Guest Post | Chocolate with a Bite by Holly Day

December 24, 2023December 18, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ Leave a comment

Free Today Only

Hello, everyone! I’m here as Holly Day today 😊 Have you made it through the December frenzy so far? It’s easy to get overwhelmed with everything going on. It’s okay to walk into a room, barricade the door, and sit down to read for a bit. If you need a new story to get you through, I have just the thing for you 😆 Chocolate with a Bite is out today!

As I’m sure you’re aware by now, JMS Books has been hosting an advent calendar where one not previously published story has been given away only to then be published for real the day after. If you’ve missed it, keep an eye out next year, because we’ll be doing this again!

I’m the last person out, so today you can grab Chocolate With a Bite for $0.00 between 12:00 am EST and 11:59 pm EST. I only have one little caveat and that is that I believe you’ll enjoy it more if you’ve read A Vampire Chew Toy first.

Chocolate with a Bite is about Devin and Mars from A Vampire Chew Toy, and what you get is a peek at how they’re doing and how much M&Ms one household can consume.

So if you haven’t read A Vampire Chew Toy, hop on over to Smashwords where it’s currently 50% off, and then you hop on over to the JMS Advent calendar and grab Chocolate with a Bite for 100% off, and then you lock the door to whichever room you’re in. They should last you a few hours 😄

Chocolate with a Bite

chocolatewithabite

Devin Jace lives in a huge mansion together with six other people, four of them turn furry, one needs to drink blood to survive, and one is a former blood slave, just like him. Most days he’s happy with his life with his vampire boyfriend, Mars O’Ceallaigh, but today he’s arranged a chocolate-tasting evening for everyone in the house, and Mars is nowhere to be found.

Mars has a problem. The guy delivering his blood bags can’t get hold of any, and Mars is starving. He doesn’t dare go near Devin since he’s afraid his control will shatter, and he’ll eat him. In a bad way. Without informing anyone, he sneaks out of the house to try to figure out what’s gone wrong with the blood delivery.

The night doesn’t turn out as Devin had expected, but he does his best to hide his disappointment. Mars never meant to hurt Devin’s feelings, but what is a hungry vampire to do? Eat his favorite person?

Download link:

Paranormal Gay Romance: 12,941 words

Grab it for FREE in the JMS Books’ Advent Calendar!

Excerpt:

“Okay.” He nodded since he didn’t know what else to do. “So… I’ll add up the result then!” He plastered on a smile and whirled around, doing his best not to acknowledge the lump in his throat. Mars most likely had a good reason for leaving. Maybe he’d gotten hold of someone or gotten a lead or whatever. Though was a closed blood bank something you got leads on? And if there had been new information, he would have informed his team, would he not?

It didn’t matter.

Devin added up the numbers from the M&M voting, having to count several times since his head wasn’t in it. Once he had the numbers and had double-checked them, he tried to find joy in English Toffee Peanut being in the first place, but he didn’t care anymore. He heaved a sigh, worked up to a happy expression, and turned around to face the others.

“We have a result, ladies and gentlemen.” He shook the paper he’d written on to make a sound.

Hanna grinned at him. “Give it to us!”

“In tenth place, and a sign you have no taste whatsoever, we have Mexican Jalapeno Peanut.”

Hanna cheered and clapped her hands, which made Devin grin for real.

“In ninth, we have Coconut. Which is another sign you need to have your taste buds examined. I bought Wild Cherry, so we’d have a clear loser, and you fucked it up.”

Rei chuckled and leaned back in his chair.

“In eighth place, we have the real loser. Wild Cherry.”

There was a soft boo from the doorway, and Devin almost hurt his neck when he turned from the group at the table to locate the source of the sound. Dillon was hovering on the threshold.

“You should all know, Dillon has no taste either, so it’s not only you furries. He placed Wild Cherry as his favorite.” Devin grabbed the Wild Cherry bowl and slowly walked closer to Dillon. He held it out for him. “There are Maltesers and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups on the table if you want.” He spoke low to not scare him off.

“I’m good.” But he accepted the bowl, and Devin walked back to his place by the island.

“In seventh place, we have Crunchy Raspberry. Not a huge surprise, I don’t think.” There were some hums of agreement. “Then in the sixth, we have Coffee Nut.” Devin made a seesaw gesture. “In fifth, we have Dark Chocolate Creepy Cocoa Crisp. I don’t know if anyone will be sad to see it go. It’s a limited edition.” If it was. He wasn’t sure, he’d only assumed since they were Halloween-themed.

“Now it’s getting a bit interesting.” He looked at them one at a time, ending with Dillon who was still standing in the doorway. Devin was glad he’d remained for the result, even if he didn’t join the others by the table. “In fourth place, Crispy Mint! I think if I’d served coffee at the tasting, it might have climbed a spot, don’t you think?”

“Maybe.” Hanna grinned at him. “I wouldn’t mind if you bought more of them.”

“I have a couple of bags of each flavor in the pantry. I didn’t know how many you’d need to eat to be sure of your choices.” He waved a hand in the direction of the pantry and suspected they’d be gone in a couple of days. It didn’t matter. He’d stocked up on other chocolates, too. It was Christmas, and chocolate and Christmas went hand in hand. He should buy things for the Christmas dinner too; in case the store ran out of stuff. He’d never made a real Christmas dinner before, but he was looking forward to the challenge. Or had been up until now. Now he wanted to go hide in his room.

Focusing on the paper again, he took a deep breath. “In third place, Fudge Brownie.” He gave a low cheer. “Are you nervous now?” He directed the question to Murrie.

“Not at all. I know which is the best, and if you say anything else, you’ve fiddled with the result.”

Devin snorted. “I’m sorry, man, but the original only made it to second place.”

“No way.”

“Yes way. Everyone placed them high, but not as high as they placed today’s winner. English Toffee Peanut!” He clapped his hands, as did Hanna and Rei, though Rei’s claps weren’t as enthusiastic.

“That’s it, folks. I thank you for your cooperation in the important study.” He bowed and smiled as a few of the others laughed.

About Holly Day

According to Holly Day, no day should go by uncelebrated and all of them deserve a story. If she’ll have the time to write them remains to be seen. She lives in rural Sweden with a husband, four children, more pets than most, and wouldn’t last a day without coffee.

Holly gets up at the crack of dawn most days of the week to write gay romance stories. She believes in equality in fiction and in real life. Diversity matters. Representation matters. Visibility matters. We can change the world one story at the time.

Connect with Holly on social media:

Website :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest :: BookBub :: Goodreads :: Newsletter :: TikTok

Guest Post | A Festive Gathering at Chelsea by Ellie Thomas

December 19, 2023December 14, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ Leave a comment

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog, and today you have the chance to get one of her stories for FREE if you act fast!

A Festive Gathering Promo 5

Thanks, lovely Ofelia, for having me as your guest again! I’m Ellie, I write MM Historical Romance novellas, and this is my release day blitz for A Festive Gathering at Chelsea, the seventh story in my Twelve Letters series of Regency romp novellas with an ensemble cast.

19 - Ellie Thomas - sm This 12k-word novella is a free download today only, Tuesday, December 19th at JMS Books as part of their fantastic Advent Calendar event with a free newly released book each day from December 1st -24th.

Get your free copy here!

https://www.jmsbooksllc.com/advent-calendar/

Twelve Letters, the first book in this Regency series sparked two romantic relationships. The first was between Jo Everett, MC of that story and tailor Daniel Walters due to a mix-up of letters. Then Ben Harding, Jo’s best friend, decided not to challenge young Edward Stephens to a duel and fell in love with him instead.

As the series continues, more couples in my ensemble cast find true love. By the end of Queer Relations, the second book, social butterfly Percy Havilland clips his wings to settle down with sensible older man, Nathan Brooks. In book 5, The Misfit, musician Luc Gerrard (who appears as a side character in book 4, Gentlemen’s Agreement) re-encounters his actor lover Harry Kent for a lasting reunion.

The theme of romantic consolidation continues in book 6, May Wedding, when Jo and Daniel, now living together above a tailor’s shop on London’s Tottenham Court Road decide to have an informal celebration to pledge the rest of their lives to each other.

So in my new story, it was lovely to have all my couples, plus assorted guests, gathering together for some pre-Christmas hospitality at Little Chelsea. Percy’s playing host with the most, with Nathan patiently assisting. Jo is delighted to be able to go to a social event with his beloved Daniel, a rare occasion since they come from different classes. Luc is providing some musical accompaniment while Harry is his charming self. And as for Ben and Edward, well, not every couple can enjoy perfect harmony! However, there’s nothing like some seasonal reconciliation at Christmas.

Blurb:

afestivegatheringatchelsea Sequel to May Wedding

In early December of 1817, shortly before the ton retires to the countryside for the winter, Percy Havilland decides to hold an informal Yuletide afternoon party for his companions and family.

Within the unconventional social array of guests are Percy’s closest friends, the four couples consisting of gentlemen and working men who meet for supper each Thursday evening at The Golden Lion tavern.

Percy’s aims are supported by his long-suffering and ever-reliable lover, Nathan. Meanwhile, gentleman Jo Everett relishes that he can proudly attend a social occasion with his life partner, the tailor Daniel Walters. And musician Luc has a private plan for Christmas to reveal to his actor sweetheart, Harry.

But amongst these happy couples, all is not well between Captain Ben Harding and Edward Stephens. Can Ben’s best friend Jo intervene on Edward’s behalf? Or might Ben have already reached a decision, leaving Edward heartbroken?

Excerpt:

Jo found Edward and his friends in the hallway with several other groupings, engaged in a long-winded and unhurried leave-taking.

“Are you going so soon? Daniel and I planned to take the next conveyance, so unless you’re in a rush, you can come with us. That way we can dismount at Piccadilly together.”

Edward’s usually unguarded expression grew wary.

“Thank you, but there’s no need. I’m staying with Davies on Holborn Hill. It’s very convenient for the hospital.”

At that information, Jo’s vague disquiet sharpened to genuine alarm. Despite plenty of opportunity, Ben hadn’t mentioned this new and worrying arrangement. Jo wasn’t the sort of fellow to meddle in other people’s private business. But Ben was his oldest and closest friend. Also, Jo had played a significant role in uniting Ben and Edward in the first place, so he had a vested interest in their connection.

He angled his body away from the other men to give him and Edward some scope for a private conversation.

“Edward, is there anything amiss between you and Ben?”

“I’m not sure.” Edward looked utterly downcast. Nearly four years rolled back, and rather than an up-and-coming doctor, he resembled the wide-eyed medical student who had been hopelessly enamoured with Ben.

“I’ve barely spoken with him since my return to London. He’s been very withdrawn all autumn. At first, I thought his foot was paining him or he was occupied with his charitable endeavours. Then it occurred to me that he was distancing himself from me. I’ve tried to speak with him to no avail. I’ve concluded that he intends to let our connection dwindle to nothing.”

Jo frowned. That doesn’t sound like Ben.

His friend was undoubtedly hot-tempered and pig-headed but he was steadfast to the core. Once he’d made up his mind about a person, they were a friend for life. Ben conducted his romantic affairs on similarly straightforward terms. Jo remembered Ben’s devastation at the loss of Aubrey, his first love and lieutenant, killed in battle during the Peninsular Campaign, to the extent Jo feared Ben might never rally.

During his relationship with Edward, Ben had seemed utterly devoted to his second strong attachment. Jo felt a surge of guilt. Have I been too caught up in my joy with Daniel to notice that Ben is unhappy? Surely, in their almost daily conferences about the charity, Ben would have dropped a hint about his feelings. Unless he was deliberately concealing them from Jo.

“Perhaps it’s my fault,” Edward said, ever eager to take the blame, his fine-boned face shadowed with sorrow. “I’m absent from London for weeks on end and when I am here, I’m often distracted by my studies at the hospital. No wonder he’s tiring of me.”

Jo could counter that Ben was long accustomed to Edward’s periods of absence. The elder Doctor Stephens’ insistence on Edward’s involvement in the family practice, effectively separating him from Ben in London, had caused the couple much heartache.

Yet they had weathered the storm patiently and had been rewarded by Edward’s advancement in medical research at Barts Hospital. This post met with his father’s approval and also enabled Edward to divide his time between Ben’s Piccadilly home and Trowbridge. Ben had gladly accepted this compromise and was proud of his lover’s growing reputation. So what on earth has gone wrong?

Like a gleam of light through darkness, it dawned on Jo that Ben’s withdrawal might be tactical, in true military fashion.

By his own admission, Edward was stretched thin, professionally and personally. So perhaps Ben had retrenched in an ill-considered bid to lighten Edward’s load. Such misplaced gallantry sounds exactly like Ben, Jo thought grimly.

“Has he said anything to confirm your suspicions?”

Edward shook his head sadly, tousling his reddish curls. “When I try to approach the subject, he refuses to communicate. From that, I can only assume that he no longer requires me.”

“And are you in accord? Or do you want to remain with Ben?”

“As much as ever,” Edward’s expressive green eyes reflected his conflicted emotions. “My sentiments are entirely unchanged.” He looked crushed. “I know I’m overwhelmed with work, but Ben’s presence is a help rather than a hindrance. Despite the challenges of juggling my research with caring for my patients, I look forward to my time in London because of him.”

“Have you told him this?

“I’ve tried but he doesn’t pay attention. He cuts me off before I can explain.”

“Might it help if I had a word with Ben?”

“Would you?” Edward’s face brightened with a glint of hope.

“Of course, as long as you don’t think I’m intruding.”

“If Ben will take heed of anyone, it’s you.”

Jo grimaced. “I wish I shared your conviction. What’s the worst that can happen? If he tries to shoot me, I can always summon you to patch me up.”

“Thank you, Jo. I simply want to glean what’s in his heart. If he intends to reject me then I must accept that. This uncertainty is wearing me to a shred.”

“Totally understandable.” Jo inwardly cursed his block-headed friend. “Leave it with me.”

A Festive Gathering Promo 3

Book Links:

Publisher:

https://www.jmsbooksllc.com/advent-calendar/

Bio:

Ellie Thomas lives by the sea. She comes from a teaching background and goes for long seaside walks where she daydreams about history. She is a voracious reader especially about anything historical. She mainly writes historical gay romance.

Ellie also writes historical erotic romance as L. E. Thomas.

Website: https://elliethomasromance.wordpress.com/

Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/8308047409266947

Twitter: @e_thomas_author

Bluesky: @elliethomas.bsky.social

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19835510.Ellie_Thomas

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ellie-thomas

Guest Post | Christmas Below Stairs by Ellie Thomas

December 16, 2023December 11, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 2 Comments

Today, we have the lovely Ellie Thomas back on the blog, and this time with a Christmas story! Welcome, Ellie 😊

Christmas Below Stairs Promo 1

Thanks, lovely Ofelia, for having me as your guest again! I’m Ellie, I write MM Historical Romance novellas, and I’m here today to chat about my new story Christmas Below Stairs, currently in the 20% new release sale at JMS Book until December 22nd.

Christmas Below Stairs is the story of two servants, Joseph and Eli, who start to fall in love during the festive period when left to their own devices in the London townhouse where they are employed. I enjoyed the complementary differences and similarities between these two men as they became close.

Joseph is an orphan and man of colour who has risen to the prestigious position of a footman at a house in Bloomsbury’s Bedford Square by the age of twenty-three. He’s a young man who has come from nothing and takes advantage of his height and build (footmen were meant to be around six feet tall and strapping) to fulfil his role. Privately, Joseph has dreams that go way beyond remaining in service for the rest of his days.

Eli is almost a decade older, yet still young for the privileged position of a gentleman’s valet. He’s worked hard to get to his comfortable station but recently found that his ambition has faded. He can’t even raise the energy to seek out a new position when his master leaves him behind in London for Christmas.

Eli and Joseph have noticed each other around the corridors of the house but have never had the opportunity to act on that attraction. I enjoyed writing about the slow burn of mutual interest and liking, describing how these two have so much more to offer each other than a passing fling.

Christmas Below Stairs

christmasbelowstairs

At the age of twenty-three, Joseph Paul has come a long way from an abandoned foundling to the dizzy heights of a position as a second footman in London’s Bedford Square. But Joseph doesn’t want to remain in service forever and harbours ambitions to be his own master.

Eli Turner might have become a valet by his thirties, but he is weary of his profession and lacks direction. He can’t even summon the energy to seek out a new position in a more prestigious household.

Under ordinary circumstances, working as servants for the same family, these two men might not have the chance to exchange more than a few words, let alone confide their feelings. But when they both remain in the virtually deserted townhouse over Christmas, they take the opportunity to talk as equals and explore their mutual attraction.

Is this just a short-lived holiday fling? Or might it be the start of a long-standing romance?

Excerpt:

On a particularly damp, raw day, Joseph went to the chandler’s on the Strand to make an order to replenish the household’s supplies of candles. On the way back, nearing lunchtime, Joseph impulsively bought a couple of hot pies from a stall as he was passing, one for himself and the other for Tilly who looked like she could do with a hot meal.

The teenage serving girl’s eyes widened at such largesse. “For me?” She squeaked as though she had been offered the Crown Jewels rather than mutton and gravy wrapped in pastry.

She’d fallen upon the meal like she hadn’t seen food in a week. Not that they went short in this household. The cook kept them well-fed and in her absence, basic supplies of fresh food were still delivered to feed the surplus servants. It was more that as the youngest, lowliest and least regarded servant in the pecking order, Tilly was accustomed to being of no regard.

Joseph might be robust, but he remembered being small and overlooked, where a treat took on a huge significance. He sat at the table and started on his hot pie as Tilly devoured her food. He paused when he saw Mr. Turner enter the room.

“I beg your pardon, Mr. Turner,” he said, aware that the air was redolent with the savoury scent of the pies. “I didn’t realise that you would be here for lunch.”

For a moment, Mr. Turner looked austere and Joseph wondered if he would be scolded for sullying the cook’s domain with offerings from a street vendor. But after some consideration, Mr. Turner smiled, suddenly appearing youthful and approachable. Joseph admired the transformation.

“I’ll just have to share with Tilly, then,” he joked as the kitchen girl put the final scrap of pastry in her mouth. “Don’t worry about me, Joseph. I’ll get something cold from the pantry. No, no,” he added as both of the younger staff started to rise. “Finish your meal. I’m perfectly capable of serving myself. There’s no need to stand on ceremony.”

But why are you still here? Joseph thought, not daring to ask the question aloud. Tilly remained for the essentials of housekeeping, including clearing, lighting and tending the kitchen fire. She’d confided to Joseph that she was also a foundling. The poor scrap has nowhere else to go.

But well-paid senior servants like Mr. Turner had diverse options. Joseph had assumed that like the cook and butler, Mr. Turner would take advantage of his employer’s absence by visiting family.

It’s not for me to speculate, Joseph thought. Not that I’m complaining. When Mr. Willars was in residence, Mr. Turner remained near his master’s quarters, in keeping with his position, but from the glimpses he’d caught of the valet around the house, he liked his looks and bearing. Joseph reckoned he was young for a valet, and comely with it. He assumed the dignity of his position without any pomposity. He might be distant in manner, but he was always polite to more junior staff as well as his equals. “Such a pleasant gentleman,” the housekeeper opined and the staff seemed to agree.

Height and muscle might be a prerogative of a footman rather than a valet, but Joseph thought no less of Mr. Turner for his lesser build. He had an economical way of moving and Joseph liked the sheen of his red-blond hair against his customary black coat.

If Joseph had come across the likes of Mr. Turner in a Covent Garden tavern, he wouldn’t have hesitated in striking up a conversation to see where it led. However, being employed in the same house meant that that route was firmly closed.

But seeing Mr. Turner, smiling and relaxed in a fitted brown coat that suited his complexion, Joseph’s interest was renewed. Especially as he had caught an unmistakable glance of appreciation from the valet at Joseph’s bronzed forearms displayed by his rolled-up shirt sleeves, resting on the table as he ate.