Monday, January 25, 2010

Review: Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan


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


I was fortunate enough to receive this title from NetGalley.com for review.

I went into this book figuring that I pretty much knew how it was going to go down and how it would make me feel. I'm pleased to say that I did not. Jenny is a fascinating heroine. She's not young and she's not virginal, but neither is she a courtesan. She's a lovely mix of hard and soft and practical and yet wanting to see the best in people.

The hero, Gareth, is a cold and hard man that tries to show affection through money and control, but even then he really doesn't like to feel affectionate about anyone. He doesn't want to expose himself or them to the consequences. He's ordered and logical and that's the way he plans to stay.

Jenny and Gareth were a great compliment to each other and it was so rewarding and touching to see the transformation of Gareth. I don't think he'll ever be a cuddly bear and he'll always be a force to be reckoned with in society, but for the people he cares about and Jenny most of all, he'd do just about anything.

One of my favorite scenes is when Jenny and Gareth spend time talking about their pasts and past hurts. It was a beautiful thing to see how they began to find healing and acceptance in each other. I loved the interplay between Gareth and his man, White, too. That was charming.

Overall, I recommend this book to lovers of romance and historical romance. It's a pretty solid story and has some very sweet and funny moments. I think you'll be satisfied with the way the story plays out.

I give this book a solid B+. It's very enjoyable and one you'll want to revisit after you've finished.

Besos ;)

5 comments:

Smokinhotbooks said...

If I hadn't seen the reviews around the blogsphere I would have never have picked this one up. The back blurb did nothing for me, dead from the waist down kind of nothing. That being said I loved this book the character development, the plot, it was very well written. Me likey a lot.

Great Review!

The Queen B said...

Yeah, it sounded pretty bland, but it really was a touching read. I'm glad I tried it out.
Thanks :)

SusiSunshine said...

I've got this one too but still have to figure out a way to read it on my Smartphone. LOL No reading on the laptop for me. Sounds so good. Me wants!

Mandi said...

I loved this one. Great humor and great characters...When Gareth had to write the poem about Ned..*dies* :)

The Queen B said...

@SusiSunshine This one is worth reading. I hope you can figure out the Smartphone soon, lol :P

@Mandi I know! That cracked me up. And the side story with Ned and his love interest? Their dialogue together was pretty funny :)

 
That's QUEEN Bitch To You © 2007 Template feito por Áurea R.C.