Royal Affair by John Wiltshire

Title: Royal Affair
Series: N/A
Author: John Wiltshire
Genre: Historical
Length: Super Novel (250 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (September 8, 2014)
Heat Level: Low
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts
Blurb: Doctor Nikolai Hartmann represents himself as a learned man of science who believes wholly in the rational and scientific above all else. In reality, he is a man haunted by an unusual past and running from his own nature. While the Reformation transforms much of Europe, it has yet to touch Hesse-Davia; this is a land mired in superstition and cruel punishments for crimes such as witchcraft and sodomy.

While travelling to the dying king’s bedside to offer his medical expertise, Nikolai is set upon by a bandit. Reaching the king’s ancient stronghold, he discovers his mysterious brigand is the beautiful, arrogant Prince Aleksey. Aleksey is everything Nikolai is not: unguarded, passionate and wilful.

Despite their differences, Nikolai feels an irresistible desire for the young royal that keeps him in Aleksey’s thrall.
But Hesse-Davia is a dangerous world for a newly crowned king who wants to reform his country – and for the man who loves him.

ISBN: 978-1-62798-904-6

Product Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=5413

Reviewer: Prime

Review: At first when I started reading this book I was rather concerned. The first 30-40 pages of a 250-page book were just not grabbing my attention. However, as soon as Doctor Nikolai Hartmann meets Prince Alexsey of Hesse-Davia, I quickly became in engrossed in the book. This book isn’t really what I would call a true romance, it seems to me a historical fiction first and a romance second.

Having an interest in history I enjoyed the details – the mention of England, Europe and the Americas. Of course, the author took some historical liberties, but that’s a minor detail. However, one thing that does bother the avid historian within is that only Hesse-Davia was expressed to be a land of brutal punishments when the punishments shown were widely used in Europe and what is presently called the UK. Okay, so the historian within has finished nit picking.

Next, though, because I like details, pinpointing the year this is set did plague me. On the basis that it’s during the reformation (1500-1650), microscopes have at that point been invented (first compound microscope dated to the 1590s) and the 1648 Battle for Prague, we’re well into the latter half of the seventeenth century here.

And surprisingly, now far on the nerdy side, now I’ve worked out that, my mind is at ease.

Nikolai is a fascinating character. He is a man of science and while I wouldn’t say he is haunted by his unusual background, his past has certainly shaped him into the man we are presented him. The subject of his background is a slow reveal, but it more intriguing than it is surprising to me. Nikolai is also sarcastic to the point of hilarity, which leads to some amusing banter between him and Aleksey.

Meanwhile, Prince Aleksey, I actually at first find him annoying and too forceful. He is a general of the proud Hesse-Davia army. But I figure that’s the prerogative of a probably spoiled prince. Also, Aleksey, despite the dangers of doing so with another man, is an ever so charming flirt.

The build up in the relationship between Nikolai and Aleksey is tense (and sometimes not in a good way) and it’s easy to get caught up in the story at this point. The build up is also gradual, which makes for intriguing interactions between the serious Nikolai and the flirty Aleksey. Although I think I do Aleksey an injustice, he can also be very strong, serious and calculating when the occasion calls for it.

I’m going to end with a quick note: John Wiltshire actually stated on a question proposed on the Goodreads website that there would be a sequel to this story, featuring Nikolai and Aleksey. That is great, really looking forward to that! But don’t think that this means that Royal Affair end with a cliffhanger. It doesn’t! In fact, the end is very satisfying and any sequel, hopefully, will be a great, adventure-filled visit of a couple dealing with societies that are completely intolerant to “sodomy”.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *