Title: Keeper’s Pledge
Series: Midwinter Manor, 02
Author: J.L. Merrow
Genre: Historical (1926), England
Length: Novella (116pgs)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (30th January 2013)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: Landowner Philip Luccombe has been enjoying a passionate relationship with young poacher turned gamekeeper Danny Costessey for four years now. Danny’s love has brought him out of the shell he retreated into when his first lover died after the Great War. But this Christmas, visitors to the manor threaten their happiness. Philip’s young cousin Matthew is artistic, vivacious, and flirtatious: just the sort to remind him of his long-dead first love—and to emphasize the social gulf between Philip and Danny.
But the worst danger comes from much nearer home. An old flame of Danny’s is discovered in incriminating circumstances, forcing the lovers to keep their distance for fear of being tarred with the same brush. Meanwhile, Danny’s younger brother, Toby, has grown to resent the connection between his brother and the lord of the manor. Danny wants to do the right thing—but that could divide the lovers forever.
Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3544
Review: This story is part of a series and best read in order. Philip has enjoyed four years in his relationship with Danny, snatched moments and stolen nights might be all that they can have, but they make the best of it. When Danny hears that there are rumors about the two of them, he knows they have to lay low, but with Philip’s family visiting and then his own brother, Toby, causing problems it just might be all too much to handle.
This story is set four years after Danny and Philip first get together and they have been enjoying a passionate relationship throughout that time, but rumors are heard in the village and Philip’s family are coming to visit so they decide to lay low, but Toby has managed to cause his own problems which Danny has to sort out and Danny is suspicious of Matthew’s (Philip’s cousin) hovering around Philip. There are misunderstandings and crossed wires, trying to do the right thing and heartache for both Danny and Philip, but there is also some wonderful making up.
J.L. Merrow has written another wonderful historical that continues the love story of Danny and Philip, these two men are wonderful, they might have crossed wires, but their love holds strong even when they think their hearts are being ripped out. The settings in this book are good with rich descriptions and the storyline fits brilliantly with the timeline. Danny and Philip’s relationship woes are touching, never being able to cross the social class, and having to hide what they mean to each other from everyone else, Danny fearing that Philip would be better off with someone of his own class and Philip fearing that Danny wants his own family. This is a wonderful story where you can feel the fears, hopes and dreams of two men in love in a time when just being male wasn’t their only obstacle.
I recommend this story to those who love difficult relationships, historicals, hot sex, great characters, a brilliant storyline, and a very happy ending.