Reads of the Week 7/17/11-7/23/11

Reads of the Week 7/10/11-7/16/11

Reads of the Week 7/3/11-7/9/11

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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Taken

Taken by Kate Sherwood

My 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 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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Loving Luki Vasquez (review)

Loving Luki Vasquez by Lou Sylvre

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like Sonny's tapestries, this story was exquisitely woven. From the bright warm colors of Sonny's and Luki's meeting and tentative relationship, to the dark somber hues of a growing threat to them and their loved ones.



Luki is an ex-ATF agent who now works in security. It's by chance that he meets Sonny, and begins a brief affair that grows into something deeper-more profound that Luki is prepared to deal with. He is a man bearing painful memories and scars that won't allow him to get close to anyone. I love Luki; he's a physically strong and able man, yet their is an intense vulnerability beneath his armor.



Sonny is a weaver; he's reclusive and spends his time creating his tapestries and dyes, taking walks in the wooded area surrounding his home, tinkering with his cars, or enjoying a swim. Luki comes into his life at a crucial moment-his sick nephew has been out of contact for several weeks-something that has him extremely worried. He's trying to fight the rising dread of his nephew's possible whereabouts and Luki's reluctance in their relationship, when violence hits too close to home. I like Sonny's character, at least from what little was gleaned; basically I felt that he-and some details about his life-was still a mystery 'til the end.



Sonny & Luki have to deal with what they feel for each other as they untangle the mystery of how 2 abused brothers, hateful attacks against a friend and Sonny's homes, the strange disappeance of Delsyn (Sonny's nephew), the sudden return of Luki's childhood nemesis-one that left him both physically and emotionally scarred all tie together...and who is behind it all.





This is a wonderful mystery. The story flows well and the nail biting tension when the action finally unfolds was both excruciating and exciting, truly a story worth rereading again and again.



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Reads of the Week 6/19/11-6/25/11

Reads of the Week 6/5/11-6/11/11

Dark Horse [Dark Horse, #1] (review)

Dark Horse by Kate Sherwood

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a story of a man trying to cope with the loss of a great love, and finding the strength to let go. Dan is not looking for anyone new, he works with horses and he is content with that. Then two men stride into his life and suddenly he is offered a second chance at happiness.



I loved this story and especially Dan, he just pulled so many emotions out of me-he is a character that will stay with me for a long time that's for sure.



What I liked about this novel in particular is that he is not thrown straight into bed w/Evan & Jeff and the usual happily ever after that follows. There's the emotional struggles that Dan and the other two men have to go through before coming to terms with this new attraction.



There's tension, sexual and otherwise. Tumultuous emotions rattle this men, and you wonder what's in store for them, and whether it will work out or not in the end.



A beautiful and emotionally gripping novel. I'm very much looking forward to reading their continuing story in Out of the Darkness.





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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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Valley of Shadows (review)

Valley of Shadows by Phoenix Emrys

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"I see dead people." Nope it's not Haley Joel Osment. Meet Ellery James, a popular historical romance writer that hides himself and the secret behind his novels in a small town. He is the dead's messenger, their guide, and a friendly ear willing to listen to what they have to say.



He meets, unexpectedly, with Boone Dantrell; a man on the brink after suffering a great loss. An urgent plea manages to sway Ellery to break the rules and help Boone from a tragic decision which has some unexpected consequences. But their connection runs deeper than Ellery knows, and it might just be what saves him and Boone when Evil comes knocking at his door.



This novel was not what I expected, and so I was pleasantly surprised by it because it was exactly what I had been searching for in a book-a story that made me laugh. I loved Ellery, who bears the burden of his gift without losing his optimism. He takes it in stride although he has given up on having any kind of normal relationships, until Boone. And I love Boone because of his unconditional feelings and acceptance (after a little convincing)of Ellery's talents. There are some unanswered questions but I'm hoping this means there's more to come from these guys.



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Lorcan's Desire [A Whispering Pines Ranch Novel, #1] (review)

Lorcan's Desire by S.J.D. Peterson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This series has a great start; with a set of strong characters and an emotionally packed storyline. While I was surprised at what happens w/the MCs, I think it actually works out well. It wasn't an HEA and maybe not even HFN b/c I think Lorcan's and Quinn's feelings were not tied in a perfect bow; even though the choices, Lorcan's anyway, were settled, his feelings for Quinn weren't.



Lorcan's a great character, he's unpretentious and open with his emotions. Quinn on the other hand, knows who he is but prefers to hide it to keep his town's acceptance and approval, it's the hardest battle he fights within himself. He realizes too late that his decision will be the cause of pain and heartbreak, not just for himself but Lorcan as well. Jess by far, is my favorite character (along with Conner, he's just so wonderfully awesome!). I love the way he loves, and how easy going and truly kind he is-he just makes me want to cuddle him. His openness and devotion to Lorcan was just beautiful.



For me this was a story of Lorcan's discovery and learning; he discovers the truth about himself, but he also learns that loving someone sometimes isn't about what your heart wants, but what it needs. Now I can't wait to read what lessons are in store for Quinn.



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Wes & Toren (review)

Wes and Toren by J.M. Colail

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The first thing that came to mind as I read this book was the Only the Ring Finger Knows novels. The author's writing style reminded me so much of mangaka Satoru Kannagi and her way with words, it brought back a beautiful memory-Only the Ring Finger Knows (graphic manga) was the first boys love novel I ever read and the impact of Yuichi's and Wataru's sweet relationship is how I became a Huge Yaoi fan; from there I delved deeper until finally I started reading m/m and gay fiction, and so now here I am.



Synopsis:

Wes, the popular bad boy, and Toren, the shy introvert, are two young men hiding their sexuality; until they meet each other. Working on a project together gives them the opportunity to get to know each other and Toren works hard at hiding his attraction to Wes, who doesn't fall for it-the more courageous of them both, Wes is willing to keep quiet about their relationship. Toren is afraid of being ridiculed at school but that's not his only fear, he is also scared of his family's reaction-due to a past event that hurt his family and his relationship with his father, Toren is especially fearful of his mother's reaction.



This is a sweet and poignant story that shows the purity of first love, and the hardships that come with it. Toren matures and grows strong in his love for Wes; and Wes through his love for Toren finds the strength to move on without his parent's support and acceptance.





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Reads of the Week 5/29/11-6/4/11

Dreamlands [Dreamlands #1] (review)

Dreamlands by Felicitas Ivey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


The author's writing style was so fluid that I was midway through the book before I realized it. She gives you a look into the beauty and violence of ancient Japan in the setting of this story, the Dreamlands.

Keno is a bright young man that due to a careless mistake is kept captive in a covert government agency that deals with the monsters and we're not talking about werewolves and vampires here, but oni (demons). Badly mistreated he finds a freedom of sorts when he ends up in the Dreamlands where he meets Samojirou-an oni. Their relationship grows slowly but steadily and is threatened when Keno's captors find their way into the Dreamlands intent on its destruction.



There is mentions of violence and abuse but although there is mild petting there is no actual intercourse between the main characters which, for me at least, enriches their relationship making it a real love story. It brings to the forefront that sometimes true evil wears a human face and that just because it looks like a monster doesn't mean it has the heart of one.







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Infected: Bloodlines (review)

Infected: Bloodlines by Andrea Speed

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Whether books or films, I cry easily when it comes to tragi-dramas, or any sad story really; which is why I was giving this novel the run around. I knew I was most likely missing out on something wonderful b/c I love Andrea's writing, her extraordinary worlds, and particularly these characters.



Finally gathering some courage, and a handful of Kleenex, I picked this up. From the beginning I felt like I was holding my breath, the waiting making me wish for the whole bandaid thing yet at the same time happy to enjoy Par a little longer. The case Roan works on-involving a friend of Max who goes missing, then turns up dead-while a little interesting felt anticlimactic at the end, but it felt sort of fitting somehow b/c it didn't overshadow the events that were transpiring in Roan's life-at least, that's my opinion (maybe I was just too focused on Roan and Paris).



