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The Devil You Know #1
The Devil Himself
Owner of the Devil's Playground, a gaming establishment and pleasure club, Rys Grey has given up ties with his aristocratic family after a falling out with his father. His brother Owen is the marquess now, and Rys is happy with his life, running his club and staying out of family politics. At least until an old family friend arrives to tell him his brother has been killed.
Lucian Fitzwilliam has been friends with Rys's older brother since childhood, and when Owen is killed, he fears for the safety of his wife and children. So he goes to Rys to help him find out who killed Owen, and how to keep everyone safe. Rys has no intention of helping, but Luc has always been the one he couldn't have, so he agrees to help simply to keep the man close.
As they work to discover Owen's killer, Rys and Luc find family intrigue, danger, and each other. But can they solve the mystery of Owen's death before the killer comes after them, or will they lose the game, and each other, for good.
This is a MM regency era romance with action adventure elements.
Lucian Fitzwilliam has been friends with Rys's older brother since childhood, and when Owen is killed, he fears for the safety of his wife and children. So he goes to Rys to help him find out who killed Owen, and how to keep everyone safe. Rys has no intention of helping, but Luc has always been the one he couldn't have, so he agrees to help simply to keep the man close.
As they work to discover Owen's killer, Rys and Luc find family intrigue, danger, and each other. But can they solve the mystery of Owen's death before the killer comes after them, or will they lose the game, and each other, for good.
This is a MM regency era romance with action adventure elements.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2025
10 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Julia Talbot
307 books266 followersJulia Talbot lives in the great Southwest, where there is hot and cold running rodeo, cowboys, and everything from meat and potatoes to the best Tex-Mex. A full time author, Julia is a hybrid author, and has been published by many presses as well as self publishing. She believes that everyone deserves a happy ending, so she writes about love without limits, where boys love boys, girls love girls, and boys and girls get together to get wild, especially when her crazy paranormal characters are involved. Julia also writes as Minerva Howe. Find Julia at @juliatalbot on Twitter, or at www.juliatalbot.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 28, 2025
ARC review
I really liked this book. I admit I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.
Rys was a bad*ss. His family disowned him and he still made something of himself, good or bad doesn't matter, he amounted to something. He still helped his family (the ones that deserved his help) even though no one had helped him or talked to him in years.
Lucian was the mediator, he sought out Rys's help and even though he first got a negative as a response he tried again.
They helped each other in the mess their were in and fell in love in the process
I really liked this book. I admit I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did.
Rys was a bad*ss. His family disowned him and he still made something of himself, good or bad doesn't matter, he amounted to something. He still helped his family (the ones that deserved his help) even though no one had helped him or talked to him in years.
Lucian was the mediator, he sought out Rys's help and even though he first got a negative as a response he tried again.
They helped each other in the mess their were in and fell in love in the process
September 6, 2025
I really like historical romance books. those in the MM genre are a bit of a challenge, as I find it very difficult to stomach, that people could not show their feelings, live together or ever be open about it.
this one was a bit different here as Rhys is only part of the ton. which might be a reason why that is not so much a hot topic here.
I liked the story, but the relationship was very "love/lust-at-first-glance" which I am not a big fan of.
there are some questions still open but on the whole, it was a nice package of love, betrayal, and friendship
After that, I definitely want to read the next book as Julian seems like a fun character
this one was a bit different here as Rhys is only part of the ton. which might be a reason why that is not so much a hot topic here.
I liked the story, but the relationship was very "love/lust-at-first-glance" which I am not a big fan of.
there are some questions still open but on the whole, it was a nice package of love, betrayal, and friendship
After that, I definitely want to read the next book as Julian seems like a fun character
August 31, 2025
- historical/regency
- family drama
- murder mystery
I do love a good historical romance. Add in that it's MM, with a touch of family drama and a murder to solve then I'm totally sold and will definitely read it. I really enjoyed this, I liked both Rys and Luc right from the start. Rys has been exiled from his family for not following his father's wishes, with no support from any of this 3 brothers who all turned their backs on him, he's done well in his life, becoming a force in London's underworld and owning one of the most successful gentlemen's clubs in London. Then his brother is murdered and his past comes calling in the form of his brother's best friend, Luc.
