New lover. New city. New dangers.

Wand’ring Minstrel Jimothy Redwing is used to life on the road, living by the words and music that are his stock in trade. While he’s comfortable finding his way alone, he’s always amenable to a friendly stranger who knows the lay of the land. Ricky Lennox is smart, funny, handsome, and very amenable.

With a place to stay, a sexy new lover, and some local contacts, Jimothy looks forward to delivering the letters in his care—including a message for the local ruler—and earning a little money with his music before moving on.

Ricky’s declaration he’s interested in more than just a one-night tryst starts Jimothy thinking about settling into a life of perfect harmony. But things hit a sour note when he learns his lover’s true identity—and exactly what’s in the epistle to Kanbec’s ruler.

Jimothy’s journey turns out to be far more complicated than he could have dreamed, and as dangerous as any epic ballad. For himself—and for Ricky.

Why I bought it:

It’s m/m fantasy. Need I say more. *GRIN*

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ There may be some who find the fact that the two men quickly succumb to their attraction to each other a little unbelievable. I think why it worked for me in this instance is because the story didn’t go on to give the reader rainbows and fairy dust (ie an immediate HEA where they stared dreamily into each other’s eyes for the next 100 pages). This was really only the start of Jimothy’s and Ricky’s journey together.

Like~ I (obviously) like my medieval-themed stories served up in a fantasy setting and this was no exception. The world building was terrific and I LOVED the fact that Jimothy was a wandering minstrel. How cool is that.

Dislike~ Ricky is a prince who will become king and therefore will need a heir. Although it will mean m/f or m/m/f at some future stage in Jimothy’s and Ricky’s life, I think the author handled this issue very well by hinting at a convincing outcome and with the men reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.

Like~ The writing was excellent and the characters well developed and very appealing. When you add romance, some humour, a prince, a minstrel, political intrigue and a great secondary cast you have a winner. 🙂

So, what I think:

Another of my m/m fantasy keepers. T’was lovely and satisfying.

There was a follow up in the form of a short, free read that you can get here.

‘Tasting’ is my version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.