Book Review: V.B.’s impression of The Reluctant Husband by Eliot Grayson
If you haven’t checked the updates to our review policy, please do. Review requests are currently closed, but we are trying to catch up on our TBR list. Please view our new review team on the ‘About Us’ page. The latest I Love Romance Blog review selection is The Reluctant Husband by Eliot Grayson. Take it away, V.B.!
Thanks!
What fascinated me at first about this MM romance was its setting in an alternate universe where most of Regency England exists like it does in other regency romances, with two key changes: One, that MM, FF, and MF or FM pairings were all mostly accepted. And two, that gods and goddesses had real say over society. The book kind of delivered on these. “Regency romance” is the most accurate descriptor for this tale.
I thought it was a nice touch that the characters acted towards the goddess and gods like other traditional regency novels’ characters treat God the Father and Jesus Christ. But, I felt too many inhibitions on the part of the male lovers at first. That could be my inexperience with this series. I started with this book, book 2. Maybe book 1 elaborates on how “normal” or “accepted” gay relationships really are in that world. I had expected to see more open flirting, courting, and expression of interest between the lovers than was delivered. In fact, at first, I thought Tom’s unwillingness to engage with Mal’s initial overtures was an effort to hide his male to male attraction. Only later in the book did I realize his hesitance was due to Mal bullying him in school. Tom had always been attracted to Mal, but you can’t love someone who torments you.
However, it’s still an awesome love story. Tom and Mal have barriers to overcome, but they have amazing chemistry. They successfully conquer their double trope love story. They are not only married for convenience, but were enemies at school (enemies to lovers). I loved how they worked through their issues and finally became vulnerable to each other.
Having each man’s POV to learn his thoughts and feelings wove the chapters together in an alluring way as they grew closer to each other. The book was charmingly written and well done, nice description and moving dialogue. The sex scenes are awesome and steamy too! We all could learn a bit from these two. Also, a duel for your lover with a twist sets up the ending in the best way.
NOTE: I was provided a copy of this great novel in exchange for an honest review.
I give this book 4 hearts because it brought together a pair of enemies who should’ve been together all along.
Recommended Read
Book Info:
Is their marriage a blessing…or a curse?
Tom Drake wants nothing to do with his patron goddess. Her blessing has always been little more than a cruel curse. But when he finds himself disowned, disgraced, and on the verge of homelessness, he knows he can no longer afford to ignore her demands. He must marry. Sadly, his one marriage prospect is a pragmatic, stubborn man who only seems to value him for his blessing…and his body…
Mal Leighton will stop at nothing to save his beloved cousin’s life, even if it means marrying Tom-and using him for his blessing-to do it. Theirs would be a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience. Love was never part of the equation. He’ll just have to somehow learn to ignore his overwhelming attraction to his dangerously charming and seductive new husband.
As weeks pass, Tom and Mal find there’s often a fine line between love and desperation, passion and pride-and what exists between them is infinitely more complicated than their simple marriage of convenience was ever meant to be. Can they set aside their painful pasts and misconceptions to take a chance on the love match they never expected to find?
This is an M/M romance set in an alternate-universe Regency. It contains the ideal number of carriages, duels, and redeemed villains, but beware of pagan goddesses who like to micromanage. It is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Tom’s previous dastardly deeds can be found in The Replacement Husband.
Universal Reader link: https://books2read.com/u/4j59lY Here’s a peek at the book…
TITLE: The Reluctant Husband (Goddess-Blessed Book 2)
GENRES: LGBT romance (MM), Regency romance, historical romance, alternate history, fake relationship trope, enemies to lovers theme
Release date: June 7, 2019
Publisher: Smoking Teacup Books
ISBN/ASIN: B07RWJVB3N
OUR RATING: ♥♥♥♥
REVIEWED BY: V.B. “Can Do Indie Author”
Guest Blogger/Reviewer Bio: VB is an indie author who writes romance and Sci Fi and voraciously reads anything (with some limits). When she’s not reading and writing, she’s working a day job to pay for her truck habit and puttering around her house.
Thanks for reading our latest book review on ILRB! ♥ Have a great weekend, everyone!
Originally published at http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com on April 14, 2023.
