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The Gentleman's Muse
When a frantic man races after David on a London street, he’s certain the fellow is a lunatic. But in fact, Isak Jensen is an artist caught by David’s beauty. He coaxes David to model for him, for a generous fee, of course. David, down on his luck and with a sister to support, agrees—despite his undeniable and dangerous attraction to the eccentric, wealthy artist. The sort of attraction that has led him into trouble before.
Enjoying rising fame as a painter, Isak struggles to keep his emotional distance from his handsome model—unsuccessfully. Dodging downstairs gossip and swirling intrigue amongst the servants, he and David indulge in clandestine rendezvous. Until the problems that hound David land on Isak’s doorstep in the shape of a former lover, a conniving aristocrat who preyed upon both David and his sister.
With a looming scandal in a censorious society threatening to destroy Isak, David, and his sister, Isac makes a perilous offer that could save them all.
Enjoying rising fame as a painter, Isak struggles to keep his emotional distance from his handsome model—unsuccessfully. Dodging downstairs gossip and swirling intrigue amongst the servants, he and David indulge in clandestine rendezvous. Until the problems that hound David land on Isak’s doorstep in the shape of a former lover, a conniving aristocrat who preyed upon both David and his sister.
With a looming scandal in a censorious society threatening to destroy Isak, David, and his sister, Isac makes a perilous offer that could save them all.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2017
7 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books226 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 22, 2017
I read this book very fast, so I could go back and read it again!
David and Isak had me hooked on page one. This is a must read for anyone who likes historical romance.
David and Isak had me hooked on page one. This is a must read for anyone who likes historical romance.
October 27, 2017
From the moment I read the blurb (with a man racing down a street, chasing the main character) and noticed the clearly historical language, the reference to an eccentric artist, and the potential for upstairs/downstairs and other drama, I was intrigued. I suspected this novel might be an entertaining, possibly amusing take on historical London of the late nineteenth century with all its societal demands and pressures. I am happy to report that I was right – while there is lots of historical accuracy, the romance that blossoms between David and Isak is unlikely, yet utterly charming. Just like I prefer my historical fiction: with a pinch of salt, so to speak, yet not utterly “impossible” either.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
October 16, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
For me, this was a sweet story. Isak and David are a tender couple who struggle with their attraction for a rather short while. The advent of Bethie allows for some cover, but it’s not sufficient. Isak needs to decide what’s truly important to him: his London life, or his desire for David. Because, he really can’t have both. There’s a comedy of errors that erupts when Isak and his brother host a ball, and David and Bethie become unwilling parts of a scandalous intrigue. For their part, they were unwilling, yet Isak recognizes that he has the ability to smooth over the difficulties if only he chooses. And he does choose. The Epilogue provides the closure the story needs, though it’s an HEA by the final chapter’s end too.
I liked the story, and the historical drama if it all. I think Davie, Isak, and Bethie were all well rendered, though I was frustrated by Hucksley and his treatment—mostly because it seemed he was given far too much freedom in the story. It made for an awkward melodrama, and dragged things a bit near the end. That said, this is an enjoyable historical with an interesting story.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
For me, this was a sweet story. Isak and David are a tender couple who struggle with their attraction for a rather short while. The advent of Bethie allows for some cover, but it’s not sufficient. Isak needs to decide what’s truly important to him: his London life, or his desire for David. Because, he really can’t have both. There’s a comedy of errors that erupts when Isak and his brother host a ball, and David and Bethie become unwilling parts of a scandalous intrigue. For their part, they were unwilling, yet Isak recognizes that he has the ability to smooth over the difficulties if only he chooses. And he does choose. The Epilogue provides the closure the story needs, though it’s an HEA by the final chapter’s end too.
I liked the story, and the historical drama if it all. I think Davie, Isak, and Bethie were all well rendered, though I was frustrated by Hucksley and his treatment—mostly because it seemed he was given far too much freedom in the story. It made for an awkward melodrama, and dragged things a bit near the end. That said, this is an enjoyable historical with an interesting story.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
December 10, 2017
This was a bland read for me. I skimmed the second half because, you know, finishing. The most notable trait was the unremarkable language. Sentence variety and vocabulary seemed to be pitched at about a seventh grade level (this is not a YA book), and the historical detail was...there was no detail more specific than that the artist MC had exhibited at the Royal Academy of Art. The dialogue was fizz-free. Only in some of the descriptions of the artist Isak sketching and painting did the prose catch a sense of movement and creative power.
November 20, 2017
Such a fun, sweet book. Isak and David are both wonderful and are such a good couple. I liked the story, loved that Isak's kind of an absentminded artist and Bethie's such wonderful character, too. And Susan. Adore her.
October 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book - Ms Devon writes beautifully and the characters are all well rounded and believable. The story starts with a likable young man, down on his luck, who by chance, runs into an artist (or rather, the artist runs after him) and is engaged by the painter to model for him. Right away I was rooting for David, the handsome model, while Isak was more complex. His feelings for David are clear, but his reputation is at stake. He has to keep his distance. Into the picture comes David's sister - and she has problems of her own. Everyone has a secret, and everyone is vulnerable. Ms Devon's strength lies in making the reader care about the characters and in the descriptions of London in the 1800's. The story is written much like it's a piece for a theater- with few settings and characters, but it makes the impact and story-line stronger. As I read it, I could easily imagine it as a play. If you like period drama with erotic undertones and interesting characters, this book is for you!
January 6, 2018
Cute. Meets expectations. It felt a little like it kept writing itself into corners, but it was all resolved happily (if unrealistically?) in the end.
January 8, 2022
Not as good as some of the author's other offerings. But if HEA is what you are looking for, this will give it to you.
November 21, 2017
When Isak spots David he sees a fine model for his lastest painting, chasing him down to offer him money to sit for him could have gone better but once David is in front of his easel, Isak is overcome with inspiration. Isak's offer could not have come at a better time for David but when passion and attraction enter into the equation he's unsure if he'll be able to walk away. When Bethie, David's sister, turns up followed by a scandal threatening to ruin them all will the passion and attraction that has blossomed between Isak and David be strong enough to survive what looms before them?
Once again, Summer Devon has shown that history is not boring by blending the morals of the time with an interesting cast of characters, intriguing drama, and of course blossoming romance. I can't remember a time that I was not a history fan so I admit I set the bar pretty high when it comes to historicals and Summer Devon has never failed to reach it and The Gentleman's Muse is no different.
I must admit that I had an inkling as to where she was headed with these characters and their story and even the possible outcome but for me the adrenaline rush was in the anticipation of when and if the other shoe was going to drop for the boys. Sometimes I even enjoy a book more when I think I know where it will end because as in life its often the journey that packs the punch. Personally, even if you are not a historical fan I still highly recommend The Gentleman's Muse because even though the details of the time are true, the drama and romance is where the heart of the story lies. David, Isak, and Bethie came to me at just the right time: a tale of "normalcy" after a month of paranormals in October and before the tales of Christmas to end out the year but I would have loved it at any time of year.
Once again, Summer Devon has shown that history is not boring by blending the morals of the time with an interesting cast of characters, intriguing drama, and of course blossoming romance. I can't remember a time that I was not a history fan so I admit I set the bar pretty high when it comes to historicals and Summer Devon has never failed to reach it and The Gentleman's Muse is no different.
I must admit that I had an inkling as to where she was headed with these characters and their story and even the possible outcome but for me the adrenaline rush was in the anticipation of when and if the other shoe was going to drop for the boys. Sometimes I even enjoy a book more when I think I know where it will end because as in life its often the journey that packs the punch. Personally, even if you are not a historical fan I still highly recommend The Gentleman's Muse because even though the details of the time are true, the drama and romance is where the heart of the story lies. David, Isak, and Bethie came to me at just the right time: a tale of "normalcy" after a month of paranormals in October and before the tales of Christmas to end out the year but I would have loved it at any time of year.
