He's your best friend's brother, the kid who always tagged along, two steps behind you. Then one day, he's no longer a kid, his hero worship has matur...moreHe's your best friend's brother, the kid who always tagged along, two steps behind you. Then one day, he's no longer a kid, his hero worship has matured into a serious crush, and you're leaving for war. You make a promise with a simple song: "I'll be back, no matter what."
In the bleak hours you cling to your memories of that young man back home and wonder what he's doing. Does he still think of you? Does he still hold your promise to heart? He's all grown up now. What'll happen when you finally go home? Thoughts of your reunion see you through the endless days, as do his letters.
When the unthinkable happens, will you break your promise, and even lie, to protect the one you love?
500 Miles by Parker Williams is a story of love and sacrifice, of perseverence and never giving up on your heart. It's hard to believe that this story marks a new writer's debut, for it warms your heart, makes you cry, and, in the end, leaves you smiling. Beautifully written.
Some authors are just so darned gifted that you don’t notice, but writing takes a lot of effort. The plottin...moreButt Pirates in Space or Authors at Play.
Some authors are just so darned gifted that you don’t notice, but writing takes a lot of effort. The plotting, word choice, second-guessing, proofing, self-doubt, then edits, lather, rinse, repeat. Where’s the fun?
Well, folks, it’s in this anthology. The way I understand the situation, the authors shared a panel at last year’s Outlantacon when the idea was conceived. As laugh out loud funny as the title is, you simply must witness Kiernan Kelly’s saying, “In spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace,” complete with hand motions.
Don’t get me wrong, the craft wasn’t sacrificed one bit while the authors took a tongue-in-cheek theme and ran with it. They had fun, and the reader gets to tag along.
The book opens with What to Expect When Your Boyfriend is Expecting by Shae Connor. In this established couple story, a human scientist falls hard for a being that appears to be a humanoid male, but—SURPRISE!—is capable of conceiving and carrying a child. What I loved most is that Zeph and Zeke aren’t a cookie-cutter, happy-ever-after, sunshine-and-rainbows couple. They have disagreements, they have their struggles, but when the chips are down they have each other, and their faith in what they have saves the day. A humorous look at interspecies relationships, and wrangling two different cultures into one household. Marvelous. I would love to have been able to read about their courtship, the baby announcement, etc., but that would have taken a novel. Ms. Connor? Feel free to take that as a hint.
Speaking of non-sunshine-and-roses couples, Kage Alan gives us (take a deep breath and get a running start for the title) Spacehunters: Master Elite and the Maternal Order of Loganites Beyond Uranus. A looooooooong established couple, Chase and Jayden offered up several coffee-spewed-upon-keyboard moments with their sniping and bickering. A planet could blow up and they’d not notice if in the middle of their own special brand of one-upmanship. And the grandmother-in-law running gag was a particular highlight. Watch for names you might know in cameo appearances. Mr. Alan? Do y’all—errr, I meant “you”—need a Southerner who absolutely has no Southern accent whatsoever to appear in a future work?
Kiernan Kelly provided more humor and a good, old-fashioned getting even tale with B’utopia. Rictor the space pirate meets Jerrick the company man, that is, until the company attempts to use Jerrick and crew for profit. Lots of gleeful “sticking it to the man” in this delightful gem, with a very satisfying ending. Oh, did I mention hot sex? Mustn’t forget the hot sex, or the delightful secondary characters (though I don’t even want to imagine Gred between the sheets! Yuck!) Ms. Kelly, does Gred get a HEA one day or is that pushing it?
T.C. Blue’s Free Gift with Purchase really surprised me. I expected more nonstop giggles, but while I had occasion to chuckle, what struck me most was how romantic I found the story to be. Vastly different, one considered a hazard, yet they come together to be greater than the sum of two parts. Valmark the pirate gets exactly what he needs at the Minion Mart (love it!), even if unaware at the time that he needs it. I love less-than-perfect heroes, and Ms. Blue wrote a winner.
The volume closes with Angelia Sparrow’s Pride of the Rangers, a fast-paced action-adventure that had me turning the pages quickly and leading me through twists and turns. The ending is utterly amazing, the characters engaging, and the plot engrossing. Suspense done right. Bravo, Ms. Sparrow. I found myself rereading favorite scenes.
The world building of all five stories is superb, with tiny details woven skillfully throughout to keep you constantly in the moment and in the minds of our heroes.
Yes, I fully believe the authors cut loose and had fun with their stories, and the joy in the creating shows. This anthology will be on my re-read shelf. Had a bad day? Need something to lift your spirits? Check out Butt Pirates in Space. But warning, reading and sipping liquids at the same time may be hazardous to your keyboard.
Oh, and the afterword by Moxie Anne Magnus? Umm… put your drink down again. Moxie is both charming and hilarious.
I couldn't sleep and remembered this short story downloaded to my phone. I'd only intended to read a few pages, but be warned: there is no "read a few...moreI couldn't sleep and remembered this short story downloaded to my phone. I'd only intended to read a few pages, but be warned: there is no "read a few pages" with this story. After the first paragraph, there's no turning back.
I remember the black days in the not so distant past and the first time I read about the strange new ailment that attacked the body's immune system, and for which there was no cure. Back then the progression of this malady was so quick, and many, many were its victims. Beautiful young people changed before our very eyes and we were powerless to help. Tonight I relived those awful times, my heart breaking anew for a young man named Patrick, who paid a heavy price for a few minutes' indiscretion. What should have been a bright new beginning for Matthew and Patrick became a short time of knowing each other as more than friends. My heart broke for them both, and I wished they could have had a better outcome.
Reporter Paul has come for a scoop, but the words he hears are not what he expected, and are so reminiscent of his own history. I added his and Sean's names to the men my heart broke for. Yet, in all this sorrow, through a welling of tears, I witnessed hope shining through. Auntie Social, who refused to abandon the cause even though others no longer saw the need and, in the end, two kindred souls striking a spark that I can only hope blazes bright and brings them solace.
Bravo T.A. Webb, for such a touching reminder that the fight isn't over, and that even in despair, hope blooms. Highly, highly recommended. (less)
Those who know me know that I have a big weakness for well-written Dom/sub relationships. Not your typical BDSM, as in "tie them up and whip them", bu...moreThose who know me know that I have a big weakness for well-written Dom/sub relationships. Not your typical BDSM, as in "tie them up and whip them", but a well-rounded story that shines light on the mental and emotional aspects of why a person is driven to serve another, or why someone feels the need to be a Master.
A.B. Gayle has written a book that I felt could have been intended just for me. Stevie is the submissive that had to stand up and proclaim "No more!" when his Master crossed the line into abuse, and with clenched fists (and frilly dresses) he stands his ground.
In Don the Dom she creates a Master who feels so real, with genuine doubts, fears, and flaws, very unlike so many totally perfect, always in control fictional Doms. He judges Stevie, then slowly sees his misconceptions unravel.
Once they're past their preconceived notions, the two men can forge ahead, creating something that, while not what either of them may previously have envisioned, is all that they can have. Let the healing begin, for both.
Beautiful, beautiful story that I can't recommend highly enough. (less)
From the crisp leaves crackling underfoot to the autumn scent of smoke from the fireplace, Jordan L. Hawk fills every page with sights, sounds, smells...moreFrom the crisp leaves crackling underfoot to the autumn scent of smoke from the fireplace, Jordan L. Hawk fills every page with sights, sounds, smells, etc., until you can easily imagine it's you standing before the oak tree in the front yard, battling a haint.
The imagery is what stood out for me, whether it was the grandeur of the N.C. mountains or the horrors of the undead, the author painted a totally engrossing picture with words.
Country boy Dan gave up haint work, only to be drawn back in when jaded, troubled Leif shows up on his doorsteps, heralding horrors to come. Slowly at first, they let down their guard enough to work with each other, though each keeps his secrets close to his chest. In the course of working toward a common cause, they find in the other a kindred spirit, until the truth comes home to roost.
I loved how these two danced around each other, how the author played out their backstories a little at a time, keeping me fully engrossed and unable to put the book down. I'm not a horror fan, but based on a review I couldn’t resist reading this. I’m so glad I did! From the very first page I was pulled right in, drawn chapter by chapter to know what happened to these two men and Dan's family.
Beautifully written, with fabulous secondary characters, Hainted is one wild ride you won't want to miss. Highly recommended.
I needed an escape from editing, working, car worries, and life in general, and I found exactly what I needed in the pages of The Actor and the Earl b...moreI needed an escape from editing, working, car worries, and life in general, and I found exactly what I needed in the pages of The Actor and the Earl by Rebecca Cohen.
I would love to see these two protagonists down the road into their old age, still cleverly concealing their ruse. In my mind, "Sebastian" leaves for the new world and "Bronwyn" and Anthony raise a passel of foundlings as their own. Sigh.
The author ripped my heart out, handed me the shredded pieces on a silver platter, then cleverly patched up the hurt. For all Anthony's worldliness, I see him as a very young man at times, for his experience is only physical, and emotionally he has a long way to go. In matters of the heart, the younger Sebastian must take the lead.
I wonder for Edward, and hope he has a happy ending, and had hoped to find out if Titan survived the snake bite. Poor horse.
And what of the real Bronwyn? Did Sebastion and her new husband get along? Were their children?
Okay, I'll ask nicely, hat in hand. Sequel, please?(less)
I need to add bookshelves entitled "fun" and "original". Z. Allora takes a standard trope--zombies--and turns it on its ear. Our boys suck heads all r...moreI need to add bookshelves entitled "fun" and "original". Z. Allora takes a standard trope--zombies--and turns it on its ear. Our boys suck heads all right, but it's not brains they're after.
While many moments are light-hearted, beneath the hotness and playfullness is some pretty solid world-building, and some very complex relationships as our modern day zombie, Kai, navigates a world so foreign and far removed from his uncle's vinyards, his former home. For his own protection and training, mystery men take him away to a club in my home state of South Carolina (whoot!) and inform him that he needs to injest semen to survive. An intriguing and introspective roommate smoothes the way for Kai's self-acceptance, and I hope the book's ending means that there will be more books in this series.
I love stories where the characters grow throughout the book, and I got character developement in abundance with this little gem.
I had the privilege of hearing the author read an excerpt from the book at GayRomLit 2012, and from that time struggled to find time to read, finally...moreI had the privilege of hearing the author read an excerpt from the book at GayRomLit 2012, and from that time struggled to find time to read, finally downloading the story to my phone and reading whenever I could.
What a lovely retelling of Puss in Boots! Kasha so fit how I believe felines think and act, and Ms. Martinez's portrayal of him during her reading pulled me right in. I knew then and there I'd be buying this story.
Willem is delightful as the slightly clueless young man in distress, an humble, accepting individual who easily accepts Kasha, and does histhe cat's bidding. Kasha, while clever and conniving, has only Wil's best interests at heart, and in the end sacrifices himself for the man he's come to love. Aww... But don't worry, dear readers, this is a fairy tale with a happy ending.
A highly enjoyable romp, with memorable characters and situations, and a well-suited main pairing. (less)
What an amazing story! The first person POV worked for me, putting me very much inside Todd Webster's head. How refreshing his uncomplicated dedicatio...moreWhat an amazing story! The first person POV worked for me, putting me very much inside Todd Webster's head. How refreshing his uncomplicated dedication to what he thought was right and his lack of the prejudices so prevalent at the time. Because of the POV, we witnessed Todd's meeting Lâo Jian, and his early admiration of the young Chinese immigrant.
From the mining camps where they meet, to Truckee, Colorado then on to Sacramento, California we follow our two heroes as they slowly form a bond that turns into something much deeper. The details were perfect, helping me visualize another place and time clearly.
The author shows us bigotry, but also a glimpse at unconditional acceptance in the Chinese community that becomes Todd and Lâo Jian's refuge. Then, we're privileged to see prejudice fall, as biased people reform their beliefs when face to face with the object of their scorn, only to find...a person just like themselves, with thoughts and feelings, dreams and disappointments.
The story brought to mind the repetitive pattern of prejudice that each new immigrant group faced upon coming to the US, and which hasn't faded with time. Wherever there are people, inequality exists. You think we'd have learned better by now.
The story contains only one brief sexual scene, but the tone didn't call for more than that. Rather, we're gifted with sweetness and tenderness in the men's regard for each other. Beautifully, beautifully done.
The story warmed my heart, and the author delivered something I'd hoped for while reading, letting us visit the two men later in life. Ah, Mr. Brennessel, what a delightful new novel you've given me for my favorite’s shelf. (less)
It's odd, but last week I attended a highly scientific talk on how the cells of our bodies are shaped by their environment, an...moreOMG! I LOVED this story!
It's odd, but last week I attended a highly scientific talk on how the cells of our bodies are shaped by their environment, and that down to the molecular level, we are "us" and can affect those around us. I must admit that a good deal of the information went straight over my head, but the gist of it, in my opinion, was that our identity is more than our mere consiousness. That said, I may have seen the character of Harold/Jesse differently for, to me, Jesse was still there on a very basic level, and Harold's miraculous change of heart was not only a product of his remorse, but of Jesse's subconsious influence.
At first I was leery of a man near eighty and an eighteen-year-old, but then, like I mentioned above, I think Harold became more of Jesse than he realized. And I absolutely adore redemption tales, so this book warmed my heart. I must admit that I didn't see the twist coming, but I rested assured that the author would provide a happy ending.
I read for many reasons: escape, pleasure, to learn, etc., but I also enjoy, from a sociologist standpoint, getting deep into another's mind, figuring out what makes them tick. In that aspect, I was drawn to the character of Doctor Timothy Drayton. Recently I read an article about how, if we compromise our principles once, it's easier the next time we reach a moral dilemma, and if we don't stop ourselves, we get mired further and further in behavior we would once have abhorred. That's what happened to the doctor, someone who wanted only to help at first, now descended to unscrupulous madness. And Jacob. Sigh. I just wanted to hug the guy. I didn't quite understand how the transferance between him and Philip happened at the end, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment. It happened, I cried, I smiled, I put the book down, having stayed up too late (again) to reach the very satisfying conclusion.
The bottom line is this: Jeff Erno gave me complex characters that I truly cared about, and a highly interesting story that kept me turning the pages. It's fantasy, it's sci-fi, it's touchingly sweet, a bit of thriller at times, and, even if Harold may not have deserved a happy ending, Harold/Jesse did. And you know what? We only see how bad Harold is through his own eyes and Timothy's. Some folks are pretty hard on themselves, and Timothy's opinion was colored by jealousy, so maybe Harold did deserve his second chance after all. (less)
An absolute hoot! In the midst of Hurricane Sandy and a desperate scramble to salvage a wedding, I didn't want my usual angsty read. I needed somethin...moreAn absolute hoot! In the midst of Hurricane Sandy and a desperate scramble to salvage a wedding, I didn't want my usual angsty read. I needed something tongue-in-cheek, lighthearted, with endearing characters and plenty of laughs. Marshall Thornton answered my wish with The Perils of Praline, a fish out of water story of a delightfully naive southerner gone to California to meet the man of his dreams. Along the way he runs afoul of a variety of men who provide an education or sorts. I cringed, I laughed, I wanted to shake some sense into our hero, but in the end, I was charmed. And I think I know Praline's mother. Seriously.
Sit back, relax, turn off preconceived notions, and simply enjoy an energetically sexy romp. (less)
I've only recently discovered yaoi, and have really enjoyed this series about hot rockers finding their mates. With her distinctively playful style Z....moreI've only recently discovered yaoi, and have really enjoyed this series about hot rockers finding their mates. With her distinctively playful style Z. Allora gives us hot and steamy stories of m/m romance and sex, sex, and more sex.
However, in Finally Fallen, she gives us so much more. She takes a good hard look at a young man with a painful past and the healing that must take place before he can move on. And in Dusty, drummer for the Dark Angels, Justin finds the support he needs.
The author handles touchy issues with sensitivity, and my heart went out to the poor man who'd been so badly hurt. I like the fact that love didn't miraculously heal all and that Dusty's own unique situation made him the perfect man to help Justin learn to let go of the past.
An amazing touch was how Justin dealt with his pain by taking on a alter-ego, or a "disguise." I know some seriously abused people who've done the same. I also know people who used fanfiction as therapy. Although the characters are larger than life, at their core they are so human, so real in their emotions, wants, and needs. (less)
There's two things I can count on when I pick up a story by Jack Greene: it's going to be fun, and it's going to be hot. Demon Love is no exception, w...moreThere's two things I can count on when I pick up a story by Jack Greene: it's going to be fun, and it's going to be hot. Demon Love is no exception, with the added bonus of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I had no idea how the tale would unfold, and worried for poor Lucas a time or two.
There is insta-love (which I found incredibly sweet), but when someone is made to order from your fantasies, how could you not love them from practically the first meeting? And when you're made to order for someone else, it goes with the territory that you'd find them appealing too, right? In this story it worked.
One of the highlights for me was how well college guys were portrayed, from their speech to their manerisms and eating habits. Lucas and Trevor seemed very real to me. And Corson, though initially all-powerful, possesses a vulnerable streak that I found endearing.
I've read several Jack Greene stories, and they all are quick, easy reads. This one, however, is my absolute favorite. I was a little leery going in, because of the demon subject matter and where I feared it could lead, but the end left me sighing and smiling. Highly recommended for when you want a touch of sweetness, tempered by humor, with a dash of eroticism thrown in. (less)
"It's not the gender, color, race, or religion I'm attracted to; it's the person." That's what a young friend once said to me, and since then I've met...more"It's not the gender, color, race, or religion I'm attracted to; it's the person." That's what a young friend once said to me, and since then I've met more and more people who've repeated variations of the same thing. Lines are blurring, labels are falling by the wayside(thank goodness!), and people are seeing each other as people first, everything else later.
And in the mix John meets Ryan, two lonely souls who fit together and fall in love. I wouldn't call this story "gay for you" or "out for you," it's merely kindred spirits who click, jump hurdles that would cause many to stumble, and come out on solid ground.
Together with John's son (and from a distance, his daughter), a wounded warrior and an artist in need of something, he's not sure what, begin a family.
The mystery was masterfully woven in, and the action sequences had my heart pounding. The romance was sweet and touching. One of my favorite parts of the book was the pacing. The story never rushed or dragged, it ambled along at a steady yet leisurely pace.
I must say, though, that when I saw the cover of this book and the title, for some reason I thought it was a historical, until I happened upon a review. (I love historicals, so it was still going on my TBR list.)
Love conqueres all. Leith caught my attention in Tooth & Nail, the second installment of the Warder series, and I was thrilled to read more of his...moreLove conqueres all. Leith caught my attention in Tooth & Nail, the second installment of the Warder series, and I was thrilled to read more of his story in Heart in Hand. For a big, tough guy, he's very vulnerable, especially where his hearth, Simon, is concerned.
You'd think that a human bonded to a demon hunter would be the weaker of the pair, but Simon is anything but. He's the heart of a singular entity, formed by the joining of two separate men. Alone they fumble, together they're unstoppable.
While the main characters were very well drawn, Ms. Calmes painstakeningly created vivid secondary chararacters as well. None were invincible, but they all pulled together for the greater good. Jess showed the strength of a mother, single-minded to return to her children.
Raphael the kyrie is wonderfully intriguiing, and I'm thrilled to see that his story is told in Sinnerman (Warder#4).
In the battle of good versus evil, love truly does conquer all. (less)
It's no secret that I like angst, but every now and then I love to curl up with a feel-good little novel about two guys falling in love without having...moreIt's no secret that I like angst, but every now and then I love to curl up with a feel-good little novel about two guys falling in love without having to get shot at, abducted, or overly suffering to get there.
This is a wonderful little Cinderfella story, starring two endearing characters who had to get past a bit of hard-headedness to reach their HEA. But it left me with a happy smile on my face. (less)
What a sweet and sexy romantic comedy! I loved Joseph's voice and inner dialog. My brain runs constantly too, producing the weirdest thoughts at the w...moreWhat a sweet and sexy romantic comedy! I loved Joseph's voice and inner dialog. My brain runs constantly too, producing the weirdest thoughts at the weirdest times, so I totally related. Seldom have I seen a literary pairing that fit as well together as Joseph (rabid tree squirrel) and Kyle (the redwood). The dialog was refreshing, realistic, and laugh out loud funny. I'm so glad no one was around the first time I read about the rabid tree squirrels! Major coffee spew on the keyboard!
The author has such a way with words, winning the battle with my ADHD to capture and keep my full attention.
A funny, charming, uncomplicated love story! Highly recommended. And that has to be one of the most intriguing titles ever!(less)
**spoiler alert** Ah, what a tasty little morsel. Don't be deceived by the cover--there's no BDSM.
Pleasure slave Siris doesn't mind his fate, for he'...more**spoiler alert** Ah, what a tasty little morsel. Don't be deceived by the cover--there's no BDSM.
Pleasure slave Siris doesn't mind his fate, for he's fed and well cared for and no longer has to toil in the fields. However, his virginity is about to be sold to the highest bidder, marking the beginning of his career, in which he must serve any who buy his time, be they young and beautiful...or not.
He dreams of handsome, muscular men, and not one, but two, rescue him from his fate. He's taken away, fairy-tale style, to live happily ever after, as a consort, not a slave.
I love Jack Greene's steamy little short stories, and this one is charming and erotic at the same time. Don't feel sorry for "poor Siris, the slave boy" for while reading, I kept hearing a background track of The Police's "Wrapped Around Your Finger." Instead of being the playtoy of two dreamy hunks, if there were an epilogue, I'm sure you'd see the two "masters" eating from Siris' hand, or rather, them hand feeding Siris peeled grapes. Oh, yes, the barbarian and the guard don't know it yet, but the tables have turned.
The heat factor is intense! I loved how Siris teased his men! Be warned if you don't like age differences in regards to main characters: the story takes place on Siris' eighteenth birthday, and although Legar and Rakurr's ages aren't told, it's a given that they're older.
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