The Lady Always Wins by Courtney Milan

Ginny Barrett and Simon Davenant's book




The Lady Always Wins 

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES…
Nobody has ever come close to taking the place that Virginia Barrett had in Simon Davenant’s heart. As a child, Ginny was his best friend and comrade-in-arms. As a young lady, she became his sweetheart. But when his parents discovered their growing affection, they threatened to cut Simon off without a penny if he married her. And when Simon planned an elopement, Ginny refused: She wasn’t going to marry a poor man. Ever.

…UNTIL SOMEONE LOSES A FORTUNE.
In the seven years since they last saw one another, Ginny has been married and then widowed. Simon has built an empire as a railway financier. When they meet again, there’s still that same delicious, playful attraction between them. But only Simon knows how tenuous his second chance really is. Everyone believes that Simon is wealthy. In truth, his company has been taken over by a hostile competitor and he is ruined. He knows from bitter experience that Ginny won’t marry a poor man. And so he has three days until the news becomes public—three days to seduce, woo, and marry the woman he cannot forget, or risk losing her…and this time, for good.

Courtney Milan writes the best historical heroines. They're always so smart and admirable. I know so many readers love a hero but for me, the heroine makes or breaks a story. Even though The Lady Always Wins is a novella, the heroine Ginny is just as commendable and memorable as though I had read about her story in a full length novel. I just adored her. 

Ginny and Simon were childhood friends, adolescence sweethearts and then parted ways desolately before they had a real chance to have their love bloom into a mature romance. Courtney Milan provides excellent background history and writes entertaining flashbacks to their first meetings. 

Due to the circumstances placed before the juvenile couple, Ginny married another man and Simon sought out to build his fortune and make a name for himself. I felt their heavy disappointment seep through the pages even though their story was recollected by the couple from years past.  The span of time apart did not soften the hurt. Clearly they never got over each other and they were in each other's thoughts daily.

With Ginny's recent status as a widow, Simon wasted as little time as possible to pursue Ginny. Although The Lady Always Wins is a novella, I felt it was the perfect length for Ginny and Simon's story. From the moment they see each other after being apart for years, they immediately slide into the easy and fun banter that they both enjoyed from the past. It was if no time had passed. I LOVED their smooth transition into the little game of Simon seducing Ginny by a deadline. It fit this couple perfectly. In fact, when I finished reading The Lady Always Wins, I went right back and re-read it. 

The Lady Always Wins is a gem and only .97 on Amazon. A delightful read that is sure to put a smile on your face. 

Teasers: beetle meeting, check-mate, tulips, fake meteor shower 

A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Lydia Charingford and Doctor Jonas Grantham's book





A Kiss for Midwinter (Brother's Sinister book 1.5)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him...or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way.

Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year. This winter, he's determined to conquer her dislike and win her for his own. It all starts with a wager and a kiss...

I was pleased to accept a copy from the author for a honest review

I always find myself feeling smarter after I read a Courtney Milan book. I think it is because it's very evident with how much research she pours into her story. I trust that if she is writing about a doctor's recipe from 1857, that in fact it was something that a doctor of the time would prescribe. 

Lydia and Jonas were secondary characters from the first book, The Duchess War. I would recommend reading that story first so that you have a firm understanding of Lydia's history. A Kiss for Midwinter is a novella but the read didn't feel short. 

I thought it was very interesting how Lydia and Jonas first met. Jonas recalls the conflicting situation relating to their first meeting instead of actually being acquainted with her. Lydia however, would never forget him; that time in her life forever etched in her mind.

The depth of deception that Lydia experienced early on in her life served as a heavy reminder in her sub-conscience to not believe that there were no ulterior motives when Jonas showed interest in her. She lets her guard down for a short while but painful memories flood back and she doesn't trust herself enough to move forward. I really felt for her and the internal battle she struggles with. 

Jonas is a perfect hero for me because he is so plain and simple with his conversations. He is factual and nonchalant in discussing human sexuality and yet Lydia strikes him in such a manner that he blurts out nonsense to her. It was humourous to hear him blurt out that he thinks that she is the eleventh prettiest woman in town. Jonas is the first to admit that there are defects with his character. 

A Kiss for Midwinter is a wonderful novella on how a woman can work through some painful memories and trust herself to take the happiness and love she deserves. Jonas is the perfect man to prove to Lydia that she does in fact deserve it. 


Teasers: eleventh prettiest woman, historical hoarder, sentimental set of leather-bound encyclopedias, French letters

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan

Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont & Wilhelmina (Minnie) Pursling's book




The Duchess War (Brothers Sinister book 1)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:There isn't a book blurb available as of yet. However, here is a excerpt of The Duchess War if interested.

