Review: Regency Romance at its Finest
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 21, 2014
Oh sweet unrequited love...well it seems unrequited anyway, at least on the surface. In truth it's just secret love and hidden desires made all the sweeter by the uncertainty and danger of being discovered.  This is Regency England at its finest.These two friends have everything to risk if their inclinations are discovered. The fact that each unknowingly covets the other adds an emotional dimension that really resonates with me.  I feel for their fear based in vulnerability and insecurity as well as their desperation for the other to know. Coming clean will simultaneously solve all their problems and create new, life-altering ones. Heather Boyd’s fantastic writing makes the emotion of the situation fluid and tangible; it's difficult to separate their emotions from your own.Rafe's doing his best to find happiness while living under his father's thumb and with his stepmother's disdain. His situation is particularly stifling, as he always has someone about looking after him or making demands. Matters are complicated by the fact he's the heir with no intention or desire to marry. Luckily for him his brother Ian's still there as the spare, leaving Rafe with a few options that allow him the freedom to be content.James is struggling with so many aspects of his life - it's quickly apparent that he's got a huge weight on his shoulders. The lengths to which he's willing to go to rid himself of that were a little surprising to me, a complication I didn't anticipate.  If anything, on the surface his situation seems to be the more desirable of the two, since he has no one left to which he must answer. I guess it's all a matter of perspective, because once Boyd outlines his view point I definitely understand why James feels the way he does. Struggling with his sexuality on top of that is only making his position more trying.Much of this book is spent laying out the social and moral ramifications of James and Rafe's decisions. Each is from a high, upstanding family, and they have their honor and lineage to protect.  Once Rafe and James find a way to reveal their hidden desires, their feelings are evident in everything they do - every look, kiss and caress. The romance is so very sweet, and for me part of what makes the difference is the foundation their relationship is based upon. They are the closest of friends, so there’s already an underlying affection. The realization they can share so much more is really satisfying. This definitely works to heighten the sensuality of their intimate encounters. That first time, just...wow. The sense of discovery and wonder is beyond compare.I love the way Boyd builds a complex story, complete not just with romance but with mystery as well. I enjoyed how the two plots complemented each other, intertwining rather than overshadowing. Boyd masterfully balances both,  creating enjoyable tension and suspense.