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
Three men. Two secret notes. One delicious comedy of errors.
England, 1795.
London gentleman Daniel Thornton dumps his philandering lover Clarence and flees to the quiet countryside of Grantham to repair his broken heart.
Luke Morley, a handsome draper's son, is struggling to accept his sexuality -- until the arrival of Mr Thornton, a man of the world nearly twice his age, stirs his heart (amongst other things) with the possibility of new love.
But after Clarence also arrives, determined to win back his old lover, the stage is set for a captivating comedy of ill-manners. A blackmail note is just the beginning of a series of innocent (and not-so-innocent) mistakes, twisty double-crosses, saucy secrets and passionate drama as the three men try to work out exactly who has their eye on whom within their deliciously complicated menage . . .
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!
Best
David
PRAISE FOR HUGH
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"...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
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"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