FRIEND FRIDAY: Silvia Violet talks about historical novels and the HEA #gayromance @Silvia_Violet #FriendlyFriday

Today I’m visited by Silvia Violet. I’m absolutely thrilled to host her as she’s one of the very first m/m romance authors I read. If you haven’t already, I’d suggest you check out her Thorne and Dash series because… well, because of Thorne and Dash 🙂 I’m excited to read her latest release, an m/m historical romance.
So, handing it over to Silvia…

HEA in M/M Historical Novels

Thank you Nic for having me as a guest today!
When I started reading romance as a teenager, historicals were all I read. I was a sucker for a hero in period clothing be that a dark-haired, ill-tempered Regency earl, a Victorian businessman, a kilted Highlander, a soldier in the American Civil War, a knight from the Middle Ages, or a dashing Age-of-Sail pirate. My reading tastes expanded into paranormal and suspense, but I still read a large number of historicals. When I first began writing with the intention of making a career of it, I wrote A Carnal Agreement, an m/f Regency romance, which I’ve recently re-released.
I went on to write three Regencies in my first years as a writer but when I discovered m/m romance, I shied away from m/m historicals. For me, the one characteristic that is non-negotiable as a romance writer and reader is an HEA. (Happily Ever After). Since LBGT+ persons in past eras couldn’t have what most readers of today think of as an HEA—a committed relationship the characters don’t have to hide and often, marriage—I had a hard time imaging how a historical m/m story could have a satisfying ending. I was wrong. So wrong.
I was finally convinced to try historical m/m after hearing people talk about how great Widdershins (Whyborne and Griffin Book 1) by Jordan Hawke was. I loved it and quickly devoured the other books in the series which were out at the time. From there I discovered KJ Charles’s Magpie Lord series and then her Society of Gentleman. After that, I was thoroughly convinced. Historical m/m was amazing and there were plenty of ways to give characters a satisfying ending, though the HEA looks different from contemporary ones.
Having had this revelation, I made notes on a few ideas for m/m Regencies that may yet come to fruition, but it was my obsession with the musical Hamilton and my subsequent tumble down the rabbit hole of reading about the American Revolution that led to my first historical m/m story, Revolutionary Temptation, which I just released on January 17. You can read an excerpt below.

Revolutionary Temptation

1777 New York City
The American colonists are fighting for their independence, but the battlefield is not the only place to wage war. When General Washington’s head of intelligence asks Captain Jack West to spy on the British in New York, Jack agrees, despite reservations about this ungentlemanly pursuit.
Jack’s contact in the city recruits bookshop owner Elias Ashfield, an impeccably dressed sensualist who flaunts his desire for both men and women and seeks a place in high society. Jack longs for a simple life guided by clear principles. Eli is a risk-taker who knows how to get what he wants. And he wants Jack in his bed.
Events in Jack’s past have made him fearful of acting on his secret craving for a man’s touch, but Eli intrigues Jack as much as he infuriates him. As Jack and Eli search for the information the rebel army needs, they realize there’s more between them than mere lust. But finding a way to be together may prove more difficult than defeating the British Empire.

Buy Links:

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It will also be at Barnes and Noble and PayHip.

Excerpt:

When Eli had nearly reached his destination, he saw Mrs. Sullivan talking with Major Bradford, who’d been in his shop several times, the officer’s sister, and a very attractive young man Eli didn’t recognize. Eli wanted to know who he was: her lover, a relative, his next conquest?
He was debating crossing the street to put himself into their path when Mrs. Sullivan turned and noticed him. “Good day, Mr. Ashfield,” she called.
He crossed to join them, admonishing himself not to be too forward. He must wait for her to introduce him to her beautiful companion.
“Mr. Ashfield, what a pleasure.”
“My day is brightened by this lucky coincidence.”
“You are such a charmer, Mr. Ashfield. Are you acquainted with Major Bradford?”
Eli and the major nodded to one another. “Yes, the major and I have a mutual love of books.” Eli couldn’t help but notice that the major was watching Mrs. Sullivan with considerable interest, as most men did, though not the attractive stranger who accompanied them.
“Have you also met his sister, Miss Bradford?”
“I am fortunate to have had that pleasure.” Eli bowed to the lady. “I am your servant, madam.”
She turned to her other companion. “This is my cousin, Mr. West. He is staying with me while recovering from an injury.”
“Mr. West, I am most pleased to meet you.” Eli inclined his head and smiled at the man. For just a second before he concealed it, Mr. West’s eyes had widened. He’d noticed Eli sizing him up. Eli was willing to bet he was a fellow backgammon player.
Between the intriguing woman herself, the puzzle of her entry into his shop, and her alluring friend, an evening at her home would prove the best diversion Eli’d had since moving to the city.
“The pleasure is mine.” Mr. West bowed, and as he rose, Eli made a point of giving Mr. West a slow once-over.
He was taking a risk, being more obvious in his regard than he should, but he wanted Mr. West to know how very interested he was in furthering their acquaintance.
Color rose in the man’s face. Good. He’d noticed.
“I hope you’re enjoying your stay in New York.”
“W-why yes, I am.” He was flustered. Eli liked that. A lot.
“Were you headed to your shop?” Mrs. Sullivan asked.
“Yes, madam. I must ready it for the day.”
Mrs. Sullivan turned to her cousin. “Are you a reader, Mr. West?”
“Not much of one, I confess.”
“Then I must make it my mission to change you,” Eli said.
Mrs. Sullivan gave Mr. West a pointed look.
“I suppose I might find something to enjoy while I’m recuperating.”
“Precisely.” Mrs. Sullivan turned to Eli. “Pick out something you think would appeal to Mr. West, and place it on my account.”
“There’s no need to do that,” Mr. West said.
Mrs. Sullivan waved a hand. “I’m only too glad to provide you with entertainment while you’re here.”
Her tone was quite knowing. What was she about? Were they lovers as well as cousins? Eli wouldn’t mind having them both. At the same time. “I’d be delighted to do so. I believe I know just the thing, a favorite of mine.”
“Excellent,” she said. “That’s settled, then. Miss Bradford, have you seen the newest creation at Harper’s Millinery?”
Miss Bradford’s face lit up. “No, madam. I have not.”
“Then we shall all walk that way. I have it in mind not to return home without a new hat and a pair of gloves to match.”
“Good day,” Eli said. “And good luck to you ladies.”
“Thank you, sir,” Mrs. Sullivan responded. Miss Bradford gave him a shy smile.
 
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About Silvia Violet

Silvia Violet writes fun, sexy stories that will leave you smiling and satisfied. She has a thing for characters who are in need of comfort and enjoys helping them surrender to love even when they doubt it exists. Silvia’s stories include sizzling contemporaries, paranormals, and historicals. When she needs a break from listening to the voices in her head, she spends time baking, taking long walks, and curling up with her favorite books.
 
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