Review: Steamy historical
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 3, 2013
Her Husband's Lover by Madelynne Ellis was an interesting read. This is #5 in the Georgian Rakehells series, but I quickly caught on to what was happening and what had gone on before so it can be read as a standalone book. This story showcased a side of the London ton scene that I've never read about before. Darleston is heir to a dukedom. He's married to a harpy who has sold some innuendoes about his private life to the papers. Lucy doesn't have proof that he has male lovers, but she has her suspicions. It's not that she cares, but her funds have been cut off due to her own affairs and she's ticked.Darleston just wants to be happy. He'd like to be loved, but figures that's just not going to happen. He's bisexual and his needs just aren't being met. He was in love a long time ago and his heart has been hurt a few times since.Emma Langley cannot abide being touched. By anyone. She's been married to Lyle for two years and the only time he's touched her was to place a wedding ring on her finger. We find out why as the book goes along. And I wanted to hug her for her reasons, even though she certainly wouldn't appreciate that! She's comes to appreciate the fact that she might just want Darleston and no one is more shocked than she.Part of the reason that Lyle hasn't kicked up a fuss about not touching his wife is because he likes men. Their marriage has suited them fine as he finds lovers and he doesn't touch her.When Darleston arrives at Emma's father's home to attend a boxing match, he hugs Lyle and that's when Emma realizes that they know each other. And that they know each other well. Her walls are breaking down because she also realizes that she wants what they have.Yes, this is a historical m/m/f book. There is some angst, there is some joy, there are some incredibly steamy scenes. This is definitely rated for the over 18 crowd.While I enjoyed the theme of this story, that love really is what matters, I kept being thrown out of the narrative by some word choices. At one point Emma "saunters" toward a window. The saunter just threw me as she was incredibly upset at the time. She's "screechy" more than once, which really doesn't fit her behavior most of the time; it felt out of character. There is also plenty of repetition throughout the book. I got the fact that Darleston and Lyle knew each other years ago after the first three times I read it. And I got that Emma didn't want to be touched after reading it much less times than it was mentioned. It made the pacing feel odd. Of course, this is an ARC and maybe the final editing tightened up this issue.The story was compelling and the romance was beyond spicy. I would most definitely read more from this author. And those that love a sizzling m/m/f story, this one is for you.Thank you, NetGalley and Mischief, for the opportunity to read Her Husband's Lover.