I really enjoyed the story too, and even though Rys is understandably reluctant to get involved, the urge to help his nephew wins out and I did love seeing him get his own back on his two odious brothers on the way to the start of his HEA. Rys and Luc together were fun too, lots of heat yet a solid foundation for the future too. I'm keen to read more in this series.
- family drama
- murder mystery
I do love a good historical romance. Add in that it's MM, with a touch of family drama and a murder to solve then I'm totally sold and will definitely read it. I really enjoyed this, I liked both Rys and Luc right from the start. Rys has been exiled from his family for not following his father's wishes, with no support from any of this 3 brothers who all turned their backs on him, he's done well in his life, becoming a force in London's underworld and owning one of the most successful gentlemen's clubs in London. Then his brother is murdered and his past comes calling in the form of his brother's best friend, Luc.
I really enjoyed the story too, and even though Rys is understandably reluctant to get involved, the urge to help his nephew wins out and I did love seeing him get his own back on his two odious brothers on the way to the start of his HEA. Rys and Luc together were fun too, lots of heat yet a solid foundation for the future too. I'm keen to read more in this series.
September 8, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot! I was really intrigued by the synopsis and decided to give it a go even though I rarely read historical romance and was not familiar with the author. Well, I was pleasantly surprised!
Julia Talbot blends murder mystery and budding romance with ease in this regency era tale and I was enthralled throughout the whole book. Rys and Luc were two interesting characters and paired really well together. There was also an interesting cast of side characters and I hope some of them get their own book later on.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys queer romance and historical settings with a side of mystery and suspense.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the eARC!
Julia Talbot blends murder mystery and budding romance with ease in this regency era tale and I was enthralled throughout the whole book. Rys and Luc were two interesting characters and paired really well together. There was also an interesting cast of side characters and I hope some of them get their own book later on.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys queer romance and historical settings with a side of mystery and suspense.
Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the eARC!
September 4, 2025
What a fantastic read. Normally reading a regency romance would have me diving into my encyclopedia but this one was done perfectly. The details fit the time and the excitement kept me reading without stopping. Each of the characters played an important role. Each scene integral to what was happening overall. I truly enjoyed getting to see the world the author created. I do hope that we get more because there are a couple of them I’d like to know more about.
August 29, 2025
Rys Grey has done quite well. He is the owner of The Devil’s Playground, an intriguing gentleman’s club. He has nothing to do with his family who disowned him because he refused to follow his father’s plans for his future. All that changes when a family friend arrives with news that his oldest brother was murdered and he fears for the safety of his wife and children. Lucian Fitzwilliam enlists his help and the two are soon in the path of danger, finding schemes but also finding each other. As the danger escalates, the two become closer and are determined to face the threat head on.
The concept of family and inheritance combined with greed often lead to trouble. There were four brothers and only one would inherit the title and the accompanying money and property. The other two did receive some money but of course were not happy. Rys had left the family and was happy with his life now. Luc was a family friend and wanted to make sure nothing happened to the family. The two worked well together and many resources were called upon to ruin the schemes. The plot was well crafted filled with action and excitement. The words used in the story brought us back to the past and left a smile. All in all, this was a wonderful read and I look forward to more. This is the first book in The Devil You Know series which means there should be a number two.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The concept of family and inheritance combined with greed often lead to trouble. There were four brothers and only one would inherit the title and the accompanying money and property. The other two did receive some money but of course were not happy. Rys had left the family and was happy with his life now. Luc was a family friend and wanted to make sure nothing happened to the family. The two worked well together and many resources were called upon to ruin the schemes. The plot was well crafted filled with action and excitement. The words used in the story brought us back to the past and left a smile. All in all, this was a wonderful read and I look forward to more. This is the first book in The Devil You Know series which means there should be a number two.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2025
The Devil Himself finds his Angel
In this book we are introduced to several other characters; I hope they get their own stories because I want to read them. Each man has interesting backgrounds with some of ill repute as is Rys Grey.
