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The Copper
Listening length: 7 hrs and 14 mins
Jaded lord, stalwart cop, instant attraction.
Lord Avery Wickersham wakes from a night's debauchery at a bordello to police officers pounding on the bedroom door. During the vice raid, Constable Connor Tate is ready to arrest the lord and his two male sex partners when Avery's glib tongue earns a reprieve for his friends, if not for himself.
From this grim beginning, men as opposite as summer and winter slowly work their way to an unexpected spring. Avery is ripe for a change in his aimless life, while Connor struggles between duty and desire. Overwhelming passion takes them by storm, but can a rush of lust evolve into love when their lives are so different?
While Avery attempts altruism by volunteering at a charity mission, Connor uncovers government corruption and an evil man who brings torture and death to his victims. The duo join forces to try to stop the killer, but when one of the lovers faces peril, their time may run out.
Warning: Contains a scene of abuse and torture.
Jaded lord, stalwart cop, instant attraction.
Lord Avery Wickersham wakes from a night's debauchery at a bordello to police officers pounding on the bedroom door. During the vice raid, Constable Connor Tate is ready to arrest the lord and his two male sex partners when Avery's glib tongue earns a reprieve for his friends, if not for himself.
From this grim beginning, men as opposite as summer and winter slowly work their way to an unexpected spring. Avery is ripe for a change in his aimless life, while Connor struggles between duty and desire. Overwhelming passion takes them by storm, but can a rush of lust evolve into love when their lives are so different?
While Avery attempts altruism by volunteering at a charity mission, Connor uncovers government corruption and an evil man who brings torture and death to his victims. The duo join forces to try to stop the killer, but when one of the lovers faces peril, their time may run out.
Warning: Contains a scene of abuse and torture.
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 4, 2016
About the author
Bonnie Dee
133 books700 followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at http://bonniedee.com and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 14, 2016
I enjoy Bonnie Dee's work and while this book is well written and historically accurate (to my eye, at least), it's also darker and grittier than I was expecting.
The blurb mentions "government corruption and an evil man who brings torture and death to his victims." Warning: the torture is quite vividly described and occurs both off and on page.
One of the MCs, Connor, is a conflicted cop who sees the corruption in the police force in turn of the nineteenth century London but is powerless to stop it. He's forced to participate in a raid set up to ruin the city's population of gay men. This is particularly horrifying because Connor is gay but has tamped down his "perverse desires" in order to obey the law.
It's during the raid that Connor meets Avery, a wealthy lord whose sole purpose in life is to seek amusement. Connor finds Avery nude and in bed with two male companions.
I really liked the quiet friendship that grows between Connor and Avery. The men come from very different backgrounds but have much in common, including a strong mutual attraction, which leads to intense sexual exploration.
Connor is forced to choose between his duty and his convictions. As Avery reminds him, there's a difference between law and justice.
I wasn't as engaged with this story as I wanted to be. By the halfway mark, I had to work to finish. I don't want to read horror in my romance, and the last 30 percent was truly grim and disturbing. The ending is a HFN, realistic with a hint of sun peeking through the clouds.
The blurb mentions "government corruption and an evil man who brings torture and death to his victims." Warning: the torture is quite vividly described and occurs both off and on page.
One of the MCs, Connor, is a conflicted cop who sees the corruption in the police force in turn of the nineteenth century London but is powerless to stop it. He's forced to participate in a raid set up to ruin the city's population of gay men. This is particularly horrifying because Connor is gay but has tamped down his "perverse desires" in order to obey the law.
It's during the raid that Connor meets Avery, a wealthy lord whose sole purpose in life is to seek amusement. Connor finds Avery nude and in bed with two male companions.
I really liked the quiet friendship that grows between Connor and Avery. The men come from very different backgrounds but have much in common, including a strong mutual attraction, which leads to intense sexual exploration.
Connor is forced to choose between his duty and his convictions. As Avery reminds him, there's a difference between law and justice.
I wasn't as engaged with this story as I wanted to be. By the halfway mark, I had to work to finish. I don't want to read horror in my romance, and the last 30 percent was truly grim and disturbing. The ending is a HFN, realistic with a hint of sun peeking through the clouds.
February 5, 2016
**3.5 stars**
Bonnie Dee is one my favorite authors of MM Historical Romance. As expected, The Copper is very well written, but it was somewhat different than what I expected.
Connor is a police officer in London's Metropolitan Police Department. He meets lord Avery under strange circumstances, when he has to arrest him and his male companions, as a part of a vice raid that aims to clean the city from the "sodomites".
There is corruption in the police department and a psycho on the loose, who molests and tortures gay men. Somehow, Connor and Avery find themselves fighting against evil forces.
I really liked how well-sketched the MCs were, and that by the end of the story, they had really grown as characters . Connor is so lonely, without any friends or family. Nobody wants to hang out with him at work, he's always the odd man out, who cares about rules and duty, more than money. There is a battle inside him; he's gay, but he must enforce the law and arrest other gay men. But with Avery, he learns that he doesn't have to fight himself anymore. He finds a family.
And Avery, who is rich and spoiled , but has so much love to give, didn't find only Connor, but a whole new purpose in charity missions.
For some reason, I didn't manage to fully connect with the characters or the story. I felt that the suspense (which wasn't really intriguing since it was resolved pretty early) overtook the romance. There were long scenes of torture and brutality. I can handle that as long as there is romance and relationship development to back it up. But here, almost everything revolved around the mystery. There were some sweet moments and scenes when the men spend time together and bond, though.
Despite my niggles, I think this is a very well written story. If you 're a fan of the author, you might want to give this a try.
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
Bonnie Dee is one my favorite authors of MM Historical Romance. As expected, The Copper is very well written, but it was somewhat different than what I expected.
Connor is a police officer in London's Metropolitan Police Department. He meets lord Avery under strange circumstances, when he has to arrest him and his male companions, as a part of a vice raid that aims to clean the city from the "sodomites".
There is corruption in the police department and a psycho on the loose, who molests and tortures gay men. Somehow, Connor and Avery find themselves fighting against evil forces.
I really liked how well-sketched the MCs were, and that by the end of the story, they had really grown as characters . Connor is so lonely, without any friends or family. Nobody wants to hang out with him at work, he's always the odd man out, who cares about rules and duty, more than money. There is a battle inside him; he's gay, but he must enforce the law and arrest other gay men. But with Avery, he learns that he doesn't have to fight himself anymore. He finds a family.
And Avery, who is rich and spoiled , but has so much love to give, didn't find only Connor, but a whole new purpose in charity missions.
For some reason, I didn't manage to fully connect with the characters or the story. I felt that the suspense (which wasn't really intriguing since it was resolved pretty early) overtook the romance. There were long scenes of torture and brutality. I can handle that as long as there is romance and relationship development to back it up. But here, almost everything revolved around the mystery. There were some sweet moments and scenes when the men spend time together and bond, though.
Despite my niggles, I think this is a very well written story. If you 're a fan of the author, you might want to give this a try.
*Review cross-posted on Gay Book Reviews.*
September 13, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and was quite impressed with the narrator. I not a big fan of mm historical romances. So I must admit my rating reflects my dislike of the genre. This was a very well written book and even I got caught up in the story. If you are a fan of this genre I highly recommend it.
February 6, 2023
Much better than the cover might lead you to believe.
December 10, 2019
Lord Avery is beautiful, entitled, rich and loves to pass his time by indulging himself in the pleasure of other men. But his life takes a sharp turn when his favorite molly house is raided and he is arrested. He finds himself strangely captivated by his arresting officer and his blue eyes. From scandal to murder to corruption and conspiracy there's never a dull moment as he and his new copper friend, Conner, investigate the torture and disposal of young men in the slums. While they're at it can Avery crack Conner's tough exterior to find the tantalizing man beneath? This book was loads of fun and I loved every minute of it!!😍😋🥰
March 23, 2020
Lord Avery is beautiful, entitled, rich and loves to pass his time by indulging himself in the pleasure of other men. But his life takes a sharp turn when his favorite molly house is raided and he is arrested. He finds himself strangely captivated by his arresting officer and his blue eyes. From scandal to murder to corruption and conspiracy there's never a dull moment as he and his new copper friend, Conner, investigate the torture and disposal of young men in the slums. While they're at it can Avery crack Conner's tough exterior to find the tantalizing man beneath? This book was loads of fun and I loved every minute of it!!😍😋🥰
April 1, 2021
A copper and a Lord meet when he Lord is arresting for Sodomy.
The copper is all about the law and see things in black and white although he is persuaded to let the Lord's friends go.
When on of the friends is later found in an alley, the 2 embark on an adventure to find out what happened to the friend and take revenge.
I enjoyed this book.
The copper is all about the law and see things in black and white although he is persuaded to let the Lord's friends go.
When on of the friends is later found in an alley, the 2 embark on an adventure to find out what happened to the friend and take revenge.
I enjoyed this book.
July 11, 2017
DID NOT FINISH, got about halfway through. Good concept: aristocratic gay arrested by working class gay copper. Bad execution; the romance felt forced and the chemistry was lacking.
March 31, 2021
I really really enjoyed this one. After one historical sorta flop today I wasn’t expecting how much I got into this one but I was hooked from page one.
February 6, 2016
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
Lord Avery Wickersham is the epitome of a carefree wealthy man. He does what he wants when he wants and how he wants. Nothing stays in his way when he sets his mind into something. But not even all his determination is enough to fulfill his empty existence. No matter how many men pass his bed, how many alcohol, opium, money and games. Lord Avery Wickersham is a lonely man without a purpose in life.
Until he’s found in bed with other two men by a police raid.
Connor Tate is the epitome of the fair police officer. He follows rules on the clock, breathes justice and battles for a more equal world, righting all the wrongs he can. Nothing stays in the way of his determination – not even his illegal desire for other men. Connor knows that sacrifices have to be made in life for a greater good and he is very good at his work. No matter how much he craves a mate, intimacy or even just a friend. His duty will always comes first. Connor Tate is a lonely man with a firm purpose in life.
Until he finds Lord Wickersham in bed with two other men in a routine police raid.
As Avery and Connor’s worlds collide, both men realize that they won’t ever be themselves again. Avery doesn’t mind in the slightest that he has to play low to prevent further scandal in society – he was arrested, after all – and Connor can’t ignore all the feelings that a certain lord awoke in him with his noble acts towards his bed mates. And maybe with his winning smile.
But can Avery prove to Connor that they can work out as a couple? Can Connor get past his conscious and allow himself to be happy for the first time in his life?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
So, I love Bonnie Dee’s works. I have been pinning to read The Cooper since I found out about it in February and I knew it would be a blast. Bonnie knows her business when it comes to writing and character developing, so I knew I was in capable and safe hands. I just didn’t expected to be swept off my feet with the thriller vibes from The Copper. It was so refreshing to read a gay historical romance with this element! Really rewarding ❤ I also loved the dark and down-to-earth tone of the book, very realistic without losing the romance charm, you know? So I’m a satisfied, surprised and delighted fangirl at the moment, haha! I couldn’t give it any less than five stars!!
The narrative style is third person with switching points of view between Copper and Avery. Have I mentioned that this is my favorite one?Always, I know. Sorry for that. It was so nice to be able to dive deep in the minds of Avery and Copper. Both were such complex and lovely characters! I usually pick a favorite man among my gay couples, but I couldn’t decide between them! Avery and Copper were really like two faces of a coin: the fun, easy-going, wealthy and powerful gentleman that has everything and has nothing versus the serious, reserved, lower-classed and average man that has little money and the world in his head. And they are glued together by fate ❤
The plot had a thriller and mystery tone to it, but it wasn’t complex. We discover all key pieces very soon and the longing for the who is not something that will drive the reader; it’s the why and how to stop it that will. Powerful people are involved in corruption and awful illegal deeds, people that can’t be reached by the regular means of the law in the turn of the 19th London. The kind of people that walks free of punishment to this day because of a name, or money or all together. It’s not hard to guess what will it happen, specially if you, like me, it’s a fan of Dee’s works, so don’t set your standards for a story with a huge twist. You’ll be left wanting.
The characters are the strongest point in the book, along with the writing style. As I mentioned, Avery and Connor are very well constructed and so real that it hurts. I really wished I could tell them everything they thought of each other and simply hug them and assure everything would be just fine.
All of this you already knew, but I never mentioned how well constructed the side characters were. Bertrand, a main side kick, is awesome in his own way – few people would have survived what he endured – and added a lot to the plot. I also enjoyed Barbara to the core (I won’t say who she is due to spoilers) and Avery’s employees. The villains were also something else, all business and danger. Seriously. I love Bonnie Dee.
Now, the sex scenes. I have to say that in not a single moment they were sex scenes, that would be a wrong way to call it. Everything that Avery and Connor did was pure love, desire and passion. No frantic releases just because they both liked men. No desperate fucks to relief their hard reality. Every touch, every kiss, every caress was for something more, a feeling that both barely comprehended until much later in the book, but stronger and powerful as few feelings are: love. It was all about love. The love for the freedom of touching, the love for intimacy and their love as a couple. I wouldn’t say that there is instalove in this book, but I understand if some people face it like that. Sometimes curiosity and need are mistaken for love. Sometimes passion is mistaken by love and it is okay. It happens. But not in The Copper. Avery and Connor know that what they have is a mutual curiosity, the result of two different worlds colliding, but they don’t think of love at all. Not even when their feelings develop in such a fashion, for my utter dismay.
I mean, seriously? Not a single “I love you” at all? Okay, then.
