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Love in Portsmouth #1
Like a Gentleman: An MM Regency romance
His revenge couldn’t be more personal…or delicious…
When writer James Rowley discovers his editor has stolen his work, he has only one thought. Revenge. And he’s not above playing dirty (very, very dirty) to get it. By the time James is done toying with the man’s emotions—and body—he’ll be broken and humiliated. It’s the perfect plan…until he actually meets the damnably alluring thief in person, that is.
Leo Wells has spent years pining for the witty, talented man he only knew through letters. So when he finally meets the man of his dreams and discovers he’s a cold, callous rake, Leo’s more than a little disheartened. Too bad he’s also powerless to stay away from—or say no to—the disturbingly attractive James, even if it leads to his personal and professional ruination.
It’s not long before Leo learns there’s more to James than meets the eye, and James begins to wonder if his need for revenge is about to be surpassed by an even more powerful desire…
This approximately 28,000-word novella contains explicit scenes. Although it's the first book in a series, it does not end on a cliffhanger and can be read as a standalone. Snarky banter and steamy chemistry are included with your purchase, but sadly, James's hideous pink waistcoat is not.
When writer James Rowley discovers his editor has stolen his work, he has only one thought. Revenge. And he’s not above playing dirty (very, very dirty) to get it. By the time James is done toying with the man’s emotions—and body—he’ll be broken and humiliated. It’s the perfect plan…until he actually meets the damnably alluring thief in person, that is.
Leo Wells has spent years pining for the witty, talented man he only knew through letters. So when he finally meets the man of his dreams and discovers he’s a cold, callous rake, Leo’s more than a little disheartened. Too bad he’s also powerless to stay away from—or say no to—the disturbingly attractive James, even if it leads to his personal and professional ruination.
It’s not long before Leo learns there’s more to James than meets the eye, and James begins to wonder if his need for revenge is about to be surpassed by an even more powerful desire…
This approximately 28,000-word novella contains explicit scenes. Although it's the first book in a series, it does not end on a cliffhanger and can be read as a standalone. Snarky banter and steamy chemistry are included with your purchase, but sadly, James's hideous pink waistcoat is not.
88 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2017
113 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Eliot Grayson
43 books1,389 followersEliot's a lifelong Southern California girl, right down to the flip-flops and backyard garden. When she's not writing her next book, you can find her reading, drinking tea, or (more likely) catering to the demands of her kids and ancient, cranky cat.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
Steamy books with delicious tension, heart-wrenching pining, and a hefty dose of action and adventure have always been her jam as a reader. Guess what she writes?
You can catch up with her on Facebook in her reader group, Eliot Grayson's Escape from Reality, or sign up for her newsletter at eliotgrayson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
December 2, 2017
3.5 Hearts
I have to say thanks to my girl Lost for putting this scrumptious little amuse bouche on my radar. Good Regency historicals are hard to come by and she hooked a girl up! This hit the sweet spot just right and threw in a dash of hotness that had me all...
The brevity of Grayson's words left me wanting more, though in just a mere five chapters I got a real sense of a writing style that I could love. It's sharp, witty and captured the tone and atmosphere of the period with the waistcoats, White's and hoi polloi even!
It's difficult to ask an author to develop characters, a relationship and still put a semblance of a plot into something this short, but Grayson squeezed it in there, though I think the relationship development drew the short straw, there was still enough for me to invest in them and their coupletry. Had it had a little more time to percolate I'm certain my rating would've been higher.
James and Leo tell this story together and they have rather dubious beginnings with James receiving a sassy letter from his editor, an L. Wells, informing him that his latest submission has been deemed unworthy. I bark/cackled approximately four times in the first two pages, so whilst James was most put out with said letter I was spinning in delight.
Because perfect setup for angry/hate sex is perfect!
The blurb tells you all you need to know about this appealing little diversion, so if you have problems with a big misunderstanding rest assured it doesn't last long. What you can expect are many amusing, sweet and sexy moments between two gentlemen on polar opposites of the social standing scale, one of whom is a bonafide virgin!
Their chemistry is evident and the fact that Leo has been pining over James for years made my inner squishy marshmallow squee. I'm a sucker for the unrequited trope. Even though there is a divide between them socially they seem to have much is common temperament-wise which seemingly makes them well suited. In the end, they have a great start on a future filled with bucolic bliss that I wouldn't mind peeking in on were the author so inclined.
Recommend to historical fans.
A review copy was provided.
I have to say thanks to my girl Lost for putting this scrumptious little amuse bouche on my radar. Good Regency historicals are hard to come by and she hooked a girl up! This hit the sweet spot just right and threw in a dash of hotness that had me all...
The brevity of Grayson's words left me wanting more, though in just a mere five chapters I got a real sense of a writing style that I could love. It's sharp, witty and captured the tone and atmosphere of the period with the waistcoats, White's and hoi polloi even!
It's difficult to ask an author to develop characters, a relationship and still put a semblance of a plot into something this short, but Grayson squeezed it in there, though I think the relationship development drew the short straw, there was still enough for me to invest in them and their coupletry. Had it had a little more time to percolate I'm certain my rating would've been higher.
James and Leo tell this story together and they have rather dubious beginnings with James receiving a sassy letter from his editor, an L. Wells, informing him that his latest submission has been deemed unworthy. I bark/cackled approximately four times in the first two pages, so whilst James was most put out with said letter I was spinning in delight.
Because perfect setup for angry/hate sex is perfect!
The blurb tells you all you need to know about this appealing little diversion, so if you have problems with a big misunderstanding rest assured it doesn't last long. What you can expect are many amusing, sweet and sexy moments between two gentlemen on polar opposites of the social standing scale, one of whom is a bonafide virgin!
Their chemistry is evident and the fact that Leo has been pining over James for years made my inner squishy marshmallow squee. I'm a sucker for the unrequited trope. Even though there is a divide between them socially they seem to have much is common temperament-wise which seemingly makes them well suited. In the end, they have a great start on a future filled with bucolic bliss that I wouldn't mind peeking in on were the author so inclined.
Recommend to historical fans.
A review copy was provided.
November 13, 2017
Short, sweet and fun story. I enjoyed this a lot. 😊
James is a younger brother of an earl and he writes sensational stories secretly as a hobby. And Leo is his editor in London and he’s been secretly in love with James for a couple years. One day, someone stole James’ work and published under another pen name and James thought Leo was the thief. They’ve never met with each other but James decided to go to London and confront his editor/thief. And things get very interesting from they moment they first met. I really liked the story because it’s interesting, short and fun. Not a big fan of the writing style though, I wish it wouldn’t use so many archaic words.
Overall a sweet, fun, romantic short read
3.5 gentleman stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
James is a younger brother of an earl and he writes sensational stories secretly as a hobby. And Leo is his editor in London and he’s been secretly in love with James for a couple years. One day, someone stole James’ work and published under another pen name and James thought Leo was the thief. They’ve never met with each other but James decided to go to London and confront his editor/thief. And things get very interesting from they moment they first met. I really liked the story because it’s interesting, short and fun. Not a big fan of the writing style though, I wish it wouldn’t use so many archaic words.
Overall a sweet, fun, romantic short read
3.5 gentleman stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
November 15, 2017
This was an awesome story told incredibly well in just 69 pages. The author not only fully developed the characters but made them both quite likable. He also managed to make the connection between the 2 MCs totally believable. Love that develops that quickly doesn't bother me simply because it has happened to be with 2 of my serious boyfriends in the past. All in all a well-crafted story with a lush, well described setting. I loved it and look forward to the next installment in this series!
December 20, 2021
2.5 🌟 Well!! This one was soooo boring.🥱 Before this novella, I didn't know that Eliot Grayson writes MM historicals too. But, thankfully I picked a novella first to test the waters. It's always better to get bored for 100 pages than 250+.😒😒
June 1, 2024
3.5
Very, very enjoyable. I inhaled "Like a Gentleman" is just a few hours: it was fun, quick, spicy, a smidge angsty, and a whole lot of heartwarming. Plus, that epilogue was absolutely wonderful *heart eyes*
Not my favourite Eliot Grayson, but I spent a few enjoyable hours with this story.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading Andrew's story.
