Picture a storyteller who swapped Supreme Court clerkships for swoon-worthy historical romances—meet Courtney Milan! Writing under the pseudonym Heidi Bond, this New York Times and USA Today bestselling author has redefined the romance genre with her sharp wit, feminist lens, and knack for weaving science and law into tales of love and empowerment.
Milan’s stories aren’t your typical corset-ripping affairs. Her Victorian-era novels tackle societal norms, champion women’s rights, and feature diverse characters, making her a trailblazer in historical romance. Ready to dive into her world of carriages, corsets, and clever heroines? Let’s explore!
The Making of Courtney Milan
Born as Heidi Bond, Courtney Milan’s journey to romance stardom was anything but conventional. With a master’s in theoretical physical chemistry from UC Berkeley and a summa cum laude law degree from the University of Michigan, she was destined for academia or the courtroom. Milan clerked for Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Anthony Kennedy and taught law at Seattle University. Yet, her love for romance novels, discovered during her clerking days, sparked a career pivot. In 2010, she debuted with Proof by Seduction, blending her intellectual rigor with heartfelt storytelling.
Courtney Milan’s Unforgettable Stories
Milan’s novels are a delightful mix of romance, rebellion, and intellectual flair. Her Brothers Sinister series, set in Victorian England, is a fan favorite. The Duchess War (2012) follows Minerva Lane, a wallflower with a secret, as she navigates love and societal expectations. The Suffragette Scandal (2014) stars Free Marshall, a fierce suffragette, in a tale of activism and romance that won multiple awards. The Duke Who Didn’t (2020), from the Wedgeford Down series, introduces Chloe Fong, a Chinese-British heroine, reflecting Milan’s push for diversity.
What sets Milan apart is her ability to subvert tropes. Her heroines are bold, her heroes emotionally complex, and her plots often explore science, law, or social justice. From epidemiological studies in A Kiss for Midwinter to comet calculations in Unlocked, her stories are as brainy as they are romantic. Milan’s self-published works, like Trade Me, her first contemporary romance, challenge the billionaire trope with nuanced characters and cultural depth.
Why Courtney Milan Matters
Courtney Milan’s impact on romance is profound. As a former Romance Writers of America (RWA) board member, she championed diversity, pushing for inclusivity in an industry historically dominated by white voices. Her public criticism of racist stereotypes in literature sparked controversy but also change, exposing systemic issues within RWA. Milan’s novels, featuring characters of color and marginalized voices, have inspired authors and readers alike, redefining who gets to star in a love story.
Beyond her books, Milan’s advocacy—whether through her #MeToo story about workplace harassment or her voting rights work with Romancing the Vote—shows her commitment to justice. Her legacy is one of courage, creativity, and breaking barriers, making romance a space for everyone.
- Born: Heidi Bond (date unavailable)
- Key Works: The Duchess War, The Suffragette Scandal, The Duke Who Didn’t
- Awards: RITA Award for Her Every Wish (2017), multiple All About Romance Reader Awards
- Fun Fact: Milan helped get dinosaur emoji added to Unicode!
Snag The Duchess War and dive into Courtney Milan’s brilliant blend of romance and rebellion!