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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a real divergence from Clark’s previous writings. Set in medieval England, through the Tudor reign, the story follows two young men who enter the novitiate of the Benedictine Order of Darenth Priory. Clark does an exemplary job explaining the process for becoming a monk, as well as the daily life of the cloistered. Her attention to detail can be seen in the attached maps, glossary, and use of the vernacular of the times. The author posits that homosexuality was one of the driving reasons young men of the time chose to enter holy orders (she includes other reasons as well), and this serves as the novel’s theme. Was it God’s will that these young men met? Is it possible to live a life without sin? Sexual content is frequent and graphic, sometimes to the detriment of Clark’s text, however, it remains that this is perhaps a good literary example of the awakening sexuality of two naive young men of this time period.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content
Minor: Religious bigotry
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love Habit is a historical m/m romance focusing on the life of a novice monk at the start of the Tudor era. As I’ve come to expect from this author, it is well-researched and brimming with historical details.
I particularly enjoyed Paul’s work as an infirmarer. It was fascinating to read about some of the treatments and cures that were used at that time, and his mentor Brother Giles is a great character. There were lots of fun moments where the other monks (and even Brother Giles) were reluctant to admit they needed treatment and had to be persuaded to accept help.
During the story we get to see a full year pass in the life of the monastery, which gives a fascinating insight into the patterns of feasting and fasting throughout the year as well as the regularity of day-to-day life.
At times I felt that the informative aspects of the book intruded on the flow of the story. For example, Latin biblical texts were given with in-text translations and references to the chapter/verse where they can be found. Where there were several of these in a scene, it felt like what they added to the immersive world of the story was undermined somewhat by the awkwardness of how they were presented.
This book gets four stars from me! I would recommend it to fans of historical romance who are open to reading about gay monks.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Love Habit
By TL Clark
I always enjoy books by this author, but I have to admit it's different to what I am used to. The first few pages of this book is an introduction to what TL Clark has put in the book. The author also warns if you do not like same sex couple stories not to pick this book up, but to go read something else. I have to say I wasn’t really sure on the story until I was about half way through the book. Basically the story is about Paul and Luke two young men in the monastery who are attracted to each other. This book has been written from Pauls point of view on is journey. I did find that the book is well written and I enjoyed the pace of the story. I would encourage this book is read if you like this type of story, you wont be disappointed.
3 – 3.5 stars
Forbidden love is a theme that the Catholic Church frowns upon, and in the year 1485, at the turn of an era, this story unfolds among Benedictine monks. This MM romance is unlike any other, filled with temptation, passion, drama, and the struggle between faith and emotion.
Can one truly love without forsaking God, or must they sacrifice their devotion to experience forbidden love?
Paul has devoted his life to the Monastery to overcome his sinful ways, but he discovers that far more is happening within those walls than he ever anticipated. What he struggles to reconcile is his deep feelings for a man, even as he maintains his faith. He is not alone in this turmoil—Luke is facing the same conflict.
The story is narrated from Paul’s perspective in the first person, although it would have been enriching to hear Luke’s viewpoint as well. Initially, I found the language reflective of the time challenging, but I soon settled into it, even if the pacing felt a bit slow at times. There are numerous religious references and biblical passages, which some readers may find overwhelming, as I did at points.
Overall, Love Habit is a historical Tudor/Medieval MM slow-burn romance. The author, TL, has skilfully captured the longing, desire, and heart-wrenching emotions between the two characters, as they struggle to keep their love a secret.
Forbidden love is a theme that the Catholic Church frowns upon, and in the year 1485, at the turn of an era, this story unfolds among Benedictine monks. This MM romance is unlike any other, filled with temptation, passion, drama, and the struggle between faith and emotion.
Can one truly love without forsaking God, or must they sacrifice their devotion to experience forbidden love?
Paul has devoted his life to the Monastery to overcome his sinful ways, but he discovers that far more is happening within those walls than he ever anticipated. What he struggles to reconcile is his deep feelings for a man, even as he maintains his faith. He is not alone in this turmoil—Luke is facing the same conflict.
The story is narrated from Paul’s perspective in the first person, although it would have been enriching to hear Luke’s viewpoint as well. Initially, I found the language reflective of the time challenging, but I soon settled into it, even if the pacing felt a bit slow at times. There are numerous religious references and biblical passages, which some readers may find overwhelming, as I did at points.