Very, very enjoyable. I inhaled "Like a Gentleman" is just a few hours: it was fun, quick, spicy, a smidge angsty, and a whole lot of heartwarming. Plus, that epilogue was absolutely wonderful *heart eyes*
Not my favourite Eliot Grayson, but I spent a few enjoyable hours with this story.
I'm definitely looking forward to reading Andrew's story.
March 26, 2024
james said some real mean shit, like i’m actually still gaping at the audacity…..anyone else but leo woulda given him a knuckle fucking sandwich.….leo, on the other hand, after james comes calling a month or so later, barely even let james apologize before he interrupted and jumped his bones🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️ bruh……let the man grovel a bit please or at MINIMUM, listen to the entirety of his plea for forgiveness?? there should have been no bones jumped with the info you had!!! not like we saw much anyway bc the spice is the most uninspired, minimally detailed shit ever😭😭😭😭😭 and what if that was my last straw!?😣 and then, we’ve got a time skip, a few months to half a year or something, and the shortest bj ever, followed by an epilogue from james’s BROTHER’S pov😭😭😭😭 torture!!
September 19, 2021
Lovely little historical novella full of steam, instalove, and enemies-to-lovers goodness.
This author did an amazing job with the language! It felt spot-on for the time period and was quite beautiful to read. I’m a huge fan of Eliot Grayson’s writing and this story was on par with other works I’ve read by this author. I can’t wait to read the next one!
This author did an amazing job with the language! It felt spot-on for the time period and was quite beautiful to read. I’m a huge fan of Eliot Grayson’s writing and this story was on par with other works I’ve read by this author. I can’t wait to read the next one!
November 27, 2021
I have never laughed so hard reading a book
I loved it so much that I’m sure I’ll come back for seconds especially when in a foul mood 😂. It was short , sweet and enjoyable. I’ve got no serious complaints
I loved it so much that I’m sure I’ll come back for seconds especially when in a foul mood 😂. It was short , sweet and enjoyable. I’ve got no serious complaints
July 15, 2018
this was alright, pretty insta-love-y though, and the characters' interactions weren't particularly realistic. still, it was a fun quick read. i'll probably keep an eye out on the author to see what they come up with next, because this definitely had potential.
June 30, 2021
Like a Gentlemen is a short Regency romance featuring James Rowley, the younger brother of an Earl, and L. (Leonidas) Wells, an editor at the publisher where Rowley submits stories in order to supplement his meager allowance. Turns out Wells is quite taken with Rowley (after having seen his portrait) while Rowley believes Wells is guilty of stealing one of his stories. What follows is an act of revenge, a realization that an error has been made, and an attempt at an reconciliation and a HEA ending.
I enjoyed this Regency and for such a short story, it felt complete and well-rounded with good character development. I think the author did a good job of capturing the essence of a Regency romance, and I think you'll enjoy it if you are a fan of the genre. I give it 4 stars.
May, 2018: I recently had the opportunity to read the revised second edition of Like a Gentleman and really enjoyed the expanded chapters (plus the attractive new cover!) and especially the epilogue which gave us the opportunity to see Leo and Rowley and their interaction with Rowley's family. The additional character development provided a glimpse into their future together in a way that fit the era and I look forward to reading any additional books in the Love in Portsmouth series.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
I enjoyed this Regency and for such a short story, it felt complete and well-rounded with good character development. I think the author did a good job of capturing the essence of a Regency romance, and I think you'll enjoy it if you are a fan of the genre. I give it 4 stars.
May, 2018: I recently had the opportunity to read the revised second edition of Like a Gentleman and really enjoyed the expanded chapters (plus the attractive new cover!) and especially the epilogue which gave us the opportunity to see Leo and Rowley and their interaction with Rowley's family. The additional character development provided a glimpse into their future together in a way that fit the era and I look forward to reading any additional books in the Love in Portsmouth series.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
January 4, 2024
Long time since I read a good historical. This was really an unexpected surprice. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 21, 2017
Anger warred with tenderness. He wanted to make James beg; he wanted to give him everything.
