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A review by kaje_harper
Fool's Gold by Jess Faraday
5.0
4.5 stars, rounded up. I got into this series here on book 3, and although that can be done and enjoyed, (as you see), I'm going to go back to book one when I can and start from the beginning. The characters carry forward and the hints of past adventures are intriguing. I think it would enrich this book to read in order.
In 1895 London, Ira Adler is a one-time rent boy, one-time crime lord's kept man, now out on his own and making good. He's had a couple of easier years without violence, and has a lightweight relationship with a like-minded young man. But when his powerful ex-lover, the man he truly gave his heart once, wants to meet with him, he can't help going to the man's house. Only to see the place come down in an explosion. Ira is shaken and grieving, more than he ever expected.
So a friend's invitation to come along on a trip to California holds a lot of appeal. A new start, new adventures, good friends to cheer him up. There's no sign that from the first day onboard ship this too will get complicated.
This is a lighthearted adventure, with more adventure than angst. I wasn't deeply touched by Ira's emotions, but I enjoyed his character, the plot, the secondary personages and the historical touches. I've always wanted to see the historical black Marshall who is thought to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger in a work of fiction, and there he was as a foil to Ira as the mystery builds across America to California. This series is clearly more mystery than romance, although Ira does form relationships for both sex and potentially more. But at the end of the book there is at best a tenuous HFN. I look forward to going and exploring the adventures that brought Ira to this point, and I hope there will be a book 4.
In 1895 London, Ira Adler is a one-time rent boy, one-time crime lord's kept man, now out on his own and making good. He's had a couple of easier years without violence, and has a lightweight relationship with a like-minded young man. But when his powerful ex-lover, the man he truly gave his heart once, wants to meet with him, he can't help going to the man's house. Only to see the place come down in an explosion. Ira is shaken and grieving, more than he ever expected.
So a friend's invitation to come along on a trip to California holds a lot of appeal. A new start, new adventures, good friends to cheer him up. There's no sign that from the first day onboard ship this too will get complicated.
This is a lighthearted adventure, with more adventure than angst. I wasn't deeply touched by Ira's emotions, but I enjoyed his character, the plot, the secondary personages and the historical touches. I've always wanted to see the historical black Marshall who is thought to be the inspiration for the Lone Ranger in a work of fiction, and there he was as a foil to Ira as the mystery builds across America to California. This series is clearly more mystery than romance, although Ira does form relationships for both sex and potentially more. But at the end of the book there is at best a tenuous HFN. I look forward to going and exploring the adventures that brought Ira to this point, and I hope there will be a book 4.