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The Old Bridge Inn #1
Beck and Call
A standalone M/M historical romance
By returning to England, Edwin Harrow hoped to escape the treacherous lover and false accusations he left behind on the Continent. But when his secrets leave him open to blackmail, the worst thing he can do is fall in love with his blackmailer's brother, kind and gravely charming fellow servant William Bell.
After five lonely years as valet to a reclusive country squire, William is fascinated by prickly, standoffish Edwin. He suspects he wants more than Edwin is ready to give, but he cannot resist trying to break through that defensive shell.
And William has secrets of his own, namely his involvement in one of the literary societies recently driven underground by the political climate. When Edwin's messy past catches up with them, will it spell disaster for them both?
By returning to England, Edwin Harrow hoped to escape the treacherous lover and false accusations he left behind on the Continent. But when his secrets leave him open to blackmail, the worst thing he can do is fall in love with his blackmailer's brother, kind and gravely charming fellow servant William Bell.
After five lonely years as valet to a reclusive country squire, William is fascinated by prickly, standoffish Edwin. He suspects he wants more than Edwin is ready to give, but he cannot resist trying to break through that defensive shell.
And William has secrets of his own, namely his involvement in one of the literary societies recently driven underground by the political climate. When Edwin's messy past catches up with them, will it spell disaster for them both?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
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April 20, 2023Romance between two valets in the 1790s, with full awareness of the demands on their time, the arbitrariness of masters, the precarious situation of people living without any sort of social safety net, for whom poverty and desperation are only a misstep away. Plus external threats: William is tangentially involved in unlawful gatherings of the political kind, and Edwin is being blackmailed for other unlawfulness.
It makes for quite a stressful read at points. Luckily William is a lovely, sunny character, dedicated to those he loves and open hearted; Edwin is more ground down by the stresses he lives under. Their romance is sweet rather than hot, with Edwin constantly pulling away. The resolution works very nicely on its own terms, but I did wish Edwin had involved William more in his troubles: as it is the romance plot and Edwin's problems are parallel rather than interwoven, which makes William feel not quite central to the book.
However, the romance we have is lovely and the historical setting nicely drawn, and when do you ever get two valets? (Or even two servants other than Listen to the Moon?)
It makes for quite a stressful read at points. Luckily William is a lovely, sunny character, dedicated to those he loves and open hearted; Edwin is more ground down by the stresses he lives under. Their romance is sweet rather than hot, with Edwin constantly pulling away. The resolution works very nicely on its own terms, but I did wish Edwin had involved William more in his troubles: as it is the romance plot and Edwin's problems are parallel rather than interwoven, which makes William feel not quite central to the book.
However, the romance we have is lovely and the historical setting nicely drawn, and when do you ever get two valets? (Or even two servants other than Listen to the Moon?)
January 20, 2026
Stunning mm historical romance between two working class men (both William and Edwin are valets).
I loved this book even more than The Oak and the Ash.
A. Trent is an exceptionally gifted writer.
Beautiful yet intriguing plot, carefully drawn characters, their everyday thoughts and fears, their powerlessness against aristocratic privilege.. the author made me feel so much alongside William and Edwin!
I couldn't even say who I loved more, reserved, hurt and overcautious Edwin, or optimistic and open William.
Already can't wait to reread this. Instant all time favourite.
I loved this book even more than The Oak and the Ash.
A. Trent is an exceptionally gifted writer.
Beautiful yet intriguing plot, carefully drawn characters, their everyday thoughts and fears, their powerlessness against aristocratic privilege.. the author made me feel so much alongside William and Edwin!
I couldn't even say who I loved more, reserved, hurt and overcautious Edwin, or optimistic and open William.
Already can't wait to reread this. Instant all time favourite.
July 16, 2026
Oh cross my heart and hope to die the rest of Trent’s work is as lovely as Beck & Call. As a new to me author, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I was wholly taken in by this story, its voice and characters. The story is slow and the romance is subdued and in the background, so I get why it didn’t work for some readers but it really worked for me. It’s a gentle story that filled my weary, cynical queer heart with tender goodness.
I debated with myself about whether I should give this one 4 or 5 stars and ultimately decided on 4 simply because I would have enjoyed more relationship development between William and Edwin. Still, what the romance was, the circumstances of their lives and livelihoods, how the romance was delivered and the reasons there wasn’t more also felt right for the story Trent was telling and in the time period it’s set. It felt real and added poignancy and depth. And though I kind of wanted more, it was very fulfilling and felt more powerful for the choices Trent made in the telling.
I borrowed Beck & Call from the library but am going to buy it as soon as I’ve finished my review. Definitely worth it to support this author and to have it in my permanent collection. I already have Trent’s Sixpenny Octavo checked out and will start it today and have 2 other Trent titles on hold. I’m super excited to have discovered this gem and have my fingers crossed their other works are as satisfying as Beck & Call.