It is a bittersweet story; and while it was painful and sad, I understood Paris' decision. His worry for Roan, was just heartbreaking. He is such a an exceptional character and such a part of Roan it will feel strange to have one w/o the other; but of course, Paris being Paris, he will find a way to make his presence known.



So-after all the tears and the drama-I'm glad I read this great follow-up to Infected: Prey.





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Witness (review

Witness by L.A. Gilbert

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


1st. read: 5/12-13/10



This is a sweet story about 2 men that are dealing with insecurities and loneliness; both of them tired of the club scene and one nights stands and wondering if they will ever find that someone special.



A chance meeting brings them together and they form a relationship. As their feelings deepen they start to realize that while they have each other they also have the love and support of their family and friends.



I loved Ben & Reece; they are both gentle and kind hearted, and have caring and nurturing natures. It's great how they work through their insecurities and hurts, and finally see them find their happiness together.



This story was a joy for me to read because it blends sweetness and romance without bordering on mushiness. I liked how Ben and Reece interacted; their intimate, funny, and even sad moments-how they dealt with it all together was very nice. Now if someone could've 'accidentally' tripped Jason, I would've been one happy woman.





*****5/18/11*****

Just reread this. Still a sweet read that gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.





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The Thirteenth Child (review)

The Thirteenth Child by J.L. O'Faolain

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a good start to the series. There's plenty of action, and a nice who dunnit. I liked Cole's character, he's very upfront and doesn't pretend; he can't be easily labeled as gay or straight, b/c he was involved in a threesome w/a woman and a man. And though he has a special connection with another female character, I think it was more like he envisioned this future with her b/c it would be easier and less complex than the one he has with James. But it's just an idea and not reality. Still at the end he has a one night stand with a woman and prior to that he had a 3some w/James and Inspector Joss Vallimun; so I think it's more like he's not hung up on gender when it comes to bed partners and just enjoys the attraction to males or females in equal measure.



Now James, I wanted to understand him and his whole dilemma with coming out or accepting the fact that he likes men; but he made it really difficult and only managed to frustrate me and made me dislike him a little. Especially b/c after each time he was together with Cole he acted like he'd been unwilling.



The story ends in a sort of cliffhanger b/c there's still some matters left unresolved and unanswered questions; and while there is no actual romance in this one, there's a potential love interest for Cole.



I was really happy with this,so I'm definitely hoping for more.







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Pale as a Ghost (Review)

Pale as a Ghost by Stephen Osborne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I had a lot of fun reading this. Duncan is an awesome character-he's such an optimist. No matter what situation he found himself in, he always had a witty remark or tried to see it in a positive light. For a guy who has a sixth sense for the supernatural, is living with the ghost of his long dead boyfriend-Robbie, has a pet who just happens to be a zombie, and whose best friend is a witch-that is no small feat, especially taking into account that he hasn't been with anyone in 10 years.



The chance for something new comes along just as he takes on 2 cases; one is that of a ghost who might have ties to his client's husband, and the other is a missing person case. Nick is a history teacher and Duncan feels attracted to him, yet it's not only his gift that holds him back; it's also the fact that he still loves Robbie.



Robbie's love for Duncan is so sweet, and it was sad but also funny what lengths he's willing to go to, to be with Duncan again. Gina, Duncan's friend is a mystery since there's not much that's revealed about her life-except that she's lived for a loooong time. Daisy the zombie bulldog is a cutie, though her meal of choice is not exactly puppy chow.



The story was engaging, as well as all characters involved; both cases where intriguing for me, as well as the triangle forming between Duncan, Nick, and Robbie-although the latter felt unresolved at the end; which gives me the hope that maybe, possibly, (really crossing my fingers here) there might be more of these guys in the future.

















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