I also enjoyed the historical accuracy of this book, for good and bad. It’s a turn of the century London, in which a reputation is all a man has in the end of the day, no matter his social status. I love historical romances, especially the sugared ones, so a more realistic scenery did wonders to my mind, haha!
Overall, this is another masterpiece on Dee’s resume, with a bit of everything: romance, historical, gay love, mystery, thriller and self-discovery. If you love any of those genres, you can’t miss The Copper, a book that won’t allow you to close it until you reach the end. Seriously. I know, it happened to me, haha!
That’s it, thanks so much for reading! And thanks a lot again to Bonnie Dee for the trust in sending me another of her works ❤ I loved every minute of this reading!!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Let's go :D
The Story
Lord Avery Wickersham is the epitome of a carefree wealthy man. He does what he wants when he wants and how he wants. Nothing stays in his way when he sets his mind into something. But not even all his determination is enough to fulfill his empty existence. No matter how many men pass his bed, how many alcohol, opium, money and games. Lord Avery Wickersham is a lonely man without a purpose in life.
Until he’s found in bed with other two men by a police raid.
Connor Tate is the epitome of the fair police officer. He follows rules on the clock, breathes justice and battles for a more equal world, righting all the wrongs he can. Nothing stays in the way of his determination – not even his illegal desire for other men. Connor knows that sacrifices have to be made in life for a greater good and he is very good at his work. No matter how much he craves a mate, intimacy or even just a friend. His duty will always comes first. Connor Tate is a lonely man with a firm purpose in life.
Until he finds Lord Wickersham in bed with two other men in a routine police raid.
As Avery and Connor’s worlds collide, both men realize that they won’t ever be themselves again. Avery doesn’t mind in the slightest that he has to play low to prevent further scandal in society – he was arrested, after all – and Connor can’t ignore all the feelings that a certain lord awoke in him with his noble acts towards his bed mates. And maybe with his winning smile.
But can Avery prove to Connor that they can work out as a couple? Can Connor get past his conscious and allow himself to be happy for the first time in his life?
The Analysis
Just remembering that those were my impressions and opinion as a reader :)
So, I love Bonnie Dee’s works. I have been pinning to read The Cooper since I found out about it in February and I knew it would be a blast. Bonnie knows her business when it comes to writing and character developing, so I knew I was in capable and safe hands. I just didn’t expected to be swept off my feet with the thriller vibes from The Copper. It was so refreshing to read a gay historical romance with this element! Really rewarding ❤ I also loved the dark and down-to-earth tone of the book, very realistic without losing the romance charm, you know? So I’m a satisfied, surprised and delighted fangirl at the moment, haha! I couldn’t give it any less than five stars!!
The narrative style is third person with switching points of view between Copper and Avery. Have I mentioned that this is my favorite one?
The plot had a thriller and mystery tone to it, but it wasn’t complex. We discover all key pieces very soon and the longing for the who is not something that will drive the reader; it’s the why and how to stop it that will. Powerful people are involved in corruption and awful illegal deeds, people that can’t be reached by the regular means of the law in the turn of the 19th London. The kind of people that walks free of punishment to this day because of a name, or money or all together. It’s not hard to guess what will it happen, specially if you, like me, it’s a fan of Dee’s works, so don’t set your standards for a story with a huge twist. You’ll be left wanting.
The characters are the strongest point in the book, along with the writing style. As I mentioned, Avery and Connor are very well constructed and so real that it hurts. I really wished I could tell them everything they thought of each other and simply hug them and assure everything would be just fine.
All of this you already knew, but I never mentioned how well constructed the side characters were. Bertrand, a main side kick, is awesome in his own way – few people would have survived what he endured – and added a lot to the plot. I also enjoyed Barbara to the core (I won’t say who she is due to spoilers) and Avery’s employees. The villains were also something else, all business and danger. Seriously. I love Bonnie Dee.
Now, the sex scenes. I have to say that in not a single moment they were sex scenes, that would be a wrong way to call it. Everything that Avery and Connor did was pure love, desire and passion. No frantic releases just because they both liked men. No desperate fucks to relief their hard reality. Every touch, every kiss, every caress was for something more, a feeling that both barely comprehended until much later in the book, but stronger and powerful as few feelings are: love. It was all about love. The love for the freedom of touching, the love for intimacy and their love as a couple. I wouldn’t say that there is instalove in this book, but I understand if some people face it like that. Sometimes curiosity and need are mistaken for love. Sometimes passion is mistaken by love and it is okay. It happens. But not in The Copper. Avery and Connor know that what they have is a mutual curiosity, the result of two different worlds colliding, but they don’t think of love at all. Not even when their feelings develop in such a fashion, for my utter dismay.
