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Angel's Evolution
"I’m a monster. Or so my father would have me believe. I’m imprisoned in a world I hate and fear. As heir to my father’s title, I’m expected to marry, but my secret desires may keep me from fulfilling those expectations.
One night a stranger kisses me. In his touch, I see the possibility of a life beyond my prison. My name? Just call me Angel and this is my evolution."
One night a stranger kisses me. In his touch, I see the possibility of a life beyond my prison. My name? Just call me Angel and this is my evolution."
173 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2007
6 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
T.A. Chase
161 books892 followersThere is beauty in every kind of love, so why not live a life without boundaries? Experiencing everything the world offers fascinates me and writing about the things that make each of us unique is how I share those insights. I live in the Midwest with a wonderful partner of thirteen years. When not writing, I’m watching movies, reading and living life to the fullest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
February 13, 2009
I didn't mean to read this book right now. I bought Angel's Evolution, because I had just read an interview about the author T.A.Chase, and it looked interesting. I was hesitant because it is in first person, and well it's no secret first person is my LEAST favorite way of storytelling, especially in the romance/erotic genre. So, I thought I would sneak a peek at it. Ummm... needless to say, once I started it I couldn't stop reading it. After reading this amazing book, I honestly don't know how it could have been written in any other way. (I never thought I would say that)
First, let me say that this in NOT a light read. If you are looking for an easy-going romance, this book is not for you. There is a lot of emotional angst, physical abuse (not by the hero) and personal growth the main character "Angel" goes through. I experienced all of his sorrows, pain, grief, dispair, hope, love, forgiveness and finally his happiness. It was a rollercoaster ride from the first page and didn't let up until the last.
I don't want to give too much of the storyline away, so I'll try not to spoil it too much.
This story is set right before the Napolean Wars in England. First, of all the storyteller's name is not really "Angel". He comes by that nickname later in the book. (You'll have to read why and how on your own) You won't actually find out his real name until the end of the book, by that time he was everyone's Angel anyway so his real name became insignificant.
"Angel" thinks he is a monster. He has been verbally and physically abused from his father since he was ten years old. For fourteen years, he has been ignored, beaten and treated worse than a slave. Because "Angel's" father is an influental man, and wants an heir, he throws "Angel" into middle of the Tons season. "Angel" is horribly shy and doesn't know how to handle crowds or to simply have a conversation with others, so even though he will beaten when he gets home, he usually hides in the corner and watches the festivities unnoticed and uncared for.
When Greyson spots "Angel" in the corner he falls in love with him at first sight. He wants to erase the sadness and pain from "Angel's" eyes and save him from his "Angel's" fathers wrath.
I liked the determination Greyson had to help "Angel" and to make him a part of his life. I thought it was a very beautiful love story that had many twists in the storyline and interesting characters. I really loved this book. "Angel's" triumph felt damn good at the end and I can't recommend this more.
5 out of 5 stars.
First, let me say that this in NOT a light read. If you are looking for an easy-going romance, this book is not for you. There is a lot of emotional angst, physical abuse (not by the hero) and personal growth the main character "Angel" goes through. I experienced all of his sorrows, pain, grief, dispair, hope, love, forgiveness and finally his happiness. It was a rollercoaster ride from the first page and didn't let up until the last.
I don't want to give too much of the storyline away, so I'll try not to spoil it too much.
This story is set right before the Napolean Wars in England. First, of all the storyteller's name is not really "Angel". He comes by that nickname later in the book. (You'll have to read why and how on your own) You won't actually find out his real name until the end of the book, by that time he was everyone's Angel anyway so his real name became insignificant.
"Angel" thinks he is a monster. He has been verbally and physically abused from his father since he was ten years old. For fourteen years, he has been ignored, beaten and treated worse than a slave. Because "Angel's" father is an influental man, and wants an heir, he throws "Angel" into middle of the Tons season. "Angel" is horribly shy and doesn't know how to handle crowds or to simply have a conversation with others, so even though he will beaten when he gets home, he usually hides in the corner and watches the festivities unnoticed and uncared for.
When Greyson spots "Angel" in the corner he falls in love with him at first sight. He wants to erase the sadness and pain from "Angel's" eyes and save him from his "Angel's" fathers wrath.
I liked the determination Greyson had to help "Angel" and to make him a part of his life. I thought it was a very beautiful love story that had many twists in the storyline and interesting characters. I really loved this book. "Angel's" triumph felt damn good at the end and I can't recommend this more.
5 out of 5 stars.
February 15, 2009
I LOVED THIS BOOK! I thought the love story between Grey and Angel was very well developed and I literally read this in one sitting. Angel works through self-doubt and low self esteem from abuse to a more confident man. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was awesome!
March 16, 2009
This book made me cry. I loved the romance and love between Angel and Trey. It was so beautifully written! I wish Mr. Chase would revisit them sometime and write more about them. They were wonderful and so deserving of their happy ending.
February 25, 2009
Angel and Grey were perfect for one another. I loved the support and shoulder Grey gave Angel to cry, grow and become the man Angel was meant to be. I loved this book.
January 1, 2016
DNF at 66%
It was not bad.. but I’m just sick of all these mediocre books. I don’t have the patience to even finish this one.
Yes, Angel/Robert was my kind of guy. Shy, abused and being held captive by his father for years. And Greyson was the absolute knight in shining armor who saved this sweet boy. So, I should have loved this!
The writing was not too bad either. But still…. I was bored out of my mind….
I’m off to find a decent book to read now…
It was not bad.. but I’m just sick of all these mediocre books. I don’t have the patience to even finish this one.
Yes, Angel/Robert was my kind of guy. Shy, abused and being held captive by his father for years. And Greyson was the absolute knight in shining armor who saved this sweet boy. So, I should have loved this!
The writing was not too bad either. But still…. I was bored out of my mind….
I’m off to find a decent book to read now…
March 23, 2010
Written in the much-dreaded first person present tense, Angel's Evolution is narrated by 23-year-old Angel, the whiniest, most tortured soul I've had the displeasure of reading about.
If you haven't guessed, my first major problem was with the narrator himself. Unfortunately, there is very little dialogue in this book, so the reader is stuck listening to Angel's tortured inner monlogue the majority of the time, which mostly consists of self-doubt, self-recrimination, and general angst. It gets old quick.
My second major issue (aside from the tedious narration) is with the lame storyline. Set at the turn of the 18th century, the novel begins as 23-year-old Angel is being shoved into London Society for the first time after years of isolation. The reader soon learns that Angel has suffered terrible emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his father since the age of 10. While his father is obviously a disturbed, abusive guy, his actions don't really make any sense. Why did he suddenly start hating and abusing his 10-year-old son? There's a feeble attempt at explaining this late in the novel, but it still doesn't adequately explain why Angel's father singled him out from the rest of his offspring for torment and abuse. Furthermore, why would his father have tortured his eldest son and heir for so many years only to throw him into Society at this point? It doesn't make any sense.
So on to the hero. Our knight-in-shining-armor, Duke Greyson, first spies Angel at a ball, and supposedly falls madly in love with him at first sight. After an incident at a later ball some weeks later, Duke Greyson takes Angel into his care, despite never having had an actual conversation with him and also despite the fact that Angel is crazier than a loon and skiddish as a wild animal at this point. So even though this is a romance novel, there's no actual romantic development.
The only reason I kept reading this book was because I kept expecting some big final confrontation between Angel and his father. From the title of the novel and from its basic premise, I was also expecting one of those abused-victim-turns-strong-fighter-with-the-love-of-a-good-man type stories. Um, no. Angel's "evolution" isn't really much to speak of at all, and the final "confrontation" is completely dissatisfying.
I've enjoyed some of T.A. Chase's work in the past, and I'll probably try it again in the future. But for me at least, this was a total bomb.
If you haven't guessed, my first major problem was with the narrator himself. Unfortunately, there is very little dialogue in this book, so the reader is stuck listening to Angel's tortured inner monlogue the majority of the time, which mostly consists of self-doubt, self-recrimination, and general angst. It gets old quick.
My second major issue (aside from the tedious narration) is with the lame storyline. Set at the turn of the 18th century, the novel begins as 23-year-old Angel is being shoved into London Society for the first time after years of isolation. The reader soon learns that Angel has suffered terrible emotional and physical abuse at the hands of his father since the age of 10. While his father is obviously a disturbed, abusive guy, his actions don't really make any sense. Why did he suddenly start hating and abusing his 10-year-old son? There's a feeble attempt at explaining this late in the novel, but it still doesn't adequately explain why Angel's father singled him out from the rest of his offspring for torment and abuse. Furthermore, why would his father have tortured his eldest son and heir for so many years only to throw him into Society at this point? It doesn't make any sense.
