Reviewed by Heather C
Title: Tournament of Shadows
Author: S.A. Meade
Heroes: Gabriel and Valentin
Genre: M/M Historical Romance
Length: 51,406 words
Publisher: Totally Bound
Release Date: March 21, 2014
Available at: Totally Bound
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: In a shadowy game where defeat can mean death, a deal with the enemy can change things forever.
In 1842, Captain Gabriel O’Riordan of the 8th King’s Royal Irish Hussars is sent on a mission to Bukhara. His task—to try to free two of his compatriots from the clutches of a mentally unstable Emir. On his way, he encounters Valentin Yakolev, an officer in the Russian Army, who is also on a mission—to persuade the Emir that an alliance with Russia would be in his best interests. Gabriel, disguised as a holy man, is not happy to be the object of Yakolev’s intense scrutiny. After all, he’s working for the opposing team in the Great Game being played between their two nations. When Gabriel realises that his mission is little more than a forlorn hope, a game he has no chance of winning, he’s desperate enough to turn to Valentin to help and offer him anything in return. What he doesn’t expect is to have his plans to return to Calcutta scuppered by events.
Instead, he and Valentin flee north, fighting off bandits, their desire for each other and the hardship of desert travel. Their travails bring them closer together until a secret from Valentin’s past tears them apart.
Can they set the past behind them and move on together?
Reader Advisory: This book contains some violence, including beheadings.
Review:
Two enemies sent on an impossible task…and neither are what they seem. Captain Gabriel O’Riordan is traveling to Bukhara under the disguise of Rashid, an Islamic scholar. His mission: to free two of his compatriots from the Pit of Emir. On his journey, he encounters Valentin Yakolev, a Russian officer sent to by the Tsar seeking an audience with Emir. Gabriel propositions Valentin to request the men’s release when Valentin speaks to Emir, in return, Gabriel will offer his body to Valentin for one night. Of course, nothing goes as planned and the two men soon find themselves desperate to escape Bukhara and journey home.
The Beginning: It was a bit slow to start, but I enjoyed the building attraction between Gabriel and Valentin. Both of the characters were intriguing and I really wanted to know ALL of their secrets. I also liked the unique setting: I haven’t come across many M/M historical romances set in Asia…or Russia (I think a map would have been extremely beneficial).
The Middle: It gets a bit intense there for a while when…ah, well I don’t want to spoiler it. But there are a few graphic scenes and nightmares. I liked the bits where Gabriel and Valentin were traveling together but I had some difficultly following the time lapses during their long journey.
The End: It does turn a bit angsty when some secrets come out, but doesn’t last for too long and the conflict is resolved (maybe a bit too easily). Loved the HEA.
Overall: This book has a sweet-love-story feel and bit of smexiness scattered throughout. Recommended for those looking for something a little different in a historical romance.
Overall Impression: I Really Liked It!
*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*
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