Love Beneath the Guillotine

by W.H. Lockwood

"Desperate men have no morals..."

Léon Lyon: beautiful, beloved, broken. As premier executioner of Reims, he’s desired and feared in equal measure, a celebrity of the most dangerous kind, a symbol of justice and good citizenship in the explosive era of the French Revolution. But Léon has a secret. Each head he takes brings him one day closer to escape. He’s been saving every centime he’s ever earned, and any day now, he’ll leave town and rescue his little brother Émile from the same gruesome fate that has befallen him.

But all Léon’s plans are thrown into disarray when Émile is kidnapped by the dashing, dangerous, and despicable Henri De Villiers. At the mercy of a cruel and calculating (if handsome) blackmailer, Léon’s only chance to save his brother is to play the man’s wicked game.

Yet, as Léon is drawn deeper into Henri’s world, he begins to see a different side of him. Idealistic, passionate, willing to kill or die for those he loves, Henri might just be the escape Léon’s been searching for all these years.

But can Léon ever forgive Henri for what he’s done? And can either of them survive the mysterious supernatural force that seems to haunt their every move?

Love Beneath the Guillotine is the spicy, swashbuckling, slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers MM adventure-romance novel that your bookshelf has been bleeding for. It’s time to strap on your swords and load those duelling pistols. France will never be the same again.

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Historical Romance, Queer, Found Family

580 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Author of the Endymion College series, W. H. Lockwood writes gothic romance, MM action-romance, historical fiction, dark academia and cosy horror.

Raised on a diet of teen horror books and Pepsi, only willing to leave her den to attend chess club at public school, W.H. Lockwood started writing at a young age and has kept this passion throughout her life.

Always a voracious reader, she obtained an undergraduate degree in literary studies from a gorgeous sandstone university, following that with a masters in publishing and editing, then a masters in astronomy, thus uniting her two great loves of the arts and science, leaving her utterly unqualified to cope with the real world.

These days, W.H. Lockwood can often be found aimlessly wandering the coffee shops and bookstores of the beautiful city she calls home.

Reviews

[Mx. T *Chaotic Reader* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece and that's it. I will accept no low ratings. I beta read it and the arc read it, because yes, it's THAT good. It's got everything: amazing characters with depth and contradictions, a lot of action, angsty moments, tender ones, historical setting done right, magic. And one too smart horse. An a lot of blood. And interesting uses for butter.
Henry Henri the hopeful one, and Léon Léon Lyon Lyon the hopeless one. They go through it. There's even some internalised homophobia going on, because this is the xviii century and it sucked. But oh well, this is SO GOOD.

Viva la Révolution!

[Smutty Sully · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many beheadings! Decapitations everywhere! Guillotining, trimming, truncating, pruning, decollating, polly wackit, a river of rolling heads!

I may have made one of those up.

Yes, it's in the title. It's on the cover. But that doesn't mean I was truly prepared for so many bloody heads.

If I told you the book started off with public decapitation fanfare by the MC that would put WWE out of business, a child getting kidnapped, the same child screaming about the mean kidnapper chopping the legs off kittens (the non-executioner MC, nonetheless), and I couldn't stop laughing, would you believe me?


I don't know what I was expecting, but this book was a ride. Absolutely coming back to give it a full review treatment.




(No children or cats were harmed in this book. Just in case you thought there was something wrong with my sense of humor.)

[Ditte]

DNF @ 11%

I found myself zoning out and being bored through most of what I read. I didn't really find the humor funny, and I didn't particularly care about the very beautiful (I feel like this was mentioned a lot) main characters.

Considering this book's 535 pages, I don't want to put myself through that for so long so I'm out.

[T.J. Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

In one word: Epic.

In more than one word: Absolutely Bloody Epic.

WH Lockwood has managed to craft a sweeping historical MM romance set in the French Revolution that beautifully balances a suspenseful supernatural plot with an explosive slow-burn romance.

Now, I'm going to be honest. I came for the enemies-to-lovers but make it Hot French Executioner x Dashing Aristocratic Scoundrel. And let me tell you, that aspect did NOT disappoint. These boys go from wanting to rip each other's heads off to desperately ripping each other's clothes off in the most delightful way.

But what I also found in Love Beneath the Guillotine was a world crafted with gorgeously exquisite prose. Adorable side characters. Sapphic love. The perfect about of information about the French Revolution to create a rich setting without it becoming a history lesson. Horses. Complicated characters and their complicated morals. Edge-of-my-seat action scenes. Twists and turns that had me shooketh. Scorching hot, buttery spice. A passionate, possessive die-for-you romance that tugged on my heartstrings. Two men finding love against all odds.

This is Lockwood at the top of her game, and I for one, can't wait to see what she writes next!

[Moraa]

DNF @ 13%

I TRIED to make it to 20% but I just could not read any more of this. The premise and setting were very intriguing to me but the prose needs SIGNIFICANT editing down. A little repetition now and then is fine, but ALL THE TIME?? No, thank you. There are so many other books I'd rather be reading.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful. I laughed, I cried, I had to google facts about the French Revolution. I loved Leon and Henry so so so much!!!!! This author is now on my auto-buy list. I’m obsessed with their writing. This was told so beautifully. I was captivated and thoroughly entertained the entire time. I’m going to miss these silly boys so much.

[369Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am epic tale of romance, morality and bravery between Léon, an executioner, and Henry, who takes the law as more of a suggestion. The setting is in 1700s France, so you know there will be lots of head chopping (and lots of drama surrounding the head chopping!) This turns into an epic journey that has unexpected elements which will keep you interested!

These two are immediately thrust into dire situations that force them to make quick decisions that are morally challenging and drastic. Their dynamic isn’t simple and easy, mostly due to circumstances.

I really enjoyed the fact that this book deals with morality and how it interacts with love. Very cool story, and I haven’t read anything like it before!

You can expect an action-packed, plot-focused story, that also has a balanced romance woven in seamlessly. It’s in third person, sometimes feeling third-person limited, and other times third-person omniscient. It took me a while to really get into the story, but it builds up well! I wish I could talk about the events of the plot more, but won’t because of spoilers~ you’ll just have to read it yourself!

[downtown · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I saw it, and I never would have thought… Enemies to lovers.” He smiled wanly. “It’s a ridiculous notion.” “Completely unbelievable.” “But here we are.” “Here we are.”

WH Lockwood is Queen and she has done it again!

I feel I have spent a lot of my time on goodreads waxing poetic about the brilliant cleverness that is Lockwood’s romances. They’re smart, sweet, so funny, slightly horrific, and always a bit unhinged. Here I am again, because have you read her yet!?

“I can feel you in my veins. And I long for you. So help me God, I long for you.”

Henri & Leon meet in less than ideal circumstances when Henri kidnaps Leon’s brother and forces Leon to help with his scheme. From there the story does not let up. It is fast paced and full of surprising adventures and shenanigans. Shenanigans are a specialty of Lockwood’s.

Set amidst the French Revolution there is quite a bit of murder and beheading. Lockwood really gives us some gore with this one. I personally don’t always appreciate gore but this was just the right amount. I really enjoyed this historical setting. Relevant to current times but somehow presented in a lighthearted way as to not depress the reader too much. It does not take itself too seriously. But do be warned, there will be blood.

“No billionaire boys’ club for France. It was time to take the money back from the stupidly rich and hand it over to the destitute. It was time to start valuing intelligence over the luck of the draw, decent people over those born wealthy, who got the biggest shovels to scoop everything up first.”

The horrific history is balanced with a very sweet and very funny romance. Lockwood writes boys that love to describe their love for one another. Top this off with all the dirty talk and a handful of “good boys” and welp. I’m done. There’s this scene at a party in Paris…my god.

“It is no defense to have observed atrocities from a distance, then said you could do nothing. You, of all men, had more power than anyone to help people. You chose to hurt them. You chose to divide them. But today, you see, the people have real power.”

All this to say and I still left off my favorite quote. Something about America and how progressive it will be in 250 years. (oh boy)

Leon & Henri’s story is up there as one of my favorite reads this year (that is saying something because there's some show stoppers on my list and another Lockwood in competition.) Read this book!

Thank you WH Lockwood for this ARC, as always, I am your devoted fangirl for life.


