Check back Friday, May 24th, 2013
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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia #HAHAT
Comment to win one of three $10 gift cards from Riptide Publishing:
I hope you'll comment below, particularly about the books that have most caused you to take notice of homophobia and/or transphobia. These could be books that would be great to pass on to someone to help change their perspective. Or books that really reached you and you'd love the world to know about them. See details below.
~~~
Dear LGBTQ Fiction Author:
This blog’s for you!
Well, this post anyway. So please take a moment and pat yourself on the back. Grab something cool to drink, it's on me, because I want you to know that you do make a difference in the fight against homophobia and transphobia through your writing. Thank you for doing what you do.
This is a thank you because you have taken this middle aged, uninvolved housewife and mother of two and inspired her to do a little more. If it weren’t for the fun, fluffy, sexy, beautiful, and stirring things you write I wouldn’t have paid attention. Your words reached me.
I started reading M/M Romance purely for the sexy fun of it all. I was blissfully happy reading and "learning" about two hot, sexy, often tragically afflicted men falling in love. But, somewhere along the way I must have read something that cut a little deeper. Twisted my gut and caused me to recognize an injustice, an unfairness, an inequality. By this point it was already too late. Authors of lgbtq fiction made me care. So when injustice showed up in real life I think I paid a little more attention, listened a little more carefully and eventually began seeking out ways to make a difference. Now I know about things like:
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia -May 17th, 2013
Human Rights Campaign
Stonewall
NOH8
Don't get me wrong, I still LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the fun, fluffy, sexy, thrill-rides. Please keep that, uh, coming because they're what caught my interest, turned my head and caused me to take action. But occasionally I come across a book that reaches me in a different way. I have a Goodreads shelf dedicated to books I call Bigoted Mind Changers. They’re the books that I like to recommend to friends who might not be sure about the genre. The books that get my “I need to get involved” energy up, and books that have changed my way of thinking.
I’m adding a short list of some of those books that have had that effect on me and I’m hoping that people will tell us about a book that reached them.
Thank you authors, for sharing your message, spreading the love and not laughing at the Straight, Married Woman on Twitter who needs everything clarified. Keep writing, keep being inspired and know that readers are listening. We may beg and plead for the next titillating tidbit, but all of your words get through.
Please be sure to visit the Hop Against Homophobia and Transphobia website for more information. Check out the links below to visit all the blogs participating in this wonderful and important hop.
~ ~ ~
Prizes: I couldn't be more pleased to announce that Riptide Publishing had graciously donated three $10 gift cards toward ebook purchase. So I’d love it if everyone would comment below and share about a LGBTQ fiction book that changed you, opened your eyes or has that effect on others. All commenters are eligible to win one of the three gift cards. Please add your email dot com for easy contact. The contest ends late on May 27th and I’ll be announcing the winners on the blog Tuesday, May 28th. Thanks for commenting and reading.
My recommendations for Bigoted Mind Changers are:
One Boy's Shadow by Ross McCoubreyShare yours :)
Talker by Amy Lane
The View from a Rusty Train Car by DeeJay Arens
Listening to Dust by Brandon Shire
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Cold by Brandon Shire 5 of 5 Stars
Cold by Brandon Shire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Available at: BrandonShire.com and Amazon and more.
ebook, 214 pages
Expected publication:
May 20th 2013
by TPG Books
(first published May 15th 2013)
ISBN13 9781301558551
Edition Language English
Brandon Shire donates 10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of his books to:
~ ~ ~
About the only thing of beauty he had seen within these walls in a long, long time was Anderson, and like most others in his life, Anderson had looked at Lem like he was someone to fear.
When Brandon Shire said he wanted to write a character based prison story he was serious. I couldn’t believe how caught up I got in Lem and Anderson. The prison is there, no doubt, and, at least for Lem it’s not going anywhere. But the focus is on the internal dialog these two men have. The emphasis on who they are, their fears, their passions, their regrets and that’s what makes this book work.
If you’ve ever read Brandon Shire you know he connects you to the characters. This book proves his mastery of this skill.
THE BLURB
Book 1: Prison is a brutal, heartless, and demeaning environment. No one knows this better than a man sentenced to life in prison for murder. Lem Porter is a high-profile prisoner who had a solid career ahead of him in a field he loved until he killed his brother. He has spent almost eighteen years behind bars and doesn’t have much hope left.
Anderson Passero had it all. He built a career, a name, and a relationship with a man he thought he loved. Only after he very publicly landed in prison did he realize how ignorant he’d been. He has eight months left on his sentence and he is eager to go home and put prison life behind him. He doesn’t know it yet, but he will always carry these eight months with him, and they may just help him to understand what love really means.
THE CHARACTERS
All these new faces he would forget when he hit the door in eight months, every single one of them. He was sure of it.
