Genre: Historical
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Jacob Milner might have the face of an angel and the legs of a sinner, but his poisonous tongue would taint even the prettiest visage.
David Bell has risen from the London slums to be one of the up-and-coming stars of the King’s Men, the company of players at the Globe theatre. On the cusp of being too old for female roles, he yearns to play one more part before he leaves the skirts behind: Lady Macbeth. But he is not alone in that desire, and his nemesis, Jacob Milner, a soft-bellied popinjay who has never known day’s work in his life, is also vying for the part.
Sparks have flown between them before, but the fiery barbs and risqué name calling are hiding a different passion. But even if they do manage to put their animosity behind them, Jacob has another problem, his father is trying to marry him off to the daughter of Baron Runcorn.
A Shakespearean era enemies to lovers MM Romance
The Review
Jacob Milner and David Bell were once friends – and friendly competitors for acting roles. Participating in the King’s Men gave them great opportunities to play roles in Shakespeare’s plays. If they did well enough, they might also be selected by some of the noble theatre patrons – a high honor and a wonderful opportunity.
Young men also played the female roles, and that made the competition fiercer. As they got older, those roles were no longer suitable for them. Jacob benefited the most because he was beautiful.
Harsh words made enemies of Jacob and David. Jacob tries many times to convince David that he has no idea what he’s angry about, and why things changed between them. Their feuding is worsened by Jacobs family wealth and David’s perception that Jacob is handed everything without having to work for it.
With the passing of David’s father, and his eldest brother Phillip’s injury, life is a struggle. His mother had work as a scullion and laundress to help support and care for his three younger siblings. David gives as much of his meager earnings to his mother as he can, keeping very little for himself. His mother and family are always his first priority.
When the role of Lady Macbeth becomes available, the competition between the two becomes intense. David is stressed because he has no money to give to his family. In desperation, David almost makes a grave mistake, but is rescued by Sebastian Hewel. With Sebastian’s wealth of advice and the special connection that forms between them, David starts to see that it’s time to make amends.
For the sake of a better life, David makes one last effort to talk with Jacob. They call a truce, and their relationship starts to mend. David discovers that Jacob’s life isn’t exactly perfect. His father has found him a wife, and Jacob is not ready for that. As suspicion grows around the betrothal to Rosemary Fairmount, what other troubles will befall Jacob and David?
I love how Cohen melds 16th century historical fact melded with fiction. She pays homage to some of the most famous writings of Shakespeare, along with the colorful atmosphere of the Globe theatre and King’s Men, which were a very big part of his life. She also captures how central theatre was in 16th century society.
This tale of two young, feuding men is romantic, sweet and a touch dramatic. David and Jacob make it especially fun with their continuous banter. And there are some wonderful secondary characters too: the amazing Sebastian Hewel; Master Burbage, who cared about the King’s Men; and friends/actors Gwilliam, Stephen, Harry and Mark.
I highly recommend Much Ado About Lady Macbeth. It’s entertaining and wonderful – a perfectly told story of gay life and love in the 16th century!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
