by
England, 1891
Lindsey Althorp, the only son of a wealthy baronet, has never worked a day in his life. Aubrey Warren was born in a workhouse and hasn’t stopped working since.
When Lindsey wins a textile mill in a game of cards, he falls at first sight for the assistant clerk, Aubrey. Lindsey is certain that Aubrey is the Achilles to his Patroclus, the David to his Jonathan. Yet Aubrey, unaccustomed to affection, refuses to be a kept man—though he isn’t immune to Lindsey’s considerable charm.
Buoyed by Lindsey's optimism and fuelled by Aubrey's industry, the two men strive to overcome the class gulf between them. But a horrific accident reveals a betrayal that threatens to tear them apart forever.
- 2 To Be Read lists
- 1 Read list
Publisher: Independently Published
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 5
Romantic Content: 5
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 18-25
Protagonist 2 Age: 18-25
Tropes: Class Differences, First Time, Hurt / Comfort, Slow Burning Love, True Love
Word Count: 112800
Setting: England
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
COLLAPSEMr Althorp nodded smartly, satisfied. “You’re quite welcome, Aubrey. That is, if I may call you Aubrey?”
Aubrey gave a start at the first utterance of his Christian name. In Mr Althorp’s aristocratic accent, it carried echoes of Aubrey’s fantasies. But a twinge of bitterness followed. Of course Mr Althorp might presume to call him Aubrey. It was Mr Althorp’s right as his employer and social superior. He could call him anything he liked—clerk, boy, you there, and a half-dozen ruder terms—and Aubrey would be obliged to answer.
By the second time Mr Althorp said his name, Aubrey had recovered his composure enough to respond with minimal venom. “As it suits you, sir.”
“Lindsey,” said Mr Althorp.
Aubrey allowed himself a confused frown. “Beg pardon, sir?”
“You must call me Lindsey. That is, if I’m to call you Aubrey. It’s only fair.”
READ MOREIt took a concentrated effort on Aubrey’s part to keep his jaw from dropping open. Words failed him. He could only stare.
Mr Althorp, meanwhile, seemed blissfully unaware he’d said anything out of the ordinary. He maintained his placid smile as Aubrey stared in silence, his mind chugging along like an overworked engine to try and to understand what the deuce was happening. His heart beat faster, his pulse reverberating through the calling card case in his pocket.
“Very well,” said Aubrey. Then he added, “Lindsey.”
Lindsey’s smile broadened into a grin.
Aubrey Warren counts himself lucky to have his clerk position. He works hard to keep as far away from his old life as possible. In a perfect world, he wants to be an engineer, but he would be a fool to walk away from the stability his current work provides. When a new owner takes over the mill, Aubrey finds himself under the gaze of Lindsey Althorp.
Wealthy and captivated, Lindsey cannot help his pursuit of Aubrey. He cares nothing for the man’s sullied past or the differences in their social status. In fact, he is blind to nearly everything save his love for Aubrey. This carelessness leads them both into danger and might end up costing Aubrey his life.
This was such a fun and enjoyable read. Mr. Warren Profession hit all my happy buttons right from the beginning. The historical aspect is very well done and the author does a fantastic job of describing the life of the working class near the turn of the twentieth century. There is never an extensive amount of information dumped on the reader at any one time, but instead the historical aspect of Mr. Warren’s Profession is integrated with an excellent finesse. There is a natural style to the writing that lends itself to a relaxing easiness that I absolutely appreciated.
The main characters are really the driving heart behind this book. Aubrey works a grueling job that provides little pay and has even less room for advancement, but he considers himself fortunate compared to others. His exasperation with Lindsey’s naïveté regarding the real world is credible without feeling excessive. He’s a dedicated man whose devotion to learning matches Lindsey’s own without seeming out of character. Lindsey is a bit of a boob, but a sweet one, and his devotion to Aubrey is absolute. We get just as frustrated with him as Aubrey, but there is no malice in him. He is simply a man who has more money than experience. There is a strong cast of secondary characters, three of whom are empowered women who serve as champions, but do so under the historical realities forced upon them. There is a sinister antagonist who seems comically evil at times, but it is relatively easy to ignore this character’s excessiveness because the others are so strong.
