Stevie‘s review of One Under (Porthkennack, Book 9) by JL Merrow
Contemporary Gay and Bisexual Romance published by Riptide Publishing 17 Mar 18
Riptide has had some problems of late, and I really hope that the management changes put in place as a response enable the press to keep going and to carry on turning out a diverse range of books and series by authors I already enjoy, as well as those I am yet to investigate. The Porthkennack series is currently a firm favourite of mine and one of the only ones for which I will consistently pre-order new additions. This latest contemporary novel revisits two characters from JL Merrow’s previous book in the series and brings them from the background cast to centre stage – while also updating us on her previous heroes and introducing us to more of the town’s landmarks and history.
Jory Roscarrock is very much a part of Porthkennack’s past as well as its present. A member of one of the most historic and influential families in the area, he is currently working for the town’s museum after giving up his lecturing post to be closer to his son. Considerably younger than his brother and sister, Jory feels a great deal of pressure to ensure that the family line continues; hence his hasty and youthful marriage after a one-night stand resulted in pregnancy. That one indiscretion aside, Jory is only interested in his own sex and is intrigued by a new visitor to the museum, not realising that the man is best friends with a nephew Jory has hitherto known nothing about.
Mal Thomas was a driver on the London Underground, until a suicide on the line – the ‘one under’ of the book’s title – led to him being signed off with PTSD. Staying with another displaced Londoner at one of the local pubs, Mal is keen to explore Cornwall’s history and myths, especially those involving King Arthur; hence his visit to the museum. Jory is more than happy to educate Mal, and the two soon become close. However, an encounter with Jory’s estranged wife leads both of them to question where the relationship is heading.
As always, I delighted in this visit to Porthkennack and was pleased to learn more about a wide range of the locals – not just those central to the story – as well as being cheered that Devan from Wake Up Call might finally have at least one blood relative worth knowing. I really hope we learn more about Porthkennack’s women in future books: both the historical Mary Roscarrock and the contemporary Tasha and Ceri.
My one niggle with this book was the couple of times when the central characters compounded one mistake – made in the heat of the moment – with several others at points when they might have had more time for refection. Still another worthy addition to the series, though. Long many these stories continue to delight me.
Grade: B
Summary:
A contemporary Porthkennack story – jump into the series wherever you’d like!
London Underground worker Mal Thomas is staying in Porthkennack to recover from a traumatic experience. Getting more bad news from home is the last straw—until big, blond museum curator Jory Roscarrock steps up to offer some comfort.
As a doctor of English literature, Jory should be in a prestigious post at a top university. But a youthful indiscretion led him to abandon academia to come back to his hometown, Porthkennack, and the controlling family he’s never really felt a part of. He’s delighted to find a kindred spirit in Mal.
But Jory’s family hurt Mal’s best friend deeply, and while Jory is desperate to repair the damage, his own mistakes threaten to keep him and Mal apart. Meanwhile, Mal is torn between his feelings for Jory and his duty to his friend—and his fears that a failed relationship could be more than his shattered confidence can take. Jory must convince Mal it’s worth risking everything for their love.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
