Linseed Oil and Charcoal Dust

His Will and Testament #2

by L. Luther, Jamie Luther

Jonah

I’ve had to be in control of everything for so long; all I want is for someone else to take charge…

Fate seems determined to push a mysterious and adorable punk boy my way. He’s young, tenacious, and obviously attracted to me. I’ve come a long way from the damaged teen I was, but I fear my past will forever haunt me. Maybe I don’t deserve a happily ever after.

Or do I?

Tycho

Now that I know I’m a dom, all I want is a big, burly man who will submit to me…

Destiny throws Mr. Perfectly Imperfect my way—repeatedly—and I know I can’t let him get away. I try to show him how to let go and allow someone else to take care of him for once, but our pasts are colliding in the worst way. It’s going to take effort, friendship, and a whole lot of trust for this silver fox to hand over control.

Especially when someone else is dead-set on tearing it all down.

***Linseed Oil and Charcoal Dust is a May/December, hurt/comfort, high steam M/M romance.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 16, 2021

About the author

aka Jamie Luther

Reviews

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start with this. This is only the second full length MM romance novel published by Lex Luther. I was awed how good his first book Strawberries and Thunderstorms was considering it was an author debut. Now I suitably impressed because book 2 is just as good and well written as book 1. Luther is an author to watch and I have no doubt he will become very popular once his books get discovered more and more. He writes fully fleshed out characters with flaws and all exposed. The plot line was interesting, and even had a twist I did not see coming! I enjoyed seeing the sibling reunion through Jonah's eyes. He's the eldest and was kicked out at 15 years old for being gay. He hasn't even met most of the siblings now working together in Port Perry due to stipulations in his fathers will. Talk about awkward.

Ty was such a fun character. He was a twink who loves wearing makeup, who also happens to be a dom. Not your typical I know. Neither is the fact that he likes older daddy like subs, of which Jonah apparently is. There was great chemistry between the MCs which led to the steam being super hot. It was pretty mild for dom/sub kink which I liked because I am not a big fan of dom/sub BDSM when it includes things like pain or humiliation. Just not my kink ya know. But give me a little bit of edging? I am so on board that reader train.

We get to learn some new info about Finney, the blue haired waiter at the diner from book 1. Apparently being a waiter is not all the man does for work. I previously stated I got paranormal vibes from him in book 1. Now after book 2 I am most definitely convinced he isn't human and he's not the only one. My best guess is fae with the tiny nugget of information we are given. Once you read this book come back and let me know what you think! Inquiring minds and all that!

4.5 stars


** Book provided by Gay Romance Reviews. This is my unbiased review **

[Mami Bear]

DNF @34%

I just be reading another book to all these 5 star reviews!

So far at 34% in the supposed main MCs have had no conversations and one small non verbal interaction! Oh and the MC from book 1 Chad who I gather was GFY seems to be struggling with that and isn't a good partner to his boyfriend, or father to his kid and I just stopped reading as he's flirting with a woman in a club while I assume said boyfriend is home with afore mentioned child.

Not enough has happened for me to persevere with this one.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than I enjoyed the first one in this series. Jonah is such wonderful and deep character. He has so much emotion in him that I just wanted to pluck him from the pages and hug him and offer to be part of his family too. He was the big silent oldest brother that everyone wondered about from book one. Well here we have his story and the hell he went through when their father kicked him out at such a young age. Jonah makes no excuses for this past life. He did what he had to in order to survive and he has moved on and actually done quite well for himself. Tycho is a much younger man who is just getting started on achieving his dreams after a disastrous and abusive relationship. He was exploited as a teenager by a much older man who definitely knew better but we all know by the end of the book just how depraved that man actually is. Tycho is trying to become a tattoo artist but is struggling to find his niche. Who better to show him than the giant of a man who just happens to be a fabulous geek fan artist and the quiet submissive that Tycho craves to find. These two might not fit the typical boxes for a dorm/sub relationship but they are absolutely beautiful together and I loved watching these two explore themselves and each other, falling madly in love along the way. I also enjoyed watching Jonah slowly allow his blood siblings to become part of the family that he has created for himself. I can only assume that we are going to hear more about all of these brothers as time goes on and get their stories as well. This was a wonderful book to read and I would highly recommend it. You don’t have to have read the first one necessarily in order to read this one. They do stand alone, but they are about the same set of siblings and they all appear in each book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

