Beguiled: Enlightenment, Volume 2
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Beguiled: Enlightenment, Volume 2 Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Joanna Chambers (Author, Publisher), Hamish Mckinlay (Narrator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 845 ratings
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Two years after his last encounter with cynical nobleman Lord Murdo Balfour, David Lauriston accidentally meets him again in the heart of Edinburgh. King George IV is about to make his first visit to Edinburgh, and Murdo has been sent North by his politician father to represent his aristocratic family at the celebrations. David and Murdo’s last parting was painful - and on Murdo’s part, bitter - but Murdo’s feelings seem to have mellowed in the intervening years. So much so that he suggests to David that they enjoy each other’s company during Murdo’s stay in the capital. Despite his initial reservations, David cannot put Murdo’s proposal from his mind, and soon find himself at Murdo’s door - and in his arms.

But other figures from David’s past are converging on the city, and as the pomp and ceremony of the King’s visit unfolds around them, David is drawn into a chain of events that will threaten everything: his career, his well-being, and the fragile bond that, despite David’s best intentions, is growing between him and Murdo.

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  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 33 minutes
  2. Author
    Joanna Chambers
  3. Narrator
    Hamish Mckinlay
  4. Audible release date
    November 8, 2017
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Joanna Chambers
  7. ASIN
    B077736QHS
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 33 minutes
Author Joanna Chambers
Narrator Hamish Mckinlay
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date November 08, 2017
Publisher Joanna Chambers
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B077736QHS
Best Sellers Rank #159,725 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#53 in LGBTQ+ Historical Fiction (Audible Books & Originals)
#1,595 in LGBTQ+ Romance (Audible Books & Originals)
#3,554 in Historical Romance (Audible Books & Originals)

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
845 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

IMHO
5.0 out of 5 stars I am totally captivated
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2014
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I have the pleasure of reading Beguiled right after Provoked and this series is nothing less than captivating. I love the historical setting in Edinburg and I love both David and Murdo. These guys are so well fleshed out, their contrasting characters adding fire to their chemistry. Their developing relationship is depicted realistically during those forbidden times and I can only hope these guys will remain together by the end of the series. The historical background is well researched, the plot well paced and absorbing, spurred on by David's valor, virtue and decency. The secondary characters are solid but it is the vivid characters of David and Murdo which shine. This has to be the best historical romance I have read in quite a while. Highly recommended. May 2014 cannot come fast enough for the last book. I have to add that this sure does not seem to be the writer's first try in mm or gay romance because she has handled the guys ' emotions so well and their relationship convincingly. Great writing.
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Spifette
4.0 out of 5 stars Love and Independence ... Yes, please
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2014
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If you enjoy Historical M/M Romance with wonderful detail and characters of which the author has intimate knowledge and decides to share that with the rest of the world, then I have a book for you. Come and find out more about David and Murdo in early 19th Century Scotland… 4.5 stars worth. ;)

We open this time in 1822 with David working for Chalmers full time, having become his right-hand man, the term Chalmers uses himself. King George IV is coming to Edinburgh, attempting to bring some unity between Scotland and Britain, and everyone is preparing for it. We also open with the quality of writing exhibited in the first book of this series, Provoked. David’s voice is as strong as ever, still a very reasoned, passionate and caring man. As for Murdo Balfour, he’s still… well, he’s Murdo and we gain even more knowledge as to why that is. David has relented and is calling him the more intimate Murdo instead of by his last name now. Contented sigh #1. ;)

Let’s just get right to it, these two are still hot as all git out. Their chemistry has only gained in the ability to knock each of them over with its power, let alone us as the readers. It happens with subtlety but speaks to a much larger shift in their connection. There is not an overabundance of encounters, but each and every one is scorching and always adds a new layer to their, yes, relationship. I think both of them are slowly admitting it to themselves if not each other quite yet. The greatest thing is seeing two rather self-confident men tossing each other off-kilter and the aftermath created. Contented sigh #2.

Even when David and Murdo are not interacting, there is tension. The outer tension from the conflict between ruling Britain and subject Scotland helps keep things moving and strung together, not really ever letting things rest. The inner tension is that between David and Murdo. If any two people can find a way to lose control with their words and say things they can’t seem to help but blurt out, while at the same time completely relishing what one does for the other physically and emotionally, these two men can and are highly talented. This is a more detailed explanation for CS #2. ;)

The fact that society treats being gay as a sin and illegal is still a part of this overarching story. The change comes from David reacting outwardly when the subject arises. The shame he was taught when young by society as a whole has been replaced by anger and defiance. What other changes would he go through?

There is a first for these two and it is probably not what you may expect. Like most of their times together, it’s not ‘just’ about sex, about what’s on the surface. We learn something about them, it shows how well-matched they really are, including past experiences. Intimacy is a prize of time and they now have both. If they can just hang on to it. They’re on the same page but aren’t always reading it concurrently. It feels like someone wrote their lives, centuries ago, and now they’re getting to live them. Together. Contented sigh #3.

Underneath it all, Murdo is a romantic. He can quickly cover it in layers of practiced manners when he feels rejected by David, but it’s always there. David is a romantic, too, but his is layered beneath pragmatism and the desire to be the strong, capable man he is. He can be slow to recognize a romantic gesture from Murdo but he does get there. They both do. That is such a refreshing and enjoyable aspect of this story and of these two men. Misinterpretation does happen but they overcome it, working through it in the moment. This circles back around to how they and we learn something about them whenever they are together. Progress in every sense, that feeling of forward movement in a story. Contented sigh #4.

This story took a bit longer to build as a whole, the parts not coalescing until close to the end of the read. But, boy, when they do, look OUT. It takes an unexpected and totally unforeseen turn and sets things in motion beautifully for the final book in the series. There is more reason to hope for these two at the end of this volume but we aren’t at the finish line yet. Just be prepared, there is no concrete end when you get to the last word here.

You will have a better experience with this book if you do read Provoked first. The final installment, Enlightened, is scheduled for release this coming spring. I cannot wait to find out what’s in store for David and Murdo. Snatch this one up, folks, you won’t be disappointed.

This review can also be found on Prism Book Alliance
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Gerbera_Reads
5.0 out of 5 stars It just keeps getting better and better!
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
It's turning to be quite the journey for David and Murdo. This time it's not only about physical attraction but about mutual bond of trust and friendship that these two men establish in the course of the time they spend together when Murdo is back to Edinburgh.

Two years have passed since they have seen each other last time. And their parting was not amicable by any means but since the first glance it's like no time has passed at all. They step into it like into an old pair of slippers - comfortable and familiar yet not. David has changed as has Murdo. It's rather wonderful to watch those two interact both in public and private - every glance and every touch takes on new meaning. They finally share something more meaningful about themselves than superficial remarks - they share their past and how it shaped them.

David is more open and understanding about himself and his needs and Murdo, well, he falls deeper and deeper until he can't stop himself from baring his soul to David. This is an amazing love story between two men in times when they dared not express their feelings out in the open. It seems that Murdo is a nurturer and provider by nature despite his attitude and the way he cares for David in the end just shows how much he was hiding himself from David and the world.

Magnificently written, full of history and characters both old and new that bring something unique to the book adding to the intrigue of 1822 Scotland, to the story of two men who live with honor, responsibility, loyalty and fear to know what love might be like for them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars My word
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 6, 2021
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This story just draws you in. The writing and world building is exquisite. The pacing of the relationship is real and the drama does not feel manufactured. A truly beautiful book. So sad I am starting the last book but I also can’t wait to see how it all comes together.
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Sieran Lane
4.0 out of 5 stars Elizabeth and Euan are getting more interesting
Reviewed in Canada on December 21, 2017
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The writing was as pleasant to read as in the first book.

Elizabeth and Euan have become much more interesting as characters, and I now have mostly positive feelings towards Euan. Elizabeth’s subplot was perhaps even more engaging than the main plot with Murdo and David.

It was nice to see David and Murdo’s feelings deepening for each other.

Ian Sinclair was a delight to read about! He’s a lovable rascal. He was especially a welcome sight to me because I read Unnatural first in this series—Unnatural stars Ian and his love interest.

Chalmers has grown even more likable than he was in Provoked. I’m glad that he cares about his daughters so. His wife sounds like a terrible person in contrast. Their personalities are so opposite.

Finally, I quite liked the discussion David had with Euan about how to help people, and how to cause social change. I can empathize wih both Euan’s and David’s perspectives.
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antonella frangipane
5.0 out of 5 stars beguiled
Reviewed in Italy on April 14, 2019
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l'atmosfera british del bon ton. Un romanzo m/m molto delicato, abbastanza emzionante, e molto centrato su trama personaggi e descrizioni. da consigliare.
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Boudicca
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Australia on June 16, 2017
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Great series. This book is even better than the first.
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Lucy Clark
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2014
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Wonderful series, great factorial historical romance, compelling characters. Write more!
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