So on to the hero. Our knight-in-shining-armor, Duke Greyson, first spies Angel at a ball, and supposedly falls madly in love with him at first sight. After an incident at a later ball some weeks later, Duke Greyson takes Angel into his care, despite never having had an actual conversation with him and also despite the fact that Angel is crazier than a loon and skiddish as a wild animal at this point. So even though this is a romance novel, there's no actual romantic development.
The only reason I kept reading this book was because I kept expecting some big final confrontation between Angel and his father. From the title of the novel and from its basic premise, I was also expecting one of those abused-victim-turns-strong-fighter-with-the-love-of-a-good-man type stories. Um, no. Angel's "evolution" isn't really much to speak of at all, and the final "confrontation" is completely dissatisfying.
I've enjoyed some of T.A. Chase's work in the past, and I'll probably try it again in the future. But for me at least, this was a total bomb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2010
I believe that this is the first book of Chase’s that I’ve read, and the author has nothing to prove to me, it’s obvious that she (assumed she) can write. It’s the story of Angel who has been so badly abused by his father that he has no confidence in himself, and considers himself to be unclean – hardly surprising when subjected to such abuse.
The cover is one of the best gay historical covers I’ve seen. We need more like this. Men in period costume. You can’t beat it.
I was pleased that Angel’s Evolution seemed to be quite meaty - less concentration on sex and more of characterisation. But sadly, and this is (obviously) totally subjective, it was the characterisation that I couldn’t like.It’s not often that I read a book and simply cannot identify or empathise with the protagonist, but I’m sorry to say that when it comes to Angel’s Evolution I just couldn’t. Perhaps it was that the book is written in first person present tense, a very brave tense to choose, and not one I think I could ever attempt. For me, present tense has to be light and immediate, action filled – not a deep, very angsty and at times dark and violent tale. It’s hard for me to explain, but I always feel that the present tense is like constantly being on the edge of a precipice, and even the protagonist doesn’t know what will happen next.
But what happens here is that Angel is having such a bad time throughout most of the book and he (obviously) doesn’t know what is going to happen, he’s caught constantly in the present, and whines almost the entire way through the book. I would have found it more effective if he had been looking back at his life with the benefit of hindsight, explaining his evolution and letting the reader share it, but he doesn’t. He just whines about all the crap stuff that is happening to him, whines (very much like Fanon Remus Lupin) about how he’s a monster, whines about how he’ll be infecting the man who seducing him into becoming another monster, and oh – how can you love a monster? and just… whines. I was half way through the book when I had decided that, when his father had finished with the horsewhip, I wanted to borrow it.
I didn’t understand quite why Angel’s father treated his son so very badly. If he considered his son to be a perversion you’d think that - rather than treating him like a prisoner – he’d be eager to foist him off on the first fortune hunter that came along. But no, the father locks him up in the country, doesn’t allow him to meet anyone outside the family, whips the boy’s back so badly he bleeds through his evening clothes and then moans when he doesn’t mingle in order to find a wife. He was his heir, and even if you thought your son was a pansy would you really keep him locked away from society, dress him in rags and whip him daily?
There is a nice balance of plot and sex, too. Not sex heavy and when it does appear it’s gradual and nicely erotic without being graphic, (Although Angel whines even here…) intense, tender and passionate in turns.
There were a few other things that jarred me; Angel’s father wouldn’t be a Lord – he’s the brother of an Earl, so he’d be an “Honorable”, improper use of the term “whipping boy” right at the start, misspelling of “whiskey” instead of whisky, the ubiquitous “gotten” which is always going to make me grind my teeth, and even the title is anachronistic, if you use the word as meaning a gradual change. There’s the inevitable OKHomo, Angel’s uncle is fine with it, Society doesn’t ostracize Duke Greyson for it despite it having hounded the fabulously wealthy William Beckford and Viscount Courtenay into exile. But the writing and the Romance of the story is not spoiled by this. It is well written, and if I have not made that clear, then I apologise. The description is lush, detailed – she writes a real sense of place – you can see the ballrooms, smell the streets, feel skin and velvet under your hand. The point of view and tense help with this, of course and it’s very involved.
