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The Manservant
In this bitingly witty, saucy, acutely observed debut novel, Michael Harwood pulls back the damask drapes to reveal life among the modern aristocracy--upstairs, downstairs, and occasionally, behind stairs...
Anthony Gowers assists guests at a high-end London hotel with the kind of requests that can't be filled from a room-service menu. His lavish tips and a closet full of cashmere. Then a client's after-hours entertainment ends in a tabloid scandal, and Anthony quickly becomes the city's best-dressed unemployed person. . .
In desperation, Anthony takes a position in the countryside as personal butler to Lord Shanderson. As a former Royal footman, Anthony is well versed in the peerage's peculiar ways. But Castle Beadale conceals an abundance of intrigue behind its stately doors. On the surface, Lord Shanderson is a model English gentleman--with a few personal interests that Anthony is sure the absent Lady Shanderson knows nothing about. But when the horrendously high-maintenance Lady Shanderson returns, tempers will flare, secrets will be exposed, and Anthony must decide whether the perks of privilege he's enjoyed are worth the price he's compelled to pay. . .
Anthony Gowers assists guests at a high-end London hotel with the kind of requests that can't be filled from a room-service menu. His lavish tips and a closet full of cashmere. Then a client's after-hours entertainment ends in a tabloid scandal, and Anthony quickly becomes the city's best-dressed unemployed person. . .
In desperation, Anthony takes a position in the countryside as personal butler to Lord Shanderson. As a former Royal footman, Anthony is well versed in the peerage's peculiar ways. But Castle Beadale conceals an abundance of intrigue behind its stately doors. On the surface, Lord Shanderson is a model English gentleman--with a few personal interests that Anthony is sure the absent Lady Shanderson knows nothing about. But when the horrendously high-maintenance Lady Shanderson returns, tempers will flare, secrets will be exposed, and Anthony must decide whether the perks of privilege he's enjoyed are worth the price he's compelled to pay. . .
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
14 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 28, 2015
Oh my goodness, this was bad.. like.. really bad, among the worst I've ever read. A total mess.
TLDR
This book needs a serious, thorough and deep revision. The main story needs to be untangled, cleaned of superfluous characters, scenes, details and storylines, and written again from scratch.
And that style. OMG... it's terrible. I was about to throw the kindle right out of the window if I read the name of thatfuc**** expresso machine again! If putting on high fashion designer clothes doesn't mean you have style or are even appropriately dressed, throwing in brand names in the text doesn't convey luxury or class. Just fu*** describe it, don't just put Prada or Hermès. This only conveys how bad a writer you are. What is it I paid for, a novel or for a commercial? Sorry for the language, but I needed to say that. It was really irritating.
The plot
Oh dear.. I'm sure everything made more sense in the author's mind, but he was totally unable to deliver a good story. The storyline is a total mess, unbalanced and full of superfluous stuff. Seems like the author had many ideas which might have been successful, but he failed in interlacing them, resulting in dead ends; characters that seem to be important but they aren't, storylines that are supposed to add, but don't.. It gets lost in details and sidelines and does not provide the real story.
It isn't until the end of the book that you realise what was it all about, just to realise at the same time, how badly the author failed in telling you the story. Can't stand it when the author thinks I'm dumb and out of nothing throws in some magic.
I'm sorry, but this was really bad.
PS: Btw, in Spain the real names are Consuelo (not Consuela) and Inés (not Inez). Maybe those exist in central or south America, but definitely not in Spain.
TLDR
This book needs a serious, thorough and deep revision. The main story needs to be untangled, cleaned of superfluous characters, scenes, details and storylines, and written again from scratch.
And that style. OMG... it's terrible. I was about to throw the kindle right out of the window if I read the name of that
The plot
Oh dear.. I'm sure everything made more sense in the author's mind, but he was totally unable to deliver a good story. The storyline is a total mess, unbalanced and full of superfluous stuff. Seems like the author had many ideas which might have been successful, but he failed in interlacing them, resulting in dead ends; characters that seem to be important but they aren't, storylines that are supposed to add, but don't.. It gets lost in details and sidelines and does not provide the real story.
