The Governess Affair

By Courtney Milan

A new series from New York Times bestselling author Courtney Milan...

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 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.

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...

The Governess Affair is a novella of about 32,500 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Courtney Milan
• Release date: Apr 21, 2011
• ISBN: 9781937248062

Courtney Milan

Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, an exuberant dog, and an attack cat. Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney experimented with various occupations, none of which stuck. Now, when she's not reading (lots), writing (lots), or sleeping (not enough), she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom. You can learn more about Courtney at http://www.courtneymilan.com.

Reviews for The Governess Affair

[pnrlist · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great short story that makes me look forward to the series. I laughed out loud a couple of times - the banter between the hero and heroine was great. I almost never like stories with pregnancies in them, but this didn't dominate the relationship so it was fine, and played into a favorite trope. So far I am really enjoying Courtney Milan!

[sunnydrk · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This could have been a really good book but, the set up was way to quick and the epilogue was random. I did like the characters and the development was good.

[whatsmacksaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was so romantic. I was trapped on a terrible, transcontinental flight and this was a wonderful escape.

(ETA: cw for rape prior to the story's opening, of the main female character by the love interest's employer.)

[ladypembroke · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tasty little morsel of a novella that I am guessing leads into the main characters for the rest of the series. While these two leads tumbled rather quickly into love, I rather like the way it happened. Sure, she is a "fallen woman" and he is supposed to be a notorious "thug", but somehow, they end up with their HEA. I am looking forward to digging into the banquet that is the rest of Milan's novels.

[lillian9maddocks9389 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Can two people find love in the strangest way? Serena wants to do right by her unborn child, she will make the man that did this her pay. He won't get away with destroying her child's life, he has destroyed hers and she will get what is due to her child. Hugo has been tasked with getting rid of the problem, his employer wants her gone. Hugo is the most feared man as he gets things done. But after meeting her he just can't seem to harm her. He does try but there is realizes that he can offer her a better life. Will she accept his offer of marriage even if it comes with no love?A great story loved it all. The under dog deserves to win. I received a copy via Librarything and the author

[thatotter-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Yes, I read this, and no, I didn't like this very much. I think liking a romance novel is really an exception to the rule for me, but somehow I keep trying.

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This takes place before the first book in The Brothers Sinister Series. I am pretty new to Regency Romance but I can tell that I am going to love Courtney Milan's books. I love that Serena and Hugo don't just fall madly in love right away, they struggle towards love. They both have something in their past that is holding them back. I really grew to connect with both of them throughout the novella. My only complaint with this is that it was really short. Although I do understand that it was a novella, I just wish it could have been full length. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

[thehistorychic · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Listened for Fun (Audible)Tracking Books Read Review (Short)Overall Rating: 4.25Story Rating: 4.00Character Rating: 4.50Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)First Thought when Finished: The Governess Affair had elements that I normally hate but it totally worked in this story.Overall Thoughts: Here is the deal: I am not really a fan of novellas and can only think of a handful of times that one has caused me to buy a whole series. The Governess Affair did that even with elements that I don't normally like. I will warn you that for a novella, it deals with a pretty heavy subject matter. It is handled with care and done wonderfully. I really enjoyed this and hope the rest of the series is as unique.Audio Thoughts: Narrator: Rosalyn Landor/Running Time: 3 h 50 min Rosalyn Landor is my FAVORITE Historical narrator. I have come to the conclusion that she can do no wrong in my book. She has the perfect voice for historical settings.

[cynditefft · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first taste of Courtney Milan and I really enjoyed it! I'll definitely be reading more of hers now.

[castiron_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a hard-to-put-down read. Serena and Hugo have both been through terrible events in their pasts, but they're both strong people who deserve each other and are good for each other. I was eager to see how they would resolve the real problems keeping them apart, and the resolution worked for me.

[mickyfine · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Hugo Marshall has aspirations and when his employer, the Duke of Clermont, asks him to deal with the young woman who sits on the bench opposite his Mayfair home and refuses to move until the Duke makes restitution, Hugo has very little option. But Serena Barton is a far more difficult adversary than Hugo expected, particularly as he finds himself very sympathetic to her cause.This novella is actually the first entry in the Sinister Brothers series, but ebook holds being what they are, I didn't read it until I was midway through. That placement actually made the book even more enjoyable as I discovered the back story for Robert and Oliver after I had already encountered them in their own novels. While the subject matter of this brief novella isn't always easy, the book was well done and I devoured it in the course of a couple hours.

[marcella1717 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lots of conversations between the protagonists, which drives this novella. I liked it a lot.

[moriahjovan_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It was a sweet read--if I remember correctly. I would have rated it 3 stars except I couldn't remember I'd read it (I believe 3 months ago). I had to re-read the blurb and think about it for a minute. Since I remember UNLOCKED (and would still rate it the same), that I can't remember this one (with a more memorable title) earns it a lower rating than I would have otherwise.

[morana.mora · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story. Even though it is only a hundred or so pages long, it isn't rushed. Its characters are common people. Both Hugo Marshall and Serena Barton are great characters. Neither is annoying even with their personal issues.

Serena Barton has decided to sit in front of the house of a horrible duke who is responsible for getting her fired. She seeks justice.
Hugo Marshall, the Wolf of Clermont, is the one who should make her go away by any means necessary. What the duke didn't expect is how Hugo's childhood memories would play a great role in this governess situation. I love this character. Hugo Marshall is a man who is not even aware how larger than life he is.

This is a beautiful story with dark tones and those who like historical romances shouldn't wait to read this.
I loved the bitter sweet epilogue (it is not about the two main characters).

[renrav · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting start to a new series. I liked the characters and writing and I look forward to continuing the series.

[caro_9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amusing, quick read (very quick read). This had actually been on my Kindle long enough that I forgot it was a novella prologue to a series. Interesting way to introduce the characters -- one of the best openings I're read in a while, but I found myself a little unsatisfied with the way we left Serena and Hugo. I wanted more!

[unreachableshelf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A quick, enjoyable read. I loved watching the hero and heroine spar and the notes that they sent to each other.

[narshkite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novella is a super fast easy read to set up the series. I love Serena and Hugo, and really look forward to seeing what comes from their union.

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable read, perfect for snuggling in with on a weekend or something. p.s. I pictured Tom Hardy in the Hugo role and would highly recommend it! ;) =D

[haymaai · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

‘The Governess Affair’ by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novella. Serena Barton is a governess whose reputation has been ruined by an unscrupulous duke. To extract justice and compensation for his unfair act, Serena lingers outside of his home in an act of protest. The duke’s henchman, Hugo Marshall, who is called the Wolf of Clermont, is merciless in dealing with Serena, until he comes to realize that he has met his match in this strong-willed, ethical, and determined woman. The author cleverly portrays the interesting relationship that develops between Hugo and Serena, and as they spar with words, the characters become more appealing and fascinating. I very much enjoyed this novella, and I will surely read more of Courtney Milan’s books in the future.

[akbouterse · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was a great novella! I haven't read anything else in this series, though I have book one. This was a good introduction to this series and to Milan's style.

This is my first book by Milan and I was recommend this novella and I'm really glad I picked this up. This is a novella but it's on the longer end so there was still enough plot for me. The timeline for them getting together is pretty quick so it did feel a bit like insta-love, but nothing that really bothered me. There is discussion of assault in this book, so be aware of that. I really liked the way the characters treated each other and how the relationship developed, even if it was fast. I would have liked to learn more about their backgrounds and families but this is a prequel novella so that might come out a little in later books. The ending did leave me intrigued to continue this series and I really enjoyed Milan's writing. The dialogue was fun and the plotting was really good.

I'm happy I've finally read a book by this author. I've started a lot of series recently, which is somewhat counter to my goal of finishing series this year but I would love to continue this series soon.

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book. This is the first book I've read by this author, and it won't be the last. It is the prequel to the Brothers Sinister series and did precisely what it was supposed to do - whet my appetite for the rest of the series. Serena was a governess let go from her position after the Duke of Clermont was seen leaving her room. In the three months since then, she discovered she was pregnant. Serena refuses to be a victim and determines to make him pay. She knows that the duke recently married a wealthy woman and is dependent on her goodwill to maintain his lifestyle, so she plans to shame him into doing the right thing. Unfortunately for Serena, the duke has no morals. Instead, he orders Hugo, his man of business, to deal with the problem without telling him the whole story. Hugo, known for his ruthlessness, looks at it as just one more in a long line of problems to take care of. That is until he meets Serena. I loved watching the fireworks between Serena and Hugo. Their first meeting was okay because she didn't know who he was, much to his surprise. He sounds her out on what the problem is and believes it will be an easy fix. Serena disabuses him of that notion when she flatly refuses his first offer and is unimpressed when she learns his identity. Hugo does his best to convince her that he is not a good person and that she won't win against him. But Serena is tougher and more determined than he knows. During the following days, Serena stands up to everything Hugo throws at her, refusing to give in. I loved their interchanges, witty and polite, yet blunt, leaving no doubt where each stood. It isn't long before Hugo's frustration turns to fascination. Despite his reputation, Hugo is an honorable man. The more he learns of Serena's situation, the more he wants to help her. I liked his solution and the unexpected effect it had on him. I ached for Serena as he followed through on his promise while she hoped for more. The ending hit all the right spots as Hugo finally acknowledged his feelings, confronted the duke, and then went after what he wanted. But it was the epilogue that capped the story and made me want to read the rest of the series.

[samnreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

BR with Brian 1/3/2020.
Old review:
When I think of novellas that actually deliver, this is the first I think of. I'm surprised I gave it a 4 initially last November, maybe because before I didn't have all the context of the series.

But now I do. And it's that much sweeter, a quick and beautiful book that delivers swoons just when the hero just says "I solve problems." I'm a sucker for Sabrina and Hugo, and a bigger sucker for Robert's vulnerability so that epilogue is something else entirely to me. And Oliver and his pride ("I punch well enough with both")

This is just one of those books that showcases a fierce, stubborn woman complemented wonderfully by a fierce, tender man who both refuse to let their lives to that point define them. And don't we just love how Serena makes him hers.

I just love this one! Oh, and it's a 5 now.

[quondame · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Really, a tough unhappy man brought to right by love. Ah, well, it's what's expected, as I guess is the sanctioned sex. Not what I look for, but it suits if it's what seek.

[tldegray-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm just here for the flirtatious banter.

[kingrat_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

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 het books down the road.

[capnrandm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm normally not a novella person, but this on satisfied. I didn't really get the "either/or" drama behind the climax, but the character interactions were very satisfying.

[beckymmoe_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! The back-and-forth between Serena and Hugo was fabulous, and the story itself was very satisfying. It was exactly what I needed to read at the time I read it.

[readerlas · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The plot was way too complex for a short story. Beautifully written, as usual for Courtney Milan, but what would have been character growth and evolution in a full-length novel came across as out-of-character behavior and lazy shortcuts in this novella.

[readsalot81 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As a novella, I know it's supposed to be shorter, but I didn't want the story to end. Entertaining read!