The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog! This time she’ll tell us about her latest release, Dressing for the Occasion. Welcome, Ellie!

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, Dressing for the Occasion, a short addition to my Town Bronze series.

This 8k word short story continues the romance of Barney and Ross/Rose, the couple from Pantaloons and Petticoats, the second novella in the Town Bronze trilogy. It was wonderful to return to this most loving connection and steer these two towards a definite HEA.

This story is about Barney introducing Rose (as she’s now become) to his parents with a view to becoming betrothed. As Rose gets ready for this very special and nerve-wracking occasion, she recalls her transition from her previous daytime persona of Ross. Particularly, how she prepared for her first formal occasion as Rose, at a dinner party hosted by Sir Mortimer Cleverly, who has his own love story with Jasper in Town Bronze.

When writing about this transformation, I had planned to have Mortimer’s good friend and business partner Blanche help Rose in dressing for a formal party. Until now, Blanche has been a very minor if sympathetic character in the series. I suddenly realised I had an already fully-formed character who would be perfect for this role.

I’d already made the link in my mind between Blanche (known to her friends as Dulcie) and Lucy Pengelly, Abe’s wonderful mum in my An Unlikely Alliance series. Blanche now runs her own establishment in Covent Garden Piazza and Lucy is a retired courtesan, but given they spent Abe’s formative years working together in the same superior brothel, it seemed likely that they would remain friends.

As we know from the three MMM An Unlikely Alliance stories, Lucy is entirely unshockable. She accepts that Abe is gay and positively encourages his romance with Clem and Humphrey. She’s kind, motherly and wise and I couldn’t think of a better person for Rose to take into her confidence as she makes her first visit to buys her first custom-made dress, especially as they only live a few streets away from each other in Soho.

As Rose gets ready for her important evening, she recalls all Lucy’s advice over the past year, their many shopping expeditions and the poise that Lucy’s support had given. Naturally, Lucy dashes round to help Rose into her beautiful new dress and also arranges her hair.

In this way, Rose is surrounded by love and support as she faces an evening which could change her and Barney’s future plans, hopefully for the better.

Blurb:

After two years of a loving relationship with Barney Marshall in Regency London, Ross Webster has gradually transformed into Rose on a permanent basis.

Rose has planned her transformation carefully, with the help of her redoubtable landlady Grace, and is now able to live an independent life free from male trappings.

But there are still challenges to face before Rose and Barney can reach their happy ever after. Their dream is to live as man and wife, but Rose dreads reconciling Barney’s wealthy parents to the idea of their betrothal.

Can the young lovers overcome this final barrier to their lifelong happiness?

Excerpt:

Barney paced restlessly up and down, as if determined to wear a hole in the carpet that lined the entrance hall to Mivart’s Hotel.

This is worse than any business meeting.

The prospect of the meal ahead filled him with dread. Admittedly, he wasn’t the most patient of men, except when influenced by his dear Rose, whose calm sweetness always had a beneficial effect. Waiting for her arrival was painfully frustrating.

He almost regretted taking Julian up on his kind offer to collect Rose, although it seemed a blessing at the time.

I should have gone myself. Anything’s better than hanging around here.

He caught sight of himself in the hall mirror and smoothed out his ferocious scowl.

That would be a fine welcome for Rose.

He appeared respectable enough for the hotel dining room, understated but unmistakably a gentleman. He had long eschewed the kicks of fashion he had adopted in an attempt to keep up with his social superiors when adjusting to life in London.

It’s certainly a good deal more comfortable, he thought, regarding his modest cravat.

Nowadays, without exaggeratedly high shirt points, Barney was able to turn his head without any restriction. His gaze fell on his white piquet waistcoat, and he automatically pulled in his stomach. He couldn’t help his naturally stocky build, which was skilfully disguised by his tailor.

I’m lucky that Rose loves me as I am, paunch and all.

Barney smiled in the mirror like the lovesick fool he indubitably was. He had no fear that Julian, liberally endowed with good looks and charm, was closeted in a coach with Rose. They were both unflinchingly loyal in character. And anyway, Julian, Barney’s childhood friend, was the first of their intimates to learn Rose’s secret. Since then, he had done everything in his power to further the romance.

Barney thanked heaven that tonight coincided with one of Julian’s rare visits to London, when he inevitably stayed with Barney. Julian had rallied to the cause, even digging out his seldom-worn evening togs.

When he accompanied Barney to the hotel, Julian had resembled his former self. Every inch of his athletic six-foot frame embodied the pink of the ton he used to be, rather than the provincial school teacher he had more recently become.

Barney had been by Julian’s side in the first painful months when he had deliberately eschewed his rank and privilege to pursue an uncertain course. His attire must be a reminder of that period of struggle and uncertainty.

So Barney wasn’t remotely envious of Julian’s trim physique, displayed perfectly in his evening wear. In fact, he was encouraged that Julian had made such an effort on his and Rose’s behalf.

I suppose we’ve all changed with time, Barney mused.

After Julian’s departure to pastures new with his constant companion Rafe, their other friend Jasper had retired to the country. Subsequently, Barney’s pursuit of London high life had palled considerably without his closest cronies.

With Rose firmly embedded in his life and his heart, Barney had no inclination to seek amorous entertainment elsewhere. So when his father, the proprietor of a Leicestershire hosiery manufacturer, suggested liaising with a London wholesaler, Barney jumped at the chance to try his hand at something new.

He was sufficiently established in society that his business interests didn’t tarnish his reputation. Also, perhaps as his long-headed father had intended, Barney had become aware of the hypocrisy of those who might disdain his birth but gladly helped him spend his fortune. He found he was no longer swayed by their opinions.

Barney had the support of his closest allies who, in their different ways, had become men with occupations and responsibilities.

I’m surrounded by teachers and farmers, Barney thought with a snort of amusement.

A gust of cool air from the hotel door announced the new arrivals.

At last, Barney thought as if Julian had been gone an hour rather than a matter of ten minutes. He smiled absently at his friend but Rose commanded his full attention.

She was always beautiful in Barney’s eyes. Tonight, she was simply magnificent.

Her dress was a slender column of pale turquoise, with subtle embellishments at the hem and sleeves, exhibiting her figure superbly, crafting a false impression of subtle curves beneath.

The glowing silk complemented the red tints in her hair, gathered on top of her head with a few loose curls allowed to frame her oval face. Barney caught the gleam of the aquamarine earrings he purchased for her last birthday.

Rose looked elegant, ladylike and quietly assured.

Julian stepped aside with an indulgent smile as Barney took both her satin gloved hands in his, bringing them to his lips.

“You look wonderful. Dinner is about to be served. Let’s go through to the dining room and join my parents.”

Buy Links:

JMS Books :: Amazon :: Books2Read :: 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

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog! Today, she’s here to talk about her story A Yuletide Excursion that’s out today. Welcome, Ellie!

Thank you, lovely Ofelia, for having me as a guest on your blog again. I’m Ellie, I write Historical Romance novellas, and I’m here today to chat about my new release, A Yuletide Excursion. This is my Advent Calendar story for JMS Books. 

This fabulous event features a new release every day from December 1st – 24th and each story will be a free download from the JMS website on release day only. A Yuletide Excursion is released today, December 4th, so grab your free copy!  

https://www.jmsbooksllc.com/  

For this spin-off story, I’m back in the 17th century world of Owen and John, the MCs of Lucky John and Lucky in Love. Readers might well remember Cuthbert, the cheeky page with a kind heart who befriends John at the Palace of Whitehall. Now he gets his own romance!  

In finding the right partner for Cuthbert, I remembered his initial attraction to stern no-nonsense Owen before John has a quiet word and sets firm boundaries. So I thought it would be fun to find a similarly serious man for some opposites attract romance. Lemuel Freeman fits the bill perfectly. He’s the brother of Lady Antonia, who recently married Owen’s older brother, Sir Lewis Montgomery. Lemuel and Cuthbert tag along on a Christmas road trip to Monmouthshire with the newlyweds to visit Owen and the rest of the family.  

As you’ll read in the excerpt, Lemuel and Cuthbert get off to the worst possible start, when Lemuel accidentally comes across Cuthbert when he’s changing out of his wet clothes and happens to be naked. Quite the introduction! Lemuel is a reserved and self-disciplined man and is disturbed by his instant attraction to Cuthbert, especially as he assumes Cuthbert is frivolous, superficial and empty-headed. 

Of course, we already know that Cuthbert has a heart of gold beneath the pleasure-seeking veneer. I thoroughly enjoyed developing the initial misunderstanding between these two men until they finally get the measure of each other. There’s no denying their mutual attraction, but to their surprise, they also complement each other in terms of personality. Stern, steady Lemuel gives Cuthbert some much-needed emotional security while Cuthbert brings some light relief and fun to Lemuel’s sober outlook. Taking part in a family Christmas celebration provides the perfect occasion for Cuthbert and Lemuel to fall in lasting love. 

Blurb:

In early Restoration London, Cuthbert Watson, a comely twenty-year-old page is in service to Sir Lewis Montgomery at the Palace of Whitehall. Cuthbert freely enjoys the dissolute pleasures of the newly established court of King Charles II and the great city of London.

During the winter of 1661, as the royal court empties for Christmas, Cuthbert dreads being left virtually alone. So when his friends Owen and John invite him to Monmouthshire for the festive season, Cuthbert jumps at the opportunity to accompany Sir Lewis and his new bride, Lady Antonia, for the long journey west.

On the first stage of their journey, Cuthbert falls foul of Mr. Lemuel Freeman, Lady Antonia’s stern twin brother, who condemns Cuthbert’s frivolous ways.

But does Lemuel’s disapproval hide an irresistible attraction? While these two very different men are thrown together over Christmas, might their mutual desire lead to a lasting romance?

Excerpt:

The weather hadn’t improved when they reached Hammersmith. Cuthbert had the dubious honour of standing in a muddy puddle while directing reverse operations with Sir Lewis’ baggage.

At least I don’t have to carry the lot by myself, he thought shouldering his bag while following the servants up the long garden to the back of the house.

Having been shown upstairs with any necessities, he unpacked what Sir Lewis required in the closet adjoining the marital bedroom. 

This is a comfortable sort of house, Cuthbert concluded. The furnishings weren’t new but were highly polished and cared for, indicating the owners had little regard for fashion or other people’s opinions. 

Sir Lewis was presumably downstairs, making himself pleasant to his new wife and her family, no doubt provided with warming refreshment.

Cuthbert presumed he was not immediately required. He took advantage of this respite by taking the opportunity to change into a dry set of livery, thankful that his travel bag was oiled and relatively waterproof.

In the privacy of the closet, he stripped briskly. To his dismay, he found that the rain had permeated his shirt to his chilled and goose-pimpled skin. The idea of pulling his dry shirt over his wet body was unappealing. Then he recollected the pile of towels in the bedroom near the wash bowl. Surely one won’t be missed. I can sneak it down to the kitchen to dry with the rest of my clothes. 

Lulled into a sense of security by the prevailing silence of the upper floor, he scuttled into the bedroom on his mission. In the act of picking up a towel, the door opened before he had a chance to shield his nakedness.

“Sister, are you there?” 

At this query, delivered in a north-country twang, a tall, blond gentleman appeared in the doorway. He halted immediately, presumably taken aback by finding a naked man in his sister’s bed chamber who was not her husband. 

Cuthbert’s carnal instruction at court meant that he was unembarrassed by his state of undress. He was not particularly tall or muscular, but his slender compactness proved popular. He had been assured on numerous occasions that he shouldn’t be ashamed of what he had been endowed by God’s good grace. 

In this instance, it crossed his mind to ponder if it was the correct form to make his bow while not wearing a stitch of clothing.

“Good day to you, sir,” he said chirpily. “I am Cuthbert, page to Sir Lewis. I got a soaking on our way here. I was changing into dry clothes before I reported to my master.”

 Not that it’s any of your concern. 

The gentleman didn’t appear reassured by Cuthbert’s explanation but stared at him with chilly disapproval.

Cuthbert was a few inches shorter, but he lifted his chin and met that gaze unflinchingly. He acknowledged that the gentleman, still youthful in his mid-twenties, was handsome in a rigid sort of way, with straight blond hair and cool grey eyes. 

Well set up, too. Cuthbert admired those broad shoulders under his sober coat.

“I’ll leave you to cover yourself,” the man said coldly. “The sooner you’re attired in keeping with a respectable household, the better.” 

He gave a self-satisfied nod and departed. Cuthbert was open-mouthed with indignation.

That stiff-rumped scold! It’s hardly my fault he strolled in when I happened to be bare-arsed. 

As he briskly towelled himself, it occurred to Cuthbert that he might have just been introduced to the owner of the house. He grinned. An inauspicious meeting.

Cuthbert pulled his shirt over his head. Oh well, can’t be helped, he thought.

Just before the man’s mask came down, Cuthbert speculated if he had imagined a touch of colour in those high cheekbones or a glint of interest outweighing the surprise in those pale blue eyes. 

Book Links: Free download December 4^th only from JMS Books

https://www.jmsbooksllc.com/ 

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

The lovely Ellie Thomas is back on the blog! This time she’s here to tell us a little about her latest release, An Uncommon Alignment. Welcome, Ellie!

Thank you, lovely Ofelia, for having me as a guest on your blog again. I’m Ellie, I write Historical Romance novellas, and I’m here today to chat about my new release, An Uncommon Alignment. This is the third novella in my Regency MMM series, An Unlikely Alliance.

The first two stories, An Unlikely Alliance and An Increasing Entanglement, chart the passionate meeting of my threesome, Clem, Abe and Humphrey and how they band together in the face of a dangerous enemy. By the third and final story, An Uncommon Alignment, the emphasis shifts to focus on emotions to help my trio to reach their Happy Ever After.

Humphrey Atkinson, the gentleman of my threesome, is the most closeted of the men. In the previous two novellas, he starts to come to terms with his sexuality, encouraged by the more experienced Abe and Clem. Being a modest sort of chap, Humphrey spends these two stories feeling torn between not being able to believe his luck and undeserving of the burgeoning bond with Abe and Clem.

At least outwardly, by the third story, Humphrey is the most unchanged of by three characters. He doesn’t need to work and lives a comfortable existence in Bloomsbury’s Red Lion Square with his adoring aunt, making himself useful in her household. But inwardly, Humphrey is gaining confidence as his relationship with Clem and Abe progresses.

He is an invaluable support to Abe during Clem’s abduction in An Increasing Entanglement and by halfway through An Uncommon Alignment, he has the self-belief to stand up to Abe when he thinks he’s made a poor decision that affects Clem directly.

Humphrey might be less glamorous and colourful than his lovers, but it’s exactly that sense of steadiness and a solid moral compass that both men rely on increasingly. Humphrey is far too humble to admit that his instincts are rarely wrong. Humphrey’s honesty and consideration to others is his quiet superpower! And at last, he finds two special men to appreciate his sterling qualities for the foreseeable future.

Blurb:

After the adventures of the spring of 1808 in Regency London, while beginning to fall in love, Clem Metcalfe, Abe Pengelly and Humphrey Atkinson have the entire summer to consolidate their romantic relationship.

 But change is already afoot. Abe has distanced himself from his criminal past, now gainfully employed at the military headquarters of Horse Guards, sifting through valuable information to further the cause of the long war against France. 

Humphrey, at the whim of his beloved Aunt Cece, might have to depart from London and his lovers for the countryside together with the rest of high society.

 And Clem is studying hard for his longed-for reinstatement at Oxford University in the autumn, which will inevitably mean leaving his lovers at a distance.

 While the trio juggles their everyday routines, a shadow from the past reappears to threaten their harmony.

Can Clem, Abe and Humphrey thwart their mutual enemy for good? And might they finally have a chance to reach their happy ever after?

Excerpt:

Humphrey stripped down to his exercise breeches and hurried through to the main room of the gymnasium to find Abe already in the ring, wearing Humphrey’s spare pair of breeches, trying on a pair of mufflers or boxing gloves.

If Humphrey was awed by Abe when clad in evening dress, he was rendered speechless at the sight of his lover clad only in slim-fitting breeches, stockings and pumps, revealing the bronze skin that Humphrey loved to kiss and touch.

Humphrey admired Abe’s back view, with his thickly muscled shoulders, tapering to his trim waist. The breeches were like a second skin against his taut backside and thick thighs, the power of which Humphrey recalled too clearly for comfort for his equally brief clothing.

Humphrey was only dimly aware of another thick-set man entering the ring. With a final word of advice to Abe, Elias came to stand beside Humphrey. 

“I wanted to gauge Mr. Pengelly’s measure,” he said, giving a nod to both men who were awaiting his signal. 

They circled each other warily, neither of them keen to rush headlong into an exchange of blows. For such a big man, Abe was surprisingly light on his feet. As an amateur pugilist, Humphrey admired Abe’s deft, instinctive footwork that kept him out of reach of the other man’s fists. Clem would say he’s had enough practice running away from constables and night watchmen, Humphrey thought with an irreverent grin. 

He approved of Abe’s basic tactics and that luscious physicality on full display, but at the same time, Humphrey was aware that this was a fresh aspect to his man.

There was no sign of the tender and passionate lover who reduced Humphrey and Clem to paroxysms of ecstasy, nor the domestic side of Abe in the role of a dutiful son, always respectful of his beloved mama. Or even the shrewd operator who had got the better of Farquarson, plotting to beard him in his den to acquire Clem’s references, and now using similar skills to protect his nation.

The version of Abe that Humphrey saw in the ring was a watchful hunter, bristling with aggression and honed instinct. Despite his better instincts, Humphrey was secretly thrilled by this display. 

Abe shifted away from his opponent’s first approach, an easy parry to test Abe’s agility. The next move from his sparring partner was more disciplined and calculated. Abe sidestepped the blow as neatly as a cat, planting a jab to the man’s ribs.

At this signal, the more experienced fighter acknowledged that this was no soft-living gentleman who required gentle handling.

The fight began in earnest, both opponents seeming to take grim pleasure in each other’s well-matched strength. Despite his lover’s commitment to proceedings, Humphrey had the distinct impression that Abe was holding back. In a different place and in other circumstances, he could have made mincemeat of his opponent.

However, Abe seemed content to abide with the rules in these civilised surroundings, or at least picking them up swiftly as the fight progressed. After an exchange of blows, with honours even on both sides, the two men were locked in a pugilistic embrace with no clear outcome.

“Enough,” Elias called, clearly satisfied with the short exhibition. The fighters disengaged immediately. The sparring partner opponent clapped Abe on the shoulder in evident approval, saying something that made Abe grin.

The trainer beckoned imperiously to Abe. 

Humphrey had a close view of Abe’s half-naked body, his torso gleaming with perspiration, his massive chest heaving with exertion. 

“You know the basics, anyway,” Elias said with satisfaction.

“You’ll find I’m a quick learner when I put my mind to something.”

Book links:

Publisher :: 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: @elliethomas.bsky.social

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

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