LGBTTQ Fiction: Passionate About Plot discussion
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I have a couple, just off the top of my head. Most likely I'll come back to add more later. 
Haruki Murakami doesn't usually write lesbian novels, but his writing is clean, evocative and enjoyable. 
This book is on my to-be-read list after I found it at a library book sale last weekend. It's about two young girls who fall in love, separate and then come to meet again later in life. Very much looking forward to it!
Unlike many of Sarah Waters' books, this one is not a period drama. It's contemporary *enough*, occurring in WWII period. Though the lesbian romance is not the only thing going on among the four main characters, it does take up a fair amount of show time.
This is a quick pick for those of you who love erotica in this group. (I noticed there were a number of you :D) This book is tasteful erotica from beginning to end, with an entertaining though light plot and definite re-readability.
Mod
No book over because this is a free online read posted on a blog.
This tells the story of a burnt out British executive, a man in his thirties who has flown too fast and too high, who is sent to rest and recuperate on a working ranch in Wyoming where the regime is strict but fair and based on domestic discipline.
This is definitely not your regular BDSM M/M. There is no sex at all in the first book, precious little in the sequels and that is just mild references with no detail. However the depth of feeling, the care with which the damaged man is restored to health and competence is heartwarming and I loved the details of the work on the ranch and the landscape in which the action takes place. I was reminded very much of the Flicka books by Mary O'Hara, but that might just be the setting. There are horses dogs and sheep - I felt so at home!
There are some editing issues and points where a good content editor might have tightened the narrative up a bit but I found the stories to be such a comfort read I gave the first one 4.5 stars on that alone. Sometimes sheer emotion has to count for something.
The first one is my debut novel. It's a cross between romance and suspense. Broken Star Joann Lee
From the outside looking in, Lynn Feoras seemingly has everything a woman could desire. With numerous platinum selling CDs, lavish homes, and the ability to bring down the house with her powerful vocals, who could want for more?
Lynn.
Alexis Donatella is a jaded SVU officer who has no tolerance for the rich and famous. She has devoted her life to raising her daughter and to the Florida division of the Special Victims Unit. Venturing into a relationship is the furthest thing from her mind.
When Alexis and Lynn meet on the sandy beaches, sparks do not exactly fly, at least not for Alexis. When you add in a rambunctious child, a tragic secret from Lynn’s past, and obstacles no one could have foreseen, it makes for one frenzied summer.
In the midst of madness, is it possible for these two women to find love?
As for books I absolutely love are:
Accidental Love I think Accidental Love is such a sweet story. Yes, to some maybe it's unrealistic but this is what I love about it. I like to read fiction not 100% reality.
Gerri Hill I love anything by Gerri Hill. She is my favorite writer and I own all of her books. Keepers of the Cave is especially a favorite because it's so unique.
When Love Finds a Home Once again, yes, this is a little unrealistic. What can I say? It's the type romance stories I tend to lean towards. I think it's sweet and beautifully written. I wish I could find more like this one and Accidental Love.
Mod
Blurb: Natalie always wanted a little sister. Kat didn’t know she was allowed to want anything…or anyone.
Kat, a shy farmgirl, arrives at her freshman dorm with a backpack, a suitcase, and her mother’s wish for Kat to attend college “at least until you get married”. Her roommate Natalie, a confident and fun-loving social butterfly, decides sight unseen that Kat will become her best friend for life. Natalie teaches Kat about college life, academics, and friendship by taking Kat under her wing…and over her knee.
Then their lives fall apart one fateful night on campus, and for the rest of the decade Kat and Natalie struggle to find their way back to each other. Their way home.
A 'sweet' romance, so probably rated about a 2 :)
Mod
Blurb: Award-winning author Spring Meadows and newspaper-turned-literary editor Rachel Templeton have one thing in common: they can’t stand each other. Spring is sure that her bestselling talents single-handedly keep her publishing company afloat, while Rachel would like nothing better than to take this smart-mouthed, button-pushing prima donna down a peg or two. When Spring makes the fatal mistake of accusing Rachel of sexual misconduct, Rachel decides to teach her a lesson. “What is an author to an editor?” Spring asks herself. If only she had been prepared for Rachel’s answer…
A 'sweet' romance with added spanking.
Mod
Blurb: Mira thought she wanted a spanking. What she got was love.
On her own for the first time, Mira is studying abroad for her translator’s certificate. Unfortunately, the heady excitement of dance clubs, late-night parties, and endless shopping quickly distracts her from her educational goals. Mira’s advisor offers her private tutoring, but the combined pressures of culture and language difference threaten Mira’s progress at school. She is unable to get her act together until she makes a discovery that horrifies and tantalizes her: in her new country, corporal punishment is a way of life. The secret to her academic success just might also fulfill her wildest, unspoken dreams.
Sexy. Seductive. Dangerous. A poignant and compelling read.
I haven't read this but I'm assured it's another 2.
After Mrs HamiltonLesbian intrigue romance After Mrs Hamilton is on offer this week at 0.99.
After Mrs Hamilton is an intricate and twisting tale of sex, secrets, and obsession and has been reviewed on C Spot reviews:
http://reviews.c-spot.net/archives/4597
Here's the blurb:
Clo is leading a loveless life as a high class escort for women. She's always had a dream of the ideal partner, but after a bad experience with love when she was young, figures she is better off on her own. Right now, she's supposed to be meeting her best friend. But tonight, Clo has to work.
It's early evening and Mrs. Hamilton waits for an escort on the balcony of her London hotel suite. It's cold, and she feels ice in her veins that has nothing to do with the chilly air. Too much pain, betrayal, and lost desire. What is she thinking, that the touch of a stranger will heal her broken past? But her appointment is with Clo, and the touch of this beautiful young woman lights torches Mrs. Hamilton didn't know she carried. Clo doesn't even feel like a stranger. She feels dangerously like someone Mrs. Hamilton wants to know.
But love, passion, and desire never seem to know the right time, or place. Neither do secrets, especially when everyone's keeping them, as call girl Clo and her friends are about to find out. From London to Oxfordshire, the past collides with the present with repercussions no one could imagine or will ever forget.
"Fast-paced, clever and sexy" - When Sally Met Sally
The Kindle version is available on Amazon for 0.99. Here are the US and UK links:
US: http://www.amazon.com/After-Mrs-Hamil...
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Mrs-Ham...
(Paperback is also available on Amazon)
Many thanks,
Clare Ashton
http://rclareashton.wordpress.com
The Apothecary's Garden by Julie Bozza
Blurb :
Hilary Kent, a Londoner all his working life, retires to Wiltshire after an estranged cousin unexpectedly leaves him an inhabitable tower surrounded by an overgrown physic garden – and that's when graduate student Tom Laurence suddenly erupts into his life, convincing him that together they can restore the ancient garden to its former glory. Tom's cheerful friendship is the best thing that's ever happened to Hilary and he's perfectly content with that until, to his astonishment and confusion, it seems that Tom's affection for him is beginning to grow into something more … something he feels he probably shouldn't allow.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...
I don't write reviews but this time I did :
I'm not used at all to reading contemporary novels but "The Apothecary's Garden" left me speechless, smiling, my mind in a turmoil but at the same time in a state of glee! I was transported to a place where I didn't want to leave ... I might have been in my room in body while reading but my spirit was wandering to a wonderful place, in the company of two very endearing men ... what a gorgeous and truly fascinating story that went straight to my heart, what an experience ... what an enchantment !
I'm going to read "Butterfly Hunter " the soonest possible!
Butterfly Hunter by Julie Bozza
Blurb :
It started as a simple assignment for Aussie bush guide Dave Taylor – escort a lone Englishman in quest of an unknown species of butterfly.
However Nicholas Goring is no ordinary tourist, his search is far from straightforward, and it’s starting to look as if the butterflies don’t want to be found.
As Dave teaches Nicholas everything he needs to survive in the Outback he discovers that he too has quite a bit to learn – and that very often the best way to locate something really important is just not to want to find it…
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15...
My thoughts :
And here again I will say that contemporary novels are not my thing and that I'm not used to writing reviews but after reading 'The Apothecary's Garden' and then 'Butterfly Hunter' I'm sure that I don't know anything anymore! This second book affected me differently this time, it touched me even deeper ...
Ms. Bozza has to be kind of a wizard who spins her magic with words, using descriptions just like a spell. She definitely has the ability to very easily draw you into her very unique world ... She makes you feel good, alive and free.
This time she even allows us to have a glimpse into the very soul of this Australian continent, its incredible natural beauty and its mysterious legends so difficult to grasp for the rest of the world.
At the end, my spirit returned to my body overflowing with serenity, hope, with stars in my head and a blue butterfly on my shoulder, with another smile on my face and a sentence ever present in my mind : carpe diem!
What an uplifting novel and an intensely moving love story ...
Hi, I just wanted to share a book y'all might like that came out this week. It's mine, so I'm not an objective judge, but I can tell you that I intended it to be a character exploration as much as a romance. There's sex, but if that was all you were looking for you'd be disappointed.It's called Bread, Salt and Wine
. While it's the last book in a series, they're stand alone novels loosely linked by shared characters and it doesn't matter which you read first. Here's the blurb:Some wounds never heal. George Zajac grew up in a religious family with a father who beat “the swish” out of him. Now he's a troubled man. At thirty-eight he moves across the country to start a new life in Los Angeles, working as the catering chef for a prestigious French Restaurant. Kenny Marks, a writer who’s currently waiting tables, is everything George cannot be—flamboyant, proud and sexually confident. Enthralled by Kenny, and against his own better judgment, George agrees to a date. Sparks fly. The sex is better than good. But even after the two get close, George remains crippled by humiliating sexual hang-ups. Still haunted by his childhood, he lingers in the closet and can’t commit to a relationship with Kenny. Love is the great healer, but is it enough? George’s emotional scars could drive Kenny away, and with him, George’s last chance at happiness.
I also want to recommend Magic Mansion by Jordan Castillo Price
. It's a wonderful story set on a reality TV show. The two main characters are completely marvelous. There's a thirty year age difference between them and the younger, Ricardo, had a poster of the older man, Professor Topaz, on his wall since he was a kid. By the time these guys finally get together, you're aching for it to happen. There's a wonderful group of secondary characters, too. And lots of contests and voting off the island stuff.Here's the blurb:
Professor Topaz is tired of fending off advice that he should retire in Vegas where magicians his age have an easier time finding work.
Ricardo Hart's career has sunk so low, he's resorted to shaking his moneymaker at bachelorette parties.
But there's a casting call for a new reality show called Magic Mansion that could change everything for these two gay stage magicians, one recovering from the loss of his partner, the other awe-struck by the presence of his idol. Each is poised for a critical second chance: at fame, and at love.
Who will win? Step into the Mansion, and find out...
The Jesus InjectionThis is a Gay James Bond type of spy thriller. Major gay characters, gay themed plot- and sex scenes are minimal having chosen to build character development.
Sequel to Broken Star
After finding happiness, Lynn Feoras was convinced life with Alexis and Calista would be perfect. But when she and Alexis begin the tedious journey of expanding their family, she soon comes to learn that money doesn’t buy everything.
In the midst of doctor’s visits, a move to New York, and a whirlwind tour, life remains chaotic for the Feoras family. New friends emerge, old ones return, and an unexpected reappearance of someone from Lynn’s past leaves her questioning her ability to be a parent.
Will Lynn and Alexis be able to overcome the obstacles placed before them? Will their relationship crumble under the strain or will they come out on top, stronger than before?
AN INFATUATION, my Bittersweet Dreams MM novella from Dreamspinner Press, is getting rave reviews and terrific reader response. Here's the blurb, purchase links, a link to today's review from Bike Book Reviews, my bio, and my contact info. Enjoy!With his ten-year high school reunion approaching, Harold wonders whether Mario will be as muscular, sexy, and tantalizing as he remembers. As a teenager, it was love at first sight for Harold while tutoring football star Mario, until homophobia and bullying drove Mario deep into the closet. Now they’re both married men. Mario, a model, is miserable with his producer wife, while Harold, a teacher, is perfectly content with his businessman husband, Stuart. When the two meet again, will the old flame reignite, setting Harold’s comfortable life ablaze? How can Harold be happy with Stuart when he is still infatuated with his Adonis, his first love, Mario? Harold faces this seemingly impossible situation with inimitable wit, tenderness, and humor as he attempts to reconcile the past and the future.
http://www.amazon.com/Infatuation-Joe...
http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/stor...
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
Joe Cosentino is the author of An Infatuation (Dreamspinner Press), Paper Doll, the first Jana Lane mystery (Whiskey Creek Press), Drama Queen, the first Nicky and Noah mystery (Lethe Press-releasing this summer), and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (Eldridge Plays and Musicals). He has appeared in principal acting roles in film, television, and theatre, opposite stars such as Bruce Willis, Rosie O’Donnell, Nathan Lane, Holland Taylor, and Jason Robards. His one-act plays, Infatuation and Neighbor, were performed in New York City. He wrote The Perils of Pauline educational film (Prentice Hall Publishers). Joe is currently Head of the Department/Professor at a college in upstate New York, and is happily married. His upcoming novels are Porcelain Doll (the second Jana Lane mystery), Drama Muscle (the second Nicky and Noah mystery), A Shooting Star (Dreamspinner Press novella), A Home for the Holidays (Dreamspinner Press holiday novella).
Web site: http://www.JoeCosentino.weebly.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JoeCosentinoa...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JoeCosen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00KRPXJP6
Yet another great review of AN INFATUATION, this one from Saguaro Reviews. Here's a clip and a link to the full review. Enjoy! "anyone who has ever had an infatuation will relate to this story, as well as anyone with a heart, and will love it to pieces." http://saguaromoonreviews.com/an-infa...
And yet another rave review for AN INFATUATION. This one is from Hearts on Fire Reviews: "this is one of the most poignant stories I have ever read"http://heartsonfirereviews.com/review...
Check out my interview in Divine Magazine today. It is truly divine. Hah. http://divinemagazine.net/book-stuff/...
Check out this 4.5 star review and fun author spotlight interview of me on the Nautical Star Books site for AN INFATUATION: http://nauticalstarbooks.com/joe-cose...
The curtain is going up! I am REALLY excited about my new comedy/mystery/romance series set in the world of academia (a world I know well): the Nicky and Noah mysteries, beginning this summer with DRAMA QUEEN published by Lethe Press. Pre-order the paperback now at the pre-order discount price! http://www.lethepressbooks.com/store/...
Hi ElinI'm being a bit dense here! I'd love to add a book to this list, but I can't fathom out how to put the link in. Any advice gratefully received!
Cheers
Jane :0)
I am so exited about my blog tour for my new mystery/comedy/romance series, the Nicky and Noah mysteries, premiering with DRAMA QUEEN, published by Lethe Press. I've written some great articles for the blog tour, and I will also include exclusive excerpts from the novel, interviews, and fun giveaways. I hope you'll follow me. Here's the schedule:June 5, Cover Reveal on Scott Burkett's GGR
June 6, Release Day on Lisa Horan's The Novel Approach
June 7, Blog Post on A.J.'s Inked Rainbow Reads
June 8, Blog Post on Sandra Harden's My Fiction Nook
June 9, Blog Post on Devan Huff's Nautical Star Books
June 10, Blog Post on Melanie Marshall's Scattered Thoughts and Words
I've sussed how to do this now (I hope). And I'd like to add a couple:
A really well written and very creepy psychological thriller set in 70's San Francisco with strong lesbian/gay themes.
And:
The first of Tim Bairstow's Church of England based M/M romances. Fascinating story and great characters.
(the second one's a really good read too!)
I am excited to report DRAMA QUEEN (the first Nicky and Noah mystery) from Lethe Press made the top 40best sellers in the Gay Mystery and Detective category on Amazon Kindle today. Bike Books Reviews wrote, “Joe Cosentino gives us a great storyline, and a plot that keeps us guessing to the end!” KathyMac Reviews wrote, “Mystery, suspense, comedy, and romance, are just a few of the delights you will get when you read Drama Queen, by Joe Cosentino.” Check it out on all e-book formats and paperback. Audiobook coming soon. http://www.lethepressbooks.com/store/...
http://bikebookreviews.blogspot.com/2...
http://kathymacreviews.blogspot.com/2...
DRAMA QUEEN received another 5-star review today. This one is from Lori X at Boy Meets Boy Reviews. Here’s the web address and a few review quotes: http://boymeetsboyreviews.blogspot.de... “I cannot stop laughing. Drama Queen is Hardy Boys-meets-Murder She Wrote-meets-Midsummer Murders, with a side of parodic, farcical, satire.” “Who-dunits don't come more whodunnity than this.” "Nicky and Noah stole my heart. Every farce needs a romance that is sweet. Every amateur sleuth needs a willing partner. Willing to be the Holmes to his Sherlock that is." "Also willing to give soppy old romantics like me a falling in lurve storyline. Perfect."
DRAMA QUEEN hit #20 in its category on Amazon Kindle's Bestseller List today! Also, you can hear my interview on LGBT Radio at 47 minutes in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrMnq.... Enjoy!
DRAMA QUEEN continues to get rave reviews. The two latest are from MM Good Book Reviews ("If you are looking for a fun mystery, lots of humor, like actors, play directors and hot professors, sweet romance and mild, mostly off-page but sensual man-sex this is definitely for you!") and GGR Reviews ("If you like broad comedy with a side of crime and a host of suspects, Drama Queen should fill the playbill nicely.") The kindle reached #18 Best Seller in its category, and the paperback has been released. The audio book will be out soon!
Two more rave reviews for DRAMA QUEEN, the first Nicky and Noah mystery from Lethe Press. “The mystery took me on a journey with plenty of twists and turns and left me questioning who the murderer was. The romance portion was cute and sexy all rolled into one.” “As for the drama, this book has drama on every page, and for those of us who appreciate the theater, there is plenty of behind the scenes happenings!” Joyfully Jay http://joyfullyjay.com/2015/07/review...
“a murder mystery, a comedic romp, an investigative caper, and a love story all rolled up into one nifty little novel” The Novel Approach http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/20...
Here’s a fun podcast I did for LGBT Seniors. Enjoy! http://www.lgbtsr.org/2015/07/03/auth...
LGBTTQ Fiction: Passionate About Plot
Books mentioned in this topic
The Shadow of Your Wings (other topics)By Blood (other topics)
Unbreakable (other topics)
The Jesus Injection (other topics)
Magic Mansion (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Joann Lee (other topics)Gerri Hill (other topics)
Please add links, cover and blurb then tell us why you think this book deserves to be in this category and what you like so much about it.
Authors: feel free to add your own books too. :)