After reading The Book of Joan, I really needed to read something light and fun. Luckily I had received this fun novella from NetGalley, which was exactly what I needed. It's surprisingly historically accurate for what amounts to a cute historical fiction-m/m fluff piece. I also really enjoyed all of the characters??? I kinda want more of Henri and Marcel?!!?!??!!? PLS????????!!!!!!!

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I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. A well written love story about Henri and Marcel at a time when homosexuality was not acceptable. Part of the story is about their day to day life as a couple and the factory they operate and the trials that accompany their partnership. The loved shared by these two men is never ending and very strong. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would recommend it.

I definitely suffered for not reading the rest of the series this book is set in, but that's my own error and won't affect my rating of the book. This was a sweet novella, and I think it could have done with being longer; the attention to detail and historical research is certainly there. The author clearly has an extensive knowledge of the period in which she's writing, and suffuses every scene with authenticity. I did find some of the characterisation a little weak in comparison, but that may just be because the setting is so good that it makes everything else seem more lacklustre. I was rooting for these saucy French chaps and I'd definitely pick up more of Lodge's work after this one.