L Luther is a new author and definitely one that readers should keep an eye on. He is a wonderful author and I love His Will and Testament series. Linseed Oil and Charcoal Dust is told from Jonah and Tycho's dual POV. Jonah is the oldest brother in the Virgil clan who was kicked out at 15 for being gay. He had a hard life growing up on the streets turning to drugs and sex work to survive. My heart absolutely broke for Jonah and his years on the streets.

Now at the age of 40 Jonah has found a family and is settled into a career he loves when he receives notice that his father passed away. He returns to his home town and sees his siblings and mother for the first time since he was 15. All the hurt, trauma, and old memories return in a rush. Tycho is a young femme Dom who is 23 and working in a place he loves while still being stalked by his evil, abusive and much older ex. Both men meet each other randomly and are drawn to the other.

Tycho and Jonah have demons that they keep at bay and both men have found a family that cares for them. There are so many overlapping storylines that pulled me in and it was wonderful. Both men aren't the typical D/s couple and I love that! I love how Tycho was so caring and gentle with Jonah and wanted to be the cracker to his s'more. The dynamic between them is hot, wonderfully sweet, and amazing.

Personally, readers should read this book in order because why deprive yourself from a new author's wonderful works? His Will and Testament is a series that follows the same family of siblings as they navigate returning to their hometown with the legacy their horrible father left them. L Luther is a wonderful and amazing author that provides his true voice in each book he writes. I can't wait to read more from him.

[Tonje · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it🥰
I really like it when a story is told in dual POV's. It makes it easier to connect and relate with the characters. I was a bit unsure when I was starting to read the book because I've been in a light and fluffy reading mood lately. Because of the history of Jonah and Tycho I was worried the story would be too dark for me right now. Their histories might be dark, but their story is not! There are some parts that is a bit darker, but they are not long. Just long enough to give Jonah and Tycho more depth.
I loved the writing. It was so real/genuine, it gave the story more texture in a subtle way. It felt to me like the author has researched thoroughly and/or experienced a lot of the different aspects in the book. The conversation between Jonah and his therapist, early in the book, let me know that the author took care to get even a fairly "small" thing right/realistic. That let me just relax into the story and trust the author. I read the book in one sitting😊
The story itself was very good and heartwarming, with steam. I really like it when an author writes about an untradtional Dom/sub reationship. A younger, smaller and makeup-wearing Dom was something I've never read about before. A combo of one or two of the characteristics yes, but not all of them. I loved it.
I will most definetly read more from Lex Luther

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh such a great read. Now I might be a bit biased because mm older sub younger dom is my favorite thing to read right now. I am also a huge fan of this author.
Okay I will take a step back from squee and talk about what I like about this book. For too long unless you were white, straight and in your twenties it was hard to find books that reflected people like you. Now I am a straight woman but I’m in my fifties, am disabled and am finding out that I am kinkier than I had any idea about when I was younger. I can only imagine how hard it would have been back in the day (like five years ago?) to read books where if there were characters like you they were always the best friend and never the romantic lead. Sorry, bit of a rant.
I find that when I read I want to read about things that are interesting first of all. I also want to be emotionally connected to the characters and taken on a journey with them. I also plain want a happy ending especially now with the way the world is. Add in some kinky stuff and not just spanking and I am a happy girl. This book made me happy to read it and definitely checked all of my boxes. I don’t like super long reviews so I will just say that if you like mm romance with a bit of a bent then I highly recommend this book and this series to you.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for this 2nd book in the “His Will and Testament” series that has an age-gap, hurt/comfort, light BDSM with a younger Dom/older Sub and a found family for both MC’s. This is Jonah’s story. The oldest brother who was kicked out at 15 for being gay, who now has to figure out how to work with siblings he’s only recently come to know for the year required by his father’s will. At 40 he has an ordered, yet lonely, life that helps keep his past demons at bay. Fate steps in in the form of a younger tattooed (Tycho) man that he keeps bumping into unexpectedly. The first time they actually spend more than brief moments together they have a scorching hot encounter in the hallway of a club, but they leave without getting each other’s last names or phone numbers. But, they are destined to meet again at a Star Wars comic-con where Jonah is working as an artist and Ty has come as an attendee. When their pasts unexpectedly combine in a way neither saw coming can they stand together, confront their demons and smooth their broken edges so they can rise as a couple from the ashes? Jonah and Ty do get their HEA. It takes some work and some vulnerability to get there, but the journey is worth the wait. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[BookNerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by L. Luther and it was an okay storyline. It definitely wasn’t one that hooked me right away and there were times when I wasn’t sure I would actually finish the book. I’m glad I did because there were some cute moments between the two MCs, but it did seem to take a long time before the MCs actually interacted with one another in the story. There is a lot of background the author includes and introduces several subplots before the characters finally meet and get together, only for them to not even learn each other’s names before it was back to more background and more subplots. While I enjoyed the support the MCs had for each other, there was just so much other stuff going on in the book, that when the characters finally meet the relationship feels rushed and almost pushed to the side to make room for all the other characters and drama going on in the story. And with so many subplots happening there are several loose ends that are never explained. To be honest, at times some of the secondary characters were more interesting than the two main characters. It will be interesting to see if the author intends to turn this book into a series given the number of secondary characters and all their drama.

[Reading*Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: 4.5 Stars

There's so much emotion packed into this fate-tinged, hurt/comfort story, both within Tycho and Jonah's relationship and in the baggage they bring to it. Both are deep-feeling characters with difficult pasts, some of which is told in flashbacks, and their connection is immediate, electric, layered, and swoony. And their size difference and younger Dom/older sub dynamic is delicious.

I jumped into this story without having read Book 1 in this series, and I think I would've benefited from reading it beforehand. There are so many secondary characters that distinguishing who was who, especially among Jonah's relatives (even with the addendum) with their complex relationship dynamics, was a challenge early on and gave the sense that this isn't really a standalone. Still, I really enjoyed this story and plan to read the first book before the next one comes out.

I'd also love to read spin-off series following Tycho's tattoo shop co-workers/friends and the rock band guys, they're all such interesting characters. I received an advance reading e-copy of this book and have left this honest review voluntarily. (Also read in KU.)

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Review** This if my first with this author and it was a good intro. I did have a little trouble with the flashbacks which unfortunately I skimmed over because it didn't add or take away from the gist of the story I think. Jonah described very well his background throughout the story that flashbacks weren't needed. If Tycho had any, I might have skimmed those too...again...not needed because the author did a good job with his background/past history also. I thought it was lovely how the the two kept "bumping" into each other...kismet/fate until they actually got together. They had a lot of things in common in more ways than one. Their connection was instant and HOT. I loved the dynamic between the two and Tycho being "fun sized" and so much younger than Jonah made it much more interesting. The other connection the guys had was kind of predictable and not too surprising but kept it a page turner. Loved the comiccon scenes because the author did well with having me visualize the outfits/costumes that were worn...that was nice. I really enjoyed this and glad to see a satisfying HEA for the two.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful continuation

This is a wonderful continuation of the His Will and Testament series. Jonah has been through so much up until his father's death when he must reunite with his siblings. The only thing keeping him in Port Perry and earning his share of the inheritance is that he is going to donate the money to his local community. What a sweetheart! Tycho is an aspiring tattoo artist that is trying to keep his crazy ex boyfriend out of his life. He and Jonah bump into each other several times throughout the beginning of the story as we learn more about each character. I personally enjoyed that they didn't even know who each other were for a portion of the book. When they finally meet for more then just a few seconds, their chemistry is explosive. I don't want to say much more and spoil anything, but I must say I wasn't expected the plot twist Lex Luther threw in. Jonah and Tycho are sweet, funny, and oh so hot together. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Brianne McCallum · Rating 3 out of 5]

M/M
Age gap
Hurt/confort
Light BDSM
Canadian
Star Wars Fandom references

* Drug addiction, past abuse, disowned by parents and a stalkerish ex that won't let go

I was given a free arc copy from the author and the GRR arc team for review.

3.5 stars

This was a quick read and very sweet. As a fellow Canadian and Star Wars lover I thoroughly enjoyed all the references to both and could totally relate to them. I loved both the MCs and thought they made a cute couple. I also really liked the group of friends. I haven't read book 1 yet so this can be read as a standalone no problem. I liked that there was no/little angst. There is some light bdsm and the blurb says high heat but I actually found it to be lower medium heat. It was pretty well written and the characters were well developed especially for a new author. I hope to hear more from the tattoo friends in the series.

[Siobhan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonah is a big, strong man but underneath all that he wants to be cherished and cared for, Tycho may be twink liked size but is all power and strong. A big surprise that their lives were so intertwined and they didn't know it, I could of gladly dealt some damage to a couple arrogant narcissists they were horrid. I think what I loved most about this book was how nothing was brushed under the rug or anyone was made to feel less than for their lifestyle and choices. This does intersect with the previous book so I would advise reading that too to get a better understanding of the characters and feel for the story. Loved the developing side stories we will no doubt be introunced to in the future. Emotinal and gritty with a dash of heat and sprinkle of humour, you will find it hard to not find yourself completely entrenched in this world and family saga.

[Sascia Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book by Lex Luther, and I loved it.
The story of two men finding each other by chance, matching the broken pieces of their lives and hearts together and complement each other. The author builds a very captivating and relatable storyline, written in an empathic way. The delicate description of moments and feelings of the characters shows the reader how much love the author puts into his words creating a deep atmosphere. A romantic lovestory with some steam, but not too much to override the more profound aspects of this growing new love and relationship.
An absolute 5 star for me, and I can only recommend this book for those who love to dive into a lovestory of a little bit different kind. I received this book for free but leave a review freely and voluntarily because I really enjoyed reading it.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book was mentioned in a group I’m in and it definitely looked like something I would be interested in.

Little, spirited guy Tycho, all of five foot 2 has a couple of chance encounters with the big, thoughtful guy Jonah and it’s so clear they are meant to be soul mates.

I enjoyed how the relationship between them developed. The book is well written and well edited.

I hadn’t read the first story in the series and whilst it didn’t confuse me it did feel like too many characters were introduced. The work family of Tycho and the estranged family of Jonah are all thrown in to the story, presumably to feed other books in the series. The noise of all of that distracted me from what was essentially a sweet love story.

[Sabrina Morissette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded. I enjoyed reading this second installment in the His Will and Testament series. Tycho and Jonas were a great pair, even if not the usual one. There’s even a touch of serendipity and magic thrown in there.

However, I felt like the rhythm was a little bit off. The two MCs passed by each other several times, but don’t introduce themselves before around the 40% mark. Afterwards, their relationship goes fast, but not that much either. It seems to me to want a lot of matters dealt with in the second half, but not in depth. By the end, I was left feeling with wanting more.

It was still a great read, which I enjoyed.

[Linda Crandall · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some ways, a difficult story, with two very different protagonists linked by inexplicable Fate. A very carefully orchestrated narration of their past stories allows the reader to understand their damaged hearts while feeling the comforting blanket of time that has passed and from a position in a safe place. Intriguing and suggestive hints of a not-so-blind Destiny guiding the characters.
Good feels, even through harsh memories, great character depth, a storyline that keeps the reader's interest.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating family!

This is the second book in a family/romance series and should be read in order. I’m never quite sure of what I will end up reading when a book is described as a dom/sub relationship but I also wanted to read more about this fascinating family so I downloaded this one. This is such a powerful book in the sweetness between these two men, there is so much more to dom/sub relationship than the whips and tied up limbs! I’m so glad I found this author and I am on to book 3 next!

[Laora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through love finds a way.

4,5 stars.
The story draws you in and you just want to cheer both men on to find their hfn/ hea after though times, especially for Jonah.
Jonah has been forced to go to his hometown after his dad died. He has not been home for a long time after being tossed out at age fifteen. Tycho left his home at sixteen, after being forced to make a choice. Both artistic men live in Toronto but literally bump into eachother in the small town. They have coincidental meetings a few more times but eventually they meet up and start to work on a relationship.

[Tessa Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the His will and Testament series. Jonah’s and Tycho’s story is fun and captivating. They have the best “meet-cutes”. I really enjoyed the characters back story’s and how it got them to where they are. And of course their love of star wars! It was a really enjoyable read and if you enjoyed L.Luther’s other book I think you will definitely enjoy this one.

I was given an arc for my honest review.

[Krysti Dansby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I bow to the king, or maybe kneeling is more appropriate in this scenario....

Linseed oil and Charcoal dust was amazing. Tycho and Jonah are exactly what I've been missing in my life. Their dynamic is incredible and everything I've been searching for in a book ever since I started reading MM.

Taking stereotypical relationship dynamics, and turning them upside down, isn't done often enough, in my opinion, but Lex Luther did it and outdid himself.

Truly spectacular!

[Lissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in this series and I'm still hooked. Jonah and Tycho are not your typical couple. But through their varied "meet cutes" and a comic con, they discover that typical doesn't matter. They both have a past they have struggled to overcome which has made them stronger. Throw in a crazy family, some nutty tattoo artists and you have a romance with very light drama with a beautiful HEA. I cannot wait to read the next book.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story that turns conventional wisdom on it's head - and Linseed Oil and Charcoal Dust does this in spades! Jonah and Tycho are well written and beautifully developed characters who take you with them on their road to happily ever after - a road that logs many miles between Toronto and Port Perry, Ontario...
Lex crafts a story that brings heat, sweet and Star Wars Cons together in a way that not only makes sense, but makes excellent reading!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both Jonah and Tycho were told to leave their homes when they revealed that they were gay, both ending up in the creative field.
Although I enjoyed this book, I was often confused with so many side characters and trying to remember who belonged to which family. Despite that, it was an eye opener to not put people into preconceived rolls because of size.
I received an ARC copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice series overcome obstacles & shinning brighter!

No way should anyone consider themselves broken - the imperfections make us human, surviving makes us warriors, scares outside or inside makes us perfection - honor the good, bad and ugly it makes us who we are. That is this story. Tyco & Jonah have endured trashy and come out stronger for it. MM romance. More book reviews check out @my2centsbooklover Thank you!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartfelt and surprising

This was a wonderful follow up to the author's first book. It had heart and trauma without being angsty or heavy. D/s stories aren't often my thing, but I thought this was perfect and the communication was beautiful. There was also a pleasant surprise revealed that I look forward to exploring more of in future books. Finney is way more intriguing than I gave him credit for. Kudos L Luthor on slipping that in. I can't wait to see what you do with it.

[Jamey A Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clever and well written book. Plays on the concept that looks can be deceiving and you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. Your heart goes out to these damaged main characters. A very unlikely couple that are made for each other. Fate steps in to being these two together. Their chemistry is off the charts. A very sweet love story. Very entertaining. I loved it. Highly recommend.

[Dianna Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What an amazing book!!! Jonah and Tycho are such an odd couple with Jonah being older and submissive and Tycho wears make up and a Dom. But if you really enjoyed reading L. Luther’s debut book Strawberries and Thunderstorms then will absolutely love this book!! This is so well written and will definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a great MM read!!!

[Janet Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! I loved Strawberries and Thunderstorms, but this surpassed that one. I loved the age gap between Jonah and Tycho, they had amazing chemistry. I loved Tycho, he’s a make-up wearing twink who’s a younger Dom with Jonah being submissive. I loved story; it was well written with amazing depth. Loved, loved, loved it!! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading this author. Let me start by saying I don't normally jump into the middle of a series because it just throws off the stories for me. I loved this book and will go back and read the first book. There is so much emotion packed into this story and the author delivers it really well. You will take this journey with the 2 MCs and hopefully breathing when the end comes.