In the tradition of Hollinghurst, Baldwin and Bret Easton Ellis
Twelve days. Three couples. One secluded manor house full of explosive secrets.
The grand Silverbourne Manor in Oxfordshire is the perfect setting for a traditional British Christmas, but for six tightly-wound, established men, it's a stage for drama.
Finn wants precision and calm. His boyfriend, Aly, the charming, chaotic former rower, wants him-and isn't afraid to use a little holiday labour and athletic heat to push Finn's strict boundaries. The other two couples are just as complicated, battling old secrets, simmering jealousies, and the memory of their intense past in the competitive world of rowing.
The tension peaks with the arrival of Matt, a handsome Canadian visitor who brings a fresh, unpredictable energy to the house. His presence forces the men to confront the messy reality of their relationships and the delicate balance they've fought so hard to maintain.
This collection of 12 short stories captures every moment of their stay, from discreet, erotic encounters in hidden rooms to public, life-altering breakthroughs, including a dramatic engagement. It's a candid look at love, fidelity, and the profound humour found when you're forced to spend the holidays with the men who know you best.
Will they survive the twelve days with their relationships, and their dignity, intact? Dive into this steamy holiday collection and find out.
A writer and neoclassical composer, Alexander Paul Burton (pen name Bradley Conrad) unifies his work across fiction, philosophy, and music through a sustained focus on migration, identity, and lived experience. His writing ranges from the philosophical to the absurd, drawing on mythological and fantastical frameworks, alongside literary gay romance that prioritises emotional truth and authenticity. His work has been covered in the national press.He is based in Toronto, where he lives with his partner and their corgi. He holds Swiss, Canadian, and British citizenship.Burton is a member of the Authors Guild. His works are catalogued under ISNI 0000 0005 3018 6907 and ORCID 0009-0009-7526-9753.
