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Roses in the Devil's Garden (Love is Always Write)

by Charlie Cochet (Goodreads Author)

4.08 of 5 stars 4.08 · rating details · 185 ratings · 44 reviews

In a city overrun by lawlessness and corruption, best friends and lovers- Prohibition Agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly, are fighting a losing battle. With bootleggers running amuck and countless speakeasies materializing every day, how can two men possibly hope to make a difference? Especially when they can't even trust their own bureau?

If dealing with hoodlums wasn'...more

Published May 15th 2012

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Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells by K.D. Sarge

The Best of the M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet events

23rd out of 165 books — 274 voters

The Gentleman and the Rogue by Bonnie Dee

Best Gay Historical Romance

129th out of 278 books — 465 voters

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Jul 25, 2012 Lisa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, free-from-author, glbt, historical-romance-fiction, m-m-romance

“There is a rose in the Devil's garden/In shadow it grows alone/Many things are dangerous now/In this garden we call home.” - Tiger Army, “Rose of the Devil’s Garden”

Roses in the Devil’s Garden is a short and sublime little story set in New York City during the height of prohibition in the United States, when the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution made it illegal to manufacture, transport, sell, and consume liquor in America, but the Amendment did more than further the agenda of the Americ...more “There is a rose in the Devil's garden/In shadow it grows alone/Many things are dangerous now/In this garden we call home.” - Tiger Army, “Rose of the Devil’s Garden”

Roses in the Devil’s Garden is a short and sublime little story set in New York City during the height of prohibition in the United States, when the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution made it illegal to manufacture, transport, sell, and consume liquor in America, but the Amendment did more than further the agenda of the American Temperance movement; it was also the catalyst for the swell of organized crime in the US, as well as fostering rampant corruption within law enforcement, which is often a side-effect that comes along when enterprising men exercise the ability to exploit power and human want for financial gain. There was no gray area in those days: there were good guys and there were bad guys, and sometimes it was difficult to tell the difference between the two until you found yourself on the wrong end of a gun.

Agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly care about doing the job they were hired to do, even though they don’t care very much at all for the temperance movement itself or for the corruption it has bred. Their jobs involve nabbing the small fish that swim in the much larger pond of criminal activity, attempting to bait and hook the much bigger fish that remain in the shadows and who are the untouchables. Harlan and Nathan are two men who understand very well what it has meant to remain in the shadows in order to live their lives as they wish. In 1925, the very nature of their relationship was against the law, but six years after they met and shared their first kiss, in World War I France, their claim upon each other’s hearts is as strong as ever.

Or that was the case until a man from Nathan’s past, a man Nathan thought had died during the war, suddenly turns up in their precinct’s interrogation room, attempting to work a little information out of one of those proverbial small fish Harlan and Nathan had just nabbed in a speakeasy sting, and while Danny’s at it, he also tries to work his way back into Nathan’s life. Danny Brogan is Nathan’s childhood friend and his first love and he is a temptation the likes of which Nathan has not faced since he fell in love with and committed himself to Harlan. Danny is the Devil’s garden where temptation is the poisonous thorn on every rose, a poison that could very well kill what Harlan and Nathan have worked so hard to grow.

Roses in the Devil’s Garden was a first for me—the first time I’d read a historical romance constructed around the Prohibition, and the first time I’d read anything written by Charlie Cochet. It won’t be the last, guaranteed.

Every single thing about this book drew me in: the title, the cover, the setting, the time period, the writing style, and most of all, the men who populated the piece. Though it’s a short story and I didn’t get to spend much time getting to know Harlan and Nathan, I was immediately attracted to them, individually and as a couple.

This is the first book in a new series and it sets things up perfectly for a budding romance between Danny and Detective John Flynn, a man Harlan and Nathan literally talked down from the ledge of despair and a man I can’t wait to get to know better. There is also a secondary character, Julius, who plays a small but significant role in the story. I’m keeping my fingers crossed he’ll get his own book in the series as well.

My single biggest wish, though, is for the upcoming books in the series to be longer. Much, much longer.

TNA (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 02, 2013 Erastes rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-historical

Written for a Goodreads writing fest, (Love is Always Write) this is now out in ebook form and is a nice quick read. The more I read from Charlie Cochet the more I appreciate her. She knows her era, she specialises in the 20′s and 30′s in America- and I don’t know of anyone doing the era better than she does.

This is the story of Harlan and Nathan–two cops working in the Prohibition Unit in New York. Lovers and partners they have successfully managed to avoid anyone finding out about their love a...more Written for a Goodreads writing fest, (Love is Always Write) this is now out in ebook form and is a nice quick read. The more I read from Charlie Cochet the more I appreciate her. She knows her era, she specialises in the 20′s and 30′s in America- and I don’t know of anyone doing the era better than she does.

This is the story of Harlan and Nathan–two cops working in the Prohibition Unit in New York. Lovers and partners they have successfully managed to avoid anyone finding out about their love affair. At work they are as hard bitten and tough as any of the other cops on duty–and why should they not be, after all? The only thing that I didn’t like about these guys was the fact that their names were too similar because I am a bear of little brain and can’t remember which is which.

What I particularly like about Cochet’s writing is her economy; somehow she manages to push a quart into a pint pot, as it were, and in the space of a small novella–hardly more than a longish short story, there’s action, romance, jealousy, character building, backstory, promise of more to come and more action. She makes it look easy and believe me it isn’t.

She intrigues with her characters. Small hints are thrown out, the fact that Harlan is loaded–money from his family–but we aren’t told very much more than that and I for one wanted to know more. Then there’s a character introduction that deals with Nathan’s past, and again, you want to know the full story behind that too. Don’t get me wrong, Cochet doesn’t leave you hanging with these plotlines, she tells you exactly as much as you need to know for this story, but if you are like me you’ll be writing to her and saying “more please!”

The historical details are, or seem to be, spot on. She’s a “safe pair of hands” and there are no jarring moments which throw you back into the 21st century, these are men of their time, and if that makes them bigoted and makes them say things that we would find objectionable, then so be it. If a guy is considered a fairy by 1920′s standards, then he’s described as such as so it should be. No political correctness in Prohibition Noo Yawk no sirree!

Highly recommended and even better – its a FREE READ!(less)

4 likes · like · see review

May 26, 2012 Cole Riann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: armchair-reviews, 2012liaw, m-m, m-m-historical, m-m-short, m-m-cops-agents-pis, m-m-crime-mob, m-m-free-reads

One of the LiAW stories reviewed at The Armchair Reader.

4.5 stars

A couple weeks ago Charlie Cochet became my most recent favorite author when I read her short story When Love Walked In and her novella The Amethyst Cat Caper. So I was so happy to see that she’d written a story for the LiAW event! I’ve never been a big fan of historicals, but I now snatch up anything she writes. The magic of her stories is the time period she writes in — I don’t know how she’d do with another period, but she reall...more

9 likes · like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Victoria rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, historical, short-story, don-t-read-in-the-closet-events

I'm not normally a fan of historicals, but I really enjoyed this. Sounds like there could be a next story... Thank you Charlie Cochet, for donating your time and talent.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 03, 2012 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-free, mm-historical-medieval

America had become the devil's den, and New York City its Garden

I love Charlie Cochet's writing, but historical is not my favorite genre. So when this free story first came out as part of the Love Is Always Write Event, I just skimmed through it, and left it to come back to it another day. Just today I had the urge to read this again, now with the proper focus the story needed.

There are already so many reviews for this one, so I don't want to say much except that ... it's another eloquent piece...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Lena Grey rated it 4 of 5 stars

As the first line of 'Roses in the Devil's Garden' by Charlie Cochet says, “This story has no moral, this story has no end, it only goes to show there ain't no good in men” with me recognizing the lyrics to the song 'Frankie and Johnnie' and having the irresistible urge to finish the phrase with: ”He was her man, but he done her wrong.” It is a fitting way to begin a story about corruption in Manhattan, NY, during the Roaring Twenties. Nathan and Harlan realized that being with the prohibition u...more As the first line of 'Roses in the Devil's Garden' by Charlie Cochet says, “This story has no moral, this story has no end, it only goes to show there ain't no good in men” with me recognizing the lyrics to the song 'Frankie and Johnnie' and having the irresistible urge to finish the phrase with: ”He was her man, but he done her wrong.” It is a fitting way to begin a story about corruption in Manhattan, NY, during the Roaring Twenties. Nathan and Harlan realized that being with the prohibition unit was an exercise in futility. On one hand, it was their job to uphold the law regardless of their opinions about it. On the other, they couldn't help but be lenient sometimes, showing their compassionate side, especially in the case of Julian, a young man they met in a speak easy, who I adored for his part in supporting their relationship. Harlan and Nathan are amazingly loyal and considerate of each other which makes them an unstoppable team.

One of the most endearing things about Nathan and Harlan is their easy banter and the amazing way they can be so incredibly intimate without touching. Being partners lends itself to a closeness which is not unusual for men in law enforcement who, quite literally, watch out for each other because their lives do depend on it. In spite of the dark world around them and the odds being against them, they forge a close, loving, passionate relationship which is admirable. When Danny, a specter from the past, appears to threaten their closeness, they falter, but do not fall. I sympathized with both of their positions concerning Danny. Even when Danny backed off and became interested in someone else, it was still hard for me to like him due to his incredibly selfish behavior.

'Roses in the Devil's Garden', although set in the 1920s, could be just as applicable today. The Eighteenth Amendment was an inane effort to legislate morals and, as in the case of today to control behavior, it failed miserably, causing law abiding people to suffer and the drug cartels, black markets, and other assorted criminals to profit. Even after 100 years, things are still the same. If you like historical literature which includes lifestyles, morals, same sex relationships, passion, intrigue, and angst, then you may enjoy this story. Thanks, Charlie, for the intriguing, honest look at the prohibition time period.

Even in the best of circumstances, many of us falter when love beckons us. We doubt whether we're smart enough, pretty enough, passionate enough. We may even wonder if we deserve the love we are being offered. With that in mind, try to imagine how Matthew Rideaux of 'Love Bade me Welcome' by Tom Jemielity feels when all of his life he'd been told that, because he was gay, he was evil, an abomination, completely undeserving of love. Fortunately, he meets Todd Milonik who becomes his best friend, lover, and companion through life's journey; through this relationship, he discovers that it is possible to have the intimacy and fulfillment he so desires.

Todd and Matthew are a wonderful couple, so compatible, so compassionate with each other. They weather the storms of life together, fiercely, but as discreetly as possible, defending their right to love each other and be together. It isn't easy in 1966 to be homosexual. In fact, it could be downright dangerous not only physically, but socially. Todd and Matt hate the covertness of their situation, but they are willing to do anything to protect their relationship. Fortunately, they have good friends, including one very special priest, and family along the way who love and support them. I loved both of their mothers who, in my humble opinion, are as much heroes in this story as their sons are. They stand up against anyone who threatens them and there is no wrath greater than a mother's when they perceive their child is in danger.

This is a poignant story written in a more formal language style which fits nicely with circumstances of the time period. There's very little overt sex, but the guys love each other with an intensity which is tangible and further explicitly simply isn't necessary to capture the moment. For me, the real charm of the story was in the subtle, cautious, but deeply-felt emotions which are revealed to us in a slow but steady pace.

I'd recommend this story to anyone who wants to enjoy a lovely, subtle, but meaningful story about true love overcoming the challenges that life throws at them. Thank you, Tom, for a comfortable, enjoyable reading experience.

NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

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2 likes · like · see review

Nov 14, 2012 Bettye Kanady rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Bettye by: Love is Always Write List

Shelves: love-is-always-write, finished

I liked this one! Harlan and Nathan make an excellent pair of Prohibition Cops. Not only are they partners at work, but also at home. The arrival of a friend of Nathan's, one Danny Brogan, though caused me a little grief. While he was attractive, and seemed to try and put the moves on Nate, I was ready for Harlan to kick his ass. As it was, they worked out what Harlan called a "misunderstanding" and were able to end with a better than average ever after. There was a touch of mystery here too, wh...more

1 like · like · see review

May 27, 2012 Bubbles Hunty rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: handjobs-are-cheating-too, m-m, free

There were some phrases and things I didn't understand. I think because of the time/culture it's set in. I'm also not a fan of historicals but I mostly enjoyed this one. I felt like the last 40% or so was all setting up a relationship with Danny and John. I got kind of bored with that.

I honestly have no interest in reading a continuation of any of these characters. While I liked the beginning I felt like the story fizzled the last half. Maybe that was because I just didn't like Danny? And lots...more

3 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Piper Vaughn added it

Shelves: liaw, historical, read-in-2012, free-short-fiction, free-stories, m-m, m-m-romance, cops

Loved it! Can't wait for more!

1 like · like · see review

Mar 16, 2013 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, freebies, love-is-always-write-series, short-stories, historical-romance, sexy-cops

Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group, Love Is Always Write: Volume Eight.

I'm not sure why, but for some reason I'm always hesitant about historicals. There really wasn't any need. This had just the right amount of '20's slang to make it fun and give you the right vibe, but it's a great story that could have taken place in any era.

They easily could have ended this in a few places earlier and it still would have been good, but I'm glad it was flushed out (I hope this author joins the next e...more

3 likes · like · see review

May 26, 2012 Wendy (wluvsbooks) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: career-fire-police-law, free-stuff-liaw, genre-historical, sex-partner-mm

Despite my general lack of enthusiasm for anything historical, this story overcame that hurdle and I found myself very engaged vs. skimming the lines. It’s really a story about great characters with true historical references subtly enhancing the experience vs. dominating it. Harlan’s a very hot dude and impressive guy – Nate’s a lucky man:) I’d love to read more about this couple and their potential with the FBI, and really hope to see sequels with John and Danny (Julius too)! A fantastic story...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 A.F. Henley rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was in love with these two MC from chapter one. What a perfect example of two men trying to find some understanding and stable ground in a life of high pressure insanity. The sex was raw and powerful and the angst completely relatable. I love the realism in the story line and the emotion between the two of them.

