Review: Great Victorian M/M romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2014
Lord Raphael Norwich is gay. He entertains his desire within the confines of the exclusive Hunt Club, but he's still lonely, wishing for a constant lover. One evening he is interrupted from his ruminating by the arrival of a letter from his dearest friend, Lord James Claymore. Rafe has long harbored a secret affection for is best friend--not that he can do anything about it. Subtle touches and stolen glances are all that's available between them--James is (clearly) a confirmed heterosexual--or so Rafe believes.James Claymore wants to spend his last days with his closest friend, checking off his bucket list before ending his life--and sparing his family the shame of his dishonor. See, James believes he desires men. A dreadfully shameful state for which the crime is hanging. A chance encounter with Rafe soon convinces James that his affections are actually quite amenably returned. Could this be? And, if Rafe and he can share their passion, is it necessary to end his life so soon?While this is a coming-together (pun intended) story--there is no simple solution. At first. When it becomes clear that someone has scandalous designs on the early demise of both Rafe and his father, James is willing to take Rafe in--for his own safety...and pleasure. This allows further indulgence in their debauchery. And yet another crisis arrives in the form of James' unescorted sister and soon his mother from thier country estate--further complicating their ability to engage in trysts.Some help from The Duke of Staines--who runs the Hunt Club and is privy to Rafe's preferences--secures both Rafe's health and his relationship with James. It's a well-paced romance with many firsts, for both James and Rafe. James learns that he can have all his heart's desire, and Rafe learns that he can have the love he always considered just a dream.As a fourth book in the Hunt Club series, this is a standalone story with a complete romantic arc and full resolution. It is well-written and deliciously decadent. The language and evocative description within the book suits the period completely. Both James and Rafe are interesting characters, and the mystery behind Rafe's, and his father's, illness adds a unique twist that keeps the plot moving. It's a quick read with plenty of places to chuckle or sigh. Having these best buddies become lovers was a delight--particularly when it is such a crime to have beautiful men so despondant over the prospect of love.I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.