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The Perdition Club #1
The Sinner's Gamble
Welcome to The Perdition Club, where sin is celebrated and vice is a virtue…
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep.
George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. He can’t seem to stay away from beautiful and intriguing club owner, Caesar, even though he believes him to be guilty of the worst sort of evils. Something within George responds to something in Caesar, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question. Can Caesar show George another way to live, and will the fire between the two men light the way for a new journey?
An enemies to lovers, MM Regency romance full of surprise benefactors, doors that were never locked in the first place, good families and bad ones, and a night of passion that will introduce you to the world of The Perdition Club and leave you panting for more.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level – Very Super Steamy! This is an MM Romance, so don’t say you weren’t warned.
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep.
George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. He can’t seem to stay away from beautiful and intriguing club owner, Caesar, even though he believes him to be guilty of the worst sort of evils. Something within George responds to something in Caesar, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question. Can Caesar show George another way to live, and will the fire between the two men light the way for a new journey?
An enemies to lovers, MM Regency romance full of surprise benefactors, doors that were never locked in the first place, good families and bad ones, and a night of passion that will introduce you to the world of The Perdition Club and leave you panting for more.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level – Very Super Steamy! This is an MM Romance, so don’t say you weren’t warned.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2022
103 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
292 books1,139 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 25, 2022
The premise - a preacher abused by his father his entire life finally coming to terms with his sexuality and breaking free from the punishing religion that binds him - is fascinating.
Unfortunately, this book barely scratches the surface of possibilities.
The MCs are one dimensional and fall in love after spending two days together.
The insta love gave me whiplash, and the promises of forever had me rolling my eyes.
As for the plot ... what plot?
Oh, right, the gambling hell/brothel Caesar runs with his two friends is almost raided, but then his wealthy father comes to the rescue and everyone cheers.
You've never seen happier prostitutes. Oh, and everyone is super accepting of homosexuality. In 1815. 🤦♀️
Unfortunately, this book barely scratches the surface of possibilities.
The MCs are one dimensional and fall in love after spending two days together.
The insta love gave me whiplash, and the promises of forever had me rolling my eyes.
As for the plot ... what plot?
Oh, right, the gambling hell/brothel Caesar runs with his two friends is almost raided, but then his wealthy father comes to the rescue and everyone cheers.
You've never seen happier prostitutes. Oh, and everyone is super accepting of homosexuality. In 1815. 🤦♀️
January 12, 2025
I've already read #4 in this series and I've decided to start reading from the beginning.
This book had so much potential, but sadly the author inserted a 2-day insta-love and decided on a topic that really needed more development than it got. 3.5⭐
🟣 Owner of the gambling club / reverend (priest or vicar?)
🔵 Age gap 24/25
🟡 Gay/gay (virgin)
🟢 Insta-love
🟠 Again, a nice cover
🌶️ A few sex scenes, good; oral, penetrative; t/pb
In general I did like both main characters very much.
Caesar was the bastard son of a Duke, but he had a good relationship with his father who also financed him. Caesar grew up in a poor neighborhood, so he's a philanthropist, he's giving back to the poor and that was a really good aspect to add, especially in contrast to George, who's a man of the cloth and by his father's teachings is trying to convince people not to visit Perdition, Caesar's gambling hell, but him and his father stay far away from the poor and the sick and help absolutely noone.
The thing that was obviously not believable was George standing in front of Perdition for months and loudly yelling what the building is and trying to scare the customers away - especially since the building was in the heart of London, so if he'd done that even once, the place would've been raided immediately.
The more believable option would be for Perdition to be situated somewhere more discreet, but even so, I told myself the club had strong connections (especially Caesar's father and other powerful patrons), so they didn't get any consequences - fine, I'll buy it. Let's say it could be done.
The other thing was George's turn of heart. It happened in merely two days of him and Caesar spending intimate moments together, so that was again a bit OTT, but the situation presented a wonderful opportunity for the author to keep George in Perdition for a few weeks, him fighting it a bit more and then slowly growing to like Caesar and opening up to sex with a man, us knowing George was a virgin and completely brainwashed about pleasure and sex.
“Paradise,” he gasped when he regained the last bit of his sanity. “Just as I promised.”
George and Caesar had a good foundation and should've gotten to their paradise with a little more time, I think - even if they'd just be having crazy sex for 3 weeks, at least they'd spend more than bloody 2 days together to then George coming to live with Caesar and suddenly loving him.
George's full backstory was also missing, he's had a hard life devoid of affection and any kind of comfort, so in that respect his sudden turnaround was even less believable. George needed to stay a tough cookie for a while longer and slowly open up to Caesar and the idea of there being another side to places like Perdition and people who work there.
I will read the whole series, it sounds inviting and I like the side characters, I've already read Simon's book and it was good, so let's hope the other stories are a bit more developed.
This book had so much potential, but sadly the author inserted a 2-day insta-love and decided on a topic that really needed more development than it got. 3.5⭐
🟣 Owner of the gambling club / reverend (priest or vicar?)
🔵 Age gap 24/25
🟡 Gay/gay (virgin)
🟢 Insta-love
🟠 Again, a nice cover
🌶️ A few sex scenes, good; oral, penetrative; t/pb
In general I did like both main characters very much.
Caesar was the bastard son of a Duke, but he had a good relationship with his father who also financed him. Caesar grew up in a poor neighborhood, so he's a philanthropist, he's giving back to the poor and that was a really good aspect to add, especially in contrast to George, who's a man of the cloth and by his father's teachings is trying to convince people not to visit Perdition, Caesar's gambling hell, but him and his father stay far away from the poor and the sick and help absolutely noone.
The thing that was obviously not believable was George standing in front of Perdition for months and loudly yelling what the building is and trying to scare the customers away - especially since the building was in the heart of London, so if he'd done that even once, the place would've been raided immediately.
The more believable option would be for Perdition to be situated somewhere more discreet, but even so, I told myself the club had strong connections (especially Caesar's father and other powerful patrons), so they didn't get any consequences - fine, I'll buy it. Let's say it could be done.
The other thing was George's turn of heart. It happened in merely two days of him and Caesar spending intimate moments together, so that was again a bit OTT, but the situation presented a wonderful opportunity for the author to keep George in Perdition for a few weeks, him fighting it a bit more and then slowly growing to like Caesar and opening up to sex with a man, us knowing George was a virgin and completely brainwashed about pleasure and sex.
“Paradise,” he gasped when he regained the last bit of his sanity. “Just as I promised.”
George and Caesar had a good foundation and should've gotten to their paradise with a little more time, I think - even if they'd just be having crazy sex for 3 weeks, at least they'd spend more than bloody 2 days together to then George coming to live with Caesar and suddenly loving him.
George's full backstory was also missing, he's had a hard life devoid of affection and any kind of comfort, so in that respect his sudden turnaround was even less believable. George needed to stay a tough cookie for a while longer and slowly open up to Caesar and the idea of there being another side to places like Perdition and people who work there.
I will read the whole series, it sounds inviting and I like the side characters, I've already read Simon's book and it was good, so let's hope the other stories are a bit more developed.
December 25, 2022
A solid start to this historical romance series
This was a good introduction to this new series, set in Regency London and featuring a gaming hell and brothel.
It was a little bit too 'insta love' for me to give it the full 4* and I was also irritated by the American spellings in a British set book.
That's a me thing though, others won't be bothered by that.
I did love both the setting and the characters though and very much appreciated Merry's approach with Caesar's father being supportive of his bastard son.
It nicely contrasts with the horrible man who legitimately fathered George.
The plot had some interesting elements too, I liked that Caesar and George went out into the stews to help the poor and less fortunate who lived there.
The sex is seductive but George does eventually go willingly to his 'damnation'.
Overall this hit many good notes, even if Caesar's methods of wooing were a little unorthodox and skated a fine line of appropriateness.
There're some clues as to who the other books might feature as well as Caesar's two club partners and I'm looking forward to those.
This was a good introduction to this new series, set in Regency London and featuring a gaming hell and brothel.
It was a little bit too 'insta love' for me to give it the full 4* and I was also irritated by the American spellings in a British set book.
That's a me thing though, others won't be bothered by that.
I did love both the setting and the characters though and very much appreciated Merry's approach with Caesar's father being supportive of his bastard son.
It nicely contrasts with the horrible man who legitimately fathered George.
The plot had some interesting elements too, I liked that Caesar and George went out into the stews to help the poor and less fortunate who lived there.
The sex is seductive but George does eventually go willingly to his 'damnation'.
Overall this hit many good notes, even if Caesar's methods of wooing were a little unorthodox and skated a fine line of appropriateness.
There're some clues as to who the other books might feature as well as Caesar's two club partners and I'm looking forward to those.
July 3, 2022
Oh, dear. The Sinner's Gamble is the first book of Merry Farmer's I've read, and it started quite well in terms of the writing, which is polished and smooth, and overall feel, but that quickly went out the window when, at the end of the first chapter, one of our gambling club owners, one Caesar Potts, in a desperate attempt to stop the Reverend George Mulgrew from preaching at his patrons from the club steps, imploring them to see the error of their ways and not pass through the doors of such a den of iniquity, invites him inside – and takes him to a room in which, just minutes ago, he’d see an MP getting it on with one of the club’s… employees. A male one. And only THEN does he start to worry that maybe the vicar will report him and the club to the authorities. This is 1815 and homosexuality was illegal and carried a harsh punishment – death in some cases. The fact that Caesar is gay as well just makes this stupidity worse – he knows how dangerous it is to have sex with men, yet he blithely leads a vicar - A VICAR – into the room.
Jeez.
But don’t worry. He took him in there because a) he thought he’d be able to convince him that what goes on in the club isn’t so bad after all and b) because if he couldn’t he could just chloroform him and tie him to his bed.
Yep.
