Series: Carhart #1
Author: Courtney Milan
Published March 1st 2011 by Mills & Boon
Goodreads Synopsis
A gifted fortune-teller from a humble background, Jenny can make even the most sophisticated sceptic believe her predictions by batting her smoky eyelashes – until she meets Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, scientist and a sworn bachelor. Broodingly handsome Gareth is scandalised to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of ‘Madame Esmerelda’ and vows to prove Jenny a fraud.
Gareth’s unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress disrupts his calculated plan, until he can’t decide whether to seduce her or ruin her! Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, these two must choose between everything they know and the boundless possibilities of love.
Goodreads
Review
Proof by Seduction sees the humble Miss Jenny Keeble use her persona as ‘Madame Esmerelda’ to make her way through the difficult London world. One of her most devoted clients is the young Ned Carhart, who after suffering deep depression, relies heavily on Jenny's help throughout his life. However, his uncle, Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, is wholly against mystics, who he sees as charlatans, and sets out to prove that 'Madame Esmerelda' is nothing but a cheat and a liar. As he plans to do this, Jenny sets him three tasks to complete, but soon it seems he's more at risk of falling in love rather than failing to reveal the truth.
I've heard so much about Milan's books since I started reading historical fiction, and this was a book I could pick up as soon as my library reopened after lock down, so I gave it a go. I enjoyed the romantic aspects between Gareth and Jenny, and really felt for Ned at times. Jenny had a difficult upbringing, and had to rely on anything she could to survive, even it that was masquerading as a fortune teller and taking money off those in times of struggle. Ned was one of these people, but she formed a real friendship with him, and cared for him as a sort of pseudo-sister. At times, though, I felt like Ned needed to grow up a bit, and stop relying on others for so much, and start acting his age. Yes, his relationship with Gareth was strained, and because of how straight laced and clinical Gareth was, he didn't suffer Ned's foolish actions lightly, but that was no way for Ned to still be acting as he was. I know the next book in the series is about Ned, and I'm somewhat interested in reading it, but not in any real rush. All in all, an okay read, but not one that blew me away.
Dates Read:
August 31-September 1, 2020
Rating
3 Stars
