Tag: Historical

Guest Post | The Perfect Number by Ellie Thomas

~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 2 Comments

Today, the lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog. She’s here to tell us a little about her latest release, The Perfect Number, so keep on reading!

Thank you so much, Ofelia for having me back on the blog again! I’m Ellie, and I write Historical MM Romance. I have a brand new short story release which is a free short read!

The Perfect Number puts together the three newsletter bonus chapters in my Regency MMM An Unlikely Alliance trilogy. Each roughly 1k word story is has an individual point of view from one of my three MCs.

The first story, The Spare Man is from the perspective of Humphrey Atkinson, the most privileged and yet the least confident of my trio. It takes place after the events of the first novella An Unlikely Alliance when Humphrey hooks up with Clem and then Abe and they subsequently decide to become a trio.

I loved writing Humphrey’s story as he’s such a loveable character. He’s kind and modest to a fault despite being from the gentry and living in the eminently respectable area of Bloomsbury with his aunt. In society, Humphrey is regarded as the useful spare man of the story title, and being modest, he more than fulfils his role to a fault. As a result, Humphrey is unable to see beyond his usefulness to others.

Humphrey’s shyness is partly due to his awareness that he is gay and the knowledge that this is a social disadvantage at the very least. Any previous experiences have been with friends who have bestowed their sexual favours only when no willing female is available. However, after the start of his relationship with Clem and Abe, Humphrey finds himself in the entirely new situation of being desired and appreciated. This has given Humphrey a measure of confidence and perception which is revealed during this short story.

He’s still obliging and courteous as ever, but his growing self-worth means that he doesn’t regard himself merely as useful to others, and that his feelings and desires matter, too.

Blurb:

These three 1.5k-word stories are bonus chapters for the Regency MMM An Unlikely Alliance trilogy, featuring a short story from the point of view of each of the three men, Humphrey, Abe and Clem.

In The Spare Man, modest gentleman Humphrey Atkinson reflects on recent events and the tumultuous effect that Abe and Clem have had on his previously quiet life.

Former hard man Abe Pengelly is in the spotlight for Privilege and Preferment, firstly in trouble with his mother after a drunken night out and then getting the better of an arrogant young sprig at the military headquarters of Horse Guards, Abe’s new and respectable workplace.

Excerpt:

It was nearly lunchtime before Abe emerged from his bedroom, still feeling slightly the worse for wear. Humphrey had also arisen, and after a subdued farewell, hurried home to assure his Aunt Cece that he wasn’t lying dead in a ditch.

Abe recalled Humphrey’s unusual pallor. He looks how I feel.

When Abe shook Clem’s shoulder in a half-hearted attempt to waken him, Clem moaned piteously and buried his face in the pillows.

I’ll leave him to sleep it off, Abe decided before heading downstairs with a sense of trepidation.

There was an occasion in his extreme youth when he and the kitchen girl had got foxed on a stash of gin secreted by one of his mum’s fellow incumbents at the Covent Garden seraglio where Abe had grown up. His mother’s fury was unprecedented. He had never since reeled home in a state of inebriation.

During his years hovering on the brink of outright criminality, Abe was far too leery of the company he kept in the environs of the Old Red Lion to let down his guard. It was a measure of his trust in Clem and Humphrey that he had allowed himself to become a trifle mellow the night before.

Although Mum might not appreciate that sentiment, he thought glumly as he reached the ground floor.

Abe was less concerned about his mother’s disapproval than her disappointment in him. From his earliest childhood, they had always been close, the two of them against the world. The idea of disillusioning his most constant supporter made Abe’s head ache worse than the mild megrim induced by last night’s overindulgence.

He found Lucy in the kitchen, moving the luncheon pots and pans around with unnecessary force. Their maid took one look at Abe and scuttled off towards the scullery.

I’m for it, then.

Abe took a seat at the kitchen table and waited for his mum to deign to notice him. Eventually, Lucy turned to face him, her generous mouth set in a grim unsmiling line.

“I suppose you’re in need of a pot of coffee?”

“I don’t want to put you to any bother, Mum. I can make it myself.”

Lucy huffed, ignoring Abe’s offer. She reached for the kettle and slammed it down on the stove.

Abe winced.

It wasn’t going to be easy to get back in her good graces. Due to a natural sense of self-preservation, he kept silent until Lucy set a mug of coffee in front of him.

“Thank you.”

Lucy stood over him with her arms folded.

“What do you have to say for yourself then, Absolom?”

“I’m sorry, Mum. It won’t happen again.”

“It’s one thing you for you to get into such a sorry state, and I’m surprised at Humphrey, too, but luring that poor lamb into drunken insensibility? I have to say, I’m thoroughly ashamed of you.”

Abe was within his rights to point out that Lucy’s poor lamb was more than accustomed a surfeit of drink. Clem’s capacity for gin or beer was apparently limitless.

Hollow legs, that one.

It was the Champagne that did for Clem, a beverage with which he was generally unaccustomed. However, Abe didn’t dare mention his theory aloud.

“Sorry, Mum,” he repeated, in the hope that if he apologised enough, she might start to believe him. “Clem’s still sleeping it off. And we made sure he drank a glass of water last night before going to bed.”

Lucy didn’t reply.

But she topped up his mug, an indication that her rancour was softening. Abe felt much more awake and alert after a few gulps of coffee with a sharper recall of the night’s events.

“Apart from giving Farquarson a good clouting,” he said. “We had another reason for celebration. I spoke to Mr. Travers before we left the theatre. He told me I would have a new position at Horse Guards, starting on Monday.”

“A promotion?” Lucy’s eyes grew wide.

“So he said.”

Lucy forgot her annoyance and sat next to Abe at the table.

“Why, Absolom, that’s wonderful news, and most unexpected. You’ve only been there a matter of weeks.”

“I don’t think I’ll be running the place yet, Mum.”

He vaguely remembered passing on his good tidings to his lovers which had caused Humphrey to order a fourth bottle of Champagne.

Things were slightly hazy after that.

Book links:

JMS Books :: Amazon :: UBL :: 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/X: @e_thomas_author

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elliethomas.bsky.social

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

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

Guest Post | A United Front by Ellie Thomas

~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 2 Comments

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog. Keep on reading to learn more about her latest release, A United Front!

Thank you so much, Ofelia, for having me back on the blog again! I’m Ellie, I write Historical MM Romance and today, I’m here to chat about my new release, A United Front.

In the ninth story of my Twelve Letters series, I explore how my ensemble cast reacts when one of the couples comes under threat from an outside force.

When corrupt constable Jabeth Snell attempts to extort Jo Everett, and seems to be veering on the edge of discovering his relationship with Daniel Walters, this sends shock waves throughout the tight-knit group of friends.

The joy of writing firmly established characters is that I can guess their likely reactions. Jo’s best friend, Captain Ben Harding, not one to suffer fools gladly, would resort to extreme violence, given half a chance. His partner Edward is typically staunch and quick to stay Ben’s murderous impulses. Actor Harry and musician Luc, although less directly involved, are sympathetic and supportive to what their friends are going through.

Jo immediately appeals to Nathan Brooks after Snell’s first approach. Nathan is clear headed and practical but also alarmed at this turn of events. His youth lover Percy, although concerned for Jo and Daniel, would be more inclined to pay off Snell rather than bother with a complex plan to get rid of the man.

Although the threat centres on Jo, and subsequently, Daniel, the closeness of this circle of men is proved by their sticking together. Each man reacts in a characteristic way, with their own contribution. That diversity proved to be the group’s strength.

They immediately conclude that what threatens one of them, threatens the entire group. They act accordingly, coming up with a sound plan to get rid of the threat once and for all and staunchly protecting Jo and Daniel.

Blurb:

In 1818, Jolyon Everett’s happy existence in Regency London seems assured with his lover Daniel Walters and their tight-knit group of companions, consisting of three other couples.

When Edward Stephens, the sweetheart of Jo’s best friend, Captain Ben Harding, comes to Jo for advice, his family issue seems the only blot on a clear horizon.

But soon, Jo faces another dilemma, involving a threat of blackmail looming over his and Daniel’s relationship with alarming ramifications for their friends.

By banding together, can the small society of men fend off this encroaching peril? And will Jo and Daniel be able to continue their life together, uninterrupted from danger?

Excerpt:

“Good afternoon, sir. May I help you? Were you looking to make an appointment? I’m afraid that we are almost completely booked up for the bulk of the Season.”

The fellow ignored Daniel’s patter. Taking off his hat to reveal his scanty hair, he lounged against the polished surface of the counter.

“I ain’t in need of new duds, as I told that longshanks of a shop boy,” he said. “Rather some intelligence that you might be willing to spill. Tis remarkable how a word in the right ear can save a body a whole heap of trouble.”

His smile was as amicable as a shark.

Snell was only slighter taller than Daniel, at least a decade older and much heavier, with most of his extra weight carried around his protruding midriff. Despite his unprepossessing appearance, Daniel instinctively knew it would be dangerous to underestimate him.

“Then I am unable to assist you,” Daniel said crisply. “At Shelford’s our customers must have complete confidence in our discretion. You must have mistaken us for a coffee shop or tavern.”

“Ho, ho.” Snell’s laugh didn’t reach his flinty eyes. “I’ve been led to believe that this is the domicile of a certain Mr. Jolyon Everett, formerly of Orange Street. Now,” he said with a smirk. “What’s a fine gentleman doing, relocating from where the nobs congregate? I mean, it’s good enough for the likes of you and me. But the gentry don’t usually disport themselves to mingle with trade.”

Snell’s inference bordered on the obscene.

“You can’t blame me for wondering why?” Snell leaned familiarly across the counter.

It took every ounce of Daniel’s control not to shrink away. He forced himself to feign mild interest.

Timmy’s robust defence, although well-intentioned, had only sharpened the man’s interest.

It’s wiser to pretend to play him at his own game.

“As I have already related, by Mr. Shelford’s direction, we cannot disclose any details about our customers, financial or otherwise. Even if they’re dished up and don’t have a feather to fly with. I can only tell you that Mr. Everett is amongst our clientage,” Daniel paused before adding with feigned regret. “If I was minded to divulge more, once word got around, we’d be losing business in a shake of a rat’s tale. And that would cost me my job.”

Snell rubbed his poorly shaven chin thoughtfully.

“As one working man to another, I can understand your dilemma. Considering Mr. E is your neighbour, you might pass on the odd crumb without risking your position, or even slip me the key to his rooms for a look-see when he’s not around,” Snell said unctuously. “Dip deeply at the tables does he? Or perhaps he has an expensive filly stashed away around the corner at Oxford Street? A gentleman would have to pay through the nose for all them there accoutrements a pretty ladybird requires. Or maybe his tastes run in another direction?” Snell looked Daniel up and down. “You must be aware of his comings and goings, pass the time of day on the stairs and so on. Surely he’s given you a hint? I’ll make it worth your while.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Daniel shrugged indifferently. “I keep to my station as the gentry do to theirs. Mind you,” He allowed some doubt to creep into his voice, “Perhaps Mr. Everett isn’t quite the gentleman he seems if a constable is making enquiries. I wouldn’t want to be tarnished by another man’s misdoings. Which magistrate’s district are you from? Soho, I presume, as it’s the closest. Marlborough Street court, is it?” He asked ingenuously.

“That’s right,” Snell agreed. “Just around the corner. Makes us neighbours, near enough.”

Daniel repressed a shudder of revulsion.

“Strictly speaking,” Snell continued. “I’m making enquiries on my own behalf. It’s a remarkable how a man can earn a bit on the side using the tricks of the trade.” He tapped the side of his fleshy nose. “It pays one way or another to watch and learn. This is unofficial-like and strictly off the books, although between you and me, some of the magistrates would trip over their own shoe buckles if they weren’t stuck on.”

Snell grinned ingratiatingly. Daniel forced himself to smile.

“I’ll leave you to think on it.” Snell straightened up. Daniel half-expected to discover a smear of grease staining the counter. “Since you know where I am, you can come and find me at Marlborough Street. Just ask for Jabeth Snell. And if not, well,” Snell grinned, “I might decide to investigate you instead.”

Book links:

JMS Books :: Amazon :: Books2Read :: Add to Boobkbub :: Add to Goodreads

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/X: @e_thomas_author

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elliethomas.bsky.social

Guest Post | Season of Hope by Ellie Thomas

~ Ofelia Gränd ~ 1 Comment

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog! This time, she’ll share a little about her latest release, Season of Hope.

Thanks so much lovely Ofelia for having me as your guest again! I’m Ellie, I write Gay Historical romance and I’m here today to chat about my brand-new release, Season of Hope, the sequel to my Christmas story, Season of Joy.

Season of Hope takes place twenty years after Season of Joy, in the same setting of Cheltenham’s High Street and with the same couple. Walter and Stanley are still very much in a loving relationship despite the tumultuous events of WW2 that disrupted countless numbers of lives.

They weather the necessary adjustments together. Walter manages the red tape of rationing in the grocer’s shop he runs with a bit of help from his semi-retired father and Ginny, Stanley’s now grown up niece Ginny, who appeared as an unruly toddler in the first story, together with her twin brother Jack. Stanley, a mechanic, now works nearby in aircraft part production factory along with other family members.

Like middle-aged people everywhere, they are involved with civic and family responsibilities. And since they are beyond conscription age, Walter and Stanley are very much occupied in the Home Guard.

During the story, outside forces threaten their secure world, as happened for so many millions during wartime. They worry about Stanley’s grown up nephews in the armed forces, especially Stanley’s beloved nephew Jack, serving overseas. Or rather Stanley worries himself sick and Walter is concerned about Stanley.

Season of Hope reflects some of these wider events and their impact on a secure and lasting relationship, bringing a loving couple even closer together.

Blurb:

Sequel to Season of Joy

By the beginning of 1944, Walter Webb and Stanley Gardner have been together for twenty years. They live quietly above the grocer’s shop on Cheltenham’s Lower High Street, outwardly two middle-aged bachelors sharing a home. 

Cheltenham might have escaped the worst of the bombing raids, but the privations and dangers of the second war have put a strain on the whole community. This includes ongoing concern about loved ones on active duty. Stanley’s beloved nephew, Jack, is serving in Italy, while engaged in the fiercely fought Battle for Rome. 

Walter worries about the strain on Stanley’s health, never robust after the Great War, as they both deal with family issues and direct threats from the enemy. 

As St. Valentine’s Day approaches, can Walter and Stanley find solace in the hope of a peaceful shared future after the war?

Excerpt:

When they were back in the kitchen together, washing and drying the dishes after their evening meal, Stanley and Walter were free to discuss the letter at leisure. For once, they didn’t have to dash off promptly for a Home Guard meeting, but were merely joining their pals for a drink at the Plough Hotel.

“I know Jack can’t tell us exactly what’s going on. Loose lips sink ships and all that,” Stanley said, as he dunked a plate in the regulation amount of water. “But having been a soldier, I can read between the lines and imagine all too well. The Battle for Monte Casino sounds as grim as anything we faced in France and Flanders. I’m only grateful that Jim and Donald aren’t there too.”

Walter nodded in agreement as he dried the crockery. Both Jack’s older brothers were in the Royal Engineers, patrolling the coastline to keep the country safe from invasion.

Stanley added, “At least Jack’s dad is spared our memories. That’s another blessing.”

“It certainly is.”

During the Great War, Stanley’s brother-in-law had been turned down by the military on account of his poor vision.

Not that he hadn’t done his bit on the home front.

Walter recalled sanctimonious individuals handing out white feathers to apparently able-bodied men of conscription age. He’d been appalled by their lack of insight to the recipient’s inner convictions or hidden health issues.

He wouldn’t resent any man spared from the hell of mass conflict. It was a miracle that he and Stanley had emerged relatively unscathed.

If there is a God, please let Jack come through this, he thought for the umpteenth time.

Stanley coughed. His slim frame shuddered as he covered his mouth with his hand.

Walter was reminded amongst the uncertainty of wartime, some things remained worryingly constant. They weren’t through the winter yet. He hasn’t got the strength to cope with another bout of pneumonia.

Walter kept his observations to himself. Stanley would brush off any concerns up to the point where he was struck down by a full-blown chest infection. Tactfully Walter kept to the subject in hand.

“I was chatting to Dad today. With Jack and the others away, it’s dawning on me how he must have struggled. At the time, I was too bloody busy trying to stay alive to think about how worried he must have been.” Walter added casually. “If anyone understands what you’re going through, it’s Dad. He said you could call round anytime.”

Stanley’s face brightened.

“That’s very kind of him. I certainly appreciate the offer. But I always have you to talk to.”

“Of course you do, love.”

Walter tried not to reveal the helplessness he felt at the worry that ate away at Stanley. “Dad thought a chat might help. You’ll probably be sent home with an extra sack of potatoes too.”

“He’s a good man, just like his son.”

Stanley smiled. Not the restrained expression of recent times, but a real smile, crinkling the skin around his eyes.

That particular smile never failed to pull at Walter’s heartstrings. It also provoked a reaction below the belt, even after two decades together.

“I’m not that good,” he said lightly.

Stanley’s smile widened.

“That’s a matter of opinion.”

Walter put his hands on Stanley’s shoulders, turning him around so they were face to face. He bent down and kissed him.

When they’d first met, Stanley had sported a pencil moustache. Walter had loved how it framed his lush lips and the feel of those coarse hairs against sensitive areas of his body had driven him wild.

Stanley had been clean-shaven for some years. This also had its advantages. Walter found the prickle of his five o’clock shadow equally alluring. He pulled Stanley closer, making him laugh, his damp hands either side of Walter’s waist.

Stanley’s body moulded against Walter’s as their kiss deepened.

What a difference a letter from Jack makes.

Walter pulled back slightly, before burying his head in Stanley’s neck. He kissed the bare skin above his shirt collar.

Stanley shivered appreciably.

“If we carry on like this, we won’t get to the pub,” he joked. “Only Monty, Sam and Jonesy can make it tonight, so we need to make up the numbers.”

Walter continued to hold Stanley, enjoying their closeness.

“If we turn down our homemade entertainment for the sake of a pint with the chaps, I’ll be seething if the landlord has run out of beer again.”

Book links:

JMS Books :: Amazon :: UBL :: 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/X: @e_thomas_author

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elliethomas.bsky.social