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Frost Fair

by Erastes (Goodreads Author)

3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 · rating details · 237 ratings · 34 reviews

"The research behind 'Frost Fair' is impressive indeed...and the depiction of the winter carnival taking place on the frozen Thames is a delight." - Mel Keegan In 1814, the River Thames froze solid in one of the coldest winters on record; tradesmen and society all flocked to the Frost Fair - the last ever to be held on the ice. Against this chilly backdrop, the printer, en...more

Paperback, 170 pages

Published August 1st 2009 by Cheyenne Publishing (first published January 1st 2008)

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Nov 10, 2012 Ilhem rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, m-m

2,5 stars

Frost Fair was an agreeable read at the beginning.
The setting of the story during what I learnt was the last River Thames Frost Fair in 1814 is a pleasant choice. The writing is elegant and precise, giving details without being too descriptive and depicts the atmosphere of these exceptional days in the Londoners’ lives.

Gideon is a young, beautiful printer who is struggling to survive and is mooning over Redfern who is rich, belongs to the ton and is mooning in return over Gideon. Both...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Tracy Rowan added it · review of another edition

First off, I'd like to explain why I am not rating this book. I am very disturbed by the fact that trolls regularly use the rating system to downgrade or pad the overall score of books here, and in spite of requests from authors, Goodreads refuses to deal with the problem. Because of that, I deem the ratings useless and will be omitting them from all my reviews from now on.
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It's surprisingly difficult for me to engage with characters in romances in s...more

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Nov 27, 2010 Gerry Burnie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

“Frost Fair” by noted author ‘Erastes’ (Cheyenne Publishing, 2009) is a love story set against the backdrop of Dickensian London and the frozen Thames River, in 1814. This intriguing setting includes a carnival on ice, described by diarist John Evelyn as a “bacchanalian triumph,” thus completing the atmosphere for a superb, period romance. Moreover, Erastes populates this ‘unique happening’ with a fascinating array of characters: a handsome, honest tradesman; a kindly and loving patron; and a gl...more “Frost Fair” by noted author ‘Erastes’ (Cheyenne Publishing, 2009) is a love story set against the backdrop of Dickensian London and the frozen Thames River, in 1814. This intriguing setting includes a carnival on ice, described by diarist John Evelyn as a “bacchanalian triumph,” thus completing the atmosphere for a superb, period romance. Moreover, Erastes populates this ‘unique happening’ with a fascinating array of characters: a handsome, honest tradesman; a kindly and loving patron; and a glib, wealthy cad.

Fiercely Independent tradesman, Gideon Frost, is a talented lithographer and printer struggling to make ends meet (no pun intended), even if this means occasionally selling his body in the courtyard of the venerable old St. Paul’s Cathedral—an interesting and historically accurate juxtaposition—and the equally intriguing street called “Lad Lane.” Beset by bill collectors, Gideon receives a lucrative commission from a wealthy gentleman-of-leisure, Joshua Redfern, who is secretly enamoured by this beautiful, young artisan. Unknown to Redfern, Gideon is equally smitten by him as well. Meanwhile, as a result of a “Little Ice Age” (c. 1770-1800), the Thames River froze solid to the delight of tradesmen eager to make a pound-or-two—Gideon included. It also attracted the curious of all classes, including one, Finbarr Thouless.

Now, one of the solid pluses of this novela is the well-developed cast of characters, and Finbarr Thouless is no exception. Delightfully ‘slithery,’ he is portrayed as a two-faced, self-centred, foppish cad with a vitriolic vengeful streak. Moreover, given the fact that he exercises considerable sway over Redfern, it does not bode well for him and Gideon. I hasten to add that there is nothing formulaic about this story, for it offers several twists right up to the ending; which is both surprising and gratifying at the same time. That, however, is for the reader to discover for him or herself.

Of particular interest to me, as a writer of historical fiction, is the authentic depiction of the ‘frost fair.’ This rare occurrence first came to my knowledge through Helen Humphries (“Frozen Thames”), who dramatized this phenomenon with colourful vignettes—including accounts of birds falling from the air cocooned in a coating of ice. Therefore, from my point of view a bit more descriptive elaboration would not have gone amiss. However, the story does move along delightfully with no unnecessary dawdling, whatsoever.

Not to be overlooked, either, is the stunning front cover art by Alex Beecroft—herself ‘no slouch’ as a writer. Coincidentally, my next scheduled review will focus on her novel “Captain’s Surrender.”

“Frost Fair” is a definite read for those who enjoy well researched, and well-written historical fiction, romance and a gay perspective.

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Feb 03, 2010 Leslie Nicoll rated it 5 of 5 stars

Before the climate changed, Londoners were occasionally treated to a sporadic festival triggered by the freezing of the Thames River. This was known as the Frost Fair, where merchants hauled their wares onto the surface of the river, and citizens flocked to impromptu markets, drawn by the novelty and beauty of snow and the hastily-assembled stalls offering goods and food to the curious city dwellers. The final Frost Fair lasted four days in February, 1814; it provides the backdrop and opening sc...more Before the climate changed, Londoners were occasionally treated to a sporadic festival triggered by the freezing of the Thames River. This was known as the Frost Fair, where merchants hauled their wares onto the surface of the river, and citizens flocked to impromptu markets, drawn by the novelty and beauty of snow and the hastily-assembled stalls offering goods and food to the curious city dwellers. The final Frost Fair lasted four days in February, 1814; it provides the backdrop and opening scenes for the book of the same name, authored by Erastes.

It is during the month of this unusual fair that readers are introduced to Gideon Frost, a young man struggling to maintain his printing business after his father’s untimely death. With blond hair and blue eyes, he has a fair complexion; he is also fair and honest in his heart and his dealings, although he struggles with some secrets that he harbors in his soul, namely, his amorous desire for one of his clients and his need to occasionally prostitute himself to wealthy men he meets on Lad Lane, in order to make ends meet.

Frost Fair unfolds over the course of a month and in that short time span, Gideon struggles with blackmail, betrayal, and deceit. He also falls in love, finds that love requited, then denied, then found again. All this, in a short novella! It is a satisfying read, in large part because of Erastes’ vivid characterizations and evocative descriptions of the time and place. I could feel the cold snow, hear the “clunk” of Gideon’s printing press, and see in my mind’s eye the locales in which he found himself, from grand homes to dark taverns. Mostly, I could smell the tang of the men who desired Gideon, with their advances both wanted and not.

I have one tiny quibble and it comes near the end: there is a little loose end that is left hanging and it is disconcerting. I imagine the author desired some ambiguity (that seems to be an Erastes’ trademark) and I drew my own conclusions as to what happened. Still, it left a nagging feeling in the back of my mind which is why I comment on it. A wise editor might have pointed this out and it could have been fixed with a sentence or two—and the ambiguity preserved—but it was not. Erastes is a wonderful author and storyteller; this is a matter of craft that is easily repaired. I recently read Standish (by the same author) which I also enjoyed tremendously, but I have to say, I believe that Erastes is maturing as an writer and overall, Frost Fair is more well written. This is exciting because it gives me something to look forward to from this talented author and I hope that small errors such as this disappear completely in her future works.

I read Frost Fair first a few weeks ago and then, in preparation for writing this review, I re-read it yesterday, during an ice storm, which certainly put me in the proper frame of mind to enjoy a story set during one of the coldest winters in London’s history! The story, while cold and bleak in some parts, is warm and hot in others and left me, as a reader, feeling completely fulfilled.(less)

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Feb 25, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

Erastes writes a classical Regency romance with some not so classical elements. First of all, the obvious, the main characters are two men, but the second not so obvious, is that the main characters are not the cream of the ton, or some destitute nobleman, but instead common men, even if wealthy or with a business of their own.

Gideon Frost is a printer, but he has not a thriving business, instead he can hardly arrived at the end of the month. And sometime, to make both ends meet, he "sells" him...more Erastes writes a classical Regency romance with some not so classical elements. First of all, the obvious, the main characters are two men, but the second not so obvious, is that the main characters are not the cream of the ton, or some destitute nobleman, but instead common men, even if wealthy or with a business of their own.

Gideon Frost is a printer, but he has not a thriving business, instead he can hardly arrived at the end of the month. And sometime, to make both ends meet, he "sells" himself to men in searching of a friendly hand or mouth; but he never arrived to sell all of himself, not ever for hunger. In his mind probably Gideon still hopes to find a companion, a man with whom share all of him, as an equal partner, not as a kept boy. Gideon, even if poor and with few chance to be better, is still proud to be a free man, a merchant, yes, maybe not noble, but independent.

Joshua Redfern is a wealthy man. His social status allows him to mingle with the Ton, but he is not like all those nobleman. Joshua has a noble "soul" if not a birth. When he meets Gideon, he has not a lot of interest in the skill of the man as printer, he is more interested in him as a possible lover, but he is reluctant to make clear his intentions, since he had a very bad experience in the past: his former lover, an officer, passed through the martial court and then executed for sodomy. It's not clear if Joshua is reluctant since he fears the clutches of law upon him or Gideon, but in a way or another, he probably would never made a move.

It's Gideon that gives him the chance he is waiting, when stirs up against himself the rage of a nobleman he sexually refused; without a job and support, Gideon accepts the apparently friendly hand of Joshua.

As I said it's a classical plot: the proud but poor hero (in a classical romance it would be an heroine), whose only value is now his beauty, but he refuses to sell it to the best offerer; the wealth man, gentle and caring, who judges himself not worthy of real love, since he is not noble (like only the noblemen are allowed to love...). They are perfect together, but obviously a villain will do all his best to part these starry lovers.

I like the use of the middle class as choice for the main characters, it gives a fresh perspective in a maybe worn plot. Plus in a way, Joshua being a not noble isolates him as much as being gay. Plus, as I said, one wonders why an historical romance always has to have noble characters, almost if all the other level of society didn't exist.

The historical details are obviously very accurate, you can always picture the nineteen century London in which is set the story, and I bet that you can still follow the steps of Gideon around the city still now and seeing the same view he saw. The nice description of the Frost Fair, an impromptu fair held on the frozen Thames, is the same you can see in some prints of the time. I'm not an expert, but I believe that also the details on the gay underworld of that age (where one can find sex, more or less dangerous, more or less expensive) are well researched and refuted.

Frost Fair is a nice romance, a bit less angst and less dark of the previous long novel by Erastes, Standish, and so maybe more cup of tea for a wider audience. Not that I sometime didn't like a good angst romance, but in a way, a Regency romance is expected to be lighter.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0979777321/?...(less)

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Aug 19, 2009 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-fiction

So, it is 1814 and Gideon Frost is almost down to his last sou. While publishing has been reasonably lurative in the past, bad times have beset fair Gideon and he is reduced to the occasional dabble in prositution to make ends meet. But, hark our erstwhile hero, Mr Joshua Redfern, arrives on the scene to rescue sweet Gideon and perhaps divest him of his breeches.

I like historical novels. I do! I love the detail and manners and honor these gents have. The balls (of the dancing kind) and the silly...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Peyrac rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, favorites

This one would have got 5 stars had I not read Junction X within spitting distance. Thus, even though I would rate it higher than so many m/m romances I recently read, it has to be a star less than her superb Junction X...

That said, Erastes has a huge, wonderful talent in re-creating historical settings. She's utterly believable, everything is well-researched and the characters are true to their times. What I love about her is her refusal to write romance stereotypes, usually such which have bee...more

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Mar 31, 2009 Mark Probst rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Erastes third novel (second released but third written) may be short (about 40,000 words) but is certainly not lacking in content. Though I had never heard of them, the Frost Fairs on the Thames River were real-life events that occurred whenever the Thames River froze over, which was usually once every 10 to 20 years. 1814, this story's setting, was the very last time the river froze. Frost Fair is the story of a struggling printer, Gideon Frost, who sets up business on the ice during the fair....more

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Feb 18, 2012 Matimate rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012, m-m

Gideon Frost was man of honor and owner of little printing press shop. He was struggling on the edge of poverty and he was determinate to keep his shop and his little assistant whom he took out of the slums. Oh I forgot to mention that he was blonde beuty and little bit gay, which was slight problem in 1814. Scandal in society and noose in navy was risk to pay for that little affair. Joshua Redfern ogled handsome Gideon as much as Gideon longed for mr. Rendfern. Unspoken words were hanging in th...more

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Apr 09, 2013 Dawn Prowler rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-m-m, m-m-romance, m-m-favorites, reviewed-books

Frost Fair may be shorter and less epic in scope than Erastes' other novels but I enjoyed it none the less for that. It is a quintessentially romantic Regency tale of budding love between a beautiful young printer Gideon Frost and a gruff and reserved gentleman Joshua Redfern, complicated by the difference in their station in society, the scheming of Joshua's friend Finn Thouless - a dastardly cad of an Irishman - as well as by Gideon's fiercely independent character.

As always, Erastes paints a...more

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Apr 10, 2011 Cat rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dont_own, historical, mm, novel, prostitution, romance, 4_stars

This was a lovely title to read and was thoroughly enjoyable. The main character, Gideon, is self-reliant, smart, and stubborn but with a dash of vulnerability that makes you want to give him a hug. Joshua is a nice complement to Gideon which makes their relationship one that you root for. The winter tone the book develops for the reader reminds me of the same wintery tones that you'd find in books like A Christmas Carol or something similar. The only reason this book didn't get 5 stars from me...more

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Mar 13, 2010 Feliz rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, m-m

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It's 1814, and London is freezing. The small printer's business Gideon Frost inherited from his father doesn't run too well, and there's a major debt to pay, so Gideon resorts to whoring himself in order to make enough money fast so he can keep the business. His fortune seems to favor him at last, because his customer is not only gentle enough to feed him, but pays more than Gideain meant to charge him. And then there is a comission Gideon took for a rich man, Joshua Redfern, which promises to p...more It's 1814, and London is freezing. The small printer's business Gideon Frost inherited from his father doesn't run too well, and there's a major debt to pay, so Gideon resorts to whoring himself in order to make enough money fast so he can keep the business. His fortune seems to favor him at last, because his customer is not only gentle enough to feed him, but pays more than Gideain meant to charge him. And then there is a comission Gideon took for a rich man, Joshua Redfern, which promises to pay off well, too. When the River Thames freezes deeply and the Frost Fair, a fair on the ice, is proclaimed, Gideon thinks himself saved from bankruptcy. But then Fate crashes down on him full force, and there's finally no hope anymore.
Joshua Redfern is a wealthy man. He favours men over women, but has taken a vow of celibacy after his last lover was hanged for sodomy. It was not Joshua's fault, but Joshua is determined to never again put the life of another man at jeopardy because of his sexual desires.
His vow is shaken, though, when he meets Gideon Frost. The only way Joshua can think of to approach Gideon safely is to give him a commission, and so he does.
Joshua is thrilled when Gideon's bad luck throws the young man his way. For a little while everything is perfect; but the Fate strikes again in the person of Joshua's friend Thouless, and Joshua is forced to set Gideon loose. It will take another leap of fate to reunite the lovers.

I hesitated about the rating for this book. There are many things to say in its favour. There's the amazing research behind the short story which shows in the lovingly detailed picturing of 19th century London and the historical event of the last Frost Fair ever to be held. There's the language, accurate, and pointed, and the smooth writing which was very agreable to read. The characters and their motives were well done and well worked - out.
But the story itself was, in my opinion, awfully constructed, fraught with cliches and utterly predictable. There was a reason it took me almost two months to read about 40000 words; the story didn't grip me at all. I think from everything else that speaks in favor for that book, the author certainly can do better.
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Jun 21, 2011 Siria rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 21st-century, british-fiction, historical-fiction, queer-lit, romance

This is essentially professional slash fiction, set in London in 1814 during a winter so cold that the Thames freezes, allowing traders to set up stalls on the ice—hence the book's title. The book is readable—the research seems thorough, and the prose is quite good. However, the characterisation is by numbers and stereotypical, with much made of the love interests' physical difference (blond and androgynous versus older, taller, dark complexion), and I didn't find the romance believable or the s...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Merry Farmer rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was the first m/m Romance I've ever read. I picked it up when I realized that I'm going to have to write one at the end of the 4 book series I started this summer. I was worried that it would skate too close to erotica and was pleasantly surprised to find a sweet, almost innocent love story.

My only complaints are that it felt a little sparsely written. The author could have indulged in a lot more detail and it wouldn't have burdened the story. Also, just when I thought the characters had f...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Jess Faraday rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's a quick read--too quick for how enjoyable it was. I own the first-released version--the one with the cover not nearly as nice as this one--and it remains one of my favorite comfort-reads. But aside from the great characters and sweet romance, it's the setting that knocks me out. And in "setting," I include not only the meticulously researched and constructed physical surroundings, but also the social and economic realities of the time, always respected and never diminished for the sake of a...more

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Aug 30, 2009 Wren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, historical-fiction

I actually read a pdf version of this. Really enjoyed it. Not that I actually know anything about the time period, but it seemed to me that Erastes wrote true to life - the sense of danger surrounding the possible love between men was palpable. She gave me a villain to really grind my teeth about, and two heroes to cheer for despite one's stupid mistake and the other's bad fortune. The ending left me satisfied without sugar-coating.

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Sep 29, 2011 Donnie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I first found Erastes on a book give away ,I did not win, however I bought this book anyway. Her home page got me interested in her so I thought I would give her a try and I'm very glade I did. Frost fair was a very very good love story ,the setting and time period was so well writing I found my self often closing my eyes and imagining myself at the fair.As for the characters they were totally believable and well developed,even though the story was a little shorter than most books I read she di...more

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May 21, 2010 Brita rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The book had well rounded characters, a story that kept me turning the pages and an iffy conclusion right to the end. Erastes mixed historic fact with the story to give the feeling of the times in which these men lived.

The book wasn't bogged down with 'character overload' making it, for me, more enjoyable to read.

I loved this book and would read it again and again.

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Dec 26, 2010 Pedro rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 22, 2010 Mickie Ashling rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved this book, as I knew I would. Erastes' attention to detail continues to inspire me. I love reading historicals, but so far, have never attempted to write one. Anyone interested in this genre will be hardpressed to find fault with this very romantic story.

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Mar 04, 2010 Ea rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lgbt, romance

Don't bother. Horribly clichéed - and I know it's romance and I didn't exactly expect fine literature, but still... I think this author could do better than she does, but I got the impression that she doesn't bother too much with quality - or perhaps it's the editor...

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May 15, 2012 Terry rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The more I read of Erastes writing the more I appreciate the detail and obvious research she has done to recreate the time of which she is writing at the time. This novel is set in the early 19th century in the Winter of a year when the Thames in London froze over and traders took their stalls out on to the ice to sell their wares. As always the writing is so good and the story just flows. I loved the character of Gideon and found it disturbing the things he had to do to keep his head above wate...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Jon Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A cozy little book (I had every intention of waiting for winter to read it, but when it arrived I couldn't help myself) that lost a star because I spent the last half wanting nothing more than to slap the leads upside their heads and tell them to snap out of it. (SPOILER!) Fortunately, a wise-beyond-his-years chimney-sweep (not as cliched as it sounds) eventually showed up to do the slapping for me. (/SPOILER)

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May 18, 2010 Lee Rowan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Readers who enjoy historical fiction for the real depiction of historical eras.

This is one of Erastes more 'conventional' romances in that there's hope at the end that the heroes can have some sort of lasting relationship. It also has a secondary character who's entirely engaging and deserves a story of his own someday.

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Sep 12, 2011 Annadicleva rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Very well written, but didn't grip me - given that I'd bought it for the m/m, I actually remember most fondly the evocation of the Thames Frost Fair that gives the title.

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Dec 21, 2010 Tamarrion Lash rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-romance

Очень милая история про Золушку в Лондоне 19 века.

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Oct 19, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story is kind , classical and good .The sittings is good and accurate for me

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Jan 29, 2012 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2012

Quick, enjoyable M/M historical romance read. Finished it within a few hours. 3.5/5

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Jul 08, 2012 Roclaf Alter -Ego rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A fair overall tale that is a quick lite read. Good for a summer afternoon.

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Aug 08, 2011 Kira4Inu rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Such an amazing book!! I absolutely love the writing style and the characters. Makes me want to check out more of Erastes' books.

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About Erastes

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 So...more

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