Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: People Like Us 
SERIES: Winsford Green
AUTHOR: Ruby Moone
PUBLISHER: Self-published
RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2020
BLURB:
Arthur Fitch clawed his way out of the violence and poverty of the slums of London to become a valet to the aristocracy. His ambition to secure a higher position led him to a disastrous appointment with a cold, brutal man, and when things come to a head, Arthur is forced to flee into a snowstorm to find safety.
Joseph Wilkinson is the Winsford Green blacksmith. He has a good life, good friends, owns a thriving business, but at the end of the day when he goes home, loneliness consumes him. When he stumbles upon a small man determinedly trudging through the snowstorm, he invites him into his home to shelter.
Arthur Fitch is older, smart-mouthed, and as prickly as hell. But, as Joe peels back the layers, he discovers a warm, funny, vulnerable man whose tastes in the bedchamber leave Joe gasping and desperate for more. Trouble is, having found the real Arthur Fitch, how can he convince him that life in a small town can be infinitely better than working for an Earl? That love really is possible for people like them? Particularly when Arthur’s past catches up with him in horrifying fashion.
REVIEW:
Note: While this is the second in the series, it works perfectly well as a standalone. Although I do recommend reading the first story because it’s also very good 😉
Arthur Fitch (who we met in the first Winsford Green book) is valet to the obnoxious bully Lord Lockford. When Lockford attacks him, Fitch gets away and runs. But of course there is a brutal snowstorm and he’s walked miles already by the time he gets to Winsford Green. The local blacksmith, Joseph Wilkinson, see him stumbling through the snow and after tell him the inn is closed, takes him home to get him warm and dry before he keels over from the exposure. Joe’s been alone since his father and dog have died the year before and he’s suffered other setbacks as well.
Arthur is stunned and soaked and freezing and seeing no other way, he accepts Joe’s hospitality. Joe sees the marks on Arthur, so he knows something terrible has happened but he doesn’t press. Eventually Arthur tells him of his abuse at the hands of Lockford and how he has escaped and that his life as he knew it may be over. He’d worked so hard and now everything is ruined thanks to that awful Lockford. But the snow has not abated and the roads are closed, so Arthur isn’t sure what exactly will be his fate. But he agrees to stay with Joseph for the time being. And it turns out that they are quite well suited – although Arthur is also chagrined by this. He had also come to the conclusion that he would not have a home for himself in this lifetime.
After a few days of Arthur helping out, meeting Joe’s friends and otherwise turning out to be a good companion, the way forward is still not clear. Arthur fears his life as a valet is over, but isn’t sure what comes next. Joe has some suggestions, as do his friends in Winsford Green. They have seen the difference in Joe and so are encouraging of Arthur’s continued stay in the village.
Of course things don’t go completely smoothly, and Arthur is once again thrown when suddenly a new opportunity presents itself. He will have to make a difficult choice. And his choice will not only affect his future, but Joe’s as well.
This story was not at all what I expected 🙂 I kind of don’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone else reading it, but let’s just say that Mr. Fitch’s bedroom predilections were not at all anything I anticipated. I rather enjoyed the unexpected roles that each man takes. Joe is so sweet and lovable. He’s had a rough time – losing his family and even his dog! The lonely young man finally feels like maybe he can have something good for himself after making his peace with a solitary and lonely existence. His friends, in particular Miss Buttle and Mrs. Dandridge, provide encouragement and support – not only to Joe but to Arthur as well. I loved seeing how this little town came out in support of these men. I also enjoyed seeing Hugo and Cross again 😉 as well a the Marquis. This was just the most lovely surprise. I hope there are more stories in this little town 🙂 Recommended particularly for fans of historicals and unconventional couples 😀
RATING: 
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