*swoony sigh*

I loved this book. It was just…beautiful. And it wasn’t just the romance. It was all of it…the writing, the setting, the story, the emotion…I felt so swept away and didn’t put the book down until I got to the end in one sitting.

It is a classic opposites attract: Ward being a scholar and a man of wealth while Nick a townie, son of a gypsy, who looks after the property of one of the largest landowners. But what ties them is some connection to the supernatural…possibly, as well as a keen sense of loss and lack of place…definitely.

The slow build from distrust, to hopeful attraction, to deep connection was one that I had no problem patiently enjoying. The interactions between Ward and Nick were so genuine and caring, I wanted to read more and more pages just of the two of them.

I love Joanna Chambers’ writing. I have yet to read a story of hers that I didn’t enjoy immensely. And picking a favorite would be difficult. So I’ll just say that this is one of my favorites among all the favorites written by this author!

<u>What's to Like:</u>
It’s just great to have new books coming from one of my favorite authors. So for that I’m happy! I’m also excited that this is part of a Riptide Publishing series of books set in Porthkennack. The line up of authors for this series is impressive and I have a feeling each story will be entertaining to read.

<u>What's to Love:</u>
I really love books where the setting itself plays a part as a character. In the way that Joanna Chambers wrote this cliff side property and the town itself, I felt like I was there. I could visualize so clearly everything she described of the locations. And this town came to LIFE in this book and played it’s own role. I loved it!

<u>Beware of:</u>
This is my only teeny tiny grumble, and it could very well be mine alone. When a character pulls a dumbass, hurtful move in anger towards their beloved, I like a lot more groveling and apology before forgiveness. :) Earn your way back into my heart! It would’ve been PERFECT if there was just that little more crawling back with your tail between your legs! ha!

<u>This Book is For:</u>
If you love a good m/m historical, you’ll love this book. If you’re a fan of Harper Fox books, I think you’ll really love this book. There’s a similar feel to Fox’s “Cold Fusion” that I enjoyed in this one.

Joanna Chambers’ A Gathering Storm is the sole historical entry in the Porthkennack series of queer romances written by five different award-winning, best-selling British LGBTQ+ romance authors. All the books – the others are by Charlie Cochrane, J.L. Merrow, Alex Beecroft and Garrett Leigh – can be read in any order and are standalone titles; the link is the setting of Porthkennack, a charming Cornish seaside town with a long and sometimes sinister history.

The story opens as Sir Edward Fitzwilliam Is travelling from Dublin to Anglesey on the night of a fierce, electrical storm. The storm is at its height when Edward – Ward – experiences a strange phenomenon; he hears his twin brother, George, assuring him that all will be well at what Ward later realises must have been the moment of his brother’s death. From that moment on, Ward becomes consumed by the idea of recreating the conditions that he believed allowed the communication and devotes himself to the task, even though the wider scientific community - of which he had been a respected member - disapproves of his efforts and denounces him.

Following his disastrous public defence of a sham medium in opposition to some of his highly respected colleagues, Ward retreats to the small seaside town of Porthkennack in Cornwall, where he purchases a plot of land close to a place known locally as ‘the Hole’, an eighty-foot-high cavern that stretches from cliff-top to sea bed. Stories of the supernatural cling to the place, but Ward’s interest is of a more scientific nature; he believes that the conditions experienced in that location during a storm will help him in his quest to recreate those he experienced on the night his brother communicated with him ‘from beyond the veil’.

But in order to prove that communication with the spirit world is possible, Ward also needs subjects willing to take part in his experiments, preferably people who have recently suffered a bereavement. He asks his solicitor if he can help him find such people, but even though Ward offers to pay well, the locals are naturally sceptical; and once rumours begin circulating about his using mesmerism and electric shocks (he doesn’t) not even the promise of payment can induce anyone to sign up.

On a visit to a local tavern in hopes of drumming up some interest, Ward meets Nicholas Hearn, land steward at the neighbouring Roscarrock estate. Nick is half Romany and, while it’s never publicly acknowledged, is the illegitimate grandson of his employer, old Godfrey Roscarrock. Nick’s gypsy mother is widely believed to have been clairvoyant, and when Ward learns of this, he is convinced that Nick is the very man to assist him with his experiments – but Nick isn’t interested, or at least, he isn’t interested in what Ward is trying to do, although he is fascinated by the man himself.

But circumstances have a way of changing unexpectedly, and not long after their initial meeting, Nick is manoeuvred into striking a bargain with Ward and agreeing to help with his experiments until the end of the summer. Over the ensuing weeks, the men fall into an unlikely friendship at the same time as the undercurrent of attraction that has been evident since their first meeting continues to bubble and simmer until it reaches a fever pitch they can no longer ignore or resist.

The romance between these two polar opposites – one fair, wealthy and privileged and the other a dark, reserved outsider – is incredibly well done and really quite beautiful. The sexual tension and the strength of the emotional connection the men share just leap off the page, and I really appreciated the way Ms. Chambers is able to put their romantic relationship on an equal footing in spite of their difference in social standing. Ward has never been in love, but is sexually experienced while Nick had a lover, but the opportunities to thoroughly explore the physical side of that relationship were few. But while Ward is rather deliciously naughty, the one thing he doesn’t have experience of is kissing – and the scene in which Nick shows Ward just how gloriously intimate a kiss can be is wonderfully tender and passionate.

They are very well-drawn, three-dimensional characters, both of them fervent about their beliefs and both stubborn to a fault. Ward was born into an aristocratic family and, while not an uncaring person, doesn’t realise the degree to which his privileged position distances him from other, ‘ordinary’ people. Nick, on the other hand, is neither fish nor fowl; his position as a land steward raises him above the farmers and working men of the village, yet even though he is the grandson of the one of the most powerful men in the area, Nick’s illegitimacy and his Romish blood mean that he is not gentry either. Ms. Chambers does a terrific job in exploring these differences, showing Ward and Nick recognising the need to make adjustments to their way of thinking and acting if they are to make a future together. Nick’s situation as being ‘between classes’ makes him particularly easy to empathise with; he feels he doesn’t really belong anywhere, and that sense of isolation is often compounded by his own, somewhat introverted nature. Ward, on the other hand, comes across as a bit of a snob at first, although it soon becomes clear that his sometimes dismissive attitude is as much to do with his absorption in his work and an inability to read social cues as it is to do with his upbringing.

There is a small, but strongly characterised secondary cast, and the uneasy relationship between Godfrey Roscarrock and Nick is particularly well done. Nick resents the older man; even though he has given him a good position, Nick sometimes wonders if he wouldn’t have been better off if he’d been left as he was, a gypsy bastard left to run with his mother’s folk – yet it’s obvious that Roscarrock has some degree of affection for his unacknowledged grandson, and sees in him a man like himself, a man whose love of the land is deeply entrenched.

I should probably point out here that in spite of Ward’s obsession with communicating with the dead, this book is primarily an historical romance and the paranormal aspect of the story is a background detail. It’s an important, very well researched and quite fascinating background detail, but that’s nonetheless what it is, so anyone coming to the book expecting a strong paranormal element may be disappointed.

A Gathering Storm is a wonderful love story, and at the same time, a subtly nuanced exploration of the nature of obsession and grief. I’ve gone back and forth over a final grade for the book because while I enjoyed it very much, the final chapter is somewhat rushed, and there are a couple of pacing issues in the middle. Ultimately, however, neither of those things would deter me from re-reading it, which means it belongs on my keeper shelf.

Sometimes a book gets everything right. A Gathering Storm is such a book: flawless writing, flawed but likable characters, strong sense of time and place, slow burn fraught with sexual tension, gorgeous romance, and a beautiful HEA.

"You kissed me because you thought I was going to die?"

"I wouldn't have had the nerve otherwise."

"In that case, it was worth it—almost dying, I mean."

Sir Edward has been obsessed with spirits since his brother died. Ward was on a ship in the middle of a great storm when George's spirit spoke to him, and then George—his best friend, his TWIN, his other half—was gone.

Ward had a reputation as a man of science, but when he began attending séances and defending clairvoyants, he lost the respect of the scientific community.

Lost and alone, Ward moves to Porthkennack in Cornwall and builds a great big hole with platforms that offers a free fall into the sea. The year is 1853, all Ward needs are subjects who'll help him prove (scientifically, of course) that, given the right set of circumstances, one can communicate with spirits.

With his harsh voice (a permanent side effect of his long childhood battle with diphtheria) and aristocratic bearing, Ward doesn't make an easy sell, particularly when the rumors about lightning and "mesmerism" start swirling.

Nick is the illegitimate son of a wealthy, landed gentleman who left him and his Romani mother behind when the fling ceased to be fun. But Nick's mom, a medium herself, wasn't easily cowed. Now Nick is a steward tending his grandfather's lands. Except old man Godfrey is his grandfather by blood only. Nick is less than family, more than a servant. He's the "Gypsy bastard." He doesn't belong.

Ward's money and title allow him privileges he takes for granted. Ward can be thoughtless and self-centered at times, his obsession making him blind to other people's needs and intentions. He essentially blackmails Nick into being his subject.

Nick is at once suspicious of and fascinated with Ward. Nick doesn't believe in spirits; he grieves his mother's death, but sees séances as a way to prey on the bereaved.

Nick and Ward are polar opposites: Nick, dark, isolated, silent; Ward, blond-haired, confident, wealthy. Their connection can't be explained (not everything can or should be).

The unfulfilled sexual tension is absolutely divine. The more time Nick and Ward spend together (their weekly sessions involve hypnotism, conversation, and dinner), the more they want. While Nick is initially the instigator, seemingly the dominant one, Ward is better versed in the art of lovemaking (except kissing; Nick gives Ward his first breathtaking, heart-pounding kiss).

I wasn't expecting a steamy read, but the few intimate scenes between the men were about perfect: passionate yet so very tender. When Ward called Nick "Nicholas," I melted every time. Ward's dirty mouth is a thing of beauty.

I have to admit I was disappointed that (view spoiler). I was waiting for that scene, for that sign of trust, but it never came.

The historical setting is so well-sketched, I felt like I was walking the cliffs of Cornwall with Nick and Ward. The dialogue is pitch perfect and authentic.

The secondary characters, including Nick's arrogant grandfather and Jed, his antagonist, come alive. Jed is a bully without any redeeming qualities, but Godfrey, Nick's cousin Isabella, and his ex-lover Gabe are amazingly nuanced characters. Nick's relationship with Godfrey is particularly complicated, full of expectations, resentment, and things left unsaid.

While A Gathering Storm is relationship focused (the paranormal element is ambiguous and open to interpretation), the story is more than just a romance. It's an exploration of small-town phobia, racism, and classicism; the oppressive, sometimes obsessive, nature of grief; and the secret ways we escape our fears. None of these themes feel heavy handed or preachy; the men's experiences, their quirks, past hurts, and assumptions, are as much a part of this story as their love.

Because the story is told in the third-person alternating POV, I sympathized with both men. Even as I was screaming at Ward for being such a bloody snob, I wanted to take away his pain. And when Nick came across as standoffish and distant, I saw his insecurities, the way he protected his fragile heart.

I wish the last chapter hadn't felt so rushed, but the epilogue more than made up for it. I believed in Nick and Ward's swoon-worthy HEA!

Finally, a special shout-out to Master Snowflake, Nick's one-eyed bulldog, who stole my heart. I adored Nick so much more because Snow was his priority always. Even in the midst of a crisis, Nick thinks of Snow first. And Ward risks his own life to save Snow. Nothing, NOTHING, warms my heart more than men who love animals!

A Gathering Storm is one of the best books I've read this year. Unforgettable!

I really liked Joanna Chambers' historical M/M Enlightenment trilogy, but A Gathering Storm was a bit of a let-down because one of the MCs was a serious butt-head. I had no problem at all with half-Romany Nicholas Hearn, land steward to a wealthy family who has never quite felt at home with either the townspeople or Roscarrock family he serves. I loved his quiet dignity and his gentle way with animals, and I wanted him to find someone who would make him happy. I just wasn't convinced that Sir Edward "Ward" Fitzwilliam was that man. Ward is grieving the death of his twin brother, but in his single-minded pursuit of proving that he can use science to recreate the moment he thought he heard his brother speak to him from beyond the grave, he becomes completely self-absorbed and is not above using blackmail to get what he wants (although he feels bad about doing so). He pulls rank and treats Nick abominably on several occasions, and although he makes a decent gesture at the book's climax, he needed to demonstrate more of a grovel to redeem himself in my eyes.

Because of Ward's weaknesses, I couldn't quite root for him and Nick as a couple in love. In lust, definitely, but Nick's exulting in finding "his mate, his lover, his friend, the keeper of his heart" etc. didn't ring true. Perhaps if Chambers had a full trilogy to spread out the story it would have worked better, but Ward's redemption was too little, too late, and the pacing was rushed.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

A Gathering Storm, Porthkennack 2, Joanna Chambers

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, LGBTQIA

I loved Wake Up Call (Porthkennack 1)  J.L. Merrow, so when I saw there was a second Porthkennack book I wanted to read it. I hadn't read any of Joanna's novels before, but Riptide tends to have authors/books that suit my taste and of course I have a weakness for well written m/m historical tales, having found them by way of (for me) the queen of this genre K.J. Charles. 
There's something about the need for secrecy, the huge risks people took in same sex relationships that appeal to the drama side of me. I feel for them, truly, it was an awful time to live, when those caught out lost families, homes, jobs and were imprisoned. Yet as a reading genre I love it. Hypocrite I know ;-) 

This book brings in all those things, and adds in the touch of Class, Station, the snobbery of how people were so divided according to their backgrounds. 

Ward was born to a wealthy family, which left him free to pursue whatever interests he had and more so, relatively immune for the time, of discovery with two very discreet servants who'd become almost family to him, and a home which gave him privacy. 
He's very kind of quiet, introverted though, and I could feel how much Mr Pipp, his mainstay, his servant from childhood, went out of his way to protect him. He almost treated him as a son, and Ward regarded him and his views as many children would a parent. He was lucky in that, with his health issues brought on by childhood illness many in his position were simply ridiculed, scorned, bullied, and his money made him less of a target in public even if he knew the jokes were there behind him.

He's devastated by his twin's death, and will, like many grieving people, try anything to contact him once more, and that brings him into his current research. 
He's set everything up but needs volunteers, well, paid ones anyway but after one has an accident some time after assisting him he's stuck, no-one else will help. 

Then Nick comes into his life, reluctantly. Ward is convinced he can help with his research when he learns Nick's mother was regarded by the locals as a clairvoyant.
Nicks a steward to the Rosscarrock family, a grandson to the current owner of the estate, but illegitimate. His mother was a gypsy, and after she died when Nick was 12 Lord Rosscarrock gave him a job, let him live in a cottage and educated him - after his work was done of course.... so he could become his Steward.
He doesn't have that same privilege to indulge his inclinations that Ward does, Ward can have an excuse for men that visit, Nick would be hard pressed to explain why someone came to his cottage. Ways of the time :-( so Nick is stuck with a few hurried risky private-ish publish fumblings. 

When something happens that brings him reluctantly to Ward's assistance they slowly grow closer, grow to respect each other and more, but there is always the barrier of how they met and of course their respective positions. 

 Its a great story, brings in all the things I love best about this genre, the closeness, the way so much had to be hidden, the risks, and of course like the best stories the characters talk as they would back then, which makes me feel as if I'm really back in time with them.
Its a time too when spiritualism was at a peak, and there were many charlatans, using some clever tricks preying on the need of grieving people. Times were tough then though, and for some it was that or starve. Its easy to be judgmental from a position of security. 
 
Stars: four, a great read, perfectly written to feel set back in time but i did feel the transition between the two kind of slid past the things that had been causing issues a little too conveniently at the end.

ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the book. The relationship between Nick and Ward was slow to develop and somewhat rocky at times. The class difference, between them, was a negative factor at times to their relationship. At the end, Nick and Ward develop a deep love for each other. The book is a great read and I would recommend it.

A Gathering Storm is a charming Victorian drama set in a fictional Cornish town, with a slow burn love affair between a passionate scientist and down to earth steward. Historical tales with scientists/natural philosophers are like catnip to me, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much SCIENCE was in this novel, considering the main conceit is the attempt to contact the spirits. Ward's obsession was believable and accurate to the time period, and I enjoyed his desperate need to rationalise what he had experienced in a quantifiable way. While the scientific approach was well done, however, anything actually regarding the spirit world was rather less so - we are never given a hint for what actually happened to Ward upon the ship and the vision of his brother, and when Nicholas is hypnotised he utters 'nonsense' that absolutely suggested some grand revelation later on that indeed psychic powers are real, but the phrases hinting at a greater meaning were never referred to again, which was both perplexing and disappointing.

Ward's intensity and devotion to his logical worldview was endearing, his seemingly neuroatypical behaviour extremely relatable to me and his relationship with the quiet, supportive Nicholas very sweet. I did occasionally want to throttle Ward for his dismissive attitudes and wonder why Nick would put up with him, but I do think they worked well as a couple and wished them every happiness.

This was a fun read and I look forward to more stories set in the Porthkennack universe.

RATING: 4 out of 5

It has been more than a year since I last read anything by Joanna Chambers ... so when I saw this one being listed by Riptide at Netgalley, I requested it without any second thought.

Sir Edward "Ward" Fitzwilliam comes to Porthkennack to continue his work -- to scientifically experiment and to prove how the plane of spirits can interact with the real world -- after his reputation is shattered among fellow scientists in London. In order to do this, Ward needs subjects, and he hopes with his money people in Porthkennack will be willing to participate. Ward doesn't count on how people distrust him since his work involves electricity.

Nicholas "Nick" Hearn is a land steward to the Roscarrock family. He is a half Romany Gypsy (from his mother's side) and Ward thinks Nick is perfect for his experiment. At first Nick refuses. However, after a slight misunderstanding -- Ward sees Nick with another man; Nick thinks Ward is going to blackmail him upon this knowledge -- Nick agrees to become Ward's subject for a limited time ...

Oh how I adore this story. It reminded me again how much I miss Chambers' writing, characters, and stories ♥. This is a classic opposites-attract, in my humble opinion.

Ward is a scientist but he also comes from privilege, so some things are easy for him (like purchaing the land for his experiments, or offering money to attract the locals). At the same time, he is also sheltered due to a grave illness so Ward is not the most sociable person. For me sometimes he is either too 'nerdy with his passion towards science (though nothing wrong with that!) or unable to get social cues.

Nick, on the other hand, is a half Gypsy and a bastard. Some people never really let Nick forget about that. He has a complicated relationship with old Godfrey Roscarrock -- his employer, landlord, and to an extent, his family after Nick's father left and his mother died. Nick distrusts Ward on sight and he feels that he is roped into agreement due to blackmail.

But then Nick gets to know more about Ward and vice versa, and how I devoured the progress. I loved their sessions. I loved how they exchanged things about their lives. I loved them together, period.

I also loved reading about them individually, these two men with their different baggage. Ward is still dealing with grief and unable to let his twin brother go, even if he tries to hide it by working on his project. While Nick tries to find a place he calls home as he feels like he never truly belongs in Porthkennack. Even if he loves the land.

I did have slight problem with the pacing. Somewhere in between Ward and Nick building their tentative relationship, to knowing each other better, to acting up on their attractions, to realizing their true feelings for one another ... I felt sometimes the pace was off. Especially during the part where they go to Truro to see the séance all the way to the ending. It felt rather rushed for that moment of love declaration.

Still, it ends in a lovely way that made my heart soared *smile*

I think fans of both Joanna Chambers and MM Historical Romance in general will not miss this one, for sure. Next time, Joanna, don't stay away too long, please?