Review: Different, enjoyable historical romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 19, 2014
A free copy of the book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.I love m/m historical stories, so when The Gentleman's Madness became available for review as part of the Don't Buy My Love program, I jumped at the chance to read it.  This book, however, is different than many romances set in the same time period (late 1800s) in that most of the story takes place in an asylum for the mentally ill.  One of the MCs is a member of society, but there are no balls, social calls, hunts etc.  This made the book interesting and also educational - albeit about a difficult subject - how the supposed mentally ill were treated at the time.  I felt the authors walked a fine line with their handling of the treatment of the patients (or inmates as Gilliam calls them) and the various methods used to "cure" them.  They provided enough information for the reader to understand what was happening, but not so many horrifying details as to make it too distressing to read.The first part of the book focuses on the growing relationship between attendant Sam Tully and patient John Gilliam as well as each of their back stories.  These two men were at the opposite ends of the social spectrum, but found common ground with reading and discussion.  I loved how they became friends and confidants before anything physical happened between them.  Gilliam's genuine interest in helping Tully with reading and in his opinions on various topics coupled with Tully's kindness and strength made for a wonderful couple (even under the terrible circumstances).  There is not a ton of sex in the book, but the stolen times they find are quite exciting, maybe even more so because of the real danger involved if they were caught.About a third of the way through, the story dragged a bit for me.  It was tough to have Gilliam's hopes dashed so often.  However, it picked up quickly as the mystery regarding attendant Jenkins and Dr. McAndrew started to unravel.  I was on the edge of my seat at that point as John and Sam took many risks to help each other and the other patients.I loved the last chapter of the book.  Maybe it was a bit to HEA for some people, but the guys deserved it.  And, the direction they decide to take their lives is wonderfully fitting.