Acceptable Lies

by C.M. Corett

William’s task is catch the blackmailer. William Richmond is an earl, a father, a country gentleman… and a former spy. Catching the blackmailer should be simple, but when William finds a beautiful, injured young man on the beach, unfamiliar desires surge. He is determined to focus on the task and resist temptation—resist Daniel, or his carefully constructed illusions will crumble, exposing his lies to the world… and himself.

Daniel’s question is Should he trust William? Daniel has his identity, his past, how and why he washed up on the shore… and more. With revelations of espionage, blackmail, and the arrival of William’s colleagues, the danger of exposure grows. Daniel’s instincts tell him that William is a decent man, a man of honor, but his instincts have been wrong before. As the attraction grows, so does Daniel’s desire to confess, but if he’s wrong, he risks everything—his secrets, his freedom, and his heart.

Genres: Historical, M M Historical Romance, M M Romance, Romance, Historical Romance

106 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2016

About the author

CM Corett is an Australian author of Gay M/M romance who has given up on trying to limit herself to one sub-genre. She writes contemporary, historical, sci-fi and time travel… and she may have a few paranormal drafts hidden under the bed!

She has lived in the USA and traveled the world gathering inspiration for her stories, but the beautiful beaches of Western Australia will always be her home.

An avid reader of love between men, her M/M writing obsession began with Jack and Ianto, characters from the TV series ‘Torchwood’ (BBC TV Wales) This lead to the discovery of Torchwood Fanfiction and subsequently, her desire to write M/M became all consuming.

Her other obsessions are reading, movies, superheroes, and video games with awesome graphics.

She hates housework and anyone who expects her to notice (or care about) the dust on top of the fridge.

C M Corett loves to hear from her readers.

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 HEARTS


A Gay For You Historical!!! That was unexpected and surprisingly really...really….HOT!

William is an Earl (yes! Hot, right?) who finds Daniel washed up and unconscious on a beach. He notices Daniel’s beauty instantly and that attraction turns to lust, which turns to friendship as they start to get to know each other, which obviously all leads up to a HEA. The attraction turned lust is where this book is special. The build up and sexual tension between Daniel and William is insanely hot! Both GFYs and historicals are typically high on the tension, due to the tabooness of the relationship and well...virginity, but adding them both together…




“William was conscious of each and every movement of Daniel’s body. The strong-legged stride. The brush of Daniel’s arm against his, sending quivers through his belly. The smooth curve of Daniel’s neck, begging for his touch. His fingers twitched. Dear God. He needed to control himself. He clasped his hands to keep them from temptation…”


So this sexual tension, where did it lead you ask? You will not be disappointed! It led to three very hot sex scenes, yes three... in a short story, that is pretty rare! The sex scenes didn't drag either, so they weren’t repetitive which can sometimes be an issue with multiple sex scenes in novellas.

Aside from the delicious sexual tension I really enjoyed Daniel and William's relationship. Their interactions with Thomas (Williams son) were cute and they had quite a sweet friendship and some fun possessive moments between them.


“He swallowed the lump in his throat as Daniel smiled at some inane comment from Charlotte. The blood pounded through his veins, and a surge of possessiveness welled up from within. Mine.”


My main issue with this story was the blackmail trope. Blackmail side stories often fall flat for me in romances. They take away from the characters relationship, for an action sequence that usually feels rushed, it was no different here. I didn't really care at all about William's past or the blackmailer. Even though I occasionally love a good rescue scene, the end sequence was resolved so quickly, it didn't satisfy my damsel-in-distress-white-knight desire enough for me to want it to interfere with their romance. I really wanted more of Daniel and William and much less talk of blackmail.

I would still recommend this though. A historical GFY… so unique, if you like historicals I wouldn't pass on this one!

[Kade Boehme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet. Nothing earth shattering but a nice little historical. AND I didn't realize it was a historical so that was a fabulous surprise for me. A good read for in between angsty reads, or just to get out of your head for an hour or so.

[Ami · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story lost my attention, maybe after the third or fourth occurrences of the MCs' c*ck jumped, stirred, harden, or swelled. Seriously, dude, lusting over an unconscious man who just got hit on the head is CREEPY! 🙄

And don't get start of the blackmail plot. I still didn't understand the content of the blackmail even until the end. Because the MC's c*ck ruled their head instead.

The only thing I liked here was Thomas -- that boy was wonderful

[Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect Even If Short

This is one of the best short 19th Century British historical M/M romance novellas I have ever read. It takes place during a couple of months in 1857 on the estate of William, Earl of Richmond.

This early 30s widower and his totally precocious seven-year-old son Thomas, stumbles upon a near deceased young man's body on the shore near his home. The young man, Daniel, does not die, but he also does not tell why or how he washed up almost dead.

Author Corett then takes us through the history of both these men, gently persuading us that William is subject to potentially a gay-for-you conversion while Daniel is almost fatally attracted to him. The brilliant use of Thomas throughout the tale reminds us of how important a child can be to a man like William, and the constant parade of eligible young ladies William' mother offers him makes it quite clear the societal pressures he is under to marry once again is distasteful.

But Daniel is not healed yet, in body nor in spirit, nor in heart, and William feels an obligation to practically nurse him. The complication of a blackmailer stalking William and Thomas is a thread that holds the plotline together throughout, but the true tale here is one of love. Thomas is the unbound expression of it, William's household staff is the unquestioning support of it, and Daniel is the total embodiment of it.

There's mystery, intrigue, romance, sex, adventure, some nasty violence, heart-thumping confrontations and a lot of wonderful dialogue and narrative extensions. You can read it in 90 minutes, and you will not forget anyone soon, if ever. Lovely.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star - Excellent read with heat!!!!
I love historicals and this one hit the spot. Great chemistry between MC's, good secondary characters, and very well written. Throw in a little blackmail and danger and this one goes on my 'feel good-repeat read' list.

William’s task is clear: catch the blackmailer. William Richmond is an earl, a father, a country gentleman… and a former spy. Catching the blackmailer should be simple, but when William finds a beautiful, injured young man on the beach, unfamiliar desires surge. He is determined to focus on the task and resist temptation—resist Daniel, or his carefully constructed illusions will crumble, exposing his lies to the world… and himself.

Daniel’s question is simple: Should he trust William? Daniel has secrets: his identity, his past, how and why he washed up on the shore… and more. With revelations of espionage, blackmail, and the arrival of William’s colleagues, the danger of exposure grows. Daniel’s instincts tell him that William is a decent man, a man of honor, but his instincts have been wrong before. As the attraction grows, so does Daniel’s desire to confess, but if he’s wrong, he risks everything—his secrets, his freedom, and his heart.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have always loved historical books and the way this author wrote this story was perfect!

So this being such a short book I really do not want to go to much into the story and what happens because I do not want to give away any spoilers. I will say this was such a sweet story and the steamy scenes between William and Daniel were so damn hot!

The way this author wrote this time period and the characters "which I really loved both William and Daniel" was amazing!

So I will leave this review with...I really loved this story and would definitely recommend it!

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Inked Rainbow Reads.

[Lena Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Do not be too moral. You may cheat yourself out of much life. Aim above morality. Be not simply good; be good for something.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

After ten years as a spy for his country, Earl William Richmond, of 'Acceptable Lies' by CM Corett, comes home to manage his estate. His greatest joy is his son, Thomas, with whom he spends many happy hours. William thinks he has all he needs, that is, until he rescues a handsome young man, Daniel, who is washed up on a nearby beach. Being with Daniel, throws William's neat, orderly life into chaos by unfamiliar and disconcerting feelings and he is not sure what to do with them.

William takes Daniel to his home to recover and offers him the choice of staying for however long it takes for him to feel well again. Daniel pretends to have amnesia, afraid that if William knows why he left home, he would, at the least, withdraw his offer and at worst, have him arrested for sodomy. Since Daniel has a head wound, no one is suspicious about his memory loss. Daniel is charming and quickly endears himself to everyone there, especially Thomas, who thinks more of him as a playmate than another adult in the household. Daniel loves spending time with Thomas as well, but it's William with whom he'd like to spend “real alone time”. As Daniel grows stronger, he both welcomes and dreads his recovery. Being well will mean he's that much closer to leaving. Since William hasn't a clue how to court a man, Daniel takes the first step but William is a quick learner. Once Daniel helps him see that what they have is a beautiful thing rather than an abomination, William overcomes his reticence and things heat up rather quickly.

William is a kind, generous man, who treats his servants with respect, causing them to be understandably loyal. William is also a wonderful father who delights in riding, rock and shell collecting, or doing anything else that will nurture his son and make him happy. Considering his mysterious past, it's not surprising when he begins to receive threatening blackmail letters. William reacts by pulling everyone in closer to the manor house, ordering the doors to be locked and other areas secured to prevent invasion. Instead of giving in to threats, William, with the help of two comrades, is determined to find and dispense of the troublemakers. Even these precautions aren't enough. William's worst nightmare comes true when both Thomas and Daniel are kidnapped. William, along with his two associates, is determined to get them back, and rides out to punish the men who dared take his family.

Although predictable, the story is engaging and the characters well-developed and likable. Of course, Thomas stole the show with his adorableness, compassion, intelligence, and bravery. Adding a child, especially one as involved as Thomas, made the story even more poignant. If you like a romantic, fairy-tale-like story, filled with action, intrigue, an adorable little boy, two handsome men in love, and a happy ending, you may enjoy this one. Thanks, CM, for an entertaining, relaxing read.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Crystal Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a super fan of historicals, I do find M/M historicals easier to read. This one was quite enjoyable. William, a former spy (and paid assassin) for the English gov’t, now lives a solitary life at the family seat on the coast with his son Thomas and a tiny gaggle of servants. Daniel was shipped off to France by his family because they found out he was gay. When he’s washed overboard, he lands on the beach near William’s home.

I loved watching William as he tried to figure out what was wrong with himself. The way he feels when he is around Daniel is confusing to him and he is highly embarrassed by it all. One of the things I loved about Daniel? Even after the stuff society and his family did to him, he wasn’t ashamed of who he was. And when he began to get the feeling William was attracted, he set out to see if he was.

As in all really good books, the lead characters push the story forward, but it is the minor characters who give it life. William’s housekeeper is no nonsense and sees far more than she lets on. Betsy, his maid, is wonderfully short-sighted and tends to run into anything and everything. And Thomas, his son, really rounds out William’s character as it’s obvious that he must be a truly decent and loving man to have a child who is so open and happy.

Acceptable Lies has intrigue, a kidnapping, blackmail, and spies. Add in the two wonderful lead male characters and a sweet romance and I really liked this story.

There were two things that were never quite answered at the end of the tale, though. Whatever will William do when his mother keeps bringing ladies to his table? And will the inspector finally figure out what happened to Daniel, making a certain former lover appear?

Might I hope for a continuation of their story? Or, if not their stories, maybe tales for William’s former partners?

Reviewed by a-nony-mouse for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3 stars

Acceptable Lies is in fact just that: acceptable. The writing, while a bit too melodramatic, is adequate and the author does a good job capturing the passion between William and Daniel. Their scenes together are certainly the strongest parts of the book and, despite the almost ridiculous speed of their relationship, they are both likable creations, though not particularly original. They are the center that holds the much weaker plot together and keeps it from becoming too dull or altogether disappearing. Neither William nor Daniel are fully rendered, but nor do they suffer from a complete lack of characterization. Rather the author has given readers just enough information to make them relatable without being fully realized.

