawleigh longs for a little diversion, and beautiful young widow Catherine Winters seems like easy prey. But Rex's target is a lady of virtue, and when she roundly rejects his proposal to become his mistress, Rex finds himself faced with a delectable challenge. Catherine knows she must fight the indecent feelings the Viscount arouses within her. But even though she knows one kiss could bring her to ruin, temptation proves an insurmountable foe....
-
-
A wonderful “listen”! Rosalyn Landor narrates Mary Balogh’s storied so well!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-04-19
-
The Wallflower Wager
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Mary Jane Wells
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wealthy and ruthless, Gabriel Duke clawed his way from the lowliest slums to the pinnacle of high society - and now he wants to get even. Loyal and passionate, Lady Penelope Campion never met a lost or wounded creature she wouldn’t take into her home and her heart. When her imposing - and attractive - new neighbour demands she clear out the rescued animals, Penny sets him a challenge. She will part with her precious charges, if he can find them loving homes.
-
-
Easy read , funny in parts
- By JED on 13-01-20
-
The Lost Duke of Wyndham
- By: Julia Quinn
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.
-
-
Put me to sleep for nearly two months
- By mrs j. on 24-05-22
-
Someone Perfect
- By: Mary Balogh
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 12 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As a young man, Justin Wiley was banished by his father for mysterious reasons, but now his father is dead, and Justin has been Earl of Brandon for six years. A dark, dour man, he nonetheless takes it as his responsibility to care for his half-sister, Maria, when her mother dies. He travels to her home to fetch her back to the family seat at Everleigh Park. Although she adored him once, Maria now loathes Justin, and her friend, Lady Estelle Lamarr, can see immediately how his very name upsets her.
-
-
Another wonderful story!
- By H.A.B. on 31-05-22
-
How to Marry a Marquis
- Agents of the Crown, Book 2
- By: Julia Quinn
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Elizabeth Hotchkiss stumbles upon a copy of How to Marry a Marquis in her employer's library, she's convinced someone is playing a cruel joke. A guidebook to seduction might be just the thing she needs - and what harm could there be in taking a little peek? Intrigued by the alluring young woman with the curious little rulebook, James Sidwell, Marquis of Riverdale, decides that there is only one rule worth following - that Elizabeth marry her marquis.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Bookworm on 15-04-19
-
Unmasking Miss Appleby
- Baleful Godmother Historical Romance Series, Book 1
- By: Emily Larkin
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On her 25th birthday, Charlotte Appleby receives an unusual gift: the ability to change shape. Penniless and orphaned, she sets off for London to make her fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to Lord Cosgrove proves unexpectedly challenging. Someone is trying to destroy Cosgrove and his life is increasingly in jeopardy. As Charlotte plunges into London’s backstreets at Cosgrove’s side, hunting his persecutor, she finds herself fighting for her life - and falling in love…
-
-
First fantasy book I've enjoyed so much.
- By Amazon Customer on 17-04-20
-
When the Marquess Met His Match
- An American Heiress in London, Book 1
- By: Laura Lee Guhrke
- Narrated by: Susan Ericksen
- Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lady Belinda Featherstone's job is to guide American heiresses to matrimony, and away from men like Nicholas, Marquess of Trubridge. But the charming, disreputable marquess needs a wealthy bride, and he hires Belinda to help him find one. Her task seems easy: find that scoundrel the sort of wife he so richly deserves. But Nicholas' hot, searing kiss soon proves her task will be anything but easy.
-
-
Didn’t finish
- By Olia on 13-07-20
-
The Lady Most Likely
- A Novel in Three Parts
- By: Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife - so his sister hands him a list of the very best young ladies on the market. And then, because he refuses to tear himself away from the stables where he trains Arabian racehorses, she invites all those ladies to a house party, along with some other bachelors, of course. So who will Hugh choose? The Botticelli-esque, enchanting Gwendolyn? The outspoken, delightful Katherine? If he doesn't work fast, he'll lose those ladies to his closest friends, and then where will he look for a wife?
-
-
Light relief.
- By Thor on 08-05-21
Summary
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.
What listeners say about The Duchess War
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- HMM
- 11-01-22
Enjoyable
I liked it and the performance was very well done. I had some issues, though. On several occasions I was sure their behavior or opinions were 21st century.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mrs. B. P. Innes
- 26-09-21
brilliant.
as usual this book was made a good listen, because of Rosalyn Landor. loved it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- kfkf
- 06-09-21
Charming
My first book by this author, and I can see why she’s popular. The characters are charming, the story is pretty intriguing, and the love story is convincing. I liked that the duke was aware of his privilege and trying to change the system. I also appreciated that he was trying to do good despite his horrible upbringing.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- bookaneer808
- 27-10-20
Hot historical romance with humour
Highly enjoyable story with engaging characters - I was not prepared for one to say to another earnestly"You have magnificent tits"! Spat my drink out laughing!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ideaman
- 09-02-20
Great Narrator Overlong Story
Rosaline Landor is great - like listening to molten honey. The story, however, is very trite and could comfortably have 5-10k words cut..
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Leigh UK
- 04-05-19
Love a leading lady with a brain!
A real brain that doesn't go on vacation so she can make stupid decisions to help the storyline progress. Beautifully written Ms Milan. Thank you for representing smart women who love romance! I'm off to read the next in series
*claps hands excitedly *
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DeadNotSleeping
- 21-08-18
Love Rosalyn Landor's reading
Courtney Milan's stories are highly satisfying and I love Rosalyn Landor's readings. If anything I thought the story was a little bit long and drawn out, and the pacing might have been better if the length had been the equivalent of ~8 hours instead of 11. The shorter novellas written by Milan feel like they have slightly better pacing overall. However, I can hardly complain that I have several extra hours of listening time! <3
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 27-09-17
Excellent
Excellent story, even though read the book and loved it, the narrator did a marvellous job
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Julia
- 06-09-15
Rosalind Landor is always worth a listen
What did you like most about The Duchess War?
That the story was just a bit different from the usual. Imperfections to overcome, battering between friends that seemed real.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Duchess War?
The epilogue where a hardened charactared showed some softness.
Which scene did you most enjoy?
The train scene. Very funny indeed.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
The scene on the bench before the prison. Believable, even though it was unbelievable.
Any additional comments?
Not quite as predictable as the usual story lines, I really enjoyed the book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Hannah
- 25-01-15
Brilliant
What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?
While you listen to Rosalyn Landor voicing a male characters you forget that she is a female. All her characters voices are different and perfectly appropriate.
Any additional comments?
I do listen to quite a few books in this style but this is by far the best. The characters are not generic, the marital relations are more realistic and the story line is compelling. I fell head over heals in love with the characters.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Glenda
- 22-02-18
Obvious Political Agenda
Rosalyn Landor is great as usual but the book is written with a definite political agenda. Trying to convince the reader that a twelve year old girl was tortured for cross-dressing, big business is the root of all evil, religion is for the heartless ignorant, liberal minded men are the only ones worth their salt and parents are pointless, all wrapped up in one story is too much. If the author wants to preach stay on one topic at a time and find more believable, less obvious ways to get her point across.
23 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Donna
- 21-01-14
Happy continuation for The Brothers Sinister
This is the continuing story from the novella The Governess Affair. Although that one was short it had a great deal of content. I couldn't wait for this first book.
The series seemed to focus on three best friends. Robert, The Duke. Oliver, the bastard brother of the duke and Sebastian, the cousin. The series has expanded to sisters, friends, etc. Which has been fine for me. I hope to see it never end..lol.
Here we get an introduction to Oliver, the son of Serena from The Governess and bastard brother. We get some insight into the relationship between the brothers and their love for one another as well as meet Sebastian and Violet.
This book is about Robert, The Duke and Minerva (Minnie) and how they meet and fall in love. The book follows some great ins and outs and the humor never fails.
Keep an eye on Miss Charingford. She's the next in line with the novella, A Kiss for Midwinter.
Last but never least is the wonderful narration of Rosalyn Landor. Her voices are amazing and her dramatizations enhance the characters in the stories.
I love the series!
20 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Felicia The Geeky Blogger
- 16-01-14
Emotionally Gripping
Read/Listened for Fun (Kindle/Audible)
Tracking Books Read Review (Short)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: The Duchess War was just as heavy as the novella was--these are not light historicals but they are good!
Overall Thoughts: I am just going to say it: Courtney Milan goes for the emotional gut every dang time and won't stop until she has rung you dry! These are not for those that prefer light historicals. The issues addressed in this series are real, raw, and sometimes downright emotionally gripping. In this one, the leading lady dealt with something that is pretty easy to identify now but back then would have been paralyzing. I love how Courtney dealt with it and made the love story happen around it. I was less emotionally gutted by the leading guy, Robert, but he was a great match for Minerva. I think together they brought out each others better qualities.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Rosalyn Landor / Length: 11 hrs and 3 mins
Rosalyn is one of my favorite historical romance narrators! I just love how she makes the characters come alive. This was another knock out of the park and I think Rosalyn/Courtney make a good audiobook match set!
