I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.This is a heartbreaking tale of a well to do academic gentleman who's family commits him to an asylum for his "unnatural" urges, while there he meets an orderly Tully, who treats the inmates well and shares his "unnatural" urges. The story tells the tale of how John and Tully fall in love, and get away from the asylum. Don't worry they get their HEA in the end.Those worried that the asylum might be disturbing and upsetting shouldn't stress too much. While I'm sure we can never appreciate how unpleasant and difficult emotionally it would have been to be locked up, against your will, in the 19th century for something you cannot change, John was not excessively mistreated or physically harmed.I didn't find it particularly page turning, it is well written, historically feels accurate (I'm not an expert) but I could put it down quite happily without feeling I had to know what happened next. I think that might be because I actually didn't feel like I particularly emotionally engaged or connected with the characters. I can't really put my finger on why that was.There was nothing wrong with it, it just didn't "grip" me, I've read other historicals from these authors which I enjoyed more. A free copy of this book was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.This is the first book I’ve read by Summer Devon or Bonnie Dee. I’m generally reluctant to step out of my comfort zone, which often means I tend to stick with authors and genres I’m familiar with. Eventually, it was the summary that convinced me to take a chance and introduce myself with two new authors and a subgenre that I’m relatively foreign to.John Gilliam, aka the professor, is caught in imprudent and shameful act with another man by his father and is sent to an asylum to get proper help and treatment for his unfortunate condition and “illness”. It is during his “recovery” that he meets Sam Tully, a caring and gentle attendant who first becomes a means to John’s aim and then slowly evolves into something much more.The story begins in 1887. I’m pathetically clueless when it comes to history, but even I can put one and one together and realize that any relations beyond a brotherly hug between two men were strongly forbidden during that time. The subject as a taboo was strongly portrayed throughout the story and I liked how John explored his own feelings and desires through an academic mind instead of an emotional one. He was very rational and analyzed his conclusions to the finest details. Even his attraction towards Sam starts off sort of clinical, almost as a science experiment where the goal was to lead their relationship from that of a patient and an attendant to something resembling a friendship.On many levels Sam is the exact opposite of John. He’s rather uneducated, lacking the faculty of introspection which comes naturally for John and he often resigns into believing what is said, especially if the message comes from someone on the higher rank in the society. This sort of blind faith must’ve been the general way of thinking in societies such as theirs and however pliable Sam might be, he’s not stupid. He has a good head on his shoulders and an ability to feel with all of his heart which I felt John couldn’t always do.There are many things I liked in this book; the chemistry between the characters, the plot, the loyalty to the values of the particular time the story is set in. The wording and language used in the book is genuine and devoted to not only the timespan but to the characteristics of both the characters and the flow of the story. The authors did an amazing job in spinning a clever web of lies and secretiveness around a world and place which should serve safety and care. The mystery unravels slowly and I felt it was a very natural part of the story, not forced or something seperate from the main-story but simply blended softly into the unconventional lovestory between Tully and the professor.Now, having read Gentleman’s Madness, I’m glad I introduced myself to new authors and a new type of stories. I enjoyed this read and I will no doubt read more from these two authors.
What do You think about The Gentleman's Madness (2013)?
Slow Build. Strong Chemistry. Crisp and Concise.
—turecpa8316
Putting this on (permanent) hiatus, so boring
—Lucky
