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By Honor Betrayed: A Gay Historical Romance of Honor and Betrayal
1748Lieutenant Conrad Herriot and Seaman Tom Cotton have been master and servant for over a decade, and friends for almost as long. When Tom is injured during a skirmish, Conrad forgets himself and rushes to Tom's side, arousing suspicion about the true nature of their relationship. All Tom wants is the chance to consummate their love and embark on a new life together, outside the law that condemns them. Yet he fears Conrad won't risk his career and his honor to become Tom's lover. Conrad believes his lust for Tom will damn his soul. There's also their difference in class-a gentleman doesn't socialize with a common tar. As Conrad struggles to refute the gossip on the ship, he must decide whether to commit the crime the crew's already convicted them of, or part from Tom for good to save both their necks...25,000 words
84 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2011
5 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Alex Beecroft
44 books299 followersSpaceships and galaxy spanning empires, conversations with angels, viking villages, haunted mansions and forbidden love in the Age of Sail... I love a good strong plot in an exotic setting, with characters you can admire, and a happy ending.
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 3, 2016
What would you do if faced with the impossible choice of staying within the rules of society or following your heart? When it comes down to deciding whether to spend his life with Tom Cotton, the man he loves, or without him, Lieutenant Conrad Herriot makes a monumental decision which will affect his and Tom's life forever.
Conrad is such a good, honest, caring person but he is also a product of his environment. He's had honor, duty, and morals pounded into him all of his life, yet, when it comes to Tom, everything deemed proper seems to go right out the window. Even though he's been taught that his feelings for Tom will send him to hell, he realizes that life without him will surely make him feel like he's there already. I commend him for winning his internal struggle and proving his loyalty to Tom by planning an escape from a world which damned them for loving each other. It's amazing that he finds a place, although not perfect, which provides them with the opportunity to build a future together.
Since the story is told from Conrad's perspective, Tom largely remains mysterious, although lots of hints are given about the choices he makes. His strength of character comes through very distinctly. It's obvious from the start that Tom loves Conrad, but honors the position he is in. He'd never do anything that would cause Conrad pain and is waiting for Conrad to come to a decision about the two of them. Yet, it's important to note that he doesn't back down from how he feels either. When Conrad is ready, Tom is right there with him, trusting that whatever Conrad decides is right.
The smooth, lyrical style of writing caught me up and wouldn't let me go. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was there. When Alex was writing about the storm at sea and all the things flying about, I could feel myself getting sea sick! There are so many wonderful quotes in this book, that I could write a whole review on the wording and content alone. Tom and Conrad's passion was so intensely expressed, it was practically oozing out of the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending scene which gave a new meaning to the phrase getting the boot and I couldn't stop giggling at it. 'By Honor Portrayed' is an excellent, well written, exciting, passionate love story which I highly recommend to anyone who believes as Conrad does, that love is the most important thing in the world and that life without the one you love is not worth living.
Conrad is such a good, honest, caring person but he is also a product of his environment. He's had honor, duty, and morals pounded into him all of his life, yet, when it comes to Tom, everything deemed proper seems to go right out the window. Even though he's been taught that his feelings for Tom will send him to hell, he realizes that life without him will surely make him feel like he's there already. I commend him for winning his internal struggle and proving his loyalty to Tom by planning an escape from a world which damned them for loving each other. It's amazing that he finds a place, although not perfect, which provides them with the opportunity to build a future together.
Since the story is told from Conrad's perspective, Tom largely remains mysterious, although lots of hints are given about the choices he makes. His strength of character comes through very distinctly. It's obvious from the start that Tom loves Conrad, but honors the position he is in. He'd never do anything that would cause Conrad pain and is waiting for Conrad to come to a decision about the two of them. Yet, it's important to note that he doesn't back down from how he feels either. When Conrad is ready, Tom is right there with him, trusting that whatever Conrad decides is right.
The smooth, lyrical style of writing caught me up and wouldn't let me go. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was there. When Alex was writing about the storm at sea and all the things flying about, I could feel myself getting sea sick! There are so many wonderful quotes in this book, that I could write a whole review on the wording and content alone. Tom and Conrad's passion was so intensely expressed, it was practically oozing out of the pages. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending scene which gave a new meaning to the phrase getting the boot and I couldn't stop giggling at it. 'By Honor Portrayed' is an excellent, well written, exciting, passionate love story which I highly recommend to anyone who believes as Conrad does, that love is the most important thing in the world and that life without the one you love is not worth living.
January 8, 2025
Nice idea, but the story needed so much more development. 2.5 - 2.75⭐
It's a bit all over the place, most of the time I didn't know what the MMCs really wanted with each other, the story hinted at going deeper, then threw in some action and brought the MMCs together, but in my opinion it's too short to really bring forth what Tom and Conrad were all about.
🟡 Georgian era (1748)
🔵 Lieutenant on a ship / his personal servant
🟢 Friends to lovers
🟣 Outkasts, joining the pirates
🌶️ One unfinished sex scene, one at the very end, nothing in between; t/b hinting at vers
Friends since they were teenagers and always on a ship together, Conrad is the son of a known admiral, while Tom is just a servant.
The ranks are strictly in place between them and should be obeyed, but Conrad and Tom are also friends, so they cross that line many times over, besides they platonically like each other and want more, but it's never materialized at all, not even a bit.
Conrad is very moral and held back while Tom is loyal and obviously in love with Conrad, but it's not really felt in the story. The connection is hardly there for the most part.
"At the same time, he was terrified to move the friendship they had—so comfortable, so well-worn a harbour—out into the open sea. This potentiality between them could be managed, surely, whereas any venture into the actual would be a disaster ruinous to them both."
I already had the photo made, so I might as well post it although I don't usually do this for books that I rate this low.
Yeah, they should've gotten a lengthier and much better story. 🫤
I expected something completely different, I keep forgetting not all regency romances are good, so with this one it's a different style of writing than I'm used to - I'd call it authentic for that period, but it still failed to show any kind of deeper attachment or passion between Conrad and Tom.
You'll get a somewhat uneventful story until you get to the good part when they finally go to an inn to have sex and while they're doing it, you'll get three men catching them in the act and beating them up - so that was a big surprise, I didn't expect that one.
Joining the pirates at the end is fine, but I don't think Conrad and Tom have an end goal at all. I don't think they know what they're doing, not really. They just have sex and that's it.
I would've liked for them to have a goal to get somewhere and settle down and live in peace, still having Conrad's money and just enjoying each other.
So, an abrupt ending, a too short story and for me personally just not what it could've been.
It's a bit all over the place, most of the time I didn't know what the MMCs really wanted with each other, the story hinted at going deeper, then threw in some action and brought the MMCs together, but in my opinion it's too short to really bring forth what Tom and Conrad were all about.
🟡 Georgian era (1748)
🔵 Lieutenant on a ship / his personal servant
🟢 Friends to lovers
🟣 Outkasts, joining the pirates
🌶️ One unfinished sex scene, one at the very end, nothing in between; t/b hinting at vers
Friends since they were teenagers and always on a ship together, Conrad is the son of a known admiral, while Tom is just a servant.
The ranks are strictly in place between them and should be obeyed, but Conrad and Tom are also friends, so they cross that line many times over, besides they platonically like each other and want more, but it's never materialized at all, not even a bit.
Conrad is very moral and held back while Tom is loyal and obviously in love with Conrad, but it's not really felt in the story. The connection is hardly there for the most part.
"At the same time, he was terrified to move the friendship they had—so comfortable, so well-worn a harbour—out into the open sea. This potentiality between them could be managed, surely, whereas any venture into the actual would be a disaster ruinous to them both."
I already had the photo made, so I might as well post it although I don't usually do this for books that I rate this low.
Yeah, they should've gotten a lengthier and much better story. 🫤
I expected something completely different, I keep forgetting not all regency romances are good, so with this one it's a different style of writing than I'm used to - I'd call it authentic for that period, but it still failed to show any kind of deeper attachment or passion between Conrad and Tom.
You'll get a somewhat uneventful story until you get to the good part when they finally go to an inn to have sex and while they're doing it, you'll get three men catching them in the act and beating them up - so that was a big surprise, I didn't expect that one.
Joining the pirates at the end is fine, but I don't think Conrad and Tom have an end goal at all. I don't think they know what they're doing, not really. They just have sex and that's it.
I would've liked for them to have a goal to get somewhere and settle down and live in peace, still having Conrad's money and just enjoying each other.
So, an abrupt ending, a too short story and for me personally just not what it could've been.
November 16, 2011
Just a small niggle, and this is nothing to do with the review or the mark – but I fail completely to see why Carina insisted on the American spellling of “honor” on the title and the blurb, and then used English spelling–including “honour” in the book itself. Very odd indeed. (plus the
year is wrong, the book is set in 1750) Bad Carina, no biscuit.
I had to have some niggles, after all, because there’s not much else to niggle about here. Lovers of Alex’s writing–whether you like it for the mile deep descriptions, conflicted officers, multi-faceted characters–it’s all here.
Conrad is, as most people were, god-fearing and believing in concepts of immortal souls and all that jazz. He’s been humming and hah-ing about letting his manservant (horrors!) Tom know that he finds him quite delightful for many years and it takes a big sea battle for his feelings to surface–much to the chagrin of the captain and the amusement of his crew (leading to a subsequent lack of respect.) The irony is that he’s already been suspected of the crime–suspected and judged by his shipmates–and he hasn’t actually done anything. Stung by the injustice, and in danger of having Tom forcible separated from him by the captain, Conrad decides he’d rather be hung for a sheep than a lamb e.g. he might as well do the deed, if he’s already assumed to have done so. Better a short life but a merry one, as it were. Or, as he puts it should he:
“…save his heart and lose his soul? Or save his soul and lose his heart? “
The book is–I think–told entirely from the 3rd person viewpoint of Conrad, and although that felt right for the length of the book, it meant we did get a little shortchanged with getting to know Tom. All we had to go on was Conrad’s perceptions of what Tom thought and felt. This actually pays off nicely at Tom’s reaction at the climax of the book, so I can see why this device was used, but it still leaves Tom as a little bit of an enigma in these days of dual pov books.
As usual, Ms Beecroft’s prose stuns with its seemingly effortless phrasing. Some of the descriptions are so beautiful I felt like giving up writing forever, but then her writing always makes me feel like that. She manages sometimes to mix descriptive words that are so wrong, but in her hands they feel entirely right. It’s a real gift.
Sex-wise, I think this is probably the smuttiest book that Alex has ever written, as she leans towards the more veiled sex scene as a rule, but the sex here is postively coarse (but great!). To quote one of the judges on Strictly Come Dancing “It was filthy and I loved it!”
I did feel the book was a little short, but I’m not going to mark it down for that, it was written deliberately as a novella and you can’t squeeze a quart into a pint pot. With the word count that she has, Ms Beecroft has done marvelously, and her naval descriptions — as always — are first class.
There’s a bit that actually made me feel sick (sea-sick, that is) with a fantastic section where the protagonists are in their cabin and the ship is literally rolling and pitching on near enough a 90 degree angle – the floor becomes the wall and then goes all the way back. The casual way the experienced sailors deal with this, holding fast to the lines of the hammock — and each other — shows skill to portray without being confusing. It was so well done that I could feel every gravitational pull–and consequently felt rather queasy. It amused me how much more realistic it was done well in prose, than on the USS Enterprise, where everyone just leans from one side to another!
If you haven’t encountered Alex Beecroft’s longer works, particularly the Age of Sail novels (False Colors, Captain’s Surrender) then this is an excellent introduction to her remarkable talent at a reasonable price.
year is wrong, the book is set in 1750) Bad Carina, no biscuit.
I had to have some niggles, after all, because there’s not much else to niggle about here. Lovers of Alex’s writing–whether you like it for the mile deep descriptions, conflicted officers, multi-faceted characters–it’s all here.
Conrad is, as most people were, god-fearing and believing in concepts of immortal souls and all that jazz. He’s been humming and hah-ing about letting his manservant (horrors!) Tom know that he finds him quite delightful for many years and it takes a big sea battle for his feelings to surface–much to the chagrin of the captain and the amusement of his crew (leading to a subsequent lack of respect.) The irony is that he’s already been suspected of the crime–suspected and judged by his shipmates–and he hasn’t actually done anything. Stung by the injustice, and in danger of having Tom forcible separated from him by the captain, Conrad decides he’d rather be hung for a sheep than a lamb e.g. he might as well do the deed, if he’s already assumed to have done so. Better a short life but a merry one, as it were. Or, as he puts it should he:
“…save his heart and lose his soul? Or save his soul and lose his heart? “
The book is–I think–told entirely from the 3rd person viewpoint of Conrad, and although that felt right for the length of the book, it meant we did get a little shortchanged with getting to know Tom. All we had to go on was Conrad’s perceptions of what Tom thought and felt. This actually pays off nicely at Tom’s reaction at the climax of the book, so I can see why this device was used, but it still leaves Tom as a little bit of an enigma in these days of dual pov books.
As usual, Ms Beecroft’s prose stuns with its seemingly effortless phrasing. Some of the descriptions are so beautiful I felt like giving up writing forever, but then her writing always makes me feel like that. She manages sometimes to mix descriptive words that are so wrong, but in her hands they feel entirely right. It’s a real gift.
Sex-wise, I think this is probably the smuttiest book that Alex has ever written, as she leans towards the more veiled sex scene as a rule, but the sex here is postively coarse (but great!). To quote one of the judges on Strictly Come Dancing “It was filthy and I loved it!”
I did feel the book was a little short, but I’m not going to mark it down for that, it was written deliberately as a novella and you can’t squeeze a quart into a pint pot. With the word count that she has, Ms Beecroft has done marvelously, and her naval descriptions — as always — are first class.
There’s a bit that actually made me feel sick (sea-sick, that is) with a fantastic section where the protagonists are in their cabin and the ship is literally rolling and pitching on near enough a 90 degree angle – the floor becomes the wall and then goes all the way back. The casual way the experienced sailors deal with this, holding fast to the lines of the hammock — and each other — shows skill to portray without being confusing. It was so well done that I could feel every gravitational pull–and consequently felt rather queasy. It amused me how much more realistic it was done well in prose, than on the USS Enterprise, where everyone just leans from one side to another!
If you haven’t encountered Alex Beecroft’s longer works, particularly the Age of Sail novels (False Colors, Captain’s Surrender) then this is an excellent introduction to her remarkable talent at a reasonable price.
December 13, 2015
Oh. My. Goodness. This book is AMAZING! Yes, with capital letters.
Reading old reviews over at Dear Author i came across a review of an anthology were most stories were pretty bad but the one by Alex Beecroft (Blessed Isle) had a high score. Intrigued by the description I decided to check her out. She had a lot of books taking place on ships during the 18th century and since I love that setting I was excited even before I started reading. And the excitement did not go away. In fact it just grew.
This book is soooo gooood. The kind of book where you lay awake until 5 in the morning because you can't put it down. The kind of book that makes you do happy noices on every other page and you want to underline everything. The kind of book that gives you butterflies in your stomach and that makes you re-read whole pages because it was so amazingly written. Oh I love this book!
The characters were great and I loved their relationship, though I now want more stories about them, how they grew up together and what happened to them after the end of By Honor Betrayed. The relationship was sweet and almost innocent but hot and sexy at the same time, and I really liked that they had spent years loning for eachother. It felt real and it was a kind of beautiful melancholy to knowing that.
The setting was amazing! I love pirate stories and stories set on old ships and this all felt so real and like you could feel the waves and the cold wind because it is described in such a good way. The language was beautiful and I learned a whole bunch of new words having to do with ships and sailing and life aboard. (And how have I never heard about matelotage before?!)
The story is also very exciting and I started to worry about the characters even though I was pretty sure everything would be alright in the end. (I don't know what I would have done if it DIDN'T turn out well. It would have scarred me for life!)
I don't always like novellas since I feel they can be too short; either not giving enough story and character development or for the simple fact that I reach the end and want more than I got. But I didn't feel that here. By Honor Betrayed isn't very long, but even though I would love to read more about Conrad and Tom I felt the story was just the right length for what was told. I didn't feel like things were left out of rushed or pushed together. And reaching the end I felt satisfied. Making the book longer might have made the story drag.
And I didn't mind that it was so little sex. I love a hot sexscene and these onces, especialy the first one, I really liked but... they were short. Part of me is a bit disappointed but at the same time you couldn't really have more sex or it would have messed up the story. So... I'm happy the way it was and I look forward to reading more and longer sexscenes in books that have room for it.
I think some people may have a problem with the language, how descriptive and expressive and likening (that's a word, right?) it is. But I found it beautiful and it really put me there, on that ship in that moment.
In some ways the book also made me think of Lord John (whom I love!) by Diana Gabaldon, both by the language and by gay men in the old english military, but also by the feelings the book evoked in me.
I can't wait to read all other books Alex Beecroft has ever published but right now I'm taking a little break to savour the feeling of having read this before I start the next book. I don't want to read them all in a row until all stories have muddled into one and I can't stand anymore. It is, however, very hard not to dive right back in for more. <3
Reading old reviews over at Dear Author i came across a review of an anthology were most stories were pretty bad but the one by Alex Beecroft (Blessed Isle) had a high score. Intrigued by the description I decided to check her out. She had a lot of books taking place on ships during the 18th century and since I love that setting I was excited even before I started reading. And the excitement did not go away. In fact it just grew.
This book is soooo gooood. The kind of book where you lay awake until 5 in the morning because you can't put it down. The kind of book that makes you do happy noices on every other page and you want to underline everything. The kind of book that gives you butterflies in your stomach and that makes you re-read whole pages because it was so amazingly written. Oh I love this book!
The characters were great and I loved their relationship, though I now want more stories about them, how they grew up together and what happened to them after the end of By Honor Betrayed. The relationship was sweet and almost innocent but hot and sexy at the same time, and I really liked that they had spent years loning for eachother. It felt real and it was a kind of beautiful melancholy to knowing that.
The setting was amazing! I love pirate stories and stories set on old ships and this all felt so real and like you could feel the waves and the cold wind because it is described in such a good way. The language was beautiful and I learned a whole bunch of new words having to do with ships and sailing and life aboard. (And how have I never heard about matelotage before?!)
The story is also very exciting and I started to worry about the characters even though I was pretty sure everything would be alright in the end. (I don't know what I would have done if it DIDN'T turn out well. It would have scarred me for life!)