I debated with myself about whether I should give this one 4 or 5 stars and ultimately decided on 4 simply because I would have enjoyed more relationship development between William and Edwin. Still, what the romance was, the circumstances of their lives and livelihoods, how the romance was delivered and the reasons there wasn’t more also felt right for the story Trent was telling and in the time period it’s set. It felt real and added poignancy and depth. And though I kind of wanted more, it was very fulfilling and felt more powerful for the choices Trent made in the telling.
I borrowed Beck & Call from the library but am going to buy it as soon as I’ve finished my review. Definitely worth it to support this author and to have it in my permanent collection. I already have Trent’s Sixpenny Octavo checked out and will start it today and have 2 other Trent titles on hold. I’m super excited to have discovered this gem and have my fingers crossed their other works are as satisfying as Beck & Call.
June 10, 2026
I think this is probably the first historical fiction book of its kind that I have read where both MCs are in service and are not part of the nobility. It made for a very interesting story and one I didn’t know I needed in my life.
William was adorable, so sweet and earnest with his feelings, while Edwin was mostly afraid to be optimistic and cautious to an extreme, not that I can judge him after his previous experiences. Even if their first meeting didn’t leave the best impression, I blame you, Cyril. These two valets manage to form a credible friendship and relationship that, even though it had its hardships, their HEA, or what could pass for one given the circumstances, was believable and very cute.
William was adorable, so sweet and earnest with his feelings, while Edwin was mostly afraid to be optimistic and cautious to an extreme, not that I can judge him after his previous experiences. Even if their first meeting didn’t leave the best impression, I blame you, Cyril. These two valets manage to form a credible friendship and relationship that, even though it had its hardships, their HEA, or what could pass for one given the circumstances, was believable and very cute.
May 27, 2022
3.5 stars. A historical romance with neither of the MCs being members of the upper class; this is only the second book of this type I’ve read and I demand more of it. There’s some great class commentary throughout this, which makes up for a romance that doesn’t always seem that passionate. Still sweet though, and always good to see good characters get their happy ending.
April 17, 2025
It took me a long time to read this one, but I’d like to think it’s because I was savoring it. For once it’s a regency romance where the servants get to fall in love, with all the complications of juggling work and the occasional blackmailer. Really enjoyed it!
January 9, 2024
What a disappointment! If this was supposed to be historical gay fiction, it would have been incredible. The depiction of the historical time period was very well done and the MCs both had interesting backstories and character arcs throughout the story. Unfortunately, they spent very little time together, they had no chemistry and it felt like they were fuck buddies rather than long term romantic partners. Since this was marketed as a historical romance instead of historical fiction, it was a big letdown.
The historical details were my favorite part. The author did a fantastic job immersing me in the time period by adding in constant references to tiny details that brought the scene and time period to life, in a way that I haven't seen done before. For example - describing what William sees through a window when he looks outside, how William rests his feet on a sack of potatoes when he's riding in a farmer's cart, how he's constantly walking past other members of the household staff (boot boys, housemaids) and how those staff members are carrying things that illustrate their duties. My favorite example of this was when William mentions that the sheets of paper he uses to write letters to his sister come from scrap paper that his employer's land agent regularly tosses out. Paper was a luxury during this time period and people who weren't upper or working class would have struggled to regularly access paper. So William salvages the crumpled up scrap paper that has lists of items and other notes on it and he'll use every available bit of space on it to write his letter, which includes changing the angle of the paper (this was called 'crossing a letter') so he can utilize empty lines left between previously written ones. I haven't come across a historical romance that went into such detail, specifically regarding the lives of people in service so I loved all of that.
I also liked that the author had the MCs come from different backgrounds with different backstories, despite both of them holding the same job (they're valets) and they've spent the vast majority of their lives in service (both started as boot boys, one at age 6 and the other at age 11 and they worked their way up through the household staff hierarchy). But these differences led to my main issue with the romance because both MCs came into the story with tons of issues and they spent the first 80% of the book dealing with those issues on their own instead of together.
William has multiple siblings, including a sister who is widowed and has her own children, and a younger brother who also works as a valet. Their parents passed away long ago and there are many young siblings/nieces/nephews who William is financially responsible for. He spends most of the book exchanging letters with his sister, discussing the welfare of the younger children (ex. deciding whether to keep paying for the oldest of the young boys to continue his education or allow him to enter service as a stable boy). William also has his hands full with his younger brother's antics. Until the 80% mark, William doesn't know that Cyril is blackmailing Edwin but he knows there's bad blood between the two so he's constantly trying to figure out why Cyril doesn't like his new lover. Lastly, the summary mentions William's seditious/political activities being important, but they really aren't. The guy used to attend radical political meetings but once they were banned, he's been too scared to get involved in any of that. He unintentionally gets caught up in a mission to deliver collected funds to families of men who had been arrested but that goes off without a hitch and then William washes his hands of the whole thing. There's also an ongoing plot thread of William not being happy in service and wanting to do something else but not knowing what other career path to choose.
