Unfit to Print in Trysts and Testosterone

Jul 01, 2018 Didi rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-medieval-time-travel, lqbtqia, m-m, arc-netgalley-edelweiss, romance

4.5 Stars

There are books that drove you to find out more over accounts you read within pages. “Unfit to Print” fell into that category for me. I looked up a bit on mid 19th century London, especially Holywell Street where the story set - the majority of it - to learn further, especially the reputation [or disreputation] during that period. “Unfit to Print” itself centered around the search of a missing teen by two long lost friends, a [Holywell Street] bookseller and a lawyer, Gilbert and Vikram 4.5 Stars

There are books that drove you to find out more over accounts you read within pages. “Unfit to Print” fell into that category for me. I looked up a bit on mid 19th century London, especially Holywell Street where the story set - the majority of it - to learn further, especially the reputation [or disreputation] during that period. “Unfit to Print” itself centered around the search of a missing teen by two long lost friends, a [Holywell Street] bookseller and a lawyer, Gilbert and Vikram.

Born a bastard son of a gentleman and his black housemaid, yet acknowledged and sent to school to get proper education, Gil had been brought up as quasi gentleman until tragedy struck. An Indian native who left him home country [with his parents] at three, Vikram was a respectable lawyer with personal vocation to help people of color in need. One of his pro bono investigations brought him to Gil’s shop, thus followed the reluctant amalgamation between two opposites characters amidst the revival of their old attractions.

“Unfit to Print” is another brilliant writing from K.J. Charles with two men in color as the center of the story. Gil’s life-story was nothing sort of tragic. His life turned upside down basically over greed, lies, and malice. That changed and shaped him into a hardened and cynical man. To quote him:
”...I hated my father more than I hated Matthew. And it wasn’t true. It was a miserable lie, but I believed it for so long that it *feels* true. I can’t forget what I felt. I said Matthew had turned my life upside down, didn’t I? Well, finding out he was a liar didn’t turn it the right way up again. It didn’t make things better.”
That said, Gil was the live of the story with his wit and insouciant attitudes. As a reader I felt a certain connection with Gil, in a way his droll humor and rebellious tendency were his shield in dealing with people. Au contraire, Vikram was a stern and by-the-book man. Losing Gil in his youth robbed his life of happiness that Vik only realized when they were reunited.

Following the reconnecting of these men was agonizing, the two who were inseparable for years were now wary and evading from exposing what’s really in their heart. The dual POVs gave insight to the characters’ thought and feeling that at times can be either heartbreaking, riveting, entertaining, or all combined. Quite a lot of exchanges between Gil and Vikram and the situation they faced resonated with today’s situations as penury and deprivation were also present in modern world. The blight was doubly felt for minority and POC as represented in this story. I loved how Gil and Vik not bowing to society’s traditional value and that in their own way, made their stance, even when they squabbled with one another.

I think my only issue with this book is its length. “Unfit to Print” is a standalone novella. Then again, as a non full-length novel it already packed quite a story that wrenched me and got me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. Sleuthing-wise, the case might feel too predictably concluded, but it also served as catalyst to the path Gil and Vik finally take.

Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 10, 2018 Tanya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Strand was a wide thoroughfare with imposing tall frontages, fit for the capital of empire; Holywell Street was its disreputable, drink-sodden uncle with his trouser buttons undone. [loc. 479]

Vikram Pandey and Gil Lawes were best friends (with benefits) at school: then, halfway through term, Gil was taken out of school, and Vikram never saw or heard from him again.

(view spoiler) ...more

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Aug 17, 2018 Maureen Lubitz rated it it was amazing

Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full

Unfit to Print is a Victorian-era m/m historical romance novella by KJ Charles. I’ve read most (but not all) of Charles’ other books, so I was looking forward to reading this one.

Vikram is a lawyer who works tirelessly on behalf of those who have very few civil rights in England, helping them obtain wages and benefits that are rightfully theirs. When a family approaches them about their missing son, Vikram feels compelled to help. His quest takes him ...more

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Jul 12, 2018 Alicia rated it it was amazing

Charles' historicals are such a respite from the vast mobs of handsome, pox-free Dukes fucking their way to true love that you get in so many romances. Her characters have texture and tangibility, drawn from sections of society that don't usually get HEAs. I love Vikram's rage and Gil's protective shell. ...more

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Jul 26, 2018 Daphne rated it really liked it

Shelves: readathon18

#readathon18 Ένα βιβλίο που εκδόθηκε για πρώτη φορά μέσα στο 2018

KJ Charles has done it again! A great book that explores the pornographic industry in Victorian times along with a mystery needing to be solved and a second chance romance between two men of color who were best friends in school and then got suddenly separated and lost track of each other. So enjoyable, well-written, touching upon social issues and difficult situations for the heroes, but with humor as well. Excellent!

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