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The Hampton Road Club #6

Finding Sanctuary

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FROM BEST-SELLING AUTHOR OF GAY ROMANCE, MORTICIA KNIGHT

Book six in The Hampton Road Club series - This book is best read in sequence as part of the Hampton Road Club series. This instalment is a prequel to book one and can be read first.

Francesco might not know a thing about being a submissive, but for Master Theo, he’d be willing to learn anything.

Living on the streets of 1920s Los Angeles and pleasuring men in dark alleys for his survival is not how Francesco had thought his life would turn out. But he’s filled with the hope that someday—if he learns how to be a respectable fellow—he can make a home for himself and maybe even find a man he really cares for who also cares for him. In the meantime, he hustles to get by and looks for the good where he can find it.

Theo’s existence is safe and predictable. He indulges in his perverse nature at his friend Saul’s sadomasochism club on Hampton Road and negotiates contracts for the Hollywood players and studios. When an enticing little grifter crosses his path one day, the encounter unnerves him. Not because he gets conned, but because the refreshingly open and unaffected young man holds a mirror up to Theo’s own dreary existence. Theo might have plenty of material wealth, but his wealth of spirit can’t compare to the delightful Francesco’s.

Theo rescues Francesco from a dire situation and brings him home. If nothing else, he can at least find the desperate young man some decent employment. Instead, they both find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. But until Theo introduces Francesco to what being a submissive means, he doesn’t dare give his heart away. Francesco has yet to discover the secrets that are hidden behind the walls of the Hampton Road Club.


Reader This book contains brief scenes of mild violence, homophobic slurs and references to past child abuse.

Publisher's This book is best read in sequence as part of the Hampton Road Club series. This instalment is a prequel to book one and can be read first.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2017

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70 people want to read

About the author

Morticia Knight

118 books643 followers
USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Morticia Knight spends most of her nights writing about men loving men who explore the sweeter side of kink. If there happens to be some friendly bondage or floggings involved, she doesn’t begrudge her characters whatever their filthy little hearts desire. Even though she’s been crafting her tales for more years than she’d like to share—her adventures as a published author began in 2011. With over 70 gay/bisexual romance books and stories available, Morticia is bound to have something for your sexy HEA reading pleasure!

Morticia resides on the North Oregon coast where the fierce winter storms, gray skies and ocean views all conspire to spark her endless imagination.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,689 reviews154 followers
September 6, 2019
I was curious about Francesco from the start since he has been practically a feature in the series. This book showed him in a new light as he used to be, how his life was before he met Master Theodore and where he came from. Despite being street smart there was a sort of innocence to him, the joi de vivre that attracted Theodore besides his good looks. Francesco's natural curiosity and thirst for knowledge transformed him into smart-mouthed self-assured young man that we encounter in the first book in the series about young Sam and Aaron.

Told in dual POV, the book is mildly angsty and mildly steamy while introducing Francesco to the world at Hampton Road club. He takes to it like fish to the water. Despite this story being slightly insta love and insta connection, it didn't feel forced but very natural and at times really sweet. I enjoyed Francesco's wonder and Theodore's chance to discover the old anew. Very lovely story set in Old Hollywood with all its charm and secrets. I recommend it.
Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,235 reviews260 followers
October 10, 2017
Reviewed at Sinfully.

Francesco and Theodore! They’ve been around as a couple since the beginning of the series, each playing important roles in the lives of their friends and the members of the club and now we finally see how they came to be. This book is basically a prequel, with Master Theodore remembering his earliest days with Francesco so it can be read even if you haven’t read the other books (though I think it works best at the end).

Francesco is the sweetest thing. He has had a rough few years on the street after being kicked out of a home where he suffered years of abuse, and his story had me in tears, but he’s smart and relentlessly optimistic. Spotting Theodore’s fancy car, he follows the handsome man hoping to get a chance to proposition him so he can make some money, even as he feels bad about his little ruse to get the man’s attention. After his first meeting with Theodore, he vows to do everything right, make himself a better person that will make Theodore proud if he ever sees him again. I loved his quest for knowledge and betterment of himself, even in his difficult position.

