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Aubrey & Lindsey #2
Throw His Heart Over
An equestrian-themed sequel to Mr Warren's Profession by Sebastian Nothwell.
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Sir Lindsey Althorp, spectacularly wealthy baronet, has sat in the saddle since the day he was breeched.
Aubrey Warren, threadbare telegraph boy turned engineer, has never ridden a horse in his life and had no intention of starting—until now.
When a portrait-painting holiday in the country provides an opportunity for riding, Lindsey is eager to teach Aubrey the ropes. Aubrey works to overcome his well-founded caution regarding large beasts of burden. Harder to dispel are his insecurities about his scarred body in the wake of the Rook Mill boiler explosion—particularly as these scars are put on display to model for the painting Icarus Fallen.
As the painting progresses, so do the riding lessons, until a potentially deadly accident may put a stop to both for good.
-
Sir Lindsey Althorp, spectacularly wealthy baronet, has sat in the saddle since the day he was breeched.
Aubrey Warren, threadbare telegraph boy turned engineer, has never ridden a horse in his life and had no intention of starting—until now.
When a portrait-painting holiday in the country provides an opportunity for riding, Lindsey is eager to teach Aubrey the ropes. Aubrey works to overcome his well-founded caution regarding large beasts of burden. Harder to dispel are his insecurities about his scarred body in the wake of the Rook Mill boiler explosion—particularly as these scars are put on display to model for the painting Icarus Fallen.
As the painting progresses, so do the riding lessons, until a potentially deadly accident may put a stop to both for good.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2019
About the author
Sebastian Nothwell
7 books297 followersSebastian Nothwell writes queer romance. When he is not writing, he is counting down the minutes until he is permitted to return to writing. He is absolutely not a ghost and definitely did not die in 1895.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 18, 2019
First off, if you haven't read the 1st part of this series: Mr Warren's Profession, I suggest you go post-haste and read it. You will like it, promise! It is utterly charming and interesting and fun!
Now, where were we?
Ah, yes, late-Victorian England. Somewhere on the cusp of modernity. This time around we join Aubrey and Lindsey at Lindsey's ancestral country retreat, and leave the smog and industry-filled Manchester behind. Aubrey and Lindsey go on holiday, and as Aubrey has finally acquiesed to sitting for a portrait, they bring their painter friend Holloway along.
Lindsey, though less naive and a little bit less in need of protecting, is still still his airy and sometimes oblivious self - but his passion for Aubrey is just as strong as it always was, and he drags Aubrey along in his leisure pursuits (horse riding!) - which, after some minor and major disasters, Aubrey does learn to enjoy. Basically, both these guys have a thing for riding outfits. Tight pants! High boots!
Aubrey, all the while, is dealing with some personal issues that are still haunting him - but he goes along with Lindsey and sits for Holloway and (inadvertently) spies on the servants.
We don't get as much late 19th century tech talk in this story - which (surprising myself here) is a bit disappointing - I totally enjoyed the passion and excitement Aubrey had for electricity and looms and factories in the first book. We do get drama, art, romance, and a little more of Graves and Holloway (and I now I would totally read a story about those two - the dandy douche and the artist...!) I would totally dig a story set in the (almost) fin-de-siècle art world!
And we get a lot of Aubrey and Lindsey and these two remain as lovable as the last time, if a little more wise. I'll be waiting for #3.
Now, where were we?
Ah, yes, late-Victorian England. Somewhere on the cusp of modernity. This time around we join Aubrey and Lindsey at Lindsey's ancestral country retreat, and leave the smog and industry-filled Manchester behind. Aubrey and Lindsey go on holiday, and as Aubrey has finally acquiesed to sitting for a portrait, they bring their painter friend Holloway along.
Lindsey, though less naive and a little bit less in need of protecting, is still still his airy and sometimes oblivious self - but his passion for Aubrey is just as strong as it always was, and he drags Aubrey along in his leisure pursuits (horse riding!) - which, after some minor and major disasters, Aubrey does learn to enjoy. Basically, both these guys have a thing for riding outfits. Tight pants! High boots!
Aubrey, all the while, is dealing with some personal issues that are still haunting him - but he goes along with Lindsey and sits for Holloway and (inadvertently) spies on the servants.
We don't get as much late 19th century tech talk in this story - which (surprising myself here) is a bit disappointing - I totally enjoyed the passion and excitement Aubrey had for electricity and looms and factories in the first book. We do get drama, art, romance, and a little more of Graves and Holloway (and I now I would totally read a story about those two - the dandy douche and the artist...!) I would totally dig a story set in the (almost) fin-de-siècle art world!
And we get a lot of Aubrey and Lindsey and these two remain as lovable as the last time, if a little more wise. I'll be waiting for #3.
August 31, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoyed coming back to Aubrey and Lindsey and seeing how things are progressing for them, but maybe not as much as I expected.
