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Lords of Avenleigh #1
A Gentleman Revealed
From New York Times bestselling author Deidre Knight, writing as Cooper Davis, comes a thrilling new romance series, set in an alternative Victorian world, where gentlemen may openly court and marry fellow noblemen....
Alistair Finley has spent years concealing the truth of his illegitimacy. The bastard son of the late king and half-brother to the man who now occupies the throne, Alistair fears ruination. He has never allowed himself love or companionship. Until he meets the handsome young Lord Marcus Avenleigh.
Marcus has spent two years attempting to gain the notice of the king's shy secretary. Tempting Alistair out of the shadows and into his bed, however, proves a daunting task. The self-proclaimed spinster has made a profession of decorating the wings of every social gala, denying Marcus and every other eligible bachelor a formal introduction.
When Lady Elsevier's annual ball presents a daring moment, Marcus invites Alistair to waltz. What Marcus can't know is that his would-be paramour has chosen drink and the life of a lonely bachelor above ever risking his heart, or his king's own reputation.He’s bound in lies and secrecy, and the past must never, ever be revealed...
Alistair Finley has spent years concealing the truth of his illegitimacy. The bastard son of the late king and half-brother to the man who now occupies the throne, Alistair fears ruination. He has never allowed himself love or companionship. Until he meets the handsome young Lord Marcus Avenleigh.
Marcus has spent two years attempting to gain the notice of the king's shy secretary. Tempting Alistair out of the shadows and into his bed, however, proves a daunting task. The self-proclaimed spinster has made a profession of decorating the wings of every social gala, denying Marcus and every other eligible bachelor a formal introduction.
When Lady Elsevier's annual ball presents a daring moment, Marcus invites Alistair to waltz. What Marcus can't know is that his would-be paramour has chosen drink and the life of a lonely bachelor above ever risking his heart, or his king's own reputation.He’s bound in lies and secrecy, and the past must never, ever be revealed...
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2018
16 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Cooper Davis
12 books139 followersCooper Davis first discovered the allure of m/m storytelling when she, pulse aflutter, watched My Beautiful Laundrette with a college roommate. Later, her passion for stories about men falling in love and finding their HEA together was stoked by online slash fiction. After years as an avid fan of m/m and slash, Cooper finally decided to try her hand at penning her own stories about same-gender romance and love.
A voracious reader across all subgenres of m/m fiction, Cooper is particularly fond of courtships set against the backdrop of breathless scandal and intrigue found in period drawing rooms. She is thrilled that her first historically-themed m/m romance series debuts this December with A KING UNDONE (Samhain).
A voracious reader across all subgenres of m/m fiction, Cooper is particularly fond of courtships set against the backdrop of breathless scandal and intrigue found in period drawing rooms. She is thrilled that her first historically-themed m/m romance series debuts this December with A KING UNDONE (Samhain).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 4, 2018
Very sweet, with some drama, and very romantic. Even though this is billed as Lords of Avenleigh #1, it actually follows on the heels of the wonderful Noble Pleasures series - A King Undoneand A King Awakened- which, so far, has been about King Arend Tollemach and his consort/Prince Julian Baribeau. Having said that, this is a true standalone in that you don't need to have read the other two prior, but it was nice that I knew Arend, Julian and Samuel.
Alistair Finley is the secretary and foster brother of King Arend Tollemach. This time it's Finley who finds himself in the romance roundabout, being eagerly pursued by Lord Marcus - he of the infamous Earl in the Garden scandal. Lord Marcus has been attracted from afar to Alistair. For two years. Marcus likes Alistair's propriety, that he is a bit older, his love of music, his gentleness, and that he is a bigger man. Lord Marcus does enjoy more man to.... cuddle.
The book has a beautifully historical feel, pretty much a regency, but it is not technically set in England - although it feels like it is. It also seems like the Avenleigh family hail from Scotland, but this is the world of Western Provinces, the Highlands, and Agadir - which mirror England, Scotland and France.
Even though my heart is still owned by Arend and Julian, I really, really enjoyed seeing Alistair find some much needed happiness and love.
More of a review to come when I'm feeling better..
Alistair Finley is the secretary and foster brother of King Arend Tollemach. This time it's Finley who finds himself in the romance roundabout, being eagerly pursued by Lord Marcus - he of the infamous Earl in the Garden scandal. Lord Marcus has been attracted from afar to Alistair. For two years. Marcus likes Alistair's propriety, that he is a bit older, his love of music, his gentleness, and that he is a bigger man. Lord Marcus does enjoy more man to.... cuddle.
The book has a beautifully historical feel, pretty much a regency, but it is not technically set in England - although it feels like it is. It also seems like the Avenleigh family hail from Scotland, but this is the world of Western Provinces, the Highlands, and Agadir - which mirror England, Scotland and France.
Even though my heart is still owned by Arend and Julian, I really, really enjoyed seeing Alistair find some much needed happiness and love.
More of a review to come when I'm feeling better..
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April 16, 2018I'm DNFing this at 40%. I like both heroes - they are sweet and cute (maybe a little too sweet)
And it starts with great sexual tension. My problem is that nothing is happening. They have chemistry but at 40% they are still doing this flirtation dance - and at this point they both want a romance and are both into it. So there is no where left for the story to go. There is a little bit of conflict with the birth (bastard birth) of one of the heroes - but it's not enough to keep me interested. Only have these two guys sheepishly flirt page after page got boring.
And it starts with great sexual tension. My problem is that nothing is happening. They have chemistry but at 40% they are still doing this flirtation dance - and at this point they both want a romance and are both into it. So there is no where left for the story to go. There is a little bit of conflict with the birth (bastard birth) of one of the heroes - but it's not enough to keep me interested. Only have these two guys sheepishly flirt page after page got boring.
April 19, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
A Gentleman Revealed is a story that is sweet, romantic, and at times a little sad. I say sad because Alistair is a man facing a lot of self doubt. Most of its origins stem from being a bastard and having his father reject him. While he was raised at the palace, he was never acknowledged and feels unwanted. That combined with his weight and his over-reliance on alcohol has led to a downward spiral of more drinking, more weight gain, and more self loathing. Davis gives Alistair some real demons here, and we see that the solution is not easy and takes hard work. What I really loved here is that it’s clear that Marcus loves Alistair and is attracted to him just as he is. While Alistair needs to lose weight for his health, Marcus loves and appreciates him for who he is and that support is what helps Alistair begin to let down his walls and not only let Marcus in, but have the strength to make changes when needed.
This story is also quite sweet and romantic, perhaps overly so at points. It never falls into purple prose, but these guys fall pretty intensely and there is definitely a mushiness here that mostly worked for me. I liked these guys together and you get all the feel good moments as they move past their conflict and things all resolve. I did think the book felt a little long to me and sometimes it felt a little bogged down through the middle. But once we hit the conflict resolution, I loved how it all came together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
A Gentleman Revealed is a story that is sweet, romantic, and at times a little sad. I say sad because Alistair is a man facing a lot of self doubt. Most of its origins stem from being a bastard and having his father reject him. While he was raised at the palace, he was never acknowledged and feels unwanted. That combined with his weight and his over-reliance on alcohol has led to a downward spiral of more drinking, more weight gain, and more self loathing. Davis gives Alistair some real demons here, and we see that the solution is not easy and takes hard work. What I really loved here is that it’s clear that Marcus loves Alistair and is attracted to him just as he is. While Alistair needs to lose weight for his health, Marcus loves and appreciates him for who he is and that support is what helps Alistair begin to let down his walls and not only let Marcus in, but have the strength to make changes when needed.
This story is also quite sweet and romantic, perhaps overly so at points. It never falls into purple prose, but these guys fall pretty intensely and there is definitely a mushiness here that mostly worked for me. I liked these guys together and you get all the feel good moments as they move past their conflict and things all resolve. I did think the book felt a little long to me and sometimes it felt a little bogged down through the middle. But once we hit the conflict resolution, I loved how it all came together.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 3, 2018
An alternate history m/m Regency Romance set against the world of high society, the Season, and the Palace for a pair of unlikely lovers with troubled pasts by a new to me author. I most definitely had to give it a go.
A Gentleman Revealed is the first book of the Lords of Avenleigh series. I discovered once I started reading that its actually a spin-off of the earlier Noble Pleasures duo featuring a side couple in this series. I had no trouble beginning here, but I am curious now to go back for Arend and Julian's story.
The alternate history is mild in that the country and places named are different, but this is the British Isles Regency Period (ignore the blurb on that one) and the glaring difference is that same sex relationships are not unlawful or taboo so it makes for an interesting variation when it comes to the fashionable Season, the marriage mart, and the dynamics of courtship.
Lord Marcus is a congenial, happy sort with three older rascally brothers and a widowed ducal father who wants his sons happiness above all. He has a gift for the violin and a penchant for a certain buttoned up, husky-shaped King's Secretary with prim airs. He finally goes for it and the pair begin quite the tempestuous courtship.
Opposite to handsome and sweet Lord Marcus' uncomplicated situation is Alistair Finley, secret illegitimate brother to the king and blackmailed into silence by the former king's lawyer, alcoholic and overweight and bowed down by his own secrets has a difficult time first believing in Marcus' interest and allowing himself to love and be loved.
I found this story a tough one to get into and had my moments throughout. Both Marcus and Alistair are drawn in such a way that they take turns blowing hot and cold and acting prudish and rakish in turn. I couldn't get a bead on either of them until a third of the way through. It was an unhealthy relationship that needed to take a step back and allow for Alistair to heal before they could go further. Marcus was steady, true, and strong to the purpose despite him floundering in uncertainty about how he could best help and if love was going to be enough.
Alistair's self-loathing that took the form in indulging in food and alcohol and raw feelings about his body image earned my pity. He was an unacknowledged bastard son and now must hide the truth from his brother because of that nasty, slimy lawyer who played mind games and emotionally and verbally abused him for years. I really wanted a building to fall on the guy. I didn't know what to make of Alistair's cousin, Sam, who in his own pain and trouble took shots at him, while claiming to be Alistair's friend and accepting him as a fostered brother of his cousin. Everyone, Alistair included, treated Sam's hurtful remarks like jokes. I was relieved when he did see what terrible pain his hurtful teasing caused.
Marcus's family was hilarious with all those Scottish red heads that were spirited and mischief loving and a father who wanted them to act with honor, but also be happy. The family dynamics were great and Ethan's role in Alistair and Marcus' relationship was just amazing. Everyone needs a brother like Ethan. Marcus was amazing, too. He'd survived a scandal he didn't cause and an abusive relationship in the past, but he still reached out and saw the diamond in the rough that was the troubled Alistair. Alistair pushed him away or strike out from his own place of pain and Marcus saw this. He was a beautiful soul as Alistair pointed out to him.
There were some interesting dynamics addressed in this deeper story- dealing with addiction, being accepted by family, being supportive of a person who has addictions, parental expectations, gender defined and reversed, and so much more.
Ultimately, it was all these complex layers along with the slowly emerging characters of the main players that won me over. This was a long book and had slower moments when I wanted them to get past the issues, but I also saw the need to take the time because these issues were huge and shouldn't be swept over too quickly. Now that I'm introduced to the cast of characters and the situation I can't wait for Ethan's story next.
So, it took me a bit and then I was impressed with how the author handled deeper matters. I thought it was great to see how altering that part of history to allow same sex relationships to be accepted would create some fun, new opportunities for historical romance. I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy m/m historical romance on the spicy side.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
A Gentleman Revealed is the first book of the Lords of Avenleigh series. I discovered once I started reading that its actually a spin-off of the earlier Noble Pleasures duo featuring a side couple in this series. I had no trouble beginning here, but I am curious now to go back for Arend and Julian's story.
The alternate history is mild in that the country and places named are different, but this is the British Isles Regency Period (ignore the blurb on that one) and the glaring difference is that same sex relationships are not unlawful or taboo so it makes for an interesting variation when it comes to the fashionable Season, the marriage mart, and the dynamics of courtship.
Lord Marcus is a congenial, happy sort with three older rascally brothers and a widowed ducal father who wants his sons happiness above all. He has a gift for the violin and a penchant for a certain buttoned up, husky-shaped King's Secretary with prim airs. He finally goes for it and the pair begin quite the tempestuous courtship.
Opposite to handsome and sweet Lord Marcus' uncomplicated situation is Alistair Finley, secret illegitimate brother to the king and blackmailed into silence by the former king's lawyer, alcoholic and overweight and bowed down by his own secrets has a difficult time first believing in Marcus' interest and allowing himself to love and be loved.
I found this story a tough one to get into and had my moments throughout. Both Marcus and Alistair are drawn in such a way that they take turns blowing hot and cold and acting prudish and rakish in turn. I couldn't get a bead on either of them until a third of the way through. It was an unhealthy relationship that needed to take a step back and allow for Alistair to heal before they could go further. Marcus was steady, true, and strong to the purpose despite him floundering in uncertainty about how he could best help and if love was going to be enough.
Alistair's self-loathing that took the form in indulging in food and alcohol and raw feelings about his body image earned my pity. He was an unacknowledged bastard son and now must hide the truth from his brother because of that nasty, slimy lawyer who played mind games and emotionally and verbally abused him for years. I really wanted a building to fall on the guy. I didn't know what to make of Alistair's cousin, Sam, who in his own pain and trouble took shots at him, while claiming to be Alistair's friend and accepting him as a fostered brother of his cousin. Everyone, Alistair included, treated Sam's hurtful remarks like jokes. I was relieved when he did see what terrible pain his hurtful teasing caused.
Marcus's family was hilarious with all those Scottish red heads that were spirited and mischief loving and a father who wanted them to act with honor, but also be happy. The family dynamics were great and Ethan's role in Alistair and Marcus' relationship was just amazing. Everyone needs a brother like Ethan. Marcus was amazing, too. He'd survived a scandal he didn't cause and an abusive relationship in the past, but he still reached out and saw the diamond in the rough that was the troubled Alistair. Alistair pushed him away or strike out from his own place of pain and Marcus saw this. He was a beautiful soul as Alistair pointed out to him.
There were some interesting dynamics addressed in this deeper story- dealing with addiction, being accepted by family, being supportive of a person who has addictions, parental expectations, gender defined and reversed, and so much more.
Ultimately, it was all these complex layers along with the slowly emerging characters of the main players that won me over. This was a long book and had slower moments when I wanted them to get past the issues, but I also saw the need to take the time because these issues were huge and shouldn't be swept over too quickly. Now that I'm introduced to the cast of characters and the situation I can't wait for Ethan's story next.
So, it took me a bit and then I was impressed with how the author handled deeper matters. I thought it was great to see how altering that part of history to allow same sex relationships to be accepted would create some fun, new opportunities for historical romance. I would definitely recommend this one to those who enjoy m/m historical romance on the spicy side.
My thanks to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2018
I thought this book was super sweet and kind of sad at the same time. At times it was a little TOO sweet, going over into the sappy end of things, but overall I quite enjoyed the story. I did wish that the alternate reality followed history a bit more (different king), but this also makes sense.
Set in a Regency England where same sex relationships are, while not 100% accepted, are becoming the norm A Gentleman Revealed is a love story between Lord Marcus Avenleigh and Mr. Alistair Finley. Lord Marcus is secure in his sexuality, but Mr Finley isn't quite as secure. Mr. Finley is in a precarious position as a unacknowledged royal bastard raised alongside the king, and holding the position of Royal Financial Adviser. As such, he feels that he is unworthy of the love and respect found in a devoted relationship. Seeking solace in alcohol Mr. Finley finds himself in a deep spiral of unhealthy behaviors- he finds himself unlovable, so drinks and eats for comfort, gains weight, feels unlovable, and so on.
Lord Marcus disagrees with Mr. Finley's assessment of himself. He finds Mr. Finley to be statuesque and admires him from afar. After two years of yearning for Mr. Finley, Lord Marcus gains the courage to share his attraction with Mr. Finley.
Their courtship is fraught with emotion and struggle though, as Mr. Finley fights their attraction at every step, with his dependence on alcohol putting everything he finds dear at risk.
Set in a Regency England where same sex relationships are, while not 100% accepted, are becoming the norm A Gentleman Revealed is a love story between Lord Marcus Avenleigh and Mr. Alistair Finley. Lord Marcus is secure in his sexuality, but Mr Finley isn't quite as secure. Mr. Finley is in a precarious position as a unacknowledged royal bastard raised alongside the king, and holding the position of Royal Financial Adviser. As such, he feels that he is unworthy of the love and respect found in a devoted relationship. Seeking solace in alcohol Mr. Finley finds himself in a deep spiral of unhealthy behaviors- he finds himself unlovable, so drinks and eats for comfort, gains weight, feels unlovable, and so on.
Lord Marcus disagrees with Mr. Finley's assessment of himself. He finds Mr. Finley to be statuesque and admires him from afar. After two years of yearning for Mr. Finley, Lord Marcus gains the courage to share his attraction with Mr. Finley.
Their courtship is fraught with emotion and struggle though, as Mr. Finley fights their attraction at every step, with his dependence on alcohol putting everything he finds dear at risk.
February 24, 2019
I really loved this world concept. And these characters. What hindered my love for the story was the slow slow slow pacing. Alister fights off/accepts Marcus's attentions for so long that it got frustrating. It became a "which Alister will we get" question for each scene.
Alister and all his personal struggles and demons really endeared me to him. He had a great story arc and by the end I really really felt for him.
Alister and all his personal struggles and demons really endeared me to him. He had a great story arc and by the end I really really felt for him.
May 9, 2018
Story: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 4
Sexual tension: 6
Humor: 5
Hotness: 6
Product placement:
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 3
Audio: 9 (13hr 41min)
To re-read: 8
First MC: 8
Second MC: 8
Secondary characters: 6
Mystery: 4
Sexual tension: 6
Humor: 5
Hotness: 6
Product placement:
Ridiculousness: 3
Annoying: 3
Audio: 9 (13hr 41min)
To re-read: 8
June 18, 2018
This book is everything I never knew I always needed! Love, love, LOVE!
How will I stand the wait until the next one?
How will I stand the wait until the next one?
January 19, 2020
I love this alternative historical world. I just hope the second Lords of Avenleigh is out soon as Ethan's story will be equally as fun. And then maybe one about the King's rogue cousin and his naughty threesomes after that?
April 27, 2018
This book completely surprised me. I purchased it on the recommendation of an author who loved the characters, but was most impressed that one of the heroes was overweight, which NEVER happens in the M/M romance genre.
Almost all of this book is dialogue, primarily between the two MCs. A single conversation can be long- sometimes taking a chapter or more. While this is quite extensive for our modern tastes, it almost harkens back to the romances of classic literature, much like anything of Jane Austins'.
While at times I found the dialogue to be extensive and a bit circular and repetitive, at the same time I was rooting so hard for the MCs. I was up to 1:30am to finish this book I was so invested in the characters. And I simply loved the setting of a Victorian-type society with attitudes towards homosexuality similar to what we have today. It sounds strange, but somehow it just worked. This isn't to say this is the land of the happy gays- character attitudes were still quite diverse and there is clear generational evolutionary changes in this regards.
While the book may have been more easily digestible with shorter conversation that were less circular, I was still more than happy with the read and looking forward to the sequel.
Almost all of this book is dialogue, primarily between the two MCs. A single conversation can be long- sometimes taking a chapter or more. While this is quite extensive for our modern tastes, it almost harkens back to the romances of classic literature, much like anything of Jane Austins'.
While at times I found the dialogue to be extensive and a bit circular and repetitive, at the same time I was rooting so hard for the MCs. I was up to 1:30am to finish this book I was so invested in the characters. And I simply loved the setting of a Victorian-type society with attitudes towards homosexuality similar to what we have today. It sounds strange, but somehow it just worked. This isn't to say this is the land of the happy gays- character attitudes were still quite diverse and there is clear generational evolutionary changes in this regards.
While the book may have been more easily digestible with shorter conversation that were less circular, I was still more than happy with the read and looking forward to the sequel.
March 31, 2019
Have a box of tissues on hand when you read this one!
I haven't read that many M/M romances, but I've found I enjoy those in a historical setting. This book is set in an alternate Victorian setting in which males are free to court and marry. Marcus and Alistair are a wonderful couple. I felt an affinity with Alistair, who had deep self esteem issues regarding his weight. He also had "daddy" issues. Marcus, on the other hand, came from a tight knit family with a loving patriarch. My favorite parts of the book dealt with Marcus's interactions with his brothers and Papa. The chemistry between our heroes was combustible, and their physical interactions were VERY hot.
As for the tissues, I cried when there were heartfelt declarations. I cried when Alistair fought his demons. I cried when things went awry. I cried when......well, you get the picture. The only thing that kept this book from being a five star read was at times the story moved along slowly. But stick with it - you'll be happy you did.
This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
Have a box of tissues on hand when you read this one!
I haven't read that many M/M romances, but I've found I enjoy those in a historical setting. This book is set in an alternate Victorian setting in which males are free to court and marry. Marcus and Alistair are a wonderful couple. I felt an affinity with Alistair, who had deep self esteem issues regarding his weight. He also had "daddy" issues. Marcus, on the other hand, came from a tight knit family with a loving patriarch. My favorite parts of the book dealt with Marcus's interactions with his brothers and Papa. The chemistry between our heroes was combustible, and their physical interactions were VERY hot.
As for the tissues, I cried when there were heartfelt declarations. I cried when Alistair fought his demons. I cried when things went awry. I cried when......well, you get the picture. The only thing that kept this book from being a five star read was at times the story moved along slowly. But stick with it - you'll be happy you did.
I haven't read that many M/M romances, but I've found I enjoy those in a historical setting. This book is set in an alternate Victorian setting in which males are free to court and marry. Marcus and Alistair are a wonderful couple. I felt an affinity with Alistair, who had deep self esteem issues regarding his weight. He also had "daddy" issues. Marcus, on the other hand, came from a tight knit family with a loving patriarch. My favorite parts of the book dealt with Marcus's interactions with his brothers and Papa. The chemistry between our heroes was combustible, and their physical interactions were VERY hot.
