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Gallows Pole
Everything comes with a price.
In 1716, a capital crime costs a man nothing short of his head. If the condemned can't come to the hangman, there's no need to worry: Old Jack Ketch will come to him.
Emmat Bird does what she must to keep her parents under a solid roof and her fool brother out of trouble, even if those things are dangerous and most days illegal. Today, that involves forging a stay of execution from Judge Couch and racing it to the gallows before her brother's neck stretches. A fine mess, indeed, but the only solution she can think of to keep her parents from disowning her once and for all. She just has to get the executioner to buy it.
Bartholomew Vane travels his country circuit, meting out punishments demanded by the law. Shunned to live on the fringes for the taint of death surrounding his post, he cares very little for the wants of others. Why should he? The world shows him no mercy, and he sees fit to return the favor. When the third rider in the same grey morning appears at the foot of Gallows Hill attempting to stay the noose of the witless convict he's about to hang, the executioner finds himself losing patience.
But then the pieces fall together. The flaming red hair, the name. He knows who the final rider is. Reason leaves him, and in its place, a terrible plan takes shape. The hangman makes a bargain.
Against her better judgment, Emmat accepts.
Follow award-winning author Eris Adderly off the beaten path where outcasts do what they must, and urges long-contained rise up to take what they want. Let her decadent, filthy prose sweep you into the past, into the unyielding arms of the hangman.
This dark erotic romance novella twists across the page with graphic descriptions of sexual acts, and is intended for mature readers only.
In 1716, a capital crime costs a man nothing short of his head. If the condemned can't come to the hangman, there's no need to worry: Old Jack Ketch will come to him.
Emmat Bird does what she must to keep her parents under a solid roof and her fool brother out of trouble, even if those things are dangerous and most days illegal. Today, that involves forging a stay of execution from Judge Couch and racing it to the gallows before her brother's neck stretches. A fine mess, indeed, but the only solution she can think of to keep her parents from disowning her once and for all. She just has to get the executioner to buy it.
Bartholomew Vane travels his country circuit, meting out punishments demanded by the law. Shunned to live on the fringes for the taint of death surrounding his post, he cares very little for the wants of others. Why should he? The world shows him no mercy, and he sees fit to return the favor. When the third rider in the same grey morning appears at the foot of Gallows Hill attempting to stay the noose of the witless convict he's about to hang, the executioner finds himself losing patience.
But then the pieces fall together. The flaming red hair, the name. He knows who the final rider is. Reason leaves him, and in its place, a terrible plan takes shape. The hangman makes a bargain.
Against her better judgment, Emmat accepts.
Follow award-winning author Eris Adderly off the beaten path where outcasts do what they must, and urges long-contained rise up to take what they want. Let her decadent, filthy prose sweep you into the past, into the unyielding arms of the hangman.
This dark erotic romance novella twists across the page with graphic descriptions of sexual acts, and is intended for mature readers only.
133 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 22, 2016
202 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
About the author
Eris Adderly
21 books587 followersEris writes dark, escape-from-reality romance full of criminals and outcasts. Her stories are the stomping grounds for bada** heroines, untameable alphas, a spectrum of sexuality, and a serious disregard for convention. Expect the decadent and filthy, the crude and sublime, sometimes all at once. Pick a safeword and grab a towel before reading. She is a complete nerd and possible crazy cat lady. She will annoy you with puns.
Eris posts updates with information about her latest works in progress and more on her facebook page and on her website.
Eris posts updates with information about her latest works in progress and more on her facebook page and on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 20, 2023
4 He Does What He Must Stars ⭐
~Second Read. If you haven't checked out this author, you should!~
Gallows Pole was a spicy historical novella featuring a ballsy heroine and a disfigured dominant hero that was kinkily satisfying. If dubious consent is a hard limit, definitely skip this one. But I will say, this author has a knack of making this questionable genre mighty appealing.
He? He would resist her?
How dare he!
“You can fuck your wife in the dark, but you can’t kiss her properly in the light, is that it?”
Blackmail, forced marriage and questionable consent. A foul-mouthed heroine and a hero that desperately wants to get laid and be loved; gah it was wrong, yet so right. There is something decadently taboo about it all. Shame it was too short and ended much to quickly. That's not to say I didn't inhale it!
~Second Read. If you haven't checked out this author, you should!~
Gallows Pole was a spicy historical novella featuring a ballsy heroine and a disfigured dominant hero that was kinkily satisfying. If dubious consent is a hard limit, definitely skip this one. But I will say, this author has a knack of making this questionable genre mighty appealing.
He? He would resist her?
How dare he!
“You can fuck your wife in the dark, but you can’t kiss her properly in the light, is that it?”
Blackmail, forced marriage and questionable consent. A foul-mouthed heroine and a hero that desperately wants to get laid and be loved; gah it was wrong, yet so right. There is something decadently taboo about it all. Shame it was too short and ended much to quickly. That's not to say I didn't inhale it!
December 3, 2020
5 smutty stars.
THAT is how you write a proper dark smut book, ladies. B. R. A. V. O.
First, let me just say that this author is an awesome writer. This book is set in the 1700's and it felt legit. The writing was more poetic and lyrical, vs the over simplified style of most contemporary romances.
Second, boy do i love a physically and emotionally scared hero. He was gruff, buff, and full of fluff. He was so sweet on the heroine but was still alpha and delicious.
Third, the heroine was freaking awesome. She takes a bad situation and really makes us understand her actions. Most heroines in this sitation (dub-con, forced marriage) to be pretty unbearable and tend to be crying in a corner with no personality besides the saintly martyr. NOT THIS HEROINE. She really takes this situation and makes her own space and her own demands for the hero.
She also had more sexual experience than the hero.
And finally forth. THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A DARK BOOK. PERIOD. You can have an anti-hero and still have him be redeemable. Anti-hero's dont have to be douche bags 24/7. See Safety details for dark content.
Just all around a really sexy dark book with lovable characters.
Safety:
-Rape/Dub-con: Heroine saves her brother from being executed but has to trade herself to the Hero who is the towns Hangman. She knows the hero will be using her body, but still makes the trade. What she doesn't realize is that the hero intends to marry her. What starts off as rape-dub con turns into attraction and love
-no cheating, no OP after meeting, no OW/OM drama
-Hero had previous fiance but OW broke it off after the hero was burned in a fire. Left side of hero's face is disfigured.
-Heroine had many past sexual experiences.
-some seperation. Heroine runs away when she starts to catch feelings for the Hero but she comes back and gets revenge on the family that disfigured the hero.
-HEA with child
THAT is how you write a proper dark smut book, ladies. B. R. A. V. O.
First, let me just say that this author is an awesome writer. This book is set in the 1700's and it felt legit. The writing was more poetic and lyrical, vs the over simplified style of most contemporary romances.
Second, boy do i love a physically and emotionally scared hero. He was gruff, buff, and full of fluff. He was so sweet on the heroine but was still alpha and delicious.
Third, the heroine was freaking awesome. She takes a bad situation and really makes us understand her actions. Most heroines in this sitation (dub-con, forced marriage) to be pretty unbearable and tend to be crying in a corner with no personality besides the saintly martyr. NOT THIS HEROINE. She really takes this situation and makes her own space and her own demands for the hero.
She also had more sexual experience than the hero.
And finally forth. THIS IS HOW YOU WRITE A DARK BOOK. PERIOD. You can have an anti-hero and still have him be redeemable. Anti-hero's dont have to be douche bags 24/7. See Safety details for dark content.
Just all around a really sexy dark book with lovable characters.
Safety:
-Rape/Dub-con: Heroine saves her brother from being executed but has to trade herself to the Hero who is the towns Hangman. She knows the hero will be using her body, but still makes the trade. What she doesn't realize is that the hero intends to marry her. What starts off as rape-dub con turns into attraction and love
-no cheating, no OP after meeting, no OW/OM drama
-Hero had previous fiance but OW broke it off after the hero was burned in a fire. Left side of hero's face is disfigured.
-Heroine had many past sexual experiences.
-some seperation. Heroine runs away when she starts to catch feelings for the Hero but she comes back and gets revenge on the family that disfigured the hero.
-HEA with child
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2022
3 stars
First of all the hero's name is Bartholomew Vane.
Second of all, once again just like in Bass-Ackwards we get a great short novel that is ruined by a prolonged conflict that no one cares about.
Was gonna give this 4 stars before I lost interest & started skimming. Would still recommend for the first 70% of the book tho.
Tropes:
Non-con
Forced marriage
Scarred hero
Executioner (H) + criminal (h)
First of all the hero's name is Bartholomew Vane.
Second of all, once again just like in Bass-Ackwards we get a great short novel that is ruined by a prolonged conflict that no one cares about.
Was gonna give this 4 stars before I lost interest & started skimming. Would still recommend for the first 70% of the book tho.
Tropes:
Non-con
Forced marriage
Scarred hero
Executioner (H) + criminal (h)
February 14, 2019
3.5 STARS!
If it had been fleshed out into a full-length novel that delved further into the MC's emotions and dealt more with the consequences of the hero's actions, this would have been a 5 star read for me!
As it is, there's still a lot to recommend it. I really liked the unique storyline and it held my attention from beginning to end. I'll definitely read more by this author in the future.
Trigger warning:
"Do you know what it is to end men's lives for the good of others, but never to be able to begin one for yourself?"A darkly twisted HR novella about a hangman and how he comes to have a wife.
If it had been fleshed out into a full-length novel that delved further into the MC's emotions and dealt more with the consequences of the hero's actions, this would have been a 5 star read for me!
As it is, there's still a lot to recommend it. I really liked the unique storyline and it held my attention from beginning to end. I'll definitely read more by this author in the future.
Trigger warning:
December 31, 2020
✰ 3.5 Stars! ✰
Perhaps still an outcast and, yes, still wanted. Only this time by someone she wanted in return. She was Emmat Vane. She was the hangman’s wife.
-ˏˋ Initial Thoughts ˎˊ-
For me Gallows Pride falls into a weird category in my brain. On the one hand I had a lot of issues with this book and those issues bugged me throughout my entire reading journey - yup i don't read, i go on a journey - and yet on the other hand I just didn't care because I was enjoying myself so much. GALLOWS POLE was both a book with issues, and also a book I couldn't put down. There is something about the way author Eris Adderly writes that really works for me, that was my subtle plug for her other book Bass-Ackwards.
-ˏˋ What's It About? ˎˊ-
GALLOWS POLE is that classic tale of the heroine trading her life for her brothers. Heroine Emmat races against time to save her brother from being hung. She does this the only way she knows how, by giving herself to the hangman. Welp, as it turns out the hangman wants her in a way she wasn't expecting, he wants her as his wife.
“You imagine a long line of women waiting for a chance to be the hangman’s wife?” “Wife!” Emmat thrashed again, jolted out of her lull. “What wife? Was there a ceremony I wasn’t awake for? A chaplain?”
Will Emmat escape the hangman's clutches, or will she discover that Bartholomew Vane is more than just a bringer of death?
-ˏˋ What Worked For Me? ˎˊ-
✦ Surprisingly, The Romance ✦ I'm actually really surprised myself, but the romance actually worked well for me! This is very surprising considering Emmat and Vane barely talk to one another / don't interact for a majority of the book. And when I say a majority of the book, I'm not exaggerating. The first half of this book is just Vane, forcing (?) Emmat to marry him / have sex with him - i'll explain this more. Then they start to grow closer, well as close as they can in between Vane being gone for DAYS at a time. And once you think they're finally gonna try and work on making their marriage really succeed Emmat just. . .leaves.
However, despite all that, I still really dug the connection between Vane and Emmat. These two just seemed really well suited, and I was seriously rooting for them! I liked that Emmat accepted Vane for who he was - scars and all - and appreciated the small subtle things he did for her. Meanwhile, I thought that Vane was actually a super sweet marshmallow who was a tiny bit misunderstood. I truly felt that separately they would have been fine, and yet there was this magic that happened when they were together.
“Dear God!” His arms and chest tightened. “Will you have me, Emmat?” It was a question made for kicking down doors. “I’ll have you, husband.” The answer came hot with conviction. “I’ll have you.”
Once Vane and Emmat actually started interacting they were really great together. You just have to wait a while for them to, well, start conversing.
✦ The Plot / Story -the presentation ✦ I have to say, even though this book was a bit, all over the place plot wise, I did like what the book was putting down. I saw the bones of a really good story within GALLOWS POLE . This may sound condescending and I seriously don't mean it to be, I really was really picking up what the book was putting down. I liked that Emmat found herself in an arranged/forced marriage, I enjoyed getting to know who Vane really was, I was interested in Emmat's criminal endeavors, and I thought the setting was neat! So, the bones were all there, I just wish the execution - HA pun intended - had been a bit better. As it stands the blurb is what hooked me in and I think there's enough intriguing elements floating around to keep you interested.
✦ The Characters. . .KINDA ✦ Overall, I liked Emmat and I liked Vane. However, I think this book really, really, suffered from not having Vane's POV. The Vane we meet in the beginning of the story is completely different from the Vane we know by the end of the book. Now that's not a bad thing but I would've liked to know how we got from point a. to point b.. However, as it stands Vane was my type of hero. He was at first glance, dark and brooding, but the more layers get pulled back he's actually a really caring and marshmallowy man who loves deeply. What can I say, I love the strong scarred silent types ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Oh and for some reason I just kept imagining him as The Undertaker. . .I'm not sure why, but I didn't hate it.
✨ withhold judgement please ✨
In addition I really liked Emmat - for the most part. I liked that she clearly had a backbone, I liked that she thought logically about her situation, and I liked tha she wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted. Her character was really interesting in that when she got together with Vane it caused her to reevaluate her entire life. See, she had always prided herself on being solely independent but by accepting her marriage to Vane her entire world view was challenged. I love that this random little book brought up such a good point. When we get into relationships there are a lot of positives, but there are also a lot negatives. Chief of them being the fact that we are no longer solely independent anymore. That's not to say that if you're in a relationship you're not independent, BUT being in a relationship does mean it's not just about you anymore. You have to make compromises, you have to give up things, you learn to share intimate parts of yourself, and you have to learn to let go. Being in a relationship means that who you are will change, for better, and for worse. I think this aspect of being in a relationship is often glossed over in romance novels and I loved that Emmat really struggled with this.
Emmat Bird belonged to the hangman now when she’d never belonged to anyone but herself.
Emmat was fiercely independent and I loved watching her realize that she could still retain that aspect of herself while also creating something special with Vane.
-ˏˋ What DIDN'T Work For Me? ˎˊ-
✦ The Hangman - Bartholomew Vane ✦ Remember how I said the characters worked for me, but also didn't work for me? Well, let's dive into that shall we. Okay so, Vane is a bit of a weird character in that the Vane we meet at the beginning of the book is A LOT different than the Vane we witness at the end of the book. To put it bluntly, Vane forcing Emmat to have sex with him at the beginning of the book felt really out of character once we got to know him. It just. . .doesn't fit with the man that he seems to be. I just don't understand why he couldn't have just told her that "in exchange for sparring your brother you must marry me", or something along those lines. At least then the first sex scene would've been a bit less rapey. Not only that, but Vane barely speaks for a good majority of the book in addition to just not being present for a good chunk of the story. So, when we finally do get to know his background / him as a character I was left scratching my head at the decisions he made at the beginning of the book. Ultimately I wanted more from Vane, and I wanted to understand his character more.
✦ Emmat -our runaway bride ✦ UGGHHHHHH, it was going so well. I was enjoying Emmat as a character, and I was happy with her character progression. But THEN, when the romance between Emmat and Vane finally started developing she just LEAVES.
YUP, the book is finally picking up, there's communication happening, confession are being confessed, and then the book comes to a grinding halt. Emmat just leaves because. . .independence, and then we follow her journey to. . .be independent? Idk, I honestly would've been fine with her running away - I mean she only mentioned how she could just run only 1,000 times - if she had done it earlier. The point when she runs away is the exact same point when her and Vane are just starting to cultivate their love connection! Due to that it brings EVERYTHING to a hard stop. AND THEN when she does decide to go back to him - because reasons - the book ends! UGGHGhhHHHGHGHGHGHHH, it just made me so angry. I wanted more gosh darn it!
✦ The Inner-monologuing / Execution ✦ One of my biggest complaints of this book would have to be the amount of inner-monologuing. Man, I really despise excessive inner-monologuing. It got to the point where I wanted Emmat to go do something other than clean the house all day. Seriously, girly girl was stuck in Vane's house for days at a time, doing NOTHING. Why was Vane gone so much? Why couldn't he have taken Emmat with him? It would've made the story so much more interesting. So, while the idea of a forced marriage with the hangman was a really cool concept, the execution was. . .okay. I guess I didn't realize a majority of this book was going to be sex, cleaning, Emmat waiting for sex, more sex, Emmat peacing out, end. My bad I guess?
✦ THAT SCENE ✦ Okay so in the begining of the book I mentioned that Vane forces Emmat to have sex with him. IMO, it reads as rape. There's even mention of Emmat struggling, and not wanting to have sex with him. Now, this wasn't a dealbreaker for me because I knew about this going in. What did make me feel icky was the way Emmat sorta explained away / defended Vane's actions.
She’d brought in coin the only way she knew how. He’d brought in a wife, a companion, the only way he knew how. The only way in his mind he could ever have these things.
LIKE, WHAT? I'm sorry but if you're gonna have the hero rape the heroine do not defend his actions. What he did was fucked up, and he doesn't get to technicality his way out of what he did. It really got on my nerves and I hate that it felt like the book was trying to downplay what Vane did. I like that he apologized at the end of the book, but I don't like that the book tried to subtly excuse what he did.
-ˏˋ Closing Thoughts ˎˊ-
Look, I'm probably going in way to hard on this book. I don't think that GALLOWS POLE was meant to be analyzed as much as I'm analyzing it. In fact I think it's supposed to be a fun steamy historical romance with a dark hero and street smart heroine. And I think that's exactly how it should be enjoyed. While I did find flaws - little and small - I still really had a good time reading GALLOWS POLE . I think the reason I was so hard on it was because of how much potential the premise had. But, even with the flaws I would still recommend it. It's quick, sexy, has interesting characters, and a fun setting. Also it's a great introduction to author ERIS ADDERLY and her style of writing.
“Death is forever, you know.”
“You traded yourself for your brother’s death,” he said. “You expected one night would be a fair exchange for an eternity?”
Perhaps still an outcast and, yes, still wanted. Only this time by someone she wanted in return. She was Emmat Vane. She was the hangman’s wife.
-ˏˋ Initial Thoughts ˎˊ-
For me Gallows Pride falls into a weird category in my brain. On the one hand I had a lot of issues with this book and those issues bugged me throughout my entire reading journey - yup i don't read, i go on a journey - and yet on the other hand I just didn't care because I was enjoying myself so much. GALLOWS POLE was both a book with issues, and also a book I couldn't put down. There is something about the way author Eris Adderly writes that really works for me, that was my subtle plug for her other book Bass-Ackwards.
-ˏˋ What's It About? ˎˊ-
GALLOWS POLE is that classic tale of the heroine trading her life for her brothers. Heroine Emmat races against time to save her brother from being hung. She does this the only way she knows how, by giving herself to the hangman. Welp, as it turns out the hangman wants her in a way she wasn't expecting, he wants her as his wife.
“You imagine a long line of women waiting for a chance to be the hangman’s wife?” “Wife!” Emmat thrashed again, jolted out of her lull. “What wife? Was there a ceremony I wasn’t awake for? A chaplain?”
Will Emmat escape the hangman's clutches, or will she discover that Bartholomew Vane is more than just a bringer of death?
-ˏˋ What Worked For Me? ˎˊ-
✦ Surprisingly, The Romance ✦ I'm actually really surprised myself, but the romance actually worked well for me! This is very surprising considering Emmat and Vane barely talk to one another / don't interact for a majority of the book. And when I say a majority of the book, I'm not exaggerating. The first half of this book is just Vane, forcing (?) Emmat to marry him / have sex with him - i'll explain this more. Then they start to grow closer, well as close as they can in between Vane being gone for DAYS at a time. And once you think they're finally gonna try and work on making their marriage really succeed Emmat just. . .leaves.
However, despite all that, I still really dug the connection between Vane and Emmat. These two just seemed really well suited, and I was seriously rooting for them! I liked that Emmat accepted Vane for who he was - scars and all - and appreciated the small subtle things he did for her. Meanwhile, I thought that Vane was actually a super sweet marshmallow who was a tiny bit misunderstood. I truly felt that separately they would have been fine, and yet there was this magic that happened when they were together.
“Dear God!” His arms and chest tightened. “Will you have me, Emmat?” It was a question made for kicking down doors. “I’ll have you, husband.” The answer came hot with conviction. “I’ll have you.”
Once Vane and Emmat actually started interacting they were really great together. You just have to wait a while for them to, well, start conversing.
✦ The Plot / Story -the presentation ✦ I have to say, even though this book was a bit, all over the place plot wise, I did like what the book was putting down. I saw the bones of a really good story within GALLOWS POLE . This may sound condescending and I seriously don't mean it to be, I really was really picking up what the book was putting down. I liked that Emmat found herself in an arranged/forced marriage, I enjoyed getting to know who Vane really was, I was interested in Emmat's criminal endeavors, and I thought the setting was neat! So, the bones were all there, I just wish the execution - HA pun intended - had been a bit better. As it stands the blurb is what hooked me in and I think there's enough intriguing elements floating around to keep you interested.
✦ The Characters. . .KINDA ✦ Overall, I liked Emmat and I liked Vane. However, I think this book really, really, suffered from not having Vane's POV. The Vane we meet in the beginning of the story is completely different from the Vane we know by the end of the book. Now that's not a bad thing but I would've liked to know how we got from point a. to point b.. However, as it stands Vane was my type of hero. He was at first glance, dark and brooding, but the more layers get pulled back he's actually a really caring and marshmallowy man who loves deeply. What can I say, I love the strong scarred silent types ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Oh and for some reason I just kept imagining him as The Undertaker. . .I'm not sure why, but I didn't hate it.
✨ withhold judgement please ✨
In addition I really liked Emmat - for the most part. I liked that she clearly had a backbone, I liked that she thought logically about her situation, and I liked tha she wasn't afraid to fight for what she wanted. Her character was really interesting in that when she got together with Vane it caused her to reevaluate her entire life. See, she had always prided herself on being solely independent but by accepting her marriage to Vane her entire world view was challenged. I love that this random little book brought up such a good point. When we get into relationships there are a lot of positives, but there are also a lot negatives. Chief of them being the fact that we are no longer solely independent anymore. That's not to say that if you're in a relationship you're not independent, BUT being in a relationship does mean it's not just about you anymore. You have to make compromises, you have to give up things, you learn to share intimate parts of yourself, and you have to learn to let go. Being in a relationship means that who you are will change, for better, and for worse. I think this aspect of being in a relationship is often glossed over in romance novels and I loved that Emmat really struggled with this.
Emmat Bird belonged to the hangman now when she’d never belonged to anyone but herself.
Emmat was fiercely independent and I loved watching her realize that she could still retain that aspect of herself while also creating something special with Vane.
-ˏˋ What DIDN'T Work For Me? ˎˊ-
✦ The Hangman - Bartholomew Vane ✦ Remember how I said the characters worked for me, but also didn't work for me? Well, let's dive into that shall we. Okay so, Vane is a bit of a weird character in that the Vane we meet at the beginning of the book is A LOT different than the Vane we witness at the end of the book. To put it bluntly, Vane forcing Emmat to have sex with him at the beginning of the book felt really out of character once we got to know him. It just. . .doesn't fit with the man that he seems to be. I just don't understand why he couldn't have just told her that "in exchange for sparring your brother you must marry me", or something along those lines. At least then the first sex scene would've been a bit less rapey. Not only that, but Vane barely speaks for a good majority of the book in addition to just not being present for a good chunk of the story. So, when we finally do get to know his background / him as a character I was left scratching my head at the decisions he made at the beginning of the book. Ultimately I wanted more from Vane, and I wanted to understand his character more.
✦ Emmat -our runaway bride ✦ UGGHHHHHH, it was going so well. I was enjoying Emmat as a character, and I was happy with her character progression. But THEN, when the romance between Emmat and Vane finally started developing she just LEAVES.
YUP, the book is finally picking up, there's communication happening, confession are being confessed, and then the book comes to a grinding halt. Emmat just leaves because. . .independence, and then we follow her journey to. . .be independent? Idk, I honestly would've been fine with her running away - I mean she only mentioned how she could just run only 1,000 times - if she had done it earlier. The point when she runs away is the exact same point when her and Vane are just starting to cultivate their love connection! Due to that it brings EVERYTHING to a hard stop. AND THEN when she does decide to go back to him - because reasons - the book ends! UGGHGhhHHHGHGHGHGHHH, it just made me so angry. I wanted more gosh darn it!
✦ The Inner-monologuing / Execution ✦ One of my biggest complaints of this book would have to be the amount of inner-monologuing. Man, I really despise excessive inner-monologuing. It got to the point where I wanted Emmat to go do something other than clean the house all day. Seriously, girly girl was stuck in Vane's house for days at a time, doing NOTHING. Why was Vane gone so much? Why couldn't he have taken Emmat with him? It would've made the story so much more interesting. So, while the idea of a forced marriage with the hangman was a really cool concept, the execution was. . .okay. I guess I didn't realize a majority of this book was going to be sex, cleaning, Emmat waiting for sex, more sex, Emmat peacing out, end. My bad I guess?
✦ THAT SCENE ✦ Okay so in the begining of the book I mentioned that Vane forces Emmat to have sex with him. IMO, it reads as rape. There's even mention of Emmat struggling, and not wanting to have sex with him. Now, this wasn't a dealbreaker for me because I knew about this going in. What did make me feel icky was the way Emmat sorta explained away / defended Vane's actions.
She’d brought in coin the only way she knew how. He’d brought in a wife, a companion, the only way he knew how. The only way in his mind he could ever have these things.
LIKE, WHAT? I'm sorry but if you're gonna have the hero rape the heroine do not defend his actions. What he did was fucked up, and he doesn't get to technicality his way out of what he did. It really got on my nerves and I hate that it felt like the book was trying to downplay what Vane did. I like that he apologized at the end of the book, but I don't like that the book tried to subtly excuse what he did.
-ˏˋ Closing Thoughts ˎˊ-
Look, I'm probably going in way to hard on this book. I don't think that GALLOWS POLE was meant to be analyzed as much as I'm analyzing it. In fact I think it's supposed to be a fun steamy historical romance with a dark hero and street smart heroine. And I think that's exactly how it should be enjoyed. While I did find flaws - little and small - I still really had a good time reading GALLOWS POLE . I think the reason I was so hard on it was because of how much potential the premise had. But, even with the flaws I would still recommend it. It's quick, sexy, has interesting characters, and a fun setting. Also it's a great introduction to author ERIS ADDERLY and her style of writing.
“Death is forever, you know.”
“You traded yourself for your brother’s death,” he said. “You expected one night would be a fair exchange for an eternity?”
October 21, 2023
This book.
God.
Wow.
The more I read by this author, the more I am in awe of her writing talent. The dark, gritty atmosphere, the feelings she evokes, the characters come to life, the beautiful prose and almost poetic turns of phrase. All of these are things I would hope to find in a full length novel, but in a novella? Truly impressive.
The stolen horse snorted and lathered with sweat as its rider leaned in, pushing it in a fury of flying hooves and mud towards Gallows Hill. The voices of Emmat Bird’s parents still rang in her ears as she drove the poor beast on: Come home with your brother or not at all. Branches of alder and maple whipped past, low and leafy. She ducked them, rounding another bend in the road and swearing under her breath as the land began to rise towards the terrible gamble she knew was coming. The grey April morning ahead yielded a new black spot from the place where the road disappeared into the mist. […] The flanking trees gave way as the crest of Gallows Hill emerged from the mist, a great grey knell of finality the light of the sun refused to touch.
***
The day had made a bid for the horizon, leaving her at an almost imperceptible pace, not unlike a departing ship. Night strolled up to take its place, of course, but this time it fell on her alone.
I loved the dark, erotic vibe of this novella. A story about Vane, a mysterious, scarred, lonely hangman, and the highwaywoman he coerced into marrying him in order to spare her brother from his noose. During daylight, he was always cloaked and hooded; at night, his stone cottage shrouded in darkness because he didn’t want Emmat to scorn him for his scarred face. Their first few erotic encounters were surrounded by pitch black, which only intensified the physical. Until one night, while he was sleeping, she lit a lantern and looked upon his ruined beauty. He fled in panic, but when he returned, he found the one thing he never expected. Acceptance. And then… something beautiful.
To look upon the man unhooded was to read an entire book at one glance.
***
“You can fuck your wife in the dark, but you can’t kiss her properly in the light, is that it?” she said, heat in her voice as she prevented him from looking away again. Perhaps it was her brazen words. Perhaps it was the truth of the thing, laid bare at last. Perhaps, like Emmat, Vane stopped worrying about anything else but what he wanted at that moment. She saw the blaze jump between them, sparks blown on a gale. “Well?” she demanded. “Is it?” Violence. It was the only way to describe the way they came together when the burning floor of tension collapsed.
TW: non-consent
God.
Wow.
The more I read by this author, the more I am in awe of her writing talent. The dark, gritty atmosphere, the feelings she evokes, the characters come to life, the beautiful prose and almost poetic turns of phrase. All of these are things I would hope to find in a full length novel, but in a novella? Truly impressive.
The stolen horse snorted and lathered with sweat as its rider leaned in, pushing it in a fury of flying hooves and mud towards Gallows Hill. The voices of Emmat Bird’s parents still rang in her ears as she drove the poor beast on: Come home with your brother or not at all. Branches of alder and maple whipped past, low and leafy. She ducked them, rounding another bend in the road and swearing under her breath as the land began to rise towards the terrible gamble she knew was coming. The grey April morning ahead yielded a new black spot from the place where the road disappeared into the mist. […] The flanking trees gave way as the crest of Gallows Hill emerged from the mist, a great grey knell of finality the light of the sun refused to touch.
***
The day had made a bid for the horizon, leaving her at an almost imperceptible pace, not unlike a departing ship. Night strolled up to take its place, of course, but this time it fell on her alone.
I loved the dark, erotic vibe of this novella. A story about Vane, a mysterious, scarred, lonely hangman, and the highwaywoman he coerced into marrying him in order to spare her brother from his noose. During daylight, he was always cloaked and hooded; at night, his stone cottage shrouded in darkness because he didn’t want Emmat to scorn him for his scarred face. Their first few erotic encounters were surrounded by pitch black, which only intensified the physical. Until one night, while he was sleeping, she lit a lantern and looked upon his ruined beauty. He fled in panic, but when he returned, he found the one thing he never expected. Acceptance. And then… something beautiful.
To look upon the man unhooded was to read an entire book at one glance.
***
“You can fuck your wife in the dark, but you can’t kiss her properly in the light, is that it?” she said, heat in her voice as she prevented him from looking away again. Perhaps it was her brazen words. Perhaps it was the truth of the thing, laid bare at last. Perhaps, like Emmat, Vane stopped worrying about anything else but what he wanted at that moment. She saw the blaze jump between them, sparks blown on a gale. “Well?” she demanded. “Is it?” Violence. It was the only way to describe the way they came together when the burning floor of tension collapsed.
TW: non-consent
August 7, 2022
Well, that was an interesting read. Who would have thought a hangman and highway woman romance would be enjoyable? The whole premise was definitely different. For a novella, the entire backstory felt well laid out. This is an author that I would like to read more of, judging from this novella.
August 1, 2022
I was hoping to love this and I absolutely did! This is a bodice ripper with an extremely unconventional setup: the heroine is a highwaywoman and the hero is a hangman. She attempts to save her brother from the noose, is unsuccessful, and then is offered a bargain by the hangman: trade yourself for your brother.
Emmat, the heroine, knows that she's going to have to sleep with the hangman, but she doesn't understand that he wants her to be his wife. They have a rocky start -- she's a bit repulsed by him and he barely talks -- and so Emmat, an irrepressible and funny person, is just going through the motions until she can make her escape.
But what if the hangman ends up being sweet? What if he starts trying? What if this brief, kind of gross novella ends on such a romance novel high that I gripped my face and sighed?
Emmat, the heroine, knows that she's going to have to sleep with the hangman, but she doesn't understand that he wants her to be his wife. They have a rocky start -- she's a bit repulsed by him and he barely talks -- and so Emmat, an irrepressible and funny person, is just going through the motions until she can make her escape.
But what if the hangman ends up being sweet? What if he starts trying? What if this brief, kind of gross novella ends on such a romance novel high that I gripped my face and sighed?
April 20, 2022
THERE WERE SOME QUESTIONABLE MOMENTS BESTIES BUT I LOVED IT BECAUSE I'M A QUESTIONABLE PERSON.
—
I've been on an Eris Adderly kick this week. Her writing just works for me.
—
I've been on an Eris Adderly kick this week. Her writing just works for me.
January 8, 2021
3.5 stars ⭐️
December 23, 2022
This was a weird one for me to rate. I liked it, it was very dirty and gritty and gave total Beauty and the Beast vibes. But it was also mostly sex with very little story or relationship building. On the other hand, it was mostly sex with little story or relationship building. 🤣
Kinda prosey as historicals can be, and set in 1776, but other than the date stamp on the opening page, this book didn’t really feel like it belonged in any real time or place. It was more of a dark fairytale and was mainly set in a stone house. The mains didn’t spend much time together, their beginning was dubious in terms of consent, and just as they seemed to form the beginnings of a connection, she leaves. The pacing was off somehow, I needed more. She did return to him but it felt like she did so more out of circumstance and need than actual want or love. .
Anyway this was a quick, dark and dirty historical with dub/con aspects, a scarred hero and desperate heroine. It could hit the spot for those looking for something gritty and fast.
Kinda prosey as historicals can be, and set in 1776, but other than the date stamp on the opening page, this book didn’t really feel like it belonged in any real time or place. It was more of a dark fairytale and was mainly set in a stone house. The mains didn’t spend much time together, their beginning was dubious in terms of consent, and just as they seemed to form the beginnings of a connection, she leaves. The pacing was off somehow, I needed more. She did return to him but it felt like she did so more out of circumstance and need than actual want or love. .
Anyway this was a quick, dark and dirty historical with dub/con aspects, a scarred hero and desperate heroine. It could hit the spot for those looking for something gritty and fast.
February 3, 2019
This story is haunting.
Dark, dangerous, and disturbing (CW: dubcon); and yet, it is also hopeful, and I finished the story with an optimistic feeling. The aspects that make this a standout story are the poetic descriptions and the flawed/fascinating characters. I absolutely adored the fact that the MCs are not wealthy nobs; no handsome dukes or headstrong bluestocking duchesses here. No one comes into an unexpected inheritance; these characters dwell in a gritty, violent, uncertain landscape that feels refreshing and creative. I was mesmerized and read this story in one sitting.
These characters (and this story) will stay with me for a long time to come.
Dark, dangerous, and disturbing (CW: dubcon); and yet, it is also hopeful, and I finished the story with an optimistic feeling. The aspects that make this a standout story are the poetic descriptions and the flawed/fascinating characters. I absolutely adored the fact that the MCs are not wealthy nobs; no handsome dukes or headstrong bluestocking duchesses here. No one comes into an unexpected inheritance; these characters dwell in a gritty, violent, uncertain landscape that feels refreshing and creative. I was mesmerized and read this story in one sitting.
These characters (and this story) will stay with me for a long time to come.
August 2, 2020
This book. Ohmigosh. I just discovered Eris Adderly and I am so glad I did. I loved Emmat. She was very pragmatic, but relatable. I loved Vane. He was so stoic and sexy. Do yourself a favor if you like dark historical romance and read this book. Consent at the beginning is questionable, but dang this book really did it for me! It stayed with me long after I read it and I’ve reread several times.
I loved that the characters are real people, not nobility— lords and ladies.
I loved that the characters are real people, not nobility— lords and ladies.
January 25, 2021
A down and dirty smutty book that serves it with some sweetness.
Even though consent issues can be a concern for some.
Even though consent issues can be a concern for some.
May 19, 2023
This has been on my radar for a while and I’m glad I read it. A great historical romance novella featuring two underworld figures, the executioner and the highway woman, on the steamier side of things. Coupling occurs within the first few pages and is central to how they create intimacy and trust with each other. The executioner’s back story is unexpectedly sad. Not in how the executioner came to be how he is, but in how the author was skillful to make his perspective heartfelt. I felt the pang of rejection, of loneliness from him.
It gave me Cupid and Psyche vibes at first but if Cupid was the Beast lol.
It gave me Cupid and Psyche vibes at first but if Cupid was the Beast lol.
June 3, 2022
Nice short story. Western. A bit dark romance.
February 17, 2019
3.5 stars.
February 20, 2024
Yeah it got four stars shut up
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March 23, 2019
Unusual historical romance with a highwayman and a thief. Reminded me of Cupid and Psyche. It was only 37,000 words but felt much longer.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
July 9, 2021
In a nod to Beauty and the Beast, Emmat gives herself to a stranger in exchange for her brother's life. But this man is no Prince, rather he's a hangman. And Emmat is no book-loving Belle; rather, she's a highwaywoman. Can a man who, well, executes the law find common ground with a woman who breaks it? Trigger Warning for Rape and, yes, the "hero" does perpetrate it.
I really enjoyed this book, but do want to advise potential readers that it won't be for everyone. In addition to the rape (which is presented as such, though not as brutal as it could be), the narrative, milieu, and characters are atypical for this genre (though there is an HEA). Personally, I preferred this since this genre is very samey, but those looking for more traditional erotica might be disappointed.
Three aspects, in particular, stood out for me. First, as other reviewers have noted, I appreciated that the characters were proletarian. Although the setting is what this genre calls (early) Regency England, the characters aren't lords and ladies; there are no balls, fans, or fancy dresses; and no one "secures a match." Neither Emmat nor the Man comes from any money; thus, in an era without a social safety net, they do what they must to survive. I particularly appreciated that despite the unpleasant aspects of what they both do, neither is distressed about it: sentiment, as the book notes, is a luxury for the rich.
Second, I appreciated our MC. Both were strong and -- despite a rocky start -- ultimately sympathetic. While the book has a lot of sex (don't worry, even with all I say, it is erotica), Emmat and the Man use the sex to come to an understanding; in the end, they realize they have far more in common than they first thought.
Finally, the writing and world-building are superior for this genre. Usually, I'm not one for so many internal monologues, but the author's prose was strong and evocative so I didn't mind:
Second, since this is relatively short, the relationship doesn't evolve as much as it leaps. Because of this, characters' emotions change on a dime: one moment Emmat hates the Man; the next, she doesn't, and there's little explanation for why (particularly given how little time he spends with her). I did, however, understand their attraction by the end.
Third, the ending is very abrupt and contains plot holes. We don't find out, for example, what becomes of . In addition, the ending makes little sense: given all the people .
Finally, I did have a problem with the Man's "profession." I understand why he didn't, but the narrative itself extols state-sanctioned murder as though it benefits humankind ("for the good of others") and it doesn't. Even now, with DNA testing, states execute innocent people: I assure you they executed a lot more in 1716.
4 stars. Although I don't condone the rape, the Man doesn't harm her otherwise and does redeem himself at the end (somewhat; he could do more). It's impossible, however, not to care for this MC: two lost souls in a harsh, unforgiving world who nonetheless find happiness, acceptance, and love.
I really enjoyed this book, but do want to advise potential readers that it won't be for everyone. In addition to the rape (which is presented as such, though not as brutal as it could be), the narrative, milieu, and characters are atypical for this genre (though there is an HEA). Personally, I preferred this since this genre is very samey, but those looking for more traditional erotica might be disappointed.
Three aspects, in particular, stood out for me. First, as other reviewers have noted, I appreciated that the characters were proletarian. Although the setting is what this genre calls (early) Regency England, the characters aren't lords and ladies; there are no balls, fans, or fancy dresses; and no one "secures a match." Neither Emmat nor the Man comes from any money; thus, in an era without a social safety net, they do what they must to survive. I particularly appreciated that despite the unpleasant aspects of what they both do, neither is distressed about it: sentiment, as the book notes, is a luxury for the rich.
Second, I appreciated our MC. Both were strong and -- despite a rocky start -- ultimately sympathetic. While the book has a lot of sex (don't worry, even with all I say, it is erotica), Emmat and the Man use the sex to come to an understanding; in the end, they realize they have far more in common than they first thought.
Finally, the writing and world-building are superior for this genre. Usually, I'm not one for so many internal monologues, but the author's prose was strong and evocative so I didn't mind:
This. The boots. The blanket. There were little pieces of the whole thing that twisted each on their own, separate and strange. The parts somehow more eerie than their sum. There was a terrible, great sound somewhere: an explanatory chorus, just beyond her hearing, but that made her bones vibrate with an awful truth, all the same. She just didn’t know what it was yet.I do have four concerns. First, Emmat -- and, by extension, the author -- keeps telling us that all that transpires is her choice, but it isn't. Rather, her plight is an example of false choices ("Have sex with me or I'll kill your brother;" "Stay with me or I'll turn you in to the authorities"). Thus, I don't consider the first third consensual.
Second, since this is relatively short, the relationship doesn't evolve as much as it leaps. Because of this, characters' emotions change on a dime: one moment Emmat hates the Man; the next, she doesn't, and there's little explanation for why (particularly given how little time he spends with her). I did, however, understand their attraction by the end.
Third, the ending is very abrupt and contains plot holes. We don't find out, for example, what becomes of . In addition, the ending makes little sense: given all the people .
Finally, I did have a problem with the Man's "profession." I understand why he didn't, but the narrative itself extols state-sanctioned murder as though it benefits humankind ("for the good of others") and it doesn't. Even now, with DNA testing, states execute innocent people: I assure you they executed a lot more in 1716.
4 stars. Although I don't condone the rape, the Man doesn't harm her otherwise and does redeem himself at the end (somewhat; he could do more). It's impossible, however, not to care for this MC: two lost souls in a harsh, unforgiving world who nonetheless find happiness, acceptance, and love.
October 2, 2016
I have never read Eris Adderly before, but I can tell you I will be reading her from now on. This book had me from the first chapter. Her writing and voice are so unique and intriguing. I've loved pirates for many, many years and this story reignited that love. If you like dark and twisty books with a compelling storyline interspersed with graphic and explicit sex, trust me run to one-click this book. You will NOT be disappointed. And yet, the happily ever after at the end had me literally sighing out loud. I cannot remember the last time I felt this way at the end of a book. Bravo, well done. I've become an Eris Adderly fan.
June 27, 2020
"Come home with your brother or not at all"
With her families' instruction running through her thoughts, Emmat gives herself to the hangman in exchange for her brother's life.
What follows is a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance in which two damaged people come to terms with one another. It is brutal and gorgeous and over all to soon.
Highly Recommended.
With her families' instruction running through her thoughts, Emmat gives herself to the hangman in exchange for her brother's life.
What follows is a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance in which two damaged people come to terms with one another. It is brutal and gorgeous and over all to soon.
Highly Recommended.
March 11, 2019
Unusual erotic novella. Definite triggers. Reminded me just a little of a Charlotte Stein book set in the past. Features working class characters.
July 11, 2021
Everything this author does is amazballs
March 4, 2023
I enjoyed this little story; the book definitely had my attention. I honestly thought the hero was going to have another identity; that would have been awesome! The beginning was a bit dark, literally 🤭, but it was agreed upon, so it didn't hit the creepy line.
March 13, 2026
This is how you write a short dark erotic historical romance!
He is a hangman she is a thief- she exchanges her freedom for her brother’s life and becomes his wife!
There’s a non-dub-con scene but no cheating, sharing or OP scenes! They also separate briefly but it ends on HEA! He was previously engaged but OW left him because he got injured and partially burned! FMC was much more experienced!
There were very few things that made me detract a few points, one of them was the cleanliness- I know, I know 🤫it was the 18th century!
He is a hangman she is a thief- she exchanges her freedom for her brother’s life and becomes his wife!
There’s a non-dub-con scene but no cheating, sharing or OP scenes! They also separate briefly but it ends on HEA! He was previously engaged but OW left him because he got injured and partially burned! FMC was much more experienced!
There were very few things that made me detract a few points, one of them was the cleanliness- I know, I know 🤫it was the 18th century!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2016
BARTHOLOMEW VANE, THE HANGMAN, AND EMMAT BIRD, THE HIGHWAYMAN
I enjoyed this unique and different tale, one of two unlikely people, a highwayman (or in this case woman) wed to a duly appointed executioner. Emmat’s brother has been caught, sentenced and due to hang for his crime, and her parents tell her, if he doesn’t come home, don’t come back home yourself. How does one bribe the hangman? Emmat will “fall on the sword” for her brother—but the price is steep.
The plot brings a young woman to the gallows in hopes of rescuing her brother, going as far as trading herself for her brother’s life. Since the undersheriff and Parson were not there to witness that days hanging, Peter will be assumed dead. What will be the fate of Emmat, a night used by the hangman? But no, he reminds her “Death is forever, you know.” Forced to marry him, why does he remain a mystery, hooded in the daylight and demanding no lamplight at night? Secrets, mystery, suspense, dread, fear, desire and longing all make up this unusual relationship. Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder, and you realize that what you are trying to run from is the one thing you really want and crave. “Home, it turned out, was not a place. It was a feeling.”
Note to those who are fans of the typical genre at Blushing Books, including Domestic Discipline, BDSM, and Spanking romance; you will not find it in this story.
I enjoyed this unique and different tale, one of two unlikely people, a highwayman (or in this case woman) wed to a duly appointed executioner. Emmat’s brother has been caught, sentenced and due to hang for his crime, and her parents tell her, if he doesn’t come home, don’t come back home yourself. How does one bribe the hangman? Emmat will “fall on the sword” for her brother—but the price is steep.
The plot brings a young woman to the gallows in hopes of rescuing her brother, going as far as trading herself for her brother’s life. Since the undersheriff and Parson were not there to witness that days hanging, Peter will be assumed dead. What will be the fate of Emmat, a night used by the hangman? But no, he reminds her “Death is forever, you know.” Forced to marry him, why does he remain a mystery, hooded in the daylight and demanding no lamplight at night? Secrets, mystery, suspense, dread, fear, desire and longing all make up this unusual relationship. Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder, and you realize that what you are trying to run from is the one thing you really want and crave. “Home, it turned out, was not a place. It was a feeling.”
Note to those who are fans of the typical genre at Blushing Books, including Domestic Discipline, BDSM, and Spanking romance; you will not find it in this story.
March 28, 2023
Curiosity got the best of me and I decided to pick this one up. Even though Vane and Emmat have a rough start, I actually enjoyed the book. The conflict around 70% was a bit annoying but it ended so sweet.
June 17, 2021
Buckinghamshire, England 1716
"You imagine a long line of women waiting for a chance to be the hangman’s wife?"This was an odd little erotic romance about a thief and a hangman.
She’d brought in coin the only way she knew how. He’d brought in a wife, a companion, the only way he knew how.I liked the relationship after we pass the rapey part. (which doesn’t really ever get resolved btw.)
”I’m sorry,” she said. “I thought what I wanted was somewhere else. It wasn’t."I didn’t like some of the choices the main characters made, and it slowed a bit in the middle, but overall a decent story.
April 29, 2019
A historic romance, but not too heavy on the historic details? Love. I'm sure some readers would want more and might question the accuracy of some of the details. Not me. I went with the flow and enjoyed the characters and fun.
This is a shorter story, but at no time did I feel robbed at the depth to the characters. Emmat was an intriguing FMC. I liked her from beginning to end. Particularly loved her carriage scene! And Vane was a delicious enigma. Man of few words, but he knew when to use his tongue to make his argument.
I'll be reading more from this author.
This is a shorter story, but at no time did I feel robbed at the depth to the characters. Emmat was an intriguing FMC. I liked her from beginning to end. Particularly loved her carriage scene! And Vane was a delicious enigma. Man of few words, but he knew when to use his tongue to make his argument.
I'll be reading more from this author.
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