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April 17th, 2013
 Secret Chemistry by Chris T. Kat
Series: Shifter’s, book#1
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, Paranormal, Erotic Romance, M/M
Length: 220 pages
Summary:
Not all werewolf societies are created equal. The one Tim Evans grew up in detests those not of “pure blood”—so when Tim discovers his mate is Jay, a male fox-wolf hybrid ten years his junior, it shocks him, to say the least. Too young to claim his mate and too weak to protect him from the rest of the pack, Tim fears for Jay’s life. When a human gets hold of Jay, Tim believes he has lost him forever.
The next eighteen years are hell. Tim devotes his life to his family and running their stable, but anger and depression threaten to consume him. Then fate brings Jay back into his life. Tim knows Jay feels the same attraction he does—mates always do. So why won’t Jay act on it?
Samhain Queene’s Review:
I wanted to read Secret Chemistry by Chris T. Kat after reading the blurb. It sounded interesting and different. And it was both.
 Growing up surrounded by people who aren’t enamored of hybrids turns into years of heartache for Tim after he discovers his mate is a fox-wolf hybrid. It also doesn’t help that a teenage Tim discovers his mate is ten years younger.
Moving forward almost twenty years, Tim and Jay are reunited. The two are drawn to each other at first sight. But it takes some skillful maneuvering for them to have the time alone for Tim to explain things to Jay. Jay surprises Tim by not being surprised by the whole shifter world. What upsets Jay is the anger and dislike of hybrids.
My only problem was how slowly it all began. I understand the need for the beginning with a younger Tim and Jay. It was just really slow. After the real story began, Secret Chemistry moved quickly and was very entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading more of this series and to see how things work out for Jay and Tim. Ms. Kat has the beginning of a good series with Secret Chemistry.
Rated 3 ½ Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, Chris T Kat, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Paranormal, Samhain Queene, Secret Chemistry | No Comments »
December 5th, 2012
 What Ever Happened To Jan Phillips? by Michael Halfhill
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, Erotic Contemporary, M/M
Length: 350 pages
Summary:
Eighteen-year-old Jan Phillips is down and out, hustling johns in Philadelphia’s Tenderloin District, when he catches the eye of Tim Morris, a powerful lawyer with ties to a secret organization. Against his better judgment, Jan is soon caught up in a web of intrigue that will change his life forever—or end it prematurely.
It’s 4:00 a.m., and the phone is ringing. Waking from an uneasy sleep, Jan answers and in so doing allows two strangers into his life. One is a victim of a heinous crime, a man to whom Jan feels an instant connection. The other is a deadly enemy. Their appearance will lead to murder—and the first plight Jan faces as Master of the Mundus Society.
Previously published as two novels: Bought and Paid For published by iUniverse and Scimitar published by Author House.
Samhain Queene’s Review:
What Ever Happened to Jan Phillips by Michael Halfhill was a gut-wrenching, heart-stopping, thrill ride. From the moment Jan makes the decision to become Tim’s lover, to the moment he faces down a killer hell-bent on making Jan pay for a murder he didn’t commit, I was caught up in this amazing story.
Jan and Tim’s relationship encompasses the majority of the beginning of the story. From the moment Tim decides Jan will be his lover and future successor, Jan is filled with conflicting emotions. It takes losing his mentor and lover for Jan to finally realize the path Tim laid before him. Dealing with the aftermath of a failed mission when Jan was eighteen, Jan discovers for himself the dangers inherent with his position as Master.
The whole story keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know what’s going to happen next. Each scene is skillfully crafted, making it hard to put down. I look forward to reading more by Mr. Halfhill.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 5 Divas, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Michael Halfhill, Recommended Read, Samhain Queene, What Ever Happened To Jan Phillips? | No Comments »
July 16th, 2012
 Something New by Tia Fielding
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: M/M, GLBT, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 130 pages
Summary:
For thirty-five-year-old writer Frank Hudson and his partner of fourteen years, the spark is dead, and it’s time to move on. Frank sets his sights on a sleepy town in Vermont, where he plans to start over in peace and quiet—plans that are destroyed when fireman Conner O’Malley literally blazes onto the scene. To Frank, the tattooed, redheaded twenty-three-year-old and his bright smile are a flash of light in an otherwise dreary life.
But it’s a tricky situation right from the beginning. Frank’s passionless relationship has left him doubting that anyone could ever find him attractive. Conner’s juggling a demanding job and the unexpected responsibility of playing dad to his little brother and sister. Battling their own insecurities, Conner’s demanding schedule, and small-town homophobia is hard work—but sometimes hard work pays off.
Kris’ Review:
A relatively short novella at 130 pages, Something New by Tia Fielding is a first person account of thirty-something Frank Hudson, a relatively famous LGBT young adult writer, who moved to Vermont after a split with his husband-in-all-but-name. By his accounts we get a late description of his physical attributes and a detailed blow-by-blow of his everyday activities in the first few chapters.
 We then get introduced to Conner O’Malley, a much younger firefighter, and witness as their two universes collide. I particularly enjoyed the town that was described: a lot of times M/M writers will either tend to emphasize bigoted attitudes and write most background characters as hostile, or write everything as smelling of roses for the new couple. In this case, I thought the portrayal was in line with the shifting attitude of the US to same sex couples, with quite a few people who were out and most townspeople tolerant. The author includes bigots as well, but they don’t take over. Now, this may still be idyllic but I thought it was relatively realistic, especially in the 20-something generation.
The characters themselves are cute. While the book is a 1st person POV, I had some difficulty really understanding Frank because some of his thoughts were not consistent with his behaviour, especially at the beginning. For example, he states he is happy to be divorced but then is lonely and yet still tells his family to stop calling him so often. Conner is quite forward but still shy, which I thought was very endearing. Their romance develops seamlessly, which is either good or bad depending on your own preferences. Con comes with quite a lot of baggage (in the form of small siblings) but Frank integrates himself fast and well and it’s all quickly smooth-sailing, even through a few bumps towards the end, which felt a tiny bit contrived even though you could see them coming a mile away.
While well-written, this is not a particularly captivating book. It is solid, but the story itself is comfortable and expected, and the writing doesn’t spice it up in any particular way and neither does the sex, which, while well-written, was conventional. I couldn’t find any typos, and the layout is the usual from the publisher’s, making it a delight to read as a PDF.
As a quick evening read, if you want something easy and fluffy, definitely go for Something New! As for myself, I like a little bit more bite to my books.
Rated 3.5 Delightful Divas by Kris!
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Posted in 3 1/2 divas, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, kris, m/m, Tia Fielding | No Comments »
June 20th, 2012
 A Hole in God’s Pocket by K. Z. Snow
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 186 pages
Summary:
When Greg Aubuchon brings home an inebriated man one night, he’s merely playing Good Samaritan. What’s the point of a twenty-five-year-old gay virgin having designs on a twenty-two-year-old straight player who just broke up with his girlfriend?
But… assumptions often prove erroneous. Faron Weaver’s girlfriend was actually a boyfriend, and he’s every bit as screwed up about being a promiscuous gay Amish man as Greg is about being a celibate gay ex-monk.
A bond forms between them, as bizarre as it is fitting, when Greg’s current housemate moves out and Faron moves in. Although mutual attraction charges the air, their friendship remains chaste.
Other men disappoint and even hurt them, making real love seem like an impossible dream. Estrangement from faith and family fills them with guilt. They confide and commiserate and consider solutions, but nothing seems to be enough. Greg and Faron have a longing to belong that could send them back to the places they came from…unless they accept the blessing that’s right under their noses.
Lasha’s Review:
K.Z. Snow’s A Hole in God’s Pocket is a lush, lyrical tale of a twenty-five year-old former monk, Greg Aubuchon, who meets a former Amish man, Faron Weaver and find out they have a lot more in common besides religion. As these two men forge a friendship, they also discover a deep and abiding love for each other that threatens everything they’ve ever believed.
 What I love most about this book was the tone and structure of the words. They were utterly beautiful and fit in perfectly with the setting and the plot of the story. Now, this book isn’t The Thorn Birds, as Faron is sort of a little promiscuous and is not fighting the fact he’s gay, but Greg like Father Ralph is lost and alone until he finds his soul mate (Faron). So, as a love story, this book shines, but readers who like graphic sex scenes should look elsewhere, as that wouldn’t have fit within the confines of Greg and Faron’s relationship. And while there might not be up-against-the-wall sex, A Hole in God’s Pocket is deeply sensual and erotic in its own unique way.
Overall, everything about A Hole in God’s Pocket was of the highest caliber: the writing, the plot and the characterizations. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 5 Divas, A Hole in God's Pocket, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, K.Z. Snow, Lasha, m/m | No Comments »
June 17th, 2012
 Sounds of Love by Susan Laine
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Lenght: 220 pages
Summary:
What does love sound like? If you hear it, will you heed its call?
Police officer Jordan Waters is recovering from a shooting by moving to a new apartment in a new town and taking a new job. In other words, he’s lonely. His first instinct is to relieve his anxiety through uncomplicated sex—until he meets a man so far out of his league and experience that he stumbles for the first time.
Police volunteer Sebastian Sumner may be deaf, but his spirit, openness, and sense of humor give him the strength to get through anything—even the emotional defenses of Jordan Waters. But it’s his own family history that poses the biggest challenge. Can he learn to trust Jordan with his heart, or will his upbringing blind him to the sounds of love?
Samhain Queene’s Review:
Susan Laine has created a wonderfully engaging love story in Sounds of Love.
Two men are brought together in a way that’s not exactly subtle, but is definitely refreshing. Jordan is cocky, arrogant and a player when he meets Sebastian. Sebastian is the nice guy. The guy Jordan tends to avoid. But he’s drawn to Sebastian in a way that makes him rethink everything. Sebastian is just trying to prove to everyone that although he’s deaf he’s not helpless. Jordan surprises him by accepting him as he is and supporting him no matter what.
In Sounds of Love, two very different men come together with a sweet explosiveness. I look forward to reading more by Ms. Laine.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 4 Divas, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Samhain Queene, Sounds of Love, Susan Laine | 1 Comment »
June 16th, 2012
 Super Sock Man by Amy Lane
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 118 pages
Summary:
Knitting Series, prequel to Chase in Shadow
Donnie’s crush on his sister’s roommate, Alejandro, has gone beyond childhood dreams—and it’s driving Donnie insane! So when Donnie gets a chance to house-sit for his sister and Yandro, Donnie doesn’t feel alone. He’s got all his vivid fantasies to keep him company! Can a little dumb luck—and a little help from a magical homemade gift—help Donnie’s fantasies come true?
Lasha’s Review:
Originally published as a part of GoodReads’ M/M Romance Groups Hot Summer Days, Amy Lane’s Super Sock Man is the tale of Donnie and Alejandro. The two meet when Alejandro or “Yando” moves in with Donnie’s older sister, Chelle, both dancers in a local troupe. Donnie, then an inexperienced sixteen year old, gets an immediate crush on his sister’s roommate and that’s when he finally realizes he’s gay. As Donnie grows older, Yando and he become friends and their attraction grows. But Yando is a known man-slut, who only does one night stands, so will Donnie, the shy virgin be able to change his mind and give a relationship a chance?
I normally expect an angst-fest from Amy Lane, so Super Sock Man was a beautiful surprise as it was heartbreakingly cute. As Donnie and Yando grew closer and Donnie finally persuaded Yando to take a chance on him and love, you could feel the sexual tension build in the book. When it exploded, wow! Donnie’s first time was sweet and hot at the same time.
Fans of Ms. Lane’s books will enjoy this prequel to Chase in Shadow, and those readers who fear that book might be too dark will find this story to be utterly delightful and charming. I highly recommend this coming of age tale of first love and second chances.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 4 Divas, Amy Lane, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Super Sock Man | No Comments »
June 12th, 2012
 Seizing It by Chris T. Kat
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, M/M, GLBT
Lenght: 202 pages
Summary:
Veterinary receptionist Kit Hall doesn’t get close to people, and for good reasons: his epilepsy makes him feel like a freak, and his ex was an abusive jerk. But that doesn’t always deter people from wanting to get close to Kit. When a Good Samaritan saves him from his wannabe boyfriend in a parking lot, he doesn’t expect to find the guy so attractive. He definitely doesn’t expect his savior to turn out to be his new boss.
Dale Miller, veterinarian and old-fashioned guy, sees right through Kit’s prickly facade. He likes what he sees, but convincing Kit to give a relationship a shot isn’t going to be a walk in the park. Of course, for Kit, resisting Dale isn’t going to be easy either.
Samhain Queene’s Review:
From the very beginning I was caught up in Seizing It by Chris T. Kat. The whole story takes course over a few days, but everything happens exactly when it should. There’s no second guessing or wondering if you’re missing something. The story is told from Kit’s point of view, which is perfect for Seizing It.
Kit is full of so many conflicting emotions that don’t blend well with his epilepsy. Having been rescued by a stranger and the trauma that goes along with all that happened, Kit is on a downward spiral. While he thinks he’s okay and has his epilepsy under control, he soon discovers that appearances, even his own, can be misleading.
Dale immediately sees Kit in a way that Kit doesn’t. Dale sees through all of Kit’s anger and bitterness but he doesn’t know the whole story. And being a gentleman means no pressure. He surprises Kit by calling him on his BS and convinces Kit to try being in a relationship. The only thing Dale asks for is honesty. And Kit’s afraid if Dale knows everything he’ll walk away.
Dale and Kit are a great couple. Yes, we only see it from Kit’s perspective, but Dale does all the little things just right and has Kit questioning his own behavior. Seeing them struggle with Kit’s anger issues and move on to admitting that over a few days they’re running as quickly as possible to love was amazing. Love at first sight happens for these two even though Kit doesn’t want to see it.
The pacing of Seizing It, the revelations, and the characters draw you in and don’t let you go. Ms. Kat has brought us a great story. Can’t wait to read more of her work.
Rated 4 ½ Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 4 1/2 Divas, Chris T Kat, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Samhain Queene, Seizing It | 1 Comment »
May 25th, 2012
 More Than Chemistry by Kate Sherwood
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 94 pages
Summary:
Jack Lawson grew up poor and can’t forget it. He’s a huge success in the business world, but it won’t be enough until the image of “poor little Jack” is completely wiped away. When Jack runs into his old friend, Noah Mercier, he decides that Noah’s sister, an up-and-coming movie star, would be the perfect evidence of glamorous success. If Jack can win Hayley, it will be clear to everyone, including himself, that he has truly arrived.
The problem with Jack’s grand plan is that he’s more attracted to Noah. Jack’s never worried about the gender of his conquests, but Noah just isn’t flashy enough for Jack’s scheme to set the world on fire…unless Jack realizes he has practically no control over deciding who he wants—and even less choice in who he needs.
Lasha’s Review:
Kate Sherwood is an auto-buy author for me and More Than Chemistry is a delightful novella that surprised me because I thought I’d have a hard time liking the main character Jack Lawson from the blurb. But Ms. Sherwood was able to take a self-absorbed and sometimes juvenile man and make me like him.
Jack and Noah went to high school together. Since then, Jack has worked hard and built up a successful company, all he needs now is a trophy wife and he figures he’s got it made. Enter Noah, who is trying to land an advertising account with Jack’s company, and when Jack sees his old high school buddy and finds out Noah’s sister is a sexy Hollywood actress, he finagles a deal that Noah’s company gets the account if Jack goes on a date with Noah’s sister! However, weeks after reuniting with Noah, Jack finds himself falling for the guy, but the date with the sister is looming. Who will Jack choose?
In the beginning of this book, it was tough to like Jack. He was vain, selfish and unable to see what was right in front of his face: Noah. But as the book progressed, Jack’s character grew on me, although he did seem to have a type-A personality. But during the course of the story he changed and the reader had Noah to thank for that. Their chemistry propelled the plot along at a steady pace, and when the end finally came I wanted more! (Always the sign of a good book.) Add in some great secondary characters: Jack’s snarky secretary and Noah’s sister, and this was a fun read.
Overall, More Than Chemistry held my attention, delivered a great plot, interesting characters and a wonderful love story. I can easily recommend this novella.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Lasha!
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Posted in 4 Divas, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, Kate Sherwood, Lasha, m/m, More Than Chemistry | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2012
 Ty’s Obsession by SJD Peterson
Book 3 of the Whispering Pines Ranch Novels
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 200 pages
Summary:
Ty Callahan knew Quinn Taylor was special the moment he first laid eyes on him. When the angry and heartbroken cowboy finally opens up, Ty sees the real man inside, and for the first time in years, Ty is ready to love again. There’s only one problem: Lorcan James. Although Lorcan has owned a piece of Quinn’s heart for some time, Ty is convinced he is the better man for Quinn and will stop at nothing to prove it.
Then Blake Henderson, a strong, dominant cowboy, strolls confidently into Ty’s life, offering an outlet for Ty’s anger, a chance to heal, and an option for his torn affections. Can Ty look beyond his feelings of rage and betrayal and find true peace, or will his obsession destroy them all?
Samhain Queene’s Review:
In Ty’s Obsession, Ty is reeling from the revelation that Lorcan is back in Quinn’s life for good. SJD Peterson continues the Whispering Pines Ranch series with an amazing story.
Ty’s anger sends him on a path of major destruction. Then, Blake Henderson enters the picture. He sees more in Ty than Ty realizes. And, Blake’s desire to help finally comes to a head. Blake takes Ty on a journey of self-discovery, but also ends up on that same path. Both men are battered and bruised. Hopefully together they can find the peace they need.
Ms. Peterson shows us the next step in Lorcan and Quinn’s journey with a beautiful wedding. Now I want to know what happens to Blake and Ty. The Whispering Pine Ranch novels are well-written, amazing stories with strong, well-crafted characters.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 5 Divas, BDSM, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Recommended Read, Samhain Queene, SJD Peterson, Ty's Obsession | No Comments »
May 23rd, 2012
 The Rare Event by P.D. Singer
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 350 pages
Summary:
Hedge fund trader Ricky Santeramo has it all: money, looks, and fellow trader Jonathan Hogenboom. The two couldn’t be more different: Jon is from old money, while Ricky clawed his way out of blue-collar New Jersey. Jon hedges his positions; Ricky goes for broke. Jon likes opera and the Yankees; Ricky prefers clubbing. Jon drinks wine with dinner; Ricky throws back a beer. Jon wants monogamy… but Ricky likes variety.
Bankrupt airlines are facing strikes, the housing market is starting to crumble, and Jon can’t wait any longer for Ricky to commit. One last night alone and one last risky trade make Jon say, “Enough.” Then Jon’s old friend Davis comes to New York City, ready for baseball and forever. The whole world is chaos, but there are fortunes to be made—or lost—and hearts to be broken—or won.
Faced with losing it all, Ricky must make the savviest trades of his life and pray for a rare event. His portfolio and Jon’s love are on the line
Cryselle’s Review:
“Not committed yet” and cheating aren’t the same, and if you can’t see a difference, don’t even pick up this book. You’ll only be unhappy with Ricky, who hasn’t moved past the dating stage even though Jon is ready and anxious for them to be exclusive. PD Singer has started in the middle of the story in The Rare Event, and a jam packed story it is.
Ricky and Jon work together in a hedge fund with a tainted reputation. Their boss Edgar is a social pariah for good reason, and hires his staff from the fringes of the financial world, even if they are smart and talented. Whether they didn’t go to top tier schools, or have some scandal in their past, if they can’t make it here, they might as well go work for a bank in Syracuse because the rest of Wall Street won’t touch them. And if they fight Edgar, they’d better be ready to leave. He seems over the top, but once I read the news reports about the sex scandals at the International Monetary Fund, it’s more art imitating life. It’s not just the mortgage crisis that was ripped from the headlines into the fabric of this book.
Both Ricky and Jon would love to find some leverage against the old monster but fear of what he’ll do to get even deters them. In the meantime, they’ve got to make some money in between trips to Fire Island and trying to sort out whether or not Ricky is ever going to commit to Jon. Each of them have their own sorrows, and what makes each of them tick is gradually revealed. Some of it is heartbreaking—I wanted to hunt down one character and punch his nose, but even he comes to understand where he went wrong. There is no easy forgiveness for such a terrible wrong, and the book doesn’t cheapen either the apology or the reaction by reaching for it.
 Jon finally decides that he can’t wait any longer for Ricky to make up his mind because the waiting hurts too much. That’s one rare event Ricky didn’t see coming, and he misses the signs on another, but in his defense, Wall Street missed the signs too in real life. So he has two disasters on his doorstep, and now Davis, someone Jon’s known a long time, is in the picture and hoping Jon is interested, as in forever, now, please, interested, and the best he gets is baseball games. Ricky can only grit his teeth and watch, and endure the baseball, which he thinks is like watching paint dry.
Ricky ends up finding out what is really important to him, with Jon, with his honor, and with his career. Ms Singer takes everything away from him before giving him anything back at all because he has to grow into being worthy of Jon, who also grows into more self-confidence.
Watch for PD Singer’s trademark secondary romance in the background. It’s kind of cute, and another character desperately needs a story of his own. The other secondary characters are well-rounded and vivid; the action on the trading floor is wild and the sums of money involved are enormous but true. There’s a glossary in the back that explains enough of the technical stuff for us to keep up with the stock market scenes, and if you just read it as yeah, they know what they’re doing, it’s still exciting, and sexy. As Ricky says about misbehaving at the office, “I reserve the right to one kiss for every fifty thousand dollars. Another nineteen million dollar day could test my resolve.” The story is very plotty, and it all ties in with the romance.
The underlying idea here is separating value from price, and about finding out what’s really important to you. Ricky comes to understand what he should treasure, and becomes a far better man in the process. This book is truly a Rare Event.
Rated 5 Delightful Divas and a Recommended Read by Cryselle!
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Posted in 5 Divas, contemporary, Cryselle, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, PD Singer, Recommended Read, The Rare Event | No Comments »
May 14th, 2012
 The Beach House by John Simpson
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GBLT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 116 pages
Summary:
Keith Montgomery never thought he’d be so weary at twenty-eight, mourning the deaths of his lover and mother. Deciding he needs a break, he rents a house at Reeds Beach on Delaware Bay. The house and beach are beautiful, and Keith’s good luck holds: when he takes the plunge and buys a pair of Speedos, he attracts a hot young sales clerk and ends a long dry spell.
Something’s missing until Sam, his Scottie dog, introduces Keith to Jeff, who is tall and well-built with blond hair still in the crew cut he wore in Afghanistan. Intrigued rather than put off by Jeff’s mood swings, Keith befriends the recently returned soldier and they build the tentative beginnings of a relationship… until a surprise visitor from Jeff’s past threatens to bring a bright future crashing down.