Edwin spends the book dealing with Cyril blackmailing him and the unwanted attention from an ex-lover. . The ex-lover suddenly shows up and wants to reunite so poor Edwin has his hands full dealing with these two difficult situations.
The problem is that both MCs spend almost the entire book dealing with these situations on their own. They never discuss them together and the only time they come together is to have sex. There is a nice scene where Edwin thinks William's career issues may be solved if he gets hired by a more social lord (William's current employer is basically a recluse) but William's valet skills aren't good enough for that so Edwin teaches William how to properly tie various cravat knots that are currently in fashion. I loved that whole thing and I wanted to see this explored a lot more, but it wasn't what the author chose to focus on. Because they don't talk about their various issues with each other, they end up solving most of their problems on their own. Things do collide at 80% and . But then they separate and continue solving things on their own. They only get back together at 98% with Edwin . This was very disappointing because William didn't play a role in Edwin's character arc throughout the entire story and Edwin's involvement in William's issues was also minimal.
The other problem was that the smut scenes were either FTB or very, very vague. In fact, the scenes get less descriptive and more vague as the story progresses, which I found strange. Normally I don't care if a book has FTB smut scenes but the MCs didn't have any chemistry and they spent so little time together that I needed to get a better sense of their connection in order to believe in them as a couple so the FTB/vague smut scenes didn't help. Due to the author's strange decision to have the MCs spend so little time together and to have most of their together time consist of sex meant their relationship felt like a fuck buddies arrangement rather than a long term romantic relationship.
Overall, I'm pretty disappointed with this one. The author's depiction of the time period was done extremely well but I felt the author was more focused on writing historical gay fiction rather than historical gay romance. I never got the sense that the MCs had a deep connection or any desire to be a couple, which is a shame.
The historical details were my favorite part. The author did a fantastic job immersing me in the time period by adding in constant references to tiny details that brought the scene and time period to life, in a way that I haven't seen done before. For example - describing what William sees through a window when he looks outside, how William rests his feet on a sack of potatoes when he's riding in a farmer's cart, how he's constantly walking past other members of the household staff (boot boys, housemaids) and how those staff members are carrying things that illustrate their duties. My favorite example of this was when William mentions that the sheets of paper he uses to write letters to his sister come from scrap paper that his employer's land agent regularly tosses out. Paper was a luxury during this time period and people who weren't upper or working class would have struggled to regularly access paper. So William salvages the crumpled up scrap paper that has lists of items and other notes on it and he'll use every available bit of space on it to write his letter, which includes changing the angle of the paper (this was called 'crossing a letter') so he can utilize empty lines left between previously written ones. I haven't come across a historical romance that went into such detail, specifically regarding the lives of people in service so I loved all of that.
I also liked that the author had the MCs come from different backgrounds with different backstories, despite both of them holding the same job (they're valets) and they've spent the vast majority of their lives in service (both started as boot boys, one at age 6 and the other at age 11 and they worked their way up through the household staff hierarchy). But these differences led to my main issue with the romance because both MCs came into the story with tons of issues and they spent the first 80% of the book dealing with those issues on their own instead of together.
William has multiple siblings, including a sister who is widowed and has her own children, and a younger brother who also works as a valet. Their parents passed away long ago and there are many young siblings/nieces/nephews who William is financially responsible for. He spends most of the book exchanging letters with his sister, discussing the welfare of the younger children (ex. deciding whether to keep paying for the oldest of the young boys to continue his education or allow him to enter service as a stable boy). William also has his hands full with his younger brother's antics. Until the 80% mark, William doesn't know that Cyril is blackmailing Edwin but he knows there's bad blood between the two so he's constantly trying to figure out why Cyril doesn't like his new lover. Lastly, the summary mentions William's seditious/political activities being important, but they really aren't. The guy used to attend radical political meetings but once they were banned, he's been too scared to get involved in any of that. He unintentionally gets caught up in a mission to deliver collected funds to families of men who had been arrested but that goes off without a hitch and then William washes his hands of the whole thing. There's also an ongoing plot thread of William not being happy in service and wanting to do something else but not knowing what other career path to choose.
Edwin spends the book dealing with Cyril blackmailing him and the unwanted attention from an ex-lover. . The ex-lover suddenly shows up and wants to reunite so poor Edwin has his hands full dealing with these two difficult situations.
