Muscling Through

Muscling Through by J.L. Merrow

My 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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Deefur Dog

Deefur Dog by RJ Scott

My 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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I Love You, Asshole! (review)

I Love You, Asshole! by Amy Lane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This story was at turns frustrating as well as bittersweet. Marcus is the 'nice guy' not willing to push Phillip after realizing his feelings; and Phillip is trying to understand his relationship with Marcus and going about it in a way that seems to do more harm than good.



Usually I feel a little daunted by polyamorous relationships or orgies in the stories I read, yet the one in this story made me think of how puppies/kittens pile together. I saw it as their way of trying to cope with their immense loss; it wasn't about gratification but connection and togetherness.



So while these guys had me cussing at them, and pulling out my hair, I really enjoyed it.



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Go Fish (Review)

Go Fish by H.T. Murray

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Ian realizes he has feelings for his friend Cal. What follows is a hilarous and sometimes embarrassing comedy of errors as he goes about trying to make his feelings known.



This novella definitely hit the spot. I loved the fact that instead of a drama about a straight man falling for his gay friend and coming to terms with his sexuality, it was just a fun and sweet story about a guy falling in love with a dear friend-that this friend was male wasn't even the issue. I totally loved this...Ian was just so much fun and Marcy is the coolest friend ever!





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Trifecta (review)

Trifecta by Kate Sherwood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


There are some (very) slight similarities between these guys relationship dynamics and the guys from the Dark Horse'verse, BUT Tyler, Alistair, and Mark are each dealing with a whole different set of issues. Mark is working through the aftermath of a divorce-dealing with an understandably hurt but bitter ex-wife, fighting to keep a relationship with his children, and struggling to express himself as a gay man in public. Alistair is in love with Mark but he feels pressured and guilty because of what he feels Mark sacrificed just to be with him; but it also hurts him that Mark isn't dealing well with their relationship beyond the boundaries of their home. They have an open relationship, but even with this they are struggling. Both fell in love but soon realized that they both prefer to be the top and don't feel comfortable being the bottom-enter Tyler.



Tyler meets and sleeps with these men at different times and under different circumstances. Through their interactions and sexual interludes Mark and Alistair realize that Tyler might be what makes their relationship complete. Tyler is a sweet and selfless young man, but he made my heart hurt-it always seemed that he got the raw end of the deal. I felt like he didn't think he deserved something for himself; it's like his longing was almost palpable and it almost made me cry.



I'll say this truthfully, I'm not a big fan of menage or polyamorous relationships in the novels I read, but Kate always manages to make me enjoy the ones in her novels.



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Putting Out Fires (Review)

Putting Out Fires by Marie Sexton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


When I think about the Coda books, Matt and Jared are the first thing that come to mind-they are my favorite couple in the series-so I was a little disappointed that the story was so short. BUT, what it lacks in length it makes up in pure sweet comedy at Matt's expense (sorry Matt!) as he tries to (1) come up with something special for his sweetie on Valentine's, and (2)-to actually go about doing it when he has no idea how!



A hilarious and romantic short, and great addition to the Coda series. :D



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The Mercenary (Review)

The Mercenary by Cornelia Grey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a wonderful read. Short at less than 67 pgs. the author managed a well written story. Saved only by chance when he comes under attack, Asher is invited to join Gabriel on his journey home with the incentive that Asher's damaged arm (think Will Smith in I, Robot) will be repaired.



Once there, Asher discovers that this little home town has some secrets-with Gabriel at the center of them. His interest is piqued and so he finds himself trying to discover just what is going on; especially when his feelings for Gabriel seem to be turning into something deeper than just simple lust.



Then his fears turn into reality and he must find a way to save Gabriel before it's too late.



I truly loved Gabriel; this is a young man who can take care of himself...and Asher exceedingly well. He is an adrenaline junkie, a capable fighter, and someone who does what he needs to in order to save his people. He has an explosive chemistry w/Asher; their sex scenes are scorching (insert nosebleed here), and their relationship-while not defined, felt that it had the beginnings of something more.

But as much as I loved the guys, my hero is Athena-she is so cute and very brave.



Definitely will look forward to more from this author.













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Caught (Review)

** spoiler alert ** A truly beautiful novella that packs an emotional wallop. Daniel assists an elderly lady in an 'unofficial' suicide prevention program she runs from her home. The window she watches out of faces a cliff and from her vantage point she looks out for potential suicide risks; she sends Daniel if a person's actions trigger a 'red flag' and Daniel does his best to try to get that person the proper help.




It's in such a situation that Daniel meets Taylor. Using the usual methods Daniel tries ...more A truly beautiful novella that packs an emotional wallop. Daniel assists an elderly lady in an 'unofficial' suicide prevention program she runs from her home. The window she watches out of faces a cliff and from her vantage point she looks out for potential suicide risks; she sends Daniel if a person's actions trigger a 'red flag' and Daniel does his best to try to get that person the proper help.



It's in such a situation that Daniel meets Taylor. Using the usual methods Daniel tries to assess whether Taylor is really in need of help. His ruse seems to help and he manages to befriend Taylor. Daniel starts to doubt himself when he realizes his attraction to Taylor, especially when it's reciprocated.



Feeling an instant connection, Daniel struggles because he can't reveal the real reason for his approach; but he wants to help Taylor, who is obviously going through a loss. It's when they've reached some sort of impasse that a person from Taylor's past brings everything to light. It's this event that finally pushes Taylor to come to terms with what he lost, but it's Taylor that makes Daniel face the fact that he needed saving too.



I truly loved this novella (and the cover, the guy is just beautiful and fits Daniel's character perfectly), although short at 122 pgs. it is very well written and I felt for the character's pain and insecurities. Daniel especially was truly likable to me because he had hidden himself so much in an unconscious effort to please his conservative parents. Taylor is self assured and I loved the fact that he fights so hard to make Daniel realize that he can be himself. To me they fit very well together. I wish this author would let us into Daniel's & Taylor's life sometime in the near future-I'd love to read more about them.