His Scottish Detective: Victorian Gay Detective Book 3, Summer Devon

Joshua Smith is caught in a compromising location.  He only wanted to ease his loneliness and fulfill a craving but he should have known that his moment of weakness would land him in deeper trouble than he could handle.  For Munro, this is a rather ill-fated meeting.  Already struggling to maintain professionalism in an antagonistic work environment, his choice to save a man effectively ends his policing career.  A man up against the law, a man who is the law.  Both have secrets to protect but a woman in danger brings them together in ways neither man expected.

This book seemed accurate for the time period depicted.  Every time photographs were mentioned I'd have to think about what year it was and whether or not they could get crime scene photos and such.  Despite those instances that jarred me out of the moment, the language and descriptions of the setting fit.  Though I will say there was an incredible amount of verbal dancing.  With so many words and seemingly never getting to the point in any of the conversations, it made the story feel much longer than necessary.

I liked Joshua and was sad that he kept getting the short end of the stick and doubted all the time.  Yes, the evidence often pointed to him, but for all of Munro's ability to see beyond the surface of the words and the situation, Joshua was constantly battling against Munro's skepticism, among other issues.  Joshua's thoughts were much more clear as were his feelings.  I enjoyed getting to know Joshua, his vulnerabilities, motivations, fears, and his heart.

Munro was a bit more difficult to know.  While I feel he is a good match for Joshua, and it's obvious Joshua enjoys him very much, his slightly contrary and intriguing personality seems a little nebulous.  We don't get too much of his history or learn of his motivations beyond his experience on the force in Perth.  His feelings for Joshua remain unclear for the most part.  We are left to infer their depths through his suggestive words and blushes but some kind of clear assurance of feelings, even in his inner musings, would be greatly appreciated.

The end was hopeful and a tentative HEA.  Joshua's hope, eagerness, and excitement was very cute, almost contagious.  Munro's reaction to Joshua's suggestion felt right for who we know Munro to be and I'm not sure I'd wish for something different in that setting.  If we got an epilogue, maybe I might feel better about the ending, but as it was written, it seemed open yet hopeful.  I just wish the tentative could have been removed from their HEA.

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