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Designated Bottoms
Some men are bottoms by birth, others by choice. Whatever the reason, a designated bottom is someone who's happy to surrender, to submit, or just catch instead of pitch!
In Czech Me Out, by BA Tortuga, Korde discovers what it's like to fall for someone when food truck owner Josh takes on the cowboy virgin.
Katey Hawthorne's gamer grad student Paul doesn't date. He keeps things strictly physical. So why is Sammy so important to him in The Mistell?
Kitty shifter and stripper Aleks doesn't mix business with pleasure, but he thinks Rafe might just be the master for him in Julia Talbot's Faster Bobcat.
Sean Michael's Peter isn't sure about the club his friend takes him to, especially when Doms start hitting on him. Experienced Dom Rupert is happy to help, explaining about that Little Square of Cloth.
In Sgt. Hardass, by Shannon West, recent ex-Army man Jake meets up with a man he has history with, and Chad isn't sure he can explain himself and defuse Jake's anger.
In the Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly, Prince Liam and longtime friend Deacon have to go back to Deacon's Appalachian home, much to the prince's dismay.
And in Switching It Up by KC Wells, Jay knows he looks like a twink, but only hunky Dean understands that looks can be seriously deceptive.
In Czech Me Out, by BA Tortuga, Korde discovers what it's like to fall for someone when food truck owner Josh takes on the cowboy virgin.
Katey Hawthorne's gamer grad student Paul doesn't date. He keeps things strictly physical. So why is Sammy so important to him in The Mistell?
Kitty shifter and stripper Aleks doesn't mix business with pleasure, but he thinks Rafe might just be the master for him in Julia Talbot's Faster Bobcat.
Sean Michael's Peter isn't sure about the club his friend takes him to, especially when Doms start hitting on him. Experienced Dom Rupert is happy to help, explaining about that Little Square of Cloth.
In Sgt. Hardass, by Shannon West, recent ex-Army man Jake meets up with a man he has history with, and Chad isn't sure he can explain himself and defuse Jake's anger.
In the Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly, Prince Liam and longtime friend Deacon have to go back to Deacon's Appalachian home, much to the prince's dismay.
And in Switching It Up by KC Wells, Jay knows he looks like a twink, but only hunky Dean understands that looks can be seriously deceptive.
302 pages, Paperback
First published July 29, 2014
1 person is currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Tortuga
383 books633 followersTexan to the bone and an unrepentant Daddy's Girl, BA Tortuga spends her days with her hounds and her beloved wife, texting her grandbabies, and eating Mexican food. When she's not doing that, she's writing. She spends her days off watching rodeo, knitting, and surfing Pinterest in the name of research. Following their own personal joys, BA and Julia heard the call of the high desert and they now live in the New Mexico mountains. BA's personal saviors include her wife, her best friends, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Really good coffee.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
Having written everything from fist-fighting rednecks to cowboy daddies to werewolves, BA does her damnedest to tell the stories of her heart, which is committed to giving everyone their happily ever after. With books ranging from hard-hitting BDSM, to fiery passions, to the most traditional of love stories, BA refuses to be pigeon-holed by anyone but the voices in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 17, 2014
Seems fitting.
Group Review - check out what we thought- clicky the linky below!
My overall average: 3.32142857143 stars
Czech me Out by BA Tortuga - I like BA Tortuga. She can rock a sex scene. This story...is 2.75 stars for me. Why? The sex saved the story. Was is it spectacular? Nah, all the "honey" and "baby" endearments threw me out of enjoying. Also...a virgin gives his butt cherry to basically the first guy he meets, a food truck guy? It wasn't PWP really, definitely insta-dick. Maybe if it was a novella, I'd buy the fantasy. Not bad though. Made me hungry.
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne - Any story that hits you with a "boi-pussy" mention (of it's ridiculousness and offense) is always worth a gander. I was pleasantly surprised with the crisp writing about a art history TS/grand student gamer, Pete who is a bottom who loves sex...and is a hot boy at that. So he undervalues himself just a smidge yet doesn't self-depreciate to the point of annoyance. He meets a fellow gamer in real life, the mega fuckhot Egyptian American, Samir.
"I've never been with someone--like you."
"Easy?"
"No." He gave me a dirty look that faded into a grin instantly. "Just. Popular."
How cute is that quote? The story is not explicit. The MC's don't even have anal. That's how slow they're taking it...but it's a good slow, you know? No insta-dick here. This story has substance. A believable ending and believable characters. A gem in this anthology. 4.25 stars!
Faster Bobcat by Julia Talbot - Russian Stripper. Cat Shifters -Lynx & Jaguar to be exact. Interracial instalove...mate/bonding. Pretty much a recipe with my name on it. And light D/s. Oh yes. Aleksy is a submissive Lynx stripper who has a secret desire to be dominated and Rafe, a patron of the Las Vegas strip club, Faster Bobcat. The story is good. I'd have preferred Aleksy to not be naive at points. I tend to question a submissive if they seem too unsure of making simple questions...can they actually handle D/s? The crux of the story is in the importance of Sir/Master. I think a little more length giving more explanation on the words importance to the two. Overall, it was decent. 3.5 stars
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael - "Oh fuck a doodle doo." Typical Sean Michael quotes...absurdity at it's Sean Michael-est. Guh.
At this point, I let the quotes do the reviewing for me.
""I...I'm obviously out of my league, like whoa." Like super whoa, if he was honest."
There's a Dom who can look at a guy and tell he's a bottom. A MC who has a gay twin that's a drag queen. I'm waiting for the pink aliens to make a drop by because it's Sean Michael warped world. I have abstained from this author for months...and it didn't work with unseeing his standard formula. 2 stars because of "fuck a doodle doo". I need my brain checked. Oh I also gave up on reading this fully. *facepalms*
Sgt. Hardass, by Shannon West - This wasn't bad. It's reunited lovers with some butt virgin! action thrown in. It gets dramatic at bits and I know I rolled my eyes for at least one moment. But hot sex perseveres against the foolio bits. Jake is a staff Sargent who fell for a Specialist who ends up breaking his heart, not even face to face but an email. (Dick move) A few years past, love wins, butt cherry...also wins. 3.25 stars
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly - This was a cute one. Sort of like a modern day fairy tale with a cute cast of characters. I felt it should have been longer but I got caught up in the fun of the story. A spoiled prince Liam of a imaginary kingdom is used to getting everything he wants. The one thing he's never had is his American best friend, Deacon. Deacon is everything the prince is not...poor, hill folk from Chickapen Holler, Kentucky. The friends go to Kentucky to help with Deacon's ailing mother, bushel of kids and farm of animals...things Liam has never had to deal with. A little suspense is thrown in but it's resolved very quickly (I think if this story was longer, maybe novella length, it'd have been a fun home run) You get a friends to lovers theme and smut. Oh and some funny one liners. Loved the "holy boner" bit. 3.75 stars
Switching It Up by KC Wells -Let's cut the bullshit and get to meat of this story.
Big. Guy. Bottoming. *groans*
And he fucking loves being plowed by his smaller top. There's mention of a leather gay bar named G-A-Y because you know this story is subtle like a motherfucker. *smh* Jay has a birthday, he's a small top and finds his instadick match in Dean. Fingering, fucking and butt plugging. And some dirty talk. *bites lip* Yes. 3.75 stars
A decent anthology with a few hits and misses. I only DNF'd one: *coughs*Sean Michael*coughs* and the others were not bad. All contemporary, with one paranormal. And they are available for purchase separately so if anthologies aren't your thing, SCORE.
Bottoms got stuffed with man meat...I'm a happy camper. ;)
August 17, 2014
I'm a total slacker and only read three cuz, y'know, Cupcake ain't big on anthologies. Three is a feat. No lie.
I believe that makes my OFFICIAL rating 3.5 Hearts or thereabouts.
BUT, the other unicorns rocked it and you can read their awesome reviews on the blaghz here:
I believe that makes my OFFICIAL rating 3.5 Hearts or thereabouts.
BUT, the other unicorns rocked it and you can read their awesome reviews on the blaghz here:
August 24, 2014
Quirky, silly, over the top stories that don't take themselves too seriously.
Czech Me Out- Needy virgin meets dirty-talking top, steamy goodness ensues. A little silly, but also sweet and sexy.
This was his fantasy -- a strong man bent over his bed, muscles straining, maybe fighting him a little and wanting it all the while.
3 stars
The Mistell- Delightful, and funny, story about online gamers who meet up. I loved Pete's voice...
I admit, I suggested we go out to the bar just so I could change. I’m vain that way sometimes; I regret nothing.
And
My heart sped up. That, like, weird adolescent dizzysick feeling when your crush smiles at you in the hall. Such an idiot, oh god. “Nope,” I said. Oh yeah, totally cool.
And Samir was a cutie-patootie. Another sweet and sexy story with laughs thrown in. My favorite of the collection.
4 stars
Faster Bobcat- this story started off strong, with Aleksy, the hot little stripper who happens to be a lynx shifter, and Rafe, the jaguar shifter who wants to dominate him. Aleksy was cute,
“Hi. I mean, thanks. Yeah. Um, this place smells good. Like fish. Can we sit down so I don’t hump you?”
but his awkwardness was overdone at times and he came across as too naive. Rafe came on a little strong and sometimes he put me off. Add in some odd dialogue, over the top reactions, and a little melodrama, and my enjoyment started to slide.
2.5 stars
Little Square of Cloth- Another D/s scene, this time with an in the closet virgin and an experienced Dom. Rupert knew exactly what to say and do with Peter and Peter loved all of it. Dirty talk, hands free coming...I loved all of it, too. I did have a few niggles. Rupert's voice sometimes threw me off, at times he sounded older, more mature, and other times he sounded like a college student ("No way!" "cool"). And Peter sometimes came across as too wide eyed and innocent, even for a virgin; a little too dorky. Some over the top dialogue, too, but the sexy times made up for that. Peter's initiation to sex was...*fans self*...such a needy sub, such a good boy :)
3.5 stars
Sergeant Hardass-
A lot of time was spent on the back story, told in a flashback, and with too much telling, not enough showing. Add in some questionable decisions and overreactions, Jake turning into a complete ass, and some melodrama, and I ended up not caring what happened :(
2 stars
Prince of Paupers-
This story was so over the top silly. A crown prince with no responsibilities? A villain of a minister stealing money? The super rich royal family giving all that money without verifying how it was spent? *smh*
3 stars because it made me smile at its ridiculousness and I think (hope) that was the point.
Switching It Up-
I love stories where the bigger guy bottoms. Love them. So I was excited to read this story about the construction foreman who bottoms for the smaller guy. And I wasn't disappointed...by the sex scenes, that is. Although there weren't enough of them! The rest of the story wasn't quite my thing, though. The morning after and the week after were irritating, the next meet up too easy, and the parts with Brendan were a little off. The sexy times were good, though, and get 3 stars from me.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Group review at
Czech Me Out- Needy virgin meets dirty-talking top, steamy goodness ensues. A little silly, but also sweet and sexy.
This was his fantasy -- a strong man bent over his bed, muscles straining, maybe fighting him a little and wanting it all the while.
3 stars
The Mistell- Delightful, and funny, story about online gamers who meet up. I loved Pete's voice...
I admit, I suggested we go out to the bar just so I could change. I’m vain that way sometimes; I regret nothing.
And
My heart sped up. That, like, weird adolescent dizzysick feeling when your crush smiles at you in the hall. Such an idiot, oh god. “Nope,” I said. Oh yeah, totally cool.
And Samir was a cutie-patootie. Another sweet and sexy story with laughs thrown in. My favorite of the collection.
4 stars
Faster Bobcat- this story started off strong, with Aleksy, the hot little stripper who happens to be a lynx shifter, and Rafe, the jaguar shifter who wants to dominate him. Aleksy was cute,
“Hi. I mean, thanks. Yeah. Um, this place smells good. Like fish. Can we sit down so I don’t hump you?”
but his awkwardness was overdone at times and he came across as too naive. Rafe came on a little strong and sometimes he put me off. Add in some odd dialogue, over the top reactions, and a little melodrama, and my enjoyment started to slide.
2.5 stars
Little Square of Cloth- Another D/s scene, this time with an in the closet virgin and an experienced Dom. Rupert knew exactly what to say and do with Peter and Peter loved all of it. Dirty talk, hands free coming...I loved all of it, too. I did have a few niggles. Rupert's voice sometimes threw me off, at times he sounded older, more mature, and other times he sounded like a college student ("No way!" "cool"). And Peter sometimes came across as too wide eyed and innocent, even for a virgin; a little too dorky. Some over the top dialogue, too, but the sexy times made up for that. Peter's initiation to sex was...*fans self*...such a needy sub, such a good boy :)
3.5 stars
Sergeant Hardass-
A lot of time was spent on the back story, told in a flashback, and with too much telling, not enough showing. Add in some questionable decisions and overreactions, Jake turning into a complete ass, and some melodrama, and I ended up not caring what happened :(
2 stars
Prince of Paupers-
This story was so over the top silly. A crown prince with no responsibilities? A villain of a minister stealing money? The super rich royal family giving all that money without verifying how it was spent? *smh*
3 stars because it made me smile at its ridiculousness and I think (hope) that was the point.
Switching It Up-
I love stories where the bigger guy bottoms. Love them. So I was excited to read this story about the construction foreman who bottoms for the smaller guy. And I wasn't disappointed...by the sex scenes, that is. Although there weren't enough of them! The rest of the story wasn't quite my thing, though. The morning after and the week after were irritating, the next meet up too easy, and the parts with Brendan were a little off. The sexy times were good, though, and get 3 stars from me.
Note: A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Group review at
August 15, 2014
Overall 3.75 average which is pretty damned impressive for an anthology. I had a fun time reading with the fellow unicorns, as always and these were some fun stories to read. Plus, I found a couple new-to-me authors. YAY! That's why I really like anthologies, you are always bound to find some treasures.
Group review coming soooooooon.
Group review coming soooooooon.
August 13, 2014
The idea of having a "designated bottom", a guy who doesn't even think of topping, is one that fascinated me from the first time I read the blurb for this anthology. Since I am someone who likes variety, in all areas of my life, I find people who know what they want and stick with it really interesting. And, to put it carefully, I was not disappointed. While the theme of "wanting only one thing" was the same across all the stories, the variety in how that plays out is amazing.
Czech Me Out by BA Tortuga
A strong cowboy, a determined food truck owner, and both of them discovering they are more than interested in each other makes for a very hot story. Korde may not have come to Austin expecting to find out all kinds of things that can happen when two men hit the bedroom, but Josh is more than willing to teach him. The result is an incendiary encounter… and then some.
full review here
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne
What starts as a “mistell”, as in a “tell” or statement in a gamer’s chat that has gone to the wrong recipients, hence the “mis” part, quickly evolves into gamer-geek Pete getting to know a newish group member better than he’d thought possible. Full of gaming references and nerdy talk, this story made me laugh and definitely rates as good entertainment for those who like that sort of “slightly outside of reality” feel.
full review here
Faster Bobcat by Julia Talbot
What a cute story! It has two somewhat weary cat shifters (each for his own reasons), who also happen to be fascinating characters, a lot of emotions, and some very hot action when the two men make it to the bedroom. The underlying message of needing trust before you can open up, and what happens if one partner is ahead of the other, gave this short story an additional level that really appealed to me.
full review here
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael
The “hankie code” is a great way to communicate, publicly but without words, what a gay man is willing to do or not do. It is also, as this story shows, borderline dangerous if misused by a well-meaning but reckless “friend” who thinks he knows what a newbie wants or needs. Luckily, the unwitting sub in this story is rescued by a great Dom and all ends well for everyone concerned. Actually, that ending in the club is just the beginning of some very hot exploration and experimentation.
full review here
Sgt. Hardass by Shannon West
Anger can be a powerful motivator. But when the need to take revenge at any price becomes overwhelming, nobody wins. And, as Jake in this story finds out, once love is added to the mix, as much as he denies it, the whole volatile mixture is more likely to do irreparable damage than anything else. With a setup of rather complex emotions that all boil down to “he hurt me, so I want to hurt him”, this story is an emotional roller coaster as well as in interesting character study of someone who thinks he has it all under control, only to find out he’s been deceiving himself. I watched it all In horrified fascination, pretty much like the often-quoted train wreck, and have rarely been as grateful for just the right twist at the end as in this case. Phew!
full review here
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly
On the surface, this story is simply hilarious. A prince of some unnamed country, haughty, spoiled, and only used to the best of everything, throws himself into the rescue of his best friend’s impoverished mother and family. His observations of real life, never experienced by himself to date, are funny, and the typical energy and effectiveness with which he orders everyone around (or tries to, it doesn’t seem to work on his friend’s younger sisters and brothers – not one bit) may seem overdone, but is actually very necessary. The underlying message of why he does all this and how good a man he really is warmed my heart and had me smiling for a whole different reason.
full review here
Switching It Up by K.C. Wells
This is a very entertaining story that made me laugh several times. The idea of “switching it up”, or trying something new, is shown in several different ways here. There is the main couple, Jay and Dean, but then there is Jay’s straight coworker Brenden as well, and he plays a very central role in getting Jay and Dean to see there might be more potential between them.
full review here
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of the review of individual stories on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Czech Me Out by BA Tortuga
A strong cowboy, a determined food truck owner, and both of them discovering they are more than interested in each other makes for a very hot story. Korde may not have come to Austin expecting to find out all kinds of things that can happen when two men hit the bedroom, but Josh is more than willing to teach him. The result is an incendiary encounter… and then some.
full review here
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne
What starts as a “mistell”, as in a “tell” or statement in a gamer’s chat that has gone to the wrong recipients, hence the “mis” part, quickly evolves into gamer-geek Pete getting to know a newish group member better than he’d thought possible. Full of gaming references and nerdy talk, this story made me laugh and definitely rates as good entertainment for those who like that sort of “slightly outside of reality” feel.
