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Enlightenment #4
Unnatural
James and Iain's story - a novel, from the Enlightenment series.
Captain Iain Sinclair has looks, charm, military honours—even the favour of the king himself. He has everything—everything, that is, except the friendship of the one man whose good opinion he has ever cared for, scientist, James Hart.
James has loved Iain all his life, but after the last disastrous encounter between them, he vowed to accept no more crumbs from Iain’s table. If Iain cannot be the lover James wants, then James will have no more to do with him.
Disenchanted with his career, and miserable without James in his life, Iain decides to leave military service and embark upon a new career in India. Before he leaves England behind, though, he is determined to try one last time to reconcile with his dearest friend.
An invitation to a country house party from James’s sister provides the perfect opportunity to pin James down and force him to finally listen to Iain’s apology. But when Iain discovers that an apology is not enough—that James is not willing settle for less than a lover—he is forced to reconsider everything: his life, his future career, and most of all, his feelings for James.
Captain Iain Sinclair has looks, charm, military honours—even the favour of the king himself. He has everything—everything, that is, except the friendship of the one man whose good opinion he has ever cared for, scientist, James Hart.
James has loved Iain all his life, but after the last disastrous encounter between them, he vowed to accept no more crumbs from Iain’s table. If Iain cannot be the lover James wants, then James will have no more to do with him.
Disenchanted with his career, and miserable without James in his life, Iain decides to leave military service and embark upon a new career in India. Before he leaves England behind, though, he is determined to try one last time to reconcile with his dearest friend.
An invitation to a country house party from James’s sister provides the perfect opportunity to pin James down and force him to finally listen to Iain’s apology. But when Iain discovers that an apology is not enough—that James is not willing settle for less than a lover—he is forced to reconsider everything: his life, his future career, and most of all, his feelings for James.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 24, 2015
137 people are currently reading
990 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Chambers
41 books1,220 followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
If you came here looking for a copy of The Bequest you can get it here:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
September 13, 2015
I love Regency M/M historicals, but I'm used to the Ava March brand of sexy.
Joanna Chambers writes more subdued scenes. Chambers' prose is solid, but I never fully engaged with this book.
I have not read the Enlightenment series. Indeed, this was my first Joanna Chambers novel, and I was ... not disappointed exactly, but underwhelmed.
I find stories that alternate between the present and the past distracting, and I found the past scenes here particularly slow.
Iain is so concerned with appearances, with making his father proud, that he bails on James time and time again. Iain's father will always blame Iain's for his brother's death, but it takes Iain until the last chapter to realize this.
James never stops loving Iain, but Iain's hangups are a noose. James is too patient by far, and too forgiving.
I wanted more tender moments, less self-inflicted shame and angst.
The ending is sweet, a solid Regency HEA, and this book has some lovely descriptions of the time period. This is a fine story; it just wasn't memorable for me. But if you're a fan of this author, I'd definitely give this one a go.
Joanna Chambers writes more subdued scenes. Chambers' prose is solid, but I never fully engaged with this book.
I have not read the Enlightenment series. Indeed, this was my first Joanna Chambers novel, and I was ... not disappointed exactly, but underwhelmed.
I find stories that alternate between the present and the past distracting, and I found the past scenes here particularly slow.
Iain is so concerned with appearances, with making his father proud, that he bails on James time and time again. Iain's father will always blame Iain's for his brother's death, but it takes Iain until the last chapter to realize this.
James never stops loving Iain, but Iain's hangups are a noose. James is too patient by far, and too forgiving.
I wanted more tender moments, less self-inflicted shame and angst.
The ending is sweet, a solid Regency HEA, and this book has some lovely descriptions of the time period. This is a fine story; it just wasn't memorable for me. But if you're a fan of this author, I'd definitely give this one a go.
January 3, 2017
Fans of her Enlightenment series will be delighted: Unnatural is a typical Chambers. It’s a mellow, inoffensive romance that thrives on gay taboo fueled UST and guilt, and is set in the Regency era. What’s more, our old friends Balfour and Lauriston make an appearance in this book. They may even be important for the plot!
I feel like prefacing this review by mentioning that I was probably one of the very few people that had a somewhat lukewarm reaction to the Enlightenment series. Although I did enjoy it as the Harlequinesque experience that it was, my perks were the same as with that popular M/F genre: the lack of originality in the story-lines and the bland, inconspicuous characters.
In that regard, Unnatural wasn’t a spectacular read either. But it has angst and longing, sweep-you-off-your-feet love declarations and all that other sweet vanilla fudge with caramel swirls stuff that will warm your heart, and make you root for the haunted heroes.
With the focus entirely on the obstacles that the MCs must overcome to find happiness, not much else is going on plot wise. The pacing is nice and unhurried, and although the story is told through flashbacks – something I’m usually not keen on – the back and forth’s between past and present were handled smoothly and skilfully.
It wasn’t until the 75% mark that I grew slightly tired of the repeated chorus of small bouts of ‘we mustn’t, but the flesh is weak’ released sexual tension resulting in guilt trips and a deepening wedge between the MCs. At times I think Chambers headed into fairy tale territory as well. I have to mind potential spoilers so I will just mention a tiny fragment as example, namely a certain passionate kissing scene in a boathouse that felt a little too mushy given the circumstances.
I had also hoped for more than the recycled ‘M/M dirty talk’ during the sexy bits. Especially considering the historical era, I was more than a little disappointed with the uninspired prose in these scenes. Had I hoped for swollen manhoods and battering rams instead? Not really. What I do wish though, is for Chambers to develop more of a signature style, an uniqueness to her prose, that would make her works stand out. Everything I’ve read of hers so far is pleasant enough, but not particularly memorable.
But like I said, her books are absolutely sweet and enjoyable and Unnatural was no exception to that rule!
PS We haven’t seen the last of Kit Redford. Who agrees?;)
I feel like prefacing this review by mentioning that I was probably one of the very few people that had a somewhat lukewarm reaction to the Enlightenment series. Although I did enjoy it as the Harlequinesque experience that it was, my perks were the same as with that popular M/F genre: the lack of originality in the story-lines and the bland, inconspicuous characters.
In that regard, Unnatural wasn’t a spectacular read either. But it has angst and longing, sweep-you-off-your-feet love declarations and all that other sweet vanilla fudge with caramel swirls stuff that will warm your heart, and make you root for the haunted heroes.
With the focus entirely on the obstacles that the MCs must overcome to find happiness, not much else is going on plot wise. The pacing is nice and unhurried, and although the story is told through flashbacks – something I’m usually not keen on – the back and forth’s between past and present were handled smoothly and skilfully.
It wasn’t until the 75% mark that I grew slightly tired of the repeated chorus of small bouts of ‘we mustn’t, but the flesh is weak’ released sexual tension resulting in guilt trips and a deepening wedge between the MCs. At times I think Chambers headed into fairy tale territory as well. I have to mind potential spoilers so I will just mention a tiny fragment as example, namely a certain passionate kissing scene in a boathouse that felt a little too mushy given the circumstances.
I had also hoped for more than the recycled ‘M/M dirty talk’ during the sexy bits. Especially considering the historical era, I was more than a little disappointed with the uninspired prose in these scenes. Had I hoped for swollen manhoods and battering rams instead? Not really. What I do wish though, is for Chambers to develop more of a signature style, an uniqueness to her prose, that would make her works stand out. Everything I’ve read of hers so far is pleasant enough, but not particularly memorable.
But like I said, her books are absolutely sweet and enjoyable and Unnatural was no exception to that rule!
PS We haven’t seen the last of Kit Redford. Who agrees?;)
June 7, 2025
I needed MORE GROVELLING DAMMIT! I needed Iain crawling through the mud and licking James’ boots. Searching in the forest to find the finest bee orchid for him. Cutting down a tree and hand pulping paper for James to draw his bugs on. At the very least offering himself up for some flip f*cking.
I LOVED the longing, the inner turmoil, the heartbreak and the love in this - I had tears in my eyes at a few points. It MADE ME FEEL. So I really need to ignore the niggly disappointment I have about Iain and James’ relationship in the end there. The way it still felt a little that James was just harbouring a life long childhood crush on Iain and that sliver of doubt that Iain is all talk and won’t be able to be the life-long partner James deserves.
I’m hoping the extra epilogue really sells their relationship to me as that scraggly bunch of bluebells just wasn’t enough.
Gorgeously historical, very engaging writing. Seeing Murdo and David again made my soul very happy.
