The Reluctant Husband by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eliot Grayson can write an engaging, emotional roller coaster of a story like no one else. I loved The Replacement Husband and I so love this book as well.

Tom was considered 'the bad guy' in the last book, but is our man after redemption in this story. Writing an unlikeable character into a likeable one is extremely difficult to pull off, yet I fell for Tom without question. He wasn't perfect and he knew it. He wore the persecution of his past like a cloak, finally shedding it in the end.

Mal wanted nothing more than to save his cousin's life, and clung to the belief that marrying Tom would achieve it. When it didn't happen overnight, the tension and panic turned into a wall between them that was difficult to tear down. Tom fought hard, but Mal waivered.

I loved how completely invested I was in the story. I wanted to shake both Tom and Mal and force them into a box to talk it out. I absolutely love caring so much about the outcome. This was so well written and just a lovely, strong story of letting go of the past and finding your happy.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/*

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The Replacement Husband by Eliot Grayson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Eliot Grayson and I will definitely be reading more. I absolutely loved this story.

Set back in the times of bed clothes and fainting spells, Owen Honeyfield takes a fall along the moors and is rescued by Drake brothers Tom and Arthur. After meeting them properly a week later, Owen has his heart set on Tom and Tom asks for his hand, knowing that Arthur, too, has feelings for Owen.

When Tom sends a letter describing his less than ethical situation, Arthur steps in and volunteers to marry Owen, thus keeping gossip at bay. But will Owen ever get over Tom?

I loved the gauzy, vintage sepia feel of this book. I felt like each page had a unique filter and the spectacular writing put me right there in the room with Arthur and Owen and a cup of tea. Both MC's were wonderful. I loved Arthur and his fierce need to protect Owen and his ability to remain steady in the midst of Owen's uncertainty. And that he laughed when Owen threw a pillow at his face.

Owen was described so well and held true to his nature of agonizing over every decision, word and meaning. He made me laugh so many times at his misunderstanding of situations, but he came through in the end and it was worth it to see the change when he came to his important realization.

All in all, this was a simple, fun, quick witted story and I loved all the words. I'd absolutely recommend it.

*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted at http://gaybook.reviews/ *



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