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Sins of the Cities #1
An Unseen Attraction
A slow-burning romance and a chilling mystery bind two singular men in the suspenseful first book of a new Victorian series from K. J. Charles.
Lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer prefers a quiet life. He’s happy with his hobbies, his work—and especially with his lodger Rowley Green, who becomes a friend over their long fireside evenings together. If only neat, precise, irresistible Mr. Green were interested in more than friendship...
Rowley just wants to be left alone—at least until he meets Clem, with his odd, charming ways and his glorious eyes. Two quiet men, lodging in the same house, coming to an understanding... it could be perfect. Then the brutally murdered corpse of another lodger is dumped on their doorstep and their peaceful life is shattered.
Now Clem and Rowley find themselves caught up in a mystery, threatened on all sides by violent men, with a deadly London fog closing in on them. If they’re to see their way through, the pair must learn to share their secrets—and their hearts.
Lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer prefers a quiet life. He’s happy with his hobbies, his work—and especially with his lodger Rowley Green, who becomes a friend over their long fireside evenings together. If only neat, precise, irresistible Mr. Green were interested in more than friendship...
Rowley just wants to be left alone—at least until he meets Clem, with his odd, charming ways and his glorious eyes. Two quiet men, lodging in the same house, coming to an understanding... it could be perfect. Then the brutally murdered corpse of another lodger is dumped on their doorstep and their peaceful life is shattered.
Now Clem and Rowley find themselves caught up in a mystery, threatened on all sides by violent men, with a deadly London fog closing in on them. If they’re to see their way through, the pair must learn to share their secrets—and their hearts.
223 pages, ebook
First published February 21, 2017
About the author
K.J. Charles
63 books10.6k followersKJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
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She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/13876...
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
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October 11, 2016The first in my new Sins of the Cities trilogy. It's London 1873, a long winter. As one of the worst fogs of the nineteenth century closes in on the city, long-buried secrets are crawling into the light, and dragging all sorts of trouble with them.
This trilogy is total Victorian sensation fiction, channelling my love for Wilkie Collins, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Dickens in his wilder moods, and the other glorious writers of complicated plots with scandals, secrets and shenanigans up the wazoo. Fog, murder, mystery, along with, in this book, plenty of Victorian taxidermy (oh yeah), and a romance between two quiet, unassuming men who both have things to keep quiet about.
The trilogy will cover three different couples, connected to one another and the overarching mystery by links of friendship, family, or sheer rotten luck. This book features Clem Talleyfer, a lodging-house keeper, and Rowley Green, the preserver (aka taxidermist) who has the shop next door...
This trilogy is total Victorian sensation fiction, channelling my love for Wilkie Collins, Mary Elizabeth Braddon, Dickens in his wilder moods, and the other glorious writers of complicated plots with scandals, secrets and shenanigans up the wazoo. Fog, murder, mystery, along with, in this book, plenty of Victorian taxidermy (oh yeah), and a romance between two quiet, unassuming men who both have things to keep quiet about.
The trilogy will cover three different couples, connected to one another and the overarching mystery by links of friendship, family, or sheer rotten luck. This book features Clem Talleyfer, a lodging-house keeper, and Rowley Green, the preserver (aka taxidermist) who has the shop next door...
May 11, 2017
*Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US, 5/10/17*
*3.5 stars*
I liked this one, but I've come to except greatness from every K.J. Charles book, which I didn't quite get here.
I was really pumped when I discovered we had an Indian MC, as Courtney Milan's historical romance with an Indian character in the stellar The Heiress Effect is the only other that I've read. There isn't much focus on Clem being Indian in the beginning of the story, but his background does end up playing an interesting role in the plot of the book. Either way, I enjoyed the diversity, though I wanted to know much more about how people perceived people of Indian decent in setting of the story, which I didn't get much of. Were they always just outright accepted? I was curious for more details, to be sure.
This book was also a bit more mystery-focused than I was expecting, which is okay. I'll read practically anything that K.J. Charles writes, so I was ready to go along for the ride. I found aspects of the mystery to be frustrating, mainly because I was on Rowley's side and thought Clem was too withholding with information, but I enjoyed the story more than I usually do with mysteries.
In terms of the characters, I didn't connect much with Clem. However, I adored Rowley, and thought that he carried the book. I loved his profession and his stature, which is more unusual in romance, and I connected with him a lot more. Still, I found the chemistry between Clem and Rowley lacking, and I wished that there was more... oomph there.
Overall, An Unseen Attraction was an enjoyable mystery, even if it won't be making any favorites lists from me. It had the well conceived writing that K.J. Charles is known for, and I think that the series shows promise.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
*3.5 stars*
I liked this one, but I've come to except greatness from every K.J. Charles book, which I didn't quite get here.
I was really pumped when I discovered we had an Indian MC, as Courtney Milan's historical romance with an Indian character in the stellar The Heiress Effect is the only other that I've read. There isn't much focus on Clem being Indian in the beginning of the story, but his background does end up playing an interesting role in the plot of the book. Either way, I enjoyed the diversity, though I wanted to know much more about how people perceived people of Indian decent in setting of the story, which I didn't get much of. Were they always just outright accepted? I was curious for more details, to be sure.
This book was also a bit more mystery-focused than I was expecting, which is okay. I'll read practically anything that K.J. Charles writes, so I was ready to go along for the ride. I found aspects of the mystery to be frustrating, mainly because I was on Rowley's side and thought Clem was too withholding with information, but I enjoyed the story more than I usually do with mysteries.
In terms of the characters, I didn't connect much with Clem. However, I adored Rowley, and thought that he carried the book. I loved his profession and his stature, which is more unusual in romance, and I connected with him a lot more. Still, I found the chemistry between Clem and Rowley lacking, and I wished that there was more... oomph there.
Overall, An Unseen Attraction was an enjoyable mystery, even if it won't be making any favorites lists from me. It had the well conceived writing that K.J. Charles is known for, and I think that the series shows promise.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
December 30, 2016
K.J. Charles is a remarkable writer. Her world-building is second to none, and she always creates quirky, unique characters.
An Unseen Attraction is, as the blurb states, both a mystery and a romance, although I'd argue it leans toward the former.
Clem runs a lodging house owned by his brother. He is good at his job but is forced to put up with a particularly unsavory alcoholic tenant (he can't kick this drunkard out; it's in the contract).
Clem comes across as scattered and slow, but it's just because too many stimuli make him nervous. He has a lot of anxious energy that makes his mind soar.
One of Clem's tenants is the bespectacled Rowley Green, who's a stuffer, a preserver of dead animals (what we now call a taxidermist). Rowley is an ideal lodger: punctual, quiet, attentive.
Clem and Rowley are both shy, and Clem really cannot take a hint (he admits as much to Rowley), but the two manage to begin an awkward romance that is sidetrack by some rather horrifying events.
I don't want to spoil the plot, so I'm not going to get into the mystery, which I thought was a little convoluted.
I never really connected with the MCs and didn't feel like they connected with one another. Clem and Rowley are so careful, so proper. Forget wild passion. Clem can't remember to breathe while kissing. This slow dance worked for them. I just didn't find it particularly sexy.
The ending is a tentative HEA for the MCs, but the mystery isn't neatly solved. Indeed, the epilogue leaves things cracked open (I wouldn't quite call it a cliffie, but nothing's tied up with a pretty bow).
I am a huge fan of this author. Two of her books have ended up on my annual Best of M/M Romance lists. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this story, which took me dog years to finish.
Give this one a go if you enjoy mildly creepy historical mysteries with a side of low-key romance and two rather unusual protagonists.
An Unseen Attraction is, as the blurb states, both a mystery and a romance, although I'd argue it leans toward the former.
Clem runs a lodging house owned by his brother. He is good at his job but is forced to put up with a particularly unsavory alcoholic tenant (he can't kick this drunkard out; it's in the contract).
Clem comes across as scattered and slow, but it's just because too many stimuli make him nervous. He has a lot of anxious energy that makes his mind soar.
One of Clem's tenants is the bespectacled Rowley Green, who's a stuffer, a preserver of dead animals (what we now call a taxidermist). Rowley is an ideal lodger: punctual, quiet, attentive.
Clem and Rowley are both shy, and Clem really cannot take a hint (he admits as much to Rowley), but the two manage to begin an awkward romance that is sidetrack by some rather horrifying events.
I don't want to spoil the plot, so I'm not going to get into the mystery, which I thought was a little convoluted.
I never really connected with the MCs and didn't feel like they connected with one another. Clem and Rowley are so careful, so proper. Forget wild passion. Clem can't remember to breathe while kissing. This slow dance worked for them. I just didn't find it particularly sexy.
The ending is a tentative HEA for the MCs, but the mystery isn't neatly solved. Indeed, the epilogue leaves things cracked open (I wouldn't quite call it a cliffie, but nothing's tied up with a pretty bow).
I am a huge fan of this author. Two of her books have ended up on my annual Best of M/M Romance lists. Unfortunately, I had a hard time getting into this story, which took me dog years to finish.
Give this one a go if you enjoy mildly creepy historical mysteries with a side of low-key romance and two rather unusual protagonists.
December 17, 2016
I have a soft spot for regency romance in het romance (Loretta Chase, Elizabeth Hoyt, Tessa Dare). But it's difficult to find a good m/m regency because, of course, homosexuality was a criminal offense then, and it's hard to reconcile that with the HEA a romance requires. This book does that beautifully. There's no downplaying the fact that their love is illegal, but both Rowley and Clem know who they are (gay men) and there's no angst or self-hate on their own parts about that. They know who they are and what they want, they merely have to keep their relationship private. That works in the story. That's not really the main focus of the plot, which was refreshing.
This story has the wonderful texture of Dickensian London, which I adore. There's ravens, pea soup fog, dingy shops, and an outting to a theater. I love that setting and era. The characters are very realistic and fully-fleshed. Rowley, a taxidermist, grew up poor with a brute of a father and is still afraid of violence and conflict. Clem is quite handsome but appears to be on the spectrum with some difficulty "thinking clearly". They live together in a lodging house and their relationship blooms from friendship to love in a natural way.
There's an entire secondary plotline which involves a penny-dreadful like conspiracy with murder and blackmail. I loved that there was more to this story than just the romance, and it definitely kept me reading. I also adore the melodrama of it, which really fit in this dark London setting.
The writing is lovely too. This book nails all the important things to value in a great romance--setting, realistic and unique charcaters, a fun secondary plotline, and also, if you're asking, some steamy sex scenes.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This story has the wonderful texture of Dickensian London, which I adore. There's ravens, pea soup fog, dingy shops, and an outting to a theater. I love that setting and era. The characters are very realistic and fully-fleshed. Rowley, a taxidermist, grew up poor with a brute of a father and is still afraid of violence and conflict. Clem is quite handsome but appears to be on the spectrum with some difficulty "thinking clearly". They live together in a lodging house and their relationship blooms from friendship to love in a natural way.
There's an entire secondary plotline which involves a penny-dreadful like conspiracy with murder and blackmail. I loved that there was more to this story than just the romance, and it definitely kept me reading. I also adore the melodrama of it, which really fit in this dark London setting.
The writing is lovely too. This book nails all the important things to value in a great romance--setting, realistic and unique charcaters, a fun secondary plotline, and also, if you're asking, some steamy sex scenes.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 28, 2021
3.5 Stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this first novel in Charles’s trilogy, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I got.
Expect quite the slow burn between boarding house owner Clem, and his resident, taxidermist Rowling. In and amongst their steady dance of a courtship rife with cozy tea by the fire and polite innuendo, they suddenly find their quaint quiet lives embroiled in murder and mayhem. As Clem and Rowling investigate why they’re targets of such shocking violence, it soon becomes apparent that they’ve inadvertently been swept up in a game of lies, coverups, and blackmail.
Admittedly, I typically avoid historic MM simply due to the dire need to hide and the very real danger of discovery. However, bit by bit Charles has whittled my reservations away by bringing the smarts and the sexy, and here, showcases two average blokes with tough pasts who find a connection and fight for a win that they well deserve.
