"Unlocked" By: Courtney Milan Review

"Unlocked" 

By: Courtney Milan

A perpetual wallflower destined for spinsterhood, Lady Elaine Warren is resigned to her position in society. So when Evan Carlton, the powerful, popular Earl of Westfeld, singles her out upon his return to England, she knows what it means. Her former tormenter is up to his old tricks, and she’s his intended victim. This time, though, the earl is going to discover that wallflowers can fight back.

Evan has come to regret his cruel, callow past. At first, he only wants to make up for past wrongs. But when Elaine throws his initial apology in his face, he finds himself wanting more. And this time, what torments him might be love…

My Thoughts:

       Courtney Milan is one of my favorite up and coming romance writers of today. She is clever, romantic, smart and fun...as are the characters in her stories. I haven't met a Courtney Milan book that I didn't like and this one was no exception.

       "Unlocked" is an e-novella that I thought might not live up to the hype of her other novels...but boy was I wrong! Elaine is a wonderful heroine - a little shy at first but definitely not meek or mild. Evan, the Earl of Westfeld, has just returned to England after a self-imposed sabatical. When Evan was younger, he had been incredibly mean to Elaine; thinking that was going to show her how much he liked her. By his actions, others started being mean to her too. When he realized what he had done, he leaves and only now has returned.

       Elaine is left wondering where Evan went and isn't very excited to see that he has returned. I love stories where the hero has to beg, don't ask me why. This one definitely had that fun element, Evan most definitely pays for his crimes. However, he's so thoughtful and kind now you have a hard time believing he ever was bad. I loved Evan and Elaine equally - Evan is a strong male lead that grovels wonderfully and Elaine is a smart, charismatic heroine who claims her power. A wonderful romance for anyone!