I considered giving up there, but as it’s only a 140 page book, I decided to persevere – and I was intrigued as to how the author was going to show and resolve George’s conflicted feelings – his calling as a minister and his desire for Caesar. After reading the beginning I suppose I should have known that she wasn’t going to do that. George has sex with Caesar several times, and the following day accompanies him on a visit to a less than salubrious area of town (it doesn’t say where – the East End maybe?) where he watches Caesar giving money and food to the poor and saving a battered wife from her abusive husband, and learns that he funds lots of charitable endeavours designed to help those less fortunate – in short, he’s practically perfect in every way. George realises that THIS is what he, as a man of the cloth, should really be doing, that practical help is far more useful to people in need than ranting at them about their immortal souls (really? I’d never have guessed!) and it takes him all of TWO WHOLE DAYS to cast off everything he’s been brought up to believe (and okay, his father is a bitter old fire-and-brimstone type who doesn’t give a shit about helping people) and doesn’t even give a second thought to the fact that his religious beliefs will have told him that his sexual desires are depraved and abnormal. Don’t misunderstand me – nobody should ever feel that way, but this is set in 1815 when, sadly, those attitudes were the prevailing ones.
George's father is a cartoon villain, Cesar’s friends and business partners are barely two-dimensional, and the whole thing is so sugary sweet it’s a wonder my teeth haven’t rotted in the hour or so it took me to read it.
The only thing the book really has going for it is the cover – it makes a nice change to see a traditional “clinch” cover on an m/m romance. But if, like me, you cut your m/m romance reading teeth on historicals by the likes of KJ Charles and Joanna Chambers, then you really will want to give this one a miss.
Jeez.
But don’t worry. He took him in there because a) he thought he’d be able to convince him that what goes on in the club isn’t so bad after all and b) because if he couldn’t he could just chloroform him and tie him to his bed.
Yep.
I considered giving up there, but as it’s only a 140 page book, I decided to persevere – and I was intrigued as to how the author was going to show and resolve George’s conflicted feelings – his calling as a minister and his desire for Caesar. After reading the beginning I suppose I should have known that she wasn’t going to do that. George has sex with Caesar several times, and the following day accompanies him on a visit to a less than salubrious area of town (it doesn’t say where – the East End maybe?) where he watches Caesar giving money and food to the poor and saving a battered wife from her abusive husband, and learns that he funds lots of charitable endeavours designed to help those less fortunate – in short, he’s practically perfect in every way. George realises that THIS is what he, as a man of the cloth, should really be doing, that practical help is far more useful to people in need than ranting at them about their immortal souls (really? I’d never have guessed!) and it takes him all of TWO WHOLE DAYS to cast off everything he’s been brought up to believe (and okay, his father is a bitter old fire-and-brimstone type who doesn’t give a shit about helping people) and doesn’t even give a second thought to the fact that his religious beliefs will have told him that his sexual desires are depraved and abnormal. Don’t misunderstand me – nobody should ever feel that way, but this is set in 1815 when, sadly, those attitudes were the prevailing ones.
George's father is a cartoon villain, Cesar’s friends and business partners are barely two-dimensional, and the whole thing is so sugary sweet it’s a wonder my teeth haven’t rotted in the hour or so it took me to read it.
The only thing the book really has going for it is the cover – it makes a nice change to see a traditional “clinch” cover on an m/m romance. But if, like me, you cut your m/m romance reading teeth on historicals by the likes of KJ Charles and Joanna Chambers, then you really will want to give this one a miss.
August 23, 2022
3.5 Stars!
June 7, 2022
4.5 Stars
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep. George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question.
The first in a multi author series & another very well written, steamy, emotional read. I loved both Caesar & George, Caesar is the baseborn son of a nobleman BUT his father recognises him & has provided for Caesar & his mother plus he’s got to know Caesar & helps with charitable endeavours as well as the club. George’s father is a soapbox preacher who rains fire & brimstone from said box, he’s trying to mould George into being the same – I know who's son I would have preferred to have been! I loved how the relationship between Caesar & George shifted, changed & grew but more importantly how George’s view of the world was turned on it's end, spun round & made him open his eyes. I would have loved for George's father to have had his comeuppance maybe missionary work in the Antarctic
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep. George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question.
The first in a multi author series & another very well written, steamy, emotional read. I loved both Caesar & George, Caesar is the baseborn son of a nobleman BUT his father recognises him & has provided for Caesar & his mother plus he’s got to know Caesar & helps with charitable endeavours as well as the club. George’s father is a soapbox preacher who rains fire & brimstone from said box, he’s trying to mould George into being the same – I know who's son I would have preferred to have been! I loved how the relationship between Caesar & George shifted, changed & grew but more importantly how George’s view of the world was turned on it's end, spun round & made him open his eyes. I would have loved for George's father to have had his comeuppance maybe missionary work in the Antarctic
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 4, 2022
Amazing opposites attract story at the Perdition Club, a gaming establishment known for its many vices. Caesar Potts is one of the owners and enjoys his work, especially because it allows him to help and contribute to the community he lives in. George Mulgrew, the son of a Reverend, thinks he's been ministering to the people, but after seeing what Caesar has been doing, he starts to question. The passion is hot between these two and the caring is strong. Very enjoyable to read. First in the series, written by several authors.
