What do you think?
Rate this book
Tea and Crumpet
Raise your rainbow umbrellas high and celebrate!
Enjoy this enchanting, entertaining and thought-provoking collection, a heartfelt expression of what it means to be queer in Britain, past and present. All these stories reflect the iconic sights and national character of the British a taste of our idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, but also an unashamed representation of the love, loyalty and laughter of our people.
Including a wide range of style and subject, this is the perfect way to sample different authors and to find both existing and new favourites. Follow the British way of life from historic villages to modern cities, from the countryside to the sea, through history and with a fantasy twist, in gardens, churches, campus and the familiar, much-loved local pub.
The stories cover universal themes of romance, desire, remembrance and reconciliation. The authors range from multi-published to up-and-coming, and they all share a passion for their characters, whether through great drama, erotic excitement, humour -- or a combination of all three!
Contributors Alex Beecroft, Jennie Caldwell, Stevie Carroll, Charlie Cochrane, Lucy Felthouse, Elin Gregory, Mara Ismine, Clare London, Anna Marie May, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, Zahra Owens, Jay Rookwood, Chris Smith, Stevie Woods, Lisa Worrall, and Serena Yates. Edited UK MAT (UK Meet Acquisitions Team).
This anthology is a souvenir of the 2011 UK Meet, an occasion for GLBTQ supporters to get together in a relaxed setting to celebrate and chat about the fiction community they love. Funds from the sale of this anthology will go towards future UK Meets, to which all are welcome. Please visit the website for details, or contact UK MAT through the publisher.
Enjoy this enchanting, entertaining and thought-provoking collection, a heartfelt expression of what it means to be queer in Britain, past and present. All these stories reflect the iconic sights and national character of the British a taste of our idiosyncrasies and eccentricities, but also an unashamed representation of the love, loyalty and laughter of our people.
Including a wide range of style and subject, this is the perfect way to sample different authors and to find both existing and new favourites. Follow the British way of life from historic villages to modern cities, from the countryside to the sea, through history and with a fantasy twist, in gardens, churches, campus and the familiar, much-loved local pub.
The stories cover universal themes of romance, desire, remembrance and reconciliation. The authors range from multi-published to up-and-coming, and they all share a passion for their characters, whether through great drama, erotic excitement, humour -- or a combination of all three!
Contributors Alex Beecroft, Jennie Caldwell, Stevie Carroll, Charlie Cochrane, Lucy Felthouse, Elin Gregory, Mara Ismine, Clare London, Anna Marie May, JL Merrow, Josephine Myles, Zahra Owens, Jay Rookwood, Chris Smith, Stevie Woods, Lisa Worrall, and Serena Yates. Edited UK MAT (UK Meet Acquisitions Team).
This anthology is a souvenir of the 2011 UK Meet, an occasion for GLBTQ supporters to get together in a relaxed setting to celebrate and chat about the fiction community they love. Funds from the sale of this anthology will go towards future UK Meets, to which all are welcome. Please visit the website for details, or contact UK MAT through the publisher.
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2011
7 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Josephine Myles
66 books652 followersEnglish through and through, Josephine Myles is addicted to tea and busy cultivating a reputation for eccentricity. She writes gay erotica and romance, but finds the erotica keeps cuddling up to the romance, and the romance keeps corrupting the erotica. She blames her rebellious muse but he never listens to her anyway, no matter how much she threatens him with a big stick. She's beginning to suspect he enjoys it.
***
Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
***
Note to readers: I don't read reviews of my stories on here anymore, as I think they're geared for other readers, not the writers (plus I'm chicken and would rather stick my fingers in my ears going "la-la-la"). If you'd like to let me know what you thought about any of my stories, please PM me or send me an email. I'd be very happy to hear from you :)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 10, 2011
My review is for the other stories in the anthology not mine.
Here are the individual blurbs:
Tea & Crumpet
Heat levels:
* Butter Melting
** Pot Warming
*** Kettle Boiling
Making Camp by Clare London **
Nick’s a dedicated city boy, Max is from the West Country: the chance of a compatible date seems unlikely until Max invites Nick to spend a weekend with him. It’s the chance Nick’s been waiting for, the opportunity to get to know the guy he's been mooning over at work better, up close and personal. Nick just has to cope with the fact it’s got to happen outdoors...
Good Breeding by JL Merrow *
Privileged snob Giles gets the shock of his life when he meets working-class Angie, who gave him up for adoption when he was born—and an even bigger shock when he tells his posh boyfriend the news! Luckily, Giles' best friend Oz is on hand to help him learn that good breeding has nothing to do with who your parents are.
A Naughty Trip by Serena Yates ***
Anton Collins, a shy research librarian, has decided to change his life now that he has met former gay porn star, Scott Black. Following his lover to Scotland to explore the Black family's manuscript collection will be the biggest adventure of his life. Or so he thinks, until he finds out what Scott has planned for their in-flight entertainment...
Beside the Seaside by Lucy Felthouse **
When Ella bumps into Candy outside a tattoo parlour, her head is most definitely turned. With her pierced tongue and mischievous pixie looks, Candy's definitely a cutie and Ella is soon smitten. An offer of a fish and chip lunch seems promising, but it's soon apparent that Candy has an ulterior motive of her own, and it's going to mean more than mushy peas.
Fighting Cocks by Stevie Woods ***
Following his father’s death, Peter is under pressure to shoulder his responsibilities as a local landowner, but all he can think about is being with his friend, Norman. Peter’s mother already considers Norman disreputable--what would she think if she really knew what he was teaching Peter in the hayloft?
The Utterly True History of Guy Alien and the Rise and Fall of His Band X Wing by Stevie Carroll *
Guy Alien. Musical maestro and overlooked genius, or just another super-inflated ego? Two men who used to know him – one who was also Guy's boyfriend – read his biography, and provide their own unique commentary.
Fantasy Man by Jay Rookwood ***
The hot and horny workman: it's a fantasy enjoyed by many a gay man. But when it comes true for Mack, he quickly realises while you can script your fantasies, reality has a life of its own!
On the Pull by Elin Gregory **
Tom Swan, publican of the White Horse, divides his energy fairly equally between beer, the Weston Stanage cricket team and a wistful desire to find someone who shares his enthusiasms. When great rivals Sutton Stanage field ace batsman Hugh May, Tom decides that he might do very nicely. It just remains to be seen which team he plays for.
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall ***
When art student Joe makes the drive to St Mary’s, he finds the listed building is full of artistic wonders, not to mention the beautifully sculpted angel. He might have expected to find an angel in a graveyard...but he could never have predicted meeting Ryan Parker....
Silent Witness by Anna Marie May ***
The Stone Circle has always been a magical place for Liam, not only because the stones were witnesses to his and Davin's first lovemaking.
Now he's come back again—but this time, alone.
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell **
Philip's life is divided between his duties at church and his lonely flat. When an opportunity arises to change that in the guise of a beautiful young man, Philip is torn. Follow his desires or follow his faith?
Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine ***
Working at the local builder’s merchant isn’t exactly glamorous, but Rick is glad to have a job at all. He’d like to have a boyfriend as well, and Steve, the delivery driver, features in a lot of Rick’s hotter thoughts. But how can Rick tell if Steve would be interested in making some of those fantasies into reality?
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith *
Matthew Merryweather, a jobless young graduate, is stuck living with his family in the village of St. Elena's in Cornwall. He's always considered himself straight but now finds himself drawn to Benjamin Smith, a local artist. On the day of the Royal Wedding, while trying to escape the bonhomie of the village fete, he gets to know his neighbour a little better, and comes face to face with Benjamin's indomitable British spirit.
What Katy Did on Holiday by Stevie Carroll **
Moving house and starting her first grown-up job almost seemed like enough excitement for one year, but as the summer holidays draw to a close Katy still has time for one short trip. A chance meeting with her old teacher leads Katy to a woman with bright pink hair, who could make the year to come very exciting indeed.
Riding With Hob by Alex Beecroft *
Mark's used to feeling like he doesn't fit in. But maybe there's a place for him in another world. A place of dancing, and laughter. Contemporary fantasy.
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane **
The impossible has happened. The inseparable Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart have had a parting of the ways. Will the ingenuity of their friends—and a little help from The Bard—help to reunite them?
We'll Always Have Brighton #2 by Zahra Owens ***
Two men, who were once longtime lovers, meet again in Brighton, a place that holds fond memories for them as a couple. . Maybe this time they'll be able to communicate what really matters to them.
Blooming Marvellous by Josephine Myles ***
Respectable businessman James isn't the type who usually ends up on a community service order, but streetwise graffiti artist Ky is more than happy to show him the ropes. Attraction blossoms over the municipal flowerbeds, but what future could there possibly be for two so very different men?
This is a very good mixture of genre, pairings and heat ratings - that does mean that not all stories are going to appeal to everyone, but they are all beautifully written and presented. One of them is set in a town about ten miles from me, as the crow flies, which makes it very attractive to me.
Not surprisingly all of the stories are written in UK English, with UK slang and phrasing, which you don't see very often from most of the authors taking part. We got to talk normal for once!
Here are the individual blurbs:
Tea & Crumpet
Heat levels:
* Butter Melting
** Pot Warming
*** Kettle Boiling
Making Camp by Clare London **
Nick’s a dedicated city boy, Max is from the West Country: the chance of a compatible date seems unlikely until Max invites Nick to spend a weekend with him. It’s the chance Nick’s been waiting for, the opportunity to get to know the guy he's been mooning over at work better, up close and personal. Nick just has to cope with the fact it’s got to happen outdoors...
Good Breeding by JL Merrow *
Privileged snob Giles gets the shock of his life when he meets working-class Angie, who gave him up for adoption when he was born—and an even bigger shock when he tells his posh boyfriend the news! Luckily, Giles' best friend Oz is on hand to help him learn that good breeding has nothing to do with who your parents are.
A Naughty Trip by Serena Yates ***
Anton Collins, a shy research librarian, has decided to change his life now that he has met former gay porn star, Scott Black. Following his lover to Scotland to explore the Black family's manuscript collection will be the biggest adventure of his life. Or so he thinks, until he finds out what Scott has planned for their in-flight entertainment...
Beside the Seaside by Lucy Felthouse **
When Ella bumps into Candy outside a tattoo parlour, her head is most definitely turned. With her pierced tongue and mischievous pixie looks, Candy's definitely a cutie and Ella is soon smitten. An offer of a fish and chip lunch seems promising, but it's soon apparent that Candy has an ulterior motive of her own, and it's going to mean more than mushy peas.
Fighting Cocks by Stevie Woods ***
Following his father’s death, Peter is under pressure to shoulder his responsibilities as a local landowner, but all he can think about is being with his friend, Norman. Peter’s mother already considers Norman disreputable--what would she think if she really knew what he was teaching Peter in the hayloft?
The Utterly True History of Guy Alien and the Rise and Fall of His Band X Wing by Stevie Carroll *
Guy Alien. Musical maestro and overlooked genius, or just another super-inflated ego? Two men who used to know him – one who was also Guy's boyfriend – read his biography, and provide their own unique commentary.
Fantasy Man by Jay Rookwood ***
The hot and horny workman: it's a fantasy enjoyed by many a gay man. But when it comes true for Mack, he quickly realises while you can script your fantasies, reality has a life of its own!
On the Pull by Elin Gregory **
Tom Swan, publican of the White Horse, divides his energy fairly equally between beer, the Weston Stanage cricket team and a wistful desire to find someone who shares his enthusiasms. When great rivals Sutton Stanage field ace batsman Hugh May, Tom decides that he might do very nicely. It just remains to be seen which team he plays for.
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall ***
When art student Joe makes the drive to St Mary’s, he finds the listed building is full of artistic wonders, not to mention the beautifully sculpted angel. He might have expected to find an angel in a graveyard...but he could never have predicted meeting Ryan Parker....
Silent Witness by Anna Marie May ***
The Stone Circle has always been a magical place for Liam, not only because the stones were witnesses to his and Davin's first lovemaking.
Now he's come back again—but this time, alone.
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell **
Philip's life is divided between his duties at church and his lonely flat. When an opportunity arises to change that in the guise of a beautiful young man, Philip is torn. Follow his desires or follow his faith?
Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine ***
Working at the local builder’s merchant isn’t exactly glamorous, but Rick is glad to have a job at all. He’d like to have a boyfriend as well, and Steve, the delivery driver, features in a lot of Rick’s hotter thoughts. But how can Rick tell if Steve would be interested in making some of those fantasies into reality?
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith *
Matthew Merryweather, a jobless young graduate, is stuck living with his family in the village of St. Elena's in Cornwall. He's always considered himself straight but now finds himself drawn to Benjamin Smith, a local artist. On the day of the Royal Wedding, while trying to escape the bonhomie of the village fete, he gets to know his neighbour a little better, and comes face to face with Benjamin's indomitable British spirit.
What Katy Did on Holiday by Stevie Carroll **
Moving house and starting her first grown-up job almost seemed like enough excitement for one year, but as the summer holidays draw to a close Katy still has time for one short trip. A chance meeting with her old teacher leads Katy to a woman with bright pink hair, who could make the year to come very exciting indeed.
Riding With Hob by Alex Beecroft *
Mark's used to feeling like he doesn't fit in. But maybe there's a place for him in another world. A place of dancing, and laughter. Contemporary fantasy.
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane **
The impossible has happened. The inseparable Orlando Coppersmith and Jonty Stewart have had a parting of the ways. Will the ingenuity of their friends—and a little help from The Bard—help to reunite them?
We'll Always Have Brighton #2 by Zahra Owens ***
Two men, who were once longtime lovers, meet again in Brighton, a place that holds fond memories for them as a couple. . Maybe this time they'll be able to communicate what really matters to them.
Blooming Marvellous by Josephine Myles ***
Respectable businessman James isn't the type who usually ends up on a community service order, but streetwise graffiti artist Ky is more than happy to show him the ropes. Attraction blossoms over the municipal flowerbeds, but what future could there possibly be for two so very different men?
This is a very good mixture of genre, pairings and heat ratings - that does mean that not all stories are going to appeal to everyone, but they are all beautifully written and presented. One of them is set in a town about ten miles from me, as the crow flies, which makes it very attractive to me.
Not surprisingly all of the stories are written in UK English, with UK slang and phrasing, which you don't see very often from most of the authors taking part. We got to talk normal for once!
July 22, 2011
This is a great anthology with so many funny and iteresting stories about GLBT characters. I'm not rating my own story, obviously, but I think the sheer variety and diversity of this collection definitely deserves 5 stars. And they're all either set in the UK or closely linked to Britain and British culture, which makes for a linguistically and culturally interesting read.
September 4, 2011
Reviewed by Kerri: When I read an anthology one thing I like to find is diversity and it was definitely found within the pages of this delightful book.
Not all the stories are m/m, but I can say without a doubt that every story is well-written, engaging, and kept me entertained while reading throughout.
I recognized some names more than others, and this was a wonderful opportunity to discover new authors not known to me.
I'd highly recommend giving this one a go. If you're a fan of anthologies, this one will leave you wanting more!
A+
Not all the stories are m/m, but I can say without a doubt that every story is well-written, engaging, and kept me entertained while reading throughout.
