Title and Link: Speak Its Name, A Trilogy
Authors: Charlie Cochrane, Lee Rowan, Erastes
Publisher URL: http://www.bcpinepress.com
Genre: Historical M/M
Length: Novel
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
This anthology was first published by Linden Bay Romance; it has been re-released in print by Cheyenne Publishing and ebook by Bristlecone Pine Press. You may purchase the ebook through allromanceebooks. Most of the original content has remained intact but the book has been reformatted and re-edited and the text has been revised and converted to the British spelling, which more closely matches the era.
Three stories, six men and for all of them, a love that dare not Speak Its Name.
THE BLURB
Aftermath (1920’s Oxford) by Charlie Cochrane 4.50 stars out of 5
The time: 1920. The place: Oxford University. Since arriving at the college in the autumn, Edward Easterby has admired, and desired, popular and dashing Hugo Lamont from afar, never believing he had a chance for friendship—or more—with the man. Edward uses a chance, unfortunate encounter as a moment for an apology and a tentative conversation. Hugo, wary and guarded from a previous, unsatisfying liaison, slowly lets his defences down and opens his heart to the budding relationship between them. Poetic and beautifully written,
Aftermath will stay with you long after Edward’s and Hugo?s picnic basket has been packed away.
THE REVIEW
This story underwent the most changes in the book and shows a degree of maturity on the part of the author from the time it was first published by Linden Bay Romance over a year ago. At that time I had never read any books by Charlie Cochrane who was new to me. Now Charlie is one of my favourite historical M/M writers.
Initially the progress of the love affair was extremely slow. Edward is a very shy young man who is miserable in his first year at university and he would do anything to switch places with the popular Hugo who seemed to tower above him. Their first meeting is disastrous and does not augur well for any future friendship, let alone an intimate relationship.
This is a tender love story which is character driven rather than depending on any complex plot points. Aftermath is about two young men just finding their way in an unusual (for them) relationship, uncertain about their feelings for someone of the same sex and concerned about how any expression of these feelings could impact their future. Their main worry was not to be seen together at the university in a compromising situation because any suspicion about their relationship could have serious consequences.
There is quite a bit of angst as they seem to go over the same ground amidst the tea and crumpets and a bit of cricket but they eventually figure out that “To thine own self be true” is more than just a platitude. There wasn’t much sex in this tale but I found it quite entertaining because sometimes the sex is superfluous.
THE BLURB
Gentleman’s Gentleman (Victorian) by Lee Rowan 5 stars out of 5
Lord Robert Scoville seemingly has it all: good looks, intelligence, a successful military career, a title, and the most devoted manservant anyone could ask for in the form of Jack Darling. Jack would give his life for his lord and master but dares not breathe a word of the love he feels for the man, lest his advances be rejected. Then, a clandestine assignment, a train journey, and a double-crossing opens both their eyes to what exists between them. Against a backdrop of the Alps and Vienna, this intriguing story combines a satisfying blend of clever mystery along with the romance of a newly-discovered, mature love.
THE REVIEW
This is such a beautifully told story. The level of detail in the background was so well done I felt that I lived it. The intrigue and espionage in the plot and pace of the action built up my anticipation for what would surely come next.
The main difference between a contemporary and historical story is, I believe, the ability of the historical writer to immerse the reader in a world that is purely imaginary but described in such loving detail that you feel you’re actually living in the period and Lee Rowan does this very successfully in Gentleman’s Gentleman. The characterizations are exactly right, from Jack and his Robert to the smaller role played by Captain Cecil McDonald; they were all well drawn for such a short story. The dialogue was so full of euphemisms that I laughed out loud on occasion – very upper class English society.
What I also love about this story is the leisurely pace of the affair between Robert Scoville and his batman/aide-de-camp, Jack Darling. Imagine living together for 10 years in close quarters with no moves by either one to test the waters! But when the ‘reveal’ occurs and the relationship changes, it evolves quickly. The hint of espionage and criminal wrongdoings add spice to the story and help to throw Jack and Robert together. I really felt the emotion that Lee Rowan was trying to convey in the scene in the bath when Robert tenderly caresses Jack’s face and Jack in turn touches his hand. As the latent lust between them flowers into love it was beautiful to see the shift in their relationship to lovers in every sense of the word.
THE BLURB
Hard and Fast (Regency) by Erastes 5 stars out of 5
Major Geoffrey Chaloner is back from the war, possessed of all his limbs but not a wife, a situation his father is determined to change. Demure but painfully shy Emily Pelham is presented as the potential bride-to-be. While Geoffrey finds her pleasant, he discovers he is far more intrigued with her moody and baffling cousin, Adam Heyward. In the midst of a proper courtship complete with hovering chaperones and parents, Adam manages to awaken feelings and emotions in Geoffrey that he never knew he possessed. Marked by Erastes’ signature writing style, this lyrical novella is laced with humor, magnificent descriptions, and a bit of a twist that leaves the reader satisfied but still wanting more
THE REVIEW
Major Geoffrey Chaloner, recently returned from the Napoleonic war is the impoverished third son of a wealthy father who wants to improve his own social status by marrying Geoffrey off to a young lady, The Honourable Emily Pelham, who is from a very noble family that could use a bit of cash. However, standing in the way of this very suitable match is the fact that the potential groom is not the slightest bit interested in marriage and is much more attracted to Emily’s male cousin, Adam Heyward. From the very beginning neither relationship proceeds according to plan. Geoffrey has no idea why he has these feelings for Adam who does his best to thwart the wedding by withholding his consent.
Hard and Fast is told in the first person and the author does an excellent job of recounting the tale in Geoffrey’s voice who is quite naïve in matters of the heart, having had only two encounters with the opposite sex, neither of which had been satisfactory. He has no idea how to act with Adam – as he says, “I have never been taught what I should do if I fell in love with someone of a sex that was not, as I expected it would be, opposite to my own.”
Geoffrey struggles with his feelings for Adam who is physically the weaker of the two, partially crippled by a club foot, but who is the stronger one in the relationship and is more experienced in the ways of the world and lust. Adam makes life extremely difficult for Geoffrey by questioning his motives for wanting to marry his cousin. Let’s just say that the two men are driven by an emotion neither has felt before and they become more and more involved with no way out until a solution is provided from a completely unexpected source.
I was entranced by the passion between Geoffrey and Adam and the shifts in power between them as their very short dalliance progressed. I thought that this was by far the most sensuous of the three novellas and Erastes certainly knows how to keep the reader’s interest at peak level throughout the story. I was totally engaged until the very last page.
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SPEAK ITS NAME: A Trilogy is a wonderful anthology and it covers three different historical periods; this adds to the appeal of the stories which were very different, but in a way they complement each other. In my opinion this book is a credit to its genre and I highly recommend it as one that readers would definitely want to have on their bookshelves and will read again and again. It’s sexy and complex and is guaranteed to warm your heart.
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Erastes sent me the link to this and I wanted to thank you for such a nice review.
So glad you enjoyed our book.
Nice! I’ve been waiting for reviews of this anthology before I bought it. Erastes has one from Alex Beecroft on his site, but its not the same as a reviews from your peers, you know?
. I’m glad it was good. I love Lee Rowan’s books Ransom and Winds of Change to death so I’m not surprised her story in this book is excellent as well. She has such attention to detail and her writing is beautiful and flows so naturally it seems effortless. I’ve never read Erastes, but Standish is rated 5 stars on Amazon. And Charlie Cochrane’s story sounds solid, too. So I’ll buy this book next time I place an order. Now I just need to decide if I wait for the print or buy the darn e-book. How long is it as an e-book?
Thanks for the review!
Hi Charlie
I really loved the stories in SiN and as I said in the review, what I loved best was that the book covered 3 historical periods. I still can’t believe that this is your first published story. Great job!!
I’m not a fan of anthologies because most times there’s only 1 or maybe 2 terrific stories but this time it was 3 for 3.
Hi Mary
I did love the book. All the stories, while different, were true to the periods. I have only recently begun reading historicals and I must admit I’m becoming quite a fan. Of course all the “fumbling below stairs” really gets me going LOL The ebook in Microsoft Reader which is the format I buy most frequently is 265 pages in the medium large print which would make it about 200 pages in Adobe!
I’m planning to buy Lee Rowan’s Ransom in a couple of weeks so look for my review around the middle of July- I’ve busted my book budget for this month. I’m hoping that Standish is available in ebook format – I’ve almost run out of space for print books – I’m looking to buy yet another bookshelf
I was very fortunate to be in such good company. I suspect if my story hadn’t been up to scratch Erastes and lee would have gently nudged me in the right direction.
Hi Charlie
Good company indeed! Please email me when next you have a new book coming out. My email addy is on the blog
Will do. (I’ve one coming out in November – an historical m/m mystery/romance.)
Thanks!
Hi Charlie
Shades of Josh Lanyon {although his 1940s Snowball in Hall is not exactly historical
} but Josh does write damn fine mysteries! When it’s ready for release send me the 411.
Hi! I’m very glad you liked this–I think Jack and His Lordship may have another story or two in ‘em.
Charlie has been writing top-notch fanfic for a few years now, and if you liked Aftermath, just wait for the Cambridge Fellows. Those have the same combination of sympathetic, intelligent characters and deep emotional currents, plus genuine whodunnits–I only guessed right once in the first four stories.
The print book should be out within a month, depending on the queue at the printer.
I’m glad you liked Speak–it’s Linden Bay’s first multi-author trilogy and if this one does well there may be others. It may sound sappy, but I really am honored to be in a collection with Charlie and Erastes.
Hi Lee
Thanks for dropping by.
I’ll keep my eye out for their next adventures. I have so much to catch up on in the area of historical M/M romances – I have been reading mainly contemporary M/M and paranormal books and historicals are recent reading material for me.
Did you say that Jack and His Lordship may have another story or two left in them? I’m sure you could tell I really loved these two characters
I have placed Ransom and Trilogy No.109: Sail Away on my list to buy very soon and I’m looking forward to the Cambridge Fellows.
Given that SiN is #1 on Linden Bay I think they’re smiling all the way to the bank LOL. I’m sure that Erastes and Charlie feel just as honoured to be in a collection with you.
Yes, the Gent’s Gent guys have settled into my subconscious & set up housekeeping. But my current project is the next book in the Ransom series, so I’m not sure when the Victorians will be out again.
I had better accelerate my reading since your next book will be the follow-up to Ransom; I don’t want to get too far behind
I’ll watch for the release date on your web site.
A new book in the Ransom series??? *cheers and dances around* I am so there! I loooooove Will and Davy. So honest in their feelings, so touching. Their love is pure and unselfish. The unforgiving era they live in makes it all the more poignant.
Which remains me, I really need to read Beecroft’s Captain Surrender. AND the Raised by Wolves books.
Wave, I don’t think Standish is available on e-book, unfortunately. It’s available on Amazon for a reasonable price though.
And I’ll check out the new Charlie Cochrane story in the fall, too.
*Sigh* I so need more hours in a day to read all I want to!
Hi Mary
I have to play catch up to you re the Ransom books but I know I’ll never really catch up on all the wonderful books I have on my list.
Too bad about Standish not being available in e-book format – I’m concerned more about the lack of space on my bookshelf than anything else. I believe I mentioned that I had to order another one just for my current books that have no home LOL
I think you will love Captain’s Surrender – I hope the violence in the book doesn’t turn you off but I think the background was true for the times.
Captain’s Surrender is just a reflection of the time it was set in. It’s a good book.
Mary
If you find some extra hours in the day, could you tell me how to get some?
Charlie
Wave, I’m not too worried about the violence in Captain’s Surrender. Usually it’s not gratuitous in historical novels. Charlie said it much better than I could have when she said it’s a reflection of the time the story is set in (thanks, Charlie
)
And I promise I’ll share the secret of the spare hours if I ever find it. I hope I do. I could make billions with that. When you say time is money… Lol.
Charlie
You have to write faster or really find the secret of how to squeeze more time out of your day. We can’t wait for your new book
I’m writing as fast as I can!
Actually the book is ready and going through the edit process. And the next five in the series (I bet you wish you hadn’t asked…) are in various satges of being transformed from self indulgence to somthing-other-people-might-want-to-read.
PS Am trying to nudge Lee into writing more about Scoville and Darling….
Damn, did you say the next five in the series? There’s only so much reading one person can do. Luckily I can read faster than you can write
Just please, please don’t have any of your “guys” end up with women – I love women, I’m one myself, but when I read M/M books I want them to remain pure LOL. Seriously, I stopped reading a vampire series by Jamie Craig that I loved because the writers turned an M/M series into a menage and I just couldn’t hack it!
Please email me when the new book is available – even better, send me an ARC and I’ll review it in time for the release.
Do give Lee a HUGE nudge about another book on Jack and Robert soon.
I’ll take you up on that offer of a review – thanks! (And those six books will be over a period of a couple of years, I promise.)
Be assured that I will keep my ‘lads’ purely m/m. There are women in my stories, but they’re big enough and canny enough to get their own boyfriends/husbands/whatever.
I’ll keep nudging.
Charlie
Hi Charlie
1. I’m looking forward to reviewing your next book – glad to hear that you’re going to space the series out, whew!
2.I’m so happy that your “lads” will only romance their own kind
3. Thanks for promising to nudge Lee
I can’t wait to get this one. Especially for the Erastes story, as I’m a sucker for Regency romances right now.
Good morning JFM,
The ebook is up for sale at All Romance: http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-speakitsname-184679-145.html
It also has a link to the print version. Enjoy! I love these stories. They are all wonderful.
*
L
JFM
Whether or not you like historical books I believe that if you buy Speak Its Name you will want to read it over and over again. I think I love it so much because the characters and the stories are set in such different periods – they are all beautifully written.
Hi Leslie
I don’t visit Allromanceebooks much so I only checked the links at bcpine press and cheyenne. I’ll add this link later today. Thanks.
I must get this one. I’m such a fan of these authors. Thanks for the reminder, Wave.
[...] 2. Lee Rowan’s Lord Robert Scoville and Jack Darling in Gentleman’s Gentleman. [...]