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Mending Him
As his world collapses, love opens his heart.
Robbie Grayson has always felt like a bit of an outsider in the Chester family, though he’s related by blood. An orphan taken in at a young age, he is further set apart by a limp inflicted by a childhood illness.
Nevertheless, he’s content enough with his quiet country life—until a mercurial wastrel named Charles Worthington explodes into it. And Robbie is assigned to play nursemaid to an invalid with an attitude.
Injured in a carriage accident, Charles arrives at the Chester estate drunk as a lord and with empty pockets. Despair consumes him as his broken body slowly heals, but the kindness of quiet, thoughtful Robbie saves him from drowning in self-pity.
Over chess matches and conversation, these polar opposites challenge each other to break out of old patterns, until desire burns through the thin veneer of pure friendship. Yet their passion could destroy the family bonds they value so highly. Especially when someone catches wind of their relationship—and threatens blackmail.
This book contains hot man-on-man lovin’ between not-quite kissin’ cousins.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2014
30 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books226 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 4, 2014
Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon’s works have become some of my favorite entries when it comes to M/M historical romance. And while The Gentleman and the Rogue is still my most favorite coming from them, this latest “Mending Him” is definitely one that I cherish as well.
If I could describe the story, I would use words like “sweet” and “lovely” — because that was what it felt for me.
Robbie Grayson was taken by the Chester family after becoming an orphan. However, though related by blood and though he’d been helping his uncle with the business, Robbie always felt that he was never part of the family.
Then came Charles Worthington, who arrived at the Chester residence after being injured and broke. Charles — in his rakish way — saw Robbie for more than his worth and Charles challenged Robbie to dream bigger. While Robbie, with his shyness and loyalty to the Chester family, made Charles learn to be less reckless. They were really lovely together — including during their intimate moments.
There was one ‘threat’ coming at them, in a form of blackmail about their circumstances. But what I appreciated from this story, every single character, including the blackmailer, actually invoked some sort of sympathy. It wasn’t totally black and white and the blackmail happened out of some sheer desperation. I was also happily surprised with the matron on the family — whom I thought would be, well, the kind of ‘villain’ here because she seemed kind of fickle and selfish — but she ended up showing a sound judgment when it came to Robbie and Charles’s relationship.
The story had a good pace — and it was rather light in drama but I totally enjoyed every minute of it.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
If I could describe the story, I would use words like “sweet” and “lovely” — because that was what it felt for me.
Robbie Grayson was taken by the Chester family after becoming an orphan. However, though related by blood and though he’d been helping his uncle with the business, Robbie always felt that he was never part of the family.
Then came Charles Worthington, who arrived at the Chester residence after being injured and broke. Charles — in his rakish way — saw Robbie for more than his worth and Charles challenged Robbie to dream bigger. While Robbie, with his shyness and loyalty to the Chester family, made Charles learn to be less reckless. They were really lovely together — including during their intimate moments.
There was one ‘threat’ coming at them, in a form of blackmail about their circumstances. But what I appreciated from this story, every single character, including the blackmailer, actually invoked some sort of sympathy. It wasn’t totally black and white and the blackmail happened out of some sheer desperation. I was also happily surprised with the matron on the family — whom I thought would be, well, the kind of ‘villain’ here because she seemed kind of fickle and selfish — but she ended up showing a sound judgment when it came to Robbie and Charles’s relationship.
The story had a good pace — and it was rather light in drama but I totally enjoyed every minute of it.
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
September 19, 2014
*3.5 stars*
My new *thing* is historical romance. I'm actively seeking them out, and I find that I've been loving this genre more and more. While I've read a number of Bonnie Dee's books before, this was my first experience with the writing pair of Dee/Devon, and I think these two authors did a very nice job meshing their styles. Overall, this book was very successful, though not exceptional for me.
"Mending Him" is a lovely romance about two men with physical ailments. Robbie has had a limp and some physical deformity since childhood, and Charles has been fighting a mysterious ailment that, combined with a gambling/spending habit, has robbed him of all his money. Though this story could have been a big downer, it wasn't. It was charming and uplifting, these two guys finding love together.
My only issue with the story is that I found the chemistry a bit lacking between the two MCs. I felt like they were thrown together due to circumstances, and there really wasn't that spark between them. It seemed more like a relationship of convenience to me, and I wasn't all that taken by them as a pair. The story was also a little slow for my tastes, and I had no problem putting it down and going about my day.
However, that being, said, this story was a nice one. I enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to any M/M historical lover.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
My new *thing* is historical romance. I'm actively seeking them out, and I find that I've been loving this genre more and more. While I've read a number of Bonnie Dee's books before, this was my first experience with the writing pair of Dee/Devon, and I think these two authors did a very nice job meshing their styles. Overall, this book was very successful, though not exceptional for me.
