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Itch #1
Bad Idea
Some mistakes are worth making.
Reclusive comic book artist Trip Spector spends his life doodling super-square, straitlaced superheroes, hiding from his fans, and crushing on his unattainable boss until he meets the dork of his dreams. Silas Goolsby is a rowdy FX makeup creator with a loveless love life and a secret streak of geek who yearns for unlikely rescues and a truly creative partnership.
Against their better judgment, they fall victim to chemistry, and what starts as infatuation quickly grows tender and terrifying. With Silas’s help, Trip gambles his heart and his art on a rotten plan: sketching out Scratch, a "very graphic novel" that will either make his name or wreck his career. But even a smash can't save their world if Trip retreats into his mild-mannered rut, leaving Silas to grapple with betrayal and emotions he can't escape.
What will it take for this dynamic duo to discover that heroes never play it safe?
Reclusive comic book artist Trip Spector spends his life doodling super-square, straitlaced superheroes, hiding from his fans, and crushing on his unattainable boss until he meets the dork of his dreams. Silas Goolsby is a rowdy FX makeup creator with a loveless love life and a secret streak of geek who yearns for unlikely rescues and a truly creative partnership.
Against their better judgment, they fall victim to chemistry, and what starts as infatuation quickly grows tender and terrifying. With Silas’s help, Trip gambles his heart and his art on a rotten plan: sketching out Scratch, a "very graphic novel" that will either make his name or wreck his career. But even a smash can't save their world if Trip retreats into his mild-mannered rut, leaving Silas to grapple with betrayal and emotions he can't escape.
What will it take for this dynamic duo to discover that heroes never play it safe?
350 pages, ebook
First published October 20, 2013
About the author
Damon Suede
20 books2,185 followersDamon Suede grew up out-n-proud deep in the anus of right-wing America, and escaped as soon as it was legal. He has lived all over and along the way, he’s earned his crust as a model, a messenger, a promoter, a programmer, a sculptor, a singer, a stripper, a bookkeeper, a bartender, a techie, a teacher, a director... but writing has ever been his bread and butter. He has been happily partnered for over a decade with the most loving, handsome, shrewd, hilarious, noble man to walk this planet.
Though new to gay romance, Damon is an award-winning author who has been writing for print, stage, and screen for two decades, which is both more and less glamorous than you might imagine. He's won some awards, but he counts his blessings more often: his amazing friends, his demented family, his beautiful husband, his loyal fans, and his silly, stern, seductive Muse who keeps whispering in his ear, year after year.
Damon would love to hear from you... you can get in touch with him here.
DamonSuede.com
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
October 7, 2013
'Hot Head' was my first M/M book. And like many of you, I stood in that imaginary line clamoring for, demanding, the sequel. It is THE BOOK that put Damon Suede on the map. I loved it.
I love 'Bad Idea' more.
'Bad Idea' is the book I wish…I would choose…for Damon Suede to be known for. It is OUTSTANDING. It is not Hot Head. Completely different. Don’t read this thinking you’re getting the like. It is incomparable.
It’s quirky and offbeat. Funny, geeky, fast-paced…almost manic even. It’s infuriating and makes you want to shake someone and scream. It’s heartaching and sad at times. And permeating through every scene, it is FULL of heart.
True, there is something in me that innately should be drawn to this book. It’s set in my city of NY, in my very neighborhood even. It’s about a comic book designer and a FX makeup artist and speaks to my inner (ok, yes, outer too) geek…down to obscure references to one of my favorite shows, The Tick. But none of this has to be true for you in order to enjoy it.
The characters, every last one of them, are FANTASTIC. They are wise, yet do dumb things. They are silly, yet take their relationships seriously. They are devoted, yet hurt each other. They are lovable, yet make you angry.
Trip and Silas, the two MC’s, are navigating their way through a new relationship…and it’s awkward and weird…and HARD…and it hurts when they don’t know how to behave…and aggravating when they don’t talk to each other. But the roller coaster that is their journey is…real…so real…sometimes too real (my heart broke in all-too-familiar places at points). You feel their insecurity, their jealousy, their regret, their bliss, their care, their love. And true to Damon Suede form…there are some HOT scenes.
Surrounding them are some of the BEST side characters I’ve ever met in a book. The 2 female best friends Rina and Jill are…they are who I aspire to be. They are who I want to be around. They speak TRUTH and they emit sass and they’re loyal and they know how to love. Their parts were like THERAPY to me…I was so knocked in the head by them. And the others, those that are the friends, those that are the comic relief, those that are the villains (though that line is even blurry), those that are being set up for the next book (next book? YES!)…are all equally unforgettable.
The story, especially as you’re first diving in, feels like a hot mess. A few times I asked myself “what the heck is going on?” The writing is sometimes (intentionally?) confusing. But, I allowed myself to stop holding on so tightly to every word and to let go. Experience the zany. Get lost in the unfamiliar. Trust the author to take you there and enjoy the ride.
I can’t imagine, just because of the oddness of this book, that it will be everyone’s cup of tea. The problem is, I would not WISH FOR ANYONE to miss out on this book. So, I’m torn over the recommendation. What I feel most comfortable saying is this: READ IT. You might hate it. But you’ll most likely find that you love it. And isn’t that worth the risk?
PS – there are SO many exquisitely written scenes in this book, but I’ll ask you to try to remember and savor a particular Silas scene (afraid / frayed)…you’ll know it when you get to it…and you’ll never forget it. Also…every line that comes out of Rina’s mouth. She’s golden.
SueC will be posting her review on the blog Oct 8th! Will she agree...??? Come check us out at:
November 8, 2015
4.5 dork-tastic stars.****Review completed October 13, 2013
Damon…you write the most amazing things! <3
Adorable and adorkable. Nerdy and geeky. Endearing and charming. Cheeky and witty. Hot and sexy. Crazy and funny.
Damon, you are my little demon and I loved your pearls ofwisdom dorkiness!
Some Damon-isms…
Holy horny downtime, Batman!
Fanthropology in the wild
Arma-gaydar
disasturbate
Fifty Shades of Fingered by Fabio's Fuckery
suit-itis
I'm aware of the fact that I shouldn't compare apples and oranges. Yet my mind can't help wandering back to Hot Head and Dante and Griff pretty darn regularly, because there are some books I will always carry close to my heart. Fact is, I loved Bad Idea but here's another fact: I loved Hot Head more. So, 4.5 stars it is.
Don't expect anything similar to Hot Head coz you might end up disappointed. Bad Idea is very different but it's a very good kind of different. Plus, it's definitely written in Damon's distinct and witty voice. I might be wrong but I have an inkling that there must be more of Damon's personality and professional background interwoven in Bad Idea than in Hot Head. If my memory serves me right then he's been writing for stage and screen for a long time, and I'm pretty sure that Bad Idea gave us a realistic insight into the entertainment industry.
Sometimes I felt like someone had catapulted me straight into a comic book, considering the interwoven comic speech and the somewhat manic plot. Nowadays I don't read comics anymore but as a kid I was a fan of Asterix & Obelix and The Adventures of Tintin. Yeah, the good old days. To me Bad Idea was a breath of fresh air and I really do appreciate it when an author provides books with different plots and characters. As a matter of fact, I don't want to read the same book over and over again, and I enjoy to taste something original.
There's more to Bad Idea than two quirky main protagonists. The story delivers a great cast of well-drawn secondary characters and I especially loved Jillian. She's cool and crazy funny!
From a physical point of view Silas and Trip differ greatly. Yet what makes a relationship work are inner values, and as long as heart, mind and body are perfectly aligned, you've got a chance to make it work. After some turmoils Silas and Trip accomplished to get their HEA. By the way, the men lovin' was titillating and hot! Oh, and don't get any wrong ideas. Even though Silas does creature makeup he's a very manly guy. There's really nothing effeminate about him. I just wanted to make that clear. Besides, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a huge fan of effeminate male characters either.
Illustrators draw every important detail and moment, authors write them down and readers…well, they read the stories but we all have the same goal on our minds: We do all those things so we won't forget (I quote) a single second of a single moment, because what if we never got to have them again?
Bad Idea is a fast-paced and quirky read that provides an interesting plot, great dialogue and a compelling narrative. I caught myself smiling and laughing all the time. An author told me a while ago that she had a fantastic time in Damon's company during an authors' event and I believe her in a heartbeat. Besides, I'm certain you've heard this question already "Which celebrity would you like to meet?" Damon is one of those 'celebrities' I'd love to meet. In a heartbeat.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
**ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
http://baba.booklikes.com
Damon…you write the most amazing things! <3
"Having a kid is like having your heart walking around outside your body for the rest of your life."
"In high school I felt like an ugly unicorn." Trip grabbed his buckle firmly. "Big fucking shank hanging off me."
Silas fell back on the couch. "Hey, I like unicorns. Unicorns are just weaponized ponies."
Adorable and adorkable. Nerdy and geeky. Endearing and charming. Cheeky and witty. Hot and sexy. Crazy and funny.
Damon, you are my little demon and I loved your pearls of
Some Damon-isms…
Holy horny downtime, Batman!
Fanthropology in the wild
Arma-gaydar
disasturbate
Fifty Shades of Fingered by Fabio's Fuckery
suit-itis
I'm aware of the fact that I shouldn't compare apples and oranges. Yet my mind can't help wandering back to Hot Head and Dante and Griff pretty darn regularly, because there are some books I will always carry close to my heart. Fact is, I loved Bad Idea but here's another fact: I loved Hot Head more. So, 4.5 stars it is.
"God, I think I wanna f@ck me now."
Don't expect anything similar to Hot Head coz you might end up disappointed. Bad Idea is very different but it's a very good kind of different. Plus, it's definitely written in Damon's distinct and witty voice. I might be wrong but I have an inkling that there must be more of Damon's personality and professional background interwoven in Bad Idea than in Hot Head. If my memory serves me right then he's been writing for stage and screen for a long time, and I'm pretty sure that Bad Idea gave us a realistic insight into the entertainment industry.
"I figured you'd set up the Big Dog pavilion, peeing on your hydrants."
Sometimes I felt like someone had catapulted me straight into a comic book, considering the interwoven comic speech and the somewhat manic plot. Nowadays I don't read comics anymore but as a kid I was a fan of Asterix & Obelix and The Adventures of Tintin. Yeah, the good old days. To me Bad Idea was a breath of fresh air and I really do appreciate it when an author provides books with different plots and characters. As a matter of fact, I don't want to read the same book over and over again, and I enjoy to taste something original.
"Mister, I'm about to write you a reality check. Or would you prefer the cold, hard cash of truth."
There's more to Bad Idea than two quirky main protagonists. The story delivers a great cast of well-drawn secondary characters and I especially loved Jillian. She's cool and crazy funny!
"Kiddo, there's so much in that thing I can taste his precum."
From a physical point of view Silas and Trip differ greatly. Yet what makes a relationship work are inner values, and as long as heart, mind and body are perfectly aligned, you've got a chance to make it work. After some turmoils Silas and Trip accomplished to get their HEA. By the way, the men lovin' was titillating and hot! Oh, and don't get any wrong ideas. Even though Silas does creature makeup he's a very manly guy. There's really nothing effeminate about him. I just wanted to make that clear. Besides, I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm not a huge fan of effeminate male characters either.
"I'm being serious. Speaking from vast dick experience, that's a pretty manageable dickiness as dicks go."
Silas relaxed. "I try to do something terrifying every day. Keeps my heart on its toes."
Trip chuckled. "Your heart has toes?"
"Maybe. It runs around enough."
Illustrators draw every important detail and moment, authors write them down and readers…well, they read the stories but we all have the same goal on our minds: We do all those things so we won't forget (I quote) a single second of a single moment, because what if we never got to have them again?
Bad Idea is a fast-paced and quirky read that provides an interesting plot, great dialogue and a compelling narrative. I caught myself smiling and laughing all the time. An author told me a while ago that she had a fantastic time in Damon's company during an authors' event and I believe her in a heartbeat. Besides, I'm certain you've heard this question already "Which celebrity would you like to meet?" Damon is one of those 'celebrities' I'd love to meet. In a heartbeat.
Recommended read.
All quotes are taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted in the final copy.
**ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
http://baba.booklikes.com
October 20, 2013
**Amended to say that I'm upping my rating to 4 stars... see below for why!**
This book is wackadoodle! It is geeky, like comic-books-r-us geeky, and really endearing. Rounding up to 4 stars because this book was super original and I throughly enjoyed it.
This book is NOT like Hot Head. Just throwing that out there. It ties into Damon's other book that came out recently, Horn Gate, which silly old me didn't realize until like 3/4 of the way through the book. Interestingly, it is sort of a fictional story of how the characters of "Horn Gate" were created. It made me want to go back and re-read "Horn Gate" to see if I like it more now.
This book is written in a frenetic, almost manic fashion. It seemed like it was busting with ideas and couldn't wait to get them all out on the page. It reminded me a little of Damon himself, full of life and energy. I mean all of these things as a complement, despite how it might sound. It was a interesting, engaging book that kept me reading until late last night.My only issue with the writing style is that I sometimes had trouble figuring out who was talking. I would think it was one character until three sentences later, when I realized it was the opposite character talking. It was odd, I'm not sure why it kept happening to me. (**So I figured out that this was a formatting issue on my galley copy. I looked at the same book in PDF form and I found it was MUCH easier to follow the conversation. Hence, upping my rating to a solid 4 stars**) And I have never, never read so many euphemisms for penis. There must have been at least 15 or 20! Edu-ma-cate me Damon!
This book is lovely in that it explores characters that are a bit unconventional. They are all extremely quirky, even the supporting cast. Each felt like they were based on actual people because they felt so unique and real. Out of the main characters, I loved Silas most of all. I loved his unabashed sexuality and his unique take on things. He was wonderful. I liked Trip too, but I had some trouble with his character at the conclusion of the story. I left the book feeling anti-Trip, which actually knocked my rating down a bit at the end.
I'm really excited to move on with this series. I'd say a job well done, Mr. Suede!
And it is totally true what they say in this book, a hot mensch is very hard to find!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
This book is wackadoodle! It is geeky, like comic-books-r-us geeky, and really endearing. Rounding up to 4 stars because this book was super original and I throughly enjoyed it.
This book is NOT like Hot Head. Just throwing that out there. It ties into Damon's other book that came out recently, Horn Gate, which silly old me didn't realize until like 3/4 of the way through the book. Interestingly, it is sort of a fictional story of how the characters of "Horn Gate" were created. It made me want to go back and re-read "Horn Gate" to see if I like it more now.
This book is written in a frenetic, almost manic fashion. It seemed like it was busting with ideas and couldn't wait to get them all out on the page. It reminded me a little of Damon himself, full of life and energy. I mean all of these things as a complement, despite how it might sound. It was a interesting, engaging book that kept me reading until late last night.
This book is lovely in that it explores characters that are a bit unconventional. They are all extremely quirky, even the supporting cast. Each felt like they were based on actual people because they felt so unique and real. Out of the main characters, I loved Silas most of all. I loved his unabashed sexuality and his unique take on things. He was wonderful. I liked Trip too, but I had some trouble with his character at the conclusion of the story. I left the book feeling anti-Trip, which actually knocked my rating down a bit at the end.
I'm really excited to move on with this series. I'd say a job well done, Mr. Suede!
And it is totally true what they say in this book, a hot mensch is very hard to find!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
October 31, 2013
I finished Bad Idea earlier today and I spent a fair amount of time reading reviews before sitting down to write mine. I expected it to be a polarizing book and I wasn't entirely wrong. People seem to either absolutely love it or get so confused by it they have trouble expressing an opinion, and they end up feeling guilty or perplexed because it didn't knock their socks off like it happened with Damon Suede's debut novel, Hot Head.
I'm one of the people who loved Hot Head when they first read it. It wasn't that I didn't see its flaws, but the intensity of Griff's emotions and his incredible chemistry with Dante helped me overlook them since the book provided a wonderful reading experience, overall.
That wasn't the case with Bad Idea. I could tell something was wrong right from the start, when the story's opening paragraphs, the pace, the dialogue, the characters, the writing style itself felt so weird, so alien, I had to keep reminding myself I was reading a Damon Suede, that I should be enjoying this, that I shouldn't be forcing myself to continue. But no dice. I kept putting it down and I had to psych myself up before picking it up again.
So, what went wrong?
Well, first off, (and this is something other reviewers have pointed out as well) my ARC was poorly formatted. I'm not sure things would have been much better if it weren't, but I have to attribute some of the confusion to that.
Second, and this was a major issue, the pace was frenzied. And I don't mean quick. I mean maniacal. It went back and forth, at times too fast, plot elements hitting me left, right and centre, then unexpectedly slowing down, moving at a snail's pace, dragged down by dreary scenes between the major and the side characters. The garbled, choppy dialogue made the effect that much more intense. My impression when I finished the book was that it could have easily been 1/3 shorter.
Most people prefer Silas over Trip, but I didn't favour either of them. They both felt a bit underdeveloped and they kept being drowned in the meandering dialogue scenes. Also, I understand that the story revolves around Trip's comic character, Scratch, and that Bad Idea is connected to an older title by Damon Suede, Horn Gate. But Scratch and the creation of the comic ended up hijacking the book leaving too little space for the characters and their relationship to develop. To me it felt like they had too little chemistry and even the physical part of their interaction, the sex, left me unmoved. There was also a D/s element and I guess it was there to make things a bit more interesting, with the scrawny, hung guy doming the beefy guy who loves to bottom, but it came across a bit awkward. As if the characters were asked to assume roles they wouldn't normally assume. Also, on a side note, I kept picturing them as hobbits because they kept calling each other Mr Goolsby and Mr Spector instead of using their first names.
I said "sex" and remembered the onomatopoeia/sound imitations. I'd noticed them in Hot Head as well and they didn't bother me much there, but here the whole thing was jarring.
Yes, that's the sound of come. Here's another one:
Then there were the parts that grossed me out a bit:
Nice visual, no? The hash brownie being digested and ending up giving him a prostate massage right before it goes out again.
Or this part here:
(one MC has two fingers second-knuckle-deep into the other MC)
The sticky gold inside? The ick factor went through the roof at that one.
There were also some neologisms (if I could borrow the term), like this one here:
Say what?
The similes, metaphors, and analogies. Most of the time, they were on crack:
Or the number of synonyms used for penis: Monster, branch, branch of meat, club, blunt truncheon, bone, crank, schwanz, roll of meat, shank, fat joint, fat slab, fat cannon, thick piston, blunt pole, firm meat, ying-yang, dork, whopper, beast cock, jumbo doodler, uncut bazooka, hot crowbar, hot spike, chunk of meat, fatness, torpedo, whanger, doodad, salami, schlong, hog (also: cap, helmet, knob, apex, snout for the glans.)
And I'm not sure I got all of them.
Likewise, there was nickname galore. Some were successful, like Cliff the Unboyfriend, some others not so much. For instance, Trip was also Tripwire, Drip, or Triptophane. Heh. Not funny. In fact, most of the jokes weren't funny for me. Like this one here:
Also, the sarcastic references to Star Wars? "Darth Hemorrhoid" and "May the farce be with you"? Heresy. Heresy, I say! I did like the reference to J.R. Ward though. She was even correctly referred to as "The Warden", so props for that. I also liked the reference to Anne Cain. She's such a sweetheart and such a talented artist.
The misunderstanding and the period of separation before the end were necessary, I guess. I suspected something like that would happen after Cliff's ugly reaction to the news of Trip's new comic hero. I liked the ending, it was fitting and the book closed the way it opened, with Trip and Silas in the middle of a zombie race. Only this time they had found not lost each other.
All in all, this story is unusual and packs a punch and I can see why many people like it, but it wasn't for me. I wish Trip and Silas luck. May the force be with them.
I'm one of the people who loved Hot Head when they first read it. It wasn't that I didn't see its flaws, but the intensity of Griff's emotions and his incredible chemistry with Dante helped me overlook them since the book provided a wonderful reading experience, overall.
That wasn't the case with Bad Idea. I could tell something was wrong right from the start, when the story's opening paragraphs, the pace, the dialogue, the characters, the writing style itself felt so weird, so alien, I had to keep reminding myself I was reading a Damon Suede, that I should be enjoying this, that I shouldn't be forcing myself to continue. But no dice. I kept putting it down and I had to psych myself up before picking it up again.
So, what went wrong?
Well, first off, (and this is something other reviewers have pointed out as well) my ARC was poorly formatted. I'm not sure things would have been much better if it weren't, but I have to attribute some of the confusion to that.
Second, and this was a major issue, the pace was frenzied. And I don't mean quick. I mean maniacal. It went back and forth, at times too fast, plot elements hitting me left, right and centre, then unexpectedly slowing down, moving at a snail's pace, dragged down by dreary scenes between the major and the side characters. The garbled, choppy dialogue made the effect that much more intense. My impression when I finished the book was that it could have easily been 1/3 shorter.
Most people prefer Silas over Trip, but I didn't favour either of them. They both felt a bit underdeveloped and they kept being drowned in the meandering dialogue scenes. Also, I understand that the story revolves around Trip's comic character, Scratch, and that Bad Idea is connected to an older title by Damon Suede, Horn Gate. But Scratch and the creation of the comic ended up hijacking the book leaving too little space for the characters and their relationship to develop. To me it felt like they had too little chemistry and even the physical part of their interaction, the sex, left me unmoved. There was also a D/s element and I guess it was there to make things a bit more interesting, with the scrawny, hung guy doming the beefy guy who loves to bottom, but it came across a bit awkward. As if the characters were asked to assume roles they wouldn't normally assume. Also, on a side note, I kept picturing them as hobbits because they kept calling each other Mr Goolsby and Mr Spector instead of using their first names.
I said "sex" and remembered the onomatopoeia/sound imitations. I'd noticed them in Hot Head as well and they didn't bother me much there, but here the whole thing was jarring.
"Thwit-thitit-thwit. Silas spasmed around his fingers, and pleasure boiled out of him onto them both."
Yes, that's the sound of come. Here's another one:
"Switt. Swiiit-thwit. He bowed hard as the lava burst from him onto his face and shoulder and Trip as well."
"He scoffed and tested the trigger of the airbrush. Phht-pssst."
"…blew out the back of Trip's head. Ker-pow!"
"Silas gasped. 'Nhhauuuhhh!'"
"Trip squeezed her hand. Crick-crickkk-crick."
"He fidgeted with the pen in his hand, capping and uncapping and recapping it with his left hand: clickitaclick-clickita-clickit."
Then there were the parts that grossed me out a bit:
"He felt like he'd eaten a hash brownie that was giving him a prostate massage."
Nice visual, no? The hash brownie being digested and ending up giving him a prostate massage right before it goes out again.
Or this part here:
(one MC has two fingers second-knuckle-deep into the other MC)
"...the madness of claiming his horny barbarian on a stoop, taking Silas apart with his bare hands to get at the sticky gold inside."
The sticky gold inside? The ick factor went through the roof at that one.
There were also some neologisms (if I could borrow the term), like this one here:
"And not Lovecraftian fthooloomarula bibbity bobbity monster mash."
Say what?
The similes, metaphors, and analogies. Most of the time, they were on crack:
"You cleared out of here like shit through a Shriner"
"His prick resembled a nelly golf caddy disguised as a bright orange buffalo wing"
"Silas battled for breath like a gladiator strung for whipping"
"She paused and used her tongue to unfurl the word like a poisonous scarf"
"like a stupid walrus pining over a seagull"
"ladled charm over him like high-fructose concrete"
"[his balls] rode high like anxious tangerines behind the short, thick penis"
"making his auburn hair float like hot Einstein"
"Awkward stillness filled the entire open Unbored space like inflatable felt dinosaurs"
"More excuses scrambled to the front of Trip's mouth like incontinent puppies"
"yells into the phone like a walking spleen"
"He felt uglier than a lard bucket fulla armpits."
Or the number of synonyms used for penis: Monster, branch, branch of meat, club, blunt truncheon, bone, crank, schwanz, roll of meat, shank, fat joint, fat slab, fat cannon, thick piston, blunt pole, firm meat, ying-yang, dork, whopper, beast cock, jumbo doodler, uncut bazooka, hot crowbar, hot spike, chunk of meat, fatness, torpedo, whanger, doodad, salami, schlong, hog (also: cap, helmet, knob, apex, snout for the glans.)
And I'm not sure I got all of them.
Likewise, there was nickname galore. Some were successful, like Cliff the Unboyfriend, some others not so much. For instance, Trip was also Tripwire, Drip, or Triptophane. Heh. Not funny. In fact, most of the jokes weren't funny for me. Like this one here:
"My fucked up hands."
Trip gave a slow, appreciative whistle. "Nuh-uh. Sexy."
"I always tell people I got it doing construction. Working with toxic waste."
"You mean like acid?" He balanced his chin on Silas's pec.
"No. Like Kim Kardashian."
Also, the sarcastic references to Star Wars? "Darth Hemorrhoid" and "May the farce be with you"? Heresy. Heresy, I say! I did like the reference to J.R. Ward though. She was even correctly referred to as "The Warden", so props for that. I also liked the reference to Anne Cain. She's such a sweetheart and such a talented artist.
The misunderstanding and the period of separation before the end were necessary, I guess. I suspected something like that would happen after Cliff's ugly reaction to the news of Trip's new comic hero. I liked the ending, it was fitting and the book closed the way it opened, with Trip and Silas in the middle of a zombie race. Only this time they had found not lost each other.
All in all, this story is unusual and packs a punch and I can see why many people like it, but it wasn't for me. I wish Trip and Silas luck. May the force be with them.
September 17, 2017
4 Geeky & Hot Stars!
This was such a fun, sexy and quirky read!
The story begins with Trip Spector filling in as camera man on a zombie run for some of his best friends. Trip is a comic book artist. He is a bit standoffish, awkward and geeky. He has allergies (hehe), and besides his close friends, he’s mostly a loner- but he’s a good guy. While on the zombie run, he runs into Silas Goolsby.
Silas... I can’t tell you how much I loved Silas! He stole the book for me. He was just such an endearing character. Silas is a special effects make-up artist. He is sweet, sexy, funny, and that accent... yum! Just the things he said, and the way he spoke... I could listen to him talk all day! Silas is the opposite of Trip in a lot of ways. In the past, he got around, but when he meets Trip, he realizes he wants something more than just sex, more than just casual. Their first meeting is full of chemistry, they just have that spark.
As Silas and Trip’s relationship develops, the story becomes one almost of self discovery for Trip. Silas gives Trip the encouragement he needs to follow his dreams and write the graphic novel he’s always wanted to write. I loved watching the progression of Silas and Trip’s relationship. They balanced one another perfectly.
Trip is not a perfect character. He makes mistakes, he is insecure, but Silas brings out the best in him. It isn’t all smooth sailing for this couple, there is some angst and a bit of drama, but nothing extreme. And did I mention this one was HOT? Seriously some scorching hot sex scenes... can’t go wrong there
This was a fun read for me! I loved that the mc’s were a little nerdy ;) Not only were the main characters amazing, there was a slue of secondary characters that were wonderful, and gave great advice. I love that this book made me laugh, but was still sweet, heartfelt, and hella sexy! Damon Suede’s writing is fantastic. Although I liked Hot Head more than this, Bad Idea was still an enjoyable read for me! I would recommend for anyone looking for a great m/m romance!
Some quotes I loved...
***ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
This was such a fun, sexy and quirky read!
The story begins with Trip Spector filling in as camera man on a zombie run for some of his best friends. Trip is a comic book artist. He is a bit standoffish, awkward and geeky. He has allergies (hehe), and besides his close friends, he’s mostly a loner- but he’s a good guy. While on the zombie run, he runs into Silas Goolsby.
Silas... I can’t tell you how much I loved Silas! He stole the book for me. He was just such an endearing character. Silas is a special effects make-up artist. He is sweet, sexy, funny, and that accent... yum! Just the things he said, and the way he spoke... I could listen to him talk all day! Silas is the opposite of Trip in a lot of ways. In the past, he got around, but when he meets Trip, he realizes he wants something more than just sex, more than just casual. Their first meeting is full of chemistry, they just have that spark.
As Silas and Trip’s relationship develops, the story becomes one almost of self discovery for Trip. Silas gives Trip the encouragement he needs to follow his dreams and write the graphic novel he’s always wanted to write. I loved watching the progression of Silas and Trip’s relationship. They balanced one another perfectly.
Trip is not a perfect character. He makes mistakes, he is insecure, but Silas brings out the best in him. It isn’t all smooth sailing for this couple, there is some angst and a bit of drama, but nothing extreme. And did I mention this one was HOT? Seriously some scorching hot sex scenes... can’t go wrong there
This was a fun read for me! I loved that the mc’s were a little nerdy ;) Not only were the main characters amazing, there was a slue of secondary characters that were wonderful, and gave great advice. I love that this book made me laugh, but was still sweet, heartfelt, and hella sexy! Damon Suede’s writing is fantastic. Although I liked Hot Head more than this, Bad Idea was still an enjoyable read for me! I would recommend for anyone looking for a great m/m romance!
Some quotes I loved...
‘You just find something you would die for and live for it instead.’
‘If you love live, life will love you back.’
‘You are my demon and you possessed me. Body and soul.’
***ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
October 21, 2013
Some books are sinful candy—decadent escapes leaving us high and searching for another confection. Some novels are art, richly painted with skill and care, resonating with us for months or even years as we parse the wisdom they reveal. Get ready to have dessert for dinner, readers: Damon Suede’s Bad Idea is both.
Bad Idea is the story of Trip Spector, a comic book artist whose joy has been nearly extinguished by corporate culture but rediscovers his spark through Silas Goolsby, special-effect makeup artist and winking ray of sunshine to Trip’s Fortress of Dour. Through a sometimes halting, beautifully bumbling, raw, real relationship, Silas gives Trip the greatest gift an artist can be given: an ocean and an anchor, a space to dream with a tether, safety inside the dangerous waters of creativity. Together Trip and Silas forge dreams, build worlds, and carve out a love for one another breathless for its grounding and its honesty.
The love story between Trip and Silas and the chance to watch the creation of art in real time is reason enough to read Bad Idea, but Suede weaves depth and breadth into his sophomore novel which rival the witchery of Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman. Bad Idea is rich not only with world but truths, some simple, some so expansive they will take multiple re-readings of the novel to fully grasp. Every page is a quotable minefield, sometimes for humor, sometimes for wisdom, often for both.
But also in the style of Pratchett and Gaiman, Suede drizzles insight like delicately-sweetened caramel sauce over out-and-out fun. Comic conventions, make-up trailers, Hollywood-style premiers, not one but two zombie runs—reading Bad idea is not a hem-lift of curious curtains but a balls-deep wallow in worlds few of us are allowed to experience, and our vehicles of travel are unique characters of the style only Suede can provide. He openly credits their inspiration from friends and fans, but the subtle, skillful breath of Suede can be felt on each eyelash of his creations.
As an author myself, for me the greatest gift of Bad Idea is in Suede’s unabashed and sometimes out-and-out naked examination of what it means to create, to wrestle with not only the demons of doubt but the marrow-chilling fear of failure that comes even when we know in our soul the reward is worth the risk. Creating art is organic, yes, but real biology, not some sanitized recap on Discovery. Peeling open the bud of a project takes more than work. It takes soul, magic, power, and sacrifice—all for a reveal which often occurs with no one to appreciate the bloom. Sometimes those who see our creation barely note the color before they pluck the petals for their own purposes. Art is pain and terror and death as much as it is beauty and light, and Bad Idea does not shy from this reality. At the same time, like all romance novels it is the story of hope. Truth and realism with a happy ending.
Bad Idea is a novel about art told through art. It is a romp, a lark, a joy, a revelation. It can be read with a carefree heart and enjoyed on its rich, layered surface or it can be mined for its endless veins. It can make you laugh. It can make you cry. It will make you think—and it will bring you joy.
Above all else, Bad Idea makes me proud. I’m friends with the author, but I would be proud of this book even if I had never so much as heard his name before I cracked this novel’s spine. Bad Idea is a book about creativity and art, and it makes me proud to be an artist. Bad Idea gives me hope for my own work. It makes my soul happy simply thinking about it, and every re-read is another decadent dip into one of the smartest romantic adventures readers will ever take.
Once you start this ride, you won’t want to stop, and as soon as you finish, you’ll want nothing more than to go back and read it again. I suggest you strap yourself in right now.
Bad Idea is the story of Trip Spector, a comic book artist whose joy has been nearly extinguished by corporate culture but rediscovers his spark through Silas Goolsby, special-effect makeup artist and winking ray of sunshine to Trip’s Fortress of Dour. Through a sometimes halting, beautifully bumbling, raw, real relationship, Silas gives Trip the greatest gift an artist can be given: an ocean and an anchor, a space to dream with a tether, safety inside the dangerous waters of creativity. Together Trip and Silas forge dreams, build worlds, and carve out a love for one another breathless for its grounding and its honesty.
The love story between Trip and Silas and the chance to watch the creation of art in real time is reason enough to read Bad Idea, but Suede weaves depth and breadth into his sophomore novel which rival the witchery of Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman. Bad Idea is rich not only with world but truths, some simple, some so expansive they will take multiple re-readings of the novel to fully grasp. Every page is a quotable minefield, sometimes for humor, sometimes for wisdom, often for both.
But also in the style of Pratchett and Gaiman, Suede drizzles insight like delicately-sweetened caramel sauce over out-and-out fun. Comic conventions, make-up trailers, Hollywood-style premiers, not one but two zombie runs—reading Bad idea is not a hem-lift of curious curtains but a balls-deep wallow in worlds few of us are allowed to experience, and our vehicles of travel are unique characters of the style only Suede can provide. He openly credits their inspiration from friends and fans, but the subtle, skillful breath of Suede can be felt on each eyelash of his creations.
As an author myself, for me the greatest gift of Bad Idea is in Suede’s unabashed and sometimes out-and-out naked examination of what it means to create, to wrestle with not only the demons of doubt but the marrow-chilling fear of failure that comes even when we know in our soul the reward is worth the risk. Creating art is organic, yes, but real biology, not some sanitized recap on Discovery. Peeling open the bud of a project takes more than work. It takes soul, magic, power, and sacrifice—all for a reveal which often occurs with no one to appreciate the bloom. Sometimes those who see our creation barely note the color before they pluck the petals for their own purposes. Art is pain and terror and death as much as it is beauty and light, and Bad Idea does not shy from this reality. At the same time, like all romance novels it is the story of hope. Truth and realism with a happy ending.
Bad Idea is a novel about art told through art. It is a romp, a lark, a joy, a revelation. It can be read with a carefree heart and enjoyed on its rich, layered surface or it can be mined for its endless veins. It can make you laugh. It can make you cry. It will make you think—and it will bring you joy.
Above all else, Bad Idea makes me proud. I’m friends with the author, but I would be proud of this book even if I had never so much as heard his name before I cracked this novel’s spine. Bad Idea is a book about creativity and art, and it makes me proud to be an artist. Bad Idea gives me hope for my own work. It makes my soul happy simply thinking about it, and every re-read is another decadent dip into one of the smartest romantic adventures readers will ever take.
Once you start this ride, you won’t want to stop, and as soon as you finish, you’ll want nothing more than to go back and read it again. I suggest you strap yourself in right now.
October 12, 2013
2.5 stars
I wanted to love this book. I tried. I really tried. But, let's face it, reviewing in this genre mostly relies on subjective, knee-jerk responses to the MCs, relationship development, and sizzle potential. And this one just didn't do much for me.
I liked that neither MC was perfect, that they were real dudes with normal problems. The cast of characters (particularly Trip's friends) was well developed. Some of the dialogue was funny (if a little too scripted and not entirely believable). The first date scene was crazy awkward, which is often how first dates go, so I found it endearing.
However, Trip was whiny and selfish, and his neurotics and insecurity were hard to take.
There was also a lot of talk of comics...A LOT. If comics are your thing, cool; you'll like this one much more than I did. I found myself glossing over entire chapters that didn't do much to drive the plot forward. There was a lot of unnecessarily long conversations between Trip and his girlfriends, and I sometimes had a hard time following the dialogue and wasn't sure who said what.
Finally, I just don't think I'm a fan of Suede's writing. There is something clunky and oddly visceral about it that I first noticed in Hot Head (a lot of focus on bodies in a not very sexy way - pale flesh, big feet, and so on). In this book, there were many groany, grunty noises that were transcribed phonetically, making both MCs sound slightly cave-manish, and italicized thoughts that made the whole thing feel a bit cartoonish (I realize this might have been on purpose, since both MCs are into comics).
And the ending, well, it felt truncated and rushed. It wasn't so much a HEA as a HFN, which is fine, except I wasn't certain the MCs would be okay, considering
Also, did skinny Trip have to have a 10-inch penis? God. Again, this almost felt like a cartoon, the geeky hero with the big impaling sword.
November 2, 2013
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review
I went into this story with some idea of what to expect and boy did it deliver!
This story was in turns silly, sweet, heartfelt and laugh out loud hilarious. It was dork-tastic, geek-alicious, nerd-tabulous.
Trip is a mild mannered comic book artist and writer. A Peter Parker if you will; and he found his He-Man in Silas. Silas, the sweetest, most adorable meathead I have ever read about. I am naming Silas my newest book-boyfriend.
Damon Suede is a man of many words. He writes in excruciating detail but never falls into the trap of purple prose. His words are those of the every day man or woman. The average Joe (or Jane). His characters are relatable and inviting. I never feel as though I need a dictionary to understand what he is trying to say. It’s as though he gets me. He speaks to me through his storytelling in words and phrases that I might use in my day to day life.
He conducted a symphony of words that sucked me right into the story. I felt as though I was right there in the living room with Trip and Rina when they first got the idea for the character of Scratch. I was included in that brainstorming session. I felt the love that Trip had for Silas, really and truly felt it as though I were the one who fell in love and maybe I did.. I was right there, inside his head as he came to the realization that this man was his life. They say that love is blind but Trip never saw anything as clearly as he did when saw Silas. And Silas’ imperfections only enhanced his beauty.
This was a wonderfully touching story about two real men who had real issues and real feelings. And the sex was scorching hot! I felt like a voyeur when reading the scenes. I was already sitting in the corner with my opera glasses. All I needed was a bucket of popcorn and a large drink and it would have been perfect. I saw in someone else’s review that they thought this should be made into a movie and I agree. This is perfect book-to-film material.
So why only four stars? Well, that’s easy. I didn’t really care for the MC Trip. I felt he was selfish and immature and scared of his own shadow. He treated Silas so poorly that while I hoped for an HEA I would have been just as fine with Silas telling Trip to fuck off and leaving him for good. Some things cannot be unsaid and there are some things that I don’t think should be forgiven.
This book is certainly not going to be for everyone. There are a lot of comic book references. Hell, what am I saying? The entire story is one big comic book reference, even down to the written sound effects. But I grew up on graphic novels and comics so I was perfectly OK with all of that and found it kinda cute and endearing. And the POV switch gets confusing sometimes. But all in all I was completely invested in this story and I would say to give it a chance because there really is a beautiful story behind that intriguing cover.
October 25, 2013
3.5 Stars.
Oh this is ridiculous! No, not the book, my indecision over it. I'm so torn.
Yep, totally torn and not even straight down the middle. This review is bound to be confusing because I am confused.
There are pieces of this book that I LOVED (with all my heart), hated (just a bit), admired and scoffed at - and some of those feels fall into more than one area which thus, leaves ME "discombobulated!"
The first problem I encountered is that my ignorance of the comic book superhero world is a handicap. References to Trick (never watched it) Jean Grey (relative of Christian?), Patrick Warburton (the baker?) and sayings like: “things were getting a little NC-17” fly way over the top of my head.
Now considering my Comic book ignorance I found the fandom fascinating and (when I understood the reference) I really loved the clever braiding of superhero metaphors with the characterisation. It's very smart and I appreciated that, admired it even.
Then I really struggled with the choppy dialog which felt as if the MC’s are speaking in code or only voicing a single word of a sentence they hashed up in their minds and forgot to speak. I hated this. It’s like being constantly thrown out of story and having to pick yourself up again. I can only think it must be intentional, because it’s not constant and there are passages in this book that I LOVED - they lit me up inside – so this messy formatting perplexes me.
This book is also packed with some strange (to me) similes like: “He almost shone with contentment, the face of a farmer at an Impressionist picnic.” – eh? I’m not seeing this image, and “She winked and the triple lashes made it look like spiders fucking.” - eh? I can’t say I see this either. Is this artistic flair that I’m bumbling over like a clumsy oversized toddler? Probably.
I did of course LOVE some of the clever play on words like "disasturbate” and “A-dork-able.” Oh, and sayings like “the little gaggle of faggles” Ha! That really is a-dork-able! And this one has to be my laugh-out-loud favourite: “Sodomy powers, activate.”
You know what else I LOVE about this book? Silas Goolsby. Didn’t think I would, thought he’d be the typical one night stand player afraid to commit and blah, blah, blah … But no, Sigh-las surprised me, and I reckon I fell in love with him quite early on and didn’t realise it till I had tears in my eyes at about 75%. It’s for reals – I love Sigh-las …AND his hairy He-man posing pouch.
Now Trip Spector is another story; me and Trip don’t see eye to eye. It’s a matter of subjective opinion here and to put it bluntly. He’s not good enough for my Silas.
And he said this: “what I really love is breaking a big guy open with my joint.” Oh - cringe - Trip!
I can’t recall who summed him up so perfectly (Maybe Kurt, this sounds like Kurt) but here you go: “Raised by aliens. No social skills. Weird job. Coping mechanisms out the wazoo. Bony pale thing with a huge doodad and too many insecurities.”
Uh-huh he's All that! PLUS Trip’s habitual secrecy, his closeted anxiety over being well, closeted is ridiculous because everyone knows he’s gay. And the fact that he just fucks everything up and doesn’t have the balls to put it right ...grrr. Trapped by fear, of what? Flying? This is the real worldmother fu dude WAKE UP!
Urgh no, Trip and I are like Catwoman and …err, *hand waving* whatever villain doesn’t like Catwoman.
So it is amazing that with my dislike of Trip that I STILL got to appreciate the intensity of the relationship and the sex! Oh boy, the sex! HOT! LOVED IT! I’m smiling HUGE when I think of dexterous fingers and a particular porch scene. *blush* Uh – hem…moving on.
I discovered a couple of very quotable sayings that made me stop and really think, in fact there are a lot of quotables here:
You see? I'm like a yo-yo with my feels I hope you can understand why I am torn but overall - I really liked it... I think.
It’s fresh, unique and it has a voice that is both sensually and comically (pun intended) seductive. I’m recommending it because what the hell does a South African ex-pat know about Comic fandom anyways.
Oh and bravo on creating a new platform to promote Scratch and Horn Gate Mr Suede. Very clever ;)
For an insider view and the inspiration behind this book check out this interview with Damon Suede.
Oh this is ridiculous! No, not the book, my indecision over it. I'm so torn.
Yep, totally torn and not even straight down the middle. This review is bound to be confusing because I am confused.
There are pieces of this book that I LOVED (with all my heart), hated (just a bit), admired and scoffed at - and some of those feels fall into more than one area which thus, leaves ME "discombobulated!"
The first problem I encountered is that my ignorance of the comic book superhero world is a handicap. References to Trick (never watched it) Jean Grey (relative of Christian?), Patrick Warburton (the baker?) and sayings like: “things were getting a little NC-17” fly way over the top of my head.
Now considering my Comic book ignorance I found the fandom fascinating and (when I understood the reference) I really loved the clever braiding of superhero metaphors with the characterisation. It's very smart and I appreciated that, admired it even.
Then I really struggled with the choppy dialog which felt as if the MC’s are speaking in code or only voicing a single word of a sentence they hashed up in their minds and forgot to speak. I hated this. It’s like being constantly thrown out of story and having to pick yourself up again. I can only think it must be intentional, because it’s not constant and there are passages in this book that I LOVED - they lit me up inside – so this messy formatting perplexes me.
This book is also packed with some strange (to me) similes like: “He almost shone with contentment, the face of a farmer at an Impressionist picnic.” – eh? I’m not seeing this image, and “She winked and the triple lashes made it look like spiders fucking.” - eh? I can’t say I see this either. Is this artistic flair that I’m bumbling over like a clumsy oversized toddler? Probably.
I did of course LOVE some of the clever play on words like "disasturbate” and “A-dork-able.” Oh, and sayings like “the little gaggle of faggles” Ha! That really is a-dork-able! And this one has to be my laugh-out-loud favourite: “Sodomy powers, activate.”
You know what else I LOVE about this book? Silas Goolsby. Didn’t think I would, thought he’d be the typical one night stand player afraid to commit and blah, blah, blah … But no, Sigh-las surprised me, and I reckon I fell in love with him quite early on and didn’t realise it till I had tears in my eyes at about 75%. It’s for reals – I love Sigh-las …AND his hairy He-man posing pouch.
Now Trip Spector is another story; me and Trip don’t see eye to eye. It’s a matter of subjective opinion here and to put it bluntly. He’s not good enough for my Silas.
And he said this: “what I really love is breaking a big guy open with my joint.” Oh - cringe - Trip!
I can’t recall who summed him up so perfectly (Maybe Kurt, this sounds like Kurt) but here you go: “Raised by aliens. No social skills. Weird job. Coping mechanisms out the wazoo. Bony pale thing with a huge doodad and too many insecurities.”
Uh-huh he's All that! PLUS Trip’s habitual secrecy, his closeted anxiety over being well, closeted is ridiculous because everyone knows he’s gay. And the fact that he just fucks everything up and doesn’t have the balls to put it right ...grrr. Trapped by fear, of what? Flying? This is the real world
Urgh no, Trip and I are like Catwoman and …err, *hand waving* whatever villain doesn’t like Catwoman.
So it is amazing that with my dislike of Trip that I STILL got to appreciate the intensity of the relationship and the sex! Oh boy, the sex! HOT! LOVED IT! I’m smiling HUGE when I think of dexterous fingers and a particular porch scene. *blush* Uh – hem…moving on.
I discovered a couple of very quotable sayings that made me stop and really think, in fact there are a lot of quotables here:
"Worrying is praying for something you don’t want.”
“We are a race of powerless control freaks. That’s how mythology happens.”
You see? I'm like a yo-yo with my feels I hope you can understand why I am torn but overall - I really liked it... I think.
It’s fresh, unique and it has a voice that is both sensually and comically (pun intended) seductive. I’m recommending it because what the hell does a South African ex-pat know about Comic fandom anyways.
Oh and bravo on creating a new platform to promote Scratch and Horn Gate Mr Suede. Very clever ;)
For an insider view and the inspiration behind this book check out this interview with Damon Suede.
October 21, 2013
Bad Idea is brilliant! ...the narrative seductive and powerful and the story unique, with characters that kept me mesmerised. I was engulfed in a warm blanket of happiness, with a whole heap of craziness, that starts with such a fast pace and energy, I was buzzing, and an emotional connection to the characters that rendered me a useless blubbering mess with a school girl crush on two men that have completely and utterly stolen my heart… and I am shamelessly in love with Silas and Trip …and totally in awe of Mr Damon Suede, the writing is impeccable and I am reminded again of just how amazingly talented the man is.
This book is the stuff of movies, and quite frankly if ever an m/m romance novel should be made into a movie… this is it! Visually it was stunning and I say that in all honesty, because in my head Bad Idea came alive, it was graphic, the characters three dimensional with every movement, expression, nuance, in fact every scene, all of it, played out vividly… and I was right there with them every step of the way, absorbing and cherishing every moment and I have no doubts it will sit on the shelves of iconic m/m fiction, a book that will be read over and over again… Bad Idea, is most definitely a contender for my book of the year!!
You hit the ground running at the start of this book with a charity run which moves onto a New Years Eve party and I could feel the buzz and excitement along with the chaos that surrounds huge events and we were dropped right in the middle of it with Rena and Jillian as our guides, the two very overprotective, fussy and nosy, right in your face, best friends of Trip. I have to say these two overwhelmed me initially, their conversation was frenetic at times, and they have so much vibrancy and a zest for life that left me in a whirlwind, yet I was captivated and I loved every moment they graced the pages of the book. Their intuitive understanding of Trip was that of a mothers and I loved how they guided him rather than pushed him and their honesty and banter was hilarious… and I would so love to have a lunch date with these two ladies!
Our initial impressions of Trip and Silas belie their true nature and this book is a wonderful and exciting voyage of discovery for both men. When we first meet Trip he is a man lacking in self confidence and feels himself a misfit that doesn’t really belong anywhere with anxieties that seem to manifest themselves in allergic reactions. He is also pining after his editor Craig, a straight man who uses his charm and good looks to string Trip along and keep him sweet, repressing his artistic talent… and for me, this was the crux of the problem for Trip. His art and creativity was a part of his very soul, he needs it to define who he is and without it he is a shell of a man… and Craig just drains him, and turns all his enthusiasm and confidence into insecurities, leaving him numb to life and his passion… in other words, he is an arrogant and selfish prize prick!!!
Silas is an open book compared to all Trip’s complexities, he is what I would call a cheeky chappie and you can’t help but fall in love with him right off the bat. He has a chequered past with ex’s that just seem to pop out of the woodwork, yet somehow Damon Suede managed to endear him without making it sleezy. For Silas it was a fact of life, he was embarrassed but would make no apologies. I think Silas must be the most unassuming character I have ever met on the pages of a book, he has such a nonchalant and casual approach to life yet he is deeper than that and he certainly doesn’t lack confidence, but at the same time he is unsure of himself, he is profound but has no realisation of his own importance. He made me want to both cry and smile with pride and happiness… he is just adorable!
Silas is somehow attuned to Trips nervous discomfort, but rather than put him under pressure he instead uses his charm to relax him and with their shared love of all things geeky comic book related, it’s not long before Trip finds himself pushing at the self imposed boundaries of his life, becoming more adventurous. I felt Silas was the catalyst to reignite Trips imagination and coax him out of the confines and repression that had held him hostage. Silas had unleashed trips artistic talent and became the inspiration which allowed him to shake the shackles of his insecurities and gave him confidence in himself and his creativity..The brainstorming sessions had me on the edge of my seat…the combination of Silas, Trip’s newly found sexual aggression and confidence, Craig, the feelings of betrayal, all combined to fuel his imagination. It was exciting to watch Scratch develop and grow in Trip’s imagination and on paper and the more Scratch grew as a character, so did Trip and in turn, Silas found an inner peace and sense of belonging and comfort he had never had.
There is so much substance to this book, and the construction was solid with some outstanding moments. It is refreshingly honest with no soppy schmooze, just completely heartfelt. It is fascinating and interesting without a tortured soul, abusive past, whip or implement of torture in sight… and this book makes you think, ponder their decisions and circumstances, the why’s and wherefores and allows you to become a part of it. There is passion and intensity… the sex scenes are erotic and Trip, that man is fierce! Oh. My. God. I could feel the sexual chemistry and the pages were dripping with testosterone and an unbridled passion that will leave you squirming in your seat. Hot Head still has my favourite sex scene ever but Trip and Silas are a very close second. As intense as the sex was the humour the banter between these two was absolutely hilarious, real laugh out loud moments, and I think I probably highlighted most of the book! I could go on and on, but I will just mention that the secondary characters in this book are very real… they are an integral and important part of the story and they complete it giving it that edge that makes it so much more than just a romance. Damon Suede in my eyes is the master at getting it right… what can I say, I love him!!!
This book is the stuff of movies, and quite frankly if ever an m/m romance novel should be made into a movie… this is it! Visually it was stunning and I say that in all honesty, because in my head Bad Idea came alive, it was graphic, the characters three dimensional with every movement, expression, nuance, in fact every scene, all of it, played out vividly… and I was right there with them every step of the way, absorbing and cherishing every moment and I have no doubts it will sit on the shelves of iconic m/m fiction, a book that will be read over and over again… Bad Idea, is most definitely a contender for my book of the year!!
You hit the ground running at the start of this book with a charity run which moves onto a New Years Eve party and I could feel the buzz and excitement along with the chaos that surrounds huge events and we were dropped right in the middle of it with Rena and Jillian as our guides, the two very overprotective, fussy and nosy, right in your face, best friends of Trip. I have to say these two overwhelmed me initially, their conversation was frenetic at times, and they have so much vibrancy and a zest for life that left me in a whirlwind, yet I was captivated and I loved every moment they graced the pages of the book. Their intuitive understanding of Trip was that of a mothers and I loved how they guided him rather than pushed him and their honesty and banter was hilarious… and I would so love to have a lunch date with these two ladies!
Our initial impressions of Trip and Silas belie their true nature and this book is a wonderful and exciting voyage of discovery for both men. When we first meet Trip he is a man lacking in self confidence and feels himself a misfit that doesn’t really belong anywhere with anxieties that seem to manifest themselves in allergic reactions. He is also pining after his editor Craig, a straight man who uses his charm and good looks to string Trip along and keep him sweet, repressing his artistic talent… and for me, this was the crux of the problem for Trip. His art and creativity was a part of his very soul, he needs it to define who he is and without it he is a shell of a man… and Craig just drains him, and turns all his enthusiasm and confidence into insecurities, leaving him numb to life and his passion… in other words, he is an arrogant and selfish prize prick!!!
He wanted to be gone. He wanted to be home. He wanted this past year over and the world on the other side of the door he could lock. He wanted a real kiss at midnight from a future who didn’t feel like his past. Fucking fool.
Silas is an open book compared to all Trip’s complexities, he is what I would call a cheeky chappie and you can’t help but fall in love with him right off the bat. He has a chequered past with ex’s that just seem to pop out of the woodwork, yet somehow Damon Suede managed to endear him without making it sleezy. For Silas it was a fact of life, he was embarrassed but would make no apologies. I think Silas must be the most unassuming character I have ever met on the pages of a book, he has such a nonchalant and casual approach to life yet he is deeper than that and he certainly doesn’t lack confidence, but at the same time he is unsure of himself, he is profound but has no realisation of his own importance. He made me want to both cry and smile with pride and happiness… he is just adorable!
Silas is somehow attuned to Trips nervous discomfort, but rather than put him under pressure he instead uses his charm to relax him and with their shared love of all things geeky comic book related, it’s not long before Trip finds himself pushing at the self imposed boundaries of his life, becoming more adventurous. I felt Silas was the catalyst to reignite Trips imagination and coax him out of the confines and repression that had held him hostage. Silas had unleashed trips artistic talent and became the inspiration which allowed him to shake the shackles of his insecurities and gave him confidence in himself and his creativity..The brainstorming sessions had me on the edge of my seat…the combination of Silas, Trip’s newly found sexual aggression and confidence, Craig, the feelings of betrayal, all combined to fuel his imagination. It was exciting to watch Scratch develop and grow in Trip’s imagination and on paper and the more Scratch grew as a character, so did Trip and in turn, Silas found an inner peace and sense of belonging and comfort he had never had.
“You read comics?”
“Hell, yeah.” Silas rubbed his hard tummy in mock satisfaction. “Talk nerdy to me"
“You have a gift. Not just your talent, or your smarts, or luck, or-“ He paused and closed his mouth, as if trying to slow his breathing. He poked Trip’s chest. “Looks. You, Mr Spector, have the cultural DNA and magical zip code to weave beautiful bullshit, and you’re a fool to waste it”
There is so much substance to this book, and the construction was solid with some outstanding moments. It is refreshingly honest with no soppy schmooze, just completely heartfelt. It is fascinating and interesting without a tortured soul, abusive past, whip or implement of torture in sight… and this book makes you think, ponder their decisions and circumstances, the why’s and wherefores and allows you to become a part of it. There is passion and intensity… the sex scenes are erotic and Trip, that man is fierce! Oh. My. God. I could feel the sexual chemistry and the pages were dripping with testosterone and an unbridled passion that will leave you squirming in your seat. Hot Head still has my favourite sex scene ever but Trip and Silas are a very close second. As intense as the sex was the humour the banter between these two was absolutely hilarious, real laugh out loud moments, and I think I probably highlighted most of the book! I could go on and on, but I will just mention that the secondary characters in this book are very real… they are an integral and important part of the story and they complete it giving it that edge that makes it so much more than just a romance. Damon Suede in my eyes is the master at getting it right… what can I say, I love him!!!
Read
November 10, 2013DNF @ 60%
Bad idea...hmmmmm yes, this was a bad idea for me to read. I started off with high hopes (maybe too high) for this book, with my love for Hot Head in mind. I was thinking its the same author, maybe similar book. So I was ready for the kinky and the funny...
But *sigh* was I wrong about this one. And unfortunately highly disappointed.
To say it's the authors fault or I don't like this genre, would be a lie. I think my mayor problem would have to be the flow of the writing, again not the authors fault. Some readers, my friends included, enjoyed Damon's way of story telling. Me, not so much. Give me simple interactions and a mind that thinks one thought at a time and I'm happy.
What I did get out of this book, well to my own mind, is utter chaos and a major car accident!
There was SOOOO much random shit happening at once.
I couldn't keep up with the nerd dialogue, to the thousand random thoughts and blurt outs added to each page. I had to re-read sentences to stay on track. I did feel a lot of these thoughts and conversations added in, to me, were utterly boring. I love romances and read for entertainment, so I don't want to read a comic book without the added art, and to top it off, struggle with it every step of the way.
I'll admit, I did have soft spot for Trip and Silas. I would have loved them, even as their nerdy selves, in a story line that wasn't so built on comics. I really didn't see the romance as a strong point in this book. I don't usually mind that, as long as I have something else that captivates me. A plot that's more dramatic, or even your usual every day problems could have been more interesting. But hey, that's just my opinion.
Sorry to say this wasn't the book for me, so its only fair that I don't rate it. I will be continuing to read Damon's other books from the Head series...which is AWESOME!
Mates don't let my review stop you from reading this. You can't dis it till you've tried it xx
ARC provided by Smith Publicity -- Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2013
4 Nerdy Stars!
Are you ready for some hot nerd action?!
This normally wouldn't be a book I would pick up and read but I am so glad that I did.
Trip Spector is a comic book artist. He is also tall, thin, shy, has allergies and gay.
Trip is at a zombie run with his two friends, Rina and Jillian. They try to get him out more.
There's, like, a zillion hot fellas in the park. A fucking tsunami of geek beef."
Enter Silas Goolsby. He is handsome, outgoing, built and gay.
They finally get together after a few crossed wires. The dynamic between these two is hilarious. Trip wants to write his own adult comic. Silas is behind him 100% and wants to do whatever he can to help him out, though he may go a bit too far.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It was well worth the time.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Are you ready for some hot nerd action?!
This normally wouldn't be a book I would pick up and read but I am so glad that I did.
Trip Spector is a comic book artist. He is also tall, thin, shy, has allergies and gay.
Trip is at a zombie run with his two friends, Rina and Jillian. They try to get him out more.
There's, like, a zillion hot fellas in the park. A fucking tsunami of geek beef."
Enter Silas Goolsby. He is handsome, outgoing, built and gay.
They finally get together after a few crossed wires. The dynamic between these two is hilarious. Trip wants to write his own adult comic. Silas is behind him 100% and wants to do whatever he can to help him out, though he may go a bit too far.
This book was a pleasant surprise for me. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It was well worth the time.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 21, 2017
***Sorry. I can't listen to Charlie David's voice anymore. Yes, he might've done an OK job on Hot Head, but he doesn't sound like I imagined either of the MC's in this story.***
Jinkies! This was good! No, I mean really amazingly good!! So good, those little dancing girls are itching to make an appearance. 5 Enormously Geeky Golden Stars and
, an absolutely awesome read!!
First of all, let me say that I love Damon Suede's writing, it flows beautifully onto the page in every book he writes, and this was no exception. His sex scenes are hot, like scorching...don't touch the paper it may ignite hot, there are so many funny one-liners, phrases and sayings, and the guys
the guys in this book 
....just wonderful!! [[[A gentle reminder....this book is tied in with Damon's other book Horn Gate, and again, is absolutely nothing at all to do with Hot Head!!]]]
However I'm wandering off topic again...yes, hot guys...it's very easy to go a little off-course, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the book...there's no doubt it's a love story and a romantic one at that...how could it not be with Silas in it, but first and foremost it's a book about comic books and everything that goes with that geeky world....the fans, the characters, how the fans behave, how they dress, the make up they wear, how they act...for me, this was a grown-ups version of 'How to Repair a Mechanical Heart'...lots of sex, adult conversations, and oh, the smouldering looks and sexual tension between Silas and Trip were pretty combustible
!! I'm holding my hand up now and admitting that I knew all of the characters mentioned in the book, so yes, I guess that makes me a geek...but in my defence, I did have 2 brothers and it didn't take much persuading to get them involved in the comic book/TV cartoon world we grew up in, and then of course my son was drawn into the 'world' as he got older. And seriously, most comic book fans will think they've died and gone to heaven when they read this....Batman, Superman, Silver Surfer, Gotham, Marvel, DC Comics, Wonder Woman, The Tick, X-Men, Sabrina, Captain America, He-Man (very relevant in this story), Scooby-Doo, Hammer Films and on and on, they all get an honourable mention.
Trip Spector and Silas Goolsby meet at a charity run in NYC on the last day of the year. Silas is dressed as a zombie and Trip is wearing doctors scrubs and striped lavender boxer shorts (phew!). From the very start of their association, there is some wonderful snarky and snappy dialogue, lots of laughs and sizzling ST.
Trip is a cartoonist working for Big Dog Comics, mainly in the closet, nervous, full of allergies, and works for Cliff Stapleton....Jillian and Rina, Trip's best friends, don't like Cliff...he leads Trip on, pretends he's interested until Trip does what he wants and then backs off...they call him the 'Unboyfriend' as Jillian says "All of the dickiness, none of the dick...ergo Unboyfriend", they are extremely protective of Trip, as is Jillian's husband Ben and their son Max, who is also Trip's godson.
Silas
is an FX/make-up artist from Alabama and works for Unbored Games. He's charming, romantic, helpful and so deserving of a really nice boyfriend...all he seems to get are one night stands. The charity run was 'sponsored' by Unbored Games, and it's boss Kurt Bogusz is a creepy little sod, but surprisingly seems to have Silas' best interests at heart.
We run through the usual gamut of mis-communication, jealousy, torrid sex sessions and general cuteness, and the guys seem to be getting on really well, until one day Trip starts doodling a figure which will eventually become 'Scratch' from Damon's previous book Horn Gate. He bases the figure on Silas dressed as He-Man, Silas names the creation and even comes up with the name of Scratch's enemy The Judge and encourages Trip to start a comic of his own and forget about Cliff, BUT when they go to a fan get-together in Chicago, things start to go horribly wrong...I'll leave you to pick up the story from here, and let me say right now, I was absolutely furious at Trip and heartbroken for Silas, until Trip pulled his head out of his arse and manned up...but you read the story, it's totally worth it!!
P.S. I never knew there were so many euphemisms for the male appendage...A bloody good story and teaching me something, a double whammy...thank you Mr Suede.
Some quotes I'd like to get in here, and there are waaay too many for me include them all, otherwise this review would be three times as long!!
'Silas leaned over the table. "I like 'em long and lean." Wink. "Dark prince." Silas's gaze roamed over Trip's trim body. "Sarcastic and acrobatic." Trip blushed -- the pink started at his collarbone and swept up the pale column of his throat and over his cheekbones. A-dork-able.'
'He-Man. A golden grinning Masters of the Universe barbarian waved a brawny arm, and strode down the stairs. He gleamed in his fur diaper and fur boots, and his pectorals bounced at each tread. Holy jock itch, Batman! A dull metallic harness crisscrossed his torso so that his heavy shoulders seemed a yard wide. His hair was a thick thatch. Several would-be rivals in and out of costume rubbernecked with obvious appetite. As he crossed the lobby, the shining slice of teeth widened. Silas opened his arms and embraced Trip firmly. "I'm so glad you came."
"I should --" Trip tightened his jaw. His face burned. "Crowds. People. Wig me out sometimes." A shrug. "No prob. I'm big enough to be your human shield. Cross my heart."
'Silas wiggled his eyebrows. "Sodomy powers, activate." His warm eyes shone' and finally...
"American movies. Music. Games. Fan Fiction. We have the gift of bullshit."
"At selling it."
"Pop culture. Nobody does bullshit better than us. Right? China took over manufacturing. And the Middle East has us on fossil fuels. That's just geography and politics. We're a nation of whacko immigrants. Scavengers and con men. We crossed the ocean on faith, stole some land, and then stone-cold made up a whole country out of nothing but balls and bullshit. Superhero comics got invented by crazy genius Jews who showed up and revamped the refugee experience into a Man of Steel sent from Krypton with a secret identity."
Trip nodded. "Chutzpah."
"What?"
Trip tilted his head. "What you're talking about, it sorta means 'balls plus bullshit' in Yiddish : chutzpah."
Jinkies! This was good! No, I mean really amazingly good!! So good, those little dancing girls are itching to make an appearance. 5 Enormously Geeky Golden Stars and
, an absolutely awesome read!!First of all, let me say that I love Damon Suede's writing, it flows beautifully onto the page in every book he writes, and this was no exception. His sex scenes are hot, like scorching...don't touch the paper it may ignite hot, there are so many funny one-liners, phrases and sayings, and the guys
the guys in this book ....just wonderful!! [[[A gentle reminder....this book is tied in with Damon's other book Horn Gate, and again, is absolutely nothing at all to do with Hot Head!!]]] However I'm wandering off topic again...yes, hot guys...it's very easy to go a little off-course, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the book...there's no doubt it's a love story and a romantic one at that...how could it not be with Silas in it, but first and foremost it's a book about comic books and everything that goes with that geeky world....the fans, the characters, how the fans behave, how they dress, the make up they wear, how they act...for me, this was a grown-ups version of 'How to Repair a Mechanical Heart'...lots of sex, adult conversations, and oh, the smouldering looks and sexual tension between Silas and Trip were pretty combustible
!! I'm holding my hand up now and admitting that I knew all of the characters mentioned in the book, so yes, I guess that makes me a geek...but in my defence, I did have 2 brothers and it didn't take much persuading to get them involved in the comic book/TV cartoon world we grew up in, and then of course my son was drawn into the 'world' as he got older. And seriously, most comic book fans will think they've died and gone to heaven when they read this....Batman, Superman, Silver Surfer, Gotham, Marvel, DC Comics, Wonder Woman, The Tick, X-Men, Sabrina, Captain America, He-Man (very relevant in this story), Scooby-Doo, Hammer Films and on and on, they all get an honourable mention. Trip Spector and Silas Goolsby meet at a charity run in NYC on the last day of the year. Silas is dressed as a zombie and Trip is wearing doctors scrubs and striped lavender boxer shorts (phew!). From the very start of their association, there is some wonderful snarky and snappy dialogue, lots of laughs and sizzling ST.
Trip is a cartoonist working for Big Dog Comics, mainly in the closet, nervous, full of allergies, and works for Cliff Stapleton....Jillian and Rina, Trip's best friends, don't like Cliff...he leads Trip on, pretends he's interested until Trip does what he wants and then backs off...they call him the 'Unboyfriend' as Jillian says "All of the dickiness, none of the dick...ergo Unboyfriend", they are extremely protective of Trip, as is Jillian's husband Ben and their son Max, who is also Trip's godson.
Silas
is an FX/make-up artist from Alabama and works for Unbored Games. He's charming, romantic, helpful and so deserving of a really nice boyfriend...all he seems to get are one night stands. The charity run was 'sponsored' by Unbored Games, and it's boss Kurt Bogusz is a creepy little sod, but surprisingly seems to have Silas' best interests at heart. We run through the usual gamut of mis-communication, jealousy, torrid sex sessions and general cuteness, and the guys seem to be getting on really well, until one day Trip starts doodling a figure which will eventually become 'Scratch' from Damon's previous book Horn Gate. He bases the figure on Silas dressed as He-Man, Silas names the creation and even comes up with the name of Scratch's enemy The Judge and encourages Trip to start a comic of his own and forget about Cliff, BUT when they go to a fan get-together in Chicago, things start to go horribly wrong...I'll leave you to pick up the story from here, and let me say right now, I was absolutely furious at Trip and heartbroken for Silas, until Trip pulled his head out of his arse and manned up...but you read the story, it's totally worth it!!
P.S. I never knew there were so many euphemisms for the male appendage...A bloody good story and teaching me something, a double whammy...thank you Mr Suede.
Some quotes I'd like to get in here, and there are waaay too many for me include them all, otherwise this review would be three times as long!!
'Silas leaned over the table. "I like 'em long and lean." Wink. "Dark prince." Silas's gaze roamed over Trip's trim body. "Sarcastic and acrobatic." Trip blushed -- the pink started at his collarbone and swept up the pale column of his throat and over his cheekbones. A-dork-able.'
'He-Man. A golden grinning Masters of the Universe barbarian waved a brawny arm, and strode down the stairs. He gleamed in his fur diaper and fur boots, and his pectorals bounced at each tread. Holy jock itch, Batman! A dull metallic harness crisscrossed his torso so that his heavy shoulders seemed a yard wide. His hair was a thick thatch. Several would-be rivals in and out of costume rubbernecked with obvious appetite. As he crossed the lobby, the shining slice of teeth widened. Silas opened his arms and embraced Trip firmly. "I'm so glad you came."
"I should --" Trip tightened his jaw. His face burned. "Crowds. People. Wig me out sometimes." A shrug. "No prob. I'm big enough to be your human shield. Cross my heart."
'Silas wiggled his eyebrows. "Sodomy powers, activate." His warm eyes shone' and finally...
"American movies. Music. Games. Fan Fiction. We have the gift of bullshit."
"At selling it."
"Pop culture. Nobody does bullshit better than us. Right? China took over manufacturing. And the Middle East has us on fossil fuels. That's just geography and politics. We're a nation of whacko immigrants. Scavengers and con men. We crossed the ocean on faith, stole some land, and then stone-cold made up a whole country out of nothing but balls and bullshit. Superhero comics got invented by crazy genius Jews who showed up and revamped the refugee experience into a Man of Steel sent from Krypton with a secret identity."
Trip nodded. "Chutzpah."
"What?"
Trip tilted his head. "What you're talking about, it sorta means 'balls plus bullshit' in Yiddish : chutzpah."
October 8, 2013
See that picture? ^^^ That’s Maria Von Trapp twirling with joyous glee. And that’s exactly what I did at the conclusion of Bad Idea. I literally ran to the backyard with a goofy grin and twirled with raised arms (much to my partner and daughter’s chagrin). Let me explain why.
This is what I look for in a book:
- Characters that make me stop in my tracks.
- An unusual plot
- Charismatic writing (gigglesnorts earn extra points)
- Romance. Yup, good old fashioned swoon worthy romance.
Did Bad Idea deliver the goods? Yes, absolutely positively and for that, I am so very, very grateful.
Dorkus Maximus Warning Ahead: I secretly wish that this book could become my best book-friend 'cause you know what? It didn't let me down, it warmed my heart and it kept me entertained. It was smart, witty and cooky. It's the kind of book-friend that is such an honest-to-goodness blast that I want to meet it for Friday night drinks Every. Friday. Night. I wanted to hoot and holler and shake my bum and raise my glass in boozy glee to it and with it. Why can't I have a book-friend like this every week?
The thing I loved most about this book was the writing. I just felt like there was a real person telling me a story. Not someone or something pushing out countless meaningless words to form sentence after sentence of blah, blah, blah. It was engaging for me and I guess it was the entertainment factor too.
So with that, Bad Idea has so many LOL moments from some of the most hilarious descriptions of anatomy and behaviour I’ve ever read - real comedic genius. Bless :)
The MC’s are adorable but each of the secondary characters had their own lovable quirks that were so full of life and charm. Trips' girlfriends Jillian and Rina are a blast - bold, sassy, wise, strong women. Both were fundamental to the growth of our beloved MCs. Here's a quote by the incomparable Rina:
"You just find something you would die for and live for it instead. Okay?"
See, what I mean? Doesn't everyone want a friend that can nurture and guide so delicately? Also on the side character medal list is Silas’ best friend Kurt and his friend/employee Ziggy. They should, no they need, their own full length story. It felt like there was so much more to their story. Did I mention that they need their own story? Yeah, they were that good.
Be warned: Bad Idea is not all roses and hot sex which, btw was OFF THE CHARTS HOT. I may or may not ;) have read a particular scene (or two) a few times ‘cause damn Mr Suede knows how to write sexytime. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, not roses - it’s not about two people who meet, point at each other and say, “Oh look, you’re the one for me, let’s make this work”, and then click!, it does. Oh, no, it’s really not that simple or pleasant. Within these pages are some of the most horrid, heartbreaking, gut wrenching lows I've read. You don't drift along The River of Contentment and then woops! get caught in a predictable snag along the way only to find yourself conveniently nudged in the right direction again. You dip and swipe your way through whitewater emotional rapids, while simultaneously falling to your knees to pray to the Gods of Love and Mercy that everything will be ok. I mean, I’m not silly, I knew everything was going to end up peaches but the bits in between were just bliss, wrapped up in words, wrapped up in love.
If you're into contemporary romance with humour I challenge you to read this book and not love it... It was just that good.
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 27, 2013DNF at 28%
I really feel badly that I can't finish this book. The writing has a very manic feel to it and I was exhausted by the end of the first chapter. I kept going, but by 30% I knew this book wasn't my cuppa tea. I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will thoroughly enjoy it, but unfortunately I'm not one of them.
Usually DNFing a book isn't that difficult for me, but this one is. Damon Suede's Hot Head was the first m/m and it has a special place in my heart. On the bright side, there's still Hard Head to look forward to.
I really feel badly that I can't finish this book. The writing has a very manic feel to it and I was exhausted by the end of the first chapter. I kept going, but by 30% I knew this book wasn't my cuppa tea. I'm sure there are plenty of readers who will thoroughly enjoy it, but unfortunately I'm not one of them.
Usually DNFing a book isn't that difficult for me, but this one is. Damon Suede's Hot Head was the first m/m and it has a special place in my heart. On the bright side, there's still Hard Head to look forward to.
January 30, 2014
We have the gift of bullshit
This is a very long, very ambitious book. The surreal zombie-road-race-in-Central-Park opening sets the overall tone. Borrowing from the theme, we might call it a comi-con in miniature, a collection of disparate themes and genres that come together in a mind-bogglingly creative synergy: it’s an M/M romance, a study of gay life in Manhattan (something very, very different), an exploration of the creative process, inspiration, and collaboration, a loving tribute to a particular corner of pop culture, and when taken altogether, a larger statement on uniquely American and modern forms of cultural expression.
We are given a taste of Suede's ambitions in his dorktastic tour de force of a second date--to see Catwoman at the Chelsea Clearview. Silas, proudly dressed as He-Man, declaims:
Pop culture. Nobody does bullshit better than us. Right? China took over manufacturing. And the Middle East has us on fossil fuels. That’s just geography and politics. We’re a nation of whacko immigrants. Scavengers and con men. We crossed the ocean on faith, stole some land, and then stone-cold made up a whole country out of nothing but balls and bullshit.
Silas' insights here are good examples of a pattern of what we might call self-conscious ambitiousness: They invite a level of meta-analysis as to Suede’s larger ideas about pop-culture and creativity, both for the comi-con world of superheroes, comics, artists, suits, and fans, and (by implication) Suede’s own pop-culture niche (embodied by the character Rina) of romance writers, publishers, readers, and booksellers.
As you enter the novel’s world, the sheer length—three times the average long romance—warns you that Suede is not content to follow any set generic expectations. He will take his time; he will give you the details. Silas and Trip’s relationship develops slowly, over multiple dates, with fumbles, insecurities, and inner to-text-or-not-to-text debates. Far more than most romances, the book takes seriously the fact that most people do actual work, in the pursuit of real-world careers, in this case comic book illustration and F/X make-up. I found those details endlessly fascinating and satisfying.
Most riveting, the book both explores and dramatizes the creative process, beginning with that first inspiring idea, through the exhilarating and frustrating struggles of execution and collaboration, all the way to the gut-wrenching process of bringing a work public.
Oddly, given the book’s attention to comics and F/X, I found the style itself owed most to theater. In some ways this was great, because there’s a memorable, sparkling quality to most of the dialogue. My GR status log and kindle edition are full of highlighted quotes I found brilliant and insightful. However, Bad Idea makes for a very, very long play. While we are accustomed to that epigrammatic style and speechifying rhythm on stage, it often feels downright unnatural in a novel. The theatrical quality seemed if anything to intensify in the last 20%, which was a problem because as the emotions become more intense, the characters become ever more articulate, popping out with pithy apercus like “Never make a permanent mistake to solve a temporary problem,” or “If you love life, life will love you back.” Scenes between Rina and Silas, Trip and Cliff, Trip and Kurt, and (my least favorite in the book) Trip and Max could be transposed with little loss for the stage, and especially the scene with Max are overlaid with the kind of emphatic symbolic signifying that we expect in a play, but can feel fake or overwrought in a novel.
It feels churlish and a bit ridiculous to complain that a book is too brilliant, especially one that is as full of ideas and insights as this one. I am in awe of what Suede has accomplished here, and I think it bodes incredibly well for this genre that we have a writer this talented, dare I say this major, who has produced a book like this: one that pushes the boundaries of the genre even as it explores with incredible depth and insight that inimitable American gift of bullshit that is our pop culture.
October 20, 2013
Once again Damon Suede has written a book full of characters that stand out and have real emotions. Trip is an insecure comic book artist writing stories he detests, shying away from relationships while lusting after his straight boss who flirts just enough to keep Trip on his hook. Silas, former college football player, full of southern charm is Trip’s opposite in many ways. Silas is an FX/makeup artist who gets around. He is a typical jock on the outside, but in reality is nothing but another comic book nerd. When the two men get together it is clear that there could be something great, personally and professionally, if only Trip could take a chance.
In between the geek references and smoking hot sex, Damon Suede makes these two men work. With the help of fantastic secondary characters they navigate the minefield of a relationship neither ever thought they could have. Jealousy, misunderstandings and insecurities all rear their ugly heads and then, just when you think these two have it together you are sucker punched in the gut and left reeling. I am firmly in the team Silas camp in this book. His unwavering loyalty and support of Trip is beautiful and made me fall in love with him. There were times where Trip was so unlikeable and naïve, I just wanted to smack him.
The characters and situations felt real and there were times where I was right there in the room with them. The conversations with Trip and his friends were by turns heartfelt and touching and laugh out loud. There are a lot of comic book, gaming and movie references in this story. I have read some graphic novels and comics and have a basic understanding of that world, but am not a comic nerd by any means (although I have seen all versions of The Tick). While I did not understand some of the references in the book it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I did have some problems with the writing at the beginning of the book, finding it hard to follow the conversation between the two men at first, but was very glad I pushed on. (Update 10/20/13 See Heather K's review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... This is likely due to formatting issues in the ARC copy I read for this review.) This book was quirky, sexy and fun, with a relationship I found myself rooting for. I definitely enjoyed the roller coaster ride. And I can't forget to mention how much I love the cover art. Horn Gate is now loaded on my reader and I’m looking forward to more of Trip and Silas in the future.
ARC of the book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In between the geek references and smoking hot sex, Damon Suede makes these two men work. With the help of fantastic secondary characters they navigate the minefield of a relationship neither ever thought they could have. Jealousy, misunderstandings and insecurities all rear their ugly heads and then, just when you think these two have it together you are sucker punched in the gut and left reeling. I am firmly in the team Silas camp in this book. His unwavering loyalty and support of Trip is beautiful and made me fall in love with him. There were times where Trip was so unlikeable and naïve, I just wanted to smack him.
The characters and situations felt real and there were times where I was right there in the room with them. The conversations with Trip and his friends were by turns heartfelt and touching and laugh out loud. There are a lot of comic book, gaming and movie references in this story. I have read some graphic novels and comics and have a basic understanding of that world, but am not a comic nerd by any means (although I have seen all versions of The Tick). While I did not understand some of the references in the book it did not take away from my enjoyment of the story.
I did have some problems with the writing at the beginning of the book, finding it hard to follow the conversation between the two men at first, but was very glad I pushed on. (Update 10/20/13 See Heather K's review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... This is likely due to formatting issues in the ARC copy I read for this review.) This book was quirky, sexy and fun, with a relationship I found myself rooting for. I definitely enjoyed the roller coaster ride. And I can't forget to mention how much I love the cover art. Horn Gate is now loaded on my reader and I’m looking forward to more of Trip and Silas in the future.
ARC of the book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'no'
March 22, 2016WANT. WANT BAAAAAAAAAD.
November 13, 2013
A long time ago I resigned myself to the fact that you can make art for the sake of money or art to fulfill the need to create art. In Bad Idea, Damon Suede illustrates this conundrum, this dichotomy between art to pay the rent and mysterious, beautiful, sexy art, in the romance between Trip Spector and Silas Goolsby, two men who make a living as artists and who walk the line between selling out and selling their brilliance to the world.
The book itself is a tribute to the act of creation. The two men, who swim the layers of several artistic media, speak the language and breathe the air of art. Every sentence of dialog, every moment of description was written and distilled, pressurized, into verbal diamonds, the pinnacle of the matter, beautiful examples of pop-culture, artistic theory, and the people who have to use these intangible ideas to feed themselves and pay the rent.
I was in awe of this book. I was jealous of Suede’s verbal mastery, of his skillful artistic allegory. Silas was larger than life—an archetypal hero, and, at the same time, very dear, very vulnerable, and very real. Trip was neurotic, cerebral, and brilliant—and capable of making a very cold-blooded decision to choose the mistress of art over the flesh and blood lover who inspired him.
Even the language of love-making was symbolic—raw, sticky, sometimes off-putting images were used when the two men touched, all the better to create human lovers, with “stupid human things” involved when their animal bodies were overcome with emotion. These images were juxtaposed with the plasticity of art without soul and the gorgeous, mysterious, sublime imagery of the art that Trip created with Scratch, and the result was a romance that students can write papers on, a piece of art that makes us root for a happy ending, a basket of literary diamonds that can be culled for the shiniest gems.
Of course, let the reader be wary—distilled diamonds are lovely and give a reader faith that art and romance can copulate and become one in the same, but they are not comfortable under bare feet. In order to read this book be prepared to slip on your thinking shoes and find your path carefully. This book was written for people who believe that romance is a true form of literature, and that pop art can give us glimpses into the ethereal beauty that is the sticky, awkward, sometimes compassionate and sometimes cruel human race. Trip and Silas make mistakes, and hurt each other—that’s human. Our pain for them when these human errors break what’s best in them becomes sublime.
The measure of art is not that it is easy to process, or that it’s accessible to all of the world. This was a beautiful book—but it can’t be read in a day. It needs to be savored, and the word diamonds need to be given their chance to shine.
The book itself is a tribute to the act of creation. The two men, who swim the layers of several artistic media, speak the language and breathe the air of art. Every sentence of dialog, every moment of description was written and distilled, pressurized, into verbal diamonds, the pinnacle of the matter, beautiful examples of pop-culture, artistic theory, and the people who have to use these intangible ideas to feed themselves and pay the rent.
I was in awe of this book. I was jealous of Suede’s verbal mastery, of his skillful artistic allegory. Silas was larger than life—an archetypal hero, and, at the same time, very dear, very vulnerable, and very real. Trip was neurotic, cerebral, and brilliant—and capable of making a very cold-blooded decision to choose the mistress of art over the flesh and blood lover who inspired him.
Even the language of love-making was symbolic—raw, sticky, sometimes off-putting images were used when the two men touched, all the better to create human lovers, with “stupid human things” involved when their animal bodies were overcome with emotion. These images were juxtaposed with the plasticity of art without soul and the gorgeous, mysterious, sublime imagery of the art that Trip created with Scratch, and the result was a romance that students can write papers on, a piece of art that makes us root for a happy ending, a basket of literary diamonds that can be culled for the shiniest gems.
Of course, let the reader be wary—distilled diamonds are lovely and give a reader faith that art and romance can copulate and become one in the same, but they are not comfortable under bare feet. In order to read this book be prepared to slip on your thinking shoes and find your path carefully. This book was written for people who believe that romance is a true form of literature, and that pop art can give us glimpses into the ethereal beauty that is the sticky, awkward, sometimes compassionate and sometimes cruel human race. Trip and Silas make mistakes, and hurt each other—that’s human. Our pain for them when these human errors break what’s best in them becomes sublime.
The measure of art is not that it is easy to process, or that it’s accessible to all of the world. This was a beautiful book—but it can’t be read in a day. It needs to be savored, and the word diamonds need to be given their chance to shine.
November 12, 2013
I’m in a reading coma. Don’t ask how I’m typing.
I hate summarizing. On account of my aforementioned reading coma I give myself a pass. The blurb, in all its blurbiness, tells you everything you need to know about the plot. I just want to talk about all the things I loved.
Wait. First, I feel the need to get this out of the way. I’ll begrudgingly admit that this book may not be for everyone. Geek culture prances around the pages unrestrained. Some will get frustrated at not understanding all the references. Others may have a disconnect with the type of humor used. Just know that some and others are missing out on fantastic writing. I didn’t get all the references and I still thought that this was perfect for me. I had multiple nerdgasms, and I maybe almost peed from laughing. I refused to put the book down. I read until my eyes hurt, and then I kept reading. I was in a state of bliss (despite the eye thing).
Oh, Bad Idea how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
Warning overuse of the word “love,” and mild squeeing to follow.
1. I love the writing. I think it’s apparent that Damon Suede’s writing has improved since Hot Head. It was already great in my opinion. But I do love to witness a writer hone their craft. While not everyone loves Suede’s writing nuggets, I eat them up. They feel like coming home to me. Which, really is completely insane since this is only the second book of his I’ve read. But I loved seeing his familiar habits. They are like his calling cards, the sound bites, and repetition. I liked it before. I love it now, as I think they were used more effectively here.
It’s all in the details; Suede paints with the little things many would leave out (like spit strands). But it was those details that made the story feel real to me, kept me hooked. I thought there was a distinct lack of flowery word-shenanigans, which I appreciate. Suede uses raw language, and some slang. Although, occasionally the latter didn’t work for me, as I remember being extremely confused over the word “basket” at one point. Still, there are some great one-liners. Really, I just loved all the words. Well, with the exception of “basket” anyway.
Lovely sentences. They were occasionally ridiculous, mostly hilarious, and always perfect. I love the things you say Mr. Suede.
2. I love Trip. Love. Him. He is funny, infuriating, and nerdy. All bundled into one attractive comic book artist. I love his POV to smithereens. It elicited many giggles. I relate to him the most, probably because he is this anxious, and mildly damaged bundle of nervous energy. His word vomits are the best.
3. Silas, Silas, Silas. The nerd-whisperer. You guessed it, I love Silas. He is sweet, caring, and just loveable. He also dabbles in the nerdy, is a total beefcake, and has so many exes they fall from the sky. His muscles are the result of (*gasp*) hard work, and carbo-dodging. It’s refreshing that he isn’t magically ripped, and blessed with a super metabolism. He’s just big and bulky, with some muscles thrown in. Delicious. Or… life-size Teddy Bear? You decide.
4. I love their relationship. They actually dated! Holy shit. I was starting to forget that dating is a thing people do. I feel like 93% of the Romances I’ve read recently have MC’s who are thrown together into dire situations (like road trips), or they hate each other until one throws the other into bed (naturally). Anyway, I like their little courtship. It’s great, but somehow manages not be all fluffy-sugar adorable. Trip and Silas are just perfect together. They are both nervous, unsure, and have these enjoyable little instances of miscommunication. It all makes for great moments of dialogue. It all feels real. Ah, the mating rituals of nerds. They made me laugh, and all right they are occasionally cute.
5. I love all the sexy. Are you surprised? This book right here. This book is…Whoo Lordy (*Fans self*). Trip and Silas are hot together. Explosive. BOOM go my ovaries. The dynamic between the two is just electric. They had some unexpected moments that blew my mind. Honestly though, this is Mr. Suede we are talking about. I was expecting an intense connection, steamy goodness, and all the melty tingles. I have to say, he outdid himself.
The sex scenes are great. Firstly, as I think I’ve sufficiently established, they are hot. More importantly, they have substance. It’s always the two of them working together. Trip and Silas interact and react to each other. It isn’t always flawless, but that’s what makes it so great. It’s authentic. Sometimes the scenes (of which there are the perfect amount) would get a little lengthy. It’s not something that bothered me, at all. It always went somewhere, and I felt like I learned about the characters and watched them grow through these scenes. Still, some may be irritated by all the overheating. I would suggest a cool compress.
6. Secondary Characters? Love ‘em! Particularly Trip’s female friends. They are well developed, amusing, and I really enjoyed Trip’s time with them. Normally I’d be waiting for scenes with the secondaries to end, but I genuinely enjoyed their presence in the book. They were weird, and fun. It never felt like they were derailing the pacing, or distracting from Trip and Silas. I’m not sure if I liked Kurt or not. He had some great dialogue at the end, and I can’t wait for his book. However, that last bit is mostly because of Ziggy. I NEED to get all up in that one’s POV.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this. It made me happy. I laughed at all the jokes, even the ridiculous ones. I LOVED Silas and Trip. I was invested in them, to the point of frustrated tears towards the end. And I highlighted an appalling amount of sentences. I do think that this is going to be a case of the writing not being for everyone. But I do suggest everyone give it a go, and if you happen to be a comic book nerd, even better. Bad Idea is definitely my cuppa!
Side note: After finishing this I immediately read Horn Gate, because of the connection. I’m not reviewing that one because the entire time I was thinking about how epic it would be as a graphic novel. It’s like its soul was saying, “Why won’t you let me be great? Draw me!” I don’t know if I would have suffered those auditory hallucinations if I hadn’t read this first. I just have it in my brain that Scratch’s story is this beautiful labor of love, graphic novel that Trip poured his heart into. I want to read that. I want to admire the art of that. So, what I’m saying is…who can draw?
*ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars
I hate summarizing. On account of my aforementioned reading coma I give myself a pass. The blurb, in all its blurbiness, tells you everything you need to know about the plot. I just want to talk about all the things I loved.
Wait. First, I feel the need to get this out of the way. I’ll begrudgingly admit that this book may not be for everyone. Geek culture prances around the pages unrestrained. Some will get frustrated at not understanding all the references. Others may have a disconnect with the type of humor used. Just know that some and others are missing out on fantastic writing. I didn’t get all the references and I still thought that this was perfect for me. I had multiple nerdgasms, and I maybe almost peed from laughing. I refused to put the book down. I read until my eyes hurt, and then I kept reading. I was in a state of bliss (despite the eye thing).
Oh, Bad Idea how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
Warning overuse of the word “love,” and mild squeeing to follow.
1. I love the writing. I think it’s apparent that Damon Suede’s writing has improved since Hot Head. It was already great in my opinion. But I do love to witness a writer hone their craft. While not everyone loves Suede’s writing nuggets, I eat them up. They feel like coming home to me. Which, really is completely insane since this is only the second book of his I’ve read. But I loved seeing his familiar habits. They are like his calling cards, the sound bites, and repetition. I liked it before. I love it now, as I think they were used more effectively here.
It’s all in the details; Suede paints with the little things many would leave out (like spit strands). But it was those details that made the story feel real to me, kept me hooked. I thought there was a distinct lack of flowery word-shenanigans, which I appreciate. Suede uses raw language, and some slang. Although, occasionally the latter didn’t work for me, as I remember being extremely confused over the word “basket” at one point. Still, there are some great one-liners. Really, I just loved all the words. Well, with the exception of “basket” anyway.
Lovely sentences. They were occasionally ridiculous, mostly hilarious, and always perfect. I love the things you say Mr. Suede.
2. I love Trip. Love. Him. He is funny, infuriating, and nerdy. All bundled into one attractive comic book artist. I love his POV to smithereens. It elicited many giggles. I relate to him the most, probably because he is this anxious, and mildly damaged bundle of nervous energy. His word vomits are the best.
3. Silas, Silas, Silas. The nerd-whisperer. You guessed it, I love Silas. He is sweet, caring, and just loveable. He also dabbles in the nerdy, is a total beefcake, and has so many exes they fall from the sky. His muscles are the result of (*gasp*) hard work, and carbo-dodging. It’s refreshing that he isn’t magically ripped, and blessed with a super metabolism. He’s just big and bulky, with some muscles thrown in. Delicious. Or… life-size Teddy Bear? You decide.
4. I love their relationship. They actually dated! Holy shit. I was starting to forget that dating is a thing people do. I feel like 93% of the Romances I’ve read recently have MC’s who are thrown together into dire situations (like road trips), or they hate each other until one throws the other into bed (naturally). Anyway, I like their little courtship. It’s great, but somehow manages not be all fluffy-sugar adorable. Trip and Silas are just perfect together. They are both nervous, unsure, and have these enjoyable little instances of miscommunication. It all makes for great moments of dialogue. It all feels real. Ah, the mating rituals of nerds. They made me laugh, and all right they are occasionally cute.
5. I love all the sexy. Are you surprised? This book right here. This book is…Whoo Lordy (*Fans self*). Trip and Silas are hot together. Explosive. BOOM go my ovaries. The dynamic between the two is just electric. They had some unexpected moments that blew my mind. Honestly though, this is Mr. Suede we are talking about. I was expecting an intense connection, steamy goodness, and all the melty tingles. I have to say, he outdid himself.
The sex scenes are great. Firstly, as I think I’ve sufficiently established, they are hot. More importantly, they have substance. It’s always the two of them working together. Trip and Silas interact and react to each other. It isn’t always flawless, but that’s what makes it so great. It’s authentic. Sometimes the scenes (of which there are the perfect amount) would get a little lengthy. It’s not something that bothered me, at all. It always went somewhere, and I felt like I learned about the characters and watched them grow through these scenes. Still, some may be irritated by all the overheating. I would suggest a cool compress.
6. Secondary Characters? Love ‘em! Particularly Trip’s female friends. They are well developed, amusing, and I really enjoyed Trip’s time with them. Normally I’d be waiting for scenes with the secondaries to end, but I genuinely enjoyed their presence in the book. They were weird, and fun. It never felt like they were derailing the pacing, or distracting from Trip and Silas. I’m not sure if I liked Kurt or not. He had some great dialogue at the end, and I can’t wait for his book. However, that last bit is mostly because of Ziggy. I NEED to get all up in that one’s POV.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this. It made me happy. I laughed at all the jokes, even the ridiculous ones. I LOVED Silas and Trip. I was invested in them, to the point of frustrated tears towards the end. And I highlighted an appalling amount of sentences. I do think that this is going to be a case of the writing not being for everyone. But I do suggest everyone give it a go, and if you happen to be a comic book nerd, even better. Bad Idea is definitely my cuppa!
Side note: After finishing this I immediately read Horn Gate, because of the connection. I’m not reviewing that one because the entire time I was thinking about how epic it would be as a graphic novel. It’s like its soul was saying, “Why won’t you let me be great? Draw me!” I don’t know if I would have suffered those auditory hallucinations if I hadn’t read this first. I just have it in my brain that Scratch’s story is this beautiful labor of love, graphic novel that Trip poured his heart into. I want to read that. I want to admire the art of that. So, what I’m saying is…who can draw?
*ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
5 Stars
November 4, 2013
Hilarious, quirky, and memorable in its own unique way….
When you read as much as most of ‘us’ do around here, well, you come to have certain expectations. You gravitate towards certain genres, you trust your friend’s recommendations, and you rely on favorite authors for a security blanket of predictable reading.
Occasionally you are lucky enough to find a sure thing.
This is exactly what I cherished about this book...it was a sure thing.
~I adore nerdy lovin’ and don’t mind working for a HEA (as long as it does come through in the end!!).
~my friends did not steer me wrong (hugs, thank you dear friends :)).
~and most of all, I was swaddled in cozy happiness while devouring this brilliant piece by Mr. Suede.
I was in no way disappointed.
It’s often little things that trickle through from the author’s voice transferring to the MC’s voice, to a distinctive theme, or even a particular way the story is told that you recognize the hand penning the story. There was nothing subtle in identifying who this storyteller was; it screamed Damon Suede all the way.
As you’ve heard…. it was nothing like Hot Head and yet, it was everything that I love about Suede’s masterpieces.
The characters were deep, extremely lovable (even whist fighting the urge to strangle them), and frankly, unforgettable.
It was eccentric, light-hearted and tender.
It was tense and hectic. And at times, it was downright maddening!
And of course the sex, let’s not forget the sex shall we? Holy hotness Batman.
Tangling Scratch into the storyline was pure brilliance. It was almost as if this book was created first and Scratch was twisted from Trip and Silas themselves. I’m still in awe, shocked at how the pieces came together seamlessly. Bravo!
It was bursting with comic fun. Yep, full of it…but come on, we’re talking about a comic artist in a comic filled world. I didn’t expect anything less.
It was random at times, but I believe it was dramatic randomness at its best.
The humor was striking and forced contagious giggling fits to burst out of me.
Mr. Suede throws himself completely into his work, pure devotion and dedication to every minute detail. I could feel the love that he poured into this story.
Ohh, and the gorgeous packaging was not overlooked. Fan-freakin-tastic cover! If there happens to be more of their future, sign me up baby! I am so there.
4.5 cherished-comical-crazy stars
When you read as much as most of ‘us’ do around here, well, you come to have certain expectations. You gravitate towards certain genres, you trust your friend’s recommendations, and you rely on favorite authors for a security blanket of predictable reading.
Occasionally you are lucky enough to find a sure thing.
This is exactly what I cherished about this book...it was a sure thing.
~I adore nerdy lovin’ and don’t mind working for a HEA (as long as it does come through in the end!!).
~my friends did not steer me wrong (hugs, thank you dear friends :)).
~and most of all, I was swaddled in cozy happiness while devouring this brilliant piece by Mr. Suede.
I was in no way disappointed.
It’s often little things that trickle through from the author’s voice transferring to the MC’s voice, to a distinctive theme, or even a particular way the story is told that you recognize the hand penning the story. There was nothing subtle in identifying who this storyteller was; it screamed Damon Suede all the way.
As you’ve heard…. it was nothing like Hot Head and yet, it was everything that I love about Suede’s masterpieces.
The characters were deep, extremely lovable (even whist fighting the urge to strangle them), and frankly, unforgettable.
It was eccentric, light-hearted and tender.
It was tense and hectic. And at times, it was downright maddening!
And of course the sex, let’s not forget the sex shall we? Holy hotness Batman.
Tangling Scratch into the storyline was pure brilliance. It was almost as if this book was created first and Scratch was twisted from Trip and Silas themselves. I’m still in awe, shocked at how the pieces came together seamlessly. Bravo!
It was bursting with comic fun. Yep, full of it…but come on, we’re talking about a comic artist in a comic filled world. I didn’t expect anything less.
It was random at times, but I believe it was dramatic randomness at its best.
The humor was striking and forced contagious giggling fits to burst out of me.
Mr. Suede throws himself completely into his work, pure devotion and dedication to every minute detail. I could feel the love that he poured into this story.
Ohh, and the gorgeous packaging was not overlooked. Fan-freakin-tastic cover! If there happens to be more of their future, sign me up baby! I am so there.
4.5 cherished-comical-crazy stars
Shelved as 'back-burner-for-now'
November 1, 2013So am I, like, the ONLY GoodReads M/M romance fan NOT reading an advanced copy of this book?
Cheaters, all y'all.
Cheaters, all y'all.
January 26, 2015
01/2015
Still so much love for this book the 2nd time around
Review posted: www.facebook.com/slitsread
ARC provided by Netgalley via Dreamspinner Press
4 geeking stars
This book was just so funny, a lil angsty and alot hot!!!
I love love loved the names of all the characters in this book! But the 2 MC’s were off the hook!
Trip & Silas
Trip was… well Trip was a trip! He really was! He was like a recluse that took hits of a joint and then came out with the wackiest shit!
“He felt like he’d eaten a hash brownie that was giving him a prostate massage.”
That line right there pretty much sums it all up! I loved his inane thoughts, his allergies, his phobias, HIM… I just loved him!
I loved how fierce he got in bed, to be honest it was a total turn on. The nerd boy turns sex freak in the bedroom… SWOON
Silas~ There was not 1 thing I didn’t love about him! Seriously! He was Southern, he was a real smooth talker, he was southern… did I say he was Southern?
“It’s all new turf. No secrets. No plan. No map. Just treasure.”
I loved the comic book angle. It was awesome! And for a nerd girl that grew up in the 80′s who loved all things comic this book just did me good!!!
My favourite part?
“Torn open, buttons everywhere.” Trip sighed and closed his eyes. “Like Clark Kent pulling his shirt open to reveal that big red S. Except it feels like I pull my shirt open to reveal my chest, and then I pull my chest open to reveal my heart, and I pull my heart open–”
“–and there’s this whole world waiting to be built from scratch.”
Loved IT!
Mare~Slitsread
Still so much love for this book the 2nd time around
Review posted: www.facebook.com/slitsread
ARC provided by Netgalley via Dreamspinner Press
4 geeking stars
This book was just so funny, a lil angsty and alot hot!!!
I love love loved the names of all the characters in this book! But the 2 MC’s were off the hook!
Trip & Silas
Trip was… well Trip was a trip! He really was! He was like a recluse that took hits of a joint and then came out with the wackiest shit!
“He felt like he’d eaten a hash brownie that was giving him a prostate massage.”
That line right there pretty much sums it all up! I loved his inane thoughts, his allergies, his phobias, HIM… I just loved him!
I loved how fierce he got in bed, to be honest it was a total turn on. The nerd boy turns sex freak in the bedroom… SWOON
Silas~ There was not 1 thing I didn’t love about him! Seriously! He was Southern, he was a real smooth talker, he was southern… did I say he was Southern?
“It’s all new turf. No secrets. No plan. No map. Just treasure.”
I loved the comic book angle. It was awesome! And for a nerd girl that grew up in the 80′s who loved all things comic this book just did me good!!!
My favourite part?
“Torn open, buttons everywhere.” Trip sighed and closed his eyes. “Like Clark Kent pulling his shirt open to reveal that big red S. Except it feels like I pull my shirt open to reveal my chest, and then I pull my chest open to reveal my heart, and I pull my heart open–”
“–and there’s this whole world waiting to be built from scratch.”
Loved IT!
Mare~Slitsread
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 13, 2013Perhaps me reading this was a Bad Idea?
I made it thru the first few sex scenes. They were hot, but squeaked me out (eating your own come). I just can't see Trip as a top.
It's just very hard for me to figure out what these two are on about. At one point, Trip even admits he doesn't get the reference.
T: Most people think I'm a nutbag. hmmmmm......
S: I want the next thing. But then, of course, I don't want any of that because I don't want just that. You, I mean. That is, all that would probably be a horrible mistake because its what I would do, not what I should do.
I wish I could finish and rate this, but I can't. (It would have been a two or one star). In all fairness, I didn't like Hot Head either, so I've wandered outside my comfort zone. I also have zero interest / experience with comics. I have no idea what a graphic journal is.
I made it thru the first few sex scenes. They were hot, but squeaked me out (eating your own come). I just can't see Trip as a top.
It's just very hard for me to figure out what these two are on about. At one point, Trip even admits he doesn't get the reference.
T: Most people think I'm a nutbag. hmmmmm......
S: I want the next thing. But then, of course, I don't want any of that because I don't want just that. You, I mean. That is, all that would probably be a horrible mistake because its what I would do, not what I should do.
I wish I could finish and rate this, but I can't. (It would have been a two or one star). In all fairness, I didn't like Hot Head either, so I've wandered outside my comfort zone. I also have zero interest / experience with comics. I have no idea what a graphic journal is.
October 24, 2013
Rating Clarification: 4.5 stars
***This may not be the most functional review and it is quite possibly a bit confusing but honestly, I am still a bit confused by this book. This is a tough one to get over so there is always that bit of information to tuck away behind the shelves at night.***
What a journey this has been. I am not sure what to say, not sure if my experience with this book is due to the fact that I recently enjoyed a webcomic, that I secretly am a total comic book fan girl or that finally, FINALLY Damon Suede and I clicked like a fully stocked utility belt around the trim waist of the muscular hero who came to save me. A hero in the form of a book come to save me? Yes? No? I am not sure. What I am sure about is that Bad Idea was one hell of a good idea for me to get lost in.
The story starts off with the best meet cute (yes cute!) I could ever want. Period. It was perfect, it was funny and it had me hooked right away. Two words; Zombie. Run.
Spector...Mr. Trip Spector, our resident artist who is “stuck” in a well paid position sketching for a comic series that is just, meh. He has an unboyfriend in a dead end relationship and just needs his life to have that special something or rather someone. Being inside Trip’s head was well, a total trip. I understood him, I got who he was even through all his fuck ups along the way where I wanted to smack him in the back of the head and tell him to snap out of it. I got him. I will admit one of the best things I adored about Trip was his friendship with Rina, Jillian and Ben (Max as well). The women in this story are beyond fantastic! Who would have thought that the girls in a book of my boys would own me and they owned me from the first lines out of their mouths and they continued their ownership with how they treated Trip. Neither woman let him get away with anything; they called him out on his shit and made him see things outside his way of thinking. It was almost as if they were his conscious at times and the girls had some of my favorite lines out of the book. Ben, he was so much fun and I just loved the whole Tick-sational business. Max, good lord some of the things out of that boy’s mouth were so insightful and brilliant. Trip, oh dear. I seem to have this affection for my boys in books who are slightly in the closet and though Trip fits that mold for me, he isn’t fully in the closet but he does hang his coat/PDA in there when it counts.
Silas Goolsby…Now, Mr. Goolsby; my sweet Silas, my sexy bohunk and the He-Man who broke my heart. Silas the FX make-up artist who can create monsters and wounds so believable you would think they were mirrors into his soul. His tastes are not what you would assume at first glance but they are so beautifully done that I couldn’t imagine him any other way even if he did plead with Make me. Silas is so not your typical muscle man and I fell hard for him in every way possible. Do not get me started on the left out “s” of a holiday, or booths in hotels or I will have to deck you through tears. This man, this beast of a man with the softest, gooiest center crawled into my hopeless romantic heart and cuddled up with me for the ride. Being inside his head, was again a total trip to see how he tripped and fell so hard and fast FOR Trip. Sigh.
So, after that, what I just said. Did I say anything? Well, I have to say there were parts of this story that I struggled with. I won’t call it a love/hate relationship I don’t know what to call it but one minute I loved it and the next I wanted to give up on it but something, something keep pulling me back in and every time it got better and better. I did a bit of Retcon in my head (oh yeah, I paid attention, a last minute edit to fix an unforeseen problem…shit happens and times change ) and at one point I had to look at this as two different books; a romance and well not a romance. Sounds off the wall but with my OCD it worked and I began to enjoy the story in a whole new way.
The art of Bad Idea is gah-whor-geous, simply gorgeous and the meta-ness of it all is sheer brilliant mind fuckery. I loved the scene where Rina and Trip come up with Scratch. I could feel the warmth of the light, the floor beneath them as they created. I was there and it was nothing short of amazing. I was right there when the working of the arch nemesis was created and the symbolism of the…yeah. To realize that what Trip was creating is already a published title by the author…talk about one upping me on that one. Bravo, Mr. Suede, well done.
Bad Idea. Goodness. What a roller coaster of emotions I went through reading this. There are moments in this book that made me melt, such sappy moments that had this self professed hopeless romantic in a puddle. *clean up at isle Sara* Moments that go from total fuckery as dudes to these romantic realizations that were like poetry, beautiful in their own way and made me smile like a goon as I sat at my desk sneak reading. So many, so many, many, MANY quotes highlighted throughout this book that made me smile, laugh and one about parenthood that made me tear up. So many scenes that read as if they were a comic/graphic novel, I could see each cell vividly in my head from the countdown at the New Years Eve party waiting for the a cab to Chicago in the hotel to Superman and reveals…Ugh. Did I mention how confused and messed up I am with this? I need to stop before I end up upside down and backwards.
This book may not be for everyone and honestly it wasn’t at times for me but it was worth it. It was worth the time to get lost, to see the relationship between Trip and Silas begin and to watch it grow. It was SO damn worth it to get a behind the scenes, inside the creative head of both these men to the point you felt like you were getting a hands on demonstration. It worth it, that is all. It. Was. Worth. It.
ARC provided by Smith Publicity -- Dreamspinner Press publishing via NetGalley.
***This may not be the most functional review and it is quite possibly a bit confusing but honestly, I am still a bit confused by this book. This is a tough one to get over so there is always that bit of information to tuck away behind the shelves at night.***
What a journey this has been. I am not sure what to say, not sure if my experience with this book is due to the fact that I recently enjoyed a webcomic, that I secretly am a total comic book fan girl or that finally, FINALLY Damon Suede and I clicked like a fully stocked utility belt around the trim waist of the muscular hero who came to save me. A hero in the form of a book come to save me? Yes? No? I am not sure. What I am sure about is that Bad Idea was one hell of a good idea for me to get lost in.
It’s all new turf. No secrets. No plan. No map. Just treasure.
The story starts off with the best meet cute (yes cute!) I could ever want. Period. It was perfect, it was funny and it had me hooked right away. Two words; Zombie. Run.
That’s where the spark started. Two artists alone in the woods, surrounded by fake monsters.
Spector...Mr. Trip Spector, our resident artist who is “stuck” in a well paid position sketching for a comic series that is just, meh. He has an unboyfriend in a dead end relationship and just needs his life to have that special something or rather someone. Being inside Trip’s head was well, a total trip. I understood him, I got who he was even through all his fuck ups along the way where I wanted to smack him in the back of the head and tell him to snap out of it. I got him. I will admit one of the best things I adored about Trip was his friendship with Rina, Jillian and Ben (Max as well). The women in this story are beyond fantastic! Who would have thought that the girls in a book of my boys would own me and they owned me from the first lines out of their mouths and they continued their ownership with how they treated Trip. Neither woman let him get away with anything; they called him out on his shit and made him see things outside his way of thinking. It was almost as if they were his conscious at times and the girls had some of my favorite lines out of the book. Ben, he was so much fun and I just loved the whole Tick-sational business. Max, good lord some of the things out of that boy’s mouth were so insightful and brilliant. Trip, oh dear. I seem to have this affection for my boys in books who are slightly in the closet and though Trip fits that mold for me, he isn’t fully in the closet but he does hang his coat/PDA in there when it counts.
Stay here. Don’t hide. No one can judge someone else’s heroes.
Silas Goolsby…Now, Mr. Goolsby; my sweet Silas, my sexy bohunk and the He-Man who broke my heart. Silas the FX make-up artist who can create monsters and wounds so believable you would think they were mirrors into his soul. His tastes are not what you would assume at first glance but they are so beautifully done that I couldn’t imagine him any other way even if he did plead with Make me. Silas is so not your typical muscle man and I fell hard for him in every way possible. Do not get me started on the left out “s” of a holiday, or booths in hotels or I will have to deck you through tears. This man, this beast of a man with the softest, gooiest center crawled into my hopeless romantic heart and cuddled up with me for the ride. Being inside his head, was again a total trip to see how he tripped and fell so hard and fast FOR Trip. Sigh.
From across the room, Silas watched Trip shake hands and answer questions, feeling a lazy, borrowed pride at how beautiful and talented Trip was without realizing it.
So, after that, what I just said. Did I say anything? Well, I have to say there were parts of this story that I struggled with. I won’t call it a love/hate relationship I don’t know what to call it but one minute I loved it and the next I wanted to give up on it but something, something keep pulling me back in and every time it got better and better. I did a bit of Retcon in my head (oh yeah, I paid attention, a last minute edit to fix an unforeseen problem…shit happens and times change ) and at one point I had to look at this as two different books; a romance and well not a romance. Sounds off the wall but with my OCD it worked and I began to enjoy the story in a whole new way.
The art of Bad Idea is gah-whor-geous, simply gorgeous and the meta-ness of it all is sheer brilliant mind fuckery. I loved the scene where Rina and Trip come up with Scratch. I could feel the warmth of the light, the floor beneath them as they created. I was there and it was nothing short of amazing. I was right there when the working of the arch nemesis was created and the symbolism of the…yeah. To realize that what Trip was creating is already a published title by the author…talk about one upping me on that one. Bravo, Mr. Suede, well done.
Achievement unlocked.
Bad Idea. Goodness. What a roller coaster of emotions I went through reading this. There are moments in this book that made me melt, such sappy moments that had this self professed hopeless romantic in a puddle. *clean up at isle Sara* Moments that go from total fuckery as dudes to these romantic realizations that were like poetry, beautiful in their own way and made me smile like a goon as I sat at my desk sneak reading. So many, so many, many, MANY quotes highlighted throughout this book that made me smile, laugh and one about parenthood that made me tear up. So many scenes that read as if they were a comic/graphic novel, I could see each cell vividly in my head from the countdown at the New Years Eve party waiting for the a cab to Chicago in the hotel to Superman and reveals…Ugh. Did I mention how confused and messed up I am with this? I need to stop before I end up upside down and backwards.
This book may not be for everyone and honestly it wasn’t at times for me but it was worth it. It was worth the time to get lost, to see the relationship between Trip and Silas begin and to watch it grow. It was SO damn worth it to get a behind the scenes, inside the creative head of both these men to the point you felt like you were getting a hands on demonstration. It worth it, that is all. It. Was. Worth. It.
Each turn you have to chose, no matter what. You can’t not move. No skipping. No coping mechanism. Your only choice is to choose.
ARC provided by Smith Publicity -- Dreamspinner Press publishing via NetGalley.
November 16, 2013
I will not be comparing this book to Hot Head, because, believe it or not, I didn’t read Hot Head. Nor anything else by Damon Suede. So if you’re looking for a review that tells you if this book is as good as Hot Head, look elsewhere. If you want to know what a Suede-newbie thinks of this book, here it is.
I gave this three stars. Meaning I liked it but I didn’t love it. Why? The main reason is that during the first 80% I could have put this book down and never picked it back up. I felt no urge to find out how Trip and Silas were going to make it work. If fact, when I put it down at 19% the first time I didn’t pick it back up for weeks. If I hadn’t -kinda- promised I would write a review I might still have been stuck there. That first 80% was interesting, funny and reasonably well written, but it felt a whole lot like watching a NC-17 Seinfeld marathon, complete with running gags, NYC attitude, a main character who self-sabotages all his relationships, endless meandering conversations and a prominent place for the dysfunctional-but-not-really group of friends. Nothing wrong with an episode or two of Seinfeld, but not something I’d binge on by choice.
Around 72% I was wishing we would get to the Big Stupid Misunderstanding already that I was sure was just around the corner, so I could finish. Because, really, my interest was waning rapidly. But lo and behold, the Big Misunderstanding wasn’t that stupid and not really a misunderstanding and the book finally took off! Once in a while you get a book that just works better when the main characters are apart and miserable. Silas and Trip’s emotions rang much more true in this section and, with the exception of a few eye rolls (see next to last paragraph), I had no problem finishing the book and finally felt somewhat invested in their couplehood.
While the story has depth and felt like it was constructed of something more solid than the poster board many other romances seem so fond of using, I had issues. Some big, some small. Among the smaller ones was the pervasive use of onomatopoeia or sound effects. They were everywhere! When a pencil taps ‘tap-tap-tap‘, when putting on a velcro belt ‘ka-klamp, klamp‘ and, yes, even when shooting a load. Apparently that sounds like ‘thwit-thitit-thwit‘. Is this a fight the editor fought and lost, or didn’t they notice? I also got really tired of the approximately 57 different synonyms used for ‘dick’, and the fact that the female sidekicks, while cool, were pretty much interchangeable.
More problematic was Cliff’s character. The way he is portrayed in the story makes it completely unbelievable that Trip has been carrying a torch for him for four years, because he is a reprehensible slime ball from beginning to end. In the first chapter we are told that Trip spends every weekend with him, but apparently that comes to a complete stop at that point, because afterward we never see them spending any time together outside of the office. If it does come to a complete stop, that would be an important development that is bound to cause anxiety for Trip and needs to be touched on. If it doesn’t, then that is important too, because how does their friendship change when Silas comes on the scene? Really, where is this so-called friendship that has held Trip in thrall for so long? Right now, Cliff is like Emperor Palpatine, unlovable and irredeemable and only there to be evil to offset Silas’s goodness.
If Cliff is the evil Emperor then all the other secondary characters are Yoda. I have never seen so many sages in one book. Everyone is ready with deep and meaningful advice at all times, but especially during the time when Silas and Trip are apart. It gets ridiculous, really. And if it isn’t bad enough that we have at least 6 grown ups spouting relationship wisdom, the one and only kid in the book is the 9 year old lovechild of Woody Allen and Dr Phil. It’s really annoying how precocious kids in m/m books tend to be and this kid is right up there with that one in Bear, Otter and the Kid. I am on my second time around the block with a 9 year old myself this year, people. And, adorable as he is, the only thing he’s exceptionally good at is leaving a trail of mess everywhere he goes and arguing about his chores and the fact that as a future zookeeper/scientist he doesn't see the point in learning multiplication and division. The wisest thing I’ve heard him say in the past month is that our backyard may actually be too small to keep a horse in. Between him, his brother, and every single one of their friends I have never heard any of them express any interest in any grown up’s love life. Let alone give them advice.
So, I am probably going to give Hot Head a try, because this was likeable enough even if it didn’t reach its full potential. Especially since some nice person just lendled Hot Head to me. But I hope it doesn’t take as long to get to the good part.
I gave this three stars. Meaning I liked it but I didn’t love it. Why? The main reason is that during the first 80% I could have put this book down and never picked it back up. I felt no urge to find out how Trip and Silas were going to make it work. If fact, when I put it down at 19% the first time I didn’t pick it back up for weeks. If I hadn’t -kinda- promised I would write a review I might still have been stuck there. That first 80% was interesting, funny and reasonably well written, but it felt a whole lot like watching a NC-17 Seinfeld marathon, complete with running gags, NYC attitude, a main character who self-sabotages all his relationships, endless meandering conversations and a prominent place for the dysfunctional-but-not-really group of friends. Nothing wrong with an episode or two of Seinfeld, but not something I’d binge on by choice.
Around 72% I was wishing we would get to the Big Stupid Misunderstanding already that I was sure was just around the corner, so I could finish. Because, really, my interest was waning rapidly. But lo and behold, the Big Misunderstanding wasn’t that stupid and not really a misunderstanding and the book finally took off! Once in a while you get a book that just works better when the main characters are apart and miserable. Silas and Trip’s emotions rang much more true in this section and, with the exception of a few eye rolls (see next to last paragraph), I had no problem finishing the book and finally felt somewhat invested in their couplehood.
While the story has depth and felt like it was constructed of something more solid than the poster board many other romances seem so fond of using, I had issues. Some big, some small. Among the smaller ones was the pervasive use of onomatopoeia or sound effects. They were everywhere! When a pencil taps ‘tap-tap-tap‘, when putting on a velcro belt ‘ka-klamp, klamp‘ and, yes, even when shooting a load. Apparently that sounds like ‘thwit-thitit-thwit‘. Is this a fight the editor fought and lost, or didn’t they notice? I also got really tired of the approximately 57 different synonyms used for ‘dick’, and the fact that the female sidekicks, while cool, were pretty much interchangeable.
More problematic was Cliff’s character. The way he is portrayed in the story makes it completely unbelievable that Trip has been carrying a torch for him for four years, because he is a reprehensible slime ball from beginning to end. In the first chapter we are told that Trip spends every weekend with him, but apparently that comes to a complete stop at that point, because afterward we never see them spending any time together outside of the office. If it does come to a complete stop, that would be an important development that is bound to cause anxiety for Trip and needs to be touched on. If it doesn’t, then that is important too, because how does their friendship change when Silas comes on the scene? Really, where is this so-called friendship that has held Trip in thrall for so long? Right now, Cliff is like Emperor Palpatine, unlovable and irredeemable and only there to be evil to offset Silas’s goodness.
If Cliff is the evil Emperor then all the other secondary characters are Yoda. I have never seen so many sages in one book. Everyone is ready with deep and meaningful advice at all times, but especially during the time when Silas and Trip are apart. It gets ridiculous, really. And if it isn’t bad enough that we have at least 6 grown ups spouting relationship wisdom, the one and only kid in the book is the 9 year old lovechild of Woody Allen and Dr Phil. It’s really annoying how precocious kids in m/m books tend to be and this kid is right up there with that one in Bear, Otter and the Kid. I am on my second time around the block with a 9 year old myself this year, people. And, adorable as he is, the only thing he’s exceptionally good at is leaving a trail of mess everywhere he goes and arguing about his chores and the fact that as a future zookeeper/scientist he doesn't see the point in learning multiplication and division. The wisest thing I’ve heard him say in the past month is that our backyard may actually be too small to keep a horse in. Between him, his brother, and every single one of their friends I have never heard any of them express any interest in any grown up’s love life. Let alone give them advice.
So, I am probably going to give Hot Head a try, because this was likeable enough even if it didn’t reach its full potential. Especially since some nice person just lendled Hot Head to me. But I hope it doesn’t take as long to get to the good part.
November 14, 2013
3.5 Stars
I was charmed by the characters in this book. Damon Suede has an interesting writing style...somewhat choppy and extremely blunt but smart and sassy as well. It kept the story entertaining for the first sixty percent or so, but I have to say that the last forty percent dragged. I wanted to start skimming, but the author has a way of throwing in these little profound nuggets of witty life lessons that I really didn't want to miss, so I pushed through the pages and pages (and pages) of comic book nerd info plus loads of unnecessary narrative that detracted from the focal point of the story.
Hot Head was my first M/M romance, and I do believe it will always be one of my faves. Simply put, I love the characters that Suede makes up. Trip is a somewhat shy comic book artist with tons of talent but no real outlet for his passion. He's stuck drawing a goodie two shoes teenage comic book for a straight boss with loads of sex appeal but a smarmy attitude. Silas is a broke but talented big ole Southern boy who works as an FX makeup artist and loves his job despite the low pay. When these two meet, it a sweet and instant adorable attraction on both parts. But a goofy mix up has them losing track of each other before anything really comes to fruition.
This was the best part of the book for me...the sort of silly stumbling around each other that they do made this girl's heart go pitter pat. Then they get down and dirty and I remember how freaking hot Suede's sexy times are. Good Lord, I wish I were a gay man. There's something so ridiculously primal and animalistic about two men humping...all liquid and need and sweat and other dirty things. Of course, there is the emotional connection as well, but there is that ever-present urge to simply fuck, to rub against each other like kitty cats in heat. It reminds me of the hormonal formative years, when horniness is a constant state of being. So hot.
I think if I had the faintest clue about comics or manga or graphic novels or superheroes, I could have been a lot more interested in the rest of the book. But the conflict for me was buried under a mountain of junky information that I didn't really care about, and it was just too much. Trip was really the one who had some issues to work out...the guy needed someone like Silas to pull him out of his funk and give him some self esteem, make his grow a pair and finally stand up for himself, move on from his loveless, passionless sell out job. Silas was a man whore, which is such a prevalent role in romance that it was almost a non-issue for me.
Final verdict: Loved Silas and Trip, loved the sex and romance; I even loved the comic book angle, I just thought there was too much extra, the dialogue was almost TOO witty and sporadic, hard to follow at times. I am really interested in seeing what the companion book Horn Gate
is all about. I'm rating this for my enjoyment. I loved parts, I was bored to tears by other parts. Both Silas and Trip's respective friends lent an even quirkier air to the story, and the best friend's kid was precocious and adorable. I will most definitely read more by Damon Suede, as it seems that all of his boys find a place in this reader's romantic heart.
October 15, 2013
Ugh. I hate how bad a two star rating looks. Especially when it means 'OK' for the good read rating.
So. I caved and gave it. 3 stars. Because it wasn't the books fault that aim not nearly nerdy enough to grasp this books greatness.
First things first. This is not Hothead. Yes. Hothead was an excellent book. But they aren't even close to being comparable. They are two very different types of story's, two very different types of characters.
This will be great for anyone who loves a good comic. Loves DC and Marvel. Anyone who can appreciate a super hero and villain. And is able to catch all the parallel lines that are drawn. Unfortunately. That's not me. At all.
I had a hard time with Trip. At first his shy, slightly awkward approach to Silas was doable. Kinda cute in a I wanna snake your head kinda way. But, as the book went on I liked him less and less. He was an ass, and while it gives you a HEA I almost wish it wouldn't have. While it was nice to read a story about two men who make mistakes and over come them. Something can't be 'un-said'.
I found it wasn't an easy story to read. There was so much thrown at me. And of course I hadn't had the faintest clue about comic book and movie stuff.
Some of the secondary characters were almost too over the top. There wasn't a normal person in the bunch.
I got half way through it, and decided I was giving to willingly do some chores. That's never a good sign.
It wasn't he books fault. It was just not my cup of tea. It was way over my head.
So I'm still trying to figure out... Was Cliff gay?? lol.
I see this book parallels to Horn Gate where Scratch gets his story told.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
So. I caved and gave it. 3 stars. Because it wasn't the books fault that aim not nearly nerdy enough to grasp this books greatness.
First things first. This is not Hothead. Yes. Hothead was an excellent book. But they aren't even close to being comparable. They are two very different types of story's, two very different types of characters.
This will be great for anyone who loves a good comic. Loves DC and Marvel. Anyone who can appreciate a super hero and villain. And is able to catch all the parallel lines that are drawn. Unfortunately. That's not me. At all.
I had a hard time with Trip. At first his shy, slightly awkward approach to Silas was doable. Kinda cute in a I wanna snake your head kinda way. But, as the book went on I liked him less and less. He was an ass, and while it gives you a HEA I almost wish it wouldn't have. While it was nice to read a story about two men who make mistakes and over come them. Something can't be 'un-said'.
I found it wasn't an easy story to read. There was so much thrown at me. And of course I hadn't had the faintest clue about comic book and movie stuff.
Some of the secondary characters were almost too over the top. There wasn't a normal person in the bunch.
I got half way through it, and decided I was giving to willingly do some chores. That's never a good sign.
It wasn't he books fault. It was just not my cup of tea. It was way over my head.
So I'm still trying to figure out... Was Cliff gay?? lol.
I see this book parallels to Horn Gate where Scratch gets his story told.
I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Want to read
October 26, 2013PLEASE DON'T HATE ME!! :( :( FOR DNF'N AT 15%
I know I am in the minority and it saddens me greatly to have to do this but I just cannot get into it!
I know loads of people LOVED it and I wish I could go on reading but I just can't :(
To sum up my issue-
Its the writing (so sorry Damon) but I just felt it was all over the place and I couldn't keep up with it! Maybe its me who wasn't in the mood for it I don't know but I was DYING to read it and even payed $7 to get it!
I may give it another go some day but I just don't feel in the right frame of mind to have my mind messed with at the moment :(
BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give it a go! As usual I am in the small minority of those who didn't like it so don't listen to me :)
I know I am in the minority and it saddens me greatly to have to do this but I just cannot get into it!
I know loads of people LOVED it and I wish I could go on reading but I just can't :(
To sum up my issue-
Its the writing (so sorry Damon) but I just felt it was all over the place and I couldn't keep up with it! Maybe its me who wasn't in the mood for it I don't know but I was DYING to read it and even payed $7 to get it!
I may give it another go some day but I just don't feel in the right frame of mind to have my mind messed with at the moment :(
BUT PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE give it a go! As usual I am in the small minority of those who didn't like it so don't listen to me :)
November 19, 2013
Reading this book was an extraordinary experience! The writting is brilliant and the plot very intelligent! This book is much more than sex or a relationship... is also about sacrifice, commitment, friendship and also about self knowledge and breaking life barriers!
Silas and Trip have a beautiful relationship but not a easy one! Since the day they met they had to face challenges...
I must say that I was a ignorant about the comics world, and I find it now very interesting!
Silas and Trip have a beautiful relationship but not a easy one! Since the day they met they had to face challenges...
I must say that I was a ignorant about the comics world, and I find it now very interesting!
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