Tag: LGBTGIA regency romance

Review: The Duke at Hazard by K. J. Charles

Rating: 4.5🌈

K.J. Charles has written another delightful novel in the Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune series, The Duke at Hazard. Here, a severely insulated Duke is robbed of his ducal ring during an anonymous encounter . To get it back, he makes a bet that he undertakes the task without use of his power and authority. For a month. If he loses, he forfeits his greys, his beloved horses.

Charles does a fantastic job in establishing the personality of Severn at the beginning of the story, then as a man out of his depth on this mission, then again as one who is finally finding himself on the road. It’s an astonishing journey of development and growth. And it happens along with that of another person’s remarkable story, and their relationship.

Severn becomes Cassian and journey companion to Daizell Charnage, a disgraced noble whose is helping him retrieve his ring . Along the way, each has experienced so much that they are able to recognize the men they both are , together and individually.

It’s a terrific story, the characters are well written, the universe authentic, and the relationship that builds is one that feels believable in its growth and obstacles encountered.

Additionally , Charles has included so many beautifully crafted side characters and well thought out elements here that together all add up to a truly satisfying experience for the reader. We enter into the story involved in Severn’s journey and then get fully invested until the final sentence.

There were a couple of things that I had issues with. One was the character of Leo, Cassian’s cousin. He was the one who prompted the bet, but it was his gambling problems that were real reason behind Leo wanting Cassian’s greys. And his attitude of entitlement and expectations from Cassian was deplorable. It made Leo a “tiresome” personality throughout the story, even afterwards when things had been resolved. I wonder if Charles realizes how thoroughly obnoxious he came across.

Lastly, the end feels too abrupt. We’re told what their future might look like but little is actually shown. It’s just cut off. I wish we might have been given a glimpse or two. That would have been very satisfying. But it’s a good ending and ties things together really well.

If you want to know further about the details of this story, see the author’s notes on the development of that all important card game and why the term silhouette isn’t used here. If you’re thinking about authenticity, this is exactly why everything rings so believable here. Charles does the work and layers it into the narrative. It shows in the depth and details.

I’m highly recommending this to all lovers of historical fiction and romance. And fans of this author, of course!

Gentlemen of Uncertain Fortune books:

🔹The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting

🔹The Duke at Hazard

🔹Thief in the Night

Buy link:

uy links

Goodreads

Blurb:

The Duke of Severn is one of the greatest men in Britain.

He’s also short, quiet, and unimpressive. And now he’s been robbed, after indulging in one rash night with a strange man who stole the heirloom Severn ring from his finger. The Duke has to get it back, and he can’t let anyone know how he lost it. So when his cousin bets that he couldn’t survive without his privilege and title, the Duke grasps the opportunity to hunt down his ring-incognito.

Life as an ordinary person is terrifying…until the anonymous Duke meets Daizell Charnage, a disgraced gentleman, and hires him to help. Racing across the country in search of the thief, the Duke and Daizell fall into scrapes, into trouble-and in love.

Daizell has been excluded from polite society, his name tainted by his father’s crimes and his own misbehaviour. Now he dares to dream of a life somewhere out of sight with the quiet gentleman who’s stolen his heart. He doesn’t know that his lover is a hugely rich public figure with half a dozen titles. And when he finds out, it will risk everything they have…

• Publication date: July 18, 2024

• Language: English

• Print length: 326 pages

Review: A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

Rating: 5🌈

“Do not embrace me till each circumstance

Of place, time, fortune, do cohere and jump

That I am Viola

Twelfth Night”

Regency romance has and is a great favorite of mine, starting from the first Georgette Heyer novel I read back in my childhood. And I have been steadily consuming different authors versions or interpretation of this genre, whether they stay true to the timeframe of the historical era or fast forwarded to a future world and space regency culture.

There’s some absolutely magnificent novels and series that capture the original spirit and style of those romances while letting the author explore them in their own unique, imaginative ways and with well written LGBTQIA characters.

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall is one of those extraordinary novels that pays homage to the original genre in multiple ways, by its inclusion of the time frame, the cultural context, and peerages, as well as minutia of the Ton that’s a given as part of a Regency romance. However, Hall, elevates his story by giving us a deeply moving, emotional story of complex themes. One of transcendent language, magnificent characters, and an ending that I have returned to more times than I can count.

If there be echoes of a Shakespearean character, it’s welcome. For Viola Carroll is unforgettable. Both for the reader, and for Gracewood, the Duke lost in mourning and grief for the only person who ever truly saw him and cared about him.

Viola is both the ghost of the memories of the person Gracewood is mourning but who never really existed, and the truth of who she is and sacrificed everything to finally get to be. It’s a wrenching, amazing portrait of courage, pain, sacrifice, strength, and love.

Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood, is a believable, layered, damaged man. I’m not talking about the physical damage he’s suffered by his time in as a soldier in the past war. But the mental and emotional pain he suffered and carries due to his upbringing and the expectations of his station in life .

Hall’s narrative is a thoughtful exploration of roles and expectations that society places upon people. Especially those of a certain class and gender. Of genders and their places within society, this too will figure greatly here in the story, threaded through several characters perspectives.

Aside from the superbly written main characters, there are also many other outstanding characters to connect with here. The brother and sister-in-law, Badger and Louise, Lord and Lady Marleigh. I love them both deeply. Well defined, real, heartfelt characters. Then there is Mira, Gracewood’s sister who is desperate to connect with her brother. And the not to be forgotten , very bold , Lady “Stevie” Lillimere. She is a real favorite! So many outlying characters that are impactful and relevant to the story and readers.

At the very end, a two person POV changes, and we are given one final, extremely important perspective for the epilogue. This can sometimes be jarring and confusing. But here it feels natural and makes those last moments even more magical. And possibly poetic in their power and imagery.

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall is rated not just a top five book LGBTQIA or trans historical romance for me . It’s a top five book. All tropes.

Pick it up and discover why!

Buy Now:

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Blurb

From the bestselling author of Husband Material comes a lush, sweeping queer historical romance where sparks fly between childhood friends after a life-changing separation—perfect for fans of Bridgerton, Evie Dunmore, and Lisa Kleypas!

When Viola Carroll was presumed dead at Waterloo she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself. But freedom does not come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.

Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognises her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he has become.

As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings. Feelings that would have been impossible once and may be impossible still, but which Viola cannot deny. Even if they cost her everything, all over again.

• Publisher: Forever (May 24, 2022)

• Publication date: May 24, 2022

• Language: English

• Print length: 481 pages

Review: Samuel, Earl of Crofton (Regency Earls of Crofton Book 4) by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 4🌈

Samuel, fourth of the Regency Crofton Earl series, can be seen as a terrific companion story to his father’s book, Charles, as it’s events run simultaneously with those of that story.

Or if you prefer, as a standalone, since Cohen has done a marvelous job filling out the backstory of Charles and Timothy (Captain Thorne), both of whom are major characters here, as well as Aunt Amelia, and the rest of the foundation knowledge started in Charles.

There’s a topic that should be addressed in all the stories that often bothers some readers but it’s a common practice during this time period. That’s of taking sexual partners outside of the marriage, mostly because the marriages here are arranged by the families for reasons of politics and in their own royal interests . As long as they provide a heir or two, and their actions are discreet, other liaisons are likely and even expected. Some readers don’t want to read a book that has a “cheating “ element but historical fiction has parameters that make this quite difficult to follow. This story doesn’t try and it shouldn’t.

I enjoyed Samuel, not as much as I adore his father , Charles, but Samuel is definitely a man apart from the typical Redbourn in some respects. He’s less flamboyant, less aggressively dramatic, but against Charles, who could be?

Cohen instead builds layers of regret, pain, disappointment, and anger into Samuel. A man who’s had to deal with losses from his life, over and over. And without a support from the people who he needs most.

While I didn’t know Samuel well in his father’s book, we flip the perspective, and get a new sense of who this damaged man truly is. The drug fog he accepts rather than deal with the reality of the betrayal he’s just discovered, that’s believable.

It’s also an element that needs a trigger warning. A section of this story deals with drug addiction and withdrawal. If this is a trigger for you, please be aware.

The entire escapade with Charles working to create a wicked Earl scenario around Samuel? Priceless and very sexy. Loved this whole thread.

