Chris Cox's Blog, page 5
February 18, 2014
Review: Special Delivery
Special Delivery by Heidi Cullinan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Like a chocolate covered pretzel, this story was sweet on top of salty.
Am I the only reader in the world who didn’t know this book was full of fun kink?
I’ve only read one other book by Heidi Cullinan, a very sweet and innocent love story. Special Delivery was also sweet and started off very innocent–in fact the whole book is full of innocence. But layered over, under and around is a big helping of need and lust and spice and not-quite-niceness that took the story to a deeper place of acceptance for individual needs. No, this story took acceptance farther. Not only was there acceptance, but joy in fulfilling those needs.
The MCs are total opposites, and–as total opposites give each other exactly what they need. The introduction of a strong secondary character who tried to hijack the story made this reader uneasy, and uncomfortable. But the tension kept me turning pages even faster. (Clever author!)
I liked this story so well, I’ve already got books 2 &3 pre-ordered and I just clicked my box putting this one my favorite author shelf.
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February 10, 2014
Review: Moving Mountains
Moving Mountains by Laura Harner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This third book in the trilogy was–I can’t say much because it will all be spoilers.
I can say that this is NOT a stand alone book. To get the full frontal emotional impact, read both the first and second book first. I’ll also say that both Remy and Jamie are hell on partners.
The very busy, twisty plot(s) stayed in the background, giving character development center stage.
While the book had a complete ending, there is still room for a followup book. I’m hoping it comes quickly as I am ready to see how these guys can screw up their relationships this time around.
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February 8, 2014
Review: Oceans Apart
Oceans Apart by Laura Harner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This followup to Continental Divide was filled with conflicts, both in external plot and internal character interaction. The plot was a good framework for old love interest vs new love interest for the four MCs. Yes, four MCs. And I gotta say, this author handled all four character arcs very well.
Tension between the characters made me anxious–which also gave the story that page-turning edge. No easy solutions here. I like the depth this tension gave to the story.
After the story ended, looking back, I can see the skillful, subtle way the author set up the antagonist. I waver between wishing she had been a bit more heavy-handed there to realizing any more would have given away the story goal.
So, on to book number three…
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Review: Oceans Apart
Oceans Apart by Laura Harner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This followup to CContinental Divide was filled with conflicts, both in external plot and internal character interaction. The plot was a good framework for old love interest vs new love interest for the four MCs. Yes, four MCs. And I gotta say, this author handled all four character arcs very well.
Tension between the characters made me anxious–which also gave the story that page-turning edge. No easy solutions here. I like the depth this tension gave to the story.
After the story ended, looking back, I can see the skillful, subtle way the author set up the antagonist. I waver between wishing she had been a bit more heavy-handed there to realizing any more would have given away the story goal.
So, on to book number three…
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February 7, 2014
Review: Continental Divide
Continental Divide by Laura Harner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Loved the juxtaposition of uppercrust British vs Texas American in the MCs. The authors showed the strengths of both MCs equally but uniquely, making the whole story a contrast in differences.
The sexual tension was very well paced and the plot and character depth when hand-in-hand. The story came to a realistic conclusion, yet still left me immediately downloading the next book in the series.
I had read some of Laura Harner’s work, which is why I downloaded this book. After reading this novel, I’m also a fan of Lisa Worrall and will be checking out her individual stories after I finish this trilogy.
January 21, 2014
Review: One Marriage and Three Weddings
One Marriage and Three Weddings by Jenna Hilary Sinclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved the maturity of the MCs in this story. The story voice was realistic and did a lot to enrich the story. The matter-of-factness in Mike and Harry’s pasts and how it effects the way they live their present lives is perfectly woven in. Fantastic character building. Subtle, but deep. After finishing this great story, I’m looking for more works by this author.
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January 15, 2014
Marriage-does it really matter?
As I’m writing Rusty and Sean’s 5th story in the series, I’m exploring my own feelings about marriage and what that ceremony, that vow, means to me. I also get to look through Rusty and Sean’s hearts. This may sound strange or weird or woo-woo, but I let me story people, those figments of my imagination, go where they want to go. Sometimes I wince at what comes out of their imaginary thoughts but cleaning things up and making them pretty feels like cheating the story out of depth and truth.
I guess, if I wanted to analyze it, I try to let go of conscious thought and let subconscious intuition take over. So, the actions and behaviors, the thoughts and emotions are those that my deeper unconscious associates with the personality and psyche of the story person whose point of view (POV) I’m writing in. Sound nebulous? Yeah, to me, too. But it works so I’m going with it.
When I newbie writer-friend asked how I came up with names and scenes and other parts of my story, I told him I daydream about it. And when I’m writing, I daydream while I type. So if you see me pecking away looking glazed, I’m mostly in a dream state. Please do not disturb!
And back to the topic of this post:
So, does marriage change a relationship? Make it different? Make it better? Does it change the people in the relationship? I went into this story not really knowing those answers. I’ve got some academic fuzzy thought about it, but nothing concrete. So I talked with friends. Lots of friends, because I wanted a big perspective to consider. I interviewed straight friends who’ve been married a long time or who choose not to marry at all. Ditto gay friends, especially the newlyweds in my circle. The answers are as varied as the people who gave them. And then, I let Sean and Rusty have their say.
Emotional? Yeah, beyond what I had anticipated. I don’t know if they emotion made it onto the page. That’s for you to decide. An then again, all readers takes a story and changes it, making it their own. That’s the awesome magic of reading and writing. I’m not writing one story, but a multitude of stories, depending on what resonates with you.
And again, back to marriage. Does it really matter? Yes. Or maybe no. Or maybe hell, yeah. Or maybe no way in hell.
What do I believe? I’m not sure. The only thing I’m sure of is that everyone should have the right to make their own choices. But I’ll tell you what I’d like to believe. I’d really like to believe that a deep and respectful and cherishing love can exist between people and that it can last forever.
January 13, 2014
Sean and Rusty’s newest novella in progress
inspirational photo for Sean and Rusty in grade school
I’m working on Sean and Rusty’s 5th story, a novella that will complete the story arc of their first year post-college. It’s been a rough year, starting off with Sean’s graduation, with lots of ups and downs, and they will have a huge decision to make, individually and together, before this rolling calendar year is up.
Then on to Levi and Clint’s story which I’ve got started a little bit. There’s a storyboard on Pinterest if you want to see what I’ve been drooling–uh–studying over.
Inspiration for Levi (see more inspiration –prolly not office appropriate–by clicking the Pinterest link)
Review: Spine Intact, Some Creases
Spine Intact, Some Creases by Victor J. Banis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved Loved LOVED this book. A collection of memoirs, history, writing instruction and good fun, this book was a delight to read. I’ve re-read passages many times. What amazed me most was how the porn industry, gay porn in particular, played such a vital role in freedom of speech precedents in the 1060. Whoever is next-door-neighbor to Victor J Banis is a lucky person. I can tell from his writing that he would be a great guy to be friends with. This one is a keeper because it makes me smile.
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December 17, 2013
Quick Giveaway
http://guyslikeromancetoo.blogspot.com
BTW, this only lasts until the next new blog is posted.
