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Book Review
May. 10th, 2025 03:54 pmTrial by Desire
by Courtney Milan
In this sequel to Proof by Seduction, Ned Carhart and Kate have been married for just over three years, but he has been away for most of that time in China, looking into his cousin's investments there and trying to cope with his mental health*. Kate has spent that time helping women escape abusive marriages, fending off men who wish to seduce her, and trying to deal with the pain of Ned leaving her. When Ned unexpectedly returns, the two of them must try to re-establish their marriage and ensure Kate's friend Louisa stays out of the abusive hands of her husband Harcroft.
I really liked the way Ned and Kate repair their relationship. It's not smooth sailing, but it is sincere and romantic. The story suffers a little from their needing just a couple of serious talks yet resisting having them, but at least their reasons for avoidance make sense. Bot Ned and Kate are strong people who have a hard time acknowledging their weaknesses or accepting help and support. They both are too good at and to determined to handle their stuff on their own. It's lovely the way they learn to open up to each other and trust in each other's support. Milan also does a great job at handling mental health issues. Ned struggles yet perseveres, and they way he has to figure it out on his own is poignant and real.
*Ned suffers from either bipolar disorder or a severe case of seasonal affective disorder. But it's the early Victorian era and mental health care is not much of a thing.
by Courtney Milan
In this sequel to Proof by Seduction, Ned Carhart and Kate have been married for just over three years, but he has been away for most of that time in China, looking into his cousin's investments there and trying to cope with his mental health*. Kate has spent that time helping women escape abusive marriages, fending off men who wish to seduce her, and trying to deal with the pain of Ned leaving her. When Ned unexpectedly returns, the two of them must try to re-establish their marriage and ensure Kate's friend Louisa stays out of the abusive hands of her husband Harcroft.
I really liked the way Ned and Kate repair their relationship. It's not smooth sailing, but it is sincere and romantic. The story suffers a little from their needing just a couple of serious talks yet resisting having them, but at least their reasons for avoidance make sense. Bot Ned and Kate are strong people who have a hard time acknowledging their weaknesses or accepting help and support. They both are too good at and to determined to handle their stuff on their own. It's lovely the way they learn to open up to each other and trust in each other's support. Milan also does a great job at handling mental health issues. Ned struggles yet perseveres, and they way he has to figure it out on his own is poignant and real.
*Ned suffers from either bipolar disorder or a severe case of seasonal affective disorder. But it's the early Victorian era and mental health care is not much of a thing.
