I loved this audiobook from author Victoria Sue with narrator Joel Leslie. Ms. Sue has shown herself to be a versatile writer of M/M romance. Her previous audiobook was a paranormal, shifter foray. The events of this ebook/audiobook start in the gritty dark side of London where innocents, many orphaned, poor, and/or homeless are kidnapped or otherwise forced into a black market where they are auctioned off to satisfy men’s darker sexual desires. At a time when sodomy is a crime punishable by disgrace or even death, Deacon goes to one of these auctions in an attempt to save his cousin from an unexpected raid by authorities. When he sees a boy being abused and about to be sold, he steps forward to rescue the boy and then sends him away to his country estate to live. When they meet again later, attraction sparks in spite of the differences in their financial and social standing. However, true love will not be denied. Deacon struggles with his feelings for Tom in light of expectations regarding marriage and producing an heir. There is a kidnap and plenty of angst as the lovers try to figure out their futures, while striving to protect each other from the judgement of society. The resolution is a little too easy, perhaps, but only a miracle or unlikely series of events could bring them together. Overall, I loved it, and this is one book I will listen to again, even through the dark parts which are hard to bear. The love and devotion that shine through are more than worth the sadness.
As always, Mr. Leslie does a fantastic job voicing the characters and evoking the strong emotions portrayed in Ms. Sue’s book.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator.