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Lord Loxley's Lover
Lord Loxley is bewildered when his noble-born friend and former lover, Miles Rochester arrives on his doorstep and applies for a position as his valet. His friend has suffered a complete loss of status and finances, and has become bitter at the world, but Lord Loxley is determined to find a way to soothe his friend's pain and restore their friendship and love. 18+ content, no cheating, no cliffhangers, standalone novel.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2015
15 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Marlowe
7 books37 followersKatherine "Kitty" Marlowe is a writer of m/m historical romance novels and novellas. She has a degree in Classical history with a specialization in LGBTQ history, and can very easily be distracted into lengthy discussions on marginalized orientations and gender identities in dozens of different historical eras and subcultures.
When she isn't writing novels and novellas about handsome men smooching and living happily ever after, she is usually baking, hiking, or fighting eldritch deities in Arkham.
When she isn't writing novels and novellas about handsome men smooching and living happily ever after, she is usually baking, hiking, or fighting eldritch deities in Arkham.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2023
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded up)
I loved this so much! The MCs were amazing, I loved their unique second chance romance and the author writes using that beautiful, poetic 19th century style that makes reading a joy. Was the book perfect? No, but that didn't stop me from loving every word.
Fitz And Miles' Relationship
I adored Fitz and Miles' characterizations and their interesting history. Fitz has always been a quiet, socially awkward bookworm while Miles is an outgoing, confident powerhouse who exudes charm by the bucketful. The two of them meet in university and are instantly drawn to each other: Fitz getting happily sucked into Miles' magnetic field like most other people do and Miles falling for Fitz' kind nature and soft heart. They become best friends, with Miles playing the role of Fitz's protector and guide in all things and Fitz happily following along wherever Miles leads. Making their relationship even more interesting is that they're both titled members of the nobility but Miles is half black. While the latter fact puts Miles beneath Fitz in society's hierarchy, Miles' personality evens things up again, which I found very interesting.
They eventually became lovers and things were perfect, until they graduated. I loved all of that so much. When you add in the sexual tension between them and that both men are still very attracted to each other, it led to some explosively intense scenes.
Beautiful 19th Century Prose
Another big thing that I loved was the writing style. The author clearly loves this time period and she's adopted that 19th century writing style that's seen in all of those classic novels. It's a writing style that's not everybody's cup of tea but I love it. Sure, 10 words are used when 1 would do and there are constant run-on sentences, but the way the sentences are structured make the words flow in such a beautiful way that the act of reading feels like eating a delicious dessert. Some examples:
Lord Loxley decided it was best not to correct her on the subject that his current aspirations leaned more towards 'confirmed bachelor', which the obituaries always seemed to use when referring to a happily unmarried gentleman who had always preferred to cohabitate with other happily unmarried gentlemen, but that also felt rather optimistic when he was not at all on cordial terms with his desire fellow bachelor.
The company in the carriage was stiff and tense, and Lord Loxley was cold from the rainy May weather. He made two abortive attempts to discuss the weather, but Mr. Rochester's disinclination to converse was greater than Lord Loxley's skill at creating conversation and in short order he gave up and resigned himself to riding in silence with his surly, resentful, and unreasonably handsome valet.
Naming Conventions
When I started the book, I was really thrown by the fact that Fitz refers to himself as 'Lord Loxley' in his own POV. But as I read, I realized the author was using the complex Victorian etiquette of naming conventions to add another layer of emotion to the story. You see - I think Fitz refers to himself as Lord Loxley for the majority of the story because most of the people around him (including Miles) refer to him as such. His aunt calls him Fitzhenry but she does it because she treats him like a child. Nobody except Miles calls him Fitz and for most of the story, Miles only does it accidentally when he gets really annoyed with Fitz. For most of the story, Fitz is 'Lord Loxley' or 'my lord' or 'your lordship' etc. It emphasizes that there's this constant divide between Fitz and the people around him and it helps bring across the feeling of intense loneliness that he lives with. Near the end, things have changed in Fitz's life and this is reflected by many people calling him Fitz and thus, the author switches to having him refer to himself as Fitz in his POV. Does it make complete sense? No. But I get what the author was going for.
In the same vein, Fitz constantly switches between calling Miles 'Mr. Rochester' and 'Miles', which beautifully illustrates Fitz's struggle to adapt to the changed circumstances between them. Making things more complicated is that calling Miles 'Mr Rochester' emphasizes the divide between them...but it's what Fitz should be doing out of respect for Miles' new position. Only lower level servants were referred to by their first names and the higher level positions (valet, butler, housekeeper) were always called by their last names out of a sign of respect for their position. I love that the author used all of this complexity to squeeze even more emotion out of the relationship between Miles and Felix.
A Few Negatives
The reason I can't give this five stars is because the last arc is incredibly rushed. From the point Fitz decides to do his 'grand gesture' (my jaw dropped to the floor when I realized what his plan was and like everybody else, I was both impressed and horrified), the story races from plot beat to plot beat without letting anything or anyone breathe. It felt like the author was rushing to finish the story as soon as possible or she wanted to keep it novella length, which is a real shame. I loved all of the things that happened during that last arc and I adored all the new characters we met so I wanted to spend a lot more time on all of it.
Another minor thing that makes me sad is that there are two white dudes on the cover. It's so rare to have POC MCs anyway and Miles' physical descriptions in the book clearly emphasize his Caribbean heritage so I'm crushed the author didn't ensure that one of the MCs on the cover is black. There could be many reasons why the cover doesn't match up with the MCs skin tones and based on the author's wild variance in her other covers, I get the feeling something went sideways with her cover art process in general (seriously, go look at the other covers). The author published all of her books in 2015/2016 so it may have been a rush situation where the publisher made decisions very quickly. But anyway - it's disappointing.
Conclusion
While I'm sad that the author hasn't published anything since 2016 and this book wasn't perfect, I still loved it to bits and I'll be re-reading it for years to come. Everything about Fitz and Miles' relationship hit the spot and I alternated laughing and crying throughout the entire story but no matter what, I smiled like a loon and I was very sad when I got to the end because I would have happily read many more books about Fitz and Miles.
I loved this so much! The MCs were amazing, I loved their unique second chance romance and the author writes using that beautiful, poetic 19th century style that makes reading a joy. Was the book perfect? No, but that didn't stop me from loving every word.
Fitz And Miles' Relationship
I adored Fitz and Miles' characterizations and their interesting history. Fitz has always been a quiet, socially awkward bookworm while Miles is an outgoing, confident powerhouse who exudes charm by the bucketful. The two of them meet in university and are instantly drawn to each other: Fitz getting happily sucked into Miles' magnetic field like most other people do and Miles falling for Fitz' kind nature and soft heart. They become best friends, with Miles playing the role of Fitz's protector and guide in all things and Fitz happily following along wherever Miles leads. Making their relationship even more interesting is that they're both titled members of the nobility but Miles is half black. While the latter fact puts Miles beneath Fitz in society's hierarchy, Miles' personality evens things up again, which I found very interesting.
They eventually became lovers and things were perfect, until they graduated. I loved all of that so much. When you add in the sexual tension between them and that both men are still very attracted to each other, it led to some explosively intense scenes.
Beautiful 19th Century Prose
Another big thing that I loved was the writing style. The author clearly loves this time period and she's adopted that 19th century writing style that's seen in all of those classic novels. It's a writing style that's not everybody's cup of tea but I love it. Sure, 10 words are used when 1 would do and there are constant run-on sentences, but the way the sentences are structured make the words flow in such a beautiful way that the act of reading feels like eating a delicious dessert. Some examples:
Lord Loxley decided it was best not to correct her on the subject that his current aspirations leaned more towards 'confirmed bachelor', which the obituaries always seemed to use when referring to a happily unmarried gentleman who had always preferred to cohabitate with other happily unmarried gentlemen, but that also felt rather optimistic when he was not at all on cordial terms with his desire fellow bachelor.
