Hello, Delilah! Thank you for inviting me here today to discuss my new short story in a great anthology!
This anthology is, obviously, about rakes. Moreover, it’s historical. The time period is much broader than the last two anthologies I’ve partaken in — those were Jane Austen-inspired and therefore narrowed to the Regency period. This time, we had free rein as long as the period was “historical.” (The top was WWII, although I don’t know if anyone went that recent…)
For me, I was drawn back to the Regency period. I’d written two Jane Austen-inspired short stories — An Uncommon Gentleman and A Sensible Gentleman. One was based on Austen’s novel Persuasion, and one was based on her book Sense and Sensibility. I had a blast writing those, stepping outside the mold to write queer stories with Black protagonists. For this third historical short story, I wanted to stick close to home literally. I situated the lead characters as being near the moors and a short distance from the couple in my first story. Again, I made it interracial, super steamy, and with a bit of angst.
Henry returns from Waterloo a wounded man. He left England with a reputation as a rake, and in a pique when Napoleon first appeared on the scene. Henry fought his way across Europe with distinction. In the meantime, most of his family has died and, as the spare, he’s left to run his vast estate.
A childhood friend, Percy, steps up to be his valet. There has always been a gap in their stations, but they soon rediscover their friendship, which quickly blossoms into something more. A Wounded Gentleman is a steamy interracial gay short story. It’s double the length of my previous two stories and, let me tell you, my historical beta reader had her work cut out for her to whip my story into shape. I swore, after this project, that I would never write another historical novel again! (Right up until I signed up for the next project — a novella).
I hadn’t planned for a trilogy, but when I signed up for the third historical, it only made sense — in my mind at least. My epilogue is lovely for those who are only reading this story, but a treat for those who’ve read all three. I had fun with this project and will endeavor to do something historical next year. (My readers are asking for it — and they want longer. My beta reader is happy, so off we go…)
That’s it, Delilah. That’s the story! Thanks for letting me visit today.
Contest: I would love to give away an e-book of my first two stories and an audiobook of A Sensible Gentleman. To win, just leave a comment. Do you read historicals? Is there a particular time period? Something you know you won’t touch? Let me know. Random will choose the winners. Good luck!
Romancing a Rake Romance Anthology
They’ve lived in the shadows of scandal, but love has a way of rewriting the past.
In this historical romance, experience the passion, heartbreak, and ultimate redemption of notorious rakes who dare to risk it all for the women who change their lives forever. From glittering ballrooms to moonlit gardens, each story is a tantalizing journey of love, second chances, and the power of forgiveness.
In the world of the Ton, reputations may be ruined, but these daring heroes prove that redemption—and true love—are never out of reach.
Perfect for fans of second chances and bad boys with hearts of gold, this anthology delivers swoon-worthy tales that will keep you reading long into the night.
Authors:
Kelsey Swanson
Freya Theadore
Mihwa Lee
Gabbi Grey
Kathleen Ryder
Ginny B. Moore
Melissa Kendall
Emma Brady
Alivia Fleur
Sharon Michalove
Carrie DiRisio
Heather Scarlett
Lisabel Chretien
Tasha Blythe
Alexa Santi
Steffy Smith
Eliana Piers
Kat Sterling
Sherri Lupton Hollister
Olivia Huxley
A.T. Abbott
Tanya Wilde
Giovanna Siniscalchi
Ramona Elmes
Christina Diane**The anthology will only be available for a limited time.
Links:
Universal Link: https://books2read.com/tnrc2025romancingtherake
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Romancing-Rake-Historical-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B0DGFKRJ58
Add it to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218652702-romancing-the-rake
“A Wounded Gentleman” by Gabbi Grey
from Romancing the Rake
Henry
I’ve returned home from the war in France one-armed and defeated. While I was fighting at Waterloo, my father, brother, and sister-in-law all died, leaving me alone to raise my baby niece. I’m a broken man, and this new battle feels impossible to win. Only the assistance of my valet Percy, who refuses to leave my employ, offers me any hope.
Percy
My feelings for Henry are even more intense now than when we kissed all those years ago. Since those carefree days, I’ve put aside my feelings for him, and I’m now acting as his missing right arm. I take care of his needs, and his niece’s, while suppressing my own. As our intimacy grows, I can’t help but wonder if he might return my affections after all. But our respective ranks and the dangers for men of our kind form an impenetrable wall between us.
A Wounded Gentleman is a 17k Regency gay romance short story set in Jane Austen’s Persuasion world about a valet in love with the lord who is seeking redemption after being a rake.
About Gabbi Grey
USA Today Bestselling author Gabbi Grey lives in beautiful British Columbia where her fur baby chin-poo keeps her safe from the nasty neighborhood squirrels. Working for the government by day, she spends her early mornings writing contemporary, gay, sweet, and dark erotic BDSM romances. While she firmly believes in happy endings, she also believes in making her characters suffer before finding their true love. She also writes m/f romances as Gabbi Black and Gabbi Powell.
Personal links:
Website: https://gabbigrey.com/
Newsletter sign-up: https://sendfox.com/gabbigrey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorgabbigrey/
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gabbi-grey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15456297.Gabbi_Grey
Amazon Author Central: https://www.amazon.com/Gabbi-Grey/e/B07SJVFX1M
Audible Profile: https://www.audible.com/author/Gabbi-Grey/B07SJVFX1M
Facebook (page): https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGabbiGrey
