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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
A quick read with some nice characters and a very deliberate attempt to create a Victorian England which is closer to reality than is often seen in historical romance: the two main characters, Daisy and Crash, are working class and Crash mixed race and (it's hinted) bisexual. Daisy's character arc in this centres not just on her burgeoning romance with Crash but also on her desires to be taken seriously as an entrepreneur despite being a woman and poor.
Yet Her Every Wish could most charitably be described as unsubtle in its messaging about self-confidence and bucking societal norms, and veers very close to being wearily didactic. I also just didn't buy the dialogue in large swathes of this—the vocabulary and syntax were often anachronistic and out-of-place for two working-class Victorian Londoners who might, if they were lucky, have scrambled their way into an acquaintance with the 3 Rs in a dame school. There's one exchange between Daisy and Crash in particular that had the air of being ripped from a fanfic for something of Joss Whedon's. It's so distracting, and I really wish Milan had an editor who could help her improve on the better aspects of her writing while curbing her worst instincts.
(As an aside: the cover is just bizarrely out of kilter with the content of the book.)
Yet Her Every Wish could most charitably be described as unsubtle in its messaging about self-confidence and bucking societal norms, and veers very close to being wearily didactic. I also just didn't buy the dialogue in large swathes of this—the vocabulary and syntax were often anachronistic and out-of-place for two working-class Victorian Londoners who might, if they were lucky, have scrambled their way into an acquaintance with the 3 Rs in a dame school. There's one exchange between Daisy and Crash in particular that had the air of being ripped from a fanfic for something of Joss Whedon's. It's so distracting, and I really wish Milan had an editor who could help her improve on the better aspects of her writing while curbing her worst instincts.
(As an aside: the cover is just bizarrely out of kilter with the content of the book.)
I failed the "caroline read a courtney milan novella without weeping" challenge yet again 😪
CW: Racism, misogyny, sexual content, chronic illness, ableism
CW: Racism, misogyny, sexual content, chronic illness, ableism
As someone just sinking their teeth into historical romance, it's refreshing to see a story free from the dukes, viscounts, and earls that normally litter these types of stories. Her Every Wish follows Daisy a working girl with aspirations to start her own business. With the help of her former lover Crash the two work together to refine Daisy's presentation for a grant that could jumpstart her career.
Her Every Wish is one of the best second-chance romances I've read. I do often find writers struggle to convey the history of a couple and the reason they broke up in a convincing way. But here Courtney Milan manages to craft an incredibly compelling couple and a meaningful split between the two. While Crash and Daisy's split was due to miscommunication Milan unravels the emotional centre of Crash and Daisy brilliantly. The hurt on both sides felt justified and palpable. The two demonstrate growth and understanding as the novel unfolds making their finally getting together all the more satisfying.
I think another reason I love this novella so much is its length. Not only is Milan able to squeeze in fantastic character work in an astonishingly short page count. But because this book is so short there isn't room for a tedious third-act breakup. The novella sees Daisy and Crash work through their problems as the book unfolds culminating in their choice to be together.
Another strength of this book is the themes it unpacks. Here Milan tackles racism and misogyny in Victorian England and especially shows what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the face of societal scorn. I especially found Crash's pride in his heritage as the mixed-race son of who polite society would consider whores and sailors moving.
Ultimately Her Every Wish is an incredibly solid story. Crash and Daisy were a convincing couple I easily rooted for and seeing them find their way to each other was consistently compelling.
Her Every Wish is one of the best second-chance romances I've read. I do often find writers struggle to convey the history of a couple and the reason they broke up in a convincing way. But here Courtney Milan manages to craft an incredibly compelling couple and a meaningful split between the two. While Crash and Daisy's split was due to miscommunication Milan unravels the emotional centre of Crash and Daisy brilliantly. The hurt on both sides felt justified and palpable. The two demonstrate growth and understanding as the novel unfolds making their finally getting together all the more satisfying.
I think another reason I love this novella so much is its length. Not only is Milan able to squeeze in fantastic character work in an astonishingly short page count. But because this book is so short there isn't room for a tedious third-act breakup. The novella sees Daisy and Crash work through their problems as the book unfolds culminating in their choice to be together.
Another strength of this book is the themes it unpacks. Here Milan tackles racism and misogyny in Victorian England and especially shows what it looks like to cultivate resilience in the face of societal scorn. I especially found Crash's pride in his heritage as the mixed-race son of who polite society would consider whores and sailors moving.
Ultimately Her Every Wish is an incredibly solid story. Crash and Daisy were a convincing couple I easily rooted for and seeing them find their way to each other was consistently compelling.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I forgot just how much I loved Courtney Milan's writing and characters until I picked this series back up, and I just can't say enough good things. So here is a list. You may enjoy this book if you like:
19th century bicycle shenanigans
#feminism
Gay aunts
Exes to lovers
Nuanced conversations about cultural misunderstandings in relationships
Knowing your own worth, despite what society has to say about you.
You will want to punch several men in the face by the end of it, but it's worth it.
19th century bicycle shenanigans
#feminism
Gay aunts
Exes to lovers
Nuanced conversations about cultural misunderstandings in relationships
Knowing your own worth, despite what society has to say about you.
You will want to punch several men in the face by the end of it, but it's worth it.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
yessssssss, daisy whitlaw deserved ALL THE THINGS and i am glad milan could be trusted to ensure she got them
4 stars
4 stars
This was a good novella. I liked that the characters were POC and working class. There are some words to live by “Don’t let anyone else’s rubbish inside your bubble”. This book is about perseverance and not letting others get in your way in achieving your goals.
I continue to like this series even better than other books I read by Milan, which seems to go against the trend ;-) I‘ll go check the other reviews as soon as I have given my impression.
This is Daisy‘s book and it was everything I wanted for her. Also this is a working class romance, and we do not get all that many of those in historical romance.
To me her business proposal was as important as the romance. I wanted her to succeed so badly, it hurt.
I adored hearing about Crash‘s family background, even though I am afraid such an upbringing as is described is not very realistic. But I like my HR to be both accurate AND visionary.
Perfect narration.
This is Daisy‘s book and it was everything I wanted for her. Also this is a working class romance, and we do not get all that many of those in historical romance.
To me her business proposal was as important as the romance. I wanted her to succeed so badly, it hurt.
I adored hearing about Crash‘s family background, even though I am afraid such an upbringing as is described is not very realistic. But I like my HR to be both accurate AND visionary.
Perfect narration.