Love on the High Steamy Sea

I keep mis-remembering the title of this book as "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" when it's actually "Lover" not "Devil." That said, Adam Seymour certainly does have a tempting, devilish side which pairs nicely with his angelic good looks! When the handsome young tutor falls head over heels for the older, rugged sailor Septimus he is persistence personified until he gets what he wants. And what he wants is, um, too explicit to describe in a review. This book is on the higher end of the steamy scale. Once Adam and Septimus give in to their attraction, they're unstoppable in all ways--and very creative as well.

But Merry Farmer doesn't leave it there. She adds a depth and a richness to the couple, showing Septimus's struggle to accept the possibility of happiness outside of a career at sea. The love that blooms between them begins with the physical but leaves you in no doubt that they will have a strong and lasting, loving partnership.

If you like smoking hot M/m historical romance then this is a lovely, lighter read. This was my first Merry Farmer and boy, does she know how to write an excellent kissing scene!

There is drama but it's not the heart-pounding kind--more like a lot of spicy sex mixed in with human conflicts on a smaller scale, which will reel you in without leaving you feeling too anxious about their outcome.

"Between His Lover" is the first of a brand new series which I assume will follow Septimus's group of retired navy friends. I hope Barrett's book is next as he was a very loveable secondary character!

Lastly, if you are a reader who likes to nitpick historicity, then I strongly recommend you open this book and flip straight to Merry Farmer's fantastic "Author's Note" at the back before you begin reading. Be assured that she has done her research.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun historical romance with enjoyable characters trying to figure out how to make their dreams happen and mesh their lives together without giving them up. The couple is sweet, and I greatly enjoyed their story. This takes place at a Farmer also set up some wonderful side characters, and I look forward to seeing their stories play out as the series continues.

This is a lot less angsty than the books in the Brotherhood series, but just as sexy. That was a big draw for me, as sometimes I just really want something fun, and this was an excellent choice for that.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.

I loved Septimus and Adam’s story because it is so well written and full of emotion. Each knows what they want but Septimus is having a hard time accepting that Adam could love so completely. They each have their own goals and unfortunately there is s huge gap between them. This is an excellent story that tells how they dame to compromise that allowed each of them to achieve their goals and still remain together. I would highly recommend this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I have received an ARC of this book by NetGalley, and Oliver Heber Books and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The Pub date of the book is September 21, 2021. This review will be posted on my Goodreads, Facebook page, and Instagram.
The title of this book already tells us part of the story, and when I read it, it made me go and check the synopsis. And I was curious. Merry Farmer is a new author for me. It's the first book I read from her and don't think it will be the last. I really liked the way she writes and how she introduced us to the characters - all of them.
I enjoyed this story and how it was thought, but I had a bit of a struggle dealing with the instant and deep attraction between the two main characters in the story. Because it was very fast. I think it's kind of my problem...was just the feeling of everything being rushed.
I loved the normality of the M/M relationship.
Yes, we all know how LGBT relationships were viewed at that time, but why do we have to follow everything to the letter in a made-up story?
Adam and Septimus are undoubtedly a different pair, but they fit together. There is a balance between the mentality of the two that complement each other in some points: in parts, Adam teaches Septimus and in other parts, Septimus teaches Adam. They’re sweet and passionate and each of them has dreams and ambitions, and I liked their dynamics together.
I was curious about the friends who are about to arrive and what will be the relationship with the friends who are already there...so I will read the next ones.
It's a series to follow and a new author to keep.

This is my first MM historical fiction romance and I quite enjoyed it!

This was a great book to read for a first timer like me and I really enjoyed this one! I can easily see it being a series with all the different characters too! I loved the story, loved Septimus and Adam too, they're really sweet and passionate characters! They have the whole grumpy/sunshine vibe going on and I thought that they complemented each other very well!

One thing I should say while reading is that I was confused by a certain aspect of the story, but after reading the author's note at the end it cleared everything up, so if you're picking this guy up, I recommend you to read the author's note first!! The story will make a lot more sense, trust me!

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the earc in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed the idea of this book. Many parts seemed a little rushed. I loved the characters though. And all their mischief. And I loved the idea of one of the main characters wanting to start a school for children that weren't as fortunate as those with money and standing.
I do look forward and hope to have another book or 2 that tell the stories of the other characters.

I considered dnfing this one but pushed through because the story was good. I did skim a lot of the second half though.

I like the characters, though Adam was a bit too impulsive and young-seeming. My favorite moments were when Septimus and Adam were being teased by Septimus' friends -- and especially the absolutely ridiculous game they invented to drive Septimus and Adam together. I also really enjoyed the scenes with the children and the barge chase.

My biggest problem with it was the writing. It was too convoluted and tangled and I desperately wanted to take a red pen and slash through it as if I were slashing through brambles. The dialogue especially was overwrought and too formal and really unrealistic.

Under the writing, though, is a good story that makes for an enjoyable light read.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for providing an e-arc for review.

Merry Farmer is one of my go-to's for m/m historical romance as I've enjoyed every one that I have read and this was no exception. Between His Lover and the Deep Blue Sea is a quick, fluffy read and is a very enjoyable experience.

I much preferred Septimus to Adam as a character and found Adam a little spoiled and petulant at times and his reactions were a little over the top but I did enjoy their dynamics together. This is a light little read and well worth it. I'd like to see more within this setting and may be read stories about some of the side characters.

Overall I enjoyed this.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an Arc of this in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick m/m romance that had an good story. The two men were cute together, and the storyline was interesting of the sea life in historical times. I suggest this book to those that like a cute historical m/m romance.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. My opinion are my own.

Talk about steam.... this was full of great, great characters and character growth. I enjoyed this so much! Can't wait for more from Farmer.

4.5 Stars ⭐️

Merry Farmer you were my first! My first MM historical romance read and just like that, I am hooked!!
Between His Lover and the Deep Blue Sea is a wonderful romance read with all the feels. Septimus and Adam are polar opposites but their attraction to one another was instant and potent. From the moment they lay eyes on each other the sparks fly. Septimus is a sexy grouch jonesing for another naval post. Adam is a tutor to two precocious children. Together they are adorable and incredibly sexy. I loved watching them overcome the obstacles keeping them apart and their sexy, sweet, happily ever after was perfect. BHLATDBS gets the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, be sure to TBR snd Enjoy!