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Helpless
In London during the gross indecency trial of Oscar Wilde, Douglas Shrove finds himself still haunted by memories of his dead lover while skirting violence, blackmail and the affections of two men.
There are two who seek you out.
That is what the gypsy told Douglas Shrove a few months after the death of his lover. And the gypsy was right. Two men were vying for his affections.
Mark Goldcrest: an aristocrat like himself; a golden Adonis, cool and discreet.
Warren Scott: a shabbily-dressed denizen of a Bohemian world that Douglas can’t begin to understand.
One is what he seems, and one is not, and one is dangerous.
But which is which? Both men are attractive and attracted to him…but only one has a dangerous secret. One of Douglas Shrove’s admirers could be his salvation—if the other doesn’t destroy him first.
There are two who seek you out.
That is what the gypsy told Douglas Shrove a few months after the death of his lover. And the gypsy was right. Two men were vying for his affections.
Mark Goldcrest: an aristocrat like himself; a golden Adonis, cool and discreet.
Warren Scott: a shabbily-dressed denizen of a Bohemian world that Douglas can’t begin to understand.
One is what he seems, and one is not, and one is dangerous.
But which is which? Both men are attractive and attracted to him…but only one has a dangerous secret. One of Douglas Shrove’s admirers could be his salvation—if the other doesn’t destroy him first.
209 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2010
3 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Pearson
3 books60 followersM. J. Pearson’s meandering career path has included stints dispatching taxis in Vermont, making pizza in Santa Fe, digging Roman ruins in Israel and studying nationalism in Scotland. Currently residing in Indianapolis, M. J. is hard at work on a new romance novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 9, 2010
I haven’t read anything from this author so Helpless is my first foray into her writing. The story is immediately engaging, interesting, and carries off a delicate balancing act of keeping the tension high without ridiculous antics and clichéd twists. The characters are well crafted and set against the backdrop of Oscar Wilde’s trial so very cautious and aware of the political and social climate against homosexuals. There is no easy acceptance for the men and the very real threats they live under are depicted alongside the burgeoning relationship. The pace is incredibly quick with good writing and great descriptive quality. I can easily recommend this entertaining and fabulous title to anyone looking for an absorbing story with romance, mystery, and danger in a realistic historical setting.
The story follows Douglas Shrove, the youngest son of a very prominent family in London. He’s been grieving for his dead partner for several months and only now starting to push himself to leave the home and do things besides read and garden. On his first lengthy foray about the city, he meets two very different but intriguing gentlemen. One is distinguished from a good family, good looking and very suave while the other is an outlandish artist wearing clothes that are paint speckled and close to rags. When both men show an interest in Douglas, he must decide which he would rather pursue while dealing with his manservant quitting, an unhappy alienated family, and moving on from his grief.
The plot weaves a lot of elements into the story very well as it mixes romance, danger, and mystery against the backdrop of the social atmosphere in London. The narrative is told through Douglas’ third person perspective and since he is very isolated from the culture of London, there is none of the social whirl and constant visiting. Instead Douglas is very content with a quiet life of gardening, reading, and taking care of his lover while maintaining a distant relationship with his family, who disapprove of his choices. He’s not entirely removed from society and his emotional plight is to decide between the man perfectly suited for him on paper and the one that offers a more passionate, if dangerous connection. So most of the story follows Douglas as he moves about his quiet days seeing both men and struggling to decide which is best for him amid his house making new and disturbing noises.
It’s not a huge stretch to guess who Douglas chooses and his preference is shown pretty early on. Douglas waffles between the two based on his upbringing and what he assumes is needed. His only other lover was his long time childhood best friend so Douglas is very endearing as he goes about choosing a new lover. He thinks of social graces, appearance, hobbies, backgrounds, their likes, and dislikes and if he likes the look of their hands. Sometimes this back and forth edges into annoying as several things from both men send Douglas running for physical and emotional space but Douglas is almost always very quick to snap back into an intelligent decision. He is also dealing with a stalker, which he thinks initially is his lover’s ghost, and he gets into a few tight spots because of this but thankfully none of these scenes feel stupid or cliché. Instead the edge of danger and tension is well crafted and interesting even as the reader can no doubt guess the cause and culprit easily. What makes the continued tension engaging to read is Douglas’ thought process as he handles each problem.
All the characters are well crafted with Douglas as arguably the most three dimensional. Both Mark and Warren tip into stereotypes but there is enough to them to keep them interesting. There are a few other cast members that are slightly more wooden such as Perkins or his soon to be in-laws family, but this is offset by the lively and entertaining art students who speak in color code and serve six course meals for lunch. Especially nice is the depiction of Douglas and Henry’s life together that while not perfect, they were deeply in love and devoted. Here the story is able to show flaws in both that life and Henry without degrading the dead lover into some evil stereotype. Douglas is able to preserve the memories of a good relationship and long time love while opening himself up to a new man.
Another great aspect of the story is the descriptive quality which offers a breath of fresh air in the colors, sounds, and sights included. The city of London is shown in both its decadent and the poor sides simultaneously while also showing how careful men must be if they are gay. There is very minor acceptance and perhaps some of this edges into unrealistic – such as two men living together – but the men are cautious about showing affection and very aware of the repercussions. The additional element of the stalker and a bit of blackmail are not difficult to figure out but they also aren’t so obvious that it mars your reading enjoyment. Likewise there are a few stumbles with the final resolution as the man Douglas chooses turns into something slightly else. This isn’t needed and in fact negates part of the process Douglas goes through to reconcile himself with a new life.
These are very minor qualms though in a story that is interesting, absorbing, and a lot of fun to read. There is a lot of romance as both men try to woo the bookish Douglas, even as all the sex scenes are fade to black. Helpless is primarily a romance and I think most readers will adore Douglas for his charm and deep emotions. From what I can glean about the other books from Pearson, they are more outlandish regency romances and I can say this is a departure from that style and offers a more realistic, heartfelt story with all the classic elements of a great romance, mystery, danger, and zany servants. Check it out, I think you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.
The story follows Douglas Shrove, the youngest son of a very prominent family in London. He’s been grieving for his dead partner for several months and only now starting to push himself to leave the home and do things besides read and garden. On his first lengthy foray about the city, he meets two very different but intriguing gentlemen. One is distinguished from a good family, good looking and very suave while the other is an outlandish artist wearing clothes that are paint speckled and close to rags. When both men show an interest in Douglas, he must decide which he would rather pursue while dealing with his manservant quitting, an unhappy alienated family, and moving on from his grief.
The plot weaves a lot of elements into the story very well as it mixes romance, danger, and mystery against the backdrop of the social atmosphere in London. The narrative is told through Douglas’ third person perspective and since he is very isolated from the culture of London, there is none of the social whirl and constant visiting. Instead Douglas is very content with a quiet life of gardening, reading, and taking care of his lover while maintaining a distant relationship with his family, who disapprove of his choices. He’s not entirely removed from society and his emotional plight is to decide between the man perfectly suited for him on paper and the one that offers a more passionate, if dangerous connection. So most of the story follows Douglas as he moves about his quiet days seeing both men and struggling to decide which is best for him amid his house making new and disturbing noises.
It’s not a huge stretch to guess who Douglas chooses and his preference is shown pretty early on. Douglas waffles between the two based on his upbringing and what he assumes is needed. His only other lover was his long time childhood best friend so Douglas is very endearing as he goes about choosing a new lover. He thinks of social graces, appearance, hobbies, backgrounds, their likes, and dislikes and if he likes the look of their hands. Sometimes this back and forth edges into annoying as several things from both men send Douglas running for physical and emotional space but Douglas is almost always very quick to snap back into an intelligent decision. He is also dealing with a stalker, which he thinks initially is his lover’s ghost, and he gets into a few tight spots because of this but thankfully none of these scenes feel stupid or cliché. Instead the edge of danger and tension is well crafted and interesting even as the reader can no doubt guess the cause and culprit easily. What makes the continued tension engaging to read is Douglas’ thought process as he handles each problem.
All the characters are well crafted with Douglas as arguably the most three dimensional. Both Mark and Warren tip into stereotypes but there is enough to them to keep them interesting. There are a few other cast members that are slightly more wooden such as Perkins or his soon to be in-laws family, but this is offset by the lively and entertaining art students who speak in color code and serve six course meals for lunch. Especially nice is the depiction of Douglas and Henry’s life together that while not perfect, they were deeply in love and devoted. Here the story is able to show flaws in both that life and Henry without degrading the dead lover into some evil stereotype. Douglas is able to preserve the memories of a good relationship and long time love while opening himself up to a new man.
Another great aspect of the story is the descriptive quality which offers a breath of fresh air in the colors, sounds, and sights included. The city of London is shown in both its decadent and the poor sides simultaneously while also showing how careful men must be if they are gay. There is very minor acceptance and perhaps some of this edges into unrealistic – such as two men living together – but the men are cautious about showing affection and very aware of the repercussions. The additional element of the stalker and a bit of blackmail are not difficult to figure out but they also aren’t so obvious that it mars your reading enjoyment. Likewise there are a few stumbles with the final resolution as the man Douglas chooses turns into something slightly else. This isn’t needed and in fact negates part of the process Douglas goes through to reconcile himself with a new life.
These are very minor qualms though in a story that is interesting, absorbing, and a lot of fun to read. There is a lot of romance as both men try to woo the bookish Douglas, even as all the sex scenes are fade to black. Helpless is primarily a romance and I think most readers will adore Douglas for his charm and deep emotions. From what I can glean about the other books from Pearson, they are more outlandish regency romances and I can say this is a departure from that style and offers a more realistic, heartfelt story with all the classic elements of a great romance, mystery, danger, and zany servants. Check it out, I think you’ll enjoy this as much as I did.
July 19, 2015
Wow. Just wow. Fabulously done. I hate that the horrid covers kept me away from this wonderful book so long. I love this time period and Pearson did it well, and well done with the weaving in of the Oscar Wilde trials. Also, I ADORED the very prim, British sense of humor from the guys. Just great. Highly Recommended for those who like M/M historicals. Know that the sex is all fade to black but it just worked so well in this story. Oh, and my heart breaks for poor Henry and all the men who lived in the closet in this time. God how unbearable and bleak. But these guys found light in the bleak times and it was beautiful.
August 16, 2010
PLEASE do not be put off this book by the cover. If you've looked at it and thought "oh no, BDSM/torture isn't my cup of tea" then please read this review and perhaps decide to read it anyway. Because frankly I don't know what Seventh Window was thinking with this cover. It in NO WAY represents the book. The Snidely Whiplash character doesn't exist in the book, there's no half naked men (bizarrely wearing jeans) no one gets tied to a chair and there's a distinct lack of face fungus. I appreciate that the artist has some talent, but it almost feels like the cover was created for another book and they didn't want to waste it. Frankly, I consider it misrepresentation!
The mark of this site for the book won't reflect the cover at all, that wouldn't be fair, but I wanted to get that out of the way straight away, to encourage you to look beyond it and give this great little book a go.
I have to say, I really really enjoyed this book. We are introduced to our main protagonist, Douglas, straight away and we find he's reeling from the death of his lover who died a few months previously. It's spring, and the restlessness that often accompanies that season, seeps into Douglas' consciousness and before he knows it, he's going outside and walking about for the first time in ages. You really feel the grief in Douglas' very bones, he's walking around half dead himself, but he's coming round, slowly.
Then, as often happens, two things happen to him in short succession. He goes into a bookshop and is subtly chatted up by the owner, a gorgeous aristocratic man, and after that he feels sufficiently bouyed up that he doesn't really want to go home and instead spends some time in the National Gallery where he meets a scruffy artist who's really not his type, but who intrigues him and whose art he's drawn to. He finds that the artist knew Henry (Douglas' dead lover) and that gives them a common ground to discuss. The blond hunk from the bookshop asks Douglas around for dinner, and the artist gives Douglas his address, saying he has some sketches of Henry he might like. Men--just like buses. Nothing for months, then two come at once.
As you can tell from the blurb, this is the main theme of the book - two men to choose from. It's all about appearances and trust. Who is right for him. Who seems right and who is his type. This is handled cleverly by introducing real doubt about both men, and layering mystery on mystery. Personally I would have liked to have seen this stretched even further than it was--making me truly unsure about either man--for me as it stood it was rather too obvious, and I never really doubted who was "good" and who wasn't. But that's possibly because I love being led by the nose down the wrong path, and I'm sure that 99% of readers will find the device quite satisfactory.
I was a little put off by the scene setting at the beginning. There's a rather clumsy piece of As You Know, Bob, dialogue between Mark (the bookshop owner) and Douglas. I can understand why it was there, to establish that the Wilde indecency trial is on the horizon, but the way they discussed it, it was so obvious that it was there simply to tell the audience where and when we were--and it jarred me. It could easily have been done in Douglas' point of view, but once we are past that scene, there's no more of this, the dialogue is solid - and I was swept away into the narrative.
There's much to like about the book: The characters are vibrant and believable, with surprises on just about every page. There's excellent detail--not too much--for locations and houses. Pearson doesn't prettify London in the late 1900's--sights, sounds, smells are described well. And overall it's a nice commentary on class, servant roles, and more importantly, the assumptions that people make about other people based on appearance, titles, family, obvious wealth and their houses.
The male/male romance that blossoms does so extremely well. I was dreading that we'd go from Douglas being so broken hearted to leaping into bed with all and sundry but it doesn't work like that, and the book takes its time, and in that respect, the grief is well represented. Don't buy this book looking for scorching sex scenes, because all of the sex takes place either behind a firmly closed door, or is of the dot dot dot variety. However, this doesn't detract from what is a delightful love affair, and a tightly plotted mystery which I'm sure will be enjoyed by anyone who picks it up, as long as they can get past Old Snidely on the cover.
December 27, 2010
My Tasting:
Why I bought it: I won this during the M/M Romance goodreads group's anniversary celebrations.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Most of my mates know how I feel about historical fiction. My rabid avoidance comes from a deep, abiding hatred for authors who don't thoroughly research the period in which they are setting the story. One of the perils of my working in the history field unfortunately. I therefore can't help but begin reading an historical romance expecting the worst... (cont. below)
Like~ However, and I know this may come across as patronising, I was pleasantly surprised by Helpless. The author did an excellent job at portraying the time period, complete with the historical and social context of Oscar Wilde's trial. This added a depth and richness to the story which made it more than just a chicks-with-dicks version of a regency romance. It made it a convincing and at times heartbreaking look at what life was like for so-called deviants.
Dislike~ More of a warning~ Douglas, the main character, drove me batshit. He seemed so insipid in parts I kept expecting him to have an attack of the vapours and take to bed. Yet, as the plot progresses and Douglas' character develops, I realised the author had emphasised this to show his increasing independence, his growth from being 'helpless'. Clever, yes?
Like~ As I sit here typing this, I have come to the conclusion that what I liked the most about this were the contrasts in it. Things were not always what they seemed and, while some characters and situations may be a little trope-y, the twists the author has managed to work into the plot and subplots as well as the historical context give it a freshness which makes for a very good read.
So, what I think: If you are interested in an m/m historical romance with a strong dash of crime/thriller, I would recommend Helpless to you. I enjoyed it very much.
==================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
Why I bought it: I won this during the M/M Romance goodreads group's anniversary celebrations.
Dislike/like (ending on a high note):
Dislike~ Most of my mates know how I feel about historical fiction. My rabid avoidance comes from a deep, abiding hatred for authors who don't thoroughly research the period in which they are setting the story. One of the perils of my working in the history field unfortunately. I therefore can't help but begin reading an historical romance expecting the worst... (cont. below)
Like~ However, and I know this may come across as patronising, I was pleasantly surprised by Helpless. The author did an excellent job at portraying the time period, complete with the historical and social context of Oscar Wilde's trial. This added a depth and richness to the story which made it more than just a chicks-with-dicks version of a regency romance. It made it a convincing and at times heartbreaking look at what life was like for so-called deviants.
Dislike~ More of a warning~ Douglas, the main character, drove me batshit. He seemed so insipid in parts I kept expecting him to have an attack of the vapours and take to bed. Yet, as the plot progresses and Douglas' character develops, I realised the author had emphasised this to show his increasing independence, his growth from being 'helpless'. Clever, yes?
Like~ As I sit here typing this, I have come to the conclusion that what I liked the most about this were the contrasts in it. Things were not always what they seemed and, while some characters and situations may be a little trope-y, the twists the author has managed to work into the plot and subplots as well as the historical context give it a freshness which makes for a very good read.
So, what I think: If you are interested in an m/m historical romance with a strong dash of crime/thriller, I would recommend Helpless to you. I enjoyed it very much.
==================================================
‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.
October 10, 2016
Why, oh why doesn't M.J. Pearson write more? I let this book marinate on my harddrive long enough, but now I have nothing of hers to look forward to.
Her characters are so human, historicals - wonderfully original, and she just grabs you with her words right by your heart.
Even when you know how it will end. Even if you can see the villain from the start. She makes the journey really worthwhile.
Oh please, please, Ms. Pearson, write more.
