Review: Engaging Yet Heartbreaking & Heartwarming!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 8, 2014
As a reader of many of Ms. Dee's books I've come to count on the intense emotions she generates amidst an intriguing and thought-provoking storyline.  With the help of Ms. Devon, The Gentleman's Madness doesn't disappoint as it gives a compelling and haunting glimpse of asylums of the past, those they serve, and those who work there.  Into this dangerous, and at times corrupt, world comes two men from very different classes who find a bit of peace and security under cover of night and against their better judgements.John's been sent to an asylum by his father in an attempt to cure his homosexuality.  As a rich man's son John's unaccustomed to the degradations and bleakness of his new life and has no belief in, or need of, a cure.  With each day of being trapped he's losing hope of ever regaining his place in the world until the day Sam Tully comes to work.  John's immediately drawn to Tully and the strength and comfort he represents.  Their relationship starts out merely as friends sharing opinions, but sexual tension is always bubbling below the surface until desperation leads to many late-night clandestine sexual encounters that leave both of them breathless.Sam's life couldn't be more different from John's as he's had very little schooling and knows nothing but labor.  He longs for something more though and sees all sorts of possibilities when he sees John.  Though he's tried to ignore his true desires John has him throwing caution to the wind to find a few moments of brightness in their dark world.  Sam is a truly kindhearted man who wants only the best for his patients and after everything John's gone through he deserves Sam's compassion and protection.Surrounding their time together is a subtle mystery.  It's a conspiracy that starts at the very top and is putting patient's lives in jeopardy.  The scenes at the asylum are dark and gritty and show the worst of humanity.  It's a compelling mystery though that gives John and Sam the opportunity of a future together far away from a judgmental society.  Between the romance and mystery I found myself enthralled by the heartbreaking and ultimately heartwarming story that's another winner for Ms. Dee.