Patron

by C.B. Lewis

Theodore Wentworth, who possesses little more than a sharp and well-educated mind, is trying to solicit a sponsor for his studies of Greek antiquity by performing recitations at gatherings of collectors. Desperate for luck and better skills in oratory, in jest, he places a coin at the feet of a statue of Hermes. It seems like coincidence when his fortune turns and a gentleman calling himself Alexander becomes his benefactor. Despite his friend John teasing him about it, Theodore continues to offer tokens to Hermes and sinks himself into his study of the classics.

Alexander encourages Theodore’s interest, prompting Theodore to face desires he tried to put aside years before. As Theodore embraces the knowledge, he must also resist his attraction to Alexander—knowing his feelings are a serious crime in Victorian England.

But the secret Alexander keeps will change everything in a love story for the ages, steeped in taboo, temptation, history, and myth.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, M M Romance, Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Short Stories

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2017

About the author

A book-lover from infancy, C.B. has been writing and telling stories for as long as she can remember. Based in Edinburgh, she has diverse tastes and will quite happily attempt to write any genre, but always come back to history, fantasy, and sci-fi like an old friend. C. B. Lewis is small and Scottish and can often be spotted perched around historical monuments with her notepad and pen. She has been writing and telling tales for almost as long as she can remember, and has a brain that constantly fizzes with an abundance of ideas. If she’s not working on half a dozen things at once, it should be considered a slow day. She loves to travel and just has one continent left to complete her travel bingo card. A lot of the travel has also been research-based, and if pointed at any historical event, she will research it vociferously, just because she can. Normally, she is based in Edinburgh, where she tends toward the hermit-lifestyle, needing nothing but a kettle, a constant supply of tea, and – of course – the internet. There are no cats, no puppies, no significant others, only a lot of ideas, and an awful lot of typing. And occasionally, cake. Never forget the cake.

Reviews

[SheReadsALot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tag Team Release Day Review w/ Sara!

4 HEARTS--Slow and steady wins the race, right?

It would have been enough to part with the smile and a handshake, but Alexander grazed his thumb down the back of Theodore's hand. His eyes never left Theodore's, dark and warm, and then their fingers were slipping apart, and Theodore tried to recall how to breathe.

Well slow burn tends to win for me too. And this author struck the right chords for me yet again.

Patron is a short story based in the historical Victorian period. It stars geeky lawyer, Theodore Wentworth, a man of humble beginnings who worked what he has so far. Though he is a lawyer, his passion is Greek mythology. (Can't say that I blame him because it's a fave subject of mine as well). His passion doesn't bring home any money, nor is he rich. He seeks a sponsor with a love for the Hellenic period. The story starts with Theodore nervous, about to read a text in ancient Greek and he offers a small payment to a statue of the god Hermes. The story slowly shows Theodore in his element, his nervousness and geek chic. Something comes over him as he reads the text to the potential rich patrons. Could it be the man with mesmerizing eyes staring directly at him in the back of the room?

The man who ignites something in Theodore only gives the name of Alexander. If you read the blurb, you can easily figure out the mystery behind Alexander. But... that's the magic of the story. That and the quiet pursuit of Theodore by Alexander. Theodore was slowly plodding along a lonely life, never even dreaming of having a companion due to being gay in that time period and fearing for retribution for loving who he wants to love. He denies himself.

And I think the author captured enough emotions to show the longing in Theodore. He's so afraid. He has a very good friend and his wife for companionship. But the resignation takes a toll, hiding who he is stifles him. Alexander who shares the same interests, the same passion, and possible the same attraction, seems like a dream man.

After that magical night of ancient Greek reading, Alexander begins to creep into Theodore's waking thoughts and dreams. He shows up once in awhile as Theodore's luck is changing for the better. Alexander with his smoldering glances and grazes... *bites lip* Nothing too overt, more sensual and intimate than anything. I think the author aced it with the pauses and touches. Sometimes more can be said when bodies speak for themselves without being extremely obvious.

He locked the door of his small room, and only then did he lift his hand to his cheek where Alexander had touched him. Such a touch was far more intimate than a hand to the shoulder or to the elbow.

I wouldn't suggest this story if you need everything spelled out, filled with sex (there is a sex scene but I've noticed the author doesn't get overly graphic) or need immediate actions. Even though it's a short length, the characters take some time to get to know each other. Or I should say Theodore takes the time to discover something within himself that he never dared dream for.

I'm on the fence with the length of the story. On one hand, it's a little short to give a full picture of Theodore's seduction. And on the other hand, it works because where else could the story go with mysterious Alexander? The pacing starts slow, and the time spent with Theodore's best friend and wife seemed a tad long in points but it did showcase key turning points.

What sold me were smaller moments. JEEZSUS, does this author win in the smaller moments department. You get a touch or a glance between the protagonists and I mini swooned on the inside.

The story is tame, quietly passionate at points and bursting with Greek mythology references. Is there a HEA? I'd like to think so. It's sort of HFN, maybe HEA depending on who you ask. I'm hopeful and still quietly preening from gestures made in Patron. It starts slow and ends with quiet boom.

The last words? Made the entire story.

This story solidified me as a C.B. Lewis fan. I'm anxious for what else is plotting in their mind.



A copy provided for an honest review.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodore Wentworth is a scholar with sharp and educated mind – he studies law but also Greek for his own pleasure. What Theodore is lacking is a wealthy sponsor in order to get an invitation to British Museum’s Reading Room to access original Greek documents.

When he is invited to read Iliad in front of wealthy and renowned scholars, thinking that it will help to gain a little luck, Theodore offers a coin to the statue of Hermes, patron of oratory and good luck. In what seems to be either coincidence or a result of his offering, Theo crosses path with a mysterious Lord who calls himself Alexander – and further interaction with Alexander ignite all those forbidden feelings…

Oh gosh … I adored this little novella. I was really fond of Theodore. I loved his passion towards his study; reading the joy when he is invited to the Reading Room and later on reading the unaltered version of Iliad where he discovers the story between Achilleus and Patroklos.

I loved Theodore’s internal conflict when he realizes that he is attracted to Alexander – which is very dangerous since in the Victorian England around the 1860s this is against the law as well as being prohibited by the Church. And what about his faith? He has asked for help from Hermes and not the Almighty inside the Catholic Church.

Do you know what else I truly loved? The touches. From all of the five senses, reading about touches always puts shivers to my skin. Sometimes those become more meaningful to me than kisses or physical intercourse as sign of intimacy. I crave reading about little touches between two lovers and how C.B. Lewis satisfied me with Patron. The gentle cuff on the cheek, the grazes on the hand, the touches on the thigh …

He lifted his other hand and gently cuffed Theodore’s cheek. Theodore forgot how to breathe. Alexander’s skin was warm against his, and it had been a long time since anyone had touched him with such casual attentiveness.

..

It would have been enough to part with the smile and a handshake, but Alexander grazed his thumb down the back of Theodore’s hand

..

They sat so close now that Theodore could almost count the delicate lines around Alexander’s eyes. It was intimate, far more intimate than two friends attending a play. He hesitated only a moment before laying a hand on Alexander’s thigh.

* SIGH *

This novella also offers a touch of fantasy, and if you love Greek mythology, I think you will like it. The only thing I wish is for the ending to have a little more closure. I mean, I would have loved an epilogue several years down the road to know how Theodore will fare in the future. But maybe it is also because I’m not ready to be separated with Theodore.



A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls



The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in Victorian England circa 1860, Theodore Wentworth studies law but "for my own pleasure, I study Greek. The art, the language, the poetry….” In order to access the British Museum's famed Reading Room where he can read classic Greek literature in the original language, Wentworth needs a wealthy sponsor. An offering placed at the feet of a statue of the Greek god Hermes, patron of oratory and good luck, brings Theodore unexpected luck as well as the attentions of a mysterious black-haired mentor named Alexander.

And when Theodore reads passages bowdlerized from Greek works "of heroes who happened to love and be loved by men" - Achilleus and Patroklos, Gandymede, Apollo and Hycanithus -

It was as if the thought were a spark in a tinderbox, catching on memories long forgotten and desires long smothered. Once kindled, he could not help but look further. He couldn’t explain the strange comfort in seeing a little of himself reflected in such ancient legends, even if the world around him would have roundly condemned both them and him.

This beautifully written short novella shows Theodore's awakening and the realization that Alexander offers him something he only need be brave enough to accept. I loved this unusual unexpected story and definitely recommend it to anyone interested in M/M historicals with a fantasy element. 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review. Review coming shortly to Gay Book Reviews.

[Sara]

4.5 Hearts

Tag Team Review with SRAL!

This was a breath of fresh air. I have an adoration and fascination with mythology of all sorts but Greek was the first I truly was engaged with. It’s always amazing to learn why things are in our modern times – like say the seasons – and have them traced back to mythology (Hades, Demeter and Persephone) which always seems to make perfect sense to me. This book relies on mythology for the ideology of this story and it’s done beautifully.

We meet Theodore Wentworth in Victorian London as he is studying law but has a real love for the Greek Language. Theodore is in need of money and hopes that being asked to do a reading from the Iliad will draw a patron to him so that financial worries will be lessened. As Theodore is waiting in the library, he falls upon a statue of Hermes and decides to lay a shilling at the Gods feet and call out for help. Superstitious or not, Theodore knows there is nothing to lose and as he is called in for the reading it is too late to take back his shilling.

Though Theodore is good with this Greek, he flies through his reading like a rock star and earns the attention of some favorable gentlemen who offer a bit of work. But it’s the dark haired man with the cane that arouses Theodore’s senses in so many ways and they mystery behind this gentleman stirs a long hidden secret of Theodore. With Theodore’s internal dialogue while questioning his curiosity about the gentleman, we get a small glimpse into Theodore’s past and learn about his friend Robert from school whose shared curiosity earned them both a caning across the palms.

I have to say quickly; I truly love that the author gave a confirmed bachelor like Theodore such a wonderful friend in John and made John unconventional for the times. He gets his best friend and knows all about Robert – which in its own way is code for Theodore’s attraction to men - but John is nothing but faithful in his friendship and always tries to do what’s best for Theodore.

Now this short story relies heavily on mythology and some YA fans of The Song of Achilles will enjoy that Theodore gets a chance to read all of The Iliad including the pages he wasn’t taught in school that including Achilles and Patroklus. I sighed as Theodore read and realized that Achilles and Patroklus were more than just friends and how Achilles reacted to Patroklus death made much more sense. It seems odd that a simple friendship would impart revenge over the death of one’s “friend” with such passion. But you get why a lover would revenge the death of his beloved. Now, it has been much debated if these two were lovers but I lean toward the side that they were.

Mythology gives us many instances were men loves men, like I love the idea that Apollo was so in love with Hyacinth, he refused to let Hades take him and instead turned him into a flower from his spilled blood. Mythology has this sort of alpha male deal to it, and I like it but I also like that the Greeks were so fond of love and fornicating that they were open to who it was with…even if you needed to turn into a golden shower or swan to get off.

Okay, I digress but I said I loved mythology. Back to the book.

When the dark haired gentleman from Theodore’s reading calls upon him to dinner, they begin to talk about the hidden texts and what they mean. Theodore is afraid of his feelings toward the now named Alexander and terrified that Alexander may want the same thing. When he lays down a few more offerings to Hermes and they are answered without reservation, it’s time for Theodore to decide if he can accept what is in front of him without prejudice.

Patron truly was a lovely read and special treat for those who favor mythology. I loved the feel of it, how the intimate touches were so whispery and light yet so meaningful. They felt right for the time and while that end felt abrupt – or maybe I just wanted more – but it left this reader satisfied.

[Chris, the Dalek King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly nervous that his reading of the Iliad–in its original language–before a group of wealthy and well-respected men, will be a disaster, Theodore Wentworth places a shilling before the statue of Hermes and asks a rather ridiculous prayer that he will not totally ruin his chances at gaining a patron for his studies. A man who has devoted his life to learning, he does not think Hermes–or any other god, for that matter–will answer…but what could it hurt? When his prayer is answered, though, and his luck seems to turn to gold, he begins to question if perhaps his offering was much more than it seemed. And if he was to ask the god again for his favor, could he possibly gain the eye–and time–of the mysterious Alexander who had begun to confound him in every way possible.

I only have two complaints about this story. The first is that it is not 300 pages longer, and thereby giving me several hours more of this wonderful storytelling. And secondly that it ends one scene too short, depriving me of what I’m sure would have been one of the hottest make-out scenes I’ve ever read. Other than those two things, though, this short story was bloody brilliant.

Coming in at just under 80 pages, this is not a long story, nor one that is overly complicated. But it was a thrilling ride from start to finish. I can not explain how intense the chemistry between these two characters is. They barely even touch for the majority of this story, and yet when they are in the same room…ye gads. I’m surprised things don’t start spontaneously combusting. The scene where they are at the theater and Theodore places his hand on Alexander’s thigh–and only just his thigh–is by far some of the best sexual tension in a story I’ve experienced in the last month. Up to and including books with full-on sex scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and totally recommend it. It may not be long, but it packs one hell of a punch.

4.5 stars


This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely story. Theodore is a great character and I enjoyed reading about him. Theodore is passionate about ancient Greece and Greek mythology and both play a big part in this story. The ending is great. This is short and engaging and imaginative.

[Calathea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So lovely. I needed something like that. :)

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

This was a truly delightful read. While short, Lewis does a respectable job setting the scene sometime in the mid to late nineteenth century. Clothing is fussy, communication is conducted via hand written missives delivered by hand, people ride in hansom carriages, and classes are overt indications of a person’s station in life. Into this background, Theodore, Alexander, and John fit marvelously well.

John is Theodore’s best friend. He is upper class and monied thanks to the overseas ventures of his father—but those ventures grew to include falling in love with a local woman, thus leaving John a curious mix of English and non-English and therefore on the fringe of peerage. These details get worked into the on-page narration smoothly and provide a great reason for upper-class John to befriend lower-class Theodore without bending over backwards. I found this friendship a great way to flesh out Theodore without having to resort to him talking out loud to himself. It is actually through their relationship that we are explicitly told that Theodore is interested in other men.

As for Alexander, the character is used sparing and so maintains a great air of mystery. Given the cover image, I was wondering how he might tie into the Greek themes so strongly prevalent in the story. While I don’t wish to give anything away, I will say that the way Alexander’s specific identity is revealed both satisfied and aggravated the curiosity. That is to say, we know who he is but not why he is. Apart from obviously serving as Theodore’s love interest, I liked that it is Alexander’s suggestions to Theodore on reading material that push Theodore into acknowledging his (Theodore’s) attraction to men. Indeed, Alexander’s suggestion that Theodore read the original Greek Iliad to more closely examine the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was a great theme and interestingly used as a device in the plot itself, too.

Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.

[Morningstar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book & Author: Patron by C.B. Lewis
Rating: 5 stars

I loved this book. I loved how the author crafted this mystery of Alexander. I loved this emotion they put into every word and struggle that Theo was going through. I loved Theo’s best friend, John. I loved Theo. How he saw the antiques, he craved to know more and more about. How written word was his end all be all. How shy and smart and genuine he was.

The writing was truly beautiful with a flow and rhythm that had me never wanting to put it down, never wanting the author to stop telling this story. The tension and build up were perfect. Each crumb dropped, each touch brought to life, each decision given its proper weight. The author was able to show through Theo’s eyes the aristocrats so clearly, their rich high-born man attitude that it felt as though we were learning it from that character.

The whole story is told from Theo’s POV and not once did I feel the need to have it switch. There was one hot as blazes almost sex scene and although I would have LOVED to see the actual deed - because if they were that hot in a dream can you imagine in real life? - the story had this constant sexual tension that it was not less of a story to have not had that climax (pun intended).

For a short story, it was amazing. For any length story, it was amazing. I will definitely be checking out more of this author's work!

*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

For the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aRM

From that review: "Patron by C.B. Lewis was a terrific novelette!  I wasn't expecting to be quite as captivated by Theodore and his mythological lover as I was.  Lewis weaves a tale of increasing mystery, personal exploration, faith and love set within Victorian England. The author lets us know that Theodore has an open mind and heart by giving him a friend (half Indian) that British society of those times looks down upon. John and his wife (a couple I was swift to take to heart) are Theodore's best and perhaps only friends.  John even has knowledge of Theodore's leanings (never acted upon really)  towards men instead of women.    Theodore's life changes one evening when he lays a coin down at the feet of Hermes, wishing for luck and the best speech of his life during a gathering of great and influential men. Theodore emotes brilliantly.  And the story takes off."

For all our reviews, author interviews and such, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing premise and an absolute delight to read. Slow burn with sexual tension, j'adore! but the ending felt a bit ... abrupt ; I wish there was an epilogue.

[K.S. Trenten · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the wide-eyed wonder of discovering magic exists, waiting for one whom truly seeks it with a yearning heart expressed itself within the delicate, intellectual dance within exploring the classics and encountering the embodiment of all the quester desires. A love that dared not speak its name raised questions to Theodore’s lips, even with all of the homophobia of the 19th century looming over him. Classical literature leads him to a wish and someone he can share his questions, ideas, and his heart with. It almost seems too good to be true and it terrifies him, but the embodiment of his wishes is real, yearning to get closer to Theodore as much as Theodore wishes to get close to him.

This book delivered an exquisite burst of fairytale wonder and optimism to an otherwise grim and gloomy time where a secret prayer is heard and answered with steamy, mythic intensity. If you love certain elements of intimacy, nineteenth century literature, the classics, romantic sweetness, and the love that dares not to speak its name, pick this book up.

[Lada · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dull for me. While I knew that it's a historical story where gay men got hanged, I still couldn't curb my impatience with Theo. Instead of empathizing with his troubled situation, I wondered more about Theo's real occupation. Was he a university student studying law? Or was he apprenticing? If he was, when did he go to university or do his apprenticeship?

[Mitya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly enjoyed this. I felt it dragged at points, but the chemistry was perfect. The only thing that really pissed me off and ruined it for me a bit was the way it ended when there was still 6% of the book to go, so I expected an epilogue or something.

[Manlove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read a very. literary. mythological. retelling. Which didn't work nearly as well for me as this. Yay! for our nervous, shy hero and our mysterious, godly other hero. Just a delightful bit of reading that I loved today.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite examples of slow burn UST, followed by a breathtaking ending!

[光彩 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only complaint: it was too short! I wanted it to go on forever.

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to be posted.