I mean, seriously? Not a single “I love you” at all? Okay, then.
I also enjoyed the historical accuracy of this book, for good and bad. It’s a turn of the century London, in which a reputation is all a man has in the end of the day, no matter his social status. I love historical romances, especially the sugared ones, so a more realistic scenery did wonders to my mind, haha!
Overall, this is another masterpiece on Dee’s resume, with a bit of everything: romance, historical, gay love, mystery, thriller and self-discovery. If you love any of those genres, you can’t miss The Copper, a book that won’t allow you to close it until you reach the end. Seriously. I know, it happened to me, haha!
That’s it, thanks so much for reading! And thanks a lot again to Bonnie Dee for the trust in sending me another of her works ❤ I loved every minute of this reading!!
July 10, 2019
4.5 -5 stars for story and 5 stars for narration.
A gritty story in a most realistic historical setting. I am constantly amazed at how humans treat each other never changes. This story is set in 1898 London and the atrocities of how children and the poor are treated sounds about as terrible as Trump's USA in 2019.
I love historicals that are true to the period in every way possible. As I didn't live during those times, I don't know if stories like this with two men could happen? Some M/M historicals are all about fancy living with titles and manners and wealth being front and center. This story is more about the lower classes and how they fare. Somehow it seems both harder because trying to eek out a living is paramount and having time for love is a fairy tale. Somehow the aristocrat is persistent enough and makes the copper realize he can have happiness.
Ms. Dee makes it all plausible. I look forward to reading many more of her works.
A gritty story in a most realistic historical setting. I am constantly amazed at how humans treat each other never changes. This story is set in 1898 London and the atrocities of how children and the poor are treated sounds about as terrible as Trump's USA in 2019.
I love historicals that are true to the period in every way possible. As I didn't live during those times, I don't know if stories like this with two men could happen? Some M/M historicals are all about fancy living with titles and manners and wealth being front and center. This story is more about the lower classes and how they fare. Somehow it seems both harder because trying to eek out a living is paramount and having time for love is a fairy tale. Somehow the aristocrat is persistent enough and makes the copper realize he can have happiness.
Ms. Dee makes it all plausible. I look forward to reading many more of her works.
April 5, 2016
The Copper is a complicated one—I loved this book, but it is not what I thought it was going to be when I chose to read it. This is not a lighthearted romance sprung from the timeframe of London 1898. This is a murder mystery, gritty at times, and a romance between two men who are so far apart in temperament and station that to overcome the obstacles in their way seems almost impossible. But oh, I loved what they brought to the table for each other. These two men rub alongside each other like iron sharpening iron; there are burs and bumps along the way that must be worn down until the fit together perfectly. I also need to be upfront about the warning label on this novel: when it says that there are scenes of abuse and torture, that is what they are. But, for those of us who like a little reality with our historicals, really, what was London like in 1898 if not gritty and dirty and full of corruption? Learning to live and love, for gay men, was unheard of. Bonnie Dee always writes spot-on historicals, and this one is no exception. The transformation in both these men is tremendous, as they are both chased out of their comfort zones and forced to evaluate their lives and what they mean to each other.
Lord Avery Wickersham is a typical lord. He eats, he sleeps, he goes to his club, and he gambles. He is the last of his line and is alone but never really feels that way until he meets Conner. Constable Conner Tate has ruthlessly suppressed his desires his entire life. It is why he joined the police force, to help right the wrong he feels living inside himself. Believe it or not these two men are the perfect dichotomy. When they finally fall in love, you believe it because it took so long for them to get there.
“Why are you smiling?”
“I’m considering what an unlikely pair we are. When we first met, I would have been more inclined to believe that sky could rain gold coins than that we would ever be together like this.”
Conner admitted things he once would have been embarrassed to utter, so perhaps he’d done some changing as well. Loyalty to a vow or a duty carried an entirely different meaning for him now than it had a few short months earlier.
If you are looking for a lighthearted romance, then you may want to pass on this one, but I would say don’t—you will miss out on a truly great love story, even if it is couched in a murder mystery format. The characters of Avery and Conner are believable, and it was my pleasure to get to know them. I recommend this book for those who love historical romances…just heed the warning label.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
Lord Avery Wickersham is a typical lord. He eats, he sleeps, he goes to his club, and he gambles. He is the last of his line and is alone but never really feels that way until he meets Conner. Constable Conner Tate has ruthlessly suppressed his desires his entire life. It is why he joined the police force, to help right the wrong he feels living inside himself. Believe it or not these two men are the perfect dichotomy. When they finally fall in love, you believe it because it took so long for them to get there.
“Why are you smiling?”
“I’m considering what an unlikely pair we are. When we first met, I would have been more inclined to believe that sky could rain gold coins than that we would ever be together like this.”
Conner admitted things he once would have been embarrassed to utter, so perhaps he’d done some changing as well. Loyalty to a vow or a duty carried an entirely different meaning for him now than it had a few short months earlier.
If you are looking for a lighthearted romance, then you may want to pass on this one, but I would say don’t—you will miss out on a truly great love story, even if it is couched in a murder mystery format. The characters of Avery and Conner are believable, and it was my pleasure to get to know them. I recommend this book for those who love historical romances…just heed the warning label.
Reviewed by Carrie for The Novel Approach Reviews
http://www.thenovelapproachreviews.co...
February 5, 2016
** 2.75 Stars **
The blurb seemed great, a gritty Victorian crime drama and romance, my favorite! So I was more than ready to love the book but unfortunately, I can't say I really did.
This time, the author failed to pull me into her story. First, I didn't feel any sort of chemistry between the characters and second, for a story that takes place in Victorian London, as a reader, I didn't feel I was there. It didn't have enough atmosphere and 'British flavor'! What I liked is the dark tone of the book and the plot. Overall it was just an OK read.
January 18, 2018
I love historicals! I really love historicals that involve two stubborn men that are madly attracted to each other! This story was a win/win for me! Add in the mystery aspect and I was hooked! Even though this was a bit gory for my tastes... I was rooting for the good guys to win while plotting the demise of the evil doers. I must admit that Ms. Dee has a more vivid imagination than I! ;p
April 3, 2016
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews with a copy provided by the author / publisher for an honest review.)
When Constable Connor Tate is part of a police raid on an establishment catering to sodomites, he never expects to meet a man who will bring him out of his self-denial.
When Lord Avery Wickersham wakes in a bed with a pretty male singer, and a huge hunk of Nordic manhood attached to a huge hunk of Nordic man, he never expects the door to come crashing down and Constables to rush in to arrest him with his pants barely pulled up!
And all that is in the first few pages! What will happen when Lord Avery comes seeking the young Constable that let Avery’s friends go, while arresting him. Why can’t Avery get the man’s electric blue eyes out of his thoughts?
The Copper is also Bonnie Dee’s take on a historical serial killer. Not one that I believe ever existed, but if he had, based on the victims, we probably wouldn’t know. I enjoyed how Ms. Dee brought us into a plausible story, complete with a very evil man who has been perpetrating dastardly deeds against the poorest residents of the city. Will Avery and Connor be able to stop him in time? Please pay attention to the content warning in the blurb. The details were very slim, but the content is there.
This newest book from the author was enjoyable, and well written and edited. I almost always enjoy the historical works of Ms. Dee, whether on her own or in partnership with Summer Devon. That said…there was something that just didn’t get me excited about this book. It was good, but not great. I started writing this review last night and put it down and picked it back up this morning, and still don’t know how to express my feeling on this one. I guess I will have to say I liked it, but didn’t love it, even though I don’t know why.
In conclusion I’m going to have to rate this one a 3.0 on our scale, meaning it was Good/Average in my opinion.
When Constable Connor Tate is part of a police raid on an establishment catering to sodomites, he never expects to meet a man who will bring him out of his self-denial.
When Lord Avery Wickersham wakes in a bed with a pretty male singer, and a huge hunk of Nordic manhood attached to a huge hunk of Nordic man, he never expects the door to come crashing down and Constables to rush in to arrest him with his pants barely pulled up!
And all that is in the first few pages! What will happen when Lord Avery comes seeking the young Constable that let Avery’s friends go, while arresting him. Why can’t Avery get the man’s electric blue eyes out of his thoughts?
The Copper is also Bonnie Dee’s take on a historical serial killer. Not one that I believe ever existed, but if he had, based on the victims, we probably wouldn’t know. I enjoyed how Ms. Dee brought us into a plausible story, complete with a very evil man who has been perpetrating dastardly deeds against the poorest residents of the city. Will Avery and Connor be able to stop him in time? Please pay attention to the content warning in the blurb. The details were very slim, but the content is there.
This newest book from the author was enjoyable, and well written and edited. I almost always enjoy the historical works of Ms. Dee, whether on her own or in partnership with Summer Devon. That said…there was something that just didn’t get me excited about this book. It was good, but not great. I started writing this review last night and put it down and picked it back up this morning, and still don’t know how to express my feeling on this one. I guess I will have to say I liked it, but didn’t love it, even though I don’t know why.
In conclusion I’m going to have to rate this one a 3.0 on our scale, meaning it was Good/Average in my opinion.
December 8, 2016
****Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance®****
The Copper was a solid historical romance between a lord and a police officer. I really felt the time and place. Bonnie Dee did a great job keeping to the time period, in my opinion.
I also liked that Conner and Avery had more than just attraction between them once they shed their class status. I really enjoyed both characters and loved that they grew as people as the book went on. There were some great tender moments and realizations.
The mystery in the background was good, though I felt the resolution was a little out there. I liked the secondary characters of the Lady (I can’t remember her name) and Bertram. They added to the overall story greatly.
If you like historicals, this is definitely one to read.
The Copper was a solid historical romance between a lord and a police officer. I really felt the time and place. Bonnie Dee did a great job keeping to the time period, in my opinion.
I also liked that Conner and Avery had more than just attraction between them once they shed their class status. I really enjoyed both characters and loved that they grew as people as the book went on. There were some great tender moments and realizations.
The mystery in the background was good, though I felt the resolution was a little out there. I liked the secondary characters of the Lady (I can’t remember her name) and Bertram. They added to the overall story greatly.
If you like historicals, this is definitely one to read.
January 18, 2017
I know I've read this twice, at least, and will probably again.
Not sure what makes it so good, but I remember how much I love the title character, and his true goodness of heart.
Not sure what makes it so good, but I remember how much I love the title character, and his true goodness of heart.
September 12, 2017
a copper and a nobleman chasing a seriel killer.
March 2, 2018
This book is fine but includes a lot of off-page sexual violence and briefly on-page torture that I didn't really care for. The rest of the book wasn't entirely worth those things to me.
December 21, 2020
Promising start and good writing, but as the story went on, I struggled to stay engaged in the love story. I can’t quite explain why.
March 9, 2023
I do enjoy period pieces! Talking about devouring a meal in one session. Lovely
December 27, 2021
First of all, Barbara Stanhope is best everything. Best girl. Best human. Best everything. We demand a sequel with Barbara Stanhope as the main character. This wasn't bad or anything. It was entertaining enough and had decent enough pace which is most of what I asked for really. Questionable content aside of course.
There actually is a lot of detailed social justicey stuff in there so I just want to call attention to it.
It began to understand that danger and both ways. A rich man might reasonably fear being waylaid, but the poor denizens of Shoreditch had a right to fear for their safety at the hands of their betters. Listening to his students talk, Avery had learned that the police sometimes harassed or arrested people on no solid ground or forced out citizens of buildings that someone wanted razed.
Oh Avery you sweet summer child.
At least he's wise enough to know that he's got to get high falutin baddies on tax charges.
All of the people of Shoreditch could come forward with complaints and eyewitness descriptions of Lovett and it wouldn't do a thing. There must be another crime. Something to do with dipping into city coffers might actually resonate with upper class taxpayers.
The end of this with Avery's solicitor is kind of like the end of love actually with Bill Nighy and his agent.
A faint smile, so fleeting it may have been a grimace from indigestion, crossed Cheney's lips.
"Very good, my Lord."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, sir, I do."
Avery walked from the office whistling and feeling quite full of himself. He'd done the nearly impossible--startled a smile onto Cheney's face. If you was capable of that, he could do anything.
But also there is some d**** worship and more than I would need to know stuff and, of course, a cis woman's favorite treat--sweet gay suffering. I'm sort of kidding. I'm sure it's not just cis women or just women. Fiction, whether it's #ownstories or not, just really loves gay suffering for some reason.
I.....STRONGLY prefer..Um....not that? I want queer people solving mysteries. I want queer people fighting monsters. I want old timey queer people having adventures in espionage.
There actually is a lot of detailed social justicey stuff in there so I just want to call attention to it.
It began to understand that danger and both ways. A rich man might reasonably fear being waylaid, but the poor denizens of Shoreditch had a right to fear for their safety at the hands of their betters. Listening to his students talk, Avery had learned that the police sometimes harassed or arrested people on no solid ground or forced out citizens of buildings that someone wanted razed.
Oh Avery you sweet summer child.
At least he's wise enough to know that he's got to get high falutin baddies on tax charges.
All of the people of Shoreditch could come forward with complaints and eyewitness descriptions of Lovett and it wouldn't do a thing. There must be another crime. Something to do with dipping into city coffers might actually resonate with upper class taxpayers.
The end of this with Avery's solicitor is kind of like the end of love actually with Bill Nighy and his agent.
A faint smile, so fleeting it may have been a grimace from indigestion, crossed Cheney's lips.
"Very good, my Lord."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, sir, I do."
