"Lawrence crafts a romance that rouses, with twists, surprises, and a randy wit.... (a) passionate, uproarious gay romance."
-BookLife Reviews, Publishers Weekly
What if the Bennet sisters had had a brother who was smitten by that wealthy bachelor just arrived to town?
A romantic puzzle evolves around divisions of age, class, and gender in this captivating twist on Pride and Prejudice. By turns lyrical, riotous, and just a bit naughty, Blackmailer's Delight is a sensual exploration of love and identity involving a love triangle, two blackmail notes, and a whole lot of confusion.
England 1795
London gentleman Daniel Thornton has just dumped his philandering lover, Clarence. He moves to Grantham to care for his ailing uncle and nurse a broken heart. The move he hopes will be a fresh start - a place to discover himself and perhaps a new way of seeing the world.
Luke Morley is a draper's son struggling to accept his sexuality. He has withdrawn into a world of fantasy, but with the arrival of Mr. Thronton this private world is shattered. Grantham's most eligible bachelor is everything Luke has ever dreamed of. After months of silent admiration, he determines to introduce himself.
Re-enter Clarence, who arrives to win back his old lover. When Daniel rejects him again, he is not about to take it lying down...
A blackmail note appears - a demand that Daniel marry one of Luke's sisters. A demand that he fulfill Luke's secret desires.
Daniel saw young Mr. Morley leave the note on his mantle.
The note is from Luke.
Isn't it?
Readers are enthralled by Blackmailer's Delight:
"All the hopes, doubts, pain and sensuality of hidden gay love in the English 18th century fill David Lawrence's sparkling new novel. He brings it all together in the most unexpected way in this charming, sexy, witty romp."
- Stephanie Cowell, author of The Boy in the Rain and American Book Award recipient
"Great plot, realistic characters, and phenomenal writing. Absolute must-read." - The Book Dragon
"I think the ending was pure perfection and was the only way for everyone to have a happy ending. I also think this was one of the best versions of a misunderstanding/miscommunication trope I have read."
-Kate, Goodreads Reviewer
