Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, lawyer David Lauriston tries to maintain a celibate existence while he forges his reputation in Edinburgh’s privileged legal world.But then, into his repressed and orderly life, bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.Cynical, hedonistic and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. … less like David. And as appalled as David is by Murdo’s unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man’s sway. Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.
But Murdo is not the only man distracting David from his work. Euan MacLennan, the brother of a convicted radical David once represented, approaches David to beg him for help. Euan is searching for the government agent who sent his brother to Australia on a convict ship, and other radicals to the gallows. Despite knowing it may damage his career, David cannot turn Euan away.
As their search progresses, it begins to look as though the trail may lead to none other than Lord Murdo Balfour, and David has to wonder whether it’s possible Murdo could be more than he seems. Is he really just a bored aristocrat, amusing himself at David’s expense, or could he be the agent provocateur responsible for the fate of Peter MacLennan and the other radicals
This is a second edition of a book previously published by Samhain Publishing
more
I absolutely adore Joanna Chambers’s Enlightenment trilogy. I’ve read it twice, and now am listening to the wonderful audiobooks. The historical backdrop is unique and gritty, and the emotional slow burn over the three books between David and Lord Murdo is divine. I love the class divide and how David’s idealism gets under Murdo’s skin. The sex …
Wonderful book from Joanna Chambers – and another quick review from my archives. Davy and Murdo… swoons… a beautiful romance set in Scotland, with secrets, and intrigues, and one of the best couples I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Highly recommended and book 1 in a series 🙂
I was a little anxious about reading this book as I had never read male-on-male romance before. (Years ago I read some gay fiction in a magazine my friend had. I was expecting an unrealistic story line heavy on sex.) I was pleasantly surprised! The characters were well developed & it was easy to feel empathy for the hero. The story was very …
A great Georgette Heyer style ‘regency’ romance but with gay characters, a fascinating setting in the Scottish legal system, and a darker feel. The ending was perhaps a wee bit sentimental for my taste but the historical detail felt thoroughly authentic and I’m looking forward to reading more about David and Murdo!
Provoked is a historical romance by Joanna Chambers. This is a M/M romance, so it may not be for everyone. Ms. Chambers has given readers a well-written book. David is a farmer’s son and lawyer. Murdo is the younger son of a marquess. David and Murdo’s story is packed with drama, sex and intrigue. I enjoyed this book but the end while not …
It’s been a long time since I’ve read an M/M historical fiction series, and even longer since I’ve read a clearly well-researched M/M historical fiction series. Well-researched this clearly is though – it feels actually authentic, and not just like the author did a few random Google searches and had people speak ‘old timey’ in the hopes that it …
This is my first Joanna Chambers book. Exceptional writing, likeable characters with depth as well a story that has so many layers, the reader is completely pulled in. What I found really well-done was the development of both main characters – Murdo and David. By the end of the book, you know so much more about who they are and what motivates …
Wonderful book and a wonderful series. One of the best ‘regency’ novels I’ve every read.
Historical MM? Yes please! This is a subgenre in which new books always ping my radar and have me clicking “buy” immediately. Provoked went beyond my wildest dreams with its depth. This book’s richness of plot, protagonists and purview are stunning. In a nutshell, this is gorgeous writing with characters that feel as though they could walk right …
I liked the book, jusy missing a little more plot builder.
It’s an unusual book. Yes, it’s a romance, but it’s more than that. It’s about people and human nature. It’s about not being okay with who you are, and about wanting something that society won’t permit. And it’s about not being able to accept it when you get it.
This book is well written, and I recommend it. Don’t expect a hot and steamy romance …
Honor, revenge and homosexual lust in 1820 Regency London, England. Well-written though unconventional subject matter esp. for that period.
I’m not interested in two men making love
I was not happy with the beginning and deleted the book. It seemed to be about a gay person.
I never knew what was ahead for these characters.
Was a decent romance but I’m not overly fond of those.
This was a nice start to an overall good series.
A book for a specific audience.
Stopped reading when it indicated it was a homosexual book.
I very much enjoyed the series