The Lawrence Browne Affair

Sebastian crafted a story that was deliciously complex, emotionally honest and truly special. Easily read as a stand-alone, The Lawrence Browne Affair brings us an alternate and diverse view of historic romance from the late-regency, Napoleonic era. Lawrence Browne, the Earl of Radnor, is burdened. Burdened with the family history of madness, a cloying shyness and discomfort in social situations, a crumbling estate and a decided lack of servants. Nothing is meant to come “easy” for Lawrence, and one might expect a slight and small man, a bit on the prissy side considering the title, but he’s far from that. Large, strong, sharp witted but completely without concern for the social niceties or interactions so many crave. George Turner (Georgie) is a brother of Jack (from A Soldier’s Scoundrel), and another rather amoral human being, totally out for his own personal gain. But, when he is taken by a sudden (and recurring) twinge of conscience, he missteps with a gang leader and needs to readjust. Always in his life, Georgie has managed to endear himself to his marks, winning their trust and confidence, and a position as the personal secretary to the Earl of Radnor is the next challenge. There are solid overtones that bring Beauty and the Beast to mind: Georgie being the softer and gentler, and often more personable of the two, especially when contrasted with Lawrence’s decided discomfort and bad temper that characterize his own interactions. But Georgie is supremely skilled in coaxing and cajoling trust and confidence, even as he reveals little to nothing about himself. Lawrence, mired in the fears that family history will also result in his mental decline, have served to push him further from the public’s eye, finding refuge in his experiments and scientific study. Experiments don’t require conversation, they don’t judge and point fingers while whispering, and more importantly, they don’t require him to be anything other than himself. Of course, there is talk of the Mad Earl: how could they not with his father’s dramatic demise, and the servants who left in droves didn’t understand the difference between science and witchcraft, and everything combines to make a story far more dramatic and intriguing than the truth. Sebastian creates a story lush with description and detail, but never overburdens readers with empty facts. Secondary characters are wonderfully complex and introduced for specific reasons, while not always evident of the moment, you realize they add yet another layer to bring the story forward. Lawrence is instantly sympathetic, we see his social anxieties and understand his fears, and his deep-rooted need to be loved. Georgie has his moments of charm, but as his conscience started to guide his actions, and his own conflicts between his initial purpose and history allowed us to see his true heart, and the struggles he had between who he is or was, and who he wanted to be because of Lawrence and what he feels for him. The slow burn romance, combined with the gradual softening and connection between the two of them when attraction moves to action was delicious and will have you clamoring for more. When you add in the climax, when all secrets are revealed, what emerges is a connection that is both visceral and heart-felt. Sebastian crafted a story that was deliciously complex, emotionally honest and truly special. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review

Excellent read. Easily my favorite of Sebastian's, which is saying quite a lot. The story is solid, and I'm so happy to see characters with "flaws" like agoraphobia find happiness and love without being "fixed." Sebastian has a wonderful way of writing characters with a natural arch that doesn't seem demeaning to either character, or that one or the other have to be "fixed" in order for the relationship to work.

Georgie is a thief and con man. He is sent by his brother to Cornwall to check on the mental condition of Sir Lawrence Browne after Georgie runs afoul of his criminal boss. Lawrence is an inventor as well as an Earl. He is considered mad since his father and brother were mad before their deaths. Georgie checks it out and finds that Lawrence is different but not mad. Georgie brings stability into the household. I liked these characters. They were perfectly matched. Where one was weak, the other was strong. They allow their feelings to grow for each other and realize they need what the other brings to the relationship. Even when Georgie tries to protect Lawrence, Lawrence thwarts his efforts and does the protecting. The story pulled me in from the beginning. I wanted to know what Georgie wanted to know and how he knew it when he finally figured out what was happening at Lawrence's estate. I look forward to the other books in the series.

I love books about wounded souls and the healing that love brings. This is one of the best. There is enough sex to make it interesting, but more importantly it's a good story.

Lawrence, the Earl of Radnor was a scientist, whether mad or not was not the my main focus, the fact that he worked with a single-minded focus was. He was consumed by his work. He strived to have things done right and perfect. He did not need people or various other distractions to hinder his progress. Loss of staff be damn. He just notices that manor was more conducive to him getting his work done. He allowed his work to be all to him. That was until a certain someone began to interfere on his thoughts. Georgie was more or less than the secretary that he professed to be. Georgie had an upbringing that allowed for him to conform to his surrounding with ease. He finds that this time he has chosen a subject that just may endanger more than the scam he has going on. Lawrence Browne turns out to be an intriguing challenge for him to wrap himself around. Things here started out a bit subtly. I rather enjoy both Georgie and Lawrence. I found that this time around Cat Sebastian capture more than just my interest in the romance that was blooming. She found a way to entice me into the actually lives, past and present, of both Georgie and Lawrence. I wanted to know more about them outside of their current circumstance. I wanted to cheer for them to both move forward together and a unit. I enjoyed this one such much more than the first. I can see the growth of the characters and the surrounding with this second mm historical romance from Cat Sebastian. Thank you. You added a bit more to the historical romance.

Lawrence and Georgie story was told amazingly well. The author built up the attraction and romance between the two characters gradually throughout the story. I love this series and I can't wait to read about Simon ' uncle.

Cat Sebastian has done something for the romance genre with The Lawrence Browne Affair - and in particular, this historical period - that few have done in the market thus far. It has added diversity that’s needed while giving us all the essential elements of a great romance. I am so happy I found this one! Lawrence and Georgie are the perfect match right from the beginning. I simply can’t resist a broody hero, but Lawrence is more than that. He’s sequestered himself alone, living in a broken down home, and thinking he’s mad simply because he desires men. How can you not just want to hug this man? This sweet person who doesn’t understand how amazing he is? Don’t worry. It’s Georgie to the rescue. He’s funny, snarky and brutally honest. He made this book for me! In one scene, they are working on Lawrence’s experiments - yes, Lawrence is super sexy smart and handy too! - and Georgie sends him a message. Two words, and Ack! The tension killed me. I just wanted to shout, “Atta boy, Georgie! Get your man!” And when Lawrence reins in his ghosts and throws around his brute strength and title...watch out! Their story is the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, and any book that makes me sigh in happiness is a 5-star read for me. It’s books like these that have me so excited for the historical fiction genre as a whole as much as it cements my love for them. I highly recommend this one!