Final Thoughts: Emotionally gripping and extremely fulfilling.
19 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- harp diva
- 17-12-13
Unique and engrossing
Loved this book! An engrossing story and a very interesting hero and heroine. I have listened to it twice and enjoyed it both times. I would definitely recommend it.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kimberly
- 07-01-14
A multidimensional listen
Setting: Leister, England 1863
Genre: Romance with a bit of mystery and suspense
Narration was wonderful. Rosalyn Landor has a pleasant voice with excellent vocal range. She can do masculine as well as feminine, and different English accents as well. I love when a reader gets that right.
This is the first in The Brothers Sinister series. It was preceded by the novella The Governess Affair (which I read in electronic form, so you will have to look for my review of that on Goodreads).
The heroine, Minnie, is a wallflower on purpose. There was a scandal in her past that she escaped by changing her name and living with her great-aunts, but she is fearful of being found out. She needs to marry to see to the welfare of the aunts who took her in. Her only real prospect is the oafish son of the local distiller.
Robert Blaisdell, the ninth Duke of Clermont is the hero. He is in Leister to right some of the wrongs of his father. He has issues having to do with his upbringing, and he is a political radical. But he is kind and caring, and sees in Minnie a strong, good woman. They fall in love, but it is impossible because he is a peer and she is a lady of good standing in the community. He is too high socially to marry her, and he can't, because of his ethics, take her as a mistress.
The villain is Captain Stevens. He is an arse who oversteps his authority and uses his position for personal gain. He thinks Minnie is responsible for handbills encouraging the workers to unionize. He investigates her because he doesn't believe she is who she says she is.
Minnie's best friend is Lydia. She is one of the key players in this novel, and has her own story in the novella A Kiss for Midwinter.
Another key player in the story is Oliver Marshall, Robert's half brother. His story is book 2 in this series.
Overall, this was an enjoyable listen. In some places it seemed to bog down, like it should be ready to wrap up. But it's a multidimensional story with a very satisfying conclusion. It's worth the credit and the time.
8 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cynthia
- 12-11-13
Another great listen
CM is an audimatic buy for me. I love her writing style, it's close to Lorraine Heath. Loved the hero Robert and his brother the most. One was brought up in riches and the other in love.
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Amazon Customer
- 23-08-18
strong lead
strong intelligent lead, story started great then turned to feeling like it would never end. I would try another book by author as this was first novel, and there is interesting potential with intelligent charectors
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Laurie S
- 06-01-19
Great narrator
Rosalyn Landor was excellent as usual. Storyline was interesting, if a little slow. I'll probably stop reading this author, even though these have been free, because I'm tired of hearing graphic descriptions of characters pleasuring themselves—in this case both H/h. It's unnecessary and not something I want as a visual, and this is the second book of hers it's been in so far. Fast forwarding and speeding up the narration doesn't cover it all up.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- AmazonCustomer
- 16-12-13
This book is a standout!
Great story, fabulous characters. This is the best of Ms Milan's books that I've read so far. I love her books for the strong women and the caring men who love them. There were enough plot twists to keep you guessing and interested.
Rosalyn Landor is my favorite narrator and she is what brought me to Courtney Milan's stories.
Definitely credit worthy.
I look forward to more books in the series.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jonna
- 20-10-13
A wonderful story!
I've just discovered Courtney Milan, and I think she's one of the best. This story has everything, wallflower and handsome Duke, mysteries discovered and revealed, a social conscience exposed, hilarious dialogues, and 2 amazing admirable and lovable and unusual heroes. Why the handsome Duke even struggles with his wedding night, and the way they solve it is so real-human-like. It's about 2 people finding love, and even surprising who is in need of it the most. I admire writers who don't copy the Romance genre's lists of behaviors but ones who create unique stories and characters and write well, without that sense of needing the cuts of a good editor to make the story tight. If you miss part of this story you need to go back and rewind, and the writing is so fluid and intelligent you forget about the writer and just get engrossed in the story. A definite credit-worthy selection. I'll be looking for more in the Brothers Sinister series.
9 people found this helpful