Title: Once Upon a Marquess
Author: Courtney Milan
First published December 8, 2015
277 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.74
Overview
Despite the fact that Christian Trent, the Marquess of Ashford, heartlessly ruined Judith Worth’s father, she must now turn to him for help with a tricky business matter. The last thing she wants is to see him again, but she has no other option.
Hoping to avoid any direct interaction with him, she prays that he’ll delegate the task to a servant. Unfortunately, Ashford has never forgotten Judith and can’t resist the opportunity to see her again.
As he rediscovers the vivacious and beautiful woman she has become, he knows that he’s falling in love with her, despite the fact that he can never have her. Throughout his life, he’s always done the right thing, but now he’s compelled to do something utterly wrong.
About the Author
If you’re a fan of books that transport you back to a time of carriages and corsets, but also appreciate a smartwatch reference or two, then Courtney Milan is an author you need to add to your reading list. Her books have garnered starred reviews from big names like Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist, and she boasts titles on both the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller lists.
Beyond her romance novels, Courtney shares her thoughts on all sorts of topics in her weekly newsletter, covering everything from tea to literature to whatever else happens to catch her fancy. You can sign up to receive it yourself by following the link provided.
Before becoming a romance author, Courtney earned a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. But she didn’t stop there – she went on to earn her law degree from the University of Michigan, graduating with the highest honors.
She spent time as a law professor and clerked for multiple judges before turning her full attention to writing.
If you’re interested in working with Courtney, she’s represented by Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency.
Editoral Review
Once Upon a Marquess by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novel that was first published on December 8, 2015. Milan is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has written several historical romance novels that have captivated readers around the world.
This novel is set in 19th century England, and it explores themes that are still relevant today, such as social class, gender inequality, and discrimination. The novel tells the story of Judith Worth, a young woman who is trying to survive in a world that is dominated by men.
When her father dies, Judith is left with a large amount of debt and a crumbling estate that she must manage on her own. With the help of her loyal servants and friends, Judith tries to keep her estate afloat and maintain her dignity in the face of adversity.
One day, she meets Christian Trent, the Marquess of Ashford, who is known for his rakish ways and his disdain for women. Despite their differences, Christian and Judith are drawn to each other, and they soon realize that they share a deep connection that cannot be ignored.
As they navigate through the ups and downs of their relationship, they discover that love can conquer even the greatest of obstacles. Milan’s writing is beautiful and evocative, and she creates a world that is both rich and detailed.
Her characters are multi-dimensional and complex, with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Judith is a strong and resilient heroine who refuses to let the challenges of her life defeat her.
Christian, on the other hand, is a tortured hero who is struggling to come to terms with his own past. The pacing of the novel is excellent, with just the right amount of tension and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
The plot structure is well-crafted, with no loose ends or unresolved conflicts. Milan’s themes are also thought-provoking, and they add an extra layer of depth to the novel.
In terms of weaknesses, Once Upon a Marquess could benefit from more character development for some of the secondary characters. While Judith and Christian are fully fleshed out, some of the other characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
Overall, Once Upon a Marquess is an excellent historical romance novel that will appeal to fans of the genre. Milan’s writing is top-notch, and her characters are well-realized and engaging.
This book is a great choice for anyone who loves a good love story, but it is also a thought-provoking exploration of issues that are still relevant today. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 4.5/5
