Review: If Jane Austen were to write a gay romance novel.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 30, 2014
3.5/5 stars...Hugh Fanshawe returned from the war with an injury that ends most days in agony. The former Captain now works as a paper pusher at the Horse Guards headquarters. He takes care of his mother and sister, but he’s essentially lonely and just going through the motions. His life is mundane but comfortable, that is until he meets Theo Lindsay. Colonial Lindsay is every bit the distinguished gentleman, and soon enough Hugh discovers that they share the same interest, each other.Secrets abound throughout, whether it be Hugh and Theo and their hidden attraction, or the traitor that has blended into their lives. A sweet, gentle and romantic relationship between the two men quickly blossoms. But Theo is hiding a secret, a secret that could tear the budding twosome apart.What I loved most about this book was the seemingly genuine style from the time period that has been woven throughout this story. The wording, the phrasing, the clothing and the mannerisms are exactly what I think of for the time. There was the constant underlying threat as well, the possibility of Hugh and Theo being discovered. Two men being together intimately at the time was frowned upon and could suffer severe consequences if discovered. And their influential positions only added to the urgency of keeping the romance secret.The romance aspect thought was a bit lacking for me. While I appreciated the author staying true to the period piece she was writing, I wanted more details instead of hints and innuendos when Hugh and Theo were in the bedroom. Overall the story kept me intrigued and I was anxious to see how it all came together. I think fans of historical romance will be pleased with this one.I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for a book tour.