Contains Spoilers

Edgar and Benjamin are two sons being brought up as gentlemen by their parents in the 18thC and are sent on the Grand Tour to enrich their education, experience culture and expand their connections linked to the family shipping business. The mother is so controlling over their lives that she has produced an itinerary for every day.

The journey out into the big wide world soon reveals that acting like gentlemen doesn't get you anywhere when the great and the good learn you are just merchants and your money is earned rather than inherited. An ill-advised visit to discover their mother's family origins in Paris shatters their illusions and reveals that they have a secret that needs to be kept hidden. Benjamin has other secrets, however, as he has dangerous desires for his own sex. Men have been hanged at Tyburn for sodomy.

In Italy, Benjamin meets Mr Lavelle, a larger than life character who lights up the page with his humour and modern attitudes. His lack of convention and rejection of manners fascinate Benjamin, as well as his handsome beauty. He teaches Benjamin to break free of society strictures and "reject, reject reject". Mr Lavelle has a dark and damaged past, however, which is revealed following a wild and public breakdown in Florence, where he rails against a gathering of vapid tourists.

Horace Lavelle is a complicated and believable person, whose motives for his actions show a conflicted and mistrustful character. I wanted him to find happiness and a healing future with Benjamin. The author's last sentence is "The world needs change, not forgiveness" but if the author had given us a happy ending rather than the same Bury Your Gays trope, he would have been part of the change..

Set in the 1800’s, The Intoxicating Mr. Lavelle is a novel that deals with themes of class, religion and sexuality. It is ultimately a story of love and lust but one that causes grief as it is set during a time when this type of love was abhorred.
The Bowen brothers set off on a European adventure in the hope of being accepted into the upper echelons or European society. However when Benjamin Bowen meets the charming and seductive Mr. Lavelle, plans change and life as they know it will never be the same again.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It covered a range of themes and the narrative was good. I would have liked it if the author had gone into more detail on the places visited on the tour. Overall I would recommend it.

The Intoxicating Mr. Lavelle is, of sorts, a historical coming of age tale. It follows two brothers on their Grand Tour in what is, effectively, their first year in society. Having previously followed one another in almost everything (through no real fault of their own), suddenly the brothers find themselves split asunder, when the eponymous Mr. Lavelle makes an appearance. Benjamin, the narrator, is drawn into Mr. Lavelle’s orbit, while Edgar mulishly persists in doing as their mother told them.

Initially, I will admit, the writing style took a little getting used to. It’s not like I disliked it at the start or anything: I just found it took a moment for me to actually be able to read it quickly (honestly though, if a book has a writing style I actually have to spend time reading, I start to not like it. More brain perversions). But then I got into it and the writing style did not matter.

This is a very character-driven novel, so it’s a good thing it presents you with a bunch of very distinct and well-developed characters. I found it easy to root for Benjamin throughout, and also Edgar (if only mostly to feel sorry for him, even as he seemed a little caricaturish in his desire to be accepted at times). I also loved the progression of Lavelle’s character through Benjamin’s eyes, as he goes from being almost an object of Benjamin’s worship, to becoming more human and fragile.

It’s clear from the start of the novel that the story does not have a happy ending. And I don’t think I ever expected it to, really. In a way, Benjamin and Lavelle’s relationship is never really a healthy one (and it’s never meant to be, I don’t think), so the tragic ending to it was always in the cards. Yes, I wish it hadn’t happened how it happened (and the death of another gay character who had been the victim of sexual abuse was not exactly great), but also, it was sort of telegraphed. I have accepted it (even if I still don’t like it).

I think, though, the reason I did not enjoy this book more than 3 stars (although that is still a positive rating for me, and that is a hill I will die on), is that introspective, character-driven novels are not my thing. Every once in a blue moon, I will find one I love, sure, but on the whole, it’s lucky that I even like them. So really, taking the genre into account, coming from me this is like a 5 star review (I think).

Which means you should definitely read it.

I found this book as intoxicating as the title. I devoured it. Edgar and Benjamin where pretty flat characters and their parents were almost ghostlike. But Mr Lavelle upped the ante and swept me away. I wasn't expecting a book about forbidden relationhips butthe LGBT content didn't bother me as I read anything except horror. A very good, fast paced read which I finished within 24 hours. With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review a free e-ARC of this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Mid 18th Century Europe and Grand tour by tow brothers who have been raised steeped in the possibility of such a journey. Ye their travels don't always bring what they expect and indeed, their expectations vary wildly. Edager wants to be someone, to know someone, to be talked about, feted. Benjamin doesn't even really know himself. Enter Mr Lavelle who bewitches Benjamin and ignores Edgar, who turns their trip upside down.

For most of this novel I felt less than engaged, the concept had potential but was not done in away that dragged me into the time period, the setting or the narrative line. Mr Lavelle was the only character with any "life" in him. I would say about 20 - 25% of this book was a page turner, the rest just padding

Unfortunately I really struggled with this book and after a few attempts had to abandon. Not sure what the problem was as I was really looking forward to it.

This is a character-driven coming of age novel as Benjamin remembers his Grand Tour and the awakening he had whilst in thrall to Horace Lavelle. Setting out on the trip with his brother Edgar Benjamin starts to realise that the parental ambition that has shaped his life up until that point may actually be based on secrets and lies. Not only that, the society that they live in is far from a meritocracy, and money and education will not grant him nor his brother entry into the titled class, so he is doomed to disappoint his parents. The introduction to Horace Lavelle could not have come at a more opportune moment and what follows is as much a social commentary on hierarchy and 'othering', rules vs. anarchy and questions about freedom and prejudice as it is a love story between Horace and Benjamin.
As a character-driven novel, the book strangely suffers from a lack of character exploration. Focussing only on Horace and Benjamin is to the exclusion of any other character in the book and poor Edgar deserved better treatment. Key elements of both Benjamin's and Horace's past are briskly dealt with, so are used as a mere plot device to get the pair into bed. This was disappointing because these are two damaged men and their story deserved to be told. Horace, in particular, was a wonderful character and it was frustrating to know so little about him.

My thanks go to Net Galley and the publishers for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.

I couldn’t really connect with this, it felt like a pale imitation sadly of another well known LGBT book we all love so much, it’s was nice enough at points but it just lacked its own voice or style. I’m sure others will like it, but not for me

I don't think this book really knows where to position itself. It wants to be YA but feels immature despite the interminable showing off about philosophy; the subject matter is certainly not for a young audience, however. It's difficult to get to like any of the characters and reads like a Gentlemen's Guide To Vice & Virtue knock-off without the humour or the historical context.

A good read overall. This book is really well written and it was interesting reading about the brothers travels and life in London. I totally disliked Mr Lavelle and definitely did not find him intoxicating.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

I couldn’t really get in to this one and ended up did not finish in it sadly but it is lovely and well written and the books cover is absolutely stunning!!

Two brothers, sons of a rich tradesman, set off on their European tour in the 1760s. They are well-read but haven’t been able to break into ‘good society’, so this is their chance to impress. But things go awry when they meet the rebellious, cynical, charming and utterly corrupt Mr Lavelle. Although at times it did feel like a philosophy tract (look, I like my dose of Voltaire as much as anyone, but it didn’t have all that much bearing on the story!), it was on the whole great fun to read, quite a lot of description of gay sex, and an excellent rebuttal of British snobbery past and present.

I really couldn't get into this book. I didn't like the characters. I hadn't realised the LGBT content. This book wasn't for me. I'm sure a lot of people will enjoy it.

The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle is the 18th century story of two brothers - Edgar and Benjamin - who have had an isolated and rigorous upbringing of the finest English education, with the intentions of introducing them into society and elevating the family shipping business and their status.



Sheltered and unprepared, as they come of age, their mother sends them on their Grand Tour of Europe to meet people of Quality. Edgar is thrilled, accepting invitations and making what he thinks of as good connections. But Benjamin realises the truth, they can never be accepted and are not truly English, but instead comes across the irreverent, irresponsible, immoral Horace Lavelle and becomes bewitched, with forbidden and repressed feeling surfacing. What will these desires and ideas cost him, and his brother?



This is a romance, a brutal skewering of society and philosophy and an intense family story all at once. The sex scenes are graphic, but with a purpose, the plot is twisty and sensational, but with moments of quiet contemplation. This might struggle to find a natural audience, but those who do find it and love it will do so passionately! Divisive, and memorable!

Give this book a chance. The story is written in the past tense and largely from a single perspective. Beware, that the behaviours are frustrating in their stagnation and foolishness for so many pages at the start. The central characters are initially unlikable, but there is a progressive drift towards personal growth for the narrator. It is not a perfect story as it is not filled with perfect people. These are memories and so there are holes in the timeline. It is easy to forget this and be distracted by the jumps, so perhaps it might have benefitted from a few more reminders of the structure.

The characters, despite their flaws are well drawn as are their personality strengths and weaknesses. There is very effective use of contextual information and historical description; however, it is easy to forget the period in which it is set and it does seem much later. Cultural and socio-political references help to remind the reader of the century, but the rebelliousness of the central characters feels very modern. Nevertheless, this is the strength of the story in that it is the revelation of the next refreshing act that holds the attention of the reader.

There is violence and a limited amount of tension throughout. This is more than sufficient to drive the story forwards. The writing style is quite easy with effective changes in pace to allow for digression and contextualisation.

The infatuation with the titular character is very effective because it is described historically and is a balance between a rose-tinted and warts and all account. The passion and sex is descriptive if a little glossed over. It is in these types of moments however, that it is easy to forget that this written in the past tense, it seems just a little too clear and accurate to be a memory.

As the story comes to its conclusion, it is here that the writing becomes stronger and far more effective. The ending is rich and effective and makes a very refreshing change.

“other people’s dreams are no basis for a life. We must seek as hard as we can, as a matter of emergency, to find our own dreams, our own lives.”

This book was amazing! I read it in one sitting. There were so many passages throughout the book I wanted to quote. It was glorious as a work of historical fiction, as a judgement of society’s mores, in the 18th Century, and still currently- how we can be hurt and punished for our faith or our sexuality or both and more. How we can be ashamed of who we are because we are made to feel so. I loved this book. I expected it to be a comedy, but this was a serious and sad story. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

I’m very torn between liking and disliking this book. I always loved historical romance and if it’s about a young man who is taken The grand tour to discover the life outside London before settling down for his inheritance, I’m all for it.
I didn’t liked the parts where there are words and moments very inaccurate about the time setting. I really feel like when writing a story set in the 18 century it should use a bit of everything from that period time.
I did liked the characters and how they were pictured with real feelings and how scandals and their private moments are taboo or front upon.

I’m afraid this one was not for me. I found Mr Lavelle far from intoxicating, but a rather irritating, crude, one-dimensional character. Had hoped for a plot enlightening me about the ins and outs of the celebrated Grand Tour movement, but it read like a school essay on philosophy mingling with homoerotic passages of conveyor belt gay literature. The allure of Mister Lavelle, even from the naive POV of a young man that had been sheltered from the real world, does not come across. On the other hand, the depiction of “society” is captivating and Benjamin’s return to England is portrayed with care. A mixed bag which could be enormously improved by cutting out the many pornographic scenes.

Benjamin and his brother Edgar are to take part in the Grand Tour seeking out culture and the best kind of people in order to further their parent's ambitions for them. Benjamin is the rebel he has no interest in polite society and instead becomes infatuated with Mr Lavelle - a man who appears to know everything and everyone and treat if all with humourous disdain. Edgar fears for his brother but it is too late : Benjamin is completely in love. Yet how honest is Mr Lavelle? His scandal seeking sarcastic way of life will do more damage to the brothers than Benjamin realises.

So problematically I really didn't like any of the characters in this novel. Edgar is a weak snob, Benjamin veers from one opinion to the next ruining his life and Mr Lavelle is a toxic fake. If you want to read an LGBT Grand Tour novel then try it but it wasn't for me.

The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle was an unusual book for me, but one that I am very glad I chose to read and review. Thank you to #NetGalley, the publishers and the author, Neil Blackmore. for the opportunity.
the book is written in a very modern way although it was set in the eighteenth century, which I think really worked. (It was clear at the start that some of the language would not have been used at the time, such as the term Enlightenment as a description of the period - which I felt excused the lack of historical accuracy.)
The novel is charming yet devastating in equal parts. The impact on the young men who were the main characters of different types of abuse and neglect in their childhoods was heartbreaking and very well portrayed. My heart went out to them, I really wanted them to find happiness despite the odds of the time and their own demons.
The descriptions of the places that Benjamin and Edgar visited on the Grand Tour, and of London which was expanding at the time, were exceptional. The minor characters were well written, and I didn't want to put the book down.
I understand what other reviewers are saying about the book not being for everyone, but personally I think everyone should read it.