Saturday's With Sid

Poacher's Fall, J.L. Merrow, Dreamspinner Press
Midwinter Manor #1
One snowy night just before Christmas, 1922, poacher Danny Costessey rounds off a night trapping rabbits by climbing a tree to fetch some mistletoe for his mother—only to fall and break his leg. Taken to the manor house to recover from his injuries, Danny meets the reclusive owner, Philip Luccombe. Village gossip has it Luccombe went mad during the war, but Danny soon realizes he’s simply still mourning his late lover. As friendship grows between them, Danny starts to fall for handsome, shy Philip.

Danny’s lively nature, roguish good looks, and ready laughter enchant Philip, and he finds himself being drawn out of his shell whether he will it or not. But when Danny tries to move beyond friendship, Philip panics—and his rejection threatens not only their happiness, but Danny’s health.

This is a revised and expanded version of the story previously published under the title of Pleasures with Rough Strife. Everyone who has purchased a stand-alone copy of Pleasures with Rough Strife from the Dreamspinner website (ie not as part of the Mistletoe Madness set) will be able to download Poacher's Fall free!

Keeper's Pledge, J.L. Merroe, Dreamspinner Press
Midwinter Manor # 2
Landowner Philip Luccombe has been enjoying a passionate relationship with young poacher turned gamekeeper Danny Costessey for four years now. Danny’s love has brought him out of the shell he retreated into when his first lover died after the Great War. But this Christmas, visitors to the manor threaten their happiness. Philip’s young cousin Matthew is artistic, vivacious, and flirtatious: just the sort to remind him of his long-dead first love—and to emphasise the social gulf between Philip and Danny.

But the worst danger comes from much nearer home. An old flame of Danny’s is discovered in incriminating circumstances, forcing the lovers to keep their distance for fear of being tarred with the same brush. Meanwhile, Danny’s younger brother, Toby, has grown to resent the connection between his brother and the lord of the manor. Danny wants to do the right thing—but that could divide the lovers forever.



I really enjoyed both of these books. They are quick and easy reads, but still manage to pack a punch of emotion! I have a bit of a Brit fetish, so I could easily see myself falling out of tree and being rescued and nursed back to health in a lovely manor house…. Oh my Philip, where are you?? But…Sid ain’t livin’ in the gamekeepers house! But seriously folks, check these two books out and see what JL Merrow has also been up to! Well done! 4 Chocolate dipped strawberries for JL Merrow!


RATING: 4 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner. Many thanks.