30,000 word magical realism historical romance > Likes and Comments

Hello. I am seeking beta readers for an MM historical novelette. It's more historical than speculative, but it does have magic in it.

The Gardener is a ~30,000-word historical fantasy romance set in post-WWI England at a English manor.

Jack Keller was cursed by a fairy in the mid-1700s with the power to nurture plants, but also with a curse that forces him to keep wandering—he cannot stay in one place for more than a year.

Sir Thomas, a baronet wounded during the Great War, is struggling to regain the use of his hands. Jack is hired to restore the gardens in preparation for Sir Thomas's return.

Their relationship develops slowly, with a light Dom/sub dynamic and an emphasis on tenderness, trust, and intimacy rather than explicit BDSM. Jack's Green Touch allows him to nurture plants in ways no ordinary gardener could, and eventually, to nurture Tom. There is one moderately spicy sex scene.

The central conflict comes from Jack's curse: it pushes him to “find a home,” but never allows him to stay. His fairy mark also makes people suspect he has dealings with the devil. Meanwhile, Tom, while struggling with his injury, is trying to save his floundering estate while providing for the men who served under him and their families.

It's a romantic, character-driven story with a generally happy ending (HEA).

Thanks. and I'm willing to swap for a similar length story.

Hi! I’d be happy to beta read The Gardener. The post-WWI setting, historical fantasy, and slow-burn romance sound really interesting. I’d be glad to give thoughtful feedback on the story, characters, pacing, and overall reading experience. You can send it to oladimejieleyele440@gmail.com. Thank you!

Beta reading for “The Gardener” would be something that interests me. The post grabbed my interest because I enjoy historical fiction with good character dynamics, and it seems like your story has great character dynamics with Jack and Tom. I would be glad to provide my thoughts on my experience of reading your story, with focus on characters, pacing, emotional evolution, and the story in general.

You can reach out to me at [tommyshelby3884142@gmail.com]. Looking forward to hearing from you Nat.

Eleyele wrote: "Hi! I’d be happy to beta read The Gardener. The post-WWI setting, historical fantasy, and slow-burn romance sound really interesting. I’d be glad to give thoughtful feedback on the story, character..."

Hello Eleyele, I see you're pretty new here. Were you after an exchange at all, just making sure. Can you give me an idea of how many stories you've betaed and if you have any references? Thanks!

TOMMY wrote: "Beta reading for “The Gardener” would be something that interests me. The post grabbed my interest because I enjoy historical fiction with good character dynamics, and it seems like your story has ..."

Hello Tommy, as with Eleyele, I see you're pretty new here. Were you after an exchange? Can you give me an idea of how many stories you've betaed and if you have any references? Thanks!