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Through the Ages #1
Time and Tide
Sometimes the universe is chaos, and sometimes it’s kind. If we are meant to be together, we shall be.”
It's 1897, and fresh from Oxford University, William Owens returns to Maryland to find his entire life planned for him. His law practice, his home, and his wife. Unable to stand up to his mother, William resigns himself to living the life she's chosen for him, until one day the Universe chooses a different path for him.
Literally stumbling into his life, the blind writer, Theodore Renard, changes everything. Confronted with a life he desires, and the love of his life, William must find the courage to stand up to his mother and take his life into his own hands. But none of that comes without a price. Facing heartache and tragedy, William must learn to navigate through the chaos of time and the tide.
also included in the Love Through the Ages: A Romance Anthology
It's 1897, and fresh from Oxford University, William Owens returns to Maryland to find his entire life planned for him. His law practice, his home, and his wife. Unable to stand up to his mother, William resigns himself to living the life she's chosen for him, until one day the Universe chooses a different path for him.
Literally stumbling into his life, the blind writer, Theodore Renard, changes everything. Confronted with a life he desires, and the love of his life, William must find the courage to stand up to his mother and take his life into his own hands. But none of that comes without a price. Facing heartache and tragedy, William must learn to navigate through the chaos of time and the tide.
also included in the Love Through the Ages: A Romance Anthology
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2015
43 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
142 books1,407 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 3, 2015
4 'historical M/M' stars
This is my first historical M/M, call it my curiosity, I decided to read it without even looking at the book cover or even finding out who the author is. I just read the blurb and went in blind.
Set in the late 19th century, Time and Tide tell a heart warming tale of a man in a forbidden love affair and his mother who had a tight controlled over his life.
When William Owens set foot back in Maryland, his life had been mapped out by his overbearing mother. A bought wife, a sizable dowry and a new client for his law practice. Although he was later bless with a pregnant wife, they were both miserable and he often went home to a spiteful spouse.
They could not all be figures from books, whirlwind romances and deep sea adventures. Most were destined to grow, live, and die in a stagnant place, and they could only hope to leave bits and pieces of stories for the history books.
Throughout the first half of the book, I'm so angry at William's mother and wife. I can't believe he just agree and went along with everything that his mother said. Oh my goodness, William! Grow a backbone!
William's misery remind me that there are many out there who aren't able to make their own destiny and live out the rest of their lives as is, surrendering their fate and giving up hope for true happiness.
Theodore Renard aka Teddy is a blind writer living on his own in the city. A chance encounter between Teddy and William at the beach make these two mans stumble into a love so deep neither can let anyone break them apart and definitely not the evil incarnated evil mother.
Perhaps in sin, in the wrongness of this affair with both a man and his being married, but he didn't care. He was overwhelmed with finally feeling like he was somewhere he belonged.
Meeting Teddy changed Will tremendously. I sympathize with him before, but the new William who know how to stand for himself is someone I can admire. I'm glad there is a Teddy in his life. I wonder how many other William out there who isn't that lucky and trap in a marriage they despise.
"If I can wake up with your arms around me every morning, I don't need a heaven when I die."
Let's talk about the sex shall we. Who those dirty reader, there are some sex scenes to satisfy our craving. When I was reading this, I keep wondering what they will use since there isn't any no commercial lube available. Well, I got my question answered, sorta.
The first half of the book was on a slow side and addition to it being a period read whereby things are describe in a different way compare to a contemporary read, I find myself jumping into another book in the meantime. But as I continued, I find myself pulled into William and Teddy's story.
I don't want to give out the spoiler, but I had to say I love the last quarter of the book so much more than the first half, which totally make me bump my rating from a 3 stars to 4 stars. I won't go into details of what took place, but I'm loving the strong relationship between Will and Teddy and the fate they have for each other. They both have overcome so much in their journey together and I'm so glad to be able to see how their life evolve throughout the years. What a brilliant way to end a remarkable story.
There had been a lot of pain, but so much joy. He could regret none of it because he could honestly say his life was complete now.
This is my first historical M/M, call it my curiosity, I decided to read it without even looking at the book cover or even finding out who the author is. I just read the blurb and went in blind.
Set in the late 19th century, Time and Tide tell a heart warming tale of a man in a forbidden love affair and his mother who had a tight controlled over his life.
When William Owens set foot back in Maryland, his life had been mapped out by his overbearing mother. A bought wife, a sizable dowry and a new client for his law practice. Although he was later bless with a pregnant wife, they were both miserable and he often went home to a spiteful spouse.
They could not all be figures from books, whirlwind romances and deep sea adventures. Most were destined to grow, live, and die in a stagnant place, and they could only hope to leave bits and pieces of stories for the history books.
Throughout the first half of the book, I'm so angry at William's mother and wife. I can't believe he just agree and went along with everything that his mother said. Oh my goodness, William! Grow a backbone!
William's misery remind me that there are many out there who aren't able to make their own destiny and live out the rest of their lives as is, surrendering their fate and giving up hope for true happiness.
Theodore Renard aka Teddy is a blind writer living on his own in the city. A chance encounter between Teddy and William at the beach make these two mans stumble into a love so deep neither can let anyone break them apart and definitely not the evil incarnated evil mother.
Perhaps in sin, in the wrongness of this affair with both a man and his being married, but he didn't care. He was overwhelmed with finally feeling like he was somewhere he belonged.
Meeting Teddy changed Will tremendously. I sympathize with him before, but the new William who know how to stand for himself is someone I can admire. I'm glad there is a Teddy in his life. I wonder how many other William out there who isn't that lucky and trap in a marriage they despise.
"If I can wake up with your arms around me every morning, I don't need a heaven when I die."
Let's talk about the sex shall we. Who those dirty reader, there are some sex scenes to satisfy our craving. When I was reading this, I keep wondering what they will use since there isn't any no commercial lube available. Well, I got my question answered, sorta.
The first half of the book was on a slow side and addition to it being a period read whereby things are describe in a different way compare to a contemporary read, I find myself jumping into another book in the meantime. But as I continued, I find myself pulled into William and Teddy's story.
I don't want to give out the spoiler, but I had to say I love the last quarter of the book so much more than the first half, which totally make me bump my rating from a 3 stars to 4 stars. I won't go into details of what took place, but I'm loving the strong relationship between Will and Teddy and the fate they have for each other. They both have overcome so much in their journey together and I'm so glad to be able to see how their life evolve throughout the years. What a brilliant way to end a remarkable story.
There had been a lot of pain, but so much joy. He could regret none of it because he could honestly say his life was complete now.
September 18, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up.
It's basically a decent book but there were a couple of things that put me off. First of all, the extreme insta-love. Will has to suppress uttering vows of undying love after about 5 minutes into the relationship. Yes, I'm a tired old cynic but -really? I mean, seriously, really?
The second thing is one of my absolute pet peeves in M/M - the portrayal of women as Bitches From Hell. Will's mother is such a harpy that she makes Cruella De Vil look like Minnie Mouse. Her behaviour was so OTT evil that couldn't really feel compassion with Will because it turned the story into a soap opera. His wife is a more ambiguous character. Still, a lot of the time she just seems to be shrewish and unkind, blaming Will for everything even though she went into the marriage placidly enough. I don't blame her but I blame the author for not taking the chance to create a more well-rounded character.
I liked Teddy though he could have been a bit more fleshed out as well. It seemed to me that his main function was to say things like "My love for you is as big as the world" in French but that's cute so it's okay.
With regard to plot it was a bit too soap operatic though it got better in the second half, incidentally when the on-screen sex scenes stopped.
All in all not my cuppa.
It's basically a decent book but there were a couple of things that put me off. First of all, the extreme insta-love. Will has to suppress uttering vows of undying love after about 5 minutes into the relationship. Yes, I'm a tired old cynic but -really? I mean, seriously, really?
The second thing is one of my absolute pet peeves in M/M - the portrayal of women as Bitches From Hell. Will's mother is such a harpy that she makes Cruella De Vil look like Minnie Mouse. Her behaviour was so OTT evil that couldn't really feel compassion with Will because it turned the story into a soap opera. His wife is a more ambiguous character. Still, a lot of the time she just seems to be shrewish and unkind, blaming Will for everything even though she went into the marriage placidly enough. I don't blame her but I blame the author for not taking the chance to create a more well-rounded character.
I liked Teddy though he could have been a bit more fleshed out as well. It seemed to me that his main function was to say things like "My love for you is as big as the world" in French but that's cute so it's okay.
With regard to plot it was a bit too soap operatic though it got better in the second half, incidentally when the on-screen sex scenes stopped.
All in all not my cuppa.
March 10, 2016
3.5 stars
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m usually not a fan of historical, but something about this book got my attention. Maybe it was that William was struggling under the weight of his mother’s control. The idea that he was drowning in a life that he didn’t want, but with seemingly no way out of it.
This book brought out serious frustrations in me. William’s mother is a controlling person, and I kept getting so angry with her and how she was treating Will like a child. Then again, I got frustrated with Will, allowing his mother to do what she did, but at the same time understanding how he could feel like there was no other way.
I hate reading m/m books where the lovers are forced to keep their relationship secret. Maybe that’s part of why I shy away from historicals. This book was no exception. Will and Teddy’s life was pretty much one big secret. And I hated that for them.
This is a first novel for E.M. Lindsey and I think she did a really good job capturing the struggle of an “inappropriate” relationship in the time period she did. But I do have to be honest, and say, this novel could have used a bit more proofreading.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to its sequel.
Cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
A copy of this book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I’m usually not a fan of historical, but something about this book got my attention. Maybe it was that William was struggling under the weight of his mother’s control. The idea that he was drowning in a life that he didn’t want, but with seemingly no way out of it.
This book brought out serious frustrations in me. William’s mother is a controlling person, and I kept getting so angry with her and how she was treating Will like a child. Then again, I got frustrated with Will, allowing his mother to do what she did, but at the same time understanding how he could feel like there was no other way.
I hate reading m/m books where the lovers are forced to keep their relationship secret. Maybe that’s part of why I shy away from historicals. This book was no exception. Will and Teddy’s life was pretty much one big secret. And I hated that for them.
This is a first novel for E.M. Lindsey and I think she did a really good job capturing the struggle of an “inappropriate” relationship in the time period she did. But I do have to be honest, and say, this novel could have used a bit more proofreading.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to its sequel.
Cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews
November 30, 2022
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I didn’t know I needed this in my life. I’ve never had any interest in historical romance, but some authors you’ll follow into places you never thought you wanted to go, and EM is absolutely one of those people. And I never regret it. They made me feel like I was there. Like I was walking alongside these men.
With grace and beauty, EM tells the tale of a young man, William, under the thumb of his overbearing and cruel mother, and a blind writer, Theodore, from France who’s made his home in the US.
Life is not easy. William’s marriage was arranged to a woman who despises him and their circumstances. He’s a lawyer, doing the bidding of the rich, leaving him feeling sordid. Meeting Theodore dangles the idea of happiness and love. But he’s not sure fate will allow that to happen.
It’s a languid story that spans decades, taking us on a journey of heartache, and injustice and forcing them to flee their home. But one that ends with a beautiful, simple life full of love. I love a story that takes us through a lifetime. It’s extremely satisfying to witness their growth and see the world change around them.
Truly, I was captivated by Time and Tide, and am so glad I read it.
I didn’t know I needed this in my life. I’ve never had any interest in historical romance, but some authors you’ll follow into places you never thought you wanted to go, and EM is absolutely one of those people. And I never regret it. They made me feel like I was there. Like I was walking alongside these men.
With grace and beauty, EM tells the tale of a young man, William, under the thumb of his overbearing and cruel mother, and a blind writer, Theodore, from France who’s made his home in the US.
Life is not easy. William’s marriage was arranged to a woman who despises him and their circumstances. He’s a lawyer, doing the bidding of the rich, leaving him feeling sordid. Meeting Theodore dangles the idea of happiness and love. But he’s not sure fate will allow that to happen.
It’s a languid story that spans decades, taking us on a journey of heartache, and injustice and forcing them to flee their home. But one that ends with a beautiful, simple life full of love. I love a story that takes us through a lifetime. It’s extremely satisfying to witness their growth and see the world change around them.
Truly, I was captivated by Time and Tide, and am so glad I read it.
April 25, 2019
Historical setting, late 19th Century. Couldn't warm to these two protagonists at all, especially William who was more than wet. Was actually relieved when the story ended.
December 13, 2016
Well I've enjoyed this author's work before but I had no idea if I was going to like this one but I did.
This is a historical romance set in the late 1890's. William is man who knows he favors men but he lets his mother dictate his life. She arranges everything for him after he leaves university, a marriage, a job, where he will live, etc. Now he is married to a woman who cant stand him, she pregnant with their child, he's defending someone he knows is guilty but his mother thinks it will be good for his firm, and he sad and without hope that he will ever have what he wants in life.
I have to say the hardest part about this book in the beginning was feeling sorry for Will. He's gutless and a bit of a coward which he admits himself. The more I read on though the more compassion I had for him. I mean it's 2016 and we are still dealing with some of the same shit we dealt with in the 1890's...funny huh!
William meets Theodore a blind man who literally stumbles over Williams shoes when Will is out on a stroll feeling sorry for his lot in life.
They are instantly taken with each other and after another chance meeting they begin a love affair. Will's situation is unique and I don't want to give too much away but this unique situation allows him to be able to have the affair with Teddy and basically live with him.
Their love of course is not without turbulence. William's wife is the catalyst to a series of unfortunate events in their lives. She tried to help Will keep his secret but she has a secret of her own and when William's mother find out they have been living separate lives she intervenes.
Will changes after meeting Teddy though and he is no longer the same gutless man he once was. He is stronger and willing to fight for his man and what he wants. He fights hard and though they sacrifice a lot they get what they want. Teddy and Will make it and raise a wonderful son together. It's a beautiful love story that's all about the journey.
There are some love scenes but this book is low on steam it's more about the emotions and the journey. I really liked it, it might not be for everybody but I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel which is about Will and Teddy's grandson.
This is a historical romance set in the late 1890's. William is man who knows he favors men but he lets his mother dictate his life. She arranges everything for him after he leaves university, a marriage, a job, where he will live, etc. Now he is married to a woman who cant stand him, she pregnant with their child, he's defending someone he knows is guilty but his mother thinks it will be good for his firm, and he sad and without hope that he will ever have what he wants in life.
I have to say the hardest part about this book in the beginning was feeling sorry for Will. He's gutless and a bit of a coward which he admits himself. The more I read on though the more compassion I had for him. I mean it's 2016 and we are still dealing with some of the same shit we dealt with in the 1890's...funny huh!
William meets Theodore a blind man who literally stumbles over Williams shoes when Will is out on a stroll feeling sorry for his lot in life.
They are instantly taken with each other and after another chance meeting they begin a love affair. Will's situation is unique and I don't want to give too much away but this unique situation allows him to be able to have the affair with Teddy and basically live with him.
Their love of course is not without turbulence. William's wife is the catalyst to a series of unfortunate events in their lives. She tried to help Will keep his secret but she has a secret of her own and when William's mother find out they have been living separate lives she intervenes.
Will changes after meeting Teddy though and he is no longer the same gutless man he once was. He is stronger and willing to fight for his man and what he wants. He fights hard and though they sacrifice a lot they get what they want. Teddy and Will make it and raise a wonderful son together. It's a beautiful love story that's all about the journey.
There are some love scenes but this book is low on steam it's more about the emotions and the journey. I really liked it, it might not be for everybody but I enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel which is about Will and Teddy's grandson.
April 7, 2016
This is the 19th century m/m book I didn't know I wanted. This book is real and honest, showing the lives of two gay men in the late 1800s for what they really were. These characters fear being outed because it could lead to their arrest and imprisonment, and they take absolutely no chances that someone might understand. It's isolating, and there's a tense undercurrent of fear to the book that made everything much more intense. Renting an apt or meeting casually in the market were high-stakes events where one slip could ruin everything.
There was a good deal of internalized homophobia to be wrestled with, as well. When your entire life, you are told (and you believe) that your desires are evil, twisted, and sinful, it's natural to struggle with them in the face of the sheer loving joy they bring you.
Each character is allowed to be complex, to make morally grey decisions and not be condemned for them, to struggle and have weak moments and they not destroy the whole of their character. It's fantastic.
There were a few places in the plot where it was obvious where the narrative was going, and the characters were ~*so surprised*~ that the story went there. There were other places where I was absolutely shocked and didn't see the next step coming.
The protagonist's relationship with his mother struck me personally, since I'm currently dealing with detangling myself from my own manipulative, controlling mother. Those who condemn the protag for not being able to fight against her have clearly never grown up in a household with someone like this. I found his reactions to her and his final scenes with her before she dies to be a super compelling subplot, and added into the overall "nothing is morally black or white" feeling of the book.
The ending, though... there are like 4 chapters at the end that are a quick passthrough of the next 20 years of the characters lives. I kind of wish the book had just ended on a "happy for now" and let the story go. The quick run through two decades of life wasn't detailed or slow enough to do the story justice, and it just leaves you feeling dissatisfied and rushed.
Despite having some rough places, I've decided to be generous with stars and give this one a five instead of a four, since overall I really enjoyed this one.
There was a good deal of internalized homophobia to be wrestled with, as well. When your entire life, you are told (and you believe) that your desires are evil, twisted, and sinful, it's natural to struggle with them in the face of the sheer loving joy they bring you.
Each character is allowed to be complex, to make morally grey decisions and not be condemned for them, to struggle and have weak moments and they not destroy the whole of their character. It's fantastic.
There were a few places in the plot where it was obvious where the narrative was going, and the characters were ~*so surprised*~ that the story went there. There were other places where I was absolutely shocked and didn't see the next step coming.
The protagonist's relationship with his mother struck me personally, since I'm currently dealing with detangling myself from my own manipulative, controlling mother. Those who condemn the protag for not being able to fight against her have clearly never grown up in a household with someone like this. I found his reactions to her and his final scenes with her before she dies to be a super compelling subplot, and added into the overall "nothing is morally black or white" feeling of the book.
The ending, though... there are like 4 chapters at the end that are a quick passthrough of the next 20 years of the characters lives. I kind of wish the book had just ended on a "happy for now" and let the story go. The quick run through two decades of life wasn't detailed or slow enough to do the story justice, and it just leaves you feeling dissatisfied and rushed.
Despite having some rough places, I've decided to be generous with stars and give this one a five instead of a four, since overall I really enjoyed this one.
December 5, 2015
The start of the story was very promising - great characters, some wonderful angst and conflict and a real sense of despair at times. However, the last 20% was a let-down. There was no real 'ending', no punchy resolution, no sense of a final moment. It rambled, on and on, leaving me swamped in an info-dump.
If it had not been for the waffle and the weak resolution, this would have been a definite 4 stars.
If it had not been for the waffle and the weak resolution, this would have been a definite 4 stars.
March 5, 2016
Crap! Didn't like it.
June 10, 2018
3.5 stars
September 2, 2015
A bit uneven
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- William’s reaction to Theodore’s blindness is gentle and charming.
- I liked the arrangement that William and his wife eventually come to. It shows that she isn’t quite the one-dimensional Evil Woman I initially thought she was.
- The story takes an interesting turn about 60 percent of the way through, and the end is quite sweet. The last fifth or so went in a direction I did not anticipate.
CONS:
- I found it hard to sympathize with William at the start of the story; I couldn’t help thinking of him as gutless. He has let his mother plan out his entire life, all of which he hates, and he says nothing against any of it. That irritated me.
- The men fall in love much faster than I found believable. Lust, sure. Sex, fine and dandy. But at 16 percent, William’s “feelings for Teddy” are already “overwhelming him,” and they’ve seen each other a total of 3 times. After a single night together, William is confessing silently, “With my whole being I love him.”
- There’s a lot of unpleasantness--not just the usual hiding of homosexuality in a time when it was very much frowned upon, but also downright hateful actions from people who ought to protect William or at least be kind to him.
Overall comments: I liked reading Lindsey’s treatment of blindness, especially in light of the historical setting of the story. However, I didn’t find William to be a very consistent character. He allows himself to be bullied into a life he does not want, yet he doesn’t always thinking of the impropriety of his actions and how society will view them should his behaviors be called into question. There’s a decent amount of sex in the first half of the story, all of it a bit mushy for my taste. I suppose I came at it with skepticism from the start because of how quickly the men’s feeling developed, though. Some readers who enjoy erotica might like it.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 6/10
PROS:
- William’s reaction to Theodore’s blindness is gentle and charming.
- I liked the arrangement that William and his wife eventually come to. It shows that she isn’t quite the one-dimensional Evil Woman I initially thought she was.
- The story takes an interesting turn about 60 percent of the way through, and the end is quite sweet. The last fifth or so went in a direction I did not anticipate.
CONS:
- I found it hard to sympathize with William at the start of the story; I couldn’t help thinking of him as gutless. He has let his mother plan out his entire life, all of which he hates, and he says nothing against any of it. That irritated me.
- The men fall in love much faster than I found believable. Lust, sure. Sex, fine and dandy. But at 16 percent, William’s “feelings for Teddy” are already “overwhelming him,” and they’ve seen each other a total of 3 times. After a single night together, William is confessing silently, “With my whole being I love him.”
- There’s a lot of unpleasantness--not just the usual hiding of homosexuality in a time when it was very much frowned upon, but also downright hateful actions from people who ought to protect William or at least be kind to him.
Overall comments: I liked reading Lindsey’s treatment of blindness, especially in light of the historical setting of the story. However, I didn’t find William to be a very consistent character. He allows himself to be bullied into a life he does not want, yet he doesn’t always thinking of the impropriety of his actions and how society will view them should his behaviors be called into question. There’s a decent amount of sex in the first half of the story, all of it a bit mushy for my taste. I suppose I came at it with skepticism from the start because of how quickly the men’s feeling developed, though. Some readers who enjoy erotica might like it.
August 31, 2015
When I realized that the story is happening in the span of decades, I was worried I wouldn't like the story since I hate the long separations between the main characters. As it turned out that wasn't the case. While the story covers time that is equal to three decades William and Teddy are together and we see how they are living their lives.
I think Time and Tide is the first M/M historical romance I have read. It's mostly about romance and not about the dirty stuff which was a little disappointment, but it has made since when I read the last chapters of the story.
The first part of the story is happening in the end of the 19th century and the second part in the 20th. My favorite part was the second because it was more emotional. The first part is the story of how William and Teddy met, fell in love with each other and faced the problems William's mother threw at them. If this story had a villain that would have been William's mother. It's easy to hate that woman. The second part is the one that spans over the decades and the one I liked. The one scene I remember the most was the one where Noah and Teddy are playing Hide and Seek and Teddy is the one that's hiding.
I wasn't expecting the first twist in the plotline about William's wife, but I guessed what happened to her. It seemed like the easy way out, but I was glad she was out of the way. After her conversation with William it was easier to like her.
The author is publishing another book which is like a spin off/sequel to Time and Tide and I plan to read it. And on the random stuff, I just realized that the man on the cover is supposed to be Teddy.
I think Time and Tide is the first M/M historical romance I have read. It's mostly about romance and not about the dirty stuff which was a little disappointment, but it has made since when I read the last chapters of the story.
The first part of the story is happening in the end of the 19th century and the second part in the 20th. My favorite part was the second because it was more emotional. The first part is the story of how William and Teddy met, fell in love with each other and faced the problems William's mother threw at them. If this story had a villain that would have been William's mother. It's easy to hate that woman. The second part is the one that spans over the decades and the one I liked. The one scene I remember the most was the one where Noah and Teddy are playing Hide and Seek and Teddy is the one that's hiding.
I wasn't expecting the first twist in the plotline about William's wife, but I guessed what happened to her. It seemed like the easy way out, but I was glad she was out of the way. After her conversation with William it was easier to like her.
The author is publishing another book which is like a spin off/sequel to Time and Tide and I plan to read it. And on the random stuff, I just realized that the man on the cover is supposed to be Teddy.
April 3, 2018
There were parts of this story that I liked and parts I didn’t much care for. But overall, by the time I finished, I was really moved. I mostly admired Teddy. For a blind man, he was so positive and independent as an author despite his disability. William on the other hand drove me crazy at times. A man with no backbone and sinking into a total abyss until he meets Teddy. An odd pair, but in the long run, it works.
could-not-finish
April 22, 2017CNF April 21, 2017 @ 8%
Positive:
1) An MM HR set in 1897 Baltimore.
2) Writing is fine.
Negative:
1) The MC is too downtrodden, pathetic and spineless to sustain my interest to keep reading to the point when he finally grows a pair.
2) Kindle edition doesn't display chapters anywhere.
Positive:
1) An MM HR set in 1897 Baltimore.
2) Writing is fine.
Negative:
1) The MC is too downtrodden, pathetic and spineless to sustain my interest to keep reading to the point when he finally grows a pair.
2) Kindle edition doesn't display chapters anywhere.
April 15, 2020
2.5 stars.
While the writing was good, I just didn’t get anything out of this story. I could tell it was supposed to be emotional, I just didn’t feel any emotions.
While the writing was good, I just didn’t get anything out of this story. I could tell it was supposed to be emotional, I just didn’t feel any emotions.
November 4, 2019
This is the first of the two books Elaine published. I have read all her books and had missed these two. Its a journey through life, starting in the late 1890's with two men who accidentily meet. One man, William forced into a marriage although he is gay and into a life he doesn't want, but is still afraid to stand up for himself. The other man, Theodore, blind and being roughed up because of that and saved by William. This encounter leave the two men drawn to eachother and will end in a deep love. They will have to overcome a lot of tears and hardaches but finally are able to make a life together, hidden away from the world, raising William's son into a fine young man Noah who in the end of book 1 gets drafted for WW1 and will loose a leg but falls in love with his nurse. In book 2 Men and Monsters we read that Noah is married and has 4 children. His youngest, August, is an introvert kid, and his mother calls him queer and blames Noah's fathers. The situation gets worse and worse and when 14 August and his father travel to their granddads in California where they will stay. There he falls in love with his friend Robbie and they take their first kisses in a time when WW2 is raging. August gets drafted in 1944 when he is 19 and is heading for the beach of Normandy. He is the only one to survive and is rescued by someone of the resistence. His body is broken but he is stronger than ever and when the two men fall in love disaster strikes again. August is transported back to California but cannot forget the man he left behind in that tiny cottage at the Normandy coast. The book will end with a HEA but I spilled many tears troughout the two books. An emotional journey with a clear outlining of the time they lived in and where love between two men was forbidden. I would rate these books a 10 and more.
November 2, 2022
A really beautiful story of love, loss, tragedy and hope.
It’s 1897, and William Owens has returned to Maryland after his studies at Oxford. Will got to find himself and be free from his domineering mother until he returns to the states. Now his mother expects him to not only defend one of her friends in a murder case, but she’s also brought him a fiancé.
Will begins his life practicing law and awaiting the birth of his first child, but both he and his wife are miserable. They knew they entered into a loveless marriage and can’t find happiness in each other.
Until he meets Theodore: a blind French writer with a kind heart and a strong will. But unfortunately this is a time when the union would not be accepted, and their love must remain a secret. These two face many obstacles together, and at many times they don’t know how they can possibly stay together.
Teddy and Will are lovely and inspirational together, and really commit to being together for better or worse. There’s sadness here, but also a lot of joy.
It’s 1897, and William Owens has returned to Maryland after his studies at Oxford. Will got to find himself and be free from his domineering mother until he returns to the states. Now his mother expects him to not only defend one of her friends in a murder case, but she’s also brought him a fiancé.
Will begins his life practicing law and awaiting the birth of his first child, but both he and his wife are miserable. They knew they entered into a loveless marriage and can’t find happiness in each other.
Until he meets Theodore: a blind French writer with a kind heart and a strong will. But unfortunately this is a time when the union would not be accepted, and their love must remain a secret. These two face many obstacles together, and at many times they don’t know how they can possibly stay together.
Teddy and Will are lovely and inspirational together, and really commit to being together for better or worse. There’s sadness here, but also a lot of joy.
October 17, 2022
This historical book was set in 19th century. William returns home to find his mother has set his path in life one of which is one he does not want. However, he doesn’t stand up for himself which sets off a bunch of terrible events.
One positive for William is that he lets Teddy. Teddy is a writer. He is also blind. They meet and have an amazing connection from the get go. Their romance ensues although forbidden. Not only because of their gender but William is also married.
The times these men endured to find their HEA is something no one should go through because of family.
Their HEA is soooo endearing and that epilogue had me balling
One positive for William is that he lets Teddy. Teddy is a writer. He is also blind. They meet and have an amazing connection from the get go. Their romance ensues although forbidden. Not only because of their gender but William is also married.
The times these men endured to find their HEA is something no one should go through because of family.
Their HEA is soooo endearing and that epilogue had me balling
April 4, 2018
Spoiler alert!
I began reading this book completely unaware that this was a gay romance story. I am not homophobic, but I have no interest in reading about gay sex either. I am very grateful that I borrowed this title from Kindle Unlimited. I can return it and it didn’t cost me a thing. Sure, it started out somewhat interesting. And then the true story began to show. I then shifted to the review, hoping to forewarn those, who like myself, prefer not to read material like this. I wish I had known.
I began reading this book completely unaware that this was a gay romance story. I am not homophobic, but I have no interest in reading about gay sex either. I am very grateful that I borrowed this title from Kindle Unlimited. I can return it and it didn’t cost me a thing. Sure, it started out somewhat interesting. And then the true story began to show. I then shifted to the review, hoping to forewarn those, who like myself, prefer not to read material like this. I wish I had known.
November 24, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It’s so remarkably written and with such amazing characters! This author really made you feel like you knew the characters and were a part of their lives and truly cared for them! A very emotional but enjoyable journey! Very highly recommend! I am voluntarily leaving an honest review for this complimentary copy of this book
January 4, 2024
I read this for the first time just after it came out and have re-read it again recently. It broke my heart and put everything back together again.
I generally don't enjoy historical fiction, or romance stories, but this one truly gripped me and I can see myself coming back to it time and time again.
I generally don't enjoy historical fiction, or romance stories, but this one truly gripped me and I can see myself coming back to it time and time again.
May 10, 2017
A story that takes place in the 19th century and does a very satisfying job of keeping true to the time and topic.
August 7, 2018
3,5 stars.
September 12, 2018
Amazing
This is an amazing story. Not only is it about finding love, it is also about making your own way in life and finding the path that will bring you happiness.
This is an amazing story. Not only is it about finding love, it is also about making your own way in life and finding the path that will bring you happiness.
October 11, 2022
More 3.5. Wonderful plot but execution was iffy. Misspelled words, clunky passages of time, and did Noah speak french or not? But Teddy and Will's story, so good!
August 1, 2015
The author gave me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review of it.
What did I think? Firstly, I can't believe this is her first published book. She writes as if she's an old hand at it and yet there are some really refreshing dialogue and scenes going on in this book. I even wanted to write some of them down, and that's a first.
This is a lovely story set in the late 1800’s. And it's easy to step back in time because the author captures the time period in both dialogue and description. If you like this genre (m/m) and you like romance then you will appreciate this book about Will and his French lover Teddy. It's actually about four people stuck in what they believe is an impossible situation and how they deal with injustices heaped upon them. But as the character Teddy likes to say “the universe is chaos.” And with a shrug that only the French can master, he goes on to explain his poetic view that despite that (or because of it) what will be will be and one must be ready and make the best of it.
The love scenes are beautifully rendered and some are absolutely delicious. Everyone should be lucky enough to have someone like Teddy in their lives, he’s overcome great odds and yet it is his nurturing tendencies, his tenacity that help keep his lover Will grounded, sane and strong for them both.
I’ll never stop being astonished at how good some of these new writers are and Ms. Lindsey is no exception. I can’t wait for her next book and I highly recommend this one. (I’m a big fan of such authors as Mary Calmes, Adrienne Wilder, Josh Lanyon, Amy Lane, Rhys Ford, Bart Yates, Suki Fleet and now I’m adding Ms. Lindsey to that list.)
What did I think? Firstly, I can't believe this is her first published book. She writes as if she's an old hand at it and yet there are some really refreshing dialogue and scenes going on in this book. I even wanted to write some of them down, and that's a first.
This is a lovely story set in the late 1800’s. And it's easy to step back in time because the author captures the time period in both dialogue and description. If you like this genre (m/m) and you like romance then you will appreciate this book about Will and his French lover Teddy. It's actually about four people stuck in what they believe is an impossible situation and how they deal with injustices heaped upon them. But as the character Teddy likes to say “the universe is chaos.” And with a shrug that only the French can master, he goes on to explain his poetic view that despite that (or because of it) what will be will be and one must be ready and make the best of it.
The love scenes are beautifully rendered and some are absolutely delicious. Everyone should be lucky enough to have someone like Teddy in their lives, he’s overcome great odds and yet it is his nurturing tendencies, his tenacity that help keep his lover Will grounded, sane and strong for them both.
I’ll never stop being astonished at how good some of these new writers are and Ms. Lindsey is no exception. I can’t wait for her next book and I highly recommend this one. (I’m a big fan of such authors as Mary Calmes, Adrienne Wilder, Josh Lanyon, Amy Lane, Rhys Ford, Bart Yates, Suki Fleet and now I’m adding Ms. Lindsey to that list.)
April 3, 2016
3.5 stars rounded down
For the first half of this book, I really couldn't get into Will and Teddy's relationship. It was very insta-love, which I didn't find believable for the time period, and I just couldn't see the emotion that they supposedly had. I found myself much more interested in Will's relationship with Etta than with Teddy. The plot had some more twists in it after the halfway mark that drew my interest more solidly in Will and Teddy's direction, however, and their feelings began to feel more genuine. There were some historical inaccuracies that bugged me, but I was able to gloss over them to continue with the story once it had my interest more. I have to say I love the "post-HEA" glimpse that the author gives us into their life for the next couple of decades, and because of that, I'm probably going to be reading the sequel at some point.
For the first half of this book, I really couldn't get into Will and Teddy's relationship. It was very insta-love, which I didn't find believable for the time period, and I just couldn't see the emotion that they supposedly had. I found myself much more interested in Will's relationship with Etta than with Teddy. The plot had some more twists in it after the halfway mark that drew my interest more solidly in Will and Teddy's direction, however, and their feelings began to feel more genuine. There were some historical inaccuracies that bugged me, but I was able to gloss over them to continue with the story once it had my interest more. I have to say I love the "post-HEA" glimpse that the author gives us into their life for the next couple of decades, and because of that, I'm probably going to be reading the sequel at some point.
May 5, 2016
A beautiful historical story, mostly set in America in the 1890's.
The book tells the story of William Owens who found himself following his Mother's orders and marrying a woman he had just met and whom he certainly did not love and working as a lawyer trying to defend someone he did not believe deserved freedom.
Meeting Teddy, a blind Frenchman, William slowly falls in love, and Teddy with him.
This book takes us, slowly over the first year of their relationship and then skates over the next 21 years, detailing what it needs. It is at times both heartbreaking and uplifting. The tale gives the reader William's life, with all its highs and lows, loves and joys and pain.
The book tells the story of William Owens who found himself following his Mother's orders and marrying a woman he had just met and whom he certainly did not love and working as a lawyer trying to defend someone he did not believe deserved freedom.
Meeting Teddy, a blind Frenchman, William slowly falls in love, and Teddy with him.
This book takes us, slowly over the first year of their relationship and then skates over the next 21 years, detailing what it needs. It is at times both heartbreaking and uplifting. The tale gives the reader William's life, with all its highs and lows, loves and joys and pain.
November 23, 2015
Personal rating: 3.5 stars
I admit that I didn't like the book at first and almost put it aside. The narration was not sturdy enough, a bit flimsy, uneven. I had hard time seeing Will or the attraction he felt. But after 1/3 of the book the things started to happen and I got hooked.
I can't say I loved the book but I found it pleasant.
My two pet peeves are the way the author described Teodor as a blind man (which was barely adequate) and the way some female characters were dealt with.
The ending should have happened sooner, as the current ending lacks an appropriate catharsis. It is somewhat explained by an existing sequel but this book can be read as a stand alone novel.
I admit that I didn't like the book at first and almost put it aside. The narration was not sturdy enough, a bit flimsy, uneven. I had hard time seeing Will or the attraction he felt. But after 1/3 of the book the things started to happen and I got hooked.
I can't say I loved the book but I found it pleasant.
My two pet peeves are the way the author described Teodor as a blind man (which was barely adequate) and the way some female characters were dealt with.
The ending should have happened sooner, as the current ending lacks an appropriate catharsis. It is somewhat explained by an existing sequel but this book can be read as a stand alone novel.
December 3, 2015
I'm on the fence about this one. On the one hand, the writing is solid and there is actually a story to this. On the other hand, I disliked the main character, who was just a doormat who let his horrible mother bully him into a life he hates without even making a peep of a protest. And then the insta-love between the two MC's was very instant.
The middle of the book was interesting and I enjoyed it. The relationship between the two MC's is believable and sweet. However, I felt that the ending went a little long. I realize that it was set up for the next book in the series, but I lost interest a few times.
I mostly enjoyed this.
The middle of the book was interesting and I enjoyed it. The relationship between the two MC's is believable and sweet. However, I felt that the ending went a little long. I realize that it was set up for the next book in the series, but I lost interest a few times.
I mostly enjoyed this.
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