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The Masterpiece
Built from the bottom up: one perfect gentleman.
Man about town Arthur Lawton spends his days pursuing entertainment while shoeshine Joe Sprat labors to better his family’s lives. When an argument about nature versus nurture sparks a wager, Arthur swears to a friend he can turn this working man into a gentleman who will pass at a society function.
Joe is happy to participate in the experiment for a fee but receives more than he bargained for after moving into Lawton’s house. Arthur is determined Joe won’t merely wear a veneer of sophistication but educates him in every way. As he creates his new and improved man, Arthur grows more deeply infatuated with him, while Joe falls equally hard for his charismatic mentor.
Underneath a growing friendship, desire simmers and one day explodes. After their relationship escalates, the pair exists in a dream bubble until the threat of exposure sharply reminds them they belong in different worlds. When the ball is over, each must resume his own life, changed by their encounter but destined for different courses.
Find out if love is strong enough to bridge the gap between peer and pauper in this twist on the tale of My Fair Lady.
Man about town Arthur Lawton spends his days pursuing entertainment while shoeshine Joe Sprat labors to better his family’s lives. When an argument about nature versus nurture sparks a wager, Arthur swears to a friend he can turn this working man into a gentleman who will pass at a society function.
Joe is happy to participate in the experiment for a fee but receives more than he bargained for after moving into Lawton’s house. Arthur is determined Joe won’t merely wear a veneer of sophistication but educates him in every way. As he creates his new and improved man, Arthur grows more deeply infatuated with him, while Joe falls equally hard for his charismatic mentor.
Underneath a growing friendship, desire simmers and one day explodes. After their relationship escalates, the pair exists in a dream bubble until the threat of exposure sharply reminds them they belong in different worlds. When the ball is over, each must resume his own life, changed by their encounter but destined for different courses.
Find out if love is strong enough to bridge the gap between peer and pauper in this twist on the tale of My Fair Lady.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
134 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
131 books698 followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
June 18, 2017
~4.5~
If you've seen My Fair Lady, the 1964 film based on Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, you probably remember the scene at the horse races where Eliza Doolittle, in a moment of pure, unbridled excitement, yells, "C'mon, Dovah. Move yer bloomin' arse!"
The Masterpiece is a historical (set in London, 1909) M/M take on this charming story, with two upper-crust friends, Mr. Arthur Lawton and Lord Granville, making a bet that Arthur cannot turn a lower-class shoeshine with a harsh accent, Joe Sprat, into a well-spoken man who can fool others into believing he's a member of the upper class.
Granville is an arrogant snob, believing that you are born into your lot in life for a reason. Arthur disagrees; he thinks it's just a matter of luck, not fate.
Arthur and Joe connect immediately, and watching their friendship turn to something more tender and intimate is a beautiful thing.
Arthur, used to "staving off the boredom of an inconsequential life," is so patient with Joe, and Joe is a very eager pupil. Joe soon begins to look the part of a gentleman, but he's still the same man inside: loyal, honest, caring.
The sexual tension is palpable, the culmination of days and weeks spent talking (about books, current news, the philosophy of life), laughing, and giving each other meaningful looks (do you want me as much as I want you?).
This book is not super steamy (although the scene in Arthur's bedroom was damn hot), but the depth of the relationship and character development more than make up for that.
I adored both MCs; they really were so right for each other, despite Granville interfering every step of the way.
Toward the end of the story, Joe realizes that by passing as Mr. Joseph Newman he's deceiving those around him, including Granville's lovely mother and Arthur's kind family (Arthur's brother is such a hoot).
Angst is inevitable, but can love trump class conventions?
I can assure you that the ending is very happy indeed. You might even say the men sail off into the sunset, or sunrise as the case may be.
If you've seen My Fair Lady, the 1964 film based on Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, you probably remember the scene at the horse races where Eliza Doolittle, in a moment of pure, unbridled excitement, yells, "C'mon, Dovah. Move yer bloomin' arse!"
The Masterpiece is a historical (set in London, 1909) M/M take on this charming story, with two upper-crust friends, Mr. Arthur Lawton and Lord Granville, making a bet that Arthur cannot turn a lower-class shoeshine with a harsh accent, Joe Sprat, into a well-spoken man who can fool others into believing he's a member of the upper class.
Granville is an arrogant snob, believing that you are born into your lot in life for a reason. Arthur disagrees; he thinks it's just a matter of luck, not fate.
Arthur and Joe connect immediately, and watching their friendship turn to something more tender and intimate is a beautiful thing.
Arthur, used to "staving off the boredom of an inconsequential life," is so patient with Joe, and Joe is a very eager pupil. Joe soon begins to look the part of a gentleman, but he's still the same man inside: loyal, honest, caring.
The sexual tension is palpable, the culmination of days and weeks spent talking (about books, current news, the philosophy of life), laughing, and giving each other meaningful looks (do you want me as much as I want you?).
This book is not super steamy (although the scene in Arthur's bedroom was damn hot), but the depth of the relationship and character development more than make up for that.
I adored both MCs; they really were so right for each other, despite Granville interfering every step of the way.
Toward the end of the story, Joe realizes that by passing as Mr. Joseph Newman he's deceiving those around him, including Granville's lovely mother and Arthur's kind family (Arthur's brother is such a hoot).
Angst is inevitable, but can love trump class conventions?
I can assure you that the ending is very happy indeed. You might even say the men sail off into the sunset, or sunrise as the case may be.
June 6, 2019
Audrey Hepburn is my favorite actress ever and of course, I loved “My Fair Lady” and Eliza Doolittle character. 😁💜 And you guys already know that Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon are my favorite MM historical romance authors. And again, I think Mark James is one of the few narrators who does British accent always right. 👍 So imagine my delight when I heard Bonnie Dee is writing a “My fair lady” retelling and Mark James is narrating? I squealed like a little piggy. 😁🐷 And you know what? My expectations were more than met and beyond. 👏
Mr. Arthur Lawton is pretty tired of his daily routine. Sure, his life used to fun and somewhat fulfilling but now it has gotten quite repetitive and dreadful. Until a faithful day when a certain shoe shine caught his eye while he was arguing with his best friend, Lord Granville. Granville argues that to be a gentleman, you have to come from certain breed. And Arthur debates that with some training and intensive care, anyone can become a gentleman. And our shoe shine, Joe Sprat becomes the experiment of these two gentlemen’s wager. Joe is to stay with Arthur and learn the way of the gentlemen. The problem is that Arthur and Joe are more interested in each other than learning to become a gentleman. Joe may be a mere shoe shine but Arthur has never met a man like him. And Joe can’t help but fall for his kind, gentle and loving mentor/employer. But Joe’s stay in Arthur’s house has an expiration date and they are from two very different worlds. What will happen after the ball when Joe and Arthur have one last final dance?
Oh my god, you guys! 😱 All the tender feels! ❤️ The emotions, the feelings, the romance and that scorching UST! That was a one sweet ride. 😍 The gradual development of relationship and romance between Joe and Arthur was beautiful to witness. Joe is afraid to fall for Arthur, of course he did, he is a working class and Arthur comes from an aristocratic family. 😢 And Arthur also couldn’t understand his feelings for Joe in the beginning. But when they finally accepted that they were made for each other? Ooooooooooo, these two sure knew how to tumble! 🔥🔥🔥 And I also loved that they had to work for their HEA. They had to be separated for a while so that when they reunited, they understood that they really are made for each other. As always, Mark James deserves a shout out for such a stellar narration. 👏 And although this is a retelling, Bonnie Dee did such an excellent job that I never once thought of the original story. And that epilogue was EVERYTHING!!! 😱😍 I couldn’t be happier for these two and their fairytale happily ever after. 💜 Highly recommended to anyone who loves MM historical romances with a sexy British narration. 😉
5 You really are my masterpiece stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration- 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Mr. Arthur Lawton is pretty tired of his daily routine. Sure, his life used to fun and somewhat fulfilling but now it has gotten quite repetitive and dreadful. Until a faithful day when a certain shoe shine caught his eye while he was arguing with his best friend, Lord Granville. Granville argues that to be a gentleman, you have to come from certain breed. And Arthur debates that with some training and intensive care, anyone can become a gentleman. And our shoe shine, Joe Sprat becomes the experiment of these two gentlemen’s wager. Joe is to stay with Arthur and learn the way of the gentlemen. The problem is that Arthur and Joe are more interested in each other than learning to become a gentleman. Joe may be a mere shoe shine but Arthur has never met a man like him. And Joe can’t help but fall for his kind, gentle and loving mentor/employer. But Joe’s stay in Arthur’s house has an expiration date and they are from two very different worlds. What will happen after the ball when Joe and Arthur have one last final dance?
Oh my god, you guys! 😱 All the tender feels! ❤️ The emotions, the feelings, the romance and that scorching UST! That was a one sweet ride. 😍 The gradual development of relationship and romance between Joe and Arthur was beautiful to witness. Joe is afraid to fall for Arthur, of course he did, he is a working class and Arthur comes from an aristocratic family. 😢 And Arthur also couldn’t understand his feelings for Joe in the beginning. But when they finally accepted that they were made for each other? Ooooooooooo, these two sure knew how to tumble! 🔥🔥🔥 And I also loved that they had to work for their HEA. They had to be separated for a while so that when they reunited, they understood that they really are made for each other. As always, Mark James deserves a shout out for such a stellar narration. 👏 And although this is a retelling, Bonnie Dee did such an excellent job that I never once thought of the original story. And that epilogue was EVERYTHING!!! 😱😍 I couldn’t be happier for these two and their fairytale happily ever after. 💜 Highly recommended to anyone who loves MM historical romances with a sexy British narration. 😉
5 You really are my masterpiece stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audio rating
Story - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration- 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
May 30, 2017
What an entertaining take on My Fair Lady! In this early 1900's historical, Bonnie Dee gives us two eminently likable MC's and a wager sure to turn society on its ear, if found out. I loved the writing, the chemistry, the story and the shenanigans!
Arthur Lawton is the second son of a Baronet. Not much is expected of second sons and so he has the freedom to explore whatever he wishes. Well, Arthur has always dreamed of travel, but he gets horribly sea sick. So, he and his oldest friend entertain themselves however they can. A wager, perhaps. Arthur tends to see people as people and just because a person is born into the lower classes does not mean that they have to be forever stuck there. He posits that any man can be taught to move about in society if only given the chance.
Joe Sprat is a shoeshine. Born in the lower classes in East London, Joe has dreams. He really wants to open his own shoe shop, one day. He saves what he can from his sidewalk business, but he's got a long way to go. This wager between Mr. Lawton and his friend could really speed things up quite a lot, so he accepts. And it isn't just for the money, either, but also because Joe wants the education.
I absolutely adored both Arthur and Joe. Joe goes through quite the outward transformation in the story, but his core honesty and integrity are there, throughout. But Arthur is really who shined in The Masterpiece. He wasn't like his peers, at all. He really saw the capability and the humanity of everyone, regardless of their station. But I also think he learned as much from Joe as Joe learned from him. Arthur really learned the value of honesty, hard work, and integrity. Yeah, Arthur saw people as people before, but after being around Joe for several weeks, he really saw what it meant to work for what you got.
And their romance was superb, as well. I loved how Arthur and Joe interacted from the most mundane activity to their adventurous outings. You see them bond as friends before they do as lovers and it was spot on. And the ending -- yes, that was gloriously delicious! Bonnie Dee works magic, again!
If you like the My Fair Lady premise, you're sure to love The Masterpiece.
----------------------
ARC of The Masterpiece was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
Arthur Lawton is the second son of a Baronet. Not much is expected of second sons and so he has the freedom to explore whatever he wishes. Well, Arthur has always dreamed of travel, but he gets horribly sea sick. So, he and his oldest friend entertain themselves however they can. A wager, perhaps. Arthur tends to see people as people and just because a person is born into the lower classes does not mean that they have to be forever stuck there. He posits that any man can be taught to move about in society if only given the chance.
Joe Sprat is a shoeshine. Born in the lower classes in East London, Joe has dreams. He really wants to open his own shoe shop, one day. He saves what he can from his sidewalk business, but he's got a long way to go. This wager between Mr. Lawton and his friend could really speed things up quite a lot, so he accepts. And it isn't just for the money, either, but also because Joe wants the education.
I absolutely adored both Arthur and Joe. Joe goes through quite the outward transformation in the story, but his core honesty and integrity are there, throughout. But Arthur is really who shined in The Masterpiece. He wasn't like his peers, at all. He really saw the capability and the humanity of everyone, regardless of their station. But I also think he learned as much from Joe as Joe learned from him. Arthur really learned the value of honesty, hard work, and integrity. Yeah, Arthur saw people as people before, but after being around Joe for several weeks, he really saw what it meant to work for what you got.
And their romance was superb, as well. I loved how Arthur and Joe interacted from the most mundane activity to their adventurous outings. You see them bond as friends before they do as lovers and it was spot on. And the ending -- yes, that was gloriously delicious! Bonnie Dee works magic, again!
If you like the My Fair Lady premise, you're sure to love The Masterpiece.
----------------------
ARC of The Masterpiece was generously provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2017
3.5 Hearts
Can we just have a moment of silence to admire the suit porn gracing the cover of this thing?
The blurb pretty much tells you all you need to know about the story, though this is certainly a sweeter version of the classic movie. Arthur is nowhere near as stern a taskmaster as Professor Higgins and Joe seems to get the hang of things much faster than Eliza ever did but other than that the story is the same. Minus all the singing. *sad face* But with some nice dancing scenes.
My Fair Lady being one of my favorite movies made this hard to resist and I'm glad I didn't because this was a lighthearted and entertaining introduction to Bonnie Dee. The narrative flowed easily and I liked both of these characters. They're both charming in their own ways, but if you're looking for a whole lot of substance or depth this probably isn't the read for you.
Dee built some tension between them before the sexy times began but not a huge amount. I wouldn't categorize The Masterpiece as being sex heavy if that's a turn off for you, but they do have chemistry. Since it was told from both of their perspectives the desire they have for each other is clear to see. I liked that even though Arthur's trying to teach Joe how to pass as a peer he still enjoys Joe's cockney accent and his levelheadedness; he likes Joe for Joe. For Joe's part, he believes Arthur is selling himself short in regards to his capabilities and isn't afraid to tell him so on a regular basis, so they compliment each other well despite the class disparity.
There isn't a whole lot of conflict or angst. It's just a sweet little treat of a story about a fancy toff and a lowly shoeshiner falling in love.
A review copy was provided.
Can we just have a moment of silence to admire the suit porn gracing the cover of this thing?
The blurb pretty much tells you all you need to know about the story, though this is certainly a sweeter version of the classic movie. Arthur is nowhere near as stern a taskmaster as Professor Higgins and Joe seems to get the hang of things much faster than Eliza ever did but other than that the story is the same. Minus all the singing. *sad face* But with some nice dancing scenes.
My Fair Lady being one of my favorite movies made this hard to resist and I'm glad I didn't because this was a lighthearted and entertaining introduction to Bonnie Dee. The narrative flowed easily and I liked both of these characters. They're both charming in their own ways, but if you're looking for a whole lot of substance or depth this probably isn't the read for you.
Dee built some tension between them before the sexy times began but not a huge amount. I wouldn't categorize The Masterpiece as being sex heavy if that's a turn off for you, but they do have chemistry. Since it was told from both of their perspectives the desire they have for each other is clear to see. I liked that even though Arthur's trying to teach Joe how to pass as a peer he still enjoys Joe's cockney accent and his levelheadedness; he likes Joe for Joe. For Joe's part, he believes Arthur is selling himself short in regards to his capabilities and isn't afraid to tell him so on a regular basis, so they compliment each other well despite the class disparity.
There isn't a whole lot of conflict or angst. It's just a sweet little treat of a story about a fancy toff and a lowly shoeshiner falling in love.
A review copy was provided.
June 19, 2017
**4.5 stars** for this charming historical romance.
I don’t often read historical romance but when it’s that good, it would be such a shame not to indulge.
* The settings : London in 1909.
* The characters : Joe, a shoeshine who aspires to own a shoe shop and Arthur, the second son of a baronet who spends his life idly, too lazy to do anything but entertaining himself.
* The encounter : Arthur believes that no one is better than anyone else and, while having his shoes shined, Arthur waged his friend that the shoeshine, after a few weeks of training, could attend a formal event and pass as a gentleman.
And thus begin a few weeks of knowing each other, spending time talking, sharing dreams, visions, and a burning attraction. The relationship develops nicely and “charmingly” with joe being such a great character, the teaching is mutual, even eye-opening for Arthur and the ending is lovely. It’s refreshing, sexy and yes, it did swoon me.
I don’t often read historical romance but when it’s that good, it would be such a shame not to indulge.
* The settings : London in 1909.
* The characters : Joe, a shoeshine who aspires to own a shoe shop and Arthur, the second son of a baronet who spends his life idly, too lazy to do anything but entertaining himself.
* The encounter : Arthur believes that no one is better than anyone else and, while having his shoes shined, Arthur waged his friend that the shoeshine, after a few weeks of training, could attend a formal event and pass as a gentleman.
And thus begin a few weeks of knowing each other, spending time talking, sharing dreams, visions, and a burning attraction. The relationship develops nicely and “charmingly” with joe being such a great character, the teaching is mutual, even eye-opening for Arthur and the ending is lovely. It’s refreshing, sexy and yes, it did swoon me.
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May 13, 2020Kindle freebie 5/13/20!
May 28, 2017
-4.5-
It all starts with a bet. Arthur Lawton, well known member of 1909 London's high social circles, will undertake the project of turning shoeshine Joe Sprat into a fine gentleman himself. This is a modern take on My Fair Lady and I loved it!
Working on the fringes of the formal economy and in the dirty streets of London, sometimes comes with an honesty not a lot of rich people possess. But Joe has dreams and ambitions of his own. And helping Arthur win that bet, will get him the money to start his own business. And that's how Joe Sprat, becomes Mr. Joseph Newman.
I really liked Joe but Arthur was the star for me. A very interesting character, nothing like his uptight, snobbish, upper class friends. I fell in love with Arthur's mind, his sense of universality, his thirst to explore, the way he questioned societal norms despite being a part of high society. The respectful way he treated those who were less fortunate than him.
I loved the scenes of Joe's "training" that gave the MCs the time to bond, and allowed for the romance to develop steadily but fiercly, but also the playful/adventurous scenes like the one in the museum. This really was a very romantic tale.
I find the ending to be swoon worthy. I always think that the time jumps can do wonders when used right, and that was the case here.
I'm really liking Bonnie Dee's latest work, Contemporary and Historical.
