Review: Sharp Love by Ava March

London, 1822

William Drake has lived among thieves, bastards and beggars all his life, doing what's necessary to survive. As a young orphan, that included looking after his best friend, Jack Morgan. But as they grew older, Jack took the honest path, leaving Will behind to fend for himself the only ways he knows how.

When an unsavory errand for his employer brings Jack back to London's underbelly, he needs Will's help. It's there, among the alleys they ran through as children, that the love he's always felt for Will returns. As their nights together grow hotter, Will discovers something new about his old friend—Jack's need to serve extends into the bedchamber.

Will has never fully abandoned his dream of escaping London with Jack. But what could the Duke's driver want with a dishonest cheat like him, beyond a bit of rough sex? It takes the gamble of Will's life to find out if he can win Jack's heart…

Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: D/s theme and elements, and male/male sexual practices.

I'm so happy I was introduced to this author. I feel like I found a kindred spirit. If she would put some kilts, panties and maybe a corset on one of these cats, I'd be over the moon. No? Too much? *shrugs* The cheese stands alone.

Sharp Love overlaps All in with the Duke with the focus on Jack Morgan and his childhood friend, Will Drake. Both were orphaned as children and came to rely upon one another. Will's always been quite clever and Jack was the braun of the operation with his 6'5" burly frame. Neither of them care much for London and Jack made his way out of the stews by finding work with Max leaving Will behind to scrimp, save and engage in some unsavory deeds to accomplish his dreams of a farm in the country.

"Anything for you, Jack."

Jack comes to Will whenever he needs assistance but doesn't believe people like him are destined for everlasting love; never dares to hope that Will may reciprocate his feelings. Jack has been ridiculed and shamed for his desires leaving him defensive, vulnerable and abstinent for the past 6 years. Jack is one of the incantations of submissive that triggers all sorts of gooey feels for me, the servant. He needs to serve and protect. He feels out of sorts otherwise. He needs someone to give the orders which he will follow to the letter. Being 6'5" and massive has been counterproductive thus far, sexually.

Will recognizes "his bashful giant" needs a strong hand quickly, yet still manages to make a few missteps which is precisely what I like about these characters. They struggle, falter, miscommunicate and have both endured hardships. Ms. March has excelled at making all of the characters in this series unique. They are adults, take responsibility for their actions and have honest conversations. There was quite a bit more angst in Sharp Love which bogged down the story for me. Nevertheless, I'm a smitten kitten with this series and this author and cannot wait until the next book!

The kink is of the sugar variety with their burgeoning relationship. There also seemed to be less sexy times, but perhaps that's just my perversity being a glutton. I do love when the big guy is the little guy. A lot.

Yet Jack wanted more. Wanted to drop to his knees. To suck will's cock. To suck Will's cock until his seed was coating Jack's tongue. Wanted to give himself over to Will. Wanted Will to push him up against the door, push Jack's trousers down around his knees, and use him in that dark, dirty alley until he was sobbing with pleasure.

*sputters*
Damn, Ms. March fire off a warning shot before you throw the smack down next time, please.

Recommend to those who love Regency, believable characters who act like adults, angst lovers and great writing.

I would like to thank Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.