A Kiss for Midwinter

by Courtney Milan

Brothers Sinister #1.5 (novella)

There was a lot about this novella that I loved, but then there were also a few things I didn't quite care for.  The characters were fun, up to a certain point, and while I DID sort of like their banter, it didn't escape my notice that both had a way of doing or saying things that kind of frustrated me.  Jonas tended towards condescending prick at times, but I DO like how straight-forward and no-nonsense he is.  Lydia got frustratingly irrational at the beginning, jumping to conclusions, and imagining slights where there were none; but she had her good moments as well.

I can't say that this was an entirely awesome and wonderful story, having recently coming off of the magnificent high that was The Duchess War.  Although since I hadn't been particularly enamored of the prequel novella, The Governess Affair, it wasn't like I was entirely disappointed.

Truth be told, while I did like Lydia from when she was simply a side character, as Minnie's best friend in the first book, I'm not quite sure I really needed a Lydia story.  I'm happy for her Happily Ever After, but I'm guessing I probably could have gone without this novella and would have been fine.

It was enjoyable to read, but nothing spectacular.

The second shorter work in the Brothers Sinister series. I definitely prefer the novels to the shorts. This one definitely has some interesting scenes, but I found the hero difficult to swallow. Which is too bad, as I love the heroine to pieces. 

On Thursdays, I pick a book beloved to me to share. This week's Christmas choice is A Kiss For Midwinter (Brothers Sinister, #1.5)  by Courtney Milan. 

Oh this book! It such a smart Historical Romance. Sweet and Sour in just the right ways. The writing lovely, The characters perfectly drawn with a romance you will always remember.

It is short so you can sneak it in between all the stuff you have to get done this time of year. 

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Miss Lydia Charingford is always cheerful, and never more so than at Christmas time. But no matter how hard she smiles, she can't forget the youthful mistake that could have ruined her reputation. Even though the worst of her indiscretion was kept secret, one other person knows the truth of those dark days: the sarcastic Doctor Jonas Grantham. She wants nothing to do with him...or the butterflies that take flight in her stomach every time he looks her way.

Jonas Grantham has a secret, too: He's been in love with Lydia for more than a year. This winter, he's determined to conquer her dislike and win her for his own. And he has a plan to do it.

If only his plans didn't so often go awry..

Review

Doctor Jonas Grantham's presence is a constant reminder of Lydia's humiliation five years prior. She knows he's judging her, mocking her, condemning her with each sardonic smile, each gaze, each spoken word...But in this Christmas season, Lydia will learn not everything is as it's presumed, and some hurts need to be dealt with instead of buried.

I only said I would stop talking to you, he'd written. I never promised to stop loving you.

This. This is what I've come to expect from this author after reading The Governess Affair. Not a plot encumbered with character issues and depression, or so filled with historical politics that the story could barely be categorized as romance. This.

A character study, really, but dealing with sympathetic, realistic characters the reader can empathize with (though the heroine went on my nerves a little), and circumstances and situations that, despite their historical settings, can resonate in our modern times as well.
And romance, a true romance with its share of cuteness, sadness, happiness, and bitter-sweetness. A romance that paints a smile on your face, brings out moisture in your eyes, and makes you sigh happily in the end.

The narrative style and voice never disappoints, the length was just perfect (less likely to bog the story down with ballast and clutter if it's short), and the characters simply shone through.

Loved it.