Recommended!
It all starts with a bet. Arthur Lawton, well known member of 1909 London's high social circles, will undertake the project of turning shoeshine Joe Sprat into a fine gentleman himself. This is a modern take on My Fair Lady and I loved it!
Working on the fringes of the formal economy and in the dirty streets of London, sometimes comes with an honesty not a lot of rich people possess. But Joe has dreams and ambitions of his own. And helping Arthur win that bet, will get him the money to start his own business. And that's how Joe Sprat, becomes Mr. Joseph Newman.
I really liked Joe but Arthur was the star for me. A very interesting character, nothing like his uptight, snobbish, upper class friends. I fell in love with Arthur's mind, his sense of universality, his thirst to explore, the way he questioned societal norms despite being a part of high society. The respectful way he treated those who were less fortunate than him.
I loved the scenes of Joe's "training" that gave the MCs the time to bond, and allowed for the romance to develop steadily but fiercly, but also the playful/adventurous scenes like the one in the museum. This really was a very romantic tale.
"...love was the truth all humans shared, the reason for existence. When stripped down to basics, all else could be done without except love.[...]
He would seek out the one person who gave real meaning to the word."
I find the ending to be swoon worthy. I always think that the time jumps can do wonders when used right, and that was the case here.
I'm really liking Bonnie Dee's latest work, Contemporary and Historical.
Recommended!
June 4, 2017
Well, isn't this just simply loverly? The Masterpiece is a M/M take on "My Fair Lady" set in 1909 London with dark, handsome and industrious shoeshine Joe Sprat in the Eliza role. He's worked hard all his life and when he has the chance to make 20 quid ("well over a year’s wages, enough to rent a storefront and stock it with shoes") he seizes the opportunity to fulfill his dream of opening a shoe shop.
His unlikely savior is Arthur Lawton, a gentlemen of means who wiles away his days. "If only it wasn’t becoming increasingly difficult to awake refreshed and ready to begin another round of keeping boredom at bay." So when Lord Frederick (Freddie) Granville makes the bet, Arthur is ready for a new challenge.
This is really a wonderful story, with Freddie's bet taking second place to the romance between Joe and Arthur. Arthur expands Joe's world view and education through interesting discussions, museum visits and unlike Professor Higgin's misogynistic overbearing teaching, there is respect between the two men which quickly bursts into a sizzling sexual attraction.
And I love how Joe challenges Arthur to explore his own dreams of travel and exploration. There is a time jump between the final chapter and the epilogue and the story is beautifully tied up. 4.5 stars for this enjoyable read!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
His unlikely savior is Arthur Lawton, a gentlemen of means who wiles away his days. "If only it wasn’t becoming increasingly difficult to awake refreshed and ready to begin another round of keeping boredom at bay." So when Lord Frederick (Freddie) Granville makes the bet, Arthur is ready for a new challenge.
This is really a wonderful story, with Freddie's bet taking second place to the romance between Joe and Arthur. Arthur expands Joe's world view and education through interesting discussions, museum visits and unlike Professor Higgin's misogynistic overbearing teaching, there is respect between the two men which quickly bursts into a sizzling sexual attraction.
And I love how Joe challenges Arthur to explore his own dreams of travel and exploration. There is a time jump between the final chapter and the epilogue and the story is beautifully tied up. 4.5 stars for this enjoyable read!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
January 31, 2018
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very enjoyable story with very realistic characters. I was immediately captured by the cover and the blurb, and just adored Joe and Arthur. Yes, this is an MM version of My Fair Lady, and it's been a while since I've watched the movie so I can't say how closely these parallel each other. Regardless, I thought this whole story was very original and well thought out. I kept wondering how this would end considering it is the start of the 1900's and being in a relationship with another man was not exactly accepted. Don't worry, there is a happy ending, and it was perfect for these men. Of course they would like to be together completely, but that's not possible. But they seemed extremely happy and content. I was just giddy seeing them both get what they wished for.
This is a very well written story (despite the editing errors) and I wish I could get another installment of them, maybe 20 years down the road, see how they are. It would be so thrilling and I would feel more closure if I could just get a small glimpse of them being happy still. Never say never. ;)
3.75 stars rounded to 4 because I liked the historical accuracy. Not a scholar, just a fan.
(*I don't know if anything written is actually accurate, but it fell that way to me; never once did I doubt anything said or done.)
This was a very enjoyable story with very realistic characters. I was immediately captured by the cover and the blurb, and just adored Joe and Arthur. Yes, this is an MM version of My Fair Lady, and it's been a while since I've watched the movie so I can't say how closely these parallel each other. Regardless, I thought this whole story was very original and well thought out. I kept wondering how this would end considering it is the start of the 1900's and being in a relationship with another man was not exactly accepted. Don't worry, there is a happy ending, and it was perfect for these men. Of course they would like to be together completely, but that's not possible. But they seemed extremely happy and content. I was just giddy seeing them both get what they wished for.
This is a very well written story (despite the editing errors) and I wish I could get another installment of them, maybe 20 years down the road, see how they are. It would be so thrilling and I would feel more closure if I could just get a small glimpse of them being happy still. Never say never. ;)
3.75 stars rounded to 4 because I liked the historical accuracy. Not a scholar, just a fan.
(*I don't know if anything written is actually accurate, but it fell that way to me; never once did I doubt anything said or done.)
June 19, 2017
*4,5 stars*
"Utterly charming"
This is a definite winner in the light and fluffy category.
Bonnie Dee must have had a ball *cough* writing this one. In essence she follows the plot of My Fair Lady, but I loved how she bends and twists the story to make it her very own. This should be called My Fair Laddie, as was suggested by one of my friends! (If it was you, please let me know so I can credit you by name!)
I had a big grin on my face when the author paid homage to the songs of the musical again and again with little sideways winks: "loverly", "I could dance all night", "weather in Hereford and Hampshire", "You did it". And there is even a Freddie!
So much fun!
Joe and Arthur (and God, don't I love that name!) are delightful together. And yes, so quintessentially British. (as is a lot of the vocabulary)
"Scones and jam they were - perfect togther"
And they're pretty hot, too. The UST simmering between them for quite a while is delightful and when the pot boils over it's even better! :)
If you enjoyed Eliza Doolittle's transformation story, you will definitely like this. Brilliant light summer read with fab characters in a historical setting.
Highly recommended.
"Utterly charming"
This is a definite winner in the light and fluffy category.
Bonnie Dee must have had a ball *cough* writing this one. In essence she follows the plot of My Fair Lady, but I loved how she bends and twists the story to make it her very own. This should be called My Fair Laddie, as was suggested by one of my friends! (If it was you, please let me know so I can credit you by name!)
I had a big grin on my face when the author paid homage to the songs of the musical again and again with little sideways winks: "loverly", "I could dance all night", "weather in Hereford and Hampshire", "You did it". And there is even a Freddie!
So much fun!
Joe and Arthur (and God, don't I love that name!) are delightful together. And yes, so quintessentially British. (as is a lot of the vocabulary)
"Scones and jam they were - perfect togther"
And they're pretty hot, too. The UST simmering between them for quite a while is delightful and when the pot boils over it's even better! :)
If you enjoyed Eliza Doolittle's transformation story, you will definitely like this. Brilliant light summer read with fab characters in a historical setting.
Highly recommended.
June 4, 2019
The M/M version of Pygmalion, Bonnie Dee’s, The Masterpiece is a truly enjoyable audiobook. Mark James’ stunning performance captures every moment of warmth and charm in this sweet and clever story. This is the fourth historical romance I’ve heard Mr. James perform and I hope he continues to narrate stories in the M/M genre.
Who doesn’t love the plot of a wager which turns a sow’s ear into a silk purse? Reducing a man’s future to nothing more than a bet is just the kind of thing two idle upper-class gentlemen would do for a lark...
For me, the best part is watching Joe react to all the waste and frivolity in Arthur’s life. (The comparisons he makes to his own life are pretty depressing.) But Joe not only retains his integrity, his example helps to transform the wastrel lordling into a man of honor.
I enjoyed getting to know Joe and Arthur. They’re both likable men, and it’s a pleasure to see them work through all the challenges thrown at them and figure it all out together. The Masterpiece is a clever, well written romance and I guarantee a happily-ever-after ending that you'll love :)!
an audiobook copy of The Masterpiece was provided to me by the author for the purpose of my review
Who doesn’t love the plot of a wager which turns a sow’s ear into a silk purse? Reducing a man’s future to nothing more than a bet is just the kind of thing two idle upper-class gentlemen would do for a lark...
For me, the best part is watching Joe react to all the waste and frivolity in Arthur’s life. (The comparisons he makes to his own life are pretty depressing.) But Joe not only retains his integrity, his example helps to transform the wastrel lordling into a man of honor.
I enjoyed getting to know Joe and Arthur. They’re both likable men, and it’s a pleasure to see them work through all the challenges thrown at them and figure it all out together. The Masterpiece is a clever, well written romance and I guarantee a happily-ever-after ending that you'll love :)!
an audiobook copy of The Masterpiece was provided to me by the author for the purpose of my review
April 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this one. It was slow going for me at first, the slow burn taking some time to heat up, and with Joe and Arthur having to be like "gentlemen" their was a lot of longing looks without much action for the longest time.
This is an MM take on My Fair Lady, which I've never seen before. But I wanted to dive into this head first nonetheless, and I ended up enjoying it a lot.
I really loved Joe, and while Arthur had his annoying, stuck up and obviously privileged moments, I still liked him, because he was a lot less stuffy and pompous and annoying than everyone else. Also, by the end he improved upon himself and I loved him even more.
It seems like these two will never be able to be together what with Joe being of a "low" class who has shined shoes all his life (with aspirations of owning his own shoe shop) and Arthur being an upper class "gentleman" but they figure it out by the end, and they're super adorable together, and I felt their love by then. Their longing for each other was wonderful and sad because they were so in love! Seeing them get to their happy ending was wonderful.
Both Arthur and Joe go through a lot of growth and change in this novel, for the better, because they're both in a better place by the end of this, and a big part of their was their love for each other.
I really enjoyed this, definitely recommend! This was my first time reading this offer and it went well :D
This is an MM take on My Fair Lady, which I've never seen before. But I wanted to dive into this head first nonetheless, and I ended up enjoying it a lot.
I really loved Joe, and while Arthur had his annoying, stuck up and obviously privileged moments, I still liked him, because he was a lot less stuffy and pompous and annoying than everyone else. Also, by the end he improved upon himself and I loved him even more.
It seems like these two will never be able to be together what with Joe being of a "low" class who has shined shoes all his life (with aspirations of owning his own shoe shop) and Arthur being an upper class "gentleman" but they figure it out by the end, and they're super adorable together, and I felt their love by then. Their longing for each other was wonderful and sad because they were so in love! Seeing them get to their happy ending was wonderful.
Both Arthur and Joe go through a lot of growth and change in this novel, for the better, because they're both in a better place by the end of this, and a big part of their was their love for each other.
I really enjoyed this, definitely recommend! This was my first time reading this offer and it went well :D
Want to read
May 13, 20205/13/20 Currently FREE via Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B071VP8384
June 15, 2017
3.75 stars
Loved the concept but it fell a little flat for me.
Loved the concept but it fell a little flat for me.
May 22, 2020
This gay version of Pygmalion was a fun read.
June 16, 2017
This is almost entirely conflict-free (until the requisite rift near the end) and therefore pretty dull.
August 2, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
The blurb of this story clearly informs the reader that this book is a retelling of My Fair Lady/Pygmalion. I think Dee does a marvelous job establishing, through the prose, the rough and common side Joe represents, as well as the refined life of a gentleman that Arthur represents. Over the course of the book, this distinction between class grows ever smaller as Joe learns more and more what it takes to pass as a peer. Big points for such attention to detail! I felt this was reflected not only in the dialogue, but also the narrative descriptions as well.
With our characters, I like how well defined and distinct Joe and Arthur are. Especially enjoyable is how Joe is more than just the love interest to Arthur. From the beginning, we know it’s his dream to open his own shop and that he’ll work as hard as it takes to make it happen. I certainly appreciated that this was established before Arthur and Joe ever meet, so it felt more organic…rather than Arthur offering Joe 20 pounds THEN having Joe suddenly comment about how it would help him with a shop and his family and all that. Timing is critical, and I felt Dee got it bang on for this. This theme of bettering himself to provide for himself and his mom/siblings is revisited at several points throughout the story—but most strongly when the wager is coming to an end. Having had Joe’s family clearly linked to him at the beginning of the book helped me connect to them when they get a bit more on-page mentions/action at the end of the book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
The blurb of this story clearly informs the reader that this book is a retelling of My Fair Lady/Pygmalion. I think Dee does a marvelous job establishing, through the prose, the rough and common side Joe represents, as well as the refined life of a gentleman that Arthur represents. Over the course of the book, this distinction between class grows ever smaller as Joe learns more and more what it takes to pass as a peer. Big points for such attention to detail! I felt this was reflected not only in the dialogue, but also the narrative descriptions as well.
