Going Home

Orryn ran away from home as a young teenager. After years spent trying to forget, she is forced to face the memories she’s been hiding from.
Thea never understood why her sister left. Her childhood was happy and she lives her adult life surrounded by people she loves, but she never stopped wondering.
When the two sisters meet again, a struggle to mend the bond they once shared, and reconcile their differing memories of their childhood, begins.

In a world where blending in is valued above everything else, scars can be a dangerous thing to show. After years of drifting and hiding, Orryn returns to her homeland and must choose between baring her scars and losing her sister a second time.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Emma Lindhagen shares the first in a novella series with Going Home, a story about sisters reuniting in England. Though the novella focuses on Thea and Orryn's relationship, it also introduces the setting for the future novel. This is a world where magic is a tool that can be honed, but it is also considered a deviant act, those caught practicing are treated like criminals and Wardens are watching. 

Orryn and Thea are sisters who have lived in two separate countries for most of their lives. Orryn ran away, across the Atlantic, when she was a young teenager. Thea remained with her parents unsure of why her sister left, upset that Orryn had abandoned her. Now, years later, after both parents have passed away, Thea invites her older sister back and Orryn dares to accept. Orryn is a very secretive and afraid young woman. Readers don't get the whole story in this novella, but they learn a lot about her past that allows them to initiate an emotional connection with Orryn. Thea is a settled woman, living with her loving partner Kella in a commune of sorts. Thea still looks up to her big sister but wants to understand why she left. When the truth comes out, Thea struggles to believe it. 

Usually I feel like novella's lack enough back story to form strong connections with readers, but Going Home shatters that idea. The entire novella is an emotional experience between two sisters where their back stories are revealed. This first installment does it's job perfectly, connecting the readers with the characters. It piques the interest for the main plot line with the creepy Wardens and illegal magic. I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and am looking forward to the next book. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Dancing With the Duke

She's loved him for years...
Charlotte Grant can't remember a time when she didn't love her best friend's older brother.


He's never noticed her...
The Duke of Clarington hadn't spared a thought for his sister's friend in years.

Their situations are about to be reversed...
It is the beginning of a new Season and Clarington intends to stay away from all the young ladies and eager mamas hoping to ensnare a duke. But that plan falls into tatters when his mother sponsors his sister's friend and enlists him to dance with her at Almack's. The beautiful vixen he meets that night bears little resemblance to the shy, gangly girl who used to follow him around. Now, instead of avoiding Charlotte, he finds himself frustrated when she seems to notice everyone but him.

*May Contain Spoilers*

As a prequel novella to a series, Dancing With the Duke by Suzanna Medeiros sets the stage for future installments. Charlotte and Alex were childhood acquaintances and now that they're all grown up, Charlotte is determined to catch Alex as her husband. 

Charlotte and Alex are likeable enough for readers to complete the novella, but because of the short nature of the book, it's quite difficult to make any true connections. Charlotte, in her childhood, was a blushing, shy, gangly girl. Now she's grown into a beautiful young woman who has learned confidence and self-esteem. These traits are perfect for a foundation of character connection, but not enough to fully form a bond with readers. 

Readers don't learn much about Alex, except that he isn't ready to marry until he sets his eyes on Charlotte for the first time in seven years. He has high morals and loves his family. Again, two good traits to build a connection on. I truly think that this prequel deserves novel-length and more character evolution. Medeiros has set up a wonderful romance but doesn't deliver the satisfying story evolution that she could have. 

Rating: 2/5 Cups

The Governess Affair

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…

*May Contain Spoilers*

Courtney Milan writes the prequel to her Brothers Sinister series with, The Governess Affair. A stubborn governess meets the most stubborn man in the ton, but which will bend first? 

Serena and Hugo share the stage as the main characters. The point of view often switches between them and it's a wonder to read. They both are quick-witted, humorous, and will stop at nothing to get what they want. Serena is an adventurous girl who seems to always find herself in trouble, yet she's brave, open, resilient, and persistent. Readers will connect with Serena on her path of justice based on her personality and her hope for the future. 

Hugo is the villain-turned-hero of this prequel. He's given the job to eliminate the problem that is Serena and readers will love how much he struggles! He doesn't expect to meet his match in the tossed away governess, but he does and it's an absolute riot. He chills her to the bone and then gives her hot tea to warm her soul. The match-up is on even ground and it's a thoroughly enjoyable duel. 

The plot that Milan creates is masterful and intriguing. I loved reading the barbed witticisms that Serena and Hugo spit at each other. I laughed at the unexpected situations and hated the Duke as much as Serena. I can't vouch for the whole series, but if the other books are anything like this prequel, read them voraciously. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Governess Affair