Hello again, and Happy Independence day. I cannot believe it’s already July, and it’s hot, so very hot here in Texas. In keeping with the theme of the month I thought I’d share a few of my favorite historical MM romance stories.  On July 4, 1776, the thirteen colonies claimed their independence from England, an event which eventually led to the formation of the United States. Each year on July 4th, also known as Independence Day, Americans celebrate this historic event. What better way to celebrate than with some hot, sweaty, sexy mens?

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If you’re looking for something short, sexy and steamy, try Object of His Desire by Ava March.

Synopsis… He thinks he’s just a wallflower. Little does he know he’s the guest of honor….

It’s the last night of a week-long house party in remote northern England. Every sensual delight imaginable is right at Henry Shaw’s fingertips. Yet all he wants is to be with his host, the deliciously handsome and enigmatic Arsen Grey. Henry’s certain it’s love, not mere infatuation. He’s also sure it’s hopeless. After all, the party’s purpose is to find Arsen a new mistress.

Arsen longs to leave the glittering, jaded world of the ton behind and find someone who will value him for himself, not his wealth and his title. He suspects that someone could be the strapping country gentleman he’s caught staring at him. Henry is loyal and dependable, nothing like his other acquaintances. Arsen sets a plan into motion, one designed to get Henry into his bed. One that includes a test of devotion.

Arsen never expected that in winning Henry, he risks losing his heart.

Buy links: Audible | Amazon US

My review…  Historical MM Romance

Another good gay historical romance story. Henry was like this gentle giant that wanted nothing more than Grey’s love. Grey recognizes the spark in Henry’s eyes, realizes the attraction is mutual and sets a plan in motion to make the big, burly man his. There isn’t a lot of story per say to this one, it’s all about the two men and what happens behind closed doors, when no one is watching. I did want a little bit more content and thought this book had so much potential to be expanded on, that was disappointing, but overall I really enjoyed the story. My first time listening to this narrator, Tim Gilbert, but I enjoyed his tones and what he did with the characters.

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If you’re in the mood for something longer, a deeper connection and a story with a lot of meat on its bones (pun intended) grab yourself a copy of Kindred Hearts by Rowan Speedwell. 

Synopsis… Charming rascal Tristan Northwood seems to have it all: an ancient name, a noble inheritance, a lovely wife, and a son he adores. Women love him, men admire him, and it seems there is nothing he can’t do, whether it’s seducing a society wife or winning a carriage race. Little does society suspect that the name means nothing to him, the fortune is in his father’s controlling hands, and he has no interest in his wife except a very distant friendship. Society bores him, and he takes dares because he only feels alive when he’s dancing on the edge…until his wife’s brother comes home from the wars.

Decorated war hero Major Charles Mountjoy jerks Tris out of his despair by inspiring feelings of passion Tris had never suspected himself capable of. Almost as terrifying as those feelings for Charles are the signs Charles might return his affection – or, even worse, that Charles sees the man Tristan has been trying so valiantly to hide from the world.

Buy links: Audible | Amazon US | Dreamspinner

My review…  Amazing writing and narration!

What other book might you compare Kindred Hearts to and why? In genre it reminds me a lot of the late Barbara Cartland books, though that should not be set as a guideline for the story.

Which character – as performed by Paul Morey – was your favorite? Gibson, I loved his accent. In general Paul Morey was excellent at performing voices, as they only changed slightly in tone, instead dialect and accent were used to describe the individual characters.

The story had a great diversity among the characters, Charlotte and Tristan were probably those with the best descriptions. The initial description of Tristan’s life, not only as a child but also leading up to his marriage quickly stirred my sympathy. The changes that transpire for him through his life are well described and I love the initially slow moving romance.

Charlotte was a delight to listen to, though I often disagreed with her decisions she has a calm way of looking at things. During the first quarter of the book I often found myself smiling at her odd inputs. I might have continued to do that through the rest of the book, but when you do it all the time you stop noticing. All the main characters had pretty well-developed backgrounds as you moved on through the story. The stigma of sodomy at the time is handled very well in the book, both how society views it and how the protagonist deals with it.

The language is also generally kept in the right language, very few times is new slang used instead of the more proper form of speaking. It does not make the book hard to understand in any way, but it creates the atmosphere of that time. Only slips I noticed was during the sex scenes, which there weren’t too many of. There was more focus on the romance and what it meant to their lives than the sexual part, which I found very refreshing from a lot of gay romance audiobooks.

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And finally, if you’re on the fence, wanting a bit of both, try Bless Us with Content by Tinnean.

Synopsis… Ashton Laytham came to Fayerweather, his uncle’s estate, as an orphan at the age of seven. Family and servants alike perceived Ashton as an unlovable child and shunned him; as an adult, the occasional illicit rendezvous aside, Ashton remains aloof and alone. When his uncle dies, yet more abuse falls upon Ashton’s shoulders: the estate is bankrupt and Ashton must make good on his uncle’s gaming debts.

With the family talisman stolen and the suspects fled, Ashton faces certain ruin until the arrival of Geo Stephenson, who holds all of Sir Laytham’s IOUs. Geo proposes a solution: Ashton will accommodate him in his bed, thereby paying off the debt. Attracted to Geo in spite of himself and desperate for any human kindness, Ashton agrees … never expecting to lose his heart to a man who claims he will never give his.

Buy links: Audible | Dreamspinner

My review… Ashton Laytham was orphaned as a child and, rightfully so, acted out. He didn’t understand why he had to come live with his aunt and uncle. He just wanted to go home. His uncle was mentally and physically abusive and as a result, Ash became a loner who was bruddish and crass with everyone around him. It was an attempt at self preservation.

Geo Stephenson is the son of Ash’s aunt’s long time friend. When Ash’s uncle dies, only after leaving the family name in so much debt they can’t possibly get out of it, Geo saves the day. He buys up all the IOU’s and comes to the family to collect. At first he doesn’t realize the Laythams are broke, in the end he decides having Ash in his bed is of more value to him than the money.

Both men have deep seeded emotional problems that spill over into their everyday life, threatening their promising romance right from the start. Ash has constantly been abandoned and ridiculed by the people he loves, so he refuses to love anyone again. And even we he does start to develop feelings for Geo, he squashes them, mentally convincing himself he doesn’t deserve to be loved. Geo has been hurt by someone he loved as well, and he vows to Ash that he will never love anyone. Can they grow beyond the pain in their pasts and build a future together?

I love historical romances and this one was no exception. The story was rich with period settings, details and costumes. There were a few slow spots scattered in random places, and although there is closure at the end there still seemed to be a few conclusions not concluded. Perhaps a little disjointed here and there as well. If I’d read this book, I may have skimmed, but listening to it added more intrigue. Narrated by Paul Morrey, this man could read the phone book and make it sexy I swear! He has such perfect nuances, inflections and changes in tone for changes in characters that any book he reads is good.

If you like historical romance with hot sweaty men sneaking around in the dark and a HEA, then give this one some serious consideration.

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And now it’s time for my shameless self promotion plug. Please, follow me on social media and check out my backlist through the links below. And leave a comment, tell us what your favorite historical MM Romance is.

TM Smith
Author bio and links:

A military brat born and raised at Ft. Benning Georgia; TM Smith is an avid reader, reviewer and writer. A Texas transplant, she now calls DFW her home. Most days she can be found curled up with a good book, or ticking away on her next novel.

Smith is a single mom of three disturbingly outspoken and decidedly different kids, one of which is Autistic. Besides her writing, she is passionate about Autism advocacy and LGBT rights. Because, seriously people, Love is Love!

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