With our characters, I like how well defined and distinct Joe and Arthur are. Especially enjoyable is how Joe is more than just the love interest to Arthur. From the beginning, we know it’s his dream to open his own shop and that he’ll work as hard as it takes to make it happen. I certainly appreciated that this was established before Arthur and Joe ever meet, so it felt more organic…rather than Arthur offering Joe 20 pounds THEN having Joe suddenly comment about how it would help him with a shop and his family and all that. Timing is critical, and I felt Dee got it bang on for this. This theme of bettering himself to provide for himself and his mom/siblings is revisited at several points throughout the story—but most strongly when the wager is coming to an end. Having had Joe’s family clearly linked to him at the beginning of the book helped me connect to them when they get a bit more on-page mentions/action at the end of the book.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
June 25, 2017
3.5 stars
While I like Audrey Hepburn's & Rex Harrison's "My Fair Lady" but I am always a bit wary when a romance story takes "a makeover" theme. I have always been on "love you just the way you are" camp; warts and all.
So the idea that you can only love someone else after that person has a makeover that transforms them, especially in physical sense, doesn't always work with me. That's what I was worried about when I read this one, which is inspired by "My Fair Lady".
Luckily, I thought Arthur did like Joe for his personality, not just because he took the wager to make Joe passed as a gentleman. Joe was refreshingly honest about what he thought of Arthur. He gave Arthur a lot to think about, especially when it came to his choices in life. So both complimented the other's lives. Plus it was always lovely to read about two men from two different classes in love :)
While I like Audrey Hepburn's & Rex Harrison's "My Fair Lady" but I am always a bit wary when a romance story takes "a makeover" theme. I have always been on "love you just the way you are" camp; warts and all.
So the idea that you can only love someone else after that person has a makeover that transforms them, especially in physical sense, doesn't always work with me. That's what I was worried about when I read this one, which is inspired by "My Fair Lady".
Luckily, I thought Arthur did like Joe for his personality, not just because he took the wager to make Joe passed as a gentleman. Joe was refreshingly honest about what he thought of Arthur. He gave Arthur a lot to think about, especially when it came to his choices in life. So both complimented the other's lives. Plus it was always lovely to read about two men from two different classes in love :)
June 27, 2017
A “twist on the tale of My Fair Lady” sounded like a promising proposition for a historical tale, set in the London of 1909. The description of this new take on one of my favorite tropes caught my attention from the first. On one side, there is Arthur: he is a peer who desperately tries to stave off the boredom of someone who does not need to work, spends his days pretending he is looking for a wife, his afternoons exercising, and his evenings attending a cultural or social event of some kind. On the other side, there is Joe: he is a hard-working pauper who hopes to one day have enough money saved so he can start his own shoe polishing business rather than having to defend “his” street corner against interlopers. With the scene set for Arthur’s “experiment” of trying to turn Joe into a gentleman, I dove into this story with great anticipation.
Arthur’s basic curiosity and the radical thought he puts to one of his friends that “There’s more to the world than our little corner. Have you no interest in new ideas?” set him apart from his peers. Arthur realizes he is different, and his curiosity toward people who live different lives (like bohemians, business people, or even servants) meets nothing but disdain from the men in his circle of high society. So he sets out to prove to them that anyone – yes, even a servant or shoeshine – can be taught to be a gentleman. Nature (who you are born as) versus Nurture (who you can become, given the right support) at its best!
Joe is a hardworking realist determined to open his own business as soon as he can. But he is also curious when he gets the offer of being taught to “talk proper” and earn a year’s wages in the process. Not that he believes Arthur and his skeptical friend were serious – not until he walks into Arthur’s house, begins his lessons, and they start to build some trust. Joe’s perspective of the privileged life Arthur leads is fascinating, and with each new thing he learns, he becomes more like the man he might have been had he been born into a family like Arthur’s. The transformation was as fascinating to watch as the beginnings of an undeniable attraction between the two men.
Arthur’s idea that human life is infinitely varied and no one is “better” than anyone else marks him as a “radical” in the circles of society he moves in. But the “experiment” he performs with Joe proves that all humans are equals, and even if Arthur’s friends are not ready to accept this concept, Arthur and Joe, at the end of this story, are certain. I loved the way they take this new understanding about a romance they will have to hide and run with it – no matter what anyone else believes. Of course that makes this story more of a fairy tale than a true historical account, and I loved it exactly for that reason. Very well done, Bonnie!
If you like “rags to riches” tales with a touch of fairy tale feeling, if you think everyone deserves a chance at happiness, no matter their background, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, will probably make you smile, has a historical setting with lots of charming details, and a happy ending that is as wonderful as it is unlikely, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Arthur’s basic curiosity and the radical thought he puts to one of his friends that “There’s more to the world than our little corner. Have you no interest in new ideas?” set him apart from his peers. Arthur realizes he is different, and his curiosity toward people who live different lives (like bohemians, business people, or even servants) meets nothing but disdain from the men in his circle of high society. So he sets out to prove to them that anyone – yes, even a servant or shoeshine – can be taught to be a gentleman. Nature (who you are born as) versus Nurture (who you can become, given the right support) at its best!
Joe is a hardworking realist determined to open his own business as soon as he can. But he is also curious when he gets the offer of being taught to “talk proper” and earn a year’s wages in the process. Not that he believes Arthur and his skeptical friend were serious – not until he walks into Arthur’s house, begins his lessons, and they start to build some trust. Joe’s perspective of the privileged life Arthur leads is fascinating, and with each new thing he learns, he becomes more like the man he might have been had he been born into a family like Arthur’s. The transformation was as fascinating to watch as the beginnings of an undeniable attraction between the two men.
Arthur’s idea that human life is infinitely varied and no one is “better” than anyone else marks him as a “radical” in the circles of society he moves in. But the “experiment” he performs with Joe proves that all humans are equals, and even if Arthur’s friends are not ready to accept this concept, Arthur and Joe, at the end of this story, are certain. I loved the way they take this new understanding about a romance they will have to hide and run with it – no matter what anyone else believes. Of course that makes this story more of a fairy tale than a true historical account, and I loved it exactly for that reason. Very well done, Bonnie!
If you like “rags to riches” tales with a touch of fairy tale feeling, if you think everyone deserves a chance at happiness, no matter their background, and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, will probably make you smile, has a historical setting with lots of charming details, and a happy ending that is as wonderful as it is unlikely, then you will probably like this novella as much as I do.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
June 2, 2020
2.5 stars rounded up. Bizarre dragon comparison aside (Arthur unfastened his trousers at last and unleashed the dragon. Such a thick, swollen beast, vibrating with power and dripping pearls! Arthur oiled its length until it glistened.) this was a nice read, with fairly little drama and two interesting leads. I felt like Joe's transformation happened a bit too fast (he claims he already picked up a better accent from listening to his customers) for me, but it was a nice take on the Pygmalion story.
June 24, 2017
"I love being here with you. It's as if the rest of the world doesn't exist. I used to crave constant motion, but now I'm quite happy to lie still..."
***
Arthur Lawton struggling everyday to overcome his boredom. Each day he'll start his routine activities just to ended with almost same feels. Boring...
As the second son of a high rank family with no claim to a title and no obligation to inherit any child, Arthur had decided to remain a 'confirm bachelor', which means he has no interest in marrying for unspeakable reason.
A small boring talk with his friend, Lord Granville lead them to a wager about 'will any working-class man with reasonable intelligence might pass as pedigreed given the proper instruction'?
Enter Joe Sprat, a shoeshine from the edge of the Square Mile. Arthur had choose this beautiful man from low-class worker as his 'experiment', and Joe accepted the offer for twenty pounds.
In six weeks, Joe will attend Lady Granville's spring ball, and Arthur must work hard to make Joe look presentable enough to the guest. If he can convince the social elite people there that he's one of them, there's a chance for Arthur to win the wager.
Joe Sprat was a smart student, a quick learner and also very breathtaking. Within days under his instructions, Arthur saw how 'The street sparrow had turns into a royal peacock'.
Soon Arthur start to feel protective of his 'experiment' he'd taken under his wing. He wanted to see his 'student' to succeed. But he also can't denied that he start to feel something growing between them. And falling for his student was not a part of his plan.
Until one day, Arthur found out that Joe craved the same desire with him.
"Can't get enough of you, sir. Every minute of the day, I'm thinking about you and the things we do. You're like a taste of chocolate, make a man crave more until he's stuffed himself silly."
One kiss then lead to another kiss...
Leave the two drowning deeply into the lust and all the feels...
***
I was about to read another book when I saw this book, and I fall to the blurb instantly...
I didn't expect the story will be this interesting. I like the slow pace, the interaction between the two MC. The high sexual tensions that happen between them. I found myself enjoying the reading very much. There's also some part that unsatisfied me because it's just leave like that with no further explanation and makes me questioning some things...
Like Joe's 'theory' about Lord Granville and what happened at the last three chapter...
But the question is...
Can a guy from working-class turned into one perfect gentleman in weeks?
And what will happen to both of them when the bet is over? Will there's a chance for both of then have their own happiness?
Well, I think you should find it yourself what the author said as a gay version of 'My Fair Lady' will end ...
And now I'm curious about a gay version of Peter Pan, 'Peter and Wendell' also from this author!
January 26, 2018
3.5
Really nice version of Mayfair Lady. Could have been more than the easy read it is but read as a Regency fairytale it's a feel-good story and totally enjoyable.
Really nice version of Mayfair Lady. Could have been more than the easy read it is but read as a Regency fairytale it's a feel-good story and totally enjoyable.
June 3, 2020
I thought this was a very clever gay twist on My Fair Lady. I loved the characters and the writing was smooth. A fun romance.
December 26, 2017
The author writes that this story was inspired by the musical "My fair lady" which I remember very well from my childhood. I loved the film then and I still think it is a beautiful and interesting storyline. Poor girl (or in this case boy) meets rich boy, who tries to teach her /him how to live among the rich and famous - and - surprise they fall in love. This usually works and it did here as well.
However, I think it could have been even better. A lot of chances for an outstanding read were wasted, especially concerning the big ball where the poor boy was supposed to prove he could pass as a nobleman.
I would have wished that the way Joe was educated and taught, as well as the way he experienced being among the upper class with all their flaws and ridiculous regulations and rules, would have been depicted and explained in more detail.
It was not boring but it didn't have me hooked either.
Overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read, but nothing really memorable. I would probably not put it on a"must read" list, but it wasn't bad either. Solid 3.5 stars and a nice reminder of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins...
However, I think it could have been even better. A lot of chances for an outstanding read were wasted, especially concerning the big ball where the poor boy was supposed to prove he could pass as a nobleman.
I would have wished that the way Joe was educated and taught, as well as the way he experienced being among the upper class with all their flaws and ridiculous regulations and rules, would have been depicted and explained in more detail.
It was not boring but it didn't have me hooked either.
Overall this was an entertaining and enjoyable read, but nothing really memorable. I would probably not put it on a"must read" list, but it wasn't bad either. Solid 3.5 stars and a nice reminder of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins...
October 28, 2017
Gay Pygmalion, which is basically like a giant plate of heavily powder sugared funnel cake to me.
And yet, as with most floof that touches on class issues, I can't help wishing it were more subversive, in about a thousand different ways.
I would also prefer less under-negotiated anal sex. As a general rule.
And yet, as with most floof that touches on class issues, I can't help wishing it were more subversive, in about a thousand different ways.
I would also prefer less under-negotiated anal sex. As a general rule.
May 16, 2020
What a wonderful read! I fell in love with both characters. Their struggles and deep feelings made me emotional, and I loved it.
You get a deep sense of the era the story unfolds in. Especially the changes already going on in the society–the combustion engine is a revolution, and high classes are to become much more involved with the rest of the people.
Since it’s an era still uncomfortable with same sex relationships, there are a lot of conventions to follow, and they can’t be open about their feelings. It creates a tension I really enjoyed.
Finally, it’s a new take on My Fair Lady, and you see a lot of Arthur educating Joe to look the part. But you also see how his contact with this hard working, honest and intelligent man–though poor–changes Arthur deeply. I thought it was beautiful.
Beautiful romance, beautiful historical story, and beautiful MM relationship. Must read!
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #MM romance #historical romance #Edwardian era #different classes
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Joseph Sprat & Arthur Lawton
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved how the attraction and affection develop slowly
- – three little words are missing, though the feeling is clearly there
You get a deep sense of the era the story unfolds in. Especially the changes already going on in the society–the combustion engine is a revolution, and high classes are to become much more involved with the rest of the people.
Since it’s an era still uncomfortable with same sex relationships, there are a lot of conventions to follow, and they can’t be open about their feelings. It creates a tension I really enjoyed.
Finally, it’s a new take on My Fair Lady, and you see a lot of Arthur educating Joe to look the part. But you also see how his contact with this hard working, honest and intelligent man–though poor–changes Arthur deeply. I thought it was beautiful.
Beautiful romance, beautiful historical story, and beautiful MM relationship. Must read!
Quickie
- Series: standalone
- Hashtags: #MM romance #historical romance #Edwardian era #different classes
- Triggers: N/A
- Main couple: Joseph Sprat & Arthur Lawton
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + I loved how the attraction and affection develop slowly
- – three little words are missing, though the feeling is clearly there
May 20, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this reworking of My Fair Lady. There were some lovely touches that referred back to the original and made me smile.
Arthur and Joe were great and I love the way Joe made Arthur's life better when you would expect it to be the other way around.
Well-written and narrated. Highly recommended.
Arthur and Joe were great and I love the way Joe made Arthur's life better when you would expect it to be the other way around.
Well-written and narrated. Highly recommended.
August 7, 2020
2.5 stars
I liked the story and the characters, and it's a very easy read, I just never quite felt the emotions the MCs were feeling. I *believed* they were feeling them, it just never fully sucked me in and got me feeling them, too. Still a pleasant read, though.
I liked the story and the characters, and it's a very easy read, I just never quite felt the emotions the MCs were feeling. I *believed* they were feeling them, it just never fully sucked me in and got me feeling them, too. Still a pleasant read, though.
April 23, 2018
I knew that the fact that I wasn't a fan of "My Fair Lady" might be a problem going in, but I was hopeful that there would be enough changes that this book would knock me off my feet.
Unfortunately, this was not in fact the case. The problem for me was that a lot of the book was spent on how much the bet that Arthur was engaging in improved Joe's situation. Joe did occasionally get irritated with Arthur rewriting everything that Joe was (his name, his accent, his past, his family), thank God, but for the most part he spent so much of his time so incredibly grateful that Arthur decided to pick him up off the street on a whim and make a bet with his friend as to whether or not Joe was capable passing as a gentleman (and saying he would pay Joe for taking part in this bet) that I was sitting there going, "Bwah?"
It just seemed . . . condescending, like Arthur was doing Joe this incredible service. It wasn't even like they were equal partners in an endeavor (to prove Freddie wrong) or that they were doing a service for each other (Arthur paying Joe, Joe investing his time, energy, and effort in Arthur's less than respectful wager), but that Arthur was doing something for Joe. I certainly would have understood if Arthur had seen it this way, but Joe saw it this way as well, when I would have expected Joe to see it as an opportunity to be utilized, not a favor. Joe was a hard-working, skilled, intelligent man who was sacrificing both the time he usually spent on his livelihood and access to his family to take part in this bet instead, and while Arthur said he was going to give Joe the money no matter what, there was no way for Joe to enforce that if Arthur didn't follow through, and for Joe to view in his own mind this agreement where he was making actual investments but not seeing actual returns (yet) with complete trust and gratitude was unsettling. Joe had a right to view himself, his time, his skills, his energy, and his investment as more valuable than he did.
Unfortunately, this was not in fact the case. The problem for me was that a lot of the book was spent on how much the bet that Arthur was engaging in improved Joe's situation. Joe did occasionally get irritated with Arthur rewriting everything that Joe was (his name, his accent, his past, his family), thank God, but for the most part he spent so much of his time so incredibly grateful that Arthur decided to pick him up off the street on a whim and make a bet with his friend as to whether or not Joe was capable passing as a gentleman (and saying he would pay Joe for taking part in this bet) that I was sitting there going, "Bwah?"
It just seemed . . . condescending, like Arthur was doing Joe this incredible service. It wasn't even like they were equal partners in an endeavor (to prove Freddie wrong) or that they were doing a service for each other (Arthur paying Joe, Joe investing his time, energy, and effort in Arthur's less than respectful wager), but that Arthur was doing something for Joe. I certainly would have understood if Arthur had seen it this way, but Joe saw it this way as well, when I would have expected Joe to see it as an opportunity to be utilized, not a favor. Joe was a hard-working, skilled, intelligent man who was sacrificing both the time he usually spent on his livelihood and access to his family to take part in this bet instead, and while Arthur said he was going to give Joe the money no matter what, there was no way for Joe to enforce that if Arthur didn't follow through, and for Joe to view in his own mind this agreement where he was making actual investments but not seeing actual returns (yet) with complete trust and gratitude was unsettling. Joe had a right to view himself, his time, his skills, his energy, and his investment as more valuable than he did.
November 10, 2020
Not my favorite Bonnie Dee book by any means. It was simply too boring. But a good read if you want a break from drama.
This historical romance follows the cliche of a rich nobleman making a wager to pass off a low born average Joe as a gentleman. Joe Sprat jumps at the opportunity both for the money and the advantage proper speech and etiquette might grant him. Arthur is a bored, rich aristocrat with nothing to do but make dumb bets. His betting opponent, Granville, was an utter ass but he added some much needed excitment to an otherwise dull plot. Tension grows between Arthur and Joe until it blooms into love. HEA.
This historical romance follows the cliche of a rich nobleman making a wager to pass off a low born average Joe as a gentleman. Joe Sprat jumps at the opportunity both for the money and the advantage proper speech and etiquette might grant him. Arthur is a bored, rich aristocrat with nothing to do but make dumb bets. His betting opponent, Granville, was an utter ass but he added some much needed excitment to an otherwise dull plot. Tension grows between Arthur and Joe until it blooms into love. HEA.
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