Romance Book Review: Proof By Seduction by Courtney Milan – 4 Heart Review

Romance Book Review: Proof By Seduction
By: Courtney Milan
HQN
4 Heart Review

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.

First of all, I’m hugely behind in posting this review but didn’t want to not share my thoughts. If you’re like me, you don’t always rush out to buy new authors so maybe you’re still deciding on this one or somehow hadn’t heard about it yet.

This debut book by Courtney Milan was exciting to read since it introduced a wonderful new historical writer that should provide us with many quality romances in the coming years.

One reason I really enjoyed the book, was the intricate way that Courtney developed her hero. For the first fourth of the book, I was engrossed in the story but not really sure this hero could find redemption. It would take a lot for him to become worthy of Jessica. The story unfolded with Blakely slowing growing in this reader's esteem into Gareth – following the same development that Gareth goes through to find himself and the love he feels for Jenny.

The insight Courtney provides into each character's thoughts and actions make for a rich and balanced story that feels ripe with emotion. From Jenny to Gareth and even to Ned and Laura, Courtney provided deep descriptions of their motivations and insecurities.  This made for a very rich story that wrapped me up in the world Courtney created.

I honestly didn’t find anything about this book that struck me as out of place or something I didn’t like. It’s a well-written and plotted book whose characters I grew to love. Maybe that’s what held it back from being a 5 Heart Review for me – I had to grow to love the Hero and that might have made the first part of the book not as engrossing to me as the second half. The hero was prefect before the end of the book, but it was harder to cheer for him in the beginning. I liked the way Gareth develops, but it did keep me from being as drawn into the story at first.

For fans of historical romance, or those who are looking for a great historical to try, I highly recommend Proof By Seduction. There is so much to like about this book, and so little I can say of negatives!

Purchase Proof by Seduction From Amazon Here

Happy Reading!