Padme's Library: Review Tour: Of Hope and Anguish by Silvia Violet

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Review Tour: Of Hope and Anguish by Silvia Violet

Title: Of Hope and Anguish

Author: Silvia Violet

Series: Revolutionaries #2

Genre: M/M Romance, Historical

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Cover Design: Meredith Russell

Summary:
Jack and Eli have been separated for months while Jack gathers intelligence in Philadelphia and Eli spies on British officers in New York. When Jack has to take on the role of spymaster and work behind-the-scenes, Eli offers to insinuate himself in Philadelphia’s loyalist circles, taking Jack’s place.

As Eli works to uncover traitorous negotiations between a high-ranking American officer and the British, he cozies up to British spymaster John Andre. Jack doesn’t like Eli putting himself at risk, nor does he like seeing him fawning over a beautiful, charming man.

As the chances of the American army surviving the winter decline, tensions mount between Jack and Eli, threatening to tear them apart. They will have to rely on their love and trust for one another to make it through these harrowing months.

With their missions keeping them apart, Jack and Eli haven't had much time together but now that Jack has to step in and position of Spymaster, Eli finds himself in Philadelphia taking Jack's place. Having made an acquaintanceship with British spymaster John Andre while they were both in New York, Eli continues to cozy up to the charming enemy Andre hoping to learn all he can but will the secrets be worth the jealousy and looming possibility of losing Jack for good?

I am going to start right off the bat by saying I forgot just how much I loved Eli and Jack not to mention the lovely determined Constance. For those who may say well that's just unrealistic that a woman would have been so forthright in the spy ring over 200 years ago, well I say "You don't know your history". Now back to Eli and Jack, how can you not love these two? The love they have for each other is pretty obvious but so is their love for freedom. I won't expand on the plot more than that but I just need to say that Silvia Violet balances the mission and the heart beautifully, I won't say evenly because there is drama that tends to tip the scales one way or the other but she does it realistically. I truly loved how the author stayed true to the times and yet Of Hope and Anguish is entertaining and not a history lesson, which personally I think is a perfect example that speaks of the author's talent.

The American Revolution is not a time period that is often used in the M/M genre and I wish we had more so when I find one it pretty much automatically goes on my TBR list. If it's not an era in historicals that you read often I highly recommend giving Silvia Violet's Revolutionaries a visit and "visit" is exactly what you will be doing. To say the reader will feel like their living in the time is a bit of an exaggeration but you definitely will walk away with a better understanding of the era and an appreciation for what those who fought for our freedom from British Rule dealt with. Will you learn a few things about the era? Sure. Will you walk away entertained? Most certainly! I hope this isn't the last time we see Eli, Jack, and Constance but if it is then I can safely say that Of Hope and Anguish is just as good and sucked me in as deeply as Revolutionary Temptation and I am already looking forward to re-reading these spies with heart.

RATING:

Revolutionary Temptation #1
Summary:
1777 New York City

The American colonists are fighting for their independence, but the battlefield is not the only place to wage war. When General Washington’s head of intelligence asks Captain Jack West to spy on the British in New York, Jack agrees, despite reservations about this ungentlemanly pursuit.

Jack’s contact in the city recruits bookshop owner Elias Ashfield, an impeccably dressed sensualist who flaunts his desire for both men and women and seeks a place in high society. Jack longs for a simple life guided by clear principles. Eli is a risk-taker who knows how to get what he wants. And he wants Jack in his bed.

Events in Jack’s past have made him fearful of acting on his secret craving for a man’s touch, but Eli intrigues Jack as much as he infuriates him. As Jack and Eli search for the information the rebel army needs, they realize there’s more between them than mere lust. But finding a way to be together may prove more difficult than defeating the British Empire.

Original Review January 2017:
As a lover of historicals, I can honestly say that I absolutely LOVED Revolutionary Temptation! The detail to the time really heightened an already great story of drama and love. Jack is wary of his inclination, with good reason, and Eli is not. Eli may not flaunt his lifestyle for all to see, it is a dangerous time to be gay afterall, but he also doesn't restrict his wants and he's certainly not as quiet as Jack thinks he should be. When they find themselves brought together for the cause of freedom from the British, well, lets just say nothing is ever the same for either of them again. Throw in Constance Sullivan, their boss in the New York spy ring, and you have an intriguing tale of love, espionage, freedom, that adds up to a wonderful read with just the right amount of angst and a little humor thrown in for good measure. A great addition to my historical library that I'm already looking forward to re-reading.

RATING:

Author Bio:
Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia's stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books. Keep up with her latest ventures by signing up for her newsletter.