The Governess AffairBrothers Sinister #0.5
Release Date: April 21, 2012
Genre: Historical Romance
Source: Purchased on B&N
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Goodreads
Synopsis
She will not give up...
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 is 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.
He cannot give in...
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...
I read this book as part of Lexxie's COYER Mini-Challenge 3 Historical Romances in 3 Weeks. I'd had it on my shelf since March, 2013.
***
Ah, I believe I have developed a tendre for Mr. Marshall. What a sweet, tender man, in the body of a cunning and ruthless man. And Serena - how could you not pull for this plucky young woman? A woman determined not to let circumstances, those beyond her control, dictate her future.
Serena and Hugo meet under duress. Serena has found herself in a predicament compliments of the Duke of Clermont. She demands he make amends for a transgression. However, the Duke doesn't want to concede, as his Duchess is already out-of-sorts over his behavior. Hugo works for the Duke--he solves his problems--by any means necessary. In this case, he doesn't wish to resort to his usual ruthless ways. So he sets about getting rid of Serena in a more pedestrian manner. The problem for Hugo is, in Serena he's met his match.
This story was delightful. Although only ~100 pages, Ms. Milan did an excellent job in setting up the world and developing her characters. The banter between Hugo and Serena was so playful. I did a lot of cheering and sighing. This was my first read from Ms. Milan and I enjoyed the introduction. I'm eager to see if all her stories are as captivating as this one.
~~Favorite Quotes~~
"Mr. Marshall, she wrote, I am delighted that you are delighted that I am delighted with my new home. Can I predict the substance of your next missive? That you are delighted that I am delighted that you are delighted, et cetera. I have saved up both a great deal of postage and awkward conversation. If we keep this up, we shall quickly run through our ink." -Serena
***
"You are too kind."
"No, I'm not," he contradicted. "I'm deliberately confusing you out of a desire to assuage my own meager excuse for a conscience. To add to my sins, defiance of all society's rules, I wish to become better acquainted with you. Don't imaging there's anything akin to kindness behind my selfish behavior." -Serena & Hugo