Infused with charm and wit and a surprisingly potent passion.
I’m on record noting that I often struggle with novellas, that I’m greedy and typically want more than a novella can deliver. That said, there are certain stories that work – and work damn well – in novella form. This is one of them.
Enemies-to-lovers is a delicious foundation, especially when one party is unaware of the enmity – and had, in fact, been pining for the other party for years. James believes that Leo did him dirty, and does him dirty – literally and figuratively – in turn. James soon realizes that he made a colossal mistake and sets out to make amends. The push-and-pull, the anger, the longing were tangible. While I could have done with a smidgen more groveling and a less rushed resolution, I felt satisfied while also craving more.
Seeing that this is Eliot Grayson’s first story, I can’t emphasize enough that I hope it is not the last! James and Leo were fleshed out particularly well, and the plot potential was mostly realized. An intriguing side character is introduced, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for additional full-length (or at least slightly longer than what we got here) stories in this universe!
Infused with charm and wit and a surprisingly potent passion.
I’m on record noting that I often struggle with novellas, that I’m greedy and typically want more than a novella can deliver. That said, there are certain stories that work – and work damn well – in novella form. This is one of them.
Enemies-to-lovers is a delicious foundation, especially when one party is unaware of the enmity – and had, in fact, been pining for the other party for years. James believes that Leo did him dirty, and does him dirty – literally and figuratively – in turn. James soon realizes that he made a colossal mistake and sets out to make amends. The push-and-pull, the anger, the longing were tangible. While I could have done with a smidgen more groveling and a less rushed resolution, I felt satisfied while also craving more.
Seeing that this is Eliot Grayson’s first story, I can’t emphasize enough that I hope it is not the last! James and Leo were fleshed out particularly well, and the plot potential was mostly realized. An intriguing side character is introduced, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for additional full-length (or at least slightly longer than what we got here) stories in this universe!
December 17, 2024
2.75 - 3⭐ -- A decent regency story, but just that.
I think it's the writing that doesn't work that well for me - it's good, definitely is, only there's a disconnect, I can't get into it.
It lacked emotion written in a way that would appeal to me.
🔵 Aristocrat / commoner
🟣 Editor / writer
🟡 Size difference
🟢 Both gay
🌶️ Some smut; oral, penetrative; t/b
The romance is there, of course it is, but that inviting twist of James, the aristocrat writer, blaming Leo for stealing his story, then tracking him down, seducing and humiliating him, called for a different turn of events, I think.
I wanted them both to quickly continue where they left off the first time they got intimate, I wanted more tension, more dialogues, more blushing, more pining, but also Leo's infatuation with James that's been going on for two years coming to light.
But James and Leo don't see each other for a longer time after that first meeting and when they do, they have sex and just profess their love. Out of nowhere. I understand Leo, he's been pining for James for a longer time, but James? It couldn't even remotely be the case for him.
The story continues with them living together and Leo being very insecure about it, since James is now living in conditions worse than what he's used to, but I somehow wasn't pulled into the whole dilemma of two men from a different class coming together. Maybe because it's such a short story and I would've needed much more of them on-page, because I definitely liked both James and Leo.
The story skipped many things and every part had something I liked, but they weren't put together properly, at least for my taste.
I think it's the writing that doesn't work that well for me - it's good, definitely is, only there's a disconnect, I can't get into it.
It lacked emotion written in a way that would appeal to me.
🔵 Aristocrat / commoner
🟣 Editor / writer
🟡 Size difference
🟢 Both gay
🌶️ Some smut; oral, penetrative; t/b
The romance is there, of course it is, but that inviting twist of James, the aristocrat writer, blaming Leo for stealing his story, then tracking him down, seducing and humiliating him, called for a different turn of events, I think.
I wanted them both to quickly continue where they left off the first time they got intimate, I wanted more tension, more dialogues, more blushing, more pining, but also Leo's infatuation with James that's been going on for two years coming to light.
But James and Leo don't see each other for a longer time after that first meeting and when they do, they have sex and just profess their love. Out of nowhere. I understand Leo, he's been pining for James for a longer time, but James? It couldn't even remotely be the case for him.
The story continues with them living together and Leo being very insecure about it, since James is now living in conditions worse than what he's used to, but I somehow wasn't pulled into the whole dilemma of two men from a different class coming together. Maybe because it's such a short story and I would've needed much more of them on-page, because I definitely liked both James and Leo.
The story skipped many things and every part had something I liked, but they weren't put together properly, at least for my taste.
February 16, 2024
4 entertaining stars!! ❤️❤️ This was a pretty enjoyable historical M/M. It was low angst and had a bitter-sweet romance at the heart of it with an interesting HEA. Highly recommended to all fans looking for a short, light and steamy M/M historical 👍🏻👍🏻
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May 10, 2018Thank you so much to everyone who's taken the time to read and review! As of today, a new edition of this book is out. It includes an additional chapter and an epilogue, and also a sneak peek at the next book in the series. Any new readers will, of course, get the full story, but anyone who's read the previous edition is welcome to drop by my website and join my mailing list to receive just the last chapter, epilogue, and look at book two as a PDF. I promise the mailing list won't be used to spam anyone; I'll just send out news and freebies.
Everyone should also take a moment to admire the beautiful new cover, courtesy of the fabulous Fiona Jayde (www.fionajaydemedia.com).
Thanks again for reading!
Everyone should also take a moment to admire the beautiful new cover, courtesy of the fabulous Fiona Jayde (www.fionajaydemedia.com).
Thanks again for reading!
August 11, 2023
This was a very fast and sexy read.
Leo and James have known each other for years but only via correspondence until James thinks he’s been plagiarized. He finds out later how mistaken he was and it leads to a realization.
This historical romance was hot and sexy. Loved getting g to know the characters in such a sort timeframe. I’m glad we get a book 2 in this universe.
Leo and James have known each other for years but only via correspondence until James thinks he’s been plagiarized. He finds out later how mistaken he was and it leads to a realization.
This historical romance was hot and sexy. Loved getting g to know the characters in such a sort timeframe. I’m glad we get a book 2 in this universe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2022
I wanted to punch James in his face soo bad. That behavior was beyond acceptable and Leo forgave him far too quickly. I don't even know if it can even really be called forgiveness. It kind of got brought up again, but it never seemed resolved, and I think it'd be something that would hover over any relationship (be it romantically or otherwise).
Too much love at first sightor love at first portrait for me. It made no sense. Was also rather boring. Nothing really happens. (But things that made me angry and gave a disconnect with James especially.) ...Didn't really like any of the characters actually.
I did not appreciate the random POV for the epilogue. I am not a fan of them to begin with but especially didn't like the way this was done. It was a decent enough idea but it just came out of nowhere and felt it was unnecessary. I did appreciate how Rodney felt though.
Too much love at first sight
I did not appreciate the random POV for the epilogue. I am not a fan of them to begin with but especially didn't like the way this was done. It was a decent enough idea but it just came out of nowhere and felt it was unnecessary. I did appreciate how Rodney felt though.
May 21, 2018
I liked this historical gay romance but not without having an issue with one of the MCs initially. I'm very glad I stayed for the entirety of the novella because had I not, I would have missed out on redemption and a nice read. I'm now looking forward to book #2 in this series.
Blog review
Blog review
June 19, 2025
I haven't read a regency romance in quite some time and this really hit my sweet spot.
The author just knows how to write and pull on all of my heart strings.
Sweet, sexy and where are my smelling salts?!
The author just knows how to write and pull on all of my heart strings.
Sweet, sexy and where are my smelling salts?!
December 27, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.25 stars
Like a Gentleman manages to pack quite a bit into its relatively small size. Unfortunately, a dislikable main character and a convoluted plot cripple this novella almost from the start. Which is a shame because the writing here was relatively strong and the pacing was well established. There was potential that the main character promptly erased.
When we’re introduced to James he doesn’t seem like a particularly evil man. Instead, he comes off as a second son with too much time on his hands and a writing hobby his class would find pedestrian. But he soon becomes the villain of the piece, though I’m not sure the author intended he should. James’ actions towards Leo are reflective of a man who has no problem using wealth and power to degrade and belittle those without. As such, it’s almost impossible to like James as a character. And while some of his actions create unintended consequences, it takes him far too much time to acknowledge his behaviors. In addition to all of this, James uses sex as a weapon, which makes his character all the more despicable. Leo is a somewhat flat character, but you can’t help feeling for him as James proceeds to destroy his life.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
2.25 stars
Like a Gentleman manages to pack quite a bit into its relatively small size. Unfortunately, a dislikable main character and a convoluted plot cripple this novella almost from the start. Which is a shame because the writing here was relatively strong and the pacing was well established. There was potential that the main character promptly erased.
When we’re introduced to James he doesn’t seem like a particularly evil man. Instead, he comes off as a second son with too much time on his hands and a writing hobby his class would find pedestrian. But he soon becomes the villain of the piece, though I’m not sure the author intended he should. James’ actions towards Leo are reflective of a man who has no problem using wealth and power to degrade and belittle those without. As such, it’s almost impossible to like James as a character. And while some of his actions create unintended consequences, it takes him far too much time to acknowledge his behaviors. In addition to all of this, James uses sex as a weapon, which makes his character all the more despicable. Leo is a somewhat flat character, but you can’t help feeling for him as James proceeds to destroy his life.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
November 20, 2017
4 stars
November 26, 2021
Fun tale from a new to me author.
Want to read
June 5, 20186/5/18 Currently 99c via Amazon US: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0776F4GX...
October 9, 2025
Rounding up because this was better than the other two I read by this author, but not enough to make me seek out any more.
November 19, 2017
I've read historical m/f romances for years and I love the subgenre. I'm always delighted to try new m/m historical romance books and this novella hit all my buttons. The setting and characters felt real, and I love a story with a disparity in social class between the two main characters. James is a younger son of the nobility who writes novels to supplement his income, his editor, Leo, is a tavern-owner's son who left for London to better his station in life. There relationship was formed through letters and when they finally meet it is not under the best of circumstances.
Writing style really matters to me and my enjoyment hinges on how well I like the authors "voice". The author has to hook and sustain my interest, characters have to be sympathetic and dialogue has to ring true. I feel the writing in this was very accomplished especially for a (I assume?) debut author.
My only minor quibble with the book was a HFN ending that left a lot of questions for these two unanswered. If this had been a full length story I have no doubt it would have been a 5 star read.
Writing style really matters to me and my enjoyment hinges on how well I like the authors "voice". The author has to hook and sustain my interest, characters have to be sympathetic and dialogue has to ring true. I feel the writing in this was very accomplished especially for a (I assume?) debut author.
My only minor quibble with the book was a HFN ending that left a lot of questions for these two unanswered. If this had been a full length story I have no doubt it would have been a 5 star read.
November 11, 2020
I was so irritated with James. He went on his vendetta against Leo based on his assumptions and hurt Leo in so many ways. Leo wasn't a saint either. I couldn't understand his getting-your-attention-by-jamming-up-your-arse tactic for the years he was James editor. Despite so, that enemy vibe was just so amazing. When they realise their mutual feelings together?! It was worth myself squealing myself like a fangirl in the middle of the night. From enemy to lovers, they found a way to understand and embrace each other's insecurities. I didn't like what James had sacrificed for Leo in the end, I mean must it turn out that way? But oh well, they got their HEA and that's what matters.
September 9, 2021
I’ll be honest, this was my first foray into M/M historicals. I wouldn’t have picked it up if I didn’t enjoy Grayson’s work so much, and more than likely I won’t again (other than to read the sequel…scratch that, can’t bring myself to read a book I can’t get into). It’s not particularly my cup of tea as there are som serious societal implications when you mix history with its view on this type of relationship. This specific and inherent conflict isn’t needed for me to enjoy a book. That being said, I do really love Grayson’s turn of phrase and her extreme wit.
May 21, 2018
3.5 stars. Well-written and clever. I really enjoyed Leo, and James grew on me. ;) Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com !
Reread revised addition. Definitely enjoyed the new content, and glimpse at Leo and James down the road a bit! <3
Reread revised addition. Definitely enjoyed the new content, and glimpse at Leo and James down the road a bit! <3
July 6, 2018
A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I am disappointed to say that I ended up not really liking this book, as I found the description intriguing and the writing style entertaining. However, the structure of the story and a lot of elements of the plot didn't work for me. I very much liked the premise of a misunderstanding about James's stolen manuscript leading the two to finally meet in person after an extended relationship carried out by letter. However, I thought James's revenge was really icky, especially considering that he did exactly zero investigation to make sure that Leo was the one who had sold his manuscript. I really had no desire to forgive him or to see Leo forgive him.
There were a couple other things that I didn't like about how the revenge plot was written. In order for the romance to function as something more complex than insta-love, it's important for the reader to understand the depth of the relationship that the two men have developed by letter. The letters they exchange should form a foundational part of the connection and understanding between the two of them, making Leo's supposed theft both a personal and professional betrayal. However, this aspect of the plot is sadly neglected throughout the book, to the extent that I forgot about their correspondence several times and was shocked to see them declaring their love for each other so quickly. Everything about both the revenge plot and the romance would be so much more meaningful if their relationship by mail received more focus.
Additionally, I thought James's approach to revenge also brought up some important issues regarding the class differences between the two heroes. In a short story, I would accept those issues not being addressed, yet the author has added an extra chapter that does start to discuss the topic - but totally fails to examine the implications of James's high-handed behavior. If the author is going to talk about class, the first thing that I want to see is a discussion of how the heroes are dealing with the fact that James's social status has had direct effects on Leo's employment.
Instead, the last chapter focuses on Leo and his insecurity about their relationship. I think it is reasonable and even desirable for Leo to be skeptical of the relationship and James's willingness to commit, given his more vulnerable position, but I didn't like how much this narrative centered on Leo's own sense of self-worth. I have a strong distaste for stories that focus on a more privileged partner persuading a less privileged partner that the latter is worthy of love, especially when the insecurity stems from being less privileged. First, I don't think it's healthy to locate romantic relationships as the primary source of self-esteem for anyone. Second, this has the implication that the person with less privilege must necessarily have absorbed the social message of their own inferiority and needs the approval of the more privileged person to be able to see their own value. I hate savior stories, and I hate the idea that somehow it is the person who is of lower social standing who has to change to make the relationship work. No. Again, what I really want to see is what James is doing to become more aware of the power he has and his own assumptions so that he doesn't continue to hurt Leo.
As I said above, this entire discussion about class would not necessarily be needed for this to work as a short story. However, for me, once the story got into the issue of class it should have actually gotten into the issue of class. Additionally, while I enjoyed the epilogue from James's brother's perspective, with such a short story I would have rather had more from one of the main character's view. I felt as though the author should have either stuck with the original length of the story or added significantly more content to really address some of the issues that were brought up in the final chapter and epilogue.
While I was intrigued by the character of Lieutenant Turner, I am not sure that I will be continuing with the series as it appears that the next book will also have a pairing in which one character is able to affect the other's employment, which didn't work so well for me here.
I am disappointed to say that I ended up not really liking this book, as I found the description intriguing and the writing style entertaining. However, the structure of the story and a lot of elements of the plot didn't work for me. I very much liked the premise of a misunderstanding about James's stolen manuscript leading the two to finally meet in person after an extended relationship carried out by letter. However, I thought James's revenge was really icky, especially considering that he did exactly zero investigation to make sure that Leo was the one who had sold his manuscript. I really had no desire to forgive him or to see Leo forgive him.
There were a couple other things that I didn't like about how the revenge plot was written. In order for the romance to function as something more complex than insta-love, it's important for the reader to understand the depth of the relationship that the two men have developed by letter. The letters they exchange should form a foundational part of the connection and understanding between the two of them, making Leo's supposed theft both a personal and professional betrayal. However, this aspect of the plot is sadly neglected throughout the book, to the extent that I forgot about their correspondence several times and was shocked to see them declaring their love for each other so quickly. Everything about both the revenge plot and the romance would be so much more meaningful if their relationship by mail received more focus.
Additionally, I thought James's approach to revenge also brought up some important issues regarding the class differences between the two heroes. In a short story, I would accept those issues not being addressed, yet the author has added an extra chapter that does start to discuss the topic - but totally fails to examine the implications of James's high-handed behavior. If the author is going to talk about class, the first thing that I want to see is a discussion of how the heroes are dealing with the fact that James's social status has had direct effects on Leo's employment.
Instead, the last chapter focuses on Leo and his insecurity about their relationship. I think it is reasonable and even desirable for Leo to be skeptical of the relationship and James's willingness to commit, given his more vulnerable position, but I didn't like how much this narrative centered on Leo's own sense of self-worth. I have a strong distaste for stories that focus on a more privileged partner persuading a less privileged partner that the latter is worthy of love, especially when the insecurity stems from being less privileged. First, I don't think it's healthy to locate romantic relationships as the primary source of self-esteem for anyone. Second, this has the implication that the person with less privilege must necessarily have absorbed the social message of their own inferiority and needs the approval of the more privileged person to be able to see their own value. I hate savior stories, and I hate the idea that somehow it is the person who is of lower social standing who has to change to make the relationship work. No. Again, what I really want to see is what James is doing to become more aware of the power he has and his own assumptions so that he doesn't continue to hurt Leo.
As I said above, this entire discussion about class would not necessarily be needed for this to work as a short story. However, for me, once the story got into the issue of class it should have actually gotten into the issue of class. Additionally, while I enjoyed the epilogue from James's brother's perspective, with such a short story I would have rather had more from one of the main character's view. I felt as though the author should have either stuck with the original length of the story or added significantly more content to really address some of the issues that were brought up in the final chapter and epilogue.
While I was intrigued by the character of Lieutenant Turner, I am not sure that I will be continuing with the series as it appears that the next book will also have a pairing in which one character is able to affect the other's employment, which didn't work so well for me here.
October 27, 2019
I did not like this book At. All. If it wasn't so short, I would have DNFed. But it was short, really short, so I did.
First off, they were both jerks, but I was supposed to like them anyway. I did not. First, who in their goddamned mind says, "I have a crush in this person, so I'm going to be an asshole them?" Sure, twits may say "Oh, s/he's just being mean to you because s/he LIKES you!" but A) is that ever true B) does anyone ever do that consciously? In this book, apparently so, and it happens with full-grown adults we're supposed to empathize with.
Secondly, the response to the "theft" is both all out of proportion and illogical. You're going to use something intimate and personal to do psychological damage to someone because of supposed loss of money that you absolutely do not need to live because you're a rich twit? And you're going to do this with no investigation beforehand? Not, I don't know, go to the freaking publisher and say, "Dude, my work was stolen, you owe me money as is my due for my work"? I mean, WTF?
Third, I don't even understand why these two like each other. First they don't know each other, then they are horrible assholes to each other, and then they are in love? Why? Where is the movement from enemies to in love? It just POOFS into being.
This is the second book I've read by this author (I didn't realize who it was by when I started it), and I dislike them both, although I don't hate this one as much as the other one.
First off, they were both jerks, but I was supposed to like them anyway. I did not. First, who in their goddamned mind says, "I have a crush in this person, so I'm going to be an asshole them?" Sure, twits may say "Oh, s/he's just being mean to you because s/he LIKES you!" but A) is that ever true B) does anyone ever do that consciously? In this book, apparently so, and it happens with full-grown adults we're supposed to empathize with.
Secondly, the response to the "theft" is both all out of proportion and illogical. You're going to use something intimate and personal to do psychological damage to someone because of supposed loss of money that you absolutely do not need to live because you're a rich twit? And you're going to do this with no investigation beforehand? Not, I don't know, go to the freaking publisher and say, "Dude, my work was stolen, you owe me money as is my due for my work"? I mean, WTF?
Third, I don't even understand why these two like each other. First they don't know each other, then they are horrible assholes to each other, and then they are in love? Why? Where is the movement from enemies to in love? It just POOFS into being.
This is the second book I've read by this author (I didn't realize who it was by when I started it), and I dislike them both, although I don't hate this one as much as the other one.
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