“The great romance of both their lives had just begun in earnest.”

[Gina Roma · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ♾️
I don't have enough words to express how much I loved this book. W.H. Lockwood has done it again written another damn masterpiece.
"Love Beneath the Guillotine" is a solid five-star read, packed with every single ingredient that hooks you from page one. You want plot? You’ve got it. Epic romance? Absolutely. Action, history, adrenaline, moments to laugh, cry, and melt with love? All of it. It's all here.

Léon and Henri shattered and rebuilt my heart. They're written with such raw depth, each with their own ideals, fears, contradictions… all shaped by the chaos and passion of the French Revolution. And in this story, the Revolution isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a character in itself, influencing every step and every choice.

The side characters shine just as bright. They stay with you through the whole journey and feel like part of the family by the end.

And yes... the butter 🫠😏
IYKYK. If you don’t... you're seriously missing out.

Without a doubt, another book I can't stop recommending. Léon and Henri are now right up there with my favorite couples alongside Joe and Percy ❤️

[meevreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Beneath the Guillotine is another epic story by W.H. Lockwood! I loved the context of the French Revolution and how the author adapted it to give us more completely unhinged but always loveable characters.

Léon and Henry's relationship was tumultuous at best but they managed to get their HEA through all the blackmailing, kidnapping, arrests, decapitations, escape, paranormal activity, and much much more.

This book is filled with WTF moments, lots of gore, some swoony and some scorching scenes 🔥

I can't wait to see what's next from W.H. Lockwood because her books always scratch an itch I never knew I had 😁

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.

[what_emmareadnext · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely outstanding read!! 🇫🇷🇫🇷

This was my first read by WH Lockwood but it won’t be the last!! I was so excited to read LBTG and when I finally got the ARC I was bouncing with excitement!

Leon & Henri’s story is intricate, weaved with action and historical accuracy. Set in the time of the French Revolution, Leon is the Executioner of Reims. Henri de Villiers is a rouge and a scoundrel but he catches Leon’s eye in more ways than one!

Their story is an enemies to lovers dynamic, and the slow burn is delicious! Once these two admit their feelings for each other, the story only gets better!!! And their various uses for butter!!! 🙊🙊

Outstanding read, 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[travis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more than I did since the premise seemed fun and interesting. Unfortunately despite the setup, it just didn't work for me, and the book ended up feeling a lot more unserious, almost comedic than I expected, and I'm not sure if that was intended. The character decision making at the start just felt foolish and annoying to me. The book felt very unfocused, perspective would kind of float between both leads instead, sometimes even in the same chapter. I thought it would be more supernatural but instead two of the characters just kind of have magic, and it's more of a character detail than anything really relating to the plot. And on top of that it includes actual real life people from the revolution so it's like, you could have done something but instead deftly avoided it. And part of me is amused by that, but it also just feels like missed potential. There were a couple of heavy clunker exposition drops where it felt like the narration was staring directly at me as it pointed out the exact place and year, and later where it was like "Leon didn't understand them, because they were speaking English, when they had all been speaking French up until now." Like... okay, thank you for that. I suppose at the end of the day maybe it's just meant to be some fun entertainment and there's nothing wrong with that, but it still didn't quite land for me I fear

[Rain]

Great premise, but needed some serious editing. The writing style didn’t work with my reading brain. Dnf.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

some books are books, others are EVENTS!

This book was a whole entire big event and I could see it playing like a movie in my head. The only problem I have with this book is that it wasn't longer and made into two because I could have stayed in this world for longer.

Truly one of my favourite reads of the whole year. I am open to yap about this book to anyone who may wish. I love them ALL. Wow 😭

[Adelaide Blaike · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How can you ask how I fell in love with you when you're this easy to love?"

For executioner Léon Lyon, who takes lives - and heads - every day, his own life has little worth. His fate was set before he was even born. His gruesome trade means he's forbidden to set foot in holy places. And he has spent years avoiding the inevitability of marriage, knowing it would doom his best friend to a lifetime of unhappiness because Léon's attraction lies with men.

And then a gorgeous stranger enters his life, bearing a knife...and a threat to kill Léon's little brother unless he helps spring a condemned prisoner. Henry de Villiers is everything Léon hates, but the more they are gifted glimpses into each other's souls, the more they realise how much they need what the other has to offer.