Overall, Love Habit is a historical Tudor/Medieval MM slow-burn romance. The author, TL, has skilfully captured the longing, desire, and heart-wrenching emotions between the two characters, as they struggle to keep their love a secret.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Love Habit is a Tudor romance about Christian Monks by T. L Clark. The narrative is through the eyes of Paul Uphey as he describes his life in Darenth Priory. Paul agreed to become a part of the priory and was a new novice. Prior Ambrose told Paul he hoped that his quiet and thoughtful nature might help another novice, Luke, to become ready to take his vows.
Novice Master Brother Barnabas was the one teaching Paul and Luke. Paul viewed his teacher as more strict than he thought was necessary. He also found this true through Brother Hector. Brother Faramand and Brother Giles were his favorites since they seemed friendlier and easier to approach with questions. Brother Giles was the infirmary attendant and became Paul's confidant Paul was attracted to Luke but held this feeling secret. He knew that his attraction was frowned upon in public and was uncertain if he could even pursue a relationship. He kept his feelings secret. However, Luke was able to console him over the separation from his family.
.
Paul wished to see more of Luke. One afternoon, while working in the garden, Brom- a lay person, kissed Paul. Despite pushing away from Brom, Paul was shocked when Luke seemed to be upset about the encounter. Later, Luke confided in Paul that he was also attracted to him.
Giles learned of Paul’s issue and gave Paul a "First aid" wallet with linen and oil in it. He told him to use the linens to pleasure himself and to wash them to prevent being caught. He told Paul that he had been in love with someone named Hugh. Paul kept his confidence. However, time with Luke was difficult to obtain. Paul confided in Brother Giles, and the monk told Paul he might be able to help and to practice patience.. One afternoon, Giles sent Luke and Paul to gather an herb that grew alongside the river. They spent the afternoon together and were able to share their mutual attraction. Despite weeks passing before they could be alone together, the two began to engage in more affection in secret.
Approaching this novel with an open mind, I found that Clark treated the characters with sensitivity and respect the LGBTQ+ community would appreciate. The love between Luke and Paul developed at a slow pace but when they led to the sexual scenes, the emotions were the focus rather than specific acts. Is it possible that monks who vowed a life of chastity may have considered this as acceptable? As a Christian, I do not believe so because I remember the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both were destroyed for the same sex act of homosexuality. However, I cannot fault the book on my own beliefs as it was written to show love as something everyone should be blessed to receive. The maturity Paul exhibited as the days passed was easy to see. I could picture the joy that each of the characters had to keep within themselves during festival celebrations. The unpredictable possibility of being caught increased as more people noticed the closeness of the two novices. I felt the ending of the story was perfect and left no question about Paul’s future. I rate this book four out of five stars because it could alienate some readers. Themes of Christianity combined with accepting homosexuality may hinder potential readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment
Just not for me. I found it relied too much on knowledge of the medieval setting, and the use of historical language, while very well done, just wasn't working for me.
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
When I described the basics of this book (queer monks in early Tudor England) to my bestie, she said it sounded like someone asked AI to write a book just for me. She wasn’t wrong! I don’t presume to view Love Habit as particularly realistic or unrealistic because I don’t have a lot of Catholic monastic knowledge, but I will say I raised a few eyebrows.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. Maybe it’s sacrilegious of me (which I’m good with because I’m agnostic), but I enjoy the idea of monks still finding joy, so to speak, within their vows. The queer aspects aside, there were some really sweet messages about brotherhood, friendship, and finding enjoyment in a quiet and pious life.
The snowball fight had me outright cooing over how cute it was. The ending felt like it jumped to the epilogue rather quickly, but I suppose the main part of the story had already been told by that point. This isn’t the book for someone who is by the (Bible) book, but it is definitely for people like me who don’t find potential stretches of the pious expectations problematic.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. 4.5 unapologetic stars from a lover of queer romances and the Tudor dynasty as it overtook the Plantagenet dynasty with all their respective dramatics.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. Maybe it’s sacrilegious of me (which I’m good with because I’m agnostic), but I enjoy the idea of monks still finding joy, so to speak, within their vows. The queer aspects aside, there were some really sweet messages about brotherhood, friendship, and finding enjoyment in a quiet and pious life.
The snowball fight had me outright cooing over how cute it was. The ending felt like it jumped to the epilogue rather quickly, but I suppose the main part of the story had already been told by that point. This isn’t the book for someone who is by the (Bible) book, but it is definitely for people like me who don’t find potential stretches of the pious expectations problematic.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. 4.5 unapologetic stars from a lover of queer romances and the Tudor dynasty as it overtook the Plantagenet dynasty with all their respective dramatics.
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I am going to scream.
The way any arising issue or obstacle quickly turned into a non-issue without much friction was so gd tedious. I know the author wanted a story that wasn’t about gay people suffering, which I can appreciate when it’s at least GOOD. I’m not fussy about historical accuracy when it comes to historical romances being inclusive and I think this can be done in a brilliant and fun way, but this was not it.
The author goes out of their way to say we need to be patient and that this is a slow burn which is just not true!! The book might as well have just finished at 40% because I promise that every unwashed monk nook and cranny had been explored by that point and they’re oh-so-in-love.
One of my all-time favourite books is Saint by Sierra Simone, so unfortunately my standard for this kind of book was way higher than it apparently should’ve been.
The way any arising issue or obstacle quickly turned into a non-issue without much friction was so gd tedious. I know the author wanted a story that wasn’t about gay people suffering, which I can appreciate when it’s at least GOOD. I’m not fussy about historical accuracy when it comes to historical romances being inclusive and I think this can be done in a brilliant and fun way, but this was not it.
The author goes out of their way to say we need to be patient and that this is a slow burn which is just not true!! The book might as well have just finished at 40% because I promise that every unwashed monk nook and cranny had been explored by that point and they’re oh-so-in-love.
One of my all-time favourite books is Saint by Sierra Simone, so unfortunately my standard for this kind of book was way higher than it apparently should’ve been.
As young Paul arrives at the monastery he’s unsure, but hoping to be a good student and be kept from his sinful ways.
He meets Luke, a novice who’s struggling to be ready to take his vows, and they remain in training together. But, Paul also has an interest in the apothecary arts, and his mentor is kindly Brother Giles.
Paul and Luke are attracted to each other, and their understanding leads to longing and desire. Brother Giles is similarly inclined and had a love of his own, so he aids Paul in how to find ways to be together with Luke.
He even helps him reconcile this part of himself while also being a servant of God, and shares that other brothers bring in women, all unspoken ways to manage their needs.
Paul learns more about herbs, makes notes that can aid knowledge in the infirmary, and helps Luke with his penmanship. He even goes to heal his brother when he’s sick, implementing treatments others don’t use.
When it’s time, he’s able to let go of his family and take his vows, with Luke, and they make a happy life together amongst the brethren.
This was an interesting view into the life of monks, the bending of rules, and the simplicity of a life of devotion. The schedule of the day in winter and summer was a helpful reference so that prayers and meals made more sense.
However, there was too much quoting of the bible throughout, and the story could have been about 1/3 shorter. I loved Brother Giles as an ally, and Maynard and Brom as well.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review with thanks.
He meets Luke, a novice who’s struggling to be ready to take his vows, and they remain in training together. But, Paul also has an interest in the apothecary arts, and his mentor is kindly Brother Giles.
Paul and Luke are attracted to each other, and their understanding leads to longing and desire. Brother Giles is similarly inclined and had a love of his own, so he aids Paul in how to find ways to be together with Luke.
He even helps him reconcile this part of himself while also being a servant of God, and shares that other brothers bring in women, all unspoken ways to manage their needs.
Paul learns more about herbs, makes notes that can aid knowledge in the infirmary, and helps Luke with his penmanship. He even goes to heal his brother when he’s sick, implementing treatments others don’t use.
When it’s time, he’s able to let go of his family and take his vows, with Luke, and they make a happy life together amongst the brethren.
This was an interesting view into the life of monks, the bending of rules, and the simplicity of a life of devotion. The schedule of the day in winter and summer was a helpful reference so that prayers and meals made more sense.
However, there was too much quoting of the bible throughout, and the story could have been about 1/3 shorter. I loved Brother Giles as an ally, and Maynard and Brom as well.
I received this ARC for free and am glad to provide my honest review with thanks.