Transgressions

by Erastes

1642, England David Caverly's strict father has brought home the quiet, puritanical Jonathan Graie to help his dreamer of a son work the family forge. With war brewing in Parliament, the demand for metal work increases as armies are raised.

Genres: M M Romance, Historical, Romance, Fiction, LGBT, Historical Fiction, Gay

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2009

About the author

Born in Essex, England in 1959, Erastes attended Southend High School for Girls.

Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction.

Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website.

Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010.

Her releases for 2011 are:
Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April
Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July
Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November

Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc.

Bibilography

Novels/Novellas

Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011
Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011
Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella)
Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel)
Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella)
Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella)
Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella)
Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel)

Short Stories

Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks.
Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction
The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press
If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press
Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories"
Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008
Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy"
Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology
Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press's "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology
Ribinks - published by The Drabbler
The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology
Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology
Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks
In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books
Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print
My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books
Petard - published by Clean Sheets
His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition
Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005
Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press
Lifeline - published by Torquere Press
Bright Souls published by Torquere Press

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

First the rating: The first half of the book is five stars and the last half is three stars, so it gets an average of four.

I enjoyed the beginning; the pacing was well done, good character development, and a sweet romance was initiated. Sweet as the beginning of the book, the second half becomes twice as much dark. The romantic pair is parted and the characters continue on different, and sometimes crossing, paths.

The fluidity of the story telling can be improved if the transitions between characters were not from page to page. It was challenging to switch between the different scenes and perspectives, especially when other characters are introduced and some of the story is written from each character's point of view.

Overall, a good romance and not for the faint of heart. I was surprised by the depth of darkness but the story was told well. The ending was appropriate, but could have had a bit more dedication and depth.

Note: proofing and editing is important. SCREAMING grammatical errors/repeated words

[Ayanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I write my reviews as I read, so my reactions are live, and so I can record them as they happen, because if I don't, I won't remember them. Unfortunately, I read this while on a trip to Yosemite: no internet, no laptop, just my phone as an ebook reader and a notebook and pen. Let me transcribe what I have below:

This is the first time I've read an Erastes book, although I have read blurbs, and xe always strike me as a very complex author.

It's a romance, yet also not a straight romance. You kind of get the feel that the MCs are destined loves, but it's also not quite that; it's tempered with real life practicality and I at least wasn't completely annoyed/pissed off beyond reconciliation when they drifted apart/were torn apart/sought others/found others. It's all part of life, living and dying, loving, losing, letting. It all just plays out. Granted, these MCs have a long path to that sort-of-okay spot, and many threads are left behind, and they've definitely got more journeys ahead of them, but thus is life.

This [unintelligible scribble] reminds me of Shadow Spinner's interpretation of 1001 Nights -- (when?) Scheherazade revealed that she told stories of beautiful women, of ugly women, of faithful women, of unfaithful ones, of clever ones, stupid ones, nobles, peasants, uncannily lucky ones and ones whose lives were filled with misfortune. She told those stories not just to entertain and prolong her life, but to educate the sultan. You have here such a varying cast of characters, and all with just enough spark of life given by the author to hold their own.

-end transcription-

This is another one I'm not quite sure if I liked or not, and thinking back, I have absolutely no idea what to say. Congratulations? My convalescences? Happy Birthday?

I'm going to go metaphorically scratch my head for a brief moment before I metaphorically shrug and literally move on with my life.

[Jan Jaap]

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Found it just from - compare skip list. It looks as a mustread.


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[Becky Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read Erastes first novel, Standish, yet (it's on the list), but a criticism I've read of it is that there's a bit too much crammed into its 225 pages. That that just isn't enough space to explore the implications of the events. I'll have to make my own judgement on that, but I can say that Transgressions doesn't have that problem. It's nearer 400 pages and the consequences of the events are properly explored.

I enjoyed it a lot. It's dramatic, often dark, sometimes quite sad. There's at least one moment that will stay with me for a long time, the shock of the twist and the visual of it are highly effective.

It's unusual in terms of romances in that the lovers David and Jonathan are parted for a lot of the book. They become lovers when Jonathan comes to work as an apprentice as the forge owned by David's father, but then David runs off and joins the King's army (setting is the English Civil War) when he's falsely accused of rape by a local girl trying to trap him into marriage , and (since he tends to lie every time he opens his mouth) even Jonathan doesn't believe his denials.

So apart from one brief meeting (that of course, just makes things worse!) they are split up for most of the story. But neither of them can ever really get the other out of his mind, whatever events transpire and whoever else they end up in relationships with. This helps to keep up a feeling that of course they will eventually get back together. And with those names, there's a clear feeling that they are fated to be reunited.

The characters are complex and certainly not paragons of virtue. Like I said, David is a man who you can tell is lying because his lips are moving. And Jonathan has a lot of darkness in him, and later falls in with people who (under the guise of doing good!) do some awful thing. And there's one bad guy who's so deliciously twisted (though charming in public) that I know if he was in a contemporary he'd have a pair of leather pants on standby. They have real emotional journeys through the story, undergoing real change. Jonathan especially shows excellent character development. He's the most interesting of the characters, I think. He's got a lot of demons to wrestle before he's got a chance of happiness.

The sex scenes are very much tied in with the character development. I've read books where you could shuffle the sex scenes into different parts of the story and nobody would know the difference. But that's not the case here. There's genuine emotional content to those scenes that only fits the characters at that stage of the story. No cookie cutter love scenes here and though undoubtedly sexy, they're not just for titillation. Which to me means that though the story may not be hearts and flowers, it's very much romance rather than erotica.

[Xondra Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were things I liked about this novel and things I didn't like.

Likes:
-I thought the historical aspect of the book was right on. Obviously there was a lot of research and everything about the time period flowed right.
-The sex scenes were done nicely.
-The characters were well-rounded.
-Overall it's very well written.

Dislikes:
-The men cried a lot. I'm not fond of stories where at every turn the characters are crying or are on the verge of tears.
-Almost every male was gay or at least bisexual. And some did very little to hide their sexuality. For the time period I wonder how reality based this was.
-The witch hunters...I really didn't like this turn in the story. It felt out of place to me.
-The fact that it was an m/m romance as stated on the cover, but most of the story was about the main characters being away from each other and having relationships with other men.

All that being said, it is one of the better m/m books out there and I think for anyone who's a fan should give this one a go. As I have stated before, the writing is very good. The author tells a good story. And my issues are mainly preferences.

[James Garman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical novel takes place in the time of Cromwell and the King of England's struggle over power to govern. Jonathon and David start out in a small village blacksmith shop where they are both trying to learn the craft of shoeing horses and the other parts of that business. David is less interested than is Jonathon in learning the trade, preferring to go into the village and hang out with his friends.

The two together become involved in a relationship that would get them both killed if they were discovered. What follows is a 15-20 year piece of history, not only for England and the tumult going on as the nation tries to decide which path it want to go, and the violence that decision involves, but also their two individual lives.

They are separated and struggle to find other relationships with little success but the struggle continues.

Very interesting story, but for some, although it was not such a long novel at 381 pages, it seemed to be packed with events and information and took several days for me to complete it.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, good, engaging characters, great background.

I have mixed feelings about the book. I liked it, but at the same time felt distracted by the differing directions. The beginning was good, and although It wasn't a page turner, it did keep me coming back for more. The ending was good, appropriate for the plot

A lot of books have character angst. This is where you 'hear' the inner dialog of one of the characters as they fall in love. I find angst terribly annoying. This book had a lot of that -

The setting and "historical fiction" background was interesting and enjoyable.

As for triggers – Some non-consensual sex (cult like behavior and brainwashing) the background is a war, and of course war is violent. There are some sex scenes, but they are not as explicit as many romance books. (It’s not erotica by any stretch, but it does have ‘on camera’ acts.

[Rulle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is set in a very interesting historical time period, the English civil war. It contains real events like battles and witch trials and even historical people like Matthew Hopkins (witch-hunter). The setting of the book is excellent and it has many possibilities.
I didn't however really like the main characters. I didn't like their personalities and the choices that they made.
All in all, the book was well worth reading especially on account of the interesting historical setting. But I found the main characters a bit lacking and the rating will therefor only be a 3/5.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book for various reasons, none of them the fault of the author, really and must conclude that it is just not my cup of tea.

