Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Lucas risks both his inheritance and his heart for a forbidden love

Lucas Fides has inherited his Victorian family’s auction house, good looks and a keen, passionate mind. But he has far less control over his body’s desires than his business, hiding an illicit and unspoken love for his boyhood friend and dependent, Valentine. As a result, Lucas suffers recurring, deeply erotic dreams, where a mystery lover demands and guides his sexual responses.

When the auction house runs into financial difficulty, Valentine introduces a new client to Lucas. Gideon Arnaud is a mysterious and charismatic man who seems to scorn society’s restrictions. He offers Lucas a spectacular collection of jewels for auction and also his intense, seductive attention. He appears to know more about Lucas than any stranger should. Affronted by Gideon’s bold pursuit, Lucas puts up a spirited defence, despite being increasingly exhausted by his dreams. His heart is already committed to Valentine, even if he thinks it’s his secret alone. When Valentine announces his engagement to Lucas’s sister, Lucas’s pain and frustration are almost intolerable.

Torn between his need for Valentine’s comfort and the determination to avoid Gideon Arnaud’s disturbing presence, Lucas becomes more vulnerable by the day, until his loneliness forces his desire out of his dreams and into the light of day. The consequences will change his life forever.

 

 
Author Note: This book is part of the After Midnight series of standalone stories, all with darker, bittersweet themes.

First edition published at JMS Books, November 2007.

Book Review

The ominous tone of this dark, Gothic tale was set in first sentence of 'Precious Possession' by Clare London. Using imagery like “thick with the damp, silent fog” and “soot laden breath” filled me with a sense of foreboding. The fact that Lucas lived in two separate worlds was emphasized by comparing terms like privileged versus underprivileged; success versus failure; duty versus desire; and reality versus delusion.

I admired Lucas and felt sorry for him as he struggled to maintain control of his destiny. Even though he fought valiantly, he was not prepared for the evil facing him. Being met with adversity at every turn wore Lucas down both physically and emotionally, making his spirit even more vulnerable. He was like a fairy fly facing an African elephant. The saying “be careful what you wish for” echoed in my brain as Lucas ended up getting what he thought he wanted.

Handsome Valentine was the object of Lucas's desire, his precious possession, the one he longed for but knew he should never have. Valentine was a pawn, manipulated to set up the circumstances which caused Lucas to finally compromise his principles.

The nefarious Gideon Arnaud was evil incarnate, luring Lucas in with his good looks, his eyes and his voice, which Lucas should have instantly recognized from his nightmares. Arnaud knew his weaknesses and didn't hesitate to use them against him. In Arnaud's case, Lucas was the precious possession he most wanted. Lucas's refusal to condescend to him only fueled the fire making Arnaud even more determined to have him.

'Precious Possession' is a chilling tale, wonderfully wrought with suspense and sensuality. It's sure to please those who enjoy a story that keeps you guessing from the awesome beginning until the magnificently twisted end.

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. The first edition of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 44 pages
Heat Level
Publication Date	21-October-2025
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.amazon.com/Precious-Possession-Clare-London-ebook/dp/B0FTW8ZWY3