A Gathering Storm

I'm a huge fan of Chambers' books so, while I won't be reading the series (each book has a different author), I had to read their contribution.
This a typical story trope - rich toff comes to town and falls for the outcast with a tragic backstory. Nick is half Rom orphan and is working for his rich paternal grandfather as an open secret. Ward comes to town to build his mansion next to a local natural landmark in order to conduct “science” experiments. These experiments are a weird plot choice as they're more paranormal in nature and based off of a single experience Ward had some years before - his entire set up is something only a rich second son could possibly do in the 1700/1800s. They have chemistry so the romance is sweet and not too out of left field with a slow build up.
Overall, weird plot but a quick, worthwhile read for the romance.

I really liked Joanna Chambers' historical M/M Enlightenment trilogy, but A Gathering Storm was a bit of a let-down because one of the MCs was a serious butt-head. I had no problem at all with half-Romany Nicholas Hearn, land steward to a wealthy family who has never quite felt at home with either the townspeople or Roscarrock family he serves. I loved his quiet dignity and his gentle way with animals, and I wanted him to find someone who would make him happy. I just wasn't convinced that Sir Edward “Ward” Fitzwilliam was that man. Ward is grieving the death of his twin brother, but in his single-minded pursuit of proving that he can use science to recreate the moment he thought he heard his brother speak to him from beyond the grave, he becomes completely self-absorbed and is not above using blackmail to get what he wants (although he feels bad about doing so). He pulls rank and treats Nick abominably on several occasions, and although he makes a decent gesture at the book's climax, he needed to demonstrate more of a grovel to redeem himself in my eyes.

Because of Ward's weaknesses, I couldn't quite root for him and Nick as a couple in love. In lust, definitely, but Nick's exulting in finding “his mate, his lover, his friend, the keeper of his heart” etc. didn't ring true. Perhaps if Chambers had a full trilogy to spread out the story it would have worked better, but Ward's redemption was too little, too late, and the pacing was rushed.

I received an ARC of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.