Tuesday, April 24, 2012

U: Unveiled

As they’re all one series, I’m recommending ALL of Courtney Milan’s books starting with U (three novels and a handful of novellas). One of many things I love about her books is the heroes. Nary a brooding duke nor randy rake in the lot.   

Courtney Milan is not only an expert in Georgian/Regency/Victorian-era English law and law court decisions (and is (or was once) a lawyer in her day job), but she writes the most intriguing characters working through gut-twisting situations.



This series follows three brothers (mostly). Their deranged mother abused them relentlessly. They couldn't go to anyone for help because their mother was the respected widow of the local lord, and very charitable, besides. She let their sister die because it was "God's will". She named them each for Bible verses. Not Biblical characters. VERSES. Of course they all go by shortened versions - Ash, Smite, and Mark.

When Ash takes off for India to make his fortune, their mother tries to kill Smite by starving him in the flooded cellar. Mark rescues him, and they run away, surviving on the streets of Bristol before their brother comes back and finds them. Ash returns a rich man, determined to give his younger brothers everything he wanted and didn't have - an education at Eton, big houses, power. But Smite and Mark have now formed a bond that seems to exclude Ash, no matter what he tries. This is all backstory, but Milan does some awe-inspiring story-spinning with the psychological damage they've suffered.


Ash's story is Unveiled. As relentlessly ruthless as he is cheerful, he's set himself a mission to destroy the wealthy distant relation who refused to help them when they were in need. His love interest? The daughter of that family, who is equally determined to save her family from social and financial destruction.






Mark's story is Unclaimed. Mark is a sincere, funny, likeable guy who writes a hugely popular book on chastity. His love interest? A courtesan who's been hired by a political rival to take him down.






Smite's story is Unraveled. He is a dedicated magistrate. His love interest is a runner for the local crime boss.


There’s nothing contrived about the conflict between the two main characters in each book. Just look at that list! It makes me want to read them all again...

8 comments:

  1. Three good examples of books beginning with the 'U' letter. Well done.

    http://francene-wordstitcher.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks! Unfortunately still have X and Z to worry about...

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  2. I'm not a huge fan of regencies and royals BUT I read one of her novellas and really liked it. Historicals from that era are more of an occasional thing for me, but I liked her work enough I'd read another.

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    1. Courtney Milan's truly different from other Romance writers. I think maybe because she's willing to give her characters real flaws (not just good traits manifesting themselves negatively) and real psychological issues, put them through real suffering (not just temporary injuries). It makes me wonder if she started out writing straight historicals, and then switched to Romance.

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  3. Also not a big regency fan, but I've heard great things about Courtney Milan.

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    1. I'd recommend her books to anyone, and I can't say that about other Romance writers I like.

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  4. I love the Victorian Era...disappointing that the main character paints the Bible in a bad light, and the concept of "God's Will" which is definitely misunderstood by many, because of all the evil done in His name. Since I don't have the opportunity with my schedule to read many books, I appreciate your review! Just stopping by from the Challenge...
    Http://4ambassadorsofchrist.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh, I don't know. Stories within the Bible itself are pretty evenly split between those doing evil and those doing good, and within those groups, those doing evil in the name of God and those doing good in the name of God. I don't think this story paints the Bible in any worse a light.

      Thanks for stopping by! We're in the home stretch of the Challenge now! :)

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