Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life. Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn’t stopped working since. Buoyed by Lindsey’s optimism and fuelled by Aubrey’s industry, the two men strive to overcome the class gulf between them. But a horrific accident reveals a betrayal that threatens to tear them apart forever.
This was a very interesting historical romance, unlike any other I’ve read to date. It had all the required elements to make it a wonderful story. The MCs from different society classes, angst and painful past, villain that was so subtly crafted that when revealed made the story so intense, and the resolution that was smart and on par with time period. This is not a steamy romance in a usual sense. It did have intimate scenes but they stemmed from emotional ties that both men developed. But that does not mean they were less s*exy. One has to be quite inventive and write with certain flair to create time period intimate moments because all the modern trappings can not be used.
Despite the class difference and different upbringing both Lindsey and Aubrey find love and devotion in each others arms. Aubrey is the ultimate survivor – from poor workhouse to a mill clerk with a possibility to become an engineer. He is a workaholic for he knows that he has no one to rely on even if he had someone to trust. I understood his hesitation when met with Lindsey pursuit, I absolutely understood they ways he distanced himself as if to protect what little he had. But when he gave in, he was so attentive, gentle and caring with Lindsey. It required great fortitude to survive the pain, at times humiliation and accept helping hand when offered. I admired Aubrey’s self reliance but was happy when he loosened up enough to be at peace with things he could not change.
What I liked about this particular story was that it didn’t over romanticized the clandestine ways men had to hide their love. If there had to be a fiancee and then a wife then she was kind and was treated with respect. There was no convenient way or simple solution. The hurdles both men had to overcome at times felt insurmountable, but the author managed them adroitly.
Lindsey despite being a pampered naive aristocrat was kind, intelligent and had a heart of gold. He had a bevy of friends and relations that were meddlesome and at times did more harm than good. It took him a while to figure things out and stand up for himself, but stand up for himself he did. I am glad to say that he showed himself steadfast, loyal and brave in the end. At the beginning of the book I didn’t think he had it in him.
I am happy to say that the villain surprised me. There were no adventures or chases but such cruel subterfuge, so much pressure on Lindsey and Aubrey’s feelings and circumstances that I got tense myself and couldn’t put the book down. I felt compelled to know how the author would solve the problem. He held it over their heads till the very end. Well done, that was! I liked the realistic way the author wrote the narrative. I definitely want more of Aubrey and Lindsey, such a likable couple!
I can’t believe this doesn’t have more readers. This book is spectacular. The characters are so subtly drawn it takes some time to really get to know them, but the plot 100% carries the narrative in the meantime. The mill is a unique and intriguing setting and quite vividly portrayed. There’s always a risk of overdoing it when one character has a lot of uncommon knowledge, but the engineering talk hits the mark between broad enough and believably expert (I say as not-an-engineer). There are TONS of subplots — this book is almost episodic — but most of them tie back to the mill in some way, so none of them got lost for me. Having that revolving center was a huge strength. And wow it’s also really sexy?? I mean?,?? And manages to do that while avoiding my most hated pet peeves of the genre? Lordy. This is just a really solid read.