Shaykitteh's World of Books

THE MANSERVANT is an inside look into the life of a butler for the rich and famous. However, this might not be what you would expect. Set in England, we meet Anthony, who is currently working as a VIP Concierge for a hotel. When one of his coworkers dies in a sex-related incident, with only a note left behind from the Diplomat who was staying there - "Sorry for the Mess" - Anthony finds himself as the scapegoat and out of a job. Drawing from his past as a Butler for the Royal Household, Anthony is hired as a Manservant/Butler for a Lord in Sussex. However, not everything is as it seems, and Anthony is soon drawn into events beyond his control and comfort.

This is a very interesting book, detailing not only the life and work of a butler for the wealthy, but also the main character's personal journey in the homosexual community. While his life in London had been more open, the countryside where he finds himself working is more conservative and he is required to hide that side of himself from those he works and lives with. When the Lord of the Manor takes their relationship to a more physical level, Anthony is trapped in a lie, not knowing where he stands or what his future is. Complex emotions and relationships are the centerpoint of the last half of the book, with Anthony forced to stand up for himself and choose who he will be with.

I will admit that I wasn't too fond of the trap Anthony got himself caught in...When your boss starts lavishing you with gifts shortly after you start working, for no good reason, you should be leery of his intentions. I was happy with the final outcome of the book, however, and I loved Anthony's unlikely love interest, Frank. Frank is the most interesting character to me, outside of Anthony, and he is certainly stronger-willed and willing to take chances and protect his friends...Even the friends of people he just met.

Warning: Contains sex and LGBT relations.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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