August 2, 2022
So....I didn't like this. Nope. This is 1815. Homosexuality is against the law, but this book makes it seem as though they can walk down the streets holding hands and kissing with no repercussions. Not to mention, this was insta-love. It didn't work for me. I could not buy into Caesar and Greg's relationship at all. Add in the religious aspect and it just made it worse. I will not be continuing with this series.
December 27, 2024
I’m really enjoying this series! (Fair warning, I started on book 4 as Eliot Grayson is a go-to author for me, but now working my way back through the series).
This was a sweet novella about one of the owners of the Perdition club, Caesar Potts, and Reverend George Mulgrew, who is out to try and get them closed down… but Caesar convinces George that there is more to life than simply preaching and shows George that love and kindness is more important than dogma.
It’s insta-love and pretty historically inaccurate but who the hell cares, because it was a great little read and I love the world of Perdition and can’t wait to read more. Plus the smut was hot hot hottttt.
This was a sweet novella about one of the owners of the Perdition club, Caesar Potts, and Reverend George Mulgrew, who is out to try and get them closed down… but Caesar convinces George that there is more to life than simply preaching and shows George that love and kindness is more important than dogma.
It’s insta-love and pretty historically inaccurate but who the hell cares, because it was a great little read and I love the world of Perdition and can’t wait to read more. Plus the smut was hot hot hottttt.
July 21, 2022
2.5
Unfortunately I wasn't impressed.
The story had the premise to be truly great, and although I enjoyed the first quarter of the novel quite a bit, I soon got bored. I think the characters were a bit too one-dimensional and their relationship development was too quick and too flat for my liking.
There were a few aspects of their relationship inside the bedroom that could have been truly fabulous, but *sighs* how I hate kink-baiting; their chemistry wes a bit all other the place as well. Oh well. I will be continuing with this series though, since I really want to read Eliot Grayson's installment, so fingers crossed the next ones are better.
This was my first Merry Farmer novel, but I have several on my Kindle that I'll still be trying, one day.
Unfortunately I wasn't impressed.
The story had the premise to be truly great, and although I enjoyed the first quarter of the novel quite a bit, I soon got bored. I think the characters were a bit too one-dimensional and their relationship development was too quick and too flat for my liking.
There were a few aspects of their relationship inside the bedroom that could have been truly fabulous, but *sighs* how I hate kink-baiting; their chemistry wes a bit all other the place as well. Oh well. I will be continuing with this series though, since I really want to read Eliot Grayson's installment, so fingers crossed the next ones are better.
This was my first Merry Farmer novel, but I have several on my Kindle that I'll still be trying, one day.
June 9, 2022
I received a copy of this from BookSprout and this is my freely given opinion.
This is the first book of a new MM Regency series around a posh gambling den named Perdition.
It is lambasted by some as a den of sin and iniquity, and there are those who seek to bring it down, including street preachers such as the Mulgrews. George Mulgrew is the son of a preacher and he seeks daily to preach on it's doorstep and to prevent others from entering Perdition and falling down the path of sin. He is raised by his fire and brimstone father who demonstrably does not follow the path of a merciful loving God.
Caeser Potts is one of the co-owners, the bastard son of a peer who was raised by his mother in the rougher neighbourhoods of London. But he learned to love his neighbours and when he was able to raise himself out of his circumstances through the success of Perdition, he always gave back and helped those from the streets he came from, and those who need help know to find him.
Caeser takes George - literally kidnaps him, but instead of punishing him, shows him what really is happening behind the facade of Perdition. Yes, there is gambling, sex, and sins that were deemed illegal at the time. But George sees that the pleasure and sin is consensual, that the people who work there are happy, respected, and treated well (better than he is by his own father), and ultimately learns more about Caeser, who does more good, which George connects with, than his father has done with his beatings, deprivation, and preaching. And Caeser is very hands-on with his teaching George about pleasure.
This was a very short, very steamy MM romance. So if you are not into same-sex sexual situations, this is not for you, because there is some explicit sex scenes. But it was a rather sweet story, with George learning about his own sexuality and having his eyes opened as to what true love and mercy can be, versus what he was taught growing up. He had his eyes opened as to what is right and wrong, and learns a new way to show mercy and love to others, and that pleasure and showing love are not the sins he was taught they were. He obviously was starved for love and affection, and this need was met by Caesar.
It was a fun read, but I found that it was a bit superficial, in that it skims over and does not explore the deeper, darker aspects of George's deprived and abusive relationship with his father, who obviously has his own deep-seated issues, George's realization and acceptance of his sexuality, especially in light of how he was raised, the issues of being raised as a bastard, the sex and gambling trades, etc. If you are looking for fun and lighthearted, then this is definitely that. I found George to be very much the wide-eyed innocent ingenue, despite being the older of the two; perhaps a bit too much so.
This appears to be a series where there are different authors contributing novels to it, as books 2 and 3 are by different authors, from what I can see.
3.25 stars out of 5.
This is the first book of a new MM Regency series around a posh gambling den named Perdition.
It is lambasted by some as a den of sin and iniquity, and there are those who seek to bring it down, including street preachers such as the Mulgrews. George Mulgrew is the son of a preacher and he seeks daily to preach on it's doorstep and to prevent others from entering Perdition and falling down the path of sin. He is raised by his fire and brimstone father who demonstrably does not follow the path of a merciful loving God.
Caeser Potts is one of the co-owners, the bastard son of a peer who was raised by his mother in the rougher neighbourhoods of London. But he learned to love his neighbours and when he was able to raise himself out of his circumstances through the success of Perdition, he always gave back and helped those from the streets he came from, and those who need help know to find him.
Caeser takes George - literally kidnaps him, but instead of punishing him, shows him what really is happening behind the facade of Perdition. Yes, there is gambling, sex, and sins that were deemed illegal at the time. But George sees that the pleasure and sin is consensual, that the people who work there are happy, respected, and treated well (better than he is by his own father), and ultimately learns more about Caeser, who does more good, which George connects with, than his father has done with his beatings, deprivation, and preaching. And Caeser is very hands-on with his teaching George about pleasure.
This was a very short, very steamy MM romance. So if you are not into same-sex sexual situations, this is not for you, because there is some explicit sex scenes. But it was a rather sweet story, with George learning about his own sexuality and having his eyes opened as to what true love and mercy can be, versus what he was taught growing up. He had his eyes opened as to what is right and wrong, and learns a new way to show mercy and love to others, and that pleasure and showing love are not the sins he was taught they were. He obviously was starved for love and affection, and this need was met by Caesar.
It was a fun read, but I found that it was a bit superficial, in that it skims over and does not explore the deeper, darker aspects of George's deprived and abusive relationship with his father, who obviously has his own deep-seated issues, George's realization and acceptance of his sexuality, especially in light of how he was raised, the issues of being raised as a bastard, the sex and gambling trades, etc. If you are looking for fun and lighthearted, then this is definitely that. I found George to be very much the wide-eyed innocent ingenue, despite being the older of the two; perhaps a bit too much so.
This appears to be a series where there are different authors contributing novels to it, as books 2 and 3 are by different authors, from what I can see.
3.25 stars out of 5.
July 5, 2024
Having just dipped my toe into The Perdition Club by reading A Touch of Steele: The Perdition Club, I was interested to learn more about Perdition and its owners. So, in the first book in this series of novellas, Reverend George Mulgrew is standing outside the club extorting people to turn from sin and darkness, and one of the owners Caesar invites him inside, only to find a naked Giles astride an MP's lap, and one of the female prostitutes entertaining someone as well. And once Mulgrew insists he will alert the authorities to these evils, Caesar drugs him with ether and ties him to a bed, naked. Of course.
So, if you can easily get past Reverend Mulgrew drugged and tied to a bed, and dive right into the insta-love that happens within the next two days, you'll enjoy this story. I like the author's writing style, but the plot here is paper-thin and the idea that homosexuality seems to be so widely accepted (hint - it's wasn't in 1815, not at all. The penalty could be death) is ludicrous. Sorry, nope. 3 stars.
So, if you can easily get past Reverend Mulgrew drugged and tied to a bed, and dive right into the insta-love that happens within the next two days, you'll enjoy this story. I like the author's writing style, but the plot here is paper-thin and the idea that homosexuality seems to be so widely accepted (hint - it's wasn't in 1815, not at all. The penalty could be death) is ludicrous. Sorry, nope. 3 stars.
June 8, 2022
Great Beginnings!
Caesar is a confident young man who is a part owner of the Perdition Club, a gaming hell with a difference.
George on the other hand is a preacher. He has an over-controlling father who is rather fanatical in his beliefs and who also has a rather nasty way of handling his son.
I had to laugh at the way the story begins and the way George acts which reminded me of a pesky mosquito, you know, the kind of bug that keeps buzzing around your head, just out of reach.
The story takes off from there and evolves very quickly with great character development and very clear world building.
I loved the surprising acts of kindness and the different strengths which have been built into each of the main characters.
There is great depth to this story and the heat level is not the only thing going for it. It reads well and is very entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.
Caesar is a confident young man who is a part owner of the Perdition Club, a gaming hell with a difference.
George on the other hand is a preacher. He has an over-controlling father who is rather fanatical in his beliefs and who also has a rather nasty way of handling his son.
I had to laugh at the way the story begins and the way George acts which reminded me of a pesky mosquito, you know, the kind of bug that keeps buzzing around your head, just out of reach.
The story takes off from there and evolves very quickly with great character development and very clear world building.
I loved the surprising acts of kindness and the different strengths which have been built into each of the main characters.
There is great depth to this story and the heat level is not the only thing going for it. It reads well and is very entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my unbiased review.
June 8, 2022
Merry Farmer is a fairly new author for me. I’ve only read 5 of her books. I wrote in my notes that her books are good reads and well written and sex was okay. Not mind blowing but okay.
I was surely surprised when I saw this cover and who the author was. Of course, I had to get it. WOW totally surprised.
I enjoyed this story. It was a super quick read but still really good. I actually think the sex was hotter than her M/F books. I don’t know the other authors in this series so not sure if I will like or not but willing to give it a try.
I was surely surprised when I saw this cover and who the author was. Of course, I had to get it. WOW totally surprised.
I enjoyed this story. It was a super quick read but still really good. I actually think the sex was hotter than her M/F books. I don’t know the other authors in this series so not sure if I will like or not but willing to give it a try.
July 10, 2022
As I've said before, I love to now and then step back into my once sole mm romance preference, history fiction. This story was daring and sexy and a total delight to read. Caesar's almost predatory allure could make a ladies mouth water, poor George didn't stand a chance. The Club is audacious and illegal with lots of naughty stuff going on, the Reverend is itching to get it closed. This is the first of three, so far maybe, and is a excellent start.
April 9, 2025
I binged it in one sitting. xD
I enjoyed it. It was a fun reading
I enjoyed it. It was a fun reading
February 1, 2024
Delightfully, sinfully sexy with a witty sense of humor. I've had these books for a while but not sure how they ended up on the bottom of my tbr. Definitely moving them up.
June 21, 2022
ridiculous?
A guy kidnaps a preacher and sexually assaults him…but it’s ok cause the preacher likes it? I mean, he could have changed the preachers mind without knocking him out and tying him to a bed. Right? Right??
A guy kidnaps a preacher and sexually assaults him…but it’s ok cause the preacher likes it? I mean, he could have changed the preachers mind without knocking him out and tying him to a bed. Right? Right??
June 9, 2022
New Series
This is the first book in the new series of treachery and love.
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep.
George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. He can’t seem to stay away from beautiful and intriguing club owner, Caesar, even though he believes him to be guilty of the worst sort of evils. Something within George responds to something in Caesar, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question. Can Caesar show George another way to live, and will the fire between the two men light the way for a new journey?
An enemies to lovers, MM Regency romance full of surprise benefactors, doors that were never locked in the first place, good families and bad ones, and a night of passion that will introduce you to the world of The Perdition Club and leave you panting for more.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
This is the first book in the new series of treachery and love.
Caesar Potts loves his life as a co-owner of Perdition, one of the sultriest and most hedonistic of London’s gaming hells. He is as passionate about showing customers of Perdition a good time as he is about his charitable activities on the side. But Caesar’s good nature and sensual sense of fun are put to the test when handsome preacher George Mulgrew darkens his doorstep.
George is desperate to save souls, mostly because his own is in such turmoil. He can’t seem to stay away from beautiful and intriguing club owner, Caesar, even though he believes him to be guilty of the worst sort of evils. Something within George responds to something in Caesar, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
When George finds himself trapped in Perdition as Caesar’s prisoner, everything he thought he knew and believed himself to be fighting for is thrown into question. Can Caesar show George another way to live, and will the fire between the two men light the way for a new journey?
An enemies to lovers, MM Regency romance full of surprise benefactors, doors that were never locked in the first place, good families and bad ones, and a night of passion that will introduce you to the world of The Perdition Club and leave you panting for more.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 3, 2023
Hot. Historical. Holy Moly!
This was my first foray into a historical MM romance, and I think Merry has ruined me for any others! My 'To Read' and 'Currently Reading' now includes the rest of the books in this series.
Caesar and George's story is just the right length to deliver some serious steam, deep feeling realizations, and a smidge of angst/conflict to seal the deal and cement their love.
The writing is sweet and the pace of the book flows perfectly. I'm not pulled out because of any awkwardness, lengthy nonsense or needless content.
In a few short days, Caesar and George connect, emotionally as well as physically. The life George thought he was leading reveals itself to be a falsehood. It's fluff and blustering instead of meaningful and purposeful help. Caesar realizes the man he wanted to corrupt is only misguided and way more important to Caesar's life than one steamy night.
I love how Merry set up the story so George realizes on his own how he's being manipulated and how it's actions more than words for a man to live by the Bible's teachings.
The characters felt real to me. And I felt the story was swayed a bit more to George's self-discovery than Caesar's. George had a strict background and beaten into him (literally) mindset to overcome. It was with his time with Caesar that he is able to chip away at that and come to serve others and God in a truly meaningful way. No more useless soapboxing.
This was my first foray into a historical MM romance, and I think Merry has ruined me for any others! My 'To Read' and 'Currently Reading' now includes the rest of the books in this series.
Caesar and George's story is just the right length to deliver some serious steam, deep feeling realizations, and a smidge of angst/conflict to seal the deal and cement their love.
The writing is sweet and the pace of the book flows perfectly. I'm not pulled out because of any awkwardness, lengthy nonsense or needless content.
In a few short days, Caesar and George connect, emotionally as well as physically. The life George thought he was leading reveals itself to be a falsehood. It's fluff and blustering instead of meaningful and purposeful help. Caesar realizes the man he wanted to corrupt is only misguided and way more important to Caesar's life than one steamy night.
I love how Merry set up the story so George realizes on his own how he's being manipulated and how it's actions more than words for a man to live by the Bible's teachings.
The characters felt real to me. And I felt the story was swayed a bit more to George's self-discovery than Caesar's. George had a strict background and beaten into him (literally) mindset to overcome. It was with his time with Caesar that he is able to chip away at that and come to serve others and God in a truly meaningful way. No more useless soapboxing.
June 14, 2022
Once again another fabulous read from Merry Farmer!
The Sinner's Gamble is a sweet M/M romance with a lot of steam- if this is not to your liking then pass. I have read a lot of Merry Farmer books and what she does so very well is tell a great story with feeling and this is no exception. At Perdition, the gambling hell, one can find all sorts of pleasures for any taste. George is a reverend intent on saving souls. Caesar is part owner of the club. So when Caesar finds George on his doorstep trying to turn away sinners from the hell, Caesar decides that a little visit from the Devil is in order to George what he truly does.
Without giving too much away, this story deals with religion (preaching God's word, good versus evil repentance, seduction of a preacher), M/M sex (explicit bedroom scenes), class differences (poor/rich). The storyline is very well done and held my attention throughout. The one little spot I was disappointed in was near the end and how the story wrapped up, to me it was a convenient way to solve the problem rather than allowing the characters to figure it out and create more of a story. This is a short story and I would have like it a bit longer with more character development, especially with George. But still, it was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Sinner's Gamble is a sweet M/M romance with a lot of steam- if this is not to your liking then pass. I have read a lot of Merry Farmer books and what she does so very well is tell a great story with feeling and this is no exception. At Perdition, the gambling hell, one can find all sorts of pleasures for any taste. George is a reverend intent on saving souls. Caesar is part owner of the club. So when Caesar finds George on his doorstep trying to turn away sinners from the hell, Caesar decides that a little visit from the Devil is in order to George what he truly does.
Without giving too much away, this story deals with religion (preaching God's word, good versus evil repentance, seduction of a preacher), M/M sex (explicit bedroom scenes), class differences (poor/rich). The storyline is very well done and held my attention throughout. The one little spot I was disappointed in was near the end and how the story wrapped up, to me it was a convenient way to solve the problem rather than allowing the characters to figure it out and create more of a story. This is a short story and I would have like it a bit longer with more character development, especially with George. But still, it was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2022
I love historical mm romance stories and that is part of why I like series like this where various authors write stories set in one place because I enjoy them and it gives you a chance to find new to you authors. All of these books will be set in the same club called Perdition in Regency London England. This book is by one of my favorite historical romance authors Merry Farmer. George and Caesar could not be much more different from each other but fall in love almost instantly. The characters are absolutely the best thing about this book. Caesar is an interesting person who appears to be one thing but has hidden depths that innocent George is astounded to find out. Too often I find it hard to believe books that feature love at first (or second) sight but Ms. Farmer not only does a terrific job of making it believable she slips in a whole lot of history without it ever seeming like a lecture. This is something that this author is particularly good at, as well as balancing the various elements of her stories to produce what I love to call “a rollicking great tale”.
August 4, 2022
hard to like MCs
I really wanted to like this book but the plot was unbelievable. A priest falls in love with his captor in 1 or 2 days? I'm all for suspending reality but i just didn't care enough for the characters to do this. George, is a man of the cloth and sermoned people on saving their souls and not giving into sin. However, he had no problem letting Caesar seduced him, putting on his clothes, and allowing himself to be treated to the good life he was offered. Never once did he try to escape or did he have second thoughts about abandoning everything he believed in all his life. This is where the story felt apart for me. There is no internal struggle or angst. I can go on and on about George but what's the point.
Caesar claims that George is the best and most kind man he has ever met, but there Is no evidence of this in the book.
The plot was promising but the development was weak. Hard to connect to C and G.
I really wanted to like this book but the plot was unbelievable. A priest falls in love with his captor in 1 or 2 days? I'm all for suspending reality but i just didn't care enough for the characters to do this. George, is a man of the cloth and sermoned people on saving their souls and not giving into sin. However, he had no problem letting Caesar seduced him, putting on his clothes, and allowing himself to be treated to the good life he was offered. Never once did he try to escape or did he have second thoughts about abandoning everything he believed in all his life. This is where the story felt apart for me. There is no internal struggle or angst. I can go on and on about George but what's the point.
Caesar claims that George is the best and most kind man he has ever met, but there Is no evidence of this in the book.
The plot was promising but the development was weak. Hard to connect to C and G.
April 17, 2023
This story was hmm.... It started out with campy noncon? And then took a turn into "religious person learns how to live a godly life through charity (and fucking) with his 'sinful' boyfriend " which could have been a good plot if not for the other stuff??? Then towards the end, the boyfriend's brothel is getting raided by the police and religious man's father, but the problem is quickly swept under the roof by the convenient arrival of the brothel owner's father, which made it feel like they didn't really earn that happy ending so much as they were lucky to have a powerful relation. Lastly, the brothel owner kept referring to his boyf as the most godly/good person he's ever met, when we haven't seen any evidence of this other than him being willing to help out with his charity work for a day?? It seems like a low bar...
