Debut author Annabelle Greene brings us the brilliant first book in her Society of Beasts series, in which a quiet country vicar is unwillingly reunited with the duke who left him long ago… As a young man, Sir Gabriel Winters left behind his status as a gentleman, turning his back on his secret desires and taking a self-imposed vow of celibacy. Now a chaste hard-working vicar, his reputation … vicar, his reputation is beyond reproach. But, try as he might, he’s never forgotten the man he once desired or the pain of being abandoned by his first love.
Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Caddonfell, is a notorious rake, delighting in scandal no matter the consequence. With a price on his head, he flees to the countryside, forced to keep his presence a secret or risk assassination. When Edward finds Gabriel on his estate, burning with fever, he cannot leave him to die, but taking him in puts them both in jeopardy.
With the help of a notorious blackmailer, a society of rich and famous gentlemen who prefer gentlemen, and a kitten named Buttons, they might just manage to save Edward’s life–but the greatest threat may be to their hearts.
Society of Beasts:
Book 1: The Vicar and the Rake
Book 2: The Soldier and the Spy
more
This book is hot, sweet, and suspenseful. I couldn’t put it down! Engrossing and delightful.
I really enjoyed this m/m historical. Gabriel and Edward are boyhood friends with a lot of wounds to heal, and being together in their world is dangerous, but their connection is electric and undeniable. Add to that Annabelle’s fresh, original language and how it brings the characters and setting to life, and you have a book worth snuggling down with under the covers for hours. Recommend!
I received a free copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
4 Stars
The Vicar and the Rake is the first in a new series, the Society of Beasts. I felt this an excellent debut of a new-to-me author, one where I am intrigued to read the next in the series.
As a man of the cloth, Gabriel is looking after the parish of his long-lost childhood friend, who abandoned not only their friendship but the townsfolk. Dutiful, kind, with a true server’s soul, Gabriel finds worth through helping those who need it, even if they hadn’t asked for the help, wearing himself thin.
Edward is your classic rake, one with a dark backstory, but seems spoiled with no ambition, forever finding himself in impossible situation that he himself placed himself in. With a supportive cast of fellows who pick up the messes after him. From his valet, to his baby brother, and the other three in the society of beasts. The duke has another out for his blood, running back to the countyseat he abandoned at eighteen.
In a second-chance, slow-burn romance, with an undeniable connection, Edward and Gabriel perform a mating dance, set to the backdrop of awaiting what to do next to protect Edward’s neck, quit literally. Add in helpful siblings, fellow hedonists, a scrawny kitten, and a young boy, you’ve got the recipe for an entertaining reading escape.
However, there were times when my attention waned, read over the period of a week. I would be both interested, but then the pacing would slow, where I would then become disinterested. I can’t quite put my finger on what was missing, just that I wasn’t as invested in the story as I believed I ought to be. The Vicar and the Rake had all the elements I adore, but I wasn’t quite gripped.
Overall, it was just a bit too slow in the pacing, slightly meandering, with repetition and redundancy that slowed the pacing even further. While I was curious as to what would happen next, entertained as to the characters and their outcomes, something kept pulling me out of the story but I’m honestly not sure what it was.
Recommended to fans of historical romance within the MM Romance genre. I am highly anticipating the stories for the rest of the members of the Society of Beasts, as well as hoping to get more glimpses into Edward and Gabriel’s future, along with their siblings’ budding romance.
Audio Review:
Story – 5
Performance – 5
Overall – 5
Great debut novel and start to a new series.
The Vicar and the Rake is Annabelle Greene’s debut novel and I thought it was great. I started out reading this book, courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley, but then I saw that the audiobook was available so I finished up by listening to it.
I have several audiobooks in my library performed by Cornell Collins but this was the first one I’ve listened to (I need to correct that!). I loved his voice and how he performed the story; he didn’t just read it. The different voices he used made it easy to distinguish the characters from each other.
As for the book itself, and the story – wow! It’s really hard to believe that this is Annabelle Green’s first published work. Even better news is that it’s the beginning of a series and I can’t wait to read more. I love a good historical MM romance and I love a good second chance story; this book hits on both of those things.
The blurb really is good so I won’t repeat it. This book has several secondary characters that made the story even more interesting. Besides the love story between Gabriel and Edward there’s mystery, intrigue and murder. If this story is anything to go by, The Society of Beasts series will be an interesting one and I’m looking forward to reading more.
A review copy of the ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.
I have never read a M/M historical romance till this book. While I did not fall in love with this concept, I did enjoy the book to an extent.
There was some things that if they were played out longer could have made this book better. Then there was some things that just dragged on and it made it hard to read, I did end up skimming some of this book.
I do think I will check this author again even though this book was just so-so for me.
Surrey, 1818
Gabriel’s sister wrote him a letter, Edward is back! After ten years!
Edward Stanhope, Duke of Caddonfell. The terror of every mother in the ton, not for their daughters, but for their sons.
After reading the letter, vicar Gabriel Winters’ words weren’t for the ears to hear, he couldn’t speak them out loud, but the word started with d and ended with amn. His childhood friend Edward ran away ten years ago, Edward abandoned him just like that.
“I am excellent at things I’m indifferent to. Imagine how spectacular I am at the things I like.”
Edward’s memories are bad and hurtful. He didn’t run off just like that. But he’ll never speak about them. Acting haughty to keep everyone at distance.
Edward is back, hiding, he’s in danger. Edward’s brother Maurice is also there to eliminate the threat.
“My God, you’re worthless. You need to be corrected, damn you.”
Edward has demons he can’t get rid of. He has nightmares and wounds who won’t disappear not even love could. He has to keep Gabriel at arm’s-length.
Gabriel is the opposite of Edward, he’s open and honest to Edward about his feelings.
He’s strong but speaks softly.
“the thought that he had been waiting for Edward’s command was more erotic than a thousand forgettable back-alley encounters”
From the first page, I was head over heels. What a marvelous story. There was humor, the best, a sort of dramatic theatrical humor.
The historical side of this narrative felt authentic. The used language, the build of the sentences. I could hear them clearly. The clothing, the traveling, the politeness, it was quite convincing. I love the amount of drama.
The sexual attraction and tension between Edward and Gabriel were beautiful, heartbreaking, and delightful at the same time.
The suspense was killing. I read on and on, biting my nails until I could breathe again.
My goodness what a story
The end OMG the end… goosebumps thick goosebumps!
Brilliant narrative absolutely brilliant!
While there were certain things I liked about this book- childhood friends reconnecting, the setting, the sister, the child- I felt pretty indifferent about it overall, sadly. I never thought of not finishing it, but there were times I did skim. I think the author writes well and the story had a bit of intrigue, but it didn’t hold my attention as much as I hoped. The mystery didn’t grab me, in fact it all felt kind of convoluted- there were things that just didn’t add up or make sense. And unfortunately I never became fully invested in Edward and Gabriel as a couple.
I think one of the reason I didn’t enjoy this book as much as some might is because I couldn’t help comparing it to KJ Charles’ Society of Gentlemen series. Those books are some of the best when it comes to m/m historical fiction and they will always be the standard I hold others to, fair or not.
Even though I didn’t enjoy this as much as anticipated, I am interested to see where Annabelle Greene takes this series.
Thank you to Harlequin- Carina Press and NetGalley for the arc.
The Vicar and the Rake by Annabelle Greene
Society of Beasts #1
Lovely, lusty, loving story that allows Gabriel and Edward a second chance at their HEA. Really enjoyed this book! From the first page I was intrigued, and my interest was held throughout.
What I liked:
* Gabriel: a good man doing good while fighting his inclinations. He wonders why his best friend from childhood left without a word and never responded to his letters.
* Edward: a man running from personal demons. His childhood was not a gentle one and he suffers what amounts to PTSD as a result. He is usually caught up in scandal.
* Bryce: Edward’s valet but so much more than that. He is a good friend, good man, and an ex-pugilist. Intrigued me and do hope he ends up with a HEA of his own.
* Maurice: Edward’s younger brother, a sly manipulator, and blackmailer of sorts. He defends Edward as Edward once protected him.
* Caroline: Gabriel’s sister, a widow, helpful in the village, a good woman, and much stronger and wiser than some might think.
* Ginger: a young boy that has suffered much with a backstory that will impact many
* The writing, setting, story, accord with the history of the times
* The idea of the men’s club and meeting some of its members
* All of it really except…
What I did not like:
* Sussex: a man out for blood – wicked and evil he deserves whatever happens to him
* The laws of the times related to love between men
* Having to say goodbye to the characters and having to wait till book two is ready to read.
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley and Carina Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
As a young man, Sir Gabriel Winters left behind his status as a gentleman, turning his back on his secret desires and taking a self-imposed vow of celibacy. Now he’s a chaste, hardworking vicar, and his reputation is beyond reproach. Edward Stanhope, the Duke of Caddonfell, is a notorious rake, delighting in scandal no matter the consequence. With a price on his head, he flees to the countryside, forced to keep his presence a secret or risk assassination. When Edward finds Gabriel on his estate, burning with fever, he cannot leave him to die, but taking him in puts them both in jeopardy.
A very accomplished debut novel, it flowed well & the characters were well portrayed. I really liked both Gabriel & Edward & the chemistry between them & how they moved on from previous hurt. A roller coaster of a read with, intrigue, murder, forbidden love, past hurt. There were quite a few threads in the story, which were nicely brought together & they made for an entertaining read. I look forward to more books by the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read