Friday, July 29, 2011
Muscling Through
Muscling Through by J.L. MerrowMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Al is not an attractive man nor is he a brilliant one; but although physically imposing, he has a heart of gold and a gentle soul. Larry is his exact opposite; a posh, smart, and pretty little man.
They get together after Larry apologizes for a situation in which he'd misconstrued Al's behaviour and actions as a threat. It takes Al some time to understand Larry's feelings for him, as he thinks Larry is too smart and pretty for someone like him. But he's amazed when Larry discovers his artistic talents and pushes him to show them to the world.
A really sweet story with a very special man and the guy who is smart enough to see it.
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Taken
Taken by Kate SherwoodMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cody and Tristan are friends w/benefits, something that has worked for them when their other relationships don't seem to work out. But Cody, now emotionally invested w/Tristan, feels that he needs to make a break and just remain friends. Cody wants more than he thinks Tristan is willing to give, and so tries to move on. Then an attack on Cody serves as a catalyst, moving Cody into confessing the feelings he's been harboring, and making Tristan realize that what he's been searching for, has been in front of him all along.
A wonderful short story that has just the right touch of angst and steamy sex, with Tristan channeling Tweety and the use of some very fitting and romantic headwear.
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*This is part of the Hot Summer Days-Don't Read in the Closet project that the Goodreads M/M Romance Group is putting together, the stories are free so be sure to check them out!
Deefur Dog
Deefur Dog by RJ ScottMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a feel good story. A sweet novella about a man trying to cope with the loss of a loved one and having to balance the responsiblities of a career and fatherhood on his own. Cameron's at the end of his rope when he makes the hard decision to give Deefur-his beloved Dane-up for adoption. It's at the animal shelter that he meets Jason-a volunteer at the shelter; just the person who might be the answer to his prayers and his heart.
I really loved this; Emma and the guys gave me the warm fuzzies, and of course the scene stealer-Deefur, made it all kinds of entertaining!
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Saturday, July 16, 2011
Teahouse, Chapter 1 (review)
Teahouse by EmirainMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
1st read: 2/4/11
Reread: 7/16/11
Xanthe Atros (aka The Owner) as well as the manager of Teahouse-a brothel he inherited from his father. Within it's walls a colorful and assorted cast of characters make a living as courtesans.
There's Linneus (aka The Doormat); he is the longest running courtesan of the group. He is quiet, reserved, and with a delicate sort of beauty and grace that doesn't manage to hide the indefinable emotions and tension between him and Atros.
Lilith (aka The Bitch) is the top earning female courtesan and one who does her nickname justice by never missing the opportunity to belittle Linneus, especially since she is the one that Atros is currently bedding.
Axis (aka The Womanizer) is the top earning courtesan overall. A hit with the ladies with a wild look and personality; he's currently a favorite of Rhys-a male client who gets a kick out making the 'supposedly straight' Axis submit to his desires.
Rory Dubois (aka The Virgin) is a new addition to Teahouse. Highly prized for his chastity; he is a young shy bishie boy still trying to settle down into his environment, but he is sweet and kind. In the cliffie he comes face to face with a potential suitor-Reed (aka The Mystery Man).
Claret (aka The Ditz) is a simple, big chested, and curvy woman. She manages to do well but finds herself as the cause of Axis' jealousy when Rhys-in one of his visits-picks her instead.
Then there's Mercutio (aka The Freak) a wacky character who obviously enjoys his job, as he is the one who handles the fetishists.
Finally, rounding up the cast is Argent(aka The Bodyguard) who is loyal to Atros.
This is a wonderful introduction, giving a little of each character and an incentive to keep going in order to learn more about them and what lies in their past, present, and future. It's a solid 48 pgs. replete with comedy, drama, and hot man love; the artwork is gorgeous and the artist's fine detail-especially when the guys are getting it on-is just eye popping. So come on into Teahouse, where the fun awaits as soon as you step through the door.
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Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Yellow 2: Episode 3 (review)
Yellow 2: Episode 3 by Makoto TatenoMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Goh and Taki are back again with another adventure. Sadly, for Goh the case involves his mother-a woman that left him behind to run away with a man. His masters-the men that taught him the tricks of his trade and the ones responsible for raising him-come bearing a note.
The cipher-a musical scale-is one that Goh has to decipher by searching the memory of a hymn his mother used to sing; but first, it's up to Taki to convince Goh to look into it.
Goh tries to deal with old hurts as he gives in and starts looking for what his mother was trying to hide; it brings him face to face with his mother's lover-a man that is obviously desperate for whatever's hidden away.
A nice short read. It was great to get a glimpse of Goh's past, and of course it's Yellow so there's some action-wailing on the bad guy and each other-and some hot sex (in a church!). Don't know if there's more to come from these 2, but I'm seriously hoping their adventures continue.
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Saturday, July 2, 2011
Men of Tattoos (review)
Men of Tattoos by Yuiji AniyaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a story divided into chapters but through different perspectives as the plot unfolds; while funny and touching at moments, the story does not have a happy ending. It is a bittersweet drama that made me both happy and so terribly sad.
***My Katagi-kun-The story opens with Katagi and Kubota; childhood friends who end up reuniting after several years and are now lovers. Katagi-a member of the Yakuza-is a sweet and playful guy who just not seem to belong in this line of work. He has an important meeting to get to but is diverted by Kubota, first with a bout of sex and then with a sudden arrest-as it turns out that Kubota is a cop.
****Dog of the Ranunculus-Mutou is Katagi's boss and he cares deeply for his young master-Arima, the son of the organization's leader-a greedy man who only uses him as a pawn to amass fortunes in the stock market. Mutou gives in to his young master's plan to leave together, the choice made easier when his father tells Mutou that he can have the boy as a plaything-as long as his son continues to make more money for him. Mutou gives instructions to Katagi, to pick them up at a specific time and drive them to the ferry terminal.
***Cinderella and the Mad Shark-Kubota is at it again, dressing up as a woman to nail another member of the organization the police has been tracking and responsible for the murder of another member's death.
****Everyone's Song-Mutou and Arima appear to be enjoying a nice outing; buying ingredients for a meal they're going to prepare. In bed together, Arima gets scared when he starts hearing this loud ringing in his ears.
-Finally released Kubota waits for Katagi. But Katagi is a little unforgiving after what happened, and gives him a few good punches. Kubota learns that Katagi was raped repeatedly in jail-an ex-boxer, he was unwilling to fight back in order to get an early release on good behaviour. What Katagi doesn't tell him is that one of the inmates was HIV positive.
-Kubota takes Katagi to a hospital, where he discovers terrible news about his boss Mutou and his young master Arima.
***The Spring Time of Love & The Path of Dreams-This is a bonus story about Mitsuhisa, a university student who happens to be in love with his friend Haruno-one Mitsu believes is totally straight and a real player. Wondering if he should have the courage to reveal his feelings, it takes an event of paranormal proportions to actually push him into making his love known.
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