Where the setting for Regency romances doesn’t really vary, the characters are what adds life to the stories. Well, for me anyway; I am no historian and will not judge the historical accuracy of the background beyond the fact that it sounded real to me. The descriptions of the details added great flavor to what this was really about: the confrontation between two men who each think they have it right. Unfortunately their opinions are at opposite ends of the spectrum and so the battle of wills begins.

Nicholas is one bratty young man. He was not willing to obey his society’s rules when he was younger, and he has not changed a few years later when he is of age and gets another chance at the object of his dreams, one Lord Victor Ware. But Nicholas is also an idealist, and is willing to hold out, or so he thinks, for what he dreams of. Nothing less than true love. In a society where homosexuality is still a hanging offense. He is definitely in for one rude awakening!

Lord Ware is arrogant, knows it all, and has no patience for young men who have no idea what they are up against and even less experience. Except – there is something about Nicholas that attracts him deeply. Just as a diversion before he settles down and gets married, as expected, to produce heirs, of course. He, too, is in for a rude awakening.

And that is the beauty of this story. Both men are so convinced that they are right and set out to make sure the other guy knows it as well. They don’t even seem to notice how deeply they are involved until it is too late. And even though loving another man is illegal, a society where gentlemen’s clubs are the norm offers many opportunities for Nicholas and Victor to pursue various more and less risky trysts.

If you like historicals, especially those set in the Regency period, and enjoy them as a setting, if you enjoy two strong men butting heads and sparring verbally at every opportunity as each man tries to convince the other he is right, and if love should be part of the equation even though it may sneak up on you, then you will probably like this novella. ( )