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Discreet Young Gentleman
All hell breaks loose when Dean Smith, Earl of Carwick, is tricked into being discovered in the company of Rob, a handsome male prostitute. Now Dean needs to repair his broken engagement to a wealthy heiress…and Rob is the only one who can identify the man who set him up, proving to Dean's fiancée that things weren't as they appeared.
The trip from Worcester to Bath turns into a journey of self-discovery, as Dean finds himself becoming increasingly attracted to Rob. His charming companion stirs feelings Dean has long kept repressed, but acting on them would make true the accusations that destroyed his engagement. Torn between duty and desire, Dean's destiny lies in the hands of a Discreet Young Gentleman.
The trip from Worcester to Bath turns into a journey of self-discovery, as Dean finds himself becoming increasingly attracted to Rob. His charming companion stirs feelings Dean has long kept repressed, but acting on them would make true the accusations that destroyed his engagement. Torn between duty and desire, Dean's destiny lies in the hands of a Discreet Young Gentleman.
194 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2006
About the author
M.J. Pearson
3 books60 followersM. J. Pearson’s meandering career path has included stints dispatching taxis in Vermont, making pizza in Santa Fe, digging Roman ruins in Israel and studying nationalism in Scotland. Currently residing in Indianapolis, M. J. is hard at work on a new romance novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 30, 2016
This is what MUST have happened:
Publisher: Okay, we need the perfect book cover for this story. It's a historical romance novel set in England.
Cover Artist: How about this?
Publisher: No, no, no. That won't work at all. This book is all about a journey that our couple is taking together. They aren't laying around. They are traveling through the English countryside. There is a lot of information about the places they pass through, the history and the architecture.
Cover Artist: How about this one then?
Publisher: No, no, no. That's not it either. There needs to be something that shows the angst of our couple as they are both stuck in circumstances beyond their control and both see themselves in a distorted manner. Through their journey, they start to heal each other and find redemption in their love story.
Cover Artist: Aww, sounds like maybe a more artistic approach is what you are looking for.
Publisher: That's all wrong. There is also a big historical aspect in this story. Each town they visit has historical significance from the War of the Roses or the Napoleonic War. There are amazing and colorful stories told throughout the book, with quite a few local ghost stories thrown in.
Cover Artist: Hmm, okay, history & ghosts. How about this one?
Publisher: No, no, no. That doesn't even show us the beautiful romance between the two men. It's a love story that builds slowly as a friendship first, developing over time as they get to know and appreciate each other.
Cover Artist: Okay... wait, what? Did you say two MEN? I finally understand what you need.
Publisher: Perfect!!! Print a million copies!
This book was read for the Mac Halo group book challenge: Pick a book for the cover.
Publisher: Okay, we need the perfect book cover for this story. It's a historical romance novel set in England.
Cover Artist: How about this?
Publisher: No, no, no. That won't work at all. This book is all about a journey that our couple is taking together. They aren't laying around. They are traveling through the English countryside. There is a lot of information about the places they pass through, the history and the architecture.
Cover Artist: How about this one then?
Publisher: No, no, no. That's not it either. There needs to be something that shows the angst of our couple as they are both stuck in circumstances beyond their control and both see themselves in a distorted manner. Through their journey, they start to heal each other and find redemption in their love story.
Cover Artist: Aww, sounds like maybe a more artistic approach is what you are looking for.
Publisher: That's all wrong. There is also a big historical aspect in this story. Each town they visit has historical significance from the War of the Roses or the Napoleonic War. There are amazing and colorful stories told throughout the book, with quite a few local ghost stories thrown in.
Cover Artist: Hmm, okay, history & ghosts. How about this one?
Publisher: No, no, no. That doesn't even show us the beautiful romance between the two men. It's a love story that builds slowly as a friendship first, developing over time as they get to know and appreciate each other.
Cover Artist: Okay... wait, what? Did you say two MEN? I finally understand what you need.
Publisher: Perfect!!! Print a million copies!
This book was read for the Mac Halo group book challenge: Pick a book for the cover.
Want to read
July 25, 2013this cover—I mean, what is this life even—it's like the 70's just splattered come on an x-men comic—and yet here it is, on my shelf, like emergency chocolate in the pantry, behind the three year old box of grape-nuts
February 10, 2012
Edit:
OH. MY. GOD. There's a YouTube trailer for this book featuring Barbie and Ken dolls. Seriously. Complete with "cast" such as "Dance Club Kayla" and "Mod Hair Ken." AND there's a Making Of/Behind the Scenes website talking about the YouTube project. HOLY SHITE. I <3 you, M.J. Pearson! Seriously, people, YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
Original Review:
Soooooooo sweet. Such a cute and heart-warming story with likable and sympathetic characters. The back stories are remarkably well done for a shorter book (it's ~170 pages), and the plot ties itself up well and cleanly with a very sweet and sigh-worthy ending.
The cover is totally outrageously breeches-ripper ridiculous, but, in truth, this story is pretty light and subtle on the sexytimes. Even so, I easily saw the emotions and yearning on the parts of both characters without a lot of physical action needed. In terms of "heat" level, I'd put it somewhere between traditional Regency Mary Balogh and Regency historical Julia Quinn. So a little warmer than "warm" with some euphemisms, but thankfully low on the purple prose and also lacking (in a good way) long descriptions of explicit stuff. It was actually quite tasteful. Highly recommended!
P.S. OMG I should know better than to start reading at 11:45PM. This message is time stamped at 4:40AM. O__o
P.P.S. Some of the conversation with Dean's coachman is auf Deutsch. It's gratifying to know my German degree is good for something.
OH. MY. GOD. There's a YouTube trailer for this book featuring Barbie and Ken dolls. Seriously. Complete with "cast" such as "Dance Club Kayla" and "Mod Hair Ken." AND there's a Making Of/Behind the Scenes website talking about the YouTube project. HOLY SHITE. I <3 you, M.J. Pearson! Seriously, people, YOU NEED TO READ THIS.
Original Review:
Soooooooo sweet. Such a cute and heart-warming story with likable and sympathetic characters. The back stories are remarkably well done for a shorter book (it's ~170 pages), and the plot ties itself up well and cleanly with a very sweet and sigh-worthy ending.
The cover is totally outrageously breeches-ripper ridiculous, but, in truth, this story is pretty light and subtle on the sexytimes. Even so, I easily saw the emotions and yearning on the parts of both characters without a lot of physical action needed. In terms of "heat" level, I'd put it somewhere between traditional Regency Mary Balogh and Regency historical Julia Quinn. So a little warmer than "warm" with some euphemisms, but thankfully low on the purple prose and also lacking (in a good way) long descriptions of explicit stuff. It was actually quite tasteful. Highly recommended!
P.S. OMG I should know better than to start reading at 11:45PM. This message is time stamped at 4:40AM. O__o
P.P.S. Some of the conversation with Dean's coachman is auf Deutsch. It's gratifying to know my German degree is good for something.
August 14, 2017
I have been wanting to read this for a very long time. The title. That cover. THAT CRAZY BULGE IN THE GUYS PANTS.
All three of these things bring up so many questions. How exactly are these men being discreet when they are in such an overtly sensual pose? Is that package a codpiece or is it real? And the biggest question of all, will the dude's schlong smother a buffalo?
This book is the epitome of why you should not judge a book by its cover. I was expecting wall to wall man on man sex. But ferk, was I disappointed.
I can safely report from my scientific exploration of this book, that there is only one full on sex scene at around 80% (and even then it's all quite purple and yet not overly descriptive.) There's some oral earlier on, but the rest of the book is lots of hand touching, eyeballing each other in their nightshirts (or in Rob's case, no nightshirt >:D) and a whole heap of sexual tension.
Now. To the schlongs. There is never a size given. Just that each schlong is "impressive" and at one point Dean says that he's unsure if Rob will fit inside him, so my guess is that Rob can smother a buffalo, but I cannot scientifically say that Dean can from the data I was given to explore.