Chock full of propriety and secret assignations, this is classic plausible historic romance. Be forewarned that this ends on a slight cliffhanger indicating that the next two books will bring about the conclusion while fellow friends of Clem and Rowling are guaranteed to find their amorous happily ever afters as well!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this first novel in Charles’s trilogy, but I was pleasantly surprised with what I got.
Expect quite the slow burn between boarding house owner Clem, and his resident, taxidermist Rowling. In and amongst their steady dance of a courtship rife with cozy tea by the fire and polite innuendo, they suddenly find their quaint quiet lives embroiled in murder and mayhem. As Clem and Rowling investigate why they’re targets of such shocking violence, it soon becomes apparent that they’ve inadvertently been swept up in a game of lies, coverups, and blackmail.
Admittedly, I typically avoid historic MM simply due to the dire need to hide and the very real danger of discovery. However, bit by bit Charles has whittled my reservations away by bringing the smarts and the sexy, and here, showcases two average blokes with tough pasts who find a connection and fight for a win that they well deserve.
Chock full of propriety and secret assignations, this is classic plausible historic romance. Be forewarned that this ends on a slight cliffhanger indicating that the next two books will bring about the conclusion while fellow friends of Clem and Rowling are guaranteed to find their amorous happily ever afters as well!
February 28, 2017
A Tag Team Review with Chelsea!
FOUR HEARTS--K.J. Charles' newest Victorian romance series, Sins of the Cities, starts off on the right foot with An Unseen Attraction. A slow burn with an encompassing mystery and romance between two unassuming souls can be found in this novel.
Swoon.
The words were, as usual, a joy to read from this author. And the shared moments between 28-year-old Clement Talleyfer - lodging house keeper and 35 year old, Rowley Green, a solitary preserver (taxidermist) made this book special.
Clement, or Clem, is of Indian descent and grew up an outsider for his entire life. Rowley has not had an easy childhood and bears the scars to prove it. The author has a fine hand on writing inclusive characters be it race or QUILTBAG, no one gets left out. And An Unseen Attraction is on par.
But what makes this book even more special was including a character with DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder or Dyspraxia). She wrote the character in such a way that respected the disorder and an affected person's feelings, rather than using his disorder as a characteristic and not following up. (I'm not a fan of books that write characters with intellectual disabilities and can't back it up with thorough research). Based on the obvious research alone put into this tale, it's rated all the hearts.
Clem runs the lodging house and crushes on his lodger of eight months, the small, quiet Mr. Green, who runs a preserve shop next door. Clem's not one to easily discern if Mr. Green would welcome his affections, so quiet friendship is what he relies on to keep in respectable contact within that time period. You know what they say about the quiet ones? Because quiet Mr. Green notices Clem just as much.
Told in dual POV, the two become closer while surround by interesting characters at the lodging house. Their shared attraction obvious. A mystery is literally dropped on the house doorsteps by way of a dead body. The pair bond even more, trying to figure out what is the cause of the violent acts. Both men have damaging pasts, with internal and external scars. Clem is gorgeous (great cover by the way - it's very close to how I picture Clem). But with DCD, most treat him like an imbecile. Rowley, knows he's not as handsome and he tends to downplay himself. Not to the point of annoyance but thankfully Clem sees him as a worthy partner and vice versa.
I loved both main characters. (Can you tell?) Flawed individuals who make each other stronger together and bring out the best in each other without losing a sense of self. They aren't overt characters, rather it's the quietness and the little things that they both do that grabs the attention.
And their compatibility exists both in and out of the bedroom!
I-- *clears throat*
Yes, I'm very fine with that.
Edging and submissiveness...oh yes, these two were definitely hot together.
While the two check off so many boxes on my characters-I-enjoy list, the story isn't without minor flaws.
Why not full throttle and dump all the hearts at this book's feet? There are some open ended issues that I would love to be answered. There's an arc that has enough mystery to probably cover the entire series. (That epilogue is everything)
But...something about the 'villain(s) ending'-- something about it s sticking in my craw. Maybe it could be more of a me thing but I wanted justice. I wanted a big never ending battle royal as a climax to the action scenes scattered about the story.
The cowardice irks me. Who is the accomplice? Mastermind? Ah!
But I do think the author kept the main character's personalities at the forefront at all times, so I'll just have to swallow and build a bridge to get over it.
Or read the rest of this series, which I DEFINITELY will be. Because I am all in for "Polish Mark". This author has me pining for themes I tend to shy away from - mysteries and psychics. *shakes head*
The writing is that good.
I don't plan on running through the ignored lists of books with those themes but it seems that if K.J. Charles has written it, I'll make an exception.
The secondary characters are just as intriguing as the main characters. And the story overall, is well written enough, suspenseful enough and romantic enough to check out!
Recommended.
A copy provided for an honest review via Netgalley.
FOUR HEARTS--K.J. Charles' newest Victorian romance series, Sins of the Cities, starts off on the right foot with An Unseen Attraction. A slow burn with an encompassing mystery and romance between two unassuming souls can be found in this novel.
"Rowley, there are lots of people who think I'm worth looking at. Not so many who think I'm worth listening to. Not like you."
A spasm of something passed across Rowley's face. "Then there are a lot of fools out there."
Swoon.
The words were, as usual, a joy to read from this author. And the shared moments between 28-year-old Clement Talleyfer - lodging house keeper and 35 year old, Rowley Green, a solitary preserver (taxidermist) made this book special.
Clement, or Clem, is of Indian descent and grew up an outsider for his entire life. Rowley has not had an easy childhood and bears the scars to prove it. The author has a fine hand on writing inclusive characters be it race or QUILTBAG, no one gets left out. And An Unseen Attraction is on par.
But what makes this book even more special was including a character with DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder or Dyspraxia). She wrote the character in such a way that respected the disorder and an affected person's feelings, rather than using his disorder as a characteristic and not following up. (I'm not a fan of books that write characters with intellectual disabilities and can't back it up with thorough research). Based on the obvious research alone put into this tale, it's rated all the hearts.
Clem runs the lodging house and crushes on his lodger of eight months, the small, quiet Mr. Green, who runs a preserve shop next door. Clem's not one to easily discern if Mr. Green would welcome his affections, so quiet friendship is what he relies on to keep in respectable contact within that time period. You know what they say about the quiet ones? Because quiet Mr. Green notices Clem just as much.
Told in dual POV, the two become closer while surround by interesting characters at the lodging house. Their shared attraction obvious. A mystery is literally dropped on the house doorsteps by way of a dead body. The pair bond even more, trying to figure out what is the cause of the violent acts. Both men have damaging pasts, with internal and external scars. Clem is gorgeous (great cover by the way - it's very close to how I picture Clem). But with DCD, most treat him like an imbecile. Rowley, knows he's not as handsome and he tends to downplay himself. Not to the point of annoyance but thankfully Clem sees him as a worthy partner and vice versa.
I loved both main characters. (Can you tell?) Flawed individuals who make each other stronger together and bring out the best in each other without losing a sense of self. They aren't overt characters, rather it's the quietness and the little things that they both do that grabs the attention.
And their compatibility exists both in and out of the bedroom!
"I like to be...undemanding in bed. To, well, have the other person make the decisions. there's something about someone doing what he wants to do with me..."
I-- *clears throat*
Yes, I'm very fine with that.
Edging and submissiveness...oh yes, these two were definitely hot together.
While the two check off so many boxes on my characters-I-enjoy list, the story isn't without minor flaws.
Why not full throttle and dump all the hearts at this book's feet? There are some open ended issues that I would love to be answered. There's an arc that has enough mystery to probably cover the entire series. (That epilogue is everything)
But...something about the 'villain(s) ending'-- something about it s sticking in my craw. Maybe it could be more of a me thing but I wanted justice. I wanted a big never ending battle royal as a climax to the action scenes scattered about the story.
The cowardice irks me. Who is the accomplice? Mastermind? Ah!
But I do think the author kept the main character's personalities at the forefront at all times, so I'll just have to swallow and build a bridge to get over it.
Or read the rest of this series, which I DEFINITELY will be. Because I am all in for "Polish Mark". This author has me pining for themes I tend to shy away from - mysteries and psychics. *shakes head*
The writing is that good.
I don't plan on running through the ignored lists of books with those themes but it seems that if K.J. Charles has written it, I'll make an exception.
The secondary characters are just as intriguing as the main characters. And the story overall, is well written enough, suspenseful enough and romantic enough to check out!
Recommended.
A copy provided for an honest review via Netgalley.
February 20, 2017
K.J. Charles is a wonderful author and I always look forward to her books. This is another new start to a series, again set in historical times, again with a mixed race relationship. Clem runs a boarding house through the 'generosity' of his brother, and becomes close to a lodger who owns a taxidermy shop next door. They don't use the term taxidermy, did that term exist then? He's called a "stuffer". The two bond into friends over evening tea, but it eventually develops into something more. On the other side of the story, an obnoxious lodger is found tortured and murdered on their doorstep, other crimes start happening, and it all comes down to a mystery they need to solve before they both end up dead themselves.
Clem is an absolute doll - Charles created a character who has always been regarded as clumsy or slow because he needs to process things mentally one step at a time. He's endearing, naive, trusting, sweet. She tossed him together with a completely different sort - a patient man who enjoys being alone because he can't stand people or anger after an abusive childhood. They both see the world in each other, despite reservations they hold about themselves. The relationship is sweet, sweet, sweet and you definitely want only good things to happen with these two. There's steamy scenes too, throwing a small nod back to some unconventional wants certain characters have in the bedroom, a bit like Dom from the Society of Gentleman series.
I like how K.J. Charles keeps putting in different types of kinks and turn-offs with different characters for different books - this stops it from getting buddled together to where it feels repetitive or formulaic. I also like seeing different sides of people and how we're all different, not perfect, and that's how it should be in books such as this as well. Also like the Society of Gentleman series, this one also has a local gentlemen's club with a bizarre mix of people who look after each other. Neither of these men are wealthy leaders in society, however, so the comparisons of those two series stops here.
The side plot is both intriguing and irritating. Despite enjoying Clem's personality, I wanted to throttle him a few times for his stubborn naivity. The mystery wasn't super strong on who the villain was, but the point wasn't to make a mystery but showcase a family dilemma they need to overcome for character growth, which is needed for relationship growth. Still I found some of it downright confusing and am not sure I get everything fully. No matter, it didn't take much enjoyment from the story, but wasn't my favorite from the author.
As usual she writes well and her relationships are winners (like how she blends opposites to each other), but this one doesn't have humor like The Magpie Series or Thinking of England, and it doesn't have as much drama conflict of Society of Gentleman. It's not her best book, but it's still an enjoyable book hard to put down and worth reading.
Reviewed after receiving from Netgalley ARC
Clem is an absolute doll - Charles created a character who has always been regarded as clumsy or slow because he needs to process things mentally one step at a time. He's endearing, naive, trusting, sweet. She tossed him together with a completely different sort - a patient man who enjoys being alone because he can't stand people or anger after an abusive childhood. They both see the world in each other, despite reservations they hold about themselves. The relationship is sweet, sweet, sweet and you definitely want only good things to happen with these two. There's steamy scenes too, throwing a small nod back to some unconventional wants certain characters have in the bedroom, a bit like Dom from the Society of Gentleman series.
I like how K.J. Charles keeps putting in different types of kinks and turn-offs with different characters for different books - this stops it from getting buddled together to where it feels repetitive or formulaic. I also like seeing different sides of people and how we're all different, not perfect, and that's how it should be in books such as this as well. Also like the Society of Gentleman series, this one also has a local gentlemen's club with a bizarre mix of people who look after each other. Neither of these men are wealthy leaders in society, however, so the comparisons of those two series stops here.
The side plot is both intriguing and irritating. Despite enjoying Clem's personality, I wanted to throttle him a few times for his stubborn naivity. The mystery wasn't super strong on who the villain was, but the point wasn't to make a mystery but showcase a family dilemma they need to overcome for character growth, which is needed for relationship growth. Still I found some of it downright confusing and am not sure I get everything fully. No matter, it didn't take much enjoyment from the story, but wasn't my favorite from the author.
As usual she writes well and her relationships are winners (like how she blends opposites to each other), but this one doesn't have humor like The Magpie Series or Thinking of England, and it doesn't have as much drama conflict of Society of Gentleman. It's not her best book, but it's still an enjoyable book hard to put down and worth reading.
Reviewed after receiving from Netgalley ARC
June 1, 2017
3 stars
There is no doubt that K.J. Charles is a great storyteller. She has a great way of building worlds that she makes you feel apart of as if your walking along the streets of London with her characters.
This was a great start to an interesting murder mystery. I liked that it will proceed throughout all three books in the series letting us get a good picture of these close three friends. I am mostly looking forward to Mark's book. He is quite the tough character and there is a lot of mystery surrounding him and I can't wait to see how his story unfolds.
Clem was an interesting character if not a frustrating one. He was gullible and very naïve and I couldn't help but be annoyed how quick he was to shut Rowley down a lot of the times when he expressed his fears. Which after having almost being killed a couple times he had every right to his concerns. But Clem wanted to believe the best in a lot of situations in which things were obviously very bad. So I was annoyed with him most of the book. The mystery was very well written and I am still unsure how it will unfold and who the real monster of this story will end up being.
The romance in this one left something to be desired. The chemistry between the characters was there but the sex scenes lacked steam. They felt a little clinical and stiff. No pun intended. (-;
Plus the mystery took over any kind of romance this one had intended on being.
Great start to what will no doubt be a great murder mystery.
Happy reading dolls! xx
There is no doubt that K.J. Charles is a great storyteller. She has a great way of building worlds that she makes you feel apart of as if your walking along the streets of London with her characters.
This was a great start to an interesting murder mystery. I liked that it will proceed throughout all three books in the series letting us get a good picture of these close three friends. I am mostly looking forward to Mark's book. He is quite the tough character and there is a lot of mystery surrounding him and I can't wait to see how his story unfolds.
Clem was an interesting character if not a frustrating one. He was gullible and very naïve and I couldn't help but be annoyed how quick he was to shut Rowley down a lot of the times when he expressed his fears. Which after having almost being killed a couple times he had every right to his concerns. But Clem wanted to believe the best in a lot of situations in which things were obviously very bad. So I was annoyed with him most of the book. The mystery was very well written and I am still unsure how it will unfold and who the real monster of this story will end up being.
The romance in this one left something to be desired. The chemistry between the characters was there but the sex scenes lacked steam. They felt a little clinical and stiff. No pun intended. (-;
Plus the mystery took over any kind of romance this one had intended on being.
Great start to what will no doubt be a great murder mystery.
Happy reading dolls! xx
April 8, 2023
As before started of liking this then found myself skimming. By the end the side character's had taken control, Clem being reduced to too 'nice'/'thick' to think for himself, which cancelled all that came before.
-- --
I liked both characters and setting, there was plenty of interest and it's a Charles so well written, unfortunately the whole thing fell flat. There's nothing wrong with it per se yet I struggled and found myself skimming. Rowley might enjoy anticipation but I skipped the whole of the last love scene wanting to get on with the story.
It's all very civilised. Very circumspect.
Though evenings with Tea (make mine a coffee) and a Cat do sound delightful. The story lacks sparks.
Clem appears to be on the Autistic spectrum; no eye-contact, unable to read social cues or see nuances, requires order and doesn't do crowds or change. Rowley is a Preserver/Stuffer aka Taxidermist there's one scene that's a little too vivid a show of his art. They have a quiet appreciation for each other. Kudos for including an Indian character in what is generally a whitewashed time.
The Jack and Knave club is clearly intended to be a focus of the series lovingly name-dropped throughout yet with little real relevance to the story, it's regulars push their way into the plot which had the effect of highlighting Clem's perceived shortcomings. They explain plot details obvious to the reader. When Clem and Rowley don't see eye-to-eye it was too convincing and made me wonder if what they had was strong enough to overcome their foibles. It's too restrained to show emotional depth. To be honest I was more interested in the lodging house than the club.
The dastardly plot was more talked around than a palatable sense of danger, even at the times it should have been. The big bad seemed kind of obvious to me.
Charles love of words is apparent with plenty of word-gasms - unavailing, antimacassar, vituperative, tweeny, travails to name a few. At the beginning she professes a love for Wilkie Collins and and Brownings, they are referenced several times; I did wonder if familiarity/enjoyment of those would help, I'll admit I failed at one and am unfamiliar with the later.
Wanted to love it but while the details are all there it didn't work for me. 2.5* would have rounded upward but for the epilogue, and I saw that shock-reveal coming from miles off. It meant instead of a satisfying ending everything is left up in the air. The current mystery solved but the consequences still largely unknown, not entirely a cliff-hanger but annoying. Uncertainty will make some reach for a sequel but for me it leaves a book feeling unfinished and that dissatisfied feeling is what I take away with me. The next book will have to have some really persuasive reviews for me to read on.
-- --
I liked both characters and setting, there was plenty of interest and it's a Charles so well written, unfortunately the whole thing fell flat. There's nothing wrong with it per se yet I struggled and found myself skimming. Rowley might enjoy anticipation but I skipped the whole of the last love scene wanting to get on with the story.
It's all very civilised. Very circumspect.
Though evenings with Tea (make mine a coffee) and a Cat do sound delightful. The story lacks sparks.
Clem appears to be on the Autistic spectrum; no eye-contact, unable to read social cues or see nuances, requires order and doesn't do crowds or change. Rowley is a Preserver/Stuffer aka Taxidermist there's one scene that's a little too vivid a show of his art. They have a quiet appreciation for each other. Kudos for including an Indian character in what is generally a whitewashed time.
The Jack and Knave club is clearly intended to be a focus of the series lovingly name-dropped throughout yet with little real relevance to the story, it's regulars push their way into the plot which had the effect of highlighting Clem's perceived shortcomings. They explain plot details obvious to the reader. When Clem and Rowley don't see eye-to-eye it was too convincing and made me wonder if what they had was strong enough to overcome their foibles. It's too restrained to show emotional depth. To be honest I was more interested in the lodging house than the club.
The dastardly plot was more talked around than a palatable sense of danger, even at the times it should have been. The big bad seemed kind of obvious to me.
Charles love of words is apparent with plenty of word-gasms - unavailing, antimacassar, vituperative, tweeny, travails to name a few. At the beginning she professes a love for Wilkie Collins and and Brownings, they are referenced several times; I did wonder if familiarity/enjoyment of those would help, I'll admit I failed at one and am unfamiliar with the later.
Wanted to love it but while the details are all there it didn't work for me. 2.5* would have rounded upward but for the epilogue, and I saw that shock-reveal coming from miles off. It meant instead of a satisfying ending everything is left up in the air. The current mystery solved but the consequences still largely unknown, not entirely a cliff-hanger but annoying. Uncertainty will make some reach for a sequel but for me it leaves a book feeling unfinished and that dissatisfied feeling is what I take away with me. The next book will have to have some really persuasive reviews for me to read on.
February 13, 2017
My Star
by Robert Browning
All, that I know
Of a certain star
Is, it can throw
(Like the angled spar)
Now a dart of red,
Now a dart of blue
Till my friends have said
They would fain see, too,
My star that dartles the red and the blue!
Then it stops like a bird; like a flower, hangs furled:
They must solace themselves with the Saturn above it.
What matter to me if their star is a world?
Mine has opened its soul to me; therefore I love it.
We all come from somewhere, we all have a past. A past of experience and needs, fullfilled or not. A past which casts a long shadow over our present and our future. Especially when satisfying the needs created by our past clashes with the needs created in our present. Which one will win?
I loved the first one in this trilogy and I look forward to continuing the trilogy. Charles created an arc for this story and and I think an over all arc for the trilogy and while one arc is complete the other begs for more reading which I'm of course more than ready to do. As expected Charles protagonists are not the usual bon ton we expect from historical romances, and she makes this matter not one little tiny bit. More kudos to her of course and a breath of fresh air for me, who am so bored of the usual fare.
An arc gently provided by the author/publisher in return for a review.
April 13, 2023
Clem and Rowley have been skirting each other for 8 months, and now they're finally ready to make a courageous innuendo... or two. But just when they're ready to indulge each other's more daring fantasies a murder happens. And Rowley's shop keeps getting burglared...
It feels like I've been at this book for over a year, and it's barely over 200-pages long. I've initially started the Audible version, and though I liked the narrator, the story itself just couldn't hold my attention enough for me to properly follow the narrative thread. To be fair, I later realised that this must've been due to several very brief scenes, that would end very abruptly. I can see the merit in hindsight (a collage of intimate moments), although that doesn't really improve the reading experience.
The murder-mystery wasn't too bad overall, and I enjoyed trying to guess the villain's identity and motive. I rather liked how Clem's wilful insistence to see the good in everybody, led to obscuring the bad guy's identity for quite a while, even though I was personally annoyed by him (mostly on Rowley's account).
The romance was both hot and innovating, but also very pedantic. I'm well aware that K.J. Charles has a thing for explicitly depicting consent in healthy and realistic relationships. She honestly strives to make them sexy, and has a good track record for creating some truly delightful stories (eg Band Sinister), especially as things can veer into preachy territory.
Clem and Rowley's story unfortunately doesn't manage to be sexy, and instead turns into the dictionary definition for "no good deed goes unpunished". Both characters take an inordinate amount of care to tiptoe around the other's idiosyncrasy, only to eventually blow up and scream about not being understood anyway. You can say what you will about wholesome intentions, but finger-wagging is just not enticing in a bedroom setting. Well... not in this one, at any rate.
Score: 3/5 stars
It wasn't a bad book as such, but the number of minor inconveniences eventually added up. On a different note, I need to finally accept that sex scenes in audio format are just not my thing, and save myself some ranting time... and money.
===================
Review of book 2: An Unnatural Vice
Review of book 3: An Unsuitable Heir
It feels like I've been at this book for over a year, and it's barely over 200-pages long. I've initially started the Audible version, and though I liked the narrator, the story itself just couldn't hold my attention enough for me to properly follow the narrative thread. To be fair, I later realised that this must've been due to several very brief scenes, that would end very abruptly. I can see the merit in hindsight (a collage of intimate moments), although that doesn't really improve the reading experience.
The murder-mystery wasn't too bad overall, and I enjoyed trying to guess the villain's identity and motive. I rather liked how Clem's wilful insistence to see the good in everybody, led to obscuring the bad guy's identity for quite a while, even though I was personally annoyed by him (mostly on Rowley's account).
The romance was both hot and innovating, but also very pedantic. I'm well aware that K.J. Charles has a thing for explicitly depicting consent in healthy and realistic relationships. She honestly strives to make them sexy, and has a good track record for creating some truly delightful stories (eg Band Sinister), especially as things can veer into preachy territory.
Clem and Rowley's story unfortunately doesn't manage to be sexy, and instead turns into the dictionary definition for "no good deed goes unpunished". Both characters take an inordinate amount of care to tiptoe around the other's idiosyncrasy, only to eventually blow up and scream about not being understood anyway. You can say what you will about wholesome intentions, but finger-wagging is just not enticing in a bedroom setting. Well... not in this one, at any rate.
Score: 3/5 stars
It wasn't a bad book as such, but the number of minor inconveniences eventually added up. On a different note, I need to finally accept that sex scenes in audio format are just not my thing, and save myself some ranting time... and money.
===================
Review of book 2: An Unnatural Vice
Review of book 3: An Unsuitable Heir
March 8, 2017
2 stars
This was my first book by K.J. Charles and unfortunately it was not a winner for me.
I was pretty excited to try a MM historical romance with a touch of mystery, even if it's in not my favorite genre any more.
Maybe I had too high expectations. Or it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I think the action dragged for too long. From the beginning I expected it to surprise me and it didn't. I had to wait too much for the characters to reveal their stories and background. And I really didn't connect to them. Somehow they didn't seem to connect either.
Clem was a sweet and kind man who wanted to believe there is something good in everyone. He was half Indian and the bastard son of an earl. He runs a lodging house where he meets Rowley, who's a taxidermist (stuffs animals - this was definitely one of the thinks I wasn't keen on reading about).
There is a dead body and then a mystery to solve, something that has to do with Clem's family, but I think the mystery came too late. I really got to the point where I wasn't curious at all to discover the killer and the man behind the attacks. All the discussions about it made my head spin and I had a hard time sticking with it.
To be completely honest, I think the book could have been way shorter. Some scenes made me lose my interest. Only the last chapters made me turn the pages faster. Well even if this story will be continued, I don't think I will read the next books in this series. Maybe I will try some other books by this author, because so many of my friends love her books.
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
This was my first book by K.J. Charles and unfortunately it was not a winner for me.
I was pretty excited to try a MM historical romance with a touch of mystery, even if it's in not my favorite genre any more.
Maybe I had too high expectations. Or it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I think the action dragged for too long. From the beginning I expected it to surprise me and it didn't. I had to wait too much for the characters to reveal their stories and background. And I really didn't connect to them. Somehow they didn't seem to connect either.
Clem was a sweet and kind man who wanted to believe there is something good in everyone. He was half Indian and the bastard son of an earl. He runs a lodging house where he meets Rowley, who's a taxidermist (stuffs animals - this was definitely one of the thinks I wasn't keen on reading about).
There is a dead body and then a mystery to solve, something that has to do with Clem's family, but I think the mystery came too late. I really got to the point where I wasn't curious at all to discover the killer and the man behind the attacks. All the discussions about it made my head spin and I had a hard time sticking with it.
To be completely honest, I think the book could have been way shorter. Some scenes made me lose my interest. Only the last chapters made me turn the pages faster. Well even if this story will be continued, I don't think I will read the next books in this series. Maybe I will try some other books by this author, because so many of my friends love her books.
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 10, 2017
Set in Dickensian London, the romance between Rowley Green - Preserver (what we'd call a taxidermist) and Clem Talleyfer (keeper of a small rooming house) is hardly the stuff of legend. This novel has some lovely scenes as Clem and Rowley share hours of quiet companionship and tea in the parlour, and Clem finally figures out Rowley is interested in him. Clem appears to be on the autism spectrum as his mind is a bit scattered and too much stimuli leaves him unable to cope or function, however Rowley appreciates the subtleness of Clem's mind. Their sexual chemistry doesn't sizzle, but it sustains them.
Clem's step-brother Edmund has made him the keeper of a small lodging house with the proviso that he allow the eternally-drunk nasty former Parson Lugtrout to live there for as long as he wishes, rent-free. But when Lugtrout is found murdered, Rowley and Clem's tidy lives are turned upside down and they find themselves in the midst of murder allegations, arson and nefarious henchmen, trying to learn why Edmund is so obsessed with finding Lugtrout's personal effects and papers.
Along the way, we are introduced to several characters from the Jack of Knaves pub who help solve the Lugtrout murder/mystery, and the ending of the book leaves us with an additional mystery which will be addressed as the series continues. The next book in the series An Unnatural Vice will feature journalist Nathaniel Roy and is scheduled for a June publication date, while the third book in the series An Unsuitable Heir will be published in October.
As always, KJ Charles has a keen appreciation for historical accuracy, and this book is set in a growingly diverse London in the later part of the 19th century. Her characters are well-rounded and from many walks of life and I really enjoy the tapestry KJ Charles creates in each of her series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and definitely recommend An Unseen Attraction.
I received an ARC from Loveswept / Randon House, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
Clem's step-brother Edmund has made him the keeper of a small lodging house with the proviso that he allow the eternally-drunk nasty former Parson Lugtrout to live there for as long as he wishes, rent-free. But when Lugtrout is found murdered, Rowley and Clem's tidy lives are turned upside down and they find themselves in the midst of murder allegations, arson and nefarious henchmen, trying to learn why Edmund is so obsessed with finding Lugtrout's personal effects and papers.
Along the way, we are introduced to several characters from the Jack of Knaves pub who help solve the Lugtrout murder/mystery, and the ending of the book leaves us with an additional mystery which will be addressed as the series continues. The next book in the series An Unnatural Vice will feature journalist Nathaniel Roy and is scheduled for a June publication date, while the third book in the series An Unsuitable Heir will be published in October.
As always, KJ Charles has a keen appreciation for historical accuracy, and this book is set in a growingly diverse London in the later part of the 19th century. Her characters are well-rounded and from many walks of life and I really enjoy the tapestry KJ Charles creates in each of her series. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and definitely recommend An Unseen Attraction.
I received an ARC from Loveswept / Randon House, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
May 30, 2017
This is another winner from Charles, a historical mystery romance with interesting characters, a fully-realized setting, and a fun plot. I loved having Rowley be a taxidermist - unique, and with added touches in both his mundane handling of a slightly macabre trade, and the way his profession reflected oddities of the era in which the story was set. And beside him, Clem, as a quiet man with challenges, from his difficulties with handling noises and crowds, to the color of his skin, and the circumstances of his birth and upbringing. I'd have loved to see a bit more of these two men out in the wider society with the social commentary Charles does so well, but this book is about their mutual introduction, their slow learning about each other, and their circle of friends and acquaintances, almost a Victorian cozy mystery.
That mystery plot worked, but was occasionally frustrating. Clem's willful blindness in particular pushed the limits of belief, although I could see where it was rooted in his character and history. I definitely liked the secondary characters, and their role here, as adjuncts to two men who were in some ways too gentle, and too full of their own integrity, to make good detectives.
I'm not quite as attached to these MCs as to some of hers, notably in "Think of England". It feels like a slow introduction, that we don't yet know all the quirks and secrets of these two men. This was the friends-to-lovers beginning, sweet though it is, and Clem in particular seems like he has more depths he hasn't ever allowed to reach the light of day. But still the book was a smooth, fascinating ride into a very solid HFN/HEA appropriate to the era. I'll read the next one in this series as soon as it appears.
That mystery plot worked, but was occasionally frustrating. Clem's willful blindness in particular pushed the limits of belief, although I could see where it was rooted in his character and history. I definitely liked the secondary characters, and their role here, as adjuncts to two men who were in some ways too gentle, and too full of their own integrity, to make good detectives.
I'm not quite as attached to these MCs as to some of hers, notably in "Think of England". It feels like a slow introduction, that we don't yet know all the quirks and secrets of these two men. This was the friends-to-lovers beginning, sweet though it is, and Clem in particular seems like he has more depths he hasn't ever allowed to reach the light of day. But still the book was a smooth, fascinating ride into a very solid HFN/HEA appropriate to the era. I'll read the next one in this series as soon as it appears.
August 19, 2018
My friends' list has nothing but love for this author and book and I have a bad feeling this could be one of those "Everyone but me" moments. This is the first time I have tried this author, so I'll give it another chance but this really just did not hit the mark with me.
The synopsis starts off with stating this is a "slow-burning romance". Our couple have their first sexual experience/play/moment by chapter four; that is not my personal want from a slow-burning romance. What I do like seems to have happened before our story starts off, Clem and Rowley's relationship has already developed to the point of friendship with attraction and we the reader's are coming in when they are finally ready to act on it. I mostly favor the initial spark and building rather than the finally acting sexually on it.
Another personal dislike was Rowley's taxidermy, the author does a great job describing, explaining, and realistically weaving it into the story but for someone who loves human slasher movies, I just can't read about people wanting to stuff their pets and Rowley explaining the process. Greatly appreciate the research and depth but bowels and skinning animals is not for me, but like I said, didn't seem to bother the majority of people.
I think this would be better to be described as a slow-burning mystery, as the building, plot, and pace slowly reeled you in, I also think the mystery dominated the story more. Their chemistry wasn't as sparking as I usually like but missing that beginning building probably hurt this for me.
The mystery isn't fully solved in this but I'm not sure I'm going to continue with the series, I think I might try another of hers in a different series. I hope this isn't one of those everyone loves but me authors :/
The synopsis starts off with stating this is a "slow-burning romance". Our couple have their first sexual experience/play/moment by chapter four; that is not my personal want from a slow-burning romance. What I do like seems to have happened before our story starts off, Clem and Rowley's relationship has already developed to the point of friendship with attraction and we the reader's are coming in when they are finally ready to act on it. I mostly favor the initial spark and building rather than the finally acting sexually on it.
Another personal dislike was Rowley's taxidermy, the author does a great job describing, explaining, and realistically weaving it into the story but for someone who loves human slasher movies, I just can't read about people wanting to stuff their pets and Rowley explaining the process. Greatly appreciate the research and depth but bowels and skinning animals is not for me, but like I said, didn't seem to bother the majority of people.
I think this would be better to be described as a slow-burning mystery, as the building, plot, and pace slowly reeled you in, I also think the mystery dominated the story more. Their chemistry wasn't as sparking as I usually like but missing that beginning building probably hurt this for me.
The mystery isn't fully solved in this but I'm not sure I'm going to continue with the series, I think I might try another of hers in a different series. I hope this isn't one of those everyone loves but me authors :/
March 5, 2017
5 HEARTS!!!
Gah I so adored this book! No one in my eyes can replace Crane and Day, that's just a fact. But this series….. guys, this series is going to be one of my favourites! I can already tell!! This book was so much better than I was expecting. The blurb states this is a slow burn romance, but these two get together so early on and this book was all about them. The mystery was fun and exciting, but Clem and Rowley were centre stage, which is exactly what I want in my ‘mysteries’.
We have Clem, a lodging house manager who has Dyspraxia (not that they knew that in those times), and one of his tenants, Rowley Green, a taxidermist who works next door. Both men are drawn to the others quiet and kind nature, and they have formed a friendship over the past 8 months. As I said before, their relationship starts quite quickly and I was all gooey squishiness for these two men! They are totally adorable!!
Anyway as with most KJ Charles books something ghastly has to happen, and that occurs in the form of another of Clem’s tenants being tortured, murdered and dumped on his doorstep. I really liked this mystery. It was clever, quick and just scary enough to keep my heart pounding.
The side characters in this are pretty great. I’m excited to see some of their stories coming up! Clem’s brother is a rotten, arrogant swine and I hated him with the passion Rowley did!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Yes Chelsea, I can see it's got a sweet romance and some scary bad guys, but is the sex hot?” Well if you weren’t thinking it, I certainly was. YES! Little Mr Green has a tendency towards edging… and being used.
Clem certainly was happy with the arrangement.
I won’t lie, I’ve read more panty-melting stuff, but this sex was hot, sensual and plentiful! And quantity is a pretty important aspect for me.
This story ends on a pretty good HEA for Rowley and Clem, but there is an overarching story-line across the three books, so there are some loose ends that will be tied up in the later novels.
I loved this book! Seriously! My first thought when I finished it was actually “Damn I won’t be able to buy this on paperback” (because Loveswept don’t do paperbacks). I loved it that much!!
See SRAL's part of our super tag team reviews here,
**********************************
They were two such odd-shaped men, and they fit together so naturally, he and Clem...
Gah I so adored this book! No one in my eyes can replace Crane and Day, that's just a fact. But this series….. guys, this series is going to be one of my favourites! I can already tell!! This book was so much better than I was expecting. The blurb states this is a slow burn romance, but these two get together so early on and this book was all about them. The mystery was fun and exciting, but Clem and Rowley were centre stage, which is exactly what I want in my ‘mysteries’.
We have Clem, a lodging house manager who has Dyspraxia (not that they knew that in those times), and one of his tenants, Rowley Green, a taxidermist who works next door. Both men are drawn to the others quiet and kind nature, and they have formed a friendship over the past 8 months. As I said before, their relationship starts quite quickly and I was all gooey squishiness for these two men! They are totally adorable!!
Anyway as with most KJ Charles books something ghastly has to happen, and that occurs in the form of another of Clem’s tenants being tortured, murdered and dumped on his doorstep. I really liked this mystery. It was clever, quick and just scary enough to keep my heart pounding.
The side characters in this are pretty great. I’m excited to see some of their stories coming up! Clem’s brother is a rotten, arrogant swine and I hated him with the passion Rowley did!
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Yes Chelsea, I can see it's got a sweet romance and some scary bad guys, but is the sex hot?” Well if you weren’t thinking it, I certainly was. YES! Little Mr Green has a tendency towards edging… and being used.
It was simply that, while he enjoyed a climax as much as the next man, they came and went. The exquisite agony of anticipation, of abnegation and self-denial and feeling his blood pounding in his stiff stand without relief, the bewildering, all-encompassing thrill of being Clem’s subject and his object and entirely at his pleasure . . . that could last for hours.
Clem certainly was happy with the arrangement.
“If we had all morning, do you know what I’d do?” Clem propped himself on an elbow and trailed his fingers between Rowley’s legs. “I’d have you do that again, toss yourself to almost there, and then I’d stop you, and— I don’t know, have a cup of tea? And keep doing it, maybe even till I came again, not letting you spend, but keeping you nearly there—”
“Jesus Christ.” Rowley’s voice didn’t sound like his own.
I won’t lie, I’ve read more panty-melting stuff, but this sex was hot, sensual and plentiful! And quantity is a pretty important aspect for me.
This story ends on a pretty good HEA for Rowley and Clem, but there is an overarching story-line across the three books, so there are some loose ends that will be tied up in the later novels.
I loved this book! Seriously! My first thought when I finished it was actually “Damn I won’t be able to buy this on paperback” (because Loveswept don’t do paperbacks). I loved it that much!!
See SRAL's part of our super tag team reviews here,
**********************************
December 31, 2022
I seem to prefer romances if they have other things happening too - in this case a murder mystery subplot that was better than I had been expecting.
This was an enjoyable listen, especially because it distracted me from some rather tedious sorting. I found the taxidermy quite interesting, which surprised me. I'm not sure it's something I would like doing, but I can appreciate what goes into it. And while I'd rather not have a deceased pet stuffed, the mention of the woman who wanted her cat arranged as if he were sleeping, so he could still be in the room with her, was understandable.
This series is in the Audible Plus catalogue, so I will continue with it, and if I consider the next two as good, will read more by the author.
This was an enjoyable listen, especially because it distracted me from some rather tedious sorting. I found the taxidermy quite interesting, which surprised me. I'm not sure it's something I would like doing, but I can appreciate what goes into it. And while I'd rather not have a deceased pet stuffed, the mention of the woman who wanted her cat arranged as if he were sleeping, so he could still be in the room with her, was understandable.
This series is in the Audible Plus catalogue, so I will continue with it, and if I consider the next two as good, will read more by the author.
October 29, 2022
Audio re-read Oct 2022 - excellent!
K.J. Charles atmospheric and suspenseful Victorian romance takes us to a seemingly run of the mill area of London where tenants of a rooming house find themselves caught up in a mystery. Clem Talleyfer, a quiet and somewhat socially anxious man is content with his position managing a rooming house owned by his brother. His tenants are a mixed bag of characters, though the worst of the lot is a drunken ex-vicar whom he has to house at the insistence of his brother. The best part of his day is the time he spends in the evening having tea with his lodger, Rowley Green.
Rowley is a taxidermist, with a shop next door to the rooming house where he works on his craft for commissions from interested persons. A meticulous man, he enjoys spending time with Clem, and with a few hints and subtle conversations, they discover a mutual interest in each other. But when the vicar’s body ends up dead on Clem’s doorstep, things take a decidedly nasty turn. And if that’s not enough, someone seems to have developed an unhealthy interest in Rowley’s shop too. Clem and Rowley are just discovering how nice it is to have someone to come home to. With a killer on the loose and their personal safety threatened, will their new relationship be snuffed out too quickly?
This is an intense, suspenseful and thoroughly enjoyable read! The author clearly knows her way around the Victorian setting and I was quickly immersed in the plot and the lives of the characters, with the notorious London fog adding a chill to the air and the story.
Clem and Rowley have both had their share of difficult upbringings. Clem is the bastard half brother of an Earl, the man who owns the rooming house. They share the same father, but Clem is twenty years younger and the product of a liaison his father had with an East Indian woman. He’s lived with the stigma of his mixed race and illegitimate origins his whole life but has some good friends at the Jack and Knave, a gay social club he frequents. Rowley is a self-made man, his mother having died young and his abusive drunken father pushing him out of the house at a young age to move in with an elderly man down the street who taught him the taxidermy trade. With his own shameful history, he’s used to keeping to himself and the loneliness that entails.
Clem and Rowley find in each other the yin to each others yang. Clem’s need to take things slowly to avoid confusion and stay in control works swimmingly well with Rowley’s sexual preferences. They share some steamy scenes together that go from endearingly awkward to passionately intense. They have to keep their relationship a secret except when at the club but it’s not dwelled upon and they don’t take more than the necessary precautions.
When the murdered body of the vicar shows up on their doorstep, things take a dramatic turn and their relationship becomes a haven of respite from the stress of the crime and the continuing investigation. There is a lot of action, suspense and plenty of drama as the plot unfolds. I had a hard time putting the story down! I really liked the attention to detail in the setting, particularly with regards to Rowley’s profession as a taxidermist, and the social outings they attend. Eventually, the murder is solved, and Clem and Rowley get a happy for now ending as expected for the time period. With Clem’s likable circle of friends and a new family mystery unfolding at the end, I’m definitely going to be continuing this series. If you enjoy murder mysteries with intriguing well-rounded characters and a sweet and sexy romance, you’ll enjoy this story.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
K.J. Charles atmospheric and suspenseful Victorian romance takes us to a seemingly run of the mill area of London where tenants of a rooming house find themselves caught up in a mystery. Clem Talleyfer, a quiet and somewhat socially anxious man is content with his position managing a rooming house owned by his brother. His tenants are a mixed bag of characters, though the worst of the lot is a drunken ex-vicar whom he has to house at the insistence of his brother. The best part of his day is the time he spends in the evening having tea with his lodger, Rowley Green.
Rowley is a taxidermist, with a shop next door to the rooming house where he works on his craft for commissions from interested persons. A meticulous man, he enjoys spending time with Clem, and with a few hints and subtle conversations, they discover a mutual interest in each other. But when the vicar’s body ends up dead on Clem’s doorstep, things take a decidedly nasty turn. And if that’s not enough, someone seems to have developed an unhealthy interest in Rowley’s shop too. Clem and Rowley are just discovering how nice it is to have someone to come home to. With a killer on the loose and their personal safety threatened, will their new relationship be snuffed out too quickly?
This is an intense, suspenseful and thoroughly enjoyable read! The author clearly knows her way around the Victorian setting and I was quickly immersed in the plot and the lives of the characters, with the notorious London fog adding a chill to the air and the story.
Clem and Rowley have both had their share of difficult upbringings. Clem is the bastard half brother of an Earl, the man who owns the rooming house. They share the same father, but Clem is twenty years younger and the product of a liaison his father had with an East Indian woman. He’s lived with the stigma of his mixed race and illegitimate origins his whole life but has some good friends at the Jack and Knave, a gay social club he frequents. Rowley is a self-made man, his mother having died young and his abusive drunken father pushing him out of the house at a young age to move in with an elderly man down the street who taught him the taxidermy trade. With his own shameful history, he’s used to keeping to himself and the loneliness that entails.
Clem and Rowley find in each other the yin to each others yang. Clem’s need to take things slowly to avoid confusion and stay in control works swimmingly well with Rowley’s sexual preferences. They share some steamy scenes together that go from endearingly awkward to passionately intense. They have to keep their relationship a secret except when at the club but it’s not dwelled upon and they don’t take more than the necessary precautions.
When the murdered body of the vicar shows up on their doorstep, things take a dramatic turn and their relationship becomes a haven of respite from the stress of the crime and the continuing investigation. There is a lot of action, suspense and plenty of drama as the plot unfolds. I had a hard time putting the story down! I really liked the attention to detail in the setting, particularly with regards to Rowley’s profession as a taxidermist, and the social outings they attend. Eventually, the murder is solved, and Clem and Rowley get a happy for now ending as expected for the time period. With Clem’s likable circle of friends and a new family mystery unfolding at the end, I’m definitely going to be continuing this series. If you enjoy murder mysteries with intriguing well-rounded characters and a sweet and sexy romance, you’ll enjoy this story.
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
December 16, 2021
Audiobook-by Mathew Llyod Davies- 5 🌟
Story- 3.5 🌟
This was much better than I expected it to be. Actually, I went with pretty low expectations because this is the lowest-rated book by K.J. Charles and a lot of my friends do not appreciate this series as much as other works of the author. But, this romantic mystery exceeded my expectations, at least in the mystery department.
Plot
Clem is a POC and an illegitimate son of an earl. He is a lodging housekeeper on behalf of his brother. He and Rowley, who lives in the lodge, have cultivated a deep friendship. Their friendship slowly developed into a relationship but then a series of crimes started around their lodging house.
Things I loved about the book
1. The romance- The idea of romance becomes more enticing when it's forbidden and no one does it better in HR than KJC. I loved how at the start of the book, both Rowley and Clem just couldn't tell whether the other party is interested in men or not.
"Mr. Green with his bright eyes behind the concealing spectacles, and his quiet ways, and his understanding and patience that made Clem feel like Cat did on his lap, hard bones melting under soothing strokes. His smile, like the flash of a bird in flight, here and gone, left behind an impression of beauty. His sure, precise fingers."
2. The mystery- This mystery starts in this book and it's going to continue throughout the series. We have a lot of side characters from the club Jack and knives, some of them will be MCs in the next book too. It has a cliffhanger but I thought it was interesting so I will be motivated to read the next book asap.😂😂
3. I think anyone who has read KJ knows her knack for writing perfect atmospheric details and well-researched books. This trilogy is based in the Victorian era around 1873, during one of the famous London fogs.
My quibbles
Even though the romance was sweet, sometimes it felt too dull. And, when the mystery was intensified, Clam started behaving too stubbornly and believed his horrible family. I felt so frustrated and wanted to shake him out of the stupor.
Up to 80% of the point, I was planning to give it 4 stars but then I got irritated by Clam's behavior and 3.5 stars became 3 stars.
Story- 3.5 🌟
This was much better than I expected it to be. Actually, I went with pretty low expectations because this is the lowest-rated book by K.J. Charles and a lot of my friends do not appreciate this series as much as other works of the author. But, this romantic mystery exceeded my expectations, at least in the mystery department.
Plot
Clem is a POC and an illegitimate son of an earl. He is a lodging housekeeper on behalf of his brother. He and Rowley, who lives in the lodge, have cultivated a deep friendship. Their friendship slowly developed into a relationship but then a series of crimes started around their lodging house.
Things I loved about the book
1. The romance- The idea of romance becomes more enticing when it's forbidden and no one does it better in HR than KJC. I loved how at the start of the book, both Rowley and Clem just couldn't tell whether the other party is interested in men or not.
"Mr. Green with his bright eyes behind the concealing spectacles, and his quiet ways, and his understanding and patience that made Clem feel like Cat did on his lap, hard bones melting under soothing strokes. His smile, like the flash of a bird in flight, here and gone, left behind an impression of beauty. His sure, precise fingers."
2. The mystery- This mystery starts in this book and it's going to continue throughout the series. We have a lot of side characters from the club Jack and knives, some of them will be MCs in the next book too. It has a cliffhanger but I thought it was interesting so I will be motivated to read the next book asap.😂😂
3. I think anyone who has read KJ knows her knack for writing perfect atmospheric details and well-researched books. This trilogy is based in the Victorian era around 1873, during one of the famous London fogs.
My quibbles
Even though the romance was sweet, sometimes it felt too dull. And, when the mystery was intensified, Clam started behaving too stubbornly and believed his horrible family. I felt so frustrated and wanted to shake him out of the stupor.
Up to 80% of the point, I was planning to give it 4 stars but then I got irritated by Clam's behavior and 3.5 stars became 3 stars.
March 14, 2023
There are times in one’s life when one needs to shoot up on large quantities of KJ Charles.
For me, this time is now.
This book is consistent with the rest of her oeuvre - really good.
There is a plot arc over the 3 books, although each book resolves the main plot line really well. I could tell who they were from reading this book though.
Edited to add:
Having finished the 3 books in this series...
If I ever do a thing on how to write good stuff, I would provide diverse examples of good stuff. (The point being to experience very different sorts of good stuff - not to copy). I would include this series as exemplars due to outstanding plotting, characters, dialogue and writing. In the sequel Good Stuff thing about Good Series I would include it as well, due to excellence in interlinking the books without being repetitive or otherwise lame.
Completely and utterly enjoyable. - good stuff in other words.
For me, this time is now.
This book is consistent with the rest of her oeuvre - really good.
