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ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
justinkhchen's review
4.0
4 stars
Really enjoyed its complexity and Courtney Milan's lively writing style, Proof by Seduction might be too level-headed and analytical at conveying its emotions, hence it doesn't quite come across as a sweeping, grandiose romance, but as a diverse reader who simply appreciate skilled storytelling, this fully delivers as a narrative well-told.
The discussion on class difference, misogyny, and even mental illness is deeply woven into the plot; in a way the setup also reminds me of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, where characters' opposing belief (emotionally-driven vs. fact-based) are being challenged. At the expense of giving space to thoroughly articulate, argue for/against both perspectives, the romance can feel like it is constantly fallen by the wayside — Proof by Seduction oftentimes reads like a (really good) historical fiction, rather than a historical romance, as categorized.
Still, this being my first time reading from Courtney Milan, Proof by Seduction has definitely left a very good impression: the levity in her writing and some excellent instances of literary gymnastic, a roster of tangible, dimensional characters, and a plot-focused narrative, I'll definitely be checking out more of her backlist!
***The Rake Appreciation Society Book Club | August 2022***
Really enjoyed its complexity and Courtney Milan's lively writing style, Proof by Seduction might be too level-headed and analytical at conveying its emotions, hence it doesn't quite come across as a sweeping, grandiose romance, but as a diverse reader who simply appreciate skilled storytelling, this fully delivers as a narrative well-told.
The discussion on class difference, misogyny, and even mental illness is deeply woven into the plot; in a way the setup also reminds me of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, where characters' opposing belief (emotionally-driven vs. fact-based) are being challenged. At the expense of giving space to thoroughly articulate, argue for/against both perspectives, the romance can feel like it is constantly fallen by the wayside — Proof by Seduction oftentimes reads like a (really good) historical fiction, rather than a historical romance, as categorized.
Still, this being my first time reading from Courtney Milan, Proof by Seduction has definitely left a very good impression: the levity in her writing and some excellent instances of literary gymnastic, a roster of tangible, dimensional characters, and a plot-focused narrative, I'll definitely be checking out more of her backlist!
***The Rake Appreciation Society Book Club | August 2022***
crownoflaurel's review
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
luciesc's review
Not thrilled with the hero’s attitude of conquering the heroine, felt like the heroine didn’t have enough character heft.
jackiehorne's review
4.0
3.5 A truly ridiculous premise, but strong writing and lovely character development make you overlook the flaw. Terrific for a first romance...
birdloveranne's review
5.0
I'm too tired to do a big review (not that I ever do a big one) because I stayed up 2 hours past my bed time to finish this book! It was SO good! The characters were awesome. Wow!
dostoyevskyism's review
great chemistry in the beginning but it soon fizzled out for me so dnf
ilaurin's review
4.0
I was a bit sceptic that I would enjoy this book as the heroine mascaraded as a fortune teller but luckily I was wrong and really enjoyed this story. The hero is a cold man who, underneath is just hiding a lot of unease with people. The heroine sees through his cold facade and helps him get along better with people and give up the notion tha t he is just superior to everyone else. I enjoyed this story with flawed heroes.
algae429's review against another edition
4.0
I really love Milan's books. She tries to give each of her characters agency. Things happen in these books because the characters make them happen, not because she's beautiful or he's wealthy. I appreciate the way she fits them into their worlds and makes them work.