The Gentleman and the Lamplighter: A Short Story

By: Summer Devon

Narrated by: Mark James

The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a historical romance NOVELLA about two men from different worlds who find acceptance - and red-hot passion - in each other's arms. From Summer Devon, who writes "gay Victorian romance with emotional tension" (Publishers Weekly).

You can't walk away from love.

Destroyed by the death of his former schoolmate yet unable to show it publicly, Giles Fullerton has taken to walking the streets of London in the middle of the night, the only time he can safely mourn the only person he's ever loved - until one chance meeting with a lamplighter changes everything....

But you can walk toward it...

Widower John Banks knows a thing or two about grief, and immediately recognizes a kindred spirit when he finally meets the handsome, haunted gentleman he's admired from afar. And in fact, the two men discover shared passions and the possibility of a forever love - if they can overcome social taboos, and their own fears....

©2015 St Martin's Press (P)2019 M Kate Rothwell

First love doesn't mean true love

My first Summer Devon and I’m completely charmed! 🥰 For a mere two hours listen, this one does pack unbelievable amount of all the feels. Oh, that bittersweet angst and those heart aching moments! 😌❤️ You know you are going to get a happy ending and yet your heart is aching for those protagonists! It was everything! 👏


Giles has been grieving and he’s been doing that for awhile. When his former classmate and secret lover committed suicide, Giles is to become the sort of caretaker for the wife of the man he had to let go. Unable to grieve properly and without anyone to talk, Giles started to roam the streets of London at nights, wandering and wondering aimlessly. And one day, he met an interesting person, the lamplighter, John Banks, who is intelligent, caring, understanding and oh-so-tempting. 😌 Giles is like a wounded cat who’s afraid to let anyone close. But true love and happiness won’t come without opening his heart first. And John isn’t someone who gives up easily for what his heart desires. These two kindred spirits must find a common ground not only in the sheets but also in their hearts to get the ultimate happiness they so desire and deserve.💜


This is a new-to-me author and new-to-me narrator. And what a glorious combo that has been! 😱 I absolutely loved Mark James’ narration! It was just finger-licking good! 😍 And oh Miss Devon, how I wish this is a full-length novel because I loved, loved, loved Giles and John. 😭 The angst, the feels, the emotions and the UST, damn, it was marvelous! And the smut was smoking hot! 🔥 And damn, that cover was scorching gorgeous! 🔥 The only thing that I can complain is the lack of an epilogue. But it was ok because we got our HEA. And Giles and John deserve the perfect happily ever after. 😍 This is my first Summer Devon but this certainly isn’t going to be my last. Loved it! ❤️



4.5 first love doesn’t mean true love stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫








Audio rating

Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Good story

I wish this had been longer. I would have liked to know how Giles and John continued their affair. That being said, I enjoyed the story and the characters. I plan on reading more of this author and listening to more from this narrator.

Didn’t want it to end

Summer Devon is one of the top three in writing mm historical romance and she doesn’t let you down with The Gentleman and the Lamplighter. The narration by Mark James makes you feel as if you are actually there in the 1800 England. Only wish it was longer.

Entertaining story

I enjoyed the story. Characters were interesting and unique. Narrator did a great job. I recommend this entertaining story and look forward to listening to other books by this author

A Delightful Gem!

Mark James does an outstanding job narrating this lovely little gem of a story. The Gentleman and the Lamplighter is a m/m Victorian about a lonely upper-class man in mourning after the love of his life dies, trapped in a conventional marriage. After one of his long nighttime walks, Giles meets John Banks, a lamplighter who recognizes a kindred spirit, and together they find friendship and more to overcome the darkness. Beautifully written and eloquently read, this is a touching short story for any lover of historical romance.