There is a plot arc over the 3 books, although each book resolves the main plot line really well. I could tell who they were from reading this book though.
Edited to add:
Having finished the 3 books in this series...
If I ever do a thing on how to write good stuff, I would provide diverse examples of good stuff. (The point being to experience very different sorts of good stuff - not to copy). I would include this series as exemplars due to outstanding plotting, characters, dialogue and writing. In the sequel Good Stuff thing about Good Series I would include it as well, due to excellence in interlinking the books without being repetitive or otherwise lame.
Completely and utterly enjoyable. - good stuff in other words.
September 23, 2017
This is my first time ever reading something from K.J. Charles and I admit it wasn’t so bad.
The blurb says this is 'a slow-burning romance and a chilling mystery' but I noticed this has more romance than mystery and it disappointed me a bit. If you know me, you know I adore good mysteries.
And I am also disappointed with the ‘slow-burn’ I guess Anyta Sunday spoiled me and I was expecting something alike of what she writes but no. Different authors, different styles, I know. My mistake.
However, knowing this, I still didn’t love that ‘slow-burn’ because it happened pretty much off-page. The MCs know each other for already 8 months when the story begins and they are already pretty hung up on each other… though, I’m grateful that the author at least showed me why they are fond of each other. I loved Clem, he was kind and care about everyone. Even when they didn’t deserve it. And Rowley infinite patience came in handy for his relationship with Clem and it was adorable the way he cared about him.
Gladly I was able to connect with the MCs, but this book wasn’t too special if I must say. It wasn’t sexy, it was mostly awkward. The sex scenes weren’t hot, I mean, if Clem just hadn’t forgotten to breathe while kissing, it would’ve been better. And the dirty talk was… LOL, I give it 5 points for the effort.
If you want to turn me off, offer me tea in the middle of the dirty talk…
Besides, this book dragged a bit too much for me. And not because I had a crazy week where I was able to read paragraphs at a time. NO. It was because the English was incredibly difficult to understand.
It’s not so usual for me to find a book where I struggle with the English. I’ve been reading in this language for quite some time and I like it so much better than in Spanish, but god. I guess it was because the English was intended to be from 1872 or so and everyone spoke funny at that time. I appreciate the effort of settling every aspect of the story for the correct time. Nevertheless, it was annoying as hell. I had to reread paragraph 3 times to grasp everything they were saying.
At least the story was appealing enough to keep me engaged. I'll keep reading this series because I'm curious as hell. I want to know what's going to happen next with the rest of the characters and I want to see the 'mystery' solved.
3 stars.
The blurb says this is 'a slow-burning romance and a chilling mystery' but I noticed this has more romance than mystery and it disappointed me a bit. If you know me, you know I adore good mysteries.
And I am also disappointed with the ‘slow-burn’ I guess Anyta Sunday spoiled me and I was expecting something alike of what she writes but no. Different authors, different styles, I know. My mistake.
However, knowing this, I still didn’t love that ‘slow-burn’ because it happened pretty much off-page. The MCs know each other for already 8 months when the story begins and they are already pretty hung up on each other… though, I’m grateful that the author at least showed me why they are fond of each other. I loved Clem, he was kind and care about everyone. Even when they didn’t deserve it. And Rowley infinite patience came in handy for his relationship with Clem and it was adorable the way he cared about him.
"[...]'What matter to me if their star is a world? Mine has opened its soul to me; therefore I love it.'"
Gladly I was able to connect with the MCs, but this book wasn’t too special if I must say. It wasn’t sexy, it was mostly awkward. The sex scenes weren’t hot, I mean, if Clem just hadn’t forgotten to breathe while kissing, it would’ve been better. And the dirty talk was… LOL, I give it 5 points for the effort.
"I'd have you do that again, toss yourself to almost there, and then I'd stop you, and - I don't know, have a cup of tea? And keep doing it, maybe even till I came again, not letting you spend, but keeping you nearly there-"
If you want to turn me off, offer me tea in the middle of the dirty talk…
Besides, this book dragged a bit too much for me. And not because I had a crazy week where I was able to read paragraphs at a time. NO. It was because the English was incredibly difficult to understand.
It’s not so usual for me to find a book where I struggle with the English. I’ve been reading in this language for quite some time and I like it so much better than in Spanish, but god. I guess it was because the English was intended to be from 1872 or so and everyone spoke funny at that time. I appreciate the effort of settling every aspect of the story for the correct time. Nevertheless, it was annoying as hell. I had to reread paragraph 3 times to grasp everything they were saying.
At least the story was appealing enough to keep me engaged. I'll keep reading this series because I'm curious as hell. I want to know what's going to happen next with the rest of the characters and I want to see the 'mystery' solved.
3 stars.
February 16, 2017
First book of a new Victorian series from K.J. Charles ... that introduction made me really, truly excited. It's a fact that I find Charles' books to be solid read and most of the times, I find them truly enjoyable.
An Unseen Attraction is both a romance and a mystery, set in London at early 1870's. Personally, I thought Charles was able to balance it both pretty well. The book introduces us to lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer and preserver (or taxidermist, in modern term) Rowley Green - one of Clem's lodgers.
I honestly thought Clem as a very interesting character. Clem first came to me as a little slow. He gets easily nervous with too many stimuli (which is why he avoids crowd). He is gentle, kind, and avoids confrontations with others. When Clem goes up against a 'louder' men, he easily stutters.
However, Clem seems to flourish when he is around his friends at the Jack and Knave (a club for men who likes other men). And when it comes to the bedroom ... Clem is the more dominant compared to Rowley. Even if during their first kiss, Clem is the one who forget to breathe! But as their relationship goes further, Rowley is the one more submissive -- and interestingly Rowley also seems to be the one with less experience.
So you see, Clem's contradictory intrigued the hell out of me! I thought Clem has more layers compared to Rowley; whose job is probably is the most interesting part about him. Clem is more than meets the eyes ...
As for the mystery part, it circles around the murder of another lodger with connection to Clem's family members. The ending of this one is a bit of a cliffhanger; we find answers but it the mystery develops into something bigger, which is why I think it will be the arc of the whole trilogy (the title of the third book, most especially, is the biggest hint).
UNFORTUNATELY, Clem's way of handling issues that comes to him, especially in regards to the murder and his bully of a brother frustrated the HELL out of me. This influenced my enjoyment of reading the book because most of the time I wanted to STRANGLE Clem for being too naive and trusting. He refuses to think that there might be something amiss happening. In this particular case, Clem is like a child who puts hands on his ears and refuses to listen while people tells him about his mistakes.
I also admit that I was getting uncomfortable reading about the details of Rowley's job. The part where Charles wrote about the stuffing process, it creeped me out so much I had to put the book down and switched to another title for a while. I think if I watch the process with my own eyes, I will get nightmares for weeks!
So I have to settle with 3-stars this time. Nonetheless, rest assured, I WILL be there for the rest of the series!!
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
An Unseen Attraction is both a romance and a mystery, set in London at early 1870's. Personally, I thought Charles was able to balance it both pretty well. The book introduces us to lodging-house keeper Clem Talleyfer and preserver (or taxidermist, in modern term) Rowley Green - one of Clem's lodgers.
I honestly thought Clem as a very interesting character. Clem first came to me as a little slow. He gets easily nervous with too many stimuli (which is why he avoids crowd). He is gentle, kind, and avoids confrontations with others. When Clem goes up against a 'louder' men, he easily stutters.
However, Clem seems to flourish when he is around his friends at the Jack and Knave (a club for men who likes other men). And when it comes to the bedroom ... Clem is the more dominant compared to Rowley. Even if during their first kiss, Clem is the one who forget to breathe! But as their relationship goes further, Rowley is the one more submissive -- and interestingly Rowley also seems to be the one with less experience.
So you see, Clem's contradictory intrigued the hell out of me! I thought Clem has more layers compared to Rowley; whose job is probably is the most interesting part about him. Clem is more than meets the eyes ...
As for the mystery part, it circles around the murder of another lodger with connection to Clem's family members. The ending of this one is a bit of a cliffhanger; we find answers but it the mystery develops into something bigger, which is why I think it will be the arc of the whole trilogy (the title of the third book, most especially, is the biggest hint).
UNFORTUNATELY, Clem's way of handling issues that comes to him, especially in regards to the murder and his bully of a brother frustrated the HELL out of me. This influenced my enjoyment of reading the book because most of the time I wanted to STRANGLE Clem for being too naive and trusting. He refuses to think that there might be something amiss happening. In this particular case, Clem is like a child who puts hands on his ears and refuses to listen while people tells him about his mistakes.
I also admit that I was getting uncomfortable reading about the details of Rowley's job. The part where Charles wrote about the stuffing process, it creeped me out so much I had to put the book down and switched to another title for a while. I think if I watch the process with my own eyes, I will get nightmares for weeks!
So I have to settle with 3-stars this time. Nonetheless, rest assured, I WILL be there for the rest of the series!!
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
February 24, 2024
3.5, sadly rounded down bcs i gotta speak my truth
what with this one and my recent Band Sinister reread, i found out that when it comes to KJC i really cannot be having with these romances about sweet, wholesome people finding love and fulfilment. i mean no shade to rowley and clem, good on them for all the tender kinky fireside sex they're having (those must have been some rug burns lmao) but my heart is left cold and unaffected if there is no mansplainer, malewife, or manslaughter in sight. and yes we do get a murder fairly early on in this one (thank god!!) and i did like the taxidermy infodumping and Clem's neurodivergence and all his gay friends at their gay club, but all in all, kind of a mid one for me personally.
that being said! the next book in this series stars a man with a widow's peak(!!) and a tragically deceased love of his life(!!) vs Justin Lazarus, from whom, being my beloved Susan's dad, i expect nothing but extreme Sussy McSuspants vibes. cannot wait!!
one kinda unfortunate thing - since i've read all the Lilywhite books, i already know the identity of the people we are going to (i assume) spend the next two books attempting to find. oh well, you win some you lose some! onto the next one!
what with this one and my recent Band Sinister reread, i found out that when it comes to KJC i really cannot be having with these romances about sweet, wholesome people finding love and fulfilment. i mean no shade to rowley and clem, good on them for all the tender kinky fireside sex they're having (those must have been some rug burns lmao) but my heart is left cold and unaffected if there is no mansplainer, malewife, or manslaughter in sight. and yes we do get a murder fairly early on in this one (thank god!!) and i did like the taxidermy infodumping and Clem's neurodivergence and all his gay friends at their gay club, but all in all, kind of a mid one for me personally.
that being said! the next book in this series stars a man with a widow's peak(!!) and a tragically deceased love of his life(!!) vs Justin Lazarus, from whom, being my beloved Susan's dad, i expect nothing but extreme Sussy McSuspants vibes. cannot wait!!
one kinda unfortunate thing - since i've read all the Lilywhite books, i already know the identity of the people we are going to (i assume) spend the next two books attempting to find. oh well, you win some you lose some! onto the next one!
May 21, 2017
While I haven't been reading this author for very long I have devoured almost everything I can get my hands on, while dragging out the joy on one particular series, and can unequivocally say I'm a huge fangirl. There hasn't been a novel, novella or bonus freebie scene by Charles that I haven't loved.. until now.
AN UNSEEN ATTRACTION was pretty hard to get through. There is a host of unpleasant characters, one in particular who has left of trail of terrible deeds, a slow-ish moving plot, a convoluted mystery that is also kinda.. obvious at a certain point, and no real magic to speak of.. and I don't just mean that literally. The only thing I enjoyed about the lead characters is the inclusion of a POC who also happens to be on the autistic spectrum. But it wasn't those elements that made him difficult to bear but it was his outright refusal to admit to something that was plainly obvious to everyone else. Over and over again. As for the love interest, well.. I mean. Taxidermy was an interesting profession but honestly he didn't do anything for me outside of that, either.
I didn't feel the chemistry, the plot was maddening, the players more terrible than not, but I'm eager to move on to book two in hopes of finding the Charles magic and because this series has a new couple for each installment. And having not only met one side of the sequel's pairing but also seen a little bit of the set-up for book two, I'm pretty intrigued. I did like the other queer men who were introduced, and I imagine the third individual might feature in book three, but other than those particular men, and the diversity, I'm sorry to say the start of the Sins of the City series was a disappointment.
