Review: Rogues

Reviewed by Jen
 

Ava March wraps up her her m/m historical Brook Street trilogy with what I think is the best story in the bunch.  (And that's saying something, because I enjoyed them all.)

This installment focuses on Linus Radcliffe and Robert Anderson. The two men grew up as the best of friends, and eventually went on to become part-time lovers.  Linus knew early on that he preferred men, and loved Robert above all others.  But while Robert has always enjoyed his time with Linus, he has always sought out women for his other affairs.

Things are changing in Robert, however.  He is growing more and more uncomfortable watching Linus flit from one man's bed to another. He comes to the decision that he wants to try a monogamous relationship with his old friend, but he doesn't really think about the long term repercussions.  Whereas Linus has thought about exactly that for years.  He knows Robert has never had more than a series of fleeting affairs and he does not want to risk they already have for something he feels is doomed to failure. The story follows Robert as he attempts to convince Linus they belong together.

I really liked this novella.  Honestly, my only complaint is that I wish there were more of it.  But even in less than 100 pages, March makes me feel so invested in these characters.  She gives them depth and makes them sympathetic.  Their relationship is believable and their obstacles never felt manufactured.  The sex is both hot and realistic.  And I just didn't want to put it down.

Very, very good.

Rating: A-

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Rogues

by Ava March

Release Date: May 7, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press

Review: Fortune Hunter

Reviewed by Jen
 

Ava March continues her sexy m/m historical trilogy with this second installment, featuring the fortune-hunting Julian Parker. Julian knows he prefers his lovers to be men, but he also knows that a rich wife will be his only chance at the kind of life he wants.

Julian grew up as one of the poor relations in his family. His dad gambled and whored the family's money away, forcing them to leave London for America years ago. Now he wants to restore his family name in London and his is counting on his cousin Benjamin to help introduce him back into society.

At his first ball, Julian meets Oscar. The young man is rich, generous and kind. The two become fast friends. And Oscar invites Julian to stay with him as a houseguest. It doesn't take long for the men to figure out they're both interested in an affair. And in no time, they are burning up the sheets.

The sex scenes are really hot... and they're wonderfully realistic. Oscar is impossible not to like. He is so sweet and genuine. He deserves Julian's love and respect. But of course, those pesky marriage plans don't include him.

I liked the story, though I could see Julian's big mistake coming a mile away --and it was no fun sitting there, waiting for him to make it. The HEA came in the form of an Epilogue, which made it feel a little rushed. I wish we would have had a little more time to savor their reconciliation.

I'm looking forward to the final story in the trilogy! Almost 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Fortune Hunter

by Ava March

Release Date: April 9, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press

Review: Thief

Reviewed by Jen
 

For years, Lord Benjamin has wondered if a man could satisfy him the way that no woman ever has. Now he has decided to take the bull by the horns, so to speak, and find out one way or another.

He visits a gaming hell well-known for a clientele of men who enjoy the company of other men. It's there he meets Cavin, though Ben has no idea that he is actually a small time thief hoping to score a little money off of their encounter. The two men hit it off right away, and it's only a short time until they're getting physical in a hotel room.

Their encounter is everything Ben ever hoped intimacy with a man could be. It's so good, in fact, that Cavin can't bring himself to steal from his new lover. Soon after, Cavin begins to turn his life around, but he feels himself to low too ever be really be with the Lord who has stolen his heart. Thankfully, Ben has other ideas.

I really enjoyed this novella. Ben's sexual initiation is so well done. It's incredibly hot and completely believable. And as for the relationship, I was grateful that we didn't jump straight into Love, but first enjoyed attraction and friendship between the men. Cavin's self-loathing was also a win for me. I love stories where a man feels himself beneath his HEA. It's always so gratifying to watch them learn they are worthy of love. Very good.  A little more than 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Thief

by Ava March

Release Date: March 19, 2012

Publisher: Carina Press