Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion
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What else are you reading? (June 2010 - May 2013) *closed*
ns wrote: "Anne wrote: "Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Alright, I have to check out this Megan Derr person.... Where should I start? ."Personally, I would suggest The Matchmaker or Finder Tolan"
Yeah, what Me..."
I thought someone had, but I couldn't find it (found it now, though). Thank you!
Lauraadriana wrote: "On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least."Wow, that looks... I don't know what to say. How was it?
Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least."Wow, that looks... I don't know what to say. How was it?"
That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years old and adults are ... well... I can't stomach it. Maybe before I worked with teens, I might, but now, no. Not blaming the author or anything though. It's the same when I read Snape/Harry before Harry left school fanfics a while ago. After I worked with teens I stopped enjoying them.
Candice wrote: "However, have you read Prisoner by her? Now, personally, I haven't been crazy about the rest of her stuff, but this book, I just loved. I'd really like to know what some other fans of m/m fiction thought of it."Hey, you have the book? Where did you manage to buy it from? I couldn't find it at LT3 nor Amazon nor Powells nor Ebay and at the usual round of used book sources the cheapest one I could find was $30.
I sent off an email to them asking when they're going to make it available.
Also, if you liked Prisoner, you'll like Bound (which I loved). Set in the same world etc.
Yes, I know it's available as a pirated download for free, too, but don't get me started on those degenerates...
Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years old and adults are ... well... I can't stomach it.
This was WAY out of my comfort zone, but it was the same author as The Girl For Me which I loved so I decided to read it. I was too chicken to read it alone, so Merith and I read together. And it was very different from what I expected. I talk about a bit in my review. I was not as awful as I thought and gave me lots to think about and chat about with Merith while we read.
On another note just finished Kindred Heartslast night...Perfection, great writing, lovely story, good characters, well researched...Fine fine book.
This was WAY out of my comfort zone, but it was the same author as The Girl For Me which I loved so I decided to read it. I was too chicken to read it alone, so Merith and I read together. And it was very different from what I expected. I talk about a bit in my review. I was not as awful as I thought and gave me lots to think about and chat about with Merith while we read.
On another note just finished Kindred Heartslast night...Perfection, great writing, lovely story, good characters, well researched...Fine fine book.
Lou wrote: "So for all those who like Tamara Allen's books: Downtime is now available on Dreamspinner, in print from too."
I'm re-reading
today she is a lovely writer :O)
I'm re-reading
today she is a lovely writer :O)
Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years old and adults are ... well... I can't stomach it.Th..."
I'll have to read your review. I'd like to read more by that author, but I'm not sure I can stomach this, either. I had a couple run-ins with pedophiles as a kid, and I'm not sure how this would hit me.
Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years old and adults are ... well... I ..."
Well, if it's a particularly sensitive issue I would not read it. I have the same problem with
I have heard such good things and I LOVED her new book, but I just don't think I can deal with reading it.
Well, if it's a particularly sensitive issue I would not read it. I have the same problem with
I have heard such good things and I LOVED her new book, but I just don't think I can deal with reading it.
Mod
..."
Can you try and read strictly from a technical standpoint? Like divorce your own likes and dislikes from the equation and just judge based on facility of language, structure, pacing, characterization, etc.?
Mod
Well, you can read all of our discussion posts from March, since that's when we read Finding Zach, but for me, I can say the fact that he was raped, almost seemed like it was glossed over. It was talked about, but not much, and it certainly wasn't the main focus of the book.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Well, if it's a particularly sensitive issue I would not read it. I have the same problem with Finding Zach I have heard such good things and I LOVED her new book, but I just don't think I can deal with reading it. "I can never predict how I'm going to react, sometimes it's not a big deal. Just depends on how it's handled.
I've never gotten past the excerpt of Finding Zach. It's too disturbing.
Josh wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Not good guys, not good at all. How can I score these books if I don't want to read them past first few pages? sigh... ..."
Can you try and read strictly from a technical standpo..."
Hey Josh, you're back! Welcome :)
Jordan S. wrote: "Well, you can read all of our discussion posts from March, since that's when we read Finding Zach, but for me, I can say the fact that he was raped, almost seemed like it was glossed over. It was talked about, but not much, and it certainly wasn't the main focus of the book. "I've read a lot of rapes in M/M that seemed glossed over to me. I don't know if I'm supposed to believe the male psyche handles it differently, or if it actually does (honestly, I'm not buying it).
I know someone who is in charge of rape prevention and awareness in the state prison system, here, and according to her more men are raped in prison than women in the general public in the US.
Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Well, if it's a particularly sensitive issue I would not read it. I have the same problem with Finding Zach I have heard such good things and I LOVED her new bo..."
Thing is, a few years back while working in Guatemala someone very close to me was kidnapped for about four months...and this book might just be a bit too much...
Thing is, a few years back while working in Guatemala someone very close to me was kidnapped for about four months...and this book might just be a bit too much...
Josh wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Not good guys, not good at all. How can I score these books if I don't want to read them past first few pages? sigh... ..."
Can you try and read strictly from a technical standpo..."
That's the problem. Technically, the book has so many problems. For the first book, the language flows quite well. However the inconsistent characterization, instant love that doesn't make sense, calling baby less than 24 hours after 1st meeting and so on, ruin the book. As for the 3rd, well, the topic is quite disturbing so I have to make myself to read further.
Mod
Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years old and adults are ...."Finding Zach portrays rape as it is, a rape. Nonconsensual Love portrays statutory rape in positive light, that I can't take.
Mod
Not that I have any experience on the issue, but my guess is that men tend to ignore bad things and pretend they never happen. It doesn't mean it affects them any less though. They just don't open up and cry about it like a woman would be more likely to do. Especially not in a prison setting!
Cleon wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex between 15 years..."
I would say you should read it Cleon...I was super reticent because it, since it is not comfortable subject for me AT ALL, but I kind of trusted the author and well it was a good story. So yeah I would give it a read. I have not read Finding Zach not cause it's not good, but because personally it's a VERY sore subject....but I do love Rowan Speedwell's writing so I might give it at try.
I would say you should read it Cleon...I was super reticent because it, since it is not comfortable subject for me AT ALL, but I kind of trusted the author and well it was a good story. So yeah I would give it a read. I have not read Finding Zach not cause it's not good, but because personally it's a VERY sore subject....but I do love Rowan Speedwell's writing so I might give it at try.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex be..."That's the point, Laura. There are some things I don't want to read, no matter how well written it is. Perhaps I am a chicken. lol. But sometimes I don't want to push my boundaries.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Thing is, a few years back while working in Guatemala someone very close to me was kidnapped for about four months...and this book might just be a bit too much... "I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole if I were you!
Jordan S. wrote: "Lauraadriana, Ah, then that's a very different issue all over. In that case, I can't help much except to say that there is a two year gap between the time he was found and when the story takes plac..."
I'm very curious to read it if I'm honest...I finished her latest book last night and loved it SO MUCH, I feel like I should give it a chance. Kindred Hearts was such a fine novel, and SO WELL researched that I want see how she writes the emotions of the characters n Finding Zach...
@Cleon, yeah I would say pass on this one...I asked Merith to read with me cause I was to chicken to read it alone, I did trust the author and that made a difference.
I'm very curious to read it if I'm honest...I finished her latest book last night and loved it SO MUCH, I feel like I should give it a chance. Kindred Hearts was such a fine novel, and SO WELL researched that I want see how she writes the emotions of the characters n Finding Zach...
@Cleon, yeah I would say pass on this one...I asked Merith to read with me cause I was to chicken to read it alone, I did trust the author and that made a difference.
Jordan S. wrote: "Anne, that's a scary notion that more men are raped in prison than women on the streets. Not that I have any experience on the issue, but my guess is that men tend to ignore bad things and pret..."
Okay, after writing that, it occurred to me that the statistic might actually be that more rapes occur in prison -- some of which occur in women's prisons (sickeningly, it's often the guards in this case). I should check the stats before I type blithely away.
Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "Cleon wrote: That is one book I'm never going to read no matter how well written it is. Sex between teenagers are OK, but sex be..."I'm leaning toward reading NonConsensual Love the more we discuss it. I liked the way this author handled the whole harmful sex scene in The Girl For Me. I'm thinking s/he could handle this. If I hate it, I'll stop, I guess.
I know I had a few criticisms of The Girl for Me, but it has really stuck with me. I want to read more by that author.
Anne wrote:I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole if I were you!
Really?!? I dunno I'm kinda curious...
Really?!? I dunno I'm kinda curious...
Lauraadriana wrote: "Anne wrote:I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole if I were you! Really?!? I dunno I'm kinda curious..."
It already pushes my buttons, so I'm probably not a good judge. If you do decide to read it, tell me what you think. Maybe I'll work up to it, too. :)
I really liked The Girl For Me, so I decided to give NonConsensual Love a try, even though the subject matter is kind of squicky. So far I'm struggling with the racism as much as the age of the characters. At this point I don't like either of them. I've finished the first chapter, but I'm not sure I'm going to keep going.
Becky wrote: So far I'm struggling with the racism as much as the age of the characters.
That was a BIG one for me...I mean I'm black and I LIVE in Africa so, I was very uncomfortable with his attitude about Sno being black...Ryan evolves and so do his views.
That was a BIG one for me...I mean I'm black and I LIVE in Africa so, I was very uncomfortable with his attitude about Sno being black...Ryan evolves and so do his views.
Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least."Wow, that looks... I don't know what to say. How was it?"
You know, when Lauraadriana suggested it as a mutual read, I was a little... squicked. But, it's not bad. By the end, the ages of the MCs didn't bother me so much. It wasn't about rape at all, but a boy's introduction to sex and love.
Merith wrote: "Anne wrote: "Lauraadriana wrote: "On another note just finished reading NonConsensual Love It was interesting to say the least."
Wow, that looks... I don't know what to say. How was it?"
You kno..."
:O) It did turn out a lot better than we expected.
Wow, that looks... I don't know what to say. How was it?"
You kno..."
:O) It did turn out a lot better than we expected.
Becky wrote: "I really liked The Girl For Me, so I decided to give NonConsensual Love a try, even though the subject matter is kind of squicky. So far I'm struggling with the raci..."Racism was another theme Laura and I talked about where this story is concerned. Ryan was REALLY bigotted. Or at least, he spouted off what he'd learned from his parents. As he interacted with Sno, that changed. There really is a lot of growth in this story.
Merith wrote: "Becky wrote: "I really liked The Girl For Me, so I decided to give NonConsensual Love a try, even though the subject matter is kind of squicky. So far I'm struggling..."The growth of the characters was one of the things I loved about The Girl For Me. And Kevin was pretty obnoxious before he got to know Dani. I'm not sure why I was willing to ride it out with homophobia but I'm less willing to do so with racism. Maybe because there was something charming about Kevin and his internal thoughts, even when he was spouting off. So far there's not been anything particularly endearing about Ryan. And Ryan seems to spend more time thinking about Sno being black than Kevin ever did thinking about Dani being gay.
Becky wrote: "Merith wrote: "Becky wrote: "I really liked The Girl For Me, so I decided to give NonConsensual Love a try, even though the subject matter is kind of squicky. So far..."I thought about that, too -- that Kevin was a homophobe at first and I didn't seem to have as much of a problem with that. I think there were two reasons, though: first, I was basically warned by the blurb that Kevin was a homophobe initially, but he would change; second, it was clear before the end of the first chapter that Kevin was already changing.
OTOH, I think the racism would bother me more (but not now, since I've been warned by all you nice people that he's going to change).
Lou wrote: "So for all those who like Tamara Allen's books: Downtime is now available on Dreamspinner, in print from too."Arrrgh. Dreamspinner not only doesn't permit payment via paypal, they ask for your full birthdate as required information! On which planet would you share that level of information, especially given how shaky their computing infrastructure seems to be??? Just who is insane enough to share their birthday/date like this, or make it public in any way???
Not my day today..so desparately wanted to stock up for a looming 24 hour travel journey later this week.
AAAARGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. Sometimes I wish I could just send a fifty to the author and have them mail me the damn pdf and let them deal with the publishers. My worst nightmare is coming true, trapped in an airplane with nothing to read. Society's infrastructure needs to better support the needs of the addicted, is all I can say.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
ns wrote: "Lou wrote: "So for all those who like Tamara Allen's books: Downtime is now available on Dreamspinner, in print from too."Arrrgh. Dreamspinner not only doesn't permit payment via paypal, they a..."
You raise a good point about birth date info. I've never thought about it. I rarely buy from publishers. I guess I better track down my accounts and erase them all, if I can. sigh... Internet security is not a fun thing to think about.
If you are at all putting your date of birth, SSN or any other critical personal information on the Internet anywhere, you're certifiably crazy. Don't do it. Even heavily financed big guys with all of their infrastructure support get sliced and diced these days (witness Sony's unfortunate miseries or just read the headlines every day). It's too easy.
Security by obscurity is all that's keeping you safe right now. Relying on that is akin to not locking your doors and figuring there are lots of houses, what the heck.
ns wrote: "Lou wrote: "So for all those who like Tamara Allen's books: Downtime is now available on Dreamspinner, in print from too."Arrrgh. Dreamspinner not only doesn't permit payment via paypal, they a..."
I don't know about the birth date stuff since I haven't purchased directly from Dreamspinner yet. But their website says that they take paypal.
Good news! Downtime is already available for download from Amazon.
You're right, they do -- in the payment form it's not on the same line, either, and in my window it was obscured enough that I didn't see it. I asked them why they required dob, and they said it's to verify age (given adult content). I think most other sites just ask you to check a box that confirms that you're not a minor or over 21 or 14 or something like that, right? I've only bought from Loose-ID and Carina.
They do ask for a lot of stuff but i also thought it said they took paypal. I understand about reluctance to give out info as I've worked in fraud for a number of years. But I think birthdate info is pretty much out there anyways (doesn't GoodReads ask for that?). But just try searching your name in the White Pages. Most of the time it comes back with not only your current address, it will show your age, maybe your birthdate & every time you've moved. It's amazing what's out there already.
They were ok with me entering a 100 to satisfy the form, fwiw.
ns wrote: "You're right, they do -- in the payment form it's not on the same line, either, and in my window it was obscured enough that I didn't see it. I asked them why they required dob, and they said it's ..."I don't remember having to verify age at Carina, and I don't think I've bought directly from anyone else. (I'm mostly an Amazon/Kobo/Fictionwise girl.) Usually online retailers want the billing address to match what's on record for the card to prove it's really you placing the order.
Becky wrote: "Good news! Downtime is already available for download from Amazon."Five minutes ago I would have been beating my head on my desk for not having refreshed fast enough to have seen this in time. Thanks for cluing this frantic idiot in.
Yvonne wrote: "I understand about reluctance to give out info as I've worked in fraud for a number of years. But I think birthdate info is pretty much out there anyways (doesn't GoodReads ask for that?)."Yep, it can be found eventually, but it's not likely they harvest individually -- whereas if they crack a site it's easily consumable. I would certainly not put up a dob on GR -- why do they need the dob? And doesn't everyone lie?
ns wrote: My worst nightmare is coming true, trapped in an airplane with nothing to read. Society's infrastructure needs to better support the needs of the addicted, is all I can say.
That sucks I hope you worked something out...
That sucks I hope you worked something out...
The Only Gold by Tamara Allen is available on Fictionwise. Quick, get it while you can combine the 15% new release discount with the 35% coupon (which should have worked until 8th but still works today!)
Cleon wrote: "The Only Gold by Tamara Allen is available on Fictionwise. Quick, get it while you can combine the 15& new release discount with the 35% coupon (which should have worked until 8th but still works t..."
Yep it's still working I bought the four S.J. Frost Conquest books today with the coupon...they'll have to wait a bit. I just dug into
today and re-reading
as well.
Yep it's still working I bought the four S.J. Frost Conquest books today with the coupon...they'll have to wait a bit. I just dug into
today and re-reading
as well.
ns wrote: "Candice wrote: "However, have you read Prisoner by her? Now, personally, I haven't been crazy about the rest of her stuff, but this book, I just loved. I'd really like to know what some other fans ..."Yeah, and I didn't pay any 30 bucks for it. Bought it fm Amazon; why it should suddenly be precious, Idon't know. Wierd, though, I just went to check my bookcase for it and couldn't find it. I know I didn't throw it away, because I had plans to eventually read it again. A major search must ensue...
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Q&A with Josh Lanyon
Books mentioned in this topic
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The Flame Trees of Thika: Memories of an African Childhood (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
M.M. Kaye (other topics)Elspeth Huxley (other topics)
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Ditto. Megan Derr's fairy stories/fantasy are..."
It (Harem) does start right out w/it. It then gives you a one-by-one intro to each, each one's story. It wasn't for me, for the same reason you're hesitating.
However, have you read Prisoner by her? Now, personally, I haven't been crazy about the rest of her stuff, but this book, I just loved. I'd really like to know what some other fans of m/m fiction thought of it.