If you, unlike me, empathise with Angel and end up liking him, then you’ll appreciate the job Chase does. It’s just not for me.
The cover is one of the best gay historical covers I’ve seen. We need more like this. Men in period costume. You can’t beat it.
I was pleased that Angel’s Evolution seemed to be quite meaty - less concentration on sex and more of characterisation. But sadly, and this is (obviously) totally subjective, it was the characterisation that I couldn’t like.It’s not often that I read a book and simply cannot identify or empathise with the protagonist, but I’m sorry to say that when it comes to Angel’s Evolution I just couldn’t. Perhaps it was that the book is written in first person present tense, a very brave tense to choose, and not one I think I could ever attempt. For me, present tense has to be light and immediate, action filled – not a deep, very angsty and at times dark and violent tale. It’s hard for me to explain, but I always feel that the present tense is like constantly being on the edge of a precipice, and even the protagonist doesn’t know what will happen next.
But what happens here is that Angel is having such a bad time throughout most of the book and he (obviously) doesn’t know what is going to happen, he’s caught constantly in the present, and whines almost the entire way through the book. I would have found it more effective if he had been looking back at his life with the benefit of hindsight, explaining his evolution and letting the reader share it, but he doesn’t. He just whines about all the crap stuff that is happening to him, whines (very much like Fanon Remus Lupin) about how he’s a monster, whines about how he’ll be infecting the man who seducing him into becoming another monster, and oh – how can you love a monster? and just… whines. I was half way through the book when I had decided that, when his father had finished with the horsewhip, I wanted to borrow it.
I didn’t understand quite why Angel’s father treated his son so very badly. If he considered his son to be a perversion you’d think that - rather than treating him like a prisoner – he’d be eager to foist him off on the first fortune hunter that came along. But no, the father locks him up in the country, doesn’t allow him to meet anyone outside the family, whips the boy’s back so badly he bleeds through his evening clothes and then moans when he doesn’t mingle in order to find a wife. He was his heir, and even if you thought your son was a pansy would you really keep him locked away from society, dress him in rags and whip him daily?
There is a nice balance of plot and sex, too. Not sex heavy and when it does appear it’s gradual and nicely erotic without being graphic, (Although Angel whines even here…) intense, tender and passionate in turns.
There were a few other things that jarred me; Angel’s father wouldn’t be a Lord – he’s the brother of an Earl, so he’d be an “Honorable”, improper use of the term “whipping boy” right at the start, misspelling of “whiskey” instead of whisky, the ubiquitous “gotten” which is always going to make me grind my teeth, and even the title is anachronistic, if you use the word as meaning a gradual change. There’s the inevitable OKHomo, Angel’s uncle is fine with it, Society doesn’t ostracize Duke Greyson for it despite it having hounded the fabulously wealthy William Beckford and Viscount Courtenay into exile. But the writing and the Romance of the story is not spoiled by this. It is well written, and if I have not made that clear, then I apologise. The description is lush, detailed – she writes a real sense of place – you can see the ballrooms, smell the streets, feel skin and velvet under your hand. The point of view and tense help with this, of course and it’s very involved.
If you, unlike me, empathise with Angel and end up liking him, then you’ll appreciate the job Chase does. It’s just not for me.
Read
March 24, 2009This is one of the most beautiful romance I have read. Robert is a young nobleman tortured by his father who fear his son and heir being homosexual. But Robert doesn't know nothing about sex and nothing about love. But one night he meet Greyson, a duke who is searching an angel... from that moment his angel is him, and from that moment his name is Angel. In fact, we only know him like Angel, his real name is revealed only at the end when Angel is ready to break free of his cage and declare his love.
The romance is in first person, and we read all the story trought the eyes of Angel, eyes tormented but also eager of love. Greyson is able to fillfull him of love. This is a great romance where everything is narrated with a soffuse tenderness and with the ability to make feel us the real sensation of Angel.
I strongly reccomended this romance to everyone.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/29...
The romance is in first person, and we read all the story trought the eyes of Angel, eyes tormented but also eager of love. Greyson is able to fillfull him of love. This is a great romance where everything is narrated with a soffuse tenderness and with the ability to make feel us the real sensation of Angel.
I strongly reccomended this romance to everyone.
http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/29...