The problem is that both MCs spend almost the entire book dealing with these situations on their own. They never discuss them together and the only time they come together is to have sex. There is a nice scene where Edwin thinks William's career issues may be solved if he gets hired by a more social lord (William's current employer is basically a recluse) but William's valet skills aren't good enough for that so Edwin teaches William how to properly tie various cravat knots that are currently in fashion. I loved that whole thing and I wanted to see this explored a lot more, but it wasn't what the author chose to focus on. Because they don't talk about their various issues with each other, they end up solving most of their problems on their own. Things do collide at 80% and . But then they separate and continue solving things on their own. They only get back together at 98% with Edwin . This was very disappointing because William didn't play a role in Edwin's character arc throughout the entire story and Edwin's involvement in William's issues was also minimal.
The other problem was that the smut scenes were either FTB or very, very vague. In fact, the scenes get less descriptive and more vague as the story progresses, which I found strange. Normally I don't care if a book has FTB smut scenes but the MCs didn't have any chemistry and they spent so little time together that I needed to get a better sense of their connection in order to believe in them as a couple so the FTB/vague smut scenes didn't help. Due to the author's strange decision to have the MCs spend so little time together and to have most of their together time consist of sex meant their relationship felt like a fuck buddies arrangement rather than a long term romantic relationship.
Overall, I'm pretty disappointed with this one. The author's depiction of the time period was done extremely well but I felt the author was more focused on writing historical gay fiction rather than historical gay romance. I never got the sense that the MCs had a deep connection or any desire to be a couple, which is a shame.
October 29, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Historical MM romance set in England in the late 1700s between two valets. I enjoyed reading a romance between two men in the servant class--unusual in my experience--and I thought the writing was great. The romance felt quite subdued, which wasn't helped by the fact that all the smut is fade-to-black/off-screen, which I found disappointing. I didn't totally feel as strong a connection between them as I'd have wanted, but I still found it enjoyable. I did wish they'd both been a bit more direct/communicative about the external issues they were facing, Edwin in particular, given the impact it could (and did) have on one another given their connection, but even that I found understandable. Solid read on the whole, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author (though I'm going to hope things get a bit steamier in other novels...)
Historical MM romance set in England in the late 1700s between two valets. I enjoyed reading a romance between two men in the servant class--unusual in my experience--and I thought the writing was great. The romance felt quite subdued, which wasn't helped by the fact that all the smut is fade-to-black/off-screen, which I found disappointing. I didn't totally feel as strong a connection between them as I'd have wanted, but I still found it enjoyable. I did wish they'd both been a bit more direct/communicative about the external issues they were facing, Edwin in particular, given the impact it could (and did) have on one another given their connection, but even that I found understandable. Solid read on the whole, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author (though I'm going to hope things get a bit steamier in other novels...)
January 5, 2024
A lovely period M-M romance with two delightful MCs, a few equally lovely secondaries and of course a baddie or two to stir up the pot. This provided several diverting hours of pleasant reading; now to see what else this author has written.
November 24, 2024
In a fit of chaos, I read this series back to front, starting with the third book and only arriving at the first via the second. And this is a series where you can legitimately do that, since there is only the barest overlap of characters between the three. Instead, all of them are held together by an association with the Penny Reading Society at the Old Bridge Inn, a library and learning club for the working people of Southwark. That association is less front and centre here than in the later books. William Bell, one of the MCs, is a member and has an interest in printing and science, but the action of the plot takes place elsewhere.
As well as an avid reader (insofar as he is able, given limited access to print), William is the valet of a hypochondriac northern gentleman. It’s in this guise that he meets Edwin Harrow, valet to the Viscount Leighland, and the two bond over the love of a good novel. However, as an attraction develops - and they begin the difficult dance of figuring out each other’s interest - secrets from Edwin’s past are closing in around him. Naturally taciturn and self-reliant, can he trust William’s open heart?
Although the historical politics weren’t as developed as the later stories, I found the romance in this one deeply satisfying. I’m a sucker for a closed-off distrustful MC being cracked open by a kind, gentle lover. And Annick Trent’s deliberate slow-burn style suits that narrative perfectly. I also admire the way they write their characters into a rounded world, showing both William and Edwin’s multiple bonds with others - friends, family, colleagues and employers - while never losing sight of the tension between the central pair.
I’m sad I only have one novelette left to discover in this series - although Trent has a contemporary mm trilogy that intrigues me - but I think there are more coming soon, thank goodness. My mental health needs them.
As well as an avid reader (insofar as he is able, given limited access to print), William is the valet of a hypochondriac northern gentleman. It’s in this guise that he meets Edwin Harrow, valet to the Viscount Leighland, and the two bond over the love of a good novel. However, as an attraction develops - and they begin the difficult dance of figuring out each other’s interest - secrets from Edwin’s past are closing in around him. Naturally taciturn and self-reliant, can he trust William’s open heart?
Although the historical politics weren’t as developed as the later stories, I found the romance in this one deeply satisfying. I’m a sucker for a closed-off distrustful MC being cracked open by a kind, gentle lover. And Annick Trent’s deliberate slow-burn style suits that narrative perfectly. I also admire the way they write their characters into a rounded world, showing both William and Edwin’s multiple bonds with others - friends, family, colleagues and employers - while never losing sight of the tension between the central pair.
I’m sad I only have one novelette left to discover in this series - although Trent has a contemporary mm trilogy that intrigues me - but I think there are more coming soon, thank goodness. My mental health needs them.
December 27, 2024
I quite liked book 3 in this series -- no need to read in order, they are only loosely connected -- other than the fact that it was, like, full of science? And I? Am not full of science? Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-science. Science is great! I love benefiting from science! Science done by others! (I believe they're called "scientists," but don't quote me on this.) I just don't want science in my romance! Sweaty flashbacks to high school chemistry is not in any way relaxing!
I am happy to report that this book did not have science. It had reading! I love reading!
Like its companion book, this was very fine-grained, day-in-the-life stuff, where the lives in question belong to two valets. Like its companion book, it was also a combo of, on the one hand, quite slooooooow, detail-oriented pacing and, on the other, a heaping helping of malevolence, cover-ups, and assholes, oh my! It makes for a funny reading experience, because it's kind of edging towards boring, but also low-key stressful? A high-low angst read? It mostly worked, due especially to lovely, trusting William. I mean, the no-science helped. Who doesn't love MCs whose main forms of relaxation are reading and woefully lacking communication with their beloved? Being known like a motherforker over here, y'all.
I am happy to report that this book did not have science. It had reading! I love reading!
Like its companion book, this was very fine-grained, day-in-the-life stuff, where the lives in question belong to two valets. Like its companion book, it was also a combo of, on the one hand, quite slooooooow, detail-oriented pacing and, on the other, a heaping helping of malevolence, cover-ups, and assholes, oh my! It makes for a funny reading experience, because it's kind of edging towards boring, but also low-key stressful? A high-low angst read? It mostly worked, due especially to lovely, trusting William. I mean, the no-science helped. Who doesn't love MCs whose main forms of relaxation are reading and woefully lacking communication with their beloved? Being known like a motherforker over here, y'all.
March 13, 2026
an historical romance between two valets.
it's a nice change having the mcs not in the upper class, but two working men facing difficulties from their social position and trying to make their relationship work.
first time w this author and it was a win!
it's a nice change having the mcs not in the upper class, but two working men facing difficulties from their social position and trying to make their relationship work.
first time w this author and it was a win!
July 11, 2022
Excellent period feel; low passion romance. I think this is the first time I’ve read an historical romance between two servants, which obviously added complications to pursuing a relationship. All the more so because they’re in different households. It seemed like a very realistic portrait of the life of valets, but that meant the relationship was pretty subdued. Who has the time? (There’s also a lot of other stuff going on.)
So this didn’t come across as an all-consuming love as is often the case in romance, but more a slow-growing affection and trust that’s as much about companionship as carnal desire. Which I mostly dug. Going a little heavier on declaring their feelings wouldn’t have gone amiss though. Will try this author again.
So this didn’t come across as an all-consuming love as is often the case in romance, but more a slow-growing affection and trust that’s as much about companionship as carnal desire. Which I mostly dug. Going a little heavier on declaring their feelings wouldn’t have gone amiss though. Will try this author again.
June 16, 2026
picked this as my second annick trent to read by virtue of its being the first one to pop up on libby when I searched for "annick trent" that also said "#1 in series" (it seems you don't really have to read trent's series in order, but I wanted to anyway).
I quite liked this, probably even more than I did by marsh and by moor , with which it shares elements that I imagine are probably hallmarks for trent: the sense of a well researched setting in place and time, a blend of high...real-world class-based danger stakes?...with comparatively low romantic stakes, a defiant rejection of the obsession with the nobility shared by most other historical romances of this type, etc.
on the note of good research, however (which, again, really does shine through here!), I was reading this at the same time as I was reading jane austen's bookshelf (haven't reviewed yet, but that's on the docket), so I found myself getting indignant that william only mentions having read novels by "defoe, smollet, fielding..." but no women writers, but I guess he does also specify "nothing more recent than '69," as that was when the purchaser of these books, the father of william's current employer, died. alas! there is also mention of a text called enoch the mariner by a "dryden," but for the life of me I can't figure out whether that's supposed to be a real book or not. the closest thing I'm finding is the narrative poem enoch arden by tennyson, but this book takes place in the 1790s, and that wasn't published until 1864. obviously, something by john dryden would make more sense for the period, but I just cannot find anything with that title by dryden. but the guy was prolific! maybe my google skills simply are not good enough! and also maybe trent intentionally made up a text! which really puts me to mind of the following bit from @ancientreader's review of by marsh and by moor lol:
INDEED!!!!!!!