Eight months. It was the only thing that ran through his brain. Eight months.
Anderson Passero - Although we only get to see Anderson in the last eight months of his incarceration you are able to see how he changes. Always wary of others because of his smaller size, he’s been living a nightmare where he trusts no one, keeps to himself and analyzes everything.
“You’ve spent almost twenty years behind bars, don’t you think it’s time you forgave yourself?”
Lem Porter - I don’t think I have ever wanted to reach out to a character more than I do with Lem. Days, weeks later (I beta'd this book) I’m still thinking about him. A beautiful, unique human who lets his guilt rule him. How Mr. Shire created a murderer that I would trust with my children I don’t know.
He’s a smart, tender, gentle man who is one with the natural world. Locked within cement walls, he has given up on beauty. Lem’s nature will speak to you and reach you in ways only very memorable characters do. He truly touched me.
THE STORY
You need to know this isn’t about prison brutality or guard dominance, this is a beautiful love story in a prison setting. While there is a brutal act, it isn’t the focus. While there is heart-ache that had me crying for a full chapter, you shouldn’t be afraid to read this because of the setting.
I’ve said it before, I have a true fear of prison. This book made me want to stay inside.
THE WRITING
Brandon Shire uses this technique which counts down the time until Anderson is released. It is extremely effective in causing a certain tension. It plays with your head because you want Anderson out, but there’s not enough time, he's short. I know that doesn’t make sense, but that’s why its brilliant.
Shire’s writing feels perfectly paced. I didn’t find any lag. He weaves in enough questions to have us demanding another book, while completing everything he set out to accomplish. I think this author has found his stride here. There’s less poetry than in his previous books, but more solid story-telling. He drove this with perfect pacing, stellar characters and gripping emotions. A must read!
"It’s the god of vegetation and plant life, the Green Man. He symbolizes life and rebirth after the long hard winter and predates many religions,” Lem offered.
[…]
“So why do you have him on your back?” Anderson pressed him.
Lem held him for a moment before he answered. “Because when I looked out at a forest from the top of a ridge, I saw the cycle and beauty of life. It was something I used to believe in.”
“And you don’t now?”
[…]
“It’s a cycle I’m not a part of anymore,” Lem finally replied.
[…]
What about us, right here and now?” Anderson asked, […]
Lem cupped the side of his head and ran his fingers through his hair. “A false spring,” Lem answered, a sincere sadness in his eyes.
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Brandon Shire for allowing me to beta-read this book and providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
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Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Cambion #4 by Cari Z - 5/5 Stars
Dark Around the Edges: Put the Gun Down by Cari Z.
Available at Storm Moon Press and Amazon
ebook, 43 pages
Published
May 10th 2013
by Storm Moon Press LLC
ISBN13 9781627570084
edition language English
5 Stars – Yeah, five stars for a serial!
Well, well, well call me a liar. Before reading this episode I think I said this series couldn’t get any better. Was I ever wrong. Cari Z just keeps delivering. This episode goes from pure fun, to sexy cross dressing, to absolute catastrophe.
THE CHARACTERS
Devon Harper - As a cambion Dev is empowered by orgasms... other peoples orgasms. He loves getting people off. But there’s no one he loves pleasing more than Rio.
Rio Pagani - We’ve learned a lot about Rio in the last few books, but the man is still a mystery. In this book we learn that Rio’s inner calm can be shattered after all.
THE STORY
In this episode Dev is back in action, and oh boy, am I ever glad. He has to do a little cross-dressing for the good of the mission, of course, and it’s an absolute pleasure to read all about it. Steven, the new side-kick is the beneficiary of Devon’s little performance. What a lucky, lucky guy.
"What--I--why're we looking at ladies' knickers?" Steven demanded.
"Contingency plan," was all Devon said.
[...]
"But come on, give me your opinion." He waved the bra around again.
Steven rolled his eyes but finally took the question seriously. "Black lace is boring. So's white. Go bold if you're gonna go at all."
"Good idea," Devon agreed. He looked through the other options in his chest size. Red was obvious, green always made him feel like a hooker, pink was too teenage girl... he finally decided on violet satin, with matching garters and stockings.
Meanwhile, Rio makes sure that Dev knows exactly who he’s coming back to.
The closing scene ends in a huge twist and is a total game changer. Very exciting!
THE WRITING
As I said above there is a lot going on in this book, but it never feels rushed. It moves along very smoothly, with the right action and the right dialog in all the right places. Are there cliff-hangers each episode? Yeah, sure. It wouldn’t be a serial if there weren’t. And that’s what makes this so much fun; knowing that you’re going to get more of this sexy, tender thrill-ride in the next episode.
Note: If you order the 'Season Pass' from Storm Moon Press you get bonus episodes and a final compiled ebook of all the episodes. And I think you save money that way too.
~ ~ ~
Thank you Storm Moon Press and Cari Z for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
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Friday, May 10, 2013
Interview with author Anna Zabo - Slow Waltz
We’re talking today with Anna Zabo, the author of CloseQuarter and Slow Waltz available at Loose Id and Amazon.
Be sure to comment below to be
entered for the $10 Gift Certificate!!!
Slow Waltz, a Spring Fling short story comes out on Tuesday, May 7th! From May 7th until the 12th, Slow Waltz will be FREE at Loose Id, and then 99 cents after that. Also, only at the Loose Id site, from the 7th to the 12th, Close Quarter will be $2 off the cover price! They have every e-reader format imaginable at the site, too!
Here's the blurb for Slow Waltz:
New lovers Rhys Matherton and Silas Quint finally have a chance to breath easy and enjoy a well-earned respite on board a transatlantic cruise to New York City. But the lack of danger gives Rhys too much time to think about the enormity of falling in love with a man who isn’t human. He’s not sure love at first sight can last, especially when your lover is fae. Sure, the sex is fantastic, but that’s not enough to hang the rest of your potentially immortal life upon.
To distract himself, Rhys suggests he and Silas take a set of lessons to learn to waltz. The plan backfires when they are paired with two older women—one of whom reminds Rhys of his recently deceased mother. Instead of being able to ignore thinking about his future with Silas, he’s actively questioned about his lover. And it seems the whole boat knows who he’s sleeping with.
As Rhys learns the steps of the waltz, he has to decide if he’ll continue to dance around what he feels for Silas or if he’ll finally learn to trust in his partner’s love for him.
Lisa: Hi Anna, thank you for being here today. It’s great to be part of your itty bitty Blog Tour.
Anna: Thank you! It’s great to be here!
L: Please tell us a little about yourself, why you write m/m
erotica and, if you don’t mind, a random tidbit about yourself or your
characters.
A: Let’s see...I live in Pittsburgh, which is far more fun that it sounds! I drive a yellow Mini Cooper, which is exactly as fun as it sounds, and when I’m not writing, I like to get down and dirty...gardening.
I kind of fell into writing M/M and romance...I was much more of a fantasy author (which I still write as well) but I was reading a lot of hotter m/m romance. I’ve had gay and bi characters in my fantasy novels, so the shift to romance wasn’t all that hard...and if I was going to dive into a genre, I might as well go all the way. Uh. As it were...
I do like the dynamic of m/m fiction and some of the romance tropes I can play with or turn sideways. You’re not as constrained by gender and genre expectations in m/m, I’ve found.A tidbit... hmm. Of all the characters in Close Quarter, there’s probably the most of “me” in Vasil, the erstwhile waiter. You know, if I were male and from Eastern Europe, rather than female and merely descended from Eastern Europeans. But there’s usually a little of me in ever character I write.
A: Let’s see...I live in Pittsburgh, which is far more fun that it sounds! I drive a yellow Mini Cooper, which is exactly as fun as it sounds, and when I’m not writing, I like to get down and dirty...gardening.
I kind of fell into writing M/M and romance...I was much more of a fantasy author (which I still write as well) but I was reading a lot of hotter m/m romance. I’ve had gay and bi characters in my fantasy novels, so the shift to romance wasn’t all that hard...and if I was going to dive into a genre, I might as well go all the way. Uh. As it were...
I do like the dynamic of m/m fiction and some of the romance tropes I can play with or turn sideways. You’re not as constrained by gender and genre expectations in m/m, I’ve found.A tidbit... hmm. Of all the characters in Close Quarter, there’s probably the most of “me” in Vasil, the erstwhile waiter. You know, if I were male and from Eastern Europe, rather than female and merely descended from Eastern Europeans. But there’s usually a little of me in ever character I write.
L: You know I read and loved Close Quarter, see my review here, but tell me can readers read Slow Waltz before Close Quarter?
A: I think so. I tried to balance the interest of new readers with the interest of folks who have read Close Quarter, which was a bit challenging. I don’t go into any great detail about the events in Close Quarter...at least no more than the blurb for the book does.
It’s more about Rhys coming to terms with himself and his relationship now that he’s not running for his life any more.
A: I think so. I tried to balance the interest of new readers with the interest of folks who have read Close Quarter, which was a bit challenging. I don’t go into any great detail about the events in Close Quarter...at least no more than the blurb for the book does.
It’s more about Rhys coming to terms with himself and his relationship now that he’s not running for his life any more.
L: The cover art for Slow Waltz is mmmm, delicious. I just want to lick those whiskers
right off his face. Oh wait! That wasn’t a question (and oops, I am a married
woman). Is that Silas? ‘Cus that could be my Silas.
A: It’s actually a shared cover for all the Loose Id Spring Flings. But he does look very much like I’d picture Silas, so I’d like to think that it is him! And yeah, he’s very lickable, isn’t he?
L: Two guys dancing, especially waltzing together is pretty damn sexy. Is there anything else that they get up to in Slow Waltz?
A: Lets see...well they take dance lessons and meet some nice older ladies. They have a bit of dessert. Oh! And they take an elevator ride. A long one. Because of a bet. And, um. Yeah. *cough*
L: [I've gotten a chance to read Slow Waltz since conducting this interview and trust me, you will want to play on the elevator just like you wanted to as a kid, ...but for entirely different reasons. Super hot scene!]
L: Close Quarter is m/m erotica. There is a lot of hot, steamy, visual sex. Uhm, again not a question. Just a PSA, because it’s my duty to inform as a blogger.
A: There is. I kind of took the erotic part of erotic romance to heart with Close Quarter. *laughs*
L: Uh huh, and I am SO glad you did ;)
A: It’s actually a shared cover for all the Loose Id Spring Flings. But he does look very much like I’d picture Silas, so I’d like to think that it is him! And yeah, he’s very lickable, isn’t he?
L: Two guys dancing, especially waltzing together is pretty damn sexy. Is there anything else that they get up to in Slow Waltz?
A: Lets see...well they take dance lessons and meet some nice older ladies. They have a bit of dessert. Oh! And they take an elevator ride. A long one. Because of a bet. And, um. Yeah. *cough*
L: [I've gotten a chance to read Slow Waltz since conducting this interview and trust me, you will want to play on the elevator just like you wanted to as a kid, ...but for entirely different reasons. Super hot scene!]
L: Close Quarter is m/m erotica. There is a lot of hot, steamy, visual sex. Uhm, again not a question. Just a PSA, because it’s my duty to inform as a blogger.
A: There is. I kind of took the erotic part of erotic romance to heart with Close Quarter. *laughs*
L: Uh huh, and I am SO glad you did ;)
L: Questions like, “what inspired you to write Close Quarter?”, are pretty mundane. But, I am dying to know if you took a cruise and were stirred? If you've discovered a cruise line that provides Fae for entertainment, please let me know.
A: The idea actually came from a snippet of a dream where there was this fae vampire hunter taking out vampires onboard a Victorian-era cruise ship...much more action-oriented and steampunky than Close Quarter turned out to be. I got to thinking that the idea of a ship full of vampires was pretty darn scary, even for a fae with a sword.
When I started the book, I’d never been on a cruise. However, I was lucky enough to go on a Mediterranean cruise while I was writing Close Quarter. So there’s a whole chunk of the book that was written while sitting on a deck chair, watching the world go by. I wish I could find a line with fae entertainment. Truly. You’d probably never get me home again.
L: Readers need to
discover the absolute magic that is Rhys and Silas, and how, these guys just
can’t stop touching each other. You had them practically jumping off the pages in these scenes. Was this really your first experience writing m/m?
A: Kind of, sort of, yes? It was my first time writing full-on m/m sex scenes. There’s a piece of Shakespeare fan fiction I wrote that has implied m/m sex (there’s a link on my website here: http://annazabo.com/free-fiction/), but it’s more sweet than steamy. And I’ve written a fantasy novel that has obvious m/m influences, but no sex. I read quite a bit of m/m, though, and a lot of it is on the hotter side. I suspect that helped a lot!
L: What should we expect in a sequel? There will be a sequel right?
A: Kind of, sort of, yes? It was my first time writing full-on m/m sex scenes. There’s a piece of Shakespeare fan fiction I wrote that has implied m/m sex (there’s a link on my website here: http://annazabo.com/free-fiction/), but it’s more sweet than steamy. And I’ve written a fantasy novel that has obvious m/m influences, but no sex. I read quite a bit of m/m, though, and a lot of it is on the hotter side. I suspect that helped a lot!
L: What should we expect in a sequel? There will be a sequel right?
A: There will be a sequel. Actually, I have at least two planned. At the moment, I’m working on a book that follows up on what happens to Vasil, the very human waiter who ends up seeing far more than he should have seen of the paranormal in Close Quarter. He’s never quite the same after that...
L: [*squee I've heard readers begging for Vasil's story, so that's gonna be a hit!]
And then there will be the book that follows Rhys and Silas in New York, where all their problems come home to roost, in large unfortunate ways. On the other hand, they’ll be on dry land with access to their own element, so the sex should be fantastic. If no one kills or captures them first. *chuckles*
L: Beside Fae, what other paranormal characters show up on your
pages?
A: Vampires and angels. I’ve also hinted at the existence of daemons and phoenix, but they don’t show up in Close Quarter...
L: Your vampires are definitely not twinkly. In fact they’re downright vicious. Do you have personal experience with the bloodsuckers or do you just have really bad dreams?
A: *laughs* Actually, that’s all from hanging out with horror writers! Great folks with very dark ideas in their writing. A bit of that wore off onto me, I think! But I did want to have vampires that were true monsters out to kill their prey, even if they were beautiful and attractive on some level.
Lisa: Once again, thank you so much for spending time with us.
Most of all thank you for creating Rhys and Silas, and letting us (me) enjoy
them over and over and over.
Anna: Thank you so much for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
Web: http://www.annazabo.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/amergina
Be sure to comment below to be entered in the give-a-way!!!
Here’s the info on the hop:
I’m holding a giveaway for a $10 (or currency equivalent)
gift card to either All Romance Ebooks, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice)
for folks that comment on any of my itty bitty blog tour. If you comment here
or at any of the three other stops on my tour, you’ll be entered in a random
drawing to win a gift card. (One entry per blog stop! So if you comment on all four
blogs, that’s four entries.)
Please add your email dot com to your comment so we can contact you.
Please add your email dot com to your comment so we can contact you.
I’ll be drawing the winner on my blog, AnnaZabo.com on May
13th.
The dates and stops are:
Tuesday, May 7th, I’ll be at Jessica Freely’s
blog [http://www.friskbiskit.com/]
Thursday, May 9th, I’ll be at Kay Berrisford’s blog. [http://kayberrisford.com/]
Friday, May 10th, I’ll be at Attention is
Arbitrary. (That’s here!)
Saturday, May 11th, I’ll be at MC Hana’s blog. [http://www.cranehanabooks.com/blog/]
Visit them all and enter for more chances to win and to learn more about Anna's writing.
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Monday, May 6, 2013
itty bitty Blog Tour coming Friday w/author Anna Zabo
Coming Friday!!!
Be sure to stop back by on Friday. Post a comment on our interview and you'll be entered to win a drawing for a gift certificate from Anna Zabo!I'll be hosting an interview with Anna Zabo, author of the sexy Fae novel Close Quarter and Slow Waltz, a Spring Fling short story which comes out on Tuesday, May 7th!
From May 7th until the 12th, Slow Waltz will be FREE at Loose Id, and then 99 cents after that. Also, only at the Loose Id site, from the 7th to the 12th, Close Quarter will be $2 off the cover price!
In celebration of the release and the week it’s free, I’m joining in the itty bitty blog tour! Here’s the schedule!
On Tuesday, May 7th, I’ll be over at Jessica Freely’s blog
On Thursday, May 9th, I’ll be over at Kay Berrisford’s blog.
On Friday, May 10th, I'll be over at LisaT's Attention is Arbitrary blog.
On Saturday, May 11th, I’ll be over at MC Hana’s blog.
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View All My Reviews
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Dark Around the Edges by Cari Z
Dark Around the Edges: We Are Family by Cari Z.My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Available at: Storm Moom Press and Amazon
ebook, 48 pages
Published
April 12th 2013
by Storm Moon Press
ISBN13 9781627570015
Edition Language English
Series Cambion #3
WHY aren't you reading this series???
I can’t get enough of it! The chase is interesting, the mysterious backgrounds of Dev and Rio are intriguing, but this is ALL about the relationship between these two crazy, sexy men.
I could probably just tell you how I always highlight lines that I want to quote, but I was so riveted it seems I didn’t highlight anything. That NEVER happens.
THE BLURB
Devon Harper is a cambion, the offspring of an incubus and one of his female followers. Discovered by those who could've helped him too late to be saved from his nature, he barely survived a brutal childhood before getting a handle on his powers of seduction. Lust, sex, desire: these are second nature to cambion, and are their road to both riches and ruin. Devon has the power to bring people to their knees with a glance, to drive them so crazy with pleasure that they forget their names, and occasionally forget to breathe as well. He could use his birthright to force the world to worship him, but Devon is trying to fight against the pull, to do what he can to track down people with the power to summon a demon and stop them before more cambion can be made.
But Devon doesn't realize that the path he and his friends are following is only one strand of a web laid in place by a demon who's not content to wait on the whims of humanity to get out of Hell. Devon is this demon's key to staying above ground permanently, and when he finally catches up with the cambion, he's not taking no for an answer.
Episode Three: We Are Family
Still coping with the aftermath of the deal with Lynlis, Devon decides there's no place like home and convinces Rio to stop by Devon's fathers' lakeside home on their way to pick up Porter Grey's trail. Along the way, Rio opens up about his past in a way Devon has never known. Then at the lake house, more secrets of Rio's mysterious origin are revealed, along with a frightening connection between Devon's family and Porter Grey himself!
THE CHARACTERS
Okay, so you have a Cambion - Devon – picture gorgeous, twinky party-boy - who has to have sex to survive (I love that by the way) and can use his allure to get all the sex he wants. And, oh boy, does he want Rio, a lot.
Then you have the one guy - Rio - seven feet of walking sex dynamite - who isn’t affected by this allure. But he is still so totally into caring about Dev that it melts your heart while at the same time being extreeeeeemly hot!
I’m just sayin’ that these guys a burning up the pages and I am in panting withdrawal waiting for each new episode.
THE STORY
Devon wanted to kiss him, except he really didn’t because he didn’t want the memory of any of the kisses they shared to be marred by his utter lack of sensation.
Dev and Rio are following leads to help them find their target, Porter Grey. One of their leads costs Dev his sense of touch. As in, he can’t feel ANYTHING. Imagine a person not being able to sense even their feet on the ground. Now imagine a person who depends on sensual stimulation for survival being denied touch perception. It turns out that it is absolutely torturous and Cari Z does a pretty admirable job portraying this. Now imagine Rio, this huge, tough-as-nails explosives expert being emotionally hurt by Dev’s predicament.
The two hole up with Dev’s mysterious parents where Rio gets new insights about Dev’s family. While they recuperate even more questions are presented regarding the history of both Rio and Dev. I actually have more questions than answers at this point.
It all culminates into a touching and exciting episode that it has me begging for more.
THE WRITING
Well, I think it’s pretty clear that I am completely absorbed by the character development in these books. Even the side characters are recognizable and memorable. But again, it’s the relationship that Ms. Z has built between Dev and Rio that is outstanding.
There are a couple of areas that could be picked apart regarding the description of lacking feeling, i.e., “his cheese sandwich was still warm”…but really these are minor blips and shouldn’t overshadow the rest of the experience.
4.5 Burning Hot Stars - Highly Recommended!
BONUS: Episode 3 comes with a mini-episode that is surprisingly complete and is worth the investment in the whole series just to see Dev dance on a Miami club tabletop. Mmmmmmyesssss!
~ ~ ~
I sincerely thank Storm Moon Press for providing me with an ARC of this story in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
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Monday, April 29, 2013
My Dear Watson by L.A. Fields 4 Stars
My Dear Watson by L.A. FieldsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Available at: Lethe Press and Amazon
Paperback and Ebook, 284 pages
Published
April 4th 2013
by Lethe Press
(first published March 26th 2013)
ISBN 1590213688
(ISBN13: 9781590213681)
Edition language English
He is rather infectious, Sherlock Holmes. A dark and glamourous thing.
[I should disclose my familiarity with Sherlock Holmes. I am not an aficionado, not even an avid reader, but I would consider myself something of a novice with interest. I have read a few of the more well known books.]
A commendable undertaking, penetrating the classic Sherlock Holmes mysteries to prove, beyond the shadow of a doubt, the "true" nature of the relationship between Holmes and Dr. Watson. I will never again think of their relationship in any way other than how it was put forth here. Ms. Fields convinced me completely of the truth of the matter and I feel fulfilled for understanding that truth.
THE BLURB
One of the most famous partnerships in literature yields, over time, to a peculiar romantic triangle. Sherlock Holmes. Dr. John Watson. And the good doctor’s second wife, whom Doyle never named. In L A Fields's novel, Mrs. Watson is a clever woman who realizes, through examining all the prior cases her husband shared with the world's greatest consulting detective, that the two men shared more than adventures: they were lovers, as well. In 1919, after the pair has retired, Mrs. Watson invites Holmes to her home to meet him face to face. Thus begins a recounting of a peculiar affair between extraordinary men.
“You are such a unique person,” Holmes says poisonously. “What a shame that history will most likely never remember your name.”
The question Mrs. Watson faces: Did Holmes simply take advantage of her husband’s loyalty and love, or did the detective return those feelings? And what to do now that the pair are no longer living together at Baker Street and Watson has other claims on his affections? My Dear Watson offers readers a romance that requires as much reasoning to puzzle out as it does passion. Mrs. Watson proves a worthy opponent—in intellect, in guile, in conviction—for the great detective.
Recommended for libraries by the GLBT Roundtable of the American Library Association
THE CHARACTERS
What was it about Holmes—razor-tongued, ego-chocked, hard-hearted Holmes—that made living with him so much more worth it? What was it about the tension and drama of Baker Street that was so irresistible?
Sherlock Holmes - Hard-hearted is an apt description. We meet Holmes as a young college man, already confident, cocky and steps ahead of everyone. Can this machine ever crack?
Dr. John Watson - Charming, calm, thoughtful, brave and romantic. He sees something in Holmes that everyone else must miss.
Mrs. Watson II - Clever, insightful and patient. She is a modern woman who loves her husband despite his interests. She's admirable and pitiful, but I couldn't help stepping into her shoes.
While I find Holmes an insufferable bastard, I ache for Watson. While I sympathize with Mrs. Watson, I long for Holmes and Watson to settle. While I glimpse the famous cases, I learn about true mysteries of the heart and mind. To read this book is to journey through the familiar and, for me, other unknown cases where once dark corners are illuminated with new light.
They are embracing each other tightly, blissfully, as if they’ve been a lifetime away from one another. I don’t believe I am jealous—I’m a modern woman, and I knew of my husband’s flexible nature before I married him—but I am rather dstabilized by this scene. They just look so desperately happy to be holding one another. It’s touching, but it touches one awfully hard.
THE WRITING
Ms. Fields has clearly expended great amounts of energy and research to put together this detailed narrative. You’ll find a convincing presentation of the facts as well as interesting commentary on real historical events which affected their relationship. Her usage of poetic prose and innuendo seems very in keeping with the tone of the period. At times, the retelling became repetitive and I found myself wanting more dialog between Holmes and Watson. Alas, that may not be possible given their unique relationship. Nonetheless, something could have been gained by coming to the point more quickly. This is to say that I was convinced by the proof Ms. Fields presented early on, but felt I was slogging through the middle needlessly. The final third, however, found me hard pressed to lay the book down.
I was angry at Holmes. Crying for Watson and laughing at the lame criminal element that Holmes toyed with ruthlessly. The sexual relationship between Holmes and Watson is only alluded to, but there are delightful moments of tension and tenderness that portray a very clear picture of their intimacy. For me, someone who enjoys romance, this feels like an element missing from the classic stories has been restored.
I would highly recommend this to readers with at least a basic understanding of some of the more well known cases. Especially if you would like a deeper, more meaningful connection to Holmes and Watson.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Lethe Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
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Friday, April 26, 2013
Guest Post by Ross McCoubrey
We all need a reminder, now and then, of how to bring it back to what is real. Thanks Ross, for letting me share this.
By Ross McCoubrey
I believe in random acts of kindness.
I believe in simple, small gestures.
I believe a handshake is a contract.
I believe in good manners at the table and in general.
I believe in the power of positive thinking.
I believe a person of true faith does not require a religion.
I believe animals have souls.
I believe hugs have healing powers.
I believe silence speaks volumes.
I believe in tears of sorrow, tears of joy and that a strong person fears neither.
I believe in finding the beauty in the everyday.
I believe dandelions and daisies in a tumbler on the windowsill are the perfect floral arrangement.
I believe spring peepers offer the hope of summer.
I believe in angels, I have seen them.
I believe in ghosts, I have seen them, too.
I believe that true friendships are invisible to the lines of family.
I believe Hope is more than just another four letter word.
I believe giving is the greatest gift.
I believe in respect for other people’s opinions even though we may disagree.
I believe in getting all the information before forming an opinion.
I believe in voting.
I believe in respecting other people’s property.
I believe reading opens doors to other dimensions.
I believe in dreams.
I believe in doing the right thing the first time.
I believe a job well done is its own reward.
I believe in loyalty.
I believe in passion.
I believe in romance.
I believe in love at first sight.
I believe in patriotism – but not blindly.
I believe actions speak louder than words.
I believe in recycling.
I believe art, no matter the medium, should be respected.
I believe a great film, even if it is about a depressing subject, makes you feel better for having seen it.
I believe in equal rights, not special rights.
I believe some of my greatest acquaintances are fictional characters.
I believe in remembering the victims, not the villains.
I believe in being able to be mature while still being young at heart.
I believe in proper commemoration and respect for our military personnel, whether or not you agree with the battles fought.
I believe in taking your hat off at the table.
I believe in respect for the flag.
I believe in working late into the night to get the job done.
I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
I believe people will disappoint me.
I believe people will hurt me.
I believe people will use me.
I believe people will claim their god is better than my god.
I believe people will fight to exclude me from having the same rights and privileges they take for granted.
I believe people will overlook me.
I believe people will criticize my work.
I believe people will laugh at my dreams.
I believe people will demand more of me than I have to give.
I believe people will say one thing and do another.
I believe people will destroy art rather than take time to appreciate it.
I believe people will forego manners in preference to laziness.
I believe people will give me more work to do so they have to do less.
I believe people will cut me off in traffic, let the door shut in my face, and throw random insults at me.
I believe people will lie to my face.
I believe people will stab me in the back.
I believe people will take from me, from others, from this earth, and never give back.
I believe people will treat animals as property.
I believe people will not respect property, their own or others.
I believe people will destroy nature without a thought to the consequence.
I believe people will speak the loudest with the least to say.
I believe people will blame the victim or the weapons rather than the guilty.
I believe people will become so afraid to show emotion they stop to feel altogether.
I believe people will not vote yet complain that nothing changes.
I believe people will form their opinions based on popularity.
I believe people will scoff at the notion of there being angels and ghosts.
I believe people will take for granted the country they live in and the hard-fought battles that it took to create and maintain that country.
I believe people will try to make me give up, to make me abandon my beliefs, to tell me I am lesser, to insist I have nothing to say, that what I do doesn’t matter, that I am ugly, to tell me I am an abomination.
So…
When I have reached the summit of my despair and stare down into the valley I must make a choice: either I join the mass of people wallowing in their self-pity, their complacency, their expectancy, their self-absorbance, their defeat OR I go back to the top of my list and start again.
It is my list of what I believe that matters. It is my code, my ethos, my doctrine, my edict, my canon, my dogma – my core; that which I hold dear in my steadfast resolve to persevere against the tyranny of waste, war, want, and woe.
So…
I go back to my list and I start anew, making one addition to the top:
I believe in me.
And that is where I begin.
- Ross McCoubrey, April 25, 2013
Author of One Boy’s Shadow
Visit Me at Goodreads
View All My Reviews
By Ross McCoubrey
I believe in random acts of kindness.
I believe in simple, small gestures.
I believe a handshake is a contract.
I believe in good manners at the table and in general.
I believe in the power of positive thinking.
I believe a person of true faith does not require a religion.
I believe animals have souls.
I believe hugs have healing powers.
I believe silence speaks volumes.
I believe in tears of sorrow, tears of joy and that a strong person fears neither.
I believe in finding the beauty in the everyday.
I believe dandelions and daisies in a tumbler on the windowsill are the perfect floral arrangement.
I believe spring peepers offer the hope of summer.
I believe in angels, I have seen them.
I believe in ghosts, I have seen them, too.
I believe that true friendships are invisible to the lines of family.
I believe Hope is more than just another four letter word.
I believe giving is the greatest gift.
I believe in respect for other people’s opinions even though we may disagree.
I believe in getting all the information before forming an opinion.
I believe in voting.
I believe in respecting other people’s property.
I believe reading opens doors to other dimensions.
I believe in dreams.
I believe in doing the right thing the first time.
I believe a job well done is its own reward.
I believe in loyalty.
I believe in passion.
I believe in romance.
I believe in love at first sight.
I believe in patriotism – but not blindly.
I believe actions speak louder than words.
I believe in recycling.
I believe art, no matter the medium, should be respected.
I believe a great film, even if it is about a depressing subject, makes you feel better for having seen it.
I believe in equal rights, not special rights.
I believe some of my greatest acquaintances are fictional characters.
I believe in remembering the victims, not the villains.
I believe in being able to be mature while still being young at heart.
I believe in proper commemoration and respect for our military personnel, whether or not you agree with the battles fought.
I believe in taking your hat off at the table.
I believe in respect for the flag.
I believe in working late into the night to get the job done.
I believe in giving credit where credit is due.
I believe people will disappoint me.
I believe people will hurt me.
I believe people will use me.
I believe people will claim their god is better than my god.
I believe people will fight to exclude me from having the same rights and privileges they take for granted.
I believe people will overlook me.
I believe people will criticize my work.
I believe people will laugh at my dreams.
I believe people will demand more of me than I have to give.
I believe people will say one thing and do another.
I believe people will destroy art rather than take time to appreciate it.
I believe people will forego manners in preference to laziness.
I believe people will give me more work to do so they have to do less.
I believe people will cut me off in traffic, let the door shut in my face, and throw random insults at me.
I believe people will lie to my face.
I believe people will stab me in the back.
I believe people will take from me, from others, from this earth, and never give back.
I believe people will treat animals as property.
I believe people will not respect property, their own or others.
I believe people will destroy nature without a thought to the consequence.
I believe people will speak the loudest with the least to say.
I believe people will blame the victim or the weapons rather than the guilty.
I believe people will become so afraid to show emotion they stop to feel altogether.
I believe people will not vote yet complain that nothing changes.
I believe people will form their opinions based on popularity.
I believe people will scoff at the notion of there being angels and ghosts.
I believe people will take for granted the country they live in and the hard-fought battles that it took to create and maintain that country.
I believe people will try to make me give up, to make me abandon my beliefs, to tell me I am lesser, to insist I have nothing to say, that what I do doesn’t matter, that I am ugly, to tell me I am an abomination.
So…
When I have reached the summit of my despair and stare down into the valley I must make a choice: either I join the mass of people wallowing in their self-pity, their complacency, their expectancy, their self-absorbance, their defeat OR I go back to the top of my list and start again.
It is my list of what I believe that matters. It is my code, my ethos, my doctrine, my edict, my canon, my dogma – my core; that which I hold dear in my steadfast resolve to persevere against the tyranny of waste, war, want, and woe.
So…
I go back to my list and I start anew, making one addition to the top:
I believe in me.
And that is where I begin.
Author of One Boy’s Shadow
Visit Me at Goodreads
View All My Reviews
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