A Tricky Situation

by Ellie Thomas

Christopher Holloway lives a comfortable existence in 18th century Bristol as the son of a wealthy merchant. Until, when on a night out with some aristocratic companions, he is set upon by thieves.

His friends don’t come to his rescue, but he is led to safety by a stranger, a working-class man of colour, Edmund Lowe. Although now physically safe, Kit’s sense of danger lingers due to his growing feelings for Edmund. Their mutual attraction forces Kit to question his previous values, causing an inner crisis as Halloween draws near.

Will Kit submit to the demands of family ties and social advancement? Or can he find the courage to follow his true path and choose Edmund?

Genres: Historical

35 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2021

About the author

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.

Reviews

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author doesn’t just write characters, they write couples. This novella is another example of that. Kit and Edmund flow seamlessly into each other, even from their first meeting. I like how Kit grasped at this chance to remove himself from the dissolute lifestyle of his unworthy young companions. That they had breeding and old money did not make them superior to Edmund, a blacksmith’s son and a man of color. He did the right thing in the situation that brought he and Kit together. He didn’t know that his selfless actions caused a seismic shift in Kit’s feelings about social climbing with wastrels at his father’s urging.
The writing is the usual fine narrative of a good story that the author provides. It does end a bit abruptly while I was enjoying some feels from Kit’s thoughts about how he and Edmund will find a way to be together.
It left me wanting more, especially more romance with handsome Ned, like their kisses and a spicy scene under the midnight sky.
The setting for this story was post American Revolution in seaside Bristol, England. The author says that in one of their modern era books Kit will make a reappearance! I’m looking forward as to how he does that. His was a wonderful character and the well written POV.

[Ay · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories are very british and low key, but enjoyable. Also slightly expensive.

[Hannah Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so happy I discovered this little story and this author!

A Tricky Situation is a short novella about a young man trying to live up to his father's expectations, set in a lovingly described 18th century Bristol.

Kit is an enjoyable and relatable character as he discovers himself. Part of that discover is Edmund, a black man of a similar age to Kit. Edmund's father is a blacksmith, a profession which Edmund shares, though with his own twist.

The story is set during All Hallows Eve, and there's just a hint of spooky flavor to it that I adored, especially reading it during October.

Kit and Edmund form a friendship and quickly become lovers. As a short story there's not entirely enough room to lead to a firm HEA for them, but it leaves with the promise that they will find their way together that I found wholly satisfying.

The writing is excellent and the story is well edited, making it that much more enjoyable. This is my first book by this author but it won't be my last! Highly recommended!

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short story about Kit who is newly rich in society and whose father desperately wants him to run with the high society boys his age. However, one night he is nearly set upon by a group of thugs when he is saved by Edmund who is a colored laborer not looked upon highly by Kit's father. However, after giving his father a sit-down one evening on the choice of his friends and their acceptance of him in their social circle, he feels better about his continuing friendship with Edmund.

My biggest complaint on this book was that it was far too short and I would have liked to explore more of the relationship that was building between Kit and Edmund.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely short read that tells an engaging story about friendships, hope and the worrying focus on the levels of society in England in 1785. Kit and his father are newly wealthy but aghast - are considered trade and considered beneath gentry. Kit meets Edmund one night after having been set upon by ruffians. I loved the slow development of their friendship and the sexual awakening that Kit experiences. As always with this author, enjoyed the writing "Knowing that you are a man of honour in all your dealings, I cannot believe for one moment that you have bestowed all this privilege on me only to become the lapdog of titled wastrels.” Titled wastrels!! Perfect description of those useless friends of Kit.

[Stephanie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kit and Edmund, are adorably sweet in this short story. Edmund instantly falls for the recently rescued, Kit.
Nicely written forbidden romance, and Temporarily just enough to give you the feels.
I hope the author decides to expand on this in the very near future. Give the readers a peak into how the couple turned out.



**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story written by Ellie Thomas is a fun slice of historical life about a young man called Christopher that shows not only how he comes to a huge realization about his “fancy” friends but also that he is attracted to men. I greatly enjoyed this sweet story and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes mm historical romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gorgeous short story, I'm so glad I found this author, there's lots more sweet shorts like this for me. A lovely, gentle forbidden romance in a time it was deadly dangerous, Kit is rescued from ruffians by Edmund and the attraction is instant, a lovely read. My only complaint is that it ended too soon, I want to know their future and if it worked out.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher Holloway is saved by a working-class man of colour, Edmund Lowe when he is being set upon by villains. They become friends. It also shows Christopher the true color of his higher class friends. A short well written story. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story set during All Hallows Eve. The author packs a ton in this novella bringing Kit and Edmund's story. It's well written and is an enjoyable read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Patdbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing what a author can pack into so few words abd pages. The story of Kit's journey of enlightenment, meeting Edmund and a friendship, setting a seed. This is and is not a mm love story, though it could be in a second instalment, it's more about breaking free from the confines and needing acceptance in society norns.

[Miss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, but too short read. It seems a waste to start developing such good characters in Edmund and Kit and the relationship between them without giving them a fuller story. I knew it was a short story when I bought and read it and it's well done in the bit it tells, but it just begs for more.