Courtney Milan - Proof by Seduction

She was his last chance for a future of happiness...
A gifted fortune-teller from a humble background, Jenny can make even the most sophisticated skeptic believe her predictions simply by batting her smoky eyelashes. Until she meets her match in Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a sworn bachelor and scientist.
Broodingly handsome, Gareth is scandalized to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of "Madame Esmerelda," and vows to prove Jenny a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth's calculated plan--until he can't decide whether to seduce her or ruin her. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they know...and the boundless possibilities of love.

Comment: I had this book by Courtney Milan to read for a while. I have read other books by her in the past and enjoyed most of them, which is why I was also curious about the books I hand't read yet.

In this story, apparently the first or one of the first books written and published by the author, we meet heroine Jenny who works as the clairvoyant Mrs Esmeralda and after such a disappointing life, she mostly feels no worries about taking people's money to make ends' meet. For the past years, this has been her livelihood but lately, she has been feeling a little guilty for taking one of her client's money. Ned Carhart approached at a very low moment in his life and more than wanting his money, she felt she was being a friend, who could help him. However, two years passed and now his cousin, the marquess of Blakely, much more set on logic and science, wants to prove her wrong and cease her influence on Ned. The problem is that Jenny doesn't mind a challenge and she wants to gain the upper hand on a lord. What neither counted on was how much proximity could cause them to develop feelings for one another...

This story has all the ingredients to make it a good one, I really tend to like the idea of heroines in rough moments in their lives getting better chances of improving their odds of becoming stronger, happier... I think this was a great story to see an example of this, but to be fair, I really think this is one of those books by the author where the analysis of things took up a lot of attention, in detriment of the romantic aspects of the main couple's relationship.

I say this because mrs Milan is know for her depth of characterization and by how much her characters think and are logical, a little bit an extension of the author herself, with her wit and more scientific mind. I'd say the issue is that, on the other side of this, we have too much of an analytic approach, which can sound a bit too specific and "brainy" and that removes some of the fun out of things. Besides, if this takes a long part of the novel, then when the characters change their minds or start acting differently because they interact with someone different, it might sound too odd. Well, at least, I felt that in this case.

Gareth, the hero, is described as someone who is practical, serious about his duties as a marquess and we learn he was taught from a young age to not give in to silliness and fun because he is the embodiment of his title. I can see how he would feel he had a certain posture to uphold. Of course, Jenny being someone without the same social constraints because she was not part of the aristocracy, means we would have a great contrast and indeed, there are some cute scenes in the book where we see how opposed they are. I especially liked and laughed at the scene Gareth sings in public...

But there's never the sense we are losing track of the proper issues at hand here: society works a certain way and people are expected to play roles, to not catch the attention of others for judgment is harsh. Jenny has felt it in a way and she has had bad experiences so there is always this notion women, in particular, aren't seen as equals and Jenny clearly wants to be seen as equal by Gareth. I found the conflicts and discussions they shared quite interesting and realistic but in terms of romance....

The best part of the romance, for me, was actually the end. I suppose it's no surprise this story ends as well as one could expect but the road there felt so complicated for them, both personally and in how society would see it, that when they did, I feel I wasn't convinced enough their love was as solid as the author intends it to look. I get the idea but there's some looseness of the tone of the story, some more daily life scenes missing from their interactions, to make it sound they could match at all levels. I was glad they found a HEA but the journey wasn't always as captivating as I might have preferred.

There are some secondary issues being dealt here to, which I liked, namely in the character of Ned, who is obviously facing depression. I suppose this will be alluded further in his own book but I'm still debating if the curiosity over hoe his HEA might develop is enough to make me want to go through what I imagine will be more analysis and picking on (deserving) serious matters without enough to balance this out. I like the vibe of the books but they aren't always as balanced as they could. To me, at least.

Grade: 6/10

Courtney Milan - Hold Me

Jay na Thalang is a demanding, driven genius. He doesn’t know how to stop or even slow down. The instant he lays eyes on Maria Lopez, he knows that she is a sexy distraction he can’t afford. He’s done his best to keep her at arm’s length, and he’s succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.
Maria has always been cautious. Now that her once-tiny, apocalypse-centered blog is hitting the mainstream, she’s even more careful about preserving her online anonymity. She hasn’t sent so much as a picture to the commenter she’s interacted with for eighteen months—not even after emails, hour-long chats, and a friendship that is slowly turning into more. Maybe one day, they’ll meet and see what happens.
But unbeknownst to them both, Jay is Maria’s commenter. They’ve already met. They already hate each other. And two determined enemies are about to discover that they’ve been secretly falling in love… 

Comment: This is the second installment in the Cyclone series by author Courtney Milan. I've read the first one back in 2016 and I liked it. I had all intentions of getting to this one sooner but well, you probably know why delays and postponing happen when it comes to pick books. Nevertheless, I didn't forget I got interested in this book while reading the other, so this month I picked it up. The series will have 5 more installments, including two novellas, but since the author is known for her slow paced writing, it's sage to assume it will take some time. But to be honest, I'm more interested in two stories in particular, let's see.

This books focuses on two characters from the same universe of the last story, this time the main female character is Maria, Tina's housemate.

Maria is a very smart woman, but she hides vulnerabilities with amazing shoes and a killer look, which leads some people to assume she isn't as smart as in reality. This is exactly what happens when she first meets Jay, her brother Gabe's friend. Jay is attractive, he's a professor at Berkeley but his focus makes him dismissive of others at times and he judges Maria rather quickly. As time goes by, the two of them increase their animosity every time they meet, usually randomly.

However, Maria has a very popular anonymous blog where she presents apocalyptic scenarios using math and statistics odds and other scientific things which makes her blog very well researched. She has had a commenter for at least an year and a half and they hit it off perfectly, even while maintaining their identities secret.

What will they do, though, when they discover their perfectly in love pseudonyms are the same real life hating known selves?

Courtney Milan is truly a very smart person and she does an amazing research work to complement her novels. Most of her characters (male and female but especially female, yay) are competent, smart, logical in their intelligence and that comes across really well. Is it just the result of a research well placed within the story line? I don't think so, the author's knowledge from her university background shines. Of course this can make some parts rather difficult or boring for those not familiar to the concepts but for me, even while not understanding most of the technical content, this was  a winner because mrs Milan knows what she's doing.

I think one of the goals intended in this novel - just my opinion based on how I read this - was for us to focus on the wrong judgment we often make of others based on their looks or circumstances and how that can be negative on the long run. Jay mistakes Maria for someone insipid just because she wears heels and is good looking. Like when we say glittered or flamboyant dressed women must be air heads, for instance. 

I do like how the author takes a position against labels of any kind but at the same time, there are moments where I feel it's a necessity on her books for that to happen, and the characters can't just be themselves, they must personify some concept or something. This is not a critique, just a statement of fact.

So, not having labels in people makes it more complicated to know what to expect from that person so we really need to know someone before saying we like them or not and that also means we should focus and be interested in who that person is, not what defined them in their past or something. This was what seemed more obvious for me in the relationship between Maria and Jay. They are two smart people who don't like each other based on a wrong first meeting but they already like each other from other anonymous conversations. We really shouldn't judge a book by its cover...

But Maria and Jay also have inner characteristics, for example, Maria is trans and Jay is bi. These labels we like to use to - in a way -  even know how to deal with people and know how to speak with them about some subjects, were not fully addressed here. I get why, this is not important for who they are, for what they need to eb to interact with others. 

But it's part of their personalities, part of what made them the person they are now. I would have liked to see them discuss that better.

In the bigger picture of enjoying this book however, these details lack as much importance as I made them have. I actually loved all the steps taken for them to gt to the point where they admitted their feelings for one another, where they admitted their fears and even guilt over events they could control and how brave they both were. This felt like a very complete, well paced love story.

Sometimes one needs to empathize, or to be in sync with the characters and often that makes some readers like something a lot and others not as much. 

For me, this romance worked out well. I'd change this and that for personal preferences but I can't say I wasn't plenty satisfied with the story as it was presented. I hope the next one is as good for me.

Grade: 9/10

TBR Challenge: Courtney Milan - Trade Me

Tina Chen just wants a degree and a job, so her parents never have to worry about making rent again. She has no time for Blake Reynolds, the sexy billionaire who stands to inherit Cyclone Technology. But when he makes an off-hand comment about what it means to be poor, she loses her cool and tells him he couldn’t last a month living her life.
To her shock, Blake offers her a trade: She’ll get his income, his house, his car. In exchange, he’ll work her hours and send money home to her family. No expectations; no future obligations.
But before long, they’re trading not just lives, but secrets, kisses, and heated nights together. No expectations might break Tina’s heart...but Blake’s secrets could ruin her life. 

Comment: Here we are in another TBR post, this month the theme is a Random Pick, which basically means anything we want or anything we were up to. I had several books I'd enjoy presenting as my choice but I ended up with Courtney Milan and her first contemporary novel. 

I had this book in the pile for some time and I've enjoyed the historicals I've read by her, some more than others but I do plan on going through her back list (2017 project, humm...), so I was glad to try her contemporary work. I was even more pleased when I realized the heroine was Asian. I mean, I don't particularly look for Asian heroines but I was very curious and Courtney Milan does justice for her unusual heroines so...decision made.

In this book we meet Tina Chen, a young woman who wants to get her degree and finally make it possible for her parents to live freely without worrying about the bills. Her life isn't easy, she has to work twice as hard as any fellow student because she works and lives away from college but she's doing it. What annoys her the most, however, is how other students seem to think poor people are simply lazy and one day in class she gets into a discussion of this with Blake Reynolds, a very wealthy guy, the son of a powerful man and part of Cyclone Technology, a very conceited company.

Because of their fight, he ends up talking to her and later she has an offer from him, to trade places, each one will do what the other does for a limited time, simply as that.

Tina and Blake are very different but with this experience they learn that attraction and true feelings don't care about money or parents....

The first thing that really made me eager to read this story was the difference in classes between Tina and Blake. It's one of my personal preferences to read about heroines in dire situations but with work and humility they can try to overcome their situations. A little help from the hero is great but the best thing is for her to be worthy of any good things that might appear in her path. I don't know, this trope calls to me.

Also great was her origins and I was quite curious how the fact they come from different backgrounds would matter to their relationship. I think the connection between them was pretty convincing even if the idea that brought them together - the trade - doesn't sound very realistic in terms of jobs and professionalism behavior.

The romance is slow paced but the author is very talented in portraying this, so I was sold on them when the book ended. It never seems they simply want to act, both think and weight what they do, what the consequences can be...I guess this makes the plot rather plain but I like when characters act as grown ups. Despite this book being labeled NA - for their ages mostly - their maturity and behavior speaks to me, because they act as adults and they know how much importance the things in their life have and nothing is superficial or vain.

I liked them together, how each one could let their guard down in order to fall in love and trust and take some strength from the other.

The best thing was their personality and how we got to know them as individuals. Both had weaknesses and I was surprised to see the path the author took, especially when it came to Blake. It's not often we see his problem in real life, much less in fiction.

If there's one thing I can complain about is the subtlety. At some points, certain ideas are conveyed and we do have explicit scenes and parts when it comes to them as a couple but I guess I miss more romantic things, yes their relationship was great and sweet but a bit more emphasis on that would have been great. I just think some things weren't as obviously romantic as I would wish for.

Another thing is that there are situations that seemed a little bit too over analyzed. This means i, as the reader, had to follow that way of thinking or idea to a point where it stopped being as interesting or where I no longer had to wonder because it was explained too much or not believably. This is not bad, only something I couldn't help noticing at some point.

I like this author took time to develop the characters in a believable way. All secondary characters have a distinct personality and they seem complete, meaning they aren't there just filling space, there's a purpose to everything and every character in the page. I like how the author picks something or someone and develops that idea until the end, we can see a growth in everything, a substantial development to what surrounds the main couple. I think this makes the story look more mature and well thought, which gives it a very rational vibe, completely opposite the usual NA stories more focused on sex, lust and silly behavior.

I think this is a successful story, one I was glad to read and it made me curious about what is to come next. No subject was simply addressed here, there are themes that aren't easy but we got glimpses of them and what can possibly be done. I foresee interesting possibilities for the future.

The next book must be amazing, considering the heroine. I think the author has captivated me enough to make me read, at least, one more book in the series.

Grade: 8/10

Several authors - Premiere: Romance Writers of America anthology

From Romance Writers of America® comes a never-before-published collection of tales that showcases the breadth and complexity of the world's most popular genre of fiction!
New York Times bestselling authors Cindy Gerard and Allison Brennan bring the thrills in their tales of romantic suspense.
New York Times bestselling authors Sabrina Jeffries and Courtney Milan take you on a trip back in time with lush stories of historical romance.
New York Times bestselling authors Vicki Lewis Thompson and Joan Johnston show the wonder of contemporary romance, while New York Times bestselling authors Monica Murphy and Laura Kaye's New Adult romances delve into the evolving Millennial perspective.
And editor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Sylvia Day's tale of angels and sizzling desire takes readers to the edge with paranormal romance.
From the first love of Young Adult romance to tales of second chances, LGBT romance to the realms of the supernatural, contemporary to historical, suspense to inspirational, the genre of romance has a story for every reader and this blockbuster inaugural collection from Romance Writers of America showcases it all!

Comment: This is one of the most recent books I've read. I got the anthology a few months ago and thought it would be a good summer read but as always it ended being pushed and only a few days ago I picked it at last.

The anthology has the idea of "wrong number", meaning all stories somehow had to include the idea of a wrong number being key to whatever situation described in the plot. As always, some author seemed to have done it very well, others not so much.

 

The stories are 18 and some were new authors to me. I'm including the links to their sites below, in my comments.

The ones I've read are in one of my other lists.

 

The problem with short stories is precisely the limitation we have because of page count; in some stories I think it was obvious the author would need more space to develop the characters, the plot...some ideas would make great full length books, in my opinion.

The thing is, any reader has different opinions. I liked 3 stories best, others were average and 2 I think weren't up to my taste. Everything is relative, it depends on someone's mood, the target audience, our genre preferences, etc... it doesn't mean those authors did a bad job but in the same limited amount of time, some authors convinced me and others didn't.

This is a good way to know more authors and some here I will look at their back lists, but many will be forgettable for me.

 

As a whole I'd say this is an average read because my favorites and least favorites aren't in the majority.

I've graded each story individually and then divided them and I got a sort of average number.

I won't write much about each one, but will leave my overall impression.

 

RAVISHED BY THE GEEK by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Contemporary 6/10

This is about a man getting a wrong email because of a #2 at the end of his email account but then he has the chance to fulfill the fantasies of the woman he has a crush on. I liked it but the pages dedicated to describe the sex would have been better used to develop their feelings.

 

UNDER A WICKED MOON by Lila Bell, PNR 3/10

Two former orphans who shared a foster house meet again, she uses magic on him (wrong number of ingredients in the spell), he feels she's his mate. It passed me by and I didn't find much interest in it even though I like shape shifter stories because their connection wasn't very likable, I didn't feel interested in them as a couple.  

 

A RIGHT HONORABLE GENTLEMAN by Courtney Milan, Historical 8/10

One of may favorites about a 39 year old governess who's leaving her post because the boy she's been educating is going to Eton and how his father, someone important finally decides to pursue her (at a wrong number address) and make them both happy. I was happy too because ms Milan writes wonderfully and her story seemed bigger and better.

 

STATION 12 by Amber Lin, Contemporary 5/10

A woman tries to leave her ex things in his cubicle at the fire station but gets the wrong station and meets another man. There's a connection between them but she only looks for him after she feels he might be special and brave while seeing him in the news helping someone from a fire. It was cute but too easy for me. More pages would have helped, considering what she was going through emotionally.

 

WRONG NUMBER, RIGHT GIRL by Monica Murphy, New Adult 4/10

Ehh...player guy is facing a purpose crises or something, tries to seduce someone, the girl gives him her cousin's number, the cousin and him start to chat, they meet...they get along. Not interested in him, in her, or in their relationship. Typical NA plot but easily put aside by me.

 

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS by Regina Scott, Inspirational 5/10

A woman meets her crush again after he comes back from the military post where he's been, they meet again, reconnect, realize they can love each other. Sweet but nothing special, I felt it fit the idea but not much more than that. Forgot the number reference to be honest.

 

COMING HOME by Joan Johnston, Contemporary 8/10

I'd love to see this developed because it was good, a FBI agent goes on a double date (with a wrong number dress size) with her cousin, cousin's boyfriend and Luke, an ex con, wrongly accused. They were getting along, they dismissed prejudices and tried to respect the other...it was really great to read and it's another one of my favorite stories here.

 

THE POET by T.L. Costa, YA 7/10

Surprised by this sweet story about a boy with a crush who sends her a poem by mistake. He tries to stop her from reading, joins a zumba class somehow and ends up knowing she feels the same and was waiting for him to say something. I liked there was no sexual content and everything was cute. Usually not fond of YAs at all, this was one of the best stories, I think.

 

DEAD WRONG by Cindy Gerard, Romantic Suspense 6/10

A woman was wrongly accused of murdering her husband, she is acquitted and goes home where she meets Jed again, her teenage years sweetheart. They hit it off again, face her ex father in law who believes he killed his son and she and Jed save the day and end up happy ever after. Meh, it had some interestingly emotional issues I wish would have been better used, but overall I wasn't too convinced and the lovers reunited theme rarely wins me over. Forgot number reference.

 

THE FALLOUT by Harper St. George, NA 5/10

A good idea about a young couple getting back together before the divorce whose deadline would be in a different day than the one scheduled. I didn't enjoy the fact there was more focus in sexually address the issue than to better prepare the emotional setbacks of their lives. This was the story I forgot more about after finishing the anthology.

 

HARD TO BREATHE by Sylvia Day, PNR 7/10

It was good on its own, two angels, different hierarchies battling their feelings, he's an alpha type, all good except the part where concessions have to be made for them to be together. Why complicate was my thought about something that was on the way to perfection then felt short to me. Forgot the number reference.

 

ALL I WANT by Erica Ridley, Historical 5/10

I had a hard time thinking about this as an historical somehow. The sweethearts reunited didn't ring true in this story about a good family girl still loving the wrong boy who went to war. They eventually get their HEA because of a game of cards. Not very appealing to my tastes. Forgot the number reference.

 

COVERING HER SKIN by Laura Kaye, Contemporary/NA? 7/10

This was good overall, a woman wants to get rid of a numbered tattoo by covering it with another, the tattoo artist knew about the treason she suffered, they now feel attracted. I liked the guy, I felt sorry for the girl, but too many clichés to justify this and it felt rushed. Good but a different page count would have helped.

 

THE LONG WAY HOME by Katy Regnery, NA 5/10

Many liked this one but it felt flat to me, older girl than the guy usually is not my cup of tea, then mixed with older sparks reunited, ehh...it was only positive for me because of the emotional aspect which had space to be improved. But the rest is forgettable to me. Number reference about the only one seat to be taken at the bus home.

 

THEIR NIGHT OFF by Allison Brennan, Romantic Suspense 6/10

Too much talk about sex. I get it but it distracted me from the plot, which I never got very interested in anyway. A FBI agent has an eureka moment about a case, her cop boyfriend helps her. I wanted to know more about their relationship but the way it was presented seemed it wasn't as strong as it could have been.

 

FLYING IN THE FACE OF CONVENTION by Lex Valentine, LGBT 7/10

I liked this one, but it also had the problem of not enough pages to tell what could have been a great story. Too much time dedicated to sex when things more subtle could have worked out and left space to improve the personal characterization of the guys. Mail delivered to wrong number address.

 

AN APRIL FOOL'S FORBIDDEN AFFAIR by Sabrina Jeffries, Historical 5/10

A man is in love with his deceased wife's sister, he fights it but everyone noticed it except her, who also moons about him. By trying to show a lesson to the woman's younger brother, they set up a prank in a wrong address and eventually face the reality of their feelings. Rushed, confusing story filled with clichés and sincerely, not very appealing characters.

 

WRONG ADDRESS, RIGHT GUY by Diane Kelly, Contemporary 9/10

My favorite!! Guy comes to have a date, neighbor with the address next to the woman takes her place after the other woman leaves for another date, the two of them talk, have a great time, behave like grown ups and we are left with the idea of true happiness in the air. Loved it, I'd like to see it bigger but it was the one that felt more completed and structured and they had never met before. Wonderful read!

 

-//-

 

A thing I've noticed about the majority of the stories is how easy it is to use the lovers reunited trope and adaptations to it, or the meeting again to make the character's connection feel stronger and more realistic in such a short amount of time. I get it but it was hard to stomach that because I tend not to like those much.

I'll try to look at the authors besides ms Milan that I've liked and see if some other woks by them captivate me.

This anthology was good, interesting common theme but overall, it was average and good to pass the time...

Grade: 6/10

Courtney Milan - The Suffragette Scandal

Miss Frederica "Free" Marshall has put her heart and soul into her newspaper, known for its outspoken support of women's rights. Naturally, her enemies are intent on destroying her business and silencing her for good. Free refuses to be at the end of her rope...but she needs more rope, and she needs it now.
Edward Clark's aristocratic family abandoned him to die in a war-torn land, so he survived the only way he could: by becoming a rogue and a first-class forger. When the same family that left him for dead vows to ruin Miss Marshall, he offers his help. So what if he has to lie to her? She's only a pawn to use in his revenge.
But the irrepressible Miss Marshall soon enchants Edward. By the time he realizes that his cynical heart is hers, it's too late. The only way to thwart her enemies is to reveal his scandalous past...and once the woman he loves realizes how much he's lied to her, he'll lose her forever.

Comment: This hasn't been long in the pile. Since the first book in this series was one of my favorites of last year, I went and bought all the ones following in hopes of reliving the same experience. Although the other stories weren't as wonderful, I had a good time with them and this book wasn't the exception.

This is the story of Frederica Marshall, she's the younger sister of Oliver, from book #2. Free is an independent young woman always looking to defend woman's rights and to denounce the wrongs of a society which doesn't protect those who need. However, someone is trying to sabotage Free and her newspaper for women and she isn't aware of the danger waiting.

Edward Clarke knows all about it, though. He is the rightful heir of a peerage title but he was presumed dead and the things he did to survive make him want to stay away from responsibilities but after meeting Free and wanting to help her will make Edward's life a real challenge again...

Like I said, I had a good time with this book. It wasn't the gem the fist book was, but it has a solid storyline and character development balanced enough to be special and precise and enjoyable.

The main plot is Free's work and how someone is trying to make her look bad. Throughout the book we find out the reasons for that are pure spite and a wrong sense of payback. I think this was built well enough to make it reasonable and credible for the reader. I think there was some easiness in how some things were solved but overall, I think the author did a good job in creating that feeling of how things were going bad if nothing would stop them from happening.

Also good were the interactions between the characters. We have a sub plot developing, related to Edward's past and also a secondary hint at romance through Free's friend Amanda. Although the story isn't long, it still conveyed all the necessary responses at the correct places, which makes this a job well done in my opinion. The author has a certain voice I appreciate, although I admit that if sometimes the inner doubts and thoughts in some characters were a bit less it would help to enjoy the story better. But it's not such a bad thing in the general scheme of things.

The romance was cute, I think Edward's character had the longest path to redemption whereas Free was more solid in her life, her position of life and of her own strength and feelings. In a way, maybe the romance could have been a bit more balanced because I had the feeling Edward made all the concessions and Free kind of kept her wishes and in that I expected a better compromise than the one achieved. Nevertheless, apart from this, their interactions, the little things about the other they enjoyed and the way they behaved with the other was proof that their feelings were getting more deep and true. I liked how they got their HEA but yes, I'd change a thing here and there.

The bad guy is intrinsically connected to Edward's past and the way that aspect was used seemed clever to me, although there were a couple of times I think the solutions found were too easy. 

I liked the way the characters joined forces to battle someone bent on revenge for such silly reasons, but the tension was obvious and in that the author also did a good job.

All in all, this was a good book, wonderful to read, I wanted to keep reading to see what they would do so a success for me. Sadly the series is over but if one thinks properly, maybe it's better to finish high than to keep going lower, right?

Grade: 8/10

Two Roses in short stories

Scandal follows Rose Barclay, young widow of the Duke of Southdown, wherever she goes. It's never her fault--honor bright--but newspapers love to write about the young woman from Scotland, and the much older duke she married, who died on their honeymoon. The duke left her with a large widow's portion, now contested by his son, who kicks Rose out of the estate's dower house and uses it to kennel his dogs.
Rose does *not* need to be found with a large, handsome Scot passed out at her feet, fueling gossips and giving her stepson more ammunition. The Scot is Steven McBride - a decorated soldier who is notorious for heavy gambling and womanizing during his leave time. Steven is happy to open his eyes and find the beautiful woman standing over him, and happy to help spirit her away. He comes up with a ruse to foil the journalists, but Rose will have to go along with his very scandalous proposal.

* * * 

Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She’s a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper’s daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She’ll take obscurity, thank you very much.
All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He’s an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he’s also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn’t just a scandal waiting to happen. He’s waiting to happen to her…and if she’s not careful, she’ll give in to certain ruination. 

Comment: Both these novellas have been on my intended reading list for a while. I thought I should read them together because it would suit a mini comment here, with two novellas, something I'll try to keep doing in the future. Then, I found it so funny and surprising that the female protagonists in both short stories are named Rose! This was really not planned but quite the little factoid.

Talk to Me Sweetly seems to be quite the success to many readers but I thought the main couple wasn't that interesting and it felt like their interactions were too meaningful to be explored so easily and so fast. But in reality, I never really warmed up to Rose who, despite a fresh and unique personality, seemed very bland. Or maybe, comparing to Stephan, she seemed like that. I liked the racial differences and the challenges that would ask of the protagonists but being this a small story, it was never addressed properly in my opinion. I've enjoyed other stories by the author more but despite that I still plan to read the next full length novel in the Brothers Sinister series in which this short story is included.

Grade: 5/10

Scandal and the Duchess is another installment in the MacKenzie/McBride historical series by Jennifer Ashley. It's Steven McBride story and how he is tired of war, of being alone and helps a former duchess to fight for what is her due. The plot aspects were very interesting and the best thing was to see so many of the beloved characters of the series coming in to offer help. Being this a short story, the romance happens really fast and despite being cute after they start admitting it, the way it happened was fast and unlikely. I know it's hard to give a small story with all the necessary elements to make it work as a whole, but the romance part was really the least impressive even if sweet. Still, a series to keep reading and being eager for.

Grade: 7/10

Courtney Milan - The Countess Conspiracy

Sebastian Malheur is the most dangerous sort of rake: an educated one. When he’s not scandalizing ladies in the bedchamber, he’s outraging proper society with his scientific theories. He’s desired, reviled, acclaimed, and despised—and he laughs through it all.
Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury, on the other hand, is entirely respectable, and she’d like to stay that way. But Violet has a secret that is beyond ruinous, one that ties her irrevocably to England’s most infamous scoundrel: Sebastian’s theories aren’t his. They’re hers.
So when Sebastian threatens to dissolve their years-long conspiracy, she’ll do anything to save their partnership...even if it means opening her vulnerable heart to the rake who could destroy it for good.

Comment: Being new to this author and having liked the two previous books in this Brothers Sinisters series so far, I had blind hopes for this one and didn't have much contact with anything about this story beforehand. I wanted to be surprised by the author's style once more...but unfortunately it wasn't so.

This is Violet and Sebastien's story, they're characters we recognize from the previous books, and how their story is full of discoveries everywhere.
Violet thinks herself a rock of ice and she only cares about her plants and the studies she does.
Sebastien is a well known scientist, applauded by some, criticized by others due to the nature of his research and the themes of his studies, reproduction and genetic traits.
Sebastien and Violet have a deal in which Sebastien took the praise of her work because she was a woman and had more to loose. But now things change because Sebastien is tired and wants to stop..oh and he loves her too. What could happen with so many secrets coming out everywhere?

This story, I have to admit, has many things uncovered during its length. From the protagonists to those closer to them, if there's one thing this book delivers is news, is th feeling of "aha then that was it" and I have to say one of the findings we do is actually well thought and wonderful and such a good surprise I felt it was the book's moment.

