Review: His Client by Ava March

Genre: Historical, Regency
Elements: BDSM, prostitution

Rating:

• Characters - 5 - The characters themselves are quite nice, if a little typical for this sort of story.
• Setting - 4 - Quite typical of this sort of story, though I do like the addition of how Jasper tries to reestablish himself in the country.
• Plot - 4 - Again, quite typical, though with the lovely addition of BDSM elements that I particularly approve of.
• Genre Elements - 4 - Nicely thought out, the characters fit into this world without bending credulity too much.
• Voice - 5 -  Both characters are quite distinct from each other, as are the others they speak with.
• Romance Elements - 5 - Slow-building enough to make me smile, though on occasion, I do want to smack Nathaniel for how dense he is.
• Overall - 4 - A great book for those who enjoy historical romance.

Basic story -
Jasper has broken the one rule all whores try to abide by. Never fall in love with a customer.

My thoughts -
Though this doesn't rank as high as some of the others I have posted reviews for here, this book truly started an obsession for me. Ava March creates lovely characters, and her details of a more formal world where homosexuality could only ever be a secret are always perfect. I highly recommend all her stories, if you prefer Regency or Victorian stories.

This story in particular appealed to me for two reasons. The first is that Jasper and Nathaniel play with both bondage and cross-dressing, both of which I have a great fondness for. The other is the angst inherent in their story. Nathaniel has had a passion for his very straight best friend since school, while Jasper only has eyes for Nathaniel. It is only when Nathaniel realizes he is gone that things change. A truly lovely angsty romance with a distinctly happy ending.

The great thing about this story is that they each fix themselves. Jasper chooses to leave rather than waiting until Nathaniel rescues him, and Nathaniel realizes things on his own terms, rather than being forced into falling for Jasper. Both of them grow up, and grow back together, and that's the brilliance of March's works--she's good at letting the characters learn on their own, rather than forcing a couple into love. Every time, it's believable and right.

Warnings -
Only very minor ones here for the BDSM, which itself is very mild.

Overall Recommendation -
A great historical novel, and well worth the price to buy.

Link to the story - His Client (on Goodreads)
Related stories - His Request (Sequel - on Goodreads)
Author Link - Ava March (on Goodreads)
If you liked this story, try -

• Blood and Roses by Aislinn Kerry (on Goodreads)
• Object of His Desire by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Seducing Stephen by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon (on Goodreads) (read my review here)
• All in with the Duke by Ava March (on Goodreads)
• Soulless by T Baggins (on Goodreads) (read my review here)