Scan barcode
A review by bookdrag0n
Blackmailer's Delight by David Lawrence
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
See this and other reviews at https://www.thebookdragondotblog.wordpress.com
Content Warning for Novel: graphic sexual content, some sexual (consensual) violence, cheating, adult language. 18+
I received a promotional ARC of this book, and everything stated below is my own, honest opinion.
Think Bridgerton, but gay. And less of the Gossip Girl anonymous writer feeding everyone’s private business to the masses. However, there are some letters, one of which–arguably the most important–does happen to be anonymous… And it kicks off the whole fiery story. Gay smutty romance, the historical time period, and a wealth of misunderstandings drove me crazy with this novel.
Lawrence’s writing was *chef’s kiss* in this novel. He knows exactly when to tease and when to satisfy us readers. He plays around with multiple POVs that allows us to see into the minds of various main characters, raising tension when our two favorite have completely opposite understandings of what just happened. I loved being able to clearly see how a single event could foster love in one, and hate in another. It was so intriguing and, unfortunately, realistic. Communication is key here, people.
The characters themselves were also quite compelling. Each had their own idiosyncrasies and unique ways of thinking that truly made them come to life. I will admit that I am not well-versed in this specific time period, but I did feel as if I were living beside them, listening to their woes as a loved confidante. Even the side characters were expertly woven into the narrative, just as acquaintances make up important aspects of our own, real lives!
Overall, this was an amazing read. There is quite a bit of graphic, male-on-male sexual content, and it was nicely done–even if some of the sex scenes were… let’s say, not-so-nice. It all worked very well with the entire novel as a whole. And I’m always a proponent for more LGBT+ representation! Great plot (be prepared to be frustrated!), realistic characters, and phenomenal writing. Absolute must-read.
Content Warning for Novel: graphic sexual content, some sexual (consensual) violence, cheating, adult language. 18+
I received a promotional ARC of this book, and everything stated below is my own, honest opinion.
Think Bridgerton, but gay. And less of the Gossip Girl anonymous writer feeding everyone’s private business to the masses. However, there are some letters, one of which–arguably the most important–does happen to be anonymous… And it kicks off the whole fiery story. Gay smutty romance, the historical time period, and a wealth of misunderstandings drove me crazy with this novel.
Lawrence’s writing was *chef’s kiss* in this novel. He knows exactly when to tease and when to satisfy us readers. He plays around with multiple POVs that allows us to see into the minds of various main characters, raising tension when our two favorite have completely opposite understandings of what just happened. I loved being able to clearly see how a single event could foster love in one, and hate in another. It was so intriguing and, unfortunately, realistic. Communication is key here, people.
The characters themselves were also quite compelling. Each had their own idiosyncrasies and unique ways of thinking that truly made them come to life. I will admit that I am not well-versed in this specific time period, but I did feel as if I were living beside them, listening to their woes as a loved confidante. Even the side characters were expertly woven into the narrative, just as acquaintances make up important aspects of our own, real lives!
Overall, this was an amazing read. There is quite a bit of graphic, male-on-male sexual content, and it was nicely done–even if some of the sex scenes were… let’s say, not-so-nice. It all worked very well with the entire novel as a whole. And I’m always a proponent for more LGBT+ representation! Great plot (be prepared to be frustrated!), realistic characters, and phenomenal writing. Absolute must-read.