This Wicked Gift

Lavinia Spencer works at her family's lending library while caring for her sick father and younger brother. During the Christmas season, she encounters William White, a clerk who frequents her library and harbors secret feelings for her. William struggles with poverty and a dark past that continues to haunt him. His growing connection with Lavinia forces him to confront difficult choices about honor, survival, and what he's willing to risk for love. The romance develops against the backdrop of Victorian-era London, where strict social hierarchies and economic realities shape the characters' options and relationships. Milan incorporates historical details about lending libraries, commerce, and class dynamics of the period. This novella explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the tension between moral choices and desperate circumstances. The story asks questions about what people owe each other and how past actions influence the possibility of future happiness.

Readers found this historical romance novella unique for featuring working-class main characters rather than nobility. Many appreciated the realistic financial struggles and class dynamics portrayed. Liked: - Strong character development despite short length - Chemistry between leads - Historical accuracy of debt and poverty themes - Respectful handling of consent issues Disliked: - Some found the premise ethically problematic - Plot moves quickly due to novella format - Several readers wanted more resolution/longer story - A few noted the dark tone differs from author's other works "The emotional depth surprised me for such a short story" - Goodreads reviewer "Made me uncomfortable but in a thought-provoking way" - Amazon review Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (150+ ratings) BookBub: 4.3/5 (200+ ratings) The novella tends to rate slightly lower than Milan's full-length novels but receives praise for tackling complex themes in limited pages.

A Kiss at Midnight by Kate Long A shopkeeper's daughter and a prince navigate social class barriers in a Cinderella-inspired Victorian romance with themes of sacrifice and duty.

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan A working-class woman with a hidden past must protect her secrets while falling for a duke who champions workers' rights.

The Governess Game by Tessa Dare A clock-maker's daughter becomes a temporary governess to earn money for her family while developing feelings for her aristocratic employer.

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh A widow from a merchant family and a noble lord challenge society's expectations about class and age differences in their pursuit of love.

When the Rogue Returns by Sabrina Jeffries A jeweler and her estranged husband from the nobility reconnect after ten years, confronting past misunderstandings and class differences.

🎁 "This Wicked Gift" was originally published as part of the "The Heart of Christmas" anthology before being released as a standalone novella. 💑 The story takes place during the Christmas season of 1822, the same year Clement Clarke Moore wrote "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (commonly known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas"). 📚 Author Courtney Milan was a law professor and clerk for the United States Supreme Court before becoming a full-time romance novelist. 💰 The plot deals with the historical practice of debt collectors in Victorian England, where debtors could be imprisoned indefinitely until their debts were paid. 🎯 The novella challenges traditional historical romance tropes by featuring a working-class hero and heroine, rather than the more common aristocratic characters of the genre.