Emrys “Rys” Grey was disowned by his family on his eighteenth birthday all because he did not want to follow the formula of going into the clergy as the fourth son. Unfortunate but apparently not uncommon during Regency England. Not to fret, Rys makes something of himself after a very difficult time on the streets as a youth. He learned the hard way who to trust. Now he is a highly successful businessman who runs a very popular gentleman’s club in London, The Devil’s Playground and as such he is called The Devil. Tragic events transpire which resurrects an old acquaintance, his older brother’s best friend, Duke of Angelsey or Lucian “Luc” Fitzwilliam. Fitz/Luc convinces Rys that Owen’s family needs help and with his contacts there is no one better. Thus, brings two former friends into territory that they want to explore with each other. Luc has a lot to learn and The Devil can teach him all he needs to know in the world of men with men as Rys has known his own proclivities for a long time.
If you enjoy a well-written, well-plotted gay story, you must read this one. So good that I am hoping book #2 is not far behind. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
In this book we are introduced to several other characters; I hope they get their own stories because I want to read them. Each man has interesting backgrounds with some of ill repute as is Rys Grey.
Emrys “Rys” Grey was disowned by his family on his eighteenth birthday all because he did not want to follow the formula of going into the clergy as the fourth son. Unfortunate but apparently not uncommon during Regency England. Not to fret, Rys makes something of himself after a very difficult time on the streets as a youth. He learned the hard way who to trust. Now he is a highly successful businessman who runs a very popular gentleman’s club in London, The Devil’s Playground and as such he is called The Devil. Tragic events transpire which resurrects an old acquaintance, his older brother’s best friend, Duke of Angelsey or Lucian “Luc” Fitzwilliam. Fitz/Luc convinces Rys that Owen’s family needs help and with his contacts there is no one better. Thus, brings two former friends into territory that they want to explore with each other. Luc has a lot to learn and The Devil can teach him all he needs to know in the world of men with men as Rys has known his own proclivities for a long time.
If you enjoy a well-written, well-plotted gay story, you must read this one. So good that I am hoping book #2 is not far behind. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Gay Romance Reviews.
September 5, 2025
Deal with The Devil
Emrys - Rys - was disowned by his father over a decade ago, but family memories come haunting when his brother's best friend turns up at the gaming hell he owns.
Luc has come to tell him that Owen, Rys' brother, has been murdered leaving the widow and children in danger from Rys' other brothers, Arthur and Daffyd.
Luc begs Rys to get involved but at first he's wary. After all, once their father died Owen didn't welcome him back into the fold.
There's the added danger of how attractive Luc is. Rys can't help but find himself falling.
This is a bit of an ensemble cast with friends, family and another gaming hell owner getting involved to help protect Rys' nephew and new marquess Gareth.
There's a lot of skulduggery, fighting, secrets, chases, danger and planning along with Luc ending up injured and stuck at Rys' property; the forced proximity trope.
The attraction between Luc and Rys sizzles and there's a decent bit of steam.
Julian is a particularly fun secondary character who I hope we see again.
Talbot's Regency knowledge feels very accurate. I have a nineteenth century post grad and recognised lots of terms and outdated words used in the right context.
There's also a lot of humour in the book and we get a HEA.
I'd love to see more in this world.
Emrys - Rys - was disowned by his father over a decade ago, but family memories come haunting when his brother's best friend turns up at the gaming hell he owns.
Luc has come to tell him that Owen, Rys' brother, has been murdered leaving the widow and children in danger from Rys' other brothers, Arthur and Daffyd.
Luc begs Rys to get involved but at first he's wary. After all, once their father died Owen didn't welcome him back into the fold.
There's the added danger of how attractive Luc is. Rys can't help but find himself falling.
