My Thoughts:

We’ll start with the punchline first–I have nary a sour word to say about this book. I imagine The Governess Affair, as with any book, isn’t everyone’s cup of piping hot tea…but for my part, it was a magnificently crafted story that just *happens* to be of novella length.

This book is quick to create lasting impressions from the characters, establish drama, and create a believable, seemingly intractable conflict. The hero and heroine of this tale were just so damn interesting, each. Of course, given the story’s length, there was not room for a lot of exposition, but still Hugo Marshall and Serena Barton are fully fleshed out. Hugo’s cold ruthlessness and dogged determination for success–consequences bedamned–is believable…as is his secret sense of humor and his gentle affection. Likewise, Serena is convincing as a juxtaposition of vulnerability and bravery.

…and such glorious banter from the two protagonists! Their exchanges were not simply cute or romantic, they were genuinely clever as well. And during moments of solemnity, their interactions were heart achingly bittersweet.

It’s also rather cool that the protagonists aren’t paragons of physical perfection. The story emphasizes the protagonists’ humanness, and doesn’t make it seem like an insult to be less than conventionally beautiful. It’s rather magical to watch the hero and heroine to go from unremarkable in the other’s eyes to stunning…a wonderful demonstration of beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

The story continually surprises even as it follows certain hallmarks of the genre. It was straightforward yet with great depth of emotion, and never ever does it feel rushed or full of unnecessary content. What impresses me most, perhaps, is how well The Governess Affair transitions from a beautiful, quaint tale about a stubborn governess meeting her match…to (nearly instantly) a whole new world of possibility that serves as the basis for the rest of the series.

These characters, this simple but profound story, I won’t soon forget. Well played, Courtney Milan. Well played. ^_^

. . .

Verdict: This was a novella that definitely packs a punch above its weight class. With memorable characters that brought forth a depth of complexity and emotion, this story is a wonderful setup for what’s certainly a great historical romance series.

I give The Governess Affair 5 stars!

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