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Innocent #1
The Innocent Auction
London 1810.
Their love was a death sentence.
Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, was aware of the slums and gin-lanes of London. Just as he was aware of the underground traffic that furnished the brothels and bath houses with human innocents. He was also aware that the so-called justice system would hang the accused without much of an attempt at a defense, unless the unfortunate had deep pockets to pay for it.
He just hadn’t expected to be directly involved in any of it.
It started with a plea for help and ended with forbidden love, the love between a Viscount and a stable-boy. An impossible love and a guarantee of the hangman's noose.
Will Deacon fight for Tom? Will he risk the death sentence and take that fight from the stately halls of his English mansion to the horrors of Newgate Prison and the slums of London?
Or will he realize that if he doesn't, death will be a welcome end to the loneliness of the sentence he is already living?
Their love was a death sentence.
Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, was aware of the slums and gin-lanes of London. Just as he was aware of the underground traffic that furnished the brothels and bath houses with human innocents. He was also aware that the so-called justice system would hang the accused without much of an attempt at a defense, unless the unfortunate had deep pockets to pay for it.
He just hadn’t expected to be directly involved in any of it.
It started with a plea for help and ended with forbidden love, the love between a Viscount and a stable-boy. An impossible love and a guarantee of the hangman's noose.
Will Deacon fight for Tom? Will he risk the death sentence and take that fight from the stately halls of his English mansion to the horrors of Newgate Prison and the slums of London?
Or will he realize that if he doesn't, death will be a welcome end to the loneliness of the sentence he is already living?
200 pages, ebook
First published December 27, 2015
37 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Sue
115 books1,013 followersBullets and Babies!
Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.
She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.
And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 6, 2016
Four Hearts--
If I have to describe "The Innocent Auction" by Victoria Sue in a few words: passionate, intense, forbidden and well plotted.
This is a story about forbidden love between a Earl and his stablehand that would have never happened if not for circumstances, or a fine writer's hand pulling the strings. The story begins with an innocent auction, a private sale of young "virginal" boys to molly houses. Caught your attention? Let's get the triggers out the way: attempted non-con, death (minor character), kidnapping. This tale mixes grit, some realism and snapshots of the persecution gays faced in the Regency era - imprisonment, pillory, hanging. Horrific.
Deacon is a rescuer. He is the heir to an earldom that is up to its ears in debt. But he will fight for what is right. He is kindhearted to his staff, he truly was a good man. A rarity in the gentry. Know what else he is? A closeted homosexual. He didn't acknowledge that part of himself until later in life, late twenties. It was a young man, eighteen year old Tom, whom he rescued from the innocent auction nearly five years ago, that gets him to finally realize something. The reason why he was perfunctory (if that) with hetero sexual relations, had to close his eyes to get hard...was because he was attracted to the same sex. And he is very attracted to supple, blonde Tom. For Tom, it was likewise.
The attraction happens very soon in the book, like before 20% kind of soon. When that usually happens in books, I get nervous. Can the author have enough talent to carry the story for a novel length? I had nothing to worry about. The Innocent Auction had twists, turns and action. And it's also not a PWP, it has plot for days. Some subplots got a little indulgent and angst happy (my biggest quibble is the last action/suspense subplot in the the final 10% before the epilogue - how could that happen so easily?) But the intensity of Deacon and Tom's attraction was the main plot pushing this story.
The story alternated in POV, it waited a little long in the beginning to get to Tom's POV but it improved somewhere toward the middle, it's not a 50-50 but it definitely gets the points and subplots across. Tom had a harsh life, at first I thought his attraction was just misconstrued gratefulness from being liberated from the evil pimp, Samson. But thankfully his POV finally kicked in.
In between the harsh realities for both characters, fighting their feelings though it's apparent they're made for each other, Tom not thinking he is good enough, Deacon trying to rebuild through an unwanted marriage proposal (he needs cash that bad) and trying to save his family and their reputation, the romance is yummy, a little quick especially for two men who have never acted on their attraction to men before. It could be considered insta-love but they had the depth of feelings to back it up.
When the sex did finally happen, it was hot - erotic, great dirty talk...delicious.
What kept this from being a 5 Heart Read for me? The neat ending and insta-love (hey it's a double edged sword). The men struggle and at a few points, I could not see how a HEA could ever happen (it does) but after all of that, it felt like the chips got stacked pretty easily for that epilogue. There were a few editing mishaps for me like how one prisoner's sentence changed from hanging in one chapter to deportment in the next.
The story does a very good job of convincing the reader about Deacon and Tom's intense connection. They have a brief history where it was instrumental in making Tom into the man he became. His ending would have been far different and sad. I think the story's strongest points are the way the research didn't read like an info dump. We're taken to Newgate prison, we get to see the harsh realities for the poor and working class. We get to glimpse Regency London's underbelly.
Victoria Sue is a new to me author. And after reading The Innocent Auction, it most certainly won't be my last. I do love finding good MM Regency when I can, I think Regency period lovers might need to check this out...soon.
A copy provided for an honest review.
"Their love was so forbidden that their very touch could wrap a hangman's noose around them. The very reason they had come to London should send a warning racing through his veins, but it wasn't fear that warmed his blood, it was desire that snaked such a salacious path."
If I have to describe "The Innocent Auction" by Victoria Sue in a few words: passionate, intense, forbidden and well plotted.
This is a story about forbidden love between a Earl and his stablehand that would have never happened if not for circumstances, or a fine writer's hand pulling the strings. The story begins with an innocent auction, a private sale of young "virginal" boys to molly houses. Caught your attention? Let's get the triggers out the way: attempted non-con, death (minor character), kidnapping. This tale mixes grit, some realism and snapshots of the persecution gays faced in the Regency era - imprisonment, pillory, hanging. Horrific.
Deacon is a rescuer. He is the heir to an earldom that is up to its ears in debt. But he will fight for what is right. He is kindhearted to his staff, he truly was a good man. A rarity in the gentry. Know what else he is? A closeted homosexual. He didn't acknowledge that part of himself until later in life, late twenties. It was a young man, eighteen year old Tom, whom he rescued from the innocent auction nearly five years ago, that gets him to finally realize something. The reason why he was perfunctory (if that) with hetero sexual relations, had to close his eyes to get hard...was because he was attracted to the same sex. And he is very attracted to supple, blonde Tom. For Tom, it was likewise.
The attraction happens very soon in the book, like before 20% kind of soon. When that usually happens in books, I get nervous. Can the author have enough talent to carry the story for a novel length? I had nothing to worry about. The Innocent Auction had twists, turns and action. And it's also not a PWP, it has plot for days. Some subplots got a little indulgent and angst happy (my biggest quibble is the last action/suspense subplot in the the final 10% before the epilogue - how could that happen so easily?) But the intensity of Deacon and Tom's attraction was the main plot pushing this story.
"How had it got to this? [...] That feeling that there was something missing. That everything you wanted in life was condemned as a sin. Who were other people to judge?"
The story alternated in POV, it waited a little long in the beginning to get to Tom's POV but it improved somewhere toward the middle, it's not a 50-50 but it definitely gets the points and subplots across. Tom had a harsh life, at first I thought his attraction was just misconstrued gratefulness from being liberated from the evil pimp, Samson. But thankfully his POV finally kicked in.
In between the harsh realities for both characters, fighting their feelings though it's apparent they're made for each other, Tom not thinking he is good enough, Deacon trying to rebuild through an unwanted marriage proposal (he needs cash that bad) and trying to save his family and their reputation, the romance is yummy, a little quick especially for two men who have never acted on their attraction to men before. It could be considered insta-love but they had the depth of feelings to back it up.
"I want you desperately. I want to feel your skin, naked, beneath me. I want to hold you in my arms while I taste every inch of your body. I want to sleep in your arms. I want yours the last face I see tonight, and the first one I see tomorrow. I want to wake up in the middle of the night and be able to kiss you while you sleep, because I can. Because tonight society doesn't judge us. We owe nothing to no man, except to each other."
When the sex did finally happen, it was hot - erotic, great dirty talk...delicious.
What kept this from being a 5 Heart Read for me? The neat ending and insta-love (hey it's a double edged sword). The men struggle and at a few points, I could not see how a HEA could ever happen (it does) but after all of that, it felt like the chips got stacked pretty easily for that epilogue. There were a few editing mishaps for me like how one prisoner's sentence changed from hanging in one chapter to deportment in the next.
The story does a very good job of convincing the reader about Deacon and Tom's intense connection. They have a brief history where it was instrumental in making Tom into the man he became. His ending would have been far different and sad. I think the story's strongest points are the way the research didn't read like an info dump. We're taken to Newgate prison, we get to see the harsh realities for the poor and working class. We get to glimpse Regency London's underbelly.
Victoria Sue is a new to me author. And after reading The Innocent Auction, it most certainly won't be my last. I do love finding good MM Regency when I can, I think Regency period lovers might need to check this out...soon.
A copy provided for an honest review.
August 8, 2017
I'm not sure how I got it in my head that this was slavefic but I did. I'm guessing I saw what I wanted to see. Because weirdo.
If your brain works like mine and you see the word "auction" and automatically think "slavefic" this is not that book. But it's still really good
Deacon gets wind that his cousin Beau has gone to an innocent auction and hot foot's it after him. Beau has a tendency to be impulsive and his being there could sully the family name so Deke to the rescue! An innocent auction is, apparently, where young boys are sold to god knows who for god knows what reasons. Why Beau went to this thing in the first place eludes me. I'm thinking maybe he was drunk and therefore suggestible. Because YUCK! Just yuck.
At the auction Deacon spots a boy with the bluest eyes on stage, eyes that pierce him and is consumed with a visceral need to protect him from what's surely coming to him if he's auctioned off. So he buys him in a melee just prior to the police busting up the whole thing. The boy's filthy, malnourished and terrified and Deacon wants to wrap him up in bubble wrap and make it all better. He sends him to his father's country estate with his trusted employee Joe where he'll be safe and out of London.
Four years later his father dies and when Deacon arrives at the estate to get his ducks in a row he finds it on the brink of bankruptcy. There's also a boy who's all grown up now.
Tom reminds me of Westly: sweet, devoted, earnest and a hardworking stable boy. Tom hasn't forgotten Deacon. The longing they both have is intense with UST galore. The age difference matters not to either of them, but the class difference is another matter altogether. Plus there is the issue of Deacon needing a sizable amount of money to get the estate back up and running. For that he'll likely need to marry Harriet to acquire her 30 pieces of silver.
I thought the class difference was handled well as both men seem evenly matched in all other aspects and well suited to one another. There's no discernible power differential aside from the obvious, but Deacon treats all his servants with respect.
Both are virgins which doesn't really do much for me but I thought it was sweet that they lost their virginity together. Their relationship is fluffy without being saccharine and a dash of smut thrown in to keep things lively.
There is sadness to this narrative though by way of Beau which segues to the action plotline that maybe was a tad OTT but entertaining nonetheless. The Harriet thing is the only plot point that I thought was weak though it did lead to a heartwarming HEA. So whatever.
The brightest of the bright spots however was Joel Leslie. He knocked this out of the park! Breathing life into these characters, giving them each their own distinct voices and bringing a passion and vivaciousness to this story. Hell, he even threw in a Scottish brogue in there on top of the kagrillion British voices he had going. Incredible. Really incredible. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of his work in the future.
If you're in need of a sweet historical give The Innocent Auction a try.
A review copy was provided.
If your brain works like mine and you see the word "auction" and automatically think "slavefic" this is not that book. But it's still really good
Deacon gets wind that his cousin Beau has gone to an innocent auction and hot foot's it after him. Beau has a tendency to be impulsive and his being there could sully the family name so Deke to the rescue! An innocent auction is, apparently, where young boys are sold to god knows who for god knows what reasons. Why Beau went to this thing in the first place eludes me. I'm thinking maybe he was drunk and therefore suggestible. Because YUCK! Just yuck.
