This is one that I was not at all expecting to like as much as I did. I think part of that is the historical fiction aspect (I'm finding that historical m/m romance - when well-written - has a way of pulling me in), but the story itself and the characters are definitely worth a read.

The slow build-up of the main relationship is one of those things that left me frustrated but also on the edge of my seat. The complexity of the characters and their personalities (including the supporting and side characters) really helps bring this world and story to life. The only reason this one didn't pull 4 stars from me is because I felt like maybe it was just a bit long for the story being told - some parts were drawn out that could have been dealt with more swiftly. But it's still a good story, regardless.

Content warning: Sexual assault/torture references ( )

This is the first gay romance novel from this writer. Her second book, Discreet Young Gentleman, is much better. This one is like a gay Barbara Cartland romance. Every single cliché is there up to the young, innocent love interest chained up in a dungeon at the mercy of a very dark villain. I was laughing and not because it was funny. The book cover is so bad and as predictable as the plot of this story. Better only read her second book. ( )

I’m deeply regretting to have not read this book before, this is exactly like one of those historical romances I eagerly read when I was a teenager and so loved. There is the dashing scoundrel, and as often it happens he has a wise old aunt who is holding the purse strings; she deeply love her rake of a nephew but she wants for him to settle down for the good of the title but above all for his own happiness. There is of course a vain lover, more interested to that purse than to the gentleman, and there is of course the innocent soul who happens to step into the mouse’s trap totally unaware. And in this case mouse is the appropriate definition since this is like Stephen, the Earl of St. Joseph, nicknamed Jamie, the shy historian who was supposed to be his nephews’ tutor before the tragedy of losing them and their parents to a shipwreck. Jamie insinuates not only in Stephen’s house and in the life of all the household, but with his good heart and innocent behaviour, also in the heart of the handsome earl, even if the man has a lover, Julian, the Golden One, that is way prettier than the little country mouse Jamie.

As often it happens, there is also a secret in Jamie’s past that makes him probably more suitable to Stephen than Julian, and if this wasn’t an homosexual affair, it would have probably ended in Stephen marrying Jamie, but as it’s, what we can expect is for them to live happily, and scandalously, ever after in sin. How that is possible in England at the end of the XVIII century? (the date you can guess from a reference to the madness of King George and the taking of the throne of the Regent) the answer is simple: wealth and nobless. Not only Stephen has a title, his aunt is also one of the wealthiest women of England and manage the purse strings of more family other than Stephen’s; when the ton tries to ostracize his nephew, she is ready to emulate Jesus Christ and his “who sinned cast the first stone” speech, letting the people be aware she knows secrets and she is ready to spread them.

Once you overcome the homosexuality is illegal issue, what remains to the author is two men and their love story, mostly played inside the walls of Stephen’s house, and so in a safe environment. It’s true that Jamie entered that environment unaware of Stephen’s particular bed choices, but the author is also ready to let the reader know he is not so against the idea; now don’t get me wrong, Jamie is completely, totally innocent, and he wouldn’t dare to face Stephen with his sexual preferences, but upon witnessing Stephen’s encounter with his lover, Jamie remembers how he had feelings for a young seminarist, feelings that were quite similar to what he should have felt instead for a young girl. With such realization slowly comes also another epiphany, he can easily fall in love for mylord, if only that was not an impossible dream: Jamie doesn’t want to end being the plaything of a lord, and if he loves a man there is no other chance.

I really enjoy Jamie’s character but also Stephen; he was not your usual scoundrel, he didn’t redeem only for the sake, of the chance to fall into bed with Jamie, Stephen was already a good man, enough to look at his strange household, made up from castoff of other noble families or worst, from the streets. Jamie fits well among them since he basically assumes the role of the lady of the house, a role he fulfil perfectly in each aspect if not the one of sharing the bed of the lord of the house. Role even Stephen starts to wonder why it’s not covered by the lad, so that he starts a slow, but steady work of breaking down the young man’s defences.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0971708932/?tag=elimyrevandra-20

Stephen is an Earl on his great aunt's leash, trying to spend scads of money to drown the pain of the recent deaths of his brother and his family. He has a contract with Julian, "The Golden One", for sex; he keeps Julian in an apartment, gave him a personal assistant, buys all of his clothing, etc, and takes him out to dinner all the time.Julian is an arrogant prick. Jaimie enters Stephen's household expecting to be working for Stephen's brother Robert. Realizing Jaimie would not otherwise have a job, he hires him to be the household secretary.

A charming aspect of the story is how this apparent Lothario has cobbled together his own "family" by employing misfits as his cook, stable help, butler, and maid. Since Stephen lives an "out" lifestyle in the early 1800's he is empathetic to how it feels not to fit in.

Stephen and Jaimie fall in love with plenty of turbulence along the way. One reviewer faulted Jaimie and Julian's characters as being interchangeable with female characters in the Romance Novel Template used in this story. And, yes, this is true, but it would seem the point is to create romance novels for those who have not had them available. Romance novels for gay men were never plentiful until rather recently.

M.J. Pearson does not just give you a cheap or tawdry romance. Her secondary and even tertiary characters are interesting and fleshed out. Her main characters feel tangible, as if you could open the door and meet them. And, sweet mercy, the way she writes a kiss is delectable. I enjoyed "Helpless" even more than this title, but I will seek out all of her books. ( )

An incredibly charming, funny and irreverent read, The Price of Temptation is one ebook I’d love in print. Following reasonably traditional historical romance lines, minus a heroine, this was very entertaining and I cannot wait to read Discreet Young Gentleman.

Stephen is such a likable rogue, one cannot help but want someone to take him in hand. He’s rather flighty and not remotely interested in anyone other than himself. Or so he’d like you to think. Underneath this raffish exterior he has odd moments where his generosity of spirit shines through. Apart from these isolated instances, he seems to spend the rest of his time looking at his new secretaries arse or swanning off with his paramour. He’s a bit of a shit. Poor Jamie doesn’t really know what’s hit him! I’ll give Stephen credit, he does try to stay away from his delicious new secretary, but the lure of what is beneath Jamie’s gentle, sweet breeches and frock coat is just too much. heh.

Despite being a historical novel, it did not fall into the trap of making it all about how their love has to be hidden away and kept on the down low. It’s there, but not in your face and making one feel maudlin. The characters were believable and engaging and I found myself, with fingers crossed, hoping the bad guys would get their comeuppance. The tension builds beautifully and the ensuing smex is glasses fogging good. There is something inately grubby about sex written in this era, or maybe it’s just me. O-o I really enjoyed the secondary characters too, they were well fleshed out and I liked the cook and Charles the valet a great deal. They provide lovely depth to the story.

On an aside, the original cover by Sean Platter rocks! LOTS!! The new ebook cover is very nice, classy even, but for me the original is super cool and rather naughty.

A gorgeous historical read and an author I cannot wait to read more of.

http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/10/28/the-price-of-temptation-by-mj-pearson/ ( )