April 22, 2010
Having plowed through two other T.A. Chase books, I almost gave this one a pass, but I am like historicals so I read the sample--and got sucked right in. I read this in 2.5 hours (when I should have been doing other stuff!). It's very romantic--almost a little over-the-top--but story of Angel's salvation and eventual evolution was well told and quite well written.
If I was reviewing this as a pure historical, I'd have to quibble about the use of "ass" (instead of "arse," they were in London, after all), some slightly modern language (did they say, "Don't be a stranger" in 1800? I doubt it), and the general OK!HOMO attitude of most of the people around Angel and Greyson, especially the servants. But I ignored all that and just read it as a very romantic love story and in that way, it worked for me.
Recommended.
If I was reviewing this as a pure historical, I'd have to quibble about the use of "ass" (instead of "arse," they were in London, after all), some slightly modern language (did they say, "Don't be a stranger" in 1800? I doubt it), and the general OK!HOMO attitude of most of the people around Angel and Greyson, especially the servants. But I ignored all that and just read it as a very romantic love story and in that way, it worked for me.
Recommended.
April 1, 2011
I love, LOVE angsty romances. And boy oh boy, this just got to me! Definitely my favorite T.A. Chase romance so far. My heart just broke for Angel and Lord Greyson, his beautiful savior.
Told from first-person present perspective, this historical novel was beautifully written. The dialogue and narrative ring true, and the character development was particularly enjoyable - with Greyson, Angel not only survives and heals, he grows and asserts himself. I could easily see a sequel to this book where we get to see more of this stronger Angel. The sex was to die for! Really beautiful and very, very sexy.
Told from first-person present perspective, this historical novel was beautifully written. The dialogue and narrative ring true, and the character development was particularly enjoyable - with Greyson, Angel not only survives and heals, he grows and asserts himself. I could easily see a sequel to this book where we get to see more of this stronger Angel. The sex was to die for! Really beautiful and very, very sexy.
February 12, 2013
I enjoyed every word in that book. The best part in the book when Angel faces his father.
“Hit me,” I challenge him. I wave a weak hand towards the priest holding me. “Beat me.” I scrub my hand over the blood on my face and hold it out towards my father. “Spill my blood until it pools beneath me. I’ll never deny my love or my lover.”
Shock pushes through the anger in my father’s eyes. He steps away from my hand.
“I no longer fear you.” I throw back my shoulders and straighten so I’m standing taller than he is. My body screams in agony. Pain is beginning to return. “I pity you. You live in fear and face the world with anger. You’ll never know love from anyone, not even your own family. At least while I’m burning in hell for my perversions, I’ll know I’m loved.”
“Hit me,” I challenge him. I wave a weak hand towards the priest holding me. “Beat me.” I scrub my hand over the blood on my face and hold it out towards my father. “Spill my blood until it pools beneath me. I’ll never deny my love or my lover.”
Shock pushes through the anger in my father’s eyes. He steps away from my hand.
“I no longer fear you.” I throw back my shoulders and straighten so I’m standing taller than he is. My body screams in agony. Pain is beginning to return. “I pity you. You live in fear and face the world with anger. You’ll never know love from anyone, not even your own family. At least while I’m burning in hell for my perversions, I’ll know I’m loved.”
September 30, 2017
Angel has been held captive and abused by his father, beaten and degraded at every turn. Even though he is the eldest son and heir, his father hates him because of his attraction to men. While at a ball, he catches the eye of Greyson, the Duke of Northampton, and his life will never be the same.
I loved how Greyson swept in and rescued Angel from his horrendous father, taking him away and protecting him. It was a little like the bodice rippers I read in high school. Angel had a lot of self-loathing to overcome, years of abuse taking their toll on his emotional well-being. Everything about this story was romantic and sweet and I loved it.
I loved how Greyson swept in and rescued Angel from his horrendous father, taking him away and protecting him. It was a little like the bodice rippers I read in high school. Angel had a lot of self-loathing to overcome, years of abuse taking their toll on his emotional well-being. Everything about this story was romantic and sweet and I loved it.
August 2, 2018
Sometimes Love Does Conquer All!
A traumatic, heartbreaking love story between Robert aka Angel & His Grace Greyson. I like the MCs, the first person narrative and the main character progression and the pacing of the story.
What I do question is Greyson’s servants loyalty in this era and the convenience of Antagonist’s debts...I question the authenticity of this story taking place in this era.
Overall, a good, sad but lovely ending
A traumatic, heartbreaking love story between Robert aka Angel & His Grace Greyson. I like the MCs, the first person narrative and the main character progression and the pacing of the story.
What I do question is Greyson’s servants loyalty in this era and the convenience of Antagonist’s debts...I question the authenticity of this story taking place in this era.
Overall, a good, sad but lovely ending
October 8, 2019
Odlot totalny - ale raczej nie pozytywny 😉
Romans MM historyczny - historyczny tylko chyba dlatego, żeby móc pokazać swobodnie znęcanie się ojca nad synem od 10 roku życia - oczywiście bez konsekwencji... Historia jest naprawdę słaba, postacie marne - dla mnie nic tam się kupy nie trzyma... No i oczywiście seks, seks, seks... Kurde, ja naprawdę nie mam nic przeciwko seksowi - uwielbiam go wręcz 😉 Ale ja pitolę, niech to w książce czemuś służy, choć odrobinę 😱
Romans MM historyczny - historyczny tylko chyba dlatego, żeby móc pokazać swobodnie znęcanie się ojca nad synem od 10 roku życia - oczywiście bez konsekwencji... Historia jest naprawdę słaba, postacie marne - dla mnie nic tam się kupy nie trzyma... No i oczywiście seks, seks, seks... Kurde, ja naprawdę nie mam nic przeciwko seksowi - uwielbiam go wręcz 😉 Ale ja pitolę, niech to w książce czemuś służy, choć odrobinę 😱
June 15, 2021
Nincsenek rá szavaim, mennyire szerettem annak ellenére, hogy nem egyszer szorult össze a szívem Angyalért.
Angyal és Grayson, jó utat nektek!
Angyal és Grayson, jó utat nektek!
January 9, 2023
Turned off the moment the random stranger stalks the MC who is visibly distressed, scared and terrified and kisses him without consent. Not romantic at all
March 22, 2015
First I really am a fan of this author and this is the eighteenth book of hers that I’ve read. Kissed by God is one of my all time favorites. That said, I think I am one of the few people who are not very enamored of the Regency period. This is a historical set in that period.
Angel, our MC, is of the aristocracy, but he has been kept away from society and we learn repeatedly and horribly abused by his father for over a decade. However apparently at 23, he needs to find a wife and has been forced into the social season. He of course has no interest in women and has no idea how he is going to be able to do this. Then he sees a man he is immediately and passionately attracted to at these balls, but he hides as much as he can since he has never developed any social skills due to the isolation and abuse. His father has told him he is a monster and he has believed it until this point. But then the man seeks him out and kisses him. He begins to think maybe he isn’t so crazy and monstrous. The man, Lord Greyson, turns out to be one of the most powerful members of ruling class feels. Greyson feels he has found his soul mate and rescues Angel from his father with the help of Angel’s uncle who has his own demons he is wrestling with. Apparently it’s love at first sight for Greyson because they have no contact before these society balls. Angel is really just so much chattel to his father and his only purpose apparently it find a wife and marry wel, but of course he is not going to let go of his “heir” so easily.
The rest of the story deals with Greyson doing his best to care for and heal Angel. He is appalled by the abuse and he only wants Angel to feel safe and loved. He also aids in repairing the relationship between Angel and his uncle. The uncle is also horrified by his brother’s behavior and the harsh treatment that Angel has been subjected too. There are a few subplots to the story as well including the circumstances surrounding the death of Angel’s cousin and Greyson’s role as advisor to the crown. I’m not sure how much the intrigue part of the story added to the plot although I guess it did provide a tie to the cousin’s story. One of Angel’s brothers also makes a late appearance and decides to finally do the right thing after Angel is once again the subject of more abuse.
I’m really torn about how to rate this story. There is not a thing wrong with the writing – there are many beautiful passages. I can certainly understand Angel’s need for and willingness to go with Greyson – the boy has been abused horribly and this is really the first kindness shown to him. Greyson for his part seems to truly care about Angel and wants to help him heal from the awful abuse he has been subjected too. There is also good balance of sex in the story that builds given the fragile state Angel is in at the beginning of their relationship. My issue with the story is twofold really – the whole insta-love “locking eyes across a crowded room” and then the lack of repercussions to Greyson for having a male lover while it’s obviously been an issue for others. I know he’s fabulously wealthy and powerful and certainly that gives him some leeway, but it seemed unrealistic to me. Many people really love this story, but unfortunately, it was just not for me.
