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Solace
Victorian gentleman Dorian is looking for company on Christmas Eve and rent boy Benedict fits the bill. Dorian buries his troubles in the delights of the flesh and soon realises one night just won't do...
His peers argue that Victorian gentleman Dorian isn't so much the gentleman anymore since his fall from grace. Dorian's alone on Christmas Eve and looking for solace. Rent boy Benedict steps up to fill the role and his own miserable story is sure to strike a cord with Dorian...
His peers argue that Victorian gentleman Dorian isn't so much the gentleman anymore since his fall from grace. Dorian's alone on Christmas Eve and looking for solace. Rent boy Benedict steps up to fill the role and his own miserable story is sure to strike a cord with Dorian...
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2015
What could be more romantic than two men finding each other on Christmas Eve? Even though this story starts out with a lonely man taking a male prostitute home for an evening of fun, and even though the sex they have is raunchy and hot, the foundation for more is there right form the beginning.
Dorian is lonely and almost penniless due to a former houseboy having accused him, which ruined his reputation. Not something anyone easily (if ever) recovered from in Victorian England. Benedict has been kicked out by his family and tries to keep a roof over his head by working as a prostitute. In a strange way these two seem made for each other, and luckily, realize this very quickly.
If you like the combination of raunchy sex and emerging deeper feelings, if you are looking for a historical love story that ends well, and if you want all of this told in the language ‘of the time’, you will probably enjoy this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
Dorian is lonely and almost penniless due to a former houseboy having accused him, which ruined his reputation. Not something anyone easily (if ever) recovered from in Victorian England. Benedict has been kicked out by his family and tries to keep a roof over his head by working as a prostitute. In a strange way these two seem made for each other, and luckily, realize this very quickly.
If you like the combination of raunchy sex and emerging deeper feelings, if you are looking for a historical love story that ends well, and if you want all of this told in the language ‘of the time’, you will probably enjoy this story.
NOTE: This book was provided by Silver Publishing for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
December 6, 2017
2.3 Stars
I've obviously been spoiled by Joanna Chambers, Jordan L. Hawk & K.J. Charles (among others) in how they write historical romance. Here, it just didn't feel like the Victorian era despite the attempted period references; the beginning of the book comes with a few "antiquated" words defined for the reader and despite the use of "mettle" (meaning "semen") the author uses it once and then uses "spunk." I'm not sure of the etymology of "spunk" but it didn't feel period appropriate. Hardly any of the actual dialogue - as stilted and awkward as it was, with the abrupt simple sentence structure - felt right for the era in which this is supposedly set. I'm used to flowery prose and more elegant writing in historical novels...
And maybe it's a petty complaint but Dorian praises the circumspection and dedication of his butler/valet - who remains by his side despite a conviction and partially served sentence for sodomy, taking care of Dorian's home and belongings (alone, as the others all quit) for over a year - and then promptly sells that house out from under him, putting the poor man out of a job...and he's not mentioned as being with the pair when they run away after the sale. So, yeah, that's reward for service, isn't it?
But it's not all bad. The sex is hot and #points! for the come-play and felching; if you're only looking for some erotica with a very thin plot (and immediate insta-love) that would have been better off served set in modern times, then this might appeal to you.
I've obviously been spoiled by Joanna Chambers, Jordan L. Hawk & K.J. Charles (among others) in how they write historical romance. Here, it just didn't feel like the Victorian era despite the attempted period references; the beginning of the book comes with a few "antiquated" words defined for the reader and despite the use of "mettle" (meaning "semen") the author uses it once and then uses "spunk." I'm not sure of the etymology of "spunk" but it didn't feel period appropriate. Hardly any of the actual dialogue - as stilted and awkward as it was, with the abrupt simple sentence structure - felt right for the era in which this is supposedly set. I'm used to flowery prose and more elegant writing in historical novels...
And maybe it's a petty complaint but Dorian praises the circumspection and dedication of his butler/valet - who remains by his side despite a conviction and partially served sentence for sodomy, taking care of Dorian's home and belongings (alone, as the others all quit) for over a year - and then promptly sells that house out from under him, putting the poor man out of a job...and he's not mentioned as being with the pair when they run away after the sale. So, yeah, that's reward for service, isn't it?
But it's not all bad. The sex is hot and #points! for the come-play and felching; if you're only looking for some erotica with a very thin plot (and immediate insta-love) that would have been better off served set in modern times, then this might appeal to you.
December 14, 2015
What could be more romantic than two men finding each other on Christmas Eve? Even though this story, set in Victorian London, starts out with a lonely man taking a male prostitute home for an evening of fun, and even though the sex they have is raunchy and hot, the foundation for more is there right from the beginning.
Dorian is lonely and almost penniless due to a former houseboy having accused him of impropriety, which ruined his reputation. Not something anyone easily (if ever) recovered from in Victorian England. Benedict has been kicked out by his family and tries to keep a roof over his head by working as a prostitute. In a strange way these two seem made for each other, and luckily, realize this very quickly.
If you like the combination of raunchy sex and emerging deeper feelings, if you are looking for a historical love story that ends well, and if you want all of this told in the language of the time, you will probably enjoy this short story.
Dorian is lonely and almost penniless due to a former houseboy having accused him of impropriety, which ruined his reputation. Not something anyone easily (if ever) recovered from in Victorian England. Benedict has been kicked out by his family and tries to keep a roof over his head by working as a prostitute. In a strange way these two seem made for each other, and luckily, realize this very quickly.
If you like the combination of raunchy sex and emerging deeper feelings, if you are looking for a historical love story that ends well, and if you want all of this told in the language of the time, you will probably enjoy this short story.
December 2, 2013
3.5* Christmas kink Scarlet style... Won't be everyone cup of tea because Christmas or not she doesn't pull any punches but I have to say theres just something about her stories that pulls me in. PC or not I enjoy them.
February 18, 2012
This review was written for BDSM Book Reviews
It’s Christmas Eve in late-Victorian London. Dorian was once a gentleman of means, but now he’s alone and will soon have to sell his house in Chelsea. An unrequited crush on his houseboy landed him in jail. He managed to bribe his way out of prison, but he’s been disowned by his family and abandoned by all his friends. Dorian is strolling the streets of Whitechapel, looking for company despite the risk of the Ripper, when Benedict steps forward to offer his services.
Benedict is a young male prostitute, a “Mary Ann” in the language of the time, and Dorian is quite taken with him. Despite the risk, Dorian decides to take Benedict home, rather than just getting off in some darkened doorway. Back in Chelsea, Dorian takes Benedict twice in the drawing room, and it’s obvious Benedict is not “gay for pay” to use the modern expression. He genuinely prefers the company of men, and likes nothing more than having another man deep inside him. Dorian is so enthralled he asks Benedict to stay the night, and the following Christmas Day. Benedict readily agrees and they retire to the bedroom.
The kink in Solace is pretty mild, just some light bondage and a little spanking, but then this is a really short novella. In print it’s just around 40 pages. I’m generally not a big fan of these shorts, which are all the rage now that ebooks rule. All too often it seems like the author or publisher has taken a good idea and pushed it out too soon, leaving the characters one-dimensional and the plot full of holes. But Solace is complete, with a proper beginning, middle and end. It’s short, but it is what it is, which is why I’ve given it a solid 3 out of 5.
It’s Christmas Eve in late-Victorian London. Dorian was once a gentleman of means, but now he’s alone and will soon have to sell his house in Chelsea. An unrequited crush on his houseboy landed him in jail. He managed to bribe his way out of prison, but he’s been disowned by his family and abandoned by all his friends. Dorian is strolling the streets of Whitechapel, looking for company despite the risk of the Ripper, when Benedict steps forward to offer his services.
Benedict is a young male prostitute, a “Mary Ann” in the language of the time, and Dorian is quite taken with him. Despite the risk, Dorian decides to take Benedict home, rather than just getting off in some darkened doorway. Back in Chelsea, Dorian takes Benedict twice in the drawing room, and it’s obvious Benedict is not “gay for pay” to use the modern expression. He genuinely prefers the company of men, and likes nothing more than having another man deep inside him. Dorian is so enthralled he asks Benedict to stay the night, and the following Christmas Day. Benedict readily agrees and they retire to the bedroom.
The kink in Solace is pretty mild, just some light bondage and a little spanking, but then this is a really short novella. In print it’s just around 40 pages. I’m generally not a big fan of these shorts, which are all the rage now that ebooks rule. All too often it seems like the author or publisher has taken a good idea and pushed it out too soon, leaving the characters one-dimensional and the plot full of holes. But Solace is complete, with a proper beginning, middle and end. It’s short, but it is what it is, which is why I’ve given it a solid 3 out of 5.
