** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley

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Lord Lynster Discovers (The Traitor Lords Saga, #1) by Adella J. Harris
★★★★★
193 Pages
POV: 3rd person, dual POV
Content Warning: deals with suicide and mourning


Lord Lynster Discovers is a roaring historical mystery wrapped up in a historical romance, sitting next to a family saga. There is romance, political intrigue, Lords and Ladies, and an issue of love between two vastly different classes.

This was one of those that I've seemed to have forever, and was just never able to find the time to fit it in. Every time I was about to pick it up, a work schedule was changed, I was too sick to concentrate, or another deadline appeared. Finally! Finally, I was able to find an extra week, where I was free of all other obligations, and pick up this book. I'm so glad I did! It was exactly the balm I needed for an exhausted, overworked mind, filled with all the dark, unhappiness of the news.

While it entails a political intrigue, the romance between Daniel and James was a running concern, and a constant that kept me reading more, hoping for a resolution. At first, Daniel's love appears to be unrequited. As friends since childhood, it looks like Daniel – a butler – grew to love his Master, James, and would never see a happy ending to that love. Then, while the political storyline takes hold, Daniel is arrested just as James is beginning to understand that he's loved Daniel all along. Never realising. Too blind by their positions in society, and expectations, to understand how he felt.

I loved the characters, most of all. The staff were all characters in their own right, rather than just there as background noise. They had their parts to play, their moments to shine, and I loved that. The same goes for Connie, Allister, and Stedmon. I most especially loved Daniel and James, both individually and as a couple.

I don't want to say too much more about the plot, because it would give too much away, but I'm eager to read more. This is my first book by the author, but it won't be the last. I've now bought the rest of this series, and a few more of their books, so I know what I'll be reading the rest of this week.

The style of writing was perfect, the intrigue nicely balanced by romance, the sex scenes were spicy without being obscne, and the plot had great foundation, excellent pacing, and a really nice use of all the characters and their talents. There were a few minor hiccups, where words were missing and the editing wasn't spot-on, but this is (was) an advanced copy and I imagine all those issues would have been fixed since then. Even still, it didn't detract from how much I loved the story.

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Favourite Quotes

“Daniel slid his hand along the seat until it brushed James’s fingers. “I suppose this means we’re going back to the house.”
“I suppose it does.” James sobered as he remembered what was waiting for them. “Maybe Connie’s had a chance to sort things out there.”
He could tell from Daniel’s expression he’d also forgotten about Thomas while they’d been preoccupied with Nestore. “There is that.”
James slid his hand over a little further and hooked his smallest finger into Daniel’s. “And I was just beginning to enjoy myself at the Clarendon.” He glanced at Daniel out of the corner of his eye. “But we’re registered for three more days. We could always go back. Unless you’re in a hurry to leave for Brighton.”
“Brighton has become less appealing in recent days.”

James has inherited the title Earl of Lynster from his estranged farther along with scandal and possible treason. Daniel has worked for the Lynster for nearly his whole life, now butler he keeps hanging on in the chance that James will notice him.

I loved this, the mystery was interesting and the love story really sweet. The ending was realistic while also being happy.

This was my 1st time reading a book with same sex love interest and was a bit shocked at times. But I generally enjoyed the story. I feel like I missed part of the story/series. I wondered why everyone knew about James and Daniel's relationship but never said anything.

Lord Lynster Discovers is the first book I've read by Adella J Harris. I enjoyed reading it, and would read more by this author, but I have to admit that I've read other historical M/M romance stories that were much better.

The story itself was good and the writing wasn't bad but it failed to keep my attention as much as I would have liked. My favorite books engage all of my emotions and usually bring on the tears; this one didn't do that fully.

I liked the story enough that I will probably read the next one in the series. While the storyline for the two main characters in this book was resolved, and there isn't what I would call a cliffhanger, I'd still like to find out what's behind the rest of the traitor lords.

The first one,in this series.
that for me is allways a bit of.
but I liked the set-up and the characters.
the romance was there but not enough to make it
really steamy or sexy.I liked the story and like to see
where this is going.It is well written,with attention for
detail and the sidecharacters.
I love that in this type off novels
3,5 stars,for me and hope on more off this

Overall it was okay not great. A lot seemed to retold over and over or repeatedly said. I would have loved it dated what time period in London. The two main characters have a friendship but a love connection there is none. Very predictable in my opinion. The is a brief back history bits that's it no others to show a "love".

When butler Daniel Rivers finds his employer, the Earl of Lynster, has shot himself, confirming he was one of the traitor lords plotting to kill the king, Daniel’s only thought is to protect his childhood friend James, the new Lord Lynster, from the scandal. He’s been quietly looking out for Lord James ever since the day by the pond when James’s “experiment” of a kiss proved to Daniel that he loved the young lord.

James had heard rumors of traitor lords and a plot to kill the king, but he didn’t realize his father was one of them until he read a newspaper story hinting the traitors were on the verge of being arrested and finds his father has shot himself rather than be tried, making James the new Lord Lynster. Fortunately, his father’s butler, Daniel Rivers, found the body. Daniel knows James’s deepest secret, and James knows he can trust Daniel, even when the Crown decides they’d like another traitor lord to put on trial.

When it’s discovered there may be more traitors involved in the conspiracy than the ones the Crown already knows about, James will need all his resources to prove he isn’t one of them. And Daniel will do anything he can to keep the former Lord Lynster’s scandal away from the son, even if it means allowing himself to be suspected.
A well written book, though not to my taste. 2.5*

This story begins with the suicide of the Earl of Lynster after a treason plot was close to discovery. Before the heir, Lord James arrives, the long time resident and now butler, Daniel Rivers, cleans the scene. Daniel is always there to help James even with a request for a kiss many years ago. Both men have long denied it meant anything but their reunion brings old feelings back. When James looks like he may also be charged, Daniel again maintains order by being willing to take the blame for James. Daniel has always been there for James, will the favor be returned?
What I liked...
Daniel and his ability to see to everyone's needs. Too bad that in some instances it was at the price of his own.
The marzipan, especially the heart shaped one.
The things that disappointed me were the many occasions of internal dialogue and characters having the wrong idea of what the other was feeling. Talk for goodness sake.
Good, but needed to stay on par with the marzipan'

Just in case you didn't pay attention to the cover or didn't real the blurb. This is a M/M romance with steamy parts. If you are fine with that, this book is an enjoable read. I liked the characters and read the book in one afternoon. There is treason, suicide, prision, and it all has to do with the mystery of the wine. Very clever!

3.75 stars
Three traitor lords plotted to kill the king; now their sons must deal with the aftermath.

When butler Daniel Rivers finds his employer, the Earl of Lynster, has shot himself, confirming he was one of the traitor lords plotting to kill the king, Daniel’s only thought is to protect his childhood friend James, the new Lord Lynster, from the scandal. He’s been quietly looking out for Lord James ever since the day by the pond when James’s “experiment” of a kiss proved to Daniel that he loved the young lord.

James had heard rumors of traitor lords and a plot to kill the king, but he didn’t realize his father was one of them until he read a newspaper story hinting the traitors were on the verge of being arrested and he goes to his estranged father’s home to find his father has shot himself rather than be tried,
When it’s discovered there may be more traitors involved in the conspiracy than the ones the Crown already knows about, James will need all his resources to prove he isn’t one of them.

A well written page turning novel, the plot is well paced & the characterisation is good. James & Daniel are likeable & their attraction is apparent from the start, although their relationship was important the main feature of the book was whether they could prove their innocence or be tried for treason. An enjoyable read which I read in a couple of seasons & I look forward to reading the rest of the series

Just as the Earl of Lynster is about to be exposed as a traitor he kills himself and leaves his estranged heir, James, to deal with the aftermath. When Daniel Rivers, the butler, is implicated in the plot the Earl decides he must investigate to remove suspicion from Rivers and himself.
An enjoyable straightforward mystery, with two likeable main characters.

(2.45 stars)

i can sum this book up in one word: straightforward. writing that was neither good nor bad, characters that were not particularly developed, and a plot that didn't really have any twists or any real conflict between the two lead characters (maybe that's just my angsty emo side speaking again, idk.)

it wasn't bad per se, just unremarkable.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Treason was a huge part of the book and in the end James and Daniel were able to prove they were not part of the plot. The relationship between James and Daniel goes back to when they were young children. The book only deals with their sexual relationship close to the end. It is a well written story, but needs proofreading, and one that holds your interest. I would have liked their current relationship to have been started sooner in the book but overall it is a very good book. I would recommend it.