“A little cunning would go a long way. And much is forgiven for a pretty face.”

Even if I were to go back a year, I’d wholeheartedly think that authors putting a shirtless man on the cover was the ugliest thing you could put on a book jacket. If I happened to come across something that sounded interesting, I'd still have to give it a huge pass, simply because of Mr. Half-Dressed standing there. I don’t know, just the thought of reading them in public was absolutely mortifying to me. Nightmare fuel! Thankfully, after getting a Kindle, and getting used to all these six-packs on my Goodreads feed, I really don’t mind them all that much anymore. Nice! Is that character development or character regression? Eh, I'll let you decide. It’s not even I’m out, out or anything (one foot in, one foot out, you know how it is), I just don’t have the energy to fret about it I used to. Nothing more freeing than not giving a damn anymore! I thought I’d try being candid for a couple sentences, tops. Speaking of tops, this book’s shirtless man looks kind of silly, standing there, all mean-mugging and smoldering at us. Whenever I see a “shirtless-dude-book” now, it usually goes one of two ways; between me thinking they’re really hot or really funny. And I’ve got to say, this one is definitely more on the latter side. I couldn't help but laugh every time I closed out the book and was affronted with it. Mind you, it's also not at all befitting the story. Anyway, I should probably talk about the book now because… woah, this is starting to sound my diary or something ha ha. I think what I was trying to get at is that the cover does the book a disservice, because what we actually get is a wonderfully emotional romance. The writing is simple and not too wordy but still conveys just as many dramatic highs-and-lows as any book overwrought with flowery prose. And while I sometimes thought that maybe Fen and Lan had a language barrier, accounting for the disjointed dialogue at points, I think that was just this novel’s particular style. I suppose it works because it’s a love story about two people who, until very recently, existed on different planes of life, and though there is a connection, they’re still learning how to be comfortable and stand on even ground with each other. In this regard, it’s very much that classic hit, The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock! Am I just saying that to sneak in talking about 2006’s, The Lake House with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock? Absolutely not.

What impressed me most about this story was how patient and natural the pacing of the romance between Fen and Lan, “The Wild Dog,” progressed. This isn’t a long book, but it somehow never felt anything was rushed or contrived. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was a big fan of how little Fen changed from the first to the last pages, or the fact that he never actually grows out of his more submissive role in the story, but after thinking about it for a while ( a minute), I truly believe that this aspect is one of this book’s greatest strengths. I know that the “spunky and outspoken” archetype is flashier and more popular in these kinds of stories, but sometimes it’s nice when a character is allowed their demure nature without the narrative telling them that they need to become someone else entirely. Fen shows his strength in different ways and his development isn’t about him changing his personality to be less introverted, but rather him learning that being loved doesn’t equate to how useful he can be. Being shy isn’t something he should be ashamed of, or a character flaw that needs to be “grown out of.” Sheesh, I'm getting a little emotional here. I’ve got to tell you; I really didn’t go into this expecting a muted, tender love story. I thought I’d get ten pages max before Fen and Man-Mountain would be freaking it, sexual-style. I’m not mad about it though, this is better, I think. Sure, it’s not the sweetest, most beautiful love story ever told, as that title goes to the smash-hit, The Lake House, starring Keanu Reeves (opposite Sandra Bullock), but because of the dream- quality to the prose, reading it had a very calming effect on me. I felt a piece of driftwood floating serenely down river every time I turned the page. Ahhh. This book is good. Really, really good! Anyway, final thought, but I even enjoyed how the promised violence that was hinted at throughout the novel was handled off-screen. It might seem a little odd and disappointing to some, but I really think it ultimately wouldn’t have fit the mellow tone of the rest of the story. Besides, it’s nice to read a book where a queer person’s closure isn’t met through confronting their abusive parent, but rather in simply focusing on the people who do care about them. As they say: "to love, and be loved in return."

There was a boy / A very strange, enchanted boy / They say he wandered very far / Very far, over land and sea / A little shy and sad of eye / But very wise was he (Nature Boy – Nat King Cole).fantasy lgbt romance ...more152 s35 comments Kat312 176

I'm just going to pretend there is more to this series (and that that complete departure of an epilogue didn't exist).8 s2 comments Terri Jones2,410 44

The end of chapter seven made me say "Awwww!"

Okay, honestly, I tried to read this slowly, and mostly succeeded. It was very enjoying a delectable box of fine chocolates. What I loved best about this one: delightful subtlety, with a core of devoted concern that satisfies me down to my bones.

I should've realized it's in the same universe as the two other "A Suitable..." books, but really that doesn't matter except it made me grin. I loved all three. special-ones7 s1 comment Verdelite376 15

I absolutely adored the first half of this!
It fell off a little in the second half unfortunately. There is something about R. Cooper's dialogues that always seems a bit off to me. The characters have a specific way of almost intentionally talking past one another while never explicitly addressing the topic they actually want to talk about (and it usually happens about two thirds into the story). I the general drama of it but it reads very unnaturally to me and always takes me out of the story, and unfortunately, this also happens in this story.

I wonder if some other R. Cooper readers feel the same or know what I'm talking about because I find it's hard to put to words.genre-romance-fantasy romance-pining romance-slowburn ...more6 s Rachael42 1 follower

Don’t judge me I loved this. Tying up your lovers hands sexual style during an important political meeting is just A+ shit I truly don’t know what else to say.fantasy lgbtqa romance4 s1 comment Tory9 1 follower

Excellent!

The third book in R Cooper's "Suitable" series. It's interesting that it is a prequel to the other two books, fleshing out the history and politics of the world setting. I would recommend reading the books in order. I adore R Cooper's books and she is an auto buy author for me. Her characters are fascinating, well developed, and complex.
4 s2 comments Carol (§CoverLoverGirl§)549 69

Other World-y

This was a first time for me reading a book set in this world that reminded me of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Wild Dog is a Robin Hood type MC fighting against the Earls of territory North, South.

Walking through the forest, returning from scouting adjacent territory, Wild Dog aka Killan, accompanied by Heni his sister and his friend Race, they discover a young man sleeping in the bushes.

This young man, Fenwit, turns out to be a man of Nobel birth and is taken to Wild Dog’s encampment hidden way in the forest.

Expecting to be used as a pawn in battle with the Earls Fen is surprised when he is warmly accepted by Wild Dog, who is happy to be taught by Fen in the ways of the Earls in preparing for future wars.

Something sparks big time between Wild Dog and Fen and I became engrossed in this whole new reading genre for me. I was drawn into this weird world of Killan and Fen and watched as their relationship developed.

A bit disappointed with the unexpected abrupt ending and an Epilogue that did not seem to relate to the story I had just read.3 s1 comment Lisa1,118 2

This is a love story for the ages with fantastic world-building and great character development. Fen is the son of a cruel earl, who has sent him as a gift to a neighboring earl to forge an alliance. Fen, known as the Flower for his notable beauty and soft demeanor, outwits his guards to escape before arrival at the new Hold. The earls hope to strengthen their power to fight against the Wild Dog, a marauder who has been having some success against several other earls.

Out in the wild and exhausted, he is awakened by a small group with a leader Fen is somehow drawn toward. Not wanting to return to his home and a sad fate, Fen suggests that he be taken captive by this small group. He meets the Wild Dog and hopes to slowly gain his trust. Can love bloom between these two men in their special relationship? This book has a beautiful story of strength and influence emerging from natural submission, the hidden magic of the fae, peace earned as much from diplomacy as battle, a slow-rising passion, and a deep love found in consent and choice.2 s a. snek61 4

Rounded up from 4.5 because I love this very much though it might not be for everybody. I think it will please R Cooper fans as it is a pining-heavy, understated love story that focuses on character and feeling from the perspective of someone who by his nature isn't in the thick of the action and fighting, but dedicated to supporting the cause of the rebellion he has joined.

Fen is slight, pretty, and inwardly made of steel. He is a class traitor and deceptively subversive, using every resource that his loveless upbringing has given him to bolster and broaden the attempt at a new order to end the overweening power of selfish nobles. Lan is the unacknowledged child of a noble who is striking terror into the hearts of the self satisfied elite, and Fen brings him insight and inspiration to continue his gruelling endeavours. The meat of the story, though, is their developing attachment and mutual infatuation, and an alliance that promises a new era.

I adored this book but now I want more of these two and their story! I hope we get to visit this world again and make more connections between Fen, Lan, and the beautiful characters who inherited their strength and ideals, and hopefully meet some new ones too.2 s Kelli W45

Me, reading this book:

Oh cute

Ohhhh cuuute

D’aww

Oh whoa that’s…. kinkier than I was expecting???

Awwww cute

There’s that r cooper pining(tm) I’m here for

Ahh what a lovely love story.

Epilogue? Sweet- OH MY GOD IT’S A PREQUEL *elmo fire gif*2 s Courtney Bassett734 189

Simply amazing!

What a delight this book was! I loved it from start to finish and highlighted constantly. I hope this series continues! mm paranormal-fantasy wrote-review2 s Kassu454 8

4+?

I this Suitable series very much. (Why isn't it marked as series anywhere?)
R. Cooper has these humble and quiet heroes, who don't really think much of themselves, but are still very capable and strong. In this series I think all the protagonists really shine with all these political schemes. And there's always the pining and the almost magical moments between the characters.

The final chapters were perhaps a little bit disconnected, and I would have wished them just a bit smoother or having something more, to make this 4.5? or greater.fantasy historical m-m-romance ...more1 Emily BuehlerAuthor 9 books18

I am not sure what possessed me to read this because the cover is highly suggestive of a BDSM relationship, which I’m not usually interested in reading. The book description hooked me, and the posted used words “sweet” and “adorable” so I bought it.

I had the strangest experience with this book because about half the time, I didn’t understand what was going on, but I was still totally hooked by the relationship, which is filled with sexual tension and longing.

The story is basically that Fen is the pretty, inexperienced son of an evil Earl (one of many in this world) who runs away into the woods and is rescued by Lan, a Robin Hood–esque character who is taking down the system one Earl at a time. Fen has a huge crush on Lan; Lan wants Fen but is determined not to take advantage of his innocence. There are many conversations about alliances and Lan’s role in reshaping society, and this was where I felt lost; but I sort of felt I was reading about an unfamiliar culture and could accept their unfamiliar rules (sort of when you read your first Victorian novel and think, “So they’re alone in the garden. Why is this a big deal?”). Also, Fen is narrating and his inexperience with the world affects the narration.

Technically there is some amount of Fen’s hands being tied up in this book, but it was always done in the most highly consensual way. I kept thinking, “I love how much consent is in this book, and every time it comes up, it seems to add to the sexiness of the scene.”

Also, while there is a background of battles and evil Earls, we don’t actually see any of that in the book, which is why I thought it counted as a cozy romantasy. The story starts with Lan finding Fen and stays with Fen at the rebels’ camp and home base, with the war happening off-page. So, the most stressful it gets is worrying about people making it home safely (which, given that it is a romance novel, I did not find too worrying).cozy-fantasy-romance1 ToryAuthor 8 books40

Now that is quite a terrible cover for such a lovely story where nothing much happened and yet everything happened and it was way too lovely for both of those things to make sense.

Fen is kidnapped although really, he run away first so maybe he is simply finding a new place where he can finally be himself. What he finds is Lan. There's travel and waking up and bringing food to people and then he sleeps and the wakes and he finds something useful to do and then they are at a camp and basically nothing happens but, well, everything was happening all along and now you can see it... a bit more clearly. The story feels a poem for what we see on the surface is only the smallest part of what is happening.

This is a story of freedom, of an underdog, pardon my pan, freeing... it sounded England although this is fantasy so it's about uniting a fractured territory and making things better for the common people. What actually happens is more of the above - some travel, some basically just surviving, some vague and specific and huge and ambitious plans and then it happens and there is love and oh my, I have very little idea why I d this so much but moments Lan uncovered that silly rope was more swoon-worthy than some other love interest declaring their undying love. There was a hint of kink in that poetic way so it just felt gentle and natural and unassuming and there was hint of action but 99% of that was not shown or even talked about...

I was also quite unaware this is from that particular universe but I guess it gives credit to the author that I remember the story mentioned in the epilogue despite thinking it was not a four-star material.

Definitely recommend, one of those hidden gems though I'd be the first to point out it might not be to everyone's taste or idea of romance. fantasy historical rommance1 John62

A promising and interesting story, not easy to read, and that unfortunately leaves you with a strong taste of unfinished work.

This was difficult to read because of the writing style. Not only are there numerous characters to follow, but most of the information about them are brought within dialogues that jump from one subject to another. As if that wasn't difficult enough, the dialogues have to be systematically read between the lines to be understood. I ended going frequently back one or several pages in the book to understand what I was reading. Even the description of the sex scenes left to be desired.

As for the story itself, it was all about discussing plots, not without dragging and repetition, and there was close to no action. The book ends on a few very slow chapters telling almost nothing about what happened as a consequence of all the plotting. Literally every thread is left unfinished. At 80 % the book could have ended up with "and they lived happily ever after" without losing anything, while according to the story's pace I expected at least 2 more books to tell the whole development.
And then there's an epilogue that falls out of nowhere, that is only remotely related to the rest of the story, that brings literally nothing, and that tells of another story that itself remains unfinished.

The main good thing in this book was the romantic aspect of the show burn. But then the more I think about it, the more I realize that the two MCs can only be characterized as "good people".

I d the promise of an interesting story, of an angsty slow burn romance, but the way it was delivered left me deeply frustrated.

Not reading anything else by this author. Joe390 2

This had a good buildup but there was no payoff. It's the author didn't know how to end the book and so we got a two sentence ending instead.

I would have d to see more originality in the characters than what the author has done in the past. Fen was nearly identical to Mattin and we never got to see character growth for Fen here as the book was very short. Fen stayed the meek and mousy character right until the end.

The epilogue after all that buildup was pretty shameful. We got the perspective from new characters and Fen was included here in a more tangential historical setting.

We didn't get to see a wedding. We didn't get to see Fen confront his father, re-unite with his mother, or become more integrated with the staff without lowering his eyes. He barely had complete sentences with Lan's mother.

I think the problem here is that this had the bones of a great book, but we were left with half-finished threads instead. This could sorely use a follow-up that shows more interpersonal growth for Fen (hopefully without a great big relationship conflict).3 s Mere RainAuthor 20 books24 Read

This is the same world (and has the same type of protagonist) as Cooper's A Suitable Bodyguard and A Suitable Consort For the King and His Husband . They don't need to be read in any particular order. If you're only trying one I d A Suitable Consort For the King and His Husband best. If you want to get a sense of the relationships without buying it, the author has an AU called "Nobody Needs to Tiktok" in which the kings are retired hockey players and Mattin is their social media intern. All the pining, none of the political intrigue. spec-fic Jaxx113 12

I really did enjoy this, especially the first half of the book, I couldn't put it down. I loved the building dynamic between Lan and Fen, really enjoyed the cute moments. Unfortunately, to me it b came less satisfying as the story dragged on. The political drama and over-explaining had me scratching my head, with the nuances of alliances, the Earls, etc. It seemed there was a lot of plotting on what would happen on the greater scale, which we don't actually see a lot of, and not much happening between the actual characters in the later third of the book. There was a lot of 'this will happen, then this will happen, then this' with not a lot of opportunity for the reader to guess.

The ending was enjoyable though.

Overall cute, low angst read. Lan and Fen were the sweetest.fantasy gay m-m-fantasy ...more3 s Dela52

Mutual pining

As usual, the love between the CMs is sweet and filled with mutual pining. Trademark R. Cooper and I loved it.
The ending was too abrupt though. Not enough pay off for all that waiting. The epilogue was interesting but it just didn't feel satisfying. It's watching a four hr movie and the last five minutes cut off just as the final big resolution starts - you know everything ends well for the heroes but you don't get to see it. Just...Why?
3 1/2
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