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The Lords of Bucknall Club #5
An Affair for Aumont
All he wants is the love he lost.
Four years ago, Louis-Charles Aumont, the Marquis de Montespan, chose duty over the man he loved. And then the man he loved chose death in service to England. Now, after finally cutting ties with his king, Aumont is living in a slum in Seven Dials–and intending to die there too. But when Bow Street Runner George Darling shows up at his door with a strange proposition, Aumont is intrigued by the prospect of something–anything–that might make him feel alive again. Or at least provide the funds he needs to drink himself to death.
All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.
George Darling joined the Bow Street Runners out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray. Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.
Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.
When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.
An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in The Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance. The Lords of Bucknall Club books can be read as standalones but are best enjoyed in order.
Four years ago, Louis-Charles Aumont, the Marquis de Montespan, chose duty over the man he loved. And then the man he loved chose death in service to England. Now, after finally cutting ties with his king, Aumont is living in a slum in Seven Dials–and intending to die there too. But when Bow Street Runner George Darling shows up at his door with a strange proposition, Aumont is intrigued by the prospect of something–anything–that might make him feel alive again. Or at least provide the funds he needs to drink himself to death.
All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.
George Darling joined the Bow Street Runners out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray. Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.
Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.
When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.
An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in The Lords of Bucknall Club series, where the Regency meets m/m romance. The Lords of Bucknall Club books can be read as standalones but are best enjoyed in order.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
62 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Rock
57 books565 followersJ.A. Rock is the author or coauthor of over twenty LGBTQ romance, suspense, and horror novels, as well as an occasional contributor to HuffPo Queer Voices. J.A. has received Lambda Literary and INDIEFAB Award nominations for MINOTAUR, and THE SUBS CLUB received the 2016 National Leather Association-International Pauline Reage Novel Award. J.A. lives in Chicago with an extremely judgmental dog, Professor Anne Studebaker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 23, 2022
if I could give this more than 5 I would, just Fantastic!
Rating: 5 🌈
An Affair for Aumont is my absolute favorite of this fantastic series, The Lords of Bucknall Club, by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry. If I didn’t already know there was another book in the series with an expected release date, I would have thought this was an incredible series finale. That’s because all the characters from the previous books appear in their now harmonious couple form to indulge in some hilarious hijinks, be included in the huge investigation (yes, everyone), and end up still wandering or strolling in at the ending.
Even my fabulous, now happily married twits, Rivington and Notley, the incomparables of the Season, bring their sheep, Euphemia, who eats the scenery. Pun intended. Hilarious. I adore those two lovers.
Rock and Henry leave nothing out of this book. Besotted pig farmers (I adored Mr. Foster), button art, a sexy swim in the old pond, but they never once take their attention away from the heart of the story.
That’s the broken Aument, former French spy , and George Darling, the Runner, who’s reluctantly fallen in love with him. Aument is a tremendous character, and one we’ve slowly had knowledge of through other stories.
It was Soulden’s brother, Luke, who Aument loved and refused to marry, preferring to return to France to fight, a act that has disastrous consequences for Luke and his family. Aument has never forgiven himself and neither has Soulden who once regarded him as a brother.
This story is about Aument’s redemption and forgiveness as much as it is about the mystery of who’s stalking the very beautiful and kind Teddy Honeyfield. That’s a task that Lord Christmas Gale has asked them to take on at the beginning of the book. Insure Teddy’s safety and find out who’s threatening him.
A not so easy investigation! It takes everyone we’ve come to know to get the culprits and Teddy safe. As well as tie up one more pesky loose end.
While there’s humor and charm a plenty to be had amongst the scintillating dialogue and extremely well written storylines, Rock and Henry include gritty elements such as Aument’s withdrawal from alcoholism as well as his own self inflicted guilt over Luke’s choices.
The authors manage to weave a rawness into a Regency romance and relationship that’s also full of humor, intellectual philosophy, and love . It’s absolutely magnificent.
There’s another to be released in July , about a character that always floated about the very edges of this group. That’s Stratford, he of the horses that’s always about to be bought or talked about.
Honestly, the bar set by An Affair for Aumont is so very high I can’t see how that’s going to top it. But I’m certainly going to see how Stratford plays into this amazing group and uniquely talented characters.
I’m highly recommending An Affair for Aumont and this series but read them in order for the sheer joy of the couples relationships and series development.
Series - ThLords of Bucknall Club
- [x] A Husband for Hartwell #1
- [x] A Case for Christmas #2
- [x] A Rival for Rivingdon #3
- [x] A Sanctuary for Soulden #4.
- [x] A Affair for Aument #5
- [ ] A Scandal for Stratford #6 - July 5, 2022
Rating: 5 🌈
An Affair for Aumont is my absolute favorite of this fantastic series, The Lords of Bucknall Club, by J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry. If I didn’t already know there was another book in the series with an expected release date, I would have thought this was an incredible series finale. That’s because all the characters from the previous books appear in their now harmonious couple form to indulge in some hilarious hijinks, be included in the huge investigation (yes, everyone), and end up still wandering or strolling in at the ending.
Even my fabulous, now happily married twits, Rivington and Notley, the incomparables of the Season, bring their sheep, Euphemia, who eats the scenery. Pun intended. Hilarious. I adore those two lovers.
Rock and Henry leave nothing out of this book. Besotted pig farmers (I adored Mr. Foster), button art, a sexy swim in the old pond, but they never once take their attention away from the heart of the story.
That’s the broken Aument, former French spy , and George Darling, the Runner, who’s reluctantly fallen in love with him. Aument is a tremendous character, and one we’ve slowly had knowledge of through other stories.
It was Soulden’s brother, Luke, who Aument loved and refused to marry, preferring to return to France to fight, a act that has disastrous consequences for Luke and his family. Aument has never forgiven himself and neither has Soulden who once regarded him as a brother.
This story is about Aument’s redemption and forgiveness as much as it is about the mystery of who’s stalking the very beautiful and kind Teddy Honeyfield. That’s a task that Lord Christmas Gale has asked them to take on at the beginning of the book. Insure Teddy’s safety and find out who’s threatening him.
A not so easy investigation! It takes everyone we’ve come to know to get the culprits and Teddy safe. As well as tie up one more pesky loose end.
While there’s humor and charm a plenty to be had amongst the scintillating dialogue and extremely well written storylines, Rock and Henry include gritty elements such as Aument’s withdrawal from alcoholism as well as his own self inflicted guilt over Luke’s choices.
The authors manage to weave a rawness into a Regency romance and relationship that’s also full of humor, intellectual philosophy, and love . It’s absolutely magnificent.
There’s another to be released in July , about a character that always floated about the very edges of this group. That’s Stratford, he of the horses that’s always about to be bought or talked about.
Honestly, the bar set by An Affair for Aumont is so very high I can’t see how that’s going to top it. But I’m certainly going to see how Stratford plays into this amazing group and uniquely talented characters.
I’m highly recommending An Affair for Aumont and this series but read them in order for the sheer joy of the couples relationships and series development.
Series - ThLords of Bucknall Club
- [x] A Husband for Hartwell #1
- [x] A Case for Christmas #2
- [x] A Rival for Rivingdon #3
- [x] A Sanctuary for Soulden #4.
- [x] A Affair for Aument #5
- [ ] A Scandal for Stratford #6 - July 5, 2022
September 8, 2023
Oh my heart!
The fifth book of The Lords of Bucknall Club series by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock offered some sweetness that made me all gooey inside!
This book carried a heavier tone than book #2 and #4 (the only two books I read because I skipped #1 and #3) due to the grief that Louis-Charles Aumont carried around. From the previous book, A Sanctuary for Soulden, we understand the cause (). Aumont carries the guilt and grief. He lives in the hive of vice, disease, and crime, also drowned in alcohol. Until Bow Street Runner, George Darling, came into him with a proposition to help being Teddy Honeyfield's bodyguard (as advice from Lord Christmas Gale).
George Darling really lives up to his last name. HE IS SUCH A DARLING!! He wishes for goodness of the world. Darling has a crush on Gale, but he also knows he's only a butcher's son, and probably won't stand a chance. He wishes to be loved. Oh, and Darling saves his virtue only until his marriage (WOW!). So he's attracted to Aumont, but Darling refuses to do more than just kisses. The way Darling stays on Aumont's side, the way he makes sure that (despite being angry at times at Aumont), he will not leave Aumont alone (especially when Aumont is drowning in grief) made me want to make sure that Aumont TREAT Darling RIGHT!
I liked Aumont all right - him dealing with grief was different with Benjamin Chant's way (from book #2). Thus the heavier tone. But I thought Darling was able to penetrate the walls around Aumont's heart. I believe that Aumont would make sure that his potato would be cherished.
I am also happy that Teddy got his man...
The mystery of the man threating Teddy was a downer though. I didn't fully grasp his motivation and the "investigation" of his identity was less existent. I prefer the thriller of book #2 (we know the villain down right and it was all about the threat). AND I HATE THAT THERE WAS IN THIS BOOK!! (yes, ! URGH!). That's why I didn't give the rating of this one as high as book #2
The fifth book of The Lords of Bucknall Club series by Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock offered some sweetness that made me all gooey inside!
This book carried a heavier tone than book #2 and #4 (the only two books I read because I skipped #1 and #3) due to the grief that Louis-Charles Aumont carried around. From the previous book, A Sanctuary for Soulden, we understand the cause (). Aumont carries the guilt and grief. He lives in the hive of vice, disease, and crime, also drowned in alcohol. Until Bow Street Runner, George Darling, came into him with a proposition to help being Teddy Honeyfield's bodyguard (as advice from Lord Christmas Gale).
George Darling really lives up to his last name. HE IS SUCH A DARLING!! He wishes for goodness of the world. Darling has a crush on Gale, but he also knows he's only a butcher's son, and probably won't stand a chance. He wishes to be loved. Oh, and Darling saves his virtue only until his marriage (WOW!). So he's attracted to Aumont, but Darling refuses to do more than just kisses. The way Darling stays on Aumont's side, the way he makes sure that (despite being angry at times at Aumont), he will not leave Aumont alone (especially when Aumont is drowning in grief) made me want to make sure that Aumont TREAT Darling RIGHT!
I liked Aumont all right - him dealing with grief was different with Benjamin Chant's way (from book #2). Thus the heavier tone. But I thought Darling was able to penetrate the walls around Aumont's heart. I believe that Aumont would make sure that his potato would be cherished.
I am also happy that Teddy got his man...
The mystery of the man threating Teddy was a downer though. I didn't fully grasp his motivation and the "investigation" of his identity was less existent. I prefer the thriller of book #2 (we know the villain down right and it was all about the threat). AND I HATE THAT THERE WAS IN THIS BOOK!! (yes, ! URGH!). That's why I didn't give the rating of this one as high as book #2
April 16, 2022
I could and would read a zillion more stories about Aumont and his potato, Darling.
What a treat! With humor, devastating heartache, despair, a mini mystery, familiar faces, and more.
A rather intense character study with loads o emotion, this is. It had me reading until well past 2 in the wee a.m. hours, I didn't want to stop. And then I did! Because I didn't want my time with these lads to end, and saved the last chapter for this morning, just now. I'm making the heart symbol with my hands, yo.
Thank you, authors, for this oh so satisfying reading experience. I'm contented.
What a treat! With humor, devastating heartache, despair, a mini mystery, familiar faces, and more.
A rather intense character study with loads o emotion, this is. It had me reading until well past 2 in the wee a.m. hours, I didn't want to stop. And then I did! Because I didn't want my time with these lads to end, and saved the last chapter for this morning, just now. I'm making the heart symbol with my hands, yo.
Thank you, authors, for this oh so satisfying reading experience. I'm contented.
July 24, 2025
A much more serious book than A Rival for Rivingdon, all the angst and grief and alcoholism and low self-esteem. And I liked the characters a lot, I liked the dynamic between them, but this felt much too short, like there were chapters missing already. Re meet, some whatever plot so they are thrown together, hanging together a bit, in love. It is almost like I blinked and missed it, wait married and the book over already? This is often a problem with recent series though.
March 23, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry’s Lords of Bucknall Club series. The books take place in an alternate historical world where same sex marriage is legal, which I think is quite fun as it allows for HEAs for the characters that can end in marriage and public relationships, unlike most real-world historical stories. I will note that while the blurbs or front matter of these books often state that they can be read in any order, I very much disagree with this assessment. The books feature a group of friends who appear in each other’s stories. They take place essentially chronologically (with a bit of overlap in a few) and refer back to past events that often will spoil prior books. Aumont, for example, reveals both the bad guy from A Sanctuary for Soulden, as well as how that story resolves. If you read this one first, the whole suspense plot would be ruined.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
An Affair for Aumont is the fifth book in J.A. Rock and Lisa Henry’s Lords of Bucknall Club series. The books take place in an alternate historical world where same sex marriage is legal, which I think is quite fun as it allows for HEAs for the characters that can end in marriage and public relationships, unlike most real-world historical stories. I will note that while the blurbs or front matter of these books often state that they can be read in any order, I very much disagree with this assessment. The books feature a group of friends who appear in each other’s stories. They take place essentially chronologically (with a bit of overlap in a few) and refer back to past events that often will spoil prior books. Aumont, for example, reveals both the bad guy from A Sanctuary for Soulden, as well as how that story resolves. If you read this one first, the whole suspense plot would be ruined.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 22, 2022
Another excellent addition to the Lords of Bucknall Club series.
Rock and Henry know how to deliver quality storytelling.
Rock and Henry know how to deliver quality storytelling.
July 11, 2023
Ha! Część bez seksu. :)
Tym razem miłość rozkwitła między londyńskim policjantem o wysokich standardach moralnych (stąd brak seksu) a byłym francuskim szpiegiem.
Dobrze mi się to czytało, chociaż przyznam, że rozwiązanie zagadki było tym razem trochę kulawe.
Tym razem miłość rozkwitła między londyńskim policjantem o wysokich standardach moralnych (stąd brak seksu) a byłym francuskim szpiegiem.
Dobrze mi się to czytało, chociaż przyznam, że rozwiązanie zagadki było tym razem trochę kulawe.
November 3, 2023
I think this one was my favourite so far (and there is only one book left to go). It's completely adorable with a subplot to get these two together that is a genuine threat to Teddy, who is a positive sweetheart and also gets a HEA of his own. When Teddy recalls who his stalker might be the rest of the Bucknell Club gang get involved and a madcap scheme to flush him out ensues.
Darling is just as his name suggests, he's sweet and caring, a man with strong moral values. Aumont is on a self destructive path and initially bucks against Darling's help and advice. Darling's values call for no sex before marriage and this results in a sweet, low heat read.
The narrator did an excellent job, especially with the group scenes where he had to juggle a gaggle of different voices.
Loved it.
Darling is just as his name suggests, he's sweet and caring, a man with strong moral values. Aumont is on a self destructive path and initially bucks against Darling's help and advice. Darling's values call for no sex before marriage and this results in a sweet, low heat read.
The narrator did an excellent job, especially with the group scenes where he had to juggle a gaggle of different voices.
Loved it.
March 6, 2025
I had initial difficulty with liking either MC (tormented Louis-Charles and straight-laced George) - especially as Teddy and Christmas kept stealing every scene they appeared in! Not a high drama/danger read this (when compared to some earlier books of the series) but my interest was much more engaged by three quarters way in. 3.5 stars at best.
September 21, 2024
2.5 Stars - Rounded down
Somewhere in this novel I trust there's a story worth telling. Unfortunately the author's writing style and my willingness to slog through that style, just didn't mesh.
An Affair for Aumont simply didn't work for me.
Somewhere in this novel I trust there's a story worth telling. Unfortunately the author's writing style and my willingness to slog through that style, just didn't mesh.
An Affair for Aumont simply didn't work for me.
November 18, 2022
My favorite so far!! I really liked the storyline, the characters, Aumont's issues, the whole thing.
January 3, 2025
4+++ stars. Absolutely SUPERB.
This review is gonna be a long one, folks.
First of all, I never thought I'd see the day when any other author could possibly write a KJ Charles-type book as well as, well, KJ Charles. This book could slide right into Charles' "Society of Gentlemen" series like a hand into a glove, and be one of the best of the series. Much to my surprise and delight, this author has done just that, and coming from me, that is about the highest praise possible the author of an MM romance. BRAVO
This book has a great plotline, an astonishingly satisfactory ending for an historical romance (the MC's decide to become, which solves the issues of class, having some kind of work to perform, being able to work together, and earning enough to live comfortably. It's really quite brilliant), outstanding characters galore, and beautiful, smart, funny writing that made the whole thing sing from beginning to end.
I would say there are three MC's here, although this is in no way a MMM situation. Indeed, I could almost say there are four because of the enormous role the late Luke plays in the story. The MC's are Louis-Charles Aumont (aka just "Aumont"), George Darling (who lives up to his last name in every way, shape and form) and Teddy Honeyfield. Aumont and Darling are the couple, but honestly, Teddy plays such a huge role and is such a continual presence in our MC's lives for the duration of this story that I simply have to include him.
First, let me extol the perfection of a broken and beautiful wreck of a character that is Aumont. This man is by turns an absolute dog, a self-loathing vat of guilt, a savagely funny wit, and, under it all, a lovely lost soul who deserves a second chance. He is often filthy in both mind and body and has a tongue that could skewer a person at 10 paces. He hates himself, he hates life, he hates being alive while his lover is dead, he just seethes with anger and loss. He's vile, offensive, sarcastic, and somehow carries himself (even while falling down drunk, which is quite often as he is determined to drink himself to death) with an air of entitled haughtiness. Nobody should like this guy, much less love him . . . and I find him to be one of the most utterly delectable characters I've ever come across in MM romance. Simply put, this reader looooooves him.
George Darling is pretty much a polar opposite - he's a Bow Street Runner (reluctantly) who wants to believe everyone has the capability of being good and doing the right thing. That makes him sound like a choir boy, but he definitely is not - he struggles mightily with what he thinks he wants and with what life is really like. To quote Aumont:
Darling did see the world’s ugliness. And he didn’t shatter under the weight of it.
He could easily fall off a cliff into the mixed morals of general society, but he always claws himself back to the brink just.in.time. And then agonizes over whether he should have. He is kind and gentle, but also has a heart that is strong as an oak. He is the perfect person for a partner who needs an absolute rock to keep them afloat, one who is non-judgmental, endlessly patient, and yet will NOT enable his partner in negative actions. There is an exquisite chapter where Aumont is determined to do absolutely everything he can to drive Darling away and Darling just settles in and becomes a sheer and impenetrable cliff face of "you are not going to drive me away, nor CAN you drive me away, try as you might, because I love you, you bastard." By the end of this chapter, Aumont is broken (but in the right way, for a change) and so was this reader.
As for Teddy, he is a secondary character in the story, but his presence is constant and his impact is huge. He's impossible to explain, a sort of muse/courtesan/kept man who is actually NOT a whore and who pretty much enchants everyone he meets, no matter their station in life or their personality. He is actually a savant of the human condition and he feels sort of like a more loquacious and intelligent Clarence from 'It's a Wonderful Life'. He is an absolute treasure and his contribution to how the relationship between Aumont and Darling grows feels vital somehow even if you can't actually grasp at just what it is.
The writing, as stated before, is crazy good. The author does a brilliant job of making Aumont a vile, loathsome creature, starting with the very first chapter. Here's an example, when Darling goes to check on Aumont due to an incident from the end of the previous book, and Aumont - who is almost dead drunk and living in squalor - not only treats Darling with complete and utter content, but also propositions him in the bluntest manner possible:
“I don’t care what you believe. Believe the sky is purple if you want, or that up is down. It makes no difference to me.” He swallowed another mouthful of gin. “But, to be clear, a f*** is out of the question, hmm? I’ll take either position. I’m not particular.”
“I am,” Darling said, his voice cold.
Aumont laughed. “Fine, fine. It was just a suggestion.”
“I...I don’t even know why I came.”
“Then that makes two of us, Mr. Darling.”
For a moment Darling held his gaze, his expression unreadable, and then he shook his head and looked away. Put his hat back on. “Goodnight, sir.”
“Close the door when you go.” Maybe Darling did, and maybe he didn’t. Aumont passed out before he could check.
I mean, he is just an utter DOG at this point. And yet he does so with such panache and, dare I say it, 'Frenchness' 😁 (Note: This is also the point where Aumont saddles Darling with the sobriquet "potato", which morphs by the end of the book from "bland, boring, not worth noticing" to "versatile, useful, everyone loves potatoes" to the fondest of endearments.) Darling has hired Aumont to help with a situation concerning Teddy and keeps trying to get out of the agreement:
He met Darling’s gaze. “I will not do it.”
“I...” Darling drew a breath, and then, given the stench of the place, looked as though he regretted it. “I can pay you. Not much, but enough to keep you in gin.”
F*** him. Aumont glared at him over the rim of his cup before taking another swig and setting it down on the table. “I will do it.”
And here's a typical remark froman argument a conversation between Aumont and Darling:
Aumont raised his eyebrows. “I do not know. That’s why I said ‘think’ instead of ‘know.’ It has been many years since I learned English, Mr. Darling. Have they changed the meaning of the words without my knowing it?”
He is SUCH a smart-ass. There's a really funny running theme that part of Aumont's repulsiveness is because he is, after all (wait for it) . . . French.
Was Darling really grown so remiss in his morals that he’d fantasise about being put on his knees by a drunk? And a murderer, lest Darling forget. And a Frenchman.
Oh, the HORROR! 😁
For most of the book, Aumont feels and acts like a wounded animal that's been driven into a corner. Once he starts to believe that Darling is actually real (imagines Aumont literally poking Darling to see if he's flesh and blood) and might really care for him in fact as well as words, we start to see some real loveliness peek out:
Darling’s eyes were wide in the gloom as Aumont lifted his hand and tugged his glove off. Then, instead of pressing the back of his hand to his lips, Aumont turned Darling’s wrist—a flash of pale, soft skin in the darkness—and kissed his palm instead. Darling’s fingers twitched like the legs of a dying spider.
“I—I—I—” he stammered.
“It is all right,” Aumont said softly. Though it really wasn’t, and never would be. He didn’t want to let go of Darling’s hand. It was large and warm and rough with calluses. He passed his thumb over those rough places.
It's important to note here that these two never have sex in the book. Yes, you read that right. Darling is a Catholic virgin and the concept of sex before marriage eats at his soul, even as he wishes to God he could do it. Aumont is aware of this - indeed, he mocks Darling for it - but as Aumont grows more human, he becomes almost painfully tender about not pressing Darling too much while still being intimate. And there is a huge amount of intimacy between these two, which is just perfection (I am a HUGE fan of stories that contain true intimacy along with more over sex scenes. Intimacy is not easy to do or portray.) They sleep together, they kiss, they spend every possible moment touching, and Aumont makes sure he never pushes Darling into something that is more frustrating and/or painful than it is enjoyable.
If you are meaning to read this, I would strongly advise reading the preceding books in the series. The author always includes characters from the previous novels and, this being book 4, there is a large contingent of secondary characters involved and knowing their characters and personalities going in makes it a real joy to read about their interactions with the MC's. (The author is really good at weaving prior history and interactions into current plotlines). I personally love it whenever Notley and Rivingdon are involved, because they are both such delightfully sweet and funny idiots:
Suddenly, Notley burst into their group. “What is happening?” he demanded. “Have you found the blackguard?”
Chant subtly indicated The Apostle with a shift of his head and a series of rapid blinks. Notley stared at Chant.
“Have you something in your eye?”
“Rivingdon is speaking to the villain,” Hartwell whispered.
“What?” Notley’s voice rose in alarm. “Why is my husband speaking to the cat-murderer?”
A lot of readers didn't like this duo, but for me they are comic gold.
And, at the end, there is Luke. Luke is Aumont's former lover (and childhood companion) and died in the battle of Waterloo. There is a metric f***ton of reasons behind why Luke went to war and if it could have been avoided and how Aumont blames himself and lets it eat at him like a cancer. Darling finds out about Luke and actually gets Aumont to speak about him (which you'd never believe possible at the start) and the way Darling treats Aumont's memories of and feeling for Luke is just . . . heartbreakingly lovely. One of my favorite parts is during a conversation Aumont is having with Luke in his mind while watching Darling sleep:
“Well,” he murmured in response to a question he imagined Luke asking, “that’s different. I already know I’m pathetic.” He stared down at Darling a moment longer, and that urgent rush of arousal faded into something altogether more tender and more terrifying. “Would you mind, my dearest, if I fell in love?” His eyes pricked with tears.
My God, that did me in.
I could quote endlessly from this book, but I will stop here and just say - READ. THIS.
I don't only recommend this book, I hope against hope that if you have any interest whatsoever in reading this that you will take the plunge. It is extraordinarily good and has a very firm place in my all-time keepers list - and I will be rereading it, it is just that good.
This review is gonna be a long one, folks.
First of all, I never thought I'd see the day when any other author could possibly write a KJ Charles-type book as well as, well, KJ Charles. This book could slide right into Charles' "Society of Gentlemen" series like a hand into a glove, and be one of the best of the series. Much to my surprise and delight, this author has done just that, and coming from me, that is about the highest praise possible the author of an MM romance. BRAVO
This book has a great plotline, an astonishingly satisfactory ending for an historical romance (the MC's decide to become, which solves the issues of class, having some kind of work to perform, being able to work together, and earning enough to live comfortably. It's really quite brilliant), outstanding characters galore, and beautiful, smart, funny writing that made the whole thing sing from beginning to end.
I would say there are three MC's here, although this is in no way a MMM situation. Indeed, I could almost say there are four because of the enormous role the late Luke plays in the story. The MC's are Louis-Charles Aumont (aka just "Aumont"), George Darling (who lives up to his last name in every way, shape and form) and Teddy Honeyfield. Aumont and Darling are the couple, but honestly, Teddy plays such a huge role and is such a continual presence in our MC's lives for the duration of this story that I simply have to include him.
First, let me extol the perfection of a broken and beautiful wreck of a character that is Aumont. This man is by turns an absolute dog, a self-loathing vat of guilt, a savagely funny wit, and, under it all, a lovely lost soul who deserves a second chance. He is often filthy in both mind and body and has a tongue that could skewer a person at 10 paces. He hates himself, he hates life, he hates being alive while his lover is dead, he just seethes with anger and loss. He's vile, offensive, sarcastic, and somehow carries himself (even while falling down drunk, which is quite often as he is determined to drink himself to death) with an air of entitled haughtiness. Nobody should like this guy, much less love him . . . and I find him to be one of the most utterly delectable characters I've ever come across in MM romance. Simply put, this reader looooooves him.
George Darling is pretty much a polar opposite - he's a Bow Street Runner (reluctantly) who wants to believe everyone has the capability of being good and doing the right thing. That makes him sound like a choir boy, but he definitely is not - he struggles mightily with what he thinks he wants and with what life is really like. To quote Aumont:
Darling did see the world’s ugliness. And he didn’t shatter under the weight of it.
He could easily fall off a cliff into the mixed morals of general society, but he always claws himself back to the brink just.in.time. And then agonizes over whether he should have. He is kind and gentle, but also has a heart that is strong as an oak. He is the perfect person for a partner who needs an absolute rock to keep them afloat, one who is non-judgmental, endlessly patient, and yet will NOT enable his partner in negative actions. There is an exquisite chapter where Aumont is determined to do absolutely everything he can to drive Darling away and Darling just settles in and becomes a sheer and impenetrable cliff face of "you are not going to drive me away, nor CAN you drive me away, try as you might, because I love you, you bastard." By the end of this chapter, Aumont is broken (but in the right way, for a change) and so was this reader.
As for Teddy, he is a secondary character in the story, but his presence is constant and his impact is huge. He's impossible to explain, a sort of muse/courtesan/kept man who is actually NOT a whore and who pretty much enchants everyone he meets, no matter their station in life or their personality. He is actually a savant of the human condition and he feels sort of like a more loquacious and intelligent Clarence from 'It's a Wonderful Life'. He is an absolute treasure and his contribution to how the relationship between Aumont and Darling grows feels vital somehow even if you can't actually grasp at just what it is.
The writing, as stated before, is crazy good. The author does a brilliant job of making Aumont a vile, loathsome creature, starting with the very first chapter. Here's an example, when Darling goes to check on Aumont due to an incident from the end of the previous book, and Aumont - who is almost dead drunk and living in squalor - not only treats Darling with complete and utter content, but also propositions him in the bluntest manner possible:
“I don’t care what you believe. Believe the sky is purple if you want, or that up is down. It makes no difference to me.” He swallowed another mouthful of gin. “But, to be clear, a f*** is out of the question, hmm? I’ll take either position. I’m not particular.”
“I am,” Darling said, his voice cold.
Aumont laughed. “Fine, fine. It was just a suggestion.”
“I...I don’t even know why I came.”
“Then that makes two of us, Mr. Darling.”
For a moment Darling held his gaze, his expression unreadable, and then he shook his head and looked away. Put his hat back on. “Goodnight, sir.”
“Close the door when you go.” Maybe Darling did, and maybe he didn’t. Aumont passed out before he could check.
I mean, he is just an utter DOG at this point. And yet he does so with such panache and, dare I say it, 'Frenchness' 😁 (Note: This is also the point where Aumont saddles Darling with the sobriquet "potato", which morphs by the end of the book from "bland, boring, not worth noticing" to "versatile, useful, everyone loves potatoes" to the fondest of endearments.) Darling has hired Aumont to help with a situation concerning Teddy and keeps trying to get out of the agreement:
He met Darling’s gaze. “I will not do it.”
“I...” Darling drew a breath, and then, given the stench of the place, looked as though he regretted it. “I can pay you. Not much, but enough to keep you in gin.”
F*** him. Aumont glared at him over the rim of his cup before taking another swig and setting it down on the table. “I will do it.”
And here's a typical remark from
Aumont raised his eyebrows. “I do not know. That’s why I said ‘think’ instead of ‘know.’ It has been many years since I learned English, Mr. Darling. Have they changed the meaning of the words without my knowing it?”
He is SUCH a smart-ass. There's a really funny running theme that part of Aumont's repulsiveness is because he is, after all (wait for it) . . . French.
Was Darling really grown so remiss in his morals that he’d fantasise about being put on his knees by a drunk? And a murderer, lest Darling forget. And a Frenchman.
Oh, the HORROR! 😁
For most of the book, Aumont feels and acts like a wounded animal that's been driven into a corner. Once he starts to believe that Darling is actually real (imagines Aumont literally poking Darling to see if he's flesh and blood) and might really care for him in fact as well as words, we start to see some real loveliness peek out:
Darling’s eyes were wide in the gloom as Aumont lifted his hand and tugged his glove off. Then, instead of pressing the back of his hand to his lips, Aumont turned Darling’s wrist—a flash of pale, soft skin in the darkness—and kissed his palm instead. Darling’s fingers twitched like the legs of a dying spider.
“I—I—I—” he stammered.
“It is all right,” Aumont said softly. Though it really wasn’t, and never would be. He didn’t want to let go of Darling’s hand. It was large and warm and rough with calluses. He passed his thumb over those rough places.
It's important to note here that these two never have sex in the book. Yes, you read that right. Darling is a Catholic virgin and the concept of sex before marriage eats at his soul, even as he wishes to God he could do it. Aumont is aware of this - indeed, he mocks Darling for it - but as Aumont grows more human, he becomes almost painfully tender about not pressing Darling too much while still being intimate. And there is a huge amount of intimacy between these two, which is just perfection (I am a HUGE fan of stories that contain true intimacy along with more over sex scenes. Intimacy is not easy to do or portray.) They sleep together, they kiss, they spend every possible moment touching, and Aumont makes sure he never pushes Darling into something that is more frustrating and/or painful than it is enjoyable.
If you are meaning to read this, I would strongly advise reading the preceding books in the series. The author always includes characters from the previous novels and, this being book 4, there is a large contingent of secondary characters involved and knowing their characters and personalities going in makes it a real joy to read about their interactions with the MC's. (The author is really good at weaving prior history and interactions into current plotlines). I personally love it whenever Notley and Rivingdon are involved, because they are both such delightfully sweet and funny idiots:
Suddenly, Notley burst into their group. “What is happening?” he demanded. “Have you found the blackguard?”
Chant subtly indicated The Apostle with a shift of his head and a series of rapid blinks. Notley stared at Chant.
“Have you something in your eye?”
“Rivingdon is speaking to the villain,” Hartwell whispered.
“What?” Notley’s voice rose in alarm. “Why is my husband speaking to the cat-murderer?”
A lot of readers didn't like this duo, but for me they are comic gold.
And, at the end, there is Luke. Luke is Aumont's former lover (and childhood companion) and died in the battle of Waterloo. There is a metric f***ton of reasons behind why Luke went to war and if it could have been avoided and how Aumont blames himself and lets it eat at him like a cancer. Darling finds out about Luke and actually gets Aumont to speak about him (which you'd never believe possible at the start) and the way Darling treats Aumont's memories of and feeling for Luke is just . . . heartbreakingly lovely. One of my favorite parts is during a conversation Aumont is having with Luke in his mind while watching Darling sleep:
“Well,” he murmured in response to a question he imagined Luke asking, “that’s different. I already know I’m pathetic.” He stared down at Darling a moment longer, and that urgent rush of arousal faded into something altogether more tender and more terrifying. “Would you mind, my dearest, if I fell in love?” His eyes pricked with tears.
My God, that did me in.
I could quote endlessly from this book, but I will stop here and just say - READ. THIS.
I don't only recommend this book, I hope against hope that if you have any interest whatsoever in reading this that you will take the plunge. It is extraordinarily good and has a very firm place in my all-time keepers list - and I will be rereading it, it is just that good.
September 21, 2022
Four years ago, Louis-Charles Aumont, the Marquis de Montespan, chose duty over the man he loved. And then the man he loved chose death in service to England. Now, after finally cutting ties with his king, Aumont is living in a slum in Seven Dials–and intending to die there too. But when Bow Street Runner George Darling shows up at his door with a strange proposition, Aumont is intrigued by the prospect of something–anything–that might make him feel alive again. Or at least provide the funds he needs to drink himself to death.
All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.
George Darling joined the Bow Street Runners out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray. Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.
Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.
When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.
Review:
This is the book five in the series. The characters from the previous books appear as secondary characters and even though each book features new love story for the members of Bucknail Club, I think at this point I would not advise to start reading the series beginning this book. You won't really miss much, but for example the main couple in this book did appear as episodic characters in the previous one. Darling I believe appeared in almost all of them, although I may be confused, I am certainly not rereading at least two of the previous four, ever .
I am going to just briefly restate that if you want to read a historical romance, do not start these series at all because in my opinion this is not it, BUT if you want to read the books that want to be Bridgerton in the genre of m/m romance, this may be your cup of tea. To be clear, I had tons of fun watching Bridgerton and am certainly not disparaging it.
For me, the books that I liked in these series were books that did not really try to think too much about the world that they portrayed, but concentrated more on the relationship and whatever suspense/ mystery was going on in the narrative. again, I would not call these books full blown mysteries/ suspense either, far from it, however there were elements of it in each.
I think this book is probably my favorite one so far and this one besides romance also has a suspense element. As blurb tells you Aumont and Darling team up to help Teddy who acquired himself a dangerous stalker. Lord Gale asked Darling for this favor and he could not refuse the former crash.
Aumont is mourning his long lost lover, who also was an older brother of Philip Sauden and in the previous book we saw that Philip may have assigned to Aumont some intentions which Aumont did not display at all. Aumont loved Luke very much, but divided loyalties ( or what he thought of as divided loyalties) let him to reject Luke's marriage proposal. Luke went to war and he went to war to die and if one goes to war already intent upon dying that is what usually happens . Of course one can be killed at war no matter what, but Luke did not stand a chance. Of course Aumont regretted his rejection and of course he blames himself for Luke's death and is not very intent upon living when the book begins , but somehow this case and Darling lead to him enjoying life more, eventually.
I thought Darling revealed an interesting character trait here , presumably he finally revealed his real self to us. We remember prime and proper Bow street runner from previous books, but apparently George is really an idealist who believes in utter goodness of the world and people around them. It is not the first time of course when in one form or another I encounter the character who hides his better traits in romance, but if I remember correctly usually such character hides his better self because he encountered some kind of trauma/rejection from his crush/ boyfriend/ partner . Here Darling presumably presented the world more gruff version of himself partially to make an impression on Lord Gale before. As we remember it still did not work, but I thought it was an interesting revelation.
I thought the characters had lovely, lovely chemistry and some hurt/comfort was not overdone but very much well placed due to the grief Aumont still very much experienced. I really liked their interactions and once again thought that secondary characters' participation was well done and with each book these men become better and closer friends.
I especially appreciated that the authors took time to develop more one of the couples from the past books that I found especially annoying - what I considered a pair of superficial and spoiled children ( Notley and Rivington). One can see that there are things in the world they both care about besides what they were wearing .
And I am thankful to these two for their pet sheep, which provided humor which I found very nice and again just enough of it.
"It was then that Darling noticed the sheep. A lamb, really, in that awkward phase just before adulthood. It was standing in a corner of the room, by a window, chewing on the rose-coloured drapes. “There’s… a sheep,” Darling remarked, to no one in particular. “Oh, yes,” Mr. Notley said. “That is Euphemia. Her name used to be Agnes, but then there was Lady Agnes, the murdering Bonapartist, so we had to change it.”
“Rivingdon stood out in his red uniform—a ridiculously bright shade for a uniform, Aumont thought with a pang in his heart, so easy to spot from a distance—with his husband Notley beside him. Notley had brought the sheep from last night, and had leashed it like a dog. It grazed contentedly. Hartwell and Warry were standing by them. Warry looked grave. Hartwell looked bewildered, but that was possibly due to the presence of the sheep.”
Grade: B.
All he wants is the love he couldn’t have.
George Darling joined the Bow Street Runners out of a belief in order. He accepts no bribes, indulges in no vices, and tries very hard not to dream above his station. If only Lord Christmas Gale hadn’t put that last one to such a test. Now that turning his thoughts from Lord Christmas only lands them instead on the handsome Frenchman with whom he recently crossed paths, Darling is more determined than ever to keep his head down and focus on his duty–until a knock on his door sends his life into disarray. Teddy Honeyfield, a former companion of Lord Christmas’s, is in need of a temporary bodyguard. Darling would never pass as the sort of gentleman Teddy requires…but he knows someone who might.
Neither wants to take a chance on a love that can never be.
When Aumont and Darling join forces to help Teddy, they’re not expecting to risk their hearts as well as their lives. Darling’s striking looks remind Aumont quite painfully of the man he’s lost, and Aumont’s title reminds Darling he has no right to desire a nobleman. But the rising threat soon drives them to flee with Teddy to the country–a journey that puts them face-to-face with their pasts while showing them a chance for happiness is within reach, if only they’re courageous enough to grab it.
Review:
This is the book five in the series. The characters from the previous books appear as secondary characters and even though each book features new love story for the members of Bucknail Club, I think at this point I would not advise to start reading the series beginning this book. You won't really miss much, but for example the main couple in this book did appear as episodic characters in the previous one. Darling I believe appeared in almost all of them, although I may be confused, I am certainly not rereading at least two of the previous four, ever .
I am going to just briefly restate that if you want to read a historical romance, do not start these series at all because in my opinion this is not it, BUT if you want to read the books that want to be Bridgerton in the genre of m/m romance, this may be your cup of tea. To be clear, I had tons of fun watching Bridgerton and am certainly not disparaging it.
For me, the books that I liked in these series were books that did not really try to think too much about the world that they portrayed, but concentrated more on the relationship and whatever suspense/ mystery was going on in the narrative. again, I would not call these books full blown mysteries/ suspense either, far from it, however there were elements of it in each.
I think this book is probably my favorite one so far and this one besides romance also has a suspense element. As blurb tells you Aumont and Darling team up to help Teddy who acquired himself a dangerous stalker. Lord Gale asked Darling for this favor and he could not refuse the former crash.
Aumont is mourning his long lost lover, who also was an older brother of Philip Sauden and in the previous book we saw that Philip may have assigned to Aumont some intentions which Aumont did not display at all. Aumont loved Luke very much, but divided loyalties ( or what he thought of as divided loyalties) let him to reject Luke's marriage proposal. Luke went to war and he went to war to die and if one goes to war already intent upon dying that is what usually happens . Of course one can be killed at war no matter what, but Luke did not stand a chance. Of course Aumont regretted his rejection and of course he blames himself for Luke's death and is not very intent upon living when the book begins , but somehow this case and Darling lead to him enjoying life more, eventually.
I thought Darling revealed an interesting character trait here , presumably he finally revealed his real self to us. We remember prime and proper Bow street runner from previous books, but apparently George is really an idealist who believes in utter goodness of the world and people around them. It is not the first time of course when in one form or another I encounter the character who hides his better traits in romance, but if I remember correctly usually such character hides his better self because he encountered some kind of trauma/rejection from his crush/ boyfriend/ partner . Here Darling presumably presented the world more gruff version of himself partially to make an impression on Lord Gale before. As we remember it still did not work, but I thought it was an interesting revelation.
I thought the characters had lovely, lovely chemistry and some hurt/comfort was not overdone but very much well placed due to the grief Aumont still very much experienced. I really liked their interactions and once again thought that secondary characters' participation was well done and with each book these men become better and closer friends.
I especially appreciated that the authors took time to develop more one of the couples from the past books that I found especially annoying - what I considered a pair of superficial and spoiled children ( Notley and Rivington). One can see that there are things in the world they both care about besides what they were wearing .
And I am thankful to these two for their pet sheep, which provided humor which I found very nice and again just enough of it.
"It was then that Darling noticed the sheep. A lamb, really, in that awkward phase just before adulthood. It was standing in a corner of the room, by a window, chewing on the rose-coloured drapes. “There’s… a sheep,” Darling remarked, to no one in particular. “Oh, yes,” Mr. Notley said. “That is Euphemia. Her name used to be Agnes, but then there was Lady Agnes, the murdering Bonapartist, so we had to change it.”
“Rivingdon stood out in his red uniform—a ridiculously bright shade for a uniform, Aumont thought with a pang in his heart, so easy to spot from a distance—with his husband Notley beside him. Notley had brought the sheep from last night, and had leashed it like a dog. It grazed contentedly. Hartwell and Warry were standing by them. Warry looked grave. Hartwell looked bewildered, but that was possibly due to the presence of the sheep.”
Grade: B.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
I liked the feature romantic pair the most of any other pair in this series, both as a pair and as individual characters. But there was no smut!
May 9, 2024
Yes, I'm still here...
At this point this is more like a New Years resolution. I must finish this series.
Partly on principle, because I do enjoy bits of it.
The biggest issues remain: the MCs keep falling in love in 5 days, and whole marriage between men (five books in shouldn't bother me anymore) still bothers me. This book in particular raises a lot of questions about that issue of m/m marriage: Both MCs are religious.
Aumont is catholic and French.
The book doesn't go into detail as to what marriages are like in France I DOUBT they would have passed a similar law there. Homosexuality was not criminalized in France by late 18th century, but there's a HUGE leap between that and legalizing gay marriage. Especially because they are still fervently Catholic to this day. And Catholicism suuuuuper against homosexuality, has always been, will always be. They might have been able to pass the law in England because ok, if Henry VIII created a whole church just so he could divorce his wife, then maybe King George might have amended the church so men could marry. BUT NOT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. There is no argument that can be done with regards to "the thinly spread inheritance" that could convince the Catholic Church to permit men to marry each other, and so, this isn't mentioned in the book and I found it so distracting every time they mentioned marriage or their faith, I just want these books WITHOUT the male marriage thing!!
George Darling is religious too, and more importantly, he doesn't believe in sex before marriage. He has high moral standards and he is ugh, such a prude. So, he falls in love with Aumont (who practically kills a woman in front of him thirty seconds before he asks George to marry him) in about five days. Ok, maybe not five days. Maybe a week and a half, but still. It's just... ugh. Must everything happen during the season?
So, of course, this book has no smut. Aaaaaa. It's all sappy feelings and constant reminders why they shouldn't love each other and how they're no good for the other. Ugh. Basically, that's the main issue here.
Ah, and the Teddy thing. So, they get together in order to help Teddy because he has a stalker. So they go through great lengths to make sure he's safe. But like, why? He's a stranger to them, only referenced to them by Gale, and immediately these two are like We must protect Teddy at all costs! Uh, ok? (At some point, Aumont even swears his life to Teddy.)
The "stalker" issue was so weak and dully resolved that I was sure the suspect couldn't be the guy after all because that would have been WAY too easy.
Also, Teddy too falls in love with some guy in 5 days.
Now, the thing I enjoyed. The one thing I truly, absolutely adored were the cameos of Rivingdon and Morgan. Like, omg these two are juuuust everything. They are so ridiculous they add color to every scene they're in. I enjoyed them here more than I did in their own book. All the others make cameos here too. Christmas Gale is more neurodivergent than ever, which still reminds me of that unnecessary spanking scene in his own book and how wrong that was after all.
Anyway, last book. One more. One last effort to find something that isn't potentially good but ends up being riddled with little problems that distract from the narrative.
At this point this is more like a New Years resolution. I must finish this series.
Partly on principle, because I do enjoy bits of it.
The biggest issues remain: the MCs keep falling in love in 5 days, and whole marriage between men (five books in shouldn't bother me anymore) still bothers me. This book in particular raises a lot of questions about that issue of m/m marriage: Both MCs are religious.
Aumont is catholic and French.
The book doesn't go into detail as to what marriages are like in France I DOUBT they would have passed a similar law there. Homosexuality was not criminalized in France by late 18th century, but there's a HUGE leap between that and legalizing gay marriage. Especially because they are still fervently Catholic to this day. And Catholicism suuuuuper against homosexuality, has always been, will always be. They might have been able to pass the law in England because ok, if Henry VIII created a whole church just so he could divorce his wife, then maybe King George might have amended the church so men could marry. BUT NOT THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. There is no argument that can be done with regards to "the thinly spread inheritance" that could convince the Catholic Church to permit men to marry each other, and so, this isn't mentioned in the book and I found it so distracting every time they mentioned marriage or their faith, I just want these books WITHOUT the male marriage thing!!
George Darling is religious too, and more importantly, he doesn't believe in sex before marriage. He has high moral standards and he is ugh, such a prude. So, he falls in love with Aumont (who practically kills a woman in front of him thirty seconds before he asks George to marry him) in about five days. Ok, maybe not five days. Maybe a week and a half, but still. It's just... ugh. Must everything happen during the season?
So, of course, this book has no smut. Aaaaaa. It's all sappy feelings and constant reminders why they shouldn't love each other and how they're no good for the other. Ugh. Basically, that's the main issue here.
Ah, and the Teddy thing. So, they get together in order to help Teddy because he has a stalker. So they go through great lengths to make sure he's safe. But like, why? He's a stranger to them, only referenced to them by Gale, and immediately these two are like We must protect Teddy at all costs! Uh, ok? (At some point, Aumont even swears his life to Teddy.)
The "stalker" issue was so weak and dully resolved that I was sure the suspect couldn't be the guy after all because that would have been WAY too easy.
Also, Teddy too falls in love with some guy in 5 days.
Now, the thing I enjoyed. The one thing I truly, absolutely adored were the cameos of Rivingdon and Morgan. Like, omg these two are juuuust everything. They are so ridiculous they add color to every scene they're in. I enjoyed them here more than I did in their own book. All the others make cameos here too. Christmas Gale is more neurodivergent than ever, which still reminds me of that unnecessary spanking scene in his own book and how wrong that was after all.
Anyway, last book. One more. One last effort to find something that isn't potentially good but ends up being riddled with little problems that distract from the narrative.
October 16, 2022
A disappointing entry in a fun series. Aumont behaves so badly toward George Darling, the Bow Street runner who was crushing hard on Lord Christmas Gale in A Case for Christmas, that Darling's immediate devotion to his welfare is more than unearned, it's self-abnegating. Aumont improves eventually -- improves a little -- but for me it was too little too late.
Besides this, the book IMO suffers from Twenty-first Century Self-Help Syndrome. Well, all the books do, more or less irksomely, but for whatever reason the iteration of it here irritated me more. Aumont has felt guilty for years because after he rejected his English beloved, Luke, in favor of serving France (I didn't get as far as learning the details of that service but it seems to have involved spying. *handwave*), Luke went and got himself killed at Waterloo.
Getting oneself killed at Waterloo is kind of a joke, because Waterloo was a fucking horrorshow, even as battles go, so how one could know that any given soldier died there purposely is beyond me, but anyway Aumont blames Aumont; Luke's younger brother (Soulden of Book 4) blames Aumont; etc. Oh, and do I remember that this was only three years before the book takes place? I might be wrong about that, but in any case it hasn't been, you know, decades; it's still a recent traumatic loss.
So then Aumont and Darling have this exchange about Luke in which Darling insists that Aumont isn't to blame for Luke's choices blah blah blah, which is technically true, but honestly, if you break someone's heart, for real break their heart, and they experience grief and despair and in consequence don't make the most self-preserving choices available to them (which, again: Waterloo. Choices. L.O. Fucking. L), then I'm sorry but yeah, you are partly responsible. There's something inhumane toward Luke in insisting that hE MaDE hIs oWn CHoiCeS, you know? It would make more sense to argue that Aumont shouldn't blame himself for Luke's death because of course as a young nobleman Luke would likely have been a British officer, and of course Luke was feeling like shit but death on the battlefield is rarely subject to individual choice so his feeling like shit was neither here nor there.
Between my inability to believe in Aumont's appeal to Darling and this narrative in which people bear no responsibility for the emotional state of others on whom they've inflicted devastating hurt, I was done.
Besides this, the book IMO suffers from Twenty-first Century Self-Help Syndrome. Well, all the books do, more or less irksomely, but for whatever reason the iteration of it here irritated me more. Aumont has felt guilty for years because after he rejected his English beloved, Luke, in favor of serving France (I didn't get as far as learning the details of that service but it seems to have involved spying. *handwave*), Luke went and got himself killed at Waterloo.
Getting oneself killed at Waterloo is kind of a joke, because Waterloo was a fucking horrorshow, even as battles go, so how one could know that any given soldier died there purposely is beyond me, but anyway Aumont blames Aumont; Luke's younger brother (Soulden of Book 4) blames Aumont; etc. Oh, and do I remember that this was only three years before the book takes place? I might be wrong about that, but in any case it hasn't been, you know, decades; it's still a recent traumatic loss.
So then Aumont and Darling have this exchange about Luke in which Darling insists that Aumont isn't to blame for Luke's choices blah blah blah, which is technically true, but honestly, if you break someone's heart, for real break their heart, and they experience grief and despair and in consequence don't make the most self-preserving choices available to them (which, again: Waterloo. Choices. L.O. Fucking. L), then I'm sorry but yeah, you are partly responsible. There's something inhumane toward Luke in insisting that hE MaDE hIs oWn CHoiCeS, you know? It would make more sense to argue that Aumont shouldn't blame himself for Luke's death because of course as a young nobleman Luke would likely have been a British officer, and of course Luke was feeling like shit but death on the battlefield is rarely subject to individual choice so his feeling like shit was neither here nor there.
Between my inability to believe in Aumont's appeal to Darling and this narrative in which people bear no responsibility for the emotional state of others on whom they've inflicted devastating hurt, I was done.
October 5, 2022
Aumont wishes to drink himself to death. Darling is drawn to Aumont and Gale does some surreptitious match making by putting them on assignment together.
Teddy is a “companion” and is receiving anonymous letters from a stalker who is jealous of his other customers. Gale sets Darling and Aumont to help by protecting him and trying to flush out the stalker. After the stalker kills Teddy’s cat, they run away to Darling’s family home to prepare their final attack.
This book suffers less from continuity errors (though definitely still a problem) and more from why now. Aumont is only finally being completely suicidal even though it has been three years since Luke’s death? He’s actually one of the ton and has no money or contact with his family that was putting so much pressure on him to produce an heir that he didn’t marry Luke? I got stuck on that and it made it hard to fully suspend my disbelief.
The best part was definitely the part where they hang out at Darling’s family’s house. I also loved that Teddy got to be paired off, though it was a little weird as it seemed the book was trying to be sex work positive but then made it seem like Teddy did just want the right person to settle down with and the sex work was simply for the money and not because he truly loved the work.
I also enjoyed the respect for Darling’s desire to save sex for marriage. It was a little weird how he backtracked on that idea more than once and Aumont held him to his one time stated commitment. I understand a moment of weakness and not wanting to lose someone so that you give the option to not wait, but the fact that it happened multiple times and Aumont was the gentleman who refused made it seem like Darling wasn’t allowed to change his mind about his principles. Allowing your partner to change is an important aspect of a healthy relationship and so it didn’t feel right.
Still a fun romance in the feel of the other books, but I’m done with the series as the quality has decreased and the next book seems to have a lot of BDSM instead of the romance that I was reading for. Perhaps the series went on longer than necessary.
Teddy is a “companion” and is receiving anonymous letters from a stalker who is jealous of his other customers. Gale sets Darling and Aumont to help by protecting him and trying to flush out the stalker. After the stalker kills Teddy’s cat, they run away to Darling’s family home to prepare their final attack.
This book suffers less from continuity errors (though definitely still a problem) and more from why now. Aumont is only finally being completely suicidal even though it has been three years since Luke’s death? He’s actually one of the ton and has no money or contact with his family that was putting so much pressure on him to produce an heir that he didn’t marry Luke? I got stuck on that and it made it hard to fully suspend my disbelief.
The best part was definitely the part where they hang out at Darling’s family’s house. I also loved that Teddy got to be paired off, though it was a little weird as it seemed the book was trying to be sex work positive but then made it seem like Teddy did just want the right person to settle down with and the sex work was simply for the money and not because he truly loved the work.
I also enjoyed the respect for Darling’s desire to save sex for marriage. It was a little weird how he backtracked on that idea more than once and Aumont held him to his one time stated commitment. I understand a moment of weakness and not wanting to lose someone so that you give the option to not wait, but the fact that it happened multiple times and Aumont was the gentleman who refused made it seem like Darling wasn’t allowed to change his mind about his principles. Allowing your partner to change is an important aspect of a healthy relationship and so it didn’t feel right.
Still a fun romance in the feel of the other books, but I’m done with the series as the quality has decreased and the next book seems to have a lot of BDSM instead of the romance that I was reading for. Perhaps the series went on longer than necessary.
February 9, 2025
The French spy Aumont gets his own story in this latest entry. Aumont is busy drinking himself to death in the worst slums of London, trying to forget all that's gone wrong in his life. His childhood best friend turned love was killed fighting against the Bonapartists, and Aumont chose his own duty to the French king and the Catholic faith over that. Earlier in the season he was responsible for a shocking event, the death of a man who was threatening another. Now Charles Darling, a face we've seen before too in prior books, the Bow Street Runner comes knocking on his hovel door asking him for help.
It seems Teddy Honeyfield, the gentlemen's companion is being threatened in a series of escalating messages, and he's been sent to Darling to resolve the issue. And the Runner immediately thinks of the elegant (but drunken) Aumont to help bait and trap the scoundrel. The three men have some escapades even as Darling and Aumont slowly circle around their increasing interest in each other.
This had some fairly amusing scenes, with Teddy playing the comic relief at points, and then late in the book when the rest of the couples from the earlier books are roped in to help. Talk about wanting a couple to succeed.
4 stars.
It seems Teddy Honeyfield, the gentlemen's companion is being threatened in a series of escalating messages, and he's been sent to Darling to resolve the issue. And the Runner immediately thinks of the elegant (but drunken) Aumont to help bait and trap the scoundrel. The three men have some escapades even as Darling and Aumont slowly circle around their increasing interest in each other.
This had some fairly amusing scenes, with Teddy playing the comic relief at points, and then late in the book when the rest of the couples from the earlier books are roped in to help. Talk about wanting a couple to succeed.
4 stars.
September 5, 2022
Absolutely in love with this instalment of the Lords of Bucknall Club series. Definitely my favourite of the lot so far, and I totally get why the other reviewers are raving about it too. It has all the humour and heartbreak and love of the other books, as well as amazing, nuanced characters. What I particularly loved about this one was the dynamic between the Bow Street Runner, George Darling, and Aumont, with Darling slowly pulling Aumont out of his self-hatred and grief. I really liked the plot of the French Royalist spy falling on hard times (very hard times) and getting back onto his feet by helping a lovely, sunny courtesan/escort, Teddy, escape the clutches of a jealous man. It has some great action but its real strength is in the soul-searching and intimacy of Aumont and Darling. I could go on about how beautiful their blooming relationship is. The cameos of the other lords were wonderful as well, and the sheep makes me laugh every time. I realise that I've devoured this series very eagerly over the last few months and now only have one to go :(
October 15, 2023
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
This is such a good series!
I mistakenly listened to this book after listening to the final one but it didn’t matter or take away from my enjoyment of it. Once again, Oscar Delaney has done a wonderful job performing this story.
Aumont has been present in other books in this series and he’s been somewhat of a tortured character; he finally gets his HEA in this story. There is a lot of humor and wit in this book that I don’t think was present so much in the others and I found it delightful.
It was wonderful to see all of the MCs from the previous books pull together to help Aumont and Darling. The blurb tells you what this book is about better than I ever could. I just want to savor my enjoyment of this audiobook and recommend the series to anyone who enjoys historical MM romance.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
This is such a good series!
I mistakenly listened to this book after listening to the final one but it didn’t matter or take away from my enjoyment of it. Once again, Oscar Delaney has done a wonderful job performing this story.
Aumont has been present in other books in this series and he’s been somewhat of a tortured character; he finally gets his HEA in this story. There is a lot of humor and wit in this book that I don’t think was present so much in the others and I found it delightful.
It was wonderful to see all of the MCs from the previous books pull together to help Aumont and Darling. The blurb tells you what this book is about better than I ever could. I just want to savor my enjoyment of this audiobook and recommend the series to anyone who enjoys historical MM romance.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
May 12, 2022
4.5 rounded up
Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock are amazing authors. Perhaps it's the mood I'm in, but I couldn't help noticing how good they are at bringing scenes and characters to life. And some of their descriptions were beautifully done.
Ok, out of writer mode and into reader mode. This book was wonderful. Aumont was so broken and Darling was the steady kindness he so desperately needed. The connection and growth of their relationship is beautiful, and I loved every minute of it. I liked how, although Darling wanted so much to help Aumont, he understood his pain will never completely go away, nor will it be an instant fix. This is a slow and steady process, and Darling is the perfect man to stand by someone through that.
The outside plot with Teddy and the Apostle was a useful premise to bring them together, but the main focus was Aumont and Darling, their relationships, healing, outlook, and friends.
Teddy though. I love Teddy. <3
Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock are amazing authors. Perhaps it's the mood I'm in, but I couldn't help noticing how good they are at bringing scenes and characters to life. And some of their descriptions were beautifully done.
Ok, out of writer mode and into reader mode. This book was wonderful. Aumont was so broken and Darling was the steady kindness he so desperately needed. The connection and growth of their relationship is beautiful, and I loved every minute of it. I liked how, although Darling wanted so much to help Aumont, he understood his pain will never completely go away, nor will it be an instant fix. This is a slow and steady process, and Darling is the perfect man to stand by someone through that.
The outside plot with Teddy and the Apostle was a useful premise to bring them together, but the main focus was Aumont and Darling, their relationships, healing, outlook, and friends.
Teddy though. I love Teddy. <3
January 31, 2024
This book was very sweet - a lot less steamy than some of the others in the series though, so if you’re going into this one expecting smüt, don’t. It deals with grief and healing and is really lovely!
Aumont is a French ex-spy, living in poverty with no friends, no love and only alcohol for company. He is a broken man after the love of his life Luke died several years ago after Aumont turned down his offer of marriage.
George Darling is a Bow Street Runner (policeman) who is disillusioned with the job and just wants to be loved, for the world to be happier and for Lord Christmas Gale to stop treating him like a trained puppy. However, when Gale turns up with a request for George to look into who is threatening high-class escort, and Gale’s friend, Teddy Honeyfield, George enlists Aumont’s help to bring the villain into the light.
I loved the incredibly slow burn romance between George and Aumont and their healing arc. It was just a lovely read!
Aumont is a French ex-spy, living in poverty with no friends, no love and only alcohol for company. He is a broken man after the love of his life Luke died several years ago after Aumont turned down his offer of marriage.
George Darling is a Bow Street Runner (policeman) who is disillusioned with the job and just wants to be loved, for the world to be happier and for Lord Christmas Gale to stop treating him like a trained puppy. However, when Gale turns up with a request for George to look into who is threatening high-class escort, and Gale’s friend, Teddy Honeyfield, George enlists Aumont’s help to bring the villain into the light.
I loved the incredibly slow burn romance between George and Aumont and their healing arc. It was just a lovely read!
May 28, 2025
I read books 1 and 2 in this series, so I was glad I at least remembered Gale and Chant from book 1. Not that you have to to understand the story, but it was good to have some background knowledge.
Loved both Darling and Aumont:
The former a real darling with very clear morals and a strong sense of wanting to do the right thing. The latter a mess of a guy, who feels like punishing himself is the means to atone for his actions in the past and who doesn’t know whether he wants to live or die, seeking comfort in alcohol.
Very well written and very captivating.
Only niggle: while I loved all the tender times between these two men and get why the author decided to omit any more involved sex scenes in this book, I missed some more heated moments, particularly considering George is a virgin. We never get to see how these two men bond on all levels.
Loved both Darling and Aumont:
The former a real darling with very clear morals and a strong sense of wanting to do the right thing. The latter a mess of a guy, who feels like punishing himself is the means to atone for his actions in the past and who doesn’t know whether he wants to live or die, seeking comfort in alcohol.
Very well written and very captivating.
Only niggle: while I loved all the tender times between these two men and get why the author decided to omit any more involved sex scenes in this book, I missed some more heated moments, particularly considering George is a virgin. We never get to see how these two men bond on all levels.
March 14, 2026
Another delight!
A gorgeous tale of George Darling, a Bow Street Runner and a decent man, and Louis-Charles Aumont, Marquis turned spy turned drunkard.
This was sweet, and filled with hilarity.
I am enamoured with how the series is coming together, and the featuring of all the different characters more and more. Gale provides the perfect opportunity for dry humour, and Morgan and Loftus make one chuckle at every turn.
The only thing I was disappointed by, is that we didn't get the chance to see Darling finally get his wish and be taken by Aumont - fucking him insensible as he promised. I fear we readers are forced to maintain George's sense of honour on this too - but I shall rail against it!
Only one book left, and I must admit that while I'm fiercely looking forward to it, I'm also saddened that it's nearly over!
A gorgeous tale of George Darling, a Bow Street Runner and a decent man, and Louis-Charles Aumont, Marquis turned spy turned drunkard.
This was sweet, and filled with hilarity.
I am enamoured with how the series is coming together, and the featuring of all the different characters more and more. Gale provides the perfect opportunity for dry humour, and Morgan and Loftus make one chuckle at every turn.
The only thing I was disappointed by, is that we didn't get the chance to see Darling finally get his wish and be taken by Aumont - fucking him insensible as he promised. I fear we readers are forced to maintain George's sense of honour on this too - but I shall rail against it!
Only one book left, and I must admit that while I'm fiercely looking forward to it, I'm also saddened that it's nearly over!
May 20, 2022
Hi, hello, what the heck man, I was not prepared to have my heart cut out, cooked and served back to me.
I was not emotionally prepared for the depth of this edition to a series that usually isn’t that deep. This could be a full stand alone.
The banter? 14/10 - I have not read better dialogue than this in a long time. I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.
The softness? 20/10 - Reading this was like getting a hug honestly.
The plot? 25/10 - I firmly believe this edition had the best plot of the whole series so far. Probably cause it revolves around Teddy who is a HAM in the best way possible.
Also, TEDDY, I WANT A BOOK ABOUT TEDDY LIVING HIS FARM LIFE WITH HIS ANIMALS AND KITTEN AND ADOPTIVE CHILDREN PLS I AM BEGGING YOU GIVE ME TEDDY
I was not emotionally prepared for the depth of this edition to a series that usually isn’t that deep. This could be a full stand alone.
The banter? 14/10 - I have not read better dialogue than this in a long time. I was smiling so hard my cheeks hurt.
The softness? 20/10 - Reading this was like getting a hug honestly.
The plot? 25/10 - I firmly believe this edition had the best plot of the whole series so far. Probably cause it revolves around Teddy who is a HAM in the best way possible.
Also, TEDDY, I WANT A BOOK ABOUT TEDDY LIVING HIS FARM LIFE WITH HIS ANIMALS AND KITTEN AND ADOPTIVE CHILDREN PLS I AM BEGGING YOU GIVE ME TEDDY
March 23, 2022
Lots of sadness, grief and guilt in this one - I found Aumont very relatable, but it’s heavy going. I think my main quibble is that it often felt as though stuff was happening to progress the plot quickly rather than because that’s how the characters would have reacted, which was quite jarring and unsatisfying. For example, the way Darling spoke about Luke once he found out what happened was awful and had no real resolution. I’d have pushed him out the window, personally. Darling was really quite unlikeable a lot of the time.
I greatly enjoyed both “potato” and the other cast members showing up, however.
I greatly enjoyed both “potato” and the other cast members showing up, however.
March 27, 2022
I didn't enjoy this as much as others in the series, as I didn't find the struggles of the characters as interesting. Aumont is getting over trauma, while Darling is getting over a crush on another man involved with someone else. It was hard to shake the feeling that Darling was settling; perhaps that's my insert, because I didn't see Aumont as anything but a hassle to take care of, and not really worth the effort. The two didn't click for me, in other words, although it was a pleasure to see the many other men from previous novels make small appearances.
October 22, 2024
I'm always a little torn about how this series plays with the expectations of an historical novel. I like that the things that were wrong about the time period are made better, but it's also a little difficult to accept. I liked that neither of the MCs in this book were daft as many were in the other books. I like how much Darling defended Aumont, even to Aumont. I like how all the characters are coming together over time as well. It was interesting to read something from these authors that was sex free, i think it's a first.
Audio: wonderful as always
Audio: wonderful as always
March 23, 2022
Most brilliant
Adored it. I'm not absolutely certain it's the last book in the series, but if it is, it's such a fitting end to a series that has improved with every book.
Darling's inherent goodness is a perfect foil for Aumont's lack of self worth, and the cameos by MC's from previous books add humour to a story that could have been quite maudlin.
This is a pretty much no heat book, as Darling is waiting for marriage.
Adored it. I'm not absolutely certain it's the last book in the series, but if it is, it's such a fitting end to a series that has improved with every book.
Darling's inherent goodness is a perfect foil for Aumont's lack of self worth, and the cameos by MC's from previous books add humour to a story that could have been quite maudlin.
This is a pretty much no heat book, as Darling is waiting for marriage.
April 19, 2022
despite the grief, I finished the book with a smile
I wasn’t sure going into this, how it would play out. Aumont wasn’t a very sympathetic character but I really warmed to him. I loved Darling though. It was great to see the rest of the club patrons in this and I was happy how it all worked out. I was disappointed that .
I wasn’t sure going into this, how it would play out. Aumont wasn’t a very sympathetic character but I really warmed to him. I loved Darling though. It was great to see the rest of the club patrons in this and I was happy how it all worked out. I was disappointed that .
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