I LOVED the longing, the inner turmoil, the heartbreak and the love in this - I had tears in my eyes at a few points. It MADE ME FEEL. So I really need to ignore the niggly disappointment I have about Iain and James’ relationship in the end there. The way it still felt a little that James was just harbouring a life long childhood crush on Iain and that sliver of doubt that Iain is all talk and won’t be able to be the life-long partner James deserves.
I’m hoping the extra epilogue really sells their relationship to me as that scraggly bunch of bluebells just wasn’t enough.
Gorgeously historical, very engaging writing. Seeing Murdo and David again made my soul very happy.
April 8, 2016
Written December 7, 2015
3 1/2 Stars - Touching romantic HR
A day with a new men loves men historical by Ms. Chambers feels like a good day. Yippie Yay! A weekend buddy-read with three nice ladies: Sofia, Maya and Alona.
Unnatural is a offshot of the Enlightenment three book series about David Lauriston & Lord Murdo Balfour. Romances I loved (4.5 - 5.0 - 4.5) and also always sincerely recommend all HR admirers. This fourth can easily be read as a standalone (you will not miss anything of big importance here) and shouldn't maybe even at all be labeled as #4 in that series.
**********************************************
“Was it possible?”
Unnatural — A 'Regency' historical M/M set in England about Captain Iain Sinclair and his childhood friend, the scientist James Hart. The story is pendling between now (1824) and then (1808-) telling a story about two dear buddy friends with a four year age difference, their truly liking and admiring of each other and later grownups desiring and struggling with grand forbidden feelings.
To start with is Unnatural just boyish sweet but very soon —already after a chapter or two— heartbreaking and intensely touching. This is mostly a story about early young innocent love, prejudices, rejections, denial and also that tragic fear. Rightly back then of course with all bad happening to gay men (so called sodomites). Truly some tough subjects. ~ Nevertheless I was wholeheartedly "in and with" this story and these (poor) characters from the first chapter.
~ I both like and don't like, "time jumping" back and forth every other chapter in my romances. Sometimes it works, and also add a lot to the story, but sometimes is it just making me impatient and edgy for the 'now' time parts. ~
Unnatural is told as an now & back then story, and it honestly made me a bit hesitant when half done. I liked those memories from the boyhood and teen years but by now I was at a point when I just wanted more of the "now" and a faster developing romance, and less "back then" scenes. I already now enough from their earlier story. (We do from start.)
**********************************************
Restless or not, it never stopped to be interesting even if this book is told in a slow pace. I felt. I got some tears. I smiled and chucked. I dared to be heartbroken one more time. My smut me was satisfied and most important; I overall enjoyed both the story itself and the good writing. (It ended a bit rushed. Another chapter or a sweet epilogue should have been nice.)
James love and knowledge of our nature —butterflies, small unique insects and flowers— was both sensual and beautifully described. These two men's feelings felt real (painfully much sometimes), and although not much really happened in Unnatural I still enjoyed the feeling and atmosphere.
I will greedily grabbing Joanna Chambers next historical if there is one in the future. She does this M/M genre with feel and finesse. Unnatural is maybe not her top notch but a good enough quite fast read intense and romantic romance tale.
Three or four stars? I may change my mind later.
**********************************************
I LIKE - a pleasant men loves men historical
3 1/2 Stars - Touching romantic HR
A day with a new men loves men historical by Ms. Chambers feels like a good day. Yippie Yay! A weekend buddy-read with three nice ladies: Sofia, Maya and Alona.
Unnatural is a offshot of the Enlightenment three book series about David Lauriston & Lord Murdo Balfour. Romances I loved (4.5 - 5.0 - 4.5) and also always sincerely recommend all HR admirers. This fourth can easily be read as a standalone (you will not miss anything of big importance here) and shouldn't maybe even at all be labeled as #4 in that series.
**********************************************
“Was it possible?”
Unnatural — A 'Regency' historical M/M set in England about Captain Iain Sinclair and his childhood friend, the scientist James Hart. The story is pendling between now (1824) and then (1808-) telling a story about two dear buddy friends with a four year age difference, their truly liking and admiring of each other and later grownups desiring and struggling with grand forbidden feelings.
‘... James felt suddenly and oddly shy. It was the silliest thing. He hadn’t felt shy the last time they’d swum here, not much more than a year ago. Not that he hadn’t been aware of Iain—in truth, he would always be aware of Iain, always be drawn to sneak looks at the man’s powerful physique—but this time…
“I don’t see you as a boy. I can assure you of that much.”
To start with is Unnatural just boyish sweet but very soon —already after a chapter or two— heartbreaking and intensely touching. This is mostly a story about early young innocent love, prejudices, rejections, denial and also that tragic fear. Rightly back then of course with all bad happening to gay men (so called sodomites). Truly some tough subjects. ~ Nevertheless I was wholeheartedly "in and with" this story and these (poor) characters from the first chapter.
“Why is everything so difficult with you? You are always pushing. Always wanting things from me that I simply cannot give!”
“I have never asked you—”
“Yes, you have!”
~ I both like and don't like, "time jumping" back and forth every other chapter in my romances. Sometimes it works, and also add a lot to the story, but sometimes is it just making me impatient and edgy for the 'now' time parts. ~
Unnatural is told as an now & back then story, and it honestly made me a bit hesitant when half done. I liked those memories from the boyhood and teen years but by now I was at a point when I just wanted more of the "now" and a faster developing romance, and less "back then" scenes. I already now enough from their earlier story. (We do from start.)
**********************************************
Restless or not, it never stopped to be interesting even if this book is told in a slow pace. I felt. I got some tears. I smiled and chucked. I dared to be heartbroken one more time. My smut me was satisfied and most important; I overall enjoyed both the story itself and the good writing. (It ended a bit rushed. Another chapter or a sweet epilogue should have been nice.)
James love and knowledge of our nature —butterflies, small unique insects and flowers— was both sensual and beautifully described. These two men's feelings felt real (painfully much sometimes), and although not much really happened in Unnatural I still enjoyed the feeling and atmosphere.
‘Was it possible?
Was it possible?
Was it possible to give up everything you were, everything you’d set out to be? Was it possible to turn your back on the world when you realised that the life you’d made for yourself was…empty?’
I will greedily grabbing Joanna Chambers next historical if there is one in the future. She does this M/M genre with feel and finesse. Unnatural is maybe not her top notch but a good enough quite fast read intense and romantic romance tale.
Three or four stars? I may change my mind later.
**********************************************
I LIKE - a pleasant men loves men historical
November 12, 2015
4.5 stars
Friends-to-lovers theme (and to that extend, second chances as well) is my weakness. I simply love it. It doesn't matter that often the issue that stops the friends to be lovers is cliché (i.e. doesn't want to change the friendship status) or that it becomes repetitive and frustrating, I will still choose to read them. Because then what matters to me is how the story makes me FEEL. Like, how many times I will feel my heart tied up in knots, even when I want to knock the character's head for being unable to recognize that happiness is right before their very eyes. Yes, it all boils down to that.
Joanna Chambers' Unnatural, a spin-off from her Enlightenment series fits that criteria to the "T" ... and oh, how it makes me feel. What can I say, everytime I read about Iain's regret, about how he wants to reconciliate with James, and then the thick tension of the two men when Iain finally sees James again after two years, it just done wonders to my heart. I devoured the story like it was a precious gem. I savored each moments ... from their early childhood moments, growing up, first kiss, the big blow out at Kit Redford's place (P.S. you can also read about that from Chambers' free short story, Seasons Pass), until the reunion, and finally, FINALLY the happy ending.
Yes, it was a bit frustrating because Iain keeps going back and forth from rejecting James to coming back to him. However, reading the early scene that contributes to Iain's guilty feeling as well as the baggage of upholding his family honor helped me to surpress my frustration. I knew that the ending would be worth it -- the moment when Iain can finally let go, and embraces the promise of happiness that James can give him. And oh, it was GLORIOUS. I admit that my eyes became all watery.
The only thing that stops me from giving this 5-stars is the structure of the story, which is moving back and forth from past to present. On one hand, this structure helps build up momentum because I kept wondering how the past unraveled to understand more about what happens in the present time. On the other hand, it also made me a bit impatient since I wanted to read how Iain can fix everything.
This is MY kind of romance, MY kind of story. It is tender, sweet, frustrating, but romantic, oh, how it is so romantic. It might lack sexy times but that what draws me to it, honestly. Because it makes better emotional connection for me as a reader -- knowing that the thread of love between Iain and James is more than just physical. It is something stronger, something more binding, something more ... meaningful. Thank you so much for this story Ms. Chambers. It's definitely one of my favorites of the year.