However, despite the interesting scenes and little comments about the characters we saw as protagonists in the other stories, I felt the protagonists of this one weren't as successful or interesting.
First of all, I didn't feel much empathy towards them as individuals and I liked them even less as a couple. I guess it's one of those cases, potato, potahto or whatever. Some people might see them as perfect for each other for their common story, for the traits that made them close to each other, the interests they share...but for me it didn't work that well and I never felt a vibe of their connection even when they were saying lovely things to one another...well, more Sebastien than Violet, anyway.

Violet has had some dreadful experiences as a married woman and she feels she won't ever feel anything anymore, she is afraid of what it might mean for her because she was ill often during her marriage. I understand her reasons and in real life I surely would defend and applaud her and probably react like her, but she came out as too stoic and rigid and her thoughts were so science oriented I never really felt a connection towards her.
Sebastien is likable and many see that a laziness and boredom and they believe him to be a rake but deep down he's quite responsible and trustworthy but the person he most admires always puts him down and although we see why towards the end of the story, I still think he was a ill used character, his potential was so great in my eyes, it was really a shame he couldn't have another heroine.

Then their relationship...they're long time friends, they grew up in houses next to each other, so this makes them friends to lovers and this was one of the reasons why I didn't enjoy their romance much, they have known each other forever and now finally something happened...I know it's not impossible but I don't appreciate this theme and despite trying to put it aside, I still had trouble to focus on them and get reading. I really didn't buy the relationship...

In the end we find out interesting things about both their lives and happenings in their past but honestly the way they got together didn't suit my taste at ll and for that reason mainly I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted. I have hopes for the next one. The author's style is likable yes, but in this book not even that made the book more than just readable for me.
Grade: 6/10

Courtney Milan - The Heiress Effect

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.

Comment: This is the second full length book in the Brothers Sinisters series by Courtney Milan. After the novella Governess Affair which I liked, and the first book The Duchess War which was one of my favorites of last year, here it is the second book.

In this story we have as protagonist Oliver, the half brother to the hero of the first book. He's the son of the governess from the novella. Oliver has set his sights on politics. He wants to be the voice of those who can't speak for themselves and he wants to give some power to those who have none. To do so he has to play his cards well and marry well too, because the perfect wife might be the best accessory to reach his aims.
Jane Fairfield wants to avoid marriage and her tactic is to be as exaggerated and silly as possible to make all men want to be as far away from her as possible. But in this game, she didn't cont on Oliver, someone who is an unexpected friend and ally. Will they see how perfect they are suited after all, despite the idea they might not?

I have to confess this book wasn't as great as The Duchess War, which I thought pretty much perfect. I think what lacked in this story was a better romance story. I thought the romantic relationship between the two protagonists was a bit lacking in passion and strength. I saw how the epilogue proved the HEA happened for real and the path they took towards their love was both sweet and challenging. But I wanted a bit more desperation to the romance story, I wanted to see something a bit more!
I understand how the loe scenes were subtle because it suits the tone of the story and the author's writing style but I wanted a bit more desperation, let's call it that, at the end, where it was too important to keep things to themselves. I liked how Oliver went after Jane after all but his actions were too contained, I guess I'd have liked to see more action at that stage.

The story itself is quite unique. Jane Has a goal, which is to help her sister and not leaving her alone with their uncle because Emily has fits and the uncle is a somewhat mindless person and wants to cure her even if not really aware of what might be done to her. Scars on Emily's arm prove the lack of awareness on his part. So Jane wants to hold on until Emily is of age to marry but until then she tries to be still a gentlewoman but not seriously considered to marry. I liked this idea of Jane's character but of course this demands a lot from her, even if it's amusing at times. But I had the feeling it was more difficult than what she admitted to be the target of jokes and conversation. Still, it's an admirable trait to be willing to sacrifice a part of her identity to help her sister.

I think this is the author's strongest point, how to mold the characters' personality, to give them all the little details of behavior a living person has. Because everyone is shaped differently and acts differently and usually characters are this or that and despite her protagonists being good people, they all have the countless different traits to pt them together, like a normal living person. I found this fascinating because those characters could easily be alive.

Oliver is another proof of this, he is a good person but his thoughts and what he feels isn't just a way to characterize him. I especially found interesting how he says at some point he feels he doesn't belong and why. It's like someone would say it in a conversation, it feels real and pertinent. I think there's much of the author's talent in how the reader sees these things because all authors could make a character say this and not all would manage to portray the same message or the same level of importance to that idea.

I liked the secondary plots and characters too. I liked Freddie a lot, and her fear to leave her house and the solution she found. I think it's brilliant how the author picks all these little things that shape a human being and uses them cleverly to turn her characters into believable people on the page.
I liked all the elements in the novel that gave it depth, like the prejudice against Indians, the way we treat people without knowing we might be rude and inconsiderate, the idea of treating things well too, because what it important to others should be respected as well... many things with apparent no importance but which are key to build up someone's character.

I really like this author's work, liked this story a lot, despite my wishes about the romance and will read more in the future, for sure.
Grade: 8/10

Courtney Milan - The Duchess War

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 her 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...
 
Comment: After having read the prequel novella, The Governess Affair, back in January, I was quite curious over how the story would develop. This book happens several years after the novella and presents a different set of characters. The readers have had a hint about the series in that novella and it was more because of that than the novella itself that I wanted to keep going and discover if this author would become someone whose work I'd appreciate.

This is the story of Robert Blaisdell, he's a duke now and his biggest wish is to prove he isn't like his late father. All his life th worst thing he could hear was how alike his father he was and so he set to change things any way he could to be different from him.
Minerva Lane is hidden, she is using another name and personality to be unnoticed by others, as she comes from a scandalous past and doesn't want to revive the awful experience of those times when everyone would stare and point fingers at her. She wants to be left alone but her spirit isn't dead and deep down she wants to be recognized by her strength and her intelligence.
When they meet by chance, apparently nothing comes out of it, but circumstances make Minerva take a first step and from then on, their paths are just too connected to be dismissed...

I didn't enjoy the prequel novella to this series in all its glory There was an aspect there that I think wasn't done the best way, so I was expectant but not overwhelmed by the prospect of reading this story, I was curious to see how things would play. Therefore, I was completely amazed by how much I really loved the book! 5 starts for me, without a doubt.

I really liked the story and all the layers the author gave to each main character and how they slowly figured out they could be together and be stronger than apart.
Robert had some issues because of who his father was and the things he did. Knowing his father's character, he tried his best to change his future, to make things right where he felt his father did wrong. He has a stunning personality, he's someone I'd like to meet because he has principles even to his half brother and he protects him as much as he can. His relationship with his mother isn't the best either but at the end we see glimpse of how things could be and it's hopeful. I think the work done, the evolution of Robert's confidence and trust is something wonderfully done.
Minerva too, had some things to worry about. She's been living in fear and hidden, hoping to marry and just exist, to pay her aunts for their help when everyone else shunned her, but she feels trapped and miserable because she is smart and loves life and her way of doing things is more active than quiet but she's tried to be someone completely different just because it was safer and it was expected of her. Now she meets Robert and with that comes the realization she's tired of being something she's not and some things happen and she tries to solve her life before it's too late, but she wasn't counting on falling in love and at some point she has to make a choice and I was really sorry for her.

Thankfully, this is a romance and the author created the right path for those two to walk and it was perfect the way they saw each other for what they really are and together their strengths became better and bigger. It was such a beautiful romance, slow paced, perfectly constructed and aligned. It felt lie all the pieces fit at the perfect moment to make this story more alive and well done.
I think the author did a great job with the character's construction, their particularities and thoughts and it was such a pleasure to meet them and see them fall in love. Great work, I can't wait to read more.

TBR Challenge: Courtney Milan - The Governess Affair

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.
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…

Comment: Here it is my comment for the book I've chosen for January's theme.

We were supposed to read a novella or a short-story and I've picked Governess Affair because I wanted to read it since I knew so many people loved it, considering how short it was. I thought it fit perfectly this month's theme.

This novella is the prequel to a new series and tells us the story of Serena, a governess who sits in a bench in front of a duke's house and rumors say she's got out of her previous job because the duke offered her a job as tutor to his child. A child he doesn't have.

Hugo is a sort of enforcer for the duke, he manages the duke's business. While trying to get rid of the governess he learns her demands aren't as simple and her reasons aren't as mundane, Slowly they start to exchange "attacks" until they reach an agreement.

This was the first book I've read by this author. I was already curious over some of her previous books but never attempted to read any simply because I have so many, I was delaying the inevitable.

I liked the story. I read historicals without a problem, and I enjoyed the setting a lot. The story intrigued me and I really thought it would be about a governess demanding satisfaction over a bad job offer. I didn't read any detailed reviews so I wouldn't be influenced when I finally decided to get to it. So, I was quite surprised to see the real issue there wasn't merely an employment position in a time where women didn't have any rights to speak of. I was a bit sad over what motivated Serena to protest and I think this subject had everything to work out in a bigger book, because I couldn't put aside the fast way Serena and Hugo started to give in to their attraction or, I think, it was due to the way it's written and made me believe not time enough had passed since Serena had her...issues. I'll explain: Serena had an awful experience because of the duke and she didn't take long to jump into to another situation that, despite very, very different was very close to the one before and I thought someone in real life wouldn't feel so "normal" in such a short time.

Perhaps it's just me, I'm very picky on my heroine's behavior and I tend to put myself in their shoes and sometimes I don't think it's the one I'd chose...

Apart from this, which is really more of a personal pet peeve of mine, I liked the book, the writing style, the story..I'm also very curious about the next books in the series and will get them when they're out and I can buy them.