Ami's Hoard

3.5 stars

Near the end of 2013, I discovered that I could enjoy MM historical romance. So I've been trying more and more titles. I think there's something captivating about men who trying to find love in such unfavorable circumstances of the society in general. The secretive meeting, the skirting around the danger of being found, as well as the plans to be able to get their happily ever after.

This short story by Summer Devon -- I usually read her romance when she is writing alongside Bonnie Dee -- was really, really lovely. Giles Fullerton and John Banks might come from different spectrum in love -- Giles is the "gentleman" while John is a lamplighter. But both has suffered the same kind of loss of a loved one. Giles is still mourning for the death of his former schoolmate, who also one his first love. While John's wife, who is also his best friend who shares the same kind passion for the same sex, dies after being sick.

I really loved the tone of this story -- how Giles and John try to guess each other preference, with subtle gestures or the way of talking. Trying to ensure that their feeling that they are in the company of men who love men is correct. It was charming to read!

I also loved reading the descriptions of John's works -- how he lights the lamp like so. I felt rather sad (because it did happen!) when John said that the lamplighters might be out of work because in the future people would find a way to light lamps with just a switch.

Having said that, I also can't help to wish that the story can a be a bit longer so there are no summarized conversations between the two men. I know it's meant to be short stories ... but I wish some of those conversations are in details. I love reading how people connect by way of talking.

All in all, another good historical story for me. My love for the genre is really growing :)

PS: Plus in historical, people are not calling each other "baby" as endearment *LOL*