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His Client #1
His Client
BDSM, LGBT Historical
Mr. Nathaniel Travers has been visiting Madame Delacroix’s brothel for five years. On every visit, he requests the same man. Stunningly handsome and highly skilled, Jasper not only shares Nate’s fondness for wickedly erotic games and black leather corsets, but he’s become a friend. Someone he can talk to. Someone he can share a supper with. And Jasper’s the only person who knows Nate secretly harbors a love for his old childhood friend, Peter Edmonton.
Mr. Jasper Reed has been working at the house for a decade. He’s saved enough to retire, yet he remains at the decadent London brothel. Retiring would mean leaving Nate and the hope perhaps someday the rugged gentleman would stop pining for his best friend and realize he loves Jasper, just as Jasper loves him.
It takes Edmonton’s marriage for Jasper to see he’s been just as blind as Nate. Stubbornly hoping for something that cannot be. Convinced a gentleman like Nate can never be more than his client, Jasper retires.
Life in the country may be lonely, but with no one to please but himself, it’s calm and peaceful...until Nate shows up on his doorstep.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find BDSM theme and elements, male/male sexual practices.
Mr. Nathaniel Travers has been visiting Madame Delacroix’s brothel for five years. On every visit, he requests the same man. Stunningly handsome and highly skilled, Jasper not only shares Nate’s fondness for wickedly erotic games and black leather corsets, but he’s become a friend. Someone he can talk to. Someone he can share a supper with. And Jasper’s the only person who knows Nate secretly harbors a love for his old childhood friend, Peter Edmonton.
Mr. Jasper Reed has been working at the house for a decade. He’s saved enough to retire, yet he remains at the decadent London brothel. Retiring would mean leaving Nate and the hope perhaps someday the rugged gentleman would stop pining for his best friend and realize he loves Jasper, just as Jasper loves him.
It takes Edmonton’s marriage for Jasper to see he’s been just as blind as Nate. Stubbornly hoping for something that cannot be. Convinced a gentleman like Nate can never be more than his client, Jasper retires.
Life in the country may be lonely, but with no one to please but himself, it’s calm and peaceful...until Nate shows up on his doorstep.
Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find BDSM theme and elements, male/male sexual practices.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 10, 2011
29 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read
About the author
Ava March
27 books761 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
March 10, 2015
A must read for all Ava March fans, this is classic stuff! Kink, historical, hot sex, love against the odds- you know you want it!
I'm a big Ava March fan. In fact, she helped me start to love historical romances after years of struggling with the genre. I think if you've loved her stuff in the past, you'll love this one too.
Nate and Jasper have known each other for years. Jasper is Nate's go-to boy in the brothel that he frequents, and over time, they've become closer and closer friends. This is the sort of relationship where you want to just SMACK a boy. It was painful to see Jasper's longing for Nate and Nate's total obliviousness. It is the type of book where you just want to push the two guys together because unrequited love stories are just so PAINFUL to read. Luckily, Nate catches on eventually.
I think my favorite part of this book was the sex. Ava March is just always so HOT. I loved the kink in this one. Sometimes BDSM-type stories can be a little too "whippy" for me, but this one was more about role-playing with a little cross-dressing- YUM! It was the right mix of smutty and tender.
I'm not sure how historically accurate the book is (I can never tell) but this book is less about the details and more about the intimacy between the main characters. I was really happy with how Ava March pulled it off.
All in all, a great little novella and another consistent read from this author!
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
I'm a big Ava March fan. In fact, she helped me start to love historical romances after years of struggling with the genre. I think if you've loved her stuff in the past, you'll love this one too.
Nate and Jasper have known each other for years. Jasper is Nate's go-to boy in the brothel that he frequents, and over time, they've become closer and closer friends. This is the sort of relationship where you want to just SMACK a boy. It was painful to see Jasper's longing for Nate and Nate's total obliviousness. It is the type of book where you just want to push the two guys together because unrequited love stories are just so PAINFUL to read. Luckily, Nate catches on eventually.
I think my favorite part of this book was the sex. Ava March is just always so HOT. I loved the kink in this one. Sometimes BDSM-type stories can be a little too "whippy" for me, but this one was more about role-playing with a little cross-dressing- YUM! It was the right mix of smutty and tender.
I'm not sure how historically accurate the book is (I can never tell) but this book is less about the details and more about the intimacy between the main characters. I was really happy with how Ava March pulled it off.
All in all, a great little novella and another consistent read from this author!
**Copy provided in exchange for an honest review**
November 15, 2013
I know that Ava March is quite prolific in MM historical romance genre ... but I never read anything by hers, simply because I tend to not paying attention to historical genre in the first place. Because of her number of titles released already, I thought Ava March would be good for my personal November MM Historical challenge.
I picked up this title because Heather C said that it was the only one she gave 5-stars to, even if she enjoyed the others. She also warned me about the smutty factor since I'm more of a 'romance' fan rather than 'smut / erotica' fan.
... well, whad'dya know ... I actually loved it too
Maybe because I have been warned about the smut, I can manage my expectation. I actually enjoyed reading the sex scenes. It felt sensual and naughty and due to the time period, there was something deliciously alluring about the secret romp behind closed doors.
My heart immediately served on a plate for Jasper -- I wanted to hug him tight, console him for his anguish of pining over Nate, the client who stole his heart. I knew that Nate was also pining for Peter -- but because it was quite clear for me as a reader that Peter was only attracted to women, and Nate's feeling would never be returned. So I was dying to knock some senses into Nate's head, wanted to screamed at him ... "Here's a man who would LOVE you more than Peter!!! Look at Jasper, darn it!!
I read some reviews who felt that Nate only seen Jasper as fuck-buddy and wasn't convinced of his feeling -- and that Nate needed to do more to prove that he really loved Jasper. I kinda agreed with it -- maybe because that moment where Nate realized his feeling came slightly later, when Jasper had decided to retire.
However, at the same time, it might be because Nate had thicker skull to actually notice what his body knew all along. So I could let that pass. I still felt that tug in my heart when Nate followed Jasper to Shere and told Jasper that he wanted to be with him.
A satisfactory read indeed... and a 'quota' fulfilled for this week. Actually I read TWO historical books for this week. I have to go back to contemporary first before starting another *lol*
I picked up this title because Heather C said that it was the only one she gave 5-stars to, even if she enjoyed the others. She also warned me about the smutty factor since I'm more of a 'romance' fan rather than 'smut / erotica' fan.
... well, whad'dya know ... I actually loved it too
Maybe because I have been warned about the smut, I can manage my expectation. I actually enjoyed reading the sex scenes. It felt sensual and naughty and due to the time period, there was something deliciously alluring about the secret romp behind closed doors.
My heart immediately served on a plate for Jasper -- I wanted to hug him tight, console him for his anguish of pining over Nate, the client who stole his heart. I knew that Nate was also pining for Peter -- but because it was quite clear for me as a reader that Peter was only attracted to women, and Nate's feeling would never be returned. So I was dying to knock some senses into Nate's head, wanted to screamed at him ... "Here's a man who would LOVE you more than Peter!!! Look at Jasper, darn it!!
I read some reviews who felt that Nate only seen Jasper as fuck-buddy and wasn't convinced of his feeling -- and that Nate needed to do more to prove that he really loved Jasper. I kinda agreed with it -- maybe because that moment where Nate realized his feeling came slightly later, when Jasper had decided to retire.
However, at the same time, it might be because Nate had thicker skull to actually notice what his body knew all along. So I could let that pass. I still felt that tug in my heart when Nate followed Jasper to Shere and told Jasper that he wanted to be with him.
A satisfactory read indeed... and a 'quota' fulfilled for this week. Actually I read TWO historical books for this week. I have to go back to contemporary first before starting another *lol*
July 22, 2014
I can’t believe I’m about to say this but… there’s a little too much angst in this one for me. But more to the point, there are certainly not enough corsets!
CORSET TEASE more like.
*grumbles*
His Client is a similar story to All in with the Duke just not as well executed. Jasper’s a prostitute and Nate has been his client for the past 5 years. Jasper’s fallen in love with Nate but Nate is in love with his best friend, Edmonton, who is straight aside from once letting Nate blow him when they were kids. Nevertheless, Nate has clung to his one-sided love. Until Edmonton marries dashing all of Nate’s hopes.
Meanwhile Jasper is pining away for Nate, but never expresses his feels until he suddenly realizes Nate will never reciprocate his love and decides to buy a country home. To do what? I’ve no clue.
Raise roses?
Attend country assemblies?
*shrugs*
Nate’s turn around seemed quick and a little too neat to me. Ultimately, I found His Client to be a little thin in the storyline department and neither of these characters are all that appealing. The writing is good, typical of Ms. March. The character development is lacking hidden under about 17 down comforters full of angst.
They are passionate and the sex was medium hot with the role playing and urgency.
Snarling is good.
Did I mention there was a decided lack of corsetry in this corset tale?
Oh well, can’t win ‘em all.
CORSET TEASE more like.
*grumbles*
His Client is a similar story to All in with the Duke just not as well executed. Jasper’s a prostitute and Nate has been his client for the past 5 years. Jasper’s fallen in love with Nate but Nate is in love with his best friend, Edmonton, who is straight aside from once letting Nate blow him when they were kids. Nevertheless, Nate has clung to his one-sided love. Until Edmonton marries dashing all of Nate’s hopes.
Meanwhile Jasper is pining away for Nate, but never expresses his feels until he suddenly realizes Nate will never reciprocate his love and decides to buy a country home. To do what? I’ve no clue.
Raise roses?
Attend country assemblies?
*shrugs*
Nate’s turn around seemed quick and a little too neat to me. Ultimately, I found His Client to be a little thin in the storyline department and neither of these characters are all that appealing. The writing is good, typical of Ms. March. The character development is lacking hidden under about 17 down comforters full of angst.
They are passionate and the sex was medium hot with the role playing and urgency.
“You want to get fucked? Then take it,” Nate snarled.
Snarling is good.
Did I mention there was a decided lack of corsetry in this corset tale?
Oh well, can’t win ‘em all.
September 17, 2013
This is by FAR my favorite Ava March story to date. Something about this story line pushed ALL my buttons and everything worked for me. The kink, the heat, and the sweet! Perfection!
Read
August 30, 2011This book is hard to review and I won't give it any raiting, because it's a good and solid book per se, but I haven't been satisfied with the MC's relationship.
Maybe it's just not my cup of tea, but I couldn't connect with Nate. I immediately loved Jasper - he's great - but I didn't get Nate at all.
The beginning was great and promising, but then for the 2/3 of the book Nate'd continued pining for Peter, Jasper retired and then suddenly Nate realised, that he's in love with Jasper, not Peter. And here's when the author lost me. While reading I had hoped, that something would happen, something significant and Nate will choose Jasper over Peter and over anyone else, that he'll truly realise how much Jasper means for him and so on, but I haven't seen it. Yes, Nate FINALLY realised, that Peter prefers girls (well, duh - took him long enough), that even if Peter liked men he most likely wouldn't share his passion for crossdressing and therefore there isn't any hope for them to ever become anything more, than friends and then what - decided he's not in love with him anymore? I'm not buying it. I still think Jasper's no more, than second best and if Peter'd have changed his mind - Nate would drop Jasper in a heartbeat. This type of relationship simply isn't what I'm looking for in romance books.
For me Peter was whom Nate truly loved and Jasper was merely a fuck buddy, so when Nate lost even his faintest fantasy hope to ever be with Peter (when he got married) and almost at the same time he lost Jasper - the closest he ever had to a real relationship - suddenly a prospect to be reduced to dark alleys anonimous hook-ups raised in full force before him, so he convinced himself he needs Jasper and he loves him. It's just that he haven't had much choice, not that he could go to gay club and find himself a new boyfriend from his own social circle. He had to make do.
Even one scene, where Nate would have to choose between Jasper and anybody - and he'd choose Jasper - would have saved this book for me and helped me to believe in Nate's feelings, but unfortunately there wasn't one, so I'm unconvinced :/
Maybe it's just not my cup of tea, but I couldn't connect with Nate. I immediately loved Jasper - he's great - but I didn't get Nate at all.
The beginning was great and promising, but then for the 2/3 of the book Nate'd continued pining for Peter, Jasper retired and then suddenly Nate realised, that he's in love with Jasper, not Peter. And here's when the author lost me. While reading I had hoped, that something would happen, something significant and Nate will choose Jasper over Peter and over anyone else, that he'll truly realise how much Jasper means for him and so on, but I haven't seen it. Yes, Nate FINALLY realised, that Peter prefers girls (well, duh - took him long enough), that even if Peter liked men he most likely wouldn't share his passion for crossdressing and therefore there isn't any hope for them to ever become anything more, than friends and then what - decided he's not in love with him anymore? I'm not buying it. I still think Jasper's no more, than second best and if Peter'd have changed his mind - Nate would drop Jasper in a heartbeat. This type of relationship simply isn't what I'm looking for in romance books.
For me Peter was whom Nate truly loved and Jasper was merely a fuck buddy, so when Nate lost even his faintest fantasy hope to ever be with Peter (when he got married) and almost at the same time he lost Jasper - the closest he ever had to a real relationship - suddenly a prospect to be reduced to dark alleys anonimous hook-ups raised in full force before him, so he convinced himself he needs Jasper and he loves him. It's just that he haven't had much choice, not that he could go to gay club and find himself a new boyfriend from his own social circle. He had to make do.
Even one scene, where Nate would have to choose between Jasper and anybody - and he'd choose Jasper - would have saved this book for me and helped me to believe in Nate's feelings, but unfortunately there wasn't one, so I'm unconvinced :/
August 8, 2015
So, what do we have here, lets see...yes Regency crossdressing! Leather corsets, rouge and all! Role playing in bedroom, yes this too. Also, a stubborn viscount's nephew, a realisation of love and a HEA, the Ava March style. Very good.
Ele approves.
Ele approves.
January 15, 2011
I absolutely loved this book. I haven't read a historical in quite some time. The reason for this is whenever I'd start one, it wouldn't hold my attention long enough to get far in the book but since I absolutely love books with unrequited love, I decided to give this one a shot. I'm glad I did because I was riveted throughout the whole story.
