Actors are often depicted as over-the-top billionaires with perfect bodies, lives, and families. Many romance readers want Co-Stars to Shooting Stars!
Actors are often depicted as over-the-top billionaires with perfect bodies, lives, and families. Many romance readers want to see books featuring a leading man or a leading lady of the screen depicted exactly that way and it's totally fine. Me? I'm a fangirl. I go to conventions. I stand in line for hours to get autographs from my favorite stars and I go to their panels to listen to them talk about their actual lives---or as much of their real lives as they're willing to share with a roomful of fans.
When I saw Keira Andrews did a co-stars romance featuring television actors? I was ridiculously excited. When I saw it was a Christmas story on top of that? I may have made an embarrassing squeaking sound of glee.
Keira Andrews writes characters who are people. They're not completely perfect. Their families are not completely perfect. Their lives are three-dimensional and so are they. I love her for it. I cannot even express how wonderful I think she did at capturing the spirit of being in the limelight as a television actor -the fangirls putting up posters of the stars, the fandom giving their storyline a shipper name of "Stishi," and the monotony of that 'almost inevitable question asked every time in every interview'- while always depicting both Cary and Ryan as more than actors.
Cary comes from movie royalty yet he doesn't seem to want to reap any of the benefits of his family legacy. His father reminds me of a Bruce Willis type who does big blow-em-up action blockbusters with great one-liners. Well. With the exception his father isn't nearly as accepting or cool as Bruce Willis. Cary feels as if he's a constant disappointment; his father hates he took a role on a television show rather than go into mainstream blockbusters the way he and his own father did with their careers. There's a vulnerability to Cary which good looks and a personal-trainer-perfect body do nothing to dismiss. He's got his own insecurities the same as any other guy.
Ryan has the exact opposite family dynamic from Cary in that he comes from a middle class family who are very close, accepting of each other, and seem to have no interest in benefiting from his relative fame. He can't even get his father to let him fix the roof on their family cabin despite everyone knowing he can more than afford it. His financial situation is actually something of a joke in the family which they tease him about and I love that. Doesn't everyone wants their parents to be proud of them? Ryan's family is proud of him for being who is, not for being on television, not for making a great salary, not for any other reason than he's their son.
These guys are very close courtesy of fifteen-hour days shooting their show; I loved seeing them joke around with one another. I thought it was really natural for Ryan to offer Cary the option to come spend Christmas with his family in Canada. He's grown up in a close-knit family who really go all out for Christmas while Cary has never had a real Christmas? I'd believe he'd make the offer in a heartbeat. I was surprised when Cary takes him up on it, but that surprise only heightened the excitement of the story.
Where the Lovelight Gleams reads very fast without feeling as if the guys are rushing into a relationship, gives a great example of how bisexuality is more common than many people think, and has a family holiday with all the trimmings tucked in there, too. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christmas romances, friends-to-lovers, seeing actors as real people, frank discussion of bisexuality, and/or a love of a great story because at it's heart?
Keira Andrews has written a great story.
Merged review:
Co-Stars to Shooting Stars!
Actors are often depicted as over-the-top billionaires with perfect bodies, lives, and families. Many romance readers want to see books featuring a leading man or a leading lady of the screen depicted exactly that way and it's totally fine. Me? I'm a fangirl. I go to conventions. I stand in line for hours to get autographs from my favorite stars and I go to their panels to listen to them talk about their actual lives---or as much of their real lives as they're willing to share with a roomful of fans.
When I saw Keira Andrews did a co-stars romance featuring television actors? I was ridiculously excited. When I saw it was a Christmas story on top of that? I may have made an embarrassing squeaking sound of glee.
Keira Andrews writes characters who are people. They're not completely perfect. Their families are not completely perfect. Their lives are three-dimensional and so are they. I love her for it. I cannot even express how wonderful I think she did at capturing the spirit of being in the limelight as a television actor -the fangirls putting up posters of the stars, the fandom giving their storyline a shipper name of "Stishi," and the monotony of that 'almost inevitable question asked every time in every interview'- while always depicting both Cary and Ryan as more than actors.
Cary comes from movie royalty yet he doesn't seem to want to reap any of the benefits of his family legacy. His father reminds me of a Bruce Willis type who does big blow-em-up action blockbusters with great one-liners. Well. With the exception his father isn't nearly as accepting or cool as Bruce Willis. Cary feels as if he's a constant disappointment; his father hates he took a role on a television show rather than go into mainstream blockbusters the way he and his own father did with their careers. There's a vulnerability to Cary which good looks and a personal-trainer-perfect body do nothing to dismiss. He's got his own insecurities the same as any other guy.
Ryan has the exact opposite family dynamic from Cary in that he comes from a middle class family who are very close, accepting of each other, and seem to have no interest in benefiting from his relative fame. He can't even get his father to let him fix the roof on their family cabin despite everyone knowing he can more than afford it. His financial situation is actually something of a joke in the family which they tease him about and I love that. Doesn't everyone wants their parents to be proud of them? Ryan's family is proud of him for being who is, not for being on television, not for making a great salary, not for any other reason than he's their son.
These guys are very close courtesy of fifteen-hour days shooting their show; I loved seeing them joke around with one another. I thought it was really natural for Ryan to offer Cary the option to come spend Christmas with his family in Canada. He's grown up in a close-knit family who really go all out for Christmas while Cary has never had a real Christmas? I'd believe he'd make the offer in a heartbeat. I was surprised when Cary takes him up on it, but that surprise only heightened the excitement of the story.
Where the Lovelight Gleams reads very fast without feeling as if the guys are rushing into a relationship, gives a great example of how bisexuality is more common than many people think, and has a family holiday with all the trimmings tucked in there, too. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christmas romances, friends-to-lovers, seeing actors as real people, frank discussion of bisexuality, and/or a love of a great story because at it's heart?
Why can't all my childhood stories be rewritten as adorable gay love stories? I would seriously invest in Clare London doing a whoCoffee and Cuteness!
Why can't all my childhood stories be rewritten as adorable gay love stories? I would seriously invest in Clare London doing a whole series of Childhood Favorites based on how much I loved Goldilocks and the Bear. How much did I like this story? I originally took it out for free through KU only to turn right around and buy myself a copy followed by buying a copy for my friend which I sent to her with a message to read it immediately.
Gil is the flamboyant happy guy who makes everything a little brighter around him. I loved his coffee shop's vibe. I loved all the details Clare London put into his patrons, his helper, and his surroundings as it enriched my reading experience so much. I could see the little old lady pulling a chair over to get the "naughty" gay romance books down from the top shelf she couldn't reach on her own. I laughed so much over this fictional coffee shop? I wanted to go out to see if I could find a place even half as quaint in my area.
Bruin is one of those big guys who is all heart. He endeared himself to me immediately with his infatuation with Gil's curls. I thought he was the biggest teddy bear of a man. I would have given him a hug myself if he'd gotten a Christmas tree stuck in the door to my house so I was heating the whole of outdoors. There's a lot of charm to him in the details about his love for his sister and his niece and his attention for the plants he tends at the garden centre. He's a sweet, sweet man who is all man.
Overall, this short is sweet, a little spicy at times, and downright hot at the ending which is how I happen to love my books and my coffee. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a romance at any time of the year, especially during the holiday season as it is overflowing with holiday love. ...more
Kate Sands read my mind to find the perfect paranormal holiday romance. Seriously. I loved everything about Son of Santa. I lHoliday Realms are Real!
Kate Sands read my mind to find the perfect paranormal holiday romance. Seriously. I loved everything about Son of Santa. I loved how all the holiday realms are presented as real, gods and goddesses are real, all the myths and legends are real somewhere in some realm or another. Who wouldn't love to live in a world like that? It's so much fun as a concept, I can't even with how happy I was to know it's a romance where Santa's only son gets a Mr. Claus for himself.
Noel is presented as a very humble guy. He doesn't feel as if he's "The Prince of the North Pole" or anything of that nature. To him, he's an outsider because there really isn't anyone else like him in his realm or anywhere else. He's the only son of Santa. He's the next Head Distributor. There's a lot of pressure on him, yet he doesn't feel as if he is living up to his potential or making his parents or anyone else proud. His humility is touching. Noel has body image issues, struggles with college papers and exams, and hates everything to do with the commercialization of Christmas. I adore him.
Fannar is an ice sprite -which I wish I could have gotten more of an understanding of as a concept though his mystery is a lot of his appeal- who grew up with Noel and is sent to alert him of a Christmas Crisis since his father has taken a vacation or a sabbatical or whatever you want to call Santa up and disappearing right before Christmas. He's easy cool. In the literal and figurative sense. He's gorgeous and he's loved by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Other ice sprites like him---honestly, it feels as if everyone likes him. There is a sense of mischief to him from his first appearance which is charming; I was rooting for him to get his guy from beginning to end.
Son of Santa was a five-star read for me because of the magic, the mystery, and the genuine sense of Christmas magic in it. I love the world-building Kate Sands did as much as her investment in her characters. I love how there are references to other realms alongside Noel having a cupid from the Eros realm for a best friend while he lives among humans. There's so much to love in this short story. If she ever wanted to write a novel in the realms? I'd one-click it instantly.
I recommend this story to anyone who loves paranormal romance, can suspend disbelief, wants to believe in the spirit of Christmas, or simply wants to laugh a little as they watch a couple find love. It's a great read. ...more
Sean Michael always manages to touch me as a reader with all of his work. I love the humanity which is imbued in every chSecond Chance Holiday Romance
Sean Michael always manages to touch me as a reader with all of his work. I love the humanity which is imbued in every character he creates from his leading protagonists to secondary characters of all types. Unto Us the Time Has Come is a pretty unwieldy title for a story which should have felt equally complicated yet wasn't, not at all, not even a little bit.
Kenn and Chris separated due to difficulties in their marriage relating to feelings of abandonment, invalidation, and simply taking one another for granted. I believe all couples who are together for a significant period of time go through a patch where they start to forget how much their partner contributes to their life.
Kenn wanted Chris to spend less time working, appreciate the fact he dedicates his time to raising their two children and taking care of their home, to love him the way he did when they got married. He feels unappreciated. I can understand why he issued the ultimatum he did while still feeling so terribly sorry for Chris at the same time.
I'm a lot more like Chris myself. I'm not a natural nurturer. I'm the one who understands working, working, working to ensure everyone's needs are met. Chris devotes all he can to his job in order to advance in his company, bring in a significant enough income to take care of his children's future as well as his family's present needs, and make certain he's considered a valuable asset who can't lose his position. The man knows he's the provider and that's what he gets caught up in: providing. He forgets Kenn is the heart of their family, his heart, and raising their children should be the most important obligation in his life.
Watching these two men -grown men who have lived a life together, started a family together, committed to one another- come back together as they reconcile their own issues? It's a wonderful experience filled with hope and holiday cheer. I truly enjoyed it. I only wish I'd gotten a longer look at these guys. They're absolutely worth a whole book.
I recommend this Sean Michael story for anyone who likes second chance romances, hopeful holiday stories, or seeing two people fall in love with one another all over again for the same reasons and new ones as well. ...more
Ari McKay can tell a great story! I literally could not stop reading Santa's Naughty Helper. I started it and before I knew it? IShy Guy Gets His Man!
Ari McKay can tell a great story! I literally could not stop reading Santa's Naughty Helper. I started it and before I knew it? I was going---wait, I finished it? It's over? Why!?
The Lawyers in Love series starts out pretty basic with Kevin getting paired up to be the Secret Santa for his best friend at their office Christmas party. I loved how everyone at their office seemed to be really into the whole spirit of Christmas. There's a festive feeling to the whole piece as a result of how into the whole office exchange everyone is which makes the plot more fun for me.
Kevin and Erik make a great team from the start. They've been buddies for a while, work well together since they both play to each other's strengths, and they're not totally focused on who is "better" than the other. I loved how each of them saw the best qualities in the other. I was able to believe in them as a potential couple from the opening, but I worried about Kevin going too far with the "naughty" gifts or being too scared to go all the way with his attempt to get his guy.
I think I have a natural distaste for embarrassment even in fictional format. I think my largest issue with the piece was the constant worry about how embarrassing it could be or how Kevin could wind up being mortified once he's realized what he's done, how far he's gone, and it's his best friend at work as well as the person he works with the most.
I'll tell you I loved the ending. It was sweet and then sexy and then sweet again which is how I love my holiday fiction. I would definitely recommend Ari McKay as a writer and Santa's Naughty Helper for anyone who likes a little risk with their love gambles. ...more
R. Phoenix has created a world in which ageplay is not only accepted, it's commonplace. Witches and supernaturals such as vampires andSuch a Good Boy!
R. Phoenix has created a world in which ageplay is not only accepted, it's commonplace. Witches and supernaturals such as vampires and werewolves rule the world with humans relegated to the lowest caste possible: slavery. Rex is set up as the "loving" older twin who cares for his human twin by keeping him in his home as his slave---and he is considered something of a martyr for being willing to accept the responsibility of his identical twin brother Tavi who only wants to be treated as an equal.
Society- as Phoenix has crafted it- has no place for Octavian "Tavi" Mirza other than as his older brother's pet since Tavi never manifested magic while Rex became a proper witch to bring pride to their family name. All Tavi brings is shame as far as anyone else is concerned. His older sister Nyla is the epitome of a proper witch in all ways except her unnatural interest in her human brother. She loves Tavi, checks on his well-being, and seems to disapprove of Rex's mistreatment of him yet she won't betray her family honor -or her own place in society- by demanding Tavi be treated "better" as he doesn't "deserve" better given his mere human status.
Everything regarding the life Rex and Tavi share feels claustrophobic while reading through their version of normalcy in the amazing world-building done by R. Phoenix. I found myself feeling sad for both of these men in different ways. Rex is a spoiled brat-prince of a witchling who is the youngest of the Mirza line. He knows only a sense of entitlement, being indulged, and a feeling of responsibility mixed with something darker where his twin brother is concerned. Tavi feels trapped, suffocated, and only has memories of growing up free until after his sixteenth birthday when he was proven to be nothing more than human as his magic never manifested.
They share a love for each other as both twins and brothers. Neither of them wants to hurt the other. They both seem to want only the best for themselves and their counterpart. It's only a lack of understanding in the situation from both sides which keeps them from seeing how they are damaging each other.
Ageplay takes a unique approach to make it palatable for me. I love everything about "Want" by R. Phoenix and the way the ABDL community is represented with respect and understanding brings me a sense of true joy.
I cannot wait to read more of Rex and Tavi so I can find out where they go from this point forward. They're both over the point of no return by the end of "Want." I only hope they keep going and going in the next part of the series! ...more
Push makes me want to read everything BL Morticia has ever written immediately. I don't care if I've read it before. I'l5 Stars!!!
When Worlds Collide!
Push makes me want to read everything BL Morticia has ever written immediately. I don't care if I've read it before. I'll read it again. I love everything about the storyline, the characters, and the message inside the text which was a nice bonus I didn't expect from a 'fun read.' I would recommend Push to anyone who reads romance -even if they haven't read M/M before-, anyone interested in seeing people from different walks of life find common ground, and anyone who has ever felt passion for something in their life to the point they'd set themselves aside to see their passion live.
Seth "Reaper" Davies sets up as a pretty hardcore guy who wants to succeed in music badly. He is willing to tell his opinions to anyone in the room with no holds barred. All Seth is about is getting to the point where he can take care of his mom with his music. His focus is one-hundred-percent; I admire him while being able to empathize with his passion all at the same time.
Everyone should be "too passionate" about something once in their lives.
While Seth comes across very 'in-your-face' with his passion, Malakei "M. Prophet" Oakley is the voice of discretion. Kei stole my heart from his first page appearance. He's a gay man who admits he's gay, knows he's gay, has no problem being gay, yet he understands he lives in a world which does not want to admit, know, or be forced to accept he's gay.
Coming out is hard. It's unbelievably hard when you live in a world where "out" isn't "in." My biggest love for this book was in how Morticia handled the relationship between a partner who was "out" and a partner who was still "in the closet." There are people who fall on both sides of the lines in terms of being "out" versus being "closeted." It's a hot-button issue. It can be an issue which is hammered to death by an author with an agenda, but B.L. Morticia wrote the concept as a single hurdle to overcome for them---which is what is should be. That's how it is in many relationships where people are at different points in their lives/careers. I loved how Seth dismissed the idea Kei was ashamed of him or hiding him or pretending he didn't matter enough to be "out" for him since to him?
The choice to be "out" belonged to Malakei alone.
It was his choice.
It should be his choice.
Coming out is a life-changing event. It isn't a simple statement. It isn't simple or easy at all. There's nothing "just" about coming out; I appreciate and respect B.L. Morticia immensely for recognizing this while staying true to her characters and her story at the same time. Seth and Kei have amazing chemistry together in spite of coming from totally different worlds. Seth is younger, out, brazen, and has never experienced success or had to handle a "real job." Malakei is older, still chooses to keep his sexuality to himself, calm under pressure, and has built an empire on his own talent, success, and hard work. Seth is British while Kei is very American; Seth is impulsive while Kei is calculated. These guys come from two different musical genres as Seth is trying to break out as a thrash/metal band while "M. Prophet" became a household name through the rap/hip-hop industry. They've got so much to overcome in terms of differences yet their passion is unmistakable and their love story is unforgettable.
I cannot encourage people enough to read this book if they're looking for a good "When Worlds Collide!" story or a love story filled with passion of all kinds. I think I'd consider my reading year significantly less fulfilling if I hadn't read this book. I won't forget Prophet and Reaper or the message about friendship versus responsibility which is included in their story anytime soon. I'd say more, but I've rambled enough and I don't want to spoil anything at all for any potential readers.
Push is a 100% 5 Star read for me! I hope you consider it for yourself....more
Dreamspinner Press puts out an Advent Calendar every year for the holiday/Christmas season; Deanna Wadsworth's Welcome Home, SoldMiracle on 3-4 Street
Dreamspinner Press puts out an Advent Calendar every year for the holiday/Christmas season; Deanna Wadsworth's Welcome Home, Soldier, is a perfect example of why I buy it in its entirety as soon as I can. Wadsworth puts a lot of love into her piece as it feels all the authors do for this particular collection. I especially loved her novella because she chose to showcase a second-chance romance between men over the age of forty.
Clay needs a hug. I kept thinking that the whole time I was reading his perspective. He's an out gay man who fought in the Gulf War -something I can relate to on a personal level courtesy of my own family connections- when Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell was a real thing. The military was a spontaneous choice for him as most of his choices as a young man were and I could understand his rudderless lifestyle based on his history. (He has a past which should break anyone's heart a little.) I loved how he was honest about his failings in life.
Readers who are not comfortable reading about drug and alcohol addiction should know Clay is an admitted addict who has worked hard to change his life. No drugs or alcohol are a part of his life at the beginning of the novella, but his past abuse is discussed. His is not a happy life though he is, himself, a positive man.
Daniel needs someone to accept him as much as they love him. Wadsworth talks about the experience many bisexual people go through with 'bi-erasure' and I loved how Daniel didn't waver on his bisexuality. He is not a gay man in denial. He and Clay were in a committed relationship -though a secret one- while they served together as young men. Clay chose to leave the military. Daniel chose to re-enlist. Clay turned to drugs and alcohol. Daniel went on to have a successful military career, marry a woman, have a son, and then become mayor of the town he'd grown up in.
Gilead is its own character in a way. There's a very Norman Rockwell feeling to Daniel's hometown. I could empathize with his love for the place as I grew up visiting my grandparents in their small town home where I always felt welcome. From the way everyone knows everyone else to the fact all roads are more glorified paved paths, Gilead is crafted to be a prime example of small-town America. I especially loved seeing wildlife roaming freely around Daniel's dream home -a log cabin out of place for a town in Ohio yet perfectly in keeping with Daniel's personality.
Whether you believe "Saint Nick" or "Santa" helps out or not in Welcome Home, Soldier, the fact these two men can reconnect with the same love, passion, and intimacy is its own miracle. Clay and Daniel are both the same young men they were when they first fell in love and new men with a lifetime of experience to draw on at the same time. Their time apart feels as if it has enriched their appreciation for one another, not detracted from their love or diminished the authenticity of their love in any way.
I would welcome anyone who loves holiday stories, can suspend disbelief for the magic of the season, and enjoys second-chance romances or romances featuring mature characters to read this novella. I feel grateful for having the opportunity to read it myself....more
Christmas Through a Glass Darkly Holiday stories are my happy place. I can read them any time of year for a pick-me-up which startles most people when Christmas Through a Glass Darkly Holiday stories are my happy place. I can read them any time of year for a pick-me-up which startles most people when they find this out as my favorite films? Horror. Violent, shocking horror, the bloodier the better. For a person whose favorite fictional character is John Kramer (of the Saw franchise), T.J. Nichols has managed to create the perfect holiday horror.
Charles is a vampire of the monster category. He doesn't sparkle in the sun or drink the blood of animals. He has fangs which fill his mouth and he can tear chunks of flesh away as easily as he can take a gentle sip from his dinner guest of the night. He also met a violent end: a warrior in his time, his life was ended by a brutal werewolf attack which left him with a permanent limp not even becoming a member of the undead could cure.
Readers who are not fond of monster fiction may not find themselves able to relate to Charles. He's depicted as a former man, current monster; his needs are animalistic in nature with his mind being a backseat driver he can choose to listen to or not. Charles is never shown as anything other than what he is yet he does remember being human.
Christmas is the one night a year Charles allows himself to be "true" to himself while also mourning all he lost alongside his humanity.
Anyone who has spent a Christmas alone can relate to his feelings of pain, isolation, and bitter resentment of those who can celebrate the season the way it's meant to be celebrated.
