Ofelia Gränd's Blog, page 71
May 12, 2017
Friday Reads | In Dreams
Another crazy week has gone by with too few words written, too few pages read, but hundreds of kilos of mushrooms picked. Where did all the time go?
For years now I've been thinking I should read more of the stories from the Don't Read in the Closet Event. They are all free and there are so many I haven't read. This week I've read In Dreams by Eden Winters, a short fantasy story from 2012. I've read stories by Ms Eden before and I've liked them a lot.
In Dreams is a story about elves, about dreams, and about songs. It's a story about deception and cruelty but also about love. Loren doesn't remember who he is or why he is where he is, but little by little things are coming back to him in dreams.
A lovely little story, I liked the dreaminess of it, the ending was a little rushed but a beautiful story nonetheless.
If you're a member of the Goodreads M/M Romance group you can read the story here.
Dear Author,
For three sleepless days, the lyrics have been pounding around in my head. Every time I close my eyes, this is the face that I see. The music is pouring from me, dragging me in its wake and I can almost believe he is real, his haunted eyes singing to me.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
For years now I've been thinking I should read more of the stories from the Don't Read in the Closet Event. They are all free and there are so many I haven't read. This week I've read In Dreams by Eden Winters, a short fantasy story from 2012. I've read stories by Ms Eden before and I've liked them a lot.
In Dreams is a story about elves, about dreams, and about songs. It's a story about deception and cruelty but also about love. Loren doesn't remember who he is or why he is where he is, but little by little things are coming back to him in dreams.
A lovely little story, I liked the dreaminess of it, the ending was a little rushed but a beautiful story nonetheless.
If you're a member of the Goodreads M/M Romance group you can read the story here.
Dear Author,
For three sleepless days, the lyrics have been pounding around in my head. Every time I close my eyes, this is the face that I see. The music is pouring from me, dragging me in its wake and I can almost believe he is real, his haunted eyes singing to me.
This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love is Always Write" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.
May 5, 2017
Friday Reads | Sluggo Snares a Vampire
Friday again! This week I've read
Sluggo Snares a Vampire
by Rick R. Reed. It was just what I was in the mood for and I might have laughed at the end...I'm sure that says more about me than the story, though.
Sluggo hangs around a lot of chatrooms looking for love. He's presenting himself as Sir Raven, a wild-eyed Cuban stud, in reality, he's not that much of stud at all. But, despite his receding hairline, a man takes interest in him. They're chatting and then things turn weird.
I loved how this story turned creepy really quick. A good horror story where vampires don't sparkle and piercing fangs don't result in a mind-blowing orgasm. Not that I mind those kinds of stories every now and then, but sometimes it's nice when the monsters stay evil.
This is a free story (for now at least) so give it a go!
When Sluggo cruises online chat rooms, he isn’t looking for a hook-up; he’s looking for love. But love has a way of being elusive, especially when you’re not being honest. Presenting himself as “Sir Raven,” Sluggo promises his chat room cohorts he’s the “master of the night.”
And then he meets someone who challenges him -- someone who claims the title “master of the night” as his own. TepesAllure’s enigmatic and flirtatious messages to Sluggo start out as fun banter, but quickly turn to eerie disquiet.
As the night unfolds, so do the advances of TepesAllure ... and even when Sluggo tries to escape, he finds that getting out is not nearly as easy as getting in.
NOTE: This story appears in the author’s collection, Unhinged.
Genres: Gay / Erotic Horror / Dark Fantasy / Vampire
Sluggo hangs around a lot of chatrooms looking for love. He's presenting himself as Sir Raven, a wild-eyed Cuban stud, in reality, he's not that much of stud at all. But, despite his receding hairline, a man takes interest in him. They're chatting and then things turn weird.
I loved how this story turned creepy really quick. A good horror story where vampires don't sparkle and piercing fangs don't result in a mind-blowing orgasm. Not that I mind those kinds of stories every now and then, but sometimes it's nice when the monsters stay evil.
This is a free story (for now at least) so give it a go!
When Sluggo cruises online chat rooms, he isn’t looking for a hook-up; he’s looking for love. But love has a way of being elusive, especially when you’re not being honest. Presenting himself as “Sir Raven,” Sluggo promises his chat room cohorts he’s the “master of the night.”
And then he meets someone who challenges him -- someone who claims the title “master of the night” as his own. TepesAllure’s enigmatic and flirtatious messages to Sluggo start out as fun banter, but quickly turn to eerie disquiet.
As the night unfolds, so do the advances of TepesAllure ... and even when Sluggo tries to escape, he finds that getting out is not nearly as easy as getting in.
NOTE: This story appears in the author’s collection, Unhinged.
Genres: Gay / Erotic Horror / Dark Fantasy / Vampire
May 2, 2017
The Lords of Lettuce
A couple of days ago The Lords of Lettuce, a sequel to The Maddest of Men, became available on Amazon. I, of course, meant to write a blog post about it and I, apparently, didn't. So here we are, The Lords of Lettuce is available, yay!
In the fair city of Carona society is falling apart. Drug lords are ruling the streets, the police are corrupt, and Grayham and Creed, our main characters, aren't the finest men ever having lived on this Earth.
When Creed's friend suddenly goes missing the two men have to work together to find him before it's too late. The search will take them into parts of the city where they aren't welcome and where Grayham, as Cham's right-hand man, can't be seen.
I love writing this series. I love the freedom that comes with writing deranged characters who make up their own reality, decide for themselves what's right and what's wrong, and what needs to be done to get where they want.
If you like characters with enhanced capabilities, characters living on the wrong the side of the law, and think a little violence might help to solve a situation check it out. Though I storngly suggest you read The Maddest of Men before you look at The Lords of Lettuce or you won't understand much of the plot...chances are you won't anyway.
Old tunnels, lurking threats, and a race against time.
Creed wants his happily ever after with Grayham. They’ve faked his death and it should be as simple as that, right? But before his body double has had time to cool, there's a knock on the door, and it looks like he and Grayham's troubles are just getting started.
For reasons no one understands, a young boy has come to ask their help. He isn’t a normal boy, he’s a meta, able to see mere moments into the future, and to see how every action alters that future. He knows men are out to get him, he also knows Creed’s friend is in danger.
Grayham does not want to hunt for some wayward agent. He couldn’t care less if the agents of The Bureau of Whatever killed each other off, but then there is this look on Creed’s face, and he knows he’ll do everything he can to make him smile again. Being around Creed has made him soft, and it’s a weakness he can’t afford. But weakness or not, he’ll do anything for Creed.
Together Grayham and Creed set out to find Sal Minotti before it’s too late. They search the city of Carona, but he’s nowhere to be found, sadly that can’t be said about the gang members from the eastern side.
In the fair city of Carona society is falling apart. Drug lords are ruling the streets, the police are corrupt, and Grayham and Creed, our main characters, aren't the finest men ever having lived on this Earth.
When Creed's friend suddenly goes missing the two men have to work together to find him before it's too late. The search will take them into parts of the city where they aren't welcome and where Grayham, as Cham's right-hand man, can't be seen.
I love writing this series. I love the freedom that comes with writing deranged characters who make up their own reality, decide for themselves what's right and what's wrong, and what needs to be done to get where they want.
If you like characters with enhanced capabilities, characters living on the wrong the side of the law, and think a little violence might help to solve a situation check it out. Though I storngly suggest you read The Maddest of Men before you look at The Lords of Lettuce or you won't understand much of the plot...chances are you won't anyway.
Old tunnels, lurking threats, and a race against time.Creed wants his happily ever after with Grayham. They’ve faked his death and it should be as simple as that, right? But before his body double has had time to cool, there's a knock on the door, and it looks like he and Grayham's troubles are just getting started.
For reasons no one understands, a young boy has come to ask their help. He isn’t a normal boy, he’s a meta, able to see mere moments into the future, and to see how every action alters that future. He knows men are out to get him, he also knows Creed’s friend is in danger.
Grayham does not want to hunt for some wayward agent. He couldn’t care less if the agents of The Bureau of Whatever killed each other off, but then there is this look on Creed’s face, and he knows he’ll do everything he can to make him smile again. Being around Creed has made him soft, and it’s a weakness he can’t afford. But weakness or not, he’ll do anything for Creed.
Together Grayham and Creed set out to find Sal Minotti before it’s too late. They search the city of Carona, but he’s nowhere to be found, sadly that can’t be said about the gang members from the eastern side.
April 30, 2017
Somewhere in a future city
There will be some lords... (Not dear Voldemort, though)
Some lettuce...
And a few weird characters...
Some lettuce...
And a few weird characters...
April 28, 2017
Friday Reads | Pathetic Losers
I'm not reading anything this week, and with anything I mean I'm not reading any book at the moment. What I have been looking at is a blog I found on twitter called Gay Flash Fiction.It feels like I should've been on the blog before, and maybe I have, but I don't remember it. It's filled with flash fiction and poetry which is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex friendly (or so their slogan says) and the one I read most recently was Pathetic Losers by Lucian Carter.
I won't say much about Pathetic Losers, it's flash fiction so talking about the plot will pretty much be to say too much. It' a bit violent though so prepare for a few specks of blood. I don't know anything about Lucian Carter but you can check him out on twitter if you want.
Swing by the site if you like flash fiction, it's been up and running since 2011 so lots of stories to read.
April 20, 2017
Friday Reads | The Poison Within
Friday again and I picked up
The Poison Within
(Inspector Skaer, #1) by Kasia Bacon this week. It showed up everywhere in my feed on Goodreads and it turned out to be free on Amazon (it isn't anymore, I'm afraid, but you can stand to fork out a little money for a good story).
I haven't read anything by Bacon before and I don't normally pick books with elves. Don't ask me why. I gladly read stories about almost every possible and impossible creature anyone can think up, but I tend to stay away from elves. I should probably add that even though there are elves it's not heavy on 'elf-content' (LOL). There are humans and non-humans, conflicts and prejudice, wrongdoings and revenge. It really has a little of everything, nothing feels hurried or left out yet it's 'only' fifty pages long - just how I want my stories.
This is a lovely tale about bloody coughs and creatures I know nothing about - furias might be a new favourite - and I would love to read the next in the series...when it comes.
Check it out!
Black clouds of xenophobia gather over Radvadur, the western province of the Empire. The political climate is strained and fragile. A surge of Nymph refugees has stirred widespread hostility towards non-humans. When the investigation of a gruesome triple murder linked to the refugee camp ensues, it takes Inspector Käyru Skaer and his lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn, along an unusual path, at the end of which a precious gift awaits.
Käyru and Elly are worlds apart in social standing, but they have found common ground in the bedroom—up against the wall and the stable doors, too. The arrangement between them ought to have been temporary and of no consequence. As their circumstances change, will they find the courage to risk their hearts?
Warning: Contains mentions of off page sexual assault
I haven't read anything by Bacon before and I don't normally pick books with elves. Don't ask me why. I gladly read stories about almost every possible and impossible creature anyone can think up, but I tend to stay away from elves. I should probably add that even though there are elves it's not heavy on 'elf-content' (LOL). There are humans and non-humans, conflicts and prejudice, wrongdoings and revenge. It really has a little of everything, nothing feels hurried or left out yet it's 'only' fifty pages long - just how I want my stories.
This is a lovely tale about bloody coughs and creatures I know nothing about - furias might be a new favourite - and I would love to read the next in the series...when it comes.
Check it out!
Black clouds of xenophobia gather over Radvadur, the western province of the Empire. The political climate is strained and fragile. A surge of Nymph refugees has stirred widespread hostility towards non-humans. When the investigation of a gruesome triple murder linked to the refugee camp ensues, it takes Inspector Käyru Skaer and his lover, Count Ellydhar Finn-Jánn, along an unusual path, at the end of which a precious gift awaits.Käyru and Elly are worlds apart in social standing, but they have found common ground in the bedroom—up against the wall and the stable doors, too. The arrangement between them ought to have been temporary and of no consequence. As their circumstances change, will they find the courage to risk their hearts?
Warning: Contains mentions of off page sexual assault
April 14, 2017
Friday Reads | The Raven's Luck
Why didn't I read this little story when it came? I really enjoyed The Raven's Luck by Laylah Hunter. I mostly picked it because it was short and because I have a thing for assassins - I mean what sane girl hasn't? LOL - but once I started reading I lost myself in the story.
Sam and Rio are both assassins, they start out as rivals trying to impress each other with their skills and witty comments, but then comes a job they need to cooperate on. Sparks fly, both actual and metaphorical, and when the story neared the end I wished it had been longer. I would've loved to read more about the world Sam and Rio are in and I'm sure there are more politicians who need to die.
A great little read and lucky for us all it was written as part the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet event and is, therefore, free. If you like a little Sci-Fi and a dead guy or two then give it a go.
Dear Author,
Gus
I’d like him to be an assassin of some sort. Bonus points if we get to see him get his hands dirty. Extra bonus points for moral ambiguity. I don’t know or care what race (human, elf, fey, etc.) Some sort of storyline outside the romance would be good, and at least some world-building would be nice. I enjoy battles and fighting. There should probably be some sort of fantasy element present, but I leave that completely at your discretion. Setting (historical, fantasy, contemporary) is also up to the author. I just want to see someone tell this guy’s story, whatever it may be
Read it here:
Sam and Rio are both assassins, they start out as rivals trying to impress each other with their skills and witty comments, but then comes a job they need to cooperate on. Sparks fly, both actual and metaphorical, and when the story neared the end I wished it had been longer. I would've loved to read more about the world Sam and Rio are in and I'm sure there are more politicians who need to die.
A great little read and lucky for us all it was written as part the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Don't Read in the Closet event and is, therefore, free. If you like a little Sci-Fi and a dead guy or two then give it a go.
Dear Author,Gus
I’d like him to be an assassin of some sort. Bonus points if we get to see him get his hands dirty. Extra bonus points for moral ambiguity. I don’t know or care what race (human, elf, fey, etc.) Some sort of storyline outside the romance would be good, and at least some world-building would be nice. I enjoy battles and fighting. There should probably be some sort of fantasy element present, but I leave that completely at your discretion. Setting (historical, fantasy, contemporary) is also up to the author. I just want to see someone tell this guy’s story, whatever it may be
Read it here:
April 7, 2017
Friday Reads | Last Dance of the Sugar Plum
Last Dance of the Sugar Plum by Claire Davis and Al Stewart is not your usual M/M read, it's not your usual spy story either. I started out confused, then got a bit more confused, then I was absolutely certain of one thing - I love Anton. Like really LOVE Anton.
There are two men, 42 and 19, they know they have to do something before they run out of time. They remember stuff. They know HQ is watching them. They know the clock is ticking.
Up for a mind fuck? Check this books out. I've read all but one of Davis & Stewart's books and went in with a certain expectation ( Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! is one of my favourite books) but a few pages in I realised it was time to put those expectations aside. The language is there, the usual poetic voice of Davis and Stewart, the romance is there but not in that straight line M/M way, and there is plenty of humour. I had several good laughs, but this is a gritty read. The characters are exposed and vulnerable in their confusion and urgency. And a certain dancer should be flogged for his actions.
I realise that if you've read this far you probably haven't got a clue what I'm talking about but I'm gonna leave it at that. If I say more about the plot (did I say anything?) I'll spoiler it. What I can say is that you won't figure this mystery out until the very end. When I realised what was going on I wanted to hit myself on the head for not getting it sooner - the clues are there! LOL
I'd love to see more sci-fi mystery stories from this duo!
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Jonathan is a spy.
Anton is Jonathan’s ‘keeper’.
Jonathan is a spy with a code implanted deep in his subconscious, so deeply he can’t remember—anything at all.
Anton is an interrogator intent on retrieving the code, whatever the cost.
But sometimes they dream of dark tunnels and locked-up rooms, and then they both scream.
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Along comes Harry, who seems to have all the answers…but who is he, and which side is he on?
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Bang!
For many months, Jonathan and Anton live apart from the world in a hazy, dreamlike state, only interrupted by interrogations and a healthy fear of HQ. One day, they watch a dance performance, and memories begin to unwind… A ticking clock… Betrayal… Missions… Always the scent of oranges. But with clarity, comes a return of powerful emotions…
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is an exciting spy thriller with as many twists and turns as a maze.
There are two men, 42 and 19, they know they have to do something before they run out of time. They remember stuff. They know HQ is watching them. They know the clock is ticking.
Up for a mind fuck? Check this books out. I've read all but one of Davis & Stewart's books and went in with a certain expectation ( Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! is one of my favourite books) but a few pages in I realised it was time to put those expectations aside. The language is there, the usual poetic voice of Davis and Stewart, the romance is there but not in that straight line M/M way, and there is plenty of humour. I had several good laughs, but this is a gritty read. The characters are exposed and vulnerable in their confusion and urgency. And a certain dancer should be flogged for his actions.
I realise that if you've read this far you probably haven't got a clue what I'm talking about but I'm gonna leave it at that. If I say more about the plot (did I say anything?) I'll spoiler it. What I can say is that you won't figure this mystery out until the very end. When I realised what was going on I wanted to hit myself on the head for not getting it sooner - the clues are there! LOL
I'd love to see more sci-fi mystery stories from this duo!
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Jonathan is a spy.
Anton is Jonathan’s ‘keeper’.
Jonathan is a spy with a code implanted deep in his subconscious, so deeply he can’t remember—anything at all.
Anton is an interrogator intent on retrieving the code, whatever the cost.
But sometimes they dream of dark tunnels and locked-up rooms, and then they both scream.
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Along comes Harry, who seems to have all the answers…but who is he, and which side is he on?
TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK
Bang!
For many months, Jonathan and Anton live apart from the world in a hazy, dreamlike state, only interrupted by interrogations and a healthy fear of HQ. One day, they watch a dance performance, and memories begin to unwind… A ticking clock… Betrayal… Missions… Always the scent of oranges. But with clarity, comes a return of powerful emotions…
Last Dance of The Sugar Plum is an exciting spy thriller with as many twists and turns as a maze.
March 31, 2017
Friday Reads | Marked
Friday again! I'm completely knackered. I don't get how people get work, family, and writing to work out. I haven't written a word all week and I've hardly read anything either. I had to have something to write about so I read
Marked
(Roads #1.5) by Garrett Leigh.
It's a long time since I read the first book in the Roads series, Slide , but it only took me a line or two to get back into the story. I really need to read more Garrett Leigh, I love her writing, and if you're into tattoos and haven't read this series you definitely should. Ash has a troubled past, his lover, Pete is a paramedic, and in this short sequel, Ash puts his mark on Pete.
Short and nice, but read the first story in the series first!
Missing Moment from Slide
It's been six months since Ash shuffled into Pete's life and turned his world upside down, and six months since they sat in an all-night diner plotting Ash's theoretical solution for Pete's faded, botched tattoo. Pete has just about given up hope of Ash ever fulfilling his promise when one day the end of a long shift finds Ash waiting for him.
Tonight is the night.
Ash is ready, and it seems the time has come for him to leave his mark on Pete in more ways than he ever imagined.
It's a long time since I read the first book in the Roads series, Slide , but it only took me a line or two to get back into the story. I really need to read more Garrett Leigh, I love her writing, and if you're into tattoos and haven't read this series you definitely should. Ash has a troubled past, his lover, Pete is a paramedic, and in this short sequel, Ash puts his mark on Pete.
Short and nice, but read the first story in the series first!
Missing Moment from SlideIt's been six months since Ash shuffled into Pete's life and turned his world upside down, and six months since they sat in an all-night diner plotting Ash's theoretical solution for Pete's faded, botched tattoo. Pete has just about given up hope of Ash ever fulfilling his promise when one day the end of a long shift finds Ash waiting for him.
Tonight is the night.
Ash is ready, and it seems the time has come for him to leave his mark on Pete in more ways than he ever imagined.
March 24, 2017
Friday Reads | Pretty Monsters
This Friday I've read
Pretty Monsters
(Josh of the Damned #1) by Andrea Speed. I was super tired and was looking for a short read before I fell asleep yesterday and went on the Amazon short reads lists and there it was.
I've read one or two stories by Andrea Speed before and I've been meaning to read the Infected series for ages but I still haven't.
Pretty Monsters is a short, funny tale about Josh who works the night shift at the Quick-Mart. In just a few sentences Speed paints a world I wouldn't mind being a part of. There are lizard guys, zombies, and pretty monsters. And I had a sneak peek at Peek-a-Boo (Josh of the Damned #2) and apparently there's a yeti LOL.
Give it a try!
Josh knew the night shift at the Quik-Mart would be full of freaks and geeks—and that was before the hell portal opened in the parking lot. Still, he likes to think he can roll with things. Sure, the zombies make a mess sometimes, but at least they never reach for anything more threatening than frozen burritos.
Besides, it’s not all lizard-monsters and the walking dead. There’s also the mysterious hottie with the sly red lips and a taste for sweets.
Josh has had the hots for Hot Guy since the moment he laid eyes on him, and it seems Hot Guy might be sweet on Josh too. Now if only Josh could figure out whether that’s a good thing, a bad thing, or something in between. After all, with a hell vortex just a stone’s throw away, Josh has learned to take nothing at face value—even if it’s a very, very pretty face.
I've read one or two stories by Andrea Speed before and I've been meaning to read the Infected series for ages but I still haven't.
Pretty Monsters is a short, funny tale about Josh who works the night shift at the Quick-Mart. In just a few sentences Speed paints a world I wouldn't mind being a part of. There are lizard guys, zombies, and pretty monsters. And I had a sneak peek at Peek-a-Boo (Josh of the Damned #2) and apparently there's a yeti LOL.
Give it a try!
Josh knew the night shift at the Quik-Mart would be full of freaks and geeks—and that was before the hell portal opened in the parking lot. Still, he likes to think he can roll with things. Sure, the zombies make a mess sometimes, but at least they never reach for anything more threatening than frozen burritos.Besides, it’s not all lizard-monsters and the walking dead. There’s also the mysterious hottie with the sly red lips and a taste for sweets.
Josh has had the hots for Hot Guy since the moment he laid eyes on him, and it seems Hot Guy might be sweet on Josh too. Now if only Josh could figure out whether that’s a good thing, a bad thing, or something in between. After all, with a hell vortex just a stone’s throw away, Josh has learned to take nothing at face value—even if it’s a very, very pretty face.