At the auction Deacon spots a boy with the bluest eyes on stage, eyes that pierce him and is consumed with a visceral need to protect him from what's surely coming to him if he's auctioned off. So he buys him in a melee just prior to the police busting up the whole thing. The boy's filthy, malnourished and terrified and Deacon wants to wrap him up in bubble wrap and make it all better. He sends him to his father's country estate with his trusted employee Joe where he'll be safe and out of London.
Four years later his father dies and when Deacon arrives at the estate to get his ducks in a row he finds it on the brink of bankruptcy. There's also a boy who's all grown up now.
Tom reminds me of Westly: sweet, devoted, earnest and a hardworking stable boy. Tom hasn't forgotten Deacon. The longing they both have is intense with UST galore. The age difference matters not to either of them, but the class difference is another matter altogether. Plus there is the issue of Deacon needing a sizable amount of money to get the estate back up and running. For that he'll likely need to marry Harriet to acquire her 30 pieces of silver.
I thought the class difference was handled well as both men seem evenly matched in all other aspects and well suited to one another. There's no discernible power differential aside from the obvious, but Deacon treats all his servants with respect.
Both are virgins which doesn't really do much for me but I thought it was sweet that they lost their virginity together. Their relationship is fluffy without being saccharine and a dash of smut thrown in to keep things lively.
There is sadness to this narrative though by way of Beau which segues to the action plotline that maybe was a tad OTT but entertaining nonetheless. The Harriet thing is the only plot point that I thought was weak though it did lead to a heartwarming HEA. So whatever.
The brightest of the bright spots however was Joel Leslie. He knocked this out of the park! Breathing life into these characters, giving them each their own distinct voices and bringing a passion and vivaciousness to this story. Hell, he even threw in a Scottish brogue in there on top of the kagrillion British voices he had going. Incredible. Really incredible. I'll definitely be on the lookout for more of his work in the future.
If you're in need of a sweet historical give The Innocent Auction a try.
A review copy was provided.
January 6, 2016
This was excellent! The author definitely knows how to play with your emotions and feelings.
I'm always on the look out for something different and The Innocent Auction is definitely a very unusual and rather dark Regency novel and I L*O*V*E*D IT!
It is a captivating story with a great plot and character development ; it grabbed hold of my imagination straightaway. All the characters feel so alive! Tom & Deacon are just wonderful. I love their vulnerability and the way they struggle with their desire and physical attraction. You can't help but root for them.
At that time sodomy was a crime punishable by death and here you feel and experience the full force of what those men went through and it's never glossed over.
The description of the Newgate Prison conditions seems dreadfully realistic and it assails the senses ; one can almost smell the dankness and the stench of the place ... it was horribly vivid!
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
March 11, 2016
To start of this review I have to say I thought this author did a amazing job with the time period in this book!
Deacon ends up at a auction trying to help his brother when he sees Tom and knows he must save him. This book has forbidden love between these two men with the time period they are in if their relationship is found out could be a death sentence for both of them.
There is angst in this book along with steam and some sweet parts too. I really thought the author did a amazing job with this story and these characters. I was grabbed from the start and could not put this down until the end. There were so many on the edge of your seat moments and I also really loved these two MC's together. I do not want to give away any spoilers so I will leave this review with... I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
Deacon ends up at a auction trying to help his brother when he sees Tom and knows he must save him. This book has forbidden love between these two men with the time period they are in if their relationship is found out could be a death sentence for both of them.
There is angst in this book along with steam and some sweet parts too. I really thought the author did a amazing job with this story and these characters. I was grabbed from the start and could not put this down until the end. There were so many on the edge of your seat moments and I also really loved these two MC's together. I do not want to give away any spoilers so I will leave this review with... I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it!
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.
April 13, 2018
Whoa, that was intense! Definitely not for the squeamish. A few incredibly memorable scenes regarding the dark and horribly unfair world of 19th Century London. Both how the poor children of the time were treated and those convicted (or even just accused) of homosexual activities. Gah, seriously intense and graphic.
The story was very, very well thought out and beautifully paced - this is the best thing I've read by Victoria Sue.
I did the audio version and had the always extremely pleasurable treat of listening to Joel Leslie for 6-1/2 hours. He's just brilliant and this was one of those books that he does better than anyone else. The variety of his voices, his accents, inflections, and incomparable skill was well suited to this story. Do yourself a favor and if you're even remotely interested in this wonderful story, go with the audio version.
The story was very, very well thought out and beautifully paced - this is the best thing I've read by Victoria Sue.
I did the audio version and had the always extremely pleasurable treat of listening to Joel Leslie for 6-1/2 hours. He's just brilliant and this was one of those books that he does better than anyone else. The variety of his voices, his accents, inflections, and incomparable skill was well suited to this story. Do yourself a favor and if you're even remotely interested in this wonderful story, go with the audio version.
August 16, 2018
This is the 4th book, that I have read by this author. I have loved all of them. Victoria Sue is becoming one of my favorites now.
This book was awesome. It has everything Danger, forbidden love, rescues, innocent love, ect. I recommend this for everyone. If you like book that are in the 1800s, Then read this.
This book was awesome. It has everything Danger, forbidden love, rescues, innocent love, ect. I recommend this for everyone. If you like book that are in the 1800s, Then read this.
April 5, 2016
A well-done historical, set in England in the early 1800's. When trying to warn his cousin Beau that a police raid is coming, Deacon rescues a terrified young boy from an "innocents auction" and sends him to his country estate to recover. Almost five years later, when he learns of his father's death, Deacon returns only to find the estate in ill repair due to an disreputable estate agent and his father's drunken state. Deacon also finds Tom, a strong healthy man with golden hair and brilliant blue eyes -- the lad he rescued earlier.
Deacon is torn between his lust and longing for Tom, while trying to restore the estate, knowing the only way he can achieve this is to marry Harriet, a rich heiress. When Deacon learns that his beloved cousin Beau has been arrested and charged with sodomy (punishable by death), he and Tom goes on a mission to save him.
The story really held my interest, with a solid love story between Deacon and Tom and enough subplots to keep the suspense going. There were a few subplots and characters that seems extraneous, however. There is a HEA and an epilogue that is very satisfying.
Deacon is torn between his lust and longing for Tom, while trying to restore the estate, knowing the only way he can achieve this is to marry Harriet, a rich heiress. When Deacon learns that his beloved cousin Beau has been arrested and charged with sodomy (punishable by death), he and Tom goes on a mission to save him.
The story really held my interest, with a solid love story between Deacon and Tom and enough subplots to keep the suspense going. There were a few subplots and characters that seems extraneous, however. There is a HEA and an epilogue that is very satisfying.
August 26, 2017
I was voluntarily provided a free copy of this audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love historical romances. I love MM romances. Put the two together and you have something not only wonderful, but heart wrenching, as well. Life for gay men was extremely difficult. I find it difficult to read these books and not despair that they cannot live free and open lives. This book not only focuses on that very issue, but adds the complexity of love between social classes in Regency England.
I truly cared for the MCs and found them absolutely enticing together. The plot and action captured my attention straight away, although the conflict near the end seeemd a bit forced (no spoilers). The two MCs reach as possible of an HEA as they can being where and who they are.
What truly made this story for me was the narration by Joel Leslie. His portrayal of the MCs brought them to life. His ability to perform different acccents added variety and richness to the story.
This was my first story by Victoria Sue and I loved it. This was not my first audiobook by Joel Leslie--he is one of my favorite narrators.
I love historical romances. I love MM romances. Put the two together and you have something not only wonderful, but heart wrenching, as well. Life for gay men was extremely difficult. I find it difficult to read these books and not despair that they cannot live free and open lives. This book not only focuses on that very issue, but adds the complexity of love between social classes in Regency England.
I truly cared for the MCs and found them absolutely enticing together. The plot and action captured my attention straight away, although the conflict near the end seeemd a bit forced (no spoilers). The two MCs reach as possible of an HEA as they can being where and who they are.
What truly made this story for me was the narration by Joel Leslie. His portrayal of the MCs brought them to life. His ability to perform different acccents added variety and richness to the story.
This was my first story by Victoria Sue and I loved it. This was not my first audiobook by Joel Leslie--he is one of my favorite narrators.
January 9, 2016
Loved it! It's well researched and a lovely authentic read. Victoria Sue doesn't shy away from the more intense aspects and dangers of being gay in that era, but it was also a lovely romantic read. I couldn't put it down. Definitely a favourite author for me now, and I hope to read more about Deacon and Tom.
March 29, 2019
3.5 Stars
It took a while for me to get into this book but it was an enjoyable, if slightly predictable, read. Definitely gritty at times...Beau's situation, child trafficking and prison conditions aren't sugar-coated.
I do appreciate how Victoria Sue tries her hand so many genres. Some writers stick with what they know, or what they have proven really good at, and don't take these kinds of risks. I'm gonna give the second one of this series a chance...specifically because it features Will (who it seems was and I'd like to see him stand up to that insufferable, horrible, asshole father of his.
That half star is because of how much I liked Joel Leslie's narration. Excellent accents.
It took a while for me to get into this book but it was an enjoyable, if slightly predictable, read. Definitely gritty at times...Beau's situation, child trafficking and prison conditions aren't sugar-coated.
I do appreciate how Victoria Sue tries her hand so many genres. Some writers stick with what they know, or what they have proven really good at, and don't take these kinds of risks. I'm gonna give the second one of this series a chance...specifically because it features Will (who it seems was and I'd like to see him stand up to that insufferable, horrible, asshole father of his.
That half star is because of how much I liked Joel Leslie's narration. Excellent accents.
dnf
May 22, 2019DNF @ 25%
Contrived scenes to give the MCs forbidden but tepid smooching scenes, zero build up to any kind of relationship and zero chemistry despite all the lusting between them. Bored now.
There is an attempt at a plot though, so that's nice, but honestly, I've read much better master/servant fanfic than this back when I was absorbing every Frodo/Sam slash fic I could get my greedy little hands on. Plus, the constant bad grammar (was stood, had sat) and missing punctuation killed this story even before I got to this:
"...his skin taught..."
Um...sorry, honey, but skin cannot be taught. It has no brains to be learning with! It can however be taut.
Contrived scenes to give the MCs forbidden but tepid smooching scenes, zero build up to any kind of relationship and zero chemistry despite all the lusting between them. Bored now.
There is an attempt at a plot though, so that's nice, but honestly, I've read much better master/servant fanfic than this back when I was absorbing every Frodo/Sam slash fic I could get my greedy little hands on. Plus, the constant bad grammar (was stood, had sat) and missing punctuation killed this story even before I got to this:
"...his skin taught..."
Um...sorry, honey, but skin cannot be taught. It has no brains to be learning with! It can however be taut.
December 23, 2021
A simple story I won't listen again. Nothing original but nice.
What annoyed me was the lack of subtlety. They plunge into 'forevers' and 'wishing to see his face every morning' very suddenly and the emotions are written in cheesy cliches.
What annoyed me was the lack of subtlety. They plunge into 'forevers' and 'wishing to see his face every morning' very suddenly and the emotions are written in cheesy cliches.
February 11, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
I liked the set up with the wealthy lord and the stable boy, in particular the way Beau’s story runs in parallel to Tom and Deacon’s relationship. It never overshadows them, but it does serve to illustrate the cautionary tale and the risks that Tom and Deacon face. It is a great way to show how precarious it is for two men to purse a relationship, and to let us see some of the fallout of that, without having it all happen to our heroes directly.
I also think Sue does a nice job with the historical elements here, in particular the legal side of things. We get great detail into the prison, the punishment, and the greasing of palms that makes the system work. I found these details really enhanced the story and gave us a good sense of the time period. There were times when I felt like we were getting the modern day explanation of things (talking about the “current” law or speculating that the law would be repealed in 1o years), which took me out of the story a bit, but overall I think the historical elements were done well and the writing tight and easy to read.
Where I struggled with this story was the relationship between Tom and Deacon. I just had a hard time feeling the romantic connection that was supposedly taking place. The sexual connection was clear, but I felt like they went from virtual strangers to having this deep emotional connection with no time to get there.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
I liked the set up with the wealthy lord and the stable boy, in particular the way Beau’s story runs in parallel to Tom and Deacon’s relationship. It never overshadows them, but it does serve to illustrate the cautionary tale and the risks that Tom and Deacon face. It is a great way to show how precarious it is for two men to purse a relationship, and to let us see some of the fallout of that, without having it all happen to our heroes directly.
I also think Sue does a nice job with the historical elements here, in particular the legal side of things. We get great detail into the prison, the punishment, and the greasing of palms that makes the system work. I found these details really enhanced the story and gave us a good sense of the time period. There were times when I felt like we were getting the modern day explanation of things (talking about the “current” law or speculating that the law would be repealed in 1o years), which took me out of the story a bit, but overall I think the historical elements were done well and the writing tight and easy to read.
Where I struggled with this story was the relationship between Tom and Deacon. I just had a hard time feeling the romantic connection that was supposedly taking place. The sexual connection was clear, but I felt like they went from virtual strangers to having this deep emotional connection with no time to get there.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 1, 2017
The book is well written, the story works for me but, dear me, it's brutal. If you are looking for a fluffy, little Regency romance, this is not for you.
I'm pretty sure that the depiction of this time period is a lot closer to the truth than a lot of books I've read but still, it is a very bitter pill to swallow. I applaud the author for going for a story where the characters' biggest problem isn't that they have to fake a properly fashionable kind of ennui and boredom or being on time for their little pleasure jaunt through the park. This is about life and death and the very real possibility of spending your life in hell just because you are poor and pretty. Or being killed because you are gay. Which, let's face it, is in not a small part of the world still a part of reality.
It's Romance (tm), so never fear, there is a HEA which actually kind of works (which is a tricky thing to do in a gay historical romance) but the tears I cried along the way were not of the ultimately pleasurable angsty variety but more over the fact that humans as such really, really suck a lot of the time.
Still, highly recommended.
I'm pretty sure that the depiction of this time period is a lot closer to the truth than a lot of books I've read but still, it is a very bitter pill to swallow. I applaud the author for going for a story where the characters' biggest problem isn't that they have to fake a properly fashionable kind of ennui and boredom or being on time for their little pleasure jaunt through the park. This is about life and death and the very real possibility of spending your life in hell just because you are poor and pretty. Or being killed because you are gay. Which, let's face it, is in not a small part of the world still a part of reality.
It's Romance (tm), so never fear, there is a HEA which actually kind of works (which is a tricky thing to do in a gay historical romance) but the tears I cried along the way were not of the ultimately pleasurable angsty variety but more over the fact that humans as such really, really suck a lot of the time.
Still, highly recommended.
March 3, 2016
Review to follow...
June 30, 2016
So this is a regency m/m romance borrowed from the kindle lending library. It was pretty good, easy reading, some shocking facts about crime and punishment for so-called deviant activity.
January 2, 2016
Wow!
Loved this, good plot, I could almost smell Newgate prison (yucky) it was so well described, I want to cry several times. Just fantastic. I've read Victoria Sue's other books and she just seems incapable of writing badly even when changing from contemporary BDSM to paranormal and now historical!
Loved this, good plot, I could almost smell Newgate prison (yucky) it was so well described, I want to cry several times. Just fantastic. I've read Victoria Sue's other books and she just seems incapable of writing badly even when changing from contemporary BDSM to paranormal and now historical!
February 10, 2017
Loved this book, even though it made very sad at times. I definitely need to check out more by this author.
July 12, 2017
Audio Version
This story was a mixed bag for me. I liked Deacon a lot and I enjoyed the overall plot of him inheriting his father's responsibilities, while trying to fix the horrendous mess he had made. I found Deacon's struggle to do right by his employees and township entertaining and I was eager to see how things worked out. I especially liked the side story revolving around Deacon's cousin/best frien Beau. That more than anything, kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the relationship between Deacon and Beau. It was both beautiful and bittersweet and I found myself teary-eyed at one point.
The part of the story that didn't really work for me was the relationship between Deacon and Tom. They had an interesting set up and I liked that part. Unfortunately when they meet again it's a total insta-love. I had a very hard time buying that they would risk all that they had to risk after only meeting a couple of times. It didn't seem realistic to me at all. I wish the author would have spent more time letting us see their relationship develop. This had the potential to be an excellent book. That being said, the epilogue was sweet and I was happy to see them get their happily ever after.
This audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie and I thought he did a very good job. I listen to this narrator a lot and his English accent books are my favorites of his. (I'm American and I have no idea if they're authentic or not though.) He did a good job with all of the characters and I never struggled to figure out who was speaking. He also put the appropriate amount of emotion in to the scenes.
This story was a mixed bag for me. I liked Deacon a lot and I enjoyed the overall plot of him inheriting his father's responsibilities, while trying to fix the horrendous mess he had made. I found Deacon's struggle to do right by his employees and township entertaining and I was eager to see how things worked out. I especially liked the side story revolving around Deacon's cousin/best frien Beau. That more than anything, kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the relationship between Deacon and Beau. It was both beautiful and bittersweet and I found myself teary-eyed at one point.
The part of the story that didn't really work for me was the relationship between Deacon and Tom. They had an interesting set up and I liked that part. Unfortunately when they meet again it's a total insta-love. I had a very hard time buying that they would risk all that they had to risk after only meeting a couple of times. It didn't seem realistic to me at all. I wish the author would have spent more time letting us see their relationship develop. This had the potential to be an excellent book. That being said, the epilogue was sweet and I was happy to see them get their happily ever after.