Blake is the perfect partner for Charles to me in that he thinks fast on his feet, doesn't run from danger, and recognizes how to capitalize on even the worst situation. He's not a man who has had an easy life. More often than not? Blake has not landed on his feet. Being a gay escort isn't his dream job; it's the only way he can reasonably manage to get his college paid for so he can rise above the life he was born into. He's a survivor. I loved him.
While The Vampire's Dinner is a horror story, it's still a holiday story and a romance in its own way. I applaud Nichols for the masterful way they managed to blend holiday and horror with passion and partnership. There's a stellar happy-ever-after at the end, no extreme violence depicted between the main characters, and a seasonal sense to the whole thing which makes it feel very much like a Christmas miracle in the making.
I would encourage anyone who loves holiday stories, unique protagonists, horror, vampires, supernatural works, and anyone else willing to keep an open mind to read this short. I loved every moment of it. I only wish it didn't have to end. Isn't that the way we feel about all good reads?...more
C.S. Poe stole my heart with all the pop culture/game referenceWeek 1 Completion Post: New Game, Start by C.S. Poe, 38 pgs/GR
Rating: 4 Stars
Game On!
C.S. Poe stole my heart with all the pop culture/game references. I loved everything from Die Hard being the perfect Christmas movie to the classic Addams Family's unison finger-snap.
As a person who grew up a "nerd" in addition to being a rabid reader, I was able to connect to Edgar right off. He feels boring "as drying paint" -in his own words- alongside the likes of an internet personality like "Waldere" who has millions of followers for his playthroughs. I loved how Edgar felt relaxed watching someone else play since I feel the same way myself. (I am far too high-strung to be a gamer, but I do love watching them!) His reactions to getting to meet his "crush" were believable, heart-warming, and endearing. I laughed more than a little as Edgar came to take chances on connecting with someone he considered hopelessly out of his league.
Walter -online persona: "Waldere"- reminded me of so many YouTube personalities and Stream users while remaining personable, easy to relate to, and amused at his own "celebrity" status. I would 10-out-of-10 watch his channel. He doesn't tolerate homophobia of any kind as an out-and-proud gay man and he likes literature? Yeah. I'd hang out with him.
I do wish I'd gotten at least a scene from Walter's POV, but New Game, Start was a great short filled with holiday references which made me yearn for Christmas to already be happening right now for me. I'd rec it to anyone who wanted a sweet M/M read for a hot chocolate break at the holidays.
Elvis, Mick Jagger, or Justin Bieber, everyone knows a rock star style personality who takes a stage, commands the attention of a croRock Star Romance
Elvis, Mick Jagger, or Justin Bieber, everyone knows a rock star style personality who takes a stage, commands the attention of a crowd of thousands, and has their face hung on the walls of teenagers worldwide. Z.A. Maxfield does a great job setting Nigel Gasp up as one of those personalities. It's easy to see him on stage, captivating, dazzling, and seducing the whole crowd while he's really just doing his job. 'Nigel Gasp is the life of the party' being the only job description he needs to keep everyone happy.
Nigel isn't hard to sell in the part of rock star. I have to admit, it was hard to sell him to me as a love interest all the same. It's one thing to be in love with the idea of being in love with a rock star; it's another thing entirely to live a life where you're in love with a rock star. The Nigel Gasp Machine is something real. He's a brand. He's a persona. He's caught up in his own allure more often than not and I admit? The bloom fell off that rose for me real quick.
Jeff Paxton is a man I've known, a man I can understand, and very much like many military men in my life who I have loved. He's hurt from his years of service in a way he doesn't feel he should acknowledge because 'other vets have it worse' and he came back home without permanent physical injuries. Jeff is the guy who rushes into the line of fire to pull his men out. He doesn't leave anyone behind. He follows orders without giving up any of his own self-respect or his trust in his own intuition. When I started Gasp! and Jeff has been saddled with Nigel acting a fool? I literally wanted to stop reading before I threw my Kindle across the room in frustration for him. Jeff has survived the sandbox only to come back home where his sister demands he take care of a spoiled man-child who has zero respect for himself much less anyone else?
No.
I was just: no.
Then Jeff throws Nigel in a lake and I suddenly don't hate him quite as much. He's a guy who thinks he wants to die, but really? He doesn't. He wants to live. He just doesn't know what he wants to live for anymore if his life as "Nigel Gasp" is coming to an end since he's hitting the dreaded 4-0. Nigel grows up in this book more than a man encroaching on forty should be able to yet it's satisfying. I enjoyed watching him learn how to love someone more than himself. I enjoyed watching him learn how to fight for his right to be considered a part of Jeff's family. I really enjoyed watching him fight for Jeff to realize there are all kinds of ways to be hurt and his pain is worthy of being addressed regardless of whether his pain is 'less' or 'worse' or just plain different to the pain of another vet.
Jeff honestly doesn't change as much as he comes to accept life outside the service. He gets to fall in love with a rock star. He gets to have a rock star fall in love with him and that? That's a really great love story.
Gasp! is frustrating, fascinating, and very fulfilling as a romance. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who ever had a poster on their wall of one of those big stage presences or someone who has ever wanted to see the Nobody find love with the Somebody. Everybody needs someone to love, whether they fight their battles with a microphone or an M4, and Z.A. Maxfield shows this very well with Nigel and Jeff....more
Fairy tale adaptations have been popular since the beginning of fairy tales. Angel Martinez manages to create a unique blend of Unique and Enchanting!
Fairy tale adaptations have been popular since the beginning of fairy tales. Angel Martinez manages to create a unique blend of Japanese folklore and classic Western European fairy tale with her take on the story of "Puss in Boots." I couldn't anticipate the story arc while reading; I loved the ending so much I almost cried.
Willem is the youngest of three brothers in a family whose father made his money as a beer brewer. He winds up inheriting "Puss" the family cat rather than anything else from his father's legacy as his oldest brother inherited the family business and his middle brother gained his father's vehicle -which made sense as he no longer has a driver's license- and there's a moment of shame, sadness, and sorrow at the thought his father didn't love him as much as his brothers yet his good nature turns it around as he realizes the old tomcat wants to go with him wherever he's taking himself after his father's estate has been handled. It's easy to immediately fall in love with Puss who is exactly the right blend of cat and man.
Kasha, as the cat demon asks to be called, is a servant of Amaterasu who is banished to live among humans for failing in his duties three times. He's devious in a way I associate with felines while being affectionate in a way I think we all wish our cat companions were all the time. His devotion to doing right by Willem is admirable and I gotta admit reading about him going up against an ogre alone? I was terrified for him.
For those worried about unhappy endings, this one does have a happy ever after, but it comes at a price the way fairy tales all did in the past. I love the epilogue which reassured me things worked out well for these characters. I sincerely hope people decide to give this one a shot if they're interested in a new take on an underused story. Boots is a fantastic read filled with fun and a little bit of filth to keep it interesting for the adult reader. ...more
Cari Z never fails to bring the humanity into her supernatural stories. Her characters have issues like paying for college and Human and Heartbreaking
Cari Z never fails to bring the humanity into her supernatural stories. Her characters have issues like paying for college and dealing with work-related stress the same as anyone and I deeply appreciate this since there are far too many paranormal books out there which perpetuate the "supernaturals are perfect" trope. It's nice to be able to read about the creatures of fantasy having the same issues I have in reality. It's just nice to have that connection for me since I've always loved monsters and monster movies yet never wanted to give up my own humanity for their world.
Dan may be a shifter who embodies everything there is to say about the supernatural world, but he's so gloriously human in his feelings for Blythe I cannot even imagine thinking of him as "other." I loved his slow movement from swaggering stalker to patient presence. He realized his feelings for Blythe in a way which resonated for me; I could feel his confusion, sadness, and yearning. I really loved how he came to accept he may not actually get what he wants from a man for the first time.
Blythe was a wonderful surprise for me. He's a human who doesn't want to be with a supernatural partner. He doesn't even like shifters. He isn't impressed with Dan's looks or power or otherworldly nature. Blythe isn't impressed by much of anything at all. He is a very self-contained individual whose affection is won through true devotion rather than instalust or instalove. I really enjoyed how Cari Z allowed him to be more than just some fawning human with a hot shifter lover. He's a whole character every bit as much as Dan is and I loved getting to know him at the same pace Dan managed since it made the story richer on the whole.
I absolutely love the dynamic of this world Cari Z has created. The pack laws are fascinating; human interactions with the supernatural world are even more interesting. I'd love to see more fiction in this set-up. I'd recommend this love story to anyone who wanted a hot read with a bit of bite. I read it in October -as part of my Halloween celebration reading- but it's a story which could be enjoyed any time of year. 5 Stars from me for being real and unreal all at the same time while making me cry just a little for how love should be between mates of any species. ...more
Science fiction should make the reader think 'what-if' in order to really challenge the order of things. I've always been attracted toRedefining Human
Science fiction should make the reader think 'what-if' in order to really challenge the order of things. I've always been attracted to stories which touch on the question "What does it mean to be human?" There's something incredibly fascinating to me about the idea humanity is not simply a term for a specific form of organic life which I happen to belong to but rather that humanity is a term for a being capable of something more than other lifeforms.
Humans can create, feel, and articulate.
If an artificial intelligence could be created to mimic those abilities, at what point would the A.I. cease being an "artificial intelligence" and simply become "intelligent" on its own?
Scarlet Blackwell presents a future in which all houses are allowed a robotic servant which is standard issue. These manbots or fembots are caregivers for humans; sexual desire is a human trait which is part of their natural needs so it comes as no real surprise to the reader when the main character starts to explore the idea of using his manbot for sexual release. It's the fact his manbot seeks out the contact, wants it, craves it, and feels more emotion than only a physical reaction to a physical stimuli which makes the story interesting.
Kavan about broke my heart asking his human lover to please believe him, please love him, please accept his feelings, please allow him to feel.
There's another ethical dilemma broached in this short which I won't disclose as it's a huge spoiler, but I will say I absolutely love how it was handled by the author. I felt for those involved in the event. I wanted justice. I wanted someone to speak up for housebots to say they weren't only a sum of their parts.
I'm so glad I read this one; it's got a fantastic message along with the best ending I could have imagined. I sincerely recommend it to anyone who is a fan of sci-fi romance or anyone who has ever enjoyed trying to redefine humanity....more
Mythology generally sells a story when it's something as old-school as vampires; Missouri Dalton does a good job creating her own mythos Fun free read
Mythology generally sells a story when it's something as old-school as vampires; Missouri Dalton does a good job creating her own mythos for her supernatural world. I liked the classic vampire traits she chose to include -cannot go out in sunlight, able to mesmerize, immortal, preternaturally fast and strong- alongside the unique traits she used to make her vampires her own. I also loved the way she blended fey into the mix without it feeling as if it were another kitchen-sink urban fantasy where everything gets tossed in without any reason beyond 'why not?'
