Genre: Regency, Fantasy, Alt-History, Romance
LGBTQ+ Category: Demi, Gay
Reviewer: Rari
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About The Book
The Honorable Edmund Rookwood needs to get married. By Midwinter. Or his father will disinherit him.
Edmund has always tried to be a loyal son and dutiful heir — unlike his scandalous younger brother. But his father’s ultimatum seems impossible. Edmund has never fallen in love easily, and — according to his father — he’s a disappointment, inadequate, never good enough. Who would ever say yes to him?
Sebastian Melior, the Duke of Morinbrough, mathematician and inventor and Edmund’s best friend, offers to help. After all, Sebastian’s also unmarried, and they’ve known each other for years. So Sebastian’s proposal is a logical solution …
But this Midwinter marriage of convenience stirs up unexpected emotions. And Edmund and Sebastian just might discover they’ve been each other’s answers all along.
The Review
I started this as soon as I finished Midwinter Firelight, and this was even more of a rollercoaster where emotions are concerned. It’s connected to the earlier one, but I found out there is another book between these two which I missed, so I need to read that one ASAP!
This story deals with Edmund Rookwood, the son of a Viscount, who is also the elder brother of Sam, who we met in Midwinter Firelight. Edmund is given an ultimatum by his dying father: he has to get married by Midwinter, in 7 days, or he stands the risk of being disinherited.
Edmund has always been the proper one, the one who adhered to rules, who studied hard, worked hard and selflessly for his estates and the people, the obedient son. Unlike Sam who left home and chose a career which is frowned upon by the ton. To be disinherited would be worse than death. But he’s also into men and very demisexual, so he can’t marry a stranger within the timeframe his father has stipulated.
Enter Sebastian, Edmund’s best friend from childhood, a Duke who is also a mathematical genius. Sebastian suggests they marry each other to solve Edmund’s problem.
Let me say that I was prepared to dislike Edmund at the start. I liked Sam, and Edmund is strongly disapproving of his brother and his choices. But over the course of the book, I changed my mind. Gods, I love Edmund so much that if so much as a hair is hurt on his head, I will burn down the world. I also loved Edmund and Sebastian’s chemistry, and how they became friends through mathematical arguments when they were children.
Edmund is a genius no less than Sebastian, but his has been muted by his father’s constant recriminations and abuse, both physical and emotional. He has been gaslit into thinking he’s not good enough, and struggles with seeing his own worth. He is at his element, free to be himself only when he’s with Sebastian, but even then it takes desperation for him to ask Sebastian for help with what he sees as a personal issue.
For those needing warnings, the story includes some domestic abuse, especially that of children. It’s not described as such, but it’s mentioned and is very much present. Also gaslighting, verbal abuse and whatnot. That there is no reconciliation between Edmund and his abusive father is something I liked about this book. The abusive father is left alone, as he deserves to be.
This one made me cry, like full on ugly cry, with all the emotions it inspired. Edmund is one of the most relatable characters in the series for me, and I just want to wrap him up and keep him safe from the rest of the world. Except Sebastian. Maybe.
Some of the characters from the previous book make their appearances here as well, and I loved the way it all tied together in the end.
Highly recommended for those who like romantic fantasy, fantasy romance, historical fantasy and historical romance, and all things queer. Angst with happy endings.
The Reviewer
Rari is an author and editor writing under the name of Niranjan K. She is an avid reader of all things fantasy, and loves to discourse at length about her favourite books as well as shows. This blog is the space where she will be sharing her views and insights of the books, shows and movies that she likes.