Elisa Rolle's Blog, page 134
June 2, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Until the World Stops
Until the World Stops by L.A. Witt
This story is a bold move into uncharted territory that balances a realistic and sweet relationship that blossoms between unlikely lovers with an ongoing and unprecedented global crisis. I do not think that it would have succeeded in the same way in lesser hands. This is the first story I have read that tackles the ongoing global Covid 19 pandemic. It is difficult and controversial to include this global crisis in a romance, but the author did it brilliantly. It gives the story a unique setting and the military aspects felt very authentic. This story feels very much character driven, but the plot kept me interested throughout and feels very realistic, at least after the marriage happens. I did have some trouble with the premise of one character just marrying the second character they don't even like, because they felt bad for something that mostly was beyond their control. It did however set up the characters in a beautiful tension and allowed them and their relationship to change and grow under very unusual circumstances. The progress of the global pandemic and what happened on base seemed like a fair and realistic portrayal and could have happened like that. The plot felt unique and interesting. The writing style is where I was between an 8 and a 9. The story is well-written, but the style is very subtle. I have come to the conclusion, though, that the writing style is instrumental in letting the reader into the minds of the main protagonists. It is very direct and honest, which also feels fitting and authentic with the military theme of the story and the characters.
https://amzn.to/3uI2LZd
comments
This story is a bold move into uncharted territory that balances a realistic and sweet relationship that blossoms between unlikely lovers with an ongoing and unprecedented global crisis. I do not think that it would have succeeded in the same way in lesser hands. This is the first story I have read that tackles the ongoing global Covid 19 pandemic. It is difficult and controversial to include this global crisis in a romance, but the author did it brilliantly. It gives the story a unique setting and the military aspects felt very authentic. This story feels very much character driven, but the plot kept me interested throughout and feels very realistic, at least after the marriage happens. I did have some trouble with the premise of one character just marrying the second character they don't even like, because they felt bad for something that mostly was beyond their control. It did however set up the characters in a beautiful tension and allowed them and their relationship to change and grow under very unusual circumstances. The progress of the global pandemic and what happened on base seemed like a fair and realistic portrayal and could have happened like that. The plot felt unique and interesting. The writing style is where I was between an 8 and a 9. The story is well-written, but the style is very subtle. I have come to the conclusion, though, that the writing style is instrumental in letting the reader into the minds of the main protagonists. It is very direct and honest, which also feels fitting and authentic with the military theme of the story and the characters.
https://amzn.to/3uI2LZd
comments
May 31, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Revenge of the Brobot (A Steam Room Story)
Revenge of the Brobot (A Steam Room Story) by JC Calciano
I found this riff on FRANKENSTEIN very charming.
https://amzn.to/3fyiWE7
comments
I found this riff on FRANKENSTEIN very charming.
https://amzn.to/3fyiWE7
comments
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Valet
The Valet by Mel Gough
A double jeopardy for the two men in this story, Ted and Richard, servants at Montague Hall. Ted, 1st Footman, having made a foolish pass at Jimmy, junior footman, is in danger of having his secret made public, his position and his life ruined should the truth be known. When the new valet, Richard, arrives at the Hall, Ted' s life takes an even more dangerous turn - he is immediately attracted to the new man - a desire that must remain unfulfilled for both men's safety. A sweet and satisfying story. Loved it.
https://amzn.to/3uBGagS
comments
A double jeopardy for the two men in this story, Ted and Richard, servants at Montague Hall. Ted, 1st Footman, having made a foolish pass at Jimmy, junior footman, is in danger of having his secret made public, his position and his life ruined should the truth be known. When the new valet, Richard, arrives at the Hall, Ted' s life takes an even more dangerous turn - he is immediately attracted to the new man - a desire that must remain unfulfilled for both men's safety. A sweet and satisfying story. Loved it.
https://amzn.to/3uBGagS
comments
May 27, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Body Language
Body Language by Renee Roman
Beautiful story with an interesting plot. Not only one “flawed” MC but two. Very erotic throughout. Characters very well developed. Felt like there was a little too much going on at times.
https://amzn.to/3yJRJGc
comments
Beautiful story with an interesting plot. Not only one “flawed” MC but two. Very erotic throughout. Characters very well developed. Felt like there was a little too much going on at times.
https://amzn.to/3yJRJGc
comments
May 25, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Road Home
The Road Home by L.A. Witt
L.A. Witt is one of my comfort author, I know I can read one of her book and she never disappoints me. I love the way she writes, the story she narrates always hit home. Hunter and David are two beautiful characters with all their weaknesses and strong willpower to get what they want and need. They are real, like the battles they’re both fighting. And of the think I really appreciate from this author is the accuracy of her works, the research she puts in everything she writes. I will always read her books, no matter what I know is an assured win.
https://amzn.to/3yOO5ea
comments
L.A. Witt is one of my comfort author, I know I can read one of her book and she never disappoints me. I love the way she writes, the story she narrates always hit home. Hunter and David are two beautiful characters with all their weaknesses and strong willpower to get what they want and need. They are real, like the battles they’re both fighting. And of the think I really appreciate from this author is the accuracy of her works, the research she puts in everything she writes. I will always read her books, no matter what I know is an assured win.
https://amzn.to/3yOO5ea
comments
May 23, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Shadow of Justice
Shadow of Justice by Jess Faraday
These long short stories, pieced together to create a novel, start off strong and remain consistently engaging. Faraday has a strong command of language and is a solid storyteller. The atmosphere feels authentically Victorian, despite a possible anachronism or two. For instance, one of the stories has a character menaced by a perceived vampire, but the novel is set ten years before Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” was published. Undoubtedly, there were popular Victorian legends before that, but it would have helped if the main character could have referred to one so the reader isn’t left wondering. After all, the character talks of Wilkie Collins and Edgar Allan Poe. A couple of the stories end with a limp last couple of lines, disappointing since the stories themselves are consistently riveting. In one story, the story shifts too quickly from Pearce being thoroughly focused on a missing dog to three sentences later forgetting the dog and tracking down a possible curse. The abrupt shift is jarring. And finally, in Scotland, Pearce and Cal have a falling out that in real life would be all but impossible to overcome. I’m all for misunderstandings and mistakes and character imperfections, but I greatly dislike when an author makes their main character do something unreasonable and unforgiveable for no apparent reason other than to create “conflict” in the story or relationship. Still, all that said, I found the book beautifully written. It’s accessible and comfortable and thoroughly compelling despite its mostly minor flaws. The breakup with Theo is handled with maturity and pathos. And, spoiler alert, the reunion of Cal and Pearce is lovely. Jess Faraday is an author I will be following.
https://amzn.to/3hMIQWj
comments
These long short stories, pieced together to create a novel, start off strong and remain consistently engaging. Faraday has a strong command of language and is a solid storyteller. The atmosphere feels authentically Victorian, despite a possible anachronism or two. For instance, one of the stories has a character menaced by a perceived vampire, but the novel is set ten years before Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” was published. Undoubtedly, there were popular Victorian legends before that, but it would have helped if the main character could have referred to one so the reader isn’t left wondering. After all, the character talks of Wilkie Collins and Edgar Allan Poe. A couple of the stories end with a limp last couple of lines, disappointing since the stories themselves are consistently riveting. In one story, the story shifts too quickly from Pearce being thoroughly focused on a missing dog to three sentences later forgetting the dog and tracking down a possible curse. The abrupt shift is jarring. And finally, in Scotland, Pearce and Cal have a falling out that in real life would be all but impossible to overcome. I’m all for misunderstandings and mistakes and character imperfections, but I greatly dislike when an author makes their main character do something unreasonable and unforgiveable for no apparent reason other than to create “conflict” in the story or relationship. Still, all that said, I found the book beautifully written. It’s accessible and comfortable and thoroughly compelling despite its mostly minor flaws. The breakup with Theo is handled with maturity and pathos. And, spoiler alert, the reunion of Cal and Pearce is lovely. Jess Faraday is an author I will be following.
https://amzn.to/3hMIQWj
comments
May 22, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Rise of Virginie
The Rise of Virginie by Katey Hawthorne
Delving into the topic of addiction without getting raising some people's hackles is no easy task, but Ms. Hawthorne dealt with it with care and finesse. It's clear the author did extensive research and was spot on where the opioids epidemic is concerned. In the US, so many lives are lost and the ones left behind, in this case, the woman's son, are left broken. This is a fantastic tale of suffering, pain, awakening, and in the end, success and much-needed Love. Opposites attract: Han, an Asian boy adopted into a religious family. Stefan, a neglected, homeless, and abused son of an opioids addicted mother. One would never think these two, coming from different backgrounds would fall in love. I was glad to see how they came together, along with Megan, to form an alliance and eventually a successful band of their own. The writing was smooth and the plot strong. Totally enjoyable story with strong characters.
https://amzn.to/2Sf13RE
comments
Delving into the topic of addiction without getting raising some people's hackles is no easy task, but Ms. Hawthorne dealt with it with care and finesse. It's clear the author did extensive research and was spot on where the opioids epidemic is concerned. In the US, so many lives are lost and the ones left behind, in this case, the woman's son, are left broken. This is a fantastic tale of suffering, pain, awakening, and in the end, success and much-needed Love. Opposites attract: Han, an Asian boy adopted into a religious family. Stefan, a neglected, homeless, and abused son of an opioids addicted mother. One would never think these two, coming from different backgrounds would fall in love. I was glad to see how they came together, along with Megan, to form an alliance and eventually a successful band of their own. The writing was smooth and the plot strong. Totally enjoyable story with strong characters.
https://amzn.to/2Sf13RE
comments
May 17, 2021
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Bully Beatdown
Ki Brightly - Bully Beatdown
This is a complicated story involving vulnerable yet over-whelming people. Casey, the head of a super-tech company is perceived as a bully yet he becomes putty in the hands of Angel Gaffin, a shy, extremely talented, much younger man. After an awkward first encounter Casey and Angel find a mutual attraction despite the difference in their ages and body size. Angel has an abusive father and a mother who has been missing for years. Casey wants to protect Angel, but there are some seemingly insurmountable obstacles to maneuver before anything like an HEA can be attained. Well written, the characters are fleshed out nicely and the story, though having some awkward moments, is a good read.
https://amzn.to/3tUnPvd
comments
This is a complicated story involving vulnerable yet over-whelming people. Casey, the head of a super-tech company is perceived as a bully yet he becomes putty in the hands of Angel Gaffin, a shy, extremely talented, much younger man. After an awkward first encounter Casey and Angel find a mutual attraction despite the difference in their ages and body size. Angel has an abusive father and a mother who has been missing for years. Casey wants to protect Angel, but there are some seemingly insurmountable obstacles to maneuver before anything like an HEA can be attained. Well written, the characters are fleshed out nicely and the story, though having some awkward moments, is a good read.
https://amzn.to/3tUnPvd
comments
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Pet and his Duke
Beryll and Osiris Brackhaus - The Pet and his Duke
Totally and completely enjoyable. I really, really loved that the Pet was an older fellow and the Master quite young. Not so much because of the age difference, but because we see Thomar maturing as time goes by. I like that Thomar treated Robert with respect and decency, unlike the previous owners. I also liked the 'different' world portrayed in this story, the different species, etc. Well written and a great plot.
https://amzn.to/3yiwzyE
comments
Totally and completely enjoyable. I really, really loved that the Pet was an older fellow and the Master quite young. Not so much because of the age difference, but because we see Thomar maturing as time goes by. I like that Thomar treated Robert with respect and decency, unlike the previous owners. I also liked the 'different' world portrayed in this story, the different species, etc. Well written and a great plot.
https://amzn.to/3yiwzyE
comments
2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Silent Sin (A 1920s Hollywood Gay Romance)
E.J. Russell - Silent Sin (A 1920s Hollywood Gay Romance)
So far, it is the best. Surely this author has a great experience in writing books.
https://amzn.to/33MtnNN
comments
So far, it is the best. Surely this author has a great experience in writing books.
https://amzn.to/33MtnNN
comments
