A review by kaje_harper
no way out by Eric Alan Westfall
4.0
This historical romance has a slightly different flavor, since being gay is not a crime in this alternate universe. That removes some of the most dangerous pressure on the main characters. And yet, only the law is truly different. Gay men are still despised and reviled, and men with wealth and titles are still expected to marry and engender heirs. Status is still a precious commodity, in a very stratified society with an abused underclass.
In this context, two men of extremely different stations in life (at least at that moment) come together with distrust and confusion, desperation and betrayal and drama. Jeremy's past held trauma and pain, and his trust is slow to develop. But their relationship becomes one of bawdy heat, clever and funny banter, mysteries, emotions, reveals of identity, a villainous plot, and a happy ending.
The story is long but there is enough plot and character development to carry the pages. I was caught by surprise by a couple of twists, and connected with the main characters, engaged in their fates. I read quickly through, eager to watch them reach their destinies with a helping of karma and justice. And was well satisfied with the outcome.
In this context, two men of extremely different stations in life (at least at that moment) come together with distrust and confusion, desperation and betrayal and drama. Jeremy's past held trauma and pain, and his trust is slow to develop. But their relationship becomes one of bawdy heat, clever and funny banter, mysteries, emotions, reveals of identity, a villainous plot, and a happy ending.
The story is long but there is enough plot and character development to carry the pages. I was caught by surprise by a couple of twists, and connected with the main characters, engaged in their fates. I read quickly through, eager to watch them reach their destinies with a helping of karma and justice. And was well satisfied with the outcome.