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Provoked  By  cover art

Provoked

By: Joanna Chambers
Narrated by: Hamish McKinlay
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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

What listeners say about Provoked

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

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.

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3 people found this helpful

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  • KD
  • 11-12-18

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!

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2 people found this helpful

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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!

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Listener received this title free

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

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1 person found this helpful

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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.

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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.

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Love love love

I just finished listening to the series for the second time, and I'm disappointed to be finished with the audiobooks (although I see some grayed out books there, so hopefully more soon??)

I fell in love with the main characters. They have such great personalities, and their individual stories are deep and compelling.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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unexpected

This book was not what I expected, but in a great way. It is not a sappy romance, but a real journey through complicated emotions and relationships. The story realistically captures the experience of closeted young gay male in a heteronormative society. Both sides of the closeted spectrum.

The gentleman reading was a perfect choice.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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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.

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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.

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