Touching, funny, clever, hot

Alexis Hall's first foray into the historical romance genre doesn't disappoint. It's basically a moderately dirty cross between a historical version of Schitt's Creek (a very accepting LGBTQ+ world full of comedy, where outside forces of prejudice are present, but it everyone within the story are lovely) and turns the travel trope where the protagonist chases his intended (slightly) on its head. It's not new ground being trod, but the tweaks to known tropes are both full of pathos and humour, and all of it done with Hall's recognizable skill with language and plot.

Bonny is sweet and very annoying, his twin sister is even worse (in both sweetness and being annoying)... Valentine is both a prig and deeply empathetic as a main character. Following his journey in self-discovery as a demi-sexual and as a completely over-privileged Duke (in equal parts) is a delight.

And the whole thing is narrated by Nicholas Boulton. Enough said. (I could listen to Boulton narrate the worst book in the world and would probably give it a 4/5 based on him alone).

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A uncomplicated little romp

This is a simple little romance dressed up in historical costumes.
It is cheerful, absurd, and full of drama queens + a few spicy scenes.

Personally I did not enjoy this story because I am a history nerd and prefer a lot of depth in characters/plot/setting. But that being said - it’s still a perfectly good little story if you’re just looking for something simple and at times a bit silly.

The VA(Nicholas Boulton) did a great job of distinguishing characters and expressing emotion.



(If you prefer more attention to historical accuracy and complex characters I would recommend almost anything written by K.J. Charles but for a story with similar archetypes I would recommend “Band Sinister” in particular.)

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I f***ing hate the Tarlton Twins

If I could embody two characters so I may stab at them with a thousand hilted needles from their least to most fatal points in order, it would be the Tarlton Twins. I do see them as necessary for Duke Malvern's growth, but if I may rewrite the ending to this book, the Tarlton Twins would die horrifically and publicly and the duke would find someone of any gender that satisfies him and who isn't so f***ing aggravating and full of $h!t to live out a happy life with.

I'm finishing the book through gritted teeth because I am interested to know what happens to the duke, but so great is my hate for the Tarlton Twins that I might commission $nuff art to look at on occasion and make myself feel better at their fictionally horrible deaths.

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Very Gay Regency Romp

Totally over the top Regency Romp, written with great humour,verve and flair - with a demi-sexual Duke ("I'm a Duke, I'm popular by default") an outrageous flirt, plus sapphic/gender fluid/queer minor characters.

The banter is hilarious, the plot extemely silly, and Arabella is too irritating for words, but as a plot device she certainly moves things on.

I started off being very irritated with the book as it is outrageously silly. Once I was in the mood to chill out and listen I enjoyed this unusual escapade. BTW: as ever with the author, this book has some wonderful sensual scenes and very clever dialogue/word play.

Narration was wonderful.

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Couldn't finish it despite incredible narration.

On the premise alone, I really wanted to enjoy this story. And when the narration started, I was expecting a really enjoyable new listen. However... I was only able to get through the first few chapters before I just couldn't take it anymore.

The Tarleton twins are some of the most unlikeable main characters I have ever come across. And as much as I loved the Duke and wanted to keep going to see how his story ended - I found myself getting physically angry with both twins and had to walk away. Hell, the scene where the Duke and Bonny come across Arabella in the pub had me physically wanting to punch both her and Bonny in the face - but mostly her.

Honestly, for this book, picture: Lydia Bennett arranged to marry Mr. Darcy. She runs away, and Darcy sets off with Mr. Denny to find her. And starts to fall for Mr. Denny in the process.

Any "romance" feels forced and trite. And while the pacing, plot, and overall writing style are good... the fact that two of the main characters are so wholy disagreeable that I couldn't stand it, forced me to leave this book unfinished. And as I still get my back up every time I think of Arabella's behavior - I know I won't be back.

(Also, the lack of understanding or tackt when it came to the subject matter in relation to the genre and time period - were really F***ing agitating. "Oh ya, I'm a man and I've been with lodes of men - It's no big deal!" - Nevermind that at the time, if you were caught with another man it was either prison, Bedlam or death. Also, so many partners? In that time? Harlot! And let's not ignore all of the other 20th century norms that are sluffed off as 'no big deal' 'perfectly normal' and 'of course this is how I chose to live'. If you look at a majority of the characters' behaviors, it almost reads like a time travel story, with the Tarleton twins having absolutely NO idea about their own culture, society, or times, and just throwing themselves wholehog into the "romance" "drama" and "dinner theater" of it all. Infact the Duke was the only believable recency main character that I came across.)

I do have to reiterate though: the narration was excellent and I will absolutely be adding this narrator as one to look for in the future.

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Lacking "real" characters

Second book of this author that I have read (listened to). Sadly, disappointed. I didn't see the characters as real and was frustrated. DNF.

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