*2.5* starsIt's difficult for me to write this review. Why? Because I so wanted to love this book. While I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. My feelings are just meh. For those of you who don't know, I'm a history teacher. So when I get my hands on a m/m historical, I'm positively giddy. Lessons in Love is set in the early 20th century England. The story follows two Cambridge professors, Jonty and Orlando, and their budding friendship. To me it sounded like the perfect set up ... a shy, closed off mathematician, an outgoing literature professor, and a murder mystery. I'm also a huge lover of a good mystery. However, the book fell short of my expectations.I never really connected with either main character. The mystery premise was interesting but I found myself skimming through pages because I couldn't keep up with who was doing what when and to whom. I was lost throughout much of this book. And the romance between the two characters was stinted. I do understand Orlando was trying to come to grips with being attracted to another man, another person for that matter so the intimate part of their relationship was slow (very slow) going. I actually became frustrated during their intimate moments. Frustrating describes my feelings to a tee while reading much of this book.Although I did not give this a high rating, I am actually intrigued enough to consider reading the second book. Do Orlando and Jonty finally cement their relationship? I will wait for the New Year and decide if they made enough impression on me to move on. When the young, handsome, outgoing and loquacious Dr Jonathan (Jonty) Stewart inadvertently occupies Dr Orlando Coppersmith's chair on his first day at St Brides, Cambridge, little does he know what the consequences will be. Orlando, quiet, severely introverted and with methodical mathematical mind seems to be the complete opposite of Jonty, the new English tutor, yet Jonty sees possibilities for friendship, which are soon realised, and it is not long before the friendship blossoms into love.But the are real obstacles to overcome. Firstly Orlando is not only socially inept, but he is totally naive in matters relating to love with another man. Secondly, Orlando stumbles across a book that depicts such 'love', and is horrified by the violent depictions contained therein. Thirdly, this is 1905, and such activities between two men can lead to two years hard labour. Fourthly, as if they did not have problems enough, there is a serial killer on the loose with the walls of St Brides, and his victims are men with the same proclivities as Jonty and Orlando.When the investigating inspector enlists the aid of the two young lecturers, they risk either exposure for what they are, or being new on the serial killers list. But accepting their responsibilities, they cannot refuse to assist.The story follows the ongoing investigation, at the same time exploring the developing love between the two men as Jonty delicately tries to overcome Orlando's fears and introduce him to the pleasures of love. A good detective story with plenty of likely suspects, not excluding the college chaplain, and a tense and dramatic conclusion. Combine this with a touching love story and it all makes for a most pleasurable read.
What do You think about Lessons In Love (2008)?
Not a bad mystery, but for a gay romance, there's a depressing lack of cock.
—asieee
No as much a mystery/suspense as I thought, but still an enjoyable read
—jen
This simply isn't for me. I'm not a big fan of murder mysteries.
—FJuti
