The Governess Affair

A short historical romance novella that moves along at a very snappy pace with a plot less straightforward than the title implies. The romance felt a bit rushed, very "love at first sight", and the male protagonist was a little too good to be true.

I love historical fiction, but I haven't read much romance and don't understand the conventions of the genre. Perhaps this book fits into a specific sub-genre thus written perfectly to fit a category? Personally, I'd have liked a bit more character development and more historical bits, but it was a fun enough read. Unsure whether I'll read the rest of the series however.

Man meets woman when she shows up wanting justice from his employer, who raped her.

This is a prequel to The Duchess War. I read the other books in the series first because I couldn't picture the premise for this novella working. But does works well. Lovely story, with one of the most interesting of Milan's sex scenes.

I've never read a romance novel until two days ago and uhhhh they're actually really lovely and I think I love this genre now? Who knew, I certainly didn't!

Very pleasantly surprised by this one. Glad I read it.

Hugo Marshall, will you be my book boyfriend? You are exactly my type. Strong on the outside, soft on the inside. Smart (very important). And a strange mix of safe and dangerous. He's the perfect match for Selena, and she was damn lucky to find him.

Really fast read and hits all of the right historical romance notes for me. I'm quite excited to see how book 1 holds up against the backstory. It's going to be tough to beat Hugo, and I hope he makes an appearance.

Really loved it. 4 gooey stars.

possibly should win some sort of prize for 'most conscientiously consensual romance novel dealing with rape.'

How does she do this?! HOW DOES COURTNEY MILAN WRITE ABOUT STUFF THAT I WOULD NORMALLY CRINGE FROM IN ROMANCE NOVELS AND DO IT WELL?!?!

Actually, not even just romance novels, but all fiction. There are precious few things I would trust with any kind of rape plotline, but she handles it with care, respect, and aplomb here.

Trigger Warning on this one for (off-screen, referenced) rape.