Brothers Sinister, Book 1
Synopsis: Sometimes love is an accident.
This time, it’s a strategy.
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 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…
Review: I heard a lot of great things about the Courtney Milan’s historical romances and when I saw this new series, I admit that I was very intrigued. So I started happily with this first volume.
Minnie is a young woman who hides her past as best as she can, that’s also why she has changed her name. But the only way for her to be really safe would be to find a husband … alas, is it really the solution? The fact that she is trying to be a person she isn’t, gives a different image of her nature to the persons around her. While she has a great determination, many desires, she passes for a young silence woman, a malleable and insignificant mouse. It’s pretty sad that see what people think about her, and yet she is far from that. But while some are closer to the truth, attempting to delve into her past, Minnie crosses the path of a duke, someone well beyond what she could expect but which nevertheless seems very interested in her.
Mixing with the workers’ revolution and tracts to help the poor people conditions over a period which is governed by the privileges, gave a very interesting story. It was not necessarily a theme that I expected there but it was very interesting to learn more about it. As for the characters, Robert, our beloved Duke is a really likeable character. He is true, natural and, above all, trying not to look like his father, but when he meets with Minnie, everything will change. Minnie will have to face her past here, the choice of her parents and she will finally allow herself to believe in a better life where she would be recognized for the person she truly is.
I was very surprised by the revelations about the Minnie’s past! The author had very good ideas and it’s true that we do not imagine for a single second about the truth. All this makes us feel the pains of our heroine elsewhere and we fully understand some of her strange behavior. She had not had an easy life and it’s true that we hope all along that everything will work out for her.
It was a good first book and I admit that I’m curious to see how the others will be.
Paula M. @ Her Book Thoughts!
I guess you’ll be continuing with the series then? I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 I’m not much of a historical reader but I’ll sure give this a try if I decided to read in that genre!
Melliane
I think so, I’m curious to see how book 2 is.
Kirsty-Marie
Whoo, yay for it being original in a way of not being predictable with her past, shame you didn’t love it though! 🙁
Melliane
it was interesting.
Braine
it feels like historical romance day on my feed today. I feel left out lol
Melliane
a bit I confess.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
YAY!!!! So glad you gave this one a try Melliane, and I’m happy you enjoyed it overall. I so enjoy Courtney’s books, she’s great at bringing out all the feels, so I’m excited to see what you’ll think as you continue with her books!
Melliane
I really need to try something more by her now.
kindlemom1
Any first book in a series that can keep you engaged and want to come back for more is always a good book in my opinion. Glad this worked out for you.
Melliane
I’m curious how the sequel will be
Silvia
Glad you enjoyed this read! You know I really love historical romances, so you definitely got me curious 🙂
Melliane
yes I love them too!
Ramona
Yes, dukes are dreamy 🙂 I like how Robert sounds, I must admit. And if there are revelations that took you by surprise, that much better. This one sounds really good!
Heidi
Can’t go wrong with a good first book. Hopefully the series will continue to get better and better from here on out.
Melliane
yes I hope so too!
blodeuedd
Your first Milan! 😀
Molly Mortensen
Sounds like an interesting story. I’m nervous about the bad things that happened in her past, but I’m glad the duke was nice. I can relate to wanting not to be noticed.
Carole Rae
Let me know how the second goes! If it is good, I shall attempt it. 🙂
Melliane
I’ll definitely tell you!
ShootingStarsMag
I have to admit, historical romance doesn’t really appeal to me that often. I am curious about her past though!
-Lauren
Lupdilup
Oh, how I have enjoyed some of her books! For some reason I’ve been staying away from historical and I really don’t know why, this is genre that’s very good on audio (most of the time).
I might have to look into this book, a good narrator can make it an even better experience.
Thank you Melliane 🙂
Joy (Joyousreads)
It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in some good historical romance! I’m glad you found this one enjoyable. I hope you’ll enjoy the rest of the books in the series!
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Being invested enough to want to read the rest of the series is a good thing, I’m glad you enjoyed it. And welcome back, hope you had a great time in London 🙂
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
For me, this series really just got better with every book. I definitely think this wasn’t bad, but it also wasn’t the best Milan has to offer so I’d encourage you to keep reading the series. The 3rd and 4th books are my favorites. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things)
This reminds me I need to tackle her books I have on my tbr. I am in a mood for a good historical romance. This one sounds like a pretty decent introduction and I may have to pick it up.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
She’s one I need to try again one day. I read her in a novella a while back and while it was well written it was incredibly depressing for a romance and kind of has me hesitant to pick up another. I know I will one day though 🙂
Melliane
this one isn’t depressing so it was ok, just a bit non realist on some parts for me
Benish
The last time I read a historical romance was Grave Mercy, good ones is news to me – the gorgeous is gorgeous though.