I don't always like novellas since I feel they can be too short; either not giving enough story and character development or for the simple fact that I reach the end and want more than I got. But I didn't feel that here. By Honor Betrayed isn't very long, but even though I would love to read more about Conrad and Tom I felt the story was just the right length for what was told. I didn't feel like things were left out of rushed or pushed together. And reaching the end I felt satisfied. Making the book longer might have made the story drag.
And I didn't mind that it was so little sex. I love a hot sexscene and these onces, especialy the first one, I really liked but... they were short. Part of me is a bit disappointed but at the same time you couldn't really have more sex or it would have messed up the story. So... I'm happy the way it was and I look forward to reading more and longer sexscenes in books that have room for it.
I think some people may have a problem with the language, how descriptive and expressive and likening (that's a word, right?) it is. But I found it beautiful and it really put me there, on that ship in that moment.
In some ways the book also made me think of Lord John (whom I love!) by Diana Gabaldon, both by the language and by gay men in the old english military, but also by the feelings the book evoked in me.
I can't wait to read all other books Alex Beecroft has ever published but right now I'm taking a little break to savour the feeling of having read this before I start the next book. I don't want to read them all in a row until all stories have muddled into one and I can't stand anymore. It is, however, very hard not to dive right back in for more. <3
November 10, 2011
Age of Sail is a genre with exacting specifications - it's a peculiarly 'foreign' setting, requiring the author's mastery over such a lot of esoteric language and practice, it's a daunting task. Nevertheless there are a few authors who can pull it off convincingly and Ms Beecroft is at the top of her game. This is a brief novella which instantly pulls you in to its exciting and involving plot, perfectly recreating the life of an officer and his servant on board ship in the Royal Navy in the era of sail. I'm a critical reader, I know a bit about sailing ships, having sailed a tall ship myself, and nothing I read tripped me up, which is quite a feat.
The protagonists are likeable and believable, with all of the anxieties and caution that you would expect from a same sex pair in a world that condemned such things. I loved their relationship, built on years of loyal friendship. They have to find a way to make a life for themselves and they work out a plan to achieve that, and the story takes them on a first step towards that end. And then it stops. It is, after all, a novella, so we shouldn't expect an epic sweep of narrative taking them from adventure to adventure until their eventual arrival at a happy conclusion, but I do feel quite strongly, as have some other reviewers I notice, that there's more to their story that hasn't yet been told and if Ms Beecroft reads these things may I plead for episodes two and three, at least?? Please? Pretty Please?
This is truly great writing, but I want more of it!
The protagonists are likeable and believable, with all of the anxieties and caution that you would expect from a same sex pair in a world that condemned such things. I loved their relationship, built on years of loyal friendship. They have to find a way to make a life for themselves and they work out a plan to achieve that, and the story takes them on a first step towards that end. And then it stops. It is, after all, a novella, so we shouldn't expect an epic sweep of narrative taking them from adventure to adventure until their eventual arrival at a happy conclusion, but I do feel quite strongly, as have some other reviewers I notice, that there's more to their story that hasn't yet been told and if Ms Beecroft reads these things may I plead for episodes two and three, at least?? Please? Pretty Please?
This is truly great writing, but I want more of it!
October 31, 2011
I’ve heard many great things about Beecroft’s False Colors but tend to be intimidated by long, epic historicals. This was a perfect introduction to her work, a novella that compactly blends romance, adventure and insight into the human heart in its 84 pages.
Lt. Conrad Herriot has been struggling for a decade with his feelings for his manservant and best friend, Tom. He’s fairly sure they’re mutual -- the risk in taking action is not of losing Tom, but of his chances at heaven, and he feels forced to choose: “... to save his heart and lose his soul? Or save his soul and lose his heart?” But there’s another danger he hadn’t even thought about; in his world, love between two men is not only sinful but highly illegal. When Conrad’s Captain becomes suspicious about their relationship and reassigns Tom, matters come to a head with dramatic consequences for them all.
Beecroft writes so beautifully, it’s hard to imagine anyone not being touched by this pair of forbidden lovers, each willing to sacrifice all for the other. The ending is satisfying but realistically bittersweet, there being no marriage/baby epilogue possible for this kind of historical romance; it’s also somewhat open-ended, leaving me longing for a sequel.
(e-arc provided for review by netGalley.
Lt. Conrad Herriot has been struggling for a decade with his feelings for his manservant and best friend, Tom. He’s fairly sure they’re mutual -- the risk in taking action is not of losing Tom, but of his chances at heaven, and he feels forced to choose: “... to save his heart and lose his soul? Or save his soul and lose his heart?” But there’s another danger he hadn’t even thought about; in his world, love between two men is not only sinful but highly illegal. When Conrad’s Captain becomes suspicious about their relationship and reassigns Tom, matters come to a head with dramatic consequences for them all.
Beecroft writes so beautifully, it’s hard to imagine anyone not being touched by this pair of forbidden lovers, each willing to sacrifice all for the other. The ending is satisfying but realistically bittersweet, there being no marriage/baby epilogue possible for this kind of historical romance; it’s also somewhat open-ended, leaving me longing for a sequel.
(e-arc provided for review by netGalley.
November 23, 2011
I'm sitting here wondering why I haven't read Alex Beecroft before. Huge oversight on my part that I will have to correct.
This was a quick read that actually had me shouting out at one point. I love how there aren't any easy outs for Conrad and Tom. Their lives are in constant danger, not only due to their roles as sailors in the British Navy, but because of their desire for each other. The fact they are innocent of consummating their relationship is irrelevant to those around them.
I wished this was a longer story, not because Ms. Beecroft did a bad job, but because I wanted to stay in this world a lot longer.
This was a quick read that actually had me shouting out at one point. I love how there aren't any easy outs for Conrad and Tom. Their lives are in constant danger, not only due to their roles as sailors in the British Navy, but because of their desire for each other. The fact they are innocent of consummating their relationship is irrelevant to those around them.
I wished this was a longer story, not because Ms. Beecroft did a bad job, but because I wanted to stay in this world a lot longer.
July 22, 2016
4.5 stars. So good! I loved this exciting novella. It's a gripping and vivid adventure in a small, lively package. The writing is superb and full of wonderfully rich detail. The characters are engaging and vibrant. This was really great and I wish there was more. It's complete, but I want to know what happens next! Alex Beecroft's seafaring historicals are all so fantastic and I have loved them all.
June 12, 2012
Chaotic writing and chaotic plotting. Both MC were indecisive, had mixed priorities and really bad timing. I got lost few times, because of the marine historical language.
Good snap-shot description of surrounding (weather, people, buildings).
Good snap-shot description of surrounding (weather, people, buildings).
January 15, 2012
I was simply blown away by that book, but why am I not surprised ! Alex Beecroft is such a marvelous writer ...
August 7, 2012
Excellent read! Interesting characters in creative situations makes for a delightful story. Has one the best wind-ups I've ever read.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
October 8, 2016
2.5 stars
August 16, 2017
Not So Smooth Sailing
Two completely opposite young men in their early 20s, Conrad and Tom have a unique, and unspoken, love for each other on board a Royal Navy ship in mid-18th Century England. Conrad is an aristocrat whose father was an esteemed admiral; Tom was born on the ship and assigned as a valet/servant to Conrad when they were early teenagers.
These two have never consummated their unspoken desires until their new captain decides to separate them because, well, he suspects something is going on. From that point what had been a somewhat frustrating narrative of closet romance turns into a splendid adventure which ends in a way that demands a sequel. Or, if not, a satisfaction that the worst of it is over for two strong, deeply passionate, men setting off into the sunset.
Two completely opposite young men in their early 20s, Conrad and Tom have a unique, and unspoken, love for each other on board a Royal Navy ship in mid-18th Century England. Conrad is an aristocrat whose father was an esteemed admiral; Tom was born on the ship and assigned as a valet/servant to Conrad when they were early teenagers.
These two have never consummated their unspoken desires until their new captain decides to separate them because, well, he suspects something is going on. From that point what had been a somewhat frustrating narrative of closet romance turns into a splendid adventure which ends in a way that demands a sequel. Or, if not, a satisfaction that the worst of it is over for two strong, deeply passionate, men setting off into the sunset.
July 27, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It was short, and perhaps a tad bit predictable, but still enjoyable. There's some fun characters I wouldn't have minded seeing more of; and the main character provides a more realistic look at the time than you usually get with these sorts of novels. It was more teasing than smutty - which I actually prefer. Good, easy read you could probably crank out in an hour or so.
November 8, 2011
Originally posted at Romance Around the Corner
Source: we received an e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
When I saw this book on Netgalley I wasn’t familiar with Ms. Beecroft’s work, but I’ve been meaning to read more historical romance and since this was a novella I figured that if I didn’t like it at least it would be short. Obviously I shouldn’t have worried since it turns out that I was in the presence of a fantastic book by a great author.
By Honor Betrayed is set during the year 1750 (the blurb has the wrong year) and tells the story of Conrad and Tom. Conrad is a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and Tom has been his servant since they were very young. Their relationship is different from the average master/servant because they are, above all, friends who care and respect each other. Conrad feels strongly attracted to Tom and knows that the feeling is mutual, but a relationship between them is forbidden and punished with death so they must resist the temptation and fight the attraction.
Everything changes when Tom is injured and Conrad reacts very passionately about it, rousing suspicion among their superiors. Now they must decide if they cave in to what the heart wants and condemn their souls and maybe even their lives, or continue to live apart and lose their hearts.
If I had to describe this novella in a few words I would say romantic, exciting and beautiful. Romantic because the star-crossed lovers and forbidden love tropes make for a very interesting and passionate read when handled right, which is exactly what Beecroft does here. Exciting because the road to their happily ever after is a tough one, and you wonder whether they will make it or not, it was hard for me not to read the final pages to find out how it ended and I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. And beautiful because the prose is evocative and striking, this novella was well-written and engaging. Put all those things together and you get a fairly good description of Ms. Beecroft work.
There are multiple parts that I wanted to quote, but I think these three illustrate well what I’m talking about and are some of my favorite:
Later on Conrad thinks:
And finally:
Tom and Conrad had very different personalities that made for a very good match. I can see how they complemented each other and how much love there was between them. The story is told from Conrad’s POV and so his character is more fleshed-out than Tom’s, but by the end of the book you get a good idea of who they are.
Conrad’s struggle between what he felt and what he though was right was painful to watch, and I’m positive that had Tom never been injured, their relationship would have continued as it was. I’m not a fan of books where the leads figure out that they can’t live without their significant other because external forces make then realize it, instead of figuring it out on their own, but in this case it was the only possible way. This is not a contemporary romance where the characters are free to live their lives as they please, and that was part of why I wasn’t so sure if this was going to have a happy ending.
The historical aspect was interesting and felt accurate, I’m far from an expert but it’s obvious that the author did some research. I was confused by some of the more technical terms about the ship and even the clothes, but that’s what Google is for. The novella is full of details to help give it a sense of accuracy to the story, but it wasn’t annoyed by it.
The beginning was slow-paced, but the ending was a bit rushed and I felt like the length constrictions hurt that part of the story, but I admit that the ending was the best part of the book.
Overall this was a quick read, very interesting and exciting, with enough romance, action and adventure to satisfy every reader.
Source: we received an e-ARC of the book through NetGalley for review purposes.
When I saw this book on Netgalley I wasn’t familiar with Ms. Beecroft’s work, but I’ve been meaning to read more historical romance and since this was a novella I figured that if I didn’t like it at least it would be short. Obviously I shouldn’t have worried since it turns out that I was in the presence of a fantastic book by a great author.
By Honor Betrayed is set during the year 1750 (the blurb has the wrong year) and tells the story of Conrad and Tom. Conrad is a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy and Tom has been his servant since they were very young. Their relationship is different from the average master/servant because they are, above all, friends who care and respect each other. Conrad feels strongly attracted to Tom and knows that the feeling is mutual, but a relationship between them is forbidden and punished with death so they must resist the temptation and fight the attraction.
Everything changes when Tom is injured and Conrad reacts very passionately about it, rousing suspicion among their superiors. Now they must decide if they cave in to what the heart wants and condemn their souls and maybe even their lives, or continue to live apart and lose their hearts.
If I had to describe this novella in a few words I would say romantic, exciting and beautiful. Romantic because the star-crossed lovers and forbidden love tropes make for a very interesting and passionate read when handled right, which is exactly what Beecroft does here. Exciting because the road to their happily ever after is a tough one, and you wonder whether they will make it or not, it was hard for me not to read the final pages to find out how it ended and I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole time. And beautiful because the prose is evocative and striking, this novella was well-written and engaging. Put all those things together and you get a fairly good description of Ms. Beecroft work.
There are multiple parts that I wanted to quote, but I think these three illustrate well what I’m talking about and are some of my favorite:
“That, Conrad dreaded. To be asked to choose between love—yes, he could admit love—and everything else, to save his heart and lose his soul? Or save his soul and lose his heart? What kind of a choice was that? One, surely, you should never put before yourself in the first place. One that should be staved off whenever it hoved into view.”
Later on Conrad thinks:
“The magnitude of Conrad’s anguish caught him by surprise. How could virtue feel like this? How could it feel like death to follow the commands of a God who had promised him the fullness of life, a cup running over? How could it feel worse than the prospect of damnation? It made no sense.
His finger ends were cold, and his lips too. If my soul offends me, should I rip it out? He wished frantically and vainly for an argument, a decision, to be able to find the words.”
And finally:
“Love did not solve all things. Love did not make this any less a crime. But it slid into the room like honey pouring from the spoon, and filled it up with a kind of awe, terrifying and wonderful. In its almost solid presence, Conrad breathed out, at peace with his decision. He had chosen to sacrifice all for love, and that was the right choice.”
Tom and Conrad had very different personalities that made for a very good match. I can see how they complemented each other and how much love there was between them. The story is told from Conrad’s POV and so his character is more fleshed-out than Tom’s, but by the end of the book you get a good idea of who they are.
Conrad’s struggle between what he felt and what he though was right was painful to watch, and I’m positive that had Tom never been injured, their relationship would have continued as it was. I’m not a fan of books where the leads figure out that they can’t live without their significant other because external forces make then realize it, instead of figuring it out on their own, but in this case it was the only possible way. This is not a contemporary romance where the characters are free to live their lives as they please, and that was part of why I wasn’t so sure if this was going to have a happy ending.
The historical aspect was interesting and felt accurate, I’m far from an expert but it’s obvious that the author did some research. I was confused by some of the more technical terms about the ship and even the clothes, but that’s what Google is for. The novella is full of details to help give it a sense of accuracy to the story, but it wasn’t annoyed by it.
The beginning was slow-paced, but the ending was a bit rushed and I felt like the length constrictions hurt that part of the story, but I admit that the ending was the best part of the book.
Overall this was a quick read, very interesting and exciting, with enough romance, action and adventure to satisfy every reader.
March 24, 2019
Good but too short for the characters to develop, that's why I didn't get any connection with them.
March 14, 2013
This was a solid, quick read. In fact, I read this novella in only two sittings, and could have done it in one, if I had had the time.
I almost want to agree with some of the other reviews that there was too much plot for too little a novella. I expected this to be a bit of fluff because of the short length and really was not prepared the brutal twist the story took at the halfway mark.
As with other books from the author, I was drawn in by the detailed imagery of the prose. Although I have to say this time around the prose was a little too flowery for me. Initially I enjoyed some of the more poetic phrases, like:
If my soul offends me, should I rip it out?
Pretty, isn't it?
However, I felt the style deteriorated into over the top melodrama eventually. The worst part of this was the moralising. I fully understand the characters' needs to voice their opinion on how unfair society has treated them (because it has), but I don't think they should have done that, by shouting accross the waters in an open boat, where their poor fellows in the boat could hear them and feel embarrassed for them.
At least I, as a reader, felt a bit embarrassed for them. But then, they're not the smartest characters the author has ever come up with. Especially Conrad's stupidity had me shaking my head a couple of times, and he was supposed to be the level-headed one who thinks things through.
Yet, he didn't think of changing their names at the first inn they checked in. Nor was he cautious enough to insist they eat apart - as the class system would have expected - which led to everyone in that inn taking notice of them. Guys, you could be hanged for what you are doing, drawing attention to how cute you are with each other should be the last thing you're doing (and "had they been more intelligent PLOT would not have happened" is no excuse).
And the inanity gets worse when Conrad offers to join the pirates (because, now that he and his lover are outlaws anyway, why the hell not?) and has to be reminded later by Tom, that, um, pirates kinda murder people, and that's sort of a bad thing. Did not think that one through at all, did you? (but still the book ends on our heroes considering the pirate cutter an outlaw heaven -- until they have to murder people, I guess. wth.)
And while I'm at it ... how many lieutenants did that magic sloop have? I think I counted 4(!)?? Wouldn't that have been a bit many, even in 1750?
Come to think of it, despite the plot twists, and the nice chemistry between the protagonists, this novella was a bit disappointing. I've come to expect tighter plotting, more intelligent characters, and less flowery prose from the author. Still, I'll gladly round up to 3 stars because it's still miles better than the last romance novel I read before this.
I almost want to agree with some of the other reviews that there was too much plot for too little a novella. I expected this to be a bit of fluff because of the short length and really was not prepared the brutal twist the story took at the halfway mark.
As with other books from the author, I was drawn in by the detailed imagery of the prose. Although I have to say this time around the prose was a little too flowery for me. Initially I enjoyed some of the more poetic phrases, like:
If my soul offends me, should I rip it out?
Pretty, isn't it?
However, I felt the style deteriorated into over the top melodrama eventually. The worst part of this was the moralising. I fully understand the characters' needs to voice their opinion on how unfair society has treated them (because it has), but I don't think they should have done that, by shouting accross the waters in an open boat, where their poor fellows in the boat could hear them and feel embarrassed for them.
At least I, as a reader, felt a bit embarrassed for them. But then, they're not the smartest characters the author has ever come up with. Especially Conrad's stupidity had me shaking my head a couple of times, and he was supposed to be the level-headed one who thinks things through.
Yet, he didn't think of changing their names at the first inn they checked in. Nor was he cautious enough to insist they eat apart - as the class system would have expected - which led to everyone in that inn taking notice of them. Guys, you could be hanged for what you are doing, drawing attention to how cute you are with each other should be the last thing you're doing (and "had they been more intelligent PLOT would not have happened" is no excuse).
And the inanity gets worse when Conrad offers to join the pirates (because, now that he and his lover are outlaws anyway, why the hell not?) and has to be reminded later by Tom, that, um, pirates kinda murder people, and that's sort of a bad thing. Did not think that one through at all, did you? (but still the book ends on our heroes considering the pirate cutter an outlaw heaven -- until they have to murder people, I guess. wth.)
And while I'm at it ... how many lieutenants did that magic sloop have? I think I counted 4(!)?? Wouldn't that have been a bit many, even in 1750?
Come to think of it, despite the plot twists, and the nice chemistry between the protagonists, this novella was a bit disappointing. I've come to expect tighter plotting, more intelligent characters, and less flowery prose from the author. Still, I'll gladly round up to 3 stars because it's still miles better than the last romance novel I read before this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2021
This was my first naval MM romance, and I was hoping for better. In the end, it was happy enough, but overall, it was kind of sad, because of how scary the reality was in that world. The characters endured really horrible treatment, which was perhaps realistic, but not that pleasant to read. And then also, although the 2 characters had some dialogue and discussions and a small fight, they're separated for a good portion of the book, which is also sad.
December 29, 2011
3.5 stars
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I don't read a lot of historical. Okay... I hardly ever read historicals. As a general rule, they aren't my thing, but every now and then one comes on my radar that I want to try. By Honor Betrayed was like that for me. Between the cover and the blurb, I REALLy wanted to read the book. (And somewhere I convinced myself that pirates played a key role, and I do so love pirates.)
The good:
I really liked the relationship between Conrad and Tom, especially the fact that the underling was the more aggressive of the two. I also loved how the realities of the time with regard to homosexuality weren't PCd. It was a crime and that was all that mattered in the eyes of most men (well that and similar attitudes that a lot of homophobes have today). The sex scenes weren't incredibly detailed, for better or worse, but Conrad's emotions at the time came shining through. (There were pirates, and I liked how they were used. Actually, I just liked them.)
The bad:
One of my big problems with historicals is that they tend to describe a lot. This one is no different. For a reader who enjoys that, it's not a bad thing, but I'm not that reader and I found myself skimming over quite a bit of it. Much of the book was spent on Conrad's internal battle, and we only saw a hint of Tom's at the end. I really would have liked more balance there as I think it would have filled out the story more. I did feel the blurb over-emphasized some things that weren't really true in the book. (for example, Conrad never had an issue with their class differences, other people did.) (Sadly, the pirates didn't show up until the last third of the book. I would have liked more of them.)
It isn't a bad book by any means, and it gives me more hope for historicals than the last two or three that I attempted (and set aside), but I wanted more of the things I did like, and it just wasn't there. However, if the author continues the story and I get to see more of the pirates, I'd definitely check it out.
I'm going to preface this review by saying that I don't read a lot of historical. Okay... I hardly ever read historicals. As a general rule, they aren't my thing, but every now and then one comes on my radar that I want to try. By Honor Betrayed was like that for me. Between the cover and the blurb, I REALLy wanted to read the book. (And somewhere I convinced myself that pirates played a key role, and I do so love pirates.)
The good:
I really liked the relationship between Conrad and Tom, especially the fact that the underling was the more aggressive of the two. I also loved how the realities of the time with regard to homosexuality weren't PCd. It was a crime and that was all that mattered in the eyes of most men (well that and similar attitudes that a lot of homophobes have today). The sex scenes weren't incredibly detailed, for better or worse, but Conrad's emotions at the time came shining through. (There were pirates, and I liked how they were used. Actually, I just liked them.)
The bad:
One of my big problems with historicals is that they tend to describe a lot. This one is no different. For a reader who enjoys that, it's not a bad thing, but I'm not that reader and I found myself skimming over quite a bit of it. Much of the book was spent on Conrad's internal battle, and we only saw a hint of Tom's at the end. I really would have liked more balance there as I think it would have filled out the story more. I did feel the blurb over-emphasized some things that weren't really true in the book. (for example, Conrad never had an issue with their class differences, other people did.) (Sadly, the pirates didn't show up until the last third of the book. I would have liked more of them.)
It isn't a bad book by any means, and it gives me more hope for historicals than the last two or three that I attempted (and set aside), but I wanted more of the things I did like, and it just wasn't there. However, if the author continues the story and I get to see more of the pirates, I'd definitely check it out.
Read
May 22, 2012The story doesn’t span a long time in the life of Lieutenant Conrad Herriot and Seaman Tom Cotton: when we met them, they are already “together” since when Conrad was a 13 years old boy entering the Royal Army as officer and Tom was assigned to him as a servant, Tom himself a boy of 15 years. They basically grew up together, becoming the men they are without no one intruding between them, no family, no women, no other men. The bond is so tight that Conrad prefers the company of Tom to other officers and this is arising embarrassing questions. They have nothing to hide, not yet at least, but the ship is a nest of gossips and they are condemned before being real sinners.
I like the bond between Conrad and Tom before and after it turns in a romantic relationship; it speaks of ordinary things, of everyday and of brotherhood. Sure there will be physical passion between them, but first of all there is a bond that was born when both of them were developing into men, it was like an imprinting, something that is impossible to break.
I’m not sure they would have arrived so soon to the physical side of the relationship if not for the gossiping of the other men, I can imagine both of them retiring in the country, now more friends than lord and servant, and enjoy a quiet old age far from indiscreet eyes. This was denied to them, but Conrad and Tom will find a way to dramatically change their future, and still be together.
I like that Tom was not so ready to lose his integrity in exchange of the satisfaction of his desires but most of all, of his life. Sure it doesn’t take long to him to reconsider the option, of what he is gaining in exchange of what he is losing, but still, it’s not an immediate decision. In this he is behaving more gentlemanly than Conrad, who should be the real gentleman between them, but I have the feeling that Conrad is also the more romantic… romanticism is something that noblemen can afford wherelse simple men like Tom are usually more practical.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UPRN5U/?...
I like the bond between Conrad and Tom before and after it turns in a romantic relationship; it speaks of ordinary things, of everyday and of brotherhood. Sure there will be physical passion between them, but first of all there is a bond that was born when both of them were developing into men, it was like an imprinting, something that is impossible to break.
I’m not sure they would have arrived so soon to the physical side of the relationship if not for the gossiping of the other men, I can imagine both of them retiring in the country, now more friends than lord and servant, and enjoy a quiet old age far from indiscreet eyes. This was denied to them, but Conrad and Tom will find a way to dramatically change their future, and still be together.
I like that Tom was not so ready to lose his integrity in exchange of the satisfaction of his desires but most of all, of his life. Sure it doesn’t take long to him to reconsider the option, of what he is gaining in exchange of what he is losing, but still, it’s not an immediate decision. In this he is behaving more gentlemanly than Conrad, who should be the real gentleman between them, but I have the feeling that Conrad is also the more romantic… romanticism is something that noblemen can afford wherelse simple men like Tom are usually more practical.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UPRN5U/?...
December 15, 2014
ARC from Carina Press on NetGalley
2.5 stars This was OK, but not great. The writing style was good, and I was immediately intrigued by Conrad and Tom. The tension between them was built right off the bat and I couldn't wait to see how things would finally come to a head. Unfortunately, after that, I felt like it lacked some depth. Once they finally got down to it, I didn't feel as much of a connection as I wanted to. That first sex scene was just sort of meh. And although, given Conrad's concerns about Hell (indicating he had never been with a man before), neither him nor Tom seemed at all unsure or hesitant and just got right down to it. At that point the story did take some twists that I didn't expect, and I appreciated the unexpected plot twists. Unfortunately, I ended up skimming through most of it so that I could find out what happened to the characters without trudging through some of the flowery descriptions of landscapes, etc. I did like the overall message of the story, and appreciated that it was (for the most part, and as much as can be expected) historically accurate. And in the end, it left me with a smile on my face.
2.5 stars This was OK, but not great. The writing style was good, and I was immediately intrigued by Conrad and Tom. The tension between them was built right off the bat and I couldn't wait to see how things would finally come to a head. Unfortunately, after that, I felt like it lacked some depth. Once they finally got down to it, I didn't feel as much of a connection as I wanted to. That first sex scene was just sort of meh. And although, given Conrad's concerns about Hell (indicating he had never been with a man before), neither him nor Tom seemed at all unsure or hesitant and just got right down to it. At that point the story did take some twists that I didn't expect, and I appreciated the unexpected plot twists. Unfortunately, I ended up skimming through most of it so that I could find out what happened to the characters without trudging through some of the flowery descriptions of landscapes, etc. I did like the overall message of the story, and appreciated that it was (for the most part, and as much as can be expected) historically accurate. And in the end, it left me with a smile on my face.
November 21, 2011
Tom has been Conrad's manservant for years. And they have developed a deep friendship that goes beyond the difference in their stations. There is an unspoken thread of something even more between them... a quiet, intense longing that neither has ever acted upon. The two serve together in the 18th century Royal Navy... so if they were to ever give in to those feelings, they could hang for their actions.
The ship's captain starts to catch wind that there may be more to the relationship and tries to separate the men. But his actions only force Tom and Conrad to confront their feelings. From there, the story follows the two of them as they try to find their footing as lovers, while knowing the risks they are taking.
The story was pretty short and we see very little of the men together. Most of the book deals with their obstacles as opposed to their actual relationship. The couple of love scenes we get are just ok --they were brief and didn't have all that much fire or romance. Meh. I wasn't really blown away by this one. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
The ship's captain starts to catch wind that there may be more to the relationship and tries to separate the men. But his actions only force Tom and Conrad to confront their feelings. From there, the story follows the two of them as they try to find their footing as lovers, while knowing the risks they are taking.
The story was pretty short and we see very little of the men together. Most of the book deals with their obstacles as opposed to their actual relationship. The couple of love scenes we get are just ok --they were brief and didn't have all that much fire or romance. Meh. I wasn't really blown away by this one. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by NetGalley
October 26, 2011
I liked the story. What there is of it. I like Beecroft's writing style. I like her sense of detail and the levels of angst are just right for me. But this feels like False Colors with a bunch of chapters missing in the beginning, and a bunch of them missing at the end. How does this pirate thing play out, pray tell? Maybe I am just not good at novellas, but truncated as this feels, I am missing depth.
March 29, 2016
Nice, entertaining short story. Loved the nautical setting and the way the author described the forbidden aspect of the protagonists' romance. I felt like the ending got a little rushed, but overall I enjoyed it.
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, please check out my blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, please check out my blog
January 2, 2012
I adore a story about forbidden love and/or the star-crossed-lovers theme. This novella brings these to life brilliantly. The pair of lovers are total opposites and yet, they fit together so well that you're sometimes surprised. Well-written and set in an era that I'm not normally drawn to, this story of Conrad's quest to save Tom from the unjust laws of their day will bring a smile to your face.
March 30, 2015
Seriously what can I say but...wow. I love a well researched book and this was that and more. I can only assume Ms. Beecroft is a traveler from another time transported here with not just knowledge but the experience of living in those conditions. I could practically feel the tang of the salt in the air and the spray against my cheek.
My only complaint would be that I wanted more. A sequel of their time as pirates would make my day.
My only complaint would be that I wanted more. A sequel of their time as pirates would make my day.
July 15, 2012
I've always really enjoyed Alex Beecroft's characters and attention to historical detail. My one big complaint with her books is that there's never enough sex for me, but I realize that's a "to each their own" thing. This was a very compelling romance with probably the most sex of any of her books that I've read. There were a few plot twists I really didn't expect, so it kept me guessing. Quite enjoyable and well written.
December 31, 2011
Short but surprisingly powerful and nuanced. I liked a great deal that Beecroft got into some of the race and class issues of the Age of Sail; I liked the hard choices the two characters had to make, and how nothing was easy.
Probably best read after Beecroft's other stories; it doesn't quite stand up to them, but is a solid mid-level addition to her canon.
Probably best read after Beecroft's other stories; it doesn't quite stand up to them, but is a solid mid-level addition to her canon.
May 21, 2015
I like this and would have given it 4 stars, except it does leave me dissatisfied because it's so short. For the amount of plot that happens it feels like it should be much longer, or alternatively, that it should be the first of a series, because I'd definitely read more about these guys!
August 8, 2016
4.5
Maybe a bit too short? But perfect in every other aspect: descriptions, writing, characters, plot (it would be a great action movie). And with depth, like in the end when Conrad rethinks his treatment of Tom.
Maybe a bit too short? But perfect in every other aspect: descriptions, writing, characters, plot (it would be a great action movie). And with depth, like in the end when Conrad rethinks his treatment of Tom.
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