Avery walked from the office whistling and feeling quite full of himself. He'd done the nearly impossible--startled a smile onto Cheney's face. If you was capable of that, he could do anything.
But also there is some d**** worship and more than I would need to know stuff and, of course, a cis woman's favorite treat--sweet gay suffering. I'm sort of kidding. I'm sure it's not just cis women or just women. Fiction, whether it's #ownstories or not, just really loves gay suffering for some reason.
I.....STRONGLY prefer..Um....not that? I want queer people solving mysteries. I want queer people fighting monsters. I want old timey queer people having adventures in espionage.
February 20, 2019
Lord Avery Wickersham is a lackadaisical and jaded nobleman who gets by in life grasping all the pleasure and joy it has to offer and not really giving anything back. After one night of debauchery, the cops raid the pleasure house he's in and Connor Tate, a constable, arrests Avery. Avery, a decent guy at heart, begs Connor to release the unfortunates he was caught with and Connor, also a decent guy, agrees. Avery promises to pay Connor back by giving or volunteering for a charity, which he does, and where he finds new purpose in his life. Connor intrigues Avery though, and he takes advantage of what time he has to not only seduce, but also get to know the cop. When some wealthy guy turns out to be abusing and torturing men with certain proclivities and corruption is revealed in Connor's police department, the two work together to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Pretty good characters here. I liked Avery and his growth as a character, and Connor's realization that the law does not necessarily equal justice, was a nice journey to see as well. Kudos to the author for some dynamic characters. The romance between them was passionate and sexy, but I kinda wanted to see more friendship building between them, so they could really have some happy times together. It felt like this was primarily sexual and then them solving the mystery. The suspense plot was pretty heavy, considering it's torture and what not...and one of the main characters is actually tortured. It kinda dominated the romance a bit. Good story though.
Pretty good characters here. I liked Avery and his growth as a character, and Connor's realization that the law does not necessarily equal justice, was a nice journey to see as well. Kudos to the author for some dynamic characters. The romance between them was passionate and sexy, but I kinda wanted to see more friendship building between them, so they could really have some happy times together. It felt like this was primarily sexual and then them solving the mystery. The suspense plot was pretty heavy, considering it's torture and what not...and one of the main characters is actually tortured. It kinda dominated the romance a bit. Good story though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
It’s dangerous for gay men in Victorian times, as Lord Avery Wickersham learns when he and two bedmates are nicked during a police raid. Luckily Constable Connor Tate is a decent, even sympathetic, man and Avery is able to gain his help. As Avery and Connor see more of each other, their mutual feelings grow and both men change for the better. When one of Avery’s bedmates is left for dead, Avery and Connor join forces to get justice. I liked this a lot, although I wasn’t quite convinced the two men would have much in common once their joint mission came to a close. Either way, the mystery was intriguing and the romance illicitly passionate. Ruri / Ruairi Carter expertly narrates the audiobook (which is currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
July 19, 2017
I listened to the audio version of this book and really enjoyed the narration by Ruairi Carter. His voice is pleasant and I would definitely listen to him again.
Before I started reading m/m romance, I was a huge historical romance fan. I am pleased that there are some really good writers of historical gay romance. The time period is not ideal because there can be no wedding bells or out relationships at that time, but I think Bonnie Dee does a good job giving these men a happy ever after that is worth reading about.
Before I started reading m/m romance, I was a huge historical romance fan. I am pleased that there are some really good writers of historical gay romance. The time period is not ideal because there can be no wedding bells or out relationships at that time, but I think Bonnie Dee does a good job giving these men a happy ever after that is worth reading about.
August 24, 2026
I would describe this novel as "perfectly serviceable", as in it did not trigger any strong emotions from me, the audiobook was well narrated, the story fast paced but predictable, and the romance was interesting because of the difference in class between the two characters, but it never really went too deep with it and remained at a surface level (almost physical level, for as many times the characters tried to move it deeper).
July 10, 2017
I liked the story, but it had a very up in the air kind of HFN ending. I also despise how no one in BD' s books ever fall in love. The word is not even thought about...? The topic was a little bit dark, too. Still, I think BD writes much better on her own. This is the 2nd solo I've read and the plots and ideas are unique. This was a good book. Don't let my little peeves put you off.
November 15, 2020
It was OK, but I am tired of authors using the sexual assault of a secondary character as a plot point. The author protected the main character from an assault for no logical reason except it would have made the readers uncomfortable.
August 19, 2018
I had a little difficulty getting into this, but I suspect that was more situational than anything to do with the book.
September 27, 2019
A very enjoyable story with lovely characters!
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