What do you think?
Rate this book
Campion Square #1
Mr. Wilkins and the Lodger
Gerald Wilkins was content with his life at number 18 Campion Square, until his sister, worried that he’d be lonely when she married, found them a most unsuitable lodger. Gerald didn’t think it could get any worse, until his sister ran off with the lodger.
Hugh Dewitt was used to getting his brother out of trouble. This time should have been no different. His already-married brother had run off with a woman of some means, intending to swindle her no doubt. But this time there was a brother, a brother Hugh would very much like to know better.
a gay - M/M romance set in Regency England approx 71,000 words.
Hugh Dewitt was used to getting his brother out of trouble. This time should have been no different. His already-married brother had run off with a woman of some means, intending to swindle her no doubt. But this time there was a brother, a brother Hugh would very much like to know better.
a gay - M/M romance set in Regency England approx 71,000 words.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2021
34 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Adella J. Harris
15 books33 followersAdella J. Harris lives in Ohio where she writes, watches far too much British television, and reads anything with words on it.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews
March 18, 2021
This was interesting - a Regency m/m not set among the ton - and on the whole I enjoyed it. It's a very quiet book: both MCs value uneventful domesticity and other than a brief jaunt to Brighton and back to London there is very little action in the story. There's no romantic conflict either since Gerald and Hugh find their patient way to each other without upsets. The writing is fluent enough (though appallingly proof-read - "all but" for "albeit", & homophones mis-used throughout), and I didn't notice any anachronisms, though the period is fixed only by a passing reference to Napoleon.
I did have a problem with the totally loopy plot, which depended first on a secondary character behaving completely out of character, and then on increasingly senseless actions by the MCs which had (what a surprise!) the unintended effect of requiring them to spend time together.
I'll probably look out the second in this series.
I did have a problem with the totally loopy plot, which depended first on a secondary character behaving completely out of character, and then on increasingly senseless actions by the MCs which had (what a surprise!) the unintended effect of requiring them to spend time together.
I'll probably look out the second in this series.
March 6, 2021
I really wanted to like Mr. Wilkins and the Lodger (Campion Square #1) by Adella J. Harris.
Harris has assembled a wonderful cast of characters chief among whom are the protagonists, Gerald Wilkins who lives at 18 Campion Square and Hugh Dewitt of York, who becomes the lodger.
Mr. Wilkins and the Lodger is set in Regency England where Gerald and Hugh spend a great deal of time in local pubs and tea shops such as Gunter’s Tea Shop in Mayfair on Berkeley Square
as they get to know each other and work together to resolve a vexing problem created by Gerald’s sister, Julia.
Others will find this story both sweet and satisfying. For me there was far too much repetition and, unfortunately, it was simply impossible to believe that two such intelligent, articulate, educated men would constantly misunderstand the comments and actions of the other without asking for clarification.
Harris has assembled a wonderful cast of characters chief among whom are the protagonists, Gerald Wilkins who lives at 18 Campion Square and Hugh Dewitt of York, who becomes the lodger.
Mr. Wilkins and the Lodger is set in Regency England where Gerald and Hugh spend a great deal of time in local pubs and tea shops such as Gunter’s Tea Shop in Mayfair on Berkeley Square
as they get to know each other and work together to resolve a vexing problem created by Gerald’s sister, Julia.Others will find this story both sweet and satisfying. For me there was far too much repetition and, unfortunately, it was simply impossible to believe that two such intelligent, articulate, educated men would constantly misunderstand the comments and actions of the other without asking for clarification.
April 5, 2021
Ms Harris gives us a decent introduction to her new Regency M-M romance series with this title ... Gerald and Hugh present as two likeable MCs who're inadvertently drawn into each other's orbits by a scoundrel's subterfuge. Like other reviewers have mentioned, there are entire sections which could have been redacted ... the plot got really bogged down in the middle by Gerald's internal worries/musings/suspicions and I had to skip forward some sections just to regain some plot momentum and interest. However, there were many delightful and charming private and public 'moments' between the MCs (within the quiet enclosure of No.18 Campion Square and at Gunter's Tea Shop); with the M-M action being kept at a non-protracted mild-heat level.
Secondary character Julia (Gerald's sister) presents a problem for me. Despite the multiple assertions of her character as being sensible, practical, take-charge and somewhat overbearing ... her plot arc seems to echo Lydia Bennett's impulsive headstrong wilfulness. I do understand this sets up much scope for our MCs to interact, plot and to get under each other's skins ... but does not make Julia a credible character much. I had mild anxiety complications!
I find the best aspects to be the strangely informal upstairs-downstairs camaraderie established in the Wilkin's middle-class household ... there's surely bound to be more about no-nonsense Mrs Reynolds and the two maids Betsy and Becky. So overall - 3 stars and I look forward revisiting Campion Square's residents again in the next book.
Secondary character Julia (Gerald's sister) presents a problem for me. Despite the multiple assertions of her character as being sensible, practical, take-charge and somewhat overbearing ... her plot arc seems to echo Lydia Bennett's impulsive headstrong wilfulness. I do understand this sets up much scope for our MCs to interact, plot and to get under each other's skins ... but does not make Julia a credible character much. I had mild anxiety complications!
I find the best aspects to be the strangely informal upstairs-downstairs camaraderie established in the Wilkin's middle-class household ... there's surely bound to be more about no-nonsense Mrs Reynolds and the two maids Betsy and Becky. So overall - 3 stars and I look forward revisiting Campion Square's residents again in the next book.
May 28, 2022
That was lovely! Even though I (sort of) knew what was going to happen, it was wonderful watching it. I loved how well Hugh understood Gerald and his quiet steadiness. And I liked how each of them were concerned about Julia's situation. Very much looking forward to the rest of this series!
May 13, 2021
Reading this series is like drifting in a boat on a still pond in the middle of a sleepy warm afternoon. There are plots to drive the action, but mostly the stories are consumed with slightly dull but sweet men all feeling a bit socially anxious about meeting each other and then slipping rapidly into monogamous love, complete with a nice house of their own and a lifetime of pleasant, quiet days and nights ahead.
It’s calming and relaxing, or boring. Depends on your mood. I enjoyed them.
It’s calming and relaxing, or boring. Depends on your mood. I enjoyed them.
November 20, 2021
** 1.5 Stars **
I nearly didn't finish the book (I was bored in the middle !). For me the plot was too implausible and unrealistic. My problem is mostly with Miss Wilkins, for someone known as "sensible" I didn't understand her reaction at all. An elopement at the time is the worst that can happen and it's treated so casually! I'm afraid I found the whole thing a bit too bland!
I nearly didn't finish the book (I was bored in the middle !). For me the plot was too implausible and unrealistic. My problem is mostly with Miss Wilkins, for someone known as "sensible" I didn't understand her reaction at all. An elopement at the time is the worst that can happen and it's treated so casually! I'm afraid I found the whole thing a bit too bland!
March 7, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up
Cozy, historical where everyone is very nice and even the bad guy/scam artist isn’t particularly bad. If you’re looking for action, you won’t find it here but you will find a low-key comfort read where everything goes mostly okay and ends okay. No nasty surprises or ‘break-up just to make-up’ scenes. These characters actually talk to one another and work things out when minor things happen. It’s a soft book for difficult times.
Cozy, historical where everyone is very nice and even the bad guy/scam artist isn’t particularly bad. If you’re looking for action, you won’t find it here but you will find a low-key comfort read where everything goes mostly okay and ends okay. No nasty surprises or ‘break-up just to make-up’ scenes. These characters actually talk to one another and work things out when minor things happen. It’s a soft book for difficult times.
Read
April 17, 2021I quite enjoyed this book. It is a sweet and cute (sometimes too sweet with an addition of honey) M/M Regency romance with a bit of intrigue to keep the story going. It is slow paced and with very little action, very sedate, which should have been right up my alley. However, it turned out that I prefer a little bit more drama with my romance. The main characters are simple men, bordering on boring, who find each other and fall in love with each other and there is nothing that threatens their relationship and happiness (other than the fact that this is 19th century England and such relationships are forbidden) but their own doubts and insecurities.
