Florence, 1875 After making a grisly discovery one night, I needed proof that there was still goodness in the world. I never dreamt it would come to me during my next commission—with a subject whose very name means light... Yuri was glorious in his otherworldly beauty, surrounded by a bright halo of iridescence, but I detected a fierce darkness lurking underneath the surface. Sketching all night, I could hardly wait to capture his likeness in a painting. For Yuri has stimulated not only my creative urges, but my sexual ones as well. His very presence infuses me with joy and passion, but what will happen if my patron should discover our trysts? Dependent on his good graces, I can't afford to lose his support. But I fear the time will soon come when I must choose between restoring my family's fortunes and obeying the temptation of the muse before me...
Author
Born in Essex, England in 1959, Erastes attended Southend High School for Girls. Erastes is the penname of a female author who lives in Norfolk, UK. She drew her inspiration to write historical fiction from works such as Gaywyck by Vincent Virga and the novels of Mary Renault. Erastes was the Director of the Erotic Authors Association for two years and is an active member of the Historical Novel Society. She is the moderator of Speak Its Name, an influential blog dedicated to gay historical fiction. Erastes has been writing since 2003, and details of all her books and short stories can be found on her website. Her second novel, "Transgressions," was one of the flagship releases by Running Press in their M/M Historical Romance line which is being marketed directly at the existing romance market and was shortlisted for a Lambda award in 2010. Her releases for 2011 are: Mere Mortals - Lethe Press in April Muffled Drum - Carina Press in July Junction X - Cheyenne Press in November Erastes is represented by The Schiavone Literary Agency, Inc. Bibilography Novels/Novellas Mere Mortals - to be published by Lethe Press in March 2011 Muffled Drum - to be published by Carina Press in July 2011 Tributary - published in Last Gasp by Noble Romance Publishing (novella) Transgressions - published by Perseus Books (novel) Frost Fair - published by Cheyenne Publishing(novella) Hard & Fast - published in "Speak Its Name" by Cheyenne Publishing (novella) Chiaroscuro - published in "Night Moves" by Aspen Mountain Press December 2007 (novella) Standish - published by PD Publishing November 2006 (novel) Short Stories Right Hand Man - published in Unmasked II, more erotic tales of gay superheroes by STARbooks. Whatever the Risk - published in the Queer Dimensions anthology by Queered Fiction The Snow Queen - published in the I DO anthology by MLR Press If you can't stand the Heat - to be published by Cleis press Drug Colours - published by Lethe Press in "Best Gay Short Stories" Show Don't Tell - published in MEN Magazine March 2008 Fire & Ice - published by Cleis Press in their Erotic Alphabet series "J is for Jealousy" Lifeline - published in Alyson Book's "Cruising" anthology Drug Colours - published in Cleis Press' "Where the Boys are: Urban Gay Migrations" Anthology Ribinks - published by The Drabbler The Bird - published in Alyson's "Fast Balls" Baseball Anthology Matelotage - published in Alyson's "Treasure Trails" Pirate Anthology Lucky - published in "Love in a Lock up" by Starbooks In the Dark - published in "Ultimate Gay Erotica 2007" by Alyson Books Ten Kisses - published in "Connections" by Iris Print My Best Customer - published in "Travelrotica" by Alyson Books Petard - published by Clean Sheets His Story Teller - runner up in Torquere Press' "Do it yourself" competition Bright Souls - published by Alyson Books in Ultimate Gay Erotica 2005 Sin of the Tongue - published by Torquere Press Lifeline - published by Torquere Press Bright Souls published by Torquere Press