I quite liked this, probably even more than I did by marsh and by moor , with which it shares elements that I imagine are probably hallmarks for trent: the sense of a well researched setting in place and time, a blend of high...real-world class-based danger stakes?...with comparatively low romantic stakes, a defiant rejection of the obsession with the nobility shared by most other historical romances of this type, etc.
on the note of good research, however (which, again, really does shine through here!), I was reading this at the same time as I was reading jane austen's bookshelf (haven't reviewed yet, but that's on the docket), so I found myself getting indignant that william only mentions having read novels by "defoe, smollet, fielding..." but no women writers, but I guess he does also specify "nothing more recent than '69," as that was when the purchaser of these books, the father of william's current employer, died. alas! there is also mention of a text called enoch the mariner by a "dryden," but for the life of me I can't figure out whether that's supposed to be a real book or not. the closest thing I'm finding is the narrative poem enoch arden by tennyson, but this book takes place in the 1790s, and that wasn't published until 1864. obviously, something by john dryden would make more sense for the period, but I just cannot find anything with that title by dryden. but the guy was prolific! maybe my google skills simply are not good enough! and also maybe trent intentionally made up a text! which really puts me to mind of the following bit from @ancientreader's review of by marsh and by moor lol:
Apropos of not much of anything: in the certainty that Annick Trent had misspelled the name of the naval vessel Jed escapes from, I looked it up and found that (1) yep, it was the Nonsuch; (2) it had been broken up years before the story begins. So now I can puzzle over whether the anachronism is intentional instead of gnashing my teeth over an "e" that isn't actually missing.
INDEED!!!!!!!
December 31, 2024
This was a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, and Edwin felt a sudden impulse to tell him to stop. To warn him that it was dangerous to live like that.
petition for more historical romance authors to write books about the middle class / working class. i think the only reason this one isn't a fuller four stars is because poor Edwin is stressed the hell out for a majority of the book. i wanted a few more moments of Edwin and William simply enjoying each others company, stress-free!
June 9, 2026
Really enjoyed this. I loved the “downstairs” setting (much rarer in historicals) and the fleshed out realities of being in service. It felt like there was a bit much going on plotwise—for all the hubub about the money in the beginning I really thought that would develop into something—so the ending felt a bit rushed and everything worked out a bit too conveniently. I did feel like the author had done a lot of research and I liked that the sideplots were very grounded in the time period (Jacobin societies, navy press gangs, etc).
I like the slow burn between William and Edwin and appreciated that it was forced to be slow partly due to the difficulties of neither of them being in charge of their own time. It did feel a little light on the romance aspect and I would have loved a bit more time with just the two of them and their relationship developing. But overall an enjoyable well-written and well-researched read!
I like the slow burn between William and Edwin and appreciated that it was forced to be slow partly due to the difficulties of neither of them being in charge of their own time. It did feel a little light on the romance aspect and I would have loved a bit more time with just the two of them and their relationship developing. But overall an enjoyable well-written and well-researched read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 28, 2026There are plenty of things to like about this book: well realized historical setting, main characters who aren’t dukes, good prose. I just wasn’t really sold on the romance. Edwin never confided in William, and didn’t trust him with anything going on even when William was directly threatened. He only comes clean once everything has been revealed to William by other characters. I did read most of this in one sitting, it was very compelling! Just not very romantic.
February 8, 2026
A rather understated but sweet romance between two valets serving in different households becoming lovers and friends while each of them is dealing with various other problems. The historical details of 1790s England are rich and well drawn, the lives of people in service which tend to get completely erased when stories are told from the viewpoint of upper classes take center stage here and I very much enjoyed the fact that this story is set in this other dimension. This allows for explorations of class and the problems it can cause. I enjoyed our characters for themselves rather more than specifically for their romance because Edwin doesn't take William into his confidence and so their two stories stay rather apart. But as historical fiction there is a lot I liked.
May 19, 2021
Fall in love with main characters' Edwin and William.
Making a necessary change in his life, Edwin returns to England in hopes of escaping a past he'd much rather forget. Unfortunately, not even another country, can help him escape the possibilities of blackmail. Then he meets a man that captures more than his eye.
Dare he risk it all?
William Bell is a servant, and a bit of a recluse. the type of position he holds can have that affect. Not until he meets Edwin, does his life become a little more interesting. Captivated by this prickly man, he sets his sights on bringing down his walls.
Adding to an already tricky life, Edwin is being blackmailed by none other than William's brother.
Both Williams and Edwin, have secrets. The kind that can place unknown obstacles before them.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
Making a necessary change in his life, Edwin returns to England in hopes of escaping a past he'd much rather forget. Unfortunately, not even another country, can help him escape the possibilities of blackmail. Then he meets a man that captures more than his eye.
Dare he risk it all?