Awesome story. Would love to read more of them. And did I mention that it's a free read which I would have been more than happy to pay for? Love. Love. Love. In case I didn't use the wo...more

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Bookbee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, favourites, free, historical, m-m, short-stories, love_is_always_write

4.5 Stars

A great cast of characters set in prohibition America. Charlie Cochet has managed to capture the flavour of that time very well - speakeasies, bootleg liquor, jazz... right down to the slang of the time.

I'm looking forward to future adventures with ALL of these well-drawn, complex characters! (Yes, that's a hint for more!)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Missouri Dalton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Truly delightful, amazingly historical with some incredibly three-dimensional characters. I really enjoyed the play between the Harley and Nate, personality wise. I could see Danny and John making real go of it, though a rocky start is certain.

Definitely plan to keep my eyes open for any further forays into this foursome.

1 like · like · see review

Jun 11, 2012 Pamela Craft Jenewein rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-stories

All Romance freebie

I thoroughly enjoyed this period piece; loving the roaring 20’s. The plot is real as the descriptives and dialog proved. The characters, Nathan and Harley are adorable. Highly recommend this read.

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Virginia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: char-cops-fbi-detectives-agents, fiction-historical, genre-mm, fiction-novella, 2012

Very nice novella from the Prohibition Age. I haven't read much from this particular era and the author did a great job bringing it to life. This was my first by this author and will definitely be watching for other works.

5 likes · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Mandy*reads obsessively* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: hurt-comfort-disability, m-m, short, cop-pi-law-enforcement

I liked this free sort, it was set in a time period that I'm usually not a fan of, but I liked the guys and wished I had found out more about their background, how they became partners and their future at the bureau.

5 likes · like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Maygirl7 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-free-online, m-m, historical

Quite good but the ending was a bit too sweet and quick a wrap-up. The super fast blossoming of love between John & Danny not very believable and drew attention away from Nate and Harley's story.

1 like · like · see review

Sep 24, 2012 Sadonna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, historical-fiction, pdf, free, liaw

Really really liked this story of Harlan and Nathan, two prohibition agents who are partners at work and in life. Nathan and Harlan have been together for a while - they both went through WWI and are damaged from that and from life. I remember my auntie talking about her all her friends and relatives that died during the influenza pandemic and Harlan has lost his family to it in this story. The supporting characters were well-written and greatly contributed to the story - especially John and Dan...more

1 like · like · see review

May 16, 2012 Katey Hawthorne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lgbtq, liaw, short-fiction

Satisfying as a standalone, but with awesome room for more. Cannot wait to see where it goes. Great 20s stuff, god knows I love me some prohis. (Or not. You know what I mean.)

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2012 Adara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Not a huge historical fan, but this one has enough details to feel right and not bog it down. I really enjoyed all of the characters and their flaws. I look forward to sequels.

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 10, 2012 Cjean rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. Good characters, no one too goody-goody. I like the slightly broken best friend. I will definitely read other works by this author.

1 like · like · see review

May 16, 2012 Valerie ~Varuca~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-2012, favorites, m-m

I love Harley and Nate! Looking forward to reading more about them in the future. Not to mention Julius, John and Danny :)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 19, 2013 Stevie Carroll rated it 4 of 5 stars

One of my favourite eras for historical fiction, and one I don't see enough romances in. My only complaint is that this one could have done with being slightly longer for my tastes.

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2012 D rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cop-fbi-detective-agent-pi-sheriff

5 STARS! Amazing! Fabulously entertaining. Want to see more of the Fantastic Four.

1 like · like · see review

Aug 29, 2012 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance, e-books-kindle, cops-agents-private-dicks, mm-historical-romance

Great story. I hope there's more of Harlan's and Nate's adventures to come.

1 like · like · see review

May 21, 2012 Tamela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction, adventure, historical, mm-or-mmm, my-favorites, cops-detective-security, recommended, love-romance, short-story, free-online

I definitely would love to hear more about these guys... all of them :)

1 like · like · see review

May 16, 2012 Gwendolyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: law-enforcement, historical, mm-romance-group-story

Not what I expected from the picture but very good just the same.

2 likes · like · see review

May 31, 2012 Crys Harris rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a hell of a story! I want a full length novel!

1 like · like · see review

Aug 09, 2012 Kate McMurray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m

Aaaand now to go read Charlie Cochet's backlist.

1 like · like · see review

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About Charlie Cochet

m/m Romance author by day, artist by night, Charlie Cochet is quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse. From Historical to Fantasy, Contemporary to Science Fiction, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From hardboiled detectives and society gentleman, to angels and elves, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance,...more

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Books by Charlie Cochet

The Auspicious Troubles of Chance (The Auspicious Troubles of Love, #1)

The Amethyst Cat Caper (A Tea House Tale, #1)

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