Master Theodore, an attorney to some of Hollywood’s hottest stars, never realized what was missing from his life until after meeting Francesco. Certainly not the type of man he ever pictured being his submissive, yet Francesco lights a fire within him. He can’t stop worrying about Francesco and isn’t quite sure why the man made such an impression. They may not make sense if you analyze it, but Theodore thinks it’s time to just go with his feelings and decides to look for him. After helping Francesco out of a bind, he takes him home – no strings attached. They both want strings of course, but Theodore doesn’t want to push and Francesco can’t believe Theodore would want him, but as they spend time together and talk, it’s clear they were made for each other.

There is not a lot of drama here. The story is about two men getting to know each other. Francesco is blunt and honest and usually can’t control his “blathering”, saying everything on his mind all at once. He sees a bit of sadness in Theodore and just wants to be the one to make him smile. Theodore is taken by everything about Francesco, his desire for affection, his inquisitive nature and his beauty. He is endlessly amused by him and can only hope that when Francesco is ready, he’ll fit into the rest of his lifestyle as well, but to keep him, Theo may just be willing to adjust. A first visit to the club however, allows Theodore to lay that option to rest as Francesco proves to be just as excited and inquisitive about the Club as he is about life in general. I loved this part of the story as we get a full picture of Francesco, excited about what’s going on around him, trying to make a good impression but not one to back down from trouble.

If this is the first story you’re reading in the series, it may seem to end a bit abruptly, but throughout the series we have seen Theodore and Francesco on stage at the club and interacting with other members, so I enjoyed seeing where they were at the start and the ending worked for me, already knowing how far they have come, especially Francesco. Throughout the series Francesco has never been anything but a supportive friend and loving and completely devoted to Theodore, as Theodore remains a bit indulgent of his mischievous boy. This tale of how they started was a lovely way to end the series and will definitely be appreciated by its fans.

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Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
October 14, 2017
I really enjoy this series and like the historical aspect. Theo is a Master who lives life by the rules, analyses people and situations and is not really easily fooled. He meets Francesco at a market one day and thinks he's going to be conned. After a conversation and a little charity, they part realizing they both wanted a little more. Francesco does his best to honor the gift Theo gave but ends up being bullied and harassed. Meanwhile Theo spends the week wondering what life could be like with Francesco and begins to look for him. Thanks to an unexpected moment they both meet and their relationship begins. Theo gets a gold medal for patience as Francesco clearly has enthusiasm unleashed! While this series has a BDSM theme, this was not at all about the mechanics or the scenes, this was all about building trust and communication. It was a lovely Cinderella story ❤️
Profile Image for JD Crittendon.
1,170 reviews11 followers
August 15, 2019
Two Puzzles Pieces...Just Fit!

A dime, a gun, and patience are obscure and meaningful elements of the Francesco & Theo story. Enjoyed the MCs, and the establishment setting in the 1920’s SM Club. This a bit of a fairytale but still sweet.



Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,723 reviews40 followers
October 15, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the sixth book in this series - but as the blurb suggests, it is a book which goes back to tell us how popular D/s couple of Theo and Francesco come to be together in earlier times.

Another good installment, reminding us how different, (and yet sadly the same) the 1920's were in terms of the treatment of gay men. Theo has an education, and money, so lives the life he pleases, as long as he is discreet. He meets Theo on the streets, and is immediately attracted to him, in spite of their difference in circumstances. They both give each other a great deal of trust which is refreshing and fruitful for them both.

It is always good to read these stories with their old fashioned ways and turns of phrase - I look forward to new books as they are written, because one day we might find out just who does own the mansion.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Elaine White.
Author 43 books260 followers
October 10, 2017
Book – Finding Sanctuary (The Hampton Road Club #6) (The Hampton Road Club Prequel)
Author – Morticia Knight
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 135
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, dual character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, BDSM, Series, Historical


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine


WARNING: homophobic slurs/behaviour and mentions of historical (non-sexual) child abuse.


I love that the Prologue begins in present day, because I really wasn't sure why this had been billed as book 6 in the series when it was, in fact, a prequel and took place long before the rest of the series. Having the prologue follow on from the timeline of book 5 helped make that transition easier to understand and made sense of the placement.

From the moment the “flashback” origin story begins, we can see that Francesco has always been exciteable and unaware of what is proper and what isn't. It's so sad to hear him constantly degrading himself, but it's also evident that he does it before anyone else can.

The sad thing is that, despite some of the other characters being poor or in bad situations (like Sam and Kenneth) when they met their Master, none of them had ever been so devoid of nice things and had never been treated well in their lives, so much so that they marveled at every kind word and every luxury. Though Kenneth lived an awful life, he remembered kindness and luxury, but Francesco has never had it, not once, and it's beautiful to see his reaction to the way Theo lives and treats him. But it's also heartbreaking to know that he's gone his whole life without ever knowing the kind of treatment and life that others consider 'normal'.

I'm a little bit disappointed that it ended at 92%, only because I'd hoped for another 'present day' scene in an Epilogue of some sort. But, overall I have to admit that although it was short it was the perfect length for the story that needed to be told. I'd have liked to have seen a resolution to the whole Traski brothers situation, but having seen so much of Francesco and Theo in the other books, in the future, I get that there's no much to worry about.

Overall, this one was just as good as the rest of the series. There were a few things missing that I'd have ideally liked to have seen, but they didn't diminish the overall story at all, so I'm not taking them into consideration with my rating. I think the best thing about the book was the characterisation; although we know both Francesco and Theo from the previous five novels, there is no lack of exploration for either of them. They're still properly explored and written as though we hadn't met them at all.

I know the author has said that this will be the final novel in the series, but I sincerely hope there are more novellas or books in the future and, if so, I'll be eagerly awaiting each one.

~

READER'S NOTE: I want to note that the blurb says this book should be read in sequence, but because it's a prequel it should be read first. DON'T DO IT! If you read this first, you will lose the amazing surprise and wonder over reading book two in the series. If you read this book first, then it gives a major spoiler to book two within the first page of the prologue. Read them in order. You won't regret it.

~

Favourite Quotes

It was so hard to pick my favourite, because there were so many really good quotes to be highlight. But, this is the one I eventually went with, out of the dozen or so I marked. For me, these two perfectly encompass who Francesco is and what this book is all about.

“Everything about Theo was the opposite of all he’d endured throughout his life.”

““But…but I don’t want to wait to be with you. I hate waiting. Waiting means I don’t get what I want.”
Theo wrinkled his brow as he regarded him. “Why wouldn’t you get what you want?”
“Because it goes away. People go away. They say, ‘wait here, I’ll be right back’—but they never do. Or ‘wait your turn’, but when I go to get my piece of bread, or a candy or some soup—it’s all gone and I’m told, ‘sorry, someone else got it first’. Waiting is very bad.””
Profile Image for SNik.
643 reviews18 followers
August 1, 2025
Sixth in series (The Hampton Road Club), can be read as a standalone as it is a prequel to the series, but might be more fun if read in order. Quick read. Historical. D/s. BDSM. Hurt/comfort. Slow burn. Dual POV. Heed content warnings.

A chance proposition, a sweet abandoned boy, and a dominant who can’t forget him. Francesco is trying to survive on the streets of Los Angeles, and Theo decides he wants to give him a chance at something better and possibly explore a BDSM relationship together.

This couple will be familiar to those that have read any of the Hampton Road Club series, but can be read as a quick story of a man that rescues another from a harsh life and wants to see if their instant connection can be turned into something lifelong. Even given the power imbalance, I still enjoyed how Theo hoped for something special with Francesco and although Francesco is innocent in some ways he is determined and feisty in others. Overall, a glimpse of a hidden life during the 1920’s, a fast introduction of lifestyle and agreement to a relationship that works for two very different men, and a hint of a happy future.
514 reviews12 followers
October 28, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I have read books by Morticia Knight before but I have not read any in the Hampton Road Club series so I was definitely looking forward to reading this one.
As it says in the blurb, although this is the 6th book in the series it is a prequel to book 1 and can be read first.
Finding Sanctuary is the story of Theo and Francesco who, to me, is one of the most delightful characters I have ever come across. He had a revolting childhood and was living in one of the most depressive eras of the modern world but he had such hopes and joyfulness. I loved him from the start.
As I said earlier, I have read other books by Ms Knight and so I know her writing style. I like it and I like the fact that the book is well edited.
I will definitely be reading the rest of the Hampton Road Club.
Definitely recommended.
11 reviews
November 9, 2017
I was gifted this book in return for an honest review. I have read other books in the Hampton Road series and have enjoyed them all. This book made me smile throughout. Francesco has a hard life but never loses his enthusiasm. Theo has a good life but something is missing. He doesn’t realise what it is until he bumps into Francesco. I loved the way Morticia wrote Francesco. His thoughts and the way he says things made me smile. The growing love between them and Theo’s sweet feelings for Francesco builds nicely and you are rooting for them from the moment they meet. I would definitely read more in this series and if this is the first book you read you will want to read the others!
2,578 reviews44 followers
August 1, 2025
Francesco was a charmer that melted my heart from the get go. How Theo was able to walk away from him after their first meeting is beyond me. Each page endeared both men to me. Their cautious tentative step towards a relationship made my heart glad. By the ending, I felt so elated from the warm and fuzzies, that I felt like Francesco when he was over exuberant!! A very uplifting abd inspirational story.
999 reviews36 followers
August 18, 2025
I enjoyed Francesco and Theodore’s journey and watching their relationship take shape. The two are good together. Francesco has had a hard past but he is a survivor. When he and Theodore’s lives intertwine the two begin to connect. Emotions come into play and we get to see the magic that love can bring. Their story moves along nicely and is a nice addition to The Hampton Road Club series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Free_dreamer.
365 reviews29 followers
March 6, 2018
Review @Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

“Finding Sanctuary” ticked a lot of boxes for me: It’s set during the prohibition, it has BDSM and a homeless character. So I expected great things, which the book couldn’t quite deliver.

First of all, this is the first book of the series I’ve read and it definitely works without the other parts, as this is some sort of prequel to book one. So you can definitely start your journey with “Finding Sanctuary”.

My biggest issue with this book was Francesco. He was just way too sweet and innocent. He’s been living on the streets for several years and has been through a lot even before then. It just seemed extremely unrealistic for him to be so very nice after all that’s happened to him. He was extremely trusting and naive and it got a bit annoying after a while. I didn’t particularly like him.

Other than that, the story was nice. There was no huge conflict and the few troubles that did pop up got resolved without much fanfare. I’d hoped for a more historical feeling to the overall setting, but I didn’t get much of that. The love story wasn’t very spectacular either. It was pretty much love at first sight and a relatively smooth road from then on.

Overall, “Finding Sanctuary” was just too fluffy and cute for me. There wasn’t much depth to the whole plot and I didn’t particularly like Francesco. It just wasn’t what I expected and felt kind of toothless. I’ve had similar issues with other books by the author, so I guess we just don’t click. Her books aren’t bad by any means, they’re just not for me.

If you’re looking for a sweet, light read, then you’ll probably enjoy this book. The BDSM elements weren’t too intense, so you don’t need to worry about that either.

The cover by Posh Gosh looks nice, though the naked cover model definitely doesn’t fit the description of Francesco. He’s way too muscular for that.
1,486 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this story. This is the sixth book in this series but it can be read as a standalone. The characters were fantastic and the story was amazing. If you’ve read some of the other books in the series then you’ll definitely recognize some of the characters.
Profile Image for Akasha721.
876 reviews
August 20, 2025
Pretty good book but without reading the first books I am lost. The relationship between Theo and Francisco is loving and it seems they both saved each other from loneness. They did get their HEA1.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
2,163 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2018
Francesco-sub and Theo Master are 2 characters who are throughout the Hampton Road series. They are already together in the series. This the story of how they got together.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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