Jasper and Nate have known each other for five years, ever since Nate came to the brothel to fulfill a desire he couldn't get satisfaction from elsewhere. Since then, Jasper has fulfilled Nate's sexual urges and they've formed a friendship. Along the way, Jasper fell for Nate. Nate, however, is too caught up on his straight best friend to notice. When Jasper finally takes his own advice regarding unrequited love, he retires from the brothel and moves to the country causing Nate to finally come to terms with his feelings for Jasper and his best friend.
I adored Jasper. He's surprisingly compassionate for being a prostitute. I couldn't help but feel the emotions Jasper felt. Whenever there was talk about Nate loving another, I felt the same stab of pain in my heart as Jasper did. I thought Nate was a complete idiot for not realizing Jasper loved him but I still liked him especially when he shed that idiocy. ;-)
The details about the historical era were done just right, for me. I didn't get overwhelmed by the descriptions and I didn't lose interest in it either. I loved how the book ended and the kinky little games Nate and Jasper played together were both funny, sexy and hot.
Overall, a very entertaining story. I highly recommend it! [image error]
[image error]
Jasper and Nate have known each other for five years, ever since Nate came to the brothel to fulfill a desire he couldn't get satisfaction from elsewhere. Since then, Jasper has fulfilled Nate's sexual urges and they've formed a friendship. Along the way, Jasper fell for Nate. Nate, however, is too caught up on his straight best friend to notice. When Jasper finally takes his own advice regarding unrequited love, he retires from the brothel and moves to the country causing Nate to finally come to terms with his feelings for Jasper and his best friend.
I adored Jasper. He's surprisingly compassionate for being a prostitute. I couldn't help but feel the emotions Jasper felt. Whenever there was talk about Nate loving another, I felt the same stab of pain in my heart as Jasper did. I thought Nate was a complete idiot for not realizing Jasper loved him but I still liked him especially when he shed that idiocy. ;-)
The details about the historical era were done just right, for me. I didn't get overwhelmed by the descriptions and I didn't lose interest in it either. I loved how the book ended and the kinky little games Nate and Jasper played together were both funny, sexy and hot.
Overall, a very entertaining story. I highly recommend it! [image error]
[image error]
December 2, 2024
Jasper works at a brothel. He could retire at any time but stays bc he's in love with his client, hoping someday he'll love him back 🥺 Sadly, Nates blindly in love with his best friend....even though the dudes never showed him any interest, oh and he's getting married to a woman.
Will Nate pull his head out of his ass before he loses Jasper forever??
My heart ached for Jasper. The way he had to sit there and listen to Nate gush,goo n cry over a different man...then have sex with him 😭
Their reunion gave me warmfuzzies. The bonus story is a must-read. Nate really proves himself to Jasper 🥺 I loved this
Ps- their role playing was delcious.
No cheating,sharing/om.
Even tho he works in a brothel, he only gets freaky with Nate.
Will Nate pull his head out of his ass before he loses Jasper forever??
My heart ached for Jasper. The way he had to sit there and listen to Nate gush,goo n cry over a different man...then have sex with him 😭
Their reunion gave me warmfuzzies. The bonus story is a must-read. Nate really proves himself to Jasper 🥺 I loved this
Ps- their role playing was delcious.
No cheating,sharing/om.
Even tho he works in a brothel, he only gets freaky with Nate.
December 3, 2015
3 stars is probably generous, but the story wasn't bad... it just didn't grip me, like at all! Nate's constant moaning about Peter had me skimming pages in the second chapter and Jasper's moaning about Nate had me skimming the rest of the book.
The first two sex scenes were pretty dam hot, some rough fucking with ripped shifts and corsets and I love some role-playing, so I'll justify my 3 star with that.
There are definitely better rent-boy historical stories out there, All In with the Duke for one.
Give it a go if you want, it's pretty cheap and like I said, it's not bad... but I wouldn't recommend it.
The first two sex scenes were pretty dam hot, some rough fucking with ripped shifts and corsets and I love some role-playing, so I'll justify my 3 star with that.
There are definitely better rent-boy historical stories out there, All In with the Duke for one.
Give it a go if you want, it's pretty cheap and like I said, it's not bad... but I wouldn't recommend it.
April 10, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up.
I think this short book by Ava March is the one I liked least... :(
I very much liked Jasper and I felt sorry for him and his unrequited feelings. And you could really see how much he suffered and was troubled by them.
And that's why I didn't believe Nate much. He's sudden change of heart and his efforts to win Jasper back didn't sound too convincing...? Maybe?
Probably the only reason of why Nate's transition was not so credible in my eyes is the length of this short little read... :( I would much prefer Nate to grovel a bit more at the end. That would just be more fair ;)
I generally don't read many MM historical romances, even fewer from the Regency period, but Ava March is an excellent exception from that rule :)
Her Bound mini-series, starting with Bound by Deception is one of my most favourite series ever. And I love her kink and BDSM elements, even hardcore, and even in historical settings. Here, in His Client, we had mainly cross-dressing and it somehow didn't appeal to me so much... So maybe it's basically a "me and not the book" problem?
Anyway, I AM going to read His Request now. Jasper definitely deserves it ;)
And I want to see how Nate's resolve is going...
I think this short book by Ava March is the one I liked least... :(
I very much liked Jasper and I felt sorry for him and his unrequited feelings. And you could really see how much he suffered and was troubled by them.
And that's why I didn't believe Nate much. He's sudden change of heart and his efforts to win Jasper back didn't sound too convincing...? Maybe?
Probably the only reason of why Nate's transition was not so credible in my eyes is the length of this short little read... :( I would much prefer Nate to grovel a bit more at the end. That would just be more fair ;)
I generally don't read many MM historical romances, even fewer from the Regency period, but Ava March is an excellent exception from that rule :)
Her Bound mini-series, starting with Bound by Deception is one of my most favourite series ever. And I love her kink and BDSM elements, even hardcore, and even in historical settings. Here, in His Client, we had mainly cross-dressing and it somehow didn't appeal to me so much... So maybe it's basically a "me and not the book" problem?
Anyway, I AM going to read His Request now. Jasper definitely deserves it ;)
And I want to see how Nate's resolve is going...
January 6, 2019
I need to stay away from historical romances. The HEA never soothes me.
March 31, 2011
The cover is hot, but I'm not judging the book by its cover.
I like m/m historicals. I know that the couple will never be able to show to the world that they are in love and that there's always the danger they'll be hanged. But the historical setting creates a whole different atmosphere with candle lights, the fire place, the layers of clothes. I like Ava March's stories of unrequited love and her characters with their kinks. I could read all the variations of her stories book after book after book.
In this book there's a double unrequited love: Nate's for his friend Peter, who's going to merry the following day, and Jasper's for Nate, who's been pining for his best friend for years without realizing that Jasper is suffering with him and for him, because Jasper has fallen in love with Nate. The problem is that Jasper is a prostitute working in the brothel that Nate has been visiting for years. He has a kind heart, good manners, gorgeous looks, but he is still a whore.
