Sandra @ My Fiction Nook

A historical M/M romance, apparently well researched and written with the proper language of the times as well as creating the right setting. John Gilliam has been sent to an insane asylum after being discovered by his father in a compromising position with another man, something not done in 1880's England. John's account of the treatment he receives at the facility, and his mental and physical suffering are somewhat glossed over, but when the reader is given insight to John's musings, a clear picture emerges.

Samuel Tully is one of the asylum's attendants and "suffers" from the same affliction. The two men grow beyond the patient/attendant relationship, and I liked the slow burn of their affections. Their escape from the asylum was also well done, though I found John's father to be rather dull and wishy-washy, and somewhat unrealistic in his dealings.

The writing is what kept me interested, and the characterization of John Gilliam was rather well done. The relationship between John and Sam progresses slowly enough to be realistic, though both men are in fear of discovery. The processes of the therapy and the methods employed were also described in realistic ways, and it was clear that the author had done research on these things. 

The author managed to make me care about the characters, and I was happy to see them happy by the end. The two MCs seemed well suited to each other, and their relationship didn't appear fake or contrived, nor did it smack of John being simply grateful to Sam. The two men forged a relationship out of a terrible situation, but progressed beyond it in the epilogue. 

Not bad. Not bad indeed. 

PS: The cover is hideous. The image is a stock photograph that I've seen on other books and it doesn't do this book any favor to use it. Please, please, do a better job on choosing an image. 

** I received a free ARC from the publisher via Author's HQ. A positive review was not promised in return. **