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Restraint
Clergyman's son, John Waterfield is distractingly handsome, absurdly modest, and oblivious to the gossip swirling around him when he suddenly finds himself Regency London's most celebrated new portrait artist. His success is assured, so long as he can hide his forbidden desires from society--and from himself.
Tristan Hay, Viscount Penrith, is under no illusions. His privileged position depends upon his father's tolerance, his brother's legacy, and society's willingness to forget his wild history. His prediliction for the intimate companionship of other men is a closely-guarded secret, and he plans to keep it that way.
But when Tristan commissions a portrait from John, society notices the spark between them even before they do. Against John's religious upbringing and Tristan's deeply held belief in his own corrupt nature, their love grows, and they dare to imagine a life together . . . until rumour, jealousy, and blackmail force John and Tristan to face a painful choice.
Tristan Hay, Viscount Penrith, is under no illusions. His privileged position depends upon his father's tolerance, his brother's legacy, and society's willingness to forget his wild history. His prediliction for the intimate companionship of other men is a closely-guarded secret, and he plans to keep it that way.
But when Tristan commissions a portrait from John, society notices the spark between them even before they do. Against John's religious upbringing and Tristan's deeply held belief in his own corrupt nature, their love grows, and they dare to imagine a life together . . . until rumour, jealousy, and blackmail force John and Tristan to face a painful choice.
446 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
5 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 28, 2020
This is the reworked, abridged and published version of one of my favorite fanfics. It was never very fandom specific, as even in the fanfic the names were changed, so there is really no trace of those beginnings in this book. The original fic was very Austen-esque in writing style and really, really long, which was off putting to most of the people I recommended it to at the time. I am certain it’s a good thing that the author made this version shorter and more modern in language, as it’s more accessible now and this really deserves to be read far and wide. Even though we’ve since welcomed some good new writers, like KJ Charles, to the historical m/m scene, this one is something special. It was easily the best historical m/m ever written in 2011, fanfic or published, and it is still up there in this reworked format.
John and Tristan’s story keeps going where most romance novels tie a big red bow around the happy ending and call it a day. There may be a moment where you wonder what the rest of the book is going to be about. But then you realize this book isn’t going to do the hand-wavey thing where society is going to turn a benevolent blind eye to this illicit love affair and allow the guys some kind of happily ever after that may or may not have been realistic. But more likely wasn’t. That doesn’t mean that this book isn’t happy. It is happy. And sad. And infuriating. And very, very romantic.
And the epilogue almost made me cry.
Not that the ending is unhappy or tragic, it is just sad in the way that all things that must end are sad.
So, 4.5 stars instead of 5, because the fanfic tore out my guts just that little bit more. Maybe because it had several hundred more pages to shred me with, maybe because I knew how it would end this time around. Still. This book is really, really good and if you like historicals, you need to read this!
John and Tristan’s story keeps going where most romance novels tie a big red bow around the happy ending and call it a day. There may be a moment where you wonder what the rest of the book is going to be about. But then you realize this book isn’t going to do the hand-wavey thing where society is going to turn a benevolent blind eye to this illicit love affair and allow the guys some kind of happily ever after that may or may not have been realistic. But more likely wasn’t. That doesn’t mean that this book isn’t happy. It is happy. And sad. And infuriating. And very, very romantic.
And the epilogue almost made me cry.
Not that the ending is unhappy or tragic, it is just sad in the way that all things that must end are sad.
So, 4.5 stars instead of 5, because the fanfic tore out my guts just that little bit more. Maybe because it had several hundred more pages to shred me with, maybe because I knew how it would end this time around. Still. This book is really, really good and if you like historicals, you need to read this!
January 3, 2018
I was totally amazed that I could like Restoration literature, but literature is the word here. Everything is here: likeable characters (I rooted for the protagonists), historic accuracy (and I felt I was there), the difference in the classes (John is an artist, son of a clergyman while Penrith is a viscount), and a plot that kept me reading. (In a time when their love was punishable by death, every turn had its perils.) I had a hard time putting it down.
April 13, 2018
This book is a real genre-crosser. You don't have to love Regency England to be sucked into this story, and you certainly don't have to be a frequent reader of gay fiction to root for Tristan and John's love. Be ready to laugh (at Regency foppery), blush (at the vivid sex scenes), and cry, cry, cry (at the middle and the end).
September 25, 2020
The Love of a Lifetime!
This is a historical tale of Portraitist/Artist John Waterfield & Lord Penrith “Tristan” decades-long forbidden romance. Excellent storytelling, well-developed MCs, and Regency setting with “PG” sexy bits. I had all the feels with this one. I was charmed, intrigued, sadden, anxious, and heartbroken. This is more a literary, dramatic read.
This is a historical tale of Portraitist/Artist John Waterfield & Lord Penrith “Tristan” decades-long forbidden romance. Excellent storytelling, well-developed MCs, and Regency setting with “PG” sexy bits. I had all the feels with this one. I was charmed, intrigued, sadden, anxious, and heartbroken. This is more a literary, dramatic read.
September 7, 2018
One of the best novels I have read in years.
This adventure in 19th century London is a rich portrayal of upper-class life and love, the rigid roles for men and women, the evil, the good, and the willingness to take risks for your heart.
Anne Hawley should achieve star status with this debut novel. You care deeply for the protagonists and the novel offers many twists in this sophisticated and subtle story covering several decades in the lives of two handsome men and those around them. The premise is smart: a talented painter, son of a minister, tries to build a life as a portraitist and meets the wealthy son of landed gentry who has a sordid past. They connect but getting to know each other is a difficult proposition. I found myself caring deeply for both. Few novels pull you inside like this one. And the ending is brilliant. I admit I had tears in my eyes. This is not really a romance novel but rather an intimate immersion in the times where fundamentalist religious beliefs and laws could destroy lives or even lead to death for same sex encounters. I was fascinated with the dress, social protocols, the snobbery, deceit, and the joy. I was anxious to reach the end and sad when I did. It is a book that leaves you pondering about their lifes and times, how far society has come and how vulnerable those achievements are in the messy cauldron of today’s politics and religion.
I hope Ms. Hawley continues to write. As an author myself, I am always thrilled to encounter such talent. I hope she submits it for various awards. Certainly, Lambda Literary should be one venue.
This adventure in 19th century London is a rich portrayal of upper-class life and love, the rigid roles for men and women, the evil, the good, and the willingness to take risks for your heart.
Anne Hawley should achieve star status with this debut novel. You care deeply for the protagonists and the novel offers many twists in this sophisticated and subtle story covering several decades in the lives of two handsome men and those around them. The premise is smart: a talented painter, son of a minister, tries to build a life as a portraitist and meets the wealthy son of landed gentry who has a sordid past. They connect but getting to know each other is a difficult proposition. I found myself caring deeply for both. Few novels pull you inside like this one. And the ending is brilliant. I admit I had tears in my eyes. This is not really a romance novel but rather an intimate immersion in the times where fundamentalist religious beliefs and laws could destroy lives or even lead to death for same sex encounters. I was fascinated with the dress, social protocols, the snobbery, deceit, and the joy. I was anxious to reach the end and sad when I did. It is a book that leaves you pondering about their lifes and times, how far society has come and how vulnerable those achievements are in the messy cauldron of today’s politics and religion.
I hope Ms. Hawley continues to write. As an author myself, I am always thrilled to encounter such talent. I hope she submits it for various awards. Certainly, Lambda Literary should be one venue.
November 30, 2023
This is a remarkable book. First of all, it’s beautifully written. It’s a romance, but it breaks the genre’s expectations in ways that some people might take exception to; namely, it breaks what most consider the cardinal rule of genre romance in that it does not have a conventional HEA (I’ve hidden the details in the spoiler below). But I don’t actually think that’s true. I think that it is the most realistic, clear-sighted view of what a HEA could be for two men in the early 19th century. If you’re a fan of historical m/m romance, I highly recommend this.
SPOILER
SPOILER
November 4, 2019
I don't want to read any books like this very often, this broke my heart. I've read enough m/m books to understand their struggle and pain to do one thing that everyone should be able to do, be in love. Sometimes its painful to read, sometimes it so damn infuriating. This one was beyond all that, the love that endured between these two was touching and heart breaking. I cried too much to say I fully loved this book.
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May 18, 2020DNF. I started this and something made me hesitate after reading several chapters. I looked for reviews and they were all about this being heartbreaking and real, which isn't a bad thing, but makes me hesitate a lot. So I skipped to the end and confirmed this isn't the type of book I could read during a pandemic. Maybe years in the future. But I much prefer HEA books in general.
September 1, 2019
Beautiful Story
Anne Hawley is a wonderful writer. I Loved the two main characters. The story is well written. All of the subjects are well crafted. The story is happy and sad. I couldn't put it down. It's a good read!
Anne Hawley is a wonderful writer. I Loved the two main characters. The story is well written. All of the subjects are well crafted. The story is happy and sad. I couldn't put it down. It's a good read!
May 18, 2021
Fantastic Love Story
An amazing tale of Tristan and John and the decades long love they shared despite the constraints of society and position. Love this deep and rich can never be wrong. Bravo!
An amazing tale of Tristan and John and the decades long love they shared despite the constraints of society and position. Love this deep and rich can never be wrong. Bravo!
October 8, 2021
The writing in this book was so heartfelt and rich. I really loved the emotional realism. These men loved each other dearly and truly with the kind of Big Love that epic poems are written about. What a tragedy that so many great loves like this had to be kept secret. (And still have to be kept secret in some places.) Anne Hawley does a wonderful job showing how love is love.
July 29, 2022
This is the second book ever to make me cry. I missed a meal and ignored work to finish the last part, and my colleague got to watch me throw it while I was reading the epilogue. If you need to feel something, here it is.
September 23, 2023
ehhhh I didn’t really like Tristan
He was pretty arrogant, rude and didn’t care much for their safety and indiscretion which cost them dearly in the end
He was pretty arrogant, rude and didn’t care much for their safety and indiscretion which cost them dearly in the end
May 21, 2019
A sweet and romantic book with quite a sad and poignant feel to it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews