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The Brotherhood #5
Just a Little Heartache
London playwright Niall Cristofori stands on the verge of becoming one of the most celebrated authors of his generation with the highly-anticipated production of his latest work, Love’s Last Lesson. But Love has a few lessons left to teach Niall himself. He has never been able to get over his first love, the man who made his world come alive ten years ago, then left him heartbroken.
Lord Blake Williamson, Duke of Selby’s life has fallen apart spectacularly. He has always toed the line, doing his duty, no matter how difficult it is. But now his family is disgraced after his brother’s involvement in a child kidnapping ring, his wife has discovered the truth about his preferences and left him, and worst of all, she has taken his beloved children with her. With nowhere else to turn, Blake reaches out to the man he has never stopped longing for.
Niall agrees to help Blake get his children back, but is a second chance at love possible with so much heartache to overcome? Will the mistakes and regrets of the past prove too destructive, or will Blake finally be able to make things right and hold onto what truly matters?
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – Very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, second chances, and a single father, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.
Lord Blake Williamson, Duke of Selby’s life has fallen apart spectacularly. He has always toed the line, doing his duty, no matter how difficult it is. But now his family is disgraced after his brother’s involvement in a child kidnapping ring, his wife has discovered the truth about his preferences and left him, and worst of all, she has taken his beloved children with her. With nowhere else to turn, Blake reaches out to the man he has never stopped longing for.
Niall agrees to help Blake get his children back, but is a second chance at love possible with so much heartache to overcome? Will the mistakes and regrets of the past prove too destructive, or will Blake finally be able to make things right and hold onto what truly matters?
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – Very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance involving friends to lovers, second chances, and a single father, so if that’s not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2020
121 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
298 books1,142 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 4, 2020
London playwright Niall Cristofori stands on the verge of becoming one of the most celebrated authors of his generation with the highly-anticipated production of his latest work, Love’s Last Lesson. But Love has a few lessons left to teach Niall himself. He has never been able to get over his first love, the man who made his world come alive ten years ago, then left him heartbroken. Lord Blake Williamson, Duke of Selby’s life has fallen apart spectacularly. He has always toed the line, doing his duty, no matter how difficult it is. But now his family is disgraced after his brother’s involvement in a child kidnapping ring, his wife has discovered the truth about his preferences and left him, and worst of all, she has taken his beloved three children with her. With nowhere else to turn, Blake reaches out to the man he has never stopped longing for. Niall agrees to help Blake get his children back.
This is the fifth book in this awesome series, it could easily be read on its own even though we did meet Niall & Blake in the previous book. This is a lovely second chance romance, I loved the flashback to how they first met & fell in love only to be parted when Blake did his duty. I loved both Niall & Blake & their interactions were so emotional & I really felt what they were going through. I also loved that Blake who was a Duke was so naïve about how gay men could live in a large city. I also loved how Niall took control when Blake was desperate to find his children, the book did end on a cliffhanger, which I don’t normally like but I’m so engrossed in the series that I can’t wait for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fifth book in this awesome series, it could easily be read on its own even though we did meet Niall & Blake in the previous book. This is a lovely second chance romance, I loved the flashback to how they first met & fell in love only to be parted when Blake did his duty. I loved both Niall & Blake & their interactions were so emotional & I really felt what they were going through. I also loved that Blake who was a Duke was so naïve about how gay men could live in a large city. I also loved how Niall took control when Blake was desperate to find his children, the book did end on a cliffhanger, which I don’t normally like but I’m so engrossed in the series that I can’t wait for the next book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 5, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
One thing is for sure, Merry Farmer knows how to write a deliciously spicy tale!
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
One thing is for sure, Merry Farmer knows how to write a deliciously spicy tale!
Read full review in the 2021 April issue of InD'tale Magazine.
February 24, 2021
Just a little Heartache caused my heart a great deal of heartache.
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Second Chance / Historical / MM
*****
Finally, we get Niall Cristofori's story and oh what a tale he has to tell. We already know there was history between Blake, the Duke of Selby and Niall. What we didn't know is the pain and heartache they both experienced.
Blake was Niall's first and only love. They meet at Niall's audition at University. Niall has written his own play for the commencement ceremonies and when Blake walks into the audition, he takes Niall's breath away. Blake and Niall start to spend time together as friends until the moment when they become something more. Their chemistry was explosive and I was holding my breath waiting for the moment they both realized it and that they were falling in love with each other.
Niall understands his sexuality but for Blake this is new and confusing, but Blake has feelings for Niall he has never had for anyone else, male or female. The only issue, Blake is going to be Duke, and has expectations to live up to, expectations that Niall can’t fulfill. Will this spell doom for our two young lovers? Yes, it will. Niall's heart will be broken, and Blake will live a life without love for 10 long years. The two won’t be reunited until Blake's world is turned upside down and he reaches out to Niall for help.
This book is a fantastic second chance forbidden romance, with a suspenseful and steamy story, and wonderful characters you can’t help but love. I have enjoyed all of Merry Farmer's Brotherhood series and I will continue to read this series. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
*****
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 3 flames
Genre: Second Chance / Historical / MM
*****
Finally, we get Niall Cristofori's story and oh what a tale he has to tell. We already know there was history between Blake, the Duke of Selby and Niall. What we didn't know is the pain and heartache they both experienced.
Blake was Niall's first and only love. They meet at Niall's audition at University. Niall has written his own play for the commencement ceremonies and when Blake walks into the audition, he takes Niall's breath away. Blake and Niall start to spend time together as friends until the moment when they become something more. Their chemistry was explosive and I was holding my breath waiting for the moment they both realized it and that they were falling in love with each other.
Niall understands his sexuality but for Blake this is new and confusing, but Blake has feelings for Niall he has never had for anyone else, male or female. The only issue, Blake is going to be Duke, and has expectations to live up to, expectations that Niall can’t fulfill. Will this spell doom for our two young lovers? Yes, it will. Niall's heart will be broken, and Blake will live a life without love for 10 long years. The two won’t be reunited until Blake's world is turned upside down and he reaches out to Niall for help.
This book is a fantastic second chance forbidden romance, with a suspenseful and steamy story, and wonderful characters you can’t help but love. I have enjoyed all of Merry Farmer's Brotherhood series and I will continue to read this series. I definitely recommend this book and this series.
January 5, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.25 stars
I struggled with Just a Little Heartache almost from the start. Normally, I love historical romances, but aside from committing the cardinal sin of being rather boring, Just a Little Heartache didn’t make much sense.
The book has pacing issues and tends to meander rather than move with purpose. The story isn’t very engaging and I found I myself struggling to connect with either character or their tribulations. Both Blake and Niall read like surface characters, aside from their devotion to one another, and they didn’t feel like real, fleshed out people. This only added to the book’s overall lack of intent. The story just felt boring and a lot of that came from the fact I wasn’t invested in the action on page.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
2.25 stars
I struggled with Just a Little Heartache almost from the start. Normally, I love historical romances, but aside from committing the cardinal sin of being rather boring, Just a Little Heartache didn’t make much sense.
The book has pacing issues and tends to meander rather than move with purpose. The story isn’t very engaging and I found I myself struggling to connect with either character or their tribulations. Both Blake and Niall read like surface characters, aside from their devotion to one another, and they didn’t feel like real, fleshed out people. This only added to the book’s overall lack of intent. The story just felt boring and a lot of that came from the fact I wasn’t invested in the action on page.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
December 4, 2020
Niall Cristofori is awaiting the stage debut of his latest play and enjoying some renown as one of the most popular playwrights of his time. But he’s never gotten over his first love, despite writing numerous plays on the subject, and he still keenly feels the heartbreak of being left ten years earlier.
Blake Williamson, the Duke of Selby, hasn’t been truly happy in the past ten years, but now his world is truly crumbling around him. He has spent his life doing what was expected of him, regardless of his own desires. Now he faces the scandal of his brother’s involvement in child kidnapping, his wife has left him since discovering his true inclinations, and she’s taken his three beloved children with her. Desperate and with nowhere to turn, Blake seeks help from his lost love.
Niall finds he can’t abandon Blake when he’s so clearly broken and in need of help, but with the years and pain between them a second chance may be too much to ask for.
This book was a bit heavier than some of the others in the series, but Blake and Niall’s devotion to each other was nice. I liked that they were mature about acknowledging their past mistakes and finding a way to move forward together. This does have some plot holes and poor decision making from the main characters that kept nagging at me and I found it rather impossible to believe that someone as powerful as a duke would be unable to get his children back when their mother would’ve had very little parental rights to them. However, that would’ve ruined the ongoing nature of this plot as Niall and Blake still have some work to do as side characters in future installments of this series to truly attain their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blake Williamson, the Duke of Selby, hasn’t been truly happy in the past ten years, but now his world is truly crumbling around him. He has spent his life doing what was expected of him, regardless of his own desires. Now he faces the scandal of his brother’s involvement in child kidnapping, his wife has left him since discovering his true inclinations, and she’s taken his three beloved children with her. Desperate and with nowhere to turn, Blake seeks help from his lost love.
Niall finds he can’t abandon Blake when he’s so clearly broken and in need of help, but with the years and pain between them a second chance may be too much to ask for.
This book was a bit heavier than some of the others in the series, but Blake and Niall’s devotion to each other was nice. I liked that they were mature about acknowledging their past mistakes and finding a way to move forward together. This does have some plot holes and poor decision making from the main characters that kept nagging at me and I found it rather impossible to believe that someone as powerful as a duke would be unable to get his children back when their mother would’ve had very little parental rights to them. However, that would’ve ruined the ongoing nature of this plot as Niall and Blake still have some work to do as side characters in future installments of this series to truly attain their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 6, 2020
A Brotherhood of Men👬
ADULT Victorian M/M Romance💘 with Kidnapping and Ransom💰.
Ten years after they met at university, Niall🐺 Cristofori, now a very successful playright, has never forgotten the only man he has ever loved💘, Lord Blake Williamson🐺, now Duke of Selby.
However, Blake🐺 had to marry to produce an heir, while hiding his true nature. He now has three lovely children, the youngest is his heir, but his wife has absconded with them! He calls on his old friend to help him get them back.
He has no one else to turn to except Niall🐺. From his years of living at his country estate, he knows nothing of the Brotherhood, a London club and network for gay men. Niall🐺 steps up to the challenge, he is still in love with Blake🐺 and wants only to make him happy again.
ARC Provided by Bookfunnel 🌀
I also got this ebook with KU.
This book has a graphic scene of m/m love, so this may be distasteful to some readers. Please don't read if this might offend you.
The book ends in a cliffhanger that leads into a chapter introducing the next book with some of the same characters.
I really enjoyed the book because the two men really cared for each other. There was one scene near the end that was ridiculous because they would definitely not be acting all in 💘love in front of the police.
*******
The real Cristofori was a wonderful piano maker🎹 who lived in the early 1700s. Only three of his pianos or piano fortes survive today. Check out the beautiful and poignant piano solo called Cristofori's Dream on You Tube.
ADULT Victorian M/M Romance💘 with Kidnapping and Ransom💰.
Ten years after they met at university, Niall🐺 Cristofori, now a very successful playright, has never forgotten the only man he has ever loved💘, Lord Blake Williamson🐺, now Duke of Selby.
However, Blake🐺 had to marry to produce an heir, while hiding his true nature. He now has three lovely children, the youngest is his heir, but his wife has absconded with them! He calls on his old friend to help him get them back.
He has no one else to turn to except Niall🐺. From his years of living at his country estate, he knows nothing of the Brotherhood, a London club and network for gay men. Niall🐺 steps up to the challenge, he is still in love with Blake🐺 and wants only to make him happy again.
ARC Provided by Bookfunnel 🌀
I also got this ebook with KU.
This book has a graphic scene of m/m love, so this may be distasteful to some readers. Please don't read if this might offend you.
The book ends in a cliffhanger that leads into a chapter introducing the next book with some of the same characters.
I really enjoyed the book because the two men really cared for each other. There was one scene near the end that was ridiculous because they would definitely not be acting all in 💘love in front of the police.
*******
The real Cristofori was a wonderful piano maker🎹 who lived in the early 1700s. Only three of his pianos or piano fortes survive today. Check out the beautiful and poignant piano solo called Cristofori's Dream on You Tube.
December 9, 2020
Engrossing, spicy story of Niall Cristofori and Blake Williamson, Duke of Selby, friends at school who fall in love, but are parted at graduation. Wasn't sure if this story was actually going to be resolved with these two reuniting, as the break seemed so tragic and permanent. This book also doesn't quite have an ending as it will be completed in the next of the Brotherhood series - Just a Little Madness. This is a very well done M/M love story that I highly recommend.
Read
April 4, 2021"One thing is for sure, Merry Farmer knows how to write a deliciously spicy tale!"
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
dnf
October 23, 2021Dnf. Last few chapters doesn't make much sense. And it is a cliffhanger to be continued in next book about another couple. Not interested in the middle.
May 27, 2021
Just Readable!
A Duke, Blake enlists the help of Playwright and estranged lover Niall to rescue his kidnapped children from his embittered, fleeing wife. I must say, I struggle to finish reading this tale. My reasons: I was not invested in Niall’s character from previous books in this series; I’m not fond of flashbacks, and the MCs have uneven personalities. I thought Blake was a bit slow-witted and both MCs ran hot and cold. I also didn’t buy into the storyline. Although I did enjoy the first four books in this series, this one is not my favorite. Overall, a good enough read.
A Duke, Blake enlists the help of Playwright and estranged lover Niall to rescue his kidnapped children from his embittered, fleeing wife. I must say, I struggle to finish reading this tale. My reasons: I was not invested in Niall’s character from previous books in this series; I’m not fond of flashbacks, and the MCs have uneven personalities. I thought Blake was a bit slow-witted and both MCs ran hot and cold. I also didn’t buy into the storyline. Although I did enjoy the first four books in this series, this one is not my favorite. Overall, a good enough read.
December 19, 2020
“The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it...” ~ Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight
Even though it was for a noble cause, Nial Christofori, of ‘Just a Little Heartbreak’ by Merry Farmer, made a great personal sacrifice. Niall pretended to be interested in procuring financial support for his latest play from the brother of the man who broke Niall’s heart ten years ago. The ruse works but leaves Niall with a sore heart from having to see Blake again.
Weeks later, he receives a letter from Blake begging him to come to see him. His wife has run away with another man, taking their three children with her. Blake is beside himself with grief and despair and begs Niall to help him get his children back. Niall sticks the letter in his pocket and carries it around for days. He is busy with a new play and doesn’t have the time or inclination to see Blake again, much less help him. After all, the man shredded his heart and destroyed his life.
Yet, as frustrated and angry as he is and as determined as he is not to ever let Blake into his heart again, he admits, at least to himself, that he still loves the man. As he struggles to decide what to do, he realizes that he has to talk to someone; but who? Finally, Niall confides in John Dande who has known Niall and Blake from university and is aware of some of their past relationship.
Blake is a broken man. His marriage wasn’t a love match. His wife leaving him wasn’t much of a loss, but his children are the lights of his life. Not knowing where his children are or if they are safe is driving him mad. Blake spends most of his time in their nursery mourning their loss and letting everything else go especially himself. In desperation, he writes to the only person in the world he trusts enough to help him, his former lover, Niall. After seeing him the previous month, all of the feelings he thought he had buried came back full force. Then and there, he swore if he could get Niall to forgive him and stay with him, he would never let him go again.
After a great deal of soul searching, Niall decides that, if for no other reason than to honor their past love for each other, he is obliged to go to Blake and see if there is some way he can help him. When he gets there, Blake, who isn’t at all convinced Niall would come, is thrilled to see him and shocks Niall by tightly embracing him seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is as stiff as a statue. Blake tells Niall the long, sad story about his relationship with his wife over the last ten years, ending with her ultimate betrayal of running away with her lover and their children he breaks down and sobs. Even though Niall has sworn not to get close to Blake again, he can’t help but comfort him. After hearing the story, Niall agrees to do what he can for Blake. However, Niall makes it abundantly clear that there can’t be anything between them but friendship.
Niall and Blake had been introduced in book four and I knew some of the details of their past, but when I read more about their romance and breakup, my heart ached. At first, I was angry at Blake, although I knew that what happened was totally predictable for that time period, it was such a travesty for both of them, I was sad for both men. I was proud of Niall for putting his pride aside and not deny a love that was meant to be, even if they both had to go through hell to get there. Thanks, Merry, for another visit with the guys. I’m looking forward to the next book, which is a Christmas story.
Even though it was for a noble cause, Nial Christofori, of ‘Just a Little Heartbreak’ by Merry Farmer, made a great personal sacrifice. Niall pretended to be interested in procuring financial support for his latest play from the brother of the man who broke Niall’s heart ten years ago. The ruse works but leaves Niall with a sore heart from having to see Blake again.
Weeks later, he receives a letter from Blake begging him to come to see him. His wife has run away with another man, taking their three children with her. Blake is beside himself with grief and despair and begs Niall to help him get his children back. Niall sticks the letter in his pocket and carries it around for days. He is busy with a new play and doesn’t have the time or inclination to see Blake again, much less help him. After all, the man shredded his heart and destroyed his life.
Yet, as frustrated and angry as he is and as determined as he is not to ever let Blake into his heart again, he admits, at least to himself, that he still loves the man. As he struggles to decide what to do, he realizes that he has to talk to someone; but who? Finally, Niall confides in John Dande who has known Niall and Blake from university and is aware of some of their past relationship.
Blake is a broken man. His marriage wasn’t a love match. His wife leaving him wasn’t much of a loss, but his children are the lights of his life. Not knowing where his children are or if they are safe is driving him mad. Blake spends most of his time in their nursery mourning their loss and letting everything else go especially himself. In desperation, he writes to the only person in the world he trusts enough to help him, his former lover, Niall. After seeing him the previous month, all of the feelings he thought he had buried came back full force. Then and there, he swore if he could get Niall to forgive him and stay with him, he would never let him go again.
After a great deal of soul searching, Niall decides that, if for no other reason than to honor their past love for each other, he is obliged to go to Blake and see if there is some way he can help him. When he gets there, Blake, who isn’t at all convinced Niall would come, is thrilled to see him and shocks Niall by tightly embracing him seemingly oblivious to the fact that he is as stiff as a statue. Blake tells Niall the long, sad story about his relationship with his wife over the last ten years, ending with her ultimate betrayal of running away with her lover and their children he breaks down and sobs. Even though Niall has sworn not to get close to Blake again, he can’t help but comfort him. After hearing the story, Niall agrees to do what he can for Blake. However, Niall makes it abundantly clear that there can’t be anything between them but friendship.
Niall and Blake had been introduced in book four and I knew some of the details of their past, but when I read more about their romance and breakup, my heart ached. At first, I was angry at Blake, although I knew that what happened was totally predictable for that time period, it was such a travesty for both of them, I was sad for both men. I was proud of Niall for putting his pride aside and not deny a love that was meant to be, even if they both had to go through hell to get there. Thanks, Merry, for another visit with the guys. I’m looking forward to the next book, which is a Christmas story.
December 23, 2020
This was my first read in The Brotherhood series, and I really enjoyed it. Now want to read the books I missed. along with looking forward to future books in the series. This is an angsty, historical, second-chance MM romance between Lord Blake Williamson, now a duke, and Niall Cristofori, a playwright. They met and loved one another in college, but when Blake's father demanded he get married and produce heirs, he broke with Niall and did his duty, leaving Niall feeling betrayed and bitter. Ten years later, when his wife leaves Blake, taking his children, the only man he can turn to is Niall. Still hurting, Niall initially ignores the request, but eventually he agrees to help. In spite of the way everything ended between them, they both still have feelings for each other. Will they be able retrieve Blake's children, and will they take this second chance to find an HEA? Although I really enjoyed this book, I only gave it four stars, because the inability of a duke to garner support from authorities to recover his children after his wife ran off didn't seem authentic for the time. Still, I am looking forward to exploring the other books in the series. I really like the idea of a Brotherhood to support *confirmed bachelors* and other men who like men.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 4, 2022
The Playwright and the Duke
Book 5 in the Brotherhood Series, “Just a Little Heartache”, by Merry Farmer continues with the lives, loves and adventures of a group of men in the late 1800’s in England. This book centers around playwright Niall Cristofori and the love of his life, a duke, Blake. The story includes a flashback to their time when they met, began their relationship, and fell in love at the university they both attended. Blake’s duty to his title and family split the two up. Ten years later they are together again, Niall answering Blake’s call for help. The story was very good, highlighting a man’s need to do his duty over the yearnings of his heart. As with the others in this series, this is an m/m romance. Niall and Blake are a very hot, steamy, and sexy couple. This can be a standalone but I’ve read the series from the beginning so I recognize other members of the Brotherhood. I’m sure you will enjoy this read as I did, if you enjoy reading the m/m genre.
*As a side note, Merry Farmer mentions the musical piece “Cristofori’s Dream” as the piece Blake plays off and on through the book. It is a lovely piece and it fits in so well with Blake, Niall, and their romantic journey. It’s a great piece to listen to while reading the story.
Book 5 in the Brotherhood Series, “Just a Little Heartache”, by Merry Farmer continues with the lives, loves and adventures of a group of men in the late 1800’s in England. This book centers around playwright Niall Cristofori and the love of his life, a duke, Blake. The story includes a flashback to their time when they met, began their relationship, and fell in love at the university they both attended. Blake’s duty to his title and family split the two up. Ten years later they are together again, Niall answering Blake’s call for help. The story was very good, highlighting a man’s need to do his duty over the yearnings of his heart. As with the others in this series, this is an m/m romance. Niall and Blake are a very hot, steamy, and sexy couple. This can be a standalone but I’ve read the series from the beginning so I recognize other members of the Brotherhood. I’m sure you will enjoy this read as I did, if you enjoy reading the m/m genre.
*As a side note, Merry Farmer mentions the musical piece “Cristofori’s Dream” as the piece Blake plays off and on through the book. It is a lovely piece and it fits in so well with Blake, Niall, and their romantic journey. It’s a great piece to listen to while reading the story.
December 5, 2020
Heartache is just that, not broken. One can survive and even thrive with heartache, but you don't die. Yes it may force you to look differently at the world and relationships but you, still, eat, drink and work.
The problem that arises is can you meet that person again and not feel as though your heart was actually broken, and how do you know what the other person had to deal with.
Life is seldom just bad for one, it is more often than not, bad or worse for somebody who has to do things due to propriety than that of the other one whom can live life free.
Such is the lives of two great loves that had to part due to what was expected of them. Only years later does the heartache return and suddenly neither has the true fortitude to bring their hearts together in fear that it would not survive.
Only with the love and support of friends who were forced to accept their own futures do these two come together again.
One whole heart.
The problem that arises is can you meet that person again and not feel as though your heart was actually broken, and how do you know what the other person had to deal with.
Life is seldom just bad for one, it is more often than not, bad or worse for somebody who has to do things due to propriety than that of the other one whom can live life free.
Such is the lives of two great loves that had to part due to what was expected of them. Only years later does the heartache return and suddenly neither has the true fortitude to bring their hearts together in fear that it would not survive.
Only with the love and support of friends who were forced to accept their own futures do these two come together again.
One whole heart.
December 10, 2020
The Brotherhood series takes a new turn, and its really worth the read!
Naill and Blake are an unexpected couple. This book takes them from undergraduate students to adults. The transition is perfectly captured. And the issues they face in 1890 are no different than those faced in any year up through the 1980s, perhaps. Yes, I know the gay movement started at Stonewall in 1969, but child custody fights continue, depending on where you live. And while the Supreme Court of the US made gay marriage legal in 2015, there are still many American citizens that would like to see the current Supreme Court overturn that decision, just as they would like the court to overturn Roe v Wade.
Please read this book as part of the series. As with all the others.in the series, it very realistically raises important and real issues faced by the GLBTQ community, even today.
Love all of Merry Farmer's books. This series among the best of them.
Naill and Blake are an unexpected couple. This book takes them from undergraduate students to adults. The transition is perfectly captured. And the issues they face in 1890 are no different than those faced in any year up through the 1980s, perhaps. Yes, I know the gay movement started at Stonewall in 1969, but child custody fights continue, depending on where you live. And while the Supreme Court of the US made gay marriage legal in 2015, there are still many American citizens that would like to see the current Supreme Court overturn that decision, just as they would like the court to overturn Roe v Wade.
Please read this book as part of the series. As with all the others.in the series, it very realistically raises important and real issues faced by the GLBTQ community, even today.
Love all of Merry Farmer's books. This series among the best of them.
January 2, 2021
This is an intense, intriguing and suspenseful story. Niall and Blake met in college when Blake auditioned for Niall's play. While working together on the play, they spent time together alone, and when Niall figured out Blake was attracted to him the same way he was attracted to Blake, Niall took a chance and seduced Blake. They had a passionate relationship until the day of graduation, when Blake found himself betrothed to a woman that his father wanted him to marry. A woman that Blake's arch nemesis, Ian, wanted to marry. Niall goes on to become a famous playwright, Blake and Annamarie marry and have 3 children, and Ian spent his time stewing. 10 years later Annamarie finds out about Blake and Niall and leaves Blake, taking the children with her. Blake contacts Niall, but Niall is still angry. It has a page turning storyline right up to the last page, where you get left hanging. i loved most of the characters, and the storyline. Just not being left hanging.
December 1, 2020
The Brotherhood series continues with Niall and Blake’s story and it is a great read. They fell in love while at the university but Blake’s future was predetermined by his father, the Duke of Selby, who had contracted his marriage with an American heiress. The story is full of emotions that range from the highest to the lowest and back to the highest. The interaction between Blake and Niall is so well written that you feel the emotions that they are experiencing. The story also ends with a cliffhanger that will follow in the next book. I don’t normally like cliffhangers but this is such a great series that I am looking forward to the next book. I would highly recommend this book and the series as great reads.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and are voluntarily leaving a review.
December 13, 2020
I am in love with these men. Well they are gay so not in the way that you might think but they are so well written by Merry Farmer and world that she has written for them with The Brotherhood a group that helps each other with problems, especially staying under the radar of the morality police, that appears in all the books. The interweaving of the characters makes me want to keep re reading the books every time a new one comes out. She is terrific at coming up with different plots and situations that she dumps her characters into and then helps them get out of. These men come alive to me and I desperately want to read what happens to them next and isn’t that the sign of a great book? I recommend this book and this series very highly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2020
Could he leave the past where it belong?
by and1515
Niall thought he knew it all well as far as love went but maybe he'd been wrong maybe there was more out there learn and experience.
Lord Blake Williamson had been the good son never making waves doing what was expected of him even when it went against everything he felt for someone else.
Now his brother has shamed their family with his nefarious wrong doings.
But even worse his wife discovered his deep dark secret and she wants him to pay by taking the only thing that matters to him.
Niall knew he probably should have said no. Who wants to dig up old hurt feels but no he chose to step up to help Blake.
But now that they were back in each other's lives was there even a glimmer of hope for them this time?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
by and1515
Niall thought he knew it all well as far as love went but maybe he'd been wrong maybe there was more out there learn and experience.
Lord Blake Williamson had been the good son never making waves doing what was expected of him even when it went against everything he felt for someone else.
Now his brother has shamed their family with his nefarious wrong doings.
But even worse his wife discovered his deep dark secret and she wants him to pay by taking the only thing that matters to him.
Niall knew he probably should have said no. Who wants to dig up old hurt feels but no he chose to step up to help Blake.
But now that they were back in each other's lives was there even a glimmer of hope for them this time?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2020
Letter writing is a lost art and to read this story with the letters was a joy. Letters can be romantic, sad and joyous and this story encapsulates all of those types. I loved that we get the backstory and not just snippets of Niall and Blake’s life as young college students. It was a story that needed to be told. One thing I love in stories in the sense of family. Blake embodies this to the nth degree. His love for his children is felt and not just told. His heartache is felt and shared with Niall. Not giving away the whole plot but just saying that there is a lot more to come regarding Blake.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
December 6, 2020
This is about second chances in love. When everything else in falling apart it's only love that makes you going.
Blake and Niall were in love ten years ago. Unfortunately Blake leaves Niall heartbroken to marry. Now Niall is a famous London playwright who's latest play starring the spectacular n pompous Everett jewel is under production. Blake is now a Duke who's wife has left him with their three children.
Blake writes to Niall asking for help.
It was quite an adventure for these two giving their love another chance.
The book ends on a cliffhanger leaving us to wait for the next book.
A wonderful series with equally lovable characters.
Waiting for the next book ...
Blake and Niall were in love ten years ago. Unfortunately Blake leaves Niall heartbroken to marry. Now Niall is a famous London playwright who's latest play starring the spectacular n pompous Everett jewel is under production. Blake is now a Duke who's wife has left him with their three children.
Blake writes to Niall asking for help.
It was quite an adventure for these two giving their love another chance.
The book ends on a cliffhanger leaving us to wait for the next book.
A wonderful series with equally lovable characters.
Waiting for the next book ...
December 21, 2020
I guess in this series you’d need to read the previous stories in order to understand what’s going on, because this kinda started for me where I would have to read others to know certain key points to know aspects. This story didn’t explain much about the Brotherhood other then it’s for men like Niall and Blake and they try to help other gay men in love. But even the ending is a cliffhanger since Blake isn’t completely happy in life until his wrong has been righted and his stolen treasure is brought back so he can be truly happy in life with Niall and his daughters. This is emotional and might trigger some people with kidnapping and hitting a small child in the face.
April 6, 2021
Misogyny and poor little rich boy privilege on overload. We are supposed to believe women had all the power in regency England and men were powerless. There's not a single redeemable woman in this book except when they cooperate with our heroes, who sexually harass servants and then take away their livelihoods. And lets not even talk about the double standards here for fathers versus mothers.
DNF. Not a redeemable character in this book.
I enjoyed the series before this, some books more than others, but this author is a little too fond of writing characters that seem like mean girls rejects.
DNF. Not a redeemable character in this book.
I enjoyed the series before this, some books more than others, but this author is a little too fond of writing characters that seem like mean girls rejects.
May 5, 2021
Blake and Niall work on a play together and play together at university, but Blake is obliged to marry and take over the dukedom once his father passes. Niall is heartbroken and angry, and they part in great pain.
Ten years later, Blake needs Niall to help him get his children back from his wife, who ran off with them. They work together and reestablish their relationship, knowing this time they won’t let each other go.
They manage to get the girls back, but Blake’s son is still in the clutches of Ian, the vengeful jerk from university who wants the medallion Blake got for winning an exam competition.
More adventures to come. Yay!
Ten years later, Blake needs Niall to help him get his children back from his wife, who ran off with them. They work together and reestablish their relationship, knowing this time they won’t let each other go.
They manage to get the girls back, but Blake’s son is still in the clutches of Ian, the vengeful jerk from university who wants the medallion Blake got for winning an exam competition.
More adventures to come. Yay!
July 3, 2022
Well, Annemarie has some exciting, and definitely enthralling skeletons in her closet!
Of course a story's more enticing and entertaining with spicy misdeeds and nefarious intentions. However, I find it annoying that it's made to stretch out without any end in sight. Every hope that a poor, unhappy child is reunited with his father is met with crushing disappointment. Evil. Two and a half stars. I do not condone cheating, and using children is a despicable tactic that should have given Annamarie a clue as to who the true baster was in her life. I'd bet she wasn't even a virgin before Blake was forced to marry her.
Of course a story's more enticing and entertaining with spicy misdeeds and nefarious intentions. However, I find it annoying that it's made to stretch out without any end in sight. Every hope that a poor, unhappy child is reunited with his father is met with crushing disappointment. Evil. Two and a half stars. I do not condone cheating, and using children is a despicable tactic that should have given Annamarie a clue as to who the true baster was in her life. I'd bet she wasn't even a virgin before Blake was forced to marry her.
December 13, 2020
Another Splendid Chapter
What I love about this series is the seamless way Merry Farmer links each chapter back to the others, bringing in the principals from each of the previous books who are necessary for the current plot to continue. And this is one convoluted, sometimes heartbreaking, plot.
Playwright Niall Christofori and Lord Blake Williamson got thrust into the mess more sharply in the previous edition, and in this one we see what happened to estange them after their college years.
It's a typical story of how a noble with homosexual inclinations has to give them up and abandon his secret lover when family duty calls. And in this case it's a nasty marriage arrangement which broke Blake and Niall that has come back to haunt them.
Everything about this one works--character exposition and development, plot, romantic encounters, history of a relationship gone bad and revived.
There is so much I could tell you but if you have been reading the series, be warned: Like the others this one doesn't totally end but sets us up for another two books (at least) that promise to be as wonderful as the first five.
What I love about this series is the seamless way Merry Farmer links each chapter back to the others, bringing in the principals from each of the previous books who are necessary for the current plot to continue. And this is one convoluted, sometimes heartbreaking, plot.
Playwright Niall Christofori and Lord Blake Williamson got thrust into the mess more sharply in the previous edition, and in this one we see what happened to estange them after their college years.
It's a typical story of how a noble with homosexual inclinations has to give them up and abandon his secret lover when family duty calls. And in this case it's a nasty marriage arrangement which broke Blake and Niall that has come back to haunt them.
Everything about this one works--character exposition and development, plot, romantic encounters, history of a relationship gone bad and revived.
There is so much I could tell you but if you have been reading the series, be warned: Like the others this one doesn't totally end but sets us up for another two books (at least) that promise to be as wonderful as the first five.
December 23, 2020
The making of a play
I found this love story intriguing. I've read all the prior "Brotherhood" books they are quite compelling. Blake and Niall have a hot affair during the last weeks of their senior year of college. Stuff happens and they go their separate ways, each with broken heart. Ten years pass, Blake loses a precious part of his life and for whatever reason contacts Niall to help him. This isn't quite a stand alone book. There is an HEA but the story doesn't end there. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next Just a Little Madness.
I found this love story intriguing. I've read all the prior "Brotherhood" books they are quite compelling. Blake and Niall have a hot affair during the last weeks of their senior year of college. Stuff happens and they go their separate ways, each with broken heart. Ten years pass, Blake loses a precious part of his life and for whatever reason contacts Niall to help him. This isn't quite a stand alone book. There is an HEA but the story doesn't end there. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next Just a Little Madness.
December 26, 2020
Such a sad story about people being forced to live a lie. Annemarie was expected to marry well so chose a duke over the man she really loved. And the duke she married did so in order to live up to his family’s expectations instead of being with the person he really loved. But ten years later when the truths are revealed, everyone’s lives are turned upside down and hurt and revenge rule. Will anyone ever by happy again? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2021
School Days
I was a little disappointed in this installment. First it was too long, trying to express the same thing over and over.Ok we get it College love is thwarted. Both men are devastated albeit in different ways. The first half of the book tells of the angst over and over. When they finally reunite it's the same thing. I missed the real villains of the previous stories. I missed the Brotherhood, London etc. I never felt invested in Blake and Niall, it seemed that they were interlopers and really a part of the previous narrative.
I was a little disappointed in this installment. First it was too long, trying to express the same thing over and over.Ok we get it College love is thwarted. Both men are devastated albeit in different ways. The first half of the book tells of the angst over and over. When they finally reunite it's the same thing. I missed the real villains of the previous stories. I missed the Brotherhood, London etc. I never felt invested in Blake and Niall, it seemed that they were interlopers and really a part of the previous narrative.
December 8, 2021
Good writing, and I would try the author again, but the "kidnapped kids" trope was too dark for me and I guess I just didn't want to read it in a romance novel. I thought I'd be okay since the blurb said they were taken by their mother, and generally a custody dispute in a romance novel isn't as a serious as a graver kidnapping. But the mother is awful and puts them in the care of the villain and they are desperate to get back to their father (the only parent who loves them) and I just couldn't....
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