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THE HIGHWAYMAN -
Emily Veinglory
La Grande Mort
Outlaw! Line
Cobblestone Press - www.cobblestone-press.com
ISBN: 1-60088-046-0
September 2006
Erotic Historical Romance - Short Story
Rating: Wanton
England - 1650s, under Cromwell's rule
Reynard Martin was not born a criminal, but a Peer of the Realm.
Unfortunately, with his parents dead, the estate bankrupt and the
title stripped, Rey has little choice but to become a highwayman.
He knows it's wrong, but it is all he can do to earn the funds he
needs to keep the crumbling manor house from falling down 'round his
ears, and to keep his little sister, Emilia, in silks and satin. If
he could find Emilia a rich husband, he would have only himself to
care for and could perhaps give up his criminal ways.
Rey is out laying in wait for a likely target to pass when a
splendid coach approaches the lane. On horseback, Rey leaps out and
demands that the driver stop. When the passenger exits the vehicle,
Rey sees that he is a well-heeled roundhead, one of Cromwell's
followers. The roundhead shows no fear, and Rey begins to fear he
may actually have to use the pistol he's carrying. But the man
tosses a bag of coins in the street, enters his carriage and orders
his driver to carry on. Rey is suspicious and waits until the coach
disappears before grabbing the bag of coins, which contains a
surprising amount of money. Thankful for the windfall, Rey
nevertheless wishes he could find another way to earn enough money
to support his sister and the manor.
The following day, Rey is shocked when his victim from the night
before approaches him as he's chopping wood and introduces himself
as Rey's new neighbor, Master Geoffrey Larkin. Geoffrey is
insistent that Rey join him for supper. It becomes apparent that
Geoffrey has more in mind than dinner when he makes advances toward
Rey and ultimately engages him in a bout of raw intimacy. Rey is
appalled and strangely drawn to Geoffrey, but he hasn't time for
these kinds of games. His sister Emilia is on her way home and she
is bringing her betrothed. Now if only Rey could concentrate on
coming up with his sister's dowry instead of the passion inspired by
his new neighbor.
Will Rey succumb to Geoffrey's relentless seduction? What motivates
Geoffrey to pursue Rey with such zeal? For answers to these
questions, you must read THE HIGHWAYMAN to find out.
In THE HIGHWAYMAN, the author has created a cast of characters who
are three dimensional and fascinating, as well as a compelling
plot. While it may seem I've told you quite a bit in the synopsis,
I've barely scratched the surface of the tale.
Rey is a young man with much responsibility and few assets. He has
never considered taking a man as a lover, but Geoffrey's
overpowering personality and sensuality get the best of him.
Geoffrey's character is deep. What he appears to be on the surface
is most definitely not all there is to the man and I alternately
liked him and loathed him. Secondary characters, while adding
interest to the story, are not the focus. This is definitely a
romance between Geoffrey and Reynard first and foremost.
The author's skill in weaving an intricate plot around equally
complex characters is remarkable. In addition to the sexual
escapades that only add to the enjoyment of the book, there is
plenty of meat to the plot. My only complaint -- I wish it had been
longer. <g> But even at only eighty-eight pages THE HIGHWAYMAN
reads like a much longer novel. One of the better gay romances I've
read, I recommend THE HIGHWAYMAN. It has all the elements needed
for a fabulous romance and deserves RRT Erotic’s La Grande Mort
award.
Isabelle Spencer |