I must say that I didn't like the character of the sister much. She was described as a person with good sense but that was the only good thing that could be said about her. I resented the high-handed manner in which she managed her life and governed that of her meek brother and I found her rather cold and unsympathetic – very matter-of-fact and brisk; she didn't once show that she was capable of understanding or compassion, always believing herself to be in the right and never consulting her brother, even when his own interests were concerned, though she was somewhat humbled in the end.
That being said, I would have liked to see some parts of the story from her perspective as well, because sometimes it felt rather isolating and restricting to have it shown only from that of her brother's. It would have been interesting to see her side of the story, her interaction with Mr. Clive, without whom there would be no intrigue at all, and how her feelings towards him have eventually changed. Perhaps, seeing her go through something like that would have made her seem more real and more sympathetic rather than just super efficient.
I must say that I didn't like the character of the sister much. She was described as a person with good sense but that was the only good thing that could be said about her. I resented the high-handed manner in which she managed her life and governed that of her meek brother and I found her rather cold and unsympathetic – very matter-of-fact and brisk; she didn't once show that she was capable of understanding or compassion, always believing herself to be in the right and never consulting her brother, even when his own interests were concerned, though she was somewhat humbled in the end.
That being said, I would have liked to see some parts of the story from her perspective as well, because sometimes it felt rather isolating and restricting to have it shown only from that of her brother's. It would have been interesting to see her side of the story, her interaction with Mr. Clive, without whom there would be no intrigue at all, and how her feelings towards him have eventually changed. Perhaps, seeing her go through something like that would have made her seem more real and more sympathetic rather than just super efficient.
June 26, 2021
An interesting premise, after which followed ... a big, super saggy, yawningly boring middle. I really think too much character introspection killed this book. Mr Wilkins is a character without qualities, his thoughts are just as flavourless.
Anyway, I didn't get Miss Wilkins. She is said to be practical and sensible. This is repeated over and over again, yet no proof of such quality is SHOWN in the text. I would not call sensible a young woman who chooses a partner to marry (with no coercion) and a few weeks before the marriage changes her heart and elopes with another man. Yet... nobody questions that, she "just exploded". (Really!?) Then enters Hugh and without further questions accepts that Miss Wilkins is a sensible girl, despite the obvious fact that she had eloped.
Anyway, I didn't get Miss Wilkins. She is said to be practical and sensible. This is repeated over and over again, yet no proof of such quality is SHOWN in the text. I would not call sensible a young woman who chooses a partner to marry (with no coercion) and a few weeks before the marriage changes her heart and elopes with another man. Yet... nobody questions that, she "just exploded". (Really!?) Then enters Hugh and without further questions accepts that Miss Wilkins is a sensible girl, despite the obvious fact that she had eloped.
February 10, 2021
It was lovely to return to the genre I used to read exclusively, Victorian mm romance. Hugh and Gerald were quite delightful as they rushed around desperate to save Gerald's sister's reputation, which was on the verge of being ruined at the hands of Hugh's no good, scheming brother. Their growing friendship and then attraction was sweet and gentle.
It's a slightly slow moving main plot but it doesn't really matter because it's pleasant and interesting and these two men are so flipping cute. There are also lots of little sub plots going on to keep us entertained while the main one slowly brews up.
Lovely tale, warm, cozy read, I do like this authors gentle and romantic touch.
It's a slightly slow moving main plot but it doesn't really matter because it's pleasant and interesting and these two men are so flipping cute. There are also lots of little sub plots going on to keep us entertained while the main one slowly brews up.
Lovely tale, warm, cozy read, I do like this authors gentle and romantic touch.
May 21, 2021
A Cloudy Day; A Silver Lining!
