Talk Sweetly To Me by Courtney Milan (Brothers Sinister #4.5)
Released: August 18, 2014
Historical Romance
Self Published

Reviewed by May

Favorite Quote:
“Anyone who thinks that ladies are delicate has either never been pregnant or has put the experience from her mind out of sheer horror.”

Rose is a brilliant mathematician who works as a “computer” of numbers for a scientist while also living with and assisting her very pregnant sister. There is only one thing that unnerves her, and that is the handsome man who lives two doors down – one Mr. Stephen Shaughnessy. An known rake and author of a notorious column in a woman’s paper; Rose knows she should steer clear of him.

“You don’t need to let me natter on when I get distracted that way.” She told him. “Everyone else stops me. In these parts, it’s considered polite to interrupt Miss Sweetly when she’s on a tear.”

“Nonsense,” Mr. Shaughnessy said. He took a step toward her, and then another. Her chest constricted – he was standing so dreadfully, deliciously close – and then he held out the oranges he’d gathered.

As Milan is known for doing – she has once again written a swoon-worthy leading man who adores the heroine, encourages, and supports her for being exactly who she is.

He’d known she was a genius – she spilled genius all around her without even having to think of it. But watching her work was one of the most astonishing things he had ever witnessed.

I love how he was so drawn to her not only as a beautiful lady, but for who she truly is.

He’d never found mathematics erotic before that day, but watching her lips form the words “parabola” and “Newtonian step” had been utterly riveting. He had been riveted ever since.

This couple will have their struggles in life as Stephen is an Irish Catholic and Rose is black. This pairing is refreshing and Milan did not shy away from showing that the world could (and would) be hard on them as individuals and as a couple. I really liked the balance of showing their struggles and potential problems they’ll face and seeing the romance and courtship blossoming between them. There is a clear courtship here – something I do so love in a romance novel.

There is no question as to the talent and skill, not to mention passion that Milan puts into each book and character. With this novella she shows us no different – and has me fascinated by a mathematician and an always joking writer who each have hidden depths and perhaps have found something so special between them.

If I had a wish, it would have been to spend more time and get to know these characters more. Perhaps their story didn’t need to be longer, but generally I always wish for more when it comes to a Milan story. If you’d like to read a historical romance with unique characters and plenty of courtship over math lessons – this is the story for you.

Grade: B+

Previous Courtney Milan Reviews

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