Angel, our MC, is of the aristocracy, but he has been kept away from society and we learn repeatedly and horribly abused by his father for over a decade. However apparently at 23, he needs to find a wife and has been forced into the social season. He of course has no interest in women and has no idea how he is going to be able to do this. Then he sees a man he is immediately and passionately attracted to at these balls, but he hides as much as he can since he has never developed any social skills due to the isolation and abuse. His father has told him he is a monster and he has believed it until this point. But then the man seeks him out and kisses him. He begins to think maybe he isn’t so crazy and monstrous. The man, Lord Greyson, turns out to be one of the most powerful members of ruling class feels. Greyson feels he has found his soul mate and rescues Angel from his father with the help of Angel’s uncle who has his own demons he is wrestling with. Apparently it’s love at first sight for Greyson because they have no contact before these society balls. Angel is really just so much chattel to his father and his only purpose apparently it find a wife and marry wel, but of course he is not going to let go of his “heir” so easily.
The rest of the story deals with Greyson doing his best to care for and heal Angel. He is appalled by the abuse and he only wants Angel to feel safe and loved. He also aids in repairing the relationship between Angel and his uncle. The uncle is also horrified by his brother’s behavior and the harsh treatment that Angel has been subjected too. There are a few subplots to the story as well including the circumstances surrounding the death of Angel’s cousin and Greyson’s role as advisor to the crown. I’m not sure how much the intrigue part of the story added to the plot although I guess it did provide a tie to the cousin’s story. One of Angel’s brothers also makes a late appearance and decides to finally do the right thing after Angel is once again the subject of more abuse.
I’m really torn about how to rate this story. There is not a thing wrong with the writing – there are many beautiful passages. I can certainly understand Angel’s need for and willingness to go with Greyson – the boy has been abused horribly and this is really the first kindness shown to him. Greyson for his part seems to truly care about Angel and wants to help him heal from the awful abuse he has been subjected too. There is also good balance of sex in the story that builds given the fragile state Angel is in at the beginning of their relationship. My issue with the story is twofold really – the whole insta-love “locking eyes across a crowded room” and then the lack of repercussions to Greyson for having a male lover while it’s obviously been an issue for others. I know he’s fabulously wealthy and powerful and certainly that gives him some leeway, but it seemed unrealistic to me. Many people really love this story, but unfortunately, it was just not for me.
July 2, 2013
I must admit I'm really surprised after confronting this book with many good reviews I'v read. I didn't like it. First of all it was written in first person, which I quite enjoy. It was the present tense of narration I always have problems with. So it immediately took some point from the book. That doesn't mean it couldn't be good. Unfortunately plot didn't help the matter.
I like romance stories with abused characters finding redemption. But I like people to have some personality. Unfortunately Angel sorely lacked in this department. Besides he was behaving like mentaly impaired. I'm not saying the books about handicapped can't be good, but rest of the characters behaved like he was perfectly normal just scared. I understand his father beat him, but Angel behaved like his "evolution" stoped at the age of 10.
Another thing that just wasn't my cup of tea - the insta love. I really prefer books where characters work for their relationship. Attraction is fine, but immediate love confession without having even one logical conversation was a bit too much. There was no developement wtih this couple.
I like romance stories with abused characters finding redemption. But I like people to have some personality. Unfortunately Angel sorely lacked in this department. Besides he was behaving like mentaly impaired. I'm not saying the books about handicapped can't be good, but rest of the characters behaved like he was perfectly normal just scared. I understand his father beat him, but Angel behaved like his "evolution" stoped at the age of 10.
Another thing that just wasn't my cup of tea - the insta love. I really prefer books where characters work for their relationship. Attraction is fine, but immediate love confession without having even one logical conversation was a bit too much. There was no developement wtih this couple.
August 20, 2012
Love historic m/m. And stories about emotionally tortured heroes who find salvation in a lover. So lots of good elements in this book, but it never quite came together for me.
First person, is hard to nail. Especially in stories with erotic subject matter. I didn't mind it so much in this story- I think the character had a pretty good voice, though it was a little one-note and whiny. The main problem was that I just didnt believe in the central relationship. Actually, everything about the duke was unbelievable. He just wasn't well fleshed-out character.
I've seen some people mention that this book reads like fanficition, and I have to agree. It did feel like the author was relying on the reader's knowledge of the world and cannon, instead of doing proper world building. While it is pretty good fanfiction (if that's what it really is), it really isnt ready as a stand alone story.
First person, is hard to nail. Especially in stories with erotic subject matter. I didn't mind it so much in this story- I think the character had a pretty good voice, though it was a little one-note and whiny. The main problem was that I just didnt believe in the central relationship. Actually, everything about the duke was unbelievable. He just wasn't well fleshed-out character.
I've seen some people mention that this book reads like fanficition, and I have to agree. It did feel like the author was relying on the reader's knowledge of the world and cannon, instead of doing proper world building. While it is pretty good fanfiction (if that's what it really is), it really isnt ready as a stand alone story.
July 16, 2023
This is beautiful. Heartbreaking.
Angel really believes himself a deviant.
Quote: "He turns and for a moment our eyes meet. I hope he can’t see me because of the
shadows I hide in, but it feels like his brilliant blue gaze burns deep into my soul and
uncovers my secret longings. My prick hardens and I blush. A small smile quirks the
corner of his full lips. He knows. The most popular man in the room knows I want him.
He knows I long for his lips to kiss so much more than my hand. How can he tell? My
clothes hide the scars of my perversion. Unless it is true what Father says, that my shame
is branded on my forehead."
Angel really believes himself a deviant.
Quote: "He turns and for a moment our eyes meet. I hope he can’t see me because of the
shadows I hide in, but it feels like his brilliant blue gaze burns deep into my soul and
uncovers my secret longings. My prick hardens and I blush. A small smile quirks the
corner of his full lips. He knows. The most popular man in the room knows I want him.
He knows I long for his lips to kiss so much more than my hand. How can he tell? My
clothes hide the scars of my perversion. Unless it is true what Father says, that my shame
is branded on my forehead."
December 31, 2009
I'll be honest: I thought this was going to be tosh. Enjoyable hurt/comfort braincandy variety tosh, but tosh nonetheless. In fact, it was a pretty damn good regency romance, and the character of 'Angel' is much stronger than I'd been expecting from the way the book starts. The title doesn't lie though, and we get to see him grow throughout.
Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Winter 09/10 task 25.5 (Odd Man Out)
Read for the Seasonal Reading Challenge Winter 09/10 task 25.5 (Odd Man Out)
November 29, 2010
I thought this was a great heartfelt story. I was moved from the beginning with the characters. Angel went through a lot and had a lot to over come. Thankfully the Duke was there for him. I enjoyed the setting and the formality of the book; I easily pictured the Society balls and the outfits they wore. The Duke was a honorable man who stood by who he was. He was the strong character that was there for others to lean on. I definatly recommend this book!
April 18, 2010
Quote: He is Lord Greyson, Duke of Northampton. He's the prize every gold-digging mother and fortune-hunting father seek. to me, he is a god, and as such, as out of reach as God to a fallen angel.
He is perfection. I am a monster.
He is perfection. I am a monster.
June 13, 2011
3.5 stars
While I did enjoy this book but there was just something missing that made this book fall just below the 4 star rating and I can't put my finger on what it was. I may need to continue this review another time.
While I did enjoy this book but there was just something missing that made this book fall just below the 4 star rating and I can't put my finger on what it was. I may need to continue this review another time.
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May 13, 2014Guilty pleasure angst read. The point of view is very different - first person, present tense. It strips away the setting for the most part, but it gives the narrative an immediate, personal view of someone who is very much trapped inside of his own mind, within his own hell.
October 20, 2014
I enjoy fairytales, so I really liked the beginning, but unfortunately the rest of this book couldn't capture the energy and realize the potential of the beginning. While I understand the healing process is not quick or easy, I felt that things just dragged along, and I almost couldn't finish it.
May 15, 2010
This book was just a bit too full of fainting and crying and running away. Just not my cup of tea.
June 4, 2010
This is by far my favorite book from T.A. Chase - I've read it twice now and it was just as emotional the second time around.
July 15, 2010
I LOVED THIS BOOK. IT MOVED ME TO TEARS AND I COULDN'T STOP TELLING MY FRIENDS ABOUT IT.
March 6, 2011
What a heart-wrenching story! A would definitely recommend this. It was so sad in places and so uplifting in other spots. I felt so much for Angel.
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