Review: Talk Sweetly to Me by Courtney Milan

Series: Brothers Sinister Book #4.5

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Nobody knows who Miss Rose Sweetly is, and she prefers it that way. She's a shy, mathematically-minded shopkeeper's daughter who dreams of the stars. Women like her only ever come to attention through scandal. She'll take obscurity, thank you very much.

All of England knows who Stephen Shaughnessy is. He's an infamous advice columnist and a known rake. When he moves into the house next door to Rose, she discovers that he's also wickedly funny, devilishly flirtatious, and heart-stoppingly handsome. But when he takes an interest in her mathematical work, she realizes that Mr. Shaughnessy isn't just a scandal waiting to happen. He's waiting to happen to her...and if she's not careful, she'll give in to certain ruination. 

Review

The Brothers Sinister series is now over for me. That's kind of sad.

This was such a cute and fun novella. The tone really felt like Stephen and made me smile. Ms. Milan does acknowledge the treatment of blacks and the realities of an inter-racial relationship, but was still hopeful.

I really liked Stephen and Rose. Stephen is so funny, kind, and caring. It's actually nice to have a non-angsty romance hero. Rose is shy, but in an understandable and nice way. Sometimes shyness feels like a throwaway trait for heroines. And she is incredibly intelligent. Like I don't understand anything she says, but I'm so glad Ms. Milan kept it in there. Just like Stephen, I got sucked in by her enthusiasm for math and astronomy.

I'm glad I finally read this. And I am trying to read more racially diverse romances. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Year of the Crocodile by Courtney Milan

Series: Cyclone Series Book 2.5

Format:Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Tina Chen and Blake Reynolds have been together for almost a year. In that time, they’ve grown closer on just about every front. The one exception? Blake’s father has never let anything stop him. Tina’s parents have never let anyone push them around. And they’ve never met.

That’s about to change. But don’t worry—fireworks are traditional at Chinese New Years.

Review

This isn't much to say about this novella. It was cute and probably set up a lot for the rest of the series. And my theory about Adam is holding strong. Although I don't know how that will pan out.

I would've like more Blake and Tina, but it is just a novella. And it was worth it to be able to see their parents interact.

Now it's just a matter of playing the waiting game for the next books. She's a slow writer, but her books are high quality.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Review: Hold Me by Courtney Milan

Series: Cyclone Book #2

Format: ebook

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult

Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Jay na Thalang is a demanding, driven genius. He doesn’t know how to stop or even slow down. The instant he lays eyes on Maria Lopez, he knows that she is a sexy distraction he can’t afford. He’s done his best to keep her at arm’s length, and he’s succeeded beyond his wildest dreams.

Maria has always been cautious. Now that her once-tiny, apocalypse-centered blog is hitting the mainstream, she’s even more careful about preserving her online anonymity. She hasn’t sent so much as a picture to the commenter she’s interacted with for eighteen months—not even after emails, hour-long chats, and a friendship that is slowly turning into more. Maybe one day, they’ll meet and see what happens.

But unbeknownst to them both, Jay is Maria’s commenter. They’ve already met. They already hate each other. And two determined enemies are about to discover that they’ve been secretly falling in love…

Review

I've kind of been putting off writing this. But I do want to record my thoughts. My thoughts come down to one word: conflicted.

Since this book was announced, I've been excited about it because of Maria. She was a trans-woman who has fully transitioned. I was excited because this is a completely different character for me. And in my life0I've only ever known one transperson. I wanted this book to expose me to new things and it really didn't. That's were the conflicted comes in. Her having transitioned is such a non-issue. Now, I'm a huge fan of what I call subtle diversity. this embodies that idea which is great, but I also feel a little robbed.

Other than that, I liked the characters. The romance was a little mediocre. I do like the friendship between Maria and Tina that carried over from the first book. This is a book that may improve on a re-read now that I know what to expect.