This audiobook was narrated by Joel Leslie and I thought he did a very good job. I listen to this narrator a lot and his English accent books are my favorites of his. (I'm American and I have no idea if they're authentic or not though.) He did a good job with all of the characters and I never struggled to figure out who was speaking. He also put the appropriate amount of emotion in to the scenes.
August 18, 2017
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
When Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, receives an urgent summons from a friend who informs him that Deacon’s best friend, Bo, is visiting a bathhouse where illegal male on male action takes place and that he’s just found out the place is to be raided, he drops everything to go get Bo before the raid. But, while he’s on time, he’s ill-prepared for some of the other things he sees—including an “innocent auction” in which a young boy is being offered for sex to the highest bidder. With Bo’s help, they get the young boy, Tom, out of there and get him sent away to Deacon’s country estate where he’ll hopefully thrive.
Five years later, Bo and Deacon are still both more interested in men than women, but Deacon must now marry because his father has just passed away, making him the duke. He finds out that he’s actually a penniless duke, whose estate has been allowed to fall into disrepute, right around the same time he discovers that the overseer has fled the country, taking all of Deacon’s available funds with him. But his main quandary is that he’s met Tom again—a very adult Tom—and is rapidly losing his heart to the young man. With no interest in women, he hesitates to pursue the match he knows he must make to bring money to his coffers. And in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, he then finds out Bo has been arrested and this time it looks like he may hang for his crime.
Not trusting anyone else to go with him, he and Tom set out for London and discover that Bo is not only jailed, but a powerful duke is behind the arrest, having come upon Bo and the duke’s son in the act of committing sodomy. Since Bo was topping, he’s accused of rape, and the duke is sparing no expense to assure that he can’t get away.
The author wove an interesting tale of a very frightening time in history and created two very endearing MCs and a number of interesting secondary characters, including the very charismatic Bo, for whom I was rooting throughout the last chapters. Unfortunately, Bo’s story didn’t end well, though Deacon had a surprise visitor who presented him with an easy resolution to his monetary worries, and at the same time, a way for Deacon and Tom to remain together. As Bo’s story shows, finding a happily ever after in those years and in those circumstances was very difficult, and though I guessed the solution before it was presented, I still enjoyed listening to my favorite voice actor perform it with all the drama it deserved.
Joel Leslie did an outstanding job, as usual, of bringing this story to life. I’m sure I would have liked it and given it 3 stars if I read it, but his performance truly animated the characters, thereby increasing my appreciation and my rating. If you enjoy historical MM romance set in 19th century England, with a taste of star-crossed love complicated by class differences, and a dash of exciting danger and intrigue, you may enjoy this one as much as I did. I definitely recommend the audiobook format.
**3.75 stars**
When Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, receives an urgent summons from a friend who informs him that Deacon’s best friend, Bo, is visiting a bathhouse where illegal male on male action takes place and that he’s just found out the place is to be raided, he drops everything to go get Bo before the raid. But, while he’s on time, he’s ill-prepared for some of the other things he sees—including an “innocent auction” in which a young boy is being offered for sex to the highest bidder. With Bo’s help, they get the young boy, Tom, out of there and get him sent away to Deacon’s country estate where he’ll hopefully thrive.
Five years later, Bo and Deacon are still both more interested in men than women, but Deacon must now marry because his father has just passed away, making him the duke. He finds out that he’s actually a penniless duke, whose estate has been allowed to fall into disrepute, right around the same time he discovers that the overseer has fled the country, taking all of Deacon’s available funds with him. But his main quandary is that he’s met Tom again—a very adult Tom—and is rapidly losing his heart to the young man. With no interest in women, he hesitates to pursue the match he knows he must make to bring money to his coffers. And in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, he then finds out Bo has been arrested and this time it looks like he may hang for his crime.
Not trusting anyone else to go with him, he and Tom set out for London and discover that Bo is not only jailed, but a powerful duke is behind the arrest, having come upon Bo and the duke’s son in the act of committing sodomy. Since Bo was topping, he’s accused of rape, and the duke is sparing no expense to assure that he can’t get away.
The author wove an interesting tale of a very frightening time in history and created two very endearing MCs and a number of interesting secondary characters, including the very charismatic Bo, for whom I was rooting throughout the last chapters. Unfortunately, Bo’s story didn’t end well, though Deacon had a surprise visitor who presented him with an easy resolution to his monetary worries, and at the same time, a way for Deacon and Tom to remain together. As Bo’s story shows, finding a happily ever after in those years and in those circumstances was very difficult, and though I guessed the solution before it was presented, I still enjoyed listening to my favorite voice actor perform it with all the drama it deserved.
Joel Leslie did an outstanding job, as usual, of bringing this story to life. I’m sure I would have liked it and given it 3 stars if I read it, but his performance truly animated the characters, thereby increasing my appreciation and my rating. If you enjoy historical MM romance set in 19th century England, with a taste of star-crossed love complicated by class differences, and a dash of exciting danger and intrigue, you may enjoy this one as much as I did. I definitely recommend the audiobook format.
**3.75 stars**
December 30, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
This is something very different from Victoria Sue, it’s also something different for me as I rarely read let alone review historical novels. One thing remained the same through, she showed once again she has the ability to reduce the reader to tears, I am actually beginning to think it’s something she enjoys!
For me this was quite a melancholy story. The hardships of the time, the poverty and the fact that you could be hung for just falling in love were harsh realities. Add into that the difference in class, the expectations of peers and the fact that money rather than words was the currency and the 1800’s were not a good time to be alive in my opinion!
Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, gets dragged into a situation not of his own making but of his best friend Beau’s on a night will change the course of his life. Where Deacon is careful and sticks to the rules his best Beau does not. Beau needs rescuing from an underground auction, where men bid for other men, or boys, as to be caught there would be disastrous. In saving Beau he inadvertently buys and saves a young boy called Tom who he sends off to his family’s estate and doesn’t see for the next five years.
