Not romantic. But good story.

MC 1 is a likeable character. However, MC 2 is a jerk. Their connection is about sex only. So if you're hoping for some romantic connection, there isn't one. MC 2 may eventually (future books in series) like MC 1, but I'm not into love stories that start out with the jerks using the nice guy for sex then getting possessive and then realizing they have feelings.

BUT the story otherwise is very interesting. As long as you aren't reading it for romance, it's a good read. I do recommend it. The narration is excellent.

Also, the story doesn't end at the end of Book 1. It's not a crazy cliffhanger, but it's certainly not resolved. If you stop at the end of Book 1, it won't be as good of a story. I wish the author didn't do that. Now we have to pay another credit just to complete the story. For a 6 hour book, that's a rip off.

Again, Book 1 is the beginning of great historical story and has great narration. It's just not a romance and it's not a complete story.

UPDATE: I did completed the series and I was happy I did. So, I do recommend pushing through.

4 people found this helpful

Incredible narrator and compelling story

Hamish Mckinlay is so expressive—one of my very favourite narrators I’ve listened to. I adore this series. It’s the perfect mix of compelling story with a vibrant historical setting, characters to root for, and a swoony, slow-build romance. The emotional slow burn between David and Murdo is a delight. Brilliant series!

2 people found this helpful

A favorite series brought to life!

This series is one of my favorite series of all time. I have read it countless times and I was thrilled when the audiobooks were released. I was a little worried as Hamish McKinlay is a new to me narrator, but his narration was so good. His Scottish accents were beautiful and he had a wonderful voice for Murdo. I absolutely adore Murdo and David. David's journey from self loathing to acceptance makes this whole series worth reading. Moving onto Beguiled immediately!

2 people found this helpful

M/m erotica for straight cis women who are faintly repulsed by gay men

Very much in the vein of typical m/m gay erotica written by a straight cis woman, *for* straight cis women. Focuses a lot on themes of masculine domination in physical space and action, the paramount importance of “the final boundary” (you know what I mean) as the be-all end-all of sex, and contains more than the usual helping of internalized homophobic self-loathing and asides about how “disgusting” m/m sex is. Murdo reminded me strongly of Christian Grey. I sincerely hope Davey gets some help for his drinking problem in the next book, and also that Elizabeth turns out to be a savvy lesbian instead of getting her heart broken.

As a queer person, this was a tiring and disheartening read, and I got through it mainly because I’m incredibly bored and have a bad case of completionitis. I can understand why certain kinds of straight women would find it enjoyable, though I equally wish they’d read something better. Or maybe stop perpetuating certain things by projecting onto people they clearly don’t understand. The writing quality itself was not as terrible as some examples of this genre. I appreciated the historical background, and that it did feel for the most part like the (lower class, at least) characters had lives outside their affair. Hamish McKinlay’s narration was fine, easy to listen to, and made good use of nuanced character voices.

I don’t know, take it or leave it.

1 person found this helpful

Liked reading it but listening it's even better!

Hamish McKinlay brilliant narration elevated an already gloriously enjoyable , intriguing , charming and sexy historical romance to new heights.

I loved the complex personalities of David and Murdo, the heroes. Their slow burn relationship , UST and cat and mouse interaction are simply delicious.

Provoked kept me engaged , captivated and entertained the entire time.

#BooksILove #ListenedOn2020 #Audible #KindleFire #AudioCreditWellSpent

1 person found this helpful

Moving

Historical romanance with a bite. I really enjoyed the build up between characters and can't wait for the next installment. The narration was clear and easily followed and a little sexy. This book was not light and fluffy, it touched on darker subjects and kept the listener engaged. Well worth the time and money to listen.

1 person found this helpful

One of the best MM books you will read

What made the experience of listening to Provoked the most enjoyable?

Hamish McKinlay was a delight! He has an amazing voice, with a great range od characters and fantastic accent that really made the story come to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Provoked?

i can't choose one, it was all very good and unlike the books i usually read

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending, I think it really sets it apart from most MM Romance books, and most historical romance books I read – and I have read many in the last 10 years, it’s one of my favorite genres. I think choosing not to make it a HEA in the classical way was so smart, emotional and true to the story and historic period the book takes place at. I was both happy to realize it and sad because I am a sucker for HEA’s.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it had smart funny banter and it made me laugh a few times.

Any additional comments?

This book is a MOST READ for any M/M and Historic romance lover. The characters are true to the era and their interactions are genuine as well. It’s a slightly tragic love story, not because it’s about two men in a time that relationship is taboo, but because of WHO they are. And to me this is the strongest point about the book, David made the right choice for his and not the easiest selfish one. It was so touching to me, David’s character and soul that were so apparent in the book and narration. It was an unlikely treasure in a sea of (albeit lovely) romantic fairy tale type M/M books.

1 person found this helpful

5 stars all the way

This has got to be the best trilogy I’ve ever read/listened to. The story and narration is 5 stars strong. What a beautiful love/romance story. I thought of saving money and skipping one of the books. I’m so glad I didn’t. They each feed off the other. I only wish Joanna chambers had done all three books on one credit. It’s a really expensive trilogy done separately however this story is totally worth the money. I loved it so much. The only other books I loved even semi closely was maiden lane books by Elizabeth Hoyt. Thank you Joanna Chambers and Hamlisch mcKinlay for your awesome talents.

Entertaining

Note: Review is for all three books in the series.
I totally enjoyed this trilogy. The couple are equal points hot, frustrating and engaging. Historical facts seemed right in. Narrator was perfect.

I was given these audiobooks in exchange for honest reviews.

A Promising Beginning to the Enlightenment Series

The story of David Lauiston begins in ‘Provoked' by Joanna Chambers, the first audiobook in her Enlightenment Series.

Perfectly narrated by Hamish McKinley, Lauiston’s world and the people who inhabit it are vividly brought to life.

David is a young lawyer trying to build a reputation for himself in Edinburgh’s legal circles while at the same time attempting to deny his homosexual desires.

That desire quickly overtakes him in the form of Murdo Balfour whom David meets one night in a dark Edinburgh alley.

Only later does David learn that Balfour is actually a titled Lord who, like so many men of that time, is set on marrying upward, raising a family, and continuing to satisfy his own sexual desires on the side. David vows he could never do that to a woman he cares for.

Book 2, 'Beguiled', is next up on my listening list.