This is a bit of an ensemble cast with friends, family and another gaming hell owner getting involved to help protect Rys' nephew and new marquess Gareth.
There's a lot of skulduggery, fighting, secrets, chases, danger and planning along with Luc ending up injured and stuck at Rys' property; the forced proximity trope.
The attraction between Luc and Rys sizzles and there's a decent bit of steam.
Julian is a particularly fun secondary character who I hope we see again.
Talbot's Regency knowledge feels very accurate. I have a nineteenth century post grad and recognised lots of terms and outdated words used in the right context.
There's also a lot of humour in the book and we get a HEA.
I'd love to see more in this world.
August 29, 2025
Rys Grey was kicked out by his father the Marquess, for refusing to confirm. A self-made man, he’d come a long way from a destitute kid living on the streets to the owner of one of the classiest gambling and bordello houses in Regency London. When his childhood friend Luc Fizwilliam arrived at his club The Devil’s Playground to tell him that his brother, the current Marquess since his father died five years ago, had been murdered, Rys was not interested in helping. Luc, now Earl Angelsey, tells him that Owen’s wife and son,, the new Marquess, are in danger of being murdered by his middle brothers, Rys agrees to hire a trusted guard to send off with the boy back to school. And to put feelers out since it will give him an excuse to see Luc again. Luc, the one that got away. Luc, whose wife had died and who never remarried since he already had an heir. And so begins the tale of intrigue and a secret relationship. All of their lives are now at risk as the work to find enough evidence to put one or both brothers away.
This one kept me up reading to the end last night and I am certainly looking forward to more.
This one kept me up reading to the end last night and I am certainly looking forward to more.
August 20, 2025
If you mess with the Devil you may burn… in more than one way
Rys Grey has no need to mess with a family that disowned him and left him to fend for his own at a very early age.. That’s why he has no interest at all in the news that his older brother’s best friend, Lucian Fitzwilliam, needs to tell him. But that does not mean that he’s got no interest in the man himself… That’s why he finds himself again involved in the twisted affairs of his powerful family… But he is no longer the scared youngster he once was… Now, he’s the Devil himself…
A cute and easy to read Regency romance, full of interesting and likeable characters. The intrigue is interesting, the romance is sweet, and the pace is fast, with short chapters and bouncing points of view between the two main characters (Rys and Lucian). While it is not memorable, it is very readable and enjoyable
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review
Rys Grey has no need to mess with a family that disowned him and left him to fend for his own at a very early age.. That’s why he has no interest at all in the news that his older brother’s best friend, Lucian Fitzwilliam, needs to tell him. But that does not mean that he’s got no interest in the man himself… That’s why he finds himself again involved in the twisted affairs of his powerful family… But he is no longer the scared youngster he once was… Now, he’s the Devil himself…
A cute and easy to read Regency romance, full of interesting and likeable characters. The intrigue is interesting, the romance is sweet, and the pace is fast, with short chapters and bouncing points of view between the two main characters (Rys and Lucian). While it is not memorable, it is very readable and enjoyable
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review
August 30, 2025
Emrys Grey, the fourth son of a Marquess, disowned by his family runs the Devil's Playground, one of London's most notorious gaming hells. When Lucian Fitzwilliam, Earl of Angelsey, comes to him to request his help solving the murder of Owen, Marquess of Hallowarren, Rys' brother, he refuses. But soon changes his mind when Luc is nearly murdered on the steps of his club.
Pure Regency Romp. Julia Talbot nailed the tone and the mores and morals of London's Ton. Rys is an absolute rogue, makes no excuses for the life he leads, but he's very protective of those he cares for. Luc is a straight arrow, always doing his duty to his title and his heir. Opposites attract and the sizzle between the two is hot, but it's also very sweet.
