Reviewed by Heather C
Title: A Gentleman of Substance
Author: Julia Talbot
Heroes: Michael St. James/Daniel Calhoun
Genre: MM Historical Romance
Length: 156 Pages
Publisher: Torquere Press
Release Date: April 3, 2011
Available at: Torquere Press, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Michael St. James is something of a cad, and now he’s paying for it, banished to a backwater, post-colonial Virginia town for his sins. Happily, he finds something to occupy his time in the form of Daniel Calhoun, a stiff-necked local squire who simply begs to be taken down a notch for his arrogance. The two begin a torrid affair, and Michael pushes them to the very edge of social extinction with his wild ways, drawing Daniel into mischief at every turn. Eventually Michael realizes that he teeters on the very brink of ruining Daniel’s life as thoroughly as he has his own, and decides to do the honorable thing. Will it be too late for him to convince Daniel he can do the right thing? Or will Daniel Calhoun decide perhaps he doesn’t want a gentleman after all?
Review:
Well THIS was an unexpected surprise!! How have I never heard of this book before last week? Could it be because it has a string of pearls and (what I am assuming) a riding crop on the cover instead of two bare chested men?! Hmpf. It deserves some love no matter what’s on the cover!
I must admit that I wasn’t quite sold on the story in the very beginning because the POV changes were too frequent…even though they were clearly marked. But as soon as I realized that Daniel couldn’t stand Michael, causing Michael to pursue Daniel all that much more determinedly, I was hooked. I mean, at first, Daniel hated everything about Michael, so it was perfect when Daniel’s cousin Jane forced him to “make nice” with Michael. Of course, Daniel still didn’t hide his distain for Michael and was quick to remind Michael of that every chance he got. Then Michael kisses him, and well, Daniel is none too pleased! Ha!
Okay, so clearly Daniel is an asshole…or is he? Maybe he’s just trying to protect his heart? Or maybe he just needs the right man to put him in his place. Either way, once Daniel finally gives in to Michael’s advances…OH MY GOD! Umm, so they have A LOT of hot sex…slightly kinky hot sex, but nothing too shocking. But still!! I was surprised by the intensity.
AND THEN…Daniel totally surprises me with his determination to keep Michael and with the things he’s wiling to risk. *sigh* So what that Daniel kind of screws up, he totally makes up for it in the end!! Yeah, yeah, so what that the ending is sooooo melodramatic, it was a hard won HEA.
Overall Impression: I Really Liked It
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this book for review.*
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