It isn't until the end of the book that you realise what was it all about, just to realise at the same time, how badly the author failed in telling you the story. Can't stand it when the author thinks I'm dumb and out of nothing throws in some magic.
I'm sorry, but this was really bad.
PS: Btw, in Spain the real names are Consuelo (not Consuela) and Inés (not Inez). Maybe those exist in central or south America, but definitely not in Spain.
July 31, 2015
Make room for this new book beside Fifty Shades of Grey on your book shelf—The Manservant could be the first instalment in the FIFTY SHADES OF GAY series!
Honi suit qui mal y pense…evil be to him who evil thinks! (French) This phrase come up repeatedly and I have to believe that it had more meaning to the book than simply a tattoo on “gentleman” farmers arse!
This book came up as looking for reviews and I had a good idea of what it was about when I bought it.
I read for many reasons—entertainment, learning—a look into niches of society that I know nothing about. The ManServant gave me a glimpse into the world of modern aristocracy and the life of a man who is a homosexual. (I found myself wondering if the English aristocracy really does still live with all that pomp and pretentiousness—and are a large percentage of the men in merry old England so handsome, raunchy and “naughty”??)
The Manservant is well written, well edited, descriptive, and humorous. I chuckled more than once. I have read sexual scenes in today’s modern erotic romances that have pushed my “OMG- meter” to a far higher level than those described in this book. There are hints at bondage and some spanking scenes- a bit of shoving and male roughness while making out, but mostly it was what any human does when they engage in sexual foreplay—touching, caressing, kissing.
If you read this book, do it with an open mind. If you have strong feelings and beliefs about sexual preferences, be WARNED—this book will probably offend you; not because of the quality of the prose, but because of its basic contents.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who will read it and accept it for what it is, without wanting to crucify the authors work because they have a different belief about sexuality.
Honi suit qui mal y pense…evil be to him who evil thinks! (French) This phrase come up repeatedly and I have to believe that it had more meaning to the book than simply a tattoo on “gentleman” farmers arse!
This book came up as looking for reviews and I had a good idea of what it was about when I bought it.
I read for many reasons—entertainment, learning—a look into niches of society that I know nothing about. The ManServant gave me a glimpse into the world of modern aristocracy and the life of a man who is a homosexual. (I found myself wondering if the English aristocracy really does still live with all that pomp and pretentiousness—and are a large percentage of the men in merry old England so handsome, raunchy and “naughty”??)
The Manservant is well written, well edited, descriptive, and humorous. I chuckled more than once. I have read sexual scenes in today’s modern erotic romances that have pushed my “OMG- meter” to a far higher level than those described in this book. There are hints at bondage and some spanking scenes- a bit of shoving and male roughness while making out, but mostly it was what any human does when they engage in sexual foreplay—touching, caressing, kissing.
If you read this book, do it with an open mind. If you have strong feelings and beliefs about sexual preferences, be WARNED—this book will probably offend you; not because of the quality of the prose, but because of its basic contents.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who will read it and accept it for what it is, without wanting to crucify the authors work because they have a different belief about sexuality.
June 30, 2016
3.5
Interesting and entertaining tale of one man's time working in an English manor. The writing was good and it kept my attention well. I would have liked a little more page time between Anthony and the cab driver. Also the fade to black sex wasn't my favorite but I know it wasn't a "romance" genre novel either. Looking forward to more from the author in the future.
Interesting and entertaining tale of one man's time working in an English manor. The writing was good and it kept my attention well. I would have liked a little more page time between Anthony and the cab driver. Also the fade to black sex wasn't my favorite but I know it wasn't a "romance" genre novel either. Looking forward to more from the author in the future.
March 8, 2015
I'm not sure that this book knows what it wants to be. It tells the story of Anthony, butler to the rich and entitled. It starts off with him losing his job in a posh hotel and becoming the manservant to a rather curious country gentleman. There was lot of potential there as a kind of expose of the lives of the ludicrously wealthy. And I was enjoying the Downton Abbeyness of it. But it also reads a bit like a confused James Lear novel, and may in fact have worked as erotica, except that all the erotic bits are very stilted and kind of lack chemistry. Okay, so maybe let's explore the relationship dynamics between employer and employee - and again, nope. They spend so little time on page together that I felt that all the drama was kind of forced. Plus, the characters aren't particularly likeable. Thing is, it's not a bad novel, at no point did I hurl my kindle across the room or even consider making this a DNF. It just suffers from a kind of identity crisis that makes it hard to really love.
May 10, 2015
I'm not going to lie to you: This book contains steamy sex scenes, some of the very light S&M variety, and of the gay persuasion. While that's not normally the kind of book I pick up, I enjoyed it and didn't find anything shocking or so "other" that I couldn't identify on a human-who-has-relationships level.
I am a sucker for anything in the Downton Abbey wheelhouse, and anyone who knows me knows I'm an Anglophile. What's great about this book is the upstairs/downstairs status-shifting, and the glimpse into a grand English manor.
It's very Jackie Collins, all larger-than-life. That said, the people are real, the relationships are believable, and the setting is well drawn.
Anthony Gowers is a complicated person who makes real choices: Good and bad. That's what I want in a character in a novel that I read. There's romance, betrayal, intrigue, and quite a few laughs.
It's a shame to have to categorize this book, because to me it's just a great novel. When I watch films, I hop from My Beautiful Laundrette, to Frozen, to Life of Pi, to Clueless, to Rear Window, to Bridesmaids. I can switch genres in books, too, as long as I love the characters and their journeys. I was very happy to follow this story, and I was invested.
While a good Chick Lit/Rom Com is my wheelhouse, I'm glad I found The Manservant. I'll admit I liked it first for the title and cover (shallow, I know) but was soon after drawn into the story. Recommended.
I am a sucker for anything in the Downton Abbey wheelhouse, and anyone who knows me knows I'm an Anglophile. What's great about this book is the upstairs/downstairs status-shifting, and the glimpse into a grand English manor.
It's very Jackie Collins, all larger-than-life. That said, the people are real, the relationships are believable, and the setting is well drawn.
Anthony Gowers is a complicated person who makes real choices: Good and bad. That's what I want in a character in a novel that I read. There's romance, betrayal, intrigue, and quite a few laughs.
It's a shame to have to categorize this book, because to me it's just a great novel. When I watch films, I hop from My Beautiful Laundrette, to Frozen, to Life of Pi, to Clueless, to Rear Window, to Bridesmaids. I can switch genres in books, too, as long as I love the characters and their journeys. I was very happy to follow this story, and I was invested.
While a good Chick Lit/Rom Com is my wheelhouse, I'm glad I found The Manservant. I'll admit I liked it first for the title and cover (shallow, I know) but was soon after drawn into the story. Recommended.
Read
May 29, 2015Witty and wicked! Lots of boy on boy action though nothing that outrageous if you know anything about the British upper classes and their sexual shenanigans. Some fun characters are deftly drawn like Maria the glamorous Italian, I could see her in my mind's eye, sashaying her way through the better hotel foyers of London. The story however centres on her friend, Anthony an urban pretty boy with attitude and a love of cashmere jumpers. Unexpectedly the story begins to weave a back tale that made the character far more engaging and sympathetic, than the first few chapters reveal. That, the pace of the tale which romps along with many a LOL episode and some acute observations of how the monied and their yes men behave behind closed doors, kept my interest to the end. It was the perfect holiday read.
October 2, 2015
I loved this book. A fine blend of "Sex in the City," "Downton Abbey," and a little mix of "50 Shades of Grey" makes it sexy, interesting, satisfying, and a page-turner. A hot gay butler, an English castle, His Lordship, drama, and hot scenes made me fall in love with the protagonist Anthony. The plot moved along at a brisk pace and kept me guessing as to what was coming next. The writer's word choices, turns of phrases, descriptions, and dialogue were spot on and never left me feeling flat or bored. I am now hooked on the writing talent of Michael Harwood and can't wait to experience more books. I highly recommend and applaud the writer for delivering such an enjoyable punch.
February 24, 2015
I loved this debut novel by Michael Harwood, who I should declare is a friend.
The gay sex scenes may not be to some of my fellow reviewers’ taste however I don’t think they were overly shocking. The story is an easy read, written with witty observations about a lifestyle that the author knows well. The main character has human failings, but is likeable and interesting and as such I was left with a desire to know what happens to him next.
Think Jackie Collins / 50 Shades of Gay (sic).
The gay sex scenes may not be to some of my fellow reviewers’ taste however I don’t think they were overly shocking. The story is an easy read, written with witty observations about a lifestyle that the author knows well. The main character has human failings, but is likeable and interesting and as such I was left with a desire to know what happens to him next.
Think Jackie Collins / 50 Shades of Gay (sic).
March 1, 2015
Fantastic read - I couldn't put it down once I had started. If you like a scandalous read this is the one for you. It really shows what life is like downstairs as well as upstairs. The author has worked in many of the UK'S stately homes and has cooked for the rich and famous and brings his experience to life in the book. Well worth a read and my raise your eyebrows more than once or twice!!!
March 1, 2015
I liked this contemporary gay fiction read. It's very British, well written, and highly entertaining. It has an upstairs, downstairs flavor and a dash of BDSM restricted to spanking without graphic sex scenes.
April 21, 2015
A witty debut from this author who delivers a unique new voice in this page-turner. If you like indiscreet, slightly filthy but hilarious prose, with a hint of BDSM then get yourself a copy. Loved it.
May 5, 2015
I love all things English and that includes this book. What a delightful tale of a Manservant for a hotel who is fired and goes to work for a Lord in the country. The story moves fast and is a wonderful read. I loved the Manservant character.
January 12, 2019
Enjoyed reading the book although it ends abruptly.
March 6, 2015
If you are picking up this book thinking that it will be laden with an ‘upstairs downstairs’ sort of feel and theme, that is not what you are getting. Harwood’s debut novel is focused on Anthony Gowers, a man wholly invested in the fulfillment of special requests of the guests, first to the upscale hotel guests for whom he works, and then later for a lord inside his country estate.
I liked Anthony: perfectly well-suited to his procurement, he isn’t easily shocked or bothered by the particular requirements requested of him. Dancing that line between close-lipped obsequious service to rather bawdy and snide interior monologues, Anthony likes the good life and all that it comes to afford him. When a particular request ends up as tabloid fodder, the well-heeled gentlemen caught in the scandal pressures the hotel to let Anthony go.
Needing a position to maintain his lifestyle, and with his experience including a footman for the Royals, Anthony’s new employer Lord Shanderson, offers him a position of some esteem. When Anthony is requested to produce for Shanderson’s varied interests, the questions about where his life has led, and what options may be available should this position be one step too many.
Anthony’s retelling of the stories, and the repeated M/M conquests, some laden with BDSM elements are notable for their frequency and the efforts that all parties make to keep them a secret. Anthony’s role as the keeper of these many secrets is a dangerous one: in service to the wealthy and privileged, whispered words in the right ears could end any hopes he has of employment or career. While there is nothing overtly shocking in any of the encounters, Harwood gives that sly wink and nod in the attempts everyone seems to make to ignore the realities of their situations, while not out rightly condemning either the acts or the men. Beautifully written with insets of protocol and proper form that only add to the very “Britishness” of the story, this is a story that shows the writer’s skill and abilities, making him one to watch on my lists.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I liked Anthony: perfectly well-suited to his procurement, he isn’t easily shocked or bothered by the particular requirements requested of him. Dancing that line between close-lipped obsequious service to rather bawdy and snide interior monologues, Anthony likes the good life and all that it comes to afford him. When a particular request ends up as tabloid fodder, the well-heeled gentlemen caught in the scandal pressures the hotel to let Anthony go.
Needing a position to maintain his lifestyle, and with his experience including a footman for the Royals, Anthony’s new employer Lord Shanderson, offers him a position of some esteem. When Anthony is requested to produce for Shanderson’s varied interests, the questions about where his life has led, and what options may be available should this position be one step too many.
Anthony’s retelling of the stories, and the repeated M/M conquests, some laden with BDSM elements are notable for their frequency and the efforts that all parties make to keep them a secret. Anthony’s role as the keeper of these many secrets is a dangerous one: in service to the wealthy and privileged, whispered words in the right ears could end any hopes he has of employment or career. While there is nothing overtly shocking in any of the encounters, Harwood gives that sly wink and nod in the attempts everyone seems to make to ignore the realities of their situations, while not out rightly condemning either the acts or the men. Beautifully written with insets of protocol and proper form that only add to the very “Britishness” of the story, this is a story that shows the writer’s skill and abilities, making him one to watch on my lists.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
February 23, 2015
Thanks to Kensington and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Manservant in return for an honest review.
This is the debut novel from the author, Michael Harwood.
I should first point out that this book was not what I was expecting having seen the cover and having read the blurb. I was expecting something similar to Downtown Abbey, however I think this book is better described as a combination between Hotel Babylon and 50 Shades of Grey.
However, despite being somewhat surprised with the content, I have to say that the book was well-written. I enjoyed the narrator's wit and found the book to be very easy reading and great fun.
The main character, Anthony Gowers, was flawed but likeable. He displays an odd combination of vulnerability whilst also taking full advantage of each situation and the people he runs into. There was virtually no character development with the supporting characters, however I think that this actually worked well as we are not supposed to get to know or sympathise with those other characters. This book is all about Anthony Gowers.
The plot moves quickly. It is a story of a butler, first at a swanky hotel and then for a titled gentleman, who sees and experiences the unusual underbelly of the lives of the privileged, wealthy and powerful. As he moves into his position of manservant at the country home of the titled gentleman we see the play for power between Gowers and his employer. Is Gowers taking advantage of his employer or is it actually the other way round?
The story itself is quite raunchy with an emphasis on homosexual sex with mild sadomasochism. I have to admit that this is not a subject matter that I would knowingly have chosen, not because of any objection to homosexuality, but rather due to the fact that I am not a big fan of erotica. However, whilst I often find such books to be overly tacky, The Manservant managed to avoid that pitfall thanks to the author’s writing skills.
Overall, even though not what I anticipated, I found The Manservant to be a witty and entertaining read.
This is the debut novel from the author, Michael Harwood.
I should first point out that this book was not what I was expecting having seen the cover and having read the blurb. I was expecting something similar to Downtown Abbey, however I think this book is better described as a combination between Hotel Babylon and 50 Shades of Grey.
However, despite being somewhat surprised with the content, I have to say that the book was well-written. I enjoyed the narrator's wit and found the book to be very easy reading and great fun.
The main character, Anthony Gowers, was flawed but likeable. He displays an odd combination of vulnerability whilst also taking full advantage of each situation and the people he runs into. There was virtually no character development with the supporting characters, however I think that this actually worked well as we are not supposed to get to know or sympathise with those other characters. This book is all about Anthony Gowers.
The plot moves quickly. It is a story of a butler, first at a swanky hotel and then for a titled gentleman, who sees and experiences the unusual underbelly of the lives of the privileged, wealthy and powerful. As he moves into his position of manservant at the country home of the titled gentleman we see the play for power between Gowers and his employer. Is Gowers taking advantage of his employer or is it actually the other way round?
The story itself is quite raunchy with an emphasis on homosexual sex with mild sadomasochism. I have to admit that this is not a subject matter that I would knowingly have chosen, not because of any objection to homosexuality, but rather due to the fact that I am not a big fan of erotica. However, whilst I often find such books to be overly tacky, The Manservant managed to avoid that pitfall thanks to the author’s writing skills.
Overall, even though not what I anticipated, I found The Manservant to be a witty and entertaining read.
May 21, 2015
I purchased the nook version of this and noticed that the book was 212 pages long. Thought nothing of it at first. However, once I got to page 200 and the story was, seemingly, just getting started, I thought I was missing the last section of the book. Nope! The story really does end in a mere 12 pages. I can't even say it's like one of those books where the author doesn't know how to end the story. He ends the story, it's just out of nowhere. I also wondered if he was setting things up for a sequel, but he ends the story pretty unequivocally.
Overall, The Manservant isn't bad for a first try, though I'm not sure they got the marketing right on this. I thought it was going to be more Downton Abbey and it was definitely more Queer as Folk. Which is fine, I just didn't know that going in. I also think the person who wants to read this probably wants more explicit sex scenes, I know I did. For the people complaining that the book is nothing but porn or just sex no story, I don't think that's true. Unless I read it wrong, Anthony doesn't really have that much sex. He has sex with one person, which is mainly portrayed as heavy kissing, he makes out with another person (more heavy kissing, and a little spanking - which, don't even get me started on that), then moves on to the last guy, which was mainly just acting as his dom. They don't even have sex.
The ending was bizarre, not only in its abruptness, but that it raised more questions than it answered. All questions I'll never know the answer to. Had the book had a better resolution, it would have gotten at least 1 more star.
Overall, The Manservant isn't bad for a first try, though I'm not sure they got the marketing right on this. I thought it was going to be more Downton Abbey and it was definitely more Queer as Folk. Which is fine, I just didn't know that going in. I also think the person who wants to read this probably wants more explicit sex scenes, I know I did. For the people complaining that the book is nothing but porn or just sex no story, I don't think that's true. Unless I read it wrong, Anthony doesn't really have that much sex. He has sex with one person, which is mainly portrayed as heavy kissing, he makes out with another person (more heavy kissing, and a little spanking - which, don't even get me started on that), then moves on to the last guy, which was mainly just acting as his dom. They don't even have sex.
The ending was bizarre, not only in its abruptness, but that it raised more questions than it answered. All questions I'll never know the answer to. Had the book had a better resolution, it would have gotten at least 1 more star.
May 6, 2015
When I state I have read this book I mean I have read all of this book I intend to read (or can stomach). I have stated in reviews before that I like to have more story than sex in a book. In the first four chapters of this book sex with a very thin story is all that one finds. Also the sex is between consenting adults of the same sex, which is not pleasing to me. This book may be for someone else, but not for me. There was no mention of the abundance of sex nor of the manner of the sexual exploits in the blurb for the book or I would not have chosen to win it.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book free from Goodreads First Reads.
February 21, 2015
Very different from what I expected based on the blurb.
Most surprising were the gay sex scenes with BDSM. I thought the book was more about a look into the life of a manservant, so I wasn't expecting quite that much porn. I still enjoyed the book and found it witty and entertaining.
Most surprising were the gay sex scenes with BDSM. I thought the book was more about a look into the life of a manservant, so I wasn't expecting quite that much porn. I still enjoyed the book and found it witty and entertaining.
March 21, 2015
So I have to say, I'd did not expect all the graphic man on man action in this book, which is deffo a first for me. That said, surprise and even brief moment of shock aside. I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
February 12, 2015
Thought provoking. Would recommend.
April 12, 2015
This is an awesome read. Witty. Well structured. Just a really good story.
May 19, 2015
Interesting book, quite saucy. Fifty Shades of Grey, but it's a men's book. It's
all about men. No women,all men.
all about men. No women,all men.
February 1, 2024
I already wrote one… and it was bumped off
I’m sick of this happening
I’m sick of this happening
March 15, 2015
A very entertaining mix of Downton Abbey and a gay Fifty Shades. Really enjoyed it, a hoot.
December 7, 2021
Had high hopes for this. Sorry.
Most characters are presented but then so little developed. Expanded enough to grow a sense of interest, I find Harwood drops them by the wayside until the plot needs a twist. Frank, perfect example: Anthony barely knows him, we barely know him and I wish there was more of him so that I could understand why Anthony, absorbed with cashmere sweaters, top of the line espresso machines and living the high life at whatever the cost, could be reduced to tears when Frank speaks to him about his relationship with his boss. Lady Shanderson, much tempest in a teapot according to others, and when she shows up, pfffff, a wet squib. And Anthony's mother: I feel the whole of it should have been scrapped as, ok, a rough bit in Anthony's life and that affects the book's plot how? I feel the space could have been better used to flesh out characters, making this a richer novel.
The end! Disappointing. Wraps up faster than a lousy one-night stand who's already rolled over and snoring before you're breathing hard. Harwood's editor? He really, really, really, really should have have just, just, just taken a blue pencil to the repeated use of certain words.
I'm not a huge fan of S/M but those of you who have gushed reviews... have you actually READ 50 Shades? Or one of the many S/M themed M/M novels? The most here are a couple of spankings with two basic accoutrements, not counting the bare hand. Sheesh!
Most characters are presented but then so little developed. Expanded enough to grow a sense of interest, I find Harwood drops them by the wayside until the plot needs a twist. Frank, perfect example: Anthony barely knows him, we barely know him and I wish there was more of him so that I could understand why Anthony, absorbed with cashmere sweaters, top of the line espresso machines and living the high life at whatever the cost, could be reduced to tears when Frank speaks to him about his relationship with his boss. Lady Shanderson, much tempest in a teapot according to others, and when she shows up, pfffff, a wet squib. And Anthony's mother: I feel the whole of it should have been scrapped as, ok, a rough bit in Anthony's life and that affects the book's plot how? I feel the space could have been better used to flesh out characters, making this a richer novel.
The end! Disappointing. Wraps up faster than a lousy one-night stand who's already rolled over and snoring before you're breathing hard. Harwood's editor? He really, really, really, really should have have just, just, just taken a blue pencil to the repeated use of certain words.
I'm not a huge fan of S/M but those of you who have gushed reviews... have you actually READ 50 Shades? Or one of the many S/M themed M/M novels? The most here are a couple of spankings with two basic accoutrements, not counting the bare hand. Sheesh!
December 24, 2019
I liked the protagonist's voice and tone. He is a stuffy man, isn't he? I enjoyed his meanderings outside of his sex life. Too much random smut and blithering for my tastes in that regard.
The ending could have been presented better with additional build up, but I'm okay with it. Harwood ended it before the abusive episodes could have gotten worse, and it was never meant to be a drama to me. Rescue romance ahoy!
Drop the idea of exploring a rich society, and The Manservant is an enjoyable romp. Gay wish fulfillment to the max.
The ending could have been presented better with additional build up, but I'm okay with it. Harwood ended it before the abusive episodes could have gotten worse, and it was never meant to be a drama to me. Rescue romance ahoy!
Drop the idea of exploring a rich society, and The Manservant is an enjoyable romp. Gay wish fulfillment to the max.
February 19, 2020
Manservant after thoughts - completed 0812, 2/19/20, was quite sure what to expect on this book but very entertained just the same to have been pleasantly surprised at the directions this story took. The characters where fun & added various elements I love, romance, castles, fashion, elegance, upper & lower classes conflicts, I loved every bit of this book. This would certainly deserve some attention to a network or even a motion picture production. Just wanted a bit more backgrounds on some key characters, especially Frank! MUST READ! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 of 5 (4 of 5)
February 7, 2018
An easy read, and fun, yet more sophisticated than I had imagined. However, I wish proofreaders would have flagged every time the author said, "trying to make sense of what had just happened," to convey the protagonist was confused, overwhelmed, or surprised by the events which had just unfolded.
May 3, 2018
Some of the characters are sketched in a little vaguely, and the conclusion feels very rushed, in comparison to the slow build-up in the preceding chapters. Nevertheless, this is soap opera/Downton Abbey-style comfort food that hits the spot when you're in just the right mood.
June 23, 2023
A fun, fast read. Think Boyfriend Material with a dash of Downton Abbey, but a bit less farcical.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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