Being a gay man in 1827 is not only frowned upon in England but punishable by death. Magistrate Simon Stockley would know. He’s convicted men in his courtroom and sentenced them himself. Every time, it leaves a vile taste in his mouth because Simon is no different than the men whose lives he claims.Overcompensating for his secret, fearing discovery, Simon walks the straight and narrow with … everything he does. Being overly cautious with life is second nature to him. The consequences of being discovered are among his worst fears. Sadly, this is his life, and he accepts it.
Until one cold day in October when James Hansen is led into his courtroom. Blinded by the fire in James’s eyes and the energy seething from his core, Simon’s entire life is thrown upside down. One cursory glance at the criminal and nothing will ever be the same again.
Problem.
James’s crimes are severe, and his punishment is death. However, there is something about him that Simon can’t put his finger on. Despite all sensibility, Simon can’t let him go. Maybe some things are worth the risk. Maybe rules are meant to be broken.
Secrets are wonderful… until someone finds out the truth.
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Beautifully done (an audio review)
I’m always hesitant to tackle historical gay romances. I mean, as this book so plainly lays out – the punishment was, if you were lucky, to be put on a ship to be a slave in the colonies and, if you were unlucky, death.
Simon is a magistrate who is due to join the judiciary. As a judge, he’ll be sentencing criminals – including men caught for buggery. Yet he knows that could just as easily be him. He’s gay. And although he has what he believes are secure ways to satisfy those urges, he has no safe way to express them.
Until he meets James. James whom he must sentence to death. James who makes his chest tighten. James who is the embodiment of everything he’s ever wanted in a man.
So how to proceed?
This is where the very talented Nicky James spins a beautiful tale of love, lies, and finding a way to live your true and authentic self. I had my doubts. But I knew she’d find a way to give me a happy ending.
I loved the book, and even managed to get through the tough places in one piece. This is a Nicky James – so there had to have at least a little angst.
Finally, I’ll address the narration. J.T. Ruddle was a gem to listen to and I’ll definitely pick up more books performed by him. Even if you’re afraid of angst, I recommend this book. I’m so glad I listened to it.
At first, I felt this could not stand the time it would take to finish the book, but that changed once the feelings started to choke me up. It is difficult to comprehend the laws and punishments that were dulled out historically, and I am just grateful it is not that way anymore. Once Simon met James, he was immediately enamored and could not shake the feeling James was his world, and he needed to save him from the life he had just sentenced him to. So, Simon embarked on his own crime spree to make this happen. Once he had James, James of course was not happy, but soon they became companions then friends then lovers. Their love did stand the course time. I did feel a bit cheated at the end, as it was very quick, and I wanted more time with their HEA. Lillian was such a wonderful character and then on the flip side, Simon’s uncle was the worst. I really enjoyed the narration by T. J. Ruddle and thought it was done very well. I would definitely recommend this book.
Wow just wow!
What a beautiful story of a forbidden love for homosexuals in England in the 19th century. As we are used to with Nicky’s writing, the descriptions are second to none and we can picture the house, the clothing the views and how life was back in 1820’s. As always Nicky researched the typical English phrases, her descriptions make you feel,like you are there in the book.
I like how she started off with a modern day couple and then went back into the past for this love story that stood the tests of time and finished off back in the present.
James and Simon were incredible and their love for each other was so strong. The scenes between the two men were just perfect considering the timeline of the book and I feel they were tastefully done. It had all the feels laughter, a bit of angst and tears but it was so wonderfully told I just couldn’t put it down and had me up til 2 am on two nights running just to finish the book.
I definitely recommend reading it if you at a fan of Nicky’s books and if you like historical romances.
I’m reviewing the audio version. I follow Nicky James. Her stories are always so emotional and true to life. This made me feel like she had insight to the time period. Since being gay was not legal in England until the late nineteen sixties that sets this as probably mild for what really happened. This story broke my heart most of the way through. Living in fear or prison does not make a happy story. I think this author has the ability to take characters of such different class and make them interact naturally. The story flow moved right along. The characters felt totally real to me. The narration by J.T. Ruddle really brings life to these characters. I think this is one of her earliest stories and I’d love to read one from that time period she would write now.
One thing for real – historical isn’t my jam. Like at all. So I was more then curious to find out my relationship with this book. And let me tell you – IT WRECKED ME TO PIECES.
If there’s an author who can write anything and I’ll love it, that’s Nicky James.
This book was so beautiful. Just to imagine that it could be real, that there were times when this happend to people who were gay (and to imagine that there are still countries which are the same 🙁 ).
Simon was a really brave and strong character. He was nervous and careful, but brave too. And James *sigh* so cute and brave too. Both had patient and strength. And love. The love between these two was so amazing. I have no words. They were cute, lovely, and their story is heartbreakingly beautiful.
Those 5 years… sad but full with hope. Simon and James had hope in each other, and I had hope in Nicky for the HEA.
The ending was so good. I couldn’t see, because the tears in my eyes… but so so good. This is what a real love story looks like. This is what love is. This is what endless love is.
This is what love looks like until the end of time.
So beautiful.
James and Simon’s story is full of passion, drama and a wonderful sense of connection between two men in a time where it was dangerous and difficult to connect. Their journey is poignant and heartfelt and will bring you through the love, hurt and anger along with these brilliant characters.
I just read Until the End of Time, and I have to say…. I ENJOYED IT!
Historicals aren’t my thing, but this story is so beautifully written (of course it is, we’re talking about Nicky James here).
Like all of Nicky’s books, this story is classy.
And I did shed a tear or two
One can only imagine the extensive research needed to write a book set in the 1800’s.
Loved it !!