Review & Giveaway: UNLOCKED by Courtney Milan

Title: Unlocked
Author: Courtney Milan

Genre: Historical Romance
Length: novella

Series: Turner, #1.5

~*~Book Blurb~*~

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…

Unlocked is a beautiful and poignantly written historical romance reminiscent of bullying during the most trying times of young adulthood, and what it can do to the victim of hurtful schemes over time.

Evan, the Earl of Westfield, has just returned to London after having been away for the past ten years. And, now, standing amidst the ton once again during a house party, he is face-to-face with the one person that reminds of him of his childhood cruelty and misplaced and malicious jokes: Lady Elaine Warren. And it is obvious to Evan that even ten years can't erase or lessen the scars that he inflicted.

The once vivacious Elaine has become a wallflower, ever committed to remain the butt of the tons jokes due to what Evan, and his villainous cousin Diane, had started during Elaine's debut season. But, Evan has spent ten years away from society and gossip, and has had more than enough time to reflect on his hurtful misdeeds. He wants nothing more than to apologize and right his wrongs with Elaine -- especially when he realizes that his attraction to her still remains after so much time has passed -- but Elaine is still leery of Evan's motives. Something which Evan completely understands, especially since his cousin Diane has not slowed her jesting towards Elaine and wants Evan to pick up where they left off before he left. 

Diane, however, has another thing coming. Evan has changed. Grown into the man he wished he had always been, and now he wants to admit to Elaine, and society, that his feelings for the withdrawn, yet determined to remain strong woman are something he can no longer dismiss. 


Unlocked is truly a compelling novella length story full of emotion that leaves you swept up in a heart warming romance. The characters, the setting, the plot ... all fabulously created and worthy of reading over and over again!

This is a must read novella for all historical romance fans who crave dynamic characters who undergo tremendous growth, finding a sense of self and standing up for what is right rather than what is easy, and finally discovering hidden romance and passion between unlikely characters. I highly recommend this book to all historical romance fans!

Giveaway Details:

• Because I feel compelled to share this emotion-filled story, I'm gifting an ebook of Unlocked to one commenter.

• Winner will need to have an All Romance eBook account (It's free!).

• Leave a comment with your email addy.

• Contest will run through the weekend: 6/16 - 6/19.

• Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified through email.