Until the End of Time

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: J. T. Ruddle

Being a gay man in 1827 is not only frowned upon in England, but punishable by death. Magistrate Simon Stockley would know. He’s convicted men in his courtroom and sentenced them himself. Every time, it leaves a vile taste in his mouth because Simon is no different than the men whose lives he claims.

Overcompensating for his secret and fearing discovery, Simon walks the straight and narrow with everything he does. Being overly cautious with life is second nature to him. The consequences of being discovered are among his worst fears. Sadly, this is his life, and he accepts it.

Until one cold day in October when James Hansen is led into his courtroom. Blinded by the fire in James’s eyes and the energy seething from his core, Simon’s entire life is thrown upside down. One cursory glance at the criminal, and nothing will ever be the same again.

Problem.

James’ crimes are severe, and his punishment is death. However, there is something about him that Simon can’t put his finger on. Despite all sensibility, Simon can’t let him go. Maybe, some things are worth the risk. Maybe, rules are meant to be broken.

Secrets are wonderful...until someone finds out the truth.

©2016, 2017 Nicky James (P)2021 Nicky James

Beautifully done

I’m always hesitant to tackle historical gay romances. I mean, as this book so plainly lays out – the punishment was, if you were lucky, to be put on a ship to be a slave in the colonies and, if you were unlucky, death.

Simon is a magistrate who is due to join the judiciary. As a judge, he’ll be sentencing criminals – including men caught for buggery. Yet he knows that could just as easily be him. He’s gay. And although he has what he believes are secure ways to satisfy those urges, he has no safe way to express them.

Until he meets James. James whom he must sentence to death. James who makes his chest tighten. James who is the embodiment of everything he’s ever wanted in a man.

So how to proceed?

This is where the very talented Nicky James spins a beautiful tale of love, lies, and finding a way to live your true and authentic self. I had my doubts. But I knew she’d find a way to give me a happy ending.

I loved the book, and even managed to get through the tough places in one piece. This is a Nicky James – so there had to have at least a little angst.

Finally, I’ll address the narration. J.T. Ruddle was a gem to listen to and I’ll definitely pick up more books performed by him. Even if you’re afraid of angst, I recommend this book. I’m so glad I listened to it.

love

this is my 3rd of 4th time listening & won't be my last. I love coming back to relisten to this book when it's been a while & everytime is like the first time. & just like the first time I'm always sad at the end. at how it ends because it's just so sweet & because it ended. the only bad thing I'd have to say is that it's too short & I really wish the writer told some story of them once they found each other. but the ending works for an ending. in several months I will return.

Perfection

This book is simply amazing. People need to give historical romance more of a chance as this book has it all. As usual this book is beautifully written but I don’t expect anything less from Nicky. The research she had to have put into the book clearly shines through.

God James and Simon story is so heartbreaking and beautiful. It’s is story that I both read and listened to the audio is done to perfection. The narrator could not have been any better.

Stunning

Everything about this audiobook is perfect. I am a huge Nicky James fan, and this is not her normal fare. It’s subtle, beautiful and the love story is completely overwhelming. Not a lot of heat, but it really isn’t necessary. Do yourself a favor and listen to a story about two mismatched men who struggle and claw to find one another. Historical fiction highly recommended. Narration is top-of-the-line, excellent.

An Enduring Love Story

Nicky James has delivered a love story that will gave yoy bawling yoyr eyes out. Simon us a magistrate in Victorian England and is gay. Being caught is usually a death sentence. That is how he met James. Simon was set to rule on the sentence of death for James. That was until he laid in on James. After that everything changed. Simon changed.
To give any more away would be to ruin the story and listening pleasure. I won't do that. I will tell you that I was full engaged in the story and hated when I had to stop listening. To be equally fair there were a couple of phrases and words that wouldn't have been used back then and it through me for a couple of seconds but other than that the story was cohesive . The narration was great and easy to listen to. Overall a wonderful love story.