I recognized some names more than others, and this was a wonderful opportunity to discover new authors not known to me.
I'd highly recommend giving this one a go. If you're a fan of anthologies, this one will leave you wanting more!
A+
July 2, 2011
I am not rating my own story - this is for the other fabulous stories in the anthology :)
This is a wonderful anthology of short stories of what it means to be gay in Britain today.
I was honored to be involved with this project and the stories cross a wide range. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry and some will have you opening a window cos it's suddenly got hot, hot, hot!
Loved it :)
This is a wonderful anthology of short stories of what it means to be gay in Britain today.
I was honored to be involved with this project and the stories cross a wide range. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry and some will have you opening a window cos it's suddenly got hot, hot, hot!
Loved it :)
July 14, 2011
Very good collection of United Kingdom-themed GLBTQ short stories, from contemporary to paranormal to historical. I was delighted to discover that there was a Cambridge Fellows short from Charlie Cochrane!
October 18, 2015
Fighting Cocks by Stevie Woods - Damn! Wish this had been longer.
On the Pull by Elin Gregory - Gorgeous. Elin Gregory never fails me.
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall - Damn it. Made me cry, even though I was pretty sure I knew where it was going.
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell - New to me author. Enjoyed this.
Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine - cute.
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith - Enjoyed this one immensely. Shame the author only appears to have one other story in a now deducted anthology. *sigh*
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane - I'm sure I've read this before, not that it stopped me enjoying it this time around. Reminds me I need to catch up with the series.
On the Pull by Elin Gregory - Gorgeous. Elin Gregory never fails me.
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall - Damn it. Made me cry, even though I was pretty sure I knew where it was going.
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell - New to me author. Enjoyed this.
Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine - cute.
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith - Enjoyed this one immensely. Shame the author only appears to have one other story in a now deducted anthology. *sigh*
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane - I'm sure I've read this before, not that it stopped me enjoying it this time around. Reminds me I need to catch up with the series.
July 7, 2011
My own story Silent Witness is part of this collection and I am quite happy with my work. I am still fairly new to getting published so every day I am learning news things. Compared to my first novel, Green Lake, I feel I have come quite far which is reflected in this short story.
But having said that, I have read all the other contributions and I've loved them all. Some stories made me smile, laugh like an idiot while others had me in tears. There is a great varity of talent, of stories in this book and I can only recommend it with my full heart.
But having said that, I have read all the other contributions and I've loved them all. Some stories made me smile, laugh like an idiot while others had me in tears. There is a great varity of talent, of stories in this book and I can only recommend it with my full heart.
March 11, 2016
3.5 stars. A nice anthology. I love anthologies in general, and as is usually the case with anthologies, there are some really great stories here and some less good ones. All in all, this is a very pleasant collection. Favourite stories include the ones by Elin Gregory (gorgeous), JL Merrow (classic Merrrow), and Charlie Cochrane (Cambridge Fellows fun).
September 3, 2011
This anthology has something for everyone. All the stories are good...several are absolutely wonderful! Loved the British vernacular...having grown up in Canada, most of it was comfortably familiar!
November 15, 2011
I found this collection of short stories frustrating to read, mainly because most of them were very, very short indeed. To be fair the stories aren't bad, in fact many of them left me panting to know more. I'm not a big fan of short stories as they rarely leave me feeling satisfied, but I was also surprised at how short some of these were.
January 15, 2017
An antholgy of British based stories, 3.5 rating
A wide range of stories, mostly MM, some contemporary, some historic, some sad, some funny, some a bit paranormal - so should be enough to pease everyone.
Stories are quite short so ideal for a quick tea break
A wide range of stories, mostly MM, some contemporary, some historic, some sad, some funny, some a bit paranormal - so should be enough to pease everyone.