When Jasper helps Nate come to terms with the fact that he will never have his best friend, Jasper realizes that neither he will ever have Nate, that they'll never be able to live their relationship, that they are two worlds apart that are not meant to come together. Jasper decides to retire from a profession he was only keeping because it was the only way to meet Nate, so that he can begin a new life in the country. Jasper and Nate's last encounter is truly heartbreaking. The way the author conveyed Jasper's desolation turning to desperation hurt me more than I could explain. At the same moment she also made me feel for Nate, because he was so blind and hollow that he wasn't able to realize the extent of Jasper's devotion. After Jasper has gone, Nate opens his eyes to the truth that he and Jasper are meant to be, so he goes to the country to meet the man who's been close to him for all these years.
It's a short but emotional story that made me want to re-read it right after I finished it.
I like m/m historicals. I know that the couple will never be able to show to the world that they are in love and that there's always the danger they'll be hanged. But the historical setting creates a whole different atmosphere with candle lights, the fire place, the layers of clothes. I like Ava March's stories of unrequited love and her characters with their kinks. I could read all the variations of her stories book after book after book.
In this book there's a double unrequited love: Nate's for his friend Peter, who's going to merry the following day, and Jasper's for Nate, who's been pining for his best friend for years without realizing that Jasper is suffering with him and for him, because Jasper has fallen in love with Nate. The problem is that Jasper is a prostitute working in the brothel that Nate has been visiting for years. He has a kind heart, good manners, gorgeous looks, but he is still a whore.
When Jasper helps Nate come to terms with the fact that he will never have his best friend, Jasper realizes that neither he will ever have Nate, that they'll never be able to live their relationship, that they are two worlds apart that are not meant to come together. Jasper decides to retire from a profession he was only keeping because it was the only way to meet Nate, so that he can begin a new life in the country. Jasper and Nate's last encounter is truly heartbreaking. The way the author conveyed Jasper's desolation turning to desperation hurt me more than I could explain. At the same moment she also made me feel for Nate, because he was so blind and hollow that he wasn't able to realize the extent of Jasper's devotion. After Jasper has gone, Nate opens his eyes to the truth that he and Jasper are meant to be, so he goes to the country to meet the man who's been close to him for all these years.
It's a short but emotional story that made me want to re-read it right after I finished it.
December 30, 2019
Look at me reading more historical. 😱 This was not at all on the same level as the, “Enlightenment,” books by Joanna Chambers I recently devoured. I sort of fear that I will be forever comparing all historical to those. 🤷🏻♀️ But it was enjoyable enough. I’ll definitely try some more by this author. It was a steamy little read with light kink. Sometimes the POV would shift mid chapter which was irritating. And being such a short book, the pace felt rushed at times. Still, it was fun and I don’t regret reading it.
February 18, 2015
I am in love! Totally in love with this book. I mean, I knew it would be good but I had no idea I would feel the way I felt through the whole story. I felt hope and love and despair and LOVE! My Gawd!
I don’t think I can give a comprehensive review of this. I am giddy and overwhelmed and still emotional from this short but intensely romantic story of two men who both thought they weren’t what the other could possibly want. Couldn’t be what the other could need and couldn’t possibly have a future together. Have I mentioned I loved this story yet?
Told in the dual POV’s of both Jasper and Nate we meet them in a familiar space, not only the room frequented when Nate calls on Jasper at Delacroix’s for a night of passion, but this an in-between space. Jasper is in love with Nate, has been for years and Nate likes his time with Jasper yet pines away for his childhood friend Peter on the eve of his wedding. Ugh.
Jasper, I fell so hard for this amazingly determined man who has worked as a whore for the last ten years to sustain a life, a life of financial stability albeit a lonely one. Jasper is in love with all that is Nate and wishes that once, just once he could have a moment with him without the money passing between them. But things are what they are and Jasper takes the small intimate moments with Nate and hides them away deep in his heart and soul, knowing he can never have what we wants most.
Then there is Nate; dear clueless Nate who responds to Jasper with unbridled passion and lays his deep and honest secrets at the man’s feet. Nate believes to be in love with his best friend and yet it’s with Jasper that he is truly himself.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. They say, if you love something set it free. If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours. I used to think those lines were a bit cheesy but in the context of this story with Jasper and Nate, they are spot on. They are so true and the angst that they create had me a full on sobbing mess on an air mattress in my living room. Don’t ask, just know that I sobbed as I the mattress creaked and rumbled beneath me as I curled into a ball to give myself a full body hug and deflated the mattress as the boys tore my heart apart. MY GAWD! The angst. The longing. The passion. The love. These two freaking fracking killed my poor romantic heart and I LOVED IT!
Ugh. These two. They were so wonderful together. They were so intense and the role playing they did was sexy as hell. It was hot and it was fun and it was… sigh.
His Client was the perfect story, it really was for me. I fall hard for unrequited love stories and this one was amazing and set in one of my favorite times in romance. Ms. March nails the historical boys who love boys and does it so passionately you cannot help but get swept into the romance right along with them. Jasper and Nate were perfect for one another and perfect for me.
I am off now to read the free short, His Request, to see the boys do a bit more role playing. Rawr. Did I mention how much I love these two?
I don’t think I can give a comprehensive review of this. I am giddy and overwhelmed and still emotional from this short but intensely romantic story of two men who both thought they weren’t what the other could possibly want. Couldn’t be what the other could need and couldn’t possibly have a future together. Have I mentioned I loved this story yet?
Perhaps in an odd way, he and Nate were perfect for each other. Both blind fools. Both wanting something so badly, so desperately, that they had refused to see it could ever be.
Told in the dual POV’s of both Jasper and Nate we meet them in a familiar space, not only the room frequented when Nate calls on Jasper at Delacroix’s for a night of passion, but this an in-between space. Jasper is in love with Nate, has been for years and Nate likes his time with Jasper yet pines away for his childhood friend Peter on the eve of his wedding. Ugh.
Jasper, I fell so hard for this amazingly determined man who has worked as a whore for the last ten years to sustain a life, a life of financial stability albeit a lonely one. Jasper is in love with all that is Nate and wishes that once, just once he could have a moment with him without the money passing between them. But things are what they are and Jasper takes the small intimate moments with Nate and hides them away deep in his heart and soul, knowing he can never have what we wants most.
He was suddenly very aware of the stack of pound notes on the cabinet, nestled next to the silvery tray. A firm reminder…
Then there is Nate; dear clueless Nate who responds to Jasper with unbridled passion and lays his deep and honest secrets at the man’s feet. Nate believes to be in love with his best friend and yet it’s with Jasper that he is truly himself.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. They say, if you love something set it free. If it comes back, it was, and always will be yours. I used to think those lines were a bit cheesy but in the context of this story with Jasper and Nate, they are spot on. They are so true and the angst that they create had me a full on sobbing mess on an air mattress in my living room. Don’t ask, just know that I sobbed as I the mattress creaked and rumbled beneath me as I curled into a ball to give myself a full body hug and deflated the mattress as the boys tore my heart apart. MY GAWD! The angst. The longing. The passion. The love. These two freaking fracking killed my poor romantic heart and I LOVED IT!
Ugh. These two. They were so wonderful together. They were so intense and the role playing they did was sexy as hell. It was hot and it was fun and it was… sigh.