Sometimes love is an accident.
This time, it’s a strategy.
The Duchess War is the first full-length book in The Brothers Sinister series. It’s about Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont. Robert is the half-brother of Oliver (book 2: The Heiress Effect) and the cousin of Sebastian Malheur, the Earl of Rane (book 3: The Countess Conspiracy)

I was granted an ARC for an honest review. 

The Duchess War is a very clever story and it is brilliantly written. Oh how I love a really smart heroine. Perhaps there is nothing I love more other than a hero who respects just how intelligent and noble the heroine really is. 

There is a prequel to The Duchess War called The Governess Affair. My review of this prequel is here. The Kindle version is only .99 and I would recommend reading it first. It is not necessary but it does nicely line up the foundation for the this Brothers Sinister series. 

The concealed secrets within The Duchess War are slowly revealed. The reader learns about the depth of these mysteries in parallel with the other book's characters. I found myself dying to know the extent of the shrouded mystery surrounding Minnie and the extent of Robert's upbringing. Together with these secrets and the series of events that emerge chapter after chapter; The Duchess War made for a rather suspenseful read. There was a perpetual chain of events that kept me clicking the pages forward quickly. It was very fitting that the game of chess was an embedded plot of The Duchess War.

I found Minnie a rather complex character. Her mind was always plotting forward steps ahead. She was a very guarded lady prepared for her next ploy. The Duchess War made me ache for the women of the time as Minnie was striving hard to carefully carve out a safety net for her foreboding future. She took great effort not to bring attention to herself. Although her soft voice gave the perception of shyness, she was in fact a force to be reckoned with. 

The Duke, Robert wasn't a brooding alpha hero that normally appear within the pages of historical romances. He is a romantic at heart. A dreamer. A do-gooder if you will. And finally a Duke that isn't a rake with an abundance of sexual conquests. In the shadows of his dark Ducal father, he aspired to be the complete opposite of him. My heart ached for him. He was determined to make right so many wrongs. 

The "war" Minnie battles with the Duke is based upon proving he is the author and mastermind behind distributing seditious pamphlets that she is being suspected of organizing. After her attempt of blackmailing the Duke was not successful, Minnie sets forth to bring about the indisputable proof she needs to secure her innocence. What she doesn't count on is the Duke becoming enamored with her while trying to war against him. 

Amazing quotes from Minnie:
"You probably think battles are won with cannons and brave speeches and fearless charges. They're not. Wars are won by dint of having adequate shoe leather. They're won by boys who make shells in munitions factories, by supply trains shielded from enemy eyes. Wars are won by careful attendance to boring detail. If you wait to see the cavalry charge, Your Grace, you'll have already lost."

"I'm sure your prick is as massive as your head is thick."

Teasers: Sedition, humorous train ride with friends, wedding night lessons, alphabet book primer

The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan

Hugo Marshall and Serena Barton's book






The Governess Affair


By Courtney Milan


Book Blurb:
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…




From Courtney Milan's website:
The Governess Affair is a prequel novella to The Brothers Sinister series. It takes place about twenty-five years before the full-length books in the series, and explains the rather complicated relationship between Robert Blaisdell (the hero of The Duchess War) and Oliver Marshall (the hero of The Heiress Effect).

I basically had to copy these beautiful covers from Courtney Milan's website because, well they are beautiful. Such pieces of art. Wouldn't they be awesome side by side on a wall decorating your house? I just love them!


The Governess Affair is a novella so the length is short but what a great value and quality for your .99 Amazon deal! I was first introduced to the historical romance writing of author Courtney Milan by reading her Turner Series. I devoured those books and they made Ms Milan an autobuy author for me. I cannot wait to dive into the rest of Brothers Sinister series. 


The Governess Affair could almost be a play. There are few settings to distract your attention away from the power of the characters. Both Hugo and Serena command such a large page presence that your attention is not diverted away from their conversations, an iron bench and narrow row house. 


Serena is as stubborn as she is sharp. Hugo is a powerful man in his own right and he has meet his match with Serena. They are simply electric together. Hugo is an alpha man without being an "in your face caveman". He is the type of man that can issue an order as a whisper and people (including the Duke he works for) will jump to do his bidding. He rightfully earned the nickname, the of "Wolf of Clermont".  He has a task to get rid of the Duke's latest problem, Serena, and the methods Hugo decides to embark on was both entertaining and genius. I loved it. 

If The Governess Affair is any indication of what is to come from this new Brothers Sinister series, I say bring it on! 

Teasers: witty missives, tea in the rain, hair pin game, letters of delight

Teaser Tuesday - Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Unclaimed 

by Courtney Milan

"At this moment, I believe a proper gentleman would apologize for taking liberties."

"If you do," Jessica said, "I will find a stick and beat you over the head with it."

Kindle Loc 2227-29

I loved this book and if you are interested in the review, it is just below. Fabulous!

