Lawrence
David
“Lawrence crafts a romance that rouses, with twists, surprises, and a randy wit.… (a) passionate, uproarious gay romance.”
– BookLife Reviews, Publishers Weekly
“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
Tantor Audio production coming
May 14th, 2024
narrated by
Cornell Collins
Luke's Version of Events...
Daniel's Version of Events...
A misunderstanding ties the fates of three men together in this heartfelt, sensual, and hilarious romantic puzzle. Blackmailer’s Delight is a tale of lives tossed into the air, then reassembled in some unanticipated ways.
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 He has withdrawn into a world of fantasy, but with the arrival of Mr.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?
Copyright © 2023 by David Lawrence Johnson
Broadbound Publishing
Favorite Georgian-Era Quote:
I added, “There is nothing new under the sun.”
“No,” said (George) Selwyn, “nor under the grandson.”
The Letters of Horace Walpole, Vol 3 1759-1769
I am not stellar at introductions, or speaking about myself, but if you smiled at that quote I trust we are on the same page.
Whenever I despair of the world, find it too annoying to endure, or overwhelming in what feels new and unprecedentedly hideous ways, I turn
to history for a bit of perspective. The above excerpt from Horace Walpole’s letters often comes to mind. It is funny, of course. But it also reminds one that despair, frustration, and feelings of hopelessness are as old as Adam. I believe that History - true, unvarnished, baffling, and sometimes distasteful - is, nevertheless, the most important thing we have: essential for knowing our world and our place in it.
So, that is my shpeal about why I research and write what I write. Your reviews and letters have helped me understand these motivations and have been tremendously encouraging. That means the world to me - so thank you.
Please continue to let me know about anything you found interesting, or might like me to explore in future. Drop me a line via the Contact Page!
Ah yes, and please do leave me your honest ratings on Amazon. At the
moment, for better or worse, Amazon ratings are the most important
thing for new authors if they wish to continue to produce, be seen, and advertise (if they weren't I, er, wouldn't ask so shamelessly). If you are so inclined.
Best, DL
PRAISE FOR HUGH
“
"...I found it absolutely fascinating…Sui generis, thoroughly interesting, fabulously vivid in place and time, and I’m glad I read it.”
– K.J. Charles, author of The Magpie Lord
“
"Intriguing, ambitious, and pretty damn delightful... written with passionate conviction and without compromise 'Hugh' has the flavour of a queer Tom Jones or a queerer Tristram Shandy. This is a genuinely impressive accomplishment, as is the satirical tone, and the archness of dialogue.”
– Alexis Hall, author of Boyfriend Material
"...a work of queer historical archiving that’s as admirable and remarkable as its hero.”
– Kirkus Reviews