The only aspect of Samuel’s story I found lacking is Hugo Cavalier, the object of Samuel’s obsession and then love. Hugo is sort of there in the narrative for a couple of chapters. Then , he’s mentioned throughout as the one man Samuel can’t forget about. Then he reappears about 70 percent of the novel later, and , to my mind, Hugo never becomes a fully realized character.

Everyone else here is an animated, lively, breathing person, fully of personality. Yet Hugo remains sort of a one-note, beige person, one I cannot help but wonder why Samuel is so enthralled with.

That lack of chemistry, or two dimensional characterization keeps their relationship from truly mattering to me and this story from going from good to great.

It doesn’t help that there’s a fantastic couple there as comparison. Charles and Timothy are right there as couples goals, chemistry igniting, showing exactly why Samuel and Hugo come off as lacking.

But those parties! Oh my! Who wouldn’t want to be invited! So decadent, so delicious, so Redbourn!

I adored this!

Yes, I’m recommending Samuel, it’s great to see that family again and see how it all plays out. While not a huge fan of Hugo, I am of the rest! There’s a new modern Crofton on it’s way so enjoy the Regency era now!

The Crofton Universe :

🔷The Crofton Chronicles–Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart):

✓ The Actor and the Earl

✓ Duty to the Crown

✓ Forever Hold His Peace

✓ The Love and the Anger Historical (Elizabethan/ Early Stuart)–Sebastian/ Anthony 10 years together

🔷The Earls of Crofton–Historical: (Different eras–can be read as individual standalone novels):

✓ Anthony, Earl of Crofton (Early Stuart)

✓ James, Earl of Crofton (Restoration)

✓ Charles, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

✓ Samuel, Earl of Crofton (Regency)

🔷The Modern Crofton–Contemporary:

✓ Saving Crofton Hall

✓ Making History at Crofton Hall

✓ Below Stairs at Crofton Hall

✓ Getting Married at Crofton Hall

✓ Starting Again at Crofton Hall

◦ Coming Out at Crofton Hall- TBD

🔷Standalones in the Crofton Universe

◦ Much Ado About Lady Macbeth Note: Sebastian Hewel is a minor character

Something extra for Crofton! Modern Crofton Short Story:

◦ Ben and the Mistletoe (set the Christmas after Saving Crofton Hall)

Buy Link:

https://www.amazon.com › Samuel-…Samuel, Earl of Crofton eBook : Cohen, Rebecca: Kindle Store – Amazon.com

Description:

Only the selected few get to attend the special evenings hosted by Samuel Redbourn, 9th Earl of Crofton, the Hellcat of the Ton.

Despite his reputation, Samuel is not the man everyone thinks he is. He has lost a lot in his young life, and after recovering from his addiction to laudanum, it’s time to make the Ton take notice. There’s one thing he wants above all, Hugo, the only man he’s ever loved. But Hugo Cavalier was sent away by his father after he was caught in bed with Samuel, and when he returns to England several years later, there is no guarantee they can rekindle what they once had.

Historical gay Regency romance. A standalone novel in the Crofton Universe.

Please note: contains scene of period drug use, addiction, and recovery.

Review: The Love and the Anger by Rebecca Cohen

Rating: 5🌈

It’s the 10th anniversary of The Actor and the Earl , the novel of Lord Anthony Redbourn , first Earl of Crofton, and actor Sebastian Hewel . This story launched two series (The Crofton Chronicles and Modern Crofton) and the beginnings of a long, remarkable love story.

The Love and the Anger is set in the early Stuart era and one of the best, most well written aspects of this story is the manner in which the dangers and obstacles this couple faces daily is woven into the many storylines.

Here, Anthony Redbourn and Sebastian Hewel have had ten yrs together , with their committed relationship known only to a few in their inner circle of family and friends. Anthony is married to the marvelous Lady Sara, who’s love interests lie solely with her ladies maid. But Sebastian remains stubbornly single, a state that in that era makes for a strained, stressful situation where he’s a constant matrimonial target for ladies and their families, while also being an extremely attractive sexual mark for all sorts of men and women eager for his bed.

Cohen excels at conveying the vulnerability of Sebastian’s situation and the spectrum of emotions it pulls from both men who are powerless in their hidden love . Anger, acute jealousy, irritation, anxiety, it all comes into play as the price of maintaining social niceties with members of the Ton while trying to protect each other.