William Bell is a servant, and a bit of a recluse. the type of position he holds can have that affect. Not until he meets Edwin, does his life become a little more interesting. Captivated by this prickly man, he sets his sights on bringing down his walls.
Adding to an already tricky life, Edwin is being blackmailed by none other than William's brother.
Both Williams and Edwin, have secrets. The kind that can place unknown obstacles before them.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.**
December 18, 2021
My main issue with this book is that the plot focuses too much on what's going on around these characters instead of actually developing their relationship. I understand that they first come together as a means to an end, as would have been common in an era when "buggery" was a serious crime, but they basically fall in love dick first and it doesn't make sense the lengths they go to to be together when there isn't much else there. Pages of William trying to figure out how to transport money or picking out a coat for his employer, or Edwin dealing with William's brother and also doing service things for his employer... it just got a bit boring. I know what a valet does, that's not what I'm here for. If you really enjoy that ins and outs of daily life and a really slow burn romance, you'll be less disappointed, but I just found it a bit to much.
February 2, 2025
4⭐
This was my first book form Annick Trent and I liked it quite a bit. It's a very nice change of pace not having a nobleman main character, but it definitely made the whole experience a bit more nerve-wracking. How will they get their HEA when neither of them have the power of money to make convenient arrangements? And they even have blackmailers after them. Eep.
The story is kind of slow in good and bad. I wasn't exactly hooked but not bored either. The setting was great and the characters good, and there were some really delicious bits in here (I don't mean smut, there wasn't much of that). Some kind of a final oomph was still missing, but I'll certainly read more from this author.
This was my first book form Annick Trent and I liked it quite a bit. It's a very nice change of pace not having a nobleman main character, but it definitely made the whole experience a bit more nerve-wracking. How will they get their HEA when neither of them have the power of money to make convenient arrangements? And they even have blackmailers after them. Eep.
The story is kind of slow in good and bad. I wasn't exactly hooked but not bored either. The setting was great and the characters good, and there were some really delicious bits in here (I don't mean smut, there wasn't much of that). Some kind of a final oomph was still missing, but I'll certainly read more from this author.
January 23, 2024
I enjoyed this very much. I do so enjoy series like this which have a shared bunch of characters and we see a teeny bit of them in linked books.
I enjoy the depiction of servants' lives in these books, and those of the other working class people.
I enjoy the depiction of servants' lives in these books, and those of the other working class people.
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October 10, 2023A servant POV romance. Two valets fall in love. I appreciated this change in perspective and the touch of political history (not as much as
January 3, 2022
3.5 stars
It was really refreshing to read a historical romance that isn't focused on the perspective of the upper classes. Instead this book is centered around two valets, which brings very different perspectives, issues and conflicts to the romance. It was heavy on the historical details and thorough in showing the life of the valets, and I appreciated seeing the connection and discussions between the servants and the insight into the reality and difficulties of their positions.
There was a lot going on in this book outside of the romance – in fact the romance itself was a bit too slow and underexpressed for my personal preference, with other plot issues taking precedence. The romance was of course central to the story, but Edward spent most of the book very closed off and distrustful, which was understandable due to the plot but made the romance somewhat difficult. At the same time this created a lot of good, angsty moments, and I particularly liked the interplay between the more vulnerably open William and the somewhat standoffish Edward as they tried to navigate their undefined relationship.
It was really refreshing to read a historical romance that isn't focused on the perspective of the upper classes. Instead this book is centered around two valets, which brings very different perspectives, issues and conflicts to the romance. It was heavy on the historical details and thorough in showing the life of the valets, and I appreciated seeing the connection and discussions between the servants and the insight into the reality and difficulties of their positions.
There was a lot going on in this book outside of the romance – in fact the romance itself was a bit too slow and underexpressed for my personal preference, with other plot issues taking precedence. The romance was of course central to the story, but Edward spent most of the book very closed off and distrustful, which was understandable due to the plot but made the romance somewhat difficult. At the same time this created a lot of good, angsty moments, and I particularly liked the interplay between the more vulnerably open William and the somewhat standoffish Edward as they tried to navigate their undefined relationship.
May 12, 2023
A lovely, sweet romance between two valets in the 1790s.
Well, I say sweet.... this adjective is more about the way in which the characters interact with each other than the story itself. The story is actually quite tense at moments: there is the always precarious situation in which people such as Edwin and William are, absolutely dependent on their masters. Then, of course, there is the matter of Edwin's blackmailer and the fact that William is somehow mixed with unlawful political gatherings.
But I really enjoyed it, it has a wonderfully detailed setting, the characters are interesting and the resolution very satisfying. Therefore, I'm about to read the second book in this series... lesbians, this time :P
Well, I say sweet.... this adjective is more about the way in which the characters interact with each other than the story itself. The story is actually quite tense at moments: there is the always precarious situation in which people such as Edwin and William are, absolutely dependent on their masters. Then, of course, there is the matter of Edwin's blackmailer and the fact that William is somehow mixed with unlawful political gatherings.
