All three novellas in the MMM Regency An Unlikely Alliance trilogy by Ellie Thomas are compiled together in this box set.
In these stories, bratty private secretary Clem, semi-criminal hard man Abe, and shy gentleman Humphrey discover that mutual passion leads to romance and even lasting love when they band together to defeat a mutual enemy.
Contains the
An Unlikely Alliance: In Regency London, private secretary Clem encounters shy gentleman Humphrey with satisfying results. From then on, it seems natural to include Abe, Clem’s regular lover, in their frolics. Apart from willing bedfellows, Clem is used to being alone and unsupported. But will the alliance between the three men prove more substantial than mere passing pleasure?
An Increasing Entanglement: Clem, Abe, and Humphrey are struggling to maintain their romantic connection in the hustle and bustle of Regency London. When one of their trio is threatened, will the others dash to his rescue? And might this be the making of their romance?
An Uncommon Alignment: Clem, Abe and Humphrey are spending the summer together, in the hope of consolidating their romance. But amongst the demands of everyday life, an old enemy reappears to threaten their harmony. Can the trio defeat Richard Farquarson for once and all? And might they find a way to remain together forever?
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 MM historical romance.
Ellie also writes historical erotic romance as L. E. Thomas.
A collection of the three books that make up the Unlikely Alliance trilogy, which is perfect since the stories all involve three men. I've previously read and reviewed each story individually so I'm sharing my original reviews below. Thus edition is nice as it has all three books in a single volume. The stories were just as enjoyable the second time around as they were the first time.
An Unlikely Alliance - Oh my heart is so full of happiness and love for this trio of men right now. The way that they all happen to come together, each having their own demons to confront, yet finding comfort in each other, enough to even let their guards down. What happens when they do that, is a love that's truly blessed. It's a shame that they wouldn't have been able to openly express it during the time period the book takes place. But knowing that Lucy supports her son's union with both men, as a throuple, goes to show that even 200 years ago that there were supporters of same sex relationships. Also I loved the description of Abe. Did anyone else get the image of Captain Morgan in their head when Abe was described upon our first meeting of him? That did wonders for my imagination while picturing his scenes in the book. Especially when Abe mentions that he'd wear his coat as part of a scene play in the bedroom. This was one of the racier books that I've read from Ellie Thomas. Yet it was still very tastefully written and didn't go over the top into erotica. I continue to be awed at how she can pen such beautiful stories every time she picks up a pen. I can't wait to read more stories from Ellie and would love to see a reappearance of this throuple again in a future book.
An Increasing Entanglement - While I loved the first book in this series and watching Abe, Clem and Humphrey grow towards a relationship, I was concerned how that could be topped in a second book. This story far exceeded my expectations for this trio and while watching their initial relationship grow deeper and towards love, it also held a fair bit of suspense. A foe from the past reappears and almost destroys one of this threesome which would have devastated the remaining two. His escape was a relief but it was a hard fraught road ahead to recovery. Having his two men nurse him back to health only strengthened the relationship. I love that Lucy and Aunt Cece love these men and welcome them into their homes, even while understanding what their relationships really are. For the times that would have been unheard of, but it goes to show that love comes in all shapes and sizes and from all sorts of people. The ending was well done and left me satisfied for now, but anxious all the same for more of this trio. I happen to know that there is at least one more book planned for this group and can't wait to read more stories involving these men.
An Uncommon Alignment - Another terrific story that's penned so beautifully. This is a slice of life for these three men dealing with their day-to-day over the summer months. They are all moving forward in their lives and it was nice to just read about their on-goings. When Abe decides to study the art of boxing, it comes in handy when they meet up with an old foe. Farquarson is finally dealt with properly in this story, and it was satisfying watching him get his comeuppance after what he did in the prior story. I loved Lucy's comment when asked if Abe killed him. The support of both Lucy and Cece in regards to this trio of men is just superb, especially given the time period this is written in. I love that they are both mother hens and don't take any back talk from anyone, especially the three men. I liked Travers role in this story and feel like he may one day have his own story too. He seems like an interesting character who has something to tell and a love to find of his own. This story has the perfect ending to the summer and leaves the reader with the knowledge that this trio will be happy together long into the future.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I haven't read Ellie's books in a while. This was the right choice to return to. Polar opposites; Clem, Humphrey, and Abe intertwined perfectly. Each providing what the other needs through, love, charm, and creativity.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Clem is struggling, having been the victim of a former employer who used him as a scapegoat. He's very much lost faith in people and has closed himself off. He has an understanding with Abe, a rougeish type who has dealings with the criminal underworld who helped him in his time of need. Clem has been very casual about their encounters but Abe has slowly begun to develop feelings Clem. Clem finds himself in a dalliance Humphrey who seems very taken with Clem. When he introduced to Abe he's also attracted to him. Together the three share an intimate moment. They begin a friendship that soon blossoms into something much more meaningful. As they get to know each other better they soon discover a mutual enemy and suddenly have the means to mete out justice. I loved how sweet Humphrey was and that he was immediately accepting of Clem and Abe.
An Increasing Entanglement
Abe, Clem and Humphrey have tentatively started a relationship in the previous book. This was focused on them exploring and navigating what that looks like with three men. While they all care for one another, they all have jobs, responsibilities and duties that must be taken care of. Abe especially has been neglectful and Clem is feeling quite abandoned and peevish about the situation. While Abe recognizes his fault in the situation, he humbly begs forgiveness which is granted. Clem then finds himself in a dangerous situation with almost disastrous consequences. Unfortunately, Abe once again feels as though it's his fault and pulls away in his fervent desires to bring a certain person to justice. Clem then sets him straight in no uncertain terms and helps him realize just how wrong that type of thinking is. Humphrey is also finally able to realize that he is equally wanted and needed in this relationship.
An Uncommon Alignment
Abe, Clem and Humphrey have overcome some overwhelming odds and are still very much together and in love. Abe, however is feeling somewhat nostalgic about his past. Not for it's dangerous dealings but simply because he feels stifled at his new job, mainly chained to his desk. He misses the freedom of movement and so his boss, Travers suggests that he try some amateur boxing. He really enjoys it but it upsets Clem and brings back terrible memories of his near death scrape. This shows the three of them learning to love, respect and live together. I loved Abe's mom and Humphrey's aunt, they were both such strong, independent woman who loved and supported all three of them fiercely.