Title: Unlocked
Author: Courtney Milan
First published May 26, 2011
111 pages, ebook
ISBN: 9781937248000
Rating: 3.73
Overview
In “Unlocked” by Courtney Milan, Lady Emily Fitzgerald is a young woman resigned to her fate as a wallflower. She knows she’ll never be one of the popular girls, but she’s content with her quiet life.
That is, until she catches the eye of James Ashton, the notorious rake of London. Emily is sure he’s up to something, but she can’t help feeling drawn to him.
James, for his part, is shocked to find himself falling for the one woman he’s always ignored. He knows he has a lot to make up for, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win her heart.
But when Emily’s past comes back to haunt her, James will have to prove that he’s not the heartless rogue he once was, and that his love is true.
About the Author
Courtney Milan crafts tales filled with the elegance of carriages, the allure of corsets, and the innovation of smartwatches. Her literary works have garnered high praise from esteemed publications such as Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Courtney has claimed the title of New York Times and USA Today Bestseller.
In her weekly newsletter, Courtney shares her musings on tea, books, and a myriad of other topics. Join her subscribers by signing up here:
Before diving into the world of romance writing, Courtney earned a graduate degree in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley. Seeking a change of pace, she attended the University of Michigan for law school and graduated summa cum laude.
After completing a few clerkships, she taught law as a professor before transitioning to full-time writing.
Kristin Nelson of the Nelson Literary Agency represents Courtney.
Editoral Review
Unlocked by Courtney Milan is a historical romance novel that was first published on May 26, 2011. Courtney Milan is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance novels.
She is known for her books’ strong heroines, diverse characters, and thought-provoking themes. Unlocked is a novella that follows a retired army captain named Mark Turner and his romance with an unconventional woman, Miss Ashley Daltry.
The story is set in Regency-era England, a period marked by strict social norms and rigid hierarchy. However, Mark Turner is not your typical Regency hero.
He is a man who believes in equality, regardless of social status or gender. His unconventional beliefs are put to the test when he meets Ashley Daltry, a woman who suffers from agoraphobia, a fear of open spaces.
Despite her condition, Ashley is intelligent, kind-hearted, and fiercely independent. The plot of Unlocked is driven by the slow-burning romance between Mark and Ashley.
Their connection is palpable from the start, but their individual traumas and fears often stand in the way of their happiness. The story is emotionally gripping, with themes of mental health, trauma, and social inequality woven seamlessly into the plot.
What makes Unlocked stand out from other romance novels is the depth of character development. Milan’s writing is exquisite, with vivid descriptions and realistic dialogues that immerse the reader in the world she has created.
Mark and Ashley are complex characters, each with their own flaws and strengths. Milan does an excellent job of portraying their growth throughout the story, making their romance feel organic and satisfying.
Another strength of Unlocked is its relevance to current events and issues. The novel explores the consequences of social inequality, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the power dynamics in romantic relationships.
Milan uses these themes to highlight the importance of empathy, understanding, and respect. Even though Unlocked is a novella, it packs a punch.
Milan’s writing is both poignant and unapologetically feminist. She tackles difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
However, the novella’s short length does leave some plotlines unexplored, which may leave readers wanting more. All in all, Unlocked is a must-read for fans of historical romance novels.
It is a beautifully crafted story that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the power of love and empathy. I would give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its compelling characters, excellent pacing, and thought-provoking themes.