Unraveled by Courtney Milan

Miranda Darling and Smite Turner's book



Unraveled (Turner book 3 final)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:
Smite Turner is renowned for his single-minded devotion to his duty as a magistrate. But behind his relentless focus lies not only a determination to do what is right, but the haunting secrets of his past—secrets that he is determined to hide, even if it means keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Until the day an irresistible woman shows up as a witness in his courtroom…

Miranda Darling isn’t in trouble…yet. But she’s close enough that when Turner threatens her with imprisonment if she puts one foot wrong, she knows she should run in the other direction. And yet no matter how forbidding the man seems on the outside, she can’t bring herself to leave. Instead, when he tries to push her away, she pushes right back—straight through his famous self-control, and into the heart of the passion that he has long hidden away… 

Unraveled is a full length novel, at 95,000 words

I was blown away by this Turner's Series. It was exceptionally well written and it is deserving of every 5 star rating the series has properly received. Unraveled might have been my favourite of the series but it is a close race for top spot for sure. 

I was never quite sure what to make of Smite. He is quiet but with only a few scenes in the previous books, he was a commanding presence. I really like the oldest brother Ash and I often thought Smite was a bit off towards Ash. But even so, I knew from the first book, Unveiled that there had to be some mysterious reason for his behaviour. It was really great to see this brotherly mystery come to a close in Unraveled. 

Miranda, darling er Miranda Darling was fabulous. Fabulous fabulous fabulous. I just adore her, her decisions and her great attitude. Courtney Milan wrote about simply fabulous women in this Tuner series. So often *shakes head* I read a book where the author is trying to develop conflict in the story and the easy out for this route is to make the heroine make a super dumb decision. Each one of the Turner stories the female protagonist needed to make a huge decision and I throw flowers at the feet of Courtney Milan for making the conflict around the heroine choosing the RIGHT decision and not around where the female protagonist makes a wrong decision and then the male hero needs to sweep in and bail her out. 1000 thank yous. 

It takes a special woman to break the ice around Smite's heart and Miranda was just the woman for it. She was perfect and yet not perfect. She has flaws but those flaws almost make her perfect. I am beyond sad I won't be able to read more about Smite and Miranda. I miss them already. 

I am starting 2012 off with a bang reading Courtney Milan's Turner series. What a wonderful way to begin a fresh new year with a huge smile on my face. 

Teasers: sentimentality quota, flood, best beloved, snowball fight

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

Sir Mark Turner and Jessica Farleigh's book




Unclaimed (Turner's book 2)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:
HER ONLY HOPE FOR SURVIVAL... 

Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life. 

IS TO RUIN THE MAN SHE LOVES... 

But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible. 

Unclaimed was spectacular and memorable. You don't come across many historical novels where the hero is a virgin. In fact, I think that Sir Mark may have only been the second male virgin hero I've ever read. 

Unclaimed once again reminded me of how hard the women of historical times had it. Society was tough on us. The destitute conditions women were left in barely allowed them an outlet for survival. I think that's why when I read historical romances where the women smartly prevail and then become heroes in their own right usually end up becoming some of my favourite books. Jessica is an amazing woman. 

Life had not been good to Jessica and she had been dealt a bad deck of cards. Yet through it all, she remained strong and in the end, despite the hopeless situation she was in, she still held her moral ground. I liked Jessica's character right away. She was beautifully written and I loved how she handled herself over and over again. 

Sir Mark is Ash's brother from Unveiled. It appears that five years has passed since Unveiled and the maturity had done Mark some good. His book on the Practical Guide for Men on Chasity was published and he ends up becoming quite the celebrity. He is pursued by women, parents want to marry him off to their daughters, wrote about with no regard to privacy and he is invited everywhere. All to his chagrin. He says over and over again that he just wrote a book but society has placed him on a alter. Sir Mark may be a virgin but he is no saint. He's the first to admit it but his scores of fans won't believe it. 

He escapes to the country for peace and then finds the cunning and beautiful Jessica. 

From the moment they meet the reader is taken on a anticipating journey where want and desire is just out of reach and you want Mark and Jessica to reach just_that_little_bit_further. Such a descriptive journey and you really feel for both characters. 

There was a moment where Jessica had to make a decision and I really didn't know which way she was going to turn. I gripped my Kindle and literally spoke out loud to the character. Yeah I got that deep into the story!

Loved Unclaimed immensely! I cannot wait to read Smite's book. (which is where I am headed right now)

Teasers: A reportress, deadly tea concoction, about time men started taking blame for their own actions! Excellent speech delivered by Sir Mark!!!!

Unlocked by Courtney Milan

Lady Elaine Warren and Evan the Earl of Westfield's book



Unlocked (Novella 1.5 in the Turner's series)

By Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:
A perpetual wallflower destined for spinsterhood, Lady Elaine Warren is resigned to her position in society. So when Evan Carlton, the powerful, popular Earl of Westfeld, singles her out upon his return to England, she knows what it means. Her former tormenter is up to his old tricks, and she's his intended victim. This time, though, the earl is going to discover that wallflowers can fight back. 

