Book Reviews

Book Blurb

The sole survivor of his family’s gruesome murder years earlier, “Poor Little Ned Lawton” has struggled to put the dark events behind him. So when a brash New York detective darkens his doorway demanding an interview, the wealthy young gentleman immediately shuts him out. But a rash of murders in America are mirroring of the London killings, and Patrick Kelly knows Ned might be the key to stopping the bloodshed.

Lawton, now called Edmund Sloan, is a wealthy young gentleman and philanthropist. He’s spent most of his life pushing all memories of his old family and that horrific day from his thoughts. Now a brash, provocative American detective insists he dredge up the past.

Together, Patrick and the unwilling Edmund must uncover the truth of the murders before the killer strikes again, whether it is in New York or London. As they hunt down secrets from his past, Edmund can’t hide his other secret from the sharp-eyed detective: the attraction he feels for men and the enticing Patrick in particular.

Book Review

“The miracle of your mind isn’t that you can see the world as it is. It’s that you can see the world as it isn’t.” ~ Kathryn Schultz

Edmund Sloan (Ned Lawton) survived the horrific murder of his entire family when he was five years old. He was taken in by the Sloan family who thought it was better for Edmund to forget not only the murders, but his entire past including his family and nanny. In order to show his gratitude for all the Sloan family's generosity, and his morbid fear of losing everything he knows and loves, Edmund tries his best to cause as little trouble as possible, but that doesn't stop the nightmares.

When Patrick appears at his house, asking for help to solve murders, in the United States, similar to the ones perpetrated on his family all those years ago, Edmund is incensed. He thinks Patrick is using this an excuse to squeeze money out of him, as so many have tried to do in the past. It takes a while, but Patrick convinces him that he is a private detective rather than an opportunist. Patrick also insinuates if dredging up his past can help solve other murders or deter others, it's Edmund's “duty” to assist him. As infuriating as the American is, he also fascinates Edmund and stirs a forbidden passion in him like no one else has ever done. Patrick insists on calling Edmund Ned and what begins as an irritation, becomes an endearment. Patrick sees that beneath Ned's cool exterior and insistence that his past is best left there, he is in turmoil because of it.

As Patrick and Ned systematically examine each murder clue, solving the case becomes more personal for Patrick due to his intimate feelings for Ned. When Patrick learns that Ned used to be a boisterous, energetic boy, he is even more determined to see Ned reclaim the “fire” he had as a child, rather than continuing to live in the false mold he has forced himself into. When Ned tells Patrick about his nightmares/memories, it adds a layer of concern about the toll it is taking on Ned, but he also knows that delving into his past but realizes that it is a necessary evil. Although neither man will acknowledge it, their involvement with each other is growing steadily stronger. As the investigation continues, so does Ned's internal search; it's an uphill battle. Remembering the past, as awful as some of it is, helps him see himself in a more realistic manner.

It's not easy to write a passionate romance while solving a gruesome murder and make it intense, mysterious, and erotic, but Summer has definitely pulled it off. She balances the gruesome details of the tale with moments of sexual pleasure and emotional growth in a way that's immensely satisfying. Thanks, Summer, for this suspenseful, gratifying reading experience.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 229 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	01-September-2017
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/His-American-Detective-Victorian-Book-ebook/dp/B074374DZ4