Provoked

Enlightenment

By: Joanna Chambers

Narrated by: Hamish McKinlay

Length: 5 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

David Lauriston is struggling to build his reputation in Edinburgh's privileged legal world. His humble origins are enough of a hurdle, never mind his recent decision to defend a group of weavers accused of treason, prompting speculation that he may harbour radical sympathies. The last thing he should be doing is agreeing to help the brother of one of the convicted weavers find the government agent who caused his brother's downfall.

David's personal life is no more successful. Tormented by his forbidden desires for other men, and the painful memories of the childhood friend he once loved, David tries his hardest to live a celibate existence, castigating himself whenever his resolve slips.

But then into David's repressed and orderly world bursts Lord Murdo Balfour.

Cynical, hedonistic, and utterly unapologetic, Murdo could not be less like David. Whilst David refuses to entertain the prospect of entering into a loveless marriage for propriety's sake, Murdo is determined to wed one day - and has no intention of giving up the company of other men when he does so. But as appalled as David is by Murdo's unrepentant self-interest, he cannot resist the man's sway.

Murdo tempts and provokes David in equal measure, distracting him from his promise to find the agent provocateur responsible for the weavers' fate, and forcing him to acknowledge his physical desires.

But is Murdo more than a mere distraction?

Is it possible he could be the very man David is looking for?

©2013, 2017 Joanna Chambers (P)2017 Joanna Chambers

M/m erotica for straight cis women who are faintly repulsed by gay men

Very much in the vein of typical m/m gay erotica written by a straight cis woman, *for* straight cis women. Focuses a lot on themes of masculine domination in physical space and action, the paramount importance of “the final boundary” (you know what I mean) as the be-all end-all of sex, and contains more than the usual helping of internalized homophobic self-loathing and asides about how “disgusting” m/m sex is. Murdo reminded me strongly of Christian Grey. I sincerely hope Davey gets some help for his drinking problem in the next book, and also that Elizabeth turns out to be a savvy lesbian instead of getting her heart broken.

As a queer person, this was a tiring and disheartening read, and I got through it mainly because I’m incredibly bored and have a bad case of completionitis. I can understand why certain kinds of straight women would find it enjoyable, though I equally wish they’d read something better. Or maybe stop perpetuating certain things by projecting onto people they clearly don’t understand. The writing quality itself was not as terrible as some examples of this genre. I appreciated the historical background, and that it did feel for the most part like the (lower class, at least) characters had lives outside their affair. Hamish McKinlay’s narration was fine, easy to listen to, and made good use of nuanced character voices.

I don’t know, take it or leave it.

Incredible narrator and compelling story

Hamish Mckinlay is so expressive—one of my very favourite narrators I’ve listened to. I adore this series. It’s the perfect mix of compelling story with a vibrant historical setting, characters to root for, and a swoony, slow-build romance. The emotional slow burn between David and Murdo is a delight. Brilliant series!

A favorite series brought to life!

This series is one of my favorite series of all time. I have read it countless times and I was thrilled when the audiobooks were released. I was a little worried as Hamish McKinlay is a new to me narrator, but his narration was so good. His Scottish accents were beautiful and he had a wonderful voice for Murdo. I absolutely adore Murdo and David. David's journey from self loathing to acceptance makes this whole series worth reading. Moving onto Beguiled immediately!

Liked reading it but listening it's even better!

Hamish McKinlay brilliant narration elevated an already gloriously enjoyable , intriguing , charming and sexy historical romance to new heights.

I loved the complex personalities of David and Murdo, the heroes. Their slow burn relationship , UST and cat and mouse interaction are simply delicious.

Provoked kept me engaged , captivated and entertained the entire time.

#BooksILove #ListenedOn2020 #Audible #KindleFire #AudioCreditWellSpent

Moving

Historical romanance with a bite. I really enjoyed the build up between characters and can't wait for the next installment. The narration was clear and easily followed and a little sexy. This book was not light and fluffy, it touched on darker subjects and kept the listener engaged. Well worth the time and money to listen.

One of the best MM books you will read

What made the experience of listening to Provoked the most enjoyable?

Hamish McKinlay was a delight! He has an amazing voice, with a great range od characters and fantastic accent that really made the story come to life.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Provoked?

i can't choose one, it was all very good and unlike the books i usually read

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending, I think it really sets it apart from most MM Romance books, and most historical romance books I read – and I have read many in the last 10 years, it’s one of my favorite genres. I think choosing not to make it a HEA in the classical way was so smart, emotional and true to the story and historic period the book takes place at. I was both happy to realize it and sad because I am a sucker for HEA’s.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it had smart funny banter and it made me laugh a few times.

Any additional comments?

This book is a MOST READ for any M/M and Historic romance lover. The characters are true to the era and their interactions are genuine as well. It’s a slightly tragic love story, not because it’s about two men in a time that relationship is taboo, but because of WHO they are. And to me this is the strongest point about the book, David made the right choice for his and not the easiest selfish one. It was so touching to me, David’s character and soul that were so apparent in the book and narration. It was an unlikely treasure in a sea of (albeit lovely) romantic fairy tale type M/M books.

A favorite of mine

I love this story so much and the narrator makes it even better. David and Murdo are really brought to life in this. It is a book I come back to again and again.

Loved it.

The story was so different from others I’ve listened to. The story starts with something predictable. I found myself wanting the two to become a couple. The end made me sad. I want to hear more from this author.

Doesn’t stand alone well

First, the positive - I really loved the narrator. He did a fantastic job in distinguishing the characters and with pacing and expression.

The negative - I really didn’t like the MCs. One was consumed with self-hate, the other was to me completely unlikable. A lot of the story seemed to drag on. I only returned to the series after seeing excellent reviews for the second and third installments.

I’m only taking a chance on the complete series with that in mind.

5 stars all the way

This has got to be the best trilogy I’ve ever read/listened to. The story and narration is 5 stars strong. What a beautiful love/romance story. I thought of saving money and skipping one of the books. I’m so glad I didn’t. They each feed off the other. I only wish Joanna chambers had done all three books on one credit. It’s a really expensive trilogy done separately however this story is totally worth the money. I loved it so much. The only other books I loved even semi closely was maiden lane books by Elizabeth Hoyt. Thank you Joanna Chambers and Hamlisch mcKinlay for your awesome talents.

Really a gem

Really enjoyed listening to this book. With great narration by Hamish McKinlay whose voice was a great bonus.
This book is set in Edinburgh. David is trying to rebuild his reputation in the legal world. Murdo is determined to wed one day. But to a woman as back in those day Same sex was a taboo subject. But Murdo thinks he can keep his true feeling for men quite,
This is part of a series. It was wonderfully written with great care put into the characters. What's not to like. Waiting for the next audible.

Set in Scotland, British writer, Scottish narrator

Plenty of historical back-story which sets up the two characters who have little life experience in common but understand each other nevertheless. The events in which both protagonists are enmeshed are just as important as their relationship but the balance between romance and history is fine, neither dominating while each aspect enhances the other. Well-written and brilliantly narrated with a range of accents. Makes most sense if you listen also to parts 2 and 3 for full development of characters and romance.

Lovely Story 🔆 Narration!

The protagonists have obvious differences in status, wealth, lifestyle to David’s runner slightness and Murdo’s muscular heft. What I love though was the author showing rather than telling us their deep significant differences: from David's celibacy because he feels he is an abomination compared to Murdo’s self-accepting hedonism; by David’s cool manner of sincere speech compared to Murdo’s teasing vivacity; and in their physical intimacy, David is brusque efficiency while Murdo is slow sensuality. Though the protagonists provoke each other no end, it was my happy job just to observe how drawn they are to the other regardless. 🤣 As part of a Trilogy, plots are introduced and paced leisurely but not quite resolved in Provoked. Luckily, David + Murdo are thoughtfully realised that I am invested until their HEA.

🎧 There are different Scottish accents and I really, truly enjoy the narrator’s dialect work here! ✨️ The narrator effectively evokes mood and atmosphere: listen to how he ramps up the anxious unrest in the opening chapter and compare it to the tender feeling of David’s conversation with his father in the last chapter. Hamish’s best was vocalizing David’s guardedness in contrast to Murdo's 'x' factor, charismatic confidence. ✨️ Mr. McKinlay narrates female voices well and as there are plenty of them – mothers, matriarch, shrew, siblings, debutantes, prostitute etc. - it is just lovely to hear them portrayed as the author wrote them.

A well written story with excellent narration .

Quite a simple plot, but interesting characters that are slowly developed, and as this is just the first of a series, I expect we find more in the following books.

I must note that I found the final chapter very perceptive and well written indeed. A very moving account of David's relationship with his family, particularly his father, and his own deep struggle with his nature. All just as relevent today. I'm glad the author finished this on a positive note.

I can't comment on the historical accuracy as I don't have the knowledge. The story felt to me like the author did, both of the history and the locations. And the chosen narrator was perfect for the task.

All in all, very enjoyable. Highly recommend.

Brilliant start to a magnificent trilogy

So good! Story is interesting - characters engaging - historical background clearly delineated.

Narrator is wonderful. Voice is perfect for both main characters. Loved it!

Solid performance

Hamish McKinlay did a good job, overall, but there were a few places where the vehemence of Murdo's reactions appeared to come out of nowhere. The story was quite well written, but Murdo was such an unlikable person I hoped something unsavory would happen to him.

Great story, fantastic narrator

The writing is brilliant, but McKinlay's voice acting is phenomenal. I really hope this voice actor works on more audio books because his intonation and expression is amazing.

Provoking

Well written historic tale of social conditions and conditioning, well planned and plotted, excellent atmospheric narration enhancing the drama and tension. This writer has captured the genre perfectly. Looking forward to Book 2. RECOMMENDED

Wow, I loved this Victorian romance!

When lawyer, David Lauriston defends Scottish weavers who have risen up against the British in late 1800s Edinburgh, he can’t guess he’ll put his own life in danger. Lord Balfour takes a shine to the lawyer but they must be careful. I loved this Victorian romance - set in an interesting time in history, David is a decent man while Balfour is an enigmatic one. While the story was 80% romance and 20% history, the dialogue, characters, and scenes felt authentic and very compelling! 🎧 Hamish McKinlay gives the performance of a lifetime - great Scottish and British accents with perfect and expressive historical cadence!

I'm a harsh critic, it was nearly a five

Honestly so enjoyable. Offered to me as a gay romance, I expected simple, cheese, not much depth. But this is genuinely a STORY first and foremost, historically accurate seeming views of homosexuality, and then a little passion more than romance at this point. But it's a trilogy, thankfully!

Onto the next!