The mystery is pretty straight forward, they know the who and the why. Getting proof is dangerous. And makes for exciting reading. The title says book one, and I can't wait for more.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
Pure Regency Romp. Julia Talbot nailed the tone and the mores and morals of London's Ton. Rys is an absolute rogue, makes no excuses for the life he leads, but he's very protective of those he cares for. Luc is a straight arrow, always doing his duty to his title and his heir. Opposites attract and the sizzle between the two is hot, but it's also very sweet.
The mystery is pretty straight forward, they know the who and the why. Getting proof is dangerous. And makes for exciting reading. The title says book one, and I can't wait for more.
I received an advanced copy from GRR and this is my review.
September 5, 2025
This book is engaging from the get go. Luc, an earl, a bachelor, and a childhood friend appears at Rys' gambling den and lays before him the problem of murder - specifically of Rys' estranged brother, by his other estranged brothers. What ensues is not enemies to lovers, but the push and pull between Rys and Luc as Rys tries to stay out of the family business and Luc manages to draw him in. They're both great characters, but especially Rys - though I thought his devilishness was overpromised. As Luc involves Rys in solving the problem that threatens the life of still more family members, they become intimate. The fireworks are in both the love story and in pursuit of justice and safety.
The plot works well to draw us through the book, but I wish the brothers hadn't seemed like such caricatures, but maybe they were supposed to seem farcical.
The plot works well to draw us through the book, but I wish the brothers hadn't seemed like such caricatures, but maybe they were supposed to seem farcical.
August 27, 2025
I really enjoyed the connection and chemistry between Lucian and Rys. They came from privileged backgrounds, but life and society threw stumbling blocks into each of their lives. In Rys case he was disowned by his family for being a gay man, but he pulled himself up by his bootstraps and made himself a feared man of London's underbelly society. As for Lucian he inherited a landed title after the death of his older brother Owen but had suspicions that Owen was murdered by who he believed were Owen's coconspirator brothers Albert and Daffyd. Jealousy and greed add a significant theme to this book's plot. The mutual attraction between Lucian and Rys is emotional and passionately intense. For this reader it was a satisfying Regency read. This is my honest review for the ARC I received.
September 1, 2025
An intriguing historical romance
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to love this, as I’m not always big on historical romance, but I like Julia’s books so I thought I’d give it a go and I am so, so happy I did. Rys was a total BAMF, he was thrown away by his family and despite incredibly difficult circumstance he made something amazing for himself whilst still being the kind of person who would help others. I got why his answer was no initially to Luc, but I’m so glad that he agreed. There was a good bit of plot here on top of the romance which made the read fun and a lovely bit of comeuppance which I’m always happy to enjoy. Definitely one I’ll read again and I hope we get more from this world!
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to love this, as I’m not always big on historical romance, but I like Julia’s books so I thought I’d give it a go and I am so, so happy I did. Rys was a total BAMF, he was thrown away by his family and despite incredibly difficult circumstance he made something amazing for himself whilst still being the kind of person who would help others. I got why his answer was no initially to Luc, but I’m so glad that he agreed. There was a good bit of plot here on top of the romance which made the read fun and a lovely bit of comeuppance which I’m always happy to enjoy. Definitely one I’ll read again and I hope we get more from this world!
September 2, 2025
Good story! Lucian/Luc was friends with Owen, Rhys' oldest brother. When Owen, died Luc appealed to Rhys to protect Owen's wife and son. Luc thought there was skulduggery going on. Rhys, was kicked out and disinherited by his Father for not bowing down to him and doing as he wished. Rhys, survived and built a commanding and maybe disreputable life for himself. He was apart from his family, but he was aware. After a bit of persuasion, he agreed to help Luc because innocent kids should not be targeted and he was attracted to Luc. Luc, is a widower with his own son at school, but he was not averse to Luc's interest. Lots of adventure and intrigue with no gurantees of a satisfactory ending. Great fun, good allies. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2025
Rys and Lucian get involved with intrigue and each other
It always adds a layer of difficulty for MM authors who set their books in the past when things were so much more difficult for gay people. I love how Julia Talbot deals with these issues and makes her stories feel more real to the times they are set in. This book has a mystery added in when Rys’s brother is killed and Rys and Lucian have to find out what happened.
I really enjoyed the whole book and I hope that there are lots more in this series. Ms Talbot is just so good at writing stories like this and tugs hard on our heart strings while still giving us a ripping great tale of intrigue and danger. All of these elements are so well paced as well as well written and everything fits together beautifully.
It always adds a layer of difficulty for MM authors who set their books in the past when things were so much more difficult for gay people. I love how Julia Talbot deals with these issues and makes her stories feel more real to the times they are set in. This book has a mystery added in when Rys’s brother is killed and Rys and Lucian have to find out what happened.
I really enjoyed the whole book and I hope that there are lots more in this series. Ms Talbot is just so good at writing stories like this and tugs hard on our heart strings while still giving us a ripping great tale of intrigue and danger. All of these elements are so well paced as well as well written and everything fits together beautifully.
August 31, 2025
Really enjoyed this!
Rys, disowned son from an aristocratic family, is now the owner of a gambling hell. Luc is an earl who seeks help from Rys in solving the death of Owen, (his good friend and Rys's brother).
At first Rys wants nothing to do with his estranged family, but as Luc chips away at him, coupled with his attraction to Luc, he relentlessly and together they work to solve the mystery surrounding Owen's death.
They quickly succumb to their attraction while putting an end to the threat to Owen's family.
I enjoy historical stories and this was a pleasure to read. I hope there will be more from the author in this world and era.
Rys, disowned son from an aristocratic family, is now the owner of a gambling hell. Luc is an earl who seeks help from Rys in solving the death of Owen, (his good friend and Rys's brother).
At first Rys wants nothing to do with his estranged family, but as Luc chips away at him, coupled with his attraction to Luc, he relentlessly and together they work to solve the mystery surrounding Owen's death.
They quickly succumb to their attraction while putting an end to the threat to Owen's family.
I enjoy historical stories and this was a pleasure to read. I hope there will be more from the author in this world and era.
September 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this!
Rys, disowned son from an aristocratic family, is now the owner of a gambling hell. Luc is an earl who seeks help from Rys in solving the death of Owen, (his good friend and Rys's brother).
At first Rys wants nothing to do with his estranged family, but as Luc chips away at him, coupled with his attraction to Luc, he relentlessly and together they work to solve the mystery surrounding Owen's death.
They quickly succumb to their attraction while putting an end to the threat to Owen's family.
I enjoy historical stories and this was a pleasure to read. I hope there will be more from the author in this world and era
Rys, disowned son from an aristocratic family, is now the owner of a gambling hell. Luc is an earl who seeks help from Rys in solving the death of Owen, (his good friend and Rys's brother).
At first Rys wants nothing to do with his estranged family, but as Luc chips away at him, coupled with his attraction to Luc, he relentlessly and together they work to solve the mystery surrounding Owen's death.
They quickly succumb to their attraction while putting an end to the threat to Owen's family.
I enjoy historical stories and this was a pleasure to read. I hope there will be more from the author in this world and era
September 2, 2025
I loved this book! I loved the way the plot moved and all the other characters! I wish it was longer lol
Rys Grey is the owner of The Devil's Playground, a gaming establishment and pleasure club, naughty Rys has created his own life after his aristocratic family shunned him for not following the family tradition.
Years ears later his brothers is murdered (murder mystery) sign me up! Luc asked for help and tell him his family is in danger again the who who done it etc
Obviously this is an amazing MM romance with a lot of things happening in the background with two well written boys who are in love 🤍🤍
🙌🏽10/10 recommend!
Rys Grey is the owner of The Devil's Playground, a gaming establishment and pleasure club, naughty Rys has created his own life after his aristocratic family shunned him for not following the family tradition.
Years ears later his brothers is murdered (murder mystery) sign me up! Luc asked for help and tell him his family is in danger again the who who done it etc
Obviously this is an amazing MM romance with a lot of things happening in the background with two well written boys who are in love 🤍🤍
🙌🏽10/10 recommend!
