#merry farmer

[free-queer-books]

Just a Little Wickedness and Just a Little Temptation by Merry Farmer

The first two books in the Brotherhood series by Merry Farmer are free on Smashwords! I don't know how long they will be free.

Just a Little Wickedness (Book 1)

Just a Little Temptation (Book 2)

This series of M/M romances is connected by the Brotherhood, an underground group dedicated to helping the gay community in Victorian London.

Covers and summaries for both books are below the read-more.

A nobleman caught between his duty to his family and the man he's always dreamed of… Lord Alistair Bevan, Viscount Farnham, has the weight of the world on his shoulders. With his father's health ailing, the time has come for him to find a wife, produce an heir, and do his duty. But Alistair knows a traditional life is not for him, especially when a chance meeting with valet Joseph Logan turns his world upside down. A servant who falls for a lord when the stakes couldn't be higher… Joe Logan came to London in search of his missing sister, Lily. But months have passed, and not only is Lily still lost, more children have disappeared as well. The trail of the missing children might be growing cold, but things are just starting to heat up between Joe and Alistair. When both Alistair and Joe seek out the help of The Brotherhood—an underground organization dedicated to helping the gay community—they are drawn into a much deeper investigation of children who have gone missing all over London. When it begins to look like people very close to Alistair's family are involved, Alistair finally has a chance to make his father proud. But will the wild and wicked love blossoming between Alistair and Joe help them find Lily, or will their affair be exposed and destroy both of them? A heartfelt and romantic Gay Historical Romance where opposites attract. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance, so if that's not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.

As the owner of an orphanage in a poor neighborhood of London, Stephen Siddel has the weight of the world, not to mention the care of tender souls, on his shoulders. He is a devoted single father to dozens of children and an upstanding member of the community, in spite of his rivalry with the local nuns. But his heart and his reputation are overwhelmed by temptation the moment Max walks through the orphanage's doors. As a younger son from a grand family, no one expects much from Lord Maxwell Hillsboro, but he is determined to make a difference in the world, starting by patronizing a certain orphanage members of The Brotherhood have told him is in need of help. His heart is instantly engaged in the causes and concerns of the orphans, or rather its dashing and seductive owner, Stephen. Max feels he's found his calling, even though his involvement could put both him and Stephen in danger. But when some of the children from Stephen's orphanage and the rival Catholic orphanage go missing, Stephen and Max must band together with the imperious Sister Constance to find them. What they discover is a much bigger kidnapping ring that requires them to join forces with David Wirth and Lionel Mercer of the law offices of Dandie & Wirth. Can they rescue the children in time, or is something much more sinister going on? And will the passion growing between Stephen and Max ruin them all? PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy! And yes, this is an m/m romance, so if that's not your thing, feel free to pass on this one.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Rogue of My Heart

Six historical novellas to give you a taste of authors you may love or have yet to read ~ Am halfway through and posting as today is release day. I will write reviews for the other half as I read them.

TEMPTING THE SCOUNDREL by Tracy Sumner was a delight the first time I read it and just as wonderful when revisited last night. I loved this story of a young man who sees “the one” but leaves to apprentice to a watchmaker only to serendipitously find “the one” ten years later while repairing clocks for a titled gentleman. Love this author and loved revisiting this story.

LOVING MY WICKED ROGUE by Dawn Brower introduced me to a new author that had me scratching my head. This was a bit unbelievable and had me wondering how a young woman of the ton could so easily allow herself to be kissed (and more) without even knowing the man she was with. I did finish it but have to say that the main characters seemed mismatched but am glad they ended up with a HEA.

A LADY:S GUIDE TO MARRIAGE by Tabetha Waite was about mature love between a married couple given a second chance to rekindle their marriage. This had to do with lack of communication, miscommunication, assumptions rather than discussions and though it came out okay in the end…wanted to shake the husband and wife and wondered how they let those five years apart happen

Still to be read:

* A Marriage Most Convenient by Tonyn Frzhsty

* I Kissed an Early by Merry Farmer

* Passion’s Lasting Promise by Amanda Mariel

Thank you to the authors and BookSirens for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

BLURB

This winter rediscover the worlds of 6 passion filled historical romances. These alluring stories are full of indulgences and scandalous liaisons that will keep you enthralled. Embrace the magic of these tales of forbidden desire and seemingly unattainable love. Tempting the Scoundrel by Tracy Sumner Loving My Wicked Rogue by Dawn Brower A Marriage Most Convenient by Robyn Dehart I Kissed an Earl by Merry Farmer Passion's Lasting Promise by Amanda Mariel A Lady's Guide to Marriage by Tabetha Waite

641 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 13, 2024

[isthisstorysafe]

Merry Farmer:

The Sons of the Cities series (1). M-M. Fantasy. Wolves = gay men living in the forest; pups = the boys, including the 'sons of the cities', they use for sex. Feels like a sequel to a previous series (maybe the 'Peter' books mentioned below). BDSM. One lead is a murderer. Not worth reading without the prequels: too tangled already & not engaging enough on its own to be worth navigating it all.

CW: ('legal'?) sexual child slavery; betrayal by a parent; lead under 18; penal slavery; historic execution; historic gang rape; conflict between siblings.

The Brotherhood Legacy series. M-M. Modern. UK-set, although almost certainly not written by a Brit. Possibly a spin-off from a Regency series. Acknowledges bi & pan. Odd implication that a bi man needs to kiss differently for men. Indirectly acknowledges the digestive system. Acknowledges sex doesn't have to be pia/piv but does suggest it's ideal. Some schmaltz. Doesn't seem to understand just how rich a billionaire is. Older & richer man chooses to bottom first, although in one case that's heavily influenced by physical limitations. "...stout and yet still attractive…" Odd implication that a top never gives oral sex. Needs a proofreader ("shoe-in"). Some overly enthusiastic attempts at metaphors: "his words as soft and incandescent as the dawn mist across the Pennines." One couple don't seem to use condoms nor discuss safe sex. Tries.

CW: divorce; hitting on wait staff when they're working; assumptions about gender for some careers; power imbalance; class issues; kissing without consent; custody issues; lost child; pornographic images of children (not even slightly described); cyber crimes; wealth & power cutting corners; public proposal; crash; life-changing injury; not getting a promotion; swearing at medical staff; needing highly personal care; paralysis; anti-fraternisation policies; choice between career and relationship; moving someone in a wheelchair without their consent; erectile dysfunction; using someone's physical immobility to carry them to places against their will.

Also writes a male menage series ('Peter' books) & both M-M & M-F Regency series as well as others.

Also writes as M. M. Farmer, including the a/o Bangers and Mash series, & as Em Farmer.

[cathygeha]

REVIEW

Games Lovers Play by Merry Farmer

After the War #3

 War changes men. Sometimes the change is due to physical injury and other times it is due to emotional trauma. Redmond Wodehouse has a severe case of PTSD laced with nightmares and heavy guilt related to an accident that occurred while he was on watch. He is a bit all over the place, manic, depressed, hyper, aggressive and most of it is done to avoid thinking about what happened on the ship. Whether or not he will overcome the guilt and be able to move on, find love with his friend and lover, and be happy is what this book is about…and about his shipmates, his brother, and some others that all seem interested in male lovers rather than female ones.

 In some ways this had a fairytale feel to it due to the men having found a safe place to fall in love and reside as their choices of romantic partners would have been dangerous in England back then. I wonder if all of the couples will opt to live together in a community or move on. Coming into book three of the series was fine as the story stood alone.

 I found Red a bit annoying and woe-is-me-ish and had trouble seeing him as the strong vibrant trickster that was alluded to prior to his PTSD and guilt. I liked Luc but didn’t feel I got to know him well. I would have liked to see the two of them discussing their interactions in the past and been able to see what thir connection was based on besides the physical.

 The story was easy to read and dealt with issues that would have been real in that post-war era. I didn’t connect with Luc and Red as well as I would have liked to but did see a few other characters I might like to know more about.

 Did I enjoy this book? It was okay

Would I read more in this series? I might

 Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

 3-4 Stars  

       BLURB

 Lord Redmund Wodehouse is the only one of his peers who is glad to be rid of the sea, the navy, and the horrible memories that won’t let him have a moment’s peace. He hopes retreating to his family’s country escape for a summer of games and merriment will drown out the crushing guilt he suffers because of a shipboard accident several months before. And he’s especially looking forward to the arrival of his friend, rival, and occasional, casual lover, Lucas to take his mind off his troubles. Lucas Salterford accepted Redmund’s invitation to spend the summer on a remote estate with a bunch of toffs for one reason and one reason only—he has been hopelessly in love with Red for years. Luc sees the extended house party as his last chance to capture Red’s heart and prove that he is more than just a friend and a distraction. But Red seems determined to keep their relationship only skin deep, no matter how hard Luc tries to help him deal with what happened aboard ship. And when Luc ends up grievously injured after a game gone wrong, every horrible thing that Red believes about himself seems to be proved true. But Luc isn’t willing to give up hope. Can he help Red find redemption and the love he deserves before Red’s demons get the best of him or will Luc’s lingering injury be a constant reminder of all the ways Red has failed? PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - Smokin' hot! This includes explicit scenes between male lovers, so if that isn't what you want to read, please feel free to pass on this book.

[whimsicaldragonette]

ARC Review: Between His Lover and the Deep Blue Sea by Merry Farmer

Preorder

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sailing Master Septimus Bolton has spent his entire life at sea…in more ways than one. Now that his ship has been decommissioned at the end of the Napoleonic Wars, he has nothing to do but accept the invitation of one of his fellow naval officers to convalesce for the summer at a remote country estate in Yorkshire. Septimus would do anything to get back to sea… …until a pair of blue eyes and a mischievous smile tempt him to forget everything, including discretion. Adam Seymour has had to fight for everything he has, from the scholarship that allowed him to attend university to the right to be himself. Now, as tutor to the Duke of Malton’s precocious children, he has a comfortable life in a grand country estate far away from ridicule. His goal of starting a school for underprivileged children once his noble charges outgrow his tutelage seems well within reach… …until temptation arrives at Wodehouse Abbey in the form of handsome, older, irresistible Septimus. It doesn’t matter how hard Septimus fights his feelings for Adam, the two men can’t seem to stay away from each other. But when Septimus is offered the chance of a lifetime in the form of the ship he’s always wanted to command, he will have to choose between the possibility of lifelong love and the dream that is finally within his reach. PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - Smokin' hot! This includes explicit scenes between male lovers, so if that isn't what you want to read, please feel free to pass on this book.

My Review:

★★★

I considered dnfing this one but pushed through because the story was good. I did skim a lot of the second half though.

I like the characters, though Adam was a bit too impulsive and young-seeming. My favorite moments were when Septimus and Adam were being teased by Septimus' friends -- and especially the absolutely ridiculous game they invented to drive Septimus and Adam together. I also really enjoyed the scenes with the children and the barge chase.

My biggest problem with it was the writing. It was too convoluted and tangled and I desperately wanted to take a red pen and slash through it as if I were slashing through brambles. The dialogue especially was overwrought and too formal and really unrealistic.

Under the writing, though, is a good story that makes for an enjoyable light read.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing an e-arc for review.

[necesreviews]

The Duke of Paris Book Review

I love me some Merry Farmer. I usually, actually always (if its not Merry), actively avoid anything to do with the American West. Unless it is a Native American book, I will not read it. I stumbled across Merry’s mail order bride series and absolutely loved them. This might be because they are all novella length, but she is also a good writer. Since I loved that series so much, I decided to read her new Tales from the Grand Tour series. This was the first from that series and I am honestly on the fence about it. With the mail order brides, the thought that they would be married almost instantly made sense. However, in this series, two strangers meeting, sleeping together and nearly proposing on the first day they met is ridiculous! It was completely unbelievable that this woman would give up her virginity to a complete stranger she just met and act like everything is fine and not expect anything in return from him. She is also poor and of low station and he is a duke! Also, the fact that the duke was in love with her and proposing marriage after a couple of days is just down right preposterous!!!! Anyway, besides all of this the side plot of the blackmailing gossip rag was fun. I also like how they tied in Solange’s story to this one to set up her upcoming book. All in all, this was not the best start to Merry’s new series and I hope the next few books are better.

Rating: 2.5/5

[honeybeeshepherd]

Guys, I think I might have hit the mother load? This is The Silver Foxes of Westminster series by Merry Farmer. They all appear to be May/December or age gap romances (I can only confirm the ages of the hero and heroine in the first one, December Heart as being 50 and 27) where the heroines aren’t 18 and it sounds like they are all approaching or have reached spinsterhood. The series also features six novellas (so far, I don’t know if there will be more) with working class couples (and at least one person of colour), though I can’t tell whether they are also May/Decembers and judging from the covers they don’t appear to be.

But, hello, silver fox heroes!!!

Anyway I’m gonna tag a few people who I think might be interested @w1tchmom @songofproserpine @hackett-out and also @mariaslozak because they’re late Victorian romances (the first one begins in 1879).