Those familiar with 17th century history would probably enjoy it.

[Jerry G · Rating 3 out of 5]

decent. accurate. a good story. nothing too great.

[Leontine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I stumbeled the author, Erastes and read the blurb of TRANGRESSIONS, I was very much interested hu the unusual couple. I had no clue what was in store for me but I was more than willing to find out how this romance would affect me. Well, I can tell you it affected me alright! It was a bit of a different approach to the romantic progress but one that delivered all the same.


The two leading males in this novel are; David Caverly, a blacksmith’s son, a pretty boy and one who wants to get everything out of life as he possibly can. This doesn’t only mean work, responsibilities, work, church, prayer and more work. This also means enjoying a sunny day at the creek, swimming naked and enjoying time with friends. When his father brings home an apprentice he meets Jonathan Graie. Jonathan is a Puritan, a hard worker, devout, eager to learn and respectful to those around him. He is focused on his daily tasks and has little need for anything else. I don’t think Erastes could have created two more opposites then these two men and she told their stories in three parts.


The first part was all about David and Jonathan as young men, about a developing camaraderie and bonding of two very noticeably different men. I instantly took to the way David and Jonathan reacted and interacted with one another, full of youthful exuberance and vigor. Of course other feelings are budding besides the camaraderie and because this part encompasses a longer period of time Erastes created a believable and gradually increasing of intimacy. It also portrays the difference of personalities and how they individually handle this deepening of intimacy. David is introduced to man love via a soldier and suddenly gets more grip on his feelings for Jonathan and wants to explore this new side of their bond. As opposed to Jonathan, who shares the connection with every profound emotion but there is also a fear instilled in him by his religion and simply by the person that he is. While Jonathan has more inner conflict going on, David has outward conflicts pressing down on him to make certain choices.


As their relationship grows events occur and as a result their paths separate and this is where I was surprised by the author. The story evolved in an entwining of singular storylines regarding David and Jonathan. Their characters undergo a growth they need to become seasoned men and while I was reading about their separate trials and tribulations I still felt they were connected at the core, that neither was truly complete without the other. While they were divided they did both develop feelings for another man and valuable lessons were learned. It is here where Michael Giddings and Tobias become intricate to the story. If there is one man that rubbed me the wrong way but in a good way for the story, then it was Michael Giddings. He belongs to a group of Witchfinders, is fanatically devout and does not shun from violence and torture. His indoctrinating ways, his double standards of what is sinful and his ways of how to purge a person got a rise out of me like no other element in this story save the romance.


As I followed these two leading men through the years of their lives I got a fabulous background of war torn England, of fanatical Witchfinders executing women for practicing witchcraft and worshipping the devil. The old English tongue of Jonathan with thou, thee and whilst enhances the feel of the time period even more. In the historical detail I noticed the competent knowledge of the author and with that it gives TRANSGRESSIONS a lifelike feel of what England must’ve been like in the seventeenth century and has her characters act like it accordingly. As the story is very much focused on the progress of David and Jonathan it has more the feel of a life’s story than anything else. There is also a good deal of male lovemaking that adds a certain pizzazz to a sometimes grim background of war. It is given in the right amount and emphasizes on the emotions of the male protagonists to create a lasting bond of love between them.


I was bound to the two men telling their ‘coming-of-age’ stories, giving up their most inner thoughts, desires, secrets, happiness, doubts and fears. And with that Erastes won me as a reader. I had no doubt that David and Jonathan were made for each other, that while they had to go their own way they would also find each other again. Part three, the conclusion of this story, surprised me, touched my romantic beating heart and while it could’ve been more elaborated it was emotionally very satisfying.


The journey of David and Jonathan is steeped with everything a romance should have; star-crossed lovers, passion, love, obstacles and perseverance. TRANSGRESSIONS holds out on nothing!


Quote Jonathan:

His suppressed emotions tore to the surface like bubbles trapped underwater, the love he felt emerging, suffusing his soul, and joining him to David as surely as if they were manacled together. He would do anything David asked, anything. But how can this be love? Yet how could this be anything else? How could he be so sure of one thing, but be so very confused at the same time?

[Leslie Nicoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Erastes as an author about a year ago and she has earned a place on my list of favorites. Why? She writes beautifully, tells a great story, pays remarkable attention to historical details (I'm a stickler for that), and is realistic in her depiction of human emotions and relationships. As an author, she delivers the complete package. As a reader, that's what I want and to date, Erastes hasn't disappointed me.

Trangressions is Erates' second novel and is a worthy successor to her first, Standish. It tells the story of David Caverly and Jonathan Graie, set against the backdrop of the English Civil War. Over the course of the novel, they travel from heaven to hell (literally) and end up back on earth with the rest of us mere mortals. There is a sliver of hope that they may see heaven again--not to live there but to at least find a little bit of happiness in a world that seems largely devoid of it.

The story opens in 1642. David is a beautiful, golden boy, on the verge of becoming a man. He is dreamy, idealistic, self-centered, impetuous and restless. He is impatient with his life, living and working with his father Jacob, the blacksmith, confined by the size of their farm and small village. He is eager to get away from Kineton and find out what world holds for him--down the road, across the river, in the city. England is at war with herself but David, as so many boys before or since, sees this as a big exciting game and wants nothing more than to be part of the adventure.

Jonathan arrives at the farm to serve as an apprentice blacksmith to Jacob. He is everything David is not: tall, broad shouldered, dark-haired; a devout Puritan who prays on his knees and turns his eyes away from David's nakedness in their shared bedroom. They have nothing in common but their age. But David becomes the ying to Jonathan's yang and they bridge their differences, becoming friends, then lovers, pledging themselves to each other with a blood oath, vowing to be together for all time.

This would seem to be the foundation for a traditional romance but wait...maybe not. David had been initiated into the `ways of the flesh' by another man. On my first reading, it seemed this might have been a convenient way for David to learn "the ropes." But as I thought about it, maybe this was a subtle way to tell us that Jonathan is not David's "one true love."

Not his one true love? Wait a minute, isn't that sacrilege? In certain corners of the romance writing world, maybe it is. But what Erastes does, and skillfully, is turn the myth on its head that 'soulmate and true love' have to be the same person. Clearly Jonathan is David's soulmate. But is he David's true love? David is a very sensual--and sexual--man. He needs a man--a lover--at his side to survive and it is in the early part of the book that he realizes this. How this plays out, throughout the story, is interesting indeed. The fact that he figures it out--he needs a man, but doesn't love all of them--is even more interesting.

This is a book that can be read on many levels. As a war story/adventure with romance thrown in, it works. As a comment on the tragedy and morality of war, it works. Myself, I found myself reading this (and thinking about it afterwards) on a very symbolic level. Pay attention to scars, knives, rapiers, swords; metal in all its forms and the fact that the David, Jonathan and others are created against the background of a fire, forge and all that entails. (Sort of spoiler: read the book and then go back and re-read David's sexual initiation and where it occurs. See if you don't look at it differently after reading the whole book. I did.)

No doubt about it, this is David's story and as the book went on, I found myself wanting to read his parts and the other stuff--not so much. There is a subplot with Jonathan that was grim and could have been shortened. It went on just a little too long and in the big scheme of things, I'm not sure the level of excruciating detail that was given was needed. Readers who identify more with Jonathan might disagree with me, however.

This is the first of four books in a new male/male romance line being published by Running Press. I was thrilled that they released a Kindle version on the same day as the print version. On my Kindle, the book was nicely formatted and had the bonus of being able to navigate from chapter to chapter using the 5-way controller (I have a Kindle 2). That's a cool feature and came in handy as I wrote this review, allowing me to move quickly through the book to review certain sections--and re-read favorite passages.

For Running Press, this is terrific book to initiate their new series. As I said at the beginning, Transgressions has it all: great story, great writing, great characters. And for those of us who like our romance hot, but tasteful: Erastes hits the ball out of the park. Read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Five stars. Highly recommended.

(reviewed on Amazon, April, 2009)

[Elisa Rolle]

There is all the range of love in this historical novel, but there is also the drama and the betrayal, real or supposed, and maybe there is also the incapacity of two young men to recognize the real love, the one for which it's worth to die for.

David and Jonathan, just from the name you understand that they are fated to be together as the heroic figures of the Old Testament they share the name with. It's love, it's friendship, maybe it's even a brotherly affection pushed too far, in any way, all the novel turns around this two men and how they met and lost together. David is the son of a wealthy (at least according to the town standard) blacksmith; in the first scene we see David as he will be for all the novel, a young blond god basking in the sun while instead he should have been at work. David is like that, he is not severe and diligent, he is all lies and smiles, and with his behavior he always finds a way to escape the right punishment. His father doesn't approve him, but truth be told, he also doesn't do anything to really correct him, maybe even him is fooled by the angelic look of his son.

To ruin a bit the paradise on earth where David is living arrive Jonathan, the new apprentice of his father; Jonathan is dark where David is blond, but it's not only a physical dissimilarity. Jonathan is a puritan, he has instilled in his mind what is wrong and what is right, but even him seems to succumb to the lazy angel who is David. At first Jonathan covers David's escapade, sometime even following him to be sure that he would be fine. David treats Jonathan like a beloved pet, and Jonathan basks in the little attention he receives from his personal angel. But then David discovers the sinful love to the hand of another man, Tobias, and only a night is enough to collapse the fragile dam of David's resistance. The other man is soon forgotten, maybe since he is lost, maybe since he was not important, only a tool to awaken him, and David turns his full newfound seductive power on Jonathan. And Jonathan gives up while at the same time he is sentencing himself to the hell, but only him, since the sinner is not David, David is to be protected and it's Jonathan who is ruining the young boy, it's Jonathan who is dirty, while David still remain a pure angel of love.

This behavior of both Jonathan than David will continue even when they will be torn apart and believe in the betrayal of the other; David will always regret the lost of his "puritan" young lover, but he will manage to find another type of love, more adult, not the same love he had for Jonathan, but nevertheless important and strong. Since David has never believed to be a sinner, he will not sentence himself of any wrong, and he will be able to love again. On the other hand, Jonathan has always believed to be a sinner, and when he looses David, he is not able to allow himself to love again; he has to be punished, he has to find an hell on earth until he will reach the real hell that he is sure he is awaiting him. Jonathan has the sin inside himself and that sin is eating him alive... but the sin is to have loved someone of his same sex, or it's the prejudice that doesn't allow him to see the light? I have the feeling that Jonathan was always condemned till the beginning since he believes in sin, and David was always freed from sin since he doesn't believe in it.

On the background of their fated love there is the history, an history that led to the separation of England between the men of the King and those who wanted his head, and this separation is reflected in the separation of David and Jonathan that obviously will take separate side. That sunny day that saw David basking, will be one of the last of the novel, that soon will be plunged in darkness, blood and war, and to know if there will be another sunny day in the end, you have to read the book.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0762435739/?...

[Michael Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed Erastes work, especially Mere Mortals, which was the last of her works I read. Unfortunately, Transgressions failed to capture my imagination. There's nothing I can put my finger on as to why the book didn't do it for me, and it's probably not any one thing. This is a much longer work than most of Erastes' books, and it does move along rather slowly in the beginning, as her books do.

All of the things you'd expect from Erastes are in Transgressions: fully formed three dimensional characters set against a meticulously researched historical background. The background for Transgressions is the English civil war; a rather dark and depressing period that the book describes in vivid detail.

Erastes' protagonists are always flawed, and Transgressions' David and Jonathan definitely have their less-than-desirable qualities. I know from her reviews of other books that Erastes has a great dislike for love-at-first-sight, or "insta-love" as she often puts it. In trying to pair up the feckless David with the puritan Jonathan, she certainly sets herself a challenge. Of course, getting the two into bed together is just the beginning. Events conspire to separate the two young men and send them on journeys through the civil war.

