From the opening paragraphs of the prologue, I could sense I was in for a good ride with this story. I was not mistaken in my romance spidey-sense. The flow of the writing, the dense character creation without a feeling of overindulgence, the heat, the honesty and the love – it’s all there. Let us begin, shall we?
The setting being the 1820’s, it automatically brings forth certain attitudes, opinions and beliefs about how life was back then and therefore colors the headspace when starting this read. It did to me, as well. However, this book pretty much defies us to chuck them all aside, and not just our impression or even outright knowledge of the times, but how a romance can be told. For some, this may be an issue, a sticking point. For me, it consistently caused my eyes to widen, to remain bright as I made my way through the struggles and triumphs with Max and Tristan.
Both of these men are rather straight forward and strong in their opinions, both about themselves and their places in life, in society. What makes that interesting? The fact that each of them helps, forces the other to truly see their potential, how things could be, that the past does not have to dictate the future. This, and several other themes threaded throughout this book feel very modern in flavor, yet they all seem to work within this context. It all gave me so much to grab onto: the surprise at any one action they would take, words they would share, the chances they would take, the determination and the desire. Now that I think about it, that may be the key. There is simply so much to grab onto in this book. I never felt let down or left to my own devices. It was all there for the ravenous taking, and take I did.
To the point of modernity for a moment again, it does feel so… modern, the many factors in this story. And yet, despite that, it all works. The characters, their voices, the emotions and motivations, it all worked. My surprise was not really at the story itself but that it felt right, that I wasn’t really having to suspend my disbelief in order to invest in these two men. Once again, my eyes were wide open and bright as this all dawned on me. Despite the illegality, the literal life and death environment most men who preferred men (the verbiage used in this story) faced during this time period, it didn’t feel like a stretch in regards to their attempt to make a life together. We know at least from pictures from the 19th century that it was more acceptable for men to pose with arms wrapped around each other, holding hands, etc. I’d have to imagine that this acceptance was used to aid in some men spending their lives together in love. This book is full of love.
Now then, the sex. Scorching. Honest. Wet. Needful. Undeniable lust and want. Joyful. Honest and playful. I’ve read other books by this author and she knows how to crank up the heat and keep it there, multiple times. Yeah. Multiple. Lots. More and more. Deftly mix in the emotion and connection like she does? And you have me. She did.
This is romance. This is frustration. This is communication and miscommunication… assumption and realization. Just when you think, ‘oh no, not the misunderstanding’ trope again – nope, not with these two. The intelligence that informs their personalities doesn’t all of a sudden abandon them in order to create tension and delay. The same brains that helped them realize their feelings and desires in the first place remain in strong position when wading through the difficulties of this relationship, most especially in this setting. They arrive triumphantly on the other side. It just takes them some time to realize it. ;)
The writing is there. The close relationship with language is there. The descriptions of place and sound and taste are all there. Things may get a bit longwinded now and then, but who cares: it’s such fun!!
This now a favorite, a re-read, a highly recommended and a just plain ole enjoyable book. Four and half stars rounded up for all of the reasons I stated. ;) Enjoy!!
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Reviews with images
Hot and sexy, the perfect gay historical romance!
It’s one of the bests M/M historical romances I’ve ever read. Ava is the kind of writer who shares the characters’ love with the readers, you know? Their feelings are so true, so intense, so hot that you can feel it on your skin while reading, it’s pure magic. I loved Max since the first scene. I have a weak spot for powerful and confident men who know exactly what they want. He was so manly and unpredictable that it was love at first read, haha! Tristan also surprised me a lot: I thought he was going to be submissive and frail, but he has an unbreakable spirit – I dare to say, even stronger than Max’s. The plot is brilliant and almost gave me several heart attacks – thanks to the mutual stubbornness of the couple.
Top reviews from other countries
Mae
The pages flow gracefully, and her ability to build up tension between the lovers is second to none.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2014