Let's discuss the story a little bit, shall we?
What this really boils down to is that two men meet under interesting circumstances and then journey across England together, stopping basically anywhere and everywhere to listen to ghost stories along the way.
What makes things interesting is that one of the men is a sex worker and the other one is incredibly attracted to him but won't act on his desires because he's refusing to acknowledge that he may be gay.
It needs to be said that Dean was a judgmental asshole for the entirety of the book. He is constantly and consistently putting Rob down for his "chosen" profession, when he is pretty much doing THE EXACT SAME THING in order to save his estate. Seriously, a man who sells his body for money is a sex worker, but a man marrying to keep his estate above water is not? I DON'T LIKE IT.
Rob was lovely. He deserved much better than shit head Dean. Seriously - Rob was so giving! He After which Dean was a complete fuckwad and was all like "WHY NOT ME TOO?!" That was super sketchy and made me dislike Dean all the more.
Overall, this was a pleasant and well written journey through England with two men who can't quite figure out how to relate to each other when they have such feelings and desires for one another. I wish there was more steam. And I wish I knew if Dean's schlong could smother a buffalo. Perhaps I need to write some fan fiction that will explain the sizes properly?
Enjoyable, even if it wasn't quite what I expected.
3 Stars!
All three of these things bring up so many questions. How exactly are these men being discreet when they are in such an overtly sensual pose? Is that package a codpiece or is it real? And the biggest question of all, will the dude's schlong smother a buffalo?
This book is the epitome of why you should not judge a book by its cover. I was expecting wall to wall man on man sex. But ferk, was I disappointed.
I can safely report from my scientific exploration of this book, that there is only one full on sex scene at around 80% (and even then it's all quite purple and yet not overly descriptive.) There's some oral earlier on, but the rest of the book is lots of hand touching, eyeballing each other in their nightshirts (or in Rob's case, no nightshirt >:D) and a whole heap of sexual tension.
Now. To the schlongs. There is never a size given. Just that each schlong is "impressive" and at one point Dean says that he's unsure if Rob will fit inside him, so my guess is that Rob can smother a buffalo, but I cannot scientifically say that Dean can from the data I was given to explore.
Let's discuss the story a little bit, shall we?
What this really boils down to is that two men meet under interesting circumstances and then journey across England together, stopping basically anywhere and everywhere to listen to ghost stories along the way.
What makes things interesting is that one of the men is a sex worker and the other one is incredibly attracted to him but won't act on his desires because he's refusing to acknowledge that he may be gay.
It needs to be said that Dean was a judgmental asshole for the entirety of the book. He is constantly and consistently putting Rob down for his "chosen" profession, when he is pretty much doing THE EXACT SAME THING in order to save his estate. Seriously, a man who sells his body for money is a sex worker, but a man marrying to keep his estate above water is not? I DON'T LIKE IT.
Rob was lovely. He deserved much better than shit head Dean. Seriously - Rob was so giving! He After which Dean was a complete fuckwad and was all like "WHY NOT ME TOO?!" That was super sketchy and made me dislike Dean all the more.
Overall, this was a pleasant and well written journey through England with two men who can't quite figure out how to relate to each other when they have such feelings and desires for one another. I wish there was more steam. And I wish I knew if Dean's schlong could smother a buffalo. Perhaps I need to write some fan fiction that will explain the sizes properly?
Enjoyable, even if it wasn't quite what I expected.
3 Stars!
Shelved as 'romance-covers-i-have-loved'
June 15, 2009which of these gentlemen is meant to be the discreet one?? dana - you read it, you tell me.
October 14, 2012
This review is definitely a Your Milage May Vary situation. I love Regency het romance, and Georgette Heyer was a goddess in dampened muslin and kid slippers.
As an homage to the classic Regency tropes this book made me quite happy. As an actual m/m romance it would no doubt be a huge let-down.
The denouement of the story relies on a plot device that will drive non-Regency fans batty, but it is so typical of Heyer, with her third act revelations that save the day.
The story is snail's-pace slow, and incorporates a lot of architure appreciation, folklore, fishing (?), clothing descriptions, and a cat.
Admittedly, a lot of the plot doesn't make a whole lot of actual sense. There isn't buckets of character development. There is no explanation of why Rob falls in love with Dean (unless it's the freckles). But there is potted shrimp.
The sex isn't completely fade-to-black, but seriously, it might as well have been. I really liked it. I cannot logically explain the appeal, but it was a bit like cinnamon toast with lots of butter, eaten in front of an open fire on a cold winter's day. Nommy.
P.S. Put him in period costume and this is what I think Dean looks like:
As an homage to the classic Regency tropes this book made me quite happy. As an actual m/m romance it would no doubt be a huge let-down.
The denouement of the story relies on a plot device that will drive non-Regency fans batty, but it is so typical of Heyer, with her third act revelations that save the day.
The story is snail's-pace slow, and incorporates a lot of architure appreciation, folklore, fishing (?), clothing descriptions, and a cat.
Admittedly, a lot of the plot doesn't make a whole lot of actual sense. There isn't buckets of character development. There is no explanation of why Rob falls in love with Dean (unless it's the freckles). But there is potted shrimp.
The sex isn't completely fade-to-black, but seriously, it might as well have been. I really liked it. I cannot logically explain the appeal, but it was a bit like cinnamon toast with lots of butter, eaten in front of an open fire on a cold winter's day. Nommy.
P.S. Put him in period costume and this is what I think Dean looks like:
December 28, 2014
I can't find enough words to describe how much I loved it. It's like a fairy tale romance...
The ending was awesome. I was wondering a lot about how they'd resolve their love story, but the direction the author took is amazing. I love Rob even more now.
Dean was a great character too. My thoughts matched his throughout most of the story. I felt just like him when he thought about Rob, falling for him on one hand, wanting to help him, but also feeling appalled at the fact that he made his living as a hooker.
This book left me feeling wonderful. I wish the cover was a bit more....decent? I almost assumed a hard core porn kind of romance judging from the cover. This is such a great story. It deserves a nice cover. I'd suggest something with a cat on it ;-)
The ending was awesome. I was wondering a lot about how they'd resolve their love story, but the direction the author took is amazing. I love Rob even more now.
Dean was a great character too. My thoughts matched his throughout most of the story. I felt just like him when he thought about Rob, falling for him on one hand, wanting to help him, but also feeling appalled at the fact that he made his living as a hooker.
This book left me feeling wonderful. I wish the cover was a bit more....decent? I almost assumed a hard core porn kind of romance judging from the cover. This is such a great story. It deserves a nice cover. I'd suggest something with a cat on it ;-)
August 3, 2016
This is Covers Week at BIOB, so let’s first get to the cover of the m/m regency romance Discreet Young Gentleman—-which has a new cover that I think is pretty awful, especially since it’s using a photo of a model who I can now and forever only think of as Tony from Kaje Harper’s Life Lessons. (Here he is on the cover of book #3, Home Work
.)
I do like the pastoral road background behind naked thoughtful Tony though, especially since that represents well the long journey upper-class Dean takes with “hired man” Rob as they travel from Dean’s country estate to Bath to try to regain the favor of the woman Dean was betrothed to (and then hopefully rebuild Dean’s finances so he can keep his family home.)
The REAL crime with this cover though is that it is NOT the earlier, original cover–a painted, chest-heaving dream that should be hung in a museum somewhere, preferably in an exhibit titled “Pulp Pleasures and Pants Missiles: The Wonderful World of Gay Romance Covers.”
I mean LOOK AT THIS. IT IS AWESOME.
(Although I love that the front, fondled guy has the coppery hair of Dean, dark-haired fondling guy looks more like a regency Wolverine to me rather than the handsome, lithe Rob.)
(Regency Wolverine…there’s an idea…)
My guess for the cover update to “Naked Tony and the Pastoral Road” is probably something to do with ebook and reprint rights, etc, which is too bad since that earlier pants-poking tryst under the fireglow glory should not be lost in history. There should be a monument somewhere so that Regency Wolverine and his breathless companion can be forever caught in mid-heave, stared at by curious (and quietly aroused) tourists who will then throw pennies at it with the unspoken wish that the Gods of Grasping Lust will bestow on them good fortune and drawn-out glorious orgasms.
Also, the title font is awesome--it’s like someone stole a title card from an 80’s cartoon geared towards girls—like My Little Pony or Jem, and was all, “THIS! This brings the right amount of *DAZZLE* for our story of a stick-in-the-mud Earl and his journey of torment as he tries REALLY REALLY HARD to not fall for the harlot hotness that is his traveling companion.
Okay-okay. What about the story?
I’ve read a few “regency rentboy” stories, and I have to say, this one is nicely different. Dean is still the somewhat tortured high-class character, and Rob is a prostitute trapped with a mindset that he’s good for little else than sex, but beyond that, the story takes a much different turn and tone than others that I’ve read.
It is mostly the journey here that is the focus, as Dean coerces Rob to help him regain his lost honor and his ex-fiancé’s favor, but they find their trip prolonged by mishaps, and then Dean finds himself prolonging it further to provide history-loving Rob a chance to explore some of the sites along the way, including a plethora of haunted inns and abbeys. This time forces Dean to ponder things he really didn’t want to ponder, like how much he enjoys Rob’s company, how he desperately doesn’t want to think of Rob with his “patrons”, and how his life could have been different if he wasn’t in this financial pickle.
Dean was a hard character to like at first—he’s moody and restrained and kind of a pill, but very slowly he thaws under Rob’s sunny, inquisitive demeanor, and just as Rob learns more about the layers underneath Dean’s cool façade, so does the reader, and I warmed more up to him in the last third as he became more fumblingly aware of his mistakes and what he wants.
I was gearing for a lower rating, since the story is drawn-out, mostly UST, and I can only read about Dean’s self-denial for so long, but the ending was nice, and really picked things up for me.
(There is also an interlude story that Rob tells to Dean at one point as he explains why he often sleeps with older men—a story of one of his past lovers, and I won’t lie, it was one of the most romantic things I’ve read in a while.)
If you enjoy m/m historicals, especially the regency variety, then it’s easy for me to recommend this one. It is nicely different, and oddly, it felt more “equal”, even with the characters’ different stations, and Dean’s unhappy judgment of Rob’s profession.
Also, if you like dolls in peril, you may enjoy this trailer for the book!
Pearson is also a very good writer, and it was easy to sink into her world here and follow along. I’ve only read one other book by her, the regency melodrama The Price of Temptation (also with an awesome original cover), but I felt this one was a stronger story. She’s only written three books (under this name at least), with the last one out in 2010, which is too bad. She’s quite good, and I hope she returns to writing. (Her website has a 2014 status update of working on a new book, so I think that sounds very promising and am looking forward to it.)
I do like the pastoral road background behind naked thoughtful Tony though, especially since that represents well the long journey upper-class Dean takes with “hired man” Rob as they travel from Dean’s country estate to Bath to try to regain the favor of the woman Dean was betrothed to (and then hopefully rebuild Dean’s finances so he can keep his family home.)
The REAL crime with this cover though is that it is NOT the earlier, original cover–a painted, chest-heaving dream that should be hung in a museum somewhere, preferably in an exhibit titled “Pulp Pleasures and Pants Missiles: The Wonderful World of Gay Romance Covers.”
I mean LOOK AT THIS. IT IS AWESOME.
(Although I love that the front, fondled guy has the coppery hair of Dean, dark-haired fondling guy looks more like a regency Wolverine to me rather than the handsome, lithe Rob.)
(Regency Wolverine…there’s an idea…)
My guess for the cover update to “Naked Tony and the Pastoral Road” is probably something to do with ebook and reprint rights, etc, which is too bad since that earlier pants-poking tryst under the fireglow glory should not be lost in history. There should be a monument somewhere so that Regency Wolverine and his breathless companion can be forever caught in mid-heave, stared at by curious (and quietly aroused) tourists who will then throw pennies at it with the unspoken wish that the Gods of Grasping Lust will bestow on them good fortune and drawn-out glorious orgasms.
Also, the title font is awesome--it’s like someone stole a title card from an 80’s cartoon geared towards girls—like My Little Pony or Jem, and was all, “THIS! This brings the right amount of *DAZZLE* for our story of a stick-in-the-mud Earl and his journey of torment as he tries REALLY REALLY HARD to not fall for the harlot hotness that is his traveling companion.
Okay-okay. What about the story?
I’ve read a few “regency rentboy” stories, and I have to say, this one is nicely different. Dean is still the somewhat tortured high-class character, and Rob is a prostitute trapped with a mindset that he’s good for little else than sex, but beyond that, the story takes a much different turn and tone than others that I’ve read.
It is mostly the journey here that is the focus, as Dean coerces Rob to help him regain his lost honor and his ex-fiancé’s favor, but they find their trip prolonged by mishaps, and then Dean finds himself prolonging it further to provide history-loving Rob a chance to explore some of the sites along the way, including a plethora of haunted inns and abbeys. This time forces Dean to ponder things he really didn’t want to ponder, like how much he enjoys Rob’s company, how he desperately doesn’t want to think of Rob with his “patrons”, and how his life could have been different if he wasn’t in this financial pickle.
Dean was a hard character to like at first—he’s moody and restrained and kind of a pill, but very slowly he thaws under Rob’s sunny, inquisitive demeanor, and just as Rob learns more about the layers underneath Dean’s cool façade, so does the reader, and I warmed more up to him in the last third as he became more fumblingly aware of his mistakes and what he wants.
I was gearing for a lower rating, since the story is drawn-out, mostly UST, and I can only read about Dean’s self-denial for so long, but the ending was nice, and really picked things up for me.
(There is also an interlude story that Rob tells to Dean at one point as he explains why he often sleeps with older men—a story of one of his past lovers, and I won’t lie, it was one of the most romantic things I’ve read in a while.)
If you enjoy m/m historicals, especially the regency variety, then it’s easy for me to recommend this one. It is nicely different, and oddly, it felt more “equal”, even with the characters’ different stations, and Dean’s unhappy judgment of Rob’s profession.
Also, if you like dolls in peril, you may enjoy this trailer for the book!
Pearson is also a very good writer, and it was easy to sink into her world here and follow along. I’ve only read one other book by her, the regency melodrama The Price of Temptation (also with an awesome original cover), but I felt this one was a stronger story. She’s only written three books (under this name at least), with the last one out in 2010, which is too bad. She’s quite good, and I hope she returns to writing. (Her website has a 2014 status update of working on a new book, so I think that sounds very promising and am looking forward to it.)
March 21, 2024
This was my first trip into the m/m regency world and I think I couldn't have picked the worst book to begin with.
I love the regency era as far as historical romances go, I've read tons of m/f books in the past, not to mention I literally grew up with books, tv shows and movies of Jane Austen's works, amongst others.
M/f books from that era have a woman always in a vulnerable position, riddled with too many societal rules and regulations as to what she can or can't do and that Viscount that notices her is always the saviour in a way - and I hated it.
I really did. I like strong characters and that's why I was really enthusiastic about a m/m romance from that era, because a man, even if born to a bad position in life, still has better prospects than a woman in general, I'd assume - well, as far as personal freedom and sex go, at least, so yeah, I was definitely excited.
Not to mention the cover! I know many reviews have been about the horrid cover, but damn, I liked it and it was the reason I picked this book in the first place. I definitely like that cover, but it's not from any particular scene from the book.
🟡 Regency era, historical story - not a romance, not for me
🟣 One MMC gay/other gets a second gay-awakening in adult age
🔵 Same age (around 30, if I recall)
🟢 Emphasis on ghosts and hauntings in old houses, the story is teaching us and giving us too much information about something that should've been just a passing endeavour
🟣 One MMC is a professional whore - today you'd call him a sugar baby
and
🟠 If you like whore-shaming this is the book for you!
🔵 Love story not satisfying
🟣 Is it a HEA? What would've happened if the whore MMC wouldn't suddenly get rich?
🟡 Broken German all throughout the book, it was getting on my nerves, so was this
"Good night, mein Blümchen" Rob said softly in the dark room.
Dean smiled. Rob had looked it up. "Gute Nacht, mein Traumprinz."
Oh god, shoot me now. 🙄 Especially because this affection was nowhere to be found in the story!
🌶️ Some sex near the end of the book; it's good, but ends terribly; t/b
This book didn't seem like a romance to me. There was no love in it, even when the MMCs were slowly opening up to the idea of getting together, even when they had drunken blowjobs and even when they actually had sex.
There was no romance, no love, in fact, Dean, as a new Earl and the heir of a few estates who's broke and wants to marry a rich lady from his small town, is a complete asshole when it comes to Rob, the very dashing, tall dark and handsome whore for hire, that had less sexual partners than Dean, all of them who have been much older, wealthier gentlemen and have taken care of him, made him read books, educated him, have travelled with him, so overall Rob's experience in life has been so much better than Dean's despite of Rob being a prostitute.
When they have to share a roadtrip together to win back Dean's fiance, they get to know each other a bit more and they go from town to town, a haunted house to another haunted house, they have a good time, but Dean doesn't let Rob forget he's a whore. No. Oh, no, no, the minute Rob breathes a little, Dean reminds him who he is.
"And here was a whore, lying next to him. Just a whore. Everyone else had used Rob tonight—why shouldn't he?"
"You stupid lying whore."
"Rob opened his eyes and glared at him. "I told you I don't walk the streets."
"No," Dean taunted, "you're a perfectly respectable whore. Used by one little old man every third Sunday, who barely touches—""
I mean yeah, that guy was falling in love, right?
Even after they finally have sex - and grant you, it was really good sex and I thought wow, this is Dean's gay-awakening, his second time realising he really might be attracted to men and he's maybe finally found his place under the sun, he's going to fight for a chance to have Rob in his life in some way at least and he'll tone down the prejudice he's been throwing at Rob all the time, but no - all Dean has to say is
"Get your hands off me," Dean said deliberately. "And get out. You stupid bloody whore. I don't ever, ever want to see your face again."
???
And then Rob goes out, gets his long lost money and deposits it to Dean's account so the fucker can get out of his gambling debt and get back his house! What?? No way. No. Way.
Yes, I expected at least some retaliation. Maybe just Rob walking away, getting filthy rich and then meeting Dean in society one day, now Dean being much below him in station. Something, anything - anything but Rob coming back and just forgetting about everything Dean has ever said to him.
Their connection is existent only when they have sex that one time. That was really good and the chemistry was felt, but that's only around 90% of the story when you've already gone through all the side characters, the establishments and the old ghosts, so you're thinking damn, finally some smut time, but no, their intimate time together is very short-lived and ends in complete rejection.
So much was left unsaid here. Dean and Rob had a lot of talking to do, how did Dean plan on keeping Rob as his lover? Did they live together? How did they function in society? That abrupt ending was very disappointing. Nothing about their future was told.
Overall I didn't really like the story, Rob was fantastic, but he needed a different main character as his love interest. Rob was too good for Dean. Dean had some intense grovelling to do and that never really happened.
Erich, Dean's horseman, the ex soldier that was now German and spoke only German was a pointless addition to the story. Why go on and on about him and his wife and his brother when he's got no real connection to the MMCs and his situation isn't resolved anyway???
Not the right pick if you're looking for a regency romance. It's about 15 years old as well, so I'll maybe try out some more recent books and see if I like it.
I love the regency era as far as historical romances go, I've read tons of m/f books in the past, not to mention I literally grew up with books, tv shows and movies of Jane Austen's works, amongst others.
M/f books from that era have a woman always in a vulnerable position, riddled with too many societal rules and regulations as to what she can or can't do and that Viscount that notices her is always the saviour in a way - and I hated it.
I really did. I like strong characters and that's why I was really enthusiastic about a m/m romance from that era, because a man, even if born to a bad position in life, still has better prospects than a woman in general, I'd assume - well, as far as personal freedom and sex go, at least, so yeah, I was definitely excited.
Not to mention the cover! I know many reviews have been about the horrid cover, but damn, I liked it and it was the reason I picked this book in the first place. I definitely like that cover, but it's not from any particular scene from the book.
🟡 Regency era, historical story - not a romance, not for me
🟣 One MMC gay/other gets a second gay-awakening in adult age
🔵 Same age (around 30, if I recall)
🟢 Emphasis on ghosts and hauntings in old houses, the story is teaching us and giving us too much information about something that should've been just a passing endeavour
🟣 One MMC is a professional whore - today you'd call him a sugar baby
and
🟠 If you like whore-shaming this is the book for you!
🔵 Love story not satisfying
🟣 Is it a HEA? What would've happened if the whore MMC wouldn't suddenly get rich?
🟡 Broken German all throughout the book, it was getting on my nerves, so was this
"Good night, mein Blümchen" Rob said softly in the dark room.
Dean smiled. Rob had looked it up. "Gute Nacht, mein Traumprinz."
Oh god, shoot me now. 🙄 Especially because this affection was nowhere to be found in the story!
🌶️ Some sex near the end of the book; it's good, but ends terribly; t/b
This book didn't seem like a romance to me. There was no love in it, even when the MMCs were slowly opening up to the idea of getting together, even when they had drunken blowjobs and even when they actually had sex.
There was no romance, no love, in fact, Dean, as a new Earl and the heir of a few estates who's broke and wants to marry a rich lady from his small town, is a complete asshole when it comes to Rob, the very dashing, tall dark and handsome whore for hire, that had less sexual partners than Dean, all of them who have been much older, wealthier gentlemen and have taken care of him, made him read books, educated him, have travelled with him, so overall Rob's experience in life has been so much better than Dean's despite of Rob being a prostitute.
When they have to share a roadtrip together to win back Dean's fiance, they get to know each other a bit more and they go from town to town, a haunted house to another haunted house, they have a good time, but Dean doesn't let Rob forget he's a whore. No. Oh, no, no, the minute Rob breathes a little, Dean reminds him who he is.
"And here was a whore, lying next to him. Just a whore. Everyone else had used Rob tonight—why shouldn't he?"
"You stupid lying whore."
"Rob opened his eyes and glared at him. "I told you I don't walk the streets."
"No," Dean taunted, "you're a perfectly respectable whore. Used by one little old man every third Sunday, who barely touches—""
I mean yeah, that guy was falling in love, right?
Even after they finally have sex - and grant you, it was really good sex and I thought wow, this is Dean's gay-awakening, his second time realising he really might be attracted to men and he's maybe finally found his place under the sun, he's going to fight for a chance to have Rob in his life in some way at least and he'll tone down the prejudice he's been throwing at Rob all the time, but no - all Dean has to say is
"Get your hands off me," Dean said deliberately. "And get out. You stupid bloody whore. I don't ever, ever want to see your face again."
???
And then Rob goes out, gets his long lost money and deposits it to Dean's account so the fucker can get out of his gambling debt and get back his house! What?? No way. No. Way.
Yes, I expected at least some retaliation. Maybe just Rob walking away, getting filthy rich and then meeting Dean in society one day, now Dean being much below him in station. Something, anything - anything but Rob coming back and just forgetting about everything Dean has ever said to him.
Their connection is existent only when they have sex that one time. That was really good and the chemistry was felt, but that's only around 90% of the story when you've already gone through all the side characters, the establishments and the old ghosts, so you're thinking damn, finally some smut time, but no, their intimate time together is very short-lived and ends in complete rejection.
So much was left unsaid here. Dean and Rob had a lot of talking to do, how did Dean plan on keeping Rob as his lover? Did they live together? How did they function in society? That abrupt ending was very disappointing. Nothing about their future was told.