AN UNSEEN ATTRACTION was pretty hard to get through. There is a host of unpleasant characters, one in particular who has left of trail of terrible deeds, a slow-ish moving plot, a convoluted mystery that is also kinda.. obvious at a certain point, and no real magic to speak of.. and I don't just mean that literally. The only thing I enjoyed about the lead characters is the inclusion of a POC who also happens to be on the autistic spectrum. But it wasn't those elements that made him difficult to bear but it was his outright refusal to admit to something that was plainly obvious to everyone else. Over and over again. As for the love interest, well.. I mean. Taxidermy was an interesting profession but honestly he didn't do anything for me outside of that, either.
I didn't feel the chemistry, the plot was maddening, the players more terrible than not, but I'm eager to move on to book two in hopes of finding the Charles magic and because this series has a new couple for each installment. And having not only met one side of the sequel's pairing but also seen a little bit of the set-up for book two, I'm pretty intrigued. I did like the other queer men who were introduced, and I imagine the third individual might feature in book three, but other than those particular men, and the diversity, I'm sorry to say the start of the Sins of the City series was a disappointment.
June 25, 2017
*3,5 stars*
Impeccable writing by KJ Charles as always. Loved the gory details on preserving animals and all the depth of her world building.
Clem and Rowley are an interesting, very different pair. I don't think I have ever read a book with an Indian MC. Somehow though, these two did not rip me off my seat. I enjoyed them and the way they discover each other and what they like, but I didn't outright love them. Clem's naivety was sometimes almost a bit too much for me.
The mystery plot was also entertaining, if not a little bit predictable.
All in all a nice book and good read. I will certainly go for book 2 in the series.
Impeccable writing by KJ Charles as always. Loved the gory details on preserving animals and all the depth of her world building.
Clem and Rowley are an interesting, very different pair. I don't think I have ever read a book with an Indian MC. Somehow though, these two did not rip me off my seat. I enjoyed them and the way they discover each other and what they like, but I didn't outright love them. Clem's naivety was sometimes almost a bit too much for me.
The mystery plot was also entertaining, if not a little bit predictable.
All in all a nice book and good read. I will certainly go for book 2 in the series.
August 21, 2017
4.5 stars
In An Unseen Attraction, KJC has done what she always does: Weaving complexity into simple words, thus leaving an even greater impact. But she does it in her typical 'unaufgeregt' style, which - in turn - sucks me even deeper into her story.
I don't even know where to start with An Unseen Attraction without going into full fangirl-berserker-mode, so I'll try to be as 'unaufgeregt' as possible: Unique. That's what An Unseen Attraction is and what KJC is. Who knew taxidermy could be quite so interesting?
That being said, the book suffered a little from the first-in-a-series syndrome leaving quite a few loose ends. That, and a few inconsistencies in Clem's characterisation.
I love you. Such small words to make such a huge change. Not the kind of change other people had, with a wedding in fine clothes and people cheering, but a change that would do very nicely for the two of them.This is but one example of many that showcases KJC's incredible talent; the latter part of the second sentence: "[...] but a change that would do very nicely for the two of them." Were I to write this review in German, I'd say 'unaufgeregt'. I looked it up and couldn't really find the appropriate English equivalent: Calm? Cool? Un-agitated? Nothing quite fits. Calm comes closest, I assume.
In An Unseen Attraction, KJC has done what she always does: Weaving complexity into simple words, thus leaving an even greater impact. But she does it in her typical 'unaufgeregt' style, which - in turn - sucks me even deeper into her story.
I don't even know where to start with An Unseen Attraction without going into full fangirl-berserker-mode, so I'll try to be as 'unaufgeregt' as possible: Unique. That's what An Unseen Attraction is and what KJC is. Who knew taxidermy could be quite so interesting?
That being said, the book suffered a little from the first-in-a-series syndrome leaving quite a few loose ends. That, and a few inconsistencies in Clem's characterisation.
February 5, 2017
I never in a million years thought I'd say this about one of this author's books but this was just ok. It wasn't bad, her writing was spot on as usual, but I just couldn't get into the story or either of the MC's.
Clem runs a boarding house that is owned by his older brother and he likes his job fairly well except for the rowdy, drunk lodger who he has to keep as a term of his employment. The man is horrible and is constantly disrupting the peace of their home. Clem is much more charmed by another lodger, Rowley, who also owns the taxidermy shop next door. When the drunken lodger is killed the men are thrown into a murder mystery.
Everything about the book was just "ok" for me. They mystery was ok but didn't really grab me into it. I think the biggest issue for me was I was not drawn into the MC's. They were both awkward and socially inept. So much so that I found them boring and I wasn't that interested in them or their romance. (If I want awkward romance all I need to do is look at my own dating life). It's not something I have any interest in reading about.
There's a good chance this is a case of "It's not you, it's me" but for whatever the reason this was just meh for me.
**ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Clem runs a boarding house that is owned by his older brother and he likes his job fairly well except for the rowdy, drunk lodger who he has to keep as a term of his employment. The man is horrible and is constantly disrupting the peace of their home. Clem is much more charmed by another lodger, Rowley, who also owns the taxidermy shop next door. When the drunken lodger is killed the men are thrown into a murder mystery.
Everything about the book was just "ok" for me. They mystery was ok but didn't really grab me into it. I think the biggest issue for me was I was not drawn into the MC's. They were both awkward and socially inept. So much so that I found them boring and I wasn't that interested in them or their romance. (If I want awkward romance all I need to do is look at my own dating life). It's not something I have any interest in reading about.
There's a good chance this is a case of "It's not you, it's me" but for whatever the reason this was just meh for me.
**ARC received through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
November 5, 2018
Love the vulnerability and complexity of KJC’s stories. Loved it, though the plot was a bit crazy.
May 26, 2017
I’m a recent convert to the talented writing skills of KJ Charles, my initiation being her magnificent Society of Gentleman series. I was therefore very pleased when given the opportunity to read and review An Unseen Attraction , the first in her new Sins of the City series. I admit that I approached it with a little trepidation, because not in my wildest dreams would I have believed that I could enjoy a story about a cockney Victorian taxidermist and an Anglo-Indian lodging-house keeper. I guess it’s testament to the author’s original and arresting style of writing that I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put the book down. An Unseen Attraction is an engrossing and plausible story which only just touches on the aristocracy which in itself is a refreshing change in an historical romance. This story – and the two books we still have to look forward to in this trilogy – is about real people, with real personal problems and real jobs and I absolutely loved it.
Clem Talleyfer keeps a lodging house for skilled artisans, and prides himself on his standards. His lodgers like and respect him and that’s understandable because he is an extremely likeable young man; well spoken and with darkly handsome good looks. He is of a mixed race heritage – an Indian mother and an aristocratic English father. Rowley Green has taken the shop next door and has set himself up as a preserver – or, as we’d call him today, a taxidermist. Rowley is a quiet, unassuming and unexceptionable young man, whose dark past is reason enough for him to wish to blend in quietly and lead a non-confrontational lifestyle; another reason he prefers his rather solitary profession. He is neat and tidy, slight of stature, with a mop of tow-coloured hair and wire-rimmed spectacles – and Clem has been drawn to the quiet dignity of the man and more than a little attracted to him since he joined the lodgers at Talleyfer’s eight months previously. Unbeknownst to Clem, the attraction is mutual and their joint dilemma is how to discover if each feels the same about the other and how to make a move or declaration at a time when men such as they had to hide their sexual preferences for fear of prosecution. The two begin to explore their liking for each other in the simple domesticity of sharing a cup of tea by Clem’s parlour fireside of an evening in quiet companionship.
The author does a terrific job in developing these two characters and I found myself drawn to the very ‘unusual-ness’ of them. It was obvious to me from early on in the story – and the author confirmed it in her notes at the end – that Clem suffers from dyspraxia. KJ Charles’ explanations of his foibles; his difficulty concentrating on a subject, his clumsiness – which some mistake for stupidity, his dislike at being part of a jostling crowd, his inability to understand a double-entendre, sarcasm or to take a hint – are spot-on. I have a friend whose child suffers with this condition which is why I recognised it immediately and it underscored to me how very thorough the author’s research is and how interesting and touching to give her character this very real problem which often goes undiagnosed, even in this day and age. Clem’s vulnerability only heightens his appeal – who couldn’t love him? And the fact that Rowley loves Clem – understands his idiosyncrasies and helps him to cope without being judgemental or critical only serves to endear him to me more; and it wasn’t long before this quiet, plain little man had wiggled his way into my affections along with the gorgeous Clem – two adorable, out-of-the-ordinary characters who are quite clearly made for each other.
The only fly in Clem’s ointment is the elderly, drunken vicar, Lugtrout, who lives at Talleyfer’s under sufferance, his presence being a condition of the lease set up by Clem’s aristocratic half-brother who owns the lodging house and employs Clem as its manager. There is an excellent plot going on at the same time as Clem and Rowley are discovering each other and making tentative steps in their love affair. The drunken vicar is delivered – extremely dead – onto the lodging house doorstep; there are empty teeth sockets in the vicars gaping mouth and some finger tips missing too – so this is definitely no accidental death! As well as this mystery, Rowley’s shop is illegally entered and searched and then later on in another incident it is set on fire and Rowley attacked. It isn’t long before Clem and Rowley accept that the crimes are connected and the two become even closer as they put their heads together to solve the mystery that is scaring them both to death.
An Unseen Attraction is a most unusual and compelling story and extremely well researched too – I know an awful lot more regarding the recording of births deaths and marriages in England than I ever did before! Plus the amount of research the author must have undertaken in order to write with such authority on a subject like taxidermy is phenomenal – lets face it, it’s not a subject that would appeal to the average reader – and her extensive research served its purpose because I was intrigued by Rowley’s craft; the skill and talent involved, and shall now look at stuffed animals with new eyes and added interest when next I visit the Natural History Museum. The murder/mystery is gripping and plausible and the setting sinister and threatening with the tension ratcheting up as a deadly fog descends and cloaks Victorian London in a pea-souper which thickens and obliterates the daylight to hang in the atmosphere and render visibility to nigh on nil. And the terror and fear felt by our two unlikely detectives as they finally discover the identity of the murderer and the reasons surrounding all that has befallen them is palpable. An Unseen Attraction is a fascinating page turner of a story with never a dull moment, some genuinely amusing ones and a charmingly tender romance between two ordinary yet extraordinary characters. My guess is that K.J Charles has another winner under her belt and I shall wait in anticipation for the next in what promises to be an excellent trilogy.
Clem Talleyfer keeps a lodging house for skilled artisans, and prides himself on his standards. His lodgers like and respect him and that’s understandable because he is an extremely likeable young man; well spoken and with darkly handsome good looks. He is of a mixed race heritage – an Indian mother and an aristocratic English father. Rowley Green has taken the shop next door and has set himself up as a preserver – or, as we’d call him today, a taxidermist. Rowley is a quiet, unassuming and unexceptionable young man, whose dark past is reason enough for him to wish to blend in quietly and lead a non-confrontational lifestyle; another reason he prefers his rather solitary profession. He is neat and tidy, slight of stature, with a mop of tow-coloured hair and wire-rimmed spectacles – and Clem has been drawn to the quiet dignity of the man and more than a little attracted to him since he joined the lodgers at Talleyfer’s eight months previously. Unbeknownst to Clem, the attraction is mutual and their joint dilemma is how to discover if each feels the same about the other and how to make a move or declaration at a time when men such as they had to hide their sexual preferences for fear of prosecution. The two begin to explore their liking for each other in the simple domesticity of sharing a cup of tea by Clem’s parlour fireside of an evening in quiet companionship.
The author does a terrific job in developing these two characters and I found myself drawn to the very ‘unusual-ness’ of them. It was obvious to me from early on in the story – and the author confirmed it in her notes at the end – that Clem suffers from dyspraxia. KJ Charles’ explanations of his foibles; his difficulty concentrating on a subject, his clumsiness – which some mistake for stupidity, his dislike at being part of a jostling crowd, his inability to understand a double-entendre, sarcasm or to take a hint – are spot-on. I have a friend whose child suffers with this condition which is why I recognised it immediately and it underscored to me how very thorough the author’s research is and how interesting and touching to give her character this very real problem which often goes undiagnosed, even in this day and age. Clem’s vulnerability only heightens his appeal – who couldn’t love him? And the fact that Rowley loves Clem – understands his idiosyncrasies and helps him to cope without being judgemental or critical only serves to endear him to me more; and it wasn’t long before this quiet, plain little man had wiggled his way into my affections along with the gorgeous Clem – two adorable, out-of-the-ordinary characters who are quite clearly made for each other.
The only fly in Clem’s ointment is the elderly, drunken vicar, Lugtrout, who lives at Talleyfer’s under sufferance, his presence being a condition of the lease set up by Clem’s aristocratic half-brother who owns the lodging house and employs Clem as its manager. There is an excellent plot going on at the same time as Clem and Rowley are discovering each other and making tentative steps in their love affair. The drunken vicar is delivered – extremely dead – onto the lodging house doorstep; there are empty teeth sockets in the vicars gaping mouth and some finger tips missing too – so this is definitely no accidental death! As well as this mystery, Rowley’s shop is illegally entered and searched and then later on in another incident it is set on fire and Rowley attacked. It isn’t long before Clem and Rowley accept that the crimes are connected and the two become even closer as they put their heads together to solve the mystery that is scaring them both to death.
An Unseen Attraction is a most unusual and compelling story and extremely well researched too – I know an awful lot more regarding the recording of births deaths and marriages in England than I ever did before! Plus the amount of research the author must have undertaken in order to write with such authority on a subject like taxidermy is phenomenal – lets face it, it’s not a subject that would appeal to the average reader – and her extensive research served its purpose because I was intrigued by Rowley’s craft; the skill and talent involved, and shall now look at stuffed animals with new eyes and added interest when next I visit the Natural History Museum. The murder/mystery is gripping and plausible and the setting sinister and threatening with the tension ratcheting up as a deadly fog descends and cloaks Victorian London in a pea-souper which thickens and obliterates the daylight to hang in the atmosphere and render visibility to nigh on nil. And the terror and fear felt by our two unlikely detectives as they finally discover the identity of the murderer and the reasons surrounding all that has befallen them is palpable. An Unseen Attraction is a fascinating page turner of a story with never a dull moment, some genuinely amusing ones and a charmingly tender romance between two ordinary yet extraordinary characters. My guess is that K.J Charles has another winner under her belt and I shall wait in anticipation for the next in what promises to be an excellent trilogy.
April 20, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this an A- for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up
An Unseen Attraction is the first in K.J Charles’ new Sins of the Cities trilogy of historical romantic mysteries set in the late Victorian era. She has taken as her inspiration the pulp fiction of the day; the Victorian sensation novel as penned by authors such as Wilkie Collins, Sheridan le Fanu and Mary E. Braddon. As a big fan of that particular genre, I was rubbing my hands with glee whilst awaiting this first instalment, and am happy to report that the wait was well worth it.
English born, Anglo-Indian Clem Tallyfer keeps a respectable lodging house for skilled artisans in Clerkenwell, which was, even in Victorian times, an area of London where multiculturalism flourished. Clem is quiet, unassuming and content with his lot; he enjoys his work and he’s good at it because he’s good with people. He’s a decent, kind man with a good-heart and an optimistic outlook… although he does find one particular resident rather troubling, the Reverend Lugtrout, an habitual drunkard who gets aggressive and rude when under the influence, but whom he is powerless to evict. The lodging house is owned by Clem’s brother, and Clem’s position is conditional on Lugtrout’s living there. He doesn’t know why, or even how his brother knows Lugtrout, but Clem can’t do other than accept the situation and put up with the man’s unpleasant behaviour.
For the last eight months, Rowley Green has lived at the lodging house and rented the shop next door where he practices his trade as a preserver – a taxidermist – and I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever read or listened to a book where one of the central characters has been engaged in that particular profession! Rowley is small, neat, bespectacled and unexceptional; he goes about his business and keeps himself pretty much to himself, although he can’t deny the pull of attraction he feels towards the handsome Clem, with his lovely eyes, dark skin and sweetly charming manner. Clem is similarly smitten with the softly spoken Rowley, who really listens to him, never gets impatient with him and seems to have an instinctive understanding of Clem’s difficulties with organisation, dislike of loud noises and crowds and doesn’t mind his occasional clumsiness.
Neither man is quite sure how to make his interest known, but very soon, their new habit of taking tea together of an evening leads to the formation of a strong and genuine friendship and eventually to more in a way that feels completely natural and unhurried. The relationship between these two adorable, ordinary men is extremely well developed and infused with a real sense of affection and tenderness. But that’s not to say everything in the garden is rosy. Aspects of Clem’s background and Rowley’s past crop up to cause friction between them, but ultimately, there’s no question that these two are in it for the long haul, that together, they’re strong enough and confident enough in their love for each other to be able to weather even the worst storms.
I won’t reveal too much about the plot as this is a mystery, other than to say that when the mutilated body of the obnoxious Lugtrout is dumped on Clem’s doorstep, it sets in motion an ugly train of events that threatens not only both men’s livelihoods but their very lives.
The plot is extremely well constructed and I particularly enjoyed spotting all the little homages to Victorian sensation fiction that Ms. Charles incorporates into her story – evil relatives, missing heirs, clandestine relationships, blackmail, murder and sinister figures lurking amid the dank streets. The author does a wonderful job in putting the listener right in the middle of those gloomy, muck-strewn streets and of describing the all-pervasive pea-soupers, those dense, choking fogs that so often descended on London, obliterating the daylight and hanging menacingly in the air. It’s all incredibly atmospheric and really helps ratchet up the tension.
I’ve just one word of caution to add at this point, which is to say that while Clem and Rowley’s story is concluded in this book, there is an overarching plotline that I imagine will run throughout the novels in this trilogy (Victorian novels were usually issued in three volumes, after all, so it makes sense!). If you really can’t stand cliff-hangers, then you might want to wait until you can listen to all three books in succession, but for me, it wasn’t an issue.
Having enjoyed listening to Matthew Lloyd Davies in the author’s Society of Gentlemen series, I was pleased to learn that he was back on board for this, and, I hope, subsequent Sins of the Cities books. His performance here is every bit as good as I’d hoped; well-paced, subtly nuanced and with all the characters very clearly delineated and easy to identify. Clem is a wonderful creation, a steadfast, loyal man who always strives to do the right thing; a lovely mix of naïveté with a hint of naughtiness underneath – and Mr. Lloyd Davies’ portrayal captures all of those aspects of his personality incredibly well. Rowley is just as well characterised, his slight London accent serving to differentiate him very effectively from Clem, so that there’s never any confusion as to who is speaking in their many scenes together. There’s a colourful secondary cast, too, most of them found at The Jack and Knave, the local pub where Clem, his friends and others of their sexual persuasion can meet and relax. Two of these characters – Nathaniel, a lawyer-turned-reporter, and “Polish” Mark, a private investigator – have key roles to play in the mystery. Nathaniel’s plummy, aristocratic drawl suits his slightly ostentatious character down to the ground, and Mark’s low-pitched, gravelly growl thoroughly conveys the not-so-subtle hint of menace that surrounds him.
It’s an excellent performance on all counts, and when combined with a compelling story and wonderfully rounded characters, makes An Unseen Attraction an easy audiobook to recommend.
I've given this an A- for narration and an A- for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up
An Unseen Attraction is the first in K.J Charles’ new Sins of the Cities trilogy of historical romantic mysteries set in the late Victorian era. She has taken as her inspiration the pulp fiction of the day; the Victorian sensation novel as penned by authors such as Wilkie Collins, Sheridan le Fanu and Mary E. Braddon. As a big fan of that particular genre, I was rubbing my hands with glee whilst awaiting this first instalment, and am happy to report that the wait was well worth it.
English born, Anglo-Indian Clem Tallyfer keeps a respectable lodging house for skilled artisans in Clerkenwell, which was, even in Victorian times, an area of London where multiculturalism flourished. Clem is quiet, unassuming and content with his lot; he enjoys his work and he’s good at it because he’s good with people. He’s a decent, kind man with a good-heart and an optimistic outlook… although he does find one particular resident rather troubling, the Reverend Lugtrout, an habitual drunkard who gets aggressive and rude when under the influence, but whom he is powerless to evict. The lodging house is owned by Clem’s brother, and Clem’s position is conditional on Lugtrout’s living there. He doesn’t know why, or even how his brother knows Lugtrout, but Clem can’t do other than accept the situation and put up with the man’s unpleasant behaviour.
For the last eight months, Rowley Green has lived at the lodging house and rented the shop next door where he practices his trade as a preserver – a taxidermist – and I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever read or listened to a book where one of the central characters has been engaged in that particular profession! Rowley is small, neat, bespectacled and unexceptional; he goes about his business and keeps himself pretty much to himself, although he can’t deny the pull of attraction he feels towards the handsome Clem, with his lovely eyes, dark skin and sweetly charming manner. Clem is similarly smitten with the softly spoken Rowley, who really listens to him, never gets impatient with him and seems to have an instinctive understanding of Clem’s difficulties with organisation, dislike of loud noises and crowds and doesn’t mind his occasional clumsiness.
Neither man is quite sure how to make his interest known, but very soon, their new habit of taking tea together of an evening leads to the formation of a strong and genuine friendship and eventually to more in a way that feels completely natural and unhurried. The relationship between these two adorable, ordinary men is extremely well developed and infused with a real sense of affection and tenderness. But that’s not to say everything in the garden is rosy. Aspects of Clem’s background and Rowley’s past crop up to cause friction between them, but ultimately, there’s no question that these two are in it for the long haul, that together, they’re strong enough and confident enough in their love for each other to be able to weather even the worst storms.
I won’t reveal too much about the plot as this is a mystery, other than to say that when the mutilated body of the obnoxious Lugtrout is dumped on Clem’s doorstep, it sets in motion an ugly train of events that threatens not only both men’s livelihoods but their very lives.
The plot is extremely well constructed and I particularly enjoyed spotting all the little homages to Victorian sensation fiction that Ms. Charles incorporates into her story – evil relatives, missing heirs, clandestine relationships, blackmail, murder and sinister figures lurking amid the dank streets. The author does a wonderful job in putting the listener right in the middle of those gloomy, muck-strewn streets and of describing the all-pervasive pea-soupers, those dense, choking fogs that so often descended on London, obliterating the daylight and hanging menacingly in the air. It’s all incredibly atmospheric and really helps ratchet up the tension.
I’ve just one word of caution to add at this point, which is to say that while Clem and Rowley’s story is concluded in this book, there is an overarching plotline that I imagine will run throughout the novels in this trilogy (Victorian novels were usually issued in three volumes, after all, so it makes sense!). If you really can’t stand cliff-hangers, then you might want to wait until you can listen to all three books in succession, but for me, it wasn’t an issue.
Having enjoyed listening to Matthew Lloyd Davies in the author’s Society of Gentlemen series, I was pleased to learn that he was back on board for this, and, I hope, subsequent Sins of the Cities books. His performance here is every bit as good as I’d hoped; well-paced, subtly nuanced and with all the characters very clearly delineated and easy to identify. Clem is a wonderful creation, a steadfast, loyal man who always strives to do the right thing; a lovely mix of naïveté with a hint of naughtiness underneath – and Mr. Lloyd Davies’ portrayal captures all of those aspects of his personality incredibly well. Rowley is just as well characterised, his slight London accent serving to differentiate him very effectively from Clem, so that there’s never any confusion as to who is speaking in their many scenes together. There’s a colourful secondary cast, too, most of them found at The Jack and Knave, the local pub where Clem, his friends and others of their sexual persuasion can meet and relax. Two of these characters – Nathaniel, a lawyer-turned-reporter, and “Polish” Mark, a private investigator – have key roles to play in the mystery. Nathaniel’s plummy, aristocratic drawl suits his slightly ostentatious character down to the ground, and Mark’s low-pitched, gravelly growl thoroughly conveys the not-so-subtle hint of menace that surrounds him.
It’s an excellent performance on all counts, and when combined with a compelling story and wonderfully rounded characters, makes An Unseen Attraction an easy audiobook to recommend.
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