The pressure for Deacon to marry and produce an heir are heavy and become even more so when his father dies. Deacon is a private man who carries secrets that he scarcely even admits to himself. When he arrives at the family estate after his father’s death two things become apparent – the estate itself is a mess and the young man that causes his heart to flutter is the boy he rescued five years ago.
This is a love story that happens behind closed doors, that is overpowering and that has the very real possibility of ending in their deaths. It breeds fear yet neither man can just walk away. It’s about snatched moments where class doesn’t matter, only the love and intimacy between them is important. The consequences of their actions are brought home to them harshly when Beau once again gets himself into bother. Despite the risks Deacon finds himself falling hard for Tom and luck seems to be on their side for the most part. The same cannot be said for Beau and the author once again brings her readers pain and sorrow with a storyline that feels right for the setting but is heart breaking to read.
All the way through the book I worried how these two men would find their happiness. There wasn’t an easy answer, in fact it seemed there wasn’t an answer at all but sometimes fate intervenes and although their ending could never be described as perfect, it was fitting and it worked.
4.25 Stars
This is something very different from Victoria Sue, it’s also something different for me as I rarely read let alone review historical novels. One thing remained the same through, she showed once again she has the ability to reduce the reader to tears, I am actually beginning to think it’s something she enjoys!
For me this was quite a melancholy story. The hardships of the time, the poverty and the fact that you could be hung for just falling in love were harsh realities. Add into that the difference in class, the expectations of peers and the fact that money rather than words was the currency and the 1800’s were not a good time to be alive in my opinion!
Deacon, Viscount Carlisle, gets dragged into a situation not of his own making but of his best friend Beau’s on a night will change the course of his life. Where Deacon is careful and sticks to the rules his best Beau does not. Beau needs rescuing from an underground auction, where men bid for other men, or boys, as to be caught there would be disastrous. In saving Beau he inadvertently buys and saves a young boy called Tom who he sends off to his family’s estate and doesn’t see for the next five years.
The pressure for Deacon to marry and produce an heir are heavy and become even more so when his father dies. Deacon is a private man who carries secrets that he scarcely even admits to himself. When he arrives at the family estate after his father’s death two things become apparent – the estate itself is a mess and the young man that causes his heart to flutter is the boy he rescued five years ago.
This is a love story that happens behind closed doors, that is overpowering and that has the very real possibility of ending in their deaths. It breeds fear yet neither man can just walk away. It’s about snatched moments where class doesn’t matter, only the love and intimacy between them is important. The consequences of their actions are brought home to them harshly when Beau once again gets himself into bother. Despite the risks Deacon finds himself falling hard for Tom and luck seems to be on their side for the most part. The same cannot be said for Beau and the author once again brings her readers pain and sorrow with a storyline that feels right for the setting but is heart breaking to read.
All the way through the book I worried how these two men would find their happiness. There wasn’t an easy answer, in fact it seemed there wasn’t an answer at all but sometimes fate intervenes and although their ending could never be described as perfect, it was fitting and it worked.
December 28, 2019
3 low stars on reread
I forgot reading this but on second reading realized that I had read it. I had the same feelings but maybe even a little more put off by a couple of other things. 1. the pillory too graphic for me. 2. the duke no blaming the duke's son. 3. Sampson Fuck that and reading my review it was my biggest complaint.
So 3 1/2
It would've been a solid 4 historical gay romance but the extra far fetched drama in the end just made it go down in 1. believably and 2. enjoyment. I would've rather drama with the Duke but instead we get the past
"He couldn't believe the man resurfaced", Yeah, neither can I. It is so far fetched and kind of ruins where the book had gone to. I really loved this up to here then it was too far fetched, too many bad twists for a shorter story (200 pages) rolled my eyes and started just thinking this is too much drama. Could have had a much better lead in to the ending but this just... well. There was enough drama with his cousin, this was over the top.
So I really liked this up to this point. I thought the answer to the marriage question was a little too quick but a nice solution. Still if this was drawn out and the drama above just taken away, I would've enjoyed it much more. Loved the epilogue.
I forgot reading this but on second reading realized that I had read it. I had the same feelings but maybe even a little more put off by a couple of other things. 1. the pillory too graphic for me. 2. the duke no blaming the duke's son. 3. Sampson Fuck that and reading my review it was my biggest complaint.
So 3 1/2
It would've been a solid 4 historical gay romance but the extra far fetched drama in the end just made it go down in 1. believably and 2. enjoyment. I would've rather drama with the Duke but instead we get the past
"He couldn't believe the man resurfaced", Yeah, neither can I. It is so far fetched and kind of ruins where the book had gone to. I really loved this up to here then it was too far fetched, too many bad twists for a shorter story (200 pages) rolled my eyes and started just thinking this is too much drama. Could have had a much better lead in to the ending but this just... well. There was enough drama with his cousin, this was over the top.
So I really liked this up to this point. I thought the answer to the marriage question was a little too quick but a nice solution. Still if this was drawn out and the drama above just taken away, I would've enjoyed it much more. Loved the epilogue.
January 5, 2016
I must confess that I almost never read regency books, but this book grabbed me, first by it’s gorgeous cover, then by it’s blurb… so of course I had to read it!
And Oh my! What a read!
Deacon used to live his life as discreetly as possible… in opposition to his cousin Beau, that used to visit the most dark and unhealthy places in London. When Deacon heard that his cousin would be in an innocent Auction, and that there would be a ride into it, he had to do something, he had to alert his cousin... But, what he thought would be just a quick stop to alert Beau, became a race to save the life of an innocent teenager boy.
Their life paths crossed again a few years later and Deacon realized that the boy had become a beautiful and strong man.
Tom never forgot his savior, but how could they became more to each other, if they had so much against their romance… their social status, the fact that same sex relationships could get any of them killed… so many things were against them…
Tom and Deacon are so beautiful together, and they’ll fight be able to live their love.
Don’t miss this beautiful book.
**I received this product in exchange of an honest review**
And Oh my! What a read!