The first book had more of a plot and was generally more structured, and that allowed me to overlook how lightly the matter of a gay relationship in a historical setting gets treated in this series. More than in the previous book, here every acknowledgment to the danger of discovery seems no more than lip service, while Aubrey and Lindsey’s relationship is an open secret in their household. I don’t care how loyal the servants are or how carefully they’ve been chosen, I can’t reconcile the way Aubrey and Lindsey live, going as far as sharing a bedroom every night in a house full of servants, with the historical period this book is set in.
I can still roll with it and enjoy the series for its other qualities, even admit that it’s a pleasant dream to think that a similar situation could have really been possible, but it doesn’t add much realism to the story.
I also found the repeat of a little too similar to what happened in the first book, without the situation seeming to add anything new to the couple’s dynamic.
On the other hand, I appreciated seeing Aubrey
All in all, not a bad addition to the series and I’m still looking forward to reading more about these characters.
I enjoyed coming back to Aubrey and Lindsey and seeing how things are progressing for them, but maybe not as much as I expected.
The first book had more of a plot and was generally more structured, and that allowed me to overlook how lightly the matter of a gay relationship in a historical setting gets treated in this series. More than in the previous book, here every acknowledgment to the danger of discovery seems no more than lip service, while Aubrey and Lindsey’s relationship is an open secret in their household. I don’t care how loyal the servants are or how carefully they’ve been chosen, I can’t reconcile the way Aubrey and Lindsey live, going as far as sharing a bedroom every night in a house full of servants, with the historical period this book is set in.
I can still roll with it and enjoy the series for its other qualities, even admit that it’s a pleasant dream to think that a similar situation could have really been possible, but it doesn’t add much realism to the story.
I also found the repeat of a little too similar to what happened in the first book, without the situation seeming to add anything new to the couple’s dynamic.
On the other hand, I appreciated seeing Aubrey
All in all, not a bad addition to the series and I’m still looking forward to reading more about these characters.
February 21, 2019
While I liked the first one Mr Warren's Profession better because it was more complex, this is a lovely sequel and I enjoyed it. There is a bit of the magically-gay-okay about it but that's fine. I smiled a lot and that's what I needed. I'm not sure it would work as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the first one anyway.
March 17, 2019
This was a sweet, fun, light follow-up to the first novel (and does not stand alone. The novel had more depth and plot, so definitely start there.) Here we see Lindsey and Aubrey trying to figure out what a life together will look like, after the drama of the first book. Aubrey is still a bit lost in Lindsey's world of overabundance and luxury, and pastimes Aubrey has never even contemplated. Like horseback riding - the realm of an upper class with money and time to spare on traveling around the countryside for pleasure, not hard-working clerks who at best ride public conveyances to get somewhere.
As Lindsey tries to help Aubrey find his feet at the country estate, both differences in their experiences, and the opinions of others, throw roadblocks in their way. Once again, I was a little worried about the level of exposure the men courted, in a gay relationship that was far from a well-kept secret. But the ending is hopeful and warm, and I will continue to believe in their luck and the helpful affection of those around them.
As Lindsey tries to help Aubrey find his feet at the country estate, both differences in their experiences, and the opinions of others, throw roadblocks in their way. Once again, I was a little worried about the level of exposure the men courted, in a gay relationship that was far from a well-kept secret. But the ending is hopeful and warm, and I will continue to believe in their luck and the helpful affection of those around them.
April 16, 2021
A very sweet sequel to Mr Warren's Profession.
After the events of the first novel, Aubrey and Lindsey retire to the Althorp Wiltshire estate for a short holiday.
Horse riding, painting and unexpected events will render the holidays much more exciting than planned.
Even without a more complex plot, this short sequel confirmed the author's writing skills. Aubrey and Lindsey are two characters that it's impossible not to love and cheer for and I must confess I've finished the book hoping for a third instalment.
It must be read as a sequel and not as a standalone, but it's really worth it to immerse yourself in the books' Victorian world.
After the events of the first novel, Aubrey and Lindsey retire to the Althorp Wiltshire estate for a short holiday.
Horse riding, painting and unexpected events will render the holidays much more exciting than planned.
Even without a more complex plot, this short sequel confirmed the author's writing skills. Aubrey and Lindsey are two characters that it's impossible not to love and cheer for and I must confess I've finished the book hoping for a third instalment.
It must be read as a sequel and not as a standalone, but it's really worth it to immerse yourself in the books' Victorian world.
February 23, 2019
4.5 stars from me. A very gentle and sweet catch-up with Aubrey and Lindsey, it was delightful. Happy that they got staff for their residence in Manchester that were not rude or intimidated by Aubrey's facial injuries...the boiler blowing up was not his fault after all. As for the worst kept secret in the story?? The secretive buyer of Icarus Fallen was fairly obvious 😍. Hope we get more from Lindsey and Aubrey dear author.
January 25, 2020
Beloved!
A continuation of Sir Lindsey & Engineer Aubrey romance in the late 1890’s England. While on holiday, the couple faces: downstairs gossiping, riding lessons, a modeling assignment, an accident, and illness. What I enjoyed the most was the emotional connection between the MCs and also Aubrey’s thought process as he reconciled his new life with his workhouse beginnings.
My questions: Could Emmeline be in love with Aubrey? Will there be a romantic story about Graves & Halloway?
Finally, I need more historical MM romance novels from this author!😊
A continuation of Sir Lindsey & Engineer Aubrey romance in the late 1890’s England. While on holiday, the couple faces: downstairs gossiping, riding lessons, a modeling assignment, an accident, and illness. What I enjoyed the most was the emotional connection between the MCs and also Aubrey’s thought process as he reconciled his new life with his workhouse beginnings.
My questions: Could Emmeline be in love with Aubrey? Will there be a romantic story about Graves & Halloway?
Finally, I need more historical MM romance novels from this author!😊
July 3, 2022
Great Sequel
A lot happened in this book. From Aubrey’s eavesdropping on the house staff to another accident. But through it all, this story remained light and engaging. I loved how the author balanced the true-to-life nastiness someone like Aubrey might face with the also realistic but unexpected—to Aubrey—acts of kindness.
It was fun getting to know Halloway better. And I love the relationship that Aubrey has developed with both Emmaline an Rowena (though I find myself more partial to Emmaline).
I love slice of life stories which this book definitely was. Then you added the hurt/comfort cherry on top and there was no question of how much I would/wouldn’t like this book. I also loved how long it was. (This goes for the first book too which was twice as long). I love longer stories, whether they’re full-length novels or shorter updates. The more words the better.
If you liked the first in this series, then you will definitely enjoy this sequel.
A lot happened in this book. From Aubrey’s eavesdropping on the house staff to another accident. But through it all, this story remained light and engaging. I loved how the author balanced the true-to-life nastiness someone like Aubrey might face with the also realistic but unexpected—to Aubrey—acts of kindness.
It was fun getting to know Halloway better. And I love the relationship that Aubrey has developed with both Emmaline an Rowena (though I find myself more partial to Emmaline).
I love slice of life stories which this book definitely was. Then you added the hurt/comfort cherry on top and there was no question of how much I would/wouldn’t like this book. I also loved how long it was. (This goes for the first book too which was twice as long). I love longer stories, whether they’re full-length novels or shorter updates. The more words the better.
If you liked the first in this series, then you will definitely enjoy this sequel.
February 28, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Throw His Heart Over is the direct sequel to Mr Warren’s Profession. You have to read to the series in order because there are things that happen in Mr Warren’s Profession that have a direct bearing on Throw His Heart Over. I would call this book a slice of life novel. It’s one of those stories where very little happens on the surface, but that becomes critical to the development and evolution of the characters. It’s a relatively quick read, especially in comparison to its predecessor, but I never felt the story was rushed or lacking in substance.
Aubrey still has a chip on his shoulder about his previous life and now about the scars he carries after the mill explosion. But I got the impression he was trying a little harder to accept what Lindsey offered and to adapt to his new life. He is still somewhat overly obsessed with how people view him or what they might think of him, which made me want to shake him a bit. Lindsey is still a twit, but there’s never been a more meaningful and devoted one. He doesn’t think about the differences between he and Aubrey because he doesn’t see them. He accepts Aubrey, scars and all, and does so without hesitation. His love for Aubrey is absolute and it makes their romance even more enjoyable.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Throw His Heart Over is the direct sequel to Mr Warren’s Profession. You have to read to the series in order because there are things that happen in Mr Warren’s Profession that have a direct bearing on Throw His Heart Over. I would call this book a slice of life novel. It’s one of those stories where very little happens on the surface, but that becomes critical to the development and evolution of the characters. It’s a relatively quick read, especially in comparison to its predecessor, but I never felt the story was rushed or lacking in substance.
Aubrey still has a chip on his shoulder about his previous life and now about the scars he carries after the mill explosion. But I got the impression he was trying a little harder to accept what Lindsey offered and to adapt to his new life. He is still somewhat overly obsessed with how people view him or what they might think of him, which made me want to shake him a bit. Lindsey is still a twit, but there’s never been a more meaningful and devoted one. He doesn’t think about the differences between he and Aubrey because he doesn’t see them. He accepts Aubrey, scars and all, and does so without hesitation. His love for Aubrey is absolute and it makes their romance even more enjoyable.
Read Sue’s review in its entirety here.
July 22, 2023
Tags: follow up story, living the happy ending, extended epilogue feel, injury caretaking
March 5, 2022
The sequel to Mr Warren’s Profession, this book doesn’t quite live up to the first one but it’s still great, especially Lindsey’s continued determination to live a life guided by his values of compassion and openness, regardless of what anyone else thinks. This book is primarily focused on . Aubrey’s fear that he’s irreparably changed from the man Lindsey fell in love with resonated with me and I loved the affirming way the book addresses that issue. I do wish Nothwell had explored Aubrey and Lindsey’s class differences, in particular the resistance Aubrey had at the end of the first book to being a kept man, because that was shaping up to be a major conflict between the two. But I also appreciate that the book focuses entirely on one major issue instead of dividing its focus. Aubrey and Lindsey are two of my favorite historical romance characters and I highly recommend their books.
April 25, 2022
Unfortunately, this book was not nearly as enjoyable as book one, Mr Warren's Profession, and felt like a filler book rather than an actual sequel. There just didn't seem to be enough plot to base a book off of and the character growth, that was very prominent in book one, just wasn't here. What we got instead were a lot of repetitive scenes—even repeats of ones from book one, such as Aubrey getting in an accident yet again and having Lindsey fret over him, not to mention the many times Aubrey passes by people gossiping about him or the many times he poses for Holloway as he paints his portrait.
All of the main plot points mainly involve Aubrey, while Lindsey is very much in the background. Actually, I don't even think a single plot thread really involved Lindsey that much, except for him to support Aubrey in some way. I really don't like when, in a romance, the characters become less important as individuals than they are as a couple. It annoys me to no end, and that's really what seemed to happen in this book, at least for Lindsey.
I also missed the two characters who left early on to go to Paris, and are only really in it towards the end. Emmaline, the chartreuse-loving, science nerd, best friend was sorely missed by this reader. Her slowly developing friendship with Aubrey was a huge highlight of book one for me, so it was yet another disappointment that she was featured so little in this book.
Overall, a pretty disappointing read, but I'm giving it three stars because I do like the characters a lot and there were some nice moments sprinkled in the book as well.
All of the main plot points mainly involve Aubrey, while Lindsey is very much in the background. Actually, I don't even think a single plot thread really involved Lindsey that much, except for him to support Aubrey in some way. I really don't like when, in a romance, the characters become less important as individuals than they are as a couple. It annoys me to no end, and that's really what seemed to happen in this book, at least for Lindsey.
I also missed the two characters who left early on to go to Paris, and are only really in it towards the end. Emmaline, the chartreuse-loving, science nerd, best friend was sorely missed by this reader. Her slowly developing friendship with Aubrey was a huge highlight of book one for me, so it was yet another disappointment that she was featured so little in this book.
Overall, a pretty disappointing read, but I'm giving it three stars because I do like the characters a lot and there were some nice moments sprinkled in the book as well.
October 22, 2019
Throw His Heart Over (Lindsey and Aubrey 2)
By Sebastian Nothwell
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
Oh, to be in England in 1892, just three years before a notorious injustice ruined Oscar Wilde’s career and destroyed his life. One must always keep this historical fact in the back of one’s mind when reading gay romance set in this period.
Never was there a sweeter, more guileless romantic hero than Sir Lindsey Althorp. As if the first book of this series didn’t make that clear enough, once again we are reminded again and again of Sir Lindsey’s core innocence – which fits uneasily with his intelligence, but no matter. It is a romance, and somebody in it has to be innocent.
Most of this book takes place at the Althorp family estate, a massive house somewhere in Wiltshire. The fact that it doesn’t have a name, like every other great house in the rural United Kingdom, was a puzzle. I know it couldn’t be called Althorp Park or House or whatever, since that is the all-too-famous name of the estate where Diana, Princess of Wales, grew up. So, call it Ferndale Park or something. That irritant aside, it is a great central pivot in the plot – with the Althorp house in London, and Sir Lindsey’s new house in suburban Manchester, where he and Aubrey Warren are planning to live, as the other architectural points of reference.
As did the first book, “Throw His Heart Over” offers us the dual viewpoints of Sir Lindsey, twenty-year-old heir to a great fortune, and his beloved Aubrey Warren, raised in the Manchester workhouse and self-taught engineer. There is a consistent illumination of the class differences that color each man’s perspective on the world, and it helps us understand their essential characters. Aubrey, now more or less accepted by Lindsey’s autocratic sister Rowena and his fiancée Emmeline (indeed, Miss Rook clearly likes Aubrey better than she likes Lindsey, which is peculiar but fitting for the situation at hand). Aubrey must learn how to navigate the world of aristocracy, while Lindsey must learn to anticipate the hurdles a lower-class man faces in polite society. Aubrey also has to learn to live with his badly scarred face and body – something that is critical in the underlying plot threads.
The catalyst for the trip to Wiltshire is Aubrey’s promise that he’ll model for his old friend Halloway, the artist who once shared a roof with Aubrey and is also the paramour of one of Lindsey’s childhood friends. Thus the country house becomes a studio for the creation of a large-scale mythological painting, and we get to look on as Aubrey is taught the science, the mechanics, and the art of painting. It is fascinating, and forms a link between Aubrey’s hard-won scientific expertise and the artistic world of aristocratic patronage.
Since the story is set in the country, a second major plot line seems inevitable: horseback riding. Lindsey, a great horseman (being an aristocrat with a large stable), wants his dearest to learn to ride, something the British poor never experience. As with the art of painting, the art of horsemanship is explained in great detail, as Aubrey attempts to master the reality of an animal whose nose is as high as his face.
All the women are conveniently absent on a trousseau-shopping trip to Paris, which leaves the reader and the menfolk on their own.
The idea of a marriage of convenience is no surprise in Victorian England. Nothwell manages this social arrangement very nicely, although he keeps the wedding in the future (will there be a third book in this series that actually takes us to the wedding?). If ever there was a triangle that might just work, this is one – although one can’t help but ponder the moment when Emmeline has to face the reality of her marriage to a man – even a very nice man – like Lindsey.
Nothwell’s grasp of language and detail is really very good, which makes the little errors more annoying for a nitpicker such as I. Miss Rook will become Lady Althorp, but never Lady Emmeline. The formal entrance to a great house is simply called the hall, never the foyer, which smacks of suburbia. The Althorp carriage, with its silver coat of arms, is simply the carriage, not the family carriage. Victorian writers like Dickens and Trollope never even thought about details like this, so they serve as reminders that we’re dealing with a contemporary writer visiting the past. Otherwise, Nothwell does so very well in pulling us into his fantasy world – even given the nature of the central romantic couple. For an American brave enough to tackle this world, he has a great gift, which I am glad he shares with his lucky readers.
By Sebastian Nothwell
Published by the author, 2019
Five stars
Oh, to be in England in 1892, just three years before a notorious injustice ruined Oscar Wilde’s career and destroyed his life. One must always keep this historical fact in the back of one’s mind when reading gay romance set in this period.
Never was there a sweeter, more guileless romantic hero than Sir Lindsey Althorp. As if the first book of this series didn’t make that clear enough, once again we are reminded again and again of Sir Lindsey’s core innocence – which fits uneasily with his intelligence, but no matter. It is a romance, and somebody in it has to be innocent.
Most of this book takes place at the Althorp family estate, a massive house somewhere in Wiltshire. The fact that it doesn’t have a name, like every other great house in the rural United Kingdom, was a puzzle. I know it couldn’t be called Althorp Park or House or whatever, since that is the all-too-famous name of the estate where Diana, Princess of Wales, grew up. So, call it Ferndale Park or something. That irritant aside, it is a great central pivot in the plot – with the Althorp house in London, and Sir Lindsey’s new house in suburban Manchester, where he and Aubrey Warren are planning to live, as the other architectural points of reference.
As did the first book, “Throw His Heart Over” offers us the dual viewpoints of Sir Lindsey, twenty-year-old heir to a great fortune, and his beloved Aubrey Warren, raised in the Manchester workhouse and self-taught engineer. There is a consistent illumination of the class differences that color each man’s perspective on the world, and it helps us understand their essential characters. Aubrey, now more or less accepted by Lindsey’s autocratic sister Rowena and his fiancée Emmeline (indeed, Miss Rook clearly likes Aubrey better than she likes Lindsey, which is peculiar but fitting for the situation at hand). Aubrey must learn how to navigate the world of aristocracy, while Lindsey must learn to anticipate the hurdles a lower-class man faces in polite society. Aubrey also has to learn to live with his badly scarred face and body – something that is critical in the underlying plot threads.
The catalyst for the trip to Wiltshire is Aubrey’s promise that he’ll model for his old friend Halloway, the artist who once shared a roof with Aubrey and is also the paramour of one of Lindsey’s childhood friends. Thus the country house becomes a studio for the creation of a large-scale mythological painting, and we get to look on as Aubrey is taught the science, the mechanics, and the art of painting. It is fascinating, and forms a link between Aubrey’s hard-won scientific expertise and the artistic world of aristocratic patronage.
Since the story is set in the country, a second major plot line seems inevitable: horseback riding. Lindsey, a great horseman (being an aristocrat with a large stable), wants his dearest to learn to ride, something the British poor never experience. As with the art of painting, the art of horsemanship is explained in great detail, as Aubrey attempts to master the reality of an animal whose nose is as high as his face.
All the women are conveniently absent on a trousseau-shopping trip to Paris, which leaves the reader and the menfolk on their own.
The idea of a marriage of convenience is no surprise in Victorian England. Nothwell manages this social arrangement very nicely, although he keeps the wedding in the future (will there be a third book in this series that actually takes us to the wedding?). If ever there was a triangle that might just work, this is one – although one can’t help but ponder the moment when Emmeline has to face the reality of her marriage to a man – even a very nice man – like Lindsey.
Nothwell’s grasp of language and detail is really very good, which makes the little errors more annoying for a nitpicker such as I. Miss Rook will become Lady Althorp, but never Lady Emmeline. The formal entrance to a great house is simply called the hall, never the foyer, which smacks of suburbia. The Althorp carriage, with its silver coat of arms, is simply the carriage, not the family carriage. Victorian writers like Dickens and Trollope never even thought about details like this, so they serve as reminders that we’re dealing with a contemporary writer visiting the past. Otherwise, Nothwell does so very well in pulling us into his fantasy world – even given the nature of the central romantic couple. For an American brave enough to tackle this world, he has a great gift, which I am glad he shares with his lucky readers.
January 3, 2021
I loved Mr. Warren's Profession, but unfortunately I didn't love this sequel. Picking up a few months after the first book, it follows the main couple as they settle into their new life. I felt like it just didn't have much plot—which I am very forgiving of in fantasy books where I can enjoy the world, but not so much in a historical novel where I already know this place and these characters. It kind of just seemed like an extended rehash of the part in the first book where Aubrey is sick and cared for by Lindsey, without any of the action for contrast. It's not bad, it just in my opinion chose the most boring path a sequel to the first book could have taken. It didn't help that several supporting characters I loved were benched off page for the majority of the book, though I did appreciate seeing more of Halloway and exploring Aubrey's new friendship with him. The good news is the first one stands on its own, so the existence of a sequel you may or may not like in no way impedes anyone from wearing Mr. Warren's Profession.
February 23, 2020
Perfect Sequel
I was hesitant to get this one after reading the blurb which seemed to be a bit anticlimactic while also signaling serious angst which we had a large dose of in the first one.
When I finally made the decision I could not stop reading even though the book is filled with intricate sub plots and twists and turns in relationships that require an open mind about how this group of people could get away with their collective lifestyles during the Victorian Era.
But author Sebastian Nothwell has a very special way of using language and weaving his words, and those of his characters, into a tapestry (or in this case a painting) that eventually serves to illustrate the depth and utter strength of the love that exists between a totally committed aristocrat like Lindsey and a still somewhat skeptical ex-rent boy like Aubrey.
The beautifully evocative cover tells all you need to know about that.
There are so many potential spoilers that could be unleashed by an in depth review. Thus, I will end it here by telling you that if you liked the first book, grab this one as soon as you can, sit next to a decanter or pot of your favorite reading refreshment and settle in for a wonderfully fulfilling journey.
I was hesitant to get this one after reading the blurb which seemed to be a bit anticlimactic while also signaling serious angst which we had a large dose of in the first one.
When I finally made the decision I could not stop reading even though the book is filled with intricate sub plots and twists and turns in relationships that require an open mind about how this group of people could get away with their collective lifestyles during the Victorian Era.
But author Sebastian Nothwell has a very special way of using language and weaving his words, and those of his characters, into a tapestry (or in this case a painting) that eventually serves to illustrate the depth and utter strength of the love that exists between a totally committed aristocrat like Lindsey and a still somewhat skeptical ex-rent boy like Aubrey.
The beautifully evocative cover tells all you need to know about that.
There are so many potential spoilers that could be unleashed by an in depth review. Thus, I will end it here by telling you that if you liked the first book, grab this one as soon as you can, sit next to a decanter or pot of your favorite reading refreshment and settle in for a wonderfully fulfilling journey.
May 11, 2019
Greek mythology: GANYMEDE - A divine hero from Troy. Described by Homer as the most beautiful of mortals
So much so, that even ZEUS - King of the Gods - falls in love with his beauty.
Throw His Heart Over , is the continuation of Aubrey and Lindsey story that began with Mr. Warren's Profession .
And it continues right after where book 1 ended. With Aubrey completely healed from the accident at the Mill , enjoying the countryside with the one he loves and experiencing the first holiday in his 24 years of life . And Lindsay happy and loving as ever , content by having his Audrey , safe and sound , right by his side.
In this book we get to see how the lives and relationship of our heroes is progressing. Their everyday lives and activities. Also, we get an update on of Rowena , the sister and Emmeline, the fianceé.
Between horseback riding lessons, modelling for an epic Greek theme picture Icarus Fallen , a bout of pneumonia, eavesdropping , the wonders of The Eiffel tower engineering and way too many Chartreuse color gowns ; Sebastian Northwell delivers an engaging, romantic and delightful historical MM romance story.
What makes this book such a wonderful read is Lindsey and Aubrey love , passion, respect and tenderness for each other .
This is one of those tale you know , you'll be reading again and again because you've fallen in love with it's MCs , it makes you feel good , believe that true love really does exist and everyone can have a HEA.
I would love to read more stories about Lindsey and Aubrey. How their lives adjust now living in Manchester? Lindsey marriage to Emmeline and the dynamics in their household. Are our heroes will ever have a secret wedding, maybe exchange vows , wear rings ?
So much so, that even ZEUS - King of the Gods - falls in love with his beauty.
Throw His Heart Over , is the continuation of Aubrey and Lindsey story that began with Mr. Warren's Profession .
And it continues right after where book 1 ended. With Aubrey completely healed from the accident at the Mill , enjoying the countryside with the one he loves and experiencing the first holiday in his 24 years of life . And Lindsay happy and loving as ever , content by having his Audrey , safe and sound , right by his side.
In this book we get to see how the lives and relationship of our heroes is progressing. Their everyday lives and activities. Also, we get an update on of Rowena , the sister and Emmeline, the fianceé.
Between horseback riding lessons, modelling for an epic Greek theme picture Icarus Fallen , a bout of pneumonia, eavesdropping , the wonders of The Eiffel tower engineering and way too many Chartreuse color gowns ; Sebastian Northwell delivers an engaging, romantic and delightful historical MM romance story.
What makes this book such a wonderful read is Lindsey and Aubrey love , passion, respect and tenderness for each other .
This is one of those tale you know , you'll be reading again and again because you've fallen in love with it's MCs , it makes you feel good , believe that true love really does exist and everyone can have a HEA.
I would love to read more stories about Lindsey and Aubrey. How their lives adjust now living in Manchester? Lindsey marriage to Emmeline and the dynamics in their household. Are our heroes will ever have a secret wedding, maybe exchange vows , wear rings ?
July 27, 2020
After thoroughly enjoying the previous book, I started right in on this one.
Aubrey and Lindsey go to Lindsey's country house so that Halloway can paint Aubrey as Icarus. While they are there, Lindsey convinces Aubrey to try riding. I enjoyed Aubrey's riding lessons very much, as that is more or less me on a horse too. I was less thrilled about Aubrey's riding-related illness, as I didn't really understand what the point of making him an invalid yet again might be.
I'm also somewhat confused about the servant situation. 1) They all seem much more sensitive to Aubrey's scars than other people. They're more sensitive to the scars than to the super-gay stuff happening all around them. 2) Oh, they're all gay? Okay. But how does Rowena know? It is difficult to imagine an unmarried upper class Victorian woman asking footman candidates about their proclivities, and harder still to imagine her suggesting a footman acquiesce if the master happens to ask him to go to his knees.
Despite these minor complaints, I enjoyed the story. If Mr. Nothwell continues to write about Aubrey and Lindsey, I will continue reading.
Aubrey and Lindsey go to Lindsey's country house so that Halloway can paint Aubrey as Icarus. While they are there, Lindsey convinces Aubrey to try riding. I enjoyed Aubrey's riding lessons very much, as that is more or less me on a horse too. I was less thrilled about Aubrey's riding-related illness, as I didn't really understand what the point of making him an invalid yet again might be.
I'm also somewhat confused about the servant situation. 1) They all seem much more sensitive to Aubrey's scars than other people. They're more sensitive to the scars than to the super-gay stuff happening all around them. 2) Oh, they're all gay? Okay. But how does Rowena know? It is difficult to imagine an unmarried upper class Victorian woman asking footman candidates about their proclivities, and harder still to imagine her suggesting a footman acquiesce if the master happens to ask him to go to his knees.
Despite these minor complaints, I enjoyed the story. If Mr. Nothwell continues to write about Aubrey and Lindsey, I will continue reading.
December 18, 2019
This seemed to fall into the trap of romance sequels where the sequel serves no other purpose than give us more of the same couple. There is no overarching problem or plot line to the book. It's just Aubrey and Lindsey being together. I mean, there is a bit of character development for Aubrey, but it's not presented as the main theme, nor did it feel like it.
I thought the whole accident was a bit too similar to the first part.
Also, I complained about the weird gay household phenomenon of the book, and that is even more prevalent in this one. They are pretty much as open about their relationship as they can be at the estate and all thoughts about blackmail protection and the like thrown out the window.
That said, I really did like the revisit because the characters are as lovable as in the first part and the writing is good. I just would have liked a tighter plot.
I thought the whole accident was a bit too similar to the first part.
Also, I complained about the weird gay household phenomenon of the book, and that is even more prevalent in this one. They are pretty much as open about their relationship as they can be at the estate and all thoughts about blackmail protection and the like thrown out the window.
That said, I really did like the revisit because the characters are as lovable as in the first part and the writing is good. I just would have liked a tighter plot.
January 4, 2022
Spoilers for “Mr Warren’s Profession” ahead.
Aubrey’s and Lindsey’s adventures continue in this introspective book where both our protagonists go to Lindsey’s country estate to spend some time together. Even though this is a dual POV book, Aubrey dominates in this one, and motivation behind Lindsey’s actions are opaque at times. For me there were pacing issues, along the way I started shipping a different couple.
What was great? The realism, the historical accuracy, the superb character work, the prose, likable side characters (both male and female). There is something magical about Nothwell’s writing that induces such empathy, the reader is left shaken at their core even if the events causing the turmoil are not that epic. It is a sensual book, full of emotional intimacy and nuanced character growth.
I loved the depiction of art (both the creational aspect and interpreting its meaning).
Too often have I read books where MCs have facial scars or other imperfections, but the guys are still “so hot” it’s not a real issue in the story or in their everyday life. This book is the opposite and deserves praise for the depiction and treatment of the topic alone.
Did I suffer? Yes. Will I read more? Absolutely.
Aubrey’s and Lindsey’s adventures continue in this introspective book where both our protagonists go to Lindsey’s country estate to spend some time together. Even though this is a dual POV book, Aubrey dominates in this one, and motivation behind Lindsey’s actions are opaque at times. For me there were pacing issues, along the way I started shipping a different couple.
What was great? The realism, the historical accuracy, the superb character work, the prose, likable side characters (both male and female). There is something magical about Nothwell’s writing that induces such empathy, the reader is left shaken at their core even if the events causing the turmoil are not that epic. It is a sensual book, full of emotional intimacy and nuanced character growth.
I loved the depiction of art (both the creational aspect and interpreting its meaning).
Too often have I read books where MCs have facial scars or other imperfections, but the guys are still “so hot” it’s not a real issue in the story or in their everyday life. This book is the opposite and deserves praise for the depiction and treatment of the topic alone.
Did I suffer? Yes. Will I read more? Absolutely.
April 22, 2019
Another inexplicably awful cover painting for a solidly good novel. I liked the details of learning how to horseback ride, it brought it all back to me, and grounded this story in a feeling of reality.
I also continue to enjoy the two heroes and the sister.
Why only three stars? Well, I felt like two books of Aubrey being the hurt end of a hurt/comfort equation was too much. Especially as he is the more vulnerable in so many ways, shorter, poorer, lower class, less educated... having him be hurt and grateful for the help of a big, strong, rich man again reminded me of themes I don’t like in m/f. I’m sure the author didn’t intend it. But there it is.
Still, not a bad book. As long as someone can promise those chartreuse dresses will be gotten rid of (arsenic), we’ll be fine.
I also continue to enjoy the two heroes and the sister.
Why only three stars? Well, I felt like two books of Aubrey being the hurt end of a hurt/comfort equation was too much. Especially as he is the more vulnerable in so many ways, shorter, poorer, lower class, less educated... having him be hurt and grateful for the help of a big, strong, rich man again reminded me of themes I don’t like in m/f. I’m sure the author didn’t intend it. But there it is.
Still, not a bad book. As long as someone can promise those chartreuse dresses will be gotten rid of (arsenic), we’ll be fine.
March 3, 2019
Poor Aubrey. One got to give it to the bloke, he's got gumption. I'm glad he came through his little trials.
I am very happy to read more about Aubrey and Lindsey.
I can't 'feel' that Lindsey and Emmeline should or will get married though if they do, I'd like to be invited so dear Mr. Nothwell, please don't let it happen 'off the page'. All that chartreuse and frills will be for nought. That at least must have an audience.
I am very happy to read more about Aubrey and Lindsey.
I can't 'feel' that Lindsey and Emmeline should or will get married though if they do, I'd like to be invited so dear Mr. Nothwell, please don't let it happen 'off the page'. All that chartreuse and frills will be for nought. That at least must have an audience.
July 30, 2019
What’s the best thing to do on a summers overcast, stormy day? Curl up with a good book and read it from start to finish. As wonderful as the first in this series, interesting characters that linger with you afterwards, and I have a new favourite author.
April 1, 2019
I'm not sure why I'm not connecting with either book in this series. This sequel was interesting enough but trod some ground that had already been gone over in the first novel.
April 13, 2019
I liked this one better than the first installment. The balance between the characters was much better.
January 12, 2020
The story of Lindsey and Aubrey continues in this book, and it is just as beautiful as the first book. I couldn't stop reading, and want to be a part of their life! Luckily for me, there is apparently a third book on the way, and I can't wait.
January 8, 2022
Aubrey and Lindsay continue to be heart wrenching and I will continue to read them.
September 29, 2023
Devoured this quick sequel in one sitting. Healing is a journey for both Lindsey and Aubrey and I loved we got to revisit it in book.
Nothwell continues the art of historical romance, hurt/comfort, and tender relationships. I do hope we will revisit them again.
Nothwell continues the art of historical romance, hurt/comfort, and tender relationships. I do hope we will revisit them again.
March 19, 2023
I love them, your honor
May 19, 2020
Wonderful
Love it! Although I’m really hoping for a 3rd to come out to explain the silver haired gent. Here’s hoping.
Love it! Although I’m really hoping for a 3rd to come out to explain the silver haired gent. Here’s hoping.
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