We have highwaymen holding up carriages. Gruesome beheadings. Axe sharpening. Stolen moments in dark alleyways. Magic.

A hold-your-breath-the-entire-time chapter of wading through a pit of decapitated bodies. In other words, all the best things.

This book was BEAUTIFUL. Long, yes, and heart-breaking: I kept having to put it down in the 'good' moments because I couldn't bear the certainty of knowing it would all go badly for our dearest men. Again.

But so, so beautifully written.

The setting, mid-revolution France, felt overpoweringly real. You could smell those prisons, feel the liveliness of the streets, sense the despair of the people.

But in my opinion, it was the connection between Léon and Henry where Lockwood really shone. Both the emotional and physical connections - and holy hell, the sex was hot - were described in such ways that made my mouth drop open in pure wonder (and a bit of jealousy). The reader was really made to feel what the two men felt, and it was...exquisite.

One quirk of the writing did take some getting used to: the head-hopping/omniscience, where you're entreated to inner thoughts of different characters in the same chapter (or even paragraph). My need to understand everything that was going on meant I often had to go back and re-read, unfortunately breaking my immersion, to work exactly who was narrating a particular line and remind myself that while one character was thinking something, the other remained oblivious. This technique was used to great effect late in the book where two conversations happening in different rooms are essentially merged into one scene - but otherwise was something I did have to be careful about when reading.

Ah, this was such an amazing book! It made me smile uncontrollably, gasp (in both horror and joy), and breathe a sigh of relief when I reached the end...not because the story was done, but because I had feared we were not going to reach the HEA.

Highly recommend you read it!

The way Léon adored Henry...For every little thing he did, but above all, for the way he spoke. Every word was unspoiled, unchecked optimism. It was all goodness and a belief in a greater good. It was a life and hope not stamped down by bitterness and dead ends.
(Lockwood, is 'dead ends' a pun, haha?)

[Alix Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Je vais sans doute avoir l’air bête mais c’est la première fois que je lis sur la révolution française (en dehors des livres d’Histoire).😅
J’ai trouvé difficile de catégoriser ce livre, ce n’est certainement pas une histoire d’amour tendre et douce, loin s’en faut😆, mais ce n’est pas tout à fait une dark romance non plus. Disons que c’est une romance toxique enemies-to-lovers en quête de pureté dans un monde dont l’humanité s’est habituée à la vilénie et à cette noirceur gluante qui remplie leur quotidien.

Léon est bourreau, métier extrêmement dur et éprouvant surtout lorsqu’on a le cœur sur la main et une bonté d’âme incompatible avec l’époque à laquelle on officie. Il montre plus d’humanité à ceux qu’il exécute que les gens qui les ont condamné. C’est vraiment un bon gars forcé à commettre des atrocités qui le révulsent. Et entraîné bien malgré lui par l’ouragan Henry, annonciateur de désastre et bandit de grand chemin à la morale versatile.

En plus de ne pas être fait pour être bourreau, Léon n’est pas fait pour les rencontres…
Imaginez que le gars super mignon, super chaud que vous lorgnez dans un bar soit aussi celui qui vous coince dans une ruelle un couteau sous la gorge quelques instant plus tard pour vous révéler qu’il a kidnappé votre petit frère.😅

🪓Enemies-to-Lovers.
🩸Magical realism.
🪓Gore.
🩸 Personne ne peut lui faire du mal, sauf moi.
🪓Il a gâché ma vie mais je l’aime.
🩸Parler c’est surfait.

Henry est un personnage plus compliqué, il est entouré de tellement de couches de mensonges et de masques que le pauvre Léon a du mal à savoir sur quel pied danser, et j’avoue que moi aussi parfois. Il m’a fait penser à Stephen Bonnet dans Outlander, ou plutôt à une version plus jeune de lui mais avec quelque chose auquel il tient et qu’il doit protéger (sa sœur Catherine) pour le garder ancré à son humanité.

Certains clichés français m’ont bien fait rire.😂 Et j’avais bien besoin de rire par moments.🥲
Je recommande à ceux qui aiment leur romance historique avec une pointe de toxicité, des personnages moralement gris et un environnement fictif historiquement réaliste.