Evan has come to regret his cruel, callow past. At first, he only wants to make up for past wrongs. But when Elaine throws his initial apology in his face, he finds himself wanting more. And this time, what torments him might be love... 

Unlocked is a novella of 28,000 words (about 111 pages)

For only .93 Unlocked (CAD) is an amazing deal! What a sweet little addition to the Turner series. Now granted that neither Elaine nor Evan is a Turner but the readers were introduced to Elaine in the first story Unveiled. 

In Unveiled Elaine was the only one of Margaret's friends who would make time with her while her legitimacy was in question. I liked her right away. 

In Unlocked you get a true feeling of the torture it is to be bullied. Elaine was bullied for so many years and Unlocked perfectly demonstrated the life cycle of bulling. You get insight as to why some young people start to bully for popularity and attention like Evan did and then you also get insight as to why bullies don't know how to stop like Evan's cousin Diane. 

Regardless, when you hear Elaine share with Evan some of the harmful things she did to herself to remedy the bulling, your heart can't help but break a little bit. Thank goodness Evan grew up and was trying to mend his ways. 

A wonderful little story about bulling and forgiveness with the extra added touch of a warming romance that bloomed from a long overdue friendship. 

Teasers: shameful awakening, rope burn, spilled wine, vision in white

Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Ash Turner and Lady (Anne) Margaret Dalrymple





Unveiled (Turner's book 1)

by Courtney Milan

Book Blurb:

He was her bitterest enemy... 

Ash Turner has waited a lifetime to seek revenge on the man who ruined his family, and at last the time for justice has arrived. At Parford Manor, he intends to take his place as the rightful heir to the dukedom, and settle an old score with the current duke once and for all. But when he arrives, he finds himself drawn to a tempting beauty who has the power to undo all his dreams of vengeance. 

And her dearest love. 

Lady Margaret knows she should despise the man who’s stolen her fortune and her father’s legacy—the man she’s been ordered to spy on in the guise of a nurse. Yet the more she learns about the new duke, the less she can resist his smoldering appeal. Soon Margaret and Ash find themselves torn between old loyalties—and the tantalizing promise of passion...

Unveiled was the first book that I had read by Courtney Milan but not my last. What a wonderful book and I can't wait to read more of the Turner series. 

Ash Turner had set out for revenge against his distant relative the Duke of Parford. When Ash was at the tender age of 14 his mother had gone fully insane and Ash had walked barefoot for days to reach the Duke's manor to request a little bit of financial assistance so he could buy medical care for his sick sister. After being cruelly rejected and after his sister died, Ash never forgot and it burned him for years. 

I don't understand the class society much in England (other than what I learn from romance books) but due to the Duke committing an act of bigamy early in his life, his unfortunate wife of 30 years, the Duchess of Parford and his 3 grown children were all considered illegitimate and prompty disgraced by the ton. It was Ash Turner who unveiled this dirty skeleton from the closet and as he was the distant relative of the Duke, he became the next in line for the dukedom. 

What a wonderfully mixed up mess this pair become. Margaret wants to hate and destroy Ash for ruining her family and station in life yet she fails miserably because Ash is so charming, "cheerfully ruthless" and was genuinely boosting her self confidence. Margaret had never felt such powerful feelings of self worth before. 

Ash was amazing. Just amazing. I love heroes that are slightly flawed and even vulnerable at times without losing their manly edge. He doesn't care about the "classes" and he falls in love with Margaret thinking she is just a lowly nurse that is tending to the ailing current Duke. He has no idea that Margaret is really Lady Anne Margaret, the Duke's only daughter. 

There were some great reading moments as Margaret battles between her loyalty to her family and her growing attraction to Ash. Courtney Milan wrote some wonderful scenes where I couldn't read fast enough with me wondering what side Margaret was going to take while secretly reporting back to her brothers. 

Other than Ash or the wicked Duke, I was undecided many times if a character was a villain or if it was okay to like them. Ash's brothers were hard to like but it truly felt like there was more of a back story there. It was writing genius because it felt like a invisible carrot dangling in front of the reader's nose. Margaret's brothers were selfish but their desperation was clearly written so their behaviour was almost forgivable. (almost, I said almost) Even Margaret herself at times had me wondering how this mess with spying was all going to turn out. I just LOVED how it was up to the reader to make their own decisions and it wasn't thrust in the reader's face. 

Unveiled was a beautifully, clever written book that had me aching for a happily ever after. I wasn't sure how we were going to get there but the journey was spectacular to read about. 

Teasers: brotherly love, magnificent creature, Chastity book reading, closet hideaway