Deacon used to live his life as discreetly as possible… in opposition to his cousin Beau, that used to visit the most dark and unhealthy places in London. When Deacon heard that his cousin would be in an innocent Auction, and that there would be a ride into it, he had to do something, he had to alert his cousin... But, what he thought would be just a quick stop to alert Beau, became a race to save the life of an innocent teenager boy.
Their life paths crossed again a few years later and Deacon realized that the boy had become a beautiful and strong man.
Tom never forgot his savior, but how could they became more to each other, if they had so much against their romance… their social status, the fact that same sex relationships could get any of them killed… so many things were against them…
Tom and Deacon are so beautiful together, and they’ll fight be able to live their love.
Don’t miss this beautiful book.
**I received this product in exchange of an honest review**
June 23, 2016
Tough But Good Story Okay, this is just my opinion...If Victoria Sue was a perfect writer this would have been unreadable because of the pain, sadness, and just plain cruelty people can inflict on one another historically in the name of moral correctness. She used punishments from this era that are usually just touched on but thankfully not often explored in this genre. Tom a boy is saved from what we might now call a sex slavery situation by Deacon, Viscount Carlisle while he's trying to save his childhood friend Beau. We don't really get to know Beau but we all know a Beau and that makes his life all the more infuriating. Beau's character was the catalyst that made this story move. There's an HEA and lord how I needed it. It was a tough read but I'm glad I read it. I expect more from this writer.
January 9, 2016
A bit of a change in gear from Victoria Sues' usual stories.Still MM but Regency Historical,but just as stunning and riveting.The time,care and attention to detail,regarding the harshness of the times and its surroundings,really echoed the dismal situation many people found themselves in.From the festering back alleys,to the cloying oppression and desperation of Newgate prison,along with the depths of corruption,as stale as the surroundings themselves.However,it is intertwined with a deep love story that will illuminate even the darkest of places. I loved this book.emotions up,emotions down...emotions up again,and so on.A pleasure to read yet another stunning book from this amazing woman.
January 27, 2016
3.75 stars
This is an m/m historical romance set in the regency period. I think one of its strengths is that, unlike most m/m romances set in this period, it does not gloss over the brutal treatment of homosexual men during this time period. We see a character being prosecuted for sodomy, living in the despicable conditions of Newgate prison and being forced to stand at the pillory.
I didn't love the romance itself mostly because I don't usually enjoy romances between a lord and a servant.
This is an m/m historical romance set in the regency period. I think one of its strengths is that, unlike most m/m romances set in this period, it does not gloss over the brutal treatment of homosexual men during this time period. We see a character being prosecuted for sodomy, living in the despicable conditions of Newgate prison and being forced to stand at the pillory.
I didn't love the romance itself mostly because I don't usually enjoy romances between a lord and a servant.
May 31, 2017
A review of an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I was pleasantly surprised about how good this story was. It is a period drama set in Victorian time London / Countryside. Deacon and Tom are briefly thrown together, whilst Deacon is rescuing his Cousin Beau, who is at a seedy club that is about to be raided. After he is rescued Tom is sent to Deacons family estate to start a new life. Five years later with the death of Deacons Father, which means Deacon is now responsible for the country Estate. Upon his arrival, at the estate He is surprised to see Tom still working on the farm. They have a few secret moments together but hide their love from other staff. Both try and fight their feelings for a very taboo and life threatening love of each other. They are Separated later in the story, as Toms past catches up with him, Can Deacon rescue Tom once more, and how can they have a future together.
The story is well paced with just the right amount of conflicts, The characters are believable and you do bond with both main characters, wanting them to work through the obstacles. I think the autor has done a great job of describing the period and has left me wanting a sequel, not because of a cliff hanger, but because I am connected to Deacon and Tom.
I was pleasantly surprised about how good this story was. It is a period drama set in Victorian time London / Countryside. Deacon and Tom are briefly thrown together, whilst Deacon is rescuing his Cousin Beau, who is at a seedy club that is about to be raided. After he is rescued Tom is sent to Deacons family estate to start a new life. Five years later with the death of Deacons Father, which means Deacon is now responsible for the country Estate. Upon his arrival, at the estate He is surprised to see Tom still working on the farm. They have a few secret moments together but hide their love from other staff. Both try and fight their feelings for a very taboo and life threatening love of each other. They are Separated later in the story, as Toms past catches up with him, Can Deacon rescue Tom once more, and how can they have a future together.
The story is well paced with just the right amount of conflicts, The characters are believable and you do bond with both main characters, wanting them to work through the obstacles. I think the autor has done a great job of describing the period and has left me wanting a sequel, not because of a cliff hanger, but because I am connected to Deacon and Tom.
March 22, 2016
Although it started slowly, this historical romance moved quickly after the second chapter. Deacon is a likeable character, initially torn by his attraction to Tom, and his place in proper British society. Tom is a sympathetic character who the reader easily falls for. There are moments when the author teases you in the beginning and this helps build the tension. The story provides a great escape from modern day life and brings you to an era where you can hear the clip-clop of horses.
Read
October 4, 2016I wanted to say thank you to everyone who gave this a try. I've wanted to write regency romances since i was little and stole my mom's. However, if you're wanting to read all about dressing up and drinking tea - then this book definitely isn't the one for you. I'm completely thrilled to learn it just got an honorable mention in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
I'd just like to add that this book is published in the US so while the language is in line with the era, the spellings are US word.
I'd just like to add that this book is published in the US so while the language is in line with the era, the spellings are US word.
September 7, 2016
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Innocent Auction by Victoria Sue
1) The Innocent Auction was a beautiful and emotional story. The author created some really fascinating characters and her writing style is just lovely. I'm normally not a big fan of historical romances, but this one really captivated me. I was sad it had to end.
2) A good solid book!
1) The Innocent Auction was a beautiful and emotional story. The author created some really fascinating characters and her writing style is just lovely. I'm normally not a big fan of historical romances, but this one really captivated me. I was sad it had to end.
2) A good solid book!
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