full review here
Faster Bobcat by Julia Talbot
What a cute story! It has two somewhat weary cat shifters (each for his own reasons), who also happen to be fascinating characters, a lot of emotions, and some very hot action when the two men make it to the bedroom. The underlying message of needing trust before you can open up, and what happens if one partner is ahead of the other, gave this short story an additional level that really appealed to me.
full review here
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael
The “hankie code” is a great way to communicate, publicly but without words, what a gay man is willing to do or not do. It is also, as this story shows, borderline dangerous if misused by a well-meaning but reckless “friend” who thinks he knows what a newbie wants or needs. Luckily, the unwitting sub in this story is rescued by a great Dom and all ends well for everyone concerned. Actually, that ending in the club is just the beginning of some very hot exploration and experimentation.
full review here
Sgt. Hardass by Shannon West
Anger can be a powerful motivator. But when the need to take revenge at any price becomes overwhelming, nobody wins. And, as Jake in this story finds out, once love is added to the mix, as much as he denies it, the whole volatile mixture is more likely to do irreparable damage than anything else. With a setup of rather complex emotions that all boil down to “he hurt me, so I want to hurt him”, this story is an emotional roller coaster as well as in interesting character study of someone who thinks he has it all under control, only to find out he’s been deceiving himself. I watched it all In horrified fascination, pretty much like the often-quoted train wreck, and have rarely been as grateful for just the right twist at the end as in this case. Phew!
full review here
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly
On the surface, this story is simply hilarious. A prince of some unnamed country, haughty, spoiled, and only used to the best of everything, throws himself into the rescue of his best friend’s impoverished mother and family. His observations of real life, never experienced by himself to date, are funny, and the typical energy and effectiveness with which he orders everyone around (or tries to, it doesn’t seem to work on his friend’s younger sisters and brothers – not one bit) may seem overdone, but is actually very necessary. The underlying message of why he does all this and how good a man he really is warmed my heart and had me smiling for a whole different reason.
full review here
Switching It Up by K.C. Wells
This is a very entertaining story that made me laugh several times. The idea of “switching it up”, or trying something new, is shown in several different ways here. There is the main couple, Jay and Dean, but then there is Jay’s straight coworker Brenden as well, and he plays a very central role in getting Jay and Dean to see there might be more potential between them.
full review here
NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of the review of individual stories on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 10, 2014
There were several stories in this anthology - I actually enjoyed all of them. A few were more standouts - Faster Bobcat with the experienced Dom Shifter and the Sub was great - really a good dynamic and sexy as hell. Little Square of Cloth was quite good - elevated above standard BDSM Club Fare - some good BDSM scenes - light but tasteful and hot. The Prince of Paupers was probably my overall fave because truly a story about a Prince whose parents "sponsor" a poor Appalachain boy and his family - where said boy gets some perks and ends up with his Prince...nothing not to like there. I just liked the Pretty Woman storyline :) And it was WICKED funny on account of the hilarious butler who was so very British - and when you plop him into the middle of the "holler" in Appalachia....well it's pretty damn hilarious.
September 20, 2016
Wow, this was bad.
I’m used to at least liking one of the stories in an anthology, but nope, they were all awful.
I’m used to at least liking one of the stories in an anthology, but nope, they were all awful.
August 5, 2014
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.25 Stars
Czech me out -
When Korde visits Josh’s food truck he comes away with more than he bargained for. Asked to come over to give Josh a quote for some kitchen tiling it soon becomes obvious Josh has more than work on his mind. Korde is a sexy cowboy with zero sexual experience and after the hottest time of his life in Josh’s bed he runs and hides. Will Josh be able to get him back or is Korde’s guilt and embarrassment going to confine him to the closet?
Misstells -
Paul is the ultimate bottom who doesn’t date and describes himself as a slut. When a night out with a gaming pal Samir turns into flirting and kissing Paul’s outlook on life starts to slowly change. Samir is definitely interested but why won’t he take things further? And why does it seem like every man from his past suddenly wants him when he is only interested in one man? Paul and Samir were very cute together even if they didn’t communicate with each other too well sometimes.
Faster Bobcat -
If you like a little kink with your cat shifters then this is for you. Sexy dancer Aleksy meets with a client outside of work for the first time ever. Once past the lust he realises just how much he wants the other man but Rafe isn’t sure about the commitment and Aleksy feels let down. He needs a master and his cat needs a mate but is Rafe the man to provide him with either or both.
Little Square of Cloth -
When Peter’s friend shoves him through the door of a local BDSM club with the wrong colour hankie in his back pocket every badass Dom in the place wants a piece of him. Rupert rescues the terrified man and instantly a connection is formed. Peter is an in the closet virgin with an interest in submission and he may have just found his perfect master in the most unexpected way.
Sergeant Badass -
Jake is sergeant badass in the barracks and Chad is the person getting under his skin the most - why can’t the young man just behave! When a drunken Chad hits out at Jake one night it could be the move that ends his army career but instead he ends up sobbing in Jakes arms and then kissing him. Despite all Jakes objections his willpower fails him and he ends up meeting Chad on the down low as often as he can. When a family emergency takes Chad home their affair abruptly ends and Jake is left heartbroken, angry and bitter. Two years later he may finally be able to lay the ghost of Chad to rest but will he be strong enough to carry through with his plan?
Prince of Paupers -
A kind of modern day fairytale. Prince Liam leads and charmed and spoiled life. Deacon lives the opposite but the two are lifelong friends. When Deacons family are having problems Liam is quick to jump in and help. When they finally kiss they are both worried about the impact it will have on their friendship which is too important to both of them to mess up. What happens is quite the opposite and a sweet love affair blooms, but first they must deal with the god awful preacher!
Switching it Up
Looks can be deceiving! The big muscled man wants nothing more to let go and be dominated. The small ‘twink looking’ man has no intention ever of being a bottom but not many people can understand that fact about him. When Jay and Dean meet it seems they are perfect for each other but when Jay panics and runs will it be too late to fix things?
4.25 Stars
Czech me out -
When Korde visits Josh’s food truck he comes away with more than he bargained for. Asked to come over to give Josh a quote for some kitchen tiling it soon becomes obvious Josh has more than work on his mind. Korde is a sexy cowboy with zero sexual experience and after the hottest time of his life in Josh’s bed he runs and hides. Will Josh be able to get him back or is Korde’s guilt and embarrassment going to confine him to the closet?
Misstells -
Paul is the ultimate bottom who doesn’t date and describes himself as a slut. When a night out with a gaming pal Samir turns into flirting and kissing Paul’s outlook on life starts to slowly change. Samir is definitely interested but why won’t he take things further? And why does it seem like every man from his past suddenly wants him when he is only interested in one man? Paul and Samir were very cute together even if they didn’t communicate with each other too well sometimes.
Faster Bobcat -
If you like a little kink with your cat shifters then this is for you. Sexy dancer Aleksy meets with a client outside of work for the first time ever. Once past the lust he realises just how much he wants the other man but Rafe isn’t sure about the commitment and Aleksy feels let down. He needs a master and his cat needs a mate but is Rafe the man to provide him with either or both.
Little Square of Cloth -
When Peter’s friend shoves him through the door of a local BDSM club with the wrong colour hankie in his back pocket every badass Dom in the place wants a piece of him. Rupert rescues the terrified man and instantly a connection is formed. Peter is an in the closet virgin with an interest in submission and he may have just found his perfect master in the most unexpected way.
Sergeant Badass -
Jake is sergeant badass in the barracks and Chad is the person getting under his skin the most - why can’t the young man just behave! When a drunken Chad hits out at Jake one night it could be the move that ends his army career but instead he ends up sobbing in Jakes arms and then kissing him. Despite all Jakes objections his willpower fails him and he ends up meeting Chad on the down low as often as he can. When a family emergency takes Chad home their affair abruptly ends and Jake is left heartbroken, angry and bitter. Two years later he may finally be able to lay the ghost of Chad to rest but will he be strong enough to carry through with his plan?
Prince of Paupers -
A kind of modern day fairytale. Prince Liam leads and charmed and spoiled life. Deacon lives the opposite but the two are lifelong friends. When Deacons family are having problems Liam is quick to jump in and help. When they finally kiss they are both worried about the impact it will have on their friendship which is too important to both of them to mess up. What happens is quite the opposite and a sweet love affair blooms, but first they must deal with the god awful preacher!
Switching it Up
Looks can be deceiving! The big muscled man wants nothing more to let go and be dominated. The small ‘twink looking’ man has no intention ever of being a bottom but not many people can understand that fact about him. When Jay and Dean meet it seems they are perfect for each other but when Jay panics and runs will it be too late to fix things?
August 3, 2014
I thought this was a sexy, fun, great anthology! There weren't any stories that I outright disliked, which is rare in an anthology. I definitely recommend this one!
Czech Me Out by BA Tortuga - I really enjoyed this one! I liked the characters and story. 3.5-4 stars for me.
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne - This one was fun! I'm an art history major and used to be a gamer haha so I totally got what the characters were doing and enjoyed reading about Sam and Peter. 4 stars.
Faster Bobcat by Julia Talbot - I always like a shifter story and I liked the characters too! 3.5 stars.
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael - This one was also pretty good! I thought it was a bit too fast paced, but still it was smokin' hot!
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West - I think I was thrown off by how the story was written, with such a long flashback in the middle of the present day story. 3 stars.
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly - This was one of my favorites! I liked the writing, and I loved Prince Liam and Deacon together. 3.5 stars.
Switching it Up by KC Wells - One of my favorite authors and I completely enjoyed this one! I love the whole "don't judge a book by its cover" type of story, and this had great characters and great writing. 4-4.5 stars.
Czech Me Out by BA Tortuga - I really enjoyed this one! I liked the characters and story. 3.5-4 stars for me.
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne - This one was fun! I'm an art history major and used to be a gamer haha so I totally got what the characters were doing and enjoyed reading about Sam and Peter. 4 stars.
Faster Bobcat by Julia Talbot - I always like a shifter story and I liked the characters too! 3.5 stars.
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael - This one was also pretty good! I thought it was a bit too fast paced, but still it was smokin' hot!
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West - I think I was thrown off by how the story was written, with such a long flashback in the middle of the present day story. 3 stars.
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly - This was one of my favorites! I liked the writing, and I loved Prince Liam and Deacon together. 3.5 stars.
Switching it Up by KC Wells - One of my favorite authors and I completely enjoyed this one! I love the whole "don't judge a book by its cover" type of story, and this had great characters and great writing. 4-4.5 stars.
August 25, 2014
4.5 star review by Vicki
Alrighty…. Deep breath. I’m reminding myself that these are short stories and meant to be that way! They generally are fun and flirty, but usually have no real plot, and are all about the sex. That is just fine! I can do big, long, deep, dramatic, tear-jerking stories (like I finished last night and cried for an hour), and I can do short and smutty. I just have to change my expectation. So here we go!
Czech Me Out, by BA Tortuga:
Yummy! Korde is visiting his sister in Houston, looking for some work, when he meets Josh, the hot food truck owner. They make eyes at each other, set up a date to talk about tiles, and instead fuck. And fuck! It’s intense and hot. They connect fast, insta-love, have incredibly hot sex, and we assume live happily ever after. I have read a few stories by BA Tortuga and like her writing just fine. This one was well written for what it was. I liked Korde and Josh, I liked that Korde was inexperienced, and liked the way Josh handled him. There were nice little additions that made it a more complete story, Josh’s food, Korde’s enjoyment of that food, and it had goofy dog names! We are off to a good start!
RATING: 4 Stars
The Mistell, by Katey Hawthorne:
Oh I liked this one! The Mistell is at the opposite end of the short story spectrum from the last one…. LOTS of story crammed in to a small space. Details, background, a little drama, great characters, and a fun plot.
Paul is a slutty college student and obsessive gamer. He has a “boi-pussy”, or so his latest hook up calls it! Paul sent his nasty ass packing, and I laughed out loud. Yuck! He eventually calls in his big, hot, but not overly smart ex-boyfriend to get his itch scratched. Meanwhile, he games. And teaches horny art students about Andy Warhol. He and his roommate Dave start to hang out with one of their local gaming buddies and we have contact! Samir is not what Paul was expecting. He’s hot! They flirt, and have a nice connection going, but something is off. No sex? Paul is baffled by this development but decides to stick it out….
What a great story! I loved Paul and Sammy, even Dave and their fellow gamers. And Paul’s naughty student whose name escapes me at the moment… Great characters, a very good plot for such a short story, I liked the connection between them and the little bit of drama. This is NOT insta-love, Paul and Sammy have some issues to work through and don’t immediately have sex. It was perfect. A nice counterpoint to the first story that was mostly sex. Not that there is anything wrong with that! It was just a nice contrast between the two.
RATING: 5 Stars
Faster Bobcat, by Julia Talbot:
Kitty shifters and BDSM! Please tell me there will be more about these two….
Aleks is a hot little Russian lynx shifter, dancing in a strip club in Las Vegas. He’s doing his thing one evening and gets sent to a private table. There sits Rafe, a big beautiful Dominant jaguar shifter. He is drawn to the lovely little Aleks. Some words are exchanged, a bit of flirting is done and they set an out of the club date. Aleks is very clearly submissive, and knows it, but doesn’t have anyone to call his master. He really is needing more than a one night stand. But Rafe may not be the one for him. Rafe is a cool cucumber, we don’t get inside his head so don’t have an idea of what he wants. Is it just a plaything? Or does he want a sub?
I love shifters of any kind, but cat shifters are my favorite. I love the sensuality of men who are cats as well. I like the playfulness they display. Aleks and Rafe have the potential for lots of kitty fun! And lots of D/s fun as well. This feels like the very beginning of their story, and I’d love to see what happens next. They have a lovely connection, and just a hint of the BDSM comes through in this story. The writing was very good, I got right in to this one and bonded with the characters quickly, especially Aleks. I really would love to see a full length story about Rafe and Aleks and their journey together. Very good story!
RATING: 5 Stars
Little Square of Cloth, by Sean Michael:
So this is what I expect from Sean Michael… I used to read lots of his books, but they got to be all so similar. Some of his longer ones had good plots, but his short stories were all just sex with not much plot. This one is that way. It is good for what it is, instant attraction, instant sex, and an instant commitment. There is nothing wrong with it at all, but stories like this can come across as a bit shallow.
Peter is a sweet young thing, closeted and innocent. He has been learning about BDSM online and in chat rooms. One night a friend drops him off at a BDSM club, pats him on the ass and sends him in. There is feeding frenzy over the new meat, and Peter gets rescued by Rupert. Rupert is a big bad Dom, who immediately sees the desire and curiosity in Peter. He gives him a taste, and they are off on a committed relationship. It was a sweet story, I liked Peter’s innocence, and Rupert’s patience, it was short, smutty and fun, but nothing more than that!
RATING: 3 Stars
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West:
Oh… This one almost made me cry! Here we have some serious drama in a short story.
Jake and Chad meet while in the Army, and begin a tentative, inappropriate relationship. Jake, known as Sergeant Hardass by the men that work below him, is attracted to the obnoxious Chad, but knows he can’t do anything about his attraction without risking his career. Chad doesn’t give a shit and wants to risk it, but he has some issues. He’s got a nasty father who has convinced him what he feels is wrong, and will make sure Chad never follows through on his desires. They just start to get somewhere when it all goes wrong.
This was an interesting story, about the time I started to like Jake, he turns in to a real hardass and makes some choices I was a bit uncomfortable with. I was questioning the direction the story took, only to have it swing the other way and suddenly get very sweet and almost made me get a tear in my eye. I loved the longer time span of this story, even though we don’t see all of the time between their encounters. I loved the passion, both good and bad, that occurs between the two men. I loved the drama, and the ending. Another short story with a lot to it. Very well done!
RATING: 4.5 Stars
Prince of Paupers, by Kiernan Kelly:
Liam is a spoiled prince with a heart of gold! His Highness, Prince Liam, lives a pampered life. Tanning, clubbing, eating, partying, without a care in the world. His best friend Deacon is the total opposite. Deacon is from a dirt poor family, in a dirt poor town. Liam’s parent have been sponsoring Deacon since he was a child sending money to his church to go to his family, and having Deacon spend his summers with the royal family. Deacon has finished college and vowed he’ll never return to his home, until he gets a call saying his mother is sick. Liam decides the only way Deacon is leaving is if he and his butler Arthur, go to. Off to Chickapen Holler they go.
This story alternated between silly and quaint, and deep and exciting. There is actually a lot of story here, all is not as it appears. Deacon and Liam are a good pair, once they get their personal shit together, and work through Deacon’s family drama. The drama was interesting, a bit of excitement, with a happy ending. I was just starting to get tired of the cuteness of it, when the drama kicked in and it wasn’t so cute. Good writing, great characters (especially Arthur!), a good bad guy (if that makes sense!), and a happy ending. Not much sex, some, but not much, which was a good contrast to some of the overly sexual other stories in this anthology. I liked it!
RATING: 4 stars
Switching it Up, by KC Wells:
What a sweet story! Jay is a little top, looking for a big bottom, when he meets Dean, a big bottom looking for a little top! Jay is out with a coworker, Brendan, celebrating his thirtieth birthday. The problem is, he’s on the smaller side and all of the big men think he’s an easy fuck. He’s not though, he likes a bit of dominance with his sex, but he likes to be on the giving end of things, not the receiving end, and none of the big guys seem willing to play. He’s about fed up with his evening, Brendan throws a hissy fit and leaves, when a big guy with a big sigh sits beside him at the bar. They seem to have something in common, and decide to see what happens.
This story is in between the lots of sex not much plot, and the lots of plot not much sex stories in this book. There is some plot, nothing dramatic, but there is something more to these guys than just sex. They are initially quick to jump in bed, but then back off a bit, I liked that. Once they talk, it appears Dean and Jay have a lot in common, not just their sexual preferences. Brendan was a nice addition too, I’d like to see more of him! I enjoyed this story, I liked Dean and Jay and the sex between them was great!
RATING: 4 stars
Overall thoughts: I enjoyed all of these stories, some were more about the sex, some more about the plot, some had drama, some had humor, but they were all good in their own way. A couple were by authors I was familiar with, and couple were from new-to-me authors. There is a wide range here, something for everyone, and I like that about anthologies. They give you a chance to try out new authors, then hopefully go buy more from them. A couple of these had a surprising amount of drama and plot for such stories, I particularly liked those. I’m going to go with 4.5 overall stars for the nice range of stories in this book.
If you like a bit of kink in your books, or maybe aren’t familiar with BDSM, this would give you a taste to see if it’s something to look for in more detail in other books. There are hints of BDSM in these, but they really aren’t THAT kinky. Just a hint and a taste! But give this one a try, it was well done!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. The book was reviewed at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
Alrighty…. Deep breath. I’m reminding myself that these are short stories and meant to be that way! They generally are fun and flirty, but usually have no real plot, and are all about the sex. That is just fine! I can do big, long, deep, dramatic, tear-jerking stories (like I finished last night and cried for an hour), and I can do short and smutty. I just have to change my expectation. So here we go!
Czech Me Out, by BA Tortuga:
Yummy! Korde is visiting his sister in Houston, looking for some work, when he meets Josh, the hot food truck owner. They make eyes at each other, set up a date to talk about tiles, and instead fuck. And fuck! It’s intense and hot. They connect fast, insta-love, have incredibly hot sex, and we assume live happily ever after. I have read a few stories by BA Tortuga and like her writing just fine. This one was well written for what it was. I liked Korde and Josh, I liked that Korde was inexperienced, and liked the way Josh handled him. There were nice little additions that made it a more complete story, Josh’s food, Korde’s enjoyment of that food, and it had goofy dog names! We are off to a good start!
RATING: 4 Stars
The Mistell, by Katey Hawthorne:
Oh I liked this one! The Mistell is at the opposite end of the short story spectrum from the last one…. LOTS of story crammed in to a small space. Details, background, a little drama, great characters, and a fun plot.
Paul is a slutty college student and obsessive gamer. He has a “boi-pussy”, or so his latest hook up calls it! Paul sent his nasty ass packing, and I laughed out loud. Yuck! He eventually calls in his big, hot, but not overly smart ex-boyfriend to get his itch scratched. Meanwhile, he games. And teaches horny art students about Andy Warhol. He and his roommate Dave start to hang out with one of their local gaming buddies and we have contact! Samir is not what Paul was expecting. He’s hot! They flirt, and have a nice connection going, but something is off. No sex? Paul is baffled by this development but decides to stick it out….
What a great story! I loved Paul and Sammy, even Dave and their fellow gamers. And Paul’s naughty student whose name escapes me at the moment… Great characters, a very good plot for such a short story, I liked the connection between them and the little bit of drama. This is NOT insta-love, Paul and Sammy have some issues to work through and don’t immediately have sex. It was perfect. A nice counterpoint to the first story that was mostly sex. Not that there is anything wrong with that! It was just a nice contrast between the two.
RATING: 5 Stars
Faster Bobcat, by Julia Talbot:
Kitty shifters and BDSM! Please tell me there will be more about these two….
Aleks is a hot little Russian lynx shifter, dancing in a strip club in Las Vegas. He’s doing his thing one evening and gets sent to a private table. There sits Rafe, a big beautiful Dominant jaguar shifter. He is drawn to the lovely little Aleks. Some words are exchanged, a bit of flirting is done and they set an out of the club date. Aleks is very clearly submissive, and knows it, but doesn’t have anyone to call his master. He really is needing more than a one night stand. But Rafe may not be the one for him. Rafe is a cool cucumber, we don’t get inside his head so don’t have an idea of what he wants. Is it just a plaything? Or does he want a sub?
I love shifters of any kind, but cat shifters are my favorite. I love the sensuality of men who are cats as well. I like the playfulness they display. Aleks and Rafe have the potential for lots of kitty fun! And lots of D/s fun as well. This feels like the very beginning of their story, and I’d love to see what happens next. They have a lovely connection, and just a hint of the BDSM comes through in this story. The writing was very good, I got right in to this one and bonded with the characters quickly, especially Aleks. I really would love to see a full length story about Rafe and Aleks and their journey together. Very good story!
RATING: 5 Stars
Little Square of Cloth, by Sean Michael:
So this is what I expect from Sean Michael… I used to read lots of his books, but they got to be all so similar. Some of his longer ones had good plots, but his short stories were all just sex with not much plot. This one is that way. It is good for what it is, instant attraction, instant sex, and an instant commitment. There is nothing wrong with it at all, but stories like this can come across as a bit shallow.
Peter is a sweet young thing, closeted and innocent. He has been learning about BDSM online and in chat rooms. One night a friend drops him off at a BDSM club, pats him on the ass and sends him in. There is feeding frenzy over the new meat, and Peter gets rescued by Rupert. Rupert is a big bad Dom, who immediately sees the desire and curiosity in Peter. He gives him a taste, and they are off on a committed relationship. It was a sweet story, I liked Peter’s innocence, and Rupert’s patience, it was short, smutty and fun, but nothing more than that!
RATING: 3 Stars
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West:
Oh… This one almost made me cry! Here we have some serious drama in a short story.
Jake and Chad meet while in the Army, and begin a tentative, inappropriate relationship. Jake, known as Sergeant Hardass by the men that work below him, is attracted to the obnoxious Chad, but knows he can’t do anything about his attraction without risking his career. Chad doesn’t give a shit and wants to risk it, but he has some issues. He’s got a nasty father who has convinced him what he feels is wrong, and will make sure Chad never follows through on his desires. They just start to get somewhere when it all goes wrong.
This was an interesting story, about the time I started to like Jake, he turns in to a real hardass and makes some choices I was a bit uncomfortable with. I was questioning the direction the story took, only to have it swing the other way and suddenly get very sweet and almost made me get a tear in my eye. I loved the longer time span of this story, even though we don’t see all of the time between their encounters. I loved the passion, both good and bad, that occurs between the two men. I loved the drama, and the ending. Another short story with a lot to it. Very well done!
RATING: 4.5 Stars
Prince of Paupers, by Kiernan Kelly:
Liam is a spoiled prince with a heart of gold! His Highness, Prince Liam, lives a pampered life. Tanning, clubbing, eating, partying, without a care in the world. His best friend Deacon is the total opposite. Deacon is from a dirt poor family, in a dirt poor town. Liam’s parent have been sponsoring Deacon since he was a child sending money to his church to go to his family, and having Deacon spend his summers with the royal family. Deacon has finished college and vowed he’ll never return to his home, until he gets a call saying his mother is sick. Liam decides the only way Deacon is leaving is if he and his butler Arthur, go to. Off to Chickapen Holler they go.
This story alternated between silly and quaint, and deep and exciting. There is actually a lot of story here, all is not as it appears. Deacon and Liam are a good pair, once they get their personal shit together, and work through Deacon’s family drama. The drama was interesting, a bit of excitement, with a happy ending. I was just starting to get tired of the cuteness of it, when the drama kicked in and it wasn’t so cute. Good writing, great characters (especially Arthur!), a good bad guy (if that makes sense!), and a happy ending. Not much sex, some, but not much, which was a good contrast to some of the overly sexual other stories in this anthology. I liked it!
RATING: 4 stars
Switching it Up, by KC Wells:
What a sweet story! Jay is a little top, looking for a big bottom, when he meets Dean, a big bottom looking for a little top! Jay is out with a coworker, Brendan, celebrating his thirtieth birthday. The problem is, he’s on the smaller side and all of the big men think he’s an easy fuck. He’s not though, he likes a bit of dominance with his sex, but he likes to be on the giving end of things, not the receiving end, and none of the big guys seem willing to play. He’s about fed up with his evening, Brendan throws a hissy fit and leaves, when a big guy with a big sigh sits beside him at the bar. They seem to have something in common, and decide to see what happens.
This story is in between the lots of sex not much plot, and the lots of plot not much sex stories in this book. There is some plot, nothing dramatic, but there is something more to these guys than just sex. They are initially quick to jump in bed, but then back off a bit, I liked that. Once they talk, it appears Dean and Jay have a lot in common, not just their sexual preferences. Brendan was a nice addition too, I’d like to see more of him! I enjoyed this story, I liked Dean and Jay and the sex between them was great!
RATING: 4 stars
Overall thoughts: I enjoyed all of these stories, some were more about the sex, some more about the plot, some had drama, some had humor, but they were all good in their own way. A couple were by authors I was familiar with, and couple were from new-to-me authors. There is a wide range here, something for everyone, and I like that about anthologies. They give you a chance to try out new authors, then hopefully go buy more from them. A couple of these had a surprising amount of drama and plot for such stories, I particularly liked those. I’m going to go with 4.5 overall stars for the nice range of stories in this book.
If you like a bit of kink in your books, or maybe aren’t familiar with BDSM, this would give you a taste to see if it’s something to look for in more detail in other books. There are hints of BDSM in these, but they really aren’t THAT kinky. Just a hint and a taste! But give this one a try, it was well done!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. The book was reviewed at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
July 30, 2014
The Manic Monday REVIEW: 4.5 STARS
I have to say, I really liked this anthology as a whole. Usually there’s one or two stories I like and that’s it. That didn’t happen with this one. I enjoyed every story and have reread them already, lol. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this anthology.
~M
Czech Me Out: an Austin Tale
by BA Tortuga
Korde is a virgin cowboy new to Austin. Killing time, he investigates the food trucks he’s heard about. There he meets Josh, one of the truck’s owners. Over lunch, Josh finds out Korde knows how to do tile work and things go from there.
There’s the usual humor one expects from BA Tortuga, lol. The dog’s names just killed me! The chemistry between Korde and Josh is instantaneous and so cute. Gawd, Korde is so cute. You just want to hug him. The story is charming with hot sex and a cowboy’s panic after having sex for the first time. I really enjoyed it, lol.
The Mistell
by Katey Hawthorne
Peter, an art history gamer grad student, doesn’t date. He keeps things strictly physical because he can’t find what he wants. So when he learns fellow gamer Sam lives close by, they agree to meet. Let the sparks fly, lol. The build up between these two is slow and intense. And there’s a reason the buildup is slow. Then a minor misunderstanding happens and things get derailed.
I had trouble getting into the beginning since I’m not a gamer. The lingo threw me. But I liked Peter, so I stuck with it. I’m glad I did. It’s a wonderful story.
Faster Bobcat
by Julia Talbot
Lynx shifter and stripper Aleks doesn’t mix business with pleasure. He doesn’t mix sex and shifters, either. But Rafe, another cat shifter, just may change his mind. Can he tempt Aleks? Can he be the master Aleks desires?
Okay, yay for cat shifters! And D/s. Already a check in my happy column. Aleks is another sweet bottom who’s a little insecure. Rafe is a smoking hot, strong shifter. Both men have hang-ups they need to work through. I got attached to these two characters quickly. There was a point I wanted to throttle Rafe, lol. This was my favorite of all the stories.
Little Square of Cloth
by Sean Michael
Thanks to an insensitive friend, Peter learns just what exactly that little square of cloth in his back pocket stands for. Okay, with friends like that, who needs enemies? Gawd! Peter was thrust out of the closet in a major way. He has interest in BDSM, but didn’t realize what he had just got thrust into.
My new favorite word: fuck a doodle doo! I’m in love, lol. This is Sean Michael, so there’s a smoking hot Top and a nervous, sweet bottom. Love me some D/s and oh yeah, spanking! Yes, I’m a Sean Michaels fan, lol. Really like this story.
Sergeant Hardass
by Shannon West
Jason, a recent ex-Army man, has been burned by someone. Now, all he’s interested in is some submission in the bedroom with no strings attached. Then Fate steps in and sucker punches Jason. There stands his ex. The history between the two men is explosive and dangerous. Will Chad be able to defuse Jake’s anger before things get too far?
I actually felt sorry for Jason as the story went on. The man’s had a rough time of it, and he’s angry. Can’t really blame him, even if he did act like an ass. I really enjoyed this story too. But then, I’m a Shannon West fan.
Prince of Paupers
by Kiernan Kelly
Prince Liam and longtime friend Deacon have to go back to Deacon’s Appalachian home, much to the prince’s dismay. It’s a trip Deacon is dreading. The days of poverty aren’t that far behind him and seeing it all again isn’t easy. In fact, things might even be worse than he remembers.
The prince cracked me up, lol. He was such a… *snort* prince. But his heart is gold, and he’s crazy about his best friend even if they are totally different. There was one character in this story I’d love to have strangled. Seriously. I live in a small town and this happens more than it should. (No, not saying what, lol.)
Switching it Up
by KC Wells
Don’t judge a book by its cover. That’s the whole point of this one. Jay is a twink, so of course he must bottom. Right? Then there’s Dean. Big, muscular, tall. So, of course, he must be a top. Right? Oh, but looks can be deceiving. Jay is the top, and he likes big, strong men. Dean is the big, strong man, but he’s pure bottom.
They meet and sparks fly. A hook-up blows both men minds, but Jay gets cold feet and runs off first thing. Has he made a huge mistake?
This is a cute story I enjoyed. The sex was smoking hot and I really liked both characters. I think this was a good pick to end the anthology.
I have to say, I really liked this anthology as a whole. Usually there’s one or two stories I like and that’s it. That didn’t happen with this one. I enjoyed every story and have reread them already, lol. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this anthology.
~M
Czech Me Out: an Austin Tale
by BA Tortuga
Korde is a virgin cowboy new to Austin. Killing time, he investigates the food trucks he’s heard about. There he meets Josh, one of the truck’s owners. Over lunch, Josh finds out Korde knows how to do tile work and things go from there.
There’s the usual humor one expects from BA Tortuga, lol. The dog’s names just killed me! The chemistry between Korde and Josh is instantaneous and so cute. Gawd, Korde is so cute. You just want to hug him. The story is charming with hot sex and a cowboy’s panic after having sex for the first time. I really enjoyed it, lol.
The Mistell
by Katey Hawthorne
Peter, an art history gamer grad student, doesn’t date. He keeps things strictly physical because he can’t find what he wants. So when he learns fellow gamer Sam lives close by, they agree to meet. Let the sparks fly, lol. The build up between these two is slow and intense. And there’s a reason the buildup is slow. Then a minor misunderstanding happens and things get derailed.
I had trouble getting into the beginning since I’m not a gamer. The lingo threw me. But I liked Peter, so I stuck with it. I’m glad I did. It’s a wonderful story.
Faster Bobcat
by Julia Talbot
Lynx shifter and stripper Aleks doesn’t mix business with pleasure. He doesn’t mix sex and shifters, either. But Rafe, another cat shifter, just may change his mind. Can he tempt Aleks? Can he be the master Aleks desires?
Okay, yay for cat shifters! And D/s. Already a check in my happy column. Aleks is another sweet bottom who’s a little insecure. Rafe is a smoking hot, strong shifter. Both men have hang-ups they need to work through. I got attached to these two characters quickly. There was a point I wanted to throttle Rafe, lol. This was my favorite of all the stories.
Little Square of Cloth
by Sean Michael
Thanks to an insensitive friend, Peter learns just what exactly that little square of cloth in his back pocket stands for. Okay, with friends like that, who needs enemies? Gawd! Peter was thrust out of the closet in a major way. He has interest in BDSM, but didn’t realize what he had just got thrust into.
My new favorite word: fuck a doodle doo! I’m in love, lol. This is Sean Michael, so there’s a smoking hot Top and a nervous, sweet bottom. Love me some D/s and oh yeah, spanking! Yes, I’m a Sean Michaels fan, lol. Really like this story.
Sergeant Hardass
by Shannon West
Jason, a recent ex-Army man, has been burned by someone. Now, all he’s interested in is some submission in the bedroom with no strings attached. Then Fate steps in and sucker punches Jason. There stands his ex. The history between the two men is explosive and dangerous. Will Chad be able to defuse Jake’s anger before things get too far?
I actually felt sorry for Jason as the story went on. The man’s had a rough time of it, and he’s angry. Can’t really blame him, even if he did act like an ass. I really enjoyed this story too. But then, I’m a Shannon West fan.
Prince of Paupers
by Kiernan Kelly
Prince Liam and longtime friend Deacon have to go back to Deacon’s Appalachian home, much to the prince’s dismay. It’s a trip Deacon is dreading. The days of poverty aren’t that far behind him and seeing it all again isn’t easy. In fact, things might even be worse than he remembers.
The prince cracked me up, lol. He was such a… *snort* prince. But his heart is gold, and he’s crazy about his best friend even if they are totally different. There was one character in this story I’d love to have strangled. Seriously. I live in a small town and this happens more than it should. (No, not saying what, lol.)
Switching it Up
by KC Wells
Don’t judge a book by its cover. That’s the whole point of this one. Jay is a twink, so of course he must bottom. Right? Then there’s Dean. Big, muscular, tall. So, of course, he must be a top. Right? Oh, but looks can be deceiving. Jay is the top, and he likes big, strong men. Dean is the big, strong man, but he’s pure bottom.
They meet and sparks fly. A hook-up blows both men minds, but Jay gets cold feet and runs off first thing. Has he made a huge mistake?
This is a cute story I enjoyed. The sex was smoking hot and I really liked both characters. I think this was a good pick to end the anthology.
August 14, 2014
Review: Designated Bottoms by B.A. Tortuga, Katey Hawthorne, Julia Talbot, Sean Michael, Shannon West, Kiernan Kelly, K.C. Wells
I am not one of those who normally goes for anthologies. Mea Culpa! Forgive me...... but how could I resist a book where the names B.A. Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Sean Michael and most of all, K.C. FREAKING!!!! Wells are on the author list!!!??? The others I am familiar with but, I have to be honest: I have not read their books yet..... SORRRY!!!!!!!!!
So yes, I read all of the stories and I must say, this was such a fun read. I actually loved all of them.
The funny reads:
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne is a very modern look to romance. Basically, it happens online, then the protagonists go for a meet-up, they click, they boogie and they fall in love. I especially love the mistell bombs left on the chat lines..... something we can all claim have done at least once in our Facebook lives. Ground open, dive right in, and hope to survive the embarrassment!
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael is a very funny peek into the gay man's unspoken language. Who knew that a little piece of cloth of a certain color could be the code that could either rock your world or ruin it? This is a nice take on the 80's Hanky Code and it was hilarious. Thank goodness it ended happily for both men.
Switching It Up by KC Wells is another treasure by one of my favorite authors. This is the story of how society can label someone to be something they are not. Should that man act the way he looks? Should a man have needs based on how society perceives him? What if a bottom is a top and a top is a bottom? This was funny and yet all so real. A BDSM sweet romance only someone like Ms Wells could think up. Yes, it made me goofy giggle stupid.
The romantic romance:
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West. This was sooooooo sweet! It should have been an unhappily ever after story but because of some twist of fate, the two men meet each other on an arranged blind date gone wrong and because they had a history not one of them wanted to let go of, they finally get their HEA. This made me smile the biggest smile!!
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly is a Cinderfella story. A prince and pauper had grown up together thanks to royal parents who felt they had to contribute to society by making sure that at least one member of a poor family gets a chance at life. Unknowing to them, there is a dragon of a pastor who stole the monies sent and now it is left to the pauper, and prince!, to settle what should have been settled a long time ago. In the process, they slay the dragonand best of all, they finally get their happily ever after. Yes, it is a modern fairy tale, but one that is just the perfect read to go goofy over.
I am not one of those who normally goes for anthologies. Mea Culpa! Forgive me...... but how could I resist a book where the names B.A. Tortuga, Julia Talbot, Sean Michael and most of all, K.C. FREAKING!!!! Wells are on the author list!!!??? The others I am familiar with but, I have to be honest: I have not read their books yet..... SORRRY!!!!!!!!!
So yes, I read all of the stories and I must say, this was such a fun read. I actually loved all of them.
The funny reads:
The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne is a very modern look to romance. Basically, it happens online, then the protagonists go for a meet-up, they click, they boogie and they fall in love. I especially love the mistell bombs left on the chat lines..... something we can all claim have done at least once in our Facebook lives. Ground open, dive right in, and hope to survive the embarrassment!
Little Square of Cloth by Sean Michael is a very funny peek into the gay man's unspoken language. Who knew that a little piece of cloth of a certain color could be the code that could either rock your world or ruin it? This is a nice take on the 80's Hanky Code and it was hilarious. Thank goodness it ended happily for both men.
Switching It Up by KC Wells is another treasure by one of my favorite authors. This is the story of how society can label someone to be something they are not. Should that man act the way he looks? Should a man have needs based on how society perceives him? What if a bottom is a top and a top is a bottom? This was funny and yet all so real. A BDSM sweet romance only someone like Ms Wells could think up. Yes, it made me goofy giggle stupid.
The romantic romance:
Sergeant Hardass by Shannon West. This was sooooooo sweet! It should have been an unhappily ever after story but because of some twist of fate, the two men meet each other on an arranged blind date gone wrong and because they had a history not one of them wanted to let go of, they finally get their HEA. This made me smile the biggest smile!!
Prince of Paupers by Kiernan Kelly is a Cinderfella story. A prince and pauper had grown up together thanks to royal parents who felt they had to contribute to society by making sure that at least one member of a poor family gets a chance at life. Unknowing to them, there is a dragon of a pastor who stole the monies sent and now it is left to the pauper, and prince!, to settle what should have been settled a long time ago. In the process, they slay the dragonand best of all, they finally get their happily ever after. Yes, it is a modern fairy tale, but one that is just the perfect read to go goofy over.
September 11, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Designated Bottoms is exactly as it sounds, an anthology exploring the wants and needs of bottoms in relationships. The bottom is often seen as lesser, but they in fact hold most of the power. Where would all this tops be without a bottom to satisfy their needs?
Designated Bottoms was fantastic! Such great writing and characters, I was captivated from the start and fell in love with all 14 of the guys. This was a well edited selection of stories showing the strength and power to be had by the bottoms in a relationship, and how there needs to be balance, understanding and honesty in order to overcome fears and insecurities. This is an absolute must buy anthology, and my only hope is that the authors craft future stories featuring these guys in the future. Have you bought it yet? How about now?
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Designated Bottoms is exactly as it sounds, an anthology exploring the wants and needs of bottoms in relationships. The bottom is often seen as lesser, but they in fact hold most of the power. Where would all this tops be without a bottom to satisfy their needs?
Designated Bottoms was fantastic! Such great writing and characters, I was captivated from the start and fell in love with all 14 of the guys. This was a well edited selection of stories showing the strength and power to be had by the bottoms in a relationship, and how there needs to be balance, understanding and honesty in order to overcome fears and insecurities. This is an absolute must buy anthology, and my only hope is that the authors craft future stories featuring these guys in the future. Have you bought it yet? How about now?
Read Jason’s review in its entirety here.
August 17, 2014
Individually the stories in this collection, would rate between 3.5 and four stars, but having seven stories of this quality and not single one being in my personal no-no category, qualifies Designated Bottoms to five stars.
I liked every single story, even Prince of the Paupers which had the dreaded childhood firends become lover plot, but there was no pining, rather two guys who'd been blind to their own emotions. Also, that story had a nice altered reality feel to it.
It would be very difficult for me to decide which one was my favorite, but I'd probably have to go with Switching it Up, that had an extremely lovely side story that really won me over.
I would recommend this to anyone liking stories that aren't very long but have good characters and are on the lighter side and, of course, hot.
I liked every single story, even Prince of the Paupers which had the dreaded childhood firends become lover plot, but there was no pining, rather two guys who'd been blind to their own emotions. Also, that story had a nice altered reality feel to it.
It would be very difficult for me to decide which one was my favorite, but I'd probably have to go with Switching it Up, that had an extremely lovely side story that really won me over.
I would recommend this to anyone liking stories that aren't very long but have good characters and are on the lighter side and, of course, hot.
Read
August 9, 2014Rating: a 4 overall for the anthology (4 out of 5 stars)
For my full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2Q4
From that review: "Seven stories, seven authors. Something for everyone. My ratings fluctuate between a 3.75 and a 4.5 for the stories individually (you can guess which is which). That averages out to a 4 rating overall. I do recommend picking this anthology up! It's stories are fun to read, highly sexy, and some will definitely leave you giggling and wanting more."
For all my reviews, author interviews, book contests and such, visit http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
August 6, 2014
Great anthology. Very interesting story hook. All of the stories were good there wasn't one I wished wasn't there although I am going to have to hunt Julia Talbot down as hers just needs to keep going! LOVED Aleksy and Rafe!!!
August 30, 2014
A great collection of stories that show all the different ways that being the bottom can work out.
May 27, 2017
Good selection of short stories.
4 authors with different takes on boys bottoming, I especially liked KC Wells book it was my favourite in this collection. I will be looking further at the books by these authors as I really liked their writing style. Recommended.
4 authors with different takes on boys bottoming, I especially liked KC Wells book it was my favourite in this collection. I will be looking further at the books by these authors as I really liked their writing style. Recommended.
February 2, 2017
Ich hatte mich schon sehr auf die Geschichten von mir bekannten und mir unbekannten Autoren gefreut, aber leider verspricht das Buch mehr als es halten kann. Es gibt insgesamt 7 Geschichten von 7 verschiedenen Autoren. Ich habe jede Geschichte einzeln bewertet und daraus dann dem Buch eine gesamt Bewertung gegeben.
In "Czech Me Out" von BA Tortuga geht es um Korde und Josh. Korde ist neu in der Stadt und wohnt bei seiner Schwester. Durch Zufall lernt er Josh kennen und es funkt sofort zwischen ihnen. Für mich waren die Beiden einfach nur super langweilig und es hat sich so unecht angefühlt. Ich konnte mich nicht in sie hinein versetzten und die erotischen Szenen waren leider auch zum Einschlafen. Ich habe der Geschichte 2 Sterne gegeben.
"The Mistell" von Katey Hawthorne fand ich zwar etwas besser als die erste Geschichte, aber leider war sie auch nicht umwerfend. Paul ist Student, Nerd und hat einen hohen Verschleiß an Männern. Er geht nicht auf Dates, denn es geht ihm nur um das Eine. Dann lernt er Sammy kennen und möchte bei ihm alles anders machen. Sammy ging mir einfach auf den Keks, anstatt seine Probleme mit Paul zu besprechen rennt er einfach davon und lässt Paul ihm dunkeln, der wiederum so fasziniert von Sammy und ihm alles durchgehen lässt, 3 Sterne.
Julia Talbots "Faster Bobcat" war dagegen richtig toll, hat dafür auch 4 Sterne von mir bekommen. Aleks arbeitet als Stripper und ist überrascht als er von dem attraktiven Rafe um eine Private Show gebeten wird. Schon bald wird es richtig heiß zwischen den beiden und Gefühle kommen ins Spiel, aber kann Rafe ihm wirklich das geben was er braucht? Die Geschichte ist richtig super, vor allem da beide Gestaltwandel sind, was sie genau sind müsst ihr selbst heraus finden.
"Little Square of Cloth" von Sean Michael dreht sich um Peter und Dom Rupert. Peter gelangt er ungewollt in einen BDSM Club und erregt durch seine Sub Haltung sofort die Aufmerksamkeit von Doms. Rupert rettet ihn aus einer etwas peinlichen Lage und beschließt den unerfahrenen Peter unter seine Fittiche zu nehmen. Die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich fand Peter und Rupert auch sehr natürlich und sympathisch, 4 Sterne.
In "Sgt. Hardass" von Shannon West geht es um Jake, der frisch von der Army kommt und versucht sein gebrochenes Herz zu heilen. Doch plötzlich steht sein Ex Chad vor ihm und alles was Jake will, ist ihn genauso zu verletzten wie er verletzt wurde. Kann es noch ein Happy End für die Beiden geben? Jake hat mir so leid getan, er hat jemand besseres verdient. Chad konnte mich überhaupt nicht leiden und ich konnte sein Verhalten auch nicht nach vollziehen, für mich war er einfach nur feige, daher 3 Sterne.
"Prince of Paupers" von Kiernan Kelly war meine Favorit. Sie war witzig, interessant, mal was anderes halt und die Hauptfiguren habe ich sofort ins Herz geschlossen. Liam und Deacon sind seit sie klein sind befreundet und könnten nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Liam ist ein Prinz und Deacon stammt aus einer armen Familie und beide haben das Herz am rechten Fleck und es schlägt für den jeweils anderen. Die beiden sind einfach so toll zusammen, aber die Geschichte wäre nie so gut ohne den Butler geworden, er ist einfach so komisch und seine Kommentare haben der Handlung noch ein wenig mehr Glanz verliehen, 5 Sterne.
In "Switching It Up" von KC Wells begegnen sich Jay und Dean in einem Club und findet in dem jeweils anderen genau das was sie schon immer gesucht haben. Man sollte sich nie vom Aussehen eines Menschen täuschen lassen. Die Geschichte war nicht wirklich was für mich, da ich die Rollen lieber anders herum gesehen hätte. Auch hat Jay mich nicht wirklich angesprochen, ich fand seinen Freund viel interessanter und hätte lieber eine Geschichte über ihn gelesen, 3 Sterne.
Fazit: Die Autoren haben sich eine Menge vorgenommen und nicht jeder konnte das auch so umsetzen. Die Geschichten waren einfach zu kurz und hat sich stark auf einige Handlungen ausgewirkt. Würde ich Lesern raten diese Buch oder eBook zu kaufen? Die Antwortet lautet nein, da der Preis nicht mit der Qualität mithalten kann!!
In "Czech Me Out" von BA Tortuga geht es um Korde und Josh. Korde ist neu in der Stadt und wohnt bei seiner Schwester. Durch Zufall lernt er Josh kennen und es funkt sofort zwischen ihnen. Für mich waren die Beiden einfach nur super langweilig und es hat sich so unecht angefühlt. Ich konnte mich nicht in sie hinein versetzten und die erotischen Szenen waren leider auch zum Einschlafen. Ich habe der Geschichte 2 Sterne gegeben.
"The Mistell" von Katey Hawthorne fand ich zwar etwas besser als die erste Geschichte, aber leider war sie auch nicht umwerfend. Paul ist Student, Nerd und hat einen hohen Verschleiß an Männern. Er geht nicht auf Dates, denn es geht ihm nur um das Eine. Dann lernt er Sammy kennen und möchte bei ihm alles anders machen. Sammy ging mir einfach auf den Keks, anstatt seine Probleme mit Paul zu besprechen rennt er einfach davon und lässt Paul ihm dunkeln, der wiederum so fasziniert von Sammy und ihm alles durchgehen lässt, 3 Sterne.
Julia Talbots "Faster Bobcat" war dagegen richtig toll, hat dafür auch 4 Sterne von mir bekommen. Aleks arbeitet als Stripper und ist überrascht als er von dem attraktiven Rafe um eine Private Show gebeten wird. Schon bald wird es richtig heiß zwischen den beiden und Gefühle kommen ins Spiel, aber kann Rafe ihm wirklich das geben was er braucht? Die Geschichte ist richtig super, vor allem da beide Gestaltwandel sind, was sie genau sind müsst ihr selbst heraus finden.
"Little Square of Cloth" von Sean Michael dreht sich um Peter und Dom Rupert. Peter gelangt er ungewollt in einen BDSM Club und erregt durch seine Sub Haltung sofort die Aufmerksamkeit von Doms. Rupert rettet ihn aus einer etwas peinlichen Lage und beschließt den unerfahrenen Peter unter seine Fittiche zu nehmen. Die Geschichte hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich fand Peter und Rupert auch sehr natürlich und sympathisch, 4 Sterne.
In "Sgt. Hardass" von Shannon West geht es um Jake, der frisch von der Army kommt und versucht sein gebrochenes Herz zu heilen. Doch plötzlich steht sein Ex Chad vor ihm und alles was Jake will, ist ihn genauso zu verletzten wie er verletzt wurde. Kann es noch ein Happy End für die Beiden geben? Jake hat mir so leid getan, er hat jemand besseres verdient. Chad konnte mich überhaupt nicht leiden und ich konnte sein Verhalten auch nicht nach vollziehen, für mich war er einfach nur feige, daher 3 Sterne.
"Prince of Paupers" von Kiernan Kelly war meine Favorit. Sie war witzig, interessant, mal was anderes halt und die Hauptfiguren habe ich sofort ins Herz geschlossen. Liam und Deacon sind seit sie klein sind befreundet und könnten nicht unterschiedlicher sein. Liam ist ein Prinz und Deacon stammt aus einer armen Familie und beide haben das Herz am rechten Fleck und es schlägt für den jeweils anderen. Die beiden sind einfach so toll zusammen, aber die Geschichte wäre nie so gut ohne den Butler geworden, er ist einfach so komisch und seine Kommentare haben der Handlung noch ein wenig mehr Glanz verliehen, 5 Sterne.
In "Switching It Up" von KC Wells begegnen sich Jay und Dean in einem Club und findet in dem jeweils anderen genau das was sie schon immer gesucht haben. Man sollte sich nie vom Aussehen eines Menschen täuschen lassen. Die Geschichte war nicht wirklich was für mich, da ich die Rollen lieber anders herum gesehen hätte. Auch hat Jay mich nicht wirklich angesprochen, ich fand seinen Freund viel interessanter und hätte lieber eine Geschichte über ihn gelesen, 3 Sterne.
Fazit: Die Autoren haben sich eine Menge vorgenommen und nicht jeder konnte das auch so umsetzen. Die Geschichten waren einfach zu kurz und hat sich stark auf einige Handlungen ausgewirkt. Würde ich Lesern raten diese Buch oder eBook zu kaufen? Die Antwortet lautet nein, da der Preis nicht mit der Qualität mithalten kann!!
June 15, 2017
Bait and switch - there are FOUR stories, not seven!!!
I actually returned this book for a refund, and here's why - despite the cover AND reviews showing 7 books, there are only FOUR. When you can buy books individually for .99, $4.99 is NOT A DEAL. I felt cheated. I still really liked Switching it Up by KC Wells, and the rest were fine but not that memorable. The price needs to go down on this, since some of the content was removed.
I actually returned this book for a refund, and here's why - despite the cover AND reviews showing 7 books, there are only FOUR. When you can buy books individually for .99, $4.99 is NOT A DEAL. I felt cheated. I still really liked Switching it Up by KC Wells, and the rest were fine but not that memorable. The price needs to go down on this, since some of the content was removed.
May 7, 2015
Overall, the stories were interesting and well written. There were a few that seam they were just there to fill it up, but aside from those the whole anthology as a whole was a very good read and I enjoyed it very much.
September 14, 2014
3.5 stars
June 10, 2016
3.5 stars
May 16, 2016
Nice short reads. I especially liked The Mistell by Katey Hawthorne and Switching it Up by KC Wells, and would give each 4.5 stars.
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