Kris’s Review:
The Beach House is a short story at 116 pages, with a summary that says it all. It is told in the third person point of view of the main character, Keith, who takes a summer break at a beach house. He proceeds to find a good lay, someone else who seems to be able to become his partner, and the problems that go with these new situations.
The story explores a lot of interesting issues: getting over the death of a loved one since Keith has lost his mother and his partner, the fact that sex can be separated from deep feelings, and the fact that war leaves emotional scars that can come and bite you in the arse.
I didn’t feel, however, that the dialogue was genuine between the characters: all of the characters were outspoken and just put their desires out there, regardless of whether they were speaking to a stranger or not. I could not suspend my disbelief when Keith and Gary (the hot salesman) hooked up, nor when they discussed the logistics of it. I am definitely for an ‘all-disclosure’ agreement before you start anything with anyone, but this just seemed artificial. The same goes for Jeff when he shared his Afghanistan stories with Keith.
I also thought the exposition was a lot of telling that didn’t really reflect on the actions of the character. Keith is said to be mourning his partner and to be too guilty to have any sort of relationship, and yet that doesn’t translate when he meets Gary and then Jeff. It is implied that he is getting over his loss, but I feel it should have also been expounded upon since this is how we first meet our character. We don’t meet him in the deep throes of grief.
I definitely liked the approach to sex that the characters had in that not one of them regretted sleeping with whomever they had, and that’s great, because it means the tired trope of ‘You-slept-with-someone-else-but-how-could-you-angst-angst-angst’ was avoided. The sex itself was good as well, but I still had a problem with the dialogue.
Overall, this is a quick pick-me-up story. If you like the summary and enjoy the excerpt, go for it! It is very consistent in terms of writing and is correctly proofread. In addition, there are no typos and the layout is very pleasing. It did not resonate with me personally because the dialogue and the prose are not my preferred writing style, and I felt some of the interactions between the characters were not believable.
Rated 2.5 Delightful Divas by Kris!
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Posted in 2 1/2 Divas, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, John Simpson, kris, m/m, The Beach House | No Comments »
May 14th, 2012
 A Bar Tender Tale by Melanie Tushmore
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 170 pages
Summary:
Twenty-two-year-old barman Nathan is always the odd one out. It’s tough to get a date when his love of loud music, tattoos, and zombie paraphernalia usually sends potential candidates running for the hills. Trying to find anyone who wants to spend time with him, let alone stay in and watch trashy horror movies, has always been a problem.
Then, on his day off, Nathan does a friend a favor by covering a shift at a pub, and in walks a handsome stranger who shares his love of horror. It could be a match made in B-movie heaven, and Nathan is determined to pursue this new acquaintance, but—zombies aside—has Nathan got the guts to go on a real date?
Kris’s Review:
At 170 pages, A Bar Tender Tale is a shortish story which reeled me in with its summary, since I confess that my best friend fits almost all of Nathan’s descriptors (not the bartending thing or the male thing, but everything else!). Told in a third person limited point of view, the story follows Nathan as he gets kind of dumped by who he thought was his boyfriend, offers to take a free shift at another pub, and meets Auryn, who seems straight-laced but loves gaming and zombie movies. And this is just the beginning! Their common friends make it difficult for them (but funny for the reader), and Nathan’s boyfriend resurfaces with some terrifying antics.
The plot itself is hilarious: a lot of situational comedy, people appearing when they shouldn’t, and characters shooting their mouths at the worst moments. It’s ridiculously funny, mostly because this is very much how real life goes. I was a bit ambivalent towards Nathan, because he was such a real character with so many flaws that I didn’t know if I liked him or not.
I felt there was significant exposition: the chapters flowed really well but quite a lot of it felt extraneous. Sometimes I also felt like some of the details about the main character were contrived (for example, what he wore or how long it took him to get ready in the mornings). I didn’t feel like his love for all things zombie was truly a part of him until mid to late in the story. However, because my best friend shares the exact same paraphernalia collecting characteristics, I’m very likely biased as to how I expect aficionados to behave, so please take this comment with a grain of salt!
I was also a bit disturbed as to how Nathan behaved with Auryn: talk about mixed signals! I loved the fact that the author walks us through Nathan’s thought process and how much of a spaz he can be, but some of his actions were questionable: for example, he doesn’t take Auryn’s desire to take it slow into account, and that just screams selfish jerk in my opinion. I wasn’t particularly convinced of the ‘accent is cute’ trope, but that’s maybe because I live in London and not up north, so don’t take my word for it.
Nathan and Auryn’s friends, however, are a riot: they’re annoying but lovable, and everyone is out for themselves. They’re good friends and supportive, but I also liked how very realistic the whole thing was. No one in this book is perfect, except maybe Auryn. The downside is we don’t quite know very much about him because the author puts us in Nathan’s head.
Overall, A Bar Tender Tale is definitely enjoyable, and, more importantly, it grows on you as you read it. Nathan is a little bit of a self-absorbed jerk, though, so read at your own peril if you prefer nicer heroes. I quite enjoyed the change!
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Kris!
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Posted in 4 Divas, A Bar Tender Tale, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, kris, m/m, Melanie Tushmore | No Comments »
May 3rd, 2012
 Quinn’s Need by SJD Peterson
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: GLBT, M/M, BDSM, Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Length: 260 pages
Summary:
Sequel to Lorcan’s Desire – A Whispering Pines Ranch Novel
It’s been a year since Lorcan James left Whispering Pines Ranch, and Quinn Taylor has barely recovered. Only two things keep him from falling into the abyss of despair: his work at the ranch and his escape into the world of BDSM at a club called The Push. At The Push, the sound of men begging him helps drown out the bitter memory of his own voice begging Lorcan to stay.
When Lorcan comes back to Pegasus, the same blistering heat simmers between them, but almost nothing has changed. Lorcan is still with Jess, the man he left the ranch with, and Quinn has captured the attention of Ty Callahan, a man who will beg Quinn for anything, anytime, and any way Quinn wants it. Despite how much he wants Lorcan, Quinn swears he’ll never beg a man again. If there’s one thing Quinn has learned the hard way, it’s that not even begging can fill love’s aching need.
Samhain Queene’s Review:
Quinn’s Needwas a wonderful sequel to Lorcan’s Desire by SJD Peterson.
When we come back to Pegasus, Quinn is still reeling from Lorcan walking away. Quinn takes out his roller-coaster of emotions on everyone especially Ty. Quinn finds some release in BDSM at The Push, but he also falls into a world of new thoughts and emotions the closer he gets with Ty.
Just as Quinn is starting to figure out how his behavior has impacted his family, Lorcan comes back to town. Lorcan and Jess have plans to build a life together working Jess’ ranch. Both men are thrown for a loop when a life changing accident brings them back together. This time as friends. Lorcan still loves Quinn, and Quinn has never let Lorcan out of his heart. As they work together, their friendship blossoms. At the same time, Lorcan’s relationship with Jess begins to fall apart.
The personal growth of both Lorcan and Quinn only makes their connection stronger. Two strong men who need and love each other no matter the odds might finally have a shot at making it work. But for Lorcan, there’s still Jess, and for Quinn there’s Ty. What happens next is only surprising if you haven’t fallen under the spell of the characters.
SJD Peterson has a cast of amazing characters and a wonderfully heartfelt story in The Whispering Pines series. I look forward to seeing what happens in Ty’s Obsession.
Rated 4 Delightful Divas by Samhain Queene!
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Posted in 4 Divas, BDSM, contemporary, Dreamspinner Press, Erotic, GLBT, m/m, Quinn's Need, Samhain Queene, SJD Peterson | No Comments »
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