Set just after the battle of Waterloo in 1815, this is the story of Major Oliver Thornley and Daniel, the man who saved his life. They were very close brothers in arms, but lost touch after Oliver was safe. Neither of them expected to ever see the other again, but Fate has a different plan. In a tale that has Oliver sweep in to save Daniel this time, both men need to figure out how to deal with their feelings. Ones they have not acknowledged before, that are illegal and could get both of them sentenced and hanged. Feelings that, at least Oliver, has been taught are utterly immoral and that make him despise himself when he cannot stop them.

Oliver is a man of some means, with a small house in London, a valet, and a housekeeper. He is not rich, but he has no problem surviving now that the war is over and he has returned to running his business. When Oliver finds Daniel in the street, hiding under a bunch of rags, half-starved and not quite conscious, he is both shocked and relieved. He hates the idea that Daniel has had to suffer, but is happy to help him regain his health. After all, the man saved his life, and even though Oliver was not able to track him down once his own wounds had healed, he has never forgotten him.

With Daniel in the house and needing pretty close physical care, Oliver soon finds himself tempted to kiss him – and more. But Oliver’s father beat a hatred of anything gay into him to the point that Oliver now despises himself and his feelings. It takes a long time and some stern talking-to from Daniel for Oliver to begin to understand that the love he feels is not “wrong” or “immoral”.

Daniel has his own problems. His parents died and left him without a home. He was wounded as well and now has a limp that disqualifies him for the physical work that is his only means to support himself. And as much as he loves Oliver and appreciates the help, he is too proud to accept life as a “kept man”. There are some very tense moments in Oliver and Daniel’s relationship, and finding a solution to their situation in a time when love between two men is illegal is not going to be easy.

If you like historical gay romance with all the issues and obstacles it presents, if you believe that two men who have fought together and are deeply in love deserve to be together – no matter what, and if you’re looking for a read that is full of tension, sweetness, and deep emotions, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )