Book Reviews

Book Blurb

When a frantic man races after David on a London street, he’s certain the fellow is a lunatic. But in fact, Isak Jensen is an artist caught by David’s beauty. He coaxes David to model for him, for a generous fee, of course. David, down on his luck and with a sister to support, agrees—despite his undeniable and dangerous attraction to the eccentric, wealthy artist. The sort of attraction that has led him into trouble before.

Enjoying rising fame as a painter, Isak struggles to keep his emotional distance from his handsome model—unsuccessfully. Dodging downstairs gossip and swirling intrigue amongst the servants, he and David indulge in clandestine rendezvous. Until the problems that hound David land on Isak’s doorstep in the shape of a former lover, a conniving aristocrat who preyed upon both David and his sister.

With a looming scandal in a censorious society threatening to destroy Isak, David, and his sister, Isac makes a perilous offer that could save them all.

Book Review

From the moment I read the blurb (with a man racing down a street, chasing the main character) and noticed the clearly historical language, the reference to an eccentric artist, and the potential for upstairs/downstairs and other drama, I was intrigued. I suspected this novel might be an entertaining, possibly amusing take on historical London of the late nineteenth century with all its societal demands and pressures. I am happy to report that I was right – while there is lots of historical accuracy, the romance that blossoms between David and Isak is unlikely, yet utterly charming. Just like I prefer my historical fiction: with a pinch of salt, so to speak, yet not utterly “impossible” either.

David is a “workman” in a bit of trouble – but it isn’t immediately clear what that may be. Apparently there was “an incident with George” that has made David come to London to look for employment, but he can’t find any. More details emerge as the story develops, and it becomes clear that David is very down-to-earth, practical, and in need of an income because he has a sister to support. He wants to behave the way his family expects him to and has never really considered rebelling against what he was taught despite his risky-at-the-time interest in men.

Isak is an increasingly successful artist through and through – focused on his paintings and sketches, not really bothered about money all that much, and as for society? He largely ignores most of his peers and others alike. His interest in David is more than as a model from the start, and it doesn’t take Isak long to give in to his need for more than a professional relationship with David. Between the servants surrounding them and David’s past catching up with him, Isak does not have an easy time of it. But he is as determined and independent as they come, so there is no way he will give up.

David and Isak bond as David becomes Isak’s favorite model, despite David’s reluctance to give in to what he really wants - a physical encounter or two with the enigmatic artist. David never even considers having a relationship with a man, but Isak is less bound by societal restrictions, at least in his mind. Outwardly, appearances will still have to be kept, but Isak believes that what he does behind closed doors is nobody’s business but his own and his partner’s. Seeing David react to that by relaxing and figuring out what he really wants, then beginning to believe he can actually get it was wonderful.

If you like historical settings and drama, if you enjoy stories about “forbidden love” surviving against the odds and in unusual ways (at least unusual as we look at it today), and if you’re looking for a read that is entertaining, funny, dramatic, and sweet, then you will probably like this novel. I certainly enjoyed it!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by the author for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novel, 165 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	12-October-2017
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Gentlemans-Muse-Summer-Devon-ebook/dp/B075NCG9P2