Review: Poacher's Fall by J.L Merrow

Reviewed by Fehu
Poacher's Fall (Midwinter Manor #1) by J.L Merrow
Dreamspinner Press
Short Story: 65pgs
3 Pants Off

Blurb:
One snowy night just before Christmas, 1922, poacher Danny Costessey rounds off a night trapping rabbits by climbing a tree to fetch some mistletoe for his mother—only to fall and break his leg. Taken to the manor house to recover from his injuries, Danny meets the reclusive owner, Philip Luccombe. Village gossip has it Luccombe went mad during the war, but Danny soon realizes he’s simply still mourning his late lover. As friendship grows between them, Danny starts to fall for handsome, shy Philip.

Danny’s lively nature, roguish good looks, and ready laughter enchant Philip, and he finds himself being drawn out of his shell whether he will it or not. But when Danny tries to move beyond friendship, Philip panics—and his rejection threatens not only their happiness, but Danny’s health.


Short Review:

Lord Philip lost his lover not to war, but to a simple illness and now lives like a ghost in his own estate, grieving for his partner and the love they had, sure that he won’t find something similar again. Around Christmas a young man is found injured and Philip finds out that it is Danny the son of a man who worked for his father in the past and whose physical appearance Philip admired in his youth. Danny is up to his father line of work as a poacher and got injured because he wanted to do something nice for his mother and bring her a mistletoe. While Danny heals under Philips watch, both men discover that they do have something in common after all.

First of all I liked this story, BUT it's short and ends rather abruptly. Also the romance is fast paced, they meet and fall in love rather quickly, conflict, when arises is solved pretty fast as well which doesn't help to build suspense. Surprisingly Philip doesn't fear repercussions for his sexual orientation; usually there is some fear of discovery in historical romances. The characters are interesting, but not fully fleshed out; of course this is the first part of a story, so this may change. Still, for a grieving man Philip gave in rather quick to temptation, with very little regret, I thought that was rather easy for him as historical romance. Nevertheless, it would make a nice quick winter read.

3 Pants Off