Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan Also in this series: Trial by Desire
Series: Carhart #1
Published by HQN Books on January 1st 2010
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 345
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 0373774397
"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."He just didn't know it yet"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.
My Review
Summary
Jenny, is a fortune teller, and has a sophisticated clientele. When one of her regular clients, Ned, comes to her to convince his cousin of her authenticity. Gareth is a man of science, and ever since he came into his title, he has had to bear the weight of his title and all the responsibilities. Ned is young and innocent enough to be taken advantage of. When he hears about “Madame Esmerelda” he plans to discredit her, because he knows she is deceiving his cousin. At first he challenge her, and she in return challenges him back, and he finds her spirited and lovely and finds her irresistable and can’t wait to get her into his bed. However he doesn’t plan on ever falling in love….especially with a woman that matches him in all the ways that matter.
The Hero (Gareth Carhart)
Gareth, Lord Blakely has a passion for the scienes. And on the outside may seem cold and withdrawn but craves companionship and hates the feeling of loneliness. However he doesn’t fully realize it until he meets Jenny, who turns his world of order into a world of chaos. He knows she is far different from him, but from the first time she spars with him, his desire for her encompasses him and it takes all his effort to keep his self control in check and not make passionate love to her for days on end.
The Hero (Jenny Keeble)
Jenny, is a fortune teller, which is not as easy as it looks. Jenny has worked hard over the years, for her reputation. She depends on her regular clientele in order to survive here in London. Now Lord Blakely is threatening to ruin everything, including her friendship with his cousin, who is like family to her. The only person that has ever shown kindness to her. But Gareth is very different, he makes her feel alive for the first time in her life, and finds herself falling in love with her.
My Thoughts
Proof By Seduction is the second in the series, and I now wonder why I haven’t read more from this author before now. Milan has a very unique style of writing, one that instantly draws the reader instantly into the story. From the first sentance in the story I was hooked. I loved how from the first couple of pages, we see the first meeting of Gareth and Jenny. I have to say I found myself cracking up seeing them interact, it was like witnessing a sparring match, only verbally. I love the witty characteristics that played out throughout the story, and how you see these two people fall in love who may seem different in the beginning, are perfect for each other. I also loved the creativity of this author, and some of the scenes were definitely not commonplace. Overall a creatively written and fun story filled with endearing characters, engaging plot and intensely romantic that will make you shed a tear or two.
My Favorite Quote
“I’m not an automaton”
The thoughts of her mouth against his snuffed what little guttering intellect remained to him. Her flesh seemed to sizzle beneath his fingertips. He lowered his head to her lips until her lips were a tantalizing inch from his.
“Most of all I’ll be damned if I let you call me dispassionate”
About Courtney Milan
Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat. Courtney wishes she could say she has lived in numerous fabulous places. But aside from her husband, there is a distinct lack of fabulousness in her life. Instead, she is happy when standards in the Milan household hover above mediocrity. Her husband attempts not to kill people for a living.[1] In exchange, Courtney attempts not to do the dishes.
Before she started writing historical romance, Courtney experimented with various occupations: computer programming, dog-training, scientificating... Having given up on being able to do any of those things, she's taken to heart the axiom that those who can't do, teach. When she's not reading (lots), writing (lots), or sleeping (not enough), she can be found in the vicinity of a classroom.
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1. The astute reader will notice that this sentence can be read as either "Courtney's husband attempts to make his living by means other than offing unsuspecting passersby," or as "Courtney's husband, while making a living, tries not to leave dead bodies in his wake." Luckily, both are true. Although it must be admitted that Mr. Milan has had greater success with the former.
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