"Mending Him" is a lovely romance about two men with physical ailments. Robbie has had a limp and some physical deformity since childhood, and Charles has been fighting a mysterious ailment that, combined with a gambling/spending habit, has robbed him of all his money. Though this story could have been a big downer, it wasn't. It was charming and uplifting, these two guys finding love together.
My only issue with the story is that I found the chemistry a bit lacking between the two MCs. I felt like they were thrown together due to circumstances, and there really wasn't that spark between them. It seemed more like a relationship of convenience to me, and I wasn't all that taken by them as a pair. The story was also a little slow for my tastes, and I had no problem putting it down and going about my day.
However, that being, said, this story was a nice one. I enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to any M/M historical lover.
*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
April 20, 2015
3.75
I waffled between 3 stars and a full 4 stars. I was convinced to round up to 4 because I really liked the first 65%, and because Robbie and Charles were both awesome right through the end.
Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon's Mending Him reminded me of many of the country Regency romances I used to sneakily read in high school. There was the rake. There was the sheltered MC who spent his whole life in the country. Also present was the slightly dysfunctional yet very proper and upright-standing family. And, of course, the ever-present servants, and the scandal-hungry neighbours who pop up only once or twice in the entire book.
And I enjoyed every page of it.
In Mending Him, our rake is Charles Worthington, the newly impoverished high-flyer who had recently been in a carriage accident, resulting in broken legs. Since Charles can no longer afford servants or other caretakers, he has to rely on the charity of his cousins, the Chester family, who invite him to recuperate at their country home. Faced with poverty and an end to the only kind of life he's known, Charles struggles with both his physical injuries and mental stress as he tries to figure out what to do with his life.
Our second MC, Robbie, is also an outsider in the Chester household. Robbie was taken in to his aunt's house as a young boy after he was orphaned. Robbie knows that his position in the household, as his uncle's right-hand man, is temporary until his uncle's oldest son finishes his studies and returns to take his spot in the household. Fortunately, Robbie has plans to build a career in home décor and design, but he can't help but feel unappreciated and easily dismissed by the only family he has ever known.
So these are the circumstances under which Robbie and Charles first meet. The two get off to a rocky start, but in the following weeks they develop a friendship. Robbie helps Charles exercise his legs to build back his strength, and keeps him company for most of the day. The two are attracted to one another, but it goes unacknowledged for quiet some time. When the two finally admit their attraction to one another, they have to deal with personal hesitancies and also external factors before anything happens between them. But once they finally get, ahem, physical, there are fireworks, folks.
If there's one word that I'd use to describe this book, it would be 'quiet.' Mending Him progressed at a laid back and smooth pace, but was in no way boring. The easy pace fit in really well with the English country setting. I also really liked that there was very little self-hatred among the MCs for their sexuality, which is rare in the historical MM genre.
My only issue was that there could have been a few more pages after the 70% mark to tie things together more nicely. For example, I wanted to know what happened with . 70% and onwards just seemed a bit rushed. I also think the last chapter should have been longer to give us a better picture in to our MCs' new lives. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from this duo.
I waffled between 3 stars and a full 4 stars. I was convinced to round up to 4 because I really liked the first 65%, and because Robbie and Charles were both awesome right through the end.
Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon's Mending Him reminded me of many of the country Regency romances I used to sneakily read in high school. There was the rake. There was the sheltered MC who spent his whole life in the country. Also present was the slightly dysfunctional yet very proper and upright-standing family. And, of course, the ever-present servants, and the scandal-hungry neighbours who pop up only once or twice in the entire book.
And I enjoyed every page of it.
In Mending Him, our rake is Charles Worthington, the newly impoverished high-flyer who had recently been in a carriage accident, resulting in broken legs. Since Charles can no longer afford servants or other caretakers, he has to rely on the charity of his cousins, the Chester family, who invite him to recuperate at their country home. Faced with poverty and an end to the only kind of life he's known, Charles struggles with both his physical injuries and mental stress as he tries to figure out what to do with his life.
Our second MC, Robbie, is also an outsider in the Chester household. Robbie was taken in to his aunt's house as a young boy after he was orphaned. Robbie knows that his position in the household, as his uncle's right-hand man, is temporary until his uncle's oldest son finishes his studies and returns to take his spot in the household. Fortunately, Robbie has plans to build a career in home décor and design, but he can't help but feel unappreciated and easily dismissed by the only family he has ever known.
So these are the circumstances under which Robbie and Charles first meet. The two get off to a rocky start, but in the following weeks they develop a friendship. Robbie helps Charles exercise his legs to build back his strength, and keeps him company for most of the day. The two are attracted to one another, but it goes unacknowledged for quiet some time. When the two finally admit their attraction to one another, they have to deal with personal hesitancies and also external factors before anything happens between them. But once they finally get, ahem, physical, there are fireworks, folks.