December 4, 2017
Totally Unique and Charming
Summer Devon has come through with another 19th Century British M/M romance with twists and turns all over the place along with three extremely well developed and totally likable individuals. They would be the slightly off-the-wall but quite independently wealthy and brilliantly talented Isak Jensen; David, the man he basically stumbles upon on a London street and coaxes into become a model; and David's sister, Bethie, who completes what is a charming, sometimes funny, but eventually loving, trio. (No, they do not all wind up on the same bed!)
This one moves along at a solid pace with little secrets emerging about David and Bethie, whey these siblings from the hinterlands are in London, and how Isak manages to skillfully extract all their life details even though they are not willing to share them.
That David and Isak are immediately enthralled by each other and that author Devon gives us enough hints to allow us hope that their mutual desires will be satisfied, there is a strong and somewhat nasty plot line here that sweeps us up into all sorts of class differences and insane jealousies.
This all brings the underlying David and Isak love story into perspective and paves the way for a delicious denouement and resolution that leaves behind only a hint that a sequel might be coming. That could involve a half-brother who has seemingly and quietly been paid off but who left an interesting trail behind him. If not, then this one will do very nicely as a stand alone of the highest quality and eventual fun.
Summer Devon has come through with another 19th Century British M/M romance with twists and turns all over the place along with three extremely well developed and totally likable individuals. They would be the slightly off-the-wall but quite independently wealthy and brilliantly talented Isak Jensen; David, the man he basically stumbles upon on a London street and coaxes into become a model; and David's sister, Bethie, who completes what is a charming, sometimes funny, but eventually loving, trio. (No, they do not all wind up on the same bed!)
This one moves along at a solid pace with little secrets emerging about David and Bethie, whey these siblings from the hinterlands are in London, and how Isak manages to skillfully extract all their life details even though they are not willing to share them.
That David and Isak are immediately enthralled by each other and that author Devon gives us enough hints to allow us hope that their mutual desires will be satisfied, there is a strong and somewhat nasty plot line here that sweeps us up into all sorts of class differences and insane jealousies.
This all brings the underlying David and Isak love story into perspective and paves the way for a delicious denouement and resolution that leaves behind only a hint that a sequel might be coming. That could involve a half-brother who has seemingly and quietly been paid off but who left an interesting trail behind him. If not, then this one will do very nicely as a stand alone of the highest quality and eventual fun.
March 25, 2020
I was impressed with the reviews of this book and have enjoyed re-reading The Gentleman and the Rogue very much. This book would, I think, have been much more engaging if Bethie were not in practically every scene with the MCs since she arrived at Isak's home. I began to resent her constant presence. I also felt that there was too much emphasis on David's physical beauty and that became the lynchpin of Isak's love for him. I did find a couple of typos that, while understandable, did pull me out of the story. The dedication thanked beta-readers, and I wonder how much an editor would have tightened and polished this story.
January 15, 2018
An engaging story. David and Isak are awesome! Isak is such a character and a funny guy. He handles George so well. David's love for his sister Bethie is sweet. It is amazing that Isak changes his whole life to be with David. Great love story.
December 16, 2017
David's devotion to his sister and Isak's sharp yet easily-distracted mind, plus every character around them, make this historical a delight. I am so glad I happened across it!
November 29, 2017
I did not like this as much as I thought I would. The characters feel inconsistent and the editing is pretty bad with lots of sentence construction issues.
December 17, 2017
David & Isak
Light, entertaining and original. Interesting characters set in my favorite time period. Delicious 😊✨💕✨😊
Light, entertaining and original. Interesting characters set in my favorite time period. Delicious 😊✨💕✨😊
Read
August 6, 2021Read the Kindle Sample, not intrigued enough to purchase the book.
December 16, 2017
felt like I was reading someone's rough draft
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews