Hector has been a dutiful son and prince his whole life until his father orders him to marry. The Trojan was meant for no woman, and when he meets a handsome youth named Anatolius, he is more determined than ever to rule one day with a man at his side. However, after he is betrayed by his brother Paris his fate seems unavoidable. Hector needs all the courage he has learned in battle, and the assistance of a goddess, to win the hand of the man he loves.
This is a gay (MM) romance novel set prior to the events of the Trojan War. It depicts romantic and sexual love between two men in a broadly tolerant society. Hector and Anatolius is the debut novel of British author, Vanessa Mulberry.
EXCERPT
After the meal, Hector drew the lad to him, and they relaxed on the shared kline to talk about their histories and their beliefs. Both drank strong wine, but Hector watched Anatolius carefully, mindful of its dizzying effects.
“Just a little,” he said when Anatolius asked one of the servants for a third cup. “I won’t touch you if you’re sotted, and you will have to wait another day for my attentions.”
Anatolius appeared embarrassed, but when the servant stepped away, he whispered, “Thank you. I don’t want to wait.”
When the conversation lulled, Hector scooped his guest up and carried him from the room. Anatolius put his arm around Hector’s neck and rested his head against the prince’s powerful shoulder. He laughed and said, “I will walk to your bedroom if that is where we are going. I’ll run if you like.”
Hector strengthened his grip, pulling him a little closer. “You may race me there another day, but tonight you go in my arms.”
“Don’t you think you can beat me?”
“It wouldn’t worry me if you did. I carry you because I want it to be known I will be your man tonight. Tomorrow I will follow you to the bed if you wish.” Soon they reached his private apartment. It was a magnificent space: large and airy, with room on one side for cozier entertaining than the andron permitted and a soft bed for afterward. It led onto a terrace, which looked down over the city, and, as the night was warm, the imposing doors to it stood open, their silver casings glowing faintly in the moonlight. The lamps were already lit, illuminating murals dedicated to Eros.
Hector set Anatolius down and saw the lad’s eyes widen as he looked around at the walls. “Gods,” he murmured, “is this a shrine or a bedchamber?”
Hector had worshiped a lot of men in that room, but he didn’t think the pictures so unusual. He reminded himself that Anatolius hadn’t been in as many beds as him.
“Do you want to pray? I don’t usually conduct rituals in the palace, but we can if you like.” Anatolius continued to stare at the walls. Hector saw his eyes rest on an image of two men making love. One was bent over, being penetrated by the other who kissed his back.
“Do you think we should? I want my first time to be pleasurable.”
“You needn’t ask Eros for such a blessing. I will ensure that.”
Vanessa Mulberry lives in England with her husband and daughter. Her achievements are numerous and of no interest to anyone reading this. Her hobbies include cheap alcohol and romance novels. Growing up, Vanessa dreamed of becoming Mr. T, but the position has not yet fallen vacant. She has settled for being a romance novelist instead.
Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Tour Stops 9th May - Bonkers About Books 10th May - Fangirl Moments & My Two Cents, Oh My Shelves 11th May - Molly Lolly, 3 Chicks After Dark 12th May - Foxylutely Books, All in One Place 13th May - Hearts on Fire Reviews 16th May - AM Leibowitz, Because Two Men are Better Than One 17th May - Loving Without Limits, Velvet Panic 18th May - MM Book Escape 19th May - Making It Happen 20th May - My Fiction Nook 23rd May - The Jena Wade, Joyfully Jay 24th May - The Novel Approach 25th May - Drops of Ink, The Purple Rose Tea House 26th May - Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews 27th May - The Land of Make Believe, GGR Review 30th May - Diverse Reader, Prism Book Alliance 31st May - Meg's Blog 1st June - Alpha Book Club 2nd June - TTC Books and More, Mikky's World of Books 3rd June - Bayou Book Junkie
Thank you for taking part xx
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for hosting Vanessa's book.
ReplyDeletelove the excerpt
ReplyDeleteThank you for showcasing this book! I love a good M/M romance, and I haven't read one from this time period yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting.
ReplyDelete