Rainbow Snippets is Feeling Shakespearean

Posting early today, because I’m off to London’s Globe Theatre to celebrate a friend’s birthday. We’re going to see Much Ado About Nothing (as groundlings – wish me fair weather!)

And with uncanny timing, the second of my Shamwell Tales, Played!, which is based around an am-dram production of another of the Bard’s comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is out in audiobook today. So here’s a snippet from Played! – here, Tristan is attempting to woo a reluctant Con as they rehearse a scene from Dream in which Con’s character, Bottom, has been turned into an ass (it’s all high-brow stuff, this Shakespeare) and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, has been enchanted by a mischievous sprite to fall in love with him. Tristan speaks first:

“You, dear boy, are about to be seduced by a fairy. Are you ready?”

“Uh . . .”

“I’ll be the fairy. ‘Come, sit thee down upon this flowery bed.’” Tristan patted the sofa impatiently until Con perched upon the edge like a very large, very nervous bird preparing to take flight. Beaming, Tristan continued with both words and actions. “‘While I thy amiable cheeks do coy, and stick musk-roses in thy sleek smooth head, and kiss thy fair large ears, my gentle joy.’”

Con swallowed audibly. “Uh, that was my real ear you just kissed.”

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Don’t forget to check out the rainbow snippets Facebook group for more little excerpts from a whole host of talented authors.

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Played! – #2 in The Shamwell Tales

All the world’s a stage . . . but life doesn’t come with a script.

Posh boy Tristan Goldsmith has one last summer of freedom before he joins the family firm in New York—no more farting around on stage, as his father puts it. But the classically trained actor can’t resist when the Shamwell Amateur Dramatics Society begs him to take a leading role in their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As an added incentive, he’ll be giving private acting lessons to a gorgeous local handyman who’s been curiously resistant to Tristan’s advances.

As a late-diagnosed dyslexic still struggling with literacy, Con Izzard’s never dared to act before. With arrogant yet charming Tristan helping him with his lines, he finally has his chance to shine. But Con’s determined not to start a romance with a man he’s convinced only wants a casual fling.

Tristan’s never been one to back down from a challenge, especially when he realises his attraction to the tall, muscular handyman isn’t just physical. Just as he thinks he’s finally won Con’s heart—and given his own in return—disaster strikes with a slip of the tongue that shatters Con’s trust and sends him running for cover. This show may be over before the curtain’s even opened.

Now available in audiobook: Amazon | Audible

About jlmerrow

JL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne. She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Find JL Merrow online at: www.jlmerrow.com

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