I’ve told you before. You’re wonderful. Any man would be lucky to win your heart. You just need to expend the effort to look for him.
His Client was the perfect story, it really was for me. I fall hard for unrequited love stories and this one was amazing and set in one of my favorite times in romance. Ms. March nails the historical boys who love boys and does it so passionately you cannot help but get swept into the romance right along with them. Jasper and Nate were perfect for one another and perfect for me.
I am off now to read the free short, His Request, to see the boys do a bit more role playing. Rawr. Did I mention how much I love these two?
February 4, 2011
I like Ava March’s work. I can’t help it. I don’t know her, and I don’t like BDSM as a rule, but there’s something about March’s writing of the subject that gets under my skin and makes it tingle.
This is no exception, and I can say hand on heart that if you liked her other work, you won’t be disappointed with this.
It’s a tart-with-a-heart story. Jasper is a whore of ten years, a man who already has enough money to set himself up in a decent house and retire, but he hasn’t for one simple reason, Nathaniel, a regular client.
As with March’s other gay historicals, the sex is a large proportion of the story. Unashamedly erotic, this is what erotica is all about – somehow, although it describes all the action, it never seems crude or over descriptive, you are given just enough to turn you on, and never too much to turn you off. An excellent balance, and the roleplay seems very realistic. I don’t know if men in Regency times ever did these things–although I can’t see any reason why not–but March’s descriptions are note perfect. I loved the ridges the corset leaves in Jasper’s skin, the descriptions of well-researched dildoes,the nightshirts and the ribbons. It summons images that are more than just arousing, they are beautiful.
You’ll probably need to like BDSM to like March’s books, and although I have to say that I don’t like BDSM in general – but March does manage to make me warm in places they set out to do, as well as having a decent storyline attached to them.
I spotted one tiny anachronism, and couple of typos, which stood out, but nothing worse, and your eye might skim them. Although I had to grin at a marble dildo being snuggly rather than snugly.
As for the characters: Jasper got on my nerves at one point as he kept prolonging the agony of separation, rather than making a swift cut which would have been more sensible, but he didn’t revert to uber-girliness thank goodness.
I would have liked some indication as to how he’d managed to turn himself into a facsimile of a gentleman – how he learned to read, how he changed his accent from common to cultured. I would liked to have seen Nate outside the brothel—particularly in the boxing club. It was a mighty different sport back then, as Nate’s injuries prove, and it would have been good to see a little of that.
The ending was all a little obvious—once Jasper had mentioned the village to where he was retiring to Nate—it struck me like a suicide who really wants to be found. He’d always be hoping that Nate would turn up, and that spoiled my belief that he wanted to break from Nate. It would have been harder for Nate to find him, in that case, but more proof that he wanted to find him. But the reconciliation was nicely done, no insta-love and throwing themselves into each others’ arms in a girly frenzy.
I think what annoyed me was that Nate—once he’d discovered that he wanted Jasper– just assumed that Jasper wanted him, and that was a little presumptuous, because really Jasper had never given him that impression—had been careful not to.
In fact when Nate—when trying to convince Jasper he’s serious says: “Have I ever shown myself to be fickle?” I had to laugh, because “YES, you did rather! You’ve been mooning over your best friend and then when Jasper takes a break your affections switch!” Jasper thinks that Nate has never been unfaithful, and that’s not strictly true because he’d been taking male whores while professing himself madly in love with his best friend. And even when Nate satisfies himself by telling Jasper that he loves him, he doesn’t care to inquire whether his feelings are reciprocated, that he loves Jasper is enough, apparently!
I’m being picky, though, partly, I suppose because instead of 124 pages, I would have liked 250 pages or more and that’s a good sign—when I want more, it means I really enjoyed it. This is the longest Ava March book so far, so I live in hope that one day I’ll have a paper made and full-sized novel by Ava March on my shelf.
This is no exception, and I can say hand on heart that if you liked her other work, you won’t be disappointed with this.
It’s a tart-with-a-heart story. Jasper is a whore of ten years, a man who already has enough money to set himself up in a decent house and retire, but he hasn’t for one simple reason, Nathaniel, a regular client.
As with March’s other gay historicals, the sex is a large proportion of the story. Unashamedly erotic, this is what erotica is all about – somehow, although it describes all the action, it never seems crude or over descriptive, you are given just enough to turn you on, and never too much to turn you off. An excellent balance, and the roleplay seems very realistic. I don’t know if men in Regency times ever did these things–although I can’t see any reason why not–but March’s descriptions are note perfect. I loved the ridges the corset leaves in Jasper’s skin, the descriptions of well-researched dildoes,the nightshirts and the ribbons. It summons images that are more than just arousing, they are beautiful.
You’ll probably need to like BDSM to like March’s books, and although I have to say that I don’t like BDSM in general – but March does manage to make me warm in places they set out to do, as well as having a decent storyline attached to them.
I spotted one tiny anachronism, and couple of typos, which stood out, but nothing worse, and your eye might skim them. Although I had to grin at a marble dildo being snuggly rather than snugly.
As for the characters: Jasper got on my nerves at one point as he kept prolonging the agony of separation, rather than making a swift cut which would have been more sensible, but he didn’t revert to uber-girliness thank goodness.
I would have liked some indication as to how he’d managed to turn himself into a facsimile of a gentleman – how he learned to read, how he changed his accent from common to cultured. I would liked to have seen Nate outside the brothel—particularly in the boxing club. It was a mighty different sport back then, as Nate’s injuries prove, and it would have been good to see a little of that.
The ending was all a little obvious—once Jasper had mentioned the village to where he was retiring to Nate—it struck me like a suicide who really wants to be found. He’d always be hoping that Nate would turn up, and that spoiled my belief that he wanted to break from Nate. It would have been harder for Nate to find him, in that case, but more proof that he wanted to find him. But the reconciliation was nicely done, no insta-love and throwing themselves into each others’ arms in a girly frenzy.
I think what annoyed me was that Nate—once he’d discovered that he wanted Jasper– just assumed that Jasper wanted him, and that was a little presumptuous, because really Jasper had never given him that impression—had been careful not to.
In fact when Nate—when trying to convince Jasper he’s serious says: “Have I ever shown myself to be fickle?” I had to laugh, because “YES, you did rather! You’ve been mooning over your best friend and then when Jasper takes a break your affections switch!” Jasper thinks that Nate has never been unfaithful, and that’s not strictly true because he’d been taking male whores while professing himself madly in love with his best friend. And even when Nate satisfies himself by telling Jasper that he loves him, he doesn’t care to inquire whether his feelings are reciprocated, that he loves Jasper is enough, apparently!
I’m being picky, though, partly, I suppose because instead of 124 pages, I would have liked 250 pages or more and that’s a good sign—when I want more, it means I really enjoyed it. This is the longest Ava March book so far, so I live in hope that one day I’ll have a paper made and full-sized novel by Ava March on my shelf.
July 17, 2016
I'm writing a review for Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends. I'll add a link when it's available.
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
ETA: link to my review Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends
4.5 stars
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
ETA: link to my review Gay.Guy.Reading and Friends
July 18, 2014
I agree with what Erastes and quite a few others said, it's another wonderful BDSM regency by March. What no one mentioned: this has an absolutely LOVELY cover!
February 12, 2018
Perhaps in an odd sort of way, he and Nate were perfect for each other. Both blind fools. Both wanting something so badly, so desperately, that they had refused to see it could never be...
Nathaniel Travers, younger son of a Viscount, has been coming to the brothel were Jasper Reed works for five years now, all in a desperate attempt to ignore (what he thinks is) love for his straight best friend. He loves spending time with Jasper, the only one who indulges his each and every kinky whim without hesitation or judgement, the one person he can truly and completely be himself around. But after five years of going "just one more time", Jasper has had enough of being in love with someone who will never let go of his feelings for someone else. Determined to finally move on, Jasper decides to first help Nate move on, and then take his own advice and retire. But letting go proves harder than he thought...
Oh the feels <3 It's Ava March, so you know the two have scorching chemistry. But what I didn't expect was for this book to wreck me like it did! There was some seriously ugly crying...
The only thing that marred the perfection for me was the ending. Their reconciliation came a bit too quickly for my tastes. For now, I'm really glad there's a sequel novella, which I'm off to read next!
If you've never tried Ava March's books before, do so! They are wonderful (not to mention HOT)!
Nathaniel Travers, younger son of a Viscount, has been coming to the brothel were Jasper Reed works for five years now, all in a desperate attempt to ignore (what he thinks is) love for his straight best friend. He loves spending time with Jasper, the only one who indulges his each and every kinky whim without hesitation or judgement, the one person he can truly and completely be himself around. But after five years of going "just one more time", Jasper has had enough of being in love with someone who will never let go of his feelings for someone else. Determined to finally move on, Jasper decides to first help Nate move on, and then take his own advice and retire. But letting go proves harder than he thought...
Oh the feels <3 It's Ava March, so you know the two have scorching chemistry. But what I didn't expect was for this book to wreck me like it did! There was some seriously ugly crying...
The only thing that marred the perfection for me was the ending. Their reconciliation came a bit too quickly for my tastes. For now, I'm really glad there's a sequel novella, which I'm off to read next!
If you've never tried Ava March's books before, do so! They are wonderful (not to mention HOT)!
March 15, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a really good book that I wished it was longer. Jasper is a prostitute at Madame Delacroix's brothel serving the needs of clientele that not only prefer the company of men but also those with more eccentric tastes in the bedroom. But Jasper looks forward to his time with one client in particular. During the time he has worked at the brothel Jasper has developed a fondness for Nate. Nate has confided in him over the years and as a result Jasper has come to think of Nate as a friend and has even secretly fallen in love with him. However he is fully aware that his love is unrequited and Nate sees him as exactly what he is, someone he pays to serve his needs. Nate comes to Jasper seeking comfort when a long-time friend of his is getting married. Nate has been in love with this friend Peter for years but has never told him although they had a brief physical encounter when they were very young. Broken-hearted Nate finds both friendship and understanding in the arms of Jasper as well as a man who is more than willing to entertain his desire for a bit of sexual kink. Unfortunately he does not realize his romantic feelings for Jasper until it's time for Jasper to move on and make a life for himself away from the brothel. He may have lost his chance at true love forever. This book reminds me of you never know what you got until it's gone. The sex scenes in this book were hot. I really liked reading Ms. March books they are always well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
March 27, 2011
First of all, I like Ava March books, which is why I bought this. She's never let me down, though I often think the books should be some much longer/ more in depth for the amount of money I paid. And as far as her books go, this one is longer than most.
BUT. As beautiful as her writing is. As much as I love her characters. As much as I feel she weaves a brilliant story that has me hooked -- I swear to God, I'm taking a stand that I will not overpay for a damn book of hers again.
Because ultimately, for me, it comes down to a good buy for my money.
I'm getting to the point that I'm sick of saying, "God, this is a fabulous book, but really? I paid $6.99 for 39,500 words?" and then I get frustrated and whatever I loved about it begins to irritate me. Seriously, this is the SIXTH book I've read of hers that, while I throughly enjoyed it, irritated me for how much I paid for it.
At some point I have to say: NO MORE.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
BUT. As beautiful as her writing is. As much as I love her characters. As much as I feel she weaves a brilliant story that has me hooked -- I swear to God, I'm taking a stand that I will not overpay for a damn book of hers again.
Because ultimately, for me, it comes down to a good buy for my money.
I'm getting to the point that I'm sick of saying, "God, this is a fabulous book, but really? I paid $6.99 for 39,500 words?" and then I get frustrated and whatever I loved about it begins to irritate me. Seriously, this is the SIXTH book I've read of hers that, while I throughly enjoyed it, irritated me for how much I paid for it.
At some point I have to say: NO MORE.
www.theanonymousmouse.com
October 9, 2012
This was a good book but not a great book. I liked it but there were a few problems with the book. The fact Nate loved Peter at the beginning of the book (or thought he did) and was paying Jasper for sex at the same time. Another problem was the fact he would not get his head out of his ass sooner and treat Jasper better. Jasper was a sweet character but I hated the fact he did what he did. He was always madly in love with Nate and he put up with his attitude and moaning. I really loved the way the book was written and glad it was not longer because I could not have tolerated more of Nate's pity part. If they had become an actual couple quicker I would have liked it a lot more but the book was an generally good book. :)
January 12, 2011
Very good kinky Regency m/m romance about a prostitute who's had enough to retire for a while, but stays on at the brothel because he's fallen in love with one of his clients - a client who's been pining for his straight best friend since they were at university together.
January 24, 2023
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Siamo a Londra, nel 1822.
Jasper Reed si prostituisce da oltre un decennio nel bordello di Madame Delacroix.
Tuttavia, il suo progetto non è mai stato quello di fare in eterno quella vita, ma bensì di mettere da parte abbastanza soldi da potersi ritirare e vivere in completo relax in campagna. Da figlio bastardo di una donna povera, il suo sogno è non dover mai più lavorare né preoccuparsi di poter morire di fame, e la prostituzione è stato il percorso più veloce per giungere al suo scopo.
Peccato che negli ultimi cinque anni sia entrato nella sua vita in nobiluomo Nathaniel “Nate” Travers, che lo va a trovare molto frequentemente e che non si limita a fare sesso con lui, ma anche a mangiare insieme e a confidarsi, soprattutto, diventando sempre più un “uomo” e sempre meno un “cliente”, mettendo a dura prova il povero cuore di Jasper.
Peccato che, questo amore, sia a senso unico.
Sì, perché Nate è da sempre innamorato del suo migliore amico sin dall’infanzia, Peter Edmonton, che però sta per sposarsi con Catherine, e Nate non riesce a farsene una ragione.
All’ennesimo lamento a riguardo, Jasper è esasperato e cerca di far ragionare Nate, finendo per porgergli una domanda che poi sarà costretto a porre anche a se stesso, facendogli capire che non può mettere in stand by la sua vita per un uomo che non potrà mai amarlo come desidera…
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI SLANIF
Siamo a Londra, nel 1822.
Jasper Reed si prostituisce da oltre un decennio nel bordello di Madame Delacroix.
Tuttavia, il suo progetto non è mai stato quello di fare in eterno quella vita, ma bensì di mettere da parte abbastanza soldi da potersi ritirare e vivere in completo relax in campagna. Da figlio bastardo di una donna povera, il suo sogno è non dover mai più lavorare né preoccuparsi di poter morire di fame, e la prostituzione è stato il percorso più veloce per giungere al suo scopo.
Peccato che negli ultimi cinque anni sia entrato nella sua vita in nobiluomo Nathaniel “Nate” Travers, che lo va a trovare molto frequentemente e che non si limita a fare sesso con lui, ma anche a mangiare insieme e a confidarsi, soprattutto, diventando sempre più un “uomo” e sempre meno un “cliente”, mettendo a dura prova il povero cuore di Jasper.
Peccato che, questo amore, sia a senso unico.
Sì, perché Nate è da sempre innamorato del suo migliore amico sin dall’infanzia, Peter Edmonton, che però sta per sposarsi con Catherine, e Nate non riesce a farsene una ragione.
All’ennesimo lamento a riguardo, Jasper è esasperato e cerca di far ragionare Nate, finendo per porgergli una domanda che poi sarà costretto a porre anche a se stesso, facendogli capire che non può mettere in stand by la sua vita per un uomo che non potrà mai amarlo come desidera…
Continua sul nostro blog!
February 19, 2011
Jasper has been working at Madame Delacroix’s brothel where he has been catering to men for a decade. Most of these men are fat and bloated and ones Jasper hates servicing. But her has made a good living off of being a prostitute and has a nice, tidy savings to help him retire to the country even though he’s not even thirty. He has one client he enjoys being with–Nathaniel Travers, who always asks for Jasper whenever he visits the brothel. Nathaniel has been a client of Jasper’s for five years. He thinks of Nathaniel, not only as a lover, but also as a friend. He keeps his feelings hidden from Nathaniel, but is more than happy to act on Nathaniel’s secret desires, even dressing in chemises and black leather corsets as they engage in their sexual and at times kinky fun.
Nathaniel is bereft over the impending marriage of his best friend, Peter Edmonton. Nathaniel has been in love with Peter since they were adolescents and from an experience in school with Pete, Nathaniel assumed Peter would want to be lovers with him. But Peter prefers women and acts as if their sexual experience never happened. He wishes he could tell Peter how he feels, but is afraid Peter will turn away from him in disgust. To vent his frustrations, Nathaniel engages in pugilism and sees Jasper every chance he can get. With Jasper, he can lose himself in his arms without the fear of discovery. Jasper always gives him what he wants and much more.
Jasper can no longer be around Nathaniel knowing the man he can’t stop thinking about longs for another while with him. He makes the final decision to turn his back on Nathaniel and the life he has built for himself. But will Nathaniel let him go or finally face the truth that he’s more than just a client to Jasper who has fallen desperately in love with him?
Ava March’s His Client is a wonderful Gay historical romance about two men who are perfect for one another, but because of their difference in rank and situation, they both yearn for things they think they can never attain. The moment Jasper appears, you get a great sense of his personal angst and how things have become very personal for him regarding Nathaniel. He sacrifices so much, and not just with his body, but accepting Nathaniel for all he is without asking for anything in return.
Nathaniel is also a character you will sympathize with. Every thought and opinion about himself, his fears about being found out by his best friend he adores, as well as society is very realistic. He is totally oblivious to Jasper’s pain because Jasper keeps it hidden so well.
The sex scenes are tastefully done and borderline erotic. Both Jasper and Nathaniel have great chemistry together and Ava turns things up a notch with some subtle kink between the two in the form of light cross-dressing from Jasper. Those love scenes really delivered and cemented a deep emotional response from both men. And if you wonder how in the world these two men can be together, Ava really writes a HEA that you can believe in.
Ava can not only write lush, historical romance, but has an excellent skill at writing Gay romance in a very unique way. Those readers who are in the mood for a different type of historical romance with hot sex between two well-rounded male characters should definitely get their hands on His Client.
Nathaniel is bereft over the impending marriage of his best friend, Peter Edmonton. Nathaniel has been in love with Peter since they were adolescents and from an experience in school with Pete, Nathaniel assumed Peter would want to be lovers with him. But Peter prefers women and acts as if their sexual experience never happened. He wishes he could tell Peter how he feels, but is afraid Peter will turn away from him in disgust. To vent his frustrations, Nathaniel engages in pugilism and sees Jasper every chance he can get. With Jasper, he can lose himself in his arms without the fear of discovery. Jasper always gives him what he wants and much more.
Jasper can no longer be around Nathaniel knowing the man he can’t stop thinking about longs for another while with him. He makes the final decision to turn his back on Nathaniel and the life he has built for himself. But will Nathaniel let him go or finally face the truth that he’s more than just a client to Jasper who has fallen desperately in love with him?
Ava March’s His Client is a wonderful Gay historical romance about two men who are perfect for one another, but because of their difference in rank and situation, they both yearn for things they think they can never attain. The moment Jasper appears, you get a great sense of his personal angst and how things have become very personal for him regarding Nathaniel. He sacrifices so much, and not just with his body, but accepting Nathaniel for all he is without asking for anything in return.
Nathaniel is also a character you will sympathize with. Every thought and opinion about himself, his fears about being found out by his best friend he adores, as well as society is very realistic. He is totally oblivious to Jasper’s pain because Jasper keeps it hidden so well.
The sex scenes are tastefully done and borderline erotic. Both Jasper and Nathaniel have great chemistry together and Ava turns things up a notch with some subtle kink between the two in the form of light cross-dressing from Jasper. Those love scenes really delivered and cemented a deep emotional response from both men. And if you wonder how in the world these two men can be together, Ava really writes a HEA that you can believe in.
Ava can not only write lush, historical romance, but has an excellent skill at writing Gay romance in a very unique way. Those readers who are in the mood for a different type of historical romance with hot sex between two well-rounded male characters should definitely get their hands on His Client.
December 6, 2016
3,5 - Non male. Però mi aspettavo qualcosina di più.
Ci sono due o tre scene molto intense e accattivanti, davvero da palpitazione.
Come novella erotica, quattro stelle piene.
Come novella storica, in realtà, se togli il riferimento al "panciotto" o ai cavalli nella stalla, potresti chiudere gli occhi e inserire lo stesso sesso selvaggio e gli stessi dialoghi in un'ambientazione moderna, senza togliere nulla.
La trama è piuttosto semplice: il lui-squillo d'alto bordo che s'innamora del lui-cliente, da sempre innamorato del suo migliore amico. Poi il migliore amico (ignaro) si sposa, e questo genera un effetto domino sugli altri due, modificando le loro prospective di vita.
Ora, sarà perchè nei regency tradizionali, tutti sono ossessionati dalle rendite e dal mantenimento in un'epoca piuttosto dura per i single e i non nobili, però ho trovato un po' incomprensibile che un tizio meno che trentenne, venendo da St. Giles e con meno di un decennio di prostituzione alle spalle, riesca ad un certo punto ad avere "mezzi sufficienti" per comprarsi una casa, seppure in campagna, con arredamento, stalla, e terreno, e a poter pensare di vivere lì tranquillamente sino alla vecchiaia (sorbendosi il the e guardando il paesaggio fuori dalla finestra). Boh.
Nel testo non si menzionano donazioni da ricchi clienti, nè eredità segrete. Francamente, se Nate non fosse riapparso alla sua porta, non capisco come Jasper confidava di mantenersi per il futuro...
Ci sono due o tre scene molto intense e accattivanti, davvero da palpitazione.
Come novella erotica, quattro stelle piene.
Come novella storica, in realtà, se togli il riferimento al "panciotto" o ai cavalli nella stalla, potresti chiudere gli occhi e inserire lo stesso sesso selvaggio e gli stessi dialoghi in un'ambientazione moderna, senza togliere nulla.
La trama è piuttosto semplice: il lui-squillo d'alto bordo che s'innamora del lui-cliente, da sempre innamorato del suo migliore amico. Poi il migliore amico (ignaro) si sposa, e questo genera un effetto domino sugli altri due, modificando le loro prospective di vita.
Ora, sarà perchè nei regency tradizionali, tutti sono ossessionati dalle rendite e dal mantenimento in un'epoca piuttosto dura per i single e i non nobili, però ho trovato un po' incomprensibile che un tizio meno che trentenne, venendo da St. Giles e con meno di un decennio di prostituzione alle spalle, riesca ad un certo punto ad avere "mezzi sufficienti" per comprarsi una casa, seppure in campagna, con arredamento, stalla, e terreno, e a poter pensare di vivere lì tranquillamente sino alla vecchiaia (sorbendosi il the e guardando il paesaggio fuori dalla finestra). Boh.
Nel testo non si menzionano donazioni da ricchi clienti, nè eredità segrete. Francamente, se Nate non fosse riapparso alla sua porta, non capisco come Jasper confidava di mantenersi per il futuro...
November 22, 2011
I liked this one, but didn't love it.
The sexytimes were intense and hot, and the angst of unrequited love (the prostitute for the client, but the client for his straight and clueless best friend) was palpable. I had a hard time getting on board with the resolution, wherein the client, Nate, just "realizes" that Jasper is the one he wants, after all. One part I found rather comical (in an unfortunate way) occurred when Jasper said one of the things he most admired about Nate was his loyalty and steadfastness, and I couldn't help but think "Um...a month ago, Nate was professing his agony and torture over his unrequited love for his best friend, and now Nate is saying he loves you, Jasper. How is that loyalty and steadfastness?" I know, I'm a Debbie Downer, but that part really didn't ring true to me.
I wanted a little more groveling from Nate and a little more holding out on Jasper's part. I was also really hoping to see some wooing by Nate, and it just didn't happen.
The sexytimes were intense and hot, and the angst of unrequited love (the prostitute for the client, but the client for his straight and clueless best friend) was palpable. I had a hard time getting on board with the resolution, wherein the client, Nate, just "realizes" that Jasper is the one he wants, after all. One part I found rather comical (in an unfortunate way) occurred when Jasper said one of the things he most admired about Nate was his loyalty and steadfastness, and I couldn't help but think "Um...a month ago, Nate was professing his agony and torture over his unrequited love for his best friend, and now Nate is saying he loves you, Jasper. How is that loyalty and steadfastness?" I know, I'm a Debbie Downer, but that part really didn't ring true to me.
I wanted a little more groveling from Nate and a little more holding out on Jasper's part. I was also really hoping to see some wooing by Nate, and it just didn't happen.
February 22, 2015
This is a second edition version of a previously released work by Ava March. People who enjoy historical romantic mm will be familiar with her work and will most certainly enjoy this one, as well.
For me, historical romances must be able to convince me that the gentlemen involved are conducting their relationship in a realistic way. Of course, the fantasy is that the lord can easily employ the handsome lower class gent as his personal man-servant, and no one will EVER know, but fortunately authors are a lot more inventive than I, and so I am also interested in how this is achieved.
Jasper, as the world weary prostitute is the exact embodiment of compassion and accomplice. Nate, as the visiting gentlemen shows himself to be blind and foolish.
The complications are easily resolved but before that, we are given several very well described scenes of submission and kink. Admittedly, it's light kink, but it's certainly intense and graphic.
I loved the resolution. It's not a long book, but it is a completely satisfying one. Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and received with thanks. Out on March 17th.
For me, historical romances must be able to convince me that the gentlemen involved are conducting their relationship in a realistic way. Of course, the fantasy is that the lord can easily employ the handsome lower class gent as his personal man-servant, and no one will EVER know, but fortunately authors are a lot more inventive than I, and so I am also interested in how this is achieved.
Jasper, as the world weary prostitute is the exact embodiment of compassion and accomplice. Nate, as the visiting gentlemen shows himself to be blind and foolish.
The complications are easily resolved but before that, we are given several very well described scenes of submission and kink. Admittedly, it's light kink, but it's certainly intense and graphic.
I loved the resolution. It's not a long book, but it is a completely satisfying one. Copy provided by publisher via Netgalley and received with thanks. Out on March 17th.
October 13, 2011
This was a good read. It's got a prostitute hero, and the other hero (since this is M/M) is his client, which is an awesome setup for me. The sex was hot and the angst was there. It was really interesting that the prostitute didn't have a particularly troubled past, just very poor and neglected, but didn't seem really worse for the wear. He seemed to have a decent view of his own self worth, despite obviously being aware of his status in society. In fact, the "tortured" one of the pair was the wealthy client, who struggled with his "love" for another and his position in society. The problem that I had was that the conflict, that felt entirely real and entirely huge, was solved by one of the heroes changing his mind... just like that. While I believed in their love and ability to work through the challenges they will face, I didn't feel like the HEA really did justice to the sum of the angst and conflict we'd seen in the first half.
March 18, 2016
4.5 stars
I'm ashamed to admit this is my first Ava March novel, but it certainly won't be my last. His Client is a very emotional, even angsty at times story of unrequited love that a prostitute (named Jasper) feels for his client, the nephew of a viscount. Nate (the client) thinks he's in love with his best friend and won't stop talking about him to Jasper, who finally realizes he and Nate have no future together and decides to retire. Which of course is when Nate realizes how much Jasper means to him.
A relatively simple story, yet very well written, full of emotions and sexy scenes. Highly recommended.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I'm ashamed to admit this is my first Ava March novel, but it certainly won't be my last. His Client is a very emotional, even angsty at times story of unrequited love that a prostitute (named Jasper) feels for his client, the nephew of a viscount. Nate (the client) thinks he's in love with his best friend and won't stop talking about him to Jasper, who finally realizes he and Nate have no future together and decides to retire. Which of course is when Nate realizes how much Jasper means to him.
A relatively simple story, yet very well written, full of emotions and sexy scenes. Highly recommended.
ARC provided by NetGalley
August 16, 2014
I tend to turn to Ava March whenever I'm in the mood for Regency romance ... I like her style and her characters ... there is usually a twist to keep the trope fresh and she adds enough personal hygiene to avoid the squick of unwashed dangly bits that I've read in other books ... this is typical Ava March and as such, highly recommended ... my only complaint is that the sugar-kink aspect wasn't explored more ...
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