September 7, 2025
It's always fantastic when a good Regency MM romance comes around and it's particularly welcome when a) it's written by someone as talented as Julia Talbot and b) it's a murder mystery as well as a romance. This makes use of the brother's best friend trope which is one of my favorites and Rys is able to get close to Lucian as they investigate his brother's death. There is a gaming club which seems set to play its role in future stories as well as plenty of family drama to keep the romance off kilter for a while and to provide suspects within as well as outside the family. Very much look forward to more in this series.
October 3, 2025
I love regency stories and this one was full of action which I liked. Rhys has been estranged from his family for years and now a childhood friend comes into his life requesting Rhys' help to safeguard his late brother's wife and son. Luc manages to convince Rhys to help out and tje story follows Luc and Rhys falling in love and plotting how to keep Rhys' brothers from spending all of his nephew's inheritance or worse killing off the young Marques. This was an entertaining read. It had likable characters. Have to love the black sheep Rhys. It had a great storyline and fun read.
August 25, 2025
This was my first book from this author, and I would definitely check out future releases. As with many Regency MM romances, this story required a LOT of suspension of disbelief, and the villains were exceptionally villainous, I kept expecting mustache twirling and swoopy black cloaks to accompany their dastardly deeds. It was a little too cartoony for my taste, but overall I enjoyed it and it's a quick, light read.
September 1, 2025
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion:
I think this is my first solo book by this author and I was pretty impressed. Historical romance, for me, is not generally my favorite. It’s rare that I enjoy one this much, the historical language feels authentic but isn’t overly done or too flowery. I enjoy the mystery side of the story and really loved the two MCs, Rhys and Luc are fun together. It’s well done all the way through, very enjoyable read!
I think this is my first solo book by this author and I was pretty impressed. Historical romance, for me, is not generally my favorite. It’s rare that I enjoy one this much, the historical language feels authentic but isn’t overly done or too flowery. I enjoy the mystery side of the story and really loved the two MCs, Rhys and Luc are fun together. It’s well done all the way through, very enjoyable read!
September 3, 2025
Rys isn't thrilled to see his brother's best friend again. Being thrown out on the streets by his family with no help has left him bitter. Luc's persistence gains him protection for his best friend's widow and titled son, and eventually Rys. I liked that Rys was brave enough to make the first move, and Luc doesn't hold back his affection. Together with their friends, they stand together providing protection.
Highly recommended author
Highly recommended author
September 16, 2025
This is an exciting start to a series.
I love that the author took us on an incredible journey through history but added the intrigue of enemies to lovers and a M/M relationship you don’t find in many historical novels.
Also the action mixed with adventure and danger bring this book together as a force to be reckoned with.
I love that the author took us on an incredible journey through history but added the intrigue of enemies to lovers and a M/M relationship you don’t find in many historical novels.
Also the action mixed with adventure and danger bring this book together as a force to be reckoned with.
August 25, 2025
This was a great start to the series! Rys and Luc are sultry and steamy. I loved watching them get to know each other again. Plus the action really kept the story moving. I have no idea who will be next in the series, but I am here for it!
August 30, 2025
This is a historical story that has a murder mystery, a estranged family, forbidden love, a title at stake, duels, gambling. This is such a fun book to read, I don't usually read historical fiction but I am glad I read this one, there is some much that entertains I can't wait to read the next in the series. So enjoyable that I would recommend this book.
September 1, 2025
Not normally a fan of historical setting in books but have to say this was so captivating. Such a well written and intriguing storyline with simply perfect characters. Absolutely loved following their journey. Highly recommend
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
September 3, 2025
Lots of fun, but the romance was pretty flat and I’d have liked there to have been a bit more dialogue from female characters - most of their representation was just being talked about while they were somewhere else.
September 10, 2025
Rys and Luc had an instant attraction that was able to blossom because life threw them together. The book had a mystery and some adventure that I love in my historical romance. It’s a sweet short read that you’ll enjoy.
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