Ami's Hoard

**  This has new cover but I'm sticking with the original. Because look at his package! **

I am having quite a difficult time rating this actually...

I give 2-stars for Stephen Clair, Earl of St. Joseph, that idiot earl that left me fuming throughout the book.

I give 3-stars for the whole story (it started rather strong, but then meandered in the middle, and picked up again, then ended!).

I give 3.5-stars for the darling Jamie Riley, the timid, shy, kind-hearted virgin (!) secretary who stole Stephen’s heart.

So where does that leave me?

Okay, let’s start with the story first, shall we? Lately, I have a fondness towards choosing historical/regency MM because it offers me something that I’ve been missing from contemporary MM romance. Namely “courting”. I’m not a seeker of the shy young virgin and dashing haughty duke/earl/lord situation story – because it reminds me too much of why I got bored with MF romance. However, I realize that in MM, it provides a progression in the relationship, a courting, and I don’t have to worry about instant attraction, instant love, or the wham-bam-thank-you-Sir sex fest in the gay club situation.

Oh, and NO “BABY” as an endearment! *lol*

That was why I decided to pick this one. It started quite strong, with Jamie Riley, a shy young man who arrived at Earl of St. Joseph’s house to take a position as a teacher for the Earl’s children. Only to find out that the Earl died along with his family and his brother has taken the title. Jamie ended up as Stephen’s secretary. I enjoyed the immersion of Jamie to the house, with its colorful staff who came to the household with their own ‘scandalous’ background.

But then the story became a bit too dramatic for me. Probably because of the STUPID Stephen Clair and his penchant for the extravagant life, and his idiotic perception of keeping a lover like Julian Jeffries (VERY EVIL actor!). Seriously, I thought Stephen was a character that dragged the whole thing!! I disliked him immensely. I never really believed that he was able to change his ways. I was hoping that Jamie could find a better lover than Stephen. I mean, during a very critical moment where Jamie left the house (we got a huge misunderstanding moment, dear readers), Stephen became all mopey and emo, and returned to the embrace of Julian. I mean, WTF Stephen?!? Stupid IDIOT Earl! I wanted to kick him to the curb!!

Anyway, I’m rambling … uhm, yes, so the story went back on track. I actually loved how the rest of the St. Clair’s staff was putting their heads together to save Jamie (it was kind of fun!). Including Stephen’s Aunt, whom I thought KICKED serious ass! Although the ending after the rescue was rushed and again, it didn’t make me believe in Stephen’s attempt to be a better man.

So it was quite enjoyable, despite the weak second half, and the stupid character that I had to endure.