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62nd out of 394 books
—
770 voters
Unlocked (Turner #1.6)
by
Courtney Milan (Goodreads Author)
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 wall...more
ebook, 111 pages
Published
May 31st 2011
(first published May 26th 2011)
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Because even wallflowers fight back…
Bravo!
This might be the best novella I’ve ever read. It was such an emotional story, one that had me in tears one minute and laughing the next. It’s a story filled with hurt and sadness, hope and happiness, forgiveness and love.
Years earlier a callow, cruel Evan Carlton, Earl of Westfeld and his cousin, Diane, ruined a young woman’s debut into society, and pretty much turned Lady Elaine Warren into a pariah. She lost any hope of marrying well, and as if it wer...more
review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More
---SPOILER FREE---
I first heard about this book on twitter. Jane Litte (yes, THE Jane, the one from Dear Author) was saying how wonderful it was. And as I hustled over to allromanceebooks.com to buy it, Jane did the coolest thing ever-she bought 20 copies of the ebook and gifted it to the first 20 responders from twitter. I was lucky enough to be one of those 20.
That being said, Courtney Milan is a new author to me. With the cruel actions of the he...more
---SPOILER FREE---
I first heard about this book on twitter. Jane Litte (yes, THE Jane, the one from Dear Author) was saying how wonderful it was. And as I hustled over to allromanceebooks.com to buy it, Jane did the coolest thing ever-she bought 20 copies of the ebook and gifted it to the first 20 responders from twitter. I was lucky enough to be one of those 20.
That being said, Courtney Milan is a new author to me. With the cruel actions of the he...more
26 likes
·
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· see review
I bought this with some trepidation, not having liked the previous Milan book I tried. However, I absolutely love her intelligent blog posts (http://www.courtneymilan.com/rambling...) and commentary, and a dollar didn't seem much to spend to say thank you. I was so glad I took the small chance.
This novella was special, partially because it has such an original plotline and partially because it's (reasonably) plausible historical fiction that speaks so strongly to concerns we have right now. I'm...more
This novella was special, partially because it has such an original plotline and partially because it's (reasonably) plausible historical fiction that speaks so strongly to concerns we have right now. I'm...more
19 likes
·
like
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Wow, loved it. Thank you to everyone who recommended this gem.
A great enemies-to-lovers historical novella.
Some favorite quotes:
(view spoiler)...more
A great enemies-to-lovers historical novella.
Some favorite quotes:
(view spoiler)...more
15 likes
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like
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AMAZING - that’s the first word that came to mind after I’d finished reading Unlocked. Even within the constraints of the novella, Ms Milan‘s story is original, deeply emotional and profoundly moving. I have certainly never come across the theme of bullying in a historical romance before. I am sure that Ms Milan must have done a lot of research to convey with such realism not only the emotional effects of verbal abuse but also the motivations of the abuser as well.
I loved Evan because Ms Milan m...more
I loved Evan because Ms Milan m...more
6 likes
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like
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10 years: that number really hit me in the face. Evan and Elaine met in 1830. That same year, Evan left England. He returned in 1838. When he meets Elaine again, at a ball in 1840, it’s been a decade since they’ve seen each other. Long separation … not a trope I love.
Great opening: why is an earl who once “dominated society” feeling uneasy as he enters the ballroom with his cousin Diana? What had he done that made him hate himself? He spots Lady Equine (Lady Elaine Warren) even though she’s easy...more
Great opening: why is an earl who once “dominated society” feeling uneasy as he enters the ballroom with his cousin Diana? What had he done that made him hate himself? He spots Lady Equine (Lady Elaine Warren) even though she’s easy...more
Apr 15, 2013
MrsJoseph
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Lady Danielle, historical romance lovers, fans of male grovelling
Recommended to MrsJoseph by:
Jane Litte
This is not your typical historical romance. Serious Male Groveling Beyond This Point. And Spoilers.
Lady Elaine Warren is a spinster and likely to stay that way. At the beginning of her first Season Evan Carlton, Earl of Westfield made her into a mockery. He picked on her laugh (he said it reminded him of a horse), her looks and everything about her. She was a laughing stock and no one wanted to marry her. Then Evan disappeared but her tormentors never let up. He disappeared because he loved Lad...more
Lady Elaine Warren is a spinster and likely to stay that way. At the beginning of her first Season Evan Carlton, Earl of Westfield made her into a mockery. He picked on her laugh (he said it reminded him of a horse), her looks and everything about her. She was a laughing stock and no one wanted to marry her. Then Evan disappeared but her tormentors never let up. He disappeared because he loved Lad...more
5 likes
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like
· see review
Favorite Quote: “If I’m to list the things I want, I want to own your quiet possession,” he continued, “and drive the wariness from your eyes.”
Do you remember when you were young and a kid would pick on you or tease you and your parents would say – oh, that’s just because deep down, he or she really likes you? This is Lady Elaine’s life – except she has to endure it as an adult, in the eyes of the ton. Elaine has quite a laugh – some say it sounds like a horse with a pig’s snort and they have ni...more
Do you remember when you were young and a kid would pick on you or tease you and your parents would say – oh, that’s just because deep down, he or she really likes you? This is Lady Elaine’s life – except she has to endure it as an adult, in the eyes of the ton. Elaine has quite a laugh – some say it sounds like a horse with a pig’s snort and they have ni...more
One of the best novellas I have read. This is a truly heartbreakingly beautiful story of a woman who was ridiculed her first season out and how she has dealt with the aftermath. When the man who started the taunting returns ten years later to make amends, you get to see the ostrich bloom into a beautiful swan. She stands strong against temptation and will make you shed a few tears throughout the process. A truly excellent story of overcoming bullying that is truly beautifully written and worth w...more
6 likes
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like
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May 28, 2011
Jenn
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Jenn by:
Jane Litte (Dear Author)
What a precious, endearing, beautiful story. Yes I gave it 5 of 5 stars because it was a sweet easy read, the length was perfect for the story, and everything about it made for a wonderful afternoon read in my favorite chair.
This story touched a bit close to home for me as well, the heroine stifles her own laughter, after some horrible experiences. It's not an easy thing to do, stifling laughter, especially when you are such a naturally boisterous person. I know this. I know this because I did...more
This story touched a bit close to home for me as well, the heroine stifles her own laughter, after some horrible experiences. It's not an easy thing to do, stifling laughter, especially when you are such a naturally boisterous person. I know this. I know this because I did...more
4 likes
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What a perfect little novella! I've seen it come up on my friend list several times, and there were rave reviews, so I decided to try it out. It was quite lovely, and though I wish it had been longer, it might not have been quite so perfect if it had been. I've never read this author before, but she is definitely going on my list to read again!
3 likes
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like
· see review
Jan 17, 2013
cEe beE
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
my-kinda-hero,
spirited-heroine
A little too short but still satisfying historical romance.
May 10, 2012
Baba ♥♥♥ Marcus, Tyler, Tate, Dan, Ty, & Hunter
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
courtney-milan,
historicals
Full review now posted
"I had hoped you wanted to say that," he whispered into her ear. "Now might I repeat it louder?" He took her mouth again. She tasted of cinnamon. She yielded in his arms as he drew her closer. His hands crept up her side, and found nothing but soft fabric and softer flesh underneath.
Whispers…I'm a little bit disappointed. May I say it louder? I'm a little bit disappointed. Unlocked didn't captivate me.
For such a short novella there were just too many characters involved. In...more
"I had hoped you wanted to say that," he whispered into her ear. "Now might I repeat it louder?" He took her mouth again. She tasted of cinnamon. She yielded in his arms as he drew her closer. His hands crept up her side, and found nothing but soft fabric and softer flesh underneath.
Whispers…I'm a little bit disappointed. May I say it louder? I'm a little bit disappointed. Unlocked didn't captivate me.
For such a short novella there were just too many characters involved. In...more
12 likes
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Thank you Mia for having this book in your to read list.
This is my first e-book purchase.
The four stars is on my Courtney Milan scale. It is her fault I hold her to a higher standard.
Wonderful story that deals with two of the characters, Lady Elaine and Lady Cosgrove from Unveiled. Turns out Lady Elaine and Lady Cosgrove's favorite cousin have some history. Both ladies would prefer that it remain history, but the gentleman has other ideas.
The story is about forgiveness and trust. And love, of co...more
This is my first e-book purchase.
The four stars is on my Courtney Milan scale. It is her fault I hold her to a higher standard.
Wonderful story that deals with two of the characters, Lady Elaine and Lady Cosgrove from Unveiled. Turns out Lady Elaine and Lady Cosgrove's favorite cousin have some history. Both ladies would prefer that it remain history, but the gentleman has other ideas.
The story is about forgiveness and trust. And love, of co...more
4.5 stars
I read this some time ago, and for some reason, I don't think I quite 'got it', because I listened to the audiobook recently (read by Simon Prebble) and heard so much that I somehow missed in print.
This is actually one of those books in which I found much with which to identify; principally the idea that Elaine, rather than hiding in the face of the ridicule heaped upon her, has chosen instead to brazen it out and defy the name-callers, even though of course, underneath it all she's dev...more
I read this some time ago, and for some reason, I don't think I quite 'got it', because I listened to the audiobook recently (read by Simon Prebble) and heard so much that I somehow missed in print.
This is actually one of those books in which I found much with which to identify; principally the idea that Elaine, rather than hiding in the face of the ridicule heaped upon her, has chosen instead to brazen it out and defy the name-callers, even though of course, underneath it all she's dev...more
For a shorter story/novella, I thought this story packed quite a punch. Overall, there was a surprising level of depth and development that played out in the span of 120 odd pages. I really liked the portrayal of Lady Elaine as a tormented wallflower who nevertheless retained her sense of self-worth and didn't lapse into a chasm of self-pity. Oh, there were clearly times when others made her life miserable (and at their helm, the H), but from her thoughts and reasoning and the fact that she foug...more
Jan 12, 2012
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Historical romance lovers
Recommended to Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress by:
Many GRs friends
Shelves:
favorite-or-autobuy-author,
favorites,
awkward-misfit,
enemies-to-lovers,
unrequited-love,
victorian,
hero-in-pursuit,
trust-issues,
historical-romance,
novella,
2012-sky-s-the-limit-club,
yearly-reading-challenge,
outdoorsman,
return-of-the-prodigal,
hero-to-die-for,
heroine-i-adore,
hot-and-steamy-romance,
kindle-book,
dangerous-hero-2012-general-reading,
redemption,
voluptuous-heroine,
blond-hero,
part-of-a-series,
2012-kindle-reading-challenge
Unlocked is a fantastic short novel about a man who faces his past, and earns the love, trust, and forgiveness of the one woman he always wanted but was afraid to go after honorably, to break out of the mode of society's expectations for him.
I totally identified with Elaine. I was picked on incessantly growing up. No matter what I did, it was the focus of ridicule in school. I followed her plan of attack and withdrew into myself, pretending like it didn't matter. If you pretend like it doesn't m...more
I totally identified with Elaine. I was picked on incessantly growing up. No matter what I did, it was the focus of ridicule in school. I followed her plan of attack and withdrew into myself, pretending like it didn't matter. If you pretend like it doesn't m...more
26 likes
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like
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It's always hard with novella's because you just want more. I haven't read many but this was a good one. I loved the hero and heroine and from the beginning felt a gamet of emotions. My heart broke for Elaine and all that she'd gone through at the hands of Evan and his youthful misguidedness. They found a way to break through their pasts though and I really did feel that Evan loved Elaine greatly. I wished there had been more detail about their past experiences, Evan's torment of her and how in...more
I think I have just turned into a huge Courtney Milan fan, and this has only been the second work of hers I have read so far (and I surely plan on reading the rest.). I am glad that this was just a novella, because the length of this book was just right.
[Also, as a great fan of Public Displays of Affection (especially in this genre!), I am very satisfied.]
[Also, as a great fan of Public Displays of Affection (especially in this genre!), I am very satisfied.]
Nach zehn Jahren kehrt Evan zurück in den Ort seiner Kindheit und trifft unvermindert auf die bezaubernde Lady Elaine. Doch plagen ihn Schuldgefühle, da er sie in ihrer ersten Saison zum Gespött aller machte und will nun Wiedergutmachung Leisten. Nur ist Elaine keineswegs geneigt ihm zu verzeihen, doch gibt sie auch nicht offen zu wie sehr er sie schon damals Demütigte.
Courtney Milan schafft es in ihrer Kurzgeschichte so vieles, wichtiges hineinzubringen. Es geht vor allem um Schuld und Wiedergu...more
Courtney Milan schafft es in ihrer Kurzgeschichte so vieles, wichtiges hineinzubringen. Es geht vor allem um Schuld und Wiedergu...more
This was recommended to me by several members of my book club when I said I hated historical romance. It was free on Amazon yesterday, so I gave it a try.
I think for the genre it is, it's very, very good. There's a very interesting and compelling story arc related to the two main characters, and I love the path toward a redemptive ending. I also thought the dialog was incredibly snappy and clever without seeming out of place in the historic setting.
With that said, the reality remains that I ju...more
I think for the genre it is, it's very, very good. There's a very interesting and compelling story arc related to the two main characters, and I love the path toward a redemptive ending. I also thought the dialog was incredibly snappy and clever without seeming out of place in the historic setting.
With that said, the reality remains that I ju...more
This review is for the audio version of this book.
Thanks to my discovery of Amazon Cloud and their Cloud Player, I’m able to listen to my audiobooks while sitting at the computer. It’s a great setup. I’m very happy that Courtney Milan’s Unlocked was my first in this audio experiment. I’ve not read any of her books, but the audio version has made me want to dig through the TBR mountain and find the others in this series. Now, whether starting with this novella is the right place to begin, I don’t...more
Thanks to my discovery of Amazon Cloud and their Cloud Player, I’m able to listen to my audiobooks while sitting at the computer. It’s a great setup. I’m very happy that Courtney Milan’s Unlocked was my first in this audio experiment. I’ve not read any of her books, but the audio version has made me want to dig through the TBR mountain and find the others in this series. Now, whether starting with this novella is the right place to begin, I don’t...more
This was not my favorite of Courtney Milan's stories, but it was still thoughtfully put together and well written and clearly well edited, which I always appreciate about her work. Everything she does feels finished, which is what often makes her writing standout for me. I think I would have enjoyed this more if she'd written it as its own novel. What I missed was watching Lady Elaine and Westfeld be friends. We're told briefly about this after a huge time jump, but that was the meat of EVERYTHI...more
There's been some buzz about this because this is Milan's first self-published offering. She's done some big numbers with traditional publishers before now, but when it came to her novella decided the best option was to package the thing up and publish it herself. She's taken a lot of time and care with it, and it shows. This self-published novella has more polish to it than a lot of "professionally" produced e-books.
I was surprised to find a heroine who'd been bullied. She's been bullied so har...more
I was surprised to find a heroine who'd been bullied. She's been bullied so har...more
This was my first Courtney Milan book, and I can definitely see what all the fuss is about! Her writing is sparkling and witty, with characters I quickly came to love. Although the story is set in 1840, the theme of bullying and its consequences is timeless. Elaine was so severely ridiculed and cruelly teased by Evan and his cousin Diana during her first season ten years ago, that she has become a pariah of society, existing on the fringes. Essentially the popular kids ganged up to torture a sin...more
What is a woman to do when her Nemesis is back in town?
Lady Elaine Warren has suffered for over ten years the teasing of the ton. They called her Lady Equine because of her laugh. The one who started the teasing, Evan Carlton, Earl of Westfeld is back in town. But, this time she will fight back.
Elaine lost a chance to a good wedding match because of the constant bullying. She still attends the balls but remains hidden close to walls. She wears dresses that won't attract attention.
Evan fled the c...more
Lady Elaine Warren has suffered for over ten years the teasing of the ton. They called her Lady Equine because of her laugh. The one who started the teasing, Evan Carlton, Earl of Westfeld is back in town. But, this time she will fight back.
Elaine lost a chance to a good wedding match because of the constant bullying. She still attends the balls but remains hidden close to walls. She wears dresses that won't attract attention.
Evan fled the c...more
As are most novellas I review, this was a freebie on iBooks. Otherwise, to be honest, I probably would have never bothered to read it. That's not to say that it wasn't enjoyable. (It was.) It just wasn't something I would normally indulge in.
The Plot: Basically, our Hero comes back after 10 years spent abroad to find that Society hasn't much changed in his absence. In fact, they all appear to be in stasis just waiting for his return. They are all still mocking the secret love of his life, the He...more
The Plot: Basically, our Hero comes back after 10 years spent abroad to find that Society hasn't much changed in his absence. In fact, they all appear to be in stasis just waiting for his return. They are all still mocking the secret love of his life, the He...more
She had been the butt of jokes for so long now that denial had become second nature to her. It didn’t matter what people said; if you pretended not to hear it, they couldn’t embarrass you. She need show no reaction, need have no shame. If you didn’t acknowledge what they said, you need shed no tears. And so she’d hid her head in the sand and locked away everything about herself but a pale-haired marionette of a lady. Marionettes felt nothing, not even when they were presented with their biggest...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Dec 19, 2011
Sophie
rated it
2 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
2011-books,
kindle-fire-book
I didn't hate this book, but it was close. I had heard a lot of good things about Unlocked--a lot of romance review sites were quite high on the story--so when I saw the free download at Amazon, I grabbed it. But after reading it, I have no idea what all the fuss is about. The story seems quite commonplace, even a little silly at times: a bit like an anti-bullying after-school special transferred to Victorian London. I never felt any great interest in either the hero or heroine and wasn't too co...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Romance: Bully Hero - Victim Heroine? | 24 | 275 | Nov 23, 2012 08:19pm | |
| Unlocked - the cover | 3 | 72 | Aug 21, 2012 03:56pm | |
| Historical Romance: Books like Courtney Milan's Unlocked? | 1 | 41 | Jul 21, 2012 06:09pm |
Courtney Milan lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, a marginally-trained dog, and an attack cat. Courtney wishes she could say she has lived in numerous fabulous places. But aside from her husband, there is a distinct lack of fabulousness in her life. Instead, she is happy when standards in the Milan household hover above mediocrity. Her husband attempts not to kill people for a living...more
More about Courtney Milan...
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“I’ll be your friend in daylight. I’ll treat you as a comrade in every gas-lit ballroom. But alone, under moonlight, I’ll not pretend that I want you for anything but mine.”
—
45 people liked it
“Over the years, everyone stumbles. That's why I'll be here for you — and you'll be there for me. I don't expect perfection. I want you, and you're a thousand times better.”
—
29 people liked it
More quotes…
Jun 16, 2012 05:54pm
Jun 16, 2012 10:19pm