The company in the carriage was stiff and tense, and Lord Loxley was cold from the rainy May weather. He made two abortive attempts to discuss the weather, but Mr. Rochester's disinclination to converse was greater than Lord Loxley's skill at creating conversation and in short order he gave up and resigned himself to riding in silence with his surly, resentful, and unreasonably handsome valet.
Naming Conventions
When I started the book, I was really thrown by the fact that Fitz refers to himself as 'Lord Loxley' in his own POV. But as I read, I realized the author was using the complex Victorian etiquette of naming conventions to add another layer of emotion to the story. You see - I think Fitz refers to himself as Lord Loxley for the majority of the story because most of the people around him (including Miles) refer to him as such. His aunt calls him Fitzhenry but she does it because she treats him like a child. Nobody except Miles calls him Fitz and for most of the story, Miles only does it accidentally when he gets really annoyed with Fitz. For most of the story, Fitz is 'Lord Loxley' or 'my lord' or 'your lordship' etc. It emphasizes that there's this constant divide between Fitz and the people around him and it helps bring across the feeling of intense loneliness that he lives with. Near the end, things have changed in Fitz's life and this is reflected by many people calling him Fitz and thus, the author switches to having him refer to himself as Fitz in his POV. Does it make complete sense? No. But I get what the author was going for.
In the same vein, Fitz constantly switches between calling Miles 'Mr. Rochester' and 'Miles', which beautifully illustrates Fitz's struggle to adapt to the changed circumstances between them. Making things more complicated is that calling Miles 'Mr Rochester' emphasizes the divide between them...but it's what Fitz should be doing out of respect for Miles' new position. Only lower level servants were referred to by their first names and the higher level positions (valet, butler, housekeeper) were always called by their last names out of a sign of respect for their position. I love that the author used all of this complexity to squeeze even more emotion out of the relationship between Miles and Felix.
A Few Negatives
The reason I can't give this five stars is because the last arc is incredibly rushed. From the point Fitz decides to do his 'grand gesture' (my jaw dropped to the floor when I realized what his plan was and like everybody else, I was both impressed and horrified), the story races from plot beat to plot beat without letting anything or anyone breathe. It felt like the author was rushing to finish the story as soon as possible or she wanted to keep it novella length, which is a real shame. I loved all of the things that happened during that last arc and I adored all the new characters we met so I wanted to spend a lot more time on all of it.
Another minor thing that makes me sad is that there are two white dudes on the cover. It's so rare to have POC MCs anyway and Miles' physical descriptions in the book clearly emphasize his Caribbean heritage so I'm crushed the author didn't ensure that one of the MCs on the cover is black. There could be many reasons why the cover doesn't match up with the MCs skin tones and based on the author's wild variance in her other covers, I get the feeling something went sideways with her cover art process in general (seriously, go look at the other covers). The author published all of her books in 2015/2016 so it may have been a rush situation where the publisher made decisions very quickly. But anyway - it's disappointing.
Conclusion
While I'm sad that the author hasn't published anything since 2016 and this book wasn't perfect, I still loved it to bits and I'll be re-reading it for years to come. Everything about Fitz and Miles' relationship hit the spot and I alternated laughing and crying throughout the entire story but no matter what, I smiled like a loon and I was very sad when I got to the end because I would have happily read many more books about Fitz and Miles.
October 2, 2020
Love Lost, Then Found!
The tale of love between Lord Fitzhenry & Mr. Miles involving miscommunications, a ruined family, and fairies. A sweet quick story with likable MCs, charming storytelling and fairytale-like ending. This tale is unlike anything I’ve read from Ms. Marlowe in the past. It is an enjoyable read. Although, I have unresolved questions. One question, the ending: The Senior Meriwethers were okay with this secret arrangement?! Anyhoo, what fun!
The tale of love between Lord Fitzhenry & Mr. Miles involving miscommunications, a ruined family, and fairies. A sweet quick story with likable MCs, charming storytelling and fairytale-like ending. This tale is unlike anything I’ve read from Ms. Marlowe in the past. It is an enjoyable read. Although, I have unresolved questions. One question, the ending: The Senior Meriwethers were okay with this secret arrangement?! Anyhoo, what fun!
Read
February 3, 2016DNF at 35% -- This isn't working for me. For one thing, I just can't believe that an Oxford-educated but impoverished son of a baron would end up working as a valet. What about estate manager? Tutor? Shipping clerk? The military?
December 7, 2015
Outrageous Plot, Terrific Read
Here is a book where the blurb sort of brings you up short: Uh, duh? Believe me, it gets more outrageous and somewhat less believable as you start reading it--but you can't stop reading it because the MCs are so brilliantly conceived and developed.
Miles Rochester (on the left on the cover)and Lord Loxley have secrets from each other and secrets from the reader as well, and as those secrets spill out across the pages, they become almost realistically possible given the Regency era in which the book takes place.
Secondary characters here are important, and the plot twists along the way, especially in the last portion of the book, are not only eyebrow raising but also quite amusing at times. Oh, and did I mention that the sex is really, really, hot?
If this is indeed the first book by Katherine Marlowe, she is likely to be major, and I am on to the next one in a flash.
Here is a book where the blurb sort of brings you up short: Uh, duh? Believe me, it gets more outrageous and somewhat less believable as you start reading it--but you can't stop reading it because the MCs are so brilliantly conceived and developed.
Miles Rochester (on the left on the cover)and Lord Loxley have secrets from each other and secrets from the reader as well, and as those secrets spill out across the pages, they become almost realistically possible given the Regency era in which the book takes place.
Secondary characters here are important, and the plot twists along the way, especially in the last portion of the book, are not only eyebrow raising but also quite amusing at times. Oh, and did I mention that the sex is really, really, hot?
If this is indeed the first book by Katherine Marlowe, she is likely to be major, and I am on to the next one in a flash.
October 22, 2015
I liked this book although being a bromance may put many readers off it.
The interactions between the characters increased my enjoyment of it. There was actually a very good plot that had me trying, badly, to hold back the tears ( dratted over active tear ducts). The happy ending made up for this.
The author has a history degree although much of the story could have been set in any era, it so happens that she used the Recency period.
There were no glaring spelling or grammar mistakes to detract from my enjoyment.
This book will remain on my Kindle to be read again, along with any other piece by Katherine Marlowe that I can get my hands on.
The interactions between the characters increased my enjoyment of it. There was actually a very good plot that had me trying, badly, to hold back the tears ( dratted over active tear ducts). The happy ending made up for this.
The author has a history degree although much of the story could have been set in any era, it so happens that she used the Recency period.
There were no glaring spelling or grammar mistakes to detract from my enjoyment.
This book will remain on my Kindle to be read again, along with any other piece by Katherine Marlowe that I can get my hands on.
August 12, 2015
I love historical gay romance so was happy to find this on Kindle Unlimited--and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it! The characters are wonderful, as is the reunion-ish romance. The relationship development was incremental, believable, and the perfect blend of erotic and emotional. Sure the ending was a tad over the top unrealistic but I read romance so it gave me warm feels. Other historical gay romance fans should absolutely read this one!
January 3, 2016
The characters in this story were so great and I love the misunderstandings and the way they figure out an arrangement that suits them all! The Meriwether sisters were especially fun and cute. I loved this story quite a bit.
November 3, 2015
Having a POC as such an important character was truly amazing. New, interesting, refreshing. And that ending ! Not as sweet and fluffy as "A wager of love" but still very enjoyable.
November 24, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book.
The romance was cute and I liked how protective Miles was of Fitz (Lord Loxley). The supporting characters were also very well written in my opinion. They really added color to the story without derailing it or stealing the spotlight from the mcs. Speaking of color, I liked that one of the main characters was a person of color. It's just lovely to find books with more representation. Also, a dash of jealousy in a romance book happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine and there was definitely a healthy dose in here.
All in all, a sweet and quick read which I recommend if you like mm historical romances.
The romance was cute and I liked how protective Miles was of Fitz (Lord Loxley). The supporting characters were also very well written in my opinion. They really added color to the story without derailing it or stealing the spotlight from the mcs. Speaking of color, I liked that one of the main characters was a person of color. It's just lovely to find books with more representation. Also, a dash of jealousy in a romance book happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine and there was definitely a healthy dose in here.
All in all, a sweet and quick read which I recommend if you like mm historical romances.
June 18, 2019
I found the name switches a bit confusing. Titles, last names, or first names were used depending on whether Miles Rochester was feeling like a servant or a friend/lover. In one scene "Mr. Rochester's buttons" are fumbled with by "Fitz," while "Miles" is grumbling. It read like a ménage with only two people. Otherwise, it was a very sweet second chance story with an unrealistic but cute HEA.
Tags- I/M: Miles' mother is mulatto and he is occasionally referred to as a blackamoor, his race made finding a different position elsewhere (as an estate manager, tutor, etc.) difficult.
Tags- I/M: Miles' mother is mulatto and he is occasionally referred to as a blackamoor, his race made finding a different position elsewhere (as an estate manager, tutor, etc.) difficult.
June 21, 2021
It's tiring to see the same negative stereotype being perpetuating on black men.
I'll wait for the day that authors (especially white authors) alike can realize that black gay men can be a bottom.
I'll wait for the day that authors (especially white authors) alike can realize that black gay men can be a bottom.
October 24, 2021
I suspended my disbelief and this sweet novella rewarded me. The ending didn't quite work for me, but I can't say I cared. Everything telegraphed, much that didn't quite make sense, but good sex scenes and a lot of smiles propelled me through.
January 5, 2023
Pure Delight
I love the marriage of convenience set-up and wish it was more common in historical gay romances. I suppose it fulfills, in a small way, my desire to read about loving polyamorous relationships. This one is a beautiful example.
I love the marriage of convenience set-up and wish it was more common in historical gay romances. I suppose it fulfills, in a small way, my desire to read about loving polyamorous relationships. This one is a beautiful example.
December 5, 2019
I'm here for revisionist historical romance stories. The events are quite implausible, but the characters and authorial exuberance see the reader through.
October 22, 2020
Quick, cute read with little substance or realism, but it has a HEA that'll warm your bones.
January 2, 2021
wtf is lord loxley’s lover’s everloving problem
October 6, 2021
Cute
A cute romp filled with adorable side characters and someone saving the day, two weddings and a happily ever after.
A cute romp filled with adorable side characters and someone saving the day, two weddings and a happily ever after.
August 24, 2024
3.75 stars
A little simplistic possibly, but still lovely!
A little simplistic possibly, but still lovely!
April 12, 2016
This was not an easy read for me. On the one hand I did like the story, which was sweet and interesting. Miles Rochester was once a friend and lover of Lord Fitzhenry Loxley, but he left after their college years without any trace. Now he is back at Loxley Manor applying for the post of a personal valet. Turns out that his family lost all their money and Miles is angry and bitter about it. Still sparks fly between the two men and Fitz wants him back as a friend and lover. However his aunt demands that he gets married and already chose the prospective bride for him.
Reading this synapsis you get the idea that this book might be a lot of fun and a very interesting read.
Unfortunately it is not as easy as that.
A story does not necessarily have to be realistic, I mean, how many aliens, shifters or vampires do you know, after all?
I really don't mind if a story requires some fantasy to believe it, but there is one thing I do not like and that's when a story is not true to its setting.
This is the case here, for a historic romance there are so many things that just feel wrong, that at some point it took away the fun of the story. Can you imagine the personal valet of a Lord joining his aunt and his fiance at the tea table for a nice chat?
Or the Lord talking to his fiance about a marriage contract, explaining her his love for his valet, in Victorian England?
It is just too much and makes the story so unbelievable that I almost did not finish it.
At the end everything falls into place within a few pages so easily, you wonder what happened and how it was possible....
3 rather disappointed * for the writing and the idea of the story from me.
Reading this synapsis you get the idea that this book might be a lot of fun and a very interesting read.
Unfortunately it is not as easy as that.
A story does not necessarily have to be realistic, I mean, how many aliens, shifters or vampires do you know, after all?
I really don't mind if a story requires some fantasy to believe it, but there is one thing I do not like and that's when a story is not true to its setting.
This is the case here, for a historic romance there are so many things that just feel wrong, that at some point it took away the fun of the story. Can you imagine the personal valet of a Lord joining his aunt and his fiance at the tea table for a nice chat?
Or the Lord talking to his fiance about a marriage contract, explaining her his love for his valet, in Victorian England?
It is just too much and makes the story so unbelievable that I almost did not finish it.
At the end everything falls into place within a few pages so easily, you wonder what happened and how it was possible....
3 rather disappointed * for the writing and the idea of the story from me.
September 30, 2015
Review also posted on http://www.wodfreview.com
Lord Loxely’s Lover is a fast, easy, angst free read. The main characters are likable and there is some chemistry but, there were some issues that stopped me from loving this one.
There are a few things that aren’t explained well enough for my liking and unfortunately if I say what they are here I’d have to hide them as a spoiler and I so rarely do that. I can say things happened way too easily and the ending is all tied up much too fast. I’m left feeling like things are missing and not things that a sequel can clear up but things that are important to know in order for me to get attached to the story and its characters. There are some light-hearted moments that made me chuckle near the end of the story involving one very sweet little girl, I wish there had been more moments like those throughout the book.
While the plot could use some work I did see a lot of promise and in no way am I saying pass this story by I just needed a bit more. I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to pick another read from this author.
March 5, 2016
I enjoyed Lord Loxley’s Lover. It starts with a surprise for Lord Loxley, the content-to-be-alone scholarly bachelor, that stirs up memories of love from his university days. This renewed desire comes with some complications as his ex-lover, turned personal valet, exudes so much sexual appeal but refuses to give in too easily. This raises the tension.
To top it off the author mixes some antiquated terminology into the story to set the mood. While amusing it also taught me a bit about the gay subculture of 18th century England. I can’t say I knew much about mollies (the term for effeminate gay men) or molly houses (private gay bars of ye old England) before reading this story. But I like a little history with my romance. I know not everyone does.
Overall, I’d recommend it and I’m look forward to more from this author.
To top it off the author mixes some antiquated terminology into the story to set the mood. While amusing it also taught me a bit about the gay subculture of 18th century England. I can’t say I knew much about mollies (the term for effeminate gay men) or molly houses (private gay bars of ye old England) before reading this story. But I like a little history with my romance. I know not everyone does.
Overall, I’d recommend it and I’m look forward to more from this author.
January 29, 2016
Staid, mixed with humour but pretty good read nevertheless.
The stories in Katherine's books including Lord Loxley's Lover mainly took place in the country where it seemed people are more tolerant of same sex relationships as long as it's not tossed up in their faces.
The faerie wedding deviated from reality a bit towards wishful whimsy / borderline fantasy with Lucy officiating and that Mr. and Mrs. Meriwether would actually attend that 'second wedding' and in total acceptance of Fitz and Miles -in an England of that era?
That said, I enjoyed all four books and hope to read more from Katherine Marlowe.
The stories in Katherine's books including Lord Loxley's Lover mainly took place in the country where it seemed people are more tolerant of same sex relationships as long as it's not tossed up in their faces.
The faerie wedding deviated from reality a bit towards wishful whimsy / borderline fantasy with Lucy officiating and that Mr. and Mrs. Meriwether would actually attend that 'second wedding' and in total acceptance of Fitz and Miles -in an England of that era?
That said, I enjoyed all four books and hope to read more from Katherine Marlowe.
August 8, 2015
Review to come.
August 14, 2016
A very sweet read.
June 25, 2016
Fun
This was a short, fun read. I find that I have less and less patience for the whole "miscommunication" trope, but that didn't ruin my enjoyment in the least.
This was a short, fun read. I find that I have less and less patience for the whole "miscommunication" trope, but that didn't ruin my enjoyment in the least.
December 17, 2016
Cute as hell. Just what I needed. The world is a shitty place but this story made it a bit less shitty.
August 18, 2020
Sweet Story
This was a sweet and simple love story. It made for an enjoyable read. I will explore other books by this author.
This was a sweet and simple love story. It made for an enjoyable read. I will explore other books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews