What do you think?
Rate this book
Enlightenment #5
Restored
Eighteen years ago, Henry Asquith, Duke of Avesbury had to leave his kept lover, Kit Redford, in order to devote himself to raising his young family. Now, a lifetime later, his children are moving on and for the first time in years, Henry is alone.
During a rare visit to London, Henry unexpectedly happens upon an old friend of Kit’s and learns that Kit did not receive the financial pay off he was entitled to when Henry left him. Instead Kit was thrown out of his home and left destitute. Horrified, Henry begs Kit to see him and allow Henry to compensate him. But Kit, who now owns a discreet club for gentlemen of a certain persuasion, neither needs nor wants Henry’s money.
“Perhaps you should earn the money you owe me the way I had to earn it? On your knees, and on your back, taking my cock like a whore.�
Kit thought he had put his old hurts and grievances about Henry behind him, but when he sees Henry again, he discovers that, not only is the old pain still there, so is the fierce attraction that once burned between them. When, in a moment of fury, Kit demands a scandalous form of penance from Henry, no one is more surprised than Kit when Henry agrees to pay it.
As Kit and Henry spend more time together, they learn more about the men they have become, and about the secret feelings and desires they concealed from one another in the past.
Henry realises he wants to build a future with Kit but can he persuade his wary lover to trust him ever again? And can two men from such different worlds make a new life together?
During a rare visit to London, Henry unexpectedly happens upon an old friend of Kit’s and learns that Kit did not receive the financial pay off he was entitled to when Henry left him. Instead Kit was thrown out of his home and left destitute. Horrified, Henry begs Kit to see him and allow Henry to compensate him. But Kit, who now owns a discreet club for gentlemen of a certain persuasion, neither needs nor wants Henry’s money.
“Perhaps you should earn the money you owe me the way I had to earn it? On your knees, and on your back, taking my cock like a whore.�
Kit thought he had put his old hurts and grievances about Henry behind him, but when he sees Henry again, he discovers that, not only is the old pain still there, so is the fierce attraction that once burned between them. When, in a moment of fury, Kit demands a scandalous form of penance from Henry, no one is more surprised than Kit when Henry agrees to pay it.
As Kit and Henry spend more time together, they learn more about the men they have become, and about the secret feelings and desires they concealed from one another in the past.
Henry realises he wants to build a future with Kit but can he persuade his wary lover to trust him ever again? And can two men from such different worlds make a new life together?
286 pages, ebook
First published October 28, 2020
72 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Chambers
40books1,198followersJoanna Chambers' muse likes red wine, coffee and won't let Joanna clean the house or watch television.
If you came here looking for a copy of The Bequest you can get it here:
If you're looking for Seasons Pass, go here:
If you came here looking for a copy of The Bequest you can get it here:
If you're looking for Seasons Pass, go here:
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
October 23, 2020
Real Rating: 4.75* of five
I am much closer to seventy than I am to fifty. As hard as that fact is to swallow...Alanis Morissette and her bloody "Jagged Little Pill" begone!...it is the truth. And a corollary of that truth is that one becomes pretty much invisible at this age. My Young Gentleman Caller, unwilling to lie to my face, spins it as his insurance policy: Pretty young things don't look at me, so he doesn't have to stalk them with murderous intent!
I might be an old bastard, but I'm a *lucky* old bastard. And here I am bragging about it to the world. It feels right to do that in a review of Restored, though, because while neither of the heroes (they are indeed heroes) are anything like as old as I am, they're old for their time (fifty was elderly in Regency times, and Henry's forty-seven) and not slowing down a bit. Henry, Duke of Avesbury, and Christopher Redford shared a passion as young men and, after two decades, find each other and wonderingly work their way through a shared past that never went as either would've wanted it to.
Gawddam, it feels so fucking good to read something Romance-wise that mirrors so many of my own experiences being an old crock!
That's really it, and I ought to belt up and go have some hot milk and toast for my supper, but there is quite a bit to say yet. (Too long, y'all won't likely read it all anyway.)
I am much closer to seventy than I am to fifty. As hard as that fact is to swallow...Alanis Morissette and her bloody "Jagged Little Pill" begone!...it is the truth. And a corollary of that truth is that one becomes pretty much invisible at this age. My Young Gentleman Caller, unwilling to lie to my face, spins it as his insurance policy: Pretty young things don't look at me, so he doesn't have to stalk them with murderous intent!
I might be an old bastard, but I'm a *lucky* old bastard. And here I am bragging about it to the world. It feels right to do that in a review of Restored, though, because while neither of the heroes (they are indeed heroes) are anything like as old as I am, they're old for their time (fifty was elderly in Regency times, and Henry's forty-seven) and not slowing down a bit. Henry, Duke of Avesbury, and Christopher Redford shared a passion as young men and, after two decades, find each other and wonderingly work their way through a shared past that never went as either would've wanted it to.
Gawddam, it feels so fucking good to read something Romance-wise that mirrors so many of my own experiences being an old crock!
That's really it, and I ought to belt up and go have some hot milk and toast for my supper, but there is quite a bit to say yet. (Too long, y'all won't likely read it all anyway.)
October 20, 2020
Utter perfection.
This book was everything I hoped it would be and much, much more. Kit Redford has always fascinated me whenever he's appeared in this series of books from Joanna.
Henry, Duke of Avesbury, we last saw bursting into Simon Reid's office when he was meeting Murdo and David in and in obvious distress.
In this book we find out why. Poor Henry has spent 18 years believing his Christopher was comfortably living in the house he'd bought for him with a yearly stipend and a nice payoff to invest for his future.
Instead, the reader knows Kit has had a traumatic time, glimpses of which we've had throughout the Enlightenment series, as he was left alone and vulnerable when Henry was forced to leave him because of a promise to his dying wife.
Henry is such a wonderful man, he is everything you'd ever hope a Duke would be, caring, responsible, willing to do his duty to the best of his ability, and capable of dealing with immeasurable loss and still go on. His is the perfect English stiff upper lip in attitude.
There may be readers who think "but he cheated on his wife?" with Kit. But, it's more than that. There is an understanding between Henry and his wife because of her own nature, and I really appreciated that she was herself a thoughtful and kind person. She'd been fully complicit in Henry finding himself a lover.
Kit has always been there in the background, the owner of the self-named club where gentlemen of a certain persuasion could come and freely mingle without fear of discovery or exposure.
But there's always been a sense of him holding something back, there was an air of aloofness amid his joviality and here we finally get the full story of these two men.
With a beautifully written narrative, Joanna gives the reader their journey back, they are Restored not only in each other's eyes, but also in the love that they've never lost.
And she does it through a multitude of individual plotlines which weave brilliantly together to create a build up of tension which all comes to a head with a dramatic encounter at a gaming den (and hello Jake Sharp, aren't you a delicious character!)
This is also wonderfully steamy, the dynamic between Kit and Henry is turned utterly on its head and oh gawd how much did I love seeing Henry willing to do whatever Kit wished?! So, so emotionally vulnerable and chemistry bouncing off the charts.
I won't go into more detail than I have here other than to say there wasn't a bit of this story that didn't work for me. In actuality, it was the complete opposite, it left me wanting more.
More Kit and Henry, more of Simon Reid, definitely more Jake Sharp.
It also gave me George and Freddy, Henry's two grown up sons, and George is just like Henry and oh, how my heart hurt for him. His has clearly been broken and a throwaway comment from his father years before has led to a world of unintended pain which I really hope Joanna is going to resolve with his own book.
And yes I'm begging you for that one Joanna! 😁😉😊
PS: How gorgeous is this cover too?! The Enlightenment series have some of my absolute favourite covers in the genre, such simplicity which evoke not only the time period but the men inside.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
This book was everything I hoped it would be and much, much more. Kit Redford has always fascinated me whenever he's appeared in this series of books from Joanna.
Henry, Duke of Avesbury, we last saw bursting into Simon Reid's office when he was meeting Murdo and David in and in obvious distress.
In this book we find out why. Poor Henry has spent 18 years believing his Christopher was comfortably living in the house he'd bought for him with a yearly stipend and a nice payoff to invest for his future.
Instead, the reader knows Kit has had a traumatic time, glimpses of which we've had throughout the Enlightenment series, as he was left alone and vulnerable when Henry was forced to leave him because of a promise to his dying wife.
Henry is such a wonderful man, he is everything you'd ever hope a Duke would be, caring, responsible, willing to do his duty to the best of his ability, and capable of dealing with immeasurable loss and still go on. His is the perfect English stiff upper lip in attitude.
There may be readers who think "but he cheated on his wife?" with Kit. But, it's more than that. There is an understanding between Henry and his wife because of her own nature, and I really appreciated that she was herself a thoughtful and kind person. She'd been fully complicit in Henry finding himself a lover.
Kit has always been there in the background, the owner of the self-named club where gentlemen of a certain persuasion could come and freely mingle without fear of discovery or exposure.
But there's always been a sense of him holding something back, there was an air of aloofness amid his joviality and here we finally get the full story of these two men.
With a beautifully written narrative, Joanna gives the reader their journey back, they are Restored not only in each other's eyes, but also in the love that they've never lost.
And she does it through a multitude of individual plotlines which weave brilliantly together to create a build up of tension which all comes to a head with a dramatic encounter at a gaming den (and hello Jake Sharp, aren't you a delicious character!)
This is also wonderfully steamy, the dynamic between Kit and Henry is turned utterly on its head and oh gawd how much did I love seeing Henry willing to do whatever Kit wished?! So, so emotionally vulnerable and chemistry bouncing off the charts.
I won't go into more detail than I have here other than to say there wasn't a bit of this story that didn't work for me. In actuality, it was the complete opposite, it left me wanting more.
More Kit and Henry, more of Simon Reid, definitely more Jake Sharp.
It also gave me George and Freddy, Henry's two grown up sons, and George is just like Henry and oh, how my heart hurt for him. His has clearly been broken and a throwaway comment from his father years before has led to a world of unintended pain which I really hope Joanna is going to resolve with his own book.
And yes I'm begging you for that one Joanna! 😁😉😊
PS: How gorgeous is this cover too?! The Enlightenment series have some of my absolute favourite covers in the genre, such simplicity which evoke not only the time period but the men inside.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
November 2, 2020
***4 Stars***
No one - I repeat: - NO ONE can compete with David and my Murdo (yes, MINE! and be warned, I'll get pretty growly over him! ;-)), and yet I loved Kit and Henry together. I mean, a sort of historical m/m version of Indecent Proposal?
Sign me up! Well, not that I liked that movie overly much, but here the storyline totally worked for me and these guys were surprisingly hot. :)
I had a few niggles, though. The editing, for one. If I were the author I would fire my editor. Nah, I probably wouldn't, but I would have a serious heart-to-heart with them. Also, the beginning dragged a bit and the epilogue gave me a bit of a whiplash. Some things seemed to just got glossed over and in the end I had a few questions, I didn't get answers to, so maybe that means there will be more (read: there needs to be more!)?
Overall, my love for the characters outweighed my niggles, hence the 4 stars. :)
No one - I repeat: - NO ONE can compete with David and my Murdo (yes, MINE! and be warned, I'll get pretty growly over him! ;-)), and yet I loved Kit and Henry together. I mean, a sort of historical m/m version of Indecent Proposal?
Sign me up! Well, not that I liked that movie overly much, but here the storyline totally worked for me and these guys were surprisingly hot. :)
I had a few niggles, though. The editing, for one. If I were the author I would fire my editor. Nah, I probably wouldn't, but I would have a serious heart-to-heart with them. Also, the beginning dragged a bit and the epilogue gave me a bit of a whiplash. Some things seemed to just got glossed over and in the end I had a few questions, I didn't get answers to, so maybe that means there will be more (read: there needs to be more!)?
Overall, my love for the characters outweighed my niggles, hence the 4 stars. :)
November 1, 2020
3,5 stars
Darn. I really wanted to love this.
The potential for an explosive story for Kit and Henry seemed written in the stars.
I hate to say it left me lukewarm.
And here is why:
� The first half of the book is extremely slow, with the MCs only meeting once at 35% for one conversation. (I admit, Mcs meeting so late in the book is a pet hate of mine)
The rest consists mainly of lengthy backstories for almost every Tom, Dick and Harry that pops up in this book, and monologuing narrative.
Some of this is totally unnecessary, imo. And it takes far too long for Henry to find out that Kit never received his severance payment so many years ago.
� The story picks up at 50% when Kit and Henry meet for the second time and things get more interesting, with a daring challenge thrown at Henry’s feet. To me it felt that the book only started at this point.
� This means there’s only half a book dedicated to the development of Henry and Kit’s relationship. As a result, everything happens relatively fast. Yes, Henry does an excellent groveling job, and I can see why Kit would give into that so easily, but I had really hoped for a lot more sparks between them.
� Speaking of sparks � it was a bit of surprise what happens between Kit and Henry in the bedroom, but very much on the positive side! But although there’s some heat and chemistry between the guys, it’s not near as sizzling and urgent as David and Murdo’s.
� Some page time in the second 50% is also taken by a secondary plot involving both Kit’s and Henry’s families. Which was fine, but � I simply wanted more Kit and Henry!
� The book ended in the blink of an eye with everything resolving quickly and easily in a few pages.
There are a couple of other things I had doubts about, but I think you get the idea.
Only question: What the heck is the deal with that parrot? I found that later scene with it a bit � strange???
While I enjoyed the second part of the book a lot better than the first, unfortunately, this doesn’t rate anywhere near the first three books for me. I sincerely hope that other people enjoy this more than me.
Darn. I really wanted to love this.
The potential for an explosive story for Kit and Henry seemed written in the stars.
I hate to say it left me lukewarm.
And here is why:
� The first half of the book is extremely slow, with the MCs only meeting once at 35% for one conversation. (I admit, Mcs meeting so late in the book is a pet hate of mine)
The rest consists mainly of lengthy backstories for almost every Tom, Dick and Harry that pops up in this book, and monologuing narrative.
Some of this is totally unnecessary, imo. And it takes far too long for Henry to find out that Kit never received his severance payment so many years ago.
� The story picks up at 50% when Kit and Henry meet for the second time and things get more interesting, with a daring challenge thrown at Henry’s feet. To me it felt that the book only started at this point.
� This means there’s only half a book dedicated to the development of Henry and Kit’s relationship. As a result, everything happens relatively fast. Yes, Henry does an excellent groveling job, and I can see why Kit would give into that so easily, but I had really hoped for a lot more sparks between them.
� Speaking of sparks � it was a bit of surprise what happens between Kit and Henry in the bedroom, but very much on the positive side! But although there’s some heat and chemistry between the guys, it’s not near as sizzling and urgent as David and Murdo’s.
� Some page time in the second 50% is also taken by a secondary plot involving both Kit’s and Henry’s families. Which was fine, but � I simply wanted more Kit and Henry!
� The book ended in the blink of an eye with everything resolving quickly and easily in a few pages.
There are a couple of other things I had doubts about, but I think you get the idea.
Only question: What the heck is the deal with that parrot? I found that later scene with it a bit � strange???
While I enjoyed the second part of the book a lot better than the first, unfortunately, this doesn’t rate anywhere near the first three books for me. I sincerely hope that other people enjoy this more than me.
September 28, 2024
Reread 09/2024
I love Kit and Harry so much..
This is now an all time favorite for me.
--------
reread 05/2024
Loved the series, loved Kit and Henry's. Their second chance romance as 40 and 47 year old men was heart warming.
-------
read 04/2024
5 stars.
Awesome mm second chance historical romance.
I loved Kit and Henry, but Henry was my favorite. I loved that both men were already in their mid-forties. Henry struggling with his adult children not needing him anymore was endearing.
I had to suspend my disbelieve a bit, obviously, since one of the MCs is a duke, and there didn't seem to be actual class differences socially, but I didn't mind because the story was so engaging.
There was so much love between Henry and Kit, once they finally got together, it was heart warming and beautiful.
This works as a standalone novel, but I'm sure I'll read other books from this series, too, sooner or later.
I love Kit and Harry so much..
This is now an all time favorite for me.
--------
reread 05/2024
Loved the series, loved Kit and Henry's. Their second chance romance as 40 and 47 year old men was heart warming.
-------
read 04/2024
5 stars.
Awesome mm second chance historical romance.
I loved Kit and Henry, but Henry was my favorite. I loved that both men were already in their mid-forties. Henry struggling with his adult children not needing him anymore was endearing.
I had to suspend my disbelieve a bit, obviously, since one of the MCs is a duke, and there didn't seem to be actual class differences socially, but I didn't mind because the story was so engaging.
There was so much love between Henry and Kit, once they finally got together, it was heart warming and beautiful.
This works as a standalone novel, but I'm sure I'll read other books from this series, too, sooner or later.
May 2, 2022
4.25 stars
“Kit had once despaired at how much he loved Henry—the young god who looked certain to crush his heart.
Who had indeed done so.
But this Henry was a man that Kit could trust with his heart. This Henry was a man who had already set his own bruised heart on a silver tray and handed it to Kit, without knowing what damage Kit might do to it. Trusting that Kit would not hurt him, but willing to be hurt if it came to that.
This Henry—softer, more vulnerable, and entirely less godlike—was so very much stronger than he had once been. So very much braver.�
What a beautiful second chance romance! Sweet. Poignant. Tender. Steamy. Our lovers experience a lot of heartbreak, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities that are truly tragic, but this ultimately makes their HEA that much more satisfying.
Characters
Kit is a young prostitute and the kept man of Henry, Duke of Avesbury. After overcoming harrowing circumstances, he eventually goes on to start and own a discreet, exclusive club for gay men.
Plot
Our story begins eighteen years earlier when Kit enters a year-long sexual arrangement with Henry. Kit commits the cardinal sin of falling in love with his protector. Disaster strikes when Henry abruptly leaves town without saying goodbye to Kit before their contract ends because his wife is dying. Under the terms of the contract, Henry was supposed to give Kit a house and a large sum of money at the end of the year. But without his knowledge, Henry’s steward doesn’t carry out his instructions, leaving Kit destitute and feeling betrayed.
Romance
This is a lovely slow burn romance. Their relationship resumes when they are both mature men in their forties. The significant time gap and betrayal leave lasting scars on Kit which he first needs to overcome. Henry also experiences personal tragedies in the interim having lost his wife and a young daughter. At first, Kit is understandably bitter and wary of Henry’s motives, while Henry is plagued by feelings of guilt and remorse. But their attraction and feelings for each other still linger, and never diminished despite the separation. Their relationship resumes passionately and with a greater sense of ease due to familiarity and increased maturity. Henry discovers a new submissive side and the sex scenes are hot and steamy.
Highlights
� Beautiful writing and dialogue.
� A vivid sense of the era.
� Great pacing.
� Kit’s forgiveness of Henry is portrayed realistically.
� The acceptance of Henry’s sons when they learn he’s gay.
� Henry’s sexual exploration.
“Does all that history matter now? It was years ago. Now, I own this house, my own business. Many people born into my circumstances would have ended up little better than beggars. I was lucky.�
“In what way were you lucky?� Henry asked, curious.
Kit’s smile widened, but his green gaze was oddly bleak. "I was born beautiful.�
“When you’re a whore, your answer to every question is yes. Even when you want to say yes, you are always aware that you can’t say no. It changes everything. It changes the very nature of who you are."
The heaviness in Henry’s chest felt like grief. He blurted out, “I wish I could be with you once without that between us, if only just once.�
“Kit had once despaired at how much he loved Henry—the young god who looked certain to crush his heart.
Who had indeed done so.
But this Henry was a man that Kit could trust with his heart. This Henry was a man who had already set his own bruised heart on a silver tray and handed it to Kit, without knowing what damage Kit might do to it. Trusting that Kit would not hurt him, but willing to be hurt if it came to that.
This Henry—softer, more vulnerable, and entirely less godlike—was so very much stronger than he had once been. So very much braver.�
What a beautiful second chance romance! Sweet. Poignant. Tender. Steamy. Our lovers experience a lot of heartbreak, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities that are truly tragic, but this ultimately makes their HEA that much more satisfying.
Characters
Kit is a young prostitute and the kept man of Henry, Duke of Avesbury. After overcoming harrowing circumstances, he eventually goes on to start and own a discreet, exclusive club for gay men.
Plot
Our story begins eighteen years earlier when Kit enters a year-long sexual arrangement with Henry. Kit commits the cardinal sin of falling in love with his protector. Disaster strikes when Henry abruptly leaves town without saying goodbye to Kit before their contract ends because his wife is dying. Under the terms of the contract, Henry was supposed to give Kit a house and a large sum of money at the end of the year. But without his knowledge, Henry’s steward doesn’t carry out his instructions, leaving Kit destitute and feeling betrayed.
Romance
This is a lovely slow burn romance. Their relationship resumes when they are both mature men in their forties. The significant time gap and betrayal leave lasting scars on Kit which he first needs to overcome. Henry also experiences personal tragedies in the interim having lost his wife and a young daughter. At first, Kit is understandably bitter and wary of Henry’s motives, while Henry is plagued by feelings of guilt and remorse. But their attraction and feelings for each other still linger, and never diminished despite the separation. Their relationship resumes passionately and with a greater sense of ease due to familiarity and increased maturity. Henry discovers a new submissive side and the sex scenes are hot and steamy.
Highlights
� Beautiful writing and dialogue.
� A vivid sense of the era.
� Great pacing.
� Kit’s forgiveness of Henry is portrayed realistically.
� The acceptance of Henry’s sons when they learn he’s gay.
� Henry’s sexual exploration.
“Does all that history matter now? It was years ago. Now, I own this house, my own business. Many people born into my circumstances would have ended up little better than beggars. I was lucky.�
“In what way were you lucky?� Henry asked, curious.
Kit’s smile widened, but his green gaze was oddly bleak. "I was born beautiful.�
“When you’re a whore, your answer to every question is yes. Even when you want to say yes, you are always aware that you can’t say no. It changes everything. It changes the very nature of who you are."
The heaviness in Henry’s chest felt like grief. He blurted out, “I wish I could be with you once without that between us, if only just once.�
November 1, 2020
4.5 stars! I loved this, and I have to admit that I was a little worried going in.
I'm one of the many, many utterly devoted fans of David and Murdo 😍, so I had very high expectations for book 4. And as often happens, those expectations ended up with disappointment. Happily, this time I didn't feel let down at all. 🥰
I'll also admit that the first part of the book was a little slow, but mostly I was interested in what happened to them in the years they were apart, and normally, seperation of the MCs is a big, fat no-no for me.
But once Kit & Henry met face to face again, it was just about everything I could want. Aaaaaand, everything from here is slightly spoilery, so....
Did Kit forgive Henry pretty easily? Well, yes. He couldn't help what he wanted, but he did fight with himself over it. He didn't just throw himself on Henry and say "you're forgiven" even if he did feel that way. And I was promised first class groveling, and Henry did deliver on that, bless him. I liked that he kept trying to make amends somehow, after Kit had brushed him off with "I don't need anything from you". I liked it even more when he stopped to consider when Kit pointed out that he was probably trying so hard to get rid of his own guilt rather than being soley concerned with compensating Kit. So when Kit proposed something that *should* have been humiliating, given Henry's position and their history, Henry said yes instantly.
The tension and emotion between them was real and living for me, and the switch in their roles with each other was smokin hot! I loved what development we got from them in their relationship as it grew and changed but that is also my only other complaint and the reason I chose to round down rather than up. I so enjoyed them together and I really wanted more of that. Also, while I did enjoy the side storylines with Freddy and Clara, it took away time that I wanted with Henry and Kit. However, I do see some possible stories coming out of this one *hopefully*, so maybe we'll see more of them in the future.
Still, even with the few minor niggles, I absolutely loved Kit and Henry and I was thrilled with how things played out for them. This was a wonderful story and a great addition to the series for me. All I can ask for is more! ❤️
I'm one of the many, many utterly devoted fans of David and Murdo 😍, so I had very high expectations for book 4. And as often happens, those expectations ended up with disappointment. Happily, this time I didn't feel let down at all. 🥰
I'll also admit that the first part of the book was a little slow, but mostly I was interested in what happened to them in the years they were apart, and normally, seperation of the MCs is a big, fat no-no for me.
But once Kit & Henry met face to face again, it was just about everything I could want. Aaaaaand, everything from here is slightly spoilery, so....
Did Kit forgive Henry pretty easily? Well, yes. He couldn't help what he wanted, but he did fight with himself over it. He didn't just throw himself on Henry and say "you're forgiven" even if he did feel that way. And I was promised first class groveling, and Henry did deliver on that, bless him. I liked that he kept trying to make amends somehow, after Kit had brushed him off with "I don't need anything from you". I liked it even more when he stopped to consider when Kit pointed out that he was probably trying so hard to get rid of his own guilt rather than being soley concerned with compensating Kit. So when Kit proposed something that *should* have been humiliating, given Henry's position and their history, Henry said yes instantly.
The tension and emotion between them was real and living for me, and the switch in their roles with each other was smokin hot! I loved what development we got from them in their relationship as it grew and changed but that is also my only other complaint and the reason I chose to round down rather than up. I so enjoyed them together and I really wanted more of that. Also, while I did enjoy the side storylines with Freddy and Clara, it took away time that I wanted with Henry and Kit. However, I do see some possible stories coming out of this one *hopefully*, so maybe we'll see more of them in the future.
Still, even with the few minor niggles, I absolutely loved Kit and Henry and I was thrilled with how things played out for them. This was a wonderful story and a great addition to the series for me. All I can ask for is more! ❤️
December 13, 2020
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up.
Reading Restored was like a balm to the soul. It’s a beautiful � and beautifully written - story of love, forgiveness and second chances that I practically inhaled and which left me with a warm glow and a book hangover of the best kind. It’s book five in the author’s Enlightenment series, but it’s not necessary to have read the rest to be able to enjoy Restored, as it’s only loosely linked to them and works perfectly as a standalone. That said, if you haven’t read the other books in the series, they’re wonderful and you should add them to your TBR stat.
The central characters � club-owner Kit Redford and Henry, Duke of Avesbury � have appeared briefly in other books in the series, and readers will recall it being hinted at that Kit’s previous life wasn’t always an easy one. Eighteen years earlier, Kit had been Henry’s ‘kept man�, set up in his own house and visited by his lover on a twice-weekly schedule, his contract brokered by the madam of The Golden Lily, the select brothel at which he used to work. The year-long contract has another two months to run, and both Kit � or Christopher, as he was known then � and Henry realise that they have begun to feel a great deal more for each other than is wise. Kit is a whore and Henry is a duke (and a married duke at that) and knowing that love was never supposed to be part of their agreement, neither man says anything about how he feels.
Henry inherited his title at twenty and takes his responsibilities very seriously. He’s married to Caroline, with whom he has four children, although after the birth of their youngest, Caroline told Henry she no longer wished him to visit her bed and encouraged him to seek his pleasure elsewhere. They are best friends and care for each other deeply � and when Caroline gives Henry the devastating news that she is dying, she asks him to take her and the children out of London to the family seat in Wiltshire immediately. Henry can’t help but think of Kit; he wants a chance to explain and say goodbye, but Caroline is so distraught and has never really asked him for anything, so he agrees to leave town straight away, knowing that his contract with Kit stipulates that his lover will be well taken care of, given the house they’d used for their assignations and a large sum of money.
Henry takes his family to the country and rarely visits London after that, banishing all thoughts of Kit from his mind. Caroline’s death just a few short months later shatters him, and leaves him with the sole responsibility for his children, who give him a reason to wake each morning, and who keep him going through some dark and difficult times.
Now, nearly two decades later, his children are grown, and Henry realises he has a lonely road ahead as they forge lives of their own. A rare trip to the capital finds him thinking of Kit for the first time in years � and when he learns that far from being well taken care of, Kit was left almost destitute when he they parted ways, he’s horrified. Desperate to make amends, Henry gets a message to Kit that he’d like to see him � but Kit can’t see any point in their meeting again after so many years have passed, and refuses.
Henry knows he should let things lie; he learns that Kit is the proprietor of a highly successful and discreet club for gentlemen who prefer the company of other men, and that whatever happened in the past, he’s doing well now. But Henry’s conscience won’t let him forget it. He pays a call on Kit at his home, half expecting to be turned away � and is both relieved and a little shocked when Kit appears, still as beautiful as ever but with a new wariness and hardness about him, as though he’s holding himself back behind a mask of suspicion and barely suppressed anger.
Kit is astonished at the fury and resentment that rush through him at the sight of his former lover; he thought he’d put all that behind him long ago. Even worse, however, he discovers that the attraction he’d also thought long dead and buried is still alive and kicking. As he and Henry circle each other, prodding and testing each other’s truths and vulnerabilities, both men start to see a glimmer of possibility, a hope that perhaps there are some things that can be restored to the way they should have been all along.
Restored is a gorgeous second-chance romance which brilliantly charts the journey Henry and Kit take to find their way back to each other both physically and emotionally. Old resentments and hurts are faced openly, engendering a new honesty between them and encouraging Henry especially to think seriously about the transactional dynamics and inherent inequality of their earlier relationship, and to realise that no matter how good he and Kit were together, no matter how he really felt about Kit, Kit was never in a position to make any choices for himself. Adding that new clarity to the realisation he’s come to over the years that the desire he’d previously believed a weakness is actually a part of his nature he’s no longer willing to deny, Henry longs for the chance to convince Kit that they can have something different, something real where they can come together as equals with nothing between them but honesty and love.
There’s a well-written sub-plot featuring Henry’s younger son, and I really enjoyed the insight into Henry’s family life as a father, with its attendant ups and downs. His relationship with the rebellious and often resentful Freddy is really well observed, and I liked the glimpses of the happiness shared by his daughter and her husband. Henry’s eldest son George doesn’t appear on the page until near the end, but he has an important part to play in the story (and oh, my heart broke for him and his dad both!) and if Ms. Chambers decides to write a story for him one day, then I certainly won’t object!
Henry and Kit are fully-rounded, complex characters whose flaws make them that much more human and relatable; and there are some colourful secondary characters I’d definitely be interested in reading about in future. Restored is simply lovely, a poignant, emotional and immensely satisfying tale of two people finding one another again and choosing to make a life together on their own terms. Happy sigh.
Reading Restored was like a balm to the soul. It’s a beautiful � and beautifully written - story of love, forgiveness and second chances that I practically inhaled and which left me with a warm glow and a book hangover of the best kind. It’s book five in the author’s Enlightenment series, but it’s not necessary to have read the rest to be able to enjoy Restored, as it’s only loosely linked to them and works perfectly as a standalone. That said, if you haven’t read the other books in the series, they’re wonderful and you should add them to your TBR stat.
The central characters � club-owner Kit Redford and Henry, Duke of Avesbury � have appeared briefly in other books in the series, and readers will recall it being hinted at that Kit’s previous life wasn’t always an easy one. Eighteen years earlier, Kit had been Henry’s ‘kept man�, set up in his own house and visited by his lover on a twice-weekly schedule, his contract brokered by the madam of The Golden Lily, the select brothel at which he used to work. The year-long contract has another two months to run, and both Kit � or Christopher, as he was known then � and Henry realise that they have begun to feel a great deal more for each other than is wise. Kit is a whore and Henry is a duke (and a married duke at that) and knowing that love was never supposed to be part of their agreement, neither man says anything about how he feels.
Henry inherited his title at twenty and takes his responsibilities very seriously. He’s married to Caroline, with whom he has four children, although after the birth of their youngest, Caroline told Henry she no longer wished him to visit her bed and encouraged him to seek his pleasure elsewhere. They are best friends and care for each other deeply � and when Caroline gives Henry the devastating news that she is dying, she asks him to take her and the children out of London to the family seat in Wiltshire immediately. Henry can’t help but think of Kit; he wants a chance to explain and say goodbye, but Caroline is so distraught and has never really asked him for anything, so he agrees to leave town straight away, knowing that his contract with Kit stipulates that his lover will be well taken care of, given the house they’d used for their assignations and a large sum of money.
Henry takes his family to the country and rarely visits London after that, banishing all thoughts of Kit from his mind. Caroline’s death just a few short months later shatters him, and leaves him with the sole responsibility for his children, who give him a reason to wake each morning, and who keep him going through some dark and difficult times.
Now, nearly two decades later, his children are grown, and Henry realises he has a lonely road ahead as they forge lives of their own. A rare trip to the capital finds him thinking of Kit for the first time in years � and when he learns that far from being well taken care of, Kit was left almost destitute when he they parted ways, he’s horrified. Desperate to make amends, Henry gets a message to Kit that he’d like to see him � but Kit can’t see any point in their meeting again after so many years have passed, and refuses.
Henry knows he should let things lie; he learns that Kit is the proprietor of a highly successful and discreet club for gentlemen who prefer the company of other men, and that whatever happened in the past, he’s doing well now. But Henry’s conscience won’t let him forget it. He pays a call on Kit at his home, half expecting to be turned away � and is both relieved and a little shocked when Kit appears, still as beautiful as ever but with a new wariness and hardness about him, as though he’s holding himself back behind a mask of suspicion and barely suppressed anger.
Kit is astonished at the fury and resentment that rush through him at the sight of his former lover; he thought he’d put all that behind him long ago. Even worse, however, he discovers that the attraction he’d also thought long dead and buried is still alive and kicking. As he and Henry circle each other, prodding and testing each other’s truths and vulnerabilities, both men start to see a glimmer of possibility, a hope that perhaps there are some things that can be restored to the way they should have been all along.
Restored is a gorgeous second-chance romance which brilliantly charts the journey Henry and Kit take to find their way back to each other both physically and emotionally. Old resentments and hurts are faced openly, engendering a new honesty between them and encouraging Henry especially to think seriously about the transactional dynamics and inherent inequality of their earlier relationship, and to realise that no matter how good he and Kit were together, no matter how he really felt about Kit, Kit was never in a position to make any choices for himself. Adding that new clarity to the realisation he’s come to over the years that the desire he’d previously believed a weakness is actually a part of his nature he’s no longer willing to deny, Henry longs for the chance to convince Kit that they can have something different, something real where they can come together as equals with nothing between them but honesty and love.
There’s a well-written sub-plot featuring Henry’s younger son, and I really enjoyed the insight into Henry’s family life as a father, with its attendant ups and downs. His relationship with the rebellious and often resentful Freddy is really well observed, and I liked the glimpses of the happiness shared by his daughter and her husband. Henry’s eldest son George doesn’t appear on the page until near the end, but he has an important part to play in the story (and oh, my heart broke for him and his dad both!) and if Ms. Chambers decides to write a story for him one day, then I certainly won’t object!
Henry and Kit are fully-rounded, complex characters whose flaws make them that much more human and relatable; and there are some colourful secondary characters I’d definitely be interested in reading about in future. Restored is simply lovely, a poignant, emotional and immensely satisfying tale of two people finding one another again and choosing to make a life together on their own terms. Happy sigh.
October 28, 2020
**Now Available!**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 I am Restored Stars
🔥🔥🔥/5 Heat Level
If you read my reviews, you already know how bonkers I am about David and Murdo, the couple from the first three books in this series. They are the couple that got me into historical romance. So Kit and Henry had big shoes to fill. Book four was just ok for me so I'm glossing over that one. Did they end up filling those shoes? Not entirely, no. I am beginning to think that would be impossible. David and Murdo are pure perfection. It's really Joanna Chamber's fault for creating such an amazing couple. They set the bar too darn high.
That does not mean, however, that this wasn't a fantastic book and lovely in it's own right. I should note that I do think this one could be read on it's own. Kit and Henry are introduced in the other books but it's very brief. So if you really wanted to be a monster and ignore David and Murdo you could...but you shouldn't.
Moving on.
I'm hesitant to write too much about the plot as I think it would be best enjoyed discovering on one's own. I will say that this is a second chance love story. Set 18 years after the incident that split them apart. A big thumbs up for two main character's in their 40's! That was refreshing for me. It's not something that I see often. Although I could simply be missing them. All I know is I would like to see more of it. Another thumbs up for side characters who enhance but don't take away from the main duo. Joanna Chambers is skilled at this. I love how her women characters aren't evil or merely there to cause problems. They are as layered as the men.
And speaking of side characters, there are now three men that I am desperately wanting books for. Perhaps she's TOO good at crafting minor characters. For spoilers sake, I won't say who I'm wanting books for but I think you'll know when you read this one!
I'd say the steam level was medium. It wasn't lacking by any means and fit the story. What was there was sexy. Chamber's writing was descriptive and lush like always. Top marks for groveling too. Seriously, grade A groveling.
(I need to find a better groveling gif!)
All in all, a beautiful addition to the, "Enlightenment," series. Kit and Henry will be in my heart for a long time. I can't wait to see who comes next.
**ARC provided by author through GRR in exchange for an honest review. David and Murdo obsession is entirely my own.**
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 I am Restored Stars
🔥🔥🔥/5 Heat Level
If you read my reviews, you already know how bonkers I am about David and Murdo, the couple from the first three books in this series. They are the couple that got me into historical romance. So Kit and Henry had big shoes to fill. Book four was just ok for me so I'm glossing over that one. Did they end up filling those shoes? Not entirely, no. I am beginning to think that would be impossible. David and Murdo are pure perfection. It's really Joanna Chamber's fault for creating such an amazing couple. They set the bar too darn high.
That does not mean, however, that this wasn't a fantastic book and lovely in it's own right. I should note that I do think this one could be read on it's own. Kit and Henry are introduced in the other books but it's very brief. So if you really wanted to be a monster and ignore David and Murdo you could...but you shouldn't.
Moving on.
I'm hesitant to write too much about the plot as I think it would be best enjoyed discovering on one's own. I will say that this is a second chance love story. Set 18 years after the incident that split them apart. A big thumbs up for two main character's in their 40's! That was refreshing for me. It's not something that I see often. Although I could simply be missing them. All I know is I would like to see more of it. Another thumbs up for side characters who enhance but don't take away from the main duo. Joanna Chambers is skilled at this. I love how her women characters aren't evil or merely there to cause problems. They are as layered as the men.
And speaking of side characters, there are now three men that I am desperately wanting books for. Perhaps she's TOO good at crafting minor characters. For spoilers sake, I won't say who I'm wanting books for but I think you'll know when you read this one!
I'd say the steam level was medium. It wasn't lacking by any means and fit the story. What was there was sexy. Chamber's writing was descriptive and lush like always. Top marks for groveling too. Seriously, grade A groveling.
(I need to find a better groveling gif!)
All in all, a beautiful addition to the, "Enlightenment," series. Kit and Henry will be in my heart for a long time. I can't wait to see who comes next.
**ARC provided by author through GRR in exchange for an honest review. David and Murdo obsession is entirely my own.**
October 29, 2020
Kit and Henry
I have been waiting for Kit and Henry's story for what it seems forever. And it was worth the wait because Joanna Chambers did justice to these two memorable and wonderful characters.
Restore is a beautifully written , sexually descriptive and emotional satisfying tale of second chance romance.
Restore is on the top 5 second chance romance I have read this in 2020. One of the things it makes it so special and different from everything else is the age and m
I have been waiting for Kit and Henry's story for what it seems forever. And it was worth the wait because Joanna Chambers did justice to these two memorable and wonderful characters.
Restore is a beautifully written , sexually descriptive and emotional satisfying tale of second chance romance.
Restore is on the top 5 second chance romance I have read this in 2020. One of the things it makes it so special and different from everything else is the age and m
October 31, 2020
3.5 stars
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: it will be really difficult for any couple in this “series”—universe?—to ever reach David and Murdo’s level.
That established, I enjoyed Henry and Kit’s story. Much more than Iain and James’s from book 4, in fact. They’re both second-chance romances, so comparing the two was inevitable, and I found the characters and the structure of this book much more to my taste than Iain and James and the alternation of past and present in Unnatural. Aside from the first 2 chapters, the rest of this story is set in the present time—present time for the characters, of course, it’s still an historical—and past events are revealed organically as the MCs live their lives and eventually reconnect.
There was some repetition that could’ve been avoided, but it wasn’t enough to really bother me, unlike the many missing articles, prepositions, and pronouns and a few typos. I considered rounding down my rating just for those, but decided against it because I gave 3 stars to Unnatural and I want my ratings to reflect the difference in my reading experience of the two books.
While I found Iain and James very frustrating to read about, with them never being on the same page at the same time and Iain’s stupidity in general, Henry and Kit’s story flew much more easily. Maybe a little too easily as far as the second-chance romance was concerned, but I also appreciated that
In general, I found the MCs� interactions pretty balanced, the depth of their feelings came through without need for dramatics. I know that can be accomplished even with younger characters, but in this case I felt like it really suited and was due to the characters� ages and the place they were in their lives at the time of their reunion. At 41 and 47, they would’ve stood out even in a contemporary romance, but as MCs in an historical, I’m pretty sure they’re the equivalent of a unicorn among my shelves. I liked how their age was reflected in both their behavior and their priorities.
That was also why I didn’t mind that the focus wasn’t just on the romantic relationship, but on other aspects of their individual lives, too. I liked a lot how Henry’s relationship with his grown children was woven into the plot, it was clearly an important side of Henry’s character but it never became too much, and usually I don’t have much patience for parenting in my books at the best of times. As much as my non-existent experience as a parent allows me to judge, I thought Henry’s paternal side was portrayed very realistically and, even though I had guessed it from the first time he was mentioned, I really liked
I had conflicted feelings about the role of Henry’s wife.
Overall, all the secondary characters were well fleshed out and, aside from some too-convenient coincidences, their roles came together well to create a solid structure and background for Kit and Henry to reconnect.
I feel pretty neutral about I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, but it didn’t bother me either and it made sense for the characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this more than I expected and I wouldn’t mind reading more in this universe, especially if it was story.
-----------------
Once again, thank you to my ever so indulgent friend Rosa for jumping in and keeping me company when I spring BRs out of nowhere at her. :D
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: it will be really difficult for any couple in this “series”—universe?—to ever reach David and Murdo’s level.
That established, I enjoyed Henry and Kit’s story. Much more than Iain and James’s from book 4, in fact. They’re both second-chance romances, so comparing the two was inevitable, and I found the characters and the structure of this book much more to my taste than Iain and James and the alternation of past and present in Unnatural. Aside from the first 2 chapters, the rest of this story is set in the present time—present time for the characters, of course, it’s still an historical—and past events are revealed organically as the MCs live their lives and eventually reconnect.
There was some repetition that could’ve been avoided, but it wasn’t enough to really bother me, unlike the many missing articles, prepositions, and pronouns and a few typos. I considered rounding down my rating just for those, but decided against it because I gave 3 stars to Unnatural and I want my ratings to reflect the difference in my reading experience of the two books.
While I found Iain and James very frustrating to read about, with them never being on the same page at the same time and Iain’s stupidity in general, Henry and Kit’s story flew much more easily. Maybe a little too easily as far as the second-chance romance was concerned, but I also appreciated that
In general, I found the MCs� interactions pretty balanced, the depth of their feelings came through without need for dramatics. I know that can be accomplished even with younger characters, but in this case I felt like it really suited and was due to the characters� ages and the place they were in their lives at the time of their reunion. At 41 and 47, they would’ve stood out even in a contemporary romance, but as MCs in an historical, I’m pretty sure they’re the equivalent of a unicorn among my shelves. I liked how their age was reflected in both their behavior and their priorities.
That was also why I didn’t mind that the focus wasn’t just on the romantic relationship, but on other aspects of their individual lives, too. I liked a lot how Henry’s relationship with his grown children was woven into the plot, it was clearly an important side of Henry’s character but it never became too much, and usually I don’t have much patience for parenting in my books at the best of times. As much as my non-existent experience as a parent allows me to judge, I thought Henry’s paternal side was portrayed very realistically and, even though I had guessed it from the first time he was mentioned, I really liked
I had conflicted feelings about the role of Henry’s wife.
Overall, all the secondary characters were well fleshed out and, aside from some too-convenient coincidences, their roles came together well to create a solid structure and background for Kit and Henry to reconnect.
I feel pretty neutral about I wasn’t enthusiastic about it, but it didn’t bother me either and it made sense for the characters.
All in all, I enjoyed this more than I expected and I wouldn’t mind reading more in this universe, especially if it was story.
-----------------
Once again, thank you to my ever so indulgent friend Rosa for jumping in and keeping me company when I spring BRs out of nowhere at her. :D
October 30, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
Hmmm, considering that Kit and Henry were separated for 18 years, I felt that this story didn't have the level of angst that I anticipated, and it threw me off a little bit. Despite Kit's initial anger towards Henry, once he learned about Henry's reasons and that what happened afterwards , the reunion and forgiveness came rather quickly.
On top of that, I felt that the story had other things going on, like the problem with Clara (a woman that Kit took as his family), the rebellion of Freddy, a man named Jake who is circling around Kit's club wanting to buy it, and so on. A little too busy, and it took the spotlight from Kit and Henry at times.
And now I want GEORGE to have his own happy ending, darn it!!
All in all, it's still a good story. I was glad that Kit and Henry found each other again and had the chance to be together now. However, it is not exactly my favorite in the series.
Then again, IT IS difficult to even come close to the epic love story of David and Murdo 🤭
Hmmm, considering that Kit and Henry were separated for 18 years, I felt that this story didn't have the level of angst that I anticipated, and it threw me off a little bit. Despite Kit's initial anger towards Henry, once he learned about Henry's reasons and that what happened afterwards , the reunion and forgiveness came rather quickly.
On top of that, I felt that the story had other things going on, like the problem with Clara (a woman that Kit took as his family), the rebellion of Freddy, a man named Jake who is circling around Kit's club wanting to buy it, and so on. A little too busy, and it took the spotlight from Kit and Henry at times.
And now I want GEORGE to have his own happy ending, darn it!!
All in all, it's still a good story. I was glad that Kit and Henry found each other again and had the chance to be together now. However, it is not exactly my favorite in the series.
Then again, IT IS difficult to even come close to the epic love story of David and Murdo 🤭
October 25, 2020
...There was something about hearts,. They looked quite small, but they could hold a lot - and all kind of love at the same time, some of which could not be neatly boxed and labelled...
Restored is perfect. It has everything I needed in a romance, let alone a historical romance, my favorite of all time. Joanna Chambers delivered the story gracefully smooth, sweet, bitter, sexy, heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.
Christopher/ Kit was a kept man, sold his body to service gentlemen of London. Then he met Henry, and falling in love. But there was an unexpected circumstances happened, and they had to be away from each other for eighteen years.
Eighteen years later, Kit became one of the owner of Gentlemen's Club and Henry needed to make amend of his past mistakes to Kit.
My heart hurt for an eighteen years ago Kit, I wanted to wrapped him and put him in my pocket. Cursed Henry for something he did. But like Kit, I was easily forgave him, how could I not?
This is an emotional love story between two men where they cannot be together publicly, but should find the way to be together no matter what.
I'm happy that finally Henry and Kit found each other again (even it took eighteen years) and did everything to be together.
They have their happy ending, but someone, definitely not. Yet.
I need George's story to be written ASAP!
Highly recommended, especially for Joanna Chambers fans and historical. This is so good!
I cannot recommend you enough to read this one!
Want to read
November 1, 2020Thank you so much for the gift, Sir Reginald Percival Elfcelsior Whiskerbottom!
October 26, 2020
Restored is a beautiful story about love, loss, forgiveness and re-connecting. Kit and Henry are both outstanding characters that have given up so much. They spend 18 years apart but never lose the love they have for each other.
Henry has given up not only his lover, Christopher, but the part of himself that is truly who he is at his core when his wife becomes ill and they move out of the city to the country. Once his wife passes Henry puts everything he has into raising his children. He always tries to do what is best for those he loves and he thought he left his lover set up comfortably when he left. Little does he know that Christopher was not left with what he gave him and that he had to face some of the hardest times in his life.
Kit’s heart was broken when Henry left him with nothing. He is kicked out of his home and left without the money his contract with Henry was supposed to pay him. He has since made a life for himself and is comfortable owning his own club and has not had to sell his body in a very long time. To have Henry back in his life suddenly is a surprise and he is angry when Henry first shows up. He demands that Henry apologize by earning his forgiveness as he once had to do, by giving Kit his body to do as he pleases. He is very surprised when Henry agrees.
Once amends are made these two discover that their feelings never went away and that they are able to truly be truthful with each other in the bedroom and out. They really are such a beautiful couple and it was truly a gift to see them talk things out and be mature without losing their heads over past hurts.
I loved how Henry cared for his family and was there for all of them. Kit fit so perfectly into his life. I loved Kit’s strength and ability to put his life back together after so much hurt. This was a story that just had so much love and strength to it.
I received an ARC in exchange for review
Henry has given up not only his lover, Christopher, but the part of himself that is truly who he is at his core when his wife becomes ill and they move out of the city to the country. Once his wife passes Henry puts everything he has into raising his children. He always tries to do what is best for those he loves and he thought he left his lover set up comfortably when he left. Little does he know that Christopher was not left with what he gave him and that he had to face some of the hardest times in his life.
Kit’s heart was broken when Henry left him with nothing. He is kicked out of his home and left without the money his contract with Henry was supposed to pay him. He has since made a life for himself and is comfortable owning his own club and has not had to sell his body in a very long time. To have Henry back in his life suddenly is a surprise and he is angry when Henry first shows up. He demands that Henry apologize by earning his forgiveness as he once had to do, by giving Kit his body to do as he pleases. He is very surprised when Henry agrees.
Once amends are made these two discover that their feelings never went away and that they are able to truly be truthful with each other in the bedroom and out. They really are such a beautiful couple and it was truly a gift to see them talk things out and be mature without losing their heads over past hurts.
I loved how Henry cared for his family and was there for all of them. Kit fit so perfectly into his life. I loved Kit’s strength and ability to put his life back together after so much hurt. This was a story that just had so much love and strength to it.
I received an ARC in exchange for review
![Profile Image for annob [on hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1674812294i%2F68231680._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 16, 2024
I adore Chamber's historical romances. Although I enjoyed this fifth book in the series and liked the MC Kit Redford very much, this story was not as magical when it came to the romance as the previous books. Slightly blue mood wise, and a bit repetitious thinking patterns in the second half.
But I will never say no if there are ever more books in this series. George deserves a book of his own next, pretty please?
But I will never say no if there are ever more books in this series. George deserves a book of his own next, pretty please?
July 15, 2021
A sweet story about second chance love set in the regency era.
Kit and Henry were amazing together! The absolute sweetest couple. It broke my heart to read about their separation and years apart, but it somehow felt necessary. They both grew into themselves and lived full lives apart. It made seeing them come together again so satisfying.
This was also one of those rare books where I loved all of the secondary characters. Each character was there to enhance the story and didn’t take up too much page time. I kept wondering whose story we might get next and secretly hoped it would be Freddy until ұǰ’s drama was introduced.
Slightly angsty, but it was the good kind where you’re still hopeful.
Kit and Henry were amazing together! The absolute sweetest couple. It broke my heart to read about their separation and years apart, but it somehow felt necessary. They both grew into themselves and lived full lives apart. It made seeing them come together again so satisfying.
This was also one of those rare books where I loved all of the secondary characters. Each character was there to enhance the story and didn’t take up too much page time. I kept wondering whose story we might get next and secretly hoped it would be Freddy until ұǰ’s drama was introduced.
Slightly angsty, but it was the good kind where you’re still hopeful.
October 29, 2020
A sheer delight. I was so happy when I heard that Joanna was reprising her Regency 'Enlightenment' world, but this time with Kit Redford in the starring role, and this second chance story certainly did not disappoint. Henry and Kit were fabulous of course, and I loved every single character [other than Percy and Silas and his cronies naturally]. Of course, the problem now is...I want a HEA for George and possibly Jake too, but not together methinks...George is probably too quiet and inexperienced for Jake. Come on Madame Author **puppy dog eyes**...pretty please!!.
October 31, 2020
I liked this story quite a bit but there were some things that I didn't care about. This second chance story has good characters. I liked their voices, they aren't young men for the time standars and that shows in their behaviour and they way the face the world. The book structure also worked better for me than the one in , all that back and forth didn't make any favour to that book. This time around, all the past events are concentrated at the beggining to allow us to get enough background about the characters and their fall out, and then the other important bits we need to follow the story are shown us through the caracters in the present.
I've enjoyed this story and even more thanks to my fellow BR, Ele, we have had a great discussion and I love when she comes up with unexpected BRs.
I've enjoyed this story and even more thanks to my fellow BR, Ele, we have had a great discussion and I love when she comes up with unexpected BRs.
November 1, 2020
So thrilled Ms. Chambers is revisiting this world - the original trilogy remains one of my all-time faves.
October 30, 2020
The softest thing I've read this year.
Kit had always intrigued me, since the first time he appeared in the previous book and short story, so when I discovered that Joanna Chambers was writing his story I hardly could wait to read it.
"Restored" was lovely and tender, but quite heart-wrenching and bittersweet at times. It was my first M/M romance novel where the characters are slithly older and I wasn't sure I'd be able to relate, but instead... well, Henry's feelings of being aimless and isolated resonated with me so much: I'm not a middle-aged man, but I still felt for him and I still understood how difficult it is to see everyone around you age and not need you so much anymore.
I dearly loved both Kit and Henry. I admired Kit so much and I really loved how proud of his found independence and how calm and kind he was. Henry was a bit naive at times but I adored how much he cared for his children and I was a bit sad not to see more of Freddy, George and Marianne.
The story was surprising and the cast of characters wonderful.
All in all it "Restored" was a lovely conclusion to Chambers' Enlightenment series and while I'll be always hoping for more, I'm very satisfied with how it has ended.
Kit had always intrigued me, since the first time he appeared in the previous book and short story, so when I discovered that Joanna Chambers was writing his story I hardly could wait to read it.
"Restored" was lovely and tender, but quite heart-wrenching and bittersweet at times. It was my first M/M romance novel where the characters are slithly older and I wasn't sure I'd be able to relate, but instead... well, Henry's feelings of being aimless and isolated resonated with me so much: I'm not a middle-aged man, but I still felt for him and I still understood how difficult it is to see everyone around you age and not need you so much anymore.
I dearly loved both Kit and Henry. I admired Kit so much and I really loved how proud of his found independence and how calm and kind he was. Henry was a bit naive at times but I adored how much he cared for his children and I was a bit sad not to see more of Freddy, George and Marianne.
The story was surprising and the cast of characters wonderful.
All in all it "Restored" was a lovely conclusion to Chambers' Enlightenment series and while I'll be always hoping for more, I'm very satisfied with how it has ended.
November 14, 2020
3,5 estrellas
Buena adición a la serie, me ha entretenido mucho, pero no son Murdo y David.
Buena adición a la serie, me ha entretenido mucho, pero no son Murdo y David.
January 3, 2025
This is the end of the series, apparently.
Kit's story is a fine one to end it with, it's not as intense as some of the books, but it has 2 mature MMCs and they have a different love story - definitely much more up my alley.
🟣 A Duke / a whore (working in a brothel)
🔵 Age gap 23/29 -- 41/47
🟡 Story is better composed than the last ones, it doesn't switch timelines constantly, has separate POVs, much better
🟢 No cheating, despite the duke being married (agreement)
🟠 Love the cover
🌶� Some smut, good, as usual; when both are younger it's t/b -- when older both vers
I wanted more of Kit and Henry's past to be told. We're privy to one scene at the beginning of the book where Kit is a kept man, a hired prostitue who has a benefactor in Henry, a young duke with a family who's gay and has greatly indulged in male prostitutes when younger, but has to marry in-between (arranged marriage).
When he meets Kit in one of those visits, he simply has to have him, so now they're here, in Henry's house where Kit is receiving Henry twice per week.
It's clear Kit is enamoured and has some feelings, not so clear if Henry has them at that point in the story, so yes, I do think more should've been said about their past and present, it should've been crystal clear that there are some heavy feelings involved on both sides.
Henry's wife gets sick and he quickly moves the family to the countryside and leaving Kit without a word -- 18 years later Henry is back and tries to find Kit while also finding out Kit has been greatly abandoned and left with nothing when Henry moved to the countryside, even though the arrangement was a bit different.
Kit has had an awful life, first being a son of a whore, then living and growing up in a brothel and having to become a prostitute at 16 years old, so this is all he knows.
He's 41 now, has a successful club for gentlemen of a different persuasion and is financially independent. So Kit has done well for himself, still you can't help but feel awfully bad for everything he had to go through.
Henry and Kit still care for each other after 20 years of not having even the slightest contact, so the love development now in their older age isn't insanely passionate or lustful, but it's calm, serious and steady. They're wanting to make it last this time, they're both older, more mature and their dynamic has greatly changed.
That's what I really appreciated. This time around Henry is not the buyer, not the one who decides on everything, not the default top, if you will -- this time Kit isn't being paid to be obliging and submissive, but they're more natural with each other and Henry experiences the joys of being a bottom, so that was wonderful to read about and I'd have loved much more of it. Absolutely much more.
I also think the idea of Kit having Henry on his knees in front of the whole club should've happened. Kit didn't want to put Henry in that position in the end, but no, I really wanted him to. Shame it didn't happen, Kit's club should've been more utilized in this installment. And Kit should've been the aggressor and do all sorts of things to Henry, preferably in public, in front of his clients.
Yes, that would've been absolutely amazing to add to the story.
Again there's a lot of good side characters, a lot of promise of other books to come (hopefully), I was sad to see Tom being paired up with Clara though, he was a funny addition to the story and I wanted him to maybe be paired up with one of Henry's sons?
But even so, I honestly hope we're getting another series with these men, also Jake, who now owns Redford's.
Kit's story is a fine one to end it with, it's not as intense as some of the books, but it has 2 mature MMCs and they have a different love story - definitely much more up my alley.
🟣 A Duke / a whore (working in a brothel)
🔵 Age gap 23/29 -- 41/47
🟡 Story is better composed than the last ones, it doesn't switch timelines constantly, has separate POVs, much better
🟢 No cheating, despite the duke being married (agreement)
🟠 Love the cover
🌶� Some smut, good, as usual; when both are younger it's t/b -- when older both vers
I wanted more of Kit and Henry's past to be told. We're privy to one scene at the beginning of the book where Kit is a kept man, a hired prostitue who has a benefactor in Henry, a young duke with a family who's gay and has greatly indulged in male prostitutes when younger, but has to marry in-between (arranged marriage).
When he meets Kit in one of those visits, he simply has to have him, so now they're here, in Henry's house where Kit is receiving Henry twice per week.
It's clear Kit is enamoured and has some feelings, not so clear if Henry has them at that point in the story, so yes, I do think more should've been said about their past and present, it should've been crystal clear that there are some heavy feelings involved on both sides.
Henry's wife gets sick and he quickly moves the family to the countryside and leaving Kit without a word -- 18 years later Henry is back and tries to find Kit while also finding out Kit has been greatly abandoned and left with nothing when Henry moved to the countryside, even though the arrangement was a bit different.
Kit has had an awful life, first being a son of a whore, then living and growing up in a brothel and having to become a prostitute at 16 years old, so this is all he knows.
He's 41 now, has a successful club for gentlemen of a different persuasion and is financially independent. So Kit has done well for himself, still you can't help but feel awfully bad for everything he had to go through.
Henry and Kit still care for each other after 20 years of not having even the slightest contact, so the love development now in their older age isn't insanely passionate or lustful, but it's calm, serious and steady. They're wanting to make it last this time, they're both older, more mature and their dynamic has greatly changed.
That's what I really appreciated. This time around Henry is not the buyer, not the one who decides on everything, not the default top, if you will -- this time Kit isn't being paid to be obliging and submissive, but they're more natural with each other and Henry experiences the joys of being a bottom, so that was wonderful to read about and I'd have loved much more of it. Absolutely much more.
I also think the idea of Kit having Henry on his knees in front of the whole club should've happened. Kit didn't want to put Henry in that position in the end, but no, I really wanted him to. Shame it didn't happen, Kit's club should've been more utilized in this installment. And Kit should've been the aggressor and do all sorts of things to Henry, preferably in public, in front of his clients.
Yes, that would've been absolutely amazing to add to the story.
Again there's a lot of good side characters, a lot of promise of other books to come (hopefully), I was sad to see Tom being paired up with Clara though, he was a funny addition to the story and I wanted him to maybe be paired up with one of Henry's sons?
But even so, I honestly hope we're getting another series with these men, also Jake, who now owns Redford's.
December 22, 2020
3.75 Stars
Although it may not have been in the same league as David’s/Murdo’s story, which quite frankly is a very tall order, this was a good second-chance/Regency romance between a Duke (Henry, 47) and his ex-whore (Kit, 41). After their affair came to an abrupt end, leaving Kit in dire circumstances, these mature MC’s get to reconnect after an 18 year separation. This time round, Kit’s situation in life is very different, bringing about a little role reversal 😍. Whilst I was perhaps, expecting a little more grovelling than what we got (Kit was quite quick to forgive), I was happy with how events transpired.
However, I did have a few niggles, which affected my overall rating:
▪️The MC’s spent very little time together in the first half. What we had was excellent, but I wanted more.
▪️As much as I love this author, I was surprised/disappointed with the quality of editing.
▪️Finally, it was all wrapped up rather hastily/conveniently. No doubt, a book on George will follow but I’m not fond of loose ends. Did Henry become a Grandfather? Was Marianne aware of her father’s new relationship? How were their new living arrangements/friendship explained to society?
Nonetheless, this was the perfect distraction whilst in quarantine. Kit and Henry deserved their happiness and were perfect for one another. I look forward to reading any future books in the series.
Although it may not have been in the same league as David’s/Murdo’s story, which quite frankly is a very tall order, this was a good second-chance/Regency romance between a Duke (Henry, 47) and his ex-whore (Kit, 41). After their affair came to an abrupt end, leaving Kit in dire circumstances, these mature MC’s get to reconnect after an 18 year separation. This time round, Kit’s situation in life is very different, bringing about a little role reversal 😍. Whilst I was perhaps, expecting a little more grovelling than what we got (Kit was quite quick to forgive), I was happy with how events transpired.
However, I did have a few niggles, which affected my overall rating:
▪️The MC’s spent very little time together in the first half. What we had was excellent, but I wanted more.
▪️As much as I love this author, I was surprised/disappointed with the quality of editing.
▪️Finally, it was all wrapped up rather hastily/conveniently. No doubt, a book on George will follow but I’m not fond of loose ends. Did Henry become a Grandfather? Was Marianne aware of her father’s new relationship? How were their new living arrangements/friendship explained to society?
Nonetheless, this was the perfect distraction whilst in quarantine. Kit and Henry deserved their happiness and were perfect for one another. I look forward to reading any future books in the series.
November 18, 2020
For what feels like months, maybe even a year, I've not felt much like reading fiction. I know, right?? Instead of being an escape, my emotional reserves weren't deep enough to handle even those evoked through imagination. I kept to short fan fics n such.
And then...
And *THEN*...
Came this!
And the "other thing"!!
Along with what felt like the first time in just as long that I could truly exhale!!!
Bring on the Chambers magic, y'all. Bring. It. ON.
There are many different directions this, the story of Henry and Kit, could have gone. Our author found the 'and then some' and went to literary town:
- butterflies in the tummy style uncertainty
- with daredevil hope skipping on down the road right along with those flutter nutters
- gorrrrgeous, earthy prose
- respect for the time and work it takes to figure out what an 18 year separation does to a deep personal connection
- ok, 'nuf of this...
I fell in love again, by way of being reminded about this joyful readerly type thing. Henry n Kit, you go'n and git yours!
And then...
And *THEN*...
Came this!
And the "other thing"!!
Along with what felt like the first time in just as long that I could truly exhale!!!
Bring on the Chambers magic, y'all. Bring. It. ON.
There are many different directions this, the story of Henry and Kit, could have gone. Our author found the 'and then some' and went to literary town:
- butterflies in the tummy style uncertainty
- with daredevil hope skipping on down the road right along with those flutter nutters
- gorrrrgeous, earthy prose
- respect for the time and work it takes to figure out what an 18 year separation does to a deep personal connection
- ok, 'nuf of this...
I fell in love again, by way of being reminded about this joyful readerly type thing. Henry n Kit, you go'n and git yours!
November 4, 2020
3.75 stars
October 7, 2022
4.8 Stars
A nearly perfect historical m/m romance.
After I was slightly disappointed after volume 4 of Joanna Chambers Enlightenment series, I put reading volume 5 off for a while. My fear proved unfounded. In the end I thought this story about Christopher Redford, the owner of the previously in the series mentioned Redford-Club t who had a short appearance in volume 4 and his counterpart Henry Asquith, Duke of Alvesworth was from start to end ... SOOO GOOD! - really almost perfect.
The writing was emotional without being sappy, the characters were wonderful. Sometimes it happens that I fall a bit for one of the MCs in a romance, but in this case I really fell for both of them. The historical setting and background, the side characters (I loved Marianne and Jeremy and little Peter - and I normally hate adorable children in romance), Chambers' prose, the way she tears down conventional expectation and manages to make a Pretty-Woman-Story into something classy.
I did love David of the orignal three Enlightenment-Volumes but I think I like Henry & Kit even more. Favourite Joanna Chambers-Book so far.
A nearly perfect historical m/m romance.
After I was slightly disappointed after volume 4 of Joanna Chambers Enlightenment series, I put reading volume 5 off for a while. My fear proved unfounded. In the end I thought this story about Christopher Redford, the owner of the previously in the series mentioned Redford-Club t who had a short appearance in volume 4 and his counterpart Henry Asquith, Duke of Alvesworth was from start to end ... SOOO GOOD! - really almost perfect.
The writing was emotional without being sappy, the characters were wonderful. Sometimes it happens that I fall a bit for one of the MCs in a romance, but in this case I really fell for both of them. The historical setting and background, the side characters (I loved Marianne and Jeremy and little Peter - and I normally hate adorable children in romance), Chambers' prose, the way she tears down conventional expectation and manages to make a Pretty-Woman-Story into something classy.
I did love David of the orignal three Enlightenment-Volumes but I think I like Henry & Kit even more. Favourite Joanna Chambers-Book so far.
October 30, 2020
We meet Kit and Henry for the first time in the year 1818. Kit is a kept boy, kept by the sweet wealthy man Henry. Who's married with children and has permission to find his pleasure outside his marriage. The pleasure that turned into love, he loved Kit.
Then suddenly head over heels Henry has to leave.
In 1826, eighteen years later, Henry meets Kit again.
Probably Kit wasn't too fond of him, he never returned a letter.
Back in those days, Kit was in love with Henry, who left without a word. Now it seems there is a whole different story.
Two men, meant to be together, separated with a lot of misunderstanding.
Kit had a rough life after Henry left.
Very politely Henry apologized for everything he caused without knowing what he did.
What a journey, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Thoroughly developed, several side stories brought it all together to one, the circle was round.
A very enjoyable and attractive narrative. Deeply emotional.
This author is skilled in writing historical romance, they always feel real and authentic.
Then suddenly head over heels Henry has to leave.
In 1826, eighteen years later, Henry meets Kit again.
Probably Kit wasn't too fond of him, he never returned a letter.
Back in those days, Kit was in love with Henry, who left without a word. Now it seems there is a whole different story.
Two men, meant to be together, separated with a lot of misunderstanding.
Kit had a rough life after Henry left.
Very politely Henry apologized for everything he caused without knowing what he did.
What a journey, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Thoroughly developed, several side stories brought it all together to one, the circle was round.
A very enjoyable and attractive narrative. Deeply emotional.
This author is skilled in writing historical romance, they always feel real and authentic.
October 28, 2020
Eighteen years ago, Christopher Redding was a kept man. Lover to Henry Asquith, Duke of Avesbury, he spent his days ensconced in the home provided for him by Henry, waiting - longing - for his lover to appear. He loved Henry and wished he could tell him how he felt. It was a battle to constantly - sternly - remind himself he was simply a whore and that a man like Henry couldn't possibly love him.
Eighteen years ago, Henry fell in love. After spotting Christopher dressed in a skimpy/sheer toga in a discreet club, his beautiful body on display, he had to have him. He contracted for Christopher that night and promptly set him up in a house he could visit at his leisure. But guilt and iron-clad self-control kept him from visiting Christopher any more than twice a week. He waited - longed - for his nights with Christopher, and struggled to deny his growing affection and love for him.
Eighteen years ago, Henry's wife - his best friend - discovered a lump in her breast. Greeting Henry in tears the morning after one of his visits with Christopher (whom she knew he visited), she reminded him of her mother's own death after finding a lump and pleaded with him to take her and their three children away to the country to live out her last months. Henry hoped to visit Christopher before leaving, but allowed his wife to convince him they must leave immediately. He left it to his man of business to convey a letter and money to Christopher in his stead.
When Restored opens Kit Redding owns his own discreet mens club. Exclusive, elegant, and private, the club offers men who like men a place of their own. Much like his club, Kit - who no longer goes by the name Christopher - is still beautiful, elegant and refined - but he no longer pays for or is paid for his service. With help, he was able to flee the abusive patron he was forced to service after Henry abandoned him and their contract; afterwords he became the paid lover of a much older man. Kit found a quasi-happiness with his older patron, and when the man died, he left Kit with enough money for Kit to stop working as a whore and open his own club. He's happy with the life he created, and has finally moved on from Henry and thoughts of romantic love. Ahem.
After the death of his wife Henry remained in the country to raise his children. Now grown, he finds himself lonely for their time and attention, and once again fixated on what-ifs and curiosity about Christopher and the life he's led. He never spoke to him or heard from him after their last night together - and never sought information about him, but he hasn't forgotten him. Christopher never responded to his final letter and Henry resigned himself to regret over not ever telling Christopher he loved him. In London, visiting his pregnant daughter, he inadvertently discovers that Christopher is also in town - and that the end of their affair didn't happen the way he imagined.
Restored details what happens once Henry realizes how deeply he wronged Kit, and sets about trying to make things right. He recognizes, almost immediately, that he still loves Kit - and how angry Kit remains over the end of their relationship. They start off as adversaries and Kit is unwilling to forgive or forget the past with Henry. He's bitter, angry and hurt that someone he loved so deeply cast him aside - but once the truth of their past is revealed, he struggles to hold on to his anger. Even when Henry agrees to become his kept man and "see how it feels," he's unable and unwilling to go through with it. His love for Henry, which he tries to ignore, won't let him.
As Chambers meticulously crafts her second chance romance, she also cleverly binds it to the big theme of the story - service, and what it means when it's freely given vs when it's forced upon someone. As the story unfolds, she reinforces it in every iteration of Henry and Kit's relationship, and in the relationship each man has with the other people in their lives. Who's serving who - and why - is a constantly moving target and Chambers masterfully challenges her readers and principal characters idea of just who's in service to whom - and why. It's brilliantly done.
As usual, Chambers does a lovely job with the characterization of her principal characters. Henry spent his life trying and failing to repress his love for another man, and deeply loved his wife, too - despite their mutual lack of sexual attraction to each other. He spent years "serving" his family. He loves them, but in Restored he's ready to find his own happiness - separate and independent of them. He wants Kit - Christopher - and will do whatever he can to make his former lover happy! Kit spent his life servicing men for money. Now he has a life that makes him happy - he makes the money, he calls the shots, he decides who will be his lover and when. He has no wish assuage Henry's guilt or pretend the relationship didn't damage him. And yet. The inexorable pull both men feel towards each other eventually forces them to reexamine their feelings and admit they remained unchanged.
Restored is steamy and romantic, and the tension and attraction between Henry and Kit is superbly rendered. So why isn't this a five star read? Well, there are a few other parallel plot lines happening in the periphery involving Henry's son and Kit's bookkeeper. I found them distracting. I like the inclusion of the secondary characters in framing who these men are TODAY, but I really only wanted more of their relationship.
Restored is an excellent addition to the growing Enlightenment story world. Smart, sexy, romantic and with just the right amount of angst, I recommend Restored to new and old Chambers fans. It's a winner.
Eighteen years ago, Henry fell in love. After spotting Christopher dressed in a skimpy/sheer toga in a discreet club, his beautiful body on display, he had to have him. He contracted for Christopher that night and promptly set him up in a house he could visit at his leisure. But guilt and iron-clad self-control kept him from visiting Christopher any more than twice a week. He waited - longed - for his nights with Christopher, and struggled to deny his growing affection and love for him.
Eighteen years ago, Henry's wife - his best friend - discovered a lump in her breast. Greeting Henry in tears the morning after one of his visits with Christopher (whom she knew he visited), she reminded him of her mother's own death after finding a lump and pleaded with him to take her and their three children away to the country to live out her last months. Henry hoped to visit Christopher before leaving, but allowed his wife to convince him they must leave immediately. He left it to his man of business to convey a letter and money to Christopher in his stead.
When Restored opens Kit Redding owns his own discreet mens club. Exclusive, elegant, and private, the club offers men who like men a place of their own. Much like his club, Kit - who no longer goes by the name Christopher - is still beautiful, elegant and refined - but he no longer pays for or is paid for his service. With help, he was able to flee the abusive patron he was forced to service after Henry abandoned him and their contract; afterwords he became the paid lover of a much older man. Kit found a quasi-happiness with his older patron, and when the man died, he left Kit with enough money for Kit to stop working as a whore and open his own club. He's happy with the life he created, and has finally moved on from Henry and thoughts of romantic love. Ahem.
After the death of his wife Henry remained in the country to raise his children. Now grown, he finds himself lonely for their time and attention, and once again fixated on what-ifs and curiosity about Christopher and the life he's led. He never spoke to him or heard from him after their last night together - and never sought information about him, but he hasn't forgotten him. Christopher never responded to his final letter and Henry resigned himself to regret over not ever telling Christopher he loved him. In London, visiting his pregnant daughter, he inadvertently discovers that Christopher is also in town - and that the end of their affair didn't happen the way he imagined.
Restored details what happens once Henry realizes how deeply he wronged Kit, and sets about trying to make things right. He recognizes, almost immediately, that he still loves Kit - and how angry Kit remains over the end of their relationship. They start off as adversaries and Kit is unwilling to forgive or forget the past with Henry. He's bitter, angry and hurt that someone he loved so deeply cast him aside - but once the truth of their past is revealed, he struggles to hold on to his anger. Even when Henry agrees to become his kept man and "see how it feels," he's unable and unwilling to go through with it. His love for Henry, which he tries to ignore, won't let him.
As Chambers meticulously crafts her second chance romance, she also cleverly binds it to the big theme of the story - service, and what it means when it's freely given vs when it's forced upon someone. As the story unfolds, she reinforces it in every iteration of Henry and Kit's relationship, and in the relationship each man has with the other people in their lives. Who's serving who - and why - is a constantly moving target and Chambers masterfully challenges her readers and principal characters idea of just who's in service to whom - and why. It's brilliantly done.
As usual, Chambers does a lovely job with the characterization of her principal characters. Henry spent his life trying and failing to repress his love for another man, and deeply loved his wife, too - despite their mutual lack of sexual attraction to each other. He spent years "serving" his family. He loves them, but in Restored he's ready to find his own happiness - separate and independent of them. He wants Kit - Christopher - and will do whatever he can to make his former lover happy! Kit spent his life servicing men for money. Now he has a life that makes him happy - he makes the money, he calls the shots, he decides who will be his lover and when. He has no wish assuage Henry's guilt or pretend the relationship didn't damage him. And yet. The inexorable pull both men feel towards each other eventually forces them to reexamine their feelings and admit they remained unchanged.
Restored is steamy and romantic, and the tension and attraction between Henry and Kit is superbly rendered. So why isn't this a five star read? Well, there are a few other parallel plot lines happening in the periphery involving Henry's son and Kit's bookkeeper. I found them distracting. I like the inclusion of the secondary characters in framing who these men are TODAY, but I really only wanted more of their relationship.
Restored is an excellent addition to the growing Enlightenment story world. Smart, sexy, romantic and with just the right amount of angst, I recommend Restored to new and old Chambers fans. It's a winner.
January 2, 2021
3.75 (it could have been 5) Stars
I’ve never read Joanna Chambers before but their covers are always enticing and I know their books are very popular. So I decided to have a look-see. I was in a mood for historical reading and this sounded good. I’m going to say that it was good with a “but� attached. It was good but the editing was not up to par. It let an endearing couple and story down.
He gave hopeless laugh � “a� missing after “gave�
Kit’s heart thundered his chest � “in� missing. I suffer from arrhythmias and my heart can, I suppose, thunder, but my chest does not. So, “in� it is.
“He’s just foxed,� Freddy shortly. � I’m assuming “said� is missing between Freddy and shortly, but who knows? Maybe Freddy is shortly?
“Why do you think he would he not?� I’m assuming the “he� in front of “not� is not meant to be there, but it makes the sentence frustrating and removes you from the moment as you try to work out what the hell the sentence means. Is it an SOS to the reader? It was beginning to feel that way.
“This is a nice,� he said. Yes... tell me more. A “nice� what? A nice arse? A nice headache? A nice predicament? A Nice new Track Changes installation?
This gives you an idea of something frustrating going on throughout the book. It’s the tip of the iceberg, I could go on, but that’s not my job. Still, I have a lot of these moments clipped in my notes. I shouldn’t have. If I have a galley copy, no problems. When I buy something to read, I expect not be distracted by editing issues to the level I was in Restored.
The story itself is not new, there are only so many iterations of romance, to be fair. However, there is incredibly transparent foreshadowing from the beginning. I knew what was going to happen for everyone, and sexual orientation “surprises� were not surprises. I prefer to have to work a tad harder. There is a circular redundancy to the inner monologues � I’m a whore. Does he/does he not care? How could he? But maybe he does? Maybe not? This added to what I felt were extraneous details around rooms or clothing, and that sluggish start. The ending was too quick, it felt like it just stopped. I can forgive a degree of this as the writing overall is bright and breezy, it offers a sweetness with a very light angst kick, all while delivering MCs who could have been uppity, having a pity-party, but weren’t. Kit and Henry were beyond delightful. Kind. Sensible. Deeply genuine. Older MCs who were true to their age. Henry finding it hard to be on his knees � my knees empathised � understanding the limitations of being in your 40s as opposed to no longer being in your twenties, which is how old they were when they first had a relationship. Then add the fact that it’s set in the early 1800s when life expectancy was not like it is nowadays, and it all adds nice human layers of storytelling. Kit and Henry are the kind of characters I tend to gravitate toward. And I did. I adored them both. Kudos here too: I’m not especially fond of families in my romance reading, yet Henry’s family added to the story, something you’ll rarely hear me say. The writing, sans editing issues, was lovely and delivered a strong romantic tone.
But there was another part of him—a long-dormant part—that had been wakened to tentative life a week ago. Wakened by Christopher Redford. Kit. And God help him, but Henry wanted more.
I’m crotchety because I now have to take one and a quarter stars off the rating of Restored and this should have been (very close to) 5 star reading because I sailed through it, because of Kit and Henry, but damned if I’ll give this book 5 stars with the level of invasive editing issues. And that ending was abrupt. In spite of my grumbles, I’ve given this a recommended reading spot at the side of our blog. That’s on the strength of the characterisations of Kit and Henry. I also want to buy and read more by Joanna Chambers, given I’m a character obsessive and I loved this pair, but not if this is the usual standard of editing throughout them all � any fellow readers who could let me know would be appreciated.
I’ve never read Joanna Chambers before but their covers are always enticing and I know their books are very popular. So I decided to have a look-see. I was in a mood for historical reading and this sounded good. I’m going to say that it was good with a “but� attached. It was good but the editing was not up to par. It let an endearing couple and story down.
He gave hopeless laugh � “a� missing after “gave�
Kit’s heart thundered his chest � “in� missing. I suffer from arrhythmias and my heart can, I suppose, thunder, but my chest does not. So, “in� it is.
“He’s just foxed,� Freddy shortly. � I’m assuming “said� is missing between Freddy and shortly, but who knows? Maybe Freddy is shortly?
“Why do you think he would he not?� I’m assuming the “he� in front of “not� is not meant to be there, but it makes the sentence frustrating and removes you from the moment as you try to work out what the hell the sentence means. Is it an SOS to the reader? It was beginning to feel that way.
“This is a nice,� he said. Yes... tell me more. A “nice� what? A nice arse? A nice headache? A nice predicament? A Nice new Track Changes installation?
This gives you an idea of something frustrating going on throughout the book. It’s the tip of the iceberg, I could go on, but that’s not my job. Still, I have a lot of these moments clipped in my notes. I shouldn’t have. If I have a galley copy, no problems. When I buy something to read, I expect not be distracted by editing issues to the level I was in Restored.
The story itself is not new, there are only so many iterations of romance, to be fair. However, there is incredibly transparent foreshadowing from the beginning. I knew what was going to happen for everyone, and sexual orientation “surprises� were not surprises. I prefer to have to work a tad harder. There is a circular redundancy to the inner monologues � I’m a whore. Does he/does he not care? How could he? But maybe he does? Maybe not? This added to what I felt were extraneous details around rooms or clothing, and that sluggish start. The ending was too quick, it felt like it just stopped. I can forgive a degree of this as the writing overall is bright and breezy, it offers a sweetness with a very light angst kick, all while delivering MCs who could have been uppity, having a pity-party, but weren’t. Kit and Henry were beyond delightful. Kind. Sensible. Deeply genuine. Older MCs who were true to their age. Henry finding it hard to be on his knees � my knees empathised � understanding the limitations of being in your 40s as opposed to no longer being in your twenties, which is how old they were when they first had a relationship. Then add the fact that it’s set in the early 1800s when life expectancy was not like it is nowadays, and it all adds nice human layers of storytelling. Kit and Henry are the kind of characters I tend to gravitate toward. And I did. I adored them both. Kudos here too: I’m not especially fond of families in my romance reading, yet Henry’s family added to the story, something you’ll rarely hear me say. The writing, sans editing issues, was lovely and delivered a strong romantic tone.
But there was another part of him—a long-dormant part—that had been wakened to tentative life a week ago. Wakened by Christopher Redford. Kit. And God help him, but Henry wanted more.
I’m crotchety because I now have to take one and a quarter stars off the rating of Restored and this should have been (very close to) 5 star reading because I sailed through it, because of Kit and Henry, but damned if I’ll give this book 5 stars with the level of invasive editing issues. And that ending was abrupt. In spite of my grumbles, I’ve given this a recommended reading spot at the side of our blog. That’s on the strength of the characterisations of Kit and Henry. I also want to buy and read more by Joanna Chambers, given I’m a character obsessive and I loved this pair, but not if this is the usual standard of editing throughout them all � any fellow readers who could let me know would be appreciated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.