Overall I didn't really like the story, Rob was fantastic, but he needed a different main character as his love interest. Rob was too good for Dean. Dean had some intense grovelling to do and that never really happened.
Erich, Dean's horseman, the ex soldier that was now German and spoke only German was a pointless addition to the story. Why go on and on about him and his wife and his brother when he's got no real connection to the MMCs and his situation isn't resolved anyway???
Not the right pick if you're looking for a regency romance. It's about 15 years old as well, so I'll maybe try out some more recent books and see if I like it.
October 12, 2012
*dismayed* That's Tony from Life Lessons on the cover of the e-book edition!
---------------
12/10/2012
Well, this was boring. And that's all I have to say about that.
---------------
12/10/2012
Well, this was boring. And that's all I have to say about that.
December 22, 2013
Dean Smith the Earl of Carwick's family is eccentric to say the least. They communicate major news, like deaths, in a three-month round-robin newsletter, to save postage. Dean discovers that although he's inherited what should have been a financial windfall, his uncle, the last Earl, remitted rent on various properties for a decade or more, for reasons like an affection for apple cider. Desperate for money to hang onto his inheritance, Dean has become engaged to a wealthy girl he at least likes, even if he's not in love. It's the way things are done. But from the moment Rob shows up dressed as a highwayman and stops his carriage, Dean's life careens out of control. It may be the best thing that could have happened to him, however much it feels like a disaster.
This book was sweet, amusing, with a fairly well-done historical context (although the initial premise was a bit convoluted and more cute than plausible.) But I liked Dean, and loved Rob (and not just because he's wearing Tony's face on the new cover.) If you just accept some of the basic set-up, then this is an absorbing, fast read with two guys falling for each other, much against their will. Rob's willingness to forgive Dean's moments of pulling away is pretty remarkable, but as a prostitute, even an exclusive one, he's probably dealt with more unkindness than that. The adventures are amusing, the details are imaginative. More of the angst in this story would have been on Rob's side, and since this is told from Dean's POV, it is mainly smooth and fun with enough touches of emotion not to be fluffy.
This book was sweet, amusing, with a fairly well-done historical context (although the initial premise was a bit convoluted and more cute than plausible.) But I liked Dean, and loved Rob (and not just because he's wearing Tony's face on the new cover.) If you just accept some of the basic set-up, then this is an absorbing, fast read with two guys falling for each other, much against their will. Rob's willingness to forgive Dean's moments of pulling away is pretty remarkable, but as a prostitute, even an exclusive one, he's probably dealt with more unkindness than that. The adventures are amusing, the details are imaginative. More of the angst in this story would have been on Rob's side, and since this is told from Dean's POV, it is mainly smooth and fun with enough touches of emotion not to be fluffy.
June 18, 2017
It was actually one of the first books I stumbled across when I started reading m/m romance. I took one look at the cover and thought "No way!" After that I met it again and again on various lists and at last it got through to me how positive all the reviews of my friends are; not some good some bad, as it often happens, but it seems everyone I know loved it. So I finally tried it - and I'm so happy I haven't read it before. Right now I really needed something to remind me why I keep reading m/m romance, and this book did just that.
It starts with a misunderstanding (yes, exactly as the blurb describes but in the book it makes more sense :)) and then turns into a delghtful road story as the main characters travel from one English town to another, visiting historical places and old inns, collecting ghost stories and growing closer to each other. I loved their journey so much I wouldn't mind it to be a lot longer.
I also really appreciated that the characters were not channeling modern attitudes and ideas as it often happens in historical romances. They were quite true to their time, even if it made liking one of them, Dean, rather difficult. I was mad with him so many times and I still think Rob was way too forgiving with him and Dean didn't do enough to deserve Rob yet. But even when I wanted to kick Dean for being so fast to judge, and so easy to assume the worst about Rob, and so inventive in all the ways Rob might have done wrong to him, it always was very clear why Dean was like that, the product of both his time and his upbringing. And because of those things he seemed even more real - like there's always both good and bad in a person. Okay, Rob now... aww, he was wonderful. Not difficult to like at all, oh no. Just... don't have enough words to describe how sweet and lovable he was.
I loved the sub-plot about the lady in grey following Dean and Rob. And the ending was so sweet and beautiful it made me tear up a bit, even though I was kinda amazed with Dean - So... loved everything. Very much.
It starts with a misunderstanding (yes, exactly as the blurb describes but in the book it makes more sense :)) and then turns into a delghtful road story as the main characters travel from one English town to another, visiting historical places and old inns, collecting ghost stories and growing closer to each other. I loved their journey so much I wouldn't mind it to be a lot longer.
I also really appreciated that the characters were not channeling modern attitudes and ideas as it often happens in historical romances. They were quite true to their time, even if it made liking one of them, Dean, rather difficult. I was mad with him so many times and I still think Rob was way too forgiving with him and Dean didn't do enough to deserve Rob yet. But even when I wanted to kick Dean for being so fast to judge, and so easy to assume the worst about Rob, and so inventive in all the ways Rob might have done wrong to him, it always was very clear why Dean was like that, the product of both his time and his upbringing. And because of those things he seemed even more real - like there's always both good and bad in a person. Okay, Rob now... aww, he was wonderful. Not difficult to like at all, oh no. Just... don't have enough words to describe how sweet and lovable he was.
I loved the sub-plot about the lady in grey following Dean and Rob. And the ending was so sweet and beautiful it made me tear up a bit, even though I was kinda amazed with Dean - So... loved everything. Very much.
August 1, 2020
[Special thanks to Martin for recommending the book to me]
How some people choose their book covers, I will never know.
It looks like some raunchy comic book cover instead of a historical romance story. Despite it, the story is hardly raunchy at all. If you enjoy historical romances, I would recommend you to ignore the cover and give this book a go.
The story is about an earl named Dean who gets into an altercation with a robber, Rob, who was actually a male escort hired to act as one. They travel together in an attempt to clear a misunderstanding, and slowly their relationship develops during their journey.
Dean wasn't the perfect male MC you usually get in your stories, but Rob was pretty close to one, if you do not mind his profession. Rob's upbeat, cheery and charming personality won my heart over really quickly. The story also has quite a fair bit of German, because of a German character, Erich. I am casually trying to learn German and it's funny that Dean's German is as bad as I am, so it was fun for me to be learning German along the way.
I found half of the journey relatively boring at times because they were mostly hunting for ghost stories at the inns they stay in, and a portion of it was the narration of those ghost stories, which were not particularly interesting at all.
There was one short story told by Rob about a man in a green mask, which I think is one of the best short stories I've read in a while. If I could give a five star for that short, I would! That story alone was worth the read for me.
The sex scene at the end seemed somewhat unrealistic for me, so it was a factor which dampened by rating for the story. It was funny that there wasn't much sex at all for a story with such a cover.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story despite some parts of it being a little dry. The book ended nicely with a HEA,
and this story is one that exceeded my expectations.
4.5 Stars!
How some people choose their book covers, I will never know.
It looks like some raunchy comic book cover instead of a historical romance story. Despite it, the story is hardly raunchy at all. If you enjoy historical romances, I would recommend you to ignore the cover and give this book a go.
The story is about an earl named Dean who gets into an altercation with a robber, Rob, who was actually a male escort hired to act as one. They travel together in an attempt to clear a misunderstanding, and slowly their relationship develops during their journey.
Dean wasn't the perfect male MC you usually get in your stories, but Rob was pretty close to one, if you do not mind his profession. Rob's upbeat, cheery and charming personality won my heart over really quickly. The story also has quite a fair bit of German, because of a German character, Erich. I am casually trying to learn German and it's funny that Dean's German is as bad as I am, so it was fun for me to be learning German along the way.
I found half of the journey relatively boring at times because they were mostly hunting for ghost stories at the inns they stay in, and a portion of it was the narration of those ghost stories, which were not particularly interesting at all.
There was one short story told by Rob about a man in a green mask, which I think is one of the best short stories I've read in a while. If I could give a five star for that short, I would! That story alone was worth the read for me.
The sex scene at the end seemed somewhat unrealistic for me, so it was a factor which dampened by rating for the story. It was funny that there wasn't much sex at all for a story with such a cover.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story despite some parts of it being a little dry. The book ended nicely with a HEA,
and this story is one that exceeded my expectations.
4.5 Stars!
February 22, 2016
Update:
Not going to elaborate on the storyline or the characters, it can all be found in the reviews written by others.
I only want to say that I loved everything about this book. Everything. Adding it to my favorites.
****
Opened the book today to discover that it has an ugly new cover instead of the old drop-dead-naughty one :| Thank god for Calibre. All wrongs are set to right now.
And thank god for the new ugly cover, because on my travels to find a good size old cover, I stumbled upon this masterpiece of a trailer (turned out later it was in one of the reviews, too - ha-ha)
http://youtu.be/DvcDWlfTo1w
There is more behind the scenes! Find out HERE
Not going to elaborate on the storyline or the characters, it can all be found in the reviews written by others.
I only want to say that I loved everything about this book. Everything. Adding it to my favorites.
****
Opened the book today to discover that it has an ugly new cover instead of the old drop-dead-naughty one :| Thank god for Calibre. All wrongs are set to right now.
And thank god for the new ugly cover, because on my travels to find a good size old cover, I stumbled upon this masterpiece of a trailer (turned out later it was in one of the reviews, too - ha-ha)
http://youtu.be/DvcDWlfTo1w
There is more behind the scenes! Find out HERE
July 18, 2007
This was recommend by mythdefied and it was adorable. Adorable is the right word. It's a regency romance story, like some of our favorite slash fanfic authors write. It has all the plot points of a Georgette Heyer regency romance book (sleeping a night in a barn; getting robbed, you know all the things you find in fine romance novels. Good writing and good characters, Dean and Rob are like I said adorable and follow all the stages protagonists met for each other go thru in romance novel. Took me a few hours to read. Fun and should appeal to all slash readers who like their stories romantic. Even the cover keeps the standards of good old modern romance novels alive. No damsels falling out of their dresses but discreet young gentleman in tight pants. *grin*
March 18, 2015
This book was exactly what I was looking for. The perfect M/M interpretation of a classic historical romance. It had it all. Carriage rides, a scandal involving an inheritance, a secret engagement, an unlikely match...
The situation that Dean finds himself in at the beginning of this book is outrageous and entertaining. And then he decided to fix the problem by bringing a male prostitute along with him. There was no way that things would end the way that Dean seemed to think they would. But I really loved Dean. He was insecure about his looks, but confident about his title. And so very kind. He went out of his way to help people, and even made all the stops that Rob wanted on their trip to Bath. Although he had no tolerance of Rob's profession, in a way that reminded me of Mal from Firefly.
"You have a strange sense of nobility, Captain. You'll lay a man out for implying I'm a whore but you keep calling me one to my face."
"I might not show respect to your job, but he didn't respect you. That's the difference. Inara, he doesn't even see you."
- Firefly, "Shindig"
Dean really cared about Rob and wanted him to find a better life for himself, thought that he deserved so much better. I loved the way that he saw Rob in such a clear light. He thought he was so smart, and charming, and fun. None of that was skewed by the fact that he was a prostitute. Dean may have hated what Rob did, but it didn't stop him from loving him. Although Dean was a bit short with him sometimes, when he made a mistake. I think the author was just trying to highlight Rob's problem for us.
Rob was a wonder. He had such a calm demeanor, considering the life he had. And the crazy adventure that Dean had dragged him on. I felt really sorry for him and the fact that he thought he had a gruesome handicap. He still remained so pleasant and composed. I suppose he was just a good actor from being a prostitute, but it seemed to me more as if he was just incredibly patient, tolerant, and understanding. He never judged anyone for anything and accepted anything Dean threw at him.
They were a perfect balance of each other. I really enjoyed their banter and their burgeoning feelings, even if Dean kept vaguely referring to something that happened 3 months prior that would keep them apart. It was clear that otherwise Dean would have been willing to make a life with Rob, somehow, in their day and age. That is quite a commitment from a gentleman and an earl, who would be scrutinized, expected to act a certain way, and produce an heir. The only thing I could think that would be keeping him from Rob was some sort of financial difficulties and the fate of his estate. That would be the most important thing to a man like Dean. His responsibilities to others.
But their romance was strong enough to survive all that, and they were such sweethearts, both of them. I love the fact that this book was not explicit and Rob's profession was never shown in action. It let us and Dean to fall in love with him instead of his skills. There were so many small gesture in this story that nearly broke my heart, like Dean teaching Rob to play the piano. They are just perfect together and I wish them a very happy 250 years. ;)
"What you are is beautiful. Warm. Unbearably precious."
The situation that Dean finds himself in at the beginning of this book is outrageous and entertaining. And then he decided to fix the problem by bringing a male prostitute along with him. There was no way that things would end the way that Dean seemed to think they would. But I really loved Dean. He was insecure about his looks, but confident about his title. And so very kind. He went out of his way to help people, and even made all the stops that Rob wanted on their trip to Bath. Although he had no tolerance of Rob's profession, in a way that reminded me of Mal from Firefly.
"You have a strange sense of nobility, Captain. You'll lay a man out for implying I'm a whore but you keep calling me one to my face."
"I might not show respect to your job, but he didn't respect you. That's the difference. Inara, he doesn't even see you."
- Firefly, "Shindig"
Dean really cared about Rob and wanted him to find a better life for himself, thought that he deserved so much better. I loved the way that he saw Rob in such a clear light. He thought he was so smart, and charming, and fun. None of that was skewed by the fact that he was a prostitute. Dean may have hated what Rob did, but it didn't stop him from loving him. Although Dean was a bit short with him sometimes, when he made a mistake. I think the author was just trying to highlight Rob's problem for us.
Rob was a wonder. He had such a calm demeanor, considering the life he had. And the crazy adventure that Dean had dragged him on. I felt really sorry for him and the fact that he thought he had a gruesome handicap. He still remained so pleasant and composed. I suppose he was just a good actor from being a prostitute, but it seemed to me more as if he was just incredibly patient, tolerant, and understanding. He never judged anyone for anything and accepted anything Dean threw at him.
They were a perfect balance of each other. I really enjoyed their banter and their burgeoning feelings, even if Dean kept vaguely referring to something that happened 3 months prior that would keep them apart. It was clear that otherwise Dean would have been willing to make a life with Rob, somehow, in their day and age. That is quite a commitment from a gentleman and an earl, who would be scrutinized, expected to act a certain way, and produce an heir. The only thing I could think that would be keeping him from Rob was some sort of financial difficulties and the fate of his estate. That would be the most important thing to a man like Dean. His responsibilities to others.
But their romance was strong enough to survive all that, and they were such sweethearts, both of them. I love the fact that this book was not explicit and Rob's profession was never shown in action. It let us and Dean to fall in love with him instead of his skills. There were so many small gesture in this story that nearly broke my heart, like Dean teaching Rob to play the piano. They are just perfect together and I wish them a very happy 250 years. ;)
"What you are is beautiful. Warm. Unbearably precious."
July 16, 2015
It's like Kathleen Woodiwiss writing m/m!!!
Yes, it sounds weird, she's one of the classical m/f romance authors of all times. The cover shows it all, it's like the ones in the 80s, the ones with blind-shining colors that are so tacky, the ones with long-haired Fabio holding an almost-climaxed woman. Well, here there are two almost-climaxed men, and isn’t that gorgeous?
The inner is the same: simple plot, slow developing, clean romance... everything in the old-school way. One is in a high position. The other one is in the lowest of ones. One is big-headed and stubborn, the other one is flexible and mature.
Dean is all the time looking Rob over his shoulder but trying not to make it that evident, at the same time his feelings grow for him. Rob knows he’s not enough for Dean but he takes things as they come and always manages to see the good part in each situation, because he sees the beauty in everything and everyone.
They’re total opposites, but along the way they get to find each other in the middle. Dean is the one who changes most, in the beginning he's a little naïve and thinks Rob has no values or honor, but he discovers Rob is more that he seems. Dean's desire to know more about Rob collides into Rob's caution and secrecy. Their dialogues variate between friendship and distance, they get close, but then Dean says or thinks something awful about Rob and they are far away again, and the cycle goes on and on. It can be exhausting sometimes, but Dean has been raised in a certain way and he thinks he acts the best he can with his responsibilities and appearances. And Rob is hurt but he understands Dean and lets him be. His patience is lovable but he has steel underneath, so he doesn't let Dean make him feel inferior. Rob has some self-steem problems, but he tries to improve his self-image and he doesn't go to a corner to cry. He's a victim but he knows how to take care of himself. Yeah, Rob is a saint, but not a martyr.
There is a little mystery and a few surprises. All in all,the book is constant and with very few ups and downs. It is satisfying but in some parts it’s a little boring, above all because they are together alone a journey in a couch the whole book. That’s not necessarily bad, but there were some parts in their haunted buildings tour that I found very slow to read.
It’s not an "angsty" book, but it’s sweet and beautiful and with a lovely end.
Yes, it sounds weird, she's one of the classical m/f romance authors of all times. The cover shows it all, it's like the ones in the 80s, the ones with blind-shining colors that are so tacky, the ones with long-haired Fabio holding an almost-climaxed woman. Well, here there are two almost-climaxed men, and isn’t that gorgeous?
The inner is the same: simple plot, slow developing, clean romance... everything in the old-school way. One is in a high position. The other one is in the lowest of ones. One is big-headed and stubborn, the other one is flexible and mature.
Dean is all the time looking Rob over his shoulder but trying not to make it that evident, at the same time his feelings grow for him. Rob knows he’s not enough for Dean but he takes things as they come and always manages to see the good part in each situation, because he sees the beauty in everything and everyone.
They’re total opposites, but along the way they get to find each other in the middle. Dean is the one who changes most, in the beginning he's a little naïve and thinks Rob has no values or honor, but he discovers Rob is more that he seems. Dean's desire to know more about Rob collides into Rob's caution and secrecy. Their dialogues variate between friendship and distance, they get close, but then Dean says or thinks something awful about Rob and they are far away again, and the cycle goes on and on. It can be exhausting sometimes, but Dean has been raised in a certain way and he thinks he acts the best he can with his responsibilities and appearances. And Rob is hurt but he understands Dean and lets him be. His patience is lovable but he has steel underneath, so he doesn't let Dean make him feel inferior. Rob has some self-steem problems, but he tries to improve his self-image and he doesn't go to a corner to cry. He's a victim but he knows how to take care of himself. Yeah, Rob is a saint, but not a martyr.
There is a little mystery and a few surprises. All in all,the book is constant and with very few ups and downs. It is satisfying but in some parts it’s a little boring, above all because they are together alone a journey in a couch the whole book. That’s not necessarily bad, but there were some parts in their haunted buildings tour that I found very slow to read.
It’s not an "angsty" book, but it’s sweet and beautiful and with a lovely end.
January 4, 2015
Ha! So I read the version with the new cover, but isn’t the old cover the best?!
I had a lot of fun reading this story even though Dean kept pissing me off!! Omg some of the things he said to Rob made me want to slap him! But I understood his reasons for mistrust so I was able to forgive him.
Early on, I was a bit bored with all the “story telling”, but they eventually grew on me because they really were important to the story.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the ending! Lots of twists and surprises that I never saw coming…when the whole time I was expecting something easy and predictable to happen.
Oh, and I also loved the sweet moments between Dean and Rob…when Dean wasn’t being an ass-face. LOVED Rob the best!!!!
I had a lot of fun reading this story even though Dean kept pissing me off!! Omg some of the things he said to Rob made me want to slap him! But I understood his reasons for mistrust so I was able to forgive him.
Early on, I was a bit bored with all the “story telling”, but they eventually grew on me because they really were important to the story.
I think my favorite thing about this book was the ending! Lots of twists and surprises that I never saw coming…when the whole time I was expecting something easy and predictable to happen.
Oh, and I also loved the sweet moments between Dean and Rob…when Dean wasn’t being an ass-face. LOVED Rob the best!!!!
October 19, 2012
2.5
This book existed on the fairly bland intersection of 'not campy enough' and 'not invested in the characters enough'. It would have been more enjoyable if it had either gone camp or emo.
This book existed on the fairly bland intersection of 'not campy enough' and 'not invested in the characters enough'. It would have been more enjoyable if it had either gone camp or emo.
Want to read
December 7, 2014My Secret Uni-Elf loves me :D!
March 20, 2012
I just bought this book with the new cover (borrowed it upon first reading) and used calibre to convert it so I could add in the awesome old cover! :D
May 1, 2023
This one's older (published in 2006), and I'm having trouble separating how I feel about the book as a whole from Dean's cringey attitude towards Rob's job as a sex worker. He's not a client, thankfully, or I wouldn't have been able to deal with it, but he brings it up constantly. I liked the rest of it, and even read one part out loud to my husband it was so funny, but if you took all those problematic conversations about sex workers out there would be no book left, that's how much it comes up.
March 19, 2012
This was maybe a 4.5, but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and round up to 5.
I found it almost literally impossible to set down after the first chapter or so and stayed up way too late to finish it. It took me a chapter or so to get into it, but once I did...wow! Like shifters, historicals aren't something I read much of because they often don't work for me, but I love it when they do. This one did. A lot.
I loved the characters and how well-suited they were for each other. I loved the development of their feelings over time as they shared adventures. I think one of the best tests of a person (and a relationship) is how they handle it when things go badly, especially when traveling. So for things to go horribly awry and for them to be able to laugh together, that really helped me to believe in them as a couple who would succeed with HEA once they got themselves sorted out.
I felt the ups and downs of the developing relationship with them. There were times my stomach was in knots as a future together seemed impossible for them, and other times I grinned broadly or laughed out loud, enjoying their enjoyment of each other.
And there was a minor twist at the end, involving one of the secondary characters, that had me pondering for quite a while after I finally turned the light out and should have been sleeping. It was fun to think back and try to figure out what clues I'd missed, and also I think I just wasn't ready to let go of the book or characters yet. I'm still not.
I loved the end, and could see why it ended where it did, but it also left me desperately wanting more. I would love a sequel, and I'd imagine there could be quite a story in how they set up their lives together. In a way, it felt like the book ended at the beginning. Most romances do, of course, ending when the characters commit to each other, when the real story is usually in how two (or more) people make their daily lives work together. But somehow I felt more aware of the 'beginingness' of this couple at the end of the story than usual. Unlike many books, I knew I'd reached the last page even before looking at page numbers, because it had a clear sense of culmination. And yet...I futilely tried turning to the next page anyway, wanting to see what comes next.
ETA: I've read a few reviews that talked about how it lacked historical accuracy/authenticity. I'm not a historian and don't read many historicals, so as long as a writer spins a good tale I'm unlikely to be bothered by (or even notice) a few anachronisms. If the errors are so egregious that I notice them and they pull me out of the story, chances are the author has done no research and the book probably shouldn't have been published.
I found it almost literally impossible to set down after the first chapter or so and stayed up way too late to finish it. It took me a chapter or so to get into it, but once I did...wow! Like shifters, historicals aren't something I read much of because they often don't work for me, but I love it when they do. This one did. A lot.
I loved the characters and how well-suited they were for each other. I loved the development of their feelings over time as they shared adventures. I think one of the best tests of a person (and a relationship) is how they handle it when things go badly, especially when traveling. So for things to go horribly awry and for them to be able to laugh together, that really helped me to believe in them as a couple who would succeed with HEA once they got themselves sorted out.
I felt the ups and downs of the developing relationship with them. There were times my stomach was in knots as a future together seemed impossible for them, and other times I grinned broadly or laughed out loud, enjoying their enjoyment of each other.
And there was a minor twist at the end, involving one of the secondary characters, that had me pondering for quite a while after I finally turned the light out and should have been sleeping. It was fun to think back and try to figure out what clues I'd missed, and also I think I just wasn't ready to let go of the book or characters yet. I'm still not.
I loved the end, and could see why it ended where it did, but it also left me desperately wanting more. I would love a sequel, and I'd imagine there could be quite a story in how they set up their lives together. In a way, it felt like the book ended at the beginning. Most romances do, of course, ending when the characters commit to each other, when the real story is usually in how two (or more) people make their daily lives work together. But somehow I felt more aware of the 'beginingness' of this couple at the end of the story than usual. Unlike many books, I knew I'd reached the last page even before looking at page numbers, because it had a clear sense of culmination. And yet...I futilely tried turning to the next page anyway, wanting to see what comes next.
ETA: I've read a few reviews that talked about how it lacked historical accuracy/authenticity. I'm not a historian and don't read many historicals, so as long as a writer spins a good tale I'm unlikely to be bothered by (or even notice) a few anachronisms. If the errors are so egregious that I notice them and they pull me out of the story, chances are the author has done no research and the book probably shouldn't have been published.
April 4, 2012
3.5 Stars
Okay good points and bad points people.
Good Points
* It has the funniest cover EVER
* The characters were well developed and interesting, they were a tad predictable but they were suppose to be.
* The description of the surroundings and the ghost stories was vivid, I could see where they were and what they were doing.
* I loved the concept of the story - it is a classic historical bodice ripper which is entirely about two men. There was no women and no angst about men loving men, in this story it was quite a obvious but discreet underside of polite society.
* I loved the ending. Sweet and left me completely satisfied.
Bad Points
* It was very predictable in parts but as I have said - this is a kind of mock up of a classic historical romance so there was always going to be a sense of Deja Vu.
* The ghost thing was never really finalised for me, was that his uncle or was it a ghost. There was also a huge deal made about ghosts but it kind of petered out and I was left going WTF?
* The pacing was pretty slow, while the descriptive detail was good I was able to put this book down for 2 months and I only really finished it to get it off my Currently-Reading list. I guess what I am trying to say is that it lacked a certain amount of action or drama that would have had me more invested.
All in all I can recommend this for anyone that has read Historical Romances in the past as it is quite a trip to read this m/m in that genre. This is very different from other m/m historicals I have read because this isnt about two men having to hide their desires, instead its like reading a true m/f but the main characters both have dicks.
If the pacing was better with a little bit more drama I could have easily given this 5 stars because I respect an author that does something a bit different.
Okay good points and bad points people.
Good Points
* It has the funniest cover EVER
* The characters were well developed and interesting, they were a tad predictable but they were suppose to be.
* The description of the surroundings and the ghost stories was vivid, I could see where they were and what they were doing.
* I loved the concept of the story - it is a classic historical bodice ripper which is entirely about two men. There was no women and no angst about men loving men, in this story it was quite a obvious but discreet underside of polite society.
* I loved the ending. Sweet and left me completely satisfied.
Bad Points
* It was very predictable in parts but as I have said - this is a kind of mock up of a classic historical romance so there was always going to be a sense of Deja Vu.
* The ghost thing was never really finalised for me, was that his uncle or was it a ghost. There was also a huge deal made about ghosts but it kind of petered out and I was left going WTF?
* The pacing was pretty slow, while the descriptive detail was good I was able to put this book down for 2 months and I only really finished it to get it off my Currently-Reading list. I guess what I am trying to say is that it lacked a certain amount of action or drama that would have had me more invested.
All in all I can recommend this for anyone that has read Historical Romances in the past as it is quite a trip to read this m/m in that genre. This is very different from other m/m historicals I have read because this isnt about two men having to hide their desires, instead its like reading a true m/f but the main characters both have dicks.
If the pacing was better with a little bit more drama I could have easily given this 5 stars because I respect an author that does something a bit different.
March 28, 2014
Just finished this this morning. A sweet, rambling journey with some lovely traipsing through misadventures and glimpses of ghosts. The ending took me completely by surprise, and made the wandering well worth it.
I admit, it was a little bit of a slow starter for me, but I enjoyed getting more and more glimpses of 'Rob' as they were revealed. I also enjoyed the character development of 'Erich' and the author did an admirable job of addressing various thought processes and ideas of different disabilities or mental conditions, and the whole 'treat others how you want to be treated' premise. The German portions were a bit fumbling for me, but I understood why they were necessary.
I also like that Rob was finally able to get Dean to remember to say 'please'. *smiles*
Recommended to anyone who would like a taste of 'Lords' and 'Ladies' with a bit of of Bath and highwaymen thrown in for good measure ;)
I most definitely wish they had stuck with the illustrated cover. The other needs some serious help, not doing the story justice in my mind.
I admit, it was a little bit of a slow starter for me, but I enjoyed getting more and more glimpses of 'Rob' as they were revealed. I also enjoyed the character development of 'Erich' and the author did an admirable job of addressing various thought processes and ideas of different disabilities or mental conditions, and the whole 'treat others how you want to be treated' premise. The German portions were a bit fumbling for me, but I understood why they were necessary.
I also like that Rob was finally able to get Dean to remember to say 'please'. *smiles*
Recommended to anyone who would like a taste of 'Lords' and 'Ladies' with a bit of of Bath and highwaymen thrown in for good measure ;)
I most definitely wish they had stuck with the illustrated cover. The other needs some serious help, not doing the story justice in my mind.
May 21, 2015
I enjoyed this a lot. Well written and with a more serious tone than the cover might imply. Lots of standard Regency romance tropes, but often with interesting twists. The ending is a little bit convenient, even contrived, but it is at least set up earlier on in the book, so it's not entirely deus ex machina. There isn't a lot of sex and what there is isn't very explicit - it's definitely romance, not erotica. But there's plenty of sexual tension.
It's very well edited and proof read. I can't recall any typos, and that's saying a lot these days! The prose is excellent, transparent, never purple, always easy to read. The historical detail seems fine. I didn't spot any obvious glaring anachronisms. Recommended!
It's very well edited and proof read. I can't recall any typos, and that's saying a lot these days! The prose is excellent, transparent, never purple, always easy to read. The historical detail seems fine. I didn't spot any obvious glaring anachronisms. Recommended!
November 29, 2014
So, truth be told, I read this book for the cover. Seriously. Look at it. It is magnificent. But much like Betty White's comeback and Jack Black's music career, it is a thing meant to be taken with a pinch of salt. A very entertaining thing, to be sure, but not at all meant to be taken seriously. I was intrigued. And then I was pleasantly surprised, the bulk of the book is very sweet and funny and I really, really liked Rob. My one major problem with this story is the rushed ending, which was maybe a little too neat. Anyway, it was still a very nice read, if you're in the mood for this kind of thing.
March 18, 2012
Another great historical by M.J.Pearson. This story has so many of the elements that I love in a book. This story has a enemies to friends approach that takes some time to develop and let the nature of the characters evolve..both Rob and Dean are great (although Dean made exasperated a lot). By the time you get to the stage of friends to lovers, you really love both characters and are anxious to learn about the mystery surrounding them. Great read!
May 9, 2010
Discreet Young Gentleman by M.J. Pearson was a delightful read with great historical detail and star crossed lovers. At times it did not feel as polished as The Price of Temptation, but there was loads of historical man love goodness that more than made up for it. AND those covers just rock my socks. Get it here in paperback at the Book Depository.
March 21, 2012
I don't usually read historical fiction but I read a friend's review of this one, which made it sound unmissable. I loved the pace of the story, as Dean and Rob moved from strangers to friends to lovers. Both men had their own insecurities and I loved how each filled a need in the other. A beautiful, and romantic story.
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