Brothers Sinister, Book 2
Synopsis: Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.
And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.
Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.
Review: Courtney Milan presents here a lovely little historical atypical romance. How not to succumb to the new ideas that have been introduced in this story with this unique heroine who has built herself a gilded cage.
Jane Fairfiels is not a young woman like the others, she is what is called a “bastard” but also a very intelligent rich woman. Something that could be very interesting for one person may prove to be a mortal enemy for a woman who does not wish to marry. Indeed, trying to be present for her sister, until her majority, Jane has the duty to prevent any wedding proposal to protect her junior. This is a full time job when we see how the tutor takes care of the girl, locking her permanently in his house, stopping her from having friends and constantly trying to find her all sorts of doctors to treat her little known evil. It is not an easy task for Jane, but even if our heroine does not really have talents in society, she accentuates her nature to become the most hateful person. In addition to this, she continually wears hideous outfits that are now famous. But now, her plans change when she meets with Olivier, a different man who seems to realize that she could be much more than that but also a man who could do what he dreams of if he manages to publicly and permanently humiliate our dear Jane.
I took a lot of pleasure to follow Jane, it’s a different heroine of the one we usually find in historical romance. The young woman is strong, courageous even if all she does is very difficult … Nevertheless, it is really not easy when we see that she must also confront the terrible remarks of the persons evolving around her. But it is also why she does not change who she is and what she has to wear to suit the company. And finally we have Oliver … It is difficult to identify this man and I must say that he does not know himself how to act in light of the choices available to him. All this, is further complicated when a certain attraction is created between him and Jane. Alas, it is not possible for him to marry a young woman who does not behave herself and who does not hesitate to dress this way, all his politician plans would be seriously affected.
It was a very good novel and even if it’s true that I did not necessarily connect to the first, I was thrilled by this second volume. It was a real pleasure to see some important events here as the laws of parliament, ethnic marriages, the desire of women to become more than what they can be. Yes, we easily find some great themes in the chapters.
As you can see, a new very good novel and I am curious to know what we’ll find later.
blodeuedd
I have tried a few of hers, but not this one
Melliane
it was a nice one!
Silvia
You know I really LOVE historical romances and this is new to me so, off she goes noting it down! Glad you had a good time with it, Melliane 🙂
Melliane
yes it was fun!
Tracy Terry
Loving that dress.
I normally like historical fiction and I love feisty female characters but alas for some reason this doesn’t really appeal.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I need to read this Melliane!!! I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it, and Courtney Milan has never disappointed me, so I have no doubt I’ll be a fan of this one as well:) So glad it was a win for you!
Melliane
yes I’m sure you’ll love it!
kindlemom1
I love that you described this as atypical! Wonderful review!
Lily B
I have heard that she writes really good historicals, blah I think I have a few too. Glad you kept at it, despite unable to connect with it at first
Melliane
this one was really good!
Ramona
Too bad about that lack of connection… But overall it sounds interesting and different, as you say. Happy Weekend 🙂
LilyElement
Sounds like one that Drea would enjoy. Great review!
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Such a pretty cover. I’ve read one of hers and really need to read another some day. Yay for it hooking ya!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Oh I’ve wanted to read this series. So glad you found it enjoyable and you make this one sound so good! Brilly review!
Heidi
So nice to hear that this one ended up impressing over all. Such a lovely cover, you can’t help but be drawn to it.
Carole Rae
I do want to read more by her.
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
I haven’t read any Courtney Milan books yet, but this one sounds very good! Great review, Melliane.
Keertana @ Ivy Book Bindings
I reallyyy love this series and Courtney Milan is one of my favorite romance authors, so I’m glad to see you really enjoyed this. Can’t wait to see what you make of her other novels! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I love the cover and this sounds delightful. Sometimes when they stand on their own I like them better
Lorna
So this is book 2 but can this standalone? Were these same characters in the first book? Sounds different for a historical romance for sure 🙂
Melliane
yes you can, it’s not a problem, the characters are in fact different yes.
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
Oooh. Stunning cover. Glad you are enjoying historical romances. 🙂
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
I love the important issues this books covers. Sounds like a good read to me.
kara-karina
This is one of my faves from Milan. Glad you loved Jane 🙂