lgbtq, anthologies

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.