*draws little ♥ all over my Kindle*
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Friends-to-lovers theme (and to that extend, second chances as well) is my weakness. I simply love it. It doesn't matter that often the issue that stops the friends to be lovers is cliché (i.e. doesn't want to change the friendship status) or that it becomes repetitive and frustrating, I will still choose to read them. Because then what matters to me is how the story makes me FEEL. Like, how many times I will feel my heart tied up in knots, even when I want to knock the character's head for being unable to recognize that happiness is right before their very eyes. Yes, it all boils down to that.
Joanna Chambers' Unnatural, a spin-off from her Enlightenment series fits that criteria to the "T" ... and oh, how it makes me feel. What can I say, everytime I read about Iain's regret, about how he wants to reconciliate with James, and then the thick tension of the two men when Iain finally sees James again after two years, it just done wonders to my heart. I devoured the story like it was a precious gem. I savored each moments ... from their early childhood moments, growing up, first kiss, the big blow out at Kit Redford's place (P.S. you can also read about that from Chambers' free short story, Seasons Pass), until the reunion, and finally, FINALLY the happy ending.
Yes, it was a bit frustrating because Iain keeps going back and forth from rejecting James to coming back to him. However, reading the early scene that contributes to Iain's guilty feeling as well as the baggage of upholding his family honor helped me to surpress my frustration. I knew that the ending would be worth it -- the moment when Iain can finally let go, and embraces the promise of happiness that James can give him. And oh, it was GLORIOUS. I admit that my eyes became all watery.
The only thing that stops me from giving this 5-stars is the structure of the story, which is moving back and forth from past to present. On one hand, this structure helps build up momentum because I kept wondering how the past unraveled to understand more about what happens in the present time. On the other hand, it also made me a bit impatient since I wanted to read how Iain can fix everything.
This is MY kind of romance, MY kind of story. It is tender, sweet, frustrating, but romantic, oh, how it is so romantic. It might lack sexy times but that what draws me to it, honestly. Because it makes better emotional connection for me as a reader -- knowing that the thread of love between Iain and James is more than just physical. It is something stronger, something more binding, something more ... meaningful. Thank you so much for this story Ms. Chambers. It's definitely one of my favorites of the year.
*draws little ♥ all over my Kindle*
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
November 25, 2024
Reread 09/2024
It's not often I enjoy a book more the second time around...but I loved Jamie and Iain's story a lot more now than on my first read, so I'm bumping my previous 3,75 stars up to 4,25 stars.
Maybe it's because I already knew I had to have patience with Iain.
I loved seeing him conquer his fears and hangups, and finally letting himself love Jamie.
The few glimpses we got of Murdo and David were lovely!
------
Read 05/2024
3,75 stars.
After the awesome reading experience that was David and Murdo's epic three-installments-story, Iaian and Jamie's book wasn't exactly a let down, but it couldn't (obviously..) compare.
Jamie was a sweetheart, and I got Iain's hangups and reluctance, but watching Jamie getting hurt again and again by Iain's need to re-establish some distance between them, was awful. At least Iain apologized and didn't hesitate to grovel a lot. His heart was in the right place and he never wanted to cause Jamie pain, just thought friendship was all he would be able to give.
I loved the chapters with David and Murdo, it was lovely watching them together.
It's not often I enjoy a book more the second time around...but I loved Jamie and Iain's story a lot more now than on my first read, so I'm bumping my previous 3,75 stars up to 4,25 stars.
Maybe it's because I already knew I had to have patience with Iain.
I loved seeing him conquer his fears and hangups, and finally letting himself love Jamie.
The few glimpses we got of Murdo and David were lovely!
------
Read 05/2024
3,75 stars.
After the awesome reading experience that was David and Murdo's epic three-installments-story, Iaian and Jamie's book wasn't exactly a let down, but it couldn't (obviously..) compare.
Jamie was a sweetheart, and I got Iain's hangups and reluctance, but watching Jamie getting hurt again and again by Iain's need to re-establish some distance between them, was awful. At least Iain apologized and didn't hesitate to grovel a lot. His heart was in the right place and he never wanted to cause Jamie pain, just thought friendship was all he would be able to give.
I loved the chapters with David and Murdo, it was lovely watching them together.
November 15, 2020
The Enlightenment series is all kinds of awesome, and became one of my favourite MM historical series when I read it last year. One of the secondary character's from that series, Iain Sinclair, grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. So I was stoked to hear that Joanna Chambers would be giving us his story!
'Unnatural' was a great spin-off from Murdo and David's story.
Like the previous series, the romance/reunion between James and Iain builds slowly. There is a lot of anger and mistrust between the two. While there's a fair bit of angst, it doesn't overwhelm the story. I loved reading James and Iain's interactions from when they were younger.
Most of the relationship development is shown through the flashbacks, as the present is devoted to Iain making amends. I wondered whether I'd get a good sense of their relationship, but luckily that wasn't an issue. I could clearly understand why the two felt so strongly for each other, and what got between them. It did make it difficult at times to be sympathetic towards Iain, but in the end I thought that he had grovelled to James enough to be forgiven.
In the Enlightenment series, much of the plot is driven by the political atmosphere of Regency/late-Georgian England. That political undertone is absent from 'Unnatural', making for a "quieter" read. It was a good change of pace, a lot less nerve-wracking.
My only complaint would be that the format of the book made for a slightly disjointed reading experience. While I enjoyed reading about Iain and James' friendship through the years, the chapters in the past were long enough that I would forget where the story had been when it went back to the present. I had to flip back a few times to remind myself.
Overall, this was a very good MM historical book. It can be read as a stand-alone, though I highly recommend reading the Enlightenment series as well!
'Unnatural' was a great spin-off from Murdo and David's story.
Like the previous series, the romance/reunion between James and Iain builds slowly. There is a lot of anger and mistrust between the two. While there's a fair bit of angst, it doesn't overwhelm the story. I loved reading James and Iain's interactions from when they were younger.
Most of the relationship development is shown through the flashbacks, as the present is devoted to Iain making amends. I wondered whether I'd get a good sense of their relationship, but luckily that wasn't an issue. I could clearly understand why the two felt so strongly for each other, and what got between them. It did make it difficult at times to be sympathetic towards Iain, but in the end I thought that he had grovelled to James enough to be forgiven.
In the Enlightenment series, much of the plot is driven by the political atmosphere of Regency/late-Georgian England. That political undertone is absent from 'Unnatural', making for a "quieter" read. It was a good change of pace, a lot less nerve-wracking.
My only complaint would be that the format of the book made for a slightly disjointed reading experience. While I enjoyed reading about Iain and James' friendship through the years, the chapters in the past were long enough that I would forget where the story had been when it went back to the present. I had to flip back a few times to remind myself.
Overall, this was a very good MM historical book. It can be read as a stand-alone, though I highly recommend reading the Enlightenment series as well!
August 31, 2015
4.5 stars
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS.
October 9, 2020
I didn’t like this as much as the other books in the series.
For one thing, I found the alternation between present and past distracting. And I wanted more moments, or at least some, of Iain and James acting at least partially as a couple.
Instead, there were some sweet moments when they were younger and then Iain being a jerk in the past and apologetic in the present, while James was sweet and open in the past and reserved and distant in the present. They never were on the same page at the same time, until the very last chapter, and at times it was a little frustrating to read.
I know it’s not fair to compare David and Murdo’s story with James and Iain’s, the first two had three books to make their relationship progress, after all.
Iain and James’ relationship, on the other hand, is well and truly developed by the time the story starts.
They’ve been friends since childhood and have grown up to fall in love and cherish their friendship above all else. Their very platonic friendship, that is, at least until candid, naive James asks for more and Iain, deeply conflicted about risking losing his dearest friend or exposing him, rejects him. Not even just once, but repeatedly. Even after being the one seeking James out.
Now, I’m all for traumatized, conflicted characters, struggling with their issues to find their path in life, but I can’t even say that Iain had doubts.
He knew he wanted and cared for Jamie, for some unknown reason he hadn’t realized he was in love, but he repeatedly stated that Jamie was the most important person in his life and that he didn’t want to lose him.
He just decided he had the right to decide all by himself what was best for James and their friendship. He lied about his feelings, knowing he would hurt James and, when James would accept his boundaries and treat him as a friend, he was the one to make a move and then run away.
Seriously, I liked the story, the writing, the characters, but all that was keeping them apart was Iain’s stupidity.
I get where he was coming from, the author made a good job of showing how Iain’s childhood experiences shaped him, but I can’t close an eye on the fact that there wasn’t any need to hurt James if he wanted to keep things platonic. It’s too bad because if it wasn’t for that recurring behavior, I would have loved him.
James was great in every aspect, patient to a fault, but no doormat. He fought for what he wanted, but didn’t stop living his life to wait for Iain and made his own experiences. He also made Iain work for it when he came crawling back asking for another chance and that’s about the only thing that saved the book for me.
For one thing, I found the alternation between present and past distracting. And I wanted more moments, or at least some, of Iain and James acting at least partially as a couple.
Instead, there were some sweet moments when they were younger and then Iain being a jerk in the past and apologetic in the present, while James was sweet and open in the past and reserved and distant in the present. They never were on the same page at the same time, until the very last chapter, and at times it was a little frustrating to read.
I know it’s not fair to compare David and Murdo’s story with James and Iain’s, the first two had three books to make their relationship progress, after all.
Iain and James’ relationship, on the other hand, is well and truly developed by the time the story starts.
They’ve been friends since childhood and have grown up to fall in love and cherish their friendship above all else. Their very platonic friendship, that is, at least until candid, naive James asks for more and Iain, deeply conflicted about risking losing his dearest friend or exposing him, rejects him. Not even just once, but repeatedly. Even after being the one seeking James out.
Now, I’m all for traumatized, conflicted characters, struggling with their issues to find their path in life, but I can’t even say that Iain had doubts.
He knew he wanted and cared for Jamie, for some unknown reason he hadn’t realized he was in love, but he repeatedly stated that Jamie was the most important person in his life and that he didn’t want to lose him.
He just decided he had the right to decide all by himself what was best for James and their friendship. He lied about his feelings, knowing he would hurt James and, when James would accept his boundaries and treat him as a friend, he was the one to make a move and then run away.
Seriously, I liked the story, the writing, the characters, but all that was keeping them apart was Iain’s stupidity.
I get where he was coming from, the author made a good job of showing how Iain’s childhood experiences shaped him, but I can’t close an eye on the fact that there wasn’t any need to hurt James if he wanted to keep things platonic. It’s too bad because if it wasn’t for that recurring behavior, I would have loved him.
James was great in every aspect, patient to a fault, but no doormat. He fought for what he wanted, but didn’t stop living his life to wait for Iain and made his own experiences. He also made Iain work for it when he came crawling back asking for another chance and that’s about the only thing that saved the book for me.
December 31, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
It's... complicated...
Both, for me to find a rating that does justice to this book and also the relationship between guilt-ridden Iain Sinclair, who is determined to earn his bigoted father's love and pride at the cost of his own happiness and James Hart, who desperately tries to make Iain realize that he is more than just a little boy with a hero worship complex.
Where I loved the first 3.5 books in this series, I couldn't quite enjoy this story as much, but that is all on me and my somewhat disturbed relationship with flashbacks. Sometimes they work for me, but mostly they don't. This time I actually loved to see the friends to lovers story evolve very slowly through the flashbacks, but I had to check repeatedly in which year I'm in at the moment and e.g. which kiss or break up they referred to. Let me tell you, old-lady-brain-syndrome is no fun...
I decided to round my rating up because I really liked the characters, the writing style is as great as in the previous books and conveyed the atmosphere extraordinarily... and - I'm sure you virtually heard my happy sigh now - yes, Murdo and David make a short appearance as well.
The ending was hot and sweet and I'm really sad that this series came to an end now, but there's always the chance for a re-read, which I will certainly do!
It's... complicated...
Both, for me to find a rating that does justice to this book and also the relationship between guilt-ridden Iain Sinclair, who is determined to earn his bigoted father's love and pride at the cost of his own happiness and James Hart, who desperately tries to make Iain realize that he is more than just a little boy with a hero worship complex.
Where I loved the first 3.5 books in this series, I couldn't quite enjoy this story as much, but that is all on me and my somewhat disturbed relationship with flashbacks. Sometimes they work for me, but mostly they don't. This time I actually loved to see the friends to lovers story evolve very slowly through the flashbacks, but I had to check repeatedly in which year I'm in at the moment and e.g. which kiss or break up they referred to. Let me tell you, old-lady-brain-syndrome is no fun...
I decided to round my rating up because I really liked the characters, the writing style is as great as in the previous books and conveyed the atmosphere extraordinarily... and - I'm sure you virtually heard my happy sigh now - yes, Murdo and David make a short appearance as well.
The ending was hot and sweet and I'm really sad that this series came to an end now, but there's always the chance for a re-read, which I will certainly do!
October 1, 2015
I love romance novels. Not the pornographic m/m novels that fall under the same "Romance" banner; I mean proper romantic, preferably period-setting, in the vein of Jane Austen, witty, intelligent, love blossoming, full-on romance novels......and here they are, from the pen (or keyboard)of Ms Joanna Chambers.
Unnatural is a spin-off and included within Ms Chamber's Enlightenment series Enlightened and a stand alone novel. I suggest however, that the Enlightenment series be also read, only because it is so damned good.
The sexual coupling in this novel is "period" so don't expect modern pornography. This is passionate coupling, love making rather than fucking!
It has been suggested by another respected GRs reviewer that, although not disappointed with this plot and story-line, they were, to quote, "underwhelmed". I disagree. This is not a thriller nor a vehicle for sexual titillation, this is a period romance between two men who, because of the laws of the day, need to remain discreet, very discreet. There is tension, there is witty repartee, there is bigotry and hatred, it's just a little more reserved than we are used to today.
The time frame of the plot jumps from the historical-present-day to historical-past-events. Chapters are dated, I suggest the reader gives this consideration and takes note when reading.
Loved it. Exactly what I want from M/M Romance. Wish I could allocate more than five stars.
(I pestered the author for release dates and kindly, probably to shut me up, she gifted me an advance copy. Thank you Joanna ;) )
Unnatural is a spin-off and included within Ms Chamber's Enlightenment series Enlightened and a stand alone novel. I suggest however, that the Enlightenment series be also read, only because it is so damned good.
The sexual coupling in this novel is "period" so don't expect modern pornography. This is passionate coupling, love making rather than fucking!
It has been suggested by another respected GRs reviewer that, although not disappointed with this plot and story-line, they were, to quote, "underwhelmed". I disagree. This is not a thriller nor a vehicle for sexual titillation, this is a period romance between two men who, because of the laws of the day, need to remain discreet, very discreet. There is tension, there is witty repartee, there is bigotry and hatred, it's just a little more reserved than we are used to today.
The time frame of the plot jumps from the historical-present-day to historical-past-events. Chapters are dated, I suggest the reader gives this consideration and takes note when reading.
Loved it. Exactly what I want from M/M Romance. Wish I could allocate more than five stars.
(I pestered the author for release dates and kindly, probably to shut me up, she gifted me an advance copy. Thank you Joanna ;) )
January 6, 2017
Ever have a bunch of people tell you how fantabulous something is and insist that you see/read/experience it for yourself? So you do and you keep waiting to be blown away by the fantabulousness?
This was one of those times.
I've witnessed so much squeeing over this author that I was expecting to be thunderstruck and it never transpired.
What I did like was her ability to create the Regency atmosphere that I love. She clearly has extensive knowledge of the time made evident in her usage of the language and customs.
This relationship though... did not enrapture me.
James and Iain are childhood friends. Their story is told in non-linear fashion from the time they are boys to present. They have moments of intimacy but Iain inevitably pulls away from James. Time and time and time again. James is full of hopeful optimism and holds on to the dream of being a couple FOR YEARS! Iain comes back periodically from his military service and inserts himself in James' life only to leave him high and dry. Again. Once he decides that he's going to accept a position in India as a spy he vows to make peace with James. James puts him through his paces that's for sure. Rightly so!
I'm big on retribution, but I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I wasn't WOW'd. I kept expecting to be gut punched with feels that never materialized. It would have been more successful for me had they spent more time together developing as a couple. Instead they were together for all of half a chapter which was insufficient to convince me of their longevity. Iain could've still high tailed it the next morning and I wouldn't be at all surprised. Because fickle pickle.
Nevertheless, I was impressed by the writing style. I love Regency novels and I will read something else by this author. In all likelihood, it just boils down to personal preference. I like my MCs to be together and not constantly fighting. If you don't, give it a whirl!
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was one of those times.
I've witnessed so much squeeing over this author that I was expecting to be thunderstruck and it never transpired.
What I did like was her ability to create the Regency atmosphere that I love. She clearly has extensive knowledge of the time made evident in her usage of the language and customs.
This relationship though... did not enrapture me.
James and Iain are childhood friends. Their story is told in non-linear fashion from the time they are boys to present. They have moments of intimacy but Iain inevitably pulls away from James. Time and time and time again. James is full of hopeful optimism and holds on to the dream of being a couple FOR YEARS! Iain comes back periodically from his military service and inserts himself in James' life only to leave him high and dry. Again. Once he decides that he's going to accept a position in India as a spy he vows to make peace with James. James puts him through his paces that's for sure. Rightly so!
I'm big on retribution, but I just didn't feel the chemistry between them. I wasn't WOW'd. I kept expecting to be gut punched with feels that never materialized. It would have been more successful for me had they spent more time together developing as a couple. Instead they were together for all of half a chapter which was insufficient to convince me of their longevity. Iain could've still high tailed it the next morning and I wouldn't be at all surprised. Because fickle pickle.
Nevertheless, I was impressed by the writing style. I love Regency novels and I will read something else by this author. In all likelihood, it just boils down to personal preference. I like my MCs to be together and not constantly fighting. If you don't, give it a whirl!
An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2020
3,75 stars
I couldn’t quite get myself to leave David and Murdo’s universe yet, so I finally dived into the last book of this series.
Iain Sinclair is a friend of Murdo we met in a previous book. He’s what I would call a dashing soldier with a lot of charm. However, his heart has always been in the same place – with his childhood friend James, a gentle scientist with a big heart and the patience of a saint, not that this is something Iain can acknowledge.
Good-natured James has been in love with Iain like forever and shown his feelings again and again over the years just to be disappointed as often by Iain turning away in fear and panic when things get too 'serious'.
With a timeline going back and forward between 'Then' and 'Now' we slowly find out what’s been going on between these two men. I'm not a huge fan of this set-up, but it was ok for me here. I guess I could have done with a little less of all the descriptions of social functions.
Tbh, Iain really annoyed me at times for being so reckless with James’s heart, and I would have liked to see him grovel way more in the end than he eventually does. It felt that everything sorted itself too quickly and easily in the last 10 percent.
Still, this was an enjoyable read, but not in the same league as the first three books.
I couldn’t quite get myself to leave David and Murdo’s universe yet, so I finally dived into the last book of this series.
Iain Sinclair is a friend of Murdo we met in a previous book. He’s what I would call a dashing soldier with a lot of charm. However, his heart has always been in the same place – with his childhood friend James, a gentle scientist with a big heart and the patience of a saint, not that this is something Iain can acknowledge.
Good-natured James has been in love with Iain like forever and shown his feelings again and again over the years just to be disappointed as often by Iain turning away in fear and panic when things get too 'serious'.
With a timeline going back and forward between 'Then' and 'Now' we slowly find out what’s been going on between these two men. I'm not a huge fan of this set-up, but it was ok for me here. I guess I could have done with a little less of all the descriptions of social functions.
Tbh, Iain really annoyed me at times for being so reckless with James’s heart, and I would have liked to see him grovel way more in the end than he eventually does. It felt that everything sorted itself too quickly and easily in the last 10 percent.
Still, this was an enjoyable read, but not in the same league as the first three books.
April 8, 2016
This book was my first experience with Joanna Chambers, and I think I need to read her Enlightenment series from book 1 to see more of what she is about.
The writing was easy and the historical details were beautifully done, but there was something so... remote about this story. It was a lot of angst, longing, and guilt and not a lot of action. I had trouble getting inside the characters' heads, and I think it affected how I felt about the story.
The time jumping was also very difficult for me. I'm NOT a fan of flashbacks, and though these were done well enough, it was just another thing keeping me from being engaged with the two MCs in the present. Combine that with a few "misunderstandings," and no matter how lovely the writing is, you've lost me.
While this book made for a pleasant reading experience, it wasn't anything that I'll want to revisit in the future. I'm hoping that Provoked is better.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
The writing was easy and the historical details were beautifully done, but there was something so... remote about this story. It was a lot of angst, longing, and guilt and not a lot of action. I had trouble getting inside the characters' heads, and I think it affected how I felt about the story.
The time jumping was also very difficult for me. I'm NOT a fan of flashbacks, and though these were done well enough, it was just another thing keeping me from being engaged with the two MCs in the present. Combine that with a few "misunderstandings," and no matter how lovely the writing is, you've lost me.
While this book made for a pleasant reading experience, it wasn't anything that I'll want to revisit in the future. I'm hoping that Provoked is better.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 6, 2024
I listened to the audio, narrated by Simon Goldhill and I really appreciate his voice and performance. His English is just perfect for this historical romance, this friends to lovers that is told in time jumps. That choice to lay out the gone wrong friendship between Iain and James that way worked really well for me.
I love how well researched Joanna Chambers’s story’s are which make for a beautiful historical setting and realistic vibes.
James and Iain were both well fleshed out and dimensional characters, I loved the connection they found when they were still kids. I felt for James, when Iain denied him, and though I understood Iain’s reasons, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for James.
I love historical romances and though I don’t often read them set during the Regency period, I do believe Joanna Chambers does a great job writing them. I will certainly pick up another one of her books when the mood strikes.
I love how well researched Joanna Chambers’s story’s are which make for a beautiful historical setting and realistic vibes.
James and Iain were both well fleshed out and dimensional characters, I loved the connection they found when they were still kids. I felt for James, when Iain denied him, and though I understood Iain’s reasons, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for James.
I love historical romances and though I don’t often read them set during the Regency period, I do believe Joanna Chambers does a great job writing them. I will certainly pick up another one of her books when the mood strikes.
July 30, 2018
4.25 stars!
I can't explain why I waited so long to read this one. I really, really shouldn't have. I loved this story!
Iain and Jamie didn't top Murdo and David, but that's a hard feat. They won my heart in their own right.
Read it!
I can't explain why I waited so long to read this one. I really, really shouldn't have. I loved this story!
Iain and Jamie didn't top Murdo and David, but that's a hard feat. They won my heart in their own right.
Read it!
June 11, 2017
What I liked:
The characters and the story and Chambers exploration of how making do with crumbs is not always possible but rather worse.
What I didn't like:
At first I liked the backwards and forwards mode of telling if felt ok. But then it went to such an extent that I felt that I was not moving and I began loosing the whole. Considering that there was no other plot except for the relationship between the characters, this was not a good thing.
Brimstone butterfly
BR 4th Dec always good sharing with you.
The characters and the story and Chambers exploration of how making do with crumbs is not always possible but rather worse.
What I didn't like:
At first I liked the backwards and forwards mode of telling if felt ok. But then it went to such an extent that I felt that I was not moving and I began loosing the whole. Considering that there was no other plot except for the relationship between the characters, this was not a good thing.
Brimstone butterfly
BR 4th Dec always good sharing with you.
August 29, 2015
I was lucky enough to help beta read this wonderful story! :D I LOVE Joanna's writing, she's got something special!!!
June 11, 2017
**3.5 stars**
Even though it’s part of the enlightenment series, it can be read as a standalone.
Iain and James are childhood friends despite different characters and visions of life. And even though Iain seems to be the most at ease in his own skin, he’s plagued with the shame of being gay and the guilt over his brother’s death. And so, as much as he values James's friendship, he keeps pushing James away. And James, being in love with Iain for as long as he can remember, is resigned in grabbing whatever bit of affection thrown by Iain, until he can’t anymore.
It’s a slow-burn romance, with a lot of push and pull, too much for my taste. The writing is well done and the pace of the story is good with flashbacks nicely inserted and complementing the development of the MCs ‘s relationship, but I was never completely engaged with this story. I felt like the turmoil of Iain was only exploited by the end, too late for me to relate to the characters :-(
Even though it’s part of the enlightenment series, it can be read as a standalone.
Iain and James are childhood friends despite different characters and visions of life. And even though Iain seems to be the most at ease in his own skin, he’s plagued with the shame of being gay and the guilt over his brother’s death. And so, as much as he values James's friendship, he keeps pushing James away. And James, being in love with Iain for as long as he can remember, is resigned in grabbing whatever bit of affection thrown by Iain, until he can’t anymore.
It’s a slow-burn romance, with a lot of push and pull, too much for my taste. The writing is well done and the pace of the story is good with flashbacks nicely inserted and complementing the development of the MCs ‘s relationship, but I was never completely engaged with this story. I felt like the turmoil of Iain was only exploited by the end, too late for me to relate to the characters :-(
October 24, 2015
When I first met Captain Iain Sinclair in Beguiled alongside Murdo Balfour, I knew there was something about the man that I liked. When I read him, again, in Season’s Pass having a quarrerl with a young man named James, I was intrigued. When I realized that these two men, Iain and James were getting a book I was giddy and anxious about reading their story.
I adore it when the main characters of a story have a past that dates back to childhood. There is something about the friends to lover’s troupe going that far back that warms my hopeless romantic heart and thankfully, that is what we get with James and Iain.
I loved the way the story was told; going back and for the between the present and the past as well as having dual POV’s from the men. I needed all of that to fully understand the how and why of the first meeting we got with these two. How did it come to that? Why was James so forceful with his wants and why was Iain so against it all?
Le Sigh.
Ms. Chambers once again delivers a love story that stole my heart from the first page of this book and honestly, before I even opened it. I knew I needed this story but what I got was beyond lovely, beyond romantic, beyond sexy and simply stunning.
James, my dear boy. You and your naturalistic ways are amazing. You have such a free spirit and who better to run with you and also keep you safe than Iain. I felt each of your hopes, each of your wants and each of your rejections and they hurt. Ugh. They hurt but you learn fast and with a game of hide and seek… you turned the tables on me and on a certain man with a moustache. Mmm hmm. I think I read that scene at least six or seven times and never did my heart fail to flutter. So good. That was so very good.
Iain, I have no words for what you have had to deal with regarding your family and mostly your father. It’s unfair and yet, dealing with it all has made you the man you are and the man that James wants and come on, you know you want him! You just don’t know how to take what you want and truly be okay with it.
I have to mention that I was in heaven seeing David and Murdo again. That is one couple I will never tire of and seeing Iain with them and the thoughts he has, melted me into a pile of goo. And goo, if you know me, is good. The man wants so much and I loved watching the fight in him to accept it and get it.
I know, I am talking in circles but I don’t want to spoil anything. I just loved the holy heck out of Iain and James and could have read them for days and many more books.
*** ARC provided by Samhaim Publishing via NetGalley ***
*************************************************************************
Me. This. Now.
Yup.
Thank you, Samhain.
January 1, 2017
BR con Ariadna, un tanto accidentado por motivos SKAMeros y YOIsticos xDDDDD
He disfutado mucho leyendo este libro, una de las razones creo que ha sido que no lo he leído justo tras terminar los 3 primeros, otra es algo que muchas reseñas destacan como aspecto negativo de la lectura, los saltos temporales, desde mi humilde punto de vista, hacen que tengamos una visión mucho más precisa de lo que es y ha sido la relación de Jamie e Iain, me parece que están muy bien llevados.
Joanna Chambers tiene un estilo que me gusta, y en este libro sigue la estela ya iniciada con Murdo y David, por lo que estaba vendida desde el minuto cero, los MC son un amor, me encantan los 2, pero es sobre todo Jamie quien me ha robado el corazoncito, me parece un personaje fuerte (aunque no nos lo presenten como tal) y coherente con sus emociones, a Iain desde luego le da una buena lección.
Si os gustaron los 3 primeros libros pero no sabéis si leer éste o no, yo os recomiendo que le deis una oportunidad ;)
He disfutado mucho leyendo este libro, una de las razones creo que ha sido que no lo he leído justo tras terminar los 3 primeros, otra es algo que muchas reseñas destacan como aspecto negativo de la lectura, los saltos temporales, desde mi humilde punto de vista, hacen que tengamos una visión mucho más precisa de lo que es y ha sido la relación de Jamie e Iain, me parece que están muy bien llevados.
Joanna Chambers tiene un estilo que me gusta, y en este libro sigue la estela ya iniciada con Murdo y David, por lo que estaba vendida desde el minuto cero, los MC son un amor, me encantan los 2, pero es sobre todo Jamie quien me ha robado el corazoncito, me parece un personaje fuerte (aunque no nos lo presenten como tal) y coherente con sus emociones, a Iain desde luego le da una buena lección.
Si os gustaron los 3 primeros libros pero no sabéis si leer éste o no, yo os recomiendo que le deis una oportunidad ;)
November 25, 2015
4.5 Star Reviewage on Prism Book Alliance®
It wasn’t that he begrudged his hosts their happiness. No, the melancholy was all on his own account. It seemed he had a hitherto unacknowledged self-pitying streak that made witnessing their contentment strangely painful.
This gives you a good idea of Iain’s mental and emotional states as this story begins. This also shows that Chambers is on her game with her ability to get to the heart of the matter. And emotion. It opened the gates to connection for me, as well.
Having read Chambers’ Enlightenment series and related short stories, I’d come in contact with Iain previously. He was to go on and surprise me, though, throughout this story because here’s the thing: he’s somewhat selfish, or at the very least unaware of his effects on people around him, particularly those who care about him, like his family (some of them) and James. A scene early on had me nearly tearing my hair out and rolling my eyes, at the same time. That’s almost like trying to rub your tummy with one hand and the top of your head with the other, at the same time. I completely understood the other characters and their reactions towards good ol’ Iain.
Of course, there’s a flipside. There’s always another side. Iain has experienced a good bit of life. One major incident, or ongoing string of incidents, goes a long way to explaining some of his decisions.
For James’ part, he’s rightfully been living his life without Iain in it. (Yeah, ya see? There’s the rub! Git your head outa the sand, Iain.) James is intelligent, loving, and determined. He’s not just book smart but emotionally intelligent. I don’t blame him one stinkin’ iota for the way he comports himself through much of this story.
Now. These two have been close friends (no double entendre) since they were very young. Chambers does well in slowly revealing the history twixt Iain and James, taking us back and forth between it and the present day. Could this history, this once solid base of a friendship, be the thing that turns everything around, salvaging said friendship? The first half of the book feels like it’s attempting to answer this all-important question. It’s a study in friendship. I kinda relished that, I must say. The power struggle, even when neither of them realizes that’s what it is, the power they have in affecting each other’s lives. How easily a smile can break open on your face. How quickly someone can pierce your heart, twisting the blade they didn’t even know they were wielding.
All of this is James for Iain and Iain for James.
The second half of the book is a bit more unevenly told for me. The settings and emotions and forward progress are all there. The detail is scrumptious, never really feeling overdone. It just felt like we went to the well once too often regarding some conflicts and their possible resolutions. These same resolutions that often faced coitus interruptus, the connections I’d made with the characters suffering because of it. The momentum that had been building, rolling naturally through the peaks and valleys, suffered because of it.
Now, was this insurmountable, an unhealable wound? Not in the slightest. I mean, we’re talking about Chambers’ writing and it’s as close to impeccable as writing can ever hope to be. I love her word choices and combinations, and her dialogue flows along naturally and feels appropriate in all scenes. Even during these dry spells I described above, I enjoyed reading her words for what they are, like a leisurely Sunday drive down a sunny country rode.
He’d touched his own mouth as he lay in bed in the darkness, trying to summon up a better memory of the press of Jamie’s lips and the sweet sweep of his tongue, but the physical sensation had been translated in his memory into something more elusive and ephemeral – something that could stir but never satisfy.
It’s ok, I’ll give you a moment to melt and then gather yourself. G’head.
Better now? Ok, good. ;)
The sense of history is heavy in this story. The trappings of life for those that lived in the upper echelons and how they specifically impacted gay men, and the added stresses they had to carry around and deal with, constantly, were just as constant a companion during my reading of this book. Difficult is an understatement, and James and Iain are living under these inescapable constraints. Sometimes it felt like the settings were stealing the spotlight from James and Iain, but most of the time they were that weight that could not be chucked aside, ever, always informing their actions and reactions.
Of course, this long journey has its rewards, fear not. Some of them are clever and robust. James himself speaks volumes in a single comment:
”What are yesterday’s heresies but tomorrow’s orthodoxies?”
If I could, I’d give James a high-five for that.
This is gorgeously written. It’s a wonderful depiction of two people struggling a great deal in order to be themselves and live the love they have for each other. A few stretches were overbaked, going to that well one time too many. The characters are complex and complete, with unexpected idiosyncrasies and understandable issues. I know I’d love to spend more time with them, witnessing their future. If you enjoy or want to try a somewhat angsty, beautifully detailed, heart-filled, painful, historical love story, this is dead center on your target.
It wasn’t that he begrudged his hosts their happiness. No, the melancholy was all on his own account. It seemed he had a hitherto unacknowledged self-pitying streak that made witnessing their contentment strangely painful.
This gives you a good idea of Iain’s mental and emotional states as this story begins. This also shows that Chambers is on her game with her ability to get to the heart of the matter. And emotion. It opened the gates to connection for me, as well.
Having read Chambers’ Enlightenment series and related short stories, I’d come in contact with Iain previously. He was to go on and surprise me, though, throughout this story because here’s the thing: he’s somewhat selfish, or at the very least unaware of his effects on people around him, particularly those who care about him, like his family (some of them) and James. A scene early on had me nearly tearing my hair out and rolling my eyes, at the same time. That’s almost like trying to rub your tummy with one hand and the top of your head with the other, at the same time. I completely understood the other characters and their reactions towards good ol’ Iain.
Of course, there’s a flipside. There’s always another side. Iain has experienced a good bit of life. One major incident, or ongoing string of incidents, goes a long way to explaining some of his decisions.
For James’ part, he’s rightfully been living his life without Iain in it. (Yeah, ya see? There’s the rub! Git your head outa the sand, Iain.) James is intelligent, loving, and determined. He’s not just book smart but emotionally intelligent. I don’t blame him one stinkin’ iota for the way he comports himself through much of this story.
Now. These two have been close friends (no double entendre) since they were very young. Chambers does well in slowly revealing the history twixt Iain and James, taking us back and forth between it and the present day. Could this history, this once solid base of a friendship, be the thing that turns everything around, salvaging said friendship? The first half of the book feels like it’s attempting to answer this all-important question. It’s a study in friendship. I kinda relished that, I must say. The power struggle, even when neither of them realizes that’s what it is, the power they have in affecting each other’s lives. How easily a smile can break open on your face. How quickly someone can pierce your heart, twisting the blade they didn’t even know they were wielding.
All of this is James for Iain and Iain for James.
The second half of the book is a bit more unevenly told for me. The settings and emotions and forward progress are all there. The detail is scrumptious, never really feeling overdone. It just felt like we went to the well once too often regarding some conflicts and their possible resolutions. These same resolutions that often faced coitus interruptus, the connections I’d made with the characters suffering because of it. The momentum that had been building, rolling naturally through the peaks and valleys, suffered because of it.
Now, was this insurmountable, an unhealable wound? Not in the slightest. I mean, we’re talking about Chambers’ writing and it’s as close to impeccable as writing can ever hope to be. I love her word choices and combinations, and her dialogue flows along naturally and feels appropriate in all scenes. Even during these dry spells I described above, I enjoyed reading her words for what they are, like a leisurely Sunday drive down a sunny country rode.
He’d touched his own mouth as he lay in bed in the darkness, trying to summon up a better memory of the press of Jamie’s lips and the sweet sweep of his tongue, but the physical sensation had been translated in his memory into something more elusive and ephemeral – something that could stir but never satisfy.
It’s ok, I’ll give you a moment to melt and then gather yourself. G’head.
Better now? Ok, good. ;)
The sense of history is heavy in this story. The trappings of life for those that lived in the upper echelons and how they specifically impacted gay men, and the added stresses they had to carry around and deal with, constantly, were just as constant a companion during my reading of this book. Difficult is an understatement, and James and Iain are living under these inescapable constraints. Sometimes it felt like the settings were stealing the spotlight from James and Iain, but most of the time they were that weight that could not be chucked aside, ever, always informing their actions and reactions.
Of course, this long journey has its rewards, fear not. Some of them are clever and robust. James himself speaks volumes in a single comment:
”What are yesterday’s heresies but tomorrow’s orthodoxies?”
If I could, I’d give James a high-five for that.
This is gorgeously written. It’s a wonderful depiction of two people struggling a great deal in order to be themselves and live the love they have for each other. A few stretches were overbaked, going to that well one time too many. The characters are complex and complete, with unexpected idiosyncrasies and understandable issues. I know I’d love to spend more time with them, witnessing their future. If you enjoy or want to try a somewhat angsty, beautifully detailed, heart-filled, painful, historical love story, this is dead center on your target.
September 10, 2023
I’ve finally finished the series and yes I chose to read this last. I liked it but James and Ian are not the most compelling characters and their romance is kind of lackluster. This is my least favorite book and I can see why most people also feel the same way.
December 2, 2024
(This review is for the audiobook.)
I wasn't sure how Simon Goldhill would stack up against Hamish McKinlay, who narrates the first three of Chambers's Enlightenment series, but he's excellent: he clearly distinguishes James's lighter voice from Iain's, and I don't remember any of the women characters' voices grating on me (the way they can with male narrators who can't produce higher pitches without edging into caricature). Goldhill also manages the relatively rare achievement of making the MCs sound aroused during the sex scenes without veering (much) into bad-porno territory.
The story of "Unnatural" hits a couple of my favorite tropes: sexually not-very-experienced but emotionally confident/sexually experienced but an emotional idiot; overcoming internalized homophobia (Iain is loaded with it); drunk decisions better than decisions made in the Cold Light of Morning.
"Unnatural" winds up being a 3-star story for me, though, for two reasons. One: Iain treats James so badly that -- even though Iain does plenty of his own on-page suffering -- you might prefer to see James kick him to the curb. (Alternatively: James, you would have been well within your rights to make your boyfriend grovel more. A lot more.) Two: there's a thread of misogyny that, oof, really has not aged well. ("Unnatural" was first published in 2015 -- though honestly, feminist historiography was around long before then, so what the heck, Ms. Chambers?) The young women who flirt with James and Iain are treated as if they were predators; there's no sympathy in the narrative or from the MCs for the constraints on their early-19th-century lives, for the harsh truth that they must acquire husbands. James feels smothered by the "feminine" decor of his mother's house. And to top it off, there's a repulsive "boys will be boys" scene in which a girl is horrified and reduced to tears because she thinks a boy has put a spider down her dress, but heh heh heh it was just a leaf, no big, and yes the sentence "Boys will be boys" is actually uttered and the sentiment endorsed. (We won't even get into the possibility of a girl being interested in arthropods, but okay.) So that fourth star is owed to Simon Goldhill, for whom much thanks.
Thanks also to the author and Gay Romance Reviews for the audio ARC.
I wasn't sure how Simon Goldhill would stack up against Hamish McKinlay, who narrates the first three of Chambers's Enlightenment series, but he's excellent: he clearly distinguishes James's lighter voice from Iain's, and I don't remember any of the women characters' voices grating on me (the way they can with male narrators who can't produce higher pitches without edging into caricature). Goldhill also manages the relatively rare achievement of making the MCs sound aroused during the sex scenes without veering (much) into bad-porno territory.
The story of "Unnatural" hits a couple of my favorite tropes: sexually not-very-experienced but emotionally confident/sexually experienced but an emotional idiot; overcoming internalized homophobia (Iain is loaded with it); drunk decisions better than decisions made in the Cold Light of Morning.
"Unnatural" winds up being a 3-star story for me, though, for two reasons. One: Iain treats James so badly that -- even though Iain does plenty of his own on-page suffering -- you might prefer to see James kick him to the curb. (Alternatively: James, you would have been well within your rights to make your boyfriend grovel more. A lot more.) Two: there's a thread of misogyny that, oof, really has not aged well. ("Unnatural" was first published in 2015 -- though honestly, feminist historiography was around long before then, so what the heck, Ms. Chambers?) The young women who flirt with James and Iain are treated as if they were predators; there's no sympathy in the narrative or from the MCs for the constraints on their early-19th-century lives, for the harsh truth that they must acquire husbands. James feels smothered by the "feminine" decor of his mother's house. And to top it off, there's a repulsive "boys will be boys" scene in which a girl is horrified and reduced to tears because she thinks a boy has put a spider down her dress, but heh heh heh it was just a leaf, no big, and yes the sentence "Boys will be boys" is actually uttered and the sentiment endorsed. (We won't even get into the possibility of a girl being interested in arthropods, but okay.) So that fourth star is owed to Simon Goldhill, for whom much thanks.
Thanks also to the author and Gay Romance Reviews for the audio ARC.
November 17, 2015
2.5 stars
I was so excited to read Unnatural as it returns to the world of the author’s popular Enlightenment series (Provoked). In fact, Murdo Balfour and David Lauriston make a brief appearance at the beginning of this story. They are good friends to Iain Sinclair and it’s fun to see the couple happy in their ‘ever after.’
Unfortunately, this is not so for Iain. Here, again, is the young man of society who must hide his ‘unnatural’ proclivities for the good of god, family, and country. He has denied, all his life, his deep feelings for childhood friend, James Hart. James is steadfast in his devotion… it’s just that Iain can’t find his way to a relationship beyond friendship with him. I wonder whether the books' titles give something away... Balfour and Lauriston move toward 'enlightenment' whereas Sinclair seems stuck with 'unnatural.'
There is an attempt at sexual tension— in fact, the whole story is one of delayed gratification— but it gets wearisome. Iain’s self-doubt gets wearisome. I’ve read this story before, in fact, in Enlightenment itself. It was, somehow, more compelling there. There is nothing really new in ‘Unnatural’ to set James and Iain’s story apart. It is very well written and they are a credible couple— such excellent childhood friends. But, I found myself bored at times and wishing the action, what very little there is, would pick up. And I grew tired of Iain’s dallying. Part of the problem is, apart from Iain's hang-ups, there's very little tension elsewhere in the story.
I think if I’d read this book some years ago, I might have enjoyed it much more. I recommend it to those readers who are new to historical M/M romance— it would be an excellent ‘first time’ read. There are some lovely bits, some nice rendering of the time but, alas, for me, it's all generally on the tepid side.
This reading was from a NetGalley ARC in return for my honest review.
December 7, 2015
BR with the lovelies- Maya, Sofia and Ingela!
2.8 stars.
So, this was not at all as good as the first 3 books in the series.
But don't fret, if you did not read the first 3 books, you need to know that they are beautiful and complete, and that this book is about a character that was briefly intreduced before, and It can be read as a stand alone.
It starts sweetly with with James and Iain as childhood friends (9 and 13)
After a few pages it jumps to 'present day' as they are in their mid to late twenties and somewhat estranged.
It then jumps back and forth between the past and present, which I'm not crazy about, but, if written well, I can enjoy.
Here, the problem was, that it jumped to every time Iain and James had an "argument" or a "misunderstanding" or something of that sort, and all of these incidents where about the same subject of Iain's "fear" of permitting himself to live the life he wants and to love the man he loves.
It felt repetitive, slow, and long.
I liked the characters but the story needed more "meat". Unlike the first books in the series, that where full of politics, of characters being from different backgrounds and bridging them, and so much more, it sadly, lacked here.
If you did not read the first 3 books, READ THEM! They are SO good!
This one did not work for me like I wanted it to, but I will definitely look forward to reading more of Joanna Chambers's books.
2.8 stars.
So, this was not at all as good as the first 3 books in the series.
But don't fret, if you did not read the first 3 books, you need to know that they are beautiful and complete, and that this book is about a character that was briefly intreduced before, and It can be read as a stand alone.
It starts sweetly with with James and Iain as childhood friends (9 and 13)
After a few pages it jumps to 'present day' as they are in their mid to late twenties and somewhat estranged.
It then jumps back and forth between the past and present, which I'm not crazy about, but, if written well, I can enjoy.
Here, the problem was, that it jumped to every time Iain and James had an "argument" or a "misunderstanding" or something of that sort, and all of these incidents where about the same subject of Iain's "fear" of permitting himself to live the life he wants and to love the man he loves.
It felt repetitive, slow, and long.
I liked the characters but the story needed more "meat". Unlike the first books in the series, that where full of politics, of characters being from different backgrounds and bridging them, and so much more, it sadly, lacked here.
If you did not read the first 3 books, READ THEM! They are SO good!
This one did not work for me like I wanted it to, but I will definitely look forward to reading more of Joanna Chambers's books.
November 10, 2015
So much swoon. Read this. So much.
August 12, 2025
“Well, it’s not as though you’d say anything to anyone,” Balfour grumbled. “I’ve never met a more tight-lipped man in my life.”
I read these a bit out of order in my mad dash to get to book 5. I'm glad I did, this one had a different tone than the other 4. Still a 3.5 (rounded down) because it really doesn't come close to the other books.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book the most, seeing Murdo and David, happy and content, and funny.
I didn't feel the same stomach-flip romance in this one, and I have to admit, by the time the big sex scene came about, I wasn't on the edge of my seat.
Absolutely loved the series, and I'm sure I will revisit Murdo & David's trilogy.
“You could still do to put a bit more weight on,” he was saying now, adding a pool of custard to the dish.
“Nonsense,” Lauriston said. “I’ve always been lean. My mother and brother are too—it’s how we’re made. Whether you like it or not, Murdo, I’m a skinny chap.”
Yes, I know it wasn't their book, but they stole the show!
I read these a bit out of order in my mad dash to get to book 5. I'm glad I did, this one had a different tone than the other 4. Still a 3.5 (rounded down) because it really doesn't come close to the other books.
I enjoyed the beginning of the book the most, seeing Murdo and David, happy and content, and funny.
I didn't feel the same stomach-flip romance in this one, and I have to admit, by the time the big sex scene came about, I wasn't on the edge of my seat.
Absolutely loved the series, and I'm sure I will revisit Murdo & David's trilogy.
“You could still do to put a bit more weight on,” he was saying now, adding a pool of custard to the dish.
“Nonsense,” Lauriston said. “I’ve always been lean. My mother and brother are too—it’s how we’re made. Whether you like it or not, Murdo, I’m a skinny chap.”
Yes, I know it wasn't their book, but they stole the show!
June 9, 2019
This was an angsty, but lovely friends-to-lovers. There was so much push and pull, though, it made me hurt a little too much for James. Things just didn't feel even even-handed, and I worry about James's (lovely) vulnerability.
All that push and pull made for some unnecessary drama, but I guess I was in the mood for it. Did I mention it was angsty? 3.75 rounded up
All that push and pull made for some unnecessary drama, but I guess I was in the mood for it. Did I mention it was angsty? 3.75 rounded up
October 18, 2020
Well. This one didn’t wow me like the first three books did. I personally think that Chambers should’ve made this a standalone or spin-off, not a continuation of the series… Maybe then I would've liked it more, I don't know.
Captain Sinclair made me curious when he first appeared in Beguiled, and later, when his chance (or so it seemed) meeting with a mysterious James in Seasons Pass seemed to shake him to his core, that curiosity only grew. Too bad their story turned out to be a bit of a disappointment.
All in all, this wasn’t a bad book, per se. I actually enjoyed some parts of it, and Chambers’ writing was still very good. However, Unnatural just can’t compare to the main trilogy. Here’s why.
First — So many time skips! I agree that a couple of strategically-placed flashbacks can enhance a story, but when every other chapter takes place at a different time — and is told from a different POV! — reading becomes a rather confusing experience. And it wasn’t only ‘then’ and ‘now,’ oh no. Let me see — 1808, 1811, 1815, 1818, 1821, 1822; every now and then getting back to the ‘present,’ that is 1824. I felt like I needed to draw a diagram or something!
Second — Iain. His indecisiveness was so damn annoying! I really admired James for putting up with his bullshit for so long, even if I didn't understand it. This push-pull dynamic got on my nerves so bad, I wanted to scream in frustration. I get it, Iain had his own reasons for behaving the way he did, but come on! He should’ve taken a page from Murdo’s book a long time ago, and just grown some balls! He didn’t even have that much to lose, compared to Murdo… Ugh. Nope, I did not like that man. The way he kept stringing James along over the years of their ‘friendship’ was infuriating.
Third — Iain’s mustache. I think it deserves its very own point, because it kept distracting me at the most inopportune moments. I know, trivial, but there you have it — another strike against him. 😂
Kit’s book’s next, but I’m not sure I’m ready for more standalone-ish books in this series.
Captain Sinclair made me curious when he first appeared in Beguiled, and later, when his chance (or so it seemed) meeting with a mysterious James in Seasons Pass seemed to shake him to his core, that curiosity only grew. Too bad their story turned out to be a bit of a disappointment.
All in all, this wasn’t a bad book, per se. I actually enjoyed some parts of it, and Chambers’ writing was still very good. However, Unnatural just can’t compare to the main trilogy. Here’s why.
First — So many time skips! I agree that a couple of strategically-placed flashbacks can enhance a story, but when every other chapter takes place at a different time — and is told from a different POV! — reading becomes a rather confusing experience. And it wasn’t only ‘then’ and ‘now,’ oh no. Let me see — 1808, 1811, 1815, 1818, 1821, 1822; every now and then getting back to the ‘present,’ that is 1824. I felt like I needed to draw a diagram or something!
Second — Iain. His indecisiveness was so damn annoying! I really admired James for putting up with his bullshit for so long, even if I didn't understand it. This push-pull dynamic got on my nerves so bad, I wanted to scream in frustration. I get it, Iain had his own reasons for behaving the way he did, but come on! He should’ve taken a page from Murdo’s book a long time ago, and just grown some balls! He didn’t even have that much to lose, compared to Murdo… Ugh. Nope, I did not like that man. The way he kept stringing James along over the years of their ‘friendship’ was infuriating.
Third — Iain’s mustache. I think it deserves its very own point, because it kept distracting me at the most inopportune moments. I know, trivial, but there you have it — another strike against him. 😂
Kit’s book’s next, but I’m not sure I’m ready for more standalone-ish books in this series.
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