If there's one word that I'd use to describe this book, it would be 'quiet.' Mending Him progressed at a laid back and smooth pace, but was in no way boring. The easy pace fit in really well with the English country setting. I also really liked that there was very little self-hatred among the MCs for their sexuality, which is rare in the historical MM genre.
My only issue was that there could have been a few more pages after the 70% mark to tie things together more nicely. For example, I wanted to know what happened with . 70% and onwards just seemed a bit rushed. I also think the last chapter should have been longer to give us a better picture in to our MCs' new lives. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more from this duo.
September 12, 2014
Robbie Grayson has lived as “almost” a son in the Chester family since he lost his parents at a very young age. Stricken with polio as a child, Robbie’s limp has hindered him from making his mark on the world and he has been happy to help the Chester’s run their country estate. When long-lost cousin Charles Worthington finds himself bankrupt after breaking both of his legs in a carriage accident, he is invited to to recover in the Chester home until he can get back on his feet…literally. Gentle, nurturing Robbie is tasked with overseeing Charles’s care and their tentative friendship quickly moves towards a relationship of an illicit nature. But will their relationship stand against the blackmail when threatened to be revealed?
This was a very sweet story. Not the sappy, disgustingly sweet that I hate, but the adorable, happy romance that put a huge smile on my face. Both characters are easily likable and their friendship and attraction to each other is very believable. Two lost souls coming together over disability and recovery. Don’t get me wrong, Robbie and Charles are “nothing” alike, but the men they become are totally in sync.
There were plenty of humorous moments too. The opening scene was absolutely hilarious!! A druken Charles arrives to the Chester estate singing and carrying-on and falling out of the carriage…onto Robbie!! Priceless!
The blackmail plot was a little annoying because it kinda fizzled out and didn’t really go anywhere. Yes, the blackmailer was brat and he did what was expected, but I didn’t feel betrayed by that fact because I was waiting for it to happen.
I think my biggest issue with the story is that Charles’s “mysterious illness” was never explained!! It was there for months and then all of a sudden its just GONE?? Or can he be afflicted again at any moment? I feel like that piece could have been taken out, because as it stands, it leaves a bit of a plot hole in my opinion. The nurse in me wants to KNOW…
Overall, the story was a bit predictable and not very exciting, hence the four star rating, but it perfectly hit all the right spots for what I was in the mood for at the time.
I definitely recommend this, especially if you are fan of this duo of writers.
ETA: I’ve since learned from one of the authors that Charles suffered from , a yet unnamed disease at the time this book was set. Now it makes sense!!
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
This was a very sweet story. Not the sappy, disgustingly sweet that I hate, but the adorable, happy romance that put a huge smile on my face. Both characters are easily likable and their friendship and attraction to each other is very believable. Two lost souls coming together over disability and recovery. Don’t get me wrong, Robbie and Charles are “nothing” alike, but the men they become are totally in sync.
There were plenty of humorous moments too. The opening scene was absolutely hilarious!! A druken Charles arrives to the Chester estate singing and carrying-on and falling out of the carriage…onto Robbie!! Priceless!
The blackmail plot was a little annoying because it kinda fizzled out and didn’t really go anywhere. Yes, the blackmailer was brat and he did what was expected, but I didn’t feel betrayed by that fact because I was waiting for it to happen.
I think my biggest issue with the story is that Charles’s “mysterious illness” was never explained!! It was there for months and then all of a sudden its just GONE?? Or can he be afflicted again at any moment? I feel like that piece could have been taken out, because as it stands, it leaves a bit of a plot hole in my opinion. The nurse in me wants to KNOW…
Overall, the story was a bit predictable and not very exciting, hence the four star rating, but it perfectly hit all the right spots for what I was in the mood for at the time.
I definitely recommend this, especially if you are fan of this duo of writers.
ETA: I’ve since learned from one of the authors that Charles suffered from , a yet unnamed disease at the time this book was set. Now it makes sense!!
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
Read
September 9, 2014A NOTE from Summer:
A few reviewers have wondered what was going on with poor Charles, who suffered with a mysterious illness that came and went.
It remained unnamed in the story because they syndrome wasn’t recognized until decades after Mending Him took place. Sufferers were often accused of hysteria, in part because they improved without any sort of outside treatment.
Did you guess?
SPOILERS! (except is it called a spoiler if it's not actually named in the book?)
The answer:
Guillain-Barre syndrome was named after the French physicians Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré, who described it in 1916.
GBS is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. patients usually reach the point of greatest weakness or paralysis days or weeks after the first symptoms occur. Symptoms then stabilize at this level for a period of days, weeks, or, sometimes, months. The recovery period may be as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. About 30 percent of those with Guillain-Barré still have a residual weakness after 3 years. About 3 percent may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack. There is still no cure today.
A few reviewers have wondered what was going on with poor Charles, who suffered with a mysterious illness that came and went.