As for the tissues, I cried when there were heartfelt declarations. I cried when Alistair fought his demons. I cried when things went awry. I cried when......well, you get the picture. The only thing that kept this book from being a five star read was at times the story moved along slowly. But stick with it - you'll be happy you did.
This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Merged review:
Have a box of tissues on hand when you read this one!
I haven't read that many M/M romances, but I've found I enjoy those in a historical setting. This book is set in an alternate Victorian setting in which males are free to court and marry. Marcus and Alistair are a wonderful couple. I felt an affinity with Alistair, who had deep self esteem issues regarding his weight. He also had "daddy" issues. Marcus, on the other hand, came from a tight knit family with a loving patriarch. My favorite parts of the book dealt with Marcus's interactions with his brothers and Papa. The chemistry between our heroes was combustible, and their physical interactions were VERY hot.
As for the tissues, I cried when there were heartfelt declarations. I cried when Alistair fought his demons. I cried when things went awry. I cried when......well, you get the picture. The only thing that kept this book from being a five star read was at times the story moved along slowly. But stick with it - you'll be happy you did.
April 22, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Gentleman Revealed
Lords of Avenleigh, Book #1
By Cooper Davis
Author’s website: cooperdavisbooks(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Summary
From New York Times bestselling author Deidre Knight, writing as Cooper Davis, comes a thrilling new romance series, set in an alternative Victorian world, where gentlemen may openly court and marry fellow noblemen….
Alistair Finley has spent years concealing the truth of his illegitimacy. The bastard son of the late king and half-brother to the man who now occupies the throne, Alistair fears ruination. He has never allowed himself love or companionship. Until he meets the handsome young Lord Marcus Avenleigh.
Marcus has spent two years attempting to gain the notice of the king’s shy secretary. Tempting Alistair out of the shadows and into his bed, however, proves a daunting task. The self-proclaimed spinster has made a profession of decorating the wings of every social gala, denying Marcus and every other eligible bachelor a formal introduction.
When Lady Elsevier’s annual ball presents a daring moment, Marcus invites Alistair to waltz. What Marcus can’t know is that his would-be paramour has chosen drink and the life of a lonely bachelor above ever risking his heart, or his king’s own reputation. He’s bound in lies and secrecy, and the past must never, ever be revealed…
Review
A Gentleman Revealed starts at the annual ball of Lady Elsevier where is known to be the place where couples of the same sex are more free to persuade their love interest. It’s rumored that new couples that are from during the ball are destined to get married, and everyone attributes it to Lady Elsevier’s matchmaking skills. Here, the young (twenty-nine-year-old) Lord, Marcus Avenleigh decides to make his move and finally talk to Alistair Finley, whom he has been looking from afar for the past two years. Alistair Finley has notice the looks and stares from Lord Avenleigh for the past two years, but even though he might be interested in the young Lord, given his position as the King’s secretary and his old age (Thirty-eight years old) he knows that there is no change for a future with the young Lord.
As the night grows old, Lord Marcus arms himself with courage and a couple of drinks and make his advance to Lord Alistair. At first, his advances are not understood and believe to be caused only by the alcohol in him, but he stands his ground and makes his feelings know to Alistair. Even though Alistair leaves and doesn’t fully accept his advances, this doesn’t stop Marcus. The next day, during a cold wind, he arrives at the downtown Royal office to see Alistair and manages to make him accepted to have lunch with him.
The lunch is a success and Alistair accepts Marcus’ feelings. He decides to let himself be persuaded by the young Lord and to see where their relationship might go. But Alistair has secrets, family secrets that don’t let him be happy and torment his daily life, while also having unhealthy vices that clash during the wrong moments.
As the two lovers make their way to a happy ending, there are those who will love to see them happy together, but at the same time, there are those who would like to see them miserable and apart. Their future has many challenges ahead of them, most of them personal, but if their love is true they might be able to conquer them with the help of one another, and those who love them.
The character I liked the best was Marcus. His personality and ideas were fun to read, while his determination to get Alistair to accept his feeling and help him the best he can, were his greatest character qualities. Another thing that I loved from Marcus was his family. The Avenliegh brothers had the funniest and heartwarming scenes in the story. Their love and acceptance for Marcus are one of the types of representations of support that we not always see in LGTB stories but are the type that the community wants the most.
I would have like to know more about King Arend and his husband Jules, but upon some research after finishing the book, I found that they have their own story and their own sort of problems before the events of A Gentleman Revealed. I will definitely try to read their story and try to find out more about the King’s son that was mention in this book.
Over the course of the story, we find out that Alistair has a reason for his shyness and not wanting to accept Marcus at first. His past and real parentage play a great deal in his suffering, but also the vices that seem to keep him down. The story had what a thought to be a good representation of alcoholism and the consequence of oneself and the relationships around them. I like how Alistair work to conquer it at the end and the help that he got from.
Given that the series has now Arend and Alistair’s stories, it will be great if we could read Marcus brothers stories or at least Ethan as Alistair learns about a hidden friendship of Ethan’s.
I liked the type of story and characters that A Gentleman Revealed had, but there were somethings that I didn’t like. One of those things was the narrative and storytelling. There were times when the way the author wrote a scene of a dialog made it hard to follow the narrative and sometimes hard to understand what the characters were trying to say. Maybe it was for narrative purposes, but nobody proposes to Alistair to drink something else like tea or water, they just let him continue to drink until his downfall. Also, the constant reminder of their age difference was another thing that I found a little tiring, they are both grown man that can make their own decision, is not like one of them just became an adult.
Even with those things that I didn’t like, I still like A Gentleman Revealed as a whole story.
If you are a fan of Cooper Davis or the Noble Pleasures series, then I recommend A Gentleman Revealed. This is the first story of the Lords of Avenleigh series, here we find a man that is head over heels for another man and finds the courage to finally propose himself and take the necessary step to be happy, while we meet the other man whose life and past is consuming his mind to the breaking point of losing this new man that might be his only saving.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
A Gentleman Revealed
Lords of Avenleigh, Book #1
By Cooper Davis
Author’s website: cooperdavisbooks(.)com
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Omar
Summary
From New York Times bestselling author Deidre Knight, writing as Cooper Davis, comes a thrilling new romance series, set in an alternative Victorian world, where gentlemen may openly court and marry fellow noblemen….
Alistair Finley has spent years concealing the truth of his illegitimacy. The bastard son of the late king and half-brother to the man who now occupies the throne, Alistair fears ruination. He has never allowed himself love or companionship. Until he meets the handsome young Lord Marcus Avenleigh.
Marcus has spent two years attempting to gain the notice of the king’s shy secretary. Tempting Alistair out of the shadows and into his bed, however, proves a daunting task. The self-proclaimed spinster has made a profession of decorating the wings of every social gala, denying Marcus and every other eligible bachelor a formal introduction.
When Lady Elsevier’s annual ball presents a daring moment, Marcus invites Alistair to waltz. What Marcus can’t know is that his would-be paramour has chosen drink and the life of a lonely bachelor above ever risking his heart, or his king’s own reputation. He’s bound in lies and secrecy, and the past must never, ever be revealed…
Review
A Gentleman Revealed starts at the annual ball of Lady Elsevier where is known to be the place where couples of the same sex are more free to persuade their love interest. It’s rumored that new couples that are from during the ball are destined to get married, and everyone attributes it to Lady Elsevier’s matchmaking skills. Here, the young (twenty-nine-year-old) Lord, Marcus Avenleigh decides to make his move and finally talk to Alistair Finley, whom he has been looking from afar for the past two years. Alistair Finley has notice the looks and stares from Lord Avenleigh for the past two years, but even though he might be interested in the young Lord, given his position as the King’s secretary and his old age (Thirty-eight years old) he knows that there is no change for a future with the young Lord.
As the night grows old, Lord Marcus arms himself with courage and a couple of drinks and make his advance to Lord Alistair. At first, his advances are not understood and believe to be caused only by the alcohol in him, but he stands his ground and makes his feelings know to Alistair. Even though Alistair leaves and doesn’t fully accept his advances, this doesn’t stop Marcus. The next day, during a cold wind, he arrives at the downtown Royal office to see Alistair and manages to make him accepted to have lunch with him.
The lunch is a success and Alistair accepts Marcus’ feelings. He decides to let himself be persuaded by the young Lord and to see where their relationship might go. But Alistair has secrets, family secrets that don’t let him be happy and torment his daily life, while also having unhealthy vices that clash during the wrong moments.
As the two lovers make their way to a happy ending, there are those who will love to see them happy together, but at the same time, there are those who would like to see them miserable and apart. Their future has many challenges ahead of them, most of them personal, but if their love is true they might be able to conquer them with the help of one another, and those who love them.
The character I liked the best was Marcus. His personality and ideas were fun to read, while his determination to get Alistair to accept his feeling and help him the best he can, were his greatest character qualities. Another thing that I loved from Marcus was his family. The Avenliegh brothers had the funniest and heartwarming scenes in the story. Their love and acceptance for Marcus are one of the types of representations of support that we not always see in LGTB stories but are the type that the community wants the most.
I would have like to know more about King Arend and his husband Jules, but upon some research after finishing the book, I found that they have their own story and their own sort of problems before the events of A Gentleman Revealed. I will definitely try to read their story and try to find out more about the King’s son that was mention in this book.
Over the course of the story, we find out that Alistair has a reason for his shyness and not wanting to accept Marcus at first. His past and real parentage play a great deal in his suffering, but also the vices that seem to keep him down. The story had what a thought to be a good representation of alcoholism and the consequence of oneself and the relationships around them. I like how Alistair work to conquer it at the end and the help that he got from.
Given that the series has now Arend and Alistair’s stories, it will be great if we could read Marcus brothers stories or at least Ethan as Alistair learns about a hidden friendship of Ethan’s.
I liked the type of story and characters that A Gentleman Revealed had, but there were somethings that I didn’t like. One of those things was the narrative and storytelling. There were times when the way the author wrote a scene of a dialog made it hard to follow the narrative and sometimes hard to understand what the characters were trying to say. Maybe it was for narrative purposes, but nobody proposes to Alistair to drink something else like tea or water, they just let him continue to drink until his downfall. Also, the constant reminder of their age difference was another thing that I found a little tiring, they are both grown man that can make their own decision, is not like one of them just became an adult.
Even with those things that I didn’t like, I still like A Gentleman Revealed as a whole story.
If you are a fan of Cooper Davis or the Noble Pleasures series, then I recommend A Gentleman Revealed. This is the first story of the Lords of Avenleigh series, here we find a man that is head over heels for another man and finds the courage to finally propose himself and take the necessary step to be happy, while we meet the other man whose life and past is consuming his mind to the breaking point of losing this new man that might be his only saving.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
April 27, 2018
This book was overwrought, repetitive, but....I can't say I hated it. *shrugs* idk if I will be reading it again but sometimes things happen. I wouldn't say this is for everyone.
January 10, 2019
~ 2.5 Stars ~
Lords of Avenleigh is a spinoff of the author’s Noble Pleasures series. The books are set in the same alternate time-period, and many of the characters overlap. These books are written by Dierdre Knight under the pen name Cooper Davis, a pseudonym she uses to write her m/m novels. Knight is best known for her paranormal books, and she has continued that, somewhat, with these historical fantasies. The next book in the Lords of Avenleigh series is A Nobleman Tempted, which is Ethan and Roberts’ story.
Alistair is a tortured character. Shunned by his father, the king, and forced to live as an illegitimate son, he carries scars inside his heart that shadow everything he does. Working as his half-brother’s (King Arend, A King Undone) secretary, his loyalty to the crown is absolute. Arend has always treated him as a brother, even if he never knew that Alistair was a real one. Alistair lives in terror of someone discovering his secrets—something which he has been told that if it happened, he would lose everything in life he loves. He’s a large man, tall and broad shouldered and quite out of place in the Victorian world where men were naturally of a smaller stature. Alistair merely exists in life; he doesn’t live it; he’s too scared; he’s also an alcoholic. Watching Alistair in this book is like watching an oncoming train… you know when it hits it’s gonna hurt, but there isn’t a single thing you can do to stop the impact.
Marcus has spent two years making a study of Alistair. He knows more about the man and his mannerisms than anyone. He’s paid attention to Alistair and sees the heart of gold lurking underneath that gargantuan, shy exterior. Being the fourth son of a Duke has allowed him the leeway to make something of a reputation for himself, only it’s not a reputation he wants to have. Winning the heart of Alistair, for him, means making the man see beyond his reputation. He just never realized the hardest hurdles they would have to overcome would be of a more definitive variety.
Marcus has a tenaciousness to him. A quality he will need in spades as the story progresses. Getting past Alistair’s scars and unearthing his secrets is a long and drawn out process. This is a slow burn book. Alistair has to overcome so many emotional hurdles and conquer demons, both real and imagined, before he can even think about loving Marcus the way he should be loved. The alcoholism is addressed and treated as only it could be in a Victorian setting, and it makes you love Alistair all the more for having to endure the treatment.
I have to admit, I had a hard time buying into the alternative universe that Cooper creates. It’s touted as a place where gay men are allowed to live freely and are even encouraged to marry and live openly. I am a fan of historicals, and the hook (or twist) of reading a Victorian novel where noblemen are allowed to marry noblemen was intriguing enough to me to want to read this book. Unfortunately, that isn’t quite what is delivered. There is still a stigma attached to being homosexual. It is still frowned upon and considered unnatural by most characters in these books. At times it is dangled, hinted at that it might be ok, but then the characters begin to doubt themselves, secondary characters are introduced who frown upon it, and then the premise just gets muddled. I realize this is a fantasy, but it tried to straddle the line between what would have been a realistic portrayal of the time and then introducing snippets of things that were pure fantasy. It didn’t work. The world splinters instead of becoming a whole new entity for the author’s characters to live in. This book would have either benefited from more fantasy, less realism, or more realism, less fantasy.
I also had real trouble with the formatting of this novel. Now, I understand that it was an ARC, but when changing characters, setting, POV, or narration from one paragraph to the next, I would appreciate at least an extra space between the ensuing paragraphs. It is disconcerting as a reader to all of a sudden be inside someone else’s head, or in a different location entirely, without some warning ahead of time. Hopefully this will get cleaned up when the book is published, but if not, you have been warned.
So, all in all this story was a mixed bag for me. I did fall in love with Ethan, Marcus’s brother, and the next story out is his. I’m going to leave this review with a so-so rating. There were definitely some great moments in this story: I did have an affinity for Marcus, and Alistair will break your heart. But, like I mentioned before, unfortunately the problems I had with the story went beyond the characters involved. I’ll recommend it, but with a large grain of salt.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Merged review:
2.5 Stars
Lords of Avenleigh is a spinoff of the author’s Noble Pleasures series. The books are set in the same alternate time-period, and many of the characters overlap. These books are written by Dierdre Knight under the pen name Cooper Davis, a pseudonym she uses to write her m/m novels. Knight is best known for her paranormal books, and she has continued that, somewhat, with these historical fantasies. The next book in the Lords of Avenleigh series is A Nobleman Tempted, which is Ethan and Roberts’ story.
Alistair is a tortured character. Shunned by his father, the king, and forced to live as an illegitimate son, he carries scars inside his heart that shadow everything he does. Working as his half-brother’s (King Arend, A King Undone) secretary, his loyalty to the crown is absolute. Arend has always treated him as a brother, even if he never knew that Alistair was a real one. Alistair lives in terror of someone discovering his secrets—something which he has been told that if it happened, he would lose everything in life he loves. He’s a large man, tall and broad shouldered and quite out of place in the Victorian world where men were naturally of a smaller stature. Alistair merely exists in life; he doesn’t live it; he’s too scared; he’s also an alcoholic. Watching Alistair in this book is like watching an oncoming train… you know when it hits it’s gonna hurt, but there isn’t a single thing you can do to stop the impact.
Marcus has spent two years making a study of Alistair. He knows more about the man and his mannerisms than anyone. He’s paid attention to Alistair and sees the heart of gold lurking underneath that gargantuan, shy exterior. Being the fourth son of a Duke has allowed him the leeway to make something of a reputation for himself, only it’s not a reputation he wants to have. Winning the heart of Alistair, for him, means making the man see beyond his reputation. He just never realized the hardest hurdles they would have to overcome would be of a more definitive variety.
Marcus leaned into him, his other hand splayed against Alistair’s chest and whispered, “This line… ‘I did not exist till existence included you.’” He sighed, resting his cheek against the top of Alistair’s head.
Marcus has a tenaciousness to him. A quality he will need in spades as the story progresses. Getting past Alistair’s scars and unearthing his secrets is a long and drawn out process. This is a slow burn book. Alistair has to overcome so many emotional hurdles and conquer demons, both real and imagined, before he can even think about loving Marcus the way he should be loved. The alcoholism is addressed and treated as only it could be in a Victorian setting, and it makes you love Alistair all the more for having to endure the treatment.
I have to admit, I had a hard time buying into the alternative universe that Cooper creates. It’s touted as a place where gay men are allowed to live freely and are even encouraged to marry and live openly. I am a fan of historicals, and the hook (or twist) of reading a Victorian novel where noblemen are allowed to marry noblemen was intriguing enough to me to want to read this book. Unfortunately, that isn’t quite what is delivered. There is still a stigma attached to being homosexual. It is still frowned upon and considered unnatural by most characters in these books. At times it is dangled, hinted at that it might be ok, but then the characters begin to doubt themselves, secondary characters are introduced who frown upon it, and then the premise just gets muddled. I realize this is a fantasy, but it tried to straddle the line between what would have been a realistic portrayal of the time and then introducing snippets of things that were pure fantasy. It didn’t work. The world splinters instead of becoming a whole new entity for the author’s characters to live in. This book would have either benefited from more fantasy, less realism, or more realism, less fantasy.
I also had real trouble with the formatting of this novel. Now, I understand that it was an ARC, but when changing characters, setting, POV, or narration from one paragraph to the next, I would appreciate at least an extra space between the ensuing paragraphs. It is disconcerting as a reader to all of a sudden be inside someone else’s head, or in a different location entirely, without some warning ahead of time. Hopefully this will get cleaned up when the book is published, but if not, you have been warned.
So, all in all this story was a mixed bag for me. I did fall in love with Ethan, Marcus’s brother, and the next story out is his. I’m going to leave this review with a so-so rating. There were definitely some great moments in this story: I did have an affinity for Marcus, and Alistair will break your heart. But, like I mentioned before, unfortunately the problems I had with the story went beyond the characters involved. I’ll recommend it, but with a large grain of salt.
Reviewed by Carrie
Lords of Avenleigh is a spinoff of the author’s Noble Pleasures series. The books are set in the same alternate time-period, and many of the characters overlap. These books are written by Dierdre Knight under the pen name Cooper Davis, a pseudonym she uses to write her m/m novels. Knight is best known for her paranormal books, and she has continued that, somewhat, with these historical fantasies. The next book in the Lords of Avenleigh series is A Nobleman Tempted, which is Ethan and Roberts’ story.
Alistair is a tortured character. Shunned by his father, the king, and forced to live as an illegitimate son, he carries scars inside his heart that shadow everything he does. Working as his half-brother’s (King Arend, A King Undone) secretary, his loyalty to the crown is absolute. Arend has always treated him as a brother, even if he never knew that Alistair was a real one. Alistair lives in terror of someone discovering his secrets—something which he has been told that if it happened, he would lose everything in life he loves. He’s a large man, tall and broad shouldered and quite out of place in the Victorian world where men were naturally of a smaller stature. Alistair merely exists in life; he doesn’t live it; he’s too scared; he’s also an alcoholic. Watching Alistair in this book is like watching an oncoming train… you know when it hits it’s gonna hurt, but there isn’t a single thing you can do to stop the impact.
Marcus has spent two years making a study of Alistair. He knows more about the man and his mannerisms than anyone. He’s paid attention to Alistair and sees the heart of gold lurking underneath that gargantuan, shy exterior. Being the fourth son of a Duke has allowed him the leeway to make something of a reputation for himself, only it’s not a reputation he wants to have. Winning the heart of Alistair, for him, means making the man see beyond his reputation. He just never realized the hardest hurdles they would have to overcome would be of a more definitive variety.
Marcus leaned into him, his other hand splayed against Alistair’s chest and whispered, “This line… ‘I did not exist till existence included you.’” He sighed, resting his cheek against the top of Alistair’s head.
Marcus has a tenaciousness to him. A quality he will need in spades as the story progresses. Getting past Alistair’s scars and unearthing his secrets is a long and drawn out process. This is a slow burn book. Alistair has to overcome so many emotional hurdles and conquer demons, both real and imagined, before he can even think about loving Marcus the way he should be loved. The alcoholism is addressed and treated as only it could be in a Victorian setting, and it makes you love Alistair all the more for having to endure the treatment.
I have to admit, I had a hard time buying into the alternative universe that Cooper creates. It’s touted as a place where gay men are allowed to live freely and are even encouraged to marry and live openly. I am a fan of historicals, and the hook (or twist) of reading a Victorian novel where noblemen are allowed to marry noblemen was intriguing enough to me to want to read this book. Unfortunately, that isn’t quite what is delivered. There is still a stigma attached to being homosexual. It is still frowned upon and considered unnatural by most characters in these books. At times it is dangled, hinted at that it might be ok, but then the characters begin to doubt themselves, secondary characters are introduced who frown upon it, and then the premise just gets muddled. I realize this is a fantasy, but it tried to straddle the line between what would have been a realistic portrayal of the time and then introducing snippets of things that were pure fantasy. It didn’t work. The world splinters instead of becoming a whole new entity for the author’s characters to live in. This book would have either benefited from more fantasy, less realism, or more realism, less fantasy.
I also had real trouble with the formatting of this novel. Now, I understand that it was an ARC, but when changing characters, setting, POV, or narration from one paragraph to the next, I would appreciate at least an extra space between the ensuing paragraphs. It is disconcerting as a reader to all of a sudden be inside someone else’s head, or in a different location entirely, without some warning ahead of time. Hopefully this will get cleaned up when the book is published, but if not, you have been warned.
So, all in all this story was a mixed bag for me. I did fall in love with Ethan, Marcus’s brother, and the next story out is his. I’m going to leave this review with a so-so rating. There were definitely some great moments in this story: I did have an affinity for Marcus, and Alistair will break your heart. But, like I mentioned before, unfortunately the problems I had with the story went beyond the characters involved. I’ll recommend it, but with a large grain of salt.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach
Merged review:
2.5 Stars
Lords of Avenleigh is a spinoff of the author’s Noble Pleasures series. The books are set in the same alternate time-period, and many of the characters overlap. These books are written by Dierdre Knight under the pen name Cooper Davis, a pseudonym she uses to write her m/m novels. Knight is best known for her paranormal books, and she has continued that, somewhat, with these historical fantasies. The next book in the Lords of Avenleigh series is A Nobleman Tempted, which is Ethan and Roberts’ story.
Alistair is a tortured character. Shunned by his father, the king, and forced to live as an illegitimate son, he carries scars inside his heart that shadow everything he does. Working as his half-brother’s (King Arend, A King Undone) secretary, his loyalty to the crown is absolute. Arend has always treated him as a brother, even if he never knew that Alistair was a real one. Alistair lives in terror of someone discovering his secrets—something which he has been told that if it happened, he would lose everything in life he loves. He’s a large man, tall and broad shouldered and quite out of place in the Victorian world where men were naturally of a smaller stature. Alistair merely exists in life; he doesn’t live it; he’s too scared; he’s also an alcoholic. Watching Alistair in this book is like watching an oncoming train… you know when it hits it’s gonna hurt, but there isn’t a single thing you can do to stop the impact.
Marcus has spent two years making a study of Alistair. He knows more about the man and his mannerisms than anyone. He’s paid attention to Alistair and sees the heart of gold lurking underneath that gargantuan, shy exterior. Being the fourth son of a Duke has allowed him the leeway to make something of a reputation for himself, only it’s not a reputation he wants to have. Winning the heart of Alistair, for him, means making the man see beyond his reputation. He just never realized the hardest hurdles they would have to overcome would be of a more definitive variety.
Marcus leaned into him, his other hand splayed against Alistair’s chest and whispered, “This line… ‘I did not exist till existence included you.’” He sighed, resting his cheek against the top of Alistair’s head.
Marcus has a tenaciousness to him. A quality he will need in spades as the story progresses. Getting past Alistair’s scars and unearthing his secrets is a long and drawn out process. This is a slow burn book. Alistair has to overcome so many emotional hurdles and conquer demons, both real and imagined, before he can even think about loving Marcus the way he should be loved. The alcoholism is addressed and treated as only it could be in a Victorian setting, and it makes you love Alistair all the more for having to endure the treatment.
I have to admit, I had a hard time buying into the alternative universe that Cooper creates. It’s touted as a place where gay men are allowed to live freely and are even encouraged to marry and live openly. I am a fan of historicals, and the hook (or twist) of reading a Victorian novel where noblemen are allowed to marry noblemen was intriguing enough to me to want to read this book. Unfortunately, that isn’t quite what is delivered. There is still a stigma attached to being homosexual. It is still frowned upon and considered unnatural by most characters in these books. At times it is dangled, hinted at that it might be ok, but then the characters begin to doubt themselves, secondary characters are introduced who frown upon it, and then the premise just gets muddled. I realize this is a fantasy, but it tried to straddle the line between what would have been a realistic portrayal of the time and then introducing snippets of things that were pure fantasy. It didn’t work. The world splinters instead of becoming a whole new entity for the author’s characters to live in. This book would have either benefited from more fantasy, less realism, or more realism, less fantasy.
I also had real trouble with the formatting of this novel. Now, I understand that it was an ARC, but when changing characters, setting, POV, or narration from one paragraph to the next, I would appreciate at least an extra space between the ensuing paragraphs. It is disconcerting as a reader to all of a sudden be inside someone else’s head, or in a different location entirely, without some warning ahead of time. Hopefully this will get cleaned up when the book is published, but if not, you have been warned.
So, all in all this story was a mixed bag for me. I did fall in love with Ethan, Marcus’s brother, and the next story out is his. I’m going to leave this review with a so-so rating. There were definitely some great moments in this story: I did have an affinity for Marcus, and Alistair will break your heart. But, like I mentioned before, unfortunately the problems I had with the story went beyond the characters involved. I’ll recommend it, but with a large grain of salt.
Reviewed by Carrie
March 12, 2018
Aaah, I SO wanted to love this one! When I saw a gay romance set in Regency England (where it wasn't taboo and the story world was an alternate version of ours), I got really excited, and I dove right in as soon as I had the ARC in hand. But then... oh, sadly then...
I just couldn't get through it. Not even the first chapter. The dialogue was stilted and the characters were unlikeable from the very first page. The idea has a lot of merit, but the writing style and dialogue just put me off. I think this story could have really shined if the nuances of the characters were more carefully shaped (meaning a good deal more line editing to address the unlikable, pushy impression one of the characters makes) and their on-page spark made more apparent. I didn't really feel much chemistry from them at all.
It's a real shame, because I loved the idea of men being able to be free with their romance in public in Regency England. DNF.
I just couldn't get through it. Not even the first chapter. The dialogue was stilted and the characters were unlikeable from the very first page. The idea has a lot of merit, but the writing style and dialogue just put me off. I think this story could have really shined if the nuances of the characters were more carefully shaped (meaning a good deal more line editing to address the unlikable, pushy impression one of the characters makes) and their on-page spark made more apparent. I didn't really feel much chemistry from them at all.
It's a real shame, because I loved the idea of men being able to be free with their romance in public in Regency England. DNF.
April 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book by this new to me author. This is the story of Marcus and Alistair. Marcus has always had a crush on Alistair and wanted to get to know him better. Alistair has his reservations and keeps Marcus firmly in the acquaintance zone. Marcus is determined to win over Alistair affections and makes it his mission to make Alistair his. Alistair has a hard time believing that Marcus could actually have feelings for him...he isn't a great catch so he thinks. Marcus wears Alistair down and he gives into the attraction he feels for Marcus. Their journey is filled with ups and downs and twists that no one could see coming. Marcus will do anything to show Alistair that he is worthy of being loved...especially by him. I really enjoyed their story....it was a great story that kept my interest from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more in this series...well done!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book provided by netgalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book provided by netgalley.
June 12, 2019
Audiobook review. Narrator: Rod Maskew
This audiobook was almost 14 hours long. The first 13 hours were almost nothing but one sex scene after another, with about 5 minutes worth of plot interspersed between scenes. The sex scenes were very well written, and the narrator did an excellent job. The problem was that hours and hours and hours of sex make for a very boring book. The little plot that was there was actually pretty good, and overall, I'm glad I stuck it out, but it wasn't easy to do and I had to put my player speed on fast to get through it. I haven't yet had a DNF, but this one was the closest I've ever been.
I honestly considered returning it to Audible but I was 25 days past the year deadline, so I guess I'm stuck with it.
This audiobook was almost 14 hours long. The first 13 hours were almost nothing but one sex scene after another, with about 5 minutes worth of plot interspersed between scenes. The sex scenes were very well written, and the narrator did an excellent job. The problem was that hours and hours and hours of sex make for a very boring book. The little plot that was there was actually pretty good, and overall, I'm glad I stuck it out, but it wasn't easy to do and I had to put my player speed on fast to get through it. I haven't yet had a DNF, but this one was the closest I've ever been.
I honestly considered returning it to Audible but I was 25 days past the year deadline, so I guess I'm stuck with it.
June 29, 2018
Thank you so much Mo @ The Scarlet Siren for posting as you were listening to this book - I have a new obsession that is the Lords of Avenleigh.
How had I never heard of this book/author?
How have I lived for *mumble mumble* years without knowing this goodness.
I never knew I needed this book until I started it.
Seriously, how can the removing of a glove be one of the hottest things I have ever listened to?
Forget Jack and Rose in the car, a sleigh "ride" seems to be something I need to add to my bucket list.
There are some amazing words used in this book that we need to get into regular conversation.
I need the second book ASAP! Gimme Gimme Gimme!!
How had I never heard of this book/author?
How have I lived for *mumble mumble* years without knowing this goodness.
I never knew I needed this book until I started it.
Seriously, how can the removing of a glove be one of the hottest things I have ever listened to?
Forget Jack and Rose in the car, a sleigh "ride" seems to be something I need to add to my bucket list.
There are some amazing words used in this book that we need to get into regular conversation.
I need the second book ASAP! Gimme Gimme Gimme!!
September 30, 2020
2.5 stars tending towards 3
TW: If you're sensitive to portrayals of heavy alcoholism, like me, thread carefully.
The writing was often quite repetitive and awkward, a lot of telling when there was sufficient showing already to convey the author's message.
The world, an alternate regency England where homosexuality is not illegal, didn't make sense in places.
But overall the book was more enjoyable than not and I'll listen to the second volume when it's out. I greatly enjoyed Marcus as a character, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm no fan of Alistairs and I was kind of rooting for Marcus to dump him. Didn't happen of course, but I'm happy enough with the ending.
TW: If you're sensitive to portrayals of heavy alcoholism, like me, thread carefully.
The writing was often quite repetitive and awkward, a lot of telling when there was sufficient showing already to convey the author's message.
The world, an alternate regency England where homosexuality is not illegal, didn't make sense in places.
But overall the book was more enjoyable than not and I'll listen to the second volume when it's out. I greatly enjoyed Marcus as a character, but I'm not gonna lie, I'm no fan of Alistairs and I was kind of rooting for Marcus to dump him. Didn't happen of course, but I'm happy enough with the ending.
July 22, 2018
Love comes in all sizes but is never easy
The prose and wit is as enchanting as ever but the romance is harder won. I thoroughly enjoyed the innocence of the characters as well as the effort they put into making themselves better men.
The prose and wit is as enchanting as ever but the romance is harder won. I thoroughly enjoyed the innocence of the characters as well as the effort they put into making themselves better men.
September 11, 2020
So much potential here. Sadly though the writing is not strong. The characters are okay and the premise not bad, but I greatly disliked the writing. And frankly was upset on a character's behalf when he was called fat on almost every page using every Victorian word for it this author could dig up.
May 16, 2023
I believe that there is a fine line between flirting and (sexual) harrassment, and Marcus's flirtation with Alistair seemed more like a desperate attempt of harrassment to me.
A book that could have had so much potential, yet turned out to be such a disappointment.
A book that could have had so much potential, yet turned out to be such a disappointment.
May 23, 2018
This was utterly ridiculous.
I really liked it!
I really liked it!
September 15, 2020
This was...incredible. It was very different from many of the other of this genre I have read. It begins with the beginning of the romance - there is no build up to it. Then entire story is all about the growth of the relationship. At times, this is absolutely heartbreaking. Then, you are elated. Then, your heart breaks some more. And on it goes.
The characters are incredible. You will fall in love with at least 4 of them (I won't tell which ones; 6 for me, actually). You will at least severely dislike at least 2. One redeems himself, though. There are surprises along the way, which keep the story interesting.
This story is also a lesson in the difficulty of alcoholism. I thought the author did a good job showing the intricacies of the illness, and how someone can struggle with it during especially stressful times.
The narrator, Rod Maskew, was, well there are no words. Suffice to say - I could listen to that brogue all day. I highly recommend you listen to this one. So good!
Update: I listened to this again 2 weeks after I finished it. I couldn't get these guys out of my head!
The characters are incredible. You will fall in love with at least 4 of them (I won't tell which ones; 6 for me, actually). You will at least severely dislike at least 2. One redeems himself, though. There are surprises along the way, which keep the story interesting.
This story is also a lesson in the difficulty of alcoholism. I thought the author did a good job showing the intricacies of the illness, and how someone can struggle with it during especially stressful times.
The narrator, Rod Maskew, was, well there are no words. Suffice to say - I could listen to that brogue all day. I highly recommend you listen to this one. So good!
Update: I listened to this again 2 weeks after I finished it. I couldn't get these guys out of my head!
Read
April 17, 2018No rating. I’m going to DNF for now. The dialogue feels weird and the pacing is too slow. May try to pick it up at a later date.
unfinished
November 1, 2018Did not finish at 16%.
I know that feels a little too early to give up on a book but. Well. To me it felt like it took an eternity to get to that point. And normally I would've powered through the book despite me not entirely enjoying myself - and really, I think I saw somewhere that this book is only a little over a hundred thousand words, which is a manageable length! - but I've been busy, and this book has been languishing on my figurative shelf since the beginning of August. I just really can't be bothered anymore.
Thus, it stays unfinished. Which is such an utter shame, really, because I love the premise of this series. A historical novel, albeit an alternative one? Sign me the fuck up! But I just found the writing to be too heavy-handed and long-winded, and after a while it felt too repetitive for me. Maybe I'm just not used to reading historical stuff, still? Maybe I would've appreciated this a bit more - and maybe I would've actually finished the book - if I had more experience reading historical romance. Who knows, really?
I might get back to this. Might. I just love the setting too much which is why it's such a shame that this one didn't click for me.
I know that feels a little too early to give up on a book but. Well. To me it felt like it took an eternity to get to that point. And normally I would've powered through the book despite me not entirely enjoying myself - and really, I think I saw somewhere that this book is only a little over a hundred thousand words, which is a manageable length! - but I've been busy, and this book has been languishing on my figurative shelf since the beginning of August. I just really can't be bothered anymore.
Thus, it stays unfinished. Which is such an utter shame, really, because I love the premise of this series. A historical novel, albeit an alternative one? Sign me the fuck up! But I just found the writing to be too heavy-handed and long-winded, and after a while it felt too repetitive for me. Maybe I'm just not used to reading historical stuff, still? Maybe I would've appreciated this a bit more - and maybe I would've actually finished the book - if I had more experience reading historical romance. Who knows, really?
I might get back to this. Might. I just love the setting too much which is why it's such a shame that this one didn't click for me.
Read
April 9, 2019This was a silly romp which made no real sense, which is exactly what I expected from a romance novel, so it was fine.
The steamy scenes were appropriately steamy. The characters were reasonably appealing and there was at least a little bit of story. In general, it was a fun, quick read.
But... I bought this because one of the characters was fat. I found it via a search of the keyword BHM. So I wasn't really happy with the way the character development proceeded: he isn't really happy or successful in life and love until he loses weight, at which point he's still a large guy, but not actually fat. I would have much rather he accepted himself, got his revenge on the villain, won his love, etc. without losing weight, and I would have been happy with an 'enormously' steamy final love scene.
The steamy scenes were appropriately steamy. The characters were reasonably appealing and there was at least a little bit of story. In general, it was a fun, quick read.
But... I bought this because one of the characters was fat. I found it via a search of the keyword BHM. So I wasn't really happy with the way the character development proceeded: he isn't really happy or successful in life and love until he loses weight, at which point he's still a large guy, but not actually fat. I would have much rather he accepted himself, got his revenge on the villain, won his love, etc. without losing weight, and I would have been happy with an 'enormously' steamy final love scene.
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