Book 699 & 700: Two for Trust – Elle Brownlee

Holy. Hell.

Apparently, this is the MM Romance novel I’ve been looking for. I had no idea it was what I needed until I read it, and then immediately turned around and re-read it again. I am not joking about this—I finished it in bed one night and then halfway through the next day I started it again and finished it in bed that night.

I mean, this isn’t even that wonderfully written. There’s nothing really wrong with the writing, but there are no surprises, the crises is laughable (miscommunication obviously), and the whole Cinderfella story line is standard AF. But OMG I want it all and I want it again. What is actually wrong with me? I am 100% debating a third re-read, but that’s just ridiculous right?

Part of the draw of this novel (for me at least) was the location: rural England; the protagonists: somewhat clueless anglophile nurse Finch who has scrapped all his money together for this trip, and stuffy aristocratic Benedict who rescues Finch in so many ways; and the history of Benedict’s estate and the locations; and hell I feel like these are nothing, but there is so much more and I have no clue anymore. I just loved all of it.

“The pub was so perfectly an English pub as Finch could have imagined that he almost laughed. Its thatched roof rolled in lumps and bumps over angled eaves and peaks, over a facade of stone and brown Tudor-style cladding on white plaster. Benedict had to stoop to enter, and Finch followed holding the pup, but paused outside.” (48)

Brownlee did a great job writing Finch’s character. She balanced his cluelessness with his newly budding confidence after an unrequited infatuation goes south and he sets out on his own. Brownlee struggled a little more when it came to Benedict’s stuffiness. It was never spelled out that duty comes first, just understood, which seemed really weird in how much she spelled out about how clueless and naive Finch was.

By far, the most enticing thing for me was the fact this was a clean and/or sweet romance. Don’t get me wrong there was plenty of tension and the book was a constant simmer for me, but there was no sex and the first kiss didn’t happen until like 70% of the way through the story and I nearly died for it. As I re-read the book the second time, I looked to see if I missed all the sexual undertones and I didn’t. The simmering heat was still there the entire time, and probably was why I wanted to read it again, and still want to read it another time, but the overt sexual references were minimal dealing solely with underwear and the one time a character was only partially closed (blush).

“He thought about the boxer briefs he wore, too big in the waist and baggy but not uncomfortable, and studiously did not glance at Benedict. They could be anyone’s, of course, or even bought new to have on hand just in case a guest needed them. But Finch would blush and stammer regardless at the idea of wearing underwear provided by his host.” (91)

“Benedict traded an amused glance with his reflection, and Finch blushed but shrugged. He was naturally pale enough that his blushes were an ombre starting at his scalp that lightened all the way to his hips. Benedict’s gaze followed the path of Finch’s blush, and for a wild moment. Finch thought Benedict looked at him—really looked—and liked everything he saw.” (148)

“He regarded the wound with a critical eye as she bent close to examine the sutures. Benedict closed in as well, too near for Finch’s peace of mind. He steadied his breath, grateful no one was taking his blood pressure or pulse, and then made slow fists with the hand he could hang off the table. Changing around other harried nurses was one thing, but sitting in the boxer briefs Benedict had bought him with Benedict’s body heat filling his awareness was something else altogether . . . Benedicts gaze skidded down to Finch’s bare legs, then the bunch of jersey cotton at his groin and shot up again.” (237-238)

Don’t get me wrong, I love the trashy romance novels with the smut and the drama, but apparently what I was actually craving was a wholesome swoon worthy romance that just left me wanting to re-read it again (and again) that consisted of maybe half-a-dozen kisses in the final 15-20% of the novel.

The funny thing about this making the book so wonderful a read for me, is that it’s the primary gripe of people on Goodreads. They complain that the Dreamspun Desires imprint isn’t giving them the heat they want. If anything, I feel like the imprint is all over the mark from the hot and heavy sex in some of the first I read to the kissing only without even wandering hands of this one!

Brownlee also did a great job of hitting the romance out of the park on a few occasions, but this one stood out for me.

“When he stood, he wound up in the circle of Benedict’s arm. Benedict was taller than him by a head, and he wanted to lean in against Benedict’s chest and rest in the hollow under Benedict’s chin. Despite their differences and the circumstances that brought them together, it felt like he was where he’d always belonged. Not because of bedside tea and huge houses and expensive clothes, but from the longing to lean against Benedict and an unerring, bone-deep sense that it was where he would find his perfect fit in life.” (166)

Like, I said at the beginning it’s not like it’s the most literary writing ever or even that romantic, but even going back to grab this one for this post my breath hitched and I had to restrain myself from re-starting the book for a third time. She starts to lay these on thick as the book nears conclusion, but they are used in the right place at the right time. As each one was revealed I sighed and re-read it a few times and then moved forward.

After reading this twice I decided to grab another Brownlee novel from Dreamspun Desires to see if it is the author or the story that did it for me. Coincidentally, like Annabeth Albert’s Arctic Sun, it’s another love story set in Alaska so we’ll see how it stacks up to this and Albert!

Recommendation: Read. This. Book. And then re-read this book. And then message me so I can just reply with gibberish. I know a lot of people didn’t like it, but for me the book was perfect. From the adorably clueless Finch to the stuffy hunk Benedict, the constant simmer of their getting to know you and falling in love story without the sexual innuendos and overtones drove me nuts. The writing isn’t the best I’ve ever read, but it’s also nowhere near the worst. A couple of continuity questions I had upon my first blaze through read were answered on my second slower read through and Brownlee’s style definitely grew on me the second time around.

Opening Line: “Finch turned into oncoming traffic, veered sharply back into the left lane, and waved an apology to the alarmed elderly couple in their little touring car.”

Closing Line: “Then he wanted to sneak them off to the conservatory and not return.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)

Additional Quotes from Two for Trust
“Morning mist gathered into a light pattering rain, but Finch wasn’t bothered. He wore a snug knit cap and a sensible, waterproof jacket and boots. He was in England, and rainy weather was to be expected. Finch would be disappointed if every day held clear blue skies. Besides, the mizzle, no doubt helped to keep people away.” (7)

“A magical charge didn’t generate between them, but their hands were suited. Finch’s smaller one fit comfortably in Benedict’s wide, warm grasp.” (7)

“Hoof-beats sounded, growing closer, and Finch stared and then snorted a strange laugh when Benedict streaked past the house on a beautiful dark chestnut mount. Because, of course Benedict went for brisk morning rides, obviously skilled and dashing while doing so, suited to everything else both traditional and cliche about being lord of the manor.” (84)

“‘Good old-fashioned pen and paper is great,’ Finch said, almost embarrassed to be so glad Benedict had returned to the subject and shared even that much. ‘I like real mail. It’s a bit like a book. Digital books are awesome and convenient, but nothing will ever replace the feel of having a real book in your hand—the scent of its pages in your nose, and then the corner of its cover jabbing you awake when you fall asleep reading in bed.” (227)