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Seducing Stephen
What does a jaded earl see in a studious young man? Everything he never knew he was missing.
The dark, alluring Peter, Lord Northrup, is Stephen’s every nighttime fantasy made flesh and he’s in Stephen’s bed, ready for passion. When Peter discovers the bedroom mix-up, he’s ready to leave, until Stephen begs him to teach him all the things he’s only imagined.
The two men, visitors at a country house, begin a delirious, passionate affair with Northrup as teacher and Stephen his eager student. Peter knows their liaison is about hot sessions of sexual exploration, not love--and backs away when he sees shy Stephen’s heart is involved. Passion and commitment can’t coexist for men like them.
But Peter is haunted by memories of the summer fling and the quiet young man he spurned. He may have taught Stephen too well the lessons of a cynical roué.
The dark, alluring Peter, Lord Northrup, is Stephen’s every nighttime fantasy made flesh and he’s in Stephen’s bed, ready for passion. When Peter discovers the bedroom mix-up, he’s ready to leave, until Stephen begs him to teach him all the things he’s only imagined.
The two men, visitors at a country house, begin a delirious, passionate affair with Northrup as teacher and Stephen his eager student. Peter knows their liaison is about hot sessions of sexual exploration, not love--and backs away when he sees shy Stephen’s heart is involved. Passion and commitment can’t coexist for men like them.
But Peter is haunted by memories of the summer fling and the quiet young man he spurned. He may have taught Stephen too well the lessons of a cynical roué.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
14 people are currently reading
888 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie Dee
135books694followersI began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
I enjoy dabbling in many genres. Whether you're a fan of contemporary historical or fantasy romance, you'll find something to enjoy among my books. I'm interested in flawed, often damaged, people who find the fulfillment they seek in one another. To stay informed about new releases, please sign up for my newsletter. You can join my street team at FB. Learn more about my backlist at and find me on FB and Twitter @Bonnie_Dee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 22, 2015
Can you believe this is the first book I've read by Dee and Devon?
I can't either.
This was a satisfying historical romance with some steamy lovin' and a nice HEA.
I loved the passion and back and forth between Stephen and Peter. It was obvious these two belonged together despite the age and class differences.
I can't either.
This was a satisfying historical romance with some steamy lovin' and a nice HEA.
I loved the passion and back and forth between Stephen and Peter. It was obvious these two belonged together despite the age and class differences.
If you never allow happiness to enter your life, you never have to fear its loss.
August 8, 2010
Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon is a beautifully written love story that I hated to see come to an end. I was captivated with both heroes from the first page and I happily read the book through to the last page without interruption.
Lord Northrup, Earl of Stafford or Peter to his close friends has lived a somewhat cynical and colorless existence. As a young man he’d wished to find his own Prince Charming. But, as he’s gotten older, he’s given up finding true love and actually being able to live in happiness and harmony with another man. Because his attraction to other men is taboo within polite society, he must pick and trust his friends wisely. Like himself, most of his friends have two different lives they live; one they show to the ton� and the life they really live away from the glitz and gossipmongers of polite society.
When Peter gets an invitation to one of Edward and Euphemia Pratt’s erotic parties, he of course knows he must go. The Pratt’s parties are known to be one long erotic weekend of nothing but sex and debauchery. Peter arrives late at the Pratt’s home and shows himself to a room that he’s always given to stay in. When he sees a younger, handsome man in his bed, he immediately believes that the sexy man is a gift for him from the Pratts. But, once the young man gets over his initial shock, Peter quickly realizes that he’s been mistaken on which weekend the party is to be given, and that the sweet man is really just a friend of the Pratt’s son.
Stephen Peregrine comes from a very humble home. His father grew up penniless, but has built his successful business from the ground up, and he expects Stephen to follow in his footsteps. Stephen attends Cambridge and is grateful for the mini-reprieve he’s been given from having to do his duty at home and with the family business. When his best friend, Brian Pratt, invited him to his parent’s house for the weekend, Stephen was glad to have the break. Little did he know that night he would have a sexy, handsome man visit his bedchamber and give him the reality of the forbidden dreams he’s always wanted…to have another man make love with him and hold him in his arms.
Even though Peter had mistakenly entered Stephen’s bedchamber, they end up having a steamy night of passion and tenderness. Peter is immediately captivated by the young and naïve Stephen, but knows he must try to keep the man at arms length or he could easily lose his heart to the gorgeous man. He makes himself have a somewhat blasé attitude about their night together and leaves the young man behind without looking back. But, Peter knows that somehow Stephen has melted the ice that has been surrounding his heart for all of his adult life.
Now months later, Peter is unable to get Stephen out of his mind. When he runs into him again, he knows must set out to amend the drift he’s made between them and trust the affection and budding love they have with each other. Will Stephen forgive Peter’s past callous attitude and build a future for them together?
I loved this book! I admit that reading a historically set gay romance is a tricky sell for me. Since homosexual relationships were taboo and even illegal back then, it’s difficult to believe the heroes truly are able to achieve a happy ending together. I’m delighted to say that I loved the ending to Seducing Stephen, and I thought it was very believable, too.
The characterization in this book is amazing. Not only were Peter and Stephen well rounded characters, both of them evolved and changed into happier, more well balanced people as the book progressed. They really bring out the best in each other. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them change before my eyes, and I rejoiced when they were able to find a way to not only accept and support one another for who they are, but also was able to find their happy ending together.
If you’re looking for a fresh and past-paced homoerotic romance, this book is definitely for you! I’m happily putting Seducing Stephen on my keeper shelf, where I’ll get to enjoy their story again and again for many years to come! I’m looking forward to reading many more books by these authors and I hope they co-write another book together really soon.
To read more reviews like this one, please visit Night Owl Reviews at:
Lord Northrup, Earl of Stafford or Peter to his close friends has lived a somewhat cynical and colorless existence. As a young man he’d wished to find his own Prince Charming. But, as he’s gotten older, he’s given up finding true love and actually being able to live in happiness and harmony with another man. Because his attraction to other men is taboo within polite society, he must pick and trust his friends wisely. Like himself, most of his friends have two different lives they live; one they show to the ton� and the life they really live away from the glitz and gossipmongers of polite society.
When Peter gets an invitation to one of Edward and Euphemia Pratt’s erotic parties, he of course knows he must go. The Pratt’s parties are known to be one long erotic weekend of nothing but sex and debauchery. Peter arrives late at the Pratt’s home and shows himself to a room that he’s always given to stay in. When he sees a younger, handsome man in his bed, he immediately believes that the sexy man is a gift for him from the Pratts. But, once the young man gets over his initial shock, Peter quickly realizes that he’s been mistaken on which weekend the party is to be given, and that the sweet man is really just a friend of the Pratt’s son.
Stephen Peregrine comes from a very humble home. His father grew up penniless, but has built his successful business from the ground up, and he expects Stephen to follow in his footsteps. Stephen attends Cambridge and is grateful for the mini-reprieve he’s been given from having to do his duty at home and with the family business. When his best friend, Brian Pratt, invited him to his parent’s house for the weekend, Stephen was glad to have the break. Little did he know that night he would have a sexy, handsome man visit his bedchamber and give him the reality of the forbidden dreams he’s always wanted…to have another man make love with him and hold him in his arms.
Even though Peter had mistakenly entered Stephen’s bedchamber, they end up having a steamy night of passion and tenderness. Peter is immediately captivated by the young and naïve Stephen, but knows he must try to keep the man at arms length or he could easily lose his heart to the gorgeous man. He makes himself have a somewhat blasé attitude about their night together and leaves the young man behind without looking back. But, Peter knows that somehow Stephen has melted the ice that has been surrounding his heart for all of his adult life.
Now months later, Peter is unable to get Stephen out of his mind. When he runs into him again, he knows must set out to amend the drift he’s made between them and trust the affection and budding love they have with each other. Will Stephen forgive Peter’s past callous attitude and build a future for them together?
I loved this book! I admit that reading a historically set gay romance is a tricky sell for me. Since homosexual relationships were taboo and even illegal back then, it’s difficult to believe the heroes truly are able to achieve a happy ending together. I’m delighted to say that I loved the ending to Seducing Stephen, and I thought it was very believable, too.
The characterization in this book is amazing. Not only were Peter and Stephen well rounded characters, both of them evolved and changed into happier, more well balanced people as the book progressed. They really bring out the best in each other. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them change before my eyes, and I rejoiced when they were able to find a way to not only accept and support one another for who they are, but also was able to find their happy ending together.
If you’re looking for a fresh and past-paced homoerotic romance, this book is definitely for you! I’m happily putting Seducing Stephen on my keeper shelf, where I’ll get to enjoy their story again and again for many years to come! I’m looking forward to reading many more books by these authors and I hope they co-write another book together really soon.
To read more reviews like this one, please visit Night Owl Reviews at:
June 7, 2021
Holy moly, this book is hot as hell. Fans of first time and age gap romances are going to go crazy over this one.
I'll admit it straight-up, my favorite Bonnie Dee, Summer Devon novels are the ones where the characters connect like this. *rawr!*
I'll admit it straight-up, my favorite Bonnie Dee, Summer Devon novels are the ones where the characters connect like this. *rawr!*
February 4, 2010
What happens when one realizes his own stupidity and shallowness; the wrong in letting go the only good that ever came into his life a little too late or is it?
Or another who was willing to give his all with just the words needed to be heard or said taking the place from being shy, loving, baring his heart to give all to that one person to becoming cool...rather cold, shutting his heart away and letting duty to his family suffocate him rather than living his own life as a young man starting out should.
Spectacular story of just these two men I've described who find their way back to each other after having left it after having met and having that one night of passion that brings them together to only to be torn apart. But as the stories usual go wrongs are put to right and feelings left hidden are faced between them.
A must read love story.
Or another who was willing to give his all with just the words needed to be heard or said taking the place from being shy, loving, baring his heart to give all to that one person to becoming cool...rather cold, shutting his heart away and letting duty to his family suffocate him rather than living his own life as a young man starting out should.
Spectacular story of just these two men I've described who find their way back to each other after having left it after having met and having that one night of passion that brings them together to only to be torn apart. But as the stories usual go wrongs are put to right and feelings left hidden are faced between them.
A must read love story.
December 29, 2016
Not really a fan of historical MM romances : always to afraid not to get my so needed HEA. But then, when a story is good, it’s good.
Seducing Stephen is about Peter, quite the rogue but also a bit bitter Lord, and Peter, a young lad who so much wants to live his life and his passion, but also very aware of his responsibilities toward his family and of his social status.
I so much enjoy Peter who was so torned between his blossoming affection toward Peter but also his fear to ruin his reputation and his hope for a career and Stephen who so wanted to stand up for more than just a meaningful relationship but without at the expense of his family.
There are age-gap, social differences, awareness, romance with hot sex and dirty talk and a sweet HEA. Just what I love.
Thank you to Secret Ninja, aka Lisa, for this gift : I loved it !!!
Seducing Stephen is about Peter, quite the rogue but also a bit bitter Lord, and Peter, a young lad who so much wants to live his life and his passion, but also very aware of his responsibilities toward his family and of his social status.
I so much enjoy Peter who was so torned between his blossoming affection toward Peter but also his fear to ruin his reputation and his hope for a career and Stephen who so wanted to stand up for more than just a meaningful relationship but without at the expense of his family.
There are age-gap, social differences, awareness, romance with hot sex and dirty talk and a sweet HEA. Just what I love.
Thank you to Secret Ninja, aka Lisa, for this gift : I loved it !!!
November 3, 2015
I just finished and felt that I didn't want to leave the 'historical MM world' yet. I saw that I still had this book by Dee & Devon that I hadn't read yet, so decided to pick it up.
Unfortunately, it felt a little bit too 'classic Harlequin-esqe' -- of young virgin man with an experienced older man trope -- for my taste. I'm not saying that 'Harlequin-esqe' is bad but it also not what I'm looking for in my romance these days. The whole teaching Stephen the world of sex thing results in too many sex scenes that just bored me to death.
In addition, there was a time jump between the first time Peter and Stephen met to later, where Stephen grew up to be more confident and Peter to be the 'romantic' who wanted to settle down, so the process of getting there happened off page. For me as a reader, it didn't feel convincing.
Bottom line, while I thought it was nice but it was lacking the feels I have for the authors' more recent stories.
Unfortunately, it felt a little bit too 'classic Harlequin-esqe' -- of young virgin man with an experienced older man trope -- for my taste. I'm not saying that 'Harlequin-esqe' is bad but it also not what I'm looking for in my romance these days. The whole teaching Stephen the world of sex thing results in too many sex scenes that just bored me to death.
In addition, there was a time jump between the first time Peter and Stephen met to later, where Stephen grew up to be more confident and Peter to be the 'romantic' who wanted to settle down, so the process of getting there happened off page. For me as a reader, it didn't feel convincing.
Bottom line, while I thought it was nice but it was lacking the feels I have for the authors' more recent stories.
September 4, 2012
This is a straightforward well-written historical romance about an established nobleman and a young university student who come together for one night and both find themselves immeasurably changed by the experience. The threat of exposure in a time where homosexuality was anathema hangs heavily over their relationship, driving them away from each other, but neither one can find contentment alone. Both MCs are well depicted - the experienced man facing the shallowness of his life, and the young idealist suddenly woken to an understanding of what he wants but believes he can never have. I sympathized with both and found this story a fast and satisfying read.
April 25, 2024
April 2024 - 3.5 stars
I felt a calling to re-read this and did enjoy it, though I would have liked it much more if Peter had been more developed as a character.
I feel we got a good read on Stephen, how he's torn between his own interests and his family duties, between his desire to be with men and his fear of what being caught would do to his reputation and family business.
Peter on the other hand mostly serves to explore these balances and help Stephen find resolution, without us learning much about him as an individual. We're given some threads to explore, such as the art he used to do but has since stopped, and his fear of commitment, but it wasn't quite enough to make him well-rounded in my eyes.
That said, I did like them together and found that their characters worked well as a couple. There were a few moments I could have done without, and overall this is not grand historical material backed up by years of research, so if you're looking for that then you should definitely steer clear.
November 2022 - 3.5 stars
I felt a calling to re-read this and did enjoy it, though I would have liked it much more if Peter had been more developed as a character.
I feel we got a good read on Stephen, how he's torn between his own interests and his family duties, between his desire to be with men and his fear of what being caught would do to his reputation and family business.
Peter on the other hand mostly serves to explore these balances and help Stephen find resolution, without us learning much about him as an individual. We're given some threads to explore, such as the art he used to do but has since stopped, and his fear of commitment, but it wasn't quite enough to make him well-rounded in my eyes.
That said, I did like them together and found that their characters worked well as a couple. There were a few moments I could have done without, and overall this is not grand historical material backed up by years of research, so if you're looking for that then you should definitely steer clear.
November 2022 - 3.5 stars
August 13, 2021
This book isn't quite as entertaining as their "The Professor and the Smuggler," but attempts a greater emotional and intellectual range than some of their books. It may not rank in the genre's top ten or twenty or thirty, but it's worth your time.
October 22, 2010
Stephen is visiting his college friend's parents when he wakes up in the middle of the night to find a sexy dark haired man crawling in bed with him. Stephen thinks it's a fantasy come true. The man -Lord Northrup- thinks Stephen is his hired entertainment for the night. Soon they find out there was a mix up, but as the Lord starts to leave, Stephen convinces him to go through with his anticipated night of entertainment. And so the night turns in to a weekend of stolen passion and soon Stephen's heart gets involved. And that's something Lord Northrup tries to avoid at all costs. Because passion and commitment can’t coexist for men like them. Or can it?
Stephen and Peter (Lord Northrup) are seemingly polar opposites. Peter is a high born, lazy and jaded man who long since has accepted his sexuality. Stephen comes from a humble home, is burdened with responsibilities, passionate about engineering and bridge building, wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t seem to stop to think that he’s sinful for liking men.
As the two men grow closer (although they seem to need to be apart to do that) we see them take on certain traits from one another. Stephen becomes less innocent and Peter opens up.
Seducing Stephen was a really nice, endearing read. It had all the right ingredients for a historical (gay) romance. Though I must say that I didn’t think it was as good as by the same authors, which had a bit more bite and humor.
Still: a very good read: 3,5 stars.
Stephen and Peter (Lord Northrup) are seemingly polar opposites. Peter is a high born, lazy and jaded man who long since has accepted his sexuality. Stephen comes from a humble home, is burdened with responsibilities, passionate about engineering and bridge building, wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t seem to stop to think that he’s sinful for liking men.
As the two men grow closer (although they seem to need to be apart to do that) we see them take on certain traits from one another. Stephen becomes less innocent and Peter opens up.
Seducing Stephen was a really nice, endearing read. It had all the right ingredients for a historical (gay) romance. Though I must say that I didn’t think it was as good as by the same authors, which had a bit more bite and humor.
Still: a very good read: 3,5 stars.
January 4, 2012
Beautiful, steamy story between Peter and Stephen with a lot more depth and feeling than I expected. It is unfortunate that I finished another book right before this one where terms such as older man/younger were also excessively used and it made those similar terms here a glaring annoyance. I still liked the book, but the persistent distraction prevented me from loving it.
December 5, 2012
Very nice m/m historical romance. The trope was interesting and the opening scene really hot. Recommended.
Read
May 19, 2019DNF @ 33%
I've been trying to read this, but apart from the first scene I haven't been able to muster up an ounce of caring for what is going on. I skimmed after that until I got to more sexy times, which weren't even that hot, and then skimmed some more until I got to the next one because at this point all I cared about was if there was sex...and then I just didn't even care when Peter and Stephen had scenes talking together.
This just didn't really interesting me at all from the start. I'm giving this no rating either because I barely read any of this. I was just bored and never really felt like getting back to this. It felt like a chore I was putting off, so I just finally gave up at 33%. No point in trying to soldier through this. It just wasn't for me.
I've been trying to read this, but apart from the first scene I haven't been able to muster up an ounce of caring for what is going on. I skimmed after that until I got to more sexy times, which weren't even that hot, and then skimmed some more until I got to the next one because at this point all I cared about was if there was sex...and then I just didn't even care when Peter and Stephen had scenes talking together.
This just didn't really interesting me at all from the start. I'm giving this no rating either because I barely read any of this. I was just bored and never really felt like getting back to this. It felt like a chore I was putting off, so I just finally gave up at 33%. No point in trying to soldier through this. It just wasn't for me.
May 4, 2016
Finding a boy in his bed, Peter thinks that nothing could be better. Finding a Lord crawling into his bed, Stephen thinks nothing could be more terrifying�-or thrilling. But what is to be done when the room mix-up reveals that Peter’s rush to judgment may just be spot on-–or that Stephen is unwilling to let this glorious chance slip through his fingers? Well, some lessons on the finer points of seduction and satisfaction would be nice start.
When Peter finds himself facing the prospect of losing his heart-–and his friend’s good approval�-he runs, leaving Stephen to learn one more lesson: �carpe diem…and remember always that the day you seize often lasts less than twenty-four hours.� But time and distance do nothing to cool the ardor of either man. And a chance meeting in a London gambling hell may lead to a second chance. Or, at least, some revenge sex in the gents. Perhaps both.
I have a bit of an addiction to Regency England. Even as far back as my m/f days I have hoarded books full of stiff clothes and even stiffer manners�-that cover all that wonderful sin. Granted, I was never one for bodice rippers (I think, now, that has mostly to do with the presence of a bodice), but I was never one to pass up a chance to see a rake reformed into a loving husband. Honestly I think I’ve hit the jackpot with m/m Regency historicals…all the hot rakish men, and none of those pesky bodices and even peskier girly parts.
“An afternoon kiss, stolen in the secrecy and stillness of the maze, seemed more precious, more memorable than many he’d experienced during fervent grappling in the dark. Sweet, nearly chaste, their mouths blended and melded together.�
And girly parts are the last thing on my mind when immersed in the world of manners and the secret liaisons of Peter and Stephen. Stephen, innocent and virgin he may be at the beginning, throws himself wholeheartedly into the world of decadence…if that decadence is Peter. Peter, rake and consummate player of the many men of the ton, is terrified by the idea of loving the young man, and this young man only. But he can’t seem to live without him. Brought together, torn apart, over and over again, it sometimes seems like they will be forever passing each other in the dark and steamy night. But love wins out…well, as much out as two men born into a world that would see them ostracized and imprisoned for who they are.
Nothing is certain in the world of men loving other men in Regency England, but this book does a good job of showing a relationship that grows from tryst to forever-promises. There is no safe way to come-out in this world, but the insistence that they can try and build a life together is such a beautiful sentiment. It is not perfect, as we would think it, but it is workable and, more importantly, they will be together. Stephen can perhaps find a world where he can have his bridges and his heart. And Peter can have a reason to smile and love long into the night. And with the help, and support of some truly awesome friends, they can be happy.
“He felt so incredibly full and completely stretched by Peter’s thick cock. His intimate touch wonderful, his mouth kissing his cock even better, but this union was beyond them both, deeper and more intimate. And to look up and see Peter looming over him like the dark demon he’d first taken him for shook him to the core. This man was all his at last.�
This is such a nice story, full of heartache, love, and redemption. The trials of finding yourself, coupled with the trials of finding the one, make this a story well worth sighing over. Read it when you wish you could find a love in your bed, and a reason to wake up in the morning.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
November 13, 2011
This review was originally published on my blog
Stephen Peregrine is visiting the home of a school friend when he is suddenly awakened by a handsome man standing at his bed. Lord Peter Northrup, Earl of Stafford, has drunkenly stumbled into his room after arriving the wrong weekend for a house party. Peter mistakenly assumes Stephen has been led to his bed by thoughtful hosts, not realizing he is the innocent friend of their son. Upon realizing his mistake, Peter quickly tries to leave, but Stephen stops him. This gorgeous man is the stuff of all his secret fantasies and he can't bear to give up this chance to live out his desires, if only this once.
The men share a brief sexual encounter and then must pretend all is normal in the light of day. Yet neither man is ready for the experience to end and they manage to meet up a few times over the weekend. However, Stephen can not hide his wide-eyed infatuation with Peter and their host soon starts suspect there may be more going on between them. Peter realizes he must leave to protect the young man's reputation. Peter is surprised by how drawn he is to Stephen, but he feels he must make a clean break as he sees no future for them. He cuts things off cleanly, leading Stephen to believe his feelings for Stephen have passed.
Months later both men still struggle with the memories of their time together. Stephen has learned to protect his heart, engaging in some anonymous encounters, but nothing serious with other men. Peter has continued his life of frivolity, moving from man to man in hopes of forgetting Stephen and what he came to mean to him. Yet he can not get the young man out of his mind, and after a chance encounter between them, Peter becomes increasingly attached to Stephen and unable to let him go. However Stephen is afraid to open himself up again after being rejected by Peter before and is afraid to take a chance with him again.
The situation is complicated by Stephen's family responsibilities. The young man dreams of building bridges and is passionate about his studies. In fact, his enthusiasm and zeal are part of what draws Peter to him. Yet he has obligations to his family who want him to continue his father's architecture and home building business. They are a dour, conservative family and their expectations for Stephen's future leave him feeling like he has no other options. This is compounded when his father becomes ill, forcing Stephen to leave school and assume his responsibilities for the business earlier than planned.
The story focuses a lot, especially in the early parts, on the gaps in experience between the men. Stephen is youthful and naive, exuberant with the chance to finally live out fantasies he never thought would come true. And Peter is a gentle, patient teacher. He is thoughtful and kind and drawn to Stephen by more than sexual attraction. In this early part of the story we see the more expected roles -- Stephen is younger, working class, inexperienced, and Peter is the older, more jaded lord.
As the story continues however, the dynamic changes in ways that are surprising and refreshing. Stephen has learned to control his emotions and becomes the more disciplined of the pair. While he misses Peter and still cares deeply for him, he is focused on responsibility and protecting his heart. And Peter is the one who longs for Stephen, wandering around town hoping to run into the man, trying to convince him that he wants more than a casual tryst, and rethinking his life and what he really wants.
The resolution doesn't come easily for the men, but I liked how both are forced to re-examine their expectations for their own lives and push themselves in unexpected directions in order to be together in the way they really want. I really enjoyed this story and loved how it gave a bit of a twist on the traditional tropes of youthful inexperience versus jaded sophistication. I would highly recommend it.
Stephen Peregrine is visiting the home of a school friend when he is suddenly awakened by a handsome man standing at his bed. Lord Peter Northrup, Earl of Stafford, has drunkenly stumbled into his room after arriving the wrong weekend for a house party. Peter mistakenly assumes Stephen has been led to his bed by thoughtful hosts, not realizing he is the innocent friend of their son. Upon realizing his mistake, Peter quickly tries to leave, but Stephen stops him. This gorgeous man is the stuff of all his secret fantasies and he can't bear to give up this chance to live out his desires, if only this once.
The men share a brief sexual encounter and then must pretend all is normal in the light of day. Yet neither man is ready for the experience to end and they manage to meet up a few times over the weekend. However, Stephen can not hide his wide-eyed infatuation with Peter and their host soon starts suspect there may be more going on between them. Peter realizes he must leave to protect the young man's reputation. Peter is surprised by how drawn he is to Stephen, but he feels he must make a clean break as he sees no future for them. He cuts things off cleanly, leading Stephen to believe his feelings for Stephen have passed.
Months later both men still struggle with the memories of their time together. Stephen has learned to protect his heart, engaging in some anonymous encounters, but nothing serious with other men. Peter has continued his life of frivolity, moving from man to man in hopes of forgetting Stephen and what he came to mean to him. Yet he can not get the young man out of his mind, and after a chance encounter between them, Peter becomes increasingly attached to Stephen and unable to let him go. However Stephen is afraid to open himself up again after being rejected by Peter before and is afraid to take a chance with him again.
The situation is complicated by Stephen's family responsibilities. The young man dreams of building bridges and is passionate about his studies. In fact, his enthusiasm and zeal are part of what draws Peter to him. Yet he has obligations to his family who want him to continue his father's architecture and home building business. They are a dour, conservative family and their expectations for Stephen's future leave him feeling like he has no other options. This is compounded when his father becomes ill, forcing Stephen to leave school and assume his responsibilities for the business earlier than planned.
The story focuses a lot, especially in the early parts, on the gaps in experience between the men. Stephen is youthful and naive, exuberant with the chance to finally live out fantasies he never thought would come true. And Peter is a gentle, patient teacher. He is thoughtful and kind and drawn to Stephen by more than sexual attraction. In this early part of the story we see the more expected roles -- Stephen is younger, working class, inexperienced, and Peter is the older, more jaded lord.
As the story continues however, the dynamic changes in ways that are surprising and refreshing. Stephen has learned to control his emotions and becomes the more disciplined of the pair. While he misses Peter and still cares deeply for him, he is focused on responsibility and protecting his heart. And Peter is the one who longs for Stephen, wandering around town hoping to run into the man, trying to convince him that he wants more than a casual tryst, and rethinking his life and what he really wants.
The resolution doesn't come easily for the men, but I liked how both are forced to re-examine their expectations for their own lives and push themselves in unexpected directions in order to be together in the way they really want. I really enjoyed this story and loved how it gave a bit of a twist on the traditional tropes of youthful inexperience versus jaded sophistication. I would highly recommend it.
November 22, 2011
I like historical books and this was no exception. I had already read by the same authors and I loved it. This was very good too, but it was more serious, it had less humorous moments. Peter, the rake, and Stephen, the virginal young man, were interesting characters, but I think they lacked the dark anguish of Alan or the sincere passion Jem.
I liked how the relationship between the two characters evolved, how the jaded Peter found the enthusiasm of his youth when faced with Stephen's seriousness, how Stephen's spontaneous passion took residence in the older man's mind and heart.
I liked how the relationship between the two characters evolved, how the jaded Peter found the enthusiasm of his youth when faced with Stephen's seriousness, how Stephen's spontaneous passion took residence in the older man's mind and heart.
April 18, 2014
2.5 stars
My first by these authors. Well written with a good story and solid main characters. It's a pity I never got to care about them. Never felt I was diving deep, I mostly floated on top.
My first by these authors. Well written with a good story and solid main characters. It's a pity I never got to care about them. Never felt I was diving deep, I mostly floated on top.
July 8, 2017
A very good audiobook from a new to me narrator. He does differentiate the accents so it is easy to tell who is speaking.
I love Dee and Devon's historical novels and this one was very enjoyable.
I love Dee and Devon's historical novels and this one was very enjoyable.
May 22, 2010
This book sort of took me by surprise. First of all, the title doesn’t really fit the book–because I was expecting that it would be about…yanno…seducing Stephen, but considering that Stephen gives it up to the Earl on the first page, he didn’t exactly need seducing! I thought that I was in for a good old sexy romp and not much else, but that’s where I was (happily) wrong, and slowly and surely an interesting and quite psychological little drama emerged from something looks at first glance to be filled with cliché and trope.
First lines are important � and this book has a great one.
The beginning is amusing and engaging and despite my misgivings I was drawn in, rather fascinated as to why the Earl expected a young man to be in his bed, or at least wasn’t at all surprised. This is soon explained!
As for a good old sexy romp–yes, we get that too. There’s a large chunk of sex, specially at the beginning, but each sex scene has a part to play and marks the progress in the burgeoning affair between Stephen and Peter. As the blurb already hints the affair starts as sex and then moves into more complicated territory and that’s the nice surprise; it could have easily have been nothing more than a sex-progression story, but for a small book it packs a lot more punch. There’s a bit too much “hardening� every time one or the other of them sees the other, or looks at the other but I suppose these things do happen, but sometimes it smacks of satyriasis rather than anything erotic.
I loved the progression of the romance–and for me there was a touch of Dangerous Liaisons at one point, where one of the characters did something really hurtful (even though it was because he considered to be best for both of them.) Sadly, due to the length of the book, this really wasn’t given enough time to develop as much as I would have liked–but it worked pretty well but in this respect it should have been called “Educating Peter� to be honest.
Two of the most memorable characters are a couple that make a brief appearance; two delightful old queens, Foxworthy and Wainwright, who have been living together all their lives, in public view and daring the consequences. I was so pleased to meet these characters because with gay historicals it’s more often the conflict that is the essence of the book–because a book must have conflict–and we forget all too often that some men were lucky enough to live together.
On the con side � it badly needed a firm Brit Picking. Many non-Brit readers will probably not care, but for those who like their English-set stories to feel English, be warned. Having Stephen’s “ass� pounded just brings up images of donkey mistreatment that I’d rather not have. How can you tell if someone is comparing you to his rear end or his donkey if you don’t differentiate between arse and ass? There are many other Americanisms, such as gotten, whiskey, to name but two and I can’t help it, I get jolted. There were a couple of instances of “bum� too � which always makes me laugh; it’s like someone heard the word on a show and thinks that what English people actually say. Please don’t use this word, unless your knight is asking you if his bum looks big in his armour. (not seriously.)
A few mistakes in the history/details too, “matriculation� doesn’t mean to graduate out of a university, as it’s used here. The foxtrot didn’t exist pre 1914. Little mistakes which again, a harsher editor would have ferreted out.
I would have preferred a more definite sense of time, too. I knew it was probably Victorian (if only from the cover, as the Great Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament was built in 1859) and after the instigation of railways between London and Cambridge � but there was nothing in the story to ground me until Peter’s visit to Foxworthy and Wainwright. That was the first mention of a date, and that was over half way through the book.
But all in all this book is far more than it seems, a little TARDIS of a novel, if you like. Don’t be fooled by what it looks like at first glance. There’s a really nice character-fuelled story here, and characters with real feelings, pride, idiocy � people who make mistakes and say stupid things and regret them. People who hurt each other for good reasons � and for reasons perhaps more selfish.
I’ll certainly be looking out for any future historicals these authors do, that’s for sure.
First lines are important � and this book has a great one.
“Gads, there’s a boy in my bed. It’s Christmas come early.�
The beginning is amusing and engaging and despite my misgivings I was drawn in, rather fascinated as to why the Earl expected a young man to be in his bed, or at least wasn’t at all surprised. This is soon explained!
As for a good old sexy romp–yes, we get that too. There’s a large chunk of sex, specially at the beginning, but each sex scene has a part to play and marks the progress in the burgeoning affair between Stephen and Peter. As the blurb already hints the affair starts as sex and then moves into more complicated territory and that’s the nice surprise; it could have easily have been nothing more than a sex-progression story, but for a small book it packs a lot more punch. There’s a bit too much “hardening� every time one or the other of them sees the other, or looks at the other but I suppose these things do happen, but sometimes it smacks of satyriasis rather than anything erotic.
I loved the progression of the romance–and for me there was a touch of Dangerous Liaisons at one point, where one of the characters did something really hurtful (even though it was because he considered to be best for both of them.) Sadly, due to the length of the book, this really wasn’t given enough time to develop as much as I would have liked–but it worked pretty well but in this respect it should have been called “Educating Peter� to be honest.
Two of the most memorable characters are a couple that make a brief appearance; two delightful old queens, Foxworthy and Wainwright, who have been living together all their lives, in public view and daring the consequences. I was so pleased to meet these characters because with gay historicals it’s more often the conflict that is the essence of the book–because a book must have conflict–and we forget all too often that some men were lucky enough to live together.
“Ah, to be young and in love.� Foxworthy chuckled. “I don’t envy you the ups and downs, Northrup, not even for the extra passion they engender.�
A little small talk and gossip later, Peter took his leave, noting the tenderness with which Timothy grasped Gilbert’s arm and helped him rise from his chair.
‘You may not envy me, you old codger, but I believe I envy you.�
On the con side � it badly needed a firm Brit Picking. Many non-Brit readers will probably not care, but for those who like their English-set stories to feel English, be warned. Having Stephen’s “ass� pounded just brings up images of donkey mistreatment that I’d rather not have. How can you tell if someone is comparing you to his rear end or his donkey if you don’t differentiate between arse and ass? There are many other Americanisms, such as gotten, whiskey, to name but two and I can’t help it, I get jolted. There were a couple of instances of “bum� too � which always makes me laugh; it’s like someone heard the word on a show and thinks that what English people actually say. Please don’t use this word, unless your knight is asking you if his bum looks big in his armour. (not seriously.)
A few mistakes in the history/details too, “matriculation� doesn’t mean to graduate out of a university, as it’s used here. The foxtrot didn’t exist pre 1914. Little mistakes which again, a harsher editor would have ferreted out.
I would have preferred a more definite sense of time, too. I knew it was probably Victorian (if only from the cover, as the Great Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament was built in 1859) and after the instigation of railways between London and Cambridge � but there was nothing in the story to ground me until Peter’s visit to Foxworthy and Wainwright. That was the first mention of a date, and that was over half way through the book.
But all in all this book is far more than it seems, a little TARDIS of a novel, if you like. Don’t be fooled by what it looks like at first glance. There’s a really nice character-fuelled story here, and characters with real feelings, pride, idiocy � people who make mistakes and say stupid things and regret them. People who hurt each other for good reasons � and for reasons perhaps more selfish.
I’ll certainly be looking out for any future historicals these authors do, that’s for sure.
December 24, 2017
4 Stars
June 15, 2012
About 3.5 stars.
This book reminded me of some of 's works like and some of her other historical regency shorts. These types of books are fun for me to read, even though it's very stressful that any indiscretions in that day and age are not met with bigotry, but rather death. The fact that the men in these books still risk such severe punishments in order to have lifelong happiness makes the stories more intriguing and the romances special.
Lord Peter Northrup is a privileged Earl that uses his wealth and high standing to indulge his every whim - to include pleasures of the flesh. Living a life of decadence and luxury, he is happy with moving from bed to bed to slake his lust. When he meets upon a young university student, Peter is for the first time interested in someone for qualities other than the physical. He is taken by Stephen's intelligence, sweetness, and innocence. After a weekend tryst during which Stephen is clearly besotted, Peter rejects Stephen soundly in order to protect, as he tries to tell himself, Stephen's heart. Better to cut ties quickly than to hope for something that can never be. When he meets Stephen again months later, and finds that in place of the sweet boy who wears his heart on his sleeve, he finds a hardened man who is jaded at the possibility of romance. Ashamed that it was Peter's actions that changed Stephen so much, Peter works to find the young man who gave his heart so freely before.
This was a sweet story and I liked both characters. I also liked the way the story was told from both men's point of view so there was never any guessing about how each man felt about the other. A good read and my first from author Bonnie Dee.
This book reminded me of some of 's works like and some of her other historical regency shorts. These types of books are fun for me to read, even though it's very stressful that any indiscretions in that day and age are not met with bigotry, but rather death. The fact that the men in these books still risk such severe punishments in order to have lifelong happiness makes the stories more intriguing and the romances special.
Lord Peter Northrup is a privileged Earl that uses his wealth and high standing to indulge his every whim - to include pleasures of the flesh. Living a life of decadence and luxury, he is happy with moving from bed to bed to slake his lust. When he meets upon a young university student, Peter is for the first time interested in someone for qualities other than the physical. He is taken by Stephen's intelligence, sweetness, and innocence. After a weekend tryst during which Stephen is clearly besotted, Peter rejects Stephen soundly in order to protect, as he tries to tell himself, Stephen's heart. Better to cut ties quickly than to hope for something that can never be. When he meets Stephen again months later, and finds that in place of the sweet boy who wears his heart on his sleeve, he finds a hardened man who is jaded at the possibility of romance. Ashamed that it was Peter's actions that changed Stephen so much, Peter works to find the young man who gave his heart so freely before.
This was a sweet story and I liked both characters. I also liked the way the story was told from both men's point of view so there was never any guessing about how each man felt about the other. A good read and my first from author Bonnie Dee.
June 3, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This book was picked for me in a pick it for me challenge and I must say that my picker did a really good job with this pick. While visiting a wealthy school friend Stephen wakes to find his bed invaded by a late arriving, drunken houseguest stumbling into the wrong room. At first Lord Peter Northrup is only interested in the young man as a lusty diversion somewhere along the way a romance develops between the two. Stephen realizes that this is his chance to be with another man so he ask Peter to teach him he realized along time ago that he is attracted to men and not women. Lord Peter Northrup is handsome and rich and does what he wants discreetly as being with another man is not acceptable in society and he teaches Stephen these things so they sneak off and have hot sex. This was a pretty good book Stephen is younger than Peter and Peter knows that Stephen has some living to do. When their host Mr. Pratt makes a comment about Stephen Peter sees it has his chance to leave Mr. Pratt knows about Peter's taste he and his wife have erotic parties that Peter attends. Although he is hurt by Peter's leaving Stephen knows that it was for the best but he can't go back to the way he was so he has his fun discreetly. After a quick hook up in a restroom Stephen shows up at Peter's house and they have some pretty hot sex and Stephen leaves before Peter wakes up leaving him hurt. This couple had it's ups and downs with Lord Peter coming to realizes that he wants a long term partner so he visits friends who have been together for awhile and gets some advice. Stephen for his part has to dropout of school when his father gets ill to run a family business that he doesn't want he wants to build bridges not houses, but in the end it all works out. This was a well written book with no errors in grammar or spelling. If you like reading M/M historical reads than I recommend that you read this book.
December 31, 2015
2.5-ish, although one star is solely for the older couple acknowledging infidelity is A Thing and it doesn't have to be The Thing That Destroys Everything.
I read by the same authors and it was a light, fluffy read, with if anything too much research (or too eager a keenness to display it). This seems like a first draft in comparison. There are obvious anachronisms (characters talking about their "sexuality" and "sexual orientation" before such things had ever been given name), abounding Americanisms (bangs, ass, normalcy, acclimate, college instead of university, etc etc). The slang, geographically all over the place in TGATR is, in this book, chronologically all over the place, veering from early 17th-late 19thC, with a smattering of modern expressions thrown in for good measure. The prose is purple, the sex is formulaic, and overall the story felt rushed and ill-researched. Disappointed.
I read by the same authors and it was a light, fluffy read, with if anything too much research (or too eager a keenness to display it). This seems like a first draft in comparison. There are obvious anachronisms (characters talking about their "sexuality" and "sexual orientation" before such things had ever been given name), abounding Americanisms (bangs, ass, normalcy, acclimate, college instead of university, etc etc). The slang, geographically all over the place in TGATR is, in this book, chronologically all over the place, veering from early 17th-late 19thC, with a smattering of modern expressions thrown in for good measure. The prose is purple, the sex is formulaic, and overall the story felt rushed and ill-researched. Disappointed.
November 8, 2013
I certainly didn't love this one, but I enjoyed it. I was really loving the heat between Stephen and Peter in the beginning. Loved Stephen's initial innocence, yet he was still so certain in what he wanted.
I think my biggest problem with this story was that after Peter and Stephen's first weekend affair, there was a near half a year time jump where the characters completely changed. Stephen was now the hard, jaded man, where Peter had turned into a soft, hearted romantic. It was like a whiplash inducing, total personality swap, and the reader doesn't get to "see" why. No, we are expected to believe it without any convincing evidence.
Even though I wanted to like that Stephen was playing hard to get in the second half of the story, by that point, it had lost too much steam and couldn't rejuvenate my interest. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with either character, and honestly, there wasn't much depth or uniqueness to them at all.
Average
I think my biggest problem with this story was that after Peter and Stephen's first weekend affair, there was a near half a year time jump where the characters completely changed. Stephen was now the hard, jaded man, where Peter had turned into a soft, hearted romantic. It was like a whiplash inducing, total personality swap, and the reader doesn't get to "see" why. No, we are expected to believe it without any convincing evidence.
Even though I wanted to like that Stephen was playing hard to get in the second half of the story, by that point, it had lost too much steam and couldn't rejuvenate my interest. Unfortunately, I never fully connected with either character, and honestly, there wasn't much depth or uniqueness to them at all.
Average
January 28, 2014
Well, I didn't see that coming. Usually I quite like these authors but this book did not work for me at all. I never liked either of the characters. I didn't think either of them had particularly developed personalities. I never saw why they were "the one" for each other. Their only connection seemed to be sex. Honestly I got bored of the sex very early on, because the characters did nothing but have sex and I didn't even find it particularly sexy. The age difference between Stephen and Peter wasn't even that large, but Stephen seems so young and virginal (that was pretty much his whole personality right there) and Peter seems so old and bitter (that's also his whole personality) that their age difference didn't work for me, and I found the student-teacher dynamic vaguely creepy. I thought the majority of the book dragged and it never hooked me emotionally.
August 19, 2010
This was a really nice Historical about an older rake and the virginal young man that captures his heart. I liked both Peter and Stephen and was engaged throughout in their romance. The authors did a good job with the different themes in the story, such as age, class, family duty and the bit of angst from Peter's past was also well done. Very nice!
March 5, 2010
I read this one because I read Jenre's review and it was great. I was not disappointed.
December 7, 2012
Quite lovely.
November 7, 2015
A book that managed to hold my interest even though romance was pretty much the only plot.
That means there was some good and interesting writing going on.
That means there was some good and interesting writing going on.
August 25, 2024
Spicyyyyy
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