Book Review: The Gentleman and the Lamplighter by Summer Devon

Reviewed by Heather C

Title:  The Gentleman and the Lamplighter
Author: Summer Devon
Heroes: Giles Fullerton/John Banks
Genre: MM Historical Romance
Length: 60 Pages
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Release Date: January 6, 2015
Available at: Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Available Online: Heroes and Heartbreakers December 3, 2014
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: You Can’t Walk Away from Love.
Destroyed by the death of his former schoolmate yet unable to show it publicly, Giles Fullerton has taken to walking the streets of London in the middle of the night, the only time he can safely mourn the only person he’s ever loved—until one chance meeting with a lamplighter changes everything….

But You Can Walk Toward It…
Widower John Banks knows a thing or two about grief, and immediately recognizes a kindred spirit when he finally meets the handsome, haunted gentleman he’s admired from afar. And in fact, the two men discover shared passions and the possibility of a forever love—if they can overcome social taboos, and their own fears….

Review:

The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a wonderful little short story about overcoming grief and finding love in an unexpected place.

It’s been two years since Giles lost Woolver, his best friend and only love, and one year since Woolver took his own life. After roaming the streets of London night after night, Giles has finally decided his time for mourning is over. On the first night of his “new life” he encounters the lamplighter who lightens and darkens the street outside his home each night.

Wow, this story was so sad in the beginning! I felt like I wanted to go give Giles a hug myself; he was so lost and alone. And then he met John who, like the blurb states, is a kindred spirit: both men living through loss and fear of exposure. It’s a quick romance, but the passion between them is palpable and the few love scenes are exciting and intense.

I really enjoyed the lamplighting scenes and how well it was incorporated into the story…as Giles and John opened up and learned about each other, but more importantly the symbolism of “light” and “dark” and what it represented in the lives of both men…of their past and now their future.

I would have LOVED for this story to have been much longer, but it does its job as a short story. It’s just that Giles and John are such wonder characters…I didn’t want my time with them to end…

And isn’t the cover gorgeous?!?!  Gah!

Overall Impression: I Loved It

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*