[Stephanie Oldeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of Love Beneath the Guillotine. This review is my honest opinion.

**May contain minor spoilers**

Wow! I was blown away by this book! Léon is the famous executioner of Reims, a job he never really wanted but he inherited by happenstance of his birth. As much as he dislikes it, he knows how to work the crowd and has been saving every extra penny to spare his little brother Émile from the same fate. Everything appears to be status quo until Henry De Villiers turns Léon's life on it's head by kidnapping Émile and holding him hostage until Léon agrees to help him do the unthinkable: help Henry's sister escape from the prison. Léon reluctantly does what he's told, but only because Émile is his whole world, and he hates Henry with all of his being. But as time goes on and Léon has to take even more risks to help Catherine disappear, he finds that Henry is not quite as cutthroat as he first seemed and in fact might have the heart and soul of a dreamer. Léon finds himself entranced, so much so that when Henry himself is thrown in jail, Léon risks everything to save Henry too. And then they flee back to Catherine, Émile, and Leon's best friend, Souveraine, who have managed to travel to Paris, the place Henry believes he and Léon will be able to live openly as equals with all the other Parisioners. And Paris is as much the dream Henry described, and as much the horror Léon expected. Because blood lust has no bounds, and the French revolutionaries demand it by the gallon. When Léon is forced to get another job as executioner to make ends meet, he finds himself having to make one more dashing save before he and Henry can start the life they dreamed of. And he just prays with all his being that, after this, the life he always dreamed of will finally be in his grasp.

I loved this book so much. Henry and Léon were the perfect enemies to lovers couple. Léon is so fierce and loving and protective. I loved how much he loved his brother and did absolutely everything he had to do to keep him safe. I love how he never gave up even when Henry was threatening him. I love that he masterfully played the roles he needed in order to get Catherine and Henry out safely, even if it meant bloodshed. I really ended up loving Henry, too. I wasn't too sure of him at first, but the fact that the kidnapping was mostly a ruse really sold me on his character. I love that he loved so fiercely and dreamed so big. He believed in a better world and never stopped working to make that happen. I loved how he and Léon came together and fell in love. I loved that they couldn't get enough of each other once they started and that everything between them was so full of love. The romancing was exquisitely well done.

I also loved the magic component of this book. I kind of forgot that there was something supernatural that was supposed to be occurring, so it kind of took me by surprise! I had to do a little research on the French Revolution era, and I loved that everything lined right up with historical accuracy. I loved that Léon just accepted what was going on with pretty much no fanfare and just did what needed to be done. I also loved the little slights about feminism that just went right over Léon's head. It cracked me up!

Finally, I loved the butter. If you know you know! But in all seriousness, Henry and Léon's first time together was beautiful, and that's when I knew I was very much in love with them both.

If I had one complaint it is that I did not enjoy the omniscient perspective that much. I would have preferred third person limited. Sometimes the switching made it hard to figure out who was talking about who. And third person is not my favorite perspective anyway, but the plot and characters made it worthwhile.

Overall I really, really enjoyed this book! I loved that it was long and that there was never a dull moment. The historical element was well done, the characters were well rounded, and the little dash of magic really was the sugar on top. 4.5/5 🌟!

[Lady Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I'm so glad my bookish friends Mal and Janette suggested me this book because it was awesome!
It's my first from this author and I really enjoyed her writing. It's a long story but the chapters are short and the narration flows through the pages without boring the reader.

I didn't connect with Henry at first, I found his behaviour cold sometimes, until his motives were revealed. And when Henry is open and honest about his love for Leon, oh boy, it was glorious! He's so romantic, sweet, he doesn't hold back and cherishes and adores Leon deeply.

Leon was amazing: upstanding, honest, thoughtful, compassionate and my heart broke because of all the devastating consequences of his job. The author really did an outstanding job in describing his internal turmoil, not only about himself, but also about his little brother Emile and his friend Souveraine.

The physical scenes are beautiful emotional, tender, sweet: their kisses and cuddles are to die for.

What prevented me from giving five full stars:
Sometimes the continuous plot twists left me a little confused and I couldn't always keep tracking of the time (there's a lot happening in very few days).

I really liked Catherine and Souveraine: their initiative and their resourcefulness often saved the day. I also really loved Henry's genuine affection for Emile: that little boy adored Henry at first sight.

The ending is perfection, there's all I was hoping for all of them.
I'm very curious about the other stories written by this author, I hope to get the chance to read them soon.

Highly recommended.

[Gee Rothvoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quelle belle histoire d'amour entre deux crétins, if you ask me! Wickedly funny, irreverent at times and action-packed from beginning to end, "Love Beneath the Guillotine" by W.H. Lockwood is an extraordinary read with everything you could ask for. It's got romance, it's got high stakes, it's got a horse by the name of Destroyer, and even better - it's got butter! Copious amounts!

It's hard to summarise what this hilarious read is about, because there are many different sides to its geniality. These are lines about the unbreakable bond between siblings when all they've got left, or that ever had to begin with, is each other. But they are also about two young men whose fierce loyalty to their loved ones is stronger than the blade of Madame la Guillotine. You will read about what life could've looked like during the French Revolution, and you will read about extraordinary shenanigans by extraordinary people who just want to catch a break and live an ordinary life. Oh, and of course there's also a horse with an odd fixation on pretty men, which is a must in any worthy story.

One of the main tropes in this book was, of course, the found family one, which IMO was executed flawlessly. Despite their initial differences and reluctance to work together, all five members of the de Villiers-Lyon merry band of misfits were beautiful together, and brought unique skills to the table. From little Émile's effortless mirth to Catherine's burning passion about doing the right thing, as well as Souveraine's incredible air of trustworthiness, Henri's idealistic drive and Léon's huge heart, all five main characters were remarkable in their own way, and the story just wouldn't have been half as good had it been missing any of them.

Another thing I loved about it was the cheeky, at times downright smartass, prose. It isn't a W.H. Lockwood book if it doesn't have you cackling before you've reached page 25, after all! There were a lot of brilliant quotes that made me laugh out loud, as well as others that made sigh and quiver and even the odd heartbreaking line that left me emotionally scarred for life. What I enjoyed the most, though, was Lockwood's ability to seamlessly weave together so many emotions and themes without overdoing any of them. There was a perfect and exquisite balance between the comedic bits, the action-packed scenes, the introspective moments and the explosive romance.

Unlike Percy and Joe (my beloved unhinged murder husbands!!), Léon and Henry don't hit it off right away. Instead they dance around each other while being brought together, time and time again, by their predicament (how I love you, forced proximity!), and what makes them beautifully perfect for each other from their first interactions is their ability to truly see each other and their beautiful heart. Mind you, they both do questionable things at times, but deep down they do it for the right reasons during the worst aftermath possible to one of the bloodiest times in history.

This was an extraordinary book, which seemed to fly by as I turned one page after another almost compulsively, and I'm certain that I'll reread it soon enough for the sheer brilliancy of its agile prose, loveable characters and fascinating plot stakes! LIBERTÉ, EGALITÉ, HOMOSEXUALITÉ!!

[Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

W H Lockwood thrusts you into clear, vivid scenes, inviting you to live in revolutionary France. The characters are layered, rich in backstory and the pacing is sublime, moving at a fast clip. There is also this wonderful thread of humour, making this a truly gripping story that just didn’t let me go. I had a smile on my face through most of it and it made for an absolutely perfect weekend to be able to spend my time in the world the author created.

The story is beyond phenomenal- the author lays out an intricate tale and the reveals are undeniably gasp worthy! The chemistry and banter between soft hearted, full of integrity Leon and the dashing charmer with a heart of gold Henry is just epic. I spent a lot of the book laughing, crying, swooning and saying “omg what even just happened” out loud. I am not exaggerating when I say I could not put this down, I spent every free minute I had going back to it and it continues to live rent free in my mind even now.

In the interest of keeping this spoiler free I will say there are things here you just cannot see coming, no I can’t say what they are or how they made me feel as they tied into the overall plot, I definitely want to say reaaaaad the book it’s so so so good!

Also the butter scene is all it’s hyped up to be and more 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

and holy smokes that ending.. savagely beautiful perfection!!