Gerald Wilkins and the “real” Hugh Dewitt team up to prevent Hugh’s brother from swindling Gerald’s sister and a sweet romance begins. This is a charming, slow burn, lightweight historical tale. Although I struggled to finish reading this book; due to my loyalty to the author, I finally did. I guess I wasn’t in the right frame of mind for this storyline. It was a definite departure from other books by this author. Overall, it is a bit slow going, with the MCs' very polite dialogue, and the usual trope of extensive wrongheaded internal dialogues. I’m sure it’s a sweet read, if in the right mood.
Gerald Wilkins and the “real” Hugh Dewitt team up to prevent Hugh’s brother from swindling Gerald’s sister and a sweet romance begins. This is a charming, slow burn, lightweight historical tale. Although I struggled to finish reading this book; due to my loyalty to the author, I finally did. I guess I wasn’t in the right frame of mind for this storyline. It was a definite departure from other books by this author. Overall, it is a bit slow going, with the MCs' very polite dialogue, and the usual trope of extensive wrongheaded internal dialogues. I’m sure it’s a sweet read, if in the right mood.
June 2, 2021
I read this one last (completely by accident), so take that as it will. It had the same sorts of issues as the other two did. I did take a peek at the author's website, and she's stated that it is just this trio of books. Meh. I think it that's a mistake; she's created a lovely world starting with this novel.
Over all, it was a fine way to waste some time. The drama that brings them together was a bit more believable than the mysteries of the other two books. I'm not sure how I feel about these instant romances given the period though. I'd read more of *this*, but I'm not sure I'd read more of the author as a whole.
Over all, it was a fine way to waste some time. The drama that brings them together was a bit more believable than the mysteries of the other two books. I'm not sure how I feel about these instant romances given the period though. I'd read more of *this*, but I'm not sure I'd read more of the author as a whole.
May 3, 2021
Stopped at 50%. This story moved at a glacial pace. We're talking icebergs that will never calve. The plot was insubstantial, I never felt a hint of connection between the MCs, and the story (such as it was) just limped along. Very bizarre combo of properness that would befit a Snow White-era Disney movie and some highly stilted attempts at explicit sexual interaction. It was almost painful to read and by midway I had to cry uncle.
March 25, 2021
There is so much shepherd's pie in this novel. So much. Other than breakfast, every described meal is shepherd's pie. At one point, I thought they were going to eat fish pie or eel pie instead but, no, they opted for shepherd's pie. And the author seems to think shepherd's pie is made with pastry.
Anyway, I'm craving shepherd's pie now.
Anyway, I'm craving shepherd's pie now.
Read
June 5, 2021I was looking for something soft and this delivered. Not much happened and the leads were fairly passive actors in what plot there was. I did actually enjoy this focus on getting to and from the various locations and hiring carriages and the like, but I would probably have found it a bit irritating/frustrating in a different mood. Could use a spag edit.
February 13, 2023
I thought the book was a little long but did enjoy it. Gerald's sister is engaged and is worried about him being alone in the house when she leaves , so she advertises for a lodger.
High DeWitt answers the advert and soon Julia and him are running off.
Then the real Hugh DeWitt arrives to sort out his brother's latest scam.
Gerald and Hugh fall in love as they try to prevent the marriage.
High DeWitt answers the advert and soon Julia and him are running off.
Then the real Hugh DeWitt arrives to sort out his brother's latest scam.
Gerald and Hugh fall in love as they try to prevent the marriage.
August 31, 2021
Very sweet. A little slow, sometimes some repetition, and not much heat, but there is comfort in this kind of book not dissimilar to the domestic comfort the two men find in each other. In these fraught times, I need books like this! I'm headed for the next in the series.
May 16, 2025
Mr. Wilkins and the Lodger isn't masterfully written, the narrative tension is barely there, but it was serviceable, cozy, and a bit spicy. Not every story has to be transcendent, some need only be enjoyable or even pleasant. Ms. Harris does enjoyable well.
February 26, 2021
Very cute. I was worried for a lot of the book that there would be some sort of twist regarding the main couple, but there definitely was not -- everything was as presented.
Read
July 15, 2021DNF the Kindle Sample. Can't imagine how the author considered the romantic foil's personality to be in any way attractive.
November 28, 2021
Oh my, this is dull. A ruthless editor might have saved it.
July 29, 2022
I couldn't finish this book. It was just way too slow moving. The main characters were not very interesting.
couldnt-finish-dnf
August 26, 2023I couldn't get into this. Perhaps if it had been an audiobook I'd've fared better, but as it stands...
March 7, 2021
Fine historical story but needs to get to the point earlier
July 28, 2022
I'm always a little apprehensive with regency MM romances as during those times relations between the same sex was forbitten and could be quite dangerous. Also, often times men married and had children not only for apprearances sake but also to continue the lineage. Any same sex couple would have had to cope with knowing that their partner was having relations on the side not only with 'the wife' but also in brothels to keep up the image of being streight with their acquaintances.
This was a good start into the series in my opinion. I also have to say, that I am not one research aera habits, language of the time or popular names. As long as the author doesn't name a character peaches or something outragiously obvious not beloging to the time I'm not really bothered and deem it a story placed in an "alternate universe". It is a new to me author and even though the story lacked a faster pace and action it was a nice read with some heart warming moments between the MC's Hugh and Gerald. They are fortunate in that they are not pressed into producing an heir and I was very happy with that circumstance and hope that that will be the case in her other books too. There were some moments when everything could have taken a bad turn and you held your breath while reading hoping, praying that everything would turn out just to be a mistake, a misunderstanding or some such. For the main part everything resolved rather quickly and without much fan fare, which I liked for the most part when it pertained to the MC's relationship but could have done with a little drama and maybe an extortion attempt or roughening up when it came to the poor left behind fiance or the estranged cousin.
What I really liked where these moments of anticipation, those first touches, breath hitching, those 'just about to kiss' moments.
" Gerald was just getting up the nerve to look again when he spotted a bit of movement out of the corner of his eye. He glanced up and saw that Hugh was very hesitantly sliding his hand along the table. It wasn’t much, just a small gesture, one which Gerald could have ignored had he wanted to. But he didn’t want to. He slid his hand over, brushing against Hugh’s fingers. "
This was a good start into the series in my opinion. I also have to say, that I am not one research aera habits, language of the time or popular names. As long as the author doesn't name a character peaches or something outragiously obvious not beloging to the time I'm not really bothered and deem it a story placed in an "alternate universe". It is a new to me author and even though the story lacked a faster pace and action it was a nice read with some heart warming moments between the MC's Hugh and Gerald. They are fortunate in that they are not pressed into producing an heir and I was very happy with that circumstance and hope that that will be the case in her other books too. There were some moments when everything could have taken a bad turn and you held your breath while reading hoping, praying that everything would turn out just to be a mistake, a misunderstanding or some such. For the main part everything resolved rather quickly and without much fan fare, which I liked for the most part when it pertained to the MC's relationship but could have done with a little drama and maybe an extortion attempt or roughening up when it came to the poor left behind fiance or the estranged cousin.
What I really liked where these moments of anticipation, those first touches, breath hitching, those 'just about to kiss' moments.
" Gerald was just getting up the nerve to look again when he spotted a bit of movement out of the corner of his eye. He glanced up and saw that Hugh was very hesitantly sliding his hand along the table. It wasn’t much, just a small gesture, one which Gerald could have ignored had he wanted to. But he didn’t want to. He slid his hand over, brushing against Hugh’s fingers. "
April 28, 2021
A charming and engaging little story, that would have benefitted from another read-through and a good editing.
It's a quiet little m/m piece, in a vaguely Regency-era setting. There are no battles, no big evils to overcome, and nothing disastrous happens. Just two men finding each other in spite of circumstances and society being against them.
Enjoyed it.
It's a quiet little m/m piece, in a vaguely Regency-era setting. There are no battles, no big evils to overcome, and nothing disastrous happens. Just two men finding each other in spite of circumstances and society being against them.
Enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 27 reviews