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The Gentleman and the Lamplighter
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….
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….
60 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
37 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Summer Devon
62 books225 followersSummer Devon is the pen name writer Kate Rothwell often uses. Whether the characters are male or female, human or dragon, her books are always romance.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
You can visit her facebook page, where there's a sign up form for a newsletter (she'll only send out newsletters when there's a new Summer Devon or Kate Rothwell release and she will never ever sell your name to anyone).
Her blog is available here.
She also has a blog with Bonnie Dee, a frequent co-author. It's mostly just announcements, but we might do good give-aways on occasion.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
January 19, 2020
3 Stars
A realistic historical hurt comfort that despite class divide, two men find each other nonetheless and make a connection.
This gave a satisfying and plausible win and it was heartwarming to see love blossom again for both after such devastating loss.
A realistic historical hurt comfort that despite class divide, two men find each other nonetheless and make a connection.
This gave a satisfying and plausible win and it was heartwarming to see love blossom again for both after such devastating loss.
January 22, 2015
Written January 21, 2015
3.4 Stars - Charming sweet, "me liking"
A new 60 pages novella for just a single dollar. Well worth an hour or so.
• • •
***********************************************************
London 1880
Giles Fullerton is secretly mourning his dead friend,
the only person he’s ever loved. He walks the streets of London in the middle of the night until he by chance start to talk, and get to know, the local lamplighter.
Widower John Banks is a man who knows about grief, and he immediately recognizes a kindred spirit in Mr Fullerton. John has actually secretly watched this handsome gentleman from afar for a while and is glad to at last get a chance to know more.
Here starts a "friends" to lovers story and I liked their way of talking and slowly approaching the secret so well hidden, emotions and longings they both felt for men, and soon also for each other.
There are of course a lot of social taboos to overcome. Not to forget, most of all, their own fears. But with love...
***********************************************************
A lovely sweet historical novella that made me smile. Nothing I will remember forever but nicely written and very hopeful.
I LIKE - when it's quickly done and filled with sweetness
3.4 Stars - Charming sweet, "me liking"
A new 60 pages novella for just a single dollar. Well worth an hour or so.
• • • ***********************************************************
London 1880
Giles Fullerton is secretly mourning his dead friend,
the only person he’s ever loved. He walks the streets of London in the middle of the night until he by chance start to talk, and get to know, the local lamplighter.
Widower John Banks is a man who knows about grief, and he immediately recognizes a kindred spirit in Mr Fullerton. John has actually secretly watched this handsome gentleman from afar for a while and is glad to at last get a chance to know more.
“...In fact, there’s talk that soon it won’t take a man to do these lights.”
“What do you mean?”
“There will be a switch to turn and light the gas far away at the gasworks. The talk is we’ll all be put out of business.”
“No, I can’t see it. There will always be lamplighters.”
Here starts a "friends" to lovers story and I liked their way of talking and slowly approaching the secret so well hidden, emotions and longings they both felt for men, and soon also for each other.
There are of course a lot of social taboos to overcome. Not to forget, most of all, their own fears. But with love...
“Mr. Banks. Your house and the Buckingham Palace might be nothing like my own house, but I can appreciate them both.”
***********************************************************
A lovely sweet historical novella that made me smile. Nothing I will remember forever but nicely written and very hopeful.
I LIKE - when it's quickly done and filled with sweetness
January 9, 2015
*3.5 stars*
Sweet story that could have been REALLY something special if it was a bit longer.
I really liked the style of this book. It was a slow, thoughtful historical with lots of emotional and atmosphere. I didn't know that lamplighters existed (though, *duh*, those lamps didn't light themselves!), and I was pretty interested to read a story with a lamplighter MC.
The first half of the story was SO lovely. Lots of emotion there, and my heart just BROKE for Giles as he mourned his deceased former lover. It was rough reading about him going through all his grief by himself. John was also a good character, though harder for me to picture. His persona seemed too mishmashed to make complete sense. He was a lamp lighter/artist/writer sort of combo, and I had a difficult time seeing him in that time period.
The second half of the story nice too, just more rushed than I would have hoped for. Honestly, for a novella, I was pretty impressed.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Sweet story that could have been REALLY something special if it was a bit longer.
I really liked the style of this book. It was a slow, thoughtful historical with lots of emotional and atmosphere. I didn't know that lamplighters existed (though, *duh*, those lamps didn't light themselves!), and I was pretty interested to read a story with a lamplighter MC.
The first half of the story was SO lovely. Lots of emotion there, and my heart just BROKE for Giles as he mourned his deceased former lover. It was rough reading about him going through all his grief by himself. John was also a good character, though harder for me to picture. His persona seemed too mishmashed to make complete sense. He was a lamp lighter/artist/writer sort of combo, and I had a difficult time seeing him in that time period.
The second half of the story nice too, just more rushed than I would have hoped for. Honestly, for a novella, I was pretty impressed.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
back-burner-for-now
January 7, 2015Now that, my friends, is a fucking book cover!
December 2, 2019
3 Stars
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a heartwarming little historical novella about two men, from different walks of life, finding solace and passion together in the aftermath of great personal loss.
I liked it well enough, but there wasn’t really much to the romance when all was said and done. It seemed like things were just about to get good right when it ended, if you know what I mean.
Also, that cover made me expect a much sexier read than I got, which is a crying shame.
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a heartwarming little historical novella about two men, from different walks of life, finding solace and passion together in the aftermath of great personal loss.
I liked it well enough, but there wasn’t really much to the romance when all was said and done. It seemed like things were just about to get good right when it ended, if you know what I mean.
Also, that cover made me expect a much sexier read than I got, which is a crying shame.
February 8, 2019
My first Summer Devon and I’m completely charmed! 🥰 For a mere two hours listen, this one does pack unbelievable amount of all the feels. Oh, that bittersweet angst and those heart aching moments! 😌❤️ You know you are going to get a happy ending and yet your heart is aching for those protagonists! It was everything! 👏
Giles has been grieving and he’s been doing that for awhile. When his former classmate and secret lover committed suicide, Giles is to become the sort of caretaker for the wife of the man he had to let go. Unable to grieve properly and without anyone to talk, Giles started to roam the streets of London at nights, wandering and wondering aimlessly. And one day, he met an interesting person, the lamplighter, John Banks, who is intelligent, caring, understanding and oh-so-tempting. 😌 Giles is like a wounded cat who’s afraid to let anyone close. But true love and happiness won’t come without opening his heart first. And John isn’t someone who gives up easily for what his heart desires. These two kindred spirits must find a common ground not only in the sheets but also in their hearts to get the ultimate happiness they so desire and deserve.💜
This is a new-to-me author and new-to-me narrator. And what a glorious combo that has been! 😱 I absolutely loved Mark James’ narration! It was just finger-licking good! 😍 And oh Miss Devon, how I wish this is a full-length novel because I loved, loved, loved Giles and John. 😭 The angst, the feels, the emotions and the UST, damn, it was marvelous! And the smut was smoking hot! 🔥 And damn, that cover was scorching gorgeous! 🔥 The only thing that I can complain is the lack of an epilogue. But it was ok because we got our HEA. And Giles and John deserve the perfect happily ever after. 😍 This is my first Summer Devon but this certainly isn’t going to be my last. Loved it! ❤️
4.5 first love doesn’t mean true love stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
Giles has been grieving and he’s been doing that for awhile. When his former classmate and secret lover committed suicide, Giles is to become the sort of caretaker for the wife of the man he had to let go. Unable to grieve properly and without anyone to talk, Giles started to roam the streets of London at nights, wandering and wondering aimlessly. And one day, he met an interesting person, the lamplighter, John Banks, who is intelligent, caring, understanding and oh-so-tempting. 😌 Giles is like a wounded cat who’s afraid to let anyone close. But true love and happiness won’t come without opening his heart first. And John isn’t someone who gives up easily for what his heart desires. These two kindred spirits must find a common ground not only in the sheets but also in their hearts to get the ultimate happiness they so desire and deserve.💜
This is a new-to-me author and new-to-me narrator. And what a glorious combo that has been! 😱 I absolutely loved Mark James’ narration! It was just finger-licking good! 😍 And oh Miss Devon, how I wish this is a full-length novel because I loved, loved, loved Giles and John. 😭 The angst, the feels, the emotions and the UST, damn, it was marvelous! And the smut was smoking hot! 🔥 And damn, that cover was scorching gorgeous! 🔥 The only thing that I can complain is the lack of an epilogue. But it was ok because we got our HEA. And Giles and John deserve the perfect happily ever after. 😍 This is my first Summer Devon but this certainly isn’t going to be my last. Loved it! ❤️
4.5 first love doesn’t mean true love stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Audio rating
Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Disclaimer: An audio copy of this book was provided by the author for an honest and unbiased review.
March 28, 2015
This was a too-short short story. The MC's were both likable, but nothing really happened. Still, a pleasant read. Bonus points for the cover.
December 4, 2014
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?!?!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
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?!?!
4.5 Stars
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
February 1, 2023
I was charmed by Summer Devon’s The Gentleman and the Lamplighter when I read it back in 2015 so when the opportunity arose to review it as an audiobook I didn’t have to think twice.
Ms. Devon does a wonderful job depicting both the historic period and the differences between the social class of both men. John’s descriptions of his job as a lamplighter are lovely and truly capture the ambiance of the moment, and when he walks his route with Giles the two men make a compelling connection. The friendship quickly turns into attraction and it’s easy to see these two are perfect for each other.
The sweet and romantic sensations of this novel are enhanced by the melodic and gentle tones of narrator, Mark James. He does an excellent job with the various voices, and I especially enjoyed the lively banter between the bookshop owner and his wife. He’s a good match for this one, and it was easy to enjoy this story a second time.
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a true romance, guaranteed to warm your heart and make you smile.
an audiobook copy of The Gentleman and the Lamplighter was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
Ms. Devon does a wonderful job depicting both the historic period and the differences between the social class of both men. John’s descriptions of his job as a lamplighter are lovely and truly capture the ambiance of the moment, and when he walks his route with Giles the two men make a compelling connection. The friendship quickly turns into attraction and it’s easy to see these two are perfect for each other.
The sweet and romantic sensations of this novel are enhanced by the melodic and gentle tones of narrator, Mark James. He does an excellent job with the various voices, and I especially enjoyed the lively banter between the bookshop owner and his wife. He’s a good match for this one, and it was easy to enjoy this story a second time.
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a true romance, guaranteed to warm your heart and make you smile.
an audiobook copy of The Gentleman and the Lamplighter was provided to me for the purpose of my honest review
January 7, 2015
"I want you, all of you"
"You got me, every speck and hair of me"
Two men, loss, grieving for their love ones.Found each other in some lonely nights walk together.
But in 1800-ish its hard to find a real togetherness for gay couple like today, but I'm glad they have agreement on something according their relationship.
Too bad it's short. I would love to read a longer version of this one.
The dialogue is clever, but sexy. I'm glad, my friend Ami let me know about this one.
Such a good story.
And look at that gorgeous cover! I can stare at it forever!!!
Recommended.
November 26, 2019
I admit it was the title that dew me in.
It reminded me of the sexy fantasies these elderly ladies had when visiting Max Bialystock in The Procuders :-)
The story of Giles and John is quite cute. It's a short, so things progress quickly and the Victorian language made this a pretty amusing read.
However, it did suffer from the main weakness of many short stories in the romance genre:
Things develop too quickly and tend to be a tad too simple to satisfy me completely.
Still, it's definitely a great opportunity to see a gentleman and a hunky lamplighter get some steamy action in the 1800s. Can't say I've been there before :-)
3 stars!
It reminded me of the sexy fantasies these elderly ladies had when visiting Max Bialystock in The Procuders :-)
The story of Giles and John is quite cute. It's a short, so things progress quickly and the Victorian language made this a pretty amusing read.
However, it did suffer from the main weakness of many short stories in the romance genre:
Things develop too quickly and tend to be a tad too simple to satisfy me completely.
Still, it's definitely a great opportunity to see a gentleman and a hunky lamplighter get some steamy action in the 1800s. Can't say I've been there before :-)
3 stars!
January 7, 2015
My first read from Summer Devon and I am declaring myself a fan. I love historical romance and this story, while short was simply gorgeous and I am a bit of a mess from it.
Page one had me tearing up as we hear from Giles and his reason for taking to the streets at night to walk. The man has been bereft with the sudden passing of his friend and his feelings beyond friendship for Wool. He can’t reconcile the loss of Wool so he walks… until that early morning he intends to leave and ends up sitting on his porch and meets the lamplighter.
John, I was in love with you when I met you through Giles and then we get your POV which has me sighing thinking about it. You noticed your “ghost” every night he walked unaware of you or anyone else around him, as you lit and extinguished the lamp lights. The casual way you approached him though your head was full of stories with who he could be, the man you secretly wanted to know why he walked and the man you secretly wanted. It was melancholy to hear of the lamplighter’s story that no one but children waited for you to appear, until the next night when Giles waited, for you.
This story, again I am going to say it was gorgeous. It was short, far too short for my taste as I was in love with these two quite quickly, but it was beautiful. I loved the walks the men took as John did his job and go to know one another. How they danced around the attraction, not knowing if the other felt the same way toward their own sex and then that moment of a brief and slight touch. Good lord that was sensual and hot and swoony and perfection. The feelings I needed were all there with this story and I fell hard for it. It wasn’t overly sexual, yet it was sexy. It had just enough layers of both characters that they weren’t two dimensional and the attraction, you could feel it coming of the page fast and believable. I adored this.
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter may be my first from the author but it won’t be my last. I am off to stalk her backlist right now. I loved the writing, it was beautiful and felt authentic to the period in time where these two men could meet in such a lovely way, find their way to one another and hopefully plan a future - a long future together.
Page one had me tearing up as we hear from Giles and his reason for taking to the streets at night to walk. The man has been bereft with the sudden passing of his friend and his feelings beyond friendship for Wool. He can’t reconcile the loss of Wool so he walks… until that early morning he intends to leave and ends up sitting on his porch and meets the lamplighter.
If he could not think of the past without sorrow for the future without dreary dismay, then he must exist in the moment.
John, I was in love with you when I met you through Giles and then we get your POV which has me sighing thinking about it. You noticed your “ghost” every night he walked unaware of you or anyone else around him, as you lit and extinguished the lamp lights. The casual way you approached him though your head was full of stories with who he could be, the man you secretly wanted to know why he walked and the man you secretly wanted. It was melancholy to hear of the lamplighter’s story that no one but children waited for you to appear, until the next night when Giles waited, for you.
This story, again I am going to say it was gorgeous. It was short, far too short for my taste as I was in love with these two quite quickly, but it was beautiful. I loved the walks the men took as John did his job and go to know one another. How they danced around the attraction, not knowing if the other felt the same way toward their own sex and then that moment of a brief and slight touch. Good lord that was sensual and hot and swoony and perfection. The feelings I needed were all there with this story and I fell hard for it. It wasn’t overly sexual, yet it was sexy. It had just enough layers of both characters that they weren’t two dimensional and the attraction, you could feel it coming of the page fast and believable. I adored this.
The Gentleman and the Lamplighter may be my first from the author but it won’t be my last. I am off to stalk her backlist right now. I loved the writing, it was beautiful and felt authentic to the period in time where these two men could meet in such a lovely way, find their way to one another and hopefully plan a future - a long future together.
January 8, 2015
3.5 stars
Near the end of 2013, I discovered that I could enjoy MM historical romance. So I've been trying more and more titles. I think there's something captivating about men who trying to find love in such unfavorable circumstances of the society in general. The secretive meeting, the skirting around the danger of being found, as well as the plans to be able to get their happily ever after.
This short story by Summer Devon -- I usually read her romance when she is writing alongside Bonnie Dee -- was really, really lovely. Giles Fullerton and John Banks might come from different spectrum in love -- Giles is the "gentleman" while John is a lamplighter. But both has suffered the same kind of loss of a loved one. Giles is still mourning for the death of his former schoolmate, who also one his first love. While John's wife, who is also his best friend who shares the same kind passion for the same sex, dies after being sick.
I really loved the tone of this story -- how Giles and John try to guess each other preference, with subtle gestures or the way of talking. Trying to ensure that their feeling that they are in the company of men who love men is correct. It was charming to read!
I also loved reading the descriptions of John's works -- how he lights the lamp like so. I felt rather sad (because it did happen!) when John said that the lamplighters might be out of work because in the future people would find a way to light lamps with just a switch.
Having said that, I also can't help to wish that the story can a be a bit longer so there are no summarized conversations between the two men. I know it's meant to be short stories ... but I wish some of those conversations are in details. I love reading how people connect by way of talking.
All in all, another good historical story for me. My love for the genre is really growing :)
PS: Plus in historical, people are not calling each other "baby" as endearment *LOL*
Near the end of 2013, I discovered that I could enjoy MM historical romance. So I've been trying more and more titles. I think there's something captivating about men who trying to find love in such unfavorable circumstances of the society in general. The secretive meeting, the skirting around the danger of being found, as well as the plans to be able to get their happily ever after.
This short story by Summer Devon -- I usually read her romance when she is writing alongside Bonnie Dee -- was really, really lovely. Giles Fullerton and John Banks might come from different spectrum in love -- Giles is the "gentleman" while John is a lamplighter. But both has suffered the same kind of loss of a loved one. Giles is still mourning for the death of his former schoolmate, who also one his first love. While John's wife, who is also his best friend who shares the same kind passion for the same sex, dies after being sick.
I really loved the tone of this story -- how Giles and John try to guess each other preference, with subtle gestures or the way of talking. Trying to ensure that their feeling that they are in the company of men who love men is correct. It was charming to read!
I also loved reading the descriptions of John's works -- how he lights the lamp like so. I felt rather sad (because it did happen!) when John said that the lamplighters might be out of work because in the future people would find a way to light lamps with just a switch.
Having said that, I also can't help to wish that the story can a be a bit longer so there are no summarized conversations between the two men. I know it's meant to be short stories ... but I wish some of those conversations are in details. I love reading how people connect by way of talking.
All in all, another good historical story for me. My love for the genre is really growing :)
PS: Plus in historical, people are not calling each other "baby" as endearment *LOL*
January 9, 2015
I loved this heartwarming story of 2 lonely, grieving men who, in the light, find each other.
I tend not to read novellas and short stories because they often leave me wanting more and this book was not an exception.
I wish it had been longer.
Thank you, THANK YOU, Sandi. xo
I tend not to read novellas and short stories because they often leave me wanting more and this book was not an exception.
I wish it had been longer.
Thank you, THANK YOU, Sandi. xo
Want to read
January 8, 2015
That cover though...
May 10, 2015
This is one of those shorts where I know I would have given it 4 stars, if it was just a bit longer.
Giles Fullerton is a wealthy man, yet he's quite lonely. He mourns the death of his childhood friend, and first love, by walking through the dark streets of London at night. John Banks is a lamplighter, and has learned to take life as it comes. John has secretly admired Giles from afar for a while now, and is happy when he finally gets to talk to Giles face-to-face.
The two begin a tentative friendship, while at the same time they struggle with their desire for one another. Throw in the differences in social class, the definitely not gay-friendly times, and their sordid pasts, and you've got a pretty entertaining short. There's a fair bit of angst and feels, but the payoff is a good one.
Overall, 'The Gentleman and the Lamplighter' was an enjoyable read. Just an extra few pages at the end would have really brought everything together.
*ARC provided through NetGalley
Giles Fullerton is a wealthy man, yet he's quite lonely. He mourns the death of his childhood friend, and first love, by walking through the dark streets of London at night. John Banks is a lamplighter, and has learned to take life as it comes. John has secretly admired Giles from afar for a while now, and is happy when he finally gets to talk to Giles face-to-face.
The two begin a tentative friendship, while at the same time they struggle with their desire for one another. Throw in the differences in social class, the definitely not gay-friendly times, and their sordid pasts, and you've got a pretty entertaining short. There's a fair bit of angst and feels, but the payoff is a good one.
Overall, 'The Gentleman and the Lamplighter' was an enjoyable read. Just an extra few pages at the end would have really brought everything together.
*ARC provided through NetGalley
October 18, 2016
***** Wow, I loved that book cover !! :) Giles is financially well off, but struggling with the grief of losing his friend. John is a lamplighter/writer, who works on Gile's street, and has secretly wanted Giles for a long while. In this historical piece, the men meet in the dark and talk while walking, learning about each other, but each wary of getting close. Each knows their place in society and in the light of day, they cannot socialize. So, their stolen walks are their escape. These characters were likable immediately and we waited with anticipation to see where this friendship would go. This is a terrific short story that feels like a full novel. Deep characters, a flowing plot, and hot M/M sex make this one worth your time. This can stand alone, but I can imagine the plot line if it becomes a series, because these two men were amazing.
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
Highly recommended. ENJOY !!!
June 4, 2021
Sometimes one just needs the short-reads. And this one hit the spot
February 4, 2018
3.8 Stars
Sweet and sexy; not too heavy with the strict historical details but between Jack's job, typical housing arrangements and being extremely circumspect about one's attractions the reader definitely could tell it was set in the past. Also I'd totally forgotten that it was somone's job to light and douse the lamps in public areas and it was an interesting to see how those performing the job went about their rounds.
Sweet and sexy; not too heavy with the strict historical details but between Jack's job, typical housing arrangements and being extremely circumspect about one's attractions the reader definitely could tell it was set in the past. Also I'd totally forgotten that it was somone's job to light and douse the lamps in public areas and it was an interesting to see how those performing the job went about their rounds.
October 9, 2019
A very nice short story - melancholic, angsty, tender, with two characters deeply enveloped in their own personal grief.
Two downsides for me: the cover that doesn't do any justice to the book's atmosphere and the fact that it was way too short a read. I really would have liked a much longer story.
Otherwise, really nice.
3.5 stars for me.
Two downsides for me: the cover that doesn't do any justice to the book's atmosphere and the fact that it was way too short a read. I really would have liked a much longer story.
Otherwise, really nice.
3.5 stars for me.
March 23, 2016
Such a good story, I just wish it was longer. Because then it would have been awesome. This is my first book by Devon Summer and i am looking forward to more of her books.
March 3, 2015
This was just so-so for me. I think it had the potential to be a lot more, but it kind of fell short.
It would have been a cute little story if not for the heavy dollop of melancholy. I don't mean to sound insensitive-Giles was having a rough go of it and that was sad. but I felt the constant reminders of Wool painted everything gray. I was sad for Giles but at the same time
John was a fun character, I liked him a lot. I was kind of picturing Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins...did that happen to anyone else? *shrugs* He was fun and sweet and if it had been up to him, we probably would have gotten a lot more steam. His past with his wife was interesting and sweet.
I would have enjoyed this more I think if it were a bit longer. There was so much more to know, and while I guess we got an HEA...or was it HFN? I don't know...it wasn't solid enough for me.
Overall, a decent quick read.
It would have been a cute little story if not for the heavy dollop of melancholy. I don't mean to sound insensitive-Giles was having a rough go of it and that was sad. but I felt the constant reminders of Wool painted everything gray. I was sad for Giles but at the same time
John was a fun character, I liked him a lot. I was kind of picturing Dick Van Dyke from Mary Poppins...did that happen to anyone else? *shrugs* He was fun and sweet and if it had been up to him, we probably would have gotten a lot more steam. His past with his wife was interesting and sweet.
I would have enjoyed this more I think if it were a bit longer. There was so much more to know, and while I guess we got an HEA...or was it HFN? I don't know...it wasn't solid enough for me.
Overall, a decent quick read.
February 2, 2015
Review: THE GENTLEMAN ND THE LAMPLIGHTER
Gay entanglements were considered a scandal and a crime in Victorian England, as much as in the English Navy of the 18th century, when such behavior was punished by flogging and hanging. A Victorian noble must hide his feelings, even to the point of arranged marriage, for concealment. When Woolver ("Wool") marries, then commits suicide, his beloved Giles cannot recover, living a half-life in the void. But sometimes the Universe has plans for us-- and for Giles, from out of the shadows will come a lamplighter, to light up his soul.
Gay entanglements were considered a scandal and a crime in Victorian England, as much as in the English Navy of the 18th century, when such behavior was punished by flogging and hanging. A Victorian noble must hide his feelings, even to the point of arranged marriage, for concealment. When Woolver ("Wool") marries, then commits suicide, his beloved Giles cannot recover, living a half-life in the void. But sometimes the Universe has plans for us-- and for Giles, from out of the shadows will come a lamplighter, to light up his soul.
January 7, 2015
A gentle realistic story about two lovely boys, both grieving their lost loves. Their dawn encounters, while John does his lamp lighting (or in this case lamp UNlighting), allow each to open up and talk and dream and share.
What I liked best was the HEA which pretty much sums up the time in which they lived (1880s), and their different classes.
But I know these two will find a way to be together. Also their smexy encounters are suitably steamy and delightfully joyful. (hmm, maybe there was only one)...
Easy to read, and most enjoyable.
What I liked best was the HEA which pretty much sums up the time in which they lived (1880s), and their different classes.
But I know these two will find a way to be together. Also their smexy encounters are suitably steamy and delightfully joyful. (hmm, maybe there was only one)...
Easy to read, and most enjoyable.
February 21, 2015
3.5 stars
I wanted something short, sweet and cozy and I got it.
"In what world are you living?"
"The one you're in, of course."
This is a story about loss, grief, forgiving, moving on and finding a HEA in a society that wouldn't approve the love between two men.
I really liked the atmosphere. The walks in the early hours, the careful steps the MCs did toward each other...
I would have really liked it to be longer only to read more about these two lovely men.
February 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this, for such a short novella -only 60 pages- the scene is vividly set and the characters come to life. There's strong feelings grief, need and reaching for joy. I got wrapped up in the story but then it ended, on a bright positive note but far too quick; felt honest disappointment flipping the page to find the story had ended when it had felt to be building up rather than finishing.
Extended this could make a lovely novel, I really wanted to visit this world a little longer and to give it full stars.
Extended this could make a lovely novel, I really wanted to visit this world a little longer and to give it full stars.
February 20, 2015
Excellent story.
Currently in my top ten favorites in this genre.
Thank you to my reading friends for the recommendation.
Currently in my top ten favorites in this genre.
Thank you to my reading friends for the recommendation.
February 10, 2016
short and sweet. just what I needed.
December 19, 2014
There’s not a lot to this story, because it is so short, but what you do get is quite lovely. I felt so bad for Giles, not just because of the way he had to hide his grief, but because of the relationship he had before it. I was not left with a good opinion of Wool and the way he treated Giles before he died. In fact, it’s fair to say, I really didn’t like Wool. Not just for what he did to Giles, but I doubt he treated his wife too well either.
Luckily John is a completely different type of man, one without shame. He’s so accepting and open with Giles, even as they both edged carefully towards what they wanted. They’re adorable together and I really wanted them to find a way to be together in the midst of Victorian propriety. I loved how they found common ground despite their different social class, and how it really didn’t matter in the overall scheme of things.
Set in the ever-evocative Victorian London, this was a lovely read that I really enjoyed. True, I would have liked a little more about their future together and how they might manage everything, but this is only a novella so make the most of what you see. If you’re looking for a quick, historical M/M with a sweet relationship then you can’t go far wrong with this.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Luckily John is a completely different type of man, one without shame. He’s so accepting and open with Giles, even as they both edged carefully towards what they wanted. They’re adorable together and I really wanted them to find a way to be together in the midst of Victorian propriety. I loved how they found common ground despite their different social class, and how it really didn’t matter in the overall scheme of things.
Set in the ever-evocative Victorian London, this was a lovely read that I really enjoyed. True, I would have liked a little more about their future together and how they might manage everything, but this is only a novella so make the most of what you see. If you’re looking for a quick, historical M/M with a sweet relationship then you can’t go far wrong with this.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
August 1, 2015
I haven't read too many M/M romances before so I was intrigued when this came up on NetGalley for review. The story itself was a good one, but the character's backgrounds/pasts were not developed as they should...especially Giles'. His past relationship with Woolver, both as friends and quickie lovers was merely just mentioned yet it defined who Giles was for most of the story. I know it was a VERY short story, and there are limits to what you can develop, but I think this was a biggie. And then I blinked an eye and the story was over.. And again, I know it was a very short story, so it is going to end rather rapidly, but everything just seemed to happen in a very wham bam thank you ma'am kind of way.
Overall, as I mentioned before, the story itself was good, but it lacked development all the way around.
ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
Overall, as I mentioned before, the story itself was good, but it lacked development all the way around.
ARC provided by St. Martin's Press via NetGalley for an honest review.
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