If you have any book suggestions of books with trans or post-transition characters let me know because I'm interested.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

 

October Wrap-Up (2017)

Well October basically went the way I expected. I read/listed to four books. And two of them were very short.

But between going on vacation and overtime at work I wasn't feeling like reading a lot. And honestly I'm still feeling that way. So, November may be kind of an adventure.

Below are the books I read this month along with their ratings.

The Year We Fell Down- 4 Stars

The Year of the Crocodile-4 Stars

Hold Me-3 Stars

The World According to Mr. Rogers-4 Stars

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: The Suffragette Scandal by Courtney Milan

Series: The Brothers Sinister Book #4

Format: Ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Self-Published

 

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Miss Frederica "Free" Marshall has put her heart and soul into her newspaper, known for its outspoken support of women's rights. Naturally, her enemies are intent on destroying her business and silencing her for good. Free refuses to be at the end of her rope...but she needs more rope, and she needs it now.

...a jaded scoundrel...

Edward Clark's aristocratic family abandoned him to die in a war-torn land, so he survived the only way he could: by becoming a rogue and a first-class forger. When the same family that left him for dead vows to ruin Miss Marshall, he offers his help. So what if he has to lie to her? She's only a pawn to use in his revenge.

...and a scandal seven years in the making.

But the irrepressible Miss Marshall soon enchants Edward. By the time he realizes that his cynical heart is hers, it's too late. The only way to thwart her enemies is to reveal his scandalous past...and once the woman he loves realizes how much he's lied to her, he'll lose her forever.

Review

Part of the reason I hadn't read this yet was because I thought I wouldn't like it. Why? I have no idea. It wasn't waht I thought it would be in the best possible way. It has some very serious content, but had a lighter tone then the others in the series.

My favorite thing about this is the banter between Free and Edward. They play off eachother so well. And it felt very fast so I could hear them going in my head. There was a push and pull between them, but it was never disrespectful or harsh.

I did also like them as individual characters. I like Edward just a little bit more than Free-he was a little more engaging and complex. But Free was interesting especially wiht her outlook on life, society, and women's rights.

Speaking of-the suffragette movement was a huge part of this story. And it was very easy to see that there was commentary on how far we have or haven't come in 100+ years. That doesn't bother me, but I thought I should mention it.

One disappearing things is the side characters. I felt there were crumbs left out for their stories especially Patrick, but there was no fulfillment. I just feel a little let down by that, but maybe I'm reading too much into things.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan

Series: The Brothers Sinister Book #3
Format: Ebook
Rating: 4 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased in ebook bindup
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Self-Published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

Sebastian Malheur is the most dangerous sort of rake: an educated one. When he’s not scandalizing ladies in the bedchamber, he’s outraging proper society with his scientific theories. He’s desired, reviled, acclaimed, and despised—and he laughs through it all.

Violet Waterfield, the widowed Countess of Cambury, on the other hand, is entirely respectable, and she’d like to stay that way. But Violet has a secret that is beyond ruinous, one that ties her irrevocably to England’s most infamous scoundrel: Sebastian’s theories aren’t his. They’re hers.

So when Sebastian threatens to dissolve their years-long conspiracy, she’ll do anything to save their partnership...even if it means opening her vulnerable heart to the rake who could destroy it for good.

Review

 
I was really excited going into this one. And I did really enjoy it. Courtney Milan is a great author. But I was a little let down. The ending especially is were I thought there could've been more development.

Sebastian and Violet were both great. He was probably the best version of the "unrequited" love character I've ever read. So good, I even feel weird classifying him that way. And Violet was such a complex character. They also have a very interesting relationship. They are friends, but also have a really difficult situation to deal with.

Sorry, my recent reviews have been pretty crappy. I'll try to get better.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan

Series: Brothers Sinister Book #2
Format: Ebook
Rating: 5 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Miss Jane Fairfield can’t do anything right. When she’s in company, she always says the wrong thing—and rather too much of it. No matter how costly they are, her gowns fall on the unfortunate side of fashion. Even her immense dowry can’t save her from being an object of derision.

And that’s precisely what she wants. She’ll do anything, even risk humiliation, if it means she can stay unmarried and keep her sister safe.

Mr. Oliver Marshall has to do everything right. He’s the bastard son of a duke, raised in humble circumstances—and he intends to give voice and power to the common people. If he makes one false step, he’ll never get the chance to accomplish anything. He doesn’t need to come to the rescue of the wrong woman. He certainly doesn’t need to fall in love with her. But there’s something about the lovely, courageous Jane that he can’t resist…even though it could mean the ruin of them both.

Review

It's official, I'm on the Courtney Milan trail. I already liked her, but now I have to read all the books. This book was like my crack, but also different. How does she do it?

First, there's Jane. She was basically perfect and I have no complaints. I loved that some of her ridiculousness isn't natural and other parts aren't an act. That helped me really connect with her. Plus, she has a great relationship with her sister.

Then, there's Oliver. Where the hell did he come from. Ms. Milan could've easily made him cold and bitter, but he's actually very kind and thoughtful. The way he feels about and treats his aunt Freddy makes my heart flutter. I loved looking at his journey of self-reflection which I don't often see done with male characters.

This is a perfect example of why self-publishing is great. Ms. Milan plays around with tropes and your expectations. It definitely feels like a historical, but stands out in the best possible way.

And the sequel bait. I want to read the next one so bad, but I'm to practice self-control and ration these books.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Review: A Kiss for Midwinter by Courtney Milan

Series: Brothers Sinister Book #1.5
Format: Ebook
Rating: 3 Stars
How I Got It: Purchased
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Self-published

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

 

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...

A Kiss for Midwinter is a novella (38,000 words) in the Brothers Sinister series. It follows The Duchess War. Each book stands on its own, but those who prefer to read in order might want to read that book first.

Review

This is the first disappointing book I've read by Courtney Milan. It was an ok read, but not as good as her others. It was especially sad because I was really excited for Lydia and Jonas' story after the previous book.

The language was kind of odd, not in a bad way though. Jonas is just so honest and straight forward. I guess I'm just used to the more physical prose kind of language.

Thanks for reading!
Holly

Trade Me by Courtney Milan

Series: Cyclone #1

Format: Ebook

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

This is my first Courtney Milan book and it did not disappoint. I quickly connected with the characters and their stories. And I don’t like the billionaire trope so that’s saying something.

Tina was a great heroine. And she isn’t a rich white girl or a white girl with a dark/abusive past which is different for new adult. And she could come across as whiny because of her socio-economic situation, but she doesn’t. She’s poor, but that’s a fact and she is willing to sacrifice and work hard to make a better life for her family.

The romance was also great. They had immediate sexual chemistry, but it didn’t overwhelm the story. I love that these characters fall in love, but also have their own individual journeys/growth. And I want to see more of them as a couple, but I get the impression that will be happening later in the series.

I do wish we had spent more time with the immigration storyline. I didn’t come into this with a lot of prior knowledge and was intrigued by Tina’s family and their situation. But I understand this isn’t an issue book.

Oh, I love Blake’s relationship with her dad. It’s a nice blend of touching emotion and macho man. They are hilarious together and I want more of it. Again, I’m really hoping we get more of them and the dad in general in future books.

Now, it’s time for specific talk.

Blake. I would not have guessed what his problem was, but I see it now that I look back. Ms. Milan said this isn’t about anorexia/eating disorders, but she does an excellent job of weaving that issue into the larger story. And I can definitely appreciate her choice to discuss an illness that’s often ignored in fiction and the real world.

This is definitely one of my favorite new adult books and I highly recommend it. And I can’t wait for the other books in the series to come out. I may need to check out Ms. Milan’s historical romances to hold me over.

Video Review:

 

Thanks for reading!

~Holly