Proof by Seduction

Truly Unique

Before she started writing, author Courtney Milan had numerous occupations including: dog trainer, legal writer, newspaper sales, and writing computer programs. This is her debut book, with Trial by Desire coming soon. Courtney resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

Marquess of Blakely, Lord Gareth Carhart, is a man of science and a sworn bachelor. He was appalled to learn his cousin, Ned, has fallen under the spell of supposed fortune-teller, Jenny Keeble. Vowing to prove her a fraud, Gareth sets about on a series of misadventures only to find himself with a growing attraction to the blasted woman. Now in a passionate battle of wills, these two lonely souls must choose between everything they know, and the possibilities beyond.

Historical romance is not my preferred genre, but this was one of, if not the best, historical romance I have yet to encounter. Filled with wit, lust, conflict, and bittersweet moments, it was a page-turner from beginning to end. Set in London, the author transports the reader to another time and place, filled with wonder and frustration. It's one heck of a breakout book from an emerging author. I cannot wait for the next book, which is the cousin Ned's story, and releasing in September 2010. Truly unique, this is a must read.

Kelly Moran,
author of SUMMER'S ROAD
and WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Story!

I really enjoyed this debut by Ms Milan; started it last night & stayed up til 2 am, then had to finish it the next morning. Definitely a keeper.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a terrific early Victorian romance

In 1836 fortuneteller Madame Esmeralda is comfortable in her vocation as she feels she provides a service by informing her customers with information they need to know. Twelve years as Madame Esmeralda has made humble impoverished Jenny Keeble all but disappear.

Her favorite client Ned arrives with his cousin, Blakeley, Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely. Ned explains that Gareth is a skeptic that Madame can predict the future. A scientist just back from an expedition in Brazil, Gareth plans to prove Esmeralda is a fake. However is scheme to expose the charlatan has a major roadblock; his attraction to her, which makes him wonder if she is an enchantress, but will he accept proof of the heart?

This is a terrific early Victorian romance starring a wonderful somewhat inflexible lead male and a totally unique female who challenges his decisions when everyone else fears to contradict his dictatorial rulings. The story line is fast-paced but driven by the relationship between the scientist and the fortuneteller. With a strong secondary cast starting with Ned, this reviewer can predict that sub-genre fans will relish Courtney Milan's delightful historical.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

4/17/12

Pleasant read.

Fanatastic read

Excellent. I love the fact that Courtney Milan took time to really connect us to the characters before they came together. It made the read intense and satisfying. I started it and finished it in a matter of hours. I couldnt put it down. Fantastic. Thank goodness its my day off :)

I wanted to love it!

Ms. Milan loves her words, and except for the occasional cliched description, uses them well. But moving the story forward would be sweeter. Sadly too many scenes go nowhere in the beginning. First book means she gets a pass. The plot was a bit tired, but forgivable--the gypsy fortune teller out to cheat the weak relative of some lord. After page 80 her story moves and flows into a good read and some very nice moments, like when the heroine questions if she had become like the women who sell themselves. You find you really like these characters who so overanyalyzed themselves early on. While I didn't love it like I honestly wanted to, I will give the next one a try because she shows real promise.

Eh, if you HAVE to...

This would not have been a book I would have picked up in a store (half-naked people on covers seem unnecessary to me) but seeing as it was free- I gave it a shot.
It was not one of those "I couldn't put it down" novels, in fact I had to force myself to sit down and read it (but on a positive note- it was an easy read). I didn't feel pulled in and I did not feel personal connection or emotions toward either of the main characters. Jenny was too all over the place for my taste and Gareth was an example of a woman trying too hard to write a man. Ned, however, I enjoyed.

I really liked the synopsis and the idea of a plot based on a fortune teller (one I have not come across before) but this seemed predictable at best. Some of the dialog seemed forced and at times repetitive (how many times can you use the word "member" to describe the male anatomy?).
But all in all, it was not a BAD book and for a less discerning reader than myself- I could see how it might be highly enjoyable.

You won't be disappointed

This is the first review I've been inspired to write. The other reviews cover the plot, so all I want to say is that if you purchase this, you won't be disappointed. It's sweet, poignant, funny, somber, and sexy. I loved it; the author's diction is refreshing.

Truth and Honest Attraction, the Most Basic Calling Cards of Love Signifies the Style of Courtney Milan

Mischievously sweet, Proof by Seduction charms as much as it endears the reader to its very unconventional main characters. Courtney Milan's writing takes historical romance to a new level with its unpretentious overtones and tweaks the historical romance mold in an appealing way. The moral to Milan's story is that truth will preside, and that honest infatuation, attraction and yes love, will win all.


In many historical romances you have rampant posturing: the depiction of a Regency era rake, a powerful family, the focus on society, the haute ton and its ilk. Regency romances are rife with illustrious personages posturing over one another-the sheer heft and weight of the peerage can strong-arm a romance and bind it to its whim.


But Milan's tale is a clearly an 18th century romance, not a Regency, an altogether different kettle of fish and quite refreshing. The distinction being that her story takes place in 1838 after the Regency has gasped its last breath and society is barely living on the remnants of its fumes. The solid glue in Milan's tale is that of truth, honesty, the most basic calling cards of love and its the focus is on its diverse characters Jenny Keeble and Gareth Carhart, not the ton.


One gets the impression that Gareth Carhart, Lord Blakely is a real man, not a cleverly cast construct. His intense academic and naturalistic nature brings to mind William Adamson of Byatt's Angels and Insects meshed with nine generations of Blakely DNA to call his own. His personality leaps from the pages, as does his healthy desire for a dishonest woman: enter Madame Esmerelda.


Jenny Keeble is a likeable character despite her occupation of bilking others (albeit gently) out of their pocket change for a fortune told. It is done with the best intentions, but still as Madame Esmerelda issues are coming to a head. Jenny will have to face herself and the consequences of her actions.


There won't be relatives coming out of the woodwork to save Jenny, she won't mysteriously be revealed to be a long lost relative to aristocracy. What will save Jenny is herself and her love for Gareth. The chemistry between these two work very well and with Milan's succinct and wholesome writing, I actually had tears pricking my eyes several times (darn you Courtney Milan!) But if my red eyes are any indication, I expect we will be seeing more of Miss Milan in the future.
(c)Nicola Mattos www.fiendishlybookish.com

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