Her characters are so human, historicals - wonderfully original, and she just grabs you with her words right by your heart.
Even when you know how it will end. Even if you can see the villain from the start. She makes the journey really worthwhile.
Oh please, please, Ms. Pearson, write more.
August 8, 2014
It's been sitting on my harddrive for close to 4 years. What a shame! :(
I loved the book, I loved the predictability of it, I loved how the author still managed to entice me into following the developing story, made me hang onto to every word. It was so easy to relax into the story, which despite the transparency never lost its edge.
Another favorite from MJ Pearson.
I loved the book, I loved the predictability of it, I loved how the author still managed to entice me into following the developing story, made me hang onto to every word. It was so easy to relax into the story, which despite the transparency never lost its edge.
Another favorite from MJ Pearson.
April 7, 2012
4,5 stars
Douglas a peer of the realm has recently lost his best friend and lover. Two men are now competing for his attention, one is an artist from a peasant background and the other from a reputable family of a Marquie. Who will he chose?
The story is set in the time of the Oscar Wilde trials in London.
I got angry at Douglas on Warrens account, while he(Douglas) tried not to be shallow and snobbish, sometimes he was exactly that, always hounding Warren about his looks and appearance. Never taking him out anywhere in polite society but visiting this same establishments with Mark, his other suitor. Mark got a better treatment just because he is of a better suited background. Douglas made amorous advances on him while being usually reticent with Warren, who needed to seduce him more or less.
So you see the story was engaging and well written, but after all the angst I felt it ended somewhat abrupt, it would have been nice to know about what happened to the two evil guys. Also this book is mostly plot driven so no prolonged sex scene(there are some but they are not discriptive or long).
Douglas a peer of the realm has recently lost his best friend and lover. Two men are now competing for his attention, one is an artist from a peasant background and the other from a reputable family of a Marquie. Who will he chose?
The story is set in the time of the Oscar Wilde trials in London.
I got angry at Douglas on Warrens account, while he(Douglas) tried not to be shallow and snobbish, sometimes he was exactly that, always hounding Warren about his looks and appearance. Never taking him out anywhere in polite society but visiting this same establishments with Mark, his other suitor. Mark got a better treatment just because he is of a better suited background. Douglas made amorous advances on him while being usually reticent with Warren, who needed to seduce him more or less.
So you see the story was engaging and well written, but after all the angst I felt it ended somewhat abrupt, it would have been nice to know about what happened to the two evil guys. Also this book is mostly plot driven so no prolonged sex scene(there are some but they are not discriptive or long).
June 27, 2011
Although I enjoyed the story, I dislike being misled by the cover art (a bare-chested man tied to a chair with a shadowy figure standing behind him, holding him by the hair). It has nothing at all to do with what happens in the story and I'm not happy that I bought this book in part because of the cover. The story summary made it seem that the cover art depicted a scene from the book; up until the very end, I kept waiting for the main character to be placed in the situation shown on the cover - it never happened.
Now I'm not sure what the point was in having non-con/bondage related cover-art for a book with no bondage, and no explicit sex either. Readers who dislike bondage aren't going to read this book because of the cover, and readers like me who bought the book because of the cover-art are going to feel cheated.
And the worse thing about the cover is that it ends up detracting from a story that really is well written - it simply wasn't what I was expecting and therefore feel let down.
Now I'm not sure what the point was in having non-con/bondage related cover-art for a book with no bondage, and no explicit sex either. Readers who dislike bondage aren't going to read this book because of the cover, and readers like me who bought the book because of the cover-art are going to feel cheated.
And the worse thing about the cover is that it ends up detracting from a story that really is well written - it simply wasn't what I was expecting and therefore feel let down.
dnf
June 30, 2017I think I'd better DNF it now. I loved two other books by MJ Pearson and I don't want to hate this one. But it is so like many, many other average m/m historicals. I guess it is comfortably predictable but I'm not in the mood for this kind of reading right now.
October 27, 2012
Well written, but a little too grave for me
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Some of the things that happen, even as early as the second chapter, shocked me, but not in a bad way. If I were to encounter such unusual occurrences in a contemporary romance, I’d probably roll my eyes and think, “yeah, right,” but in the historical setting, I was able to suspend my doubts and enjoy the unexpectedness of the plot.
- There’s immediate comfort (and later, real friendship) between Douglas and Warren. I enjoyed their quiet interactions, especially when compared to the artificiality and forced politeness of the scenes between Douglas and Mark.
- The characters are well-rounded and seem realistic. Douglas’s innocence is, in my opinion, endearing without being too annoying, and all of the characters have squabbles like normal people but manage to resolve things without drowning the story in character-driven angst.
- Pearson does an excellent job of portraying a detailed view of London during the late 19th century.
CONS:
- Part of the story’s appeal is that there’s lots of uncertainty: riddles and vague comments and portentous occurrences. But I think maybe Pearson did TOO good a job of establishing ambiguity for me: I don’t mind plot twists, but I like to know who the good guys are--at least the main ones--and I didn’t know that in this book (at least not entirely) until very near the end.
- The entire book has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. There’s often a feeling of paranoia in historical books that deal with homosexuality because the lifestyle was, in many places, punishable by death. But often in fiction, those unpleasantries are glossed over--acknowledged, but then pushed aside with one excuse or another. That is not the case here: the inclusion of Oscar Wilde and his very real trial and punishment gives the whole book a somber feel.
- There’s a description of rape that I found difficult to read. It’s not detailed, granted, but I got the full weight of the psychological impact on the victim.
Overall comments: This book is full of lost loves and frightening noises in the night and questions about characters’ loyalty, not to mention the constant weight of Oscar Wilde’s ongoing trial for “gross indecency.” It’s certainly a good book, but I’d be lying if I said that I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS:
- Some of the things that happen, even as early as the second chapter, shocked me, but not in a bad way. If I were to encounter such unusual occurrences in a contemporary romance, I’d probably roll my eyes and think, “yeah, right,” but in the historical setting, I was able to suspend my doubts and enjoy the unexpectedness of the plot.
- There’s immediate comfort (and later, real friendship) between Douglas and Warren. I enjoyed their quiet interactions, especially when compared to the artificiality and forced politeness of the scenes between Douglas and Mark.
- The characters are well-rounded and seem realistic. Douglas’s innocence is, in my opinion, endearing without being too annoying, and all of the characters have squabbles like normal people but manage to resolve things without drowning the story in character-driven angst.
- Pearson does an excellent job of portraying a detailed view of London during the late 19th century.
CONS:
- Part of the story’s appeal is that there’s lots of uncertainty: riddles and vague comments and portentous occurrences. But I think maybe Pearson did TOO good a job of establishing ambiguity for me: I don’t mind plot twists, but I like to know who the good guys are--at least the main ones--and I didn’t know that in this book (at least not entirely) until very near the end.
- The entire book has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. There’s often a feeling of paranoia in historical books that deal with homosexuality because the lifestyle was, in many places, punishable by death. But often in fiction, those unpleasantries are glossed over--acknowledged, but then pushed aside with one excuse or another. That is not the case here: the inclusion of Oscar Wilde and his very real trial and punishment gives the whole book a somber feel.
- There’s a description of rape that I found difficult to read. It’s not detailed, granted, but I got the full weight of the psychological impact on the victim.
Overall comments: This book is full of lost loves and frightening noises in the night and questions about characters’ loyalty, not to mention the constant weight of Oscar Wilde’s ongoing trial for “gross indecency.” It’s certainly a good book, but I’d be lying if I said that I wholeheartedly enjoyed it.
September 22, 2010
I read the print edition, copyright 2010. The one with the cover of the Snidely Whiplash guy and the tied-up guy, which has absofreakinlutely nothing to do with the story.
I really like Pearson's writing. I enjoyed the characters of this book and the subtle humor, and didn't mind that the sex was off-page. There was some mystery involved, revolving around the two men who are interested in Douglas, the main character. You aren't sure who is hiding what at first. There is also an interesting juxtaposition between the characters who just want to be allowed to love whoever they want and do whatever they want in the privacy of their homes, and the mood of the times, when Wilde was on trial and public feelings about homosexuals were sever and dangerous.
I really like Pearson's writing. I enjoyed the characters of this book and the subtle humor, and didn't mind that the sex was off-page. There was some mystery involved, revolving around the two men who are interested in Douglas, the main character. You aren't sure who is hiding what at first. There is also an interesting juxtaposition between the characters who just want to be allowed to love whoever they want and do whatever they want in the privacy of their homes, and the mood of the times, when Wilde was on trial and public feelings about homosexuals were sever and dangerous.
October 26, 2015
Duplicity and Complicity
This one is the third of author Pearson's that I have read and it is completely original in its setting, plotline and characters. If you pay attention to the blurb, you will not get any clues as to which of Douglas Shrove's newfound acquaintances is the one who may--or may not--be seeking to destroy him.
And you won't really suspect the real culprit at all.
This book plays on the stupidity surrounding the Oscar Wilde tragedy, but more than that it comes to grips with the harshness of the lives faces by men who loved men at that time in history. It is full of angst, but not crushingly, and also mysterious at virtually every turn, with a strongly sympathetic MC in Douglas who holds his own throughout. Good job.
This one is the third of author Pearson's that I have read and it is completely original in its setting, plotline and characters. If you pay attention to the blurb, you will not get any clues as to which of Douglas Shrove's newfound acquaintances is the one who may--or may not--be seeking to destroy him.
And you won't really suspect the real culprit at all.
This book plays on the stupidity surrounding the Oscar Wilde tragedy, but more than that it comes to grips with the harshness of the lives faces by men who loved men at that time in history. It is full of angst, but not crushingly, and also mysterious at virtually every turn, with a strongly sympathetic MC in Douglas who holds his own throughout. Good job.
March 22, 2014
4.5 stars.
First of all, the cover is totally irrelevant to the story. This is actually a rather intriguing "who should I believe" bizarre love-triangle, not the threesome kind, thank you,
Set with the Oscar Wilde trial as backdrop, it added the period atmosphere as well as a mean for characterization, it was also apt for the blackmailing theme in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
First of all, the cover is totally irrelevant to the story. This is actually a rather intriguing "who should I believe" bizarre love-triangle, not the threesome kind, thank you,
Set with the Oscar Wilde trial as backdrop, it added the period atmosphere as well as a mean for characterization, it was also apt for the blackmailing theme in the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 6, 2018
I truly don't get the cover art. As others have said, it conveys some idea of BDSM-esque plot that would have loads of über-graphic sex scenes. I read on here that that wasn't the case, I'm glad I did. The cover alone would've put me off but the reviews made me take a chance. Great period-set intrigue, engaging characters and a good plot. I'll definitely get the others, despite the hilarity of the Mills and Boon-style gay-bodice ripper covers.
October 27, 2019
Douglas's struggle with grief hit home for me having struggled with it when I lost my husband, a lot of the first part had me sobbing. What a wonderfully written story, so sad at times but with lots of amusing points too. I've read one other book from this author and have one more to go, M.J. Pearson please please keep writing.
July 18, 2018
This book is really enjoyable, but I have to say the cover isn't flattering to the calibre of this book. I have had it forever and it just didn't draw me to read it for such a long time. What a shame as this is a great historical romance. I wish this author would publish new stories.
April 9, 2013
I'll just say this right up front: I love the covers on MJ Pearson's books. The ones that are painted illustrations, that is, not the tame photograhic ones that are substituted in some editions. The illustrations are trashy and cheap and bawdy and tawdry and have virtually nothing to do with the stories themselves -- and, to me, they are hilarious homages to the old trashy mf bodice rippers. I just love em to death.
Fortunately, I'm also very fond of the stories hiding behind those trashy covers. Pearson is obviously a big fan of the bodice ripper/penny dreadful genre, and you can feel that love throughout her books. Despite the cover on this one, it's a more "serious" (less tongue-in-cheek) story than her book Discreet Young Gentleman, but there are still plenty of sexual shenanigans (all behind closed doors), romance, blackmail, and intrigue to keep any fan of melodrama happy. Or perhaps I really shouldn't say "melodrama", as the drama here is not nearly as overblown as it could have been given the subject matter. In fact, one of the things I like about Pearson is that she develops the emotions of her characters with delicacy and complexity, despite their familial relationship to true melodramas.
In any case -- Pearson's story shows us a bit about the lives of gay men in London near the turn of the 20th century. The story takes place during Oscar Wilde's infamous indecency trials, when generalized homophobia became even more extreme than it had been previously. We are shown some of the effects of that societal insanity and how it easily destroyed innocent lives in the guise of punishing sinners, while giving truly evil men license to commit terrible crimes with impunity. But we also see how gay men were able to continue living and loving even under these terrible pressures.
Pearson has a good message for our society in this book. In fact, my one beef with the story is that occasionally she lets her message get a little too sincere and obvious. Nonetheless, the story is a lot of fun. Keep in mind the fond spirit in which the cover is offered, and you'll be able to enjoy the book in that same spirit.
Fortunately, I'm also very fond of the stories hiding behind those trashy covers. Pearson is obviously a big fan of the bodice ripper/penny dreadful genre, and you can feel that love throughout her books. Despite the cover on this one, it's a more "serious" (less tongue-in-cheek) story than her book Discreet Young Gentleman, but there are still plenty of sexual shenanigans (all behind closed doors), romance, blackmail, and intrigue to keep any fan of melodrama happy. Or perhaps I really shouldn't say "melodrama", as the drama here is not nearly as overblown as it could have been given the subject matter. In fact, one of the things I like about Pearson is that she develops the emotions of her characters with delicacy and complexity, despite their familial relationship to true melodramas.
In any case -- Pearson's story shows us a bit about the lives of gay men in London near the turn of the 20th century. The story takes place during Oscar Wilde's infamous indecency trials, when generalized homophobia became even more extreme than it had been previously. We are shown some of the effects of that societal insanity and how it easily destroyed innocent lives in the guise of punishing sinners, while giving truly evil men license to commit terrible crimes with impunity. But we also see how gay men were able to continue living and loving even under these terrible pressures.
Pearson has a good message for our society in this book. In fact, my one beef with the story is that occasionally she lets her message get a little too sincere and obvious. Nonetheless, the story is a lot of fun. Keep in mind the fond spirit in which the cover is offered, and you'll be able to enjoy the book in that same spirit.
January 11, 2015
So good! Honestly, I was a little irritated with Douglas in the beginning because I was definitely pro Warren lol. But as I read more I understood. I empathized and the more the story progressed, I actually really liked him. He was indeed a fighter!
And ugh I knew there was something off with Perkins but I did not expect that. That was sad because it was horrible. And oh my gosh, so much horribleness that I was all yay, Douglas, lol.
(I knew vaguely about Oscar Wilde but I'm now more curious!)
A very intriguing and enjoyable read! The art students were awesome! This book had everything!
And ugh I knew there was something off with Perkins but I did not expect that. That was sad because it was horrible. And oh my gosh, so much horribleness that I was all yay, Douglas, lol.
(I knew vaguely about Oscar Wilde but I'm now more curious!)
A very intriguing and enjoyable read! The art students were awesome! This book had everything!
December 1, 2013
Let's just clarify something: the book's no mystery. Anyone who has read at least 20 romance novels in their life is going to know within the first two chapters - or by the first sex scene - exactly who is the villain and who is not.
Beyond that, it's just a fluffy bite of a romance with zero boners and frustrations - the kind of stuff you want when your brain's meter on 0. The characters are quirky and lovable stereotypes, the writing's pretty decent, and you can figure out the entire book within three chapters. That's about it.
Beyond that, it's just a fluffy bite of a romance with zero boners and frustrations - the kind of stuff you want when your brain's meter on 0. The characters are quirky and lovable stereotypes, the writing's pretty decent, and you can figure out the entire book within three chapters. That's about it.
August 20, 2011
I've loved everything by MJ Pearson I could get my hands on - her published work - and loved each one to bits, including Helpless. It was a little different from the previous two, and the stakes didn't feel quite as high as in The Price of Temptation, but I felt for the characters, and was just as unsure of the two men as the protag was. Good job!
November 10, 2010
After reading some of his other works, I was very disappointed with this book. The main character was not very likable, being extremely weak and forgettable. The other characters weren't all that much better and in general I don't think it was very believable. I had such high hopes since I generally love the author.
February 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book very much. However, I did think that the problems of the various characters were resolved a bit too easily. I thought that the historical context of the book was well done. It is amazing how difficult it was for gay men to live in society in previous centuries. To be under the threat of prison or even death must have been terrible.
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July 28, 2010Note that the illustration on the cover has absolutely nothing to do with anything in the story, except perhaps in the most general, purely-symbolic way. And I have no clue who the guy in the top hat is supposed to be; he bears no resemblance to anyone in the book. Cover!Fail.
October 31, 2014
I didn't like the ending at all; it raised some serious moral issues for me. But other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and think it is very well written. Perhaps the best historical I've read yet.
November 15, 2011
Sweet, edgy, funny and of course romantic. I was sad to read the last page...I wanted more of Douglas & Warren.
March 10, 2013
It was an easy to read book and not unenjoyable but a bit far fetched for my liking.
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