Expect:

- slow burn
- Epic chemistry and banter
- Lols
- Vivid immersive world building
- Hot hot MCs
- Opposites attract
- Hurt comfort
- Pining
- Action and drama
- Violence, death and a bit of bucolic life
- Emile
- Protective MCs
- Only one bed
- Forced proximity
- Possessive MCs
- Sooo swoony
- Supernatural elements
- Stay 🫠

[Delaney Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ — this book is so much fun. Thank you for letting me ARC read it!

This is a very unique sort of historical romance — a rollercoaster where you feel the grounding within the old setting, and then something happens that’s decidedly modern, and yet it’s done so well that you find that you absolutely don’t mind the deviation. It all flows together quite well.

Henri and Leon, I’m obsessed. ✨ Lovable idiots in the best way. They’re adorable and I found myself along for the adventure every bit as much as they were.

The only reason I’d say this may not be for everyone is a combination of the length (pacing felt quick in some parts, and very slow in others which made the length feel daunting at times) and the omniscient third person narration.

The POV switches constantly with no clear indication (at times) of who’s speaking — we even randomly get a tangent from the odd side character or two — one that you don’t realize is coming and have to reread to fully grip.

Other than that though, this is a masterpiece. A super fun journey I wouldn’t hesitate to take again or recommend to a friend ❤️☺️

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

WH Lockwood is one of the best at emotionally intense lyrical scenes, and for those alone, it's totally worth reading this book.

Léon and Henry are both stubbornly pining in their own ways, they banter and threaten each other like their life depended on it (though at one point they're pretty sure it does!). Wanting to knock some sense into them is just a habit you pick up after a couple of chapters.
It pays off big time, I promise.

I love the idea of a book set during the French Revolution that explores the different sides of everything that went down. All the idealism, the bloodshed, how it goes down outside of the revolutionary bubble. (Poor Léon comes a long way, and then some...)

At the same time, I personally feel like this book took a while to get started and I wasn't always on board with the pacing, if I'm being totally honest. Still, this book is epic and delivering it on Lockwood's rapid schedule is an achievement in itself.


Thank you to the author for trusting me with an ARC.

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐘.
The tension and chemistry in this story is like being edged into oblivion. Against the backdrop of the French Revolution and an onslaught of danger & deception, a naughty highwayman meets a sexy executioner and sparks fly. They’re enemies…they’re conspirators…they’re confidants…they’re lovers. They’re so many impossible things, it’s almost too much.

A word of forewarning: this book is long. You’re going to open it and see 60+ chapters and wonder if you have the time, energy, or patience to get through it. The answer is YES, YOU DO. The chapters are short and there’s plenty of action - SO. MUCH. ACTION.

In fact, Lockwood absolutely captivates readers with a story that just doesn’t quit — there’s no end to the twists, turns, secrecy, and lies. I can’t say enough about how cleverly written it is, and the historical details are woven in so seamlessly it’ll have you searching the internet to differentiate fact from fiction. That level of care had to have taken a lot of time and effort, but it definitely pays off in what it adds to the story.

In short, I loved this book. It’s exciting, edgy, tense, and emotional, and it’s already a story I want to read again. There are a million threads to follow, each with its own unbelievable impact. It’s the kind of story that keeps you on alert because you’re afraid to miss anything that might turn out to be important later. And then there are Henry & Léon - two guys who are impossibly hot for their time and the unlikeliest of bedfellows fighting against all odds for the fleeting chance at happiness. They shouldn’t work but they do, because they fit in all the ways that count - love, dedication, compassion, and loyalty.

*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in his miserable life as premier executioner of Reims, Léon is just trying to make ends meet for his brother and himself. But things are about to get complicated, from bad to worse, life threatening and wild, but also life changing, when a handsome stranger walks into the bar, Léon is drowning his guilt and sorrow in. Can something good come out of the dire situation both men find themselves in or did Henry ruin his one shot at happiness?
Oh holy butter on a hot biscuit, this is a wild adventure!! Une aventure épique!!
Once again, W.H. Lockwood takes us on a wold ride through history, puts in paranormal elements and makes you turn pages as fast as possible because you just HAVE to know what will happen next.
"Love Beneath the Guillotine" had me laughing, giggling and kicking my feet, but also sniffling and wanting to hug both men, badly. Long review short: Don't miss out on this fantastic story which will make you laugh, cry, swear and sweat 😉

[Demian Grimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride this was!

Set in brutal 1700s France, this book is a messy, but emotional, and surprisingly touching journey through love, bloodshed (so much bloodshed), and morally messy decisions. And since it’s the French revolution, there’s also plenty of head-chopping.

On one side, we have Léon, a brooding executioner who hates his job but sticks with it to protect his little brother (Émile). On the other, there’s Henri, a charming, if reckless idealist with too many secrets. Of course, they fall in love, to the point of obsession.
But their romance is anything but easy. They clash, they lie, they betray, but somehow, through this slow burn romance full of tension and surprises, they still manage to break through each other’s walls. And while it is a slow burn, not to worry, it pays off once they finally get together.
All in all, Léon and Henri are an absolute messy disasters in their own ways. But at the same time, that’s exactly what makes watching them figure each other out that much more fun….and frustrating at times.

The story is pretty heavy on action and plot, and I would say with enough political tension, magical twists, and head-chopping drama to keep you hooked all the way through. Though, personally, I did find a book a bit too long.

Still, I do love how Lockwood constantly puts love and morality at odds, and it’s fascinating to watch these two idiots make questionable choices for what they think is right.
The shifting third-person POVs can get a little confusing at times, and it might take a bit to get used to, but that shouldn’t take away too much from the overall experience.

Also, while Souveraine did annoy me for a good part of the book, I have to admit the women in this story (even Souveraine) deserve some serious love. They’re sharp, capable, and constantly underestimated and overlooked by the men around them. And the book doesn’t ignore that, in fact, the women prove to often be more powerful than anyone gives them credit for. As is usually the case in real life too.
That said, the book overall has a strong theme of not underestimating people, especially when it comes to love, family, and of course survival. Everyone in this book is flawed, chaotic and messy, but they still manage to create a beautiful found family.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my unbiased review.

______________________

CW: swearing, alcohol consumption, explicit sexual content, executions, gore, fighting, violence, beheading, non-graphic death of animals, kidnapping, murder, discussion of abuse of a minor, blackmail, vomit, theft, consensual non-consent, supernatural themes, sexism, homophobia, slurs, gun violence, sickness, the French Revolution.

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a surprise, I was not expecting this plot at all. I enjoyed it a lot !

[⋆ forest ˖]

dnf @ 47%

it’s starting to get repetitive

[xxad.Astra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“𝙇é𝙤𝙣,” 𝙃𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙, “𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
“𝙊𝙝, 𝙃𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙞, 𝙣𝙤.” 𝘼 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙇é𝙤𝙣’𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮.
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙇é𝙤𝙣 𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣, 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙙𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨 𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙖𝙮. “𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪,” 𝙃𝙚𝙣𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙

I'm also very into men's thighs so I get Léon's fascination with Henry's thick thighs in his tight pants.

The borderline strip tease Léon performed to distract the crowd during an execution? Top tier

Léon not knowing what to do and trusting the horse would know was hilarious.

Role playing during sexy alley times? Oh Léon, you and your fantasies.

[Joe Wass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanna eat bread and get bred? 💁‍♂️ … then this is the book for you!

🇫🇷🪓 🥖🧈 Revolution, betrayals, big beautiful boys and butter collide in this stunning paranormal MM historical romance romp 🧈🥖🪓🇫🇷

I’ve yet to complete the E-Arc kindly gifted to me by the author but I am at about the half way point and these boys are about to become my whole personality and steal my whole heart! 💁‍♂️

If you’re looking for a MM fun, super spicy, prosaic and compelling historical romance read…with more head than place de La conquered on execution day… 🤭 then THIS is the read of your summer!

A handsome daring rouge of a scoundrel hunk > a axe wielding brooding blonde twunk and a whole
Heap of trouble ahead … and head 👅

🇫🇷 Vive de La revolution …

[Dana | Rainbow Romance Reader]

Time of death: 18%

The humour isn’t landing, it’s not holding my attention, and none of the characters are especially likeable. That gorgeous cover tricked me 🙃