A Touch of Spice

By Ellie Thomas

Sequel to The Spice of Life

In the spring of 1573, Gregory Fletcher is a happy man, set to move into the spice shop on London’s Ludgate Hill with his true love Jehan Zanini, who he spared from being condemned as a thief the year before.

But Gregory’s kind inclinations to help others in need tend to thwart the couple from fulfilling their dreams as Gregory delays living with Jehan to assist his adoptive family in a crisis.

Then William Anstell, their friend and the cause and saviour of Jehan’s previous problems, gets amorously involved with an unscrupulous tavern server and relies on Gregory and Jehan to resolve his embarrassing mess.

Can the lovers finally put aside all the distractions and other people’s problems to find lasting happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: Mar 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9781685503802

Book preview

A Touch of Spice

By Ellie Thomas

Published by JMS Books LLC

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2023 Ellie Thomas

ISBN 9781685503802

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

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No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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A Touch of Spice

By Ellie Thomas

Chapter 1

London, Spring 1573

Gregory thought he could never tire of the sensations he encountered in the spice emporium. The scents soothed and intrigued him, his attuned senses picking out the citrus tang of green ginger, the comforting sweetness of almonds, and the soothing waft of lavender amongst the rich mélange.

He willingly admitted that the most intriguing and heady aspect of the premises was the merchant, grinding spices at his workbench, dark head bowed, strong slender fingers busy at their work. Especially in that thrilling moment when he looked up, expecting a customer but finding Gregory instead. His expression switched from polite enquiry to an unabashed delight that was more enticing than his expensive wares.

Gregory, the merchant said. Are you here to buy or simply to look? He grinned before coming around the counter to greet his visitor with a kiss, a common custom between friends and family. However, the embrace lingered agreeably, delivered with more than casual enthusiasm.

Since I mentioned I was coming here, Mistress Cecily asked for some nutmeg, so you won’t need to throw me out for cluttering up your shop without sampling the wares.

Jehan’s grin widened. Pour us some ale from the jug, he nodded his head towards the back of the shop. By then, I’ll have finished my task and can tarry a while.

He was true to his word. Almost as soon as Gregory had poured a tankard apiece of small ale in the storeroom, Jehan joined him. He stood in the doorway to observe the shop entrance in case any rogues or cozeners thought to take advantage of the seemingly unattended treasure trove.

This allowed Gregory to admire Jehan’s profile. He