It remained unnamed in the story because they syndrome wasn’t recognized until decades after Mending Him took place. Sufferers were often accused of hysteria, in part because they improved without any sort of outside treatment.
Did you guess?
SPOILERS! (except is it called a spoiler if it's not actually named in the book?)
The answer:
Guillain-Barre syndrome was named after the French physicians Georges Guillain and Jean Alexandre Barré, who described it in 1916.
GBS is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. patients usually reach the point of greatest weakness or paralysis days or weeks after the first symptoms occur. Symptoms then stabilize at this level for a period of days, weeks, or, sometimes, months. The recovery period may be as little as a few weeks or as long as a few years. About 30 percent of those with Guillain-Barré still have a residual weakness after 3 years. About 3 percent may suffer a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling sensations many years after the initial attack. There is still no cure today.
September 13, 2014
Easy to read, easy to love historical romance concerning Charles and Robert.
Not much angst or drama, but beautifully paced realisation of affection and spark.
Enjoyable.
Not much angst or drama, but beautifully paced realisation of affection and spark.
Enjoyable.
June 9, 2018
I liked the beginning. Meeting for the first time, catching that feeling. The looks of longing. The sweetness of love in bloom. The passion.
The middle dragged, at least for me.
Things pick up in the final chapters and get real interesting.
All in all, another good historical.
The middle dragged, at least for me.
Things pick up in the final chapters and get real interesting.
All in all, another good historical.
Want to read
September 11, 2014I love Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee historicals. #amhappy
September 9, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I am a big fan of Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon’s historicals and Mending Him was another really delightful story. Robbie and Charles are such an interesting match and I loved the way things develop between them. Robbie has grown up in the Chester household since childhood. He has a significant limp from a childhood injury, and combined with being the poor relation, he is accepted and loved, but never totally part of the family. Robbie is the one the Chester’s lean on, helping with the business dealings and assisting his aunt with social events. Yet when their son comes home, Robbie’s place is threatened by the “real” family. A while back Robbie had tried to make a go of interior design in London, but after he got sick and had to return home to recover, he has never ventured out again. But now with Samuel’s return, Robbie is forced to figure out what to do with his life. Part of him is ready to move on, and part of him is terrified of leaving the nest and trying once again to find his place in the world.
Charles is Robbie’s opposite in many ways. He grew up wealthy and entitled and lived life to the fullest, as if the money would always be there and the fun would never stop. Then he began to have unexplained ailments, problems the doctors assured him were all in his head, but that led to his carriage accident. Having to pay people to care for him during his recovery drained him financially and soon he lost his home and all his belongings. Despite the total change in life, Charles manages to handle it all quite well (at least after his final bout of drunken self pity leaves him humiliated in front of the Chesters). His problem is sort of the opposite of Robbie’s; after a life of limitless options, Charles needs to make his world smaller and focus on his future and what he can do with his life now that he no longer has endless money.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I am a big fan of Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon’s historicals and Mending Him was another really delightful story. Robbie and Charles are such an interesting match and I loved the way things develop between them. Robbie has grown up in the Chester household since childhood. He has a significant limp from a childhood injury, and combined with being the poor relation, he is accepted and loved, but never totally part of the family. Robbie is the one the Chester’s lean on, helping with the business dealings and assisting his aunt with social events. Yet when their son comes home, Robbie’s place is threatened by the “real” family. A while back Robbie had tried to make a go of interior design in London, but after he got sick and had to return home to recover, he has never ventured out again. But now with Samuel’s return, Robbie is forced to figure out what to do with his life. Part of him is ready to move on, and part of him is terrified of leaving the nest and trying once again to find his place in the world.
Charles is Robbie’s opposite in many ways. He grew up wealthy and entitled and lived life to the fullest, as if the money would always be there and the fun would never stop. Then he began to have unexplained ailments, problems the doctors assured him were all in his head, but that led to his carriage accident. Having to pay people to care for him during his recovery drained him financially and soon he lost his home and all his belongings. Despite the total change in life, Charles manages to handle it all quite well (at least after his final bout of drunken self pity leaves him humiliated in front of the Chesters). His problem is sort of the opposite of Robbie’s; after a life of limitless options, Charles needs to make his world smaller and focus on his future and what he can do with his life now that he no longer has endless money.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
September 18, 2014
I enjoy historical settings in novels, especially M/M romances because the stakes are so much higher. Most work around the fact that they are two men in love, and though the stakes SEEM high, in the end nothing dangerous every really happens.
Not so with this book. While not overtly dangerous, the two men do lose because of their relationship, even while they gain each other. I appreciated the authors not tempering it in that way. While there is a family member that seems to at least turn a blind eye, most do not, and as a result, they are sent away.
I also loved the fact that both men are not perfect. Robbie has been crippled from a childhood illness and will never regain full use of his leg. There are difficulties around that. And Charles is injured from an accident, suffers an illness (that sadly we never find out what it is, though I'm thinking depression or anxiety...) and loses literally EVERYTHING from his once large fortune due to his careless and carefree lifestyle.
But love conquers all and even in a dangerous time for two men in love, they find a way to be together.
I did want to punch their eldest cousin in the face, though.
Repeatedly.
Hard.
Not so with this book. While not overtly dangerous, the two men do lose because of their relationship, even while they gain each other. I appreciated the authors not tempering it in that way. While there is a family member that seems to at least turn a blind eye, most do not, and as a result, they are sent away.
I also loved the fact that both men are not perfect. Robbie has been crippled from a childhood illness and will never regain full use of his leg. There are difficulties around that. And Charles is injured from an accident, suffers an illness (that sadly we never find out what it is, though I'm thinking depression or anxiety...) and loses literally EVERYTHING from his once large fortune due to his careless and carefree lifestyle.
But love conquers all and even in a dangerous time for two men in love, they find a way to be together.
I did want to punch their eldest cousin in the face, though.
Repeatedly.
Hard.
September 20, 2014
I don't know, why, because really, this story was lovely, nice, etc..., but still I'm sure about one fact; I'll forget about this story couple of hours from now. The main plotted story was solidly boring. There is one fact which bothered me at the end and that's Charles strange illness. What did exactly happen to that illness. We didn't get to know much about it just that it was strangely absent as Charles developed deeper feelings for Robbie. A mystery...
September 12, 2014
3.5 stars. A nice read, though not among my favourites from this great author duo.
October 23, 2014
These ladies are great, and I love a good ailing MC!
December 1, 2017
“The heart wants what it wants, it forces us to act when reason dictates otherwise, it tears down walls, breaches boundaries…and for better or for worse, it leads us places that the head would never go.” ~ Erin Karpluk/Erica Strange
Since coming to live at his cousin's manor, Robbie Grayson, of 'Mending Him' by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon, has felt like someone outside looking in. Even so, Robbie tries to do the best he can to show his gratitude for their generosity; but when the eldest son comes back from his travels, seemingly to take his rightful place, Robbie is relegated to a position just above that of the servants. Robbie is hurt by being tossed aside so easily after working so hard, but he understands how things work and tries to manage his disappointment with dignity. When a drunk scoundrel arrives in the form of a destitute cousin named Charles, Robbie is not impressed, but Charles is injured and needs a place to recover from an accident. Robbie, much to his dismay, is given the task of caring for him. What appears to be a curse in the beginning may turn out to be a blessing instead.
Robbie is a good, honest man, who, at times, has a wicked sense of humor. Even though it's not the interior design career he craves, he's resolved to his place in life, in spite of the disappointment he faces when his apprenticeship ends because he's needed back at the house. It's difficult for Robbie to lie, which ends up complicating his world when being truthful is unwise. At first, Robbie dreads the thought of taking care of Charles and is negatively influenced by the atrocious first impression he makes; but as Robbie gets to know him, he realizes that Charles is much more than he appears to be. Robbie is stirred by feelings which, until now, he's been able to suppress. Loving a man is the late 1800s is unacceptable at best and unlawful at worst; In spite of this, Robbie still falls in love with Charles. Even though it seems highly unlikely that they could ever be together, Robbie still dreams of being with Charles. Complicating things even further, Robbie and Samuel have never ever gotten along; but they come to a stalemate when he realizes that Robbie also holds information which would reflect unfavorably on Samuel as well.
Charles is a spoiled brat whose casual and irresponsible way of life has drained all of his riches and left him at the mercy of his cousin Philip. Being dependent upon someone else for his most basic needs is almost unbearable and Charles becomes melancholy and embarrassed. He's so used to his money being able to buy anything, that without it he's bereft. His immobility frustrates Charles, but his dependency eventually gives him a certain amount of humility. It gives Charles time to reflect upon his life before his accident, and he's ashamed at what he sees. Robbie's attitude toward people inspires Charles to aspire to be a better person. Charles also desires Robbie and, although he doesn't expect to, falls in love with him. Although they have to be secretive, being together at the estate is one thing; thinking about living outside of that cocoon is frightening and seems nearly impossible, but Charles is determined to find a way.
This is a great historical romance, written in the language of the times, adding credibility and authenticity to the plot. It's well-written, with interesting characters, and a few unexpected plot changes, which kept my interest. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a historical romance, passionate men, and true love overcoming almost impossible obstacles. Thanks, Bonnie and Summer, for the highly entertaining story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Since coming to live at his cousin's manor, Robbie Grayson, of 'Mending Him' by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon, has felt like someone outside looking in. Even so, Robbie tries to do the best he can to show his gratitude for their generosity; but when the eldest son comes back from his travels, seemingly to take his rightful place, Robbie is relegated to a position just above that of the servants. Robbie is hurt by being tossed aside so easily after working so hard, but he understands how things work and tries to manage his disappointment with dignity. When a drunk scoundrel arrives in the form of a destitute cousin named Charles, Robbie is not impressed, but Charles is injured and needs a place to recover from an accident. Robbie, much to his dismay, is given the task of caring for him. What appears to be a curse in the beginning may turn out to be a blessing instead.
Robbie is a good, honest man, who, at times, has a wicked sense of humor. Even though it's not the interior design career he craves, he's resolved to his place in life, in spite of the disappointment he faces when his apprenticeship ends because he's needed back at the house. It's difficult for Robbie to lie, which ends up complicating his world when being truthful is unwise. At first, Robbie dreads the thought of taking care of Charles and is negatively influenced by the atrocious first impression he makes; but as Robbie gets to know him, he realizes that Charles is much more than he appears to be. Robbie is stirred by feelings which, until now, he's been able to suppress. Loving a man is the late 1800s is unacceptable at best and unlawful at worst; In spite of this, Robbie still falls in love with Charles. Even though it seems highly unlikely that they could ever be together, Robbie still dreams of being with Charles. Complicating things even further, Robbie and Samuel have never ever gotten along; but they come to a stalemate when he realizes that Robbie also holds information which would reflect unfavorably on Samuel as well.
Charles is a spoiled brat whose casual and irresponsible way of life has drained all of his riches and left him at the mercy of his cousin Philip. Being dependent upon someone else for his most basic needs is almost unbearable and Charles becomes melancholy and embarrassed. He's so used to his money being able to buy anything, that without it he's bereft. His immobility frustrates Charles, but his dependency eventually gives him a certain amount of humility. It gives Charles time to reflect upon his life before his accident, and he's ashamed at what he sees. Robbie's attitude toward people inspires Charles to aspire to be a better person. Charles also desires Robbie and, although he doesn't expect to, falls in love with him. Although they have to be secretive, being together at the estate is one thing; thinking about living outside of that cocoon is frightening and seems nearly impossible, but Charles is determined to find a way.
This is a great historical romance, written in the language of the times, adding credibility and authenticity to the plot. It's well-written, with interesting characters, and a few unexpected plot changes, which kept my interest. I recommend it to everyone who enjoys a historical romance, passionate men, and true love overcoming almost impossible obstacles. Thanks, Bonnie and Summer, for the highly entertaining story.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 30, 2018
I was gifted this book by the author after putting out a book recommendation request for M/M MCs with disabilities/deformities/illnesses who find a partner who sees beyond their "issue" and lives HEA.
If you are looking for a book with instantly likable characters that you root for from beginning to end, than you've hit the jackpot! Robbie is staying with his aunt and uncle (uncle by marriage) to help tend to the estate, keep books and make himself useful as possible in order to earn his keep. He has a limp and slightly lame leg and is used to being looked at as "less than."
Charles has arrived at Uncle Phillip's grand estate as well (in less than grand shape) with two broken legs to heal. He's gambled himself out of money and a home, and his uncle has agreed to house him and allow him to regain strength under his roof. However, he was not expecting to find Robbie, a man who also has issues walking and a specific secret to keep. ;)
The two men are just so delightful... historical fiction and historical MM in particular are such fun and interesting reads because of the additional challenges to an "outsider lifestyle" as well as the charming, period-appropriate language and terms of endearment. I find myself swooning harder at these books simply because of the proper and flowery language.
You'll not be disappointed by this story- a simple (yet not) story of love found and love kept.
If you are looking for a book with instantly likable characters that you root for from beginning to end, than you've hit the jackpot! Robbie is staying with his aunt and uncle (uncle by marriage) to help tend to the estate, keep books and make himself useful as possible in order to earn his keep. He has a limp and slightly lame leg and is used to being looked at as "less than."
Charles has arrived at Uncle Phillip's grand estate as well (in less than grand shape) with two broken legs to heal. He's gambled himself out of money and a home, and his uncle has agreed to house him and allow him to regain strength under his roof. However, he was not expecting to find Robbie, a man who also has issues walking and a specific secret to keep. ;)
The two men are just so delightful... historical fiction and historical MM in particular are such fun and interesting reads because of the additional challenges to an "outsider lifestyle" as well as the charming, period-appropriate language and terms of endearment. I find myself swooning harder at these books simply because of the proper and flowery language.
You'll not be disappointed by this story- a simple (yet not) story of love found and love kept.
December 4, 2018
Victorian jerk-to-lover, hurt/comfort male/male romance
This decently heated gay romance centers on two Victorian poor-relation gentlemen taken in by stiff, proper relatives. Struggling with their own physical ailments, differences (attracted to men), and financial straights, the two very different men - one straight laced and shy and the other a bankrupt, drunken, wastrel - wrestle with their mutual desire and being dependent on their diffident, dismissive, and rather uncaring relatives.
The characters had enough difference and contours to be interesting, the conflicts somewhat predictable but still compelling enough to move the story along, the steam (in the second half) heated to satiate most genre readers, and the pat, HEA ending appropriate for the genre (with a bit of a nice contrast and twist appropriate for the period).
This decently heated gay romance centers on two Victorian poor-relation gentlemen taken in by stiff, proper relatives. Struggling with their own physical ailments, differences (attracted to men), and financial straights, the two very different men - one straight laced and shy and the other a bankrupt, drunken, wastrel - wrestle with their mutual desire and being dependent on their diffident, dismissive, and rather uncaring relatives.
The characters had enough difference and contours to be interesting, the conflicts somewhat predictable but still compelling enough to move the story along, the steam (in the second half) heated to satiate most genre readers, and the pat, HEA ending appropriate for the genre (with a bit of a nice contrast and twist appropriate for the period).
January 9, 2023
Bittersweet ending but sweet for the couple. Did not like the bad plot device of Samuel finding this journal Robbie wrote in to push Robbie into being outed. One, there was never once any mention that Robbie journaled. Two, one of Robbie’s huge character traits is oversight and thinking things through. So after having his sketchbook stolen through by Samuel to come to his horrible conclusion, why the hell would Robbie write his steamy love trip in a book?? Especially catching and hearing from Samuel and Charlie that this dude steals? Like you know this dude already used drawings to come to the conclusion but it’s not concrete proof. So why the hell would Robbie make some for him to find and take?! Bad writing to move the plot in this direction the authors wanted.
The headhopping was egregious but not too bad that you couldn’t figure out who POV we were at
The headhopping was egregious but not too bad that you couldn’t figure out who POV we were at
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2017
What is it with these books that think it's appropriate for the couple to have sex (especially for the first time) when one or both of them have been drinking enough alcohol to at least influence their thinking if not enough to get them drunk. Seriously!
Besides that, the book was good, the guys were good, everything I liked but didn't love any of it.
Besides that, the book was good, the guys were good, everything I liked but didn't love any of it.
April 1, 2018
Really enjoyable historical romance. A relatively low angst story that's more about character interaction than a plot driven narrative. My only big complaint is that a subplot around a mysterious tingling illness Charles suffers is never really resolved properly.
May 21, 2018
This is a fun book, Two men with physical disabilities meet and fall in love. It's a simple love story but it's very engaging and as I said before fun. Summer Devon and Bonnie Dee are quickly becoming two of my favorite authors for M/M romance.
Read
January 2, 2023Pull quote/note
"Pulling back, he asked, 'No longer awkward about what we’re going to do together?'
Robbie smiled. 'A little, perhaps. But you’ll laugh at me, and everything will be fine.'" (169/247)
July 29, 2017
Enjoyable read.
September 22, 2017
Just kind of boring, and I forgot about it and then the library loan ended.
May 21, 2018
Cute and unremarkable.
October 19, 2019
Incredibly sweet and charming.
This was a rather nice tale of love to cleanse the pallete between some very heavy reads.
This was a rather nice tale of love to cleanse the pallete between some very heavy reads.
December 5, 2019
This was very sweet, an engaging slice-of-life romance and I loved it!
Read
August 18, 2021DNF the Kindle Sample. I just found the charmingly inebriated fellow rather disgusting instead
Read
September 13, 20144 star review by Roberta
This story is a sweet, tender love story that made my heart smile while I read it. Two young men in 1884 County Durham, England.
Robbie Grayson is this really sweet, kind, giving man who was orphaned as a youngster and was sent to live with his Aunt Lenore and her family. He’s always been welcomed and yet he has always felt not quite family. They depend on him as famiy-ish and yet, as he lives there and works there, they have no qualms about using him for any and everything. Robbie has known that he’s attracted to men, but knowing his family and the time in which he lives in, Robbie knows that there is no way to have that happen. He wishes he was “normal” in order to have the life that everyone else has without fear. Robbie is just this wonderful character who wants to be free and yet, when he left before, he was sent back after getting the flu and decides that he’s not qualified to leave home. When Robbie was younger, he got polio and he now walks with a limp and doesn’t feel that he’s good enough for anything but working behind the scenes and doing the jobs that are thrown his way.
Charles Worthington on the other hand is this guy who has had this wonderfully fun-filled, extravagant life that he’s sad to see go away. Charles has a bit of a gambling problem that has left him homeless and in need of help from his family. Charles had been experiencing dizziness and weakness and was in a carriage accident that put him in a wheelchair. Charles is about to embark on the journey of his life. Charles has had the life of leisure and now he’s penniless and homeless and broken. He’s in the need of reevaluating his life. He has the chance to meet Robbie and see something he really wants. Something that will help him become a better man.
The secondary characters in this story are actually really well researched in the way that they behave. Gemma and Bertie, the youngest children of Phillip and Lenore. Lenore is related to Robbie as his Aunt. Phillip is related to Charles via being cousins. Lenore and Phillip have an older son, Samuel who has gone off to university and a tour of Europe before he comes home to be the heir-apparent to the family. Samuel is the typical graduate from university that believes that he’s better than his beginnings and wants more out of life. He wants to have the life that his university friends have and is upset that he has to come home to the country to live and work.
There was a bit of sex in this story, however, I will say that the intimate scenes were really tastefully done. Every time that our MC’s got together, is was so sweet and tender and it was beautiful to see them fall more in love with each other. The way that they expressed their growing feelings for each other was really sweet to watch.
This was such a great story. I loved seeing these two men who both have come a long way in the own ways, to find the one who loves and accepts them for the wonderful person that they are. It was such a wonderful love story. These two guys made falling in love a tender thing. Filled with lots of emotions and beauty.
Overall, this was a really wonderful story. I’m not a fan of historical stories, however, I will say that this book was so sweet and wonderful that I fell in love with it. This book was such a great story and I really fell into the story and the love affair between the Robbie and Charles. So, sit back and enjoy watching two young men fall in love with each other.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
This story is a sweet, tender love story that made my heart smile while I read it. Two young men in 1884 County Durham, England.
Robbie Grayson is this really sweet, kind, giving man who was orphaned as a youngster and was sent to live with his Aunt Lenore and her family. He’s always been welcomed and yet he has always felt not quite family. They depend on him as famiy-ish and yet, as he lives there and works there, they have no qualms about using him for any and everything. Robbie has known that he’s attracted to men, but knowing his family and the time in which he lives in, Robbie knows that there is no way to have that happen. He wishes he was “normal” in order to have the life that everyone else has without fear. Robbie is just this wonderful character who wants to be free and yet, when he left before, he was sent back after getting the flu and decides that he’s not qualified to leave home. When Robbie was younger, he got polio and he now walks with a limp and doesn’t feel that he’s good enough for anything but working behind the scenes and doing the jobs that are thrown his way.
Charles Worthington on the other hand is this guy who has had this wonderfully fun-filled, extravagant life that he’s sad to see go away. Charles has a bit of a gambling problem that has left him homeless and in need of help from his family. Charles had been experiencing dizziness and weakness and was in a carriage accident that put him in a wheelchair. Charles is about to embark on the journey of his life. Charles has had the life of leisure and now he’s penniless and homeless and broken. He’s in the need of reevaluating his life. He has the chance to meet Robbie and see something he really wants. Something that will help him become a better man.
The secondary characters in this story are actually really well researched in the way that they behave. Gemma and Bertie, the youngest children of Phillip and Lenore. Lenore is related to Robbie as his Aunt. Phillip is related to Charles via being cousins. Lenore and Phillip have an older son, Samuel who has gone off to university and a tour of Europe before he comes home to be the heir-apparent to the family. Samuel is the typical graduate from university that believes that he’s better than his beginnings and wants more out of life. He wants to have the life that his university friends have and is upset that he has to come home to the country to live and work.
There was a bit of sex in this story, however, I will say that the intimate scenes were really tastefully done. Every time that our MC’s got together, is was so sweet and tender and it was beautiful to see them fall more in love with each other. The way that they expressed their growing feelings for each other was really sweet to watch.
This was such a great story. I loved seeing these two men who both have come a long way in the own ways, to find the one who loves and accepts them for the wonderful person that they are. It was such a wonderful love story. These two guys made falling in love a tender thing. Filled with lots of emotions and beauty.
Overall, this was a really wonderful story. I’m not a fan of historical stories, however, I will say that this book was so sweet and wonderful that I fell in love with it. This book was such a great story and I really fell into the story and the love affair between the Robbie and Charles. So, sit back and enjoy watching two young men fall in love with each other.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
February 21, 2017
3.75 stars
March 21, 2015
A very classy, slow burn romance that gets better as the book goes on. Robbie and Charles meet at the home of the Chester's.- Robbie is a "poor relation" taken in when he was a child. He is slightly disabled. Charles is a wastrel, another "poor relation" taken in when he is injured, can't walk and has run out of money to care for himself. I enjoyed the descriptions of the home, of Charles and Robbie - very atmospheric writing. Could visualize the clothing, the home, Robbie's gait, etc. Nicely done heat, not terribly over the top but it fits with the tone of the book. Robbie is a lovely conundrum - seemingly staid but quite passionate and surprisingly, willing to experiment. Charles realizes he has frittered his life away and is now dependent on family who think (because he arrives roaring drunk) he is a lay-about but he comes around. Great secondary characters, particularly the two ladies at the ball and the Chester family. There are times when I was close to tears and the ending is swoon-worthy. Will be looking for more of this author's work...
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