Proof by Seduction (Carhart, #1) by Courtney Milan Series: Carhart #1
Published by Entangled: Edge on July 7th 2014
Genres: Historical
Pages: 311
Goodreads
Story of People Trapped By Their Pasts
PROOF BY SEDUCTION is the first book in the Carhart series (there is a prequel novella as well). It is the story of Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely who is determined to save his cousin from the fraudulent fortune teller who Gareth believes is taking advantage of his cousin. Madame Esmerelda is actually Jenny Keeble who doesn’t intend to allow Gareth to judge her as unworthy.
This is Milan’s first book and is not as polished as her more recent books. Milan, however, has such an interesting take on characters. Jenny and Gareth are an interesting mix of hope and despair, optimist and pessimist. Both are constrained by what they see as their role in life although Jenny had taken the “bad” road while Gareth never deviates from what he sees as his role as Marquess. Jenny is adorable in this book and Gareth is hard to like because he protects himself with coldness and he has trouble connecting with people. I liked how Jenny challenges Gareth and he changes.
I ultimately liked this story because I felt that there was real change and growth in the characters.
The version I have is an enhanced edition that includes some additional information that reveals Milan’s thoughts about the book and explains some of the events, relationships, and quirks of the book.