Walking: Wed., 25-Jan. > Sun., 29-Jan.
Here’s a screen shot of my Apple watch workouts that were recorded while walking. My goal is to read walk for at least one solid 30-minute stretch per day. I’ve started turning on a “workout” for additional walks instead of just doing them, so there might be more than one per day.
What I #AmReading…
Gentlemen’s Agreement by Ellie Thomas
I’ve enjoyed the heck out of this entire series, so I jumped on it when I saw this next installment in the Twelve Letter series. Even better, it primarily features Percy, who is my favorite of this lovely ensemble cast of characters.
Although it is fourth in the series, you needn’t worry if you pick up this one before reading the others. The author does a wonderful job covering what happened in prior books but is pertinent to this story, which is also nice for those of us with minds like sieves that might not quite remember all the details without a gentle reminder.
That said, I totally recommend starting with Twelve Letters and continuing on from there. The better to get you invested in the characters since enjoyment of the story isn’t only about not getting lost regarding what’s going on. I’ve enjoyed all the intriguing twists and turns thrown at the ensemble cast, and it’s worth getting the full impact of it all!
I whole-heartedly recommend this book and the entire series!
The Snippets
Snippets chosen for so perfectly/succinctly giving insight into the characters and/or major plot points. Starting with the opening paragraph that so perfectly tells on Percy, I had to use it…
Percy Havilland stood at an upstairs back window of his recently acquired Chelsea abode. He was uncharacteristically absorbed in the outlook rather than admiring his reflection as was his wont.
There was a rap at Percy’s bedroom door and a low murmur from Percy before Araminta declared in robust tones that Nathan would blanch at using with his mercurial lover, “Yes, yes, you look very fine even if you think there is room for further improvement. But if you don’t come downstairs directly so we can start on our way, it will be growing dark before we arrive, and no one will be able to admire you. You wouldn’t want to waste all your efforts, would you?”
“Me?” Jo’s voice rose to a squeak. “Are you certain that the colonel mentioned me by name? I’m bound to be the last person considered fit for subterfuge, as I’d go blundering around like a bull in a china shop. Doesn’t your lot have properly trained agents for this sort of venture?”
Ben glared at Jo in disbelief. “Percy?” He remonstrated. “Unless he’s gazing at his reflection, I wouldn’t grant him any abilities of observation.”
“You’d be surprised at Percy’s powers of perception,” Jo said thoughtfully. “A year ago I would have said you had a fair point, but now he’s…”
As Jo paused to find the correct phrase, Ben could have easily supplied several examples including, become more bearable, less of a pointless popinjay, begun to notice other people exist. He was about to interject witheringly with his favourite, no longer a completely selfish arse, when Jo added, “Mellowed.”
Armand is so popular with the fairer sex and returns that interest and moreover, he listens to ‘em. Female intuition can’t be underestimated in this havey-cavey business. He’s more of a ladies’ man than us.”
“That description would apply to every gentleman present,” Percy countered waspishly, his amused smile taking the sting from his retort.
Gentlemen’s Agreement by Ellie Thomas
GENRE: Gay Historical Erotic Romance
LENGTH: Novella / 29,236 Words / 117 Pages
RATING: 4 Flames
Sequel to Coming of Age
The group of Regency men who meet each Thursday at The Golden Lion in London’s St James’ find their lives become increasingly intertwined during the early autumn of 1815. Now the long wars with France are finally over, Jo Everett and Captain Ben Harding are heavily involved with their charity to assist injured ex-servicemen, as well as encountering personal complications.
Ben’s romantic interest Edward Stephens remains a hundred miles away in Wiltshire, and although Jo and his true love Daniel Walters are in the same city, they are no closer to fulfilling their dream of sharing a home. Reformed brat Percy Havilland has a deluge of relatives and increasingly convoluted family problems to deal with in his new Chelsea abode, distracting him from his older partner Nathan Brooks.
As the gentlemen juggle their feelings and duties, Ben’s former commanding officer involves them in capturing a spy ring that has inveigled the most exclusive ranks of high society. Their remit is to help foil Napoleon’s restoration as Emperor of France before he reaches the remote island of St. Helena and permanent exile.
Can this motley group of Regency men attain their happy ever after with their chosen partners? And as the nefarious treachery plays out in the select ballrooms of Mayfair, might Percy save the day by flirting for England?
Because I highly recommend you read the first three books in this series first (although, as stated above, the author has you covered so you won’t be totally lost if you don’t), here are handy links to those three books:
Twelve Letters
Queer Relations
Coming of Age
About My Walking / #AmReading Posts
I started out with this being a Sunday thing, but sometimes I’d rather not mash multiple books into a single post, so now, you never know when you might see one of these posts.
Rather than give a true “review,” which I’m not entirely comfortable doing as an author myself, I share snippets from books I’ve read and enjoyed, letting the authors’ words speak for themselves.
As you’ve possibly noticed, if you’ve been following along, I highlight snippets for reasons of my own which might veer from what is often seen. Sometimes my highlights have more to do with a paragraph simply impressing the heck out of me for its fabulous writerly technique, other times it has to do with the lovely way it gives subtle insight into the story/characters. Still other times simply because it made me laugh.
Anyway, I sometimes add a little commentary, but not always, which is not in any way, shape, or form, to be taken as unwritten commentary. Most likely it just means I’m short on time and/or context isn’t needed to understand what’s happening, and/or my brain doesn’t feel like putting out the effort in that particular moment.
Happy reading!
I am so thrilled that you are enjoying this series, Addison! Thank you for such a lovely shout out. You have made my day!! ❤️
You’re so welcome! Since discovering your wonderful writing, I look forward to each of your new books and am trying to pace myself as I work through your backlist. ❤️
What amazing encouragement, Addison! You’ve made my month now!! Thank you so very much! ❤️❤️❤️
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