It's Jonathan's journey which is the most trying, and difficult to believe. The major turning point in the rather unlikeable Jonathan's story is his trial by torture at the hands of the sadistic psychopath Michael. The torture scene is very difficult to read, and at the end of it we're led to believe that Jon is a broken man with a Stockholm syndrome-like dependence on his torturer Michael. Not only is this whole sequence difficult to read, but it left me thinking "How could David and Jonathan ever get back together now? Jonathan can never be the same man he was before."

For the next several chapters, Jonathan is completely under Michael's thumb, fearful of every mood swing of the witch hunter. Then, one day, he's 'cured'. Now, Erastes does lay some groundwork for this, planting a few seeds of doubt in Jonathan about Michael, and she works hard to set up Jonathan's epiphany, but I was still left feeling it was a bit too much of an "insta-cure", perhaps more so because Jonathan stays with the witch hunters and works his way up to general.

On the whole, given the trials both men go through, I almost feel like it would have been more 'true' to avoid the happily-ever-after ending (although I know that would have made it almost unpublishable). After the long slow build-up, the reunion and reconnection of the two men seems almost hasty in it's tidy arrangement.

I have to say though, that the issues above are very minor, and very subjective as well. This is a very finely crafted book. I can admire the craftsmanship even though I didn't get into the story. In the end, I don't think it's necessarily the author's fault if a book doesn't grab me. It just wasn't the right story for me.

[Cheryl Ingro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I rated this book a 3, I would say that it's actually more of a 3.5. Part of me feels like this is harsh but I do have my reasons.

Most M/M books follow a certain formula that almost always results in a happy ending. The problem I had with Transgressions is that our two lovebirds, David and Jonathan, spend most of the book apart. Seriously. They meet, fall in love, have sex, all that good stuff, and then part ways a little over 100 pages in. With the exception of one brief scene, they don't see each other again for a good 250 pages. That's a LOT of separation. And I could have been okay with that if not for the fact that David ends up in a relationship with another man, Tobias. Their relationship throughout the book, quite frankly, captivated me more. This resulted in some angst for me as I already knew it wasn't going to last, and I feared that there would be some abrupt and awful change in Tobias' nature that sent David running back to Jonathan. I remember saying to myself that the only way I could deal with their inevitable parting was if Tobias died. Well... yeah. And it was sad and made me tear up, which doesn't happen very often for me.

So of course after that, David and Jonathan end up together. I had really hoped for a longer reunion because it was pretty brief compared to all of their separate experiences that were so meticulously fleshed out. I wanted to read more about how they saw each other through eyes and hearts that had been hardened by war and other atrocities (poor Jonathan). Although they think of each other occasionally and fondly throughout the story, page for page, it doesn't seem like they got nearly the amount of time together that they did when they were apart and in their own respective relationships with others. I think that's unfortunate because even though I was Team Tobias for most of the story, David and Jonathan's relationship was a lovely thing. It deserved way more attention than it got overall.

All that aside, Transgressions was beautifully written (in spite of a few mildly jarring editing flubs) and I will now eagerly look for other titles by this author.

[Gerry Burnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The storyline of Eraste’s recent work, “Transgressions: A M/M romance,” (Running Press Book Publishers, 2009), has been well served by the product description, so I will cut directly to the elements of the story.

To begin, all the protagonists—David Caverly, Johnathan Graie, and Tobias—are good, strong characters; well-defined and distinct. Likewise their personalities are distinct, and except where circumstances require it they remain consistent throughout. David, the indolent and ‘typical-teenager-type’ who matures under fire (literally), and who comes to seek and honour love over hedonism; Johnathan, the serious-minded-Puritan and wide-eyed innocent of sorts, who is mesmerized first by the more head-strong and charismatic David, and later by the possessive and sinister Michael; and the worldly Tobias who is content to screw his way through partners until he meets his “virgin farm boy.” All are quite believable, as well; although I did find Johnathan a bit hard to fathom at times.

As usual Erastes has chosen a powerful atmosphere and setting in the English Civil War(s) (1641-1651), between the forces of Parliament and the Royalists; more specifically, between Oliver Cromwell and Charles I. It was a truly brutal conflict on both sides, with an estimated death toll—from all causes including war-related disease—of 190,000 individuals; or nearly 4% of the population.

Socially, it was a brutal time as well, that divided families against one another, and afterward the so-called “Loyalists” were hunted down as outlaws.

Erastes has also included the equally powerful and brutal practice of hunting witches. This was an ongoing religiously-sponsored atrocity that lasted until it was finally outlawed (in England) in 1735. Nevertheless, in spite of the dark era that all this represented, love prevailed. A celebration of the indomitable human will to find beauty in the midst of darkness.

Masterfully written as usual, and a very inspirational topic.an absolute-must addition to your bookshelf. It would make a great gift for the kids as well!

[Josephine Myles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adored this novel – it had me gripped from the very first page. Yes, it's a historical, but I didn't find it slow moving at any point. Erastes knows how to pace a story, while still giving enough description to give you a vivid picture of England during the Civil War.

Transgressions is the story of the romance between the beautiful but feckless David Caverly, the blacksmith's son, and the quiet but intense Jonathan Graie who is taken on as his father's apprentice. Despite the depth of their youthful love, they are torn apart as a result of both external factors and their own character flaws, with David running away to join the King's army, while Jon later signs up for Cromwell's Roundheads. Usually when I read a romance where lovers are torn asunder, only to be later reunited, I find myself impatient to get through the section where they experience their trials apart. I didn't have that problem with this novel, however, as this section of the novel was even more compelling than David and Jon's early romance. The two heroes experience believable character growth, there are some fascinating (and occasionally downright scary) supporting characters, and Erastes gives just enough information about the politics and beliefs of the time to give the novel texture, while never overloading the reader.

Another thing that Transgressions has going for it, in contrast to some of the other m/m historicals I have read, is a fair number of erotic scenes. Erastes manages that difficult job of writing using suitable language for the historical period, and utilising metaphors and imagery that at times astounded me with their aptness and beauty. I also found the ending to be satisfying, without insulting my intelligence by giving a resolution that was too easy for the times David and Jon live in.

All in all, highly recommended to anyone who enjoys a m/m romance with plenty of sex and action, but without sacrificing proper character development and a decent plot.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummm... This one makes my libido very high. God, I need to go to confession; my innocent had been contaminated! Haha Just kidding, it already is and I still read it. To be honest, the sex wasn’t part of why I continue to read it. There was war and injustice crime that I want to know what happened in the end. And if David and Jonathan was back together.
David’s father brings home a man to work for him named Jonathan. David had some feeling for him, but a guy Tobia had make him change his mind. But when David find out that Tobia is dead, his feeling went back to Jonathan. Their life was fine until a woman named Elizabeth want to marry David. She was heartbreak when he rejected her and she caught him and Jonathan together naked. She report her dad that David that he rape her using the secret to use as an evidence; description of David’s body. They were force to betroth. David decided to run away to join an army because he doesn’t want her and that no one believe him, especially Jonathan. He didn’t know that Jonathan also join... in his enemy side. Both struggled to stay away from each other by moving on to another man. Will they be able to forgive each other?
The ending was good, but I didn’t expect that one of my favorite characters is dead. So sad... Anyway, I have nothing else to say... Part of the story was amazing and sad, and the other part that make my hormone strange. Hahaha

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first ever romance so of course I got for a gay one. It could've been much better. When neither of your protagonists are all that likable, it's hard to root for the happy ending. Also, maybe it's historically accurate, maybe it's not, but all the thee's and thou's got really tiring. Also, I got soured on it because I happened across the kerfuffle about this genre about halfway through the book. Clearly I'm not going to be on the side that thinks that straight women writing gay erotica equates to fetishization, but I also take issue with a lot of the writers in this debate. Also, what's wrong with a little fetishization once in a while? It all comes back to that annoying fear of desire. Desire doesn't have to be a destructive thing unless we let it. And the best part of all these debates and articles about why straight women like this stuff is the fact that people forget that plenty of lesbians and bisexuals like it too. Now I've gone and ranted and it's been weeks since I read this. Mostly this book is a lesson in why I think I'll stick to fic.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love homoerotic fiction but I hate that it’s aimed at gay people in the same way that I hate literature aimed at women. Just because a book has primarily female characters or primarily gay characters shouldn’t mean it has to be ‘aimed’ at anyone, just let the people who enjoy it enjoy it. Having got that rant out of the way I would like to sing the praises of this book because it does what so many fail to and that’s mix sex with an excellent plot. It’s not really a romance novel, unless your idea of romance is exceptionally dark, but it is a wonderful story about two people who can’t forget each other. It’s twisted and weird and really well written and I liked it a lot. It’s leaps and bounds above other ‘gay romance’ books that I’ve read.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. I liked the relationship between Jonathan and David when they were young, and I enjoyed following David as he grew and matured. However, like all m/m books I've read (that aren't fanfiction), a lot of development seemed rushed or left out all together. Instead of leaping through years to get to the end, I really wish more stuff had been explored (like Jonathan's recovering after Michael and his rise through the ranks to become General.) While the ending made me smile, it was a little hollow.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I've ever started reading a story, given up part way through and then gone back to it and loved it. Maybe it's because it wasn't what I normally expect from a M/M Romance - I would be more likely to file it under Historical Fiction. It is not a light bit of fluff, it is extremely dark in some places. It also has a very long separation of the MCs which I usually hate.

But it is so well written, the characterisation is brilliant, and the emotion is so intense, it ends up being a beautiful book. I had a good cry reading this one. Fantastic.

[Curtis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this one really challenging to read. The main thread with David and Jonathan was great, but there were a number of digressions that seemed unnecessary overall. I understand letting readers know what they went through when they were apart, but it was almost like the author was trying to tell three different stories and the result was that none of them truly resonated. Not to mention the fact that Jonathan's digression seemed to be unnecessarily gratuitous.

Perhaps it just wasn't for me...

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely beautiful. This is a perfect example of what alot of the gay book genres are missing, romance, and a deeper meaning that just the wash board abs and the steamy sex scenes. Yes people like to read intimacy, but this book combines intimacy and romanticism. I have yet to find another book like this in the gay genres, and anyone who wishes to feel something more than just a mild thrill, i recommend that you read this book, you will not be dissapointed.

[Andy Spark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, really liked the juxtaposition and irony of witch finders, all wrapped up in their religious fervour, searching for witches, (don't exist but they think they do) and naturally gay men, (do exist but they think they don't). There was just the right amount of sexiness for me. The only thing I didn't like so much was that one of the scenes was a torture scene which was a bit too explicitly violent for my liking.

Well researched historical detail in this book too, a really good read.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical romances aren't usually my thing, but this one had some interesting moments. The relationships that David and Jonathan had apart from each other were more interesting to me than their actual relationship with each other. The author tried to cover a lot (too much actually) here getting into everything from war to witchcraft and at times I felt the book was dragged down by the weight of so much going on.

[LD Durham]

I just couldn't seem to get into this one. I have no clue if it was good or bad because I lost interest after about ten pages. I admit, learning that our two heroes are separated for a big chunk of the book put a real damper on my enthusiasm. I might try again another time and see if I was just not in the right frame of mind.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly good plot and believable characters. The dialog feels a tiny bit stiff in a few places, but the story makes up for it. There's plenty of love scenes that don't fall into some of the more typical trappings "throbbing love hammer" and such. In the end, it was a nice light read. My only complaint is that it could've been made MUCH deeper and set into a trilogy.

[Dustin Demoin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very much drenched in a Dimsdale-esque cloak and verbiage, that lingered on the side of more "classic novelists." Unfortunately, the story seemed even further afield of events that might be possible for even a cheesy gay romance novel. I think it had too much going on, and needed to be more focused for my tastes.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Though, parts of this story (no spoilers) is disturning, it is amazing.

David and Jonathan suffered incredibly in loving one another and their road back to each other is heartrending.

I highly recommend this book!