An Unseen Attraction

An Unseen Attraction follows Clem Talleyfer, a lodging-house keeper in Victorian London, and Rowley Green, a taxidermist who rents rooms in Clem's establishment. Their quiet, tentative courtship develops against the backdrop of mysterious events occurring in their Clerkenwell neighborhood. The story centers on the investigation of a murder near Clem's lodging house, pulling both men into a web of family secrets and criminal schemes. Clem and Rowley must navigate their growing relationship while facing threats to their safety and livelihoods in the dangerous streets of 1870s London. The protagonists' neurodivergent traits shape their experiences and interactions, with Clem's processing difficulties and Rowley's social anxiety affecting how they move through Victorian society. These characteristics influence both their romance and their amateur sleuthing efforts. The novel explores themes of acceptance and belonging, examining how people who exist outside societal norms create their own definitions of family and community. Through its Victorian murder mystery framework, the story presents questions about class, disability, and the nature of strength.

Readers appreciate the slow-burn romance and the Victorian London setting rich with period details. Many note the authentic portrayal of a neurodivergent main character, with one reviewer calling it "respectful representation without making it his entire personality." The mystery subplot receives praise for its historical accuracy regarding Victorian taxidermy practices. Multiple reviews highlight the tender relationship development and low-angst romance between the leads. Common critiques mention the pacing feels too slow in the first half. Some readers found the mystery element predictable or underdeveloped compared to the romance. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (300+ ratings) Sample review quote: "The relationship between Clem and Rowley develops naturally and believably. Their individual quirks and challenges make them more real rather than less." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔍 Author K.J. Charles worked as an editor in London publishing for over 15 years before becoming a full-time writer, giving her unique insight into both sides of the publishing industry 📚 The book is set in Victorian London's Clerkenwell district, which was historically known as "Little Italy" due to its large Italian immigrant population 🏳️‍🌈 This novel was groundbreaking in featuring a protagonist with learning disabilities (Clem) in a historical romance, particularly in LGBTQ+ fiction 🗝️ The lodging house setting was inspired by real Victorian lodging houses, which were often run by widows or single women as one of the few respectable businesses they could operate 🎭 The taxidermy elements in the story reflect a genuine Victorian obsession with the practice - during this period, taxidermy was considered both a scientific pursuit and a fashionable home decoration