Guest Post | The Birthday Bear by Holly Day

November 14, 2023November 14, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 1 Comment

The Birthday Bear - FB

Hiya! I’m here as Holly today 😊 A few days ago, The Birthday Bear was released. It celebrates Have a Party with Your Bear Day, and I don’t know about you, but parties aren’t really my thing, and therefore they aren’t Gabe’s thing either 😁

Gabe is a somewhat grumpy bear shifter who owns a bakery and spends all his days in the kitchen, baking. He’s known Riley is his mate for a year now, but Riley just got out of a bad relationship and doesn’t have a clue there are shifters in the world.

So Gabe has been waiting, and waiting, and waiting for a way to get him to be part of the family. He’s already part of the family, everyone in the sleuth knows it, it’s only Riley who doesn’t.

Riley, on the other hand, is pleased with the way things are. The guys at the bakery are awesome, and he swings by almost every day, but his real passion in life is books. He works part-time at a library, and it’s the best thing ever. Who doesn’t want to talk about books all day??

And that’s what Riley does. He hangs out in the bakery and tries to turn Gabe and his sleuth members into romance readers.

I loved writing this one, books and cakes! Who doesn’t love books and cakes?!

The Birthday Bear

thebirthdaybear

For more than a year, Gabe Callan has known Riley Irving is his mate, but Riley isn’t ready. He stumbled into Gabe’s bakery one night after having left his abusive ex, and he’s still dealing with what he’s been through. Gabe knows he needs time, but he doesn’t know how much longer he can wait.

All Riley wants is a safe, slow, boring life. He doesn’t want any adventures other than those he reads about in romance novels. But maybe he’s read too many paranormal books because he’s imagining the guys at the bakery growling, and sometimes he believes he sees their eyes shift color. Maybe he’s going insane.

Gabe is scared to tell Riley the truth about what he is. If he waits too long, Riley will feel betrayed. If he tells him too soon, he will run away, and Gabe isn’t sure he can survive without Riley. How do you tell your skittish human mate you’re a bear shifter?

Buy links:

Paranormal gay romance: 50,499 words

JMS Books :: Amazon :: books2read.com/TheBirthdayBear

Excerpt:

They entered the house, and Rook moved away from them. Music was playing low in the kitchen, which normally meant Laura was there. Gabe steered his steps in the direction of it. The cake needed to be in the fridge.

“Riley!” Quillian rushed out of the living room. “Do you know how to make a straw man? It keeps falling apart, and there is no way anyone can see it’s a man.”

Riley’s chuckle sent a shiver down Gabe’s spine. “Does it have to look like a man?”

“Yes.” Quillian looked at him as if he was insane.

“All right. I figured the point was to get to burn something.”

“Well, yeah, but I saw pics of burning scarecrows when I Googled.”

“So build a scarecrow and burn it.”

“But how?”

Gabe was about to growl at him when Riley briefly gave him an exasperated look. It was enough for Gabe to drop his shoulders and wait to see how this played out. Riley was in his den, talking with members of his sleuth, but when he didn’t know what to do, he turned to Gabe. Maybe he was reading too much into one little look, but he didn’t care.

“Make a cross and strap the straw to it or stuff some old clothes or something. I don’t know. I’ve never built a scarecrow.”

“Oh, smart! I was trying to strap it together with a frame of some sort.”

“Come on, kitchen’s this way.” Gabe touched Riley’s elbow. It was so light it hardly counted as a touch, but it was the first time he’d ever done something like it. Riley jumped and moved out of reach but gave Gabe a nod.

Quillian clucked low behind them, but slipped away, presumably to fix the straw man.

As they entered the kitchen, Laura was chopping vegetables while swaying to the music.

“Oh, Riley, you made it!” Laura beamed at him. “I read the book. No surprise baby there.”

“Kinda hard, though there are Mpreg books. There are books where men start laying eggs and get dragon babies.”

She scrunched her face. “Eww.”

“Why yes, but…” Riley grinned. “I’ll hook you up if you need a fix.”

She barked a laugh. “I’m not saying I’m not intrigued, but I think I’ll have to work up to it.”

Riley looked as if he was about to burst out laughing. “Of course. I can get you some reverse harem to get you in the mood.”

She chuckled. “I’m almost afraid to. What if I like it, and then I have to tell you despite knowing you hate it?”

“Oh, I’m not book-shaming anyone. If it’s what gets you through the night, then I’m all for it. I love reading about blue-skinned aliens with weird dicks getting their girls in outer space.”

Laura stopped chopping and let go of the knife before turning to focus fully on Riley. “What? I thought you were gay.” She glanced at Gabe, but he didn’t move a muscle. He wasn’t worried. If Riley wasn’t gay, he was bi or pan. His ex was a man, and while the relationship had been a bad one, Riley had wanted him at some point.

“So?”

“You find girly bits off-putting.”

He grinned. “No, I don’t. They might not turn me on, but it’s all about the connection, isn’t it? Don’t we all dream about a big, strong, man—blue or otherwise—who’ll sweep us off our feet and rescue us from our miserable lives?”

“Oh, you identify with the girl. Yeah, makes sense, I guess.”

Riley frowned at her. “What? No, I…” He snapped his mouth shut.

Gabe put the cake in the fridge, noting Rook already had placed the other box there. “Come on, Rye. Let’s go see if Quillian needs our help.”

Riley nodded and followed Gabe out of the kitchen. “You can enjoy books with girls, right? I mean, I figure you identify with the guy considering—” Riley gestured at him.

“What?”

“You’re huge, so I understand you see yourself as the big partner, but gender or body parts don’t matter, do they?”

Gabe rubbed his neck. “I don’t read much, and if I do, I don’t read romance.”

“Movies then. If you watch a movie, and it’s a man and a woman?”

“I don’t watch romantic movies either.”

Riley made a frustrated sound. “Oh, for fuck’s sake. How do you live?”

“With cakes and cookies.”

Riley grinned, and a fire lit within Gabe. He wanted to drag him to his room and throw him on the bed and never let him go.

“Good substitute, but you need romance in your life, Gabe.”

“You’re right.”

Riley snorted. “I know I am. So I’m gonna find you another book.” He moved again.

It was not the kind of romance Gabe was hoping for, but he’d listen to whatever book Riley wanted him to.

Guest Post | Pantaloons and Petticoats by Ellie Thomas

November 12, 2023November 10, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ Leave a comment

Today we have the lovely Ellie Thomas back on the blog. Keep on reading to learn more about her most recent release, Pantaloon and Petticoats. And as always, welcome Ellie, it’s a pleasure to have you here 😊

Pantaloons and Petticoats Promo 1

Thanks, lovely Ofelia, for having me as your guest again! I’m Ellie, I write MM Historical Romance novellas. I’m here today to chat about my new story, Pantaloons and Petticoats, currently in the 20% new release sale at JMS Book until November 17th.

In Town Bronze, the first book in this three-part series, my MC Jasper discovered a surprising propensity for spanking with older gentleman, Sir Mortimer Cleverly. During Petticoats and Pantaloons, Barney Marshall meets his match in Rose and gets a surprise during their first intimate encounter. In the daytime, Rose must dispense with their nighttime petticoats to become Ross, a banking clerk.

Ross may have been born male, but identifies as female, embracing that identity whenever possible at night in the playground of Covent Garden and the shelter of their landlady Grace’s house in nearby Soho.

Although it was fun to return to Barney, who appeared as Jasper’s London roommate in Town Bronze, Rose’s character intrigued me while I was writing Petticoats and Pantaloons. I admired how they juggle a double life, enduring male attire at work to become Rose in the evenings.

In the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, cross-dressing was far from uncommon, particularly in the molly houses of Covent Garden, the equivalent of modern gay clubs. Despite the stringent laws and frequent raids, in the molly houses, bagnios, taverns and even Covent Garden Piazza, the gay community was vibrant and even defiant.

Rose might have friends and passing lovers but doesn’t expect to find love until meeting Barney. It was a joy to write how Rose finds all the respect and acceptance they richly deserve. Barney might be initially attracted to them for superficial appearances, but he falls in love with Rose as a person, however they choose to appear.

Pantaloons and Petticoats

Sequel to Town Bronze

pantaloonsandpetticoats Barney Marshall, the son of a wealthy manufacturer, is tolerated by London high society for his great wealth. In the autumn of 1812, Barney relishes all the high living and low indulgences of a young man about town in the fleshpots of Covent Garden.

In one of the many surrounding taverns, he encounters Rose. They spend a memorable night together despite Barney’s initial surprise that Rose is not all she seems.

Rose leads a double life as Ross, a respectable clerk at Coutts Bank. When Barney comes across Ross in his work setting and recognises him, complications abound.

Can these two find their way through the twist and turns on the path to true love?

Excerpt:

Barney steered Ross towards St. James’ Park, hoping that green space away from the crowded streets would convey his friendly intentions and give them a semblance of privacy. Even when they reached more leafy environs, Ross did not unbend. His gaze stayed firmly ahead and his cheeks, still smooth by late afternoon, were pale.

Once they were on a less populous path Barney began tentatively.

“It must have been a bit of a shock to come across me in the bank this morning. I assure you that it was pure coincidence. I only entered the bank to withdraw funds. It was a complete surprise to come across you.”

At least Ross was listening and showed no signs of fleeing. Bolstered, Barney continued, “Although seeing you was unexpected, it was fortuitous. I had hoped to bump into you, I mean Rose, in the tavern where we met, without any luck. If I hadn’t found you today, I was even considering braving the Dean Street house over the next few days.”

Ross still looked straight ahead, but his shoulders dropped a few notches at that declaration.

“Believe me,” Barney insisted, “I had no idea that you were employed at Coutts. If I had been aware, I wouldn’t have dreamed of accosting you at your place of work.”

They walked amongst the greenery in silence while Ross digested Barney’s attempt at reassurance. Covertly, Barney examined the subtle but distinct differences between Ross and Rose. In male apparel, Ross was on the short side, his features even but unremarkable, showing none of Rose’s spirit. That distinguishing factor was reflected in his drab office wear, his tamed curls appearing more brown than red and his hands bearing recent ink stains from his daily labours.

“I thought you’d followed me,” Ross said very quietly.

“Good God, no. You have my word on that. I couldn’t find you in Covent Garden so it would never have occurred to me to search for you on the Strand.”

The tension was easing from Ross’ slight frame. Encouraged, Barney said, “I’m sorry if I gave you a fright, but I’m glad I’ve caught you now so I could explain and ease any concerns you might have. I mean you no ill will.”

Ross risked a sideways glance at Barney as he continued, “I have to admit that I very much wanted to see you again.” He was rewarded by a flicker of warmth in those wary brown eyes, a glimpse of Rose peeping through.

“You can always leave a note in Soho with Grace for Rose any time. She’ll make sure it’s delivered safely.”

Distracted by the completely unfitting name for the dragon of the doorway, Barney missed the distinction that Ross had drawn between himself and Rose.

“Now I have found you again, I don’t want to let you go too soon. If you have some time to spare, perhaps we could repair to Dean Street together. I don’t mind waiting for you to don your skirts,” he added with what he hoped was roguish charm, “Since that seems to entertain and titillate us both.”

Ross whirled around to face Barney, his features tight with anger. With his chin raised and eyes sparkling hotly with indignation, he bore no resemblance to the timid clerk Barney had accosted outside the bank.

“How dare you. I’m not one of your actresses to amuse you with a change of costume to incite your lust,” he hissed. “Or some toy to array in a gown for the sole purpose of your entertainment. In future, I request you treat me and Rose with greater respect. If you’ll excuse me, sir.”

Ross gave a stiff bow and stalked away, the picture of affronted dignity. Barney stared after him, wondering how the interview could have gone so disastrously wrong.

Book links:

JMS Books :: Amazon :: Boooks2Read :: Add to Goodreads :: Add to Bookbub

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

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

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

Guest Post | The Monk’s Lair by Ellie Thomas

October 29, 2023October 24, 2023 ~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 2 Comments

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog to talk about her most recent release, The Monk’s Lair. Welcome Ellie!

The Monk's Lair Promo 3

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, The Monk’s Lair, currently in the 20% new release sale at JMS Book until November 3rd.

It’s always fun to write about spooky themes for Halloween, but I have the additional challenge of writing historical stories because Halloween is a relatively recent festival. So this Halloween, for my Regency romance, The Monk’s Lair, I dipped into the rich resources of the Gothic novel where there is spookiness galore!

It’s really not possible to write a Gothic-inspired story without a sinister hooded monk popping up to threaten the central romantic couple. So I had to oblige and invent one! The setting for my story is the scenic area around Tintern Abbey in South East Wales. It’s a vista of thickly wooded hills soaring above the Wye Valley and very atmospheric for all kinds of Gothic goings-on.

Tintern Abbey was a monastic community founded in 1131 that thrived until its dissolution in 1536 and has been a picturesque ruin ever since. I discovered that in the 13th century, after the Black Death and massive population loss, many of Tintern’s monastic outposts or abbey granges were let to tenants.

One of these remote granges seemed the perfect place for a charismatic monk to terrify the local population with his evil ways and haunt the area for centuries in true Gothic fashion.

So when my MCs Christian and Sam stumble across the grange on a visit to Tintern Abbey, they inevitably reawaken this malevolent force. My two heroes make a great team, with Christian’s gifts of sensitivity and imagination added to Sam’s practical enthusiasm. Also, they manage to fall in love along the way. Hopefully, the combination of their talents and feelings for one another will banish the monk from his lair for good and all.

The Monk’s Lair

themonkslair

Christian Maxwell is used to being alone. A delicate and over-imaginative young man, he is abandoned to his own devices and company in his family’s Wiltshire country home. When his aunt, concerned for his well-being, insists on him accompanying her to the Welsh Borders for a country house party in the autumn of 1816, Christian is resigned to being surrounded by people for the duration.

One particular guest, Sam Gillespie, a handsome amateur scientist of a similar age to Christian, is determined to befriend him. When Sam persuades Christian to join him on an expedition to the scenic ruins of Tintern Abbey, they stumble across an isolated valley that contains a long-dead and sinister monastic force.

Their dreams are haunted by the spirit of the place, and so the pair band together to find out the valley’s dark history, kindling their romance along the way. But their ghostly foe is more tenacious than they could imagine. Can Christian and Sam manage to defeat the black monk and find lasting happiness?

Excerpt:

“I was informed that there are visible remains of the Elizabethan wireworks and marks of quarrying around these hills,” Sam said with zeal.

Christian was entertained by Sam’s constant thirst for knowledge. Rather than feeling diminished or drained by Sam’s more forceful character, he fancied his endless energy was a positive influence.

“Are you up to carrying on a while further?” The hope in Sam’s voice was irresistible. Christian was only glad of his regular rambles on his family’s land, although the South Wiltshire countryside was not as dramatic or steeply inclined as the Welsh borders.

They carried on until the road dwindled into a lane. Eventually, it forked, the upper reach climbing towards a collection of scattered cottages, while the other branch skirted the hill on a more even gradient. They decided on the more level option, walking until Sam espied a rough path leading downhill.

“I’m sure we’ll find something interesting around here,” he said, thrashing ahead through the undergrowth. “Harris informed me that there are several abbey granges hereabouts. But I reckon that by now, I can distinguish monastic medieval from industrial Tudor.”

Rambling with such purpose might not be Christian’s first choice of spending a clement afternoon. But it would be churlish to complain since Sam had shown him every consideration. He also found Sam’s brand of enthusiasm hard to resist, even when dampened with temporary frustration that his goal proved elusive.

Then there was Sam’s unfailing civility. Instead of forging ahead, he constantly paused to hold a branch to stop it from springing back into Christian’s face or warned him of an approaching patch of slippery ground.

As a result, Christian was disposed to enjoy their interlude. Venturing on a quest with a gallant young man was an activity he usually pursued between the pages of a book.

He was unable to pinpoint exactly when his optimism started to wane. They headed downhill on the increasingly overgrown path into a small cleft that Sam was convinced held buried treasure or at least the remains of past industry. At first, Christian enjoyed his surroundings. The dappled sunshine through the sheltering trees, their leaves still green and plentiful, was a welcome accompaniment to the faint breeze that cooled their progress.

Similar to a headache or nausea, the unease came gradually as they descended the slope, unremarkable until it became a definable presence. The equivalent of a whiff of something foul, a forewarning of a nearby corpse of a recently dead animal. Christian hesitated, wondering if his imagination was playing tricks. Then he became conscious of the unearthly silence around him. An ominous heaviness now filled the air, unalleviated by birdsong or a breath of wind.

Christian’s senses were on high alert, telling him to stop, to turn back, to leave this place at once. Not wanting to lose sight of Sam through the scarcely visible track, clogged by the summer’s growth of grass, nettles and brambles, he continued reluctantly until his premonition reached screaming pitch. Every instinct forbade him to trespass further.

“Sam, stop. I think we’re heading the wrong way,” he called urgently, hoping his voice didn’t betray the extent of his desperation.

Obediently, Sam came tramping back towards him, wiping his brow with his shirt sleeve. Christian was so occupied with his searing panic that he barely noted how dashing his companion appeared, his coat removed and tied by its arms around his slim waist, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms, lightly dusted with dark hair.

“You’re probably right,” Sam said. “I reckon we’ve come too far downhill. If there is anything to be discovered, it’s probably an outpost of the old abbey rather than anything worthwhile.”

Christian’s trepidation started to abate at Sam’s willingness to concede. Seizing the initiative, Christian led the way uphill. At least their advance was eased by the path they had already trampled.

Sam’s words lingered in his mind. They had instantly summoned an image of the disused grange in the depths of the small valley. Unlike Tintern, which had filled Christian with peace, this emanation held disquiet, even menace.