The Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish

The Labours of Lord Perry Cavendish (2021) Joanna Chambers (Winterbourne)

Set in England in 1824

Six months ago, Perry Cavendish had been shocked to discover his best friend–Lysander Winterbourne had the same inclinations he did–and was in love with the man he was working for. After several months of drowning his sorrows, Peregrine finally takes Xander up on his offer to visit Edgely Park, because Xander accepts him as he is–despite Perry’s doubts about his own worth.

Perry wasn’t clever and handsome like Adam Freeman. He was just Zander’s hulking friend— Gogmagog, as old Warner, their housemaster at Fletcherfield, had called him.

Unfortunately, Xander is busy with the harvest, and when Adam returns, it is with his best friend in tow.

Jonny Mainwaring has a penchant for throwing himself at the wrong men–and getting his heart broken in the process.

the horrible truth was, being with Stephen had exposed things about Jonny’s character that had made him dislike himself.

Perry is a completely cinnamon roll, partially because it is his nature and partially because he worries constantly about his shortcomings.

It always took him ages to read anything, but especially any letter from his mother. He was glad the only other occupant of the breakfast room was Zander, who knew, and didn’t care, that Perry was a shamefully slow reader.

Despite being charming and witty and an excellent artist, Jonny has a hard time believing that anyone would want to tolerate him for any length of time.

(H)e had to admit, he could be demanding company. He craved affection and reassurance.

They two are sweet, however, their own insecurities get in the way of their ability to actually communicate. Which is actually understandable given their pasts. I frequently dislike it when problems could be easily resolved by talking, but in this case their insecurities and histories are the reason they can’t talk to each other about what is really going on.

I also think this is easier to present in MM relationships, since men are taught not to talk about their feelings, so of course they’re going to hide their weaknesses.

“Sometimes people don’t see what you are. They only see what you’re not.”

It’s a sweet novella.

Rating: 7.5/10

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