REVIEW: 'Of Hope and Anguish' by Silvia Violet
Title: Of Hope and Anguish
Series: Revolutionaries #2
Author: Silvia Violet
Published: March 6, 2018
Publisher: Self-Published
Cover Artist: Meredith Russell/Art by Meredith
Genre: Historical Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 182 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Established Couple; D/s; Kink: Bondage
About Of Hope and Anguish
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.
4 HEART READ
REVIEW:
The romance and political intrigue of Silvia Violet’s Revolutionaries continues with the second book in the series, Of Hope and Anguish. If you’re a fan of romantic, thrilling historical fiction then look no further, this is one collection I highly recommend. But don’t jump in blind, Revolutionary Temptation is a must read before immersing yourself in this edition. (In fact this review has some spoilers from the first book - so be warned.)
With rebel officer Jack West making the permanent move from soldier to intelligence officer (read spymaster) the story is centered firmly around the cold and calculated world of “intelligence gathering”. Jack, who has described spying as the most dishonorable part of war, is now in a leadership position and has to direct people to take extreme risks. He knows this might shorten the war and help ensure the rebels’ victory, but it’s definitely a moral dilemma for him.
If you’re a fan of romantic, thrilling historical fiction then look no further, this is one collection I highly recommend.
Elias Ashfield is still playing the role of loyal British subject but he’s no longer the carefree rake from Revolutionary Temptation. I know the experience of being kidnapped and tortured, and facing the real possibility of his imminent death, made a huge impact on him. When he tells Jack he dreams about it almost every night, it just about broke my heart.
I saw a much more emotional side of Eli in this story, his youth and immaturity are more noticeable, and he wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s miserable being separated from Jack and willing to do anything so they can be together, anything short of sleeping with handsome British spy John Andre, of course.
There’s a new side of Jack exposed in Of Hope and Anguish as well. His lack of confidence is more obvious, he’s still insecure in their relationship and the time and distance apart isn’t helping. Now that Jack can envision the life he’s dreamed of, with Eli at his side, he’s more cautious and protective. After all, he blames himself for Eli being caught and tortured.
The rebel army is in dire straights and Silvia Violet paints a grim picture of extreme conditions, lack of resources, and suffering soldiers. She also includes some unsavory details of what the spies had to do to gather information and avoid suspicion. These are grim aspects of war, and being separated from loved ones just adds to the misery.
These men are two supremely excellent dirty talkers, but they’re so romantic and in love, the emotion comes through every time.
Thankfully this is a Silvia Violet romance, and a novel where the main characters aren’t together would be very dull indeed. So when there’s an opportunity to move to Philadelphia and be closer to Jack, Eli makes it happen. After so much time apart, these two make sure every moment counts. The sex is wilder now and their desperation brings out some hot and kinky play which makes it even better. Jack builds up some self-confidence as his dominant side comes out, and this helps reassure Eli of Jack’s devotion. These men are two supremely excellent dirty talkers, but they’re so romantic and in love, the emotion comes through every time.
I’m truly loving the Revolutionaries series. Silvia Violet does a wonderful job balancing the romance with enough war time details to keep the plot flowing and build the tension and Of Hope and Anguish continues this. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment of Jack and Eli’s story.
A copy of Of Hope and Anguish was provided to Kimmers’ Erotic Book Banter, by Signal Boost Promotions, at no cost and with no expectations in return. We offer our fair and honest opinion on behalf of our readers.
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Meet the Author
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, curling up with her favorite books, and spending time with her family.
For more from Silvia be sure and visit her website!