Overall I think there was a kernel of a good idea in here but it wasn't executed well
Overall I think there was a kernel of a good idea in here but it wasn't executed well
November 5, 2023
This is my fourth Merry Farmer M/M story and I have loved all of them. Two were contemporary and two were Regency and while I love that the contemporary ones get to have HEAs where they can declare their love to the world, there is just something about the Regency books that steal my heart. The Sinner's Gamble is sweet while walking a fine line of consent, with a healthy dose of "my body betrayed me." Caesar is a good man, and the opposite of what George expects to find in the part-owner of this den of sin called Perdition. George has never known affection, has never been touched with kindness, and has had his brain filled with convictions that are not his own, but that of his abusive father who would rather yell at people about sinning than help the downtrodden residents of London, while claiming superiority as a "man of God." Caesar shows George a different way to live and a better way to help people, all while bestowing attention, friendship, and he touches George with more than just kindness. George is a quick study and completely embraces the life that Caesar lays before him. *Happy sigh*
June 29, 2022
A Sure Bet!
Have you ever held strong beliefs that changed when you were confronted with proof which challenged them? That’s George’s experience after spending time in Perdition with Caesar.
George grew up as the son of a fire and brimstone preacher. He followed his father into the ministry, but he wanted more. Caesar opens his eyes to the possibilities available to him if he is willing to risk it. Caesar is the by-blow of an aristocrat. He has a devil may care attitude on the outside, but those who know him realize he has hidden depths.
What follows is a story of self-realization and self-acceptance with a dash of danger, courtesy of George’s father. The steam factor is high! It was a very quick but satisfying read. It is the first book in a new multi-author historical romance series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
Have you ever held strong beliefs that changed when you were confronted with proof which challenged them? That’s George’s experience after spending time in Perdition with Caesar.
George grew up as the son of a fire and brimstone preacher. He followed his father into the ministry, but he wanted more. Caesar opens his eyes to the possibilities available to him if he is willing to risk it. Caesar is the by-blow of an aristocrat. He has a devil may care attitude on the outside, but those who know him realize he has hidden depths.
What follows is a story of self-realization and self-acceptance with a dash of danger, courtesy of George’s father. The steam factor is high! It was a very quick but satisfying read. It is the first book in a new multi-author historical romance series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
July 17, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first time I read a book by Merry Farmer and I will be reading more. Caesar and his friends own a brothel/gambling hall. George is a man of God standing out front trying to get people to avoid the sinful place. Tired of George scaring away paying customers Caesar decides to take George on a tour of the hall and show him all the charitable things they do for the poor and sick. After seeing everything George changes his mind about the brothel/gambling hall. After spending 2 days in Caesar's bed he decides that he wants to stay there and there is no where else he would rather be.
"You may think me as foolish as you’d like, but two days was all it took for me to recognize my heart’s true home.” - Awww! 🥰🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"You may think me as foolish as you’d like, but two days was all it took for me to recognize my heart’s true home.” - Awww! 🥰🥰.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 8, 2022
This story sucked me right in from page one! Ceasar's thoughts and reactions to Reverend George preaching about sin outside of his establishment were hilarious! Perfectly aligned with the time in history I loved that they referred to each other by their last names! Ceasar is already having naughty thoughts about Mr. Mulgrew! Then we get George's thoughts about Mr. Potts and his place of sin! It was so entertaining their prejudged thoughts of each other! George's early thoughts were my favorite "Lured into the Den" "Dear god he was naked". I read an arc and I have to say everything about this quick and easy read was sweet and steamy sensual! I highly recommend especially if you enjoy historical romances! The pacing is perfect!
May 24, 2024
After reading some historical romance with no spice, decided THIS has to be spicy, lemme try it. And yeaaaaaa, it's short on plot (and actual pages), just excuses for them to do the nasty, but honestly, it was pretty cute too! Owner of the club initially putting on a "I'm such a tempting devil" seduction, turned to actual affection.
They're both really likable, introducing you to the club and other characters they'll have in other books etc, priest has existential crisis (but honestly gets over it pretty quickly thankfully with how short it is) expected something raunchier, but it's pretty vanilla and leaves you feeling quite nice 🤣 two days together is a tad extreme, very insta-love, but it's a great turn your brain off read. Probably gonna read the 5th one, also by Merry Farmer!
They're both really likable, introducing you to the club and other characters they'll have in other books etc, priest has existential crisis (but honestly gets over it pretty quickly thankfully with how short it is) expected something raunchier, but it's pretty vanilla and leaves you feeling quite nice 🤣 two days together is a tad extreme, very insta-love, but it's a great turn your brain off read. Probably gonna read the 5th one, also by Merry Farmer!
June 13, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Caesar takes a gamble and brings George, a priest, into Perdition. The gamble almost fails before additional steps are taken. Caesar introduces George to the pleasures of the flesh and what it truly means to help the poor and those in need. George's father takes him away and preaches his version of the gospel but George knows the truth now. He leaves and returns to Caesar. Together they will have love and help those in need. I liked the way the book portrayed what is needed versus what is only word of mouth.
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