Cillian is an interesting character given he's a deaf vampire though his deafness is only a mild disability for him in terms of survival. I liked Donal as a love interest as well as a different take on a fey character -I've never read about a male banshee before- so I was rooting for him to get his guy with Cillian.
The storyline was a little slower in pace than I generally enjoy. I'd say it's well worth the read if the reader is interested in paranormal romance. There's some action which is nice since I love a good fight scene and some politics which keep things interesting. There isn't a lot of hot and heavy graphic content so if that's a thing you like a lot as a reader? I'd tell you this one isn't the best choice for you. Overall, I'm glad I read it and think it's a good addition to the MMRG event collection....more
Suki Fleet has a way with words I find awe-inspiring. Their metaphors are kept throughout their narrative and they alFragile as Glass, Strong as Steel
Suki Fleet has a way with words I find awe-inspiring. Their metaphors are kept throughout their narrative and they always strike a cord with me. Few writers can construct a sentence which resonates long after the final page of the book has been read. I'm not one to highlight in my books or do a lot of note-taking, but Suki Fleet makes me want to quote a minimum of one sentence a chapter in their works.
The Glass House was a strange read for me as an individual. I love awkward characters, characters who don't mesh well with the mainstream, characters who don't fit into any one box, but I had a very hard time relating to Sasha while Thomas gave me a feeling I could relate to yet found uncomfortable.
Sasha has a history of past sexual assault which is noted inside the book so readers who are triggered by child abuse, neglect, and/or sexual assault should be aware its not a minor part of the narrative.
Thomas is easier for me to talk about than Sasha because he reminds me of several people I know who fall into the "Savior" category in their relationships. I kept thinking his initial interest in Sasha was his looks, his main interest in him felt as if he wanted to "rescue" him. Thomas comes from a wealthy background with parents who are both doctors and a grandmother who is an artist. His main characteristics focus on his poor health -weight issues from having extremely severe asthma- and his feelings of being inconsequential or insignificant in the face of his parents' quest to improve the world as they work in third world countries to save lives. Sasha comes from a totally different background Thomas can't relate to yet he can understand as he is a witness to it.
Sasha gives Thomas a chance to feel as if he's the one who can save a life for a change. He makes him feel strong. He also gains acceptance and admiration from Sasha which he clearly craves.
Having been the victim of abuse, abandoned by his mother, sent to live with his sister in what amounts to the projects, and being unable to relate to "normal" teens, Sasha is very different from the average "outsider" character. He's prone to thinking in the abstract, has no clear ideas of his plans or wants or desires, and does things to hurt others out of impulse. Sasha reads almost asexual until he finds himself craving the attention -bordering on worship- he gets from Thomas. I never really got a good handle on him as an individual except for in a few isolated scenes. I will say he is a strong character in many ways. He obsessively collects glass which is the ultimate example of fragility yet he melts the pieces he collects to form new sculptures with the strength of steel. If nothing else, Sasha is a survivor who doesn't take things for granted even when he gives in to the impulse to lash out or hurt someone he should be clinging to, thanking for their support, or showing love.
There are numerous spelling and grammar errors in the book which pulled me even further out of the story. I had a hard time caring about the end-game of Sasha and Thomas's story. A happy-for-now ending closes the book, but I would say it was satisfying. I would recommend this read to people who enjoy abstract characters, tough subjects, or teen reads with a bite. It was a good story, but I won't be revisiting it myself.
I will note The Glass House is a teen story. These characters are teenagers. Their emotions run hot and wild and free; they are victims of circumstance in a way adult characters can't generally be depicted without a sense of irrationality taking the reader out of the story. I don't know if I would recommend letting a young teen read it, but an older teenager? Yes, I think it would be an okay selection, especially if this was a teenager who was struggling with their sexuality.
On a separate note, if you pick this one up and find yourself unable to enjoy it or connect with it? I'd tell you to give Suki Fleet another shot with a different book. Their writing truly is lyrical in a way unique to themselves....more
Christmas stories are good for a pick-me-up all year round. I could celebrate Christmas any month of the year quite happily, but that's me. SterlCute!
Christmas stories are good for a pick-me-up all year round. I could celebrate Christmas any month of the year quite happily, but that's me. Sterling Rivers did a really good job capturing the magic of winter in Alaska with Graham Ran Over a Reindeer. The whole piece is a really cute read which is good for more than a few smiles.
Both main characters -Graham and Rudy- are well-defined with unique personalities which make them easy to love. Graham is a family man who helps take care of his sister's kids to the point he's even picking up their Christmas tree from Rudy's family farm. Rudy is all smiles and sweetness who only wants to relish being able to shift into his other form of a caribou for a run in the snowy landscape when Graham hits him with his truck.
In Graham's defense, Rudy really shouldn't have been running across the road! The guy isn't an actual animal, right? He should have thought "Hey, those bright lights coming my way might be an automobile!" I'm just saying.
The plot is straight forward. It's a true mate story where shifters mate for life. The mythology of Rudy's "Elementir" people is unique to this world by Sterling Rivers; I enjoyed the descriptions and details given for this shifter design. I loved the happy-ever-after as it was presented at the end.
Overall I'd have rated this one higher if it'd been edited better. There are a lot of grammar mistakes, typos, tense shifts, and some phrases which were very heavy on the cheese factor. It's a fun read for a holiday story, but it's not one I'd pick up any time of the year to help me grasp on to the magic of Christmas. ...more
Angel Martinez has a knack for crafting a uniquely quirky look into a paranormal universe. While her Offbeat Crimes seriClever & Creative Curiosities!
Angel Martinez has a knack for crafting a uniquely quirky look into a paranormal universe. While her Offbeat Crimes series is technically urban fantasy, I don't think anyone would be able to pinpoint another series with the same level of casual flippancy. I love how she integrates all of these different species of characters or characters with seemingly insane abilities into the story in such a way as to make the reader feel this is simply how the 77th Precinct should run. Isn't it obvious?
I laugh way too much reading these books usually. There's always some fun here or there like potentially evil maniacal squirrels or wild zorpses (Dr. Moreau refuses to call them zombies and animated corpses is too long hence: zorpses.) on the loose or Pecca with her pets made out of yarn pompoms and patchwork pieces. I love seeing the jackets interact -We do get to see both LJ (Leather Jacket) and Hunter (Hunter Green Pea Coat) in action in this one; their flirtation is actually more charming than seeing Ras and Carr again.- as well as the way everyone in the side cast was blended into the main storyline in a way to make them feel necessary rather than gratuitous.
Sexy times aren't a huge point in this book though we do get a little kink with the main couple which I appreciated. I love seeing Ras and Carr working their relationship out. I admit being baffled by the cover since Carr is a super-pale vampire and Ras is a skinny librarian, but hey, I don't judge books by their covers.
The plot? I will admit it's as crazy as any in the rest of the series; this is not a series to be read out of order. Don't try to read this book before the others. You'll be lost and annoyed. I wasn't surprised by much of the twists or turns once the plotline started rolling out so I will say I don't think this is the strongest addition to the series. I do think it's a good one though and I'm glad I gave it a read.
I hope I get to continue seeing more adventures with the 77th in the future! ...more
Seriously. I was sold on this book from the moment I realized it was a gay horror novel written by Rick R Reed. I literally made a squealQueer Horror!
Seriously. I was sold on this book from the moment I realized it was a gay horror novel written by Rick R Reed. I literally made a squealing noise and grabby hands. I'm not even gonna lie about it. #noshame
Haunted house books always have this kind of similar feel to them. They're atmospheric in the same way for the most part. I'd compare Beaumont House to Rose Red or The House of Seven Gables or even The Amityville House if I was going to try to give someone a head's up on the feeling of things. There's not a point in time where, as a reader, the house feels all cozy, comfortable, and comforting.
It's a creep fest. There's zero chance a sensible person would be all: Lemme stay there for the rest of my life!
But.
Hunter isn't sensible. He's profoundly sheltered which is expounded upon at length. I bought him being willing to live in the house because it's a quick, easy solution to his problem of wanting to leave Chicago after his grandmother's death. He has this air of someone so innocent they should have a keeper. That helps carry the feeling of dread along throughout the entire novel; I kept waiting for something to eat him or at the very least vivisect him alive.
I'm probably in the minority in that I didn't like the savior guy Michael who conveniently lives next door. I just couldn't see this guy finding Hunter attractive as a partner for more than a fun Friday night. I also couldn't see Hunter being able to relate to him for any length of time due to his own innocence and naivete. Don't get me wrong, all horror stories need a heavy to go with the horror; Michael is good as the guy who one would expect to show up with holy water, a flamethrower, and a Get-Thee-Behind-Me-Satan! bellow. I think the guy fit the part.
I just didn't particularly need the love interest angle or want much to do with it.
I was there for the evil house and the innocent it was all about corrupting/killing.
For classic horror fans, I'd recommend this without any hesitation. It's a 5 star horror read. I wouldn't recommend it so much for pure romance fans since there's a lot more of the horror than the romance. I definitely wouldn't recommend it to someone who doesn't like a good ghost story since this is the kind which can make the easily scared have trouble sleeping at night. ...more
Cue the Cheesecake Factory Alarms for Cheese Overload
Cliche fiction absolutely works for me. I really won't even pretend to be too good for cliches, tCue the Cheesecake Factory Alarms for Cheese Overload
Cliche fiction absolutely works for me. I really won't even pretend to be too good for cliches, tropes, and all possible cheesy plotlines out there. I love aliens. They're my absolute favorites. I admit I do prefer aliens who are incredibly alien -Gimme tentacles! Gimme a prehensile tail! Gimme all the wacky differences possible!- but I'm wiling to accept an alien attitude over an alien appearance if that's what I'm given and it's done well enough to appease my inner fangirl.
Amylea Lyn manages to make Mi'Kel (Miki) really alien in his mannerisms while he's basically just a super-pretty, small guy with blonde hair so I was receptive to him as an alien crash-landed into a big ole Marine's farm. I liked how he was casual about his species evolving to allow men to carry young so their people wouldn't die out. I had no problem with the MPREG aspect of this one though he does get a lot more feminine along the course of the work; I normally don't go in for exceptionally femme men in my M/M romance.
I think Love's Crash Landing worked so well for me because the sex was fun, sensual, and believable while the characters felt very anime in a way. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone who hasn't experience yaoi, but there's a definite seme/uke vibe to this book which I was okay with once I identified the trope at play.
I'd recommend this one to people who know they enjoy MPREG, don't take their fiction too seriously, and really only want a good "popcorn" read. It's not the kind of book which will be winning any Pulitzers, but it's a whole lot of fun for an afternoon stuck inside. It's one I'd have no problem recommending to people who usually don't like MPREG too as it's not as far out there as a lot of the concepts are in those books. It's basically science fantasy since the whole reason Miki can carry a young is because he's an alien. (Why does it work? MAGIC! Why does it work? ALIENS! See? It's a nice genre perk at work.) I'm glad I chose this one for my read for the subject. ...more
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