The plot is basic and pretty well trodden. It lacks originality and is, at times, painfully predictable. This said, it isn’t especially bad and most of the dangly bits are resolved by the end of the book. I would have preferred more depth throughout and the book almost seems disinterested in itself at times. When not focused on William and Daniel, Acceptable Lies tends limp along, not without direction, but rather lacking in motivation. It knows where it needs to go and does eventually get there, but not with any real excitement or impetus. We’re given only a vague sense of time and place but given the overall banality of the plot, this doesn’t serve as an especially large distraction.

Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.

[Monika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

In lieu of writing reviews – I’m taking an extended break – I decided to leave this list showing some of the reasons for the stars I’ve given to the stories I’ve read.

5 Stars – Given to stories that had me falling in love with the characters or stories where I hated the characters but the author had me hooked. For stories that had me so engaged in the plot I couldn’t put the book down and stories that either made me cry buckets and/or laugh until I cried. In short…. these ones rocked my world!!!
4 Stars– Given to stories that I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed reading but had me wishing for just a bit more.
3 Stars – Given to stories that I thought were worth the read but they didn’t knock my socks off.
2 Stars – Given to stories that didn’t work for me. I couldn’t connect to the MCs or feel any sort of connection between them. I couldn’t follow the plot or there wasn’t a plot. Every so often one of these stories just needs work to fix what went wrong but mostly 2 star reads are stories that leave me wondering why I kept reading until the end.
1 Star - I RARELY give out 1 Star so when I do it means the story was a complete train wreck.

I know what I may love another reader may wonder what the hell I was thinking and vise versa but I’m okay with that!

[Juli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Utterly unremarkable and a little bit stupid. Not much happens, because we get rid pretty quickly off everything that might keep the two main characters from banging: Will's blackmailer is never heard from before and after, Daniel's ex-lover who cares for him enough to keep searching for him is brushed off with a quick, "I don't care for him anymore", and Will's mother's matchmaking attempts just stop. I'm also bothered by the misogynistic language about the "simpering misses", and the fact that the few female characters are either forgettable or stupid

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It has everything - good characters, story/plot, and a nice writing style.
The 'good bits' rating = a sizzling four flames.
CM Corett is now on my watch list (and must read list)

Lies, blackmail, and forbidden desire.
1857 Victorian Era England

William’s task is clear: catch the blackmailer.

Daniel’s question is simple: Should he trust William?

***** 5 Stars

[Dale Hankins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, would have liked it to be longer. Loved the main characters, perhaps that author could write a sequel, with William being called on again to serve the queen and Daniel inadvertently gets involved as well

[Theodora IK · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical romance!

[Martha H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. There was nothing wrong with it. There was a story, if flimsy in the blackmail department, extra characters who added nothing to the story, and a kind of quick acceptance from William that was a little unbelievable.
The book could have developed further if it had been longer, and I believe the writer would have addressed certain situations more in depth.
I gave it 3 stars because I didn't feel like it went full-circle; the mother and her machinations were kind of abandoned, everyone in the house suddenly just KNEW, the reason for Daniel's departure never revealed to William.
Despite my apparent negativity, the book is just fine for a quick read without drama and a lot of back and forth. It addresses issues and then attacks them, all is well, the end.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet but compelling and done well. William is dealing with a blackmailer and is trying to keep his family safe. While out riding, he and his young son find an injured man washed up on the sea shore. Daniel is fleeing to France having been banished by his family. He falls overboard. William takes him in and nurses him back to health. While both are keeping secrets, William's past profession and Daniel's real identity, they find themselves attracted to each other. Lots of twists and turns but lovely to watch William's surprise at his reaction to loving a man. New to me author so will dig for more goodies on their backlist.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this okay as I have a weakness for historical romance. The characters and the story kept my attention but the blackmail plot was not well developed. It only served to provide a bit of tension to the romance.

[J.J. Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance -- review here http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2016...

[Misty · Rating 3 out of 5]

** 3.5 Stars **

A nice, if a bit predictable, historical novella.

[Lada]

Dropped at 27% because I wasn't interested reading a story focused on sexual attraction & sexual thoughts.

[Euraylie]

DNF at about 30%. The plot, the characters and the quality of writing just couldn't hold my interest.