A King Undone

Title: A King Undone

Author: Cooper Davis

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-61922-427-8

Genre: {M/M} Alternative History Series

Rating: 4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

King Arend Tollemach might live in a world where noblemen court and marry other men, but it doesn’t mean that same option is open to kings and princes. Yet after his queen dies, Arend decides he’s sacrificed enough personal happiness and he’s willing to risk a scandal. He applies to the secretive Temple Sapphor for a male concubine, who will teach him the ways of male love.

Sold to the temple ten years ago, Julian has spent the time waiting and hoping but has been passed over many times. He’s afraid he’ll spend the rest of his life within the temple walls alone, but then he greets Arend at the temple gates. The beautiful king makes his heart flutter.

Taking Julian as his concubine is easy. Keeping him is much harder when demands of the kingdom try to rip them apart. The question is whether he can find a way that they can stay together when royal duty make demands Arend might not be able to overlook.

A King Undone is the first release in the new Noble Pleasures series by Cooper Davis.

You’d think with the premise of Arend getting a concubine that the story would be filled with lots of sex but that isn’t the case. Yes, Arend and Julian are attracted from the beginning but instead of jumping into bed immediately, Arend decides to court Julian before the physical side of their relationship begins. It’s a little unexpected but not unappreciated, giving the story a typical Regency feel. It allows the author time to develop the plot line and the personalities of both men. The slow timing of their relationship also means there’s plenty of sizzling tension and it’s nicely done. 

Arend and Julian make a good couple and I’m curious as to how their story will continue, but there are several secondary characters that are wonderful additions to the story too. They really added a depth to the story and I hope to see more of them with the next book. The world building is pretty well done, as is the descriptions of Arend and Julian’s personal backgrounds. Nothing about the pace of this story is fast but it doesn’t drag either. If you enjoy the idea of Regency-like world where men can have relationships with other men, I suggest you give this new series a try.

Matters of Courtship

Title: Matters of Courtship

Author: C.M. Jackson

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

Publisher URL: www.dreamspinnerpress.com

ISBN/BIN: 978-1-63216-049-2

Genre: {M/M} Alternative History

Rating: 3 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Dragon Minx

As the Crown Prince of the United Kingdom of America, William Samuel Davis is used to being followed by the media. What he doesn’t expect is for them to discover his preference for men and to “out” him to the entire world. What follows is a quickly arranged marriage to Lucas O'Malley-Hamilton, cousin to the current crown prince of the British Empire.  William isn’t happy and intends to make Lucas miserable enough to leave.

Things get complicated as William spends time with Lucas and grows fond of him but that doesn’t mean he wants to get married. Then the anti-monarchy people stir things up, putting the royal family in danger. As the tension rises and threats increase, William must come to grips with his changing feelings for Lucas. Will their royal marriage be accepted? Will they be happy together?

When I read the blurb for Matters of Courtship I thought it had potential. Since this is the first release for C.M. Jackson I decided to give it a try, and I’m sorry to say I was disappointed. Truthfully little of the plot worked for me. I found using an actual, living prince of England’s name as that of the main character’s a poor choice. That brings up William. He’s totally obnoxious and annoying and considering he’s twenty-six, he acts like a bratty teenager. I do like Lucas, but neither character had their personalities developed to their full potential. And don’t get me started on the ridiculous decisions William makes on a routine basis.

There are many opportunities for some great world building but it never happens and changed historical facts make little sense. For example—after fighting the Revolutionary War to get away from the British monarchy, Washington wouldn’t start a monarchy in America.

What I did like. As I mentioned above, I enjoyed Lucas and getting to know him a little as the plot progresses. William put up roadblocks to the marriage, so their relationship moves slowly before turning into a romance. I liked seeing a few tender moments when the antimonarchy crowd puts the royal family in danger, and Will caring for Lucas. I was actually shocked to see that side of him.

If you think the blurb sounds appealing, give it a try, you might find this version of history just what you’re looking for. It might just be your cup of tea.