January 10, 2012
Short read. Sappy ending. Unfortunates find each other in an unlikely way, it's like pretty woman on warp speed. Without women.
August 13, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up
This is a tale about two lost souls who already suffered because of what they are. Alone on Christmas Eve, they walk down the streets of London in search of someone, anyone. They are both damaged but in a different way.
Dorian is a gentleman who has seen better days, the other, Benedict, is a rent boy trying to make a living. Dorian thought that it would be another quick thing but one look at the young man and he new that it would be different this time. He throws caution to the wind and takes the boy home. This golden-haired boy with emerald eyes has spirit and he likes that.
Neither of them would have guessed that what started as something quite entertaining but rather meaningless and easily forgotten, would change their lives forever.
This is a very well written SHORT story. The description of their night of mutual discovery, intoxicating, and passionate sex is a little gem. They are desperately looking for something and it seems they have found it. They both open their heart to each other. After misery, comes hope.
As always, the length is the problem and despite the quality of the writing and the fact that I want to believe in it, I remained unsatisfied. Nonetheless I don't regret reading it.
These short stories, the more well written they are, the more frustrated you're left, because of course you would have wanted so much more ...
I will overcome my great frustration for a time and give this book 4.5/5.
This is a tale about two lost souls who already suffered because of what they are. Alone on Christmas Eve, they walk down the streets of London in search of someone, anyone. They are both damaged but in a different way.
Dorian is a gentleman who has seen better days, the other, Benedict, is a rent boy trying to make a living. Dorian thought that it would be another quick thing but one look at the young man and he new that it would be different this time. He throws caution to the wind and takes the boy home. This golden-haired boy with emerald eyes has spirit and he likes that.
Neither of them would have guessed that what started as something quite entertaining but rather meaningless and easily forgotten, would change their lives forever.
This is a very well written SHORT story. The description of their night of mutual discovery, intoxicating, and passionate sex is a little gem. They are desperately looking for something and it seems they have found it. They both open their heart to each other. After misery, comes hope.
As always, the length is the problem and despite the quality of the writing and the fact that I want to believe in it, I remained unsatisfied. Nonetheless I don't regret reading it.
These short stories, the more well written they are, the more frustrated you're left, because of course you would have wanted so much more ...
I will overcome my great frustration for a time and give this book 4.5/5.
February 14, 2012
Very lovely and heartwarming story about two lonely and unfortunate men, who met at the Christmas evening and found in each other much more, than they bargained for.
And the sex was smoking! I absolutely love felching and cum-play and with the safe-sex obsession it's so rarely happens in stories - I was so pleasantly surprised to see plenty of it here.
And the sex was smoking! I absolutely love felching and cum-play and with the safe-sex obsession it's so rarely happens in stories - I was so pleasantly surprised to see plenty of it here.
January 4, 2013
Totally smoking hot short story. I personally love all the nasty messiness, but recognize it is not everyone's cup of tea. Felching is not for the weak of heart, but it does not phase me as long as it is not done for shock value or anything. This nasty little story totally did it for me.
July 22, 2017
I don't think I realized how erotic this book was going to be. I've never read Scarlet Blackwell before and I wonder if there are any positions which were left uncovered😍
The story itself was very short. A little more background would have been nice, but I got the feeling that wasn't the book's primary aim.
The characters were very sweetly written and they clearly had instant chemistry. It would be nice to revisit them ten years in the future😚
The story itself was very short. A little more background would have been nice, but I got the feeling that wasn't the book's primary aim.
The characters were very sweetly written and they clearly had instant chemistry. It would be nice to revisit them ten years in the future😚
August 15, 2020
3.5 Stars
September 16, 2022
Very well written with some good feels. Plenty sexy, too.
This is a reread for me.
This is a reread for me.
July 11, 2016
This was a nice short story.
At the beginning I felt a little sadness around Dorian and Benedict, which I really liked. What it intrigued me most about it was the backstory each of the main characters had. They both sound very interesting, and I wanted to know where they came from, but it take them too little time talking about it and it felt like the emotions were a little disconnected at that time. I guess it might be the length of the book that didn’t allow more character development, but what I knew about them was good.
Both main characters were nice, but the relationship they shared felt a little unrealistic to me, too much too fast. I wish they would have spent more time knowing each other and a little less in bed, but that’s just me, I think other readers might enjoy the sex scenes.
The plot was nice, appropriate for the moment in time it was meant to be. I had a bit of an issue with the language used. I guess it might be because I’m not used to read historical books, but that was just for a few pages, after a while I get used to it and it was easier to read.
Overall it was nice, I enjoy reading it, and I think reader who like historical books might enjoy it too.
* I received a copy of this book from publisher in exchange of an honest review
At the beginning I felt a little sadness around Dorian and Benedict, which I really liked. What it intrigued me most about it was the backstory each of the main characters had. They both sound very interesting, and I wanted to know where they came from, but it take them too little time talking about it and it felt like the emotions were a little disconnected at that time. I guess it might be the length of the book that didn’t allow more character development, but what I knew about them was good.
Both main characters were nice, but the relationship they shared felt a little unrealistic to me, too much too fast. I wish they would have spent more time knowing each other and a little less in bed, but that’s just me, I think other readers might enjoy the sex scenes.
The plot was nice, appropriate for the moment in time it was meant to be. I had a bit of an issue with the language used. I guess it might be because I’m not used to read historical books, but that was just for a few pages, after a while I get used to it and it was easier to read.
Overall it was nice, I enjoy reading it, and I think reader who like historical books might enjoy it too.
* I received a copy of this book from publisher in exchange of an honest review
April 27, 2016
People may pick this one up for the very steamy sex scenes, but that isn't by any means the be-all and end-all of this book. There's a lingering feeling throughout the narrative that something intangible is brewing just underneath the surface. It feels very sweet how the two men can't get enough of each other - to slowly learn about Benedict's addiction for Dorian and vice-versa is an undiluted pleasure (pun intended). It turned out as a very pleasant surprise that this highly-recommended historical romance ended well (if a little abruptly), but it also reminded me of Wilde's 'Picture of Dorian Gray' at times. Perhaps other readers will feel compelled to go back to that one after finishing this one, like I did.
December 29, 2011
So this is a historical which is not my favorite. However, I really felt for the MC, Dorian in this one. His case of unrequited love for his houseboy along with REALLY bad judgement at sending him loveletters leads him to a prison term for sodomy. On Christmas Eve, he finds a rent boy, Benedict, that he decides to take home. I really liked the descriptions and the period feeling of the piece.
The one issue I had with the story was that Dorian seems full of self-loathing in one minute, claims he was going to commit suicide, but then he decides he has a plan for the future - and with Benedict. Seemed a little too "pat".
The one issue I had with the story was that Dorian seems full of self-loathing in one minute, claims he was going to commit suicide, but then he decides he has a plan for the future - and with Benedict. Seemed a little too "pat".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2016
Dorian is out looking for one ore night of companionship before losing everything. Benedict a rent boy is everything he ever wanted.
This is a very sweet, romantic story. There is a touch of drama when we find out about Dorian’s past. The sex is super spice with hot wax, candles and other bits of kink. I was wishing for this to be a full length story it would be amazing. But for a short story it is sweet, hot and made me want more.
If you like historical romance, a touch of drama, kink, holiday stories and romance this is for you!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
This is a very sweet, romantic story. There is a touch of drama when we find out about Dorian’s past. The sex is super spice with hot wax, candles and other bits of kink. I was wishing for this to be a full length story it would be amazing. But for a short story it is sweet, hot and made me want more.
If you like historical romance, a touch of drama, kink, holiday stories and romance this is for you!
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *
December 25, 2011
This short story was simply to unrealistic. The plot was written way to fast. I didn't like both main characters, something was off. Maybe this story would be better with a more developed realistic plot.
dnf
January 5, 2012I didn't finish this, so I'm not going to give it a star rating. While the characters are interesting, and the background story one that intrigued me, by the third or fourth felching scene, I just couldn't continue. Sorry, not my thing. Otherwise, probably would've continued reading it.
January 5, 2012
2.5-3 stars
January 2, 2012
It was very hard to care about Dorian or Benedict.
December 23, 2012
Yes, I will admit it was a fast romance, but I still enjoyed it!
December 7, 2012
Historic hook up that might just be the beginning of something special.
December 8, 2013
Beautiful story of two lost souls, ostracized by their family, met on Christmas eve set on Victorian London. Heart-gripping, sad, with hopeful ending.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews