Cecilia Ryan

A second chance, a surprising reunion, unexpected happiness – all of these labels would fit the story of two men who meet as boys, yet are separated by the circumstances of their birth. But this short book is about so much more. With a love that wasn't supposed to be between them, Nathaniel and Konstantin still devote their lives to duty. I guess in a historical context, that of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that makes sense, but it was still heartbreaking to read. Knowing what was coming, namely World War One, increased the suspense as to what would happen to these two men enormously. The one thing that kept me going was the hint at a second chance in the blurb.

Nathaniel isn’t conscious of his position in life at first, and he only gradually realizes its importance. The boy he meets when he is six years old fascinates him much more than any possible trappings of power, not that they're very close to his reality at first. The friendship that develops between him and Konstantin, then blossoms into more, helps him through an otherwise pretty lonely life. There is no hope for a relationship, as far as he knows, not in those days, and not with them being of different sides of a Europe separated by war.

Konstantin is a little more enigmatic, since the story is told from Nathaniel's point of view. But that actually worked really well for me. I found out about Konstantin the way Nathaniel did, and that drew me into the story even more closely. Konstantin faces the same family expectations and duty as Nathaniel, seeing no way out until the very end. His courage and determination are inspiring, and his quiet way of hanging on is inspiring. Not one for grand statements, he nevertheless loves Nathaniel deeply and will do anything to be reunited with him.

The story is beautifully written, with a clear focus on the characters and their feelings, and just enough description to clarify the time and setting. If you like historicals that make the characters come alive, if you enjoy reading about men who fall in love so gradually that it takes them a while to understand what happened, and if you're looking for an emotional read with an ending that is likely to make you cry with relief, you will probably like this book. It moved me deeply.

… (mere)

An excellent, though short, story about Beau Brummell. I will admit that I didn't know much about him prior to reading this, aside from his name. The writing was clear and compelling, and I really felt for Beau in his dealings with the Prince, and his difficulties in maintaining himself when his fortune depended so much upon patronage. Also, it was a lovely love story. I think I am going to have to find more to read about Brummell, now that I've read this book.

(review copy from netgalley)… (mere)