The reader is never able to forget that there’s a power imbalance built into their relationship simply due to Anthony’s status as a married Earl. It comes with a great deal of security and power that Sebastian can only access by association.

If the true nature of their long established relationship was known, then it’s death or the Gaol, and all would be lost. This fragility, where any measure of safety and security is fraught with the dangers of exposure, brings a layer of overlying sadness and a pinch of bitterness into each scene of love and happiness.

It’s realistic and heartfelt. It’s there in the language the men use, the care they take in every situation not to raise suspicions, and the idea they’ve been doing this for ten years and will continue on is emotionally exhausting at times.

That too shows up in Anthony’s fears and jealousy.

The focus of the story is William, Anthony’s son and heir from his first, brief marriage. William is 14, getting ready for a university he’s reluctant to attend, and he’s rebellious in all aspects.

His actions, again he’s such a believable young teenager of that era, as well as a mystery plot where young children of the Ton are taken to be exchanged for large sums of money, make this a tightly crafted, beautifully written novel.

Cohen remains true to her research, no mention of the word kidnapping, which she says in her Author’s Note , didn’t appear until 1680. The cast of characters, some familiar some new, are layered and well defined.

But it’s always the deep, complicated relationship between Anthony and Sebastian that’s key. It effectively threads through each other’s scenes and exposition, whether that character is physically present or not.

The Love and the Anger by Rebecca Cohen is one of the finest stories in The Crofton Chronicles. It’s a must read if you are a fan of both series and this author.

I do recommend you read each series in the order they are written to see the characters, the relationships develop.

Goodreadshttps://www.goodreads.com › showThe Love and the Anger by Rebecca Cohen

Description:

William, Viscount of Crofton, is missing, feared taken. Anthony Redbourn, 1st Earl of Crofton, is beside himself with worry and anger, and sets out with his lover, Sebastian Hewel, to find his fourteen year old son and bring him home.

Only William hasn’t been stolen away by a gang preying on the heirs of nobles. Enthralled by the theatre, he’s run away to join a troupe of travelling players, and all goes well until someone realises who he really is…

This novel is to mark ten years of my Crofton men. Anthony and Sebastian first appear in The Crofton Chronicles, and this story is set several years after Anthony, Earl of Crofton chronologically.

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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: Once A Gentleman (Love in Portsmouth #2) by Eliot Grayson

Rating: 4.25🌈

Once A Gentleman is a M/M Regency romance by Eliot Grayson, the second in the author’s Love in Portsmouth series.

This reminded me why I loved the Regency novels so with characters at near constant flash points with each other , starting from the moment Kit Hewlett fell awkwardly into the arms of Andrew Turner, who walked into the bookstore Kit was working at.

Then fired from because of the incident. The first of many incendiary arguments stemming from misunderstandings and assumptions quickly follows.

Grayson’s two person pov contributes substantially towards putting the reader in the middle of this combustible relationship as it shouts, snarks, daydreams, argues, threatens, and finally ends up , in love . But even that has it’s stumbling moments.

The characters need to undergo, especially Andrew, a sea change in terms of his life and character. He does so by bringing Kit into his house, with all of Kit’s restraints and expectations. And Kit’s reactions towards Andrew’s own wildly unwanted impulsive actions to pull Kit towards him.

In between all the drama and character actions happening at the Turner household, there’s the ship being repaired and readied for a new assignment.

Grayson saves the reality of Turner’s maritime career until the last section of this story, bringing with it one of the most romantic moments of their journey together.

There’s more then once you will want to knock heads here over continuing issues and slights that could be solved by better communication. But I was absolutely committed to this story and couple, and read this book straight through from start to finish.

If you’re a lover of historical fiction and Regency romance, here’s a story and series for you.

Love in Portsmouth series:

✓ Like A Gentleman #1

✓ Once A Gentleman #2

https://www.goodreads.com › showOnce a Gentleman (Love in Portsmouth, #2) by Eliot Grayson – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Penniless, friendless, and with nowhere left to turn after his family’s ruin, Kit Hewlett can’t afford any more disasters. When a rakish, too-handsome gentleman—and Kit’s own clumsiness—cause him to lose his position as a bookshop clerk, Kit has no choice but to accept the gentleman’s offer of employment as his secretary.

Andrew Turner serves honorably in the Royal Navy, but when ashore he wastes his fortune and his time on an endless round of drinking, cards, and…other pleasures. He appreciates his new secretary’s slim body and pretty green eyes more than he ought, but he’s also struck by Kit’s quick wit and clever mind. To Andrew’s shock, he finds himself wanting more than a tumble. But that’s inconvenient. It’s irritating. And Kit won’t bed him anyway.

Trying to convince Kit that he’s more than just a debauched wastrel takes some doing, but once desire overrides Kit’s common sense, their attraction explodes into passion. Just as Kit dares to believe in Andrew’s love, Andrew’s ship is sent on a mission to the Continent. Will separation, worry, and fear tear them apart or will love bind them to one another forever?

This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Contains debauchery galore, a footman who wants to murder the butler, love letters, and gratuitous references to Gothic novels…and of course, a guaranteed HEA.

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: A Scandal for Stratton (The Lords of Bucknall #6) by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry

Rating: 4.5🌈

I had known that A Scandal for Stratton was going to have it difficult as far as the expectations went as it’s preceding story, An Affair for Aument set the bar so very high for any book that followed it. If I could have given that novel a 10 I would have, it was that magnificent.

In An Affair for Aument, a brilliantly written novel, it captures the best of all the characters of every story, who, for all their vagaries in station and personality, form a odd collective of friends bound by events and relationships. Their stories naturally form the basis and universe for The Lords of Bucknall Club series, one I’m deeply fond of.

This book has its own different elements , focuses, and characters that have existed on the outskirts of that circle. A character like Stratton, earning a meager mention or two as a horse seller in all prior books, is now one of the main characters.

A aspect that makes this more a novel that , like it’s men, something that resides just a bit on the edge of the group. In that universe, but very much it’s own different book.

I have to confess I didn’t enjoy it very much. I appreciated the writing but wasn’t finding the deep joy I had in the others. At least until almost until the end.

All the other books were very much within the Regency Romance format while the authors gave them narratively brilliant twists with a new rule on same sex marriages, all still keeping the same cultural rules, gossiping Ton, adding in mystery, exceptional humor and romance. And each book was centered within keeping a character driven storyline. Amazing.

Honestly those books are on constant replay.

Immediately you notice the missing dry wit and humor the preceding stories are noted for. In its place is sexuality . It’s the scandalous stories, The Maiden Diaries, being written by “Anonymous “ that have been discussed all Season. It’s also the D/s pain kink sexual relationship that’s key to the dynamics between the Earl of Stratton, James and his estate manager, Harold. It’s explicit. From whipping, spanking , the huge list of pain kink is introduced here in a way it’s not in any of the other stories.

If BDSM ,D/s, pain kink relationships aren’t your thing, this is not your story. It’s a major element. That’s most of the book and the characters relationship. Again, a departure from the previous books.

There’s no mystery. A simple case of blackmail stemming from a rather nasty brother back from abroad with a large sense of entitlement ( pun intended) who wants the estate and title of Earl of Stratton.

The fun, wit, and liveliness only enters the story with the entry of The Bucknall Club gang, plus the indomitable Lady Rebecca , who gather together to save the day. That’s about 80 percent in. So a fairly long slog without a glint of lightness.

I really missed them Especially Soulden with his wicked sense of humor.

For me, the story sank into my heart when all the Bucknall Club characters were engaged by Harold to help with the blackmail. From there, we got a balanced storyline with strong character driven plot lines, fabulous dialogue full of humor and wry heartfelt commentary on the Ton and society. All our favorites, with their engaging dynamics were there, encircling James and Harold, with their compassion, kindness, and unique outlook, pulling them into the circle of the group.

Of enormous impact is the compassionate Warry , along with Chant, who endeavor to help James with their social anxiety, their other issues and offers of friendship. How I adore that crew.

The last section helps with my connection to the main couple. It includes a far better understanding of the personality and character of James as they try to recover from the shattering events that free them from their brother. It’s also a far clearer picture into the dynamics between James and Harold as they weigh their future and try to get back to the stability they had enjoyed before everything fell apart.

The main couple themselves fracturing, getting a new, deeper exploration of what has made their relationship work, James trying to resolve the emotional turmoil the painful past that his brother has awakened, as well as all the damaging fallout it’s caused, this section of the story brings everything back into The Lords of Bucknall territory in an amazing way.

However, while all the other couples got their HFN in a satisfying manner, I can’t help but feel that James and Harold were still in recovery, trying to see where they and their relationship went next, if it could handle the next stages of growth Harold needed.

Satisfying? That will depend on the reader.

For me, A Scandal for Stratton is an extremely well written book, one that exists more as an addendum to the series The Lords of Bucknall Club then as strictly a part of it. It’s strongly character driven, with its main relationship bases around a BDSM D/s pain oriented dynamic that’s constantly being explored throughout the storyline.

James’s tortured persona is beautifully done as is Harold’s dominating character. Each is layered with their painful histories driving them together, despite their differences in societal levels.

The structure of a Regency romance, so apparent in the others, is what’s missing here for me. Most of the time, with the few exceptions that James does visit the Club (very few) the book could be lifted into another historical series . That is until we’re almost done.

If you’re a fan of the series, I’m recommending this on several levels. It’s a terrific story. It enlarges on a bit character we only heard about in passing. All those horses that Warry always wanted from Stratton. Now we know who he was referring to.

We also get to see our beloved characters again as they gather to save the day, hilarious solutions not withstanding. Not a goat to be seen however. I was very sad about this. Not that type of book which is telling.

And if you’re a fan of J.A. Rock’s other novels which do have a major BDSM element, then this is exactly the book and couple for you.

I think this does see an end to the series. I’m ok with that. I felt it had a brilliant send off in An Affair for Aument.

There’s nothing indicating the authors will go forward with another story.

So I’m absolutely recommending to all what I consider the foundation series, books 1 through 5, and as a addendum, with a note about the BDSM content, pick up the sixth novel if you’re interested in learning about who was selling those horses and writing The Maiden Diaries!

Series – The Lords of Bucknall Club

✓ A Husband for Hartwell #1

✓ A Case for Christmas #2

✓ A Rival for Rivingdon #3

✓ A Sanctuary for Soulden #4.

✓ A Affair for Aument #5

✓ A Scandal for Stratford

———-

Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.

Review: An Affair for Aumont (The Lords of Bucknall Club, #5) by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry

Rating: 5 🌈

An Affair for Aumont is my absolute favorite of this fantastic series, The Lords of Bucknall Club, by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry. If I didn’t already know there was another book in the series with an expected release date, I would have thought this was an incredible series finale. That’s because all the characters from the previous books appear in their now harmonious couple form to indulge in some hilarious hijinks, be included in the huge investigation (yes, everyone), and end up still wandering or strolling in at the ending.

Even my fabulous, now happily married twits, Rivington and Notley, the incomparables of the Season, bring their sheep, Euphemia, who eats the scenery. Pun intended. Hilarious. I adore those two lovers.

Rock and Henry leave nothing out of this book. Besotted pig farmers (I adored Mr. Foster), button art, a sexy swim in the old pond, but they never once take their attention away from the heart of the story.

That’s the broken Aument, former French spy , and George Darling, the Runner, who’s reluctantly fallen in love with him. Aument is a tremendous character, and one we’ve slowly had knowledge of through other stories.

It was Soulden’s brother, Luke, who Aument loved and refused to marry, preferring to return to France to fight, a act that has disastrous consequences for Luke and his family. Aument has never forgiven himself and neither has Soulden who once regarded him as a brother.

This story is about Aument’s redemption and forgiveness as much as it is about the mystery of who’s stalking the very beautiful and kind Teddy Honeyfield. That’s a task that Lord Christmas Gale has asked them to take on at the beginning of the book. Insure Teddy’s safety and find out who’s threatening him.

A not so easy investigation! It takes everyone we’ve come to know to get the culprits and Teddy safe. As well as tie up one more pesky loose end.

While there’s humor and charm a plenty to be had amongst the scintillating dialogue and extremely well written storylines, Rock and Henry include gritty elements such as Aument’s withdrawal from alcoholism as well as his own self inflicted guilt over Luke’s choices.

The authors manage to weave a rawness into a Regency romance and relationship that’s also full of humor, intellectual philosophy, and love . It’s absolutely magnificent.

There’s another to be released in July , about a character that always floated about the very edges of this group. That’s Stratford, he of the horses that’s always about to be bought or talked about.

Honestly, the bar set by An Affair for Aumont is so very high I can’t see how that’s going to top it. But I’m certainly going to see how Stratford plays into this amazing group and uniquely talented characters.

I’m highly recommending An Affair for Aumont and this series but read them in order for the sheer joy of the couples relationships and series development.

Series – ThLords of Bucknall Club

✓ A Husband for Hartwell #1

✓ A Case for Christmas #2

✓ A Rival for Rivingdon #3

✓ A Sanctuary for Soulden #4.

✓ A Affair for Aument #5

◦ A Scandal for Stratford #6 – July 5, 2022

https://www.goodreads.com › showAn Affair for Aumont by J.A. Rock – Goodreads

Synopsis:

All he wants is the love he lost.

Four years ago, Louis-Charles Aumont, the Marquis de Montespan, chose duty over the man he loved. And then the man he loved chose death in service to England. Now, after finally cutting ties with his king, Aumont is living in a slum in Seven Dials–and intending to die there too. But when Bow Street Runner George Darling shows up at his door with a strange proposition, Aumont is intrigued by the prospect of something–anything–that might make him feel alive again. Or at least provide the funds he needs to drink himself to death.

All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.

George Darling joined the Bow Street officers out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray.

Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.

Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.

When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.

An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in The Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance. The Lords of Bucknall Club books can be read as standalones but are best enjoyed in order.

Review: Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall

Rating: 4.5 🌈

Alexis Hall’s regency romance, Something Fabulous is indeed totally fabulous. A rollicking tale of two men who end up falling for each other is done via a Regency road trip. Although it’s carriages and a gorgeous pair of bays instead of a car, it’s still a wild madcap road race after a runaway sister and her very close companion!

That the sister is a twin of one man and a betrothed of the other? An enriching of ingredients that only improves the more you get into the story.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, the one seeking his runaway betrothed, is perilously straight laced. Valentine’s adherence to societies niceties and his valet’s ideas of the right clothes to wear make him overbearing and rigid, not that he sees it. Or what he’s hiding under his strictness.

His traveling companion is Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, twin to the runaway betrothed. Bonny is exuberant, sexy, highly adorable, and imaginative! The opposite of Valentine. And Bonny isn’t shy that he likes men. Something Valentine’s having a hard time understanding.

Something Valentine may just be feeling himself but never knew before.

Hall has written a clever, fast paced, at times very moving, story of a man coming to grips with who he is and how he’s to live and love going forward. That’s a lot to pack in but it all works beautifully. Especially when it includes such fascinating characters as Bonny’s twin sister, Bella, Peggy, Miss Evans and Miss Fairfax.

Such a unique and layered group of people. Bella especially, as her last speech to Valentine proves, always had so much more depth to her than anyone gave her credit for, including Bonny. That was a lovely element.

The ending was marvelous, a wonderful blend of humor and romance to the end.

Something Fabulous by Alexis Hall is a fantastic story, one I absolutely recommend. I also highly recommend this author if you’re not already familiar with his books.

Treat yourself to this and anything from his catalog today!

https://www.goodreads.com › showSomething Fabulous #1 – Goodreads

Synopsis:

From the acclaimed author of Boyfriend Material comes a delightfully witty romance featuring a reserved duke who’s betrothed to one twin and hopelessly enamoured of the other.

Valentine Layton, the Duke of Malvern, has twin problems: literally.

It was always his father’s hope that Valentine would marry Miss Arabella Tarleton. But, unfortunately, too many novels at an impressionable age have caused her to grow up…romantic. So romantic that a marriage of convenience will not do and after Valentine’s proposal she flees into the night determined never to set eyes on him again.

Arabella’s twin brother, Mr. Bonaventure “Bonny” Tarleton, has also grown up…romantic. And fully expects Valentine to ride out after Arabella and prove to her that he’s not the cold-hearted cad he seems to be.

Despite copious misgivings, Valentine finds himself on a pell-mell chase to Dover with Bonny by his side. Bonny is unreasonable, overdramatic, annoying, and…beautiful? And being with him makes Valentine question everything he thought he knew. About himself. About love. Even about which Tarleton he should be pursuing.