The Tutor

When Graham Cowrie (aka Joe Green) decides to apply for a position as tutor in a country state, he does not realise the risk he’s getting into. Allison Hall is a haunted place where he can lose his heart… and also his life.In the line of the classic gothic novel, The Tutor clearly reminds to Another Turn of the Screw, by Henry James, where a young governess has to deal with two haunted boys… here, Graham is a jolly young man from the lower classes who decided to change his name in an attempt to change his luck. Having received an education thanks to a protector, Graham applies for a position as Tutor of twins in Allison Hall, thinking the references and pay will help him improve his perspectives. On arriving there, he is immediately surprised by the gloomy atmosphere of the manor, and the strange disposition of the children, Whitney and Clive. But above all, he feels an irresistible attraction towards tormented and mysterious sir Richard Allison, his employer and the kid’s parents. Soon enough, he realises the kids blame Sir Richard on their mother death; as he slowly uncovers the mystery surrounding Lavinia’s death, and he gets physically and emotionally involved with Sir Richard, he comes to the conclusion that the Manor is actually haunted and the danger for the kids and even for himself is real and deadly. But how can he convince his lover of the risk they are facing. When he takes the step to talk it may already be too late.With Halloween approaching, I was in the mood for a ghost story and I must recognise I enjoyed this one a lot. The characters are likeable, especially Graham, who is lively and cheeky. Richard follows the tradition of the tall, dark and handsome tormented heroes of the gothic novel. The rest of the characters living in Allison Hall are equally dark and distressing in their own way. So the story is good, but I had troubles with the last couple of chapters… The defeat of the evil force haunting the children seemed quite naïve and mushy… I expected something better… Anyway, the book is spooky and entertaining. A suitable story for upcoming Halloween!

There is so much I loved about this book! The main character, Graham Cowrie, I loved from the beginning. He was charming and interesting in so many ways and I wished he wasn't gay. (sorry, guys.) At first I didn't like Sir Richard at all, and couldn't understand what Graham saw in him. He was so drenched in despair and self loathing. As the book progressed, though, Graham slowly broke through to him and before the end I'd grown to like him. The story itself of the tutor in the dreary country mansion, stuck with the really recalcitrant and brooding twins, along with the small, strange house staff, was very interesting and engrossing. I was so into the times and the mood of it all. Of course I knew there would be M/M love, and had no problem with that, except for the use of the chapel for a liaison. I respect chapels as a place specifically dedicated to God and this was not an acceptable place for them to be carrying on in my opinion.My main problem with the book had to do with the haunting spirits. Yes, I knew there would be ghosts, and I'm okay with that. I've even seen a few ghosts myself and very much believe in them. I know sometimes ghosts are evil and not just lost spirits, and I was prepared for that.***POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT HERE***Where it really went wrong for me was when the book turned into a tale of horror. I will ABSOLUTELY NOT intentionally read any book that deals with demonic possession. It's something that disturbs me greatly and gives me nightmares. Although this evil spirit weaved throughout the book, there was one chapter in particular where it was featured, which involved an exorcism, and the whole scene was extremely disturbing for me. I believe that information should have been involved in the synopsis of the book, not just that it contained "ghosts".***SPOILER OVER***Except for the information in the spoiler, I would have loved this book and would have given in 4 or 5 stars. As it was, I am torn between 2 or 3 stars, and generously rounding up. I know some people absolutely love the stuff that was in this book, but I would have never even picked it up had I known in advance. I've read other works by these authors and loved them. This one was not for me.I hope this helps you to make an informed choice on whether or not this is something you would like to read. It was very well written, with an enjoyable HEA.

Actually read this on Halloween night : ) It’s really, really enjoyable. Proper gothic fare with the kind of love story that just gets me in the feels every time. I never thought that I would ever be into historicals but, damnation, this was done well. So well, I can’t wait to read this again! And I’m totally hooked on this author now : )

A good story but the Americanisms bugged me. If you're going to write a story set in 19th Century Britain don't use American words, e.g. 'bangs' instead of 'fringe'. Also some of the phrases were repeated a few times which bugged me as it added nothing to the story.

Not great literature but a gay holiday read....

I enjoyed reading this story, although I had some issues with the the way "the forbidden love" was played in it (and how the religion was sort of brushed off but ultimately did play a role at the end). Supernatural element was pretty good, although the way it was resolved was a bit too simple for me.Overall it was a pleasant read, although I admit it didn't meet my expectations in full.

Reading The Tutor was a refreshing experience. I work with Male/Male romance, so I read tons of them and, sadly, after a while they tend to seem all the same.Bonnie Dee managed to suprise me, with this books which mixes some touches of the gothic classics I used to read as a teenage girl with a steamy and complicated love story between a clever and quirky young man who's trying to build a future for himself and a tormented widower with two young children, who lives in a house full of sorrow and darkness.I loved Graham to death, he's witty and resourceful like an heroine out of a Jane Austen novel, which provides a great comic relief and counterbalaces the tension that permeats the book.I see more Bonnie Dee novels in my future...