But I really enjoyed it, it has a wonderfully detailed setting, the characters are interesting and the resolution very satisfying. Therefore, I'm about to read the second book in this series... lesbians, this time :P
January 5, 2024
3.5 stars. Started this book and almost DNF'd during the first 50 pages or so. Very English with valets, footmen, servants, maids, cooks, etc. running around performing all kinds of chores for English gentlemen. The very rich certainly didn't have to lift a finger.
It took awhile but an M/M romance finally started and the book took a turn to an interesting, solid story about rich vs. poor and everything in between. I would definitely recommend it and hopefully others will find the first part better than I did.
It took awhile but an M/M romance finally started and the book took a turn to an interesting, solid story about rich vs. poor and everything in between. I would definitely recommend it and hopefully others will find the first part better than I did.
August 1, 2024
A nice, cute, wholesome romance
May 21, 2023
Truly enjoyed the historic background in this book, which felt more realistic than many. The details of servants’ lives and reading clubs for working people were interesting. Also, it includes several woman side characters who are also working for a living and just as self possessed and intelligent as the men around them.
The very ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise no complaints.
The very ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise no complaints.
December 23, 2021
A well thought out historical romance. Refreshingly, it isn't about the aristocracy, it's set in the world of those in service. I would say that the emphasis is more on the historic and less on the romance, although love is definitely in the air for Edwin and William. It's quite a serious story, with some angst and betrayal. I felt for Edwin and what he went through, and admired William for always trying to look after his family, and his willingness to always be himself without compromise.The romance is a slow one, but satisfying none the less. The ending wasn't really a HEA for the two men, but was probably all that could be expected due to their circumstances. Pretty well written, if a little slow in parts. Three and a half stars.
July 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a great read. It is set in early nineteenth century England and concerns two protagonists in service. The period feel is excellent being set somewhere near the middle of the industrial revolution, probably during the Napoleonic wars as there are lots of naval references. William Bell and Edwin Harrow work for two different households and meet while staying at another house while their masters do what wealthy aristos and their followers do on these occasions. William is a friendly intelligent man who likes to read. His present situation is in Lancashire and his employer Paxton is bit of a stick in the mud with little ambition to mix with others in his class unless it involves one of his projects. William has been stuck in the North for the last five years with little company and a library of old books as his master is not into fashion or literature.
Edwin on the other hand is somewhat taciturn but when he meets William his hard shell he has built around himself starts to crack. We follow them as they come into contact more than they thought possible and their attachment grows. They both have secrets to hide. William’s secret relates to a short imprisonment from being in a literary society and Edwin’s relates to his being in a relationship with an upper class scoundrel. I realised both of these secrets were going to have an impact on the two of them at some stage. That aside we get to share in a beautiful developing friendship that might just mean more for the both of them.
There was a minor hiccough for me when at one point a character rides a horse from Dorset to Gosport in Hampshire. From what I know about horses and distances, a journey of about thirty odd miles (the shortest there is from the edge of Dorset to Gosport) would take at least one day with rest stops on the way so there is no way the rider could be back early next day as he wanted seeming as it was already nightfall.
If you like period romances this is for you and if you don’t well give it a go if you are into MM romance. Me? I just like a good read and this is one.
This is a great read. It is set in early nineteenth century England and concerns two protagonists in service. The period feel is excellent being set somewhere near the middle of the industrial revolution, probably during the Napoleonic wars as there are lots of naval references. William Bell and Edwin Harrow work for two different households and meet while staying at another house while their masters do what wealthy aristos and their followers do on these occasions. William is a friendly intelligent man who likes to read. His present situation is in Lancashire and his employer Paxton is bit of a stick in the mud with little ambition to mix with others in his class unless it involves one of his projects. William has been stuck in the North for the last five years with little company and a library of old books as his master is not into fashion or literature.
Edwin on the other hand is somewhat taciturn but when he meets William his hard shell he has built around himself starts to crack. We follow them as they come into contact more than they thought possible and their attachment grows. They both have secrets to hide. William’s secret relates to a short imprisonment from being in a literary society and Edwin’s relates to his being in a relationship with an upper class scoundrel. I realised both of these secrets were going to have an impact on the two of them at some stage. That aside we get to share in a beautiful developing friendship that might just mean more for the both of them.
There was a minor hiccough for me when at one point a character rides a horse from Dorset to Gosport in Hampshire. From what I know about horses and distances, a journey of about thirty odd miles (the shortest there is from the edge of Dorset to Gosport) would take at least one day with rest stops on the way so there is no way the rider could be back early next day as he wanted seeming as it was already nightfall.
If you like period romances this is for you and if you don’t well give it a go if you are into MM romance. Me? I just like a good read and this is one.
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