My Come To The Oaks: The Story of Ben and Tobias Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
Come To The Oaks by Bryan T. Clark is a moving, meticulously crafted historical romance set in 1845 Kentucky. Benjamin Lee is the privileged, awkward son of a wealthy tobacco plantation owner, destined to inherit an empire built on slavery. Everything changes when he meets Tobias—a young African man, ripped from his homeland, brutally sold at auction, and renamed by his captors. As Ben buys Tobias on a whim, intending kindness with no real understanding of his privilege, the two begin forming a secret, tentative friendship. Their love grows amid fear, oppression, and the ever-present threat of violence both from Ben’s own family and the antebellum South. When their feelings become undeniable, the two risk all for freedom, embarking on a dangerous journey north and relying on whispered rumors of the Underground Railroad. The story is deeply grounded in historical realities, vividly portraying the wrenching brutality and heartbreak of slavery, while spotlighting acts of hope, compassion, and courage as Ben and Tobias fight for a life together and for the right to love openly.
Why I Love This Book
I love Come To The Oaks for its heart-wrenching yet redemptive portrayal of forbidden love in one of America’s most painful periods. The novel skillfully balances the horrors of slavery—the beatings, humiliation, and constant fear—with moments of real tenderness and hope. Ben and Tobias are nuanced, fully realized characters whose bond feels both fraught and genuine. The supporting cast—ranging from outright villains to those touched by conscience and kindness—adds richness, making the period setting come alive. Clark’s writing is evocative and immersive, never shying from the anguish or the joy, and the romance is deftly woven through desperate acts and stolen happiness. This is not an “easy” read, but it is intensely rewarding—showing that even in the darkest circumstances, love can inspire courage and spark the dream of freedom.
Who Will Like This Book
This novel is perfect for readers of historical romance who seek authenticity, depth, and the honest challenges of forbidden love. It shines for those interested in LGBTQ+ stories, themes of resilience and hope against injustice, and nuanced explorations of family, identity, and the price of freedom. The book’s emotional realism may be hard-hitting—there’s violence, prejudice, and trauma—but the payoff is a journey of survival, love, and self-acceptance under impossible odds. If you want to be transported, moved, and reminded that love’s risks are always worth it, Come To The Oaks delivers in spades.
Tagged As
historical romance, LGBTQ+, forbidden love, slavery, resilience, hope, underground railroad, emotional, period piece, family, danger, interracial romance, slow burn, found family, survival
Steam Level
Most of the romance centers on longing, emotional connection, and tenderness—explicit scenes are few and not the primary focus. The novel prioritizes survival, emotional intimacy, and the stakes of loving in secret within a violent, prejudiced world. The result is as moving as it is authentic.