Stories are quite short so ideal for a quick tea break
February 5, 2013
Entertaining gay short stories, some quite well written for the genre. Different tones from U.S./Canadian writers - quite enjoyable change and viewpoints. Some of lesser quality, therefore only 3star.
November 8, 2017
Anthologies with short stories are usually not my cup of tea...
This was surprisingly entertaining.
There were one or two stories that didn’t tickle my fancy, but for the better part the stories were smashingly good. Some of them made me want more and I’ll definitely search for other books by those authors. Other stories made me remember old acquaintances and books I might want to re-read.
This was surprisingly entertaining.
There were one or two stories that didn’t tickle my fancy, but for the better part the stories were smashingly good. Some of them made me want more and I’ll definitely search for other books by those authors. Other stories made me remember old acquaintances and books I might want to re-read.
November 8, 2016
2.5 stars
Making Camp by Clare London - 3 stars
Good Breeding by JL Merrow - 1 star
A Naughty Trip by Serena Yates - 2 stars
Beside the Seaside by Lucy Felthouse - 2, 5 stars
Fighting Cocks by Stevie Woods - 3 stars
The Utterly True History of Guy Alien and the Rise and Fall of His Band, X-Wing by Stevie Carroll - 2,5 stars
Fantasy Man by Jay Rookwood - 1 star
On the Pull by Elin Gregory - 3,5 stars
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall. - 3 stars
Silent Witness by Anna Marie May - 1 star
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell - 2 stars
A Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine - 3 stars
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith - 2 stars
What Katy Did on Holiday by Stevie Carroll - 2 stars
Riding with Hob by Alex Beach often - 2,5 stars
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane - 3 stars
We’ll always have Brighton #2 by Zahra Owens - 3 stars
Blooming Marvellous by Josephine Miles - 2 stars.
Making Camp by Clare London - 3 stars
Good Breeding by JL Merrow - 1 star
A Naughty Trip by Serena Yates - 2 stars
Beside the Seaside by Lucy Felthouse - 2, 5 stars
Fighting Cocks by Stevie Woods - 3 stars
The Utterly True History of Guy Alien and the Rise and Fall of His Band, X-Wing by Stevie Carroll - 2,5 stars
Fantasy Man by Jay Rookwood - 1 star
On the Pull by Elin Gregory - 3,5 stars
Frozen Angel by Lisa Worrall. - 3 stars
Silent Witness by Anna Marie May - 1 star
Sweet Temptation by Jennie Caldwell - 2 stars
A Matter of Opinion by Mara Ismine - 3 stars
Jeu d’Esprit by Chris Smith - 2 stars
What Katy Did on Holiday by Stevie Carroll - 2 stars
Riding with Hob by Alex Beach often - 2,5 stars
Bloody Mathematicians by Charlie Cochrane - 3 stars
We’ll always have Brighton #2 by Zahra Owens - 3 stars
Blooming Marvellous by Josephine Miles - 2 stars.
September 28, 2016
This is a collection of 18 very short stories by British GLBTQ writes. 2 of the stories are FF, but they take up less than 10% of the book, and the rest is MM.
Unfortunately all these stories were far too short for me to get any feeling at all for them, really. Some of them showed a smidgeon of promise and they might well have been developed into better, longer stories by the writers, but this was like reading a bunch of synopsises. This is a pity, because I know that several of these authors can write good stories.
The subjects of these stories were very varied, spanning over ages, settings and time periods. Some has HEAs, some HFNs and some ended badly, but unfortunately I didn’t really care.
Unfortunately all these stories were far too short for me to get any feeling at all for them, really. Some of them showed a smidgeon of promise and they might well have been developed into better, longer stories by the writers, but this was like reading a bunch of synopsises. This is a pity, because I know that several of these authors can write good stories.
The subjects of these stories were very varied, spanning over ages, settings and time periods. Some has HEAs, some HFNs and some ended badly, but unfortunately I didn’t really care.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews