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Archive for the ‘A’ Category

The Angel in the Window by Charlie Cochrane

Posted in A, Authors: A-C, Historical, Mystery, Romance, tagged , on December 24, 2012 | 2 Comments »

Angel_in_the_WindowTitle: The Angel in the Window
Author: Charlie Cochrane
Length: 18,000 words
Publisher: MLR Press
Genre: m/m historical (early 1800′s) mystery romance
Rating: A

Blurb:
When a traitor walks your deck, who’ll be the one to clear him off it? or What happens when your comrades are more dangerous than your enemies?

Alexander Porterfield may be one of the rising stars of Nelson’s navy, but his relationship with his first lieutenant, Tom Anderson, makes him vulnerable. To blackmail, to the exposure of their relationship—and to losing Tom, either in battle or to another ship. When sudden danger strikes—from the English rather than the French—where should a man turn?

Review:
I have to admit that I’m not usually a great fan of ‘Age of Sail’ books. This is mainly because these types of books are often peppered with confusing nautical jargon and I get all muddled about what’s happening, or where the action of the story is taking place. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with this story which managed to be authentic without overwhelming me with sailing vocabulary. In fact the sailing terms were given a bit of an amusing twist as our pair of heroes use them teasingly towards each other when being intimate.

The story is in two parts. The first part is set around Christmas and New Year where Alex and Tom are home on leave. Alex is captain and Tom his first lieutenant, but they have been friends and lovers for years, moving up the ranks together and being lucky enough to be posted on the same ships. This first part shows the ease and friendliness they share with Tom’s family, with an undercurrent of nervousness about keeping their true relationship secret. This part managed to be heartwarming but with a thread of sadness that they couldn’t be open about their love.

The second part of the story takes place after the New Year as the men return to their ship and sail to Gibraltar and then onto Malta through dangerous seas. I liked that the story stayed focused on the relationship between the men and although you still get a strong flavour of life at sea – its dangers and its beauties – it didn’t overwhelm the human aspect of the story. It was just the right balance for me. The mystery plot worked well and provided some tension to the story, and I also liked the way that it was resolved. Another aspect of the book which worked for me was the constant tension of hiding their relationship, of being careful and attentive to it all the time. This could have caused a deep strain on both men but whilst they may reflect on a time when they could be open, they know that the need to stay hidden is worth the effort.

The highlight of the story though is the relationship between Alex and Tom. Their love and attraction shines through the dialogue, although they are very much of the British ‘stiff upper lip’ type. There’s no overly sweet declarations of love and devotion, just two men living and working alongside each other who have an obvious regard for one another. Their lives are categorised by hard work and restraint which made it all the more wonderful when they could relax together. I liked them both very much.

Overall, this was a wonderful story with strong characters who fit exactly the time and setting. If you want to read a marvellous historical this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with this one.

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When the Right One Comes Along by Paul Alan Fahey

Posted in A, Authors: D-F, Contemporary, Historical, tagged , on December 7, 2012 | 5 Comments »

whentherightonecomesalongTitle: When the Right One Comes Along
Author: Paul Alan Fahey
Length: 16,994 words
Publisher: JMS Books
Genre: Gay Fiction, Recent Historical & Contemporary
Rating: A

Blurb: Philip Noland is in his late thirties when his best friend, Jonathan, contracts AIDS. In an effort to maintain some control over Jonathan’s illness, Philip becomes his caregiver and go-between with the hospital doctors.



The mid-1980’s are a time of uncertainty and ignorance about the disease. Hysteria reigns supreme. Actors are reluctant to kiss gay costars because they believe saliva carries the virus. Others worry about sharing dishes and silverware. To add to the mix, what medical science doesn’t know about this devastating illness could fill a condom the size of the Hindenburg.



Philip is not GQ gorgeous. He’s the first to admit it. But he never gives up on his search for a soul mate, someone to complete him. In spite of the growing warnings about safe sex, Philip continues to look for Mr. Right, often in all the wrong places.



Then he meets Joshua. Is Philip’s journey finally over? Or does fate have something — or someone else — in mind for him?

Review: Phil’s romantic life is told through the series of men in his life, from friends to lovers, and by the cultural markers and progression of HIV/AIDS through the past 25 years. The story starts in 1985. Phil is a new English professor, and his best friend Jonathan is dying of AIDS. Forced to become a caregiver, the daily reality of the “gay disease” is at war with his own need and hope of finding Mr. Right. And even though he doesn’t seem to know any other way of doing that but by the culture of excessive sex, he wants to find his soul mate more than anything.

I wouldn’t categorize this as romance, though it is a romantic story and about the search for love and more than anything Philip’s need for love. He goes through much of life alone, despairing of finding “the one” but still hopeful over the years. Fast forward ten years, and Philip meets Joshua, who seems to be everything he’s looking for.

The beauty in this story is in the way that it doesn’t shy away from harsh detail — especially in the first part of the story. Phil’s time as a caretaker for his friend shape the way that he sees and understands life, and the detail of the shit and vomit and tears and fear isn’t passed over, though it also isn’t dwelt upon. Though I’ve read little in the way of memoir of the time from gay men, this felt that way to me whether it is or isn’t. The prose is saturated with real feeling and especially fear that is rooted in the uncertainty of the time and placed in history by memorable social landmarks (Reagan, the death of Rock Hudson).

The format of the story — scenes in time that span several decades — leads to a sense that the story is told in retrospect, yet without relying on retrospective melodrama. The scenes felt present in place and time to me, but I could also read the subtle cues left by Phil, the narrator as to how to feel about a situation or character. The was somewhat important later in the story, as Phil narrates through the minefield of his romantic life and the men that enter and leave it in various means.

This is an author I’ll watch out for. I’m really happy that I took a chance to read this story and I won’t let it be the last I’ll read by this author. And it’s a story that I think everyone else deserves to read as well. Definitely Recommended!

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Skybound by Aleksandr Voinov

Posted in A, Authors: V-Z, Historical, Romance, tagged , on August 20, 2012 | 4 Comments »

Title: Skybound
Author: Aleksandr Voinov
Length: 13,300 words
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Genre: m/m historical (WW2) romance
Rating: A

Blurb:
Germany, 1945. The Third Reich is on its knees as Allied forces bomb Berlin to break the last resistance. Yet on an airfield near Berlin, the battle is far from over for a young mechanic, Felix, who’s attached to a squadron of fighter pilots. He’s especially attached to fighter ace Baldur Vogt, a man he admires and secretly loves. But there’s no room for love at the end of the world, never mind in Nazi Germany.

When Baldur narrowly cheats death, Felix pulls him from his plane, and the pilot makes his riskiest move yet. He takes a few days’ leave to recover, and he takes Felix with him. Away from the pressures of the airfield, their bond deepens, and Baldur shows Felix the kind of brotherhood he’d only ever dreamed of before.

But there’s no escaping the war, and when they return, Baldur joins the fray again in the skies over Berlin. As the Allies close in on the airfield where Felix waits for his lover, Baldur must face the truth that he is no longer the only one in mortal danger.

Review:
I don’t think I’ve read a story set during World War 2 taken from the viewpoint of a German soldier and so I was curious when this story came to my attention. I was also a little apprehensive at how the war would be shown from a German angle. I shouldn’t have worried though because the story is set at the end of the war, where Germany is tired, almost defeated and desperately trying to defend itself from a stronger force, rather than being the aggressive attackers. It made me think about the cost of that war on the German people and how tragedy spanned both sides of the war.

The focus of the story is mechanic Felix. His job is to get the planes, which are defending Berlin from attack, ready to go and fly safely. He has an enormous, almost worshipful attraction to pilot Baldur which he keeps to himself. When Baldur is injured, he invites Felix to take some leave with him and the pair grow close, but any sort of relationship during wartime is almost impossible.

There were two themes in the story. Firstly there is the relationship between Felix and Baldur. The story is written from the first person point of view of Felix and he’s a shy man who suffers a little from low self esteem. It’s a surprise and delight to him when his feelings are returned and I loved the way that he blossoms with Baldur. Felix’s hesitancy fits well with the period setting, and is almost painfully slow at first with some misunderstandings born of lack of self-belief. I have to admit this was a little frustrating for me as a reader, but once things finally got in the open, I enjoyed Felix’s delight in the change in his relationship with Baldur. Felix’s innocence has a painful intensity to it, but it’s also very sweet and powerful.

The second theme is that of the closing weeks of the Second World War. In terms of research and historical detail, this really is superb with a dark desperate overarching tone to the story. More than that though is that there’s a strong human element to the story, not just in the characters of Felix and Baldur, but also in other minor characters who feature briefly. This is shown through a mixture of snippets of discussions, comments by others, snapshots of other people’s lives and shared tragedies. Along with Felix’s thoughts, these build up a clear picture of a nation brought to its knees, but still retaining its pride. It showed a very sympathetic view of the German people without taking away the reasons for the war or showing the Allies in a bad light. Full marks for the balance there.

For those who may be worried about the way the story ends, there is a HEA. It comes after a period of drama and tension which had me on the edge of my seat and was wholly satisfying whilst still keeping with the time period.

If you like historical stories set during this time, then this short story is a must. The writing is tight and controlled, the setting is flawless and the characters very sympathetic. Highly recommended.

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Fluid by Jordan Castillo Price

Posted in A, Authors: P-R, Paranormal, Romance, Series, tagged , on August 17, 2012 | 4 Comments »

Title: Fluid (Channeling Morpheus #8)
Author: Jordan Castillo Price
Length: 19,700 words
Publisher: JCP Books
Genre: m/m Paranormal Romance
Rating: A

Blurb: It’s been a couple of decades since Wild Bill has been able to savor the bite of an ice-cold, freshly tapped keg. Twenty-odd years since the shivery pucker of a cheap, boxed wine has assaulted his palate. But that doesn’t mean Bill’s forgotten how to party.

Wild Bill and Michael have holed up in a week-to-week hotel in an iffy Milwaukee neighborhood, and even though it’s been a year or two, the fringe art happenings are just as edgy as Bill remembers.

There’s a girl covered in frosting in the middle of the hors d’ouvres table, and she’s begging them to dip. And the host of the party wants to lure them into the range of his mechanical eye. It’s all fun and games, until a tryst turns deadly.

Review: We’re in Wild Bill’s point of view once again in Fluid. Coming off of their hunt with the creepy doctor in Snare, the two have been keeping a dingy room in Milwaukee for a month, Michael working at an all night vet clinic. The story starts at a pretentious hipster art party where Bill and Michael once again prove to be entertainment in different ways for the people at the party, whether purposeful or the natural ability to draw the eyes of those around them. Bill once again has a snarky inner commentary about the kiddies around him, though now that they’re further on in their relationship some of that is tempered as Bill is more apt to think and label his own guilt as Michael’s moods spiral in different directions, often into depression — something that Bill has never been shy about turning him on.

The two continue to try to spread their message — well, Michael’s — about safe vamp sex, when they come across some vamp bait, a boy named Trey that just oozes enough tragic despair to attract every vampire within a mile going home with a vamp chick named Lolita. The problems start when Trey takes them home, hoping for some group fun, to his houseboat…

Fluid follows the format laid down by the previous stories in the series by continuing with the intricacies of Bill and Michael’s relationship, while also introducing new elements into their relationship. The title seems to directly reflect the introduction of the myth of vampires crossing water into the story. We get to see what exactly happens in that situation when Trey practically drags them all back to his houseboat. Further than that, the water is important to Bill. From the perspective of someone who fears it, it allows him to contemplate death. To Bill, someone who feels tainted and dirty, a watery grave seems like a blessing, a washing away of sins and a cleansing of the world in his absence.

Of course, it is easier for Bill to bring himself out of dreary introspection, especially if it is for Michael. The longer their relationship progresses, the more their codependence becomes more complicated. Michael still lapses into depression anytime something reminds him of Scary Mary, or anytime he and Bill seems to have a disagreement about that killing problem of his. Of course, Bill actually loves Michael, so now that he’s known that for a while now, we see him allowing himself to bring MIchael out of his depression instead of savoring Michael in his mood for himself. Of course, Bill sees Michael rather plainly, and his POV is much less muddled than Michael’s — at least where Michael is concerned. And Michael makes quite a bit of progress in this story, when what turns into a sort of backwards, strange hunt make him question the morality of his mission in a way he hadn’t before. The compromise that comes from that is much more natural than it has been in the past, because in a way they’re now better at communicating, which gives the series a feeling that the relationship is finally progressing into the home stretch.

The great thing about this series, besides Bill and Michael, is that every story really has something unique to offer. That’s what makes this series so great as a first time read, and work so well as a series of short stories. You could put them all together as a whole and while the relationship would make sense stretch out end to end, their misadventures wouldn’t, simply because they work best as episodes.

Once again,this is an amazing story among a great series, easily earning an A rating :)

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Alike as Two Bees by Elin Gregory

Posted in A, Authors: G-I, Historical, Romance, tagged , on August 2, 2012 | 6 Comments »

Title: Alike as Two Bees
Author: Elin Gregory
Length: 19,664 words
Publisher: Etopia Press
Genre: m/m historical romance
Rating: A

Blurb:
Horses, love, and the tang of thyme and honey…

In Classical Greece, apprentice sculptor Philon has chosen the ideal horse to model for his masterpiece. Sadly, the rider falls well short of the ideal of beauty, but scarred and tattered Hilarion, with his brilliant, imperfect smile, draws Philon in a way that mere perfection cannot.

After years of living among the free and easy tribes of the north, Hillarion has no patience with Athenian formality. He knows what he wants—and what he wants is Philon. Society, friends and family threaten their growing relationship, but perhaps a scarred soldier and a lover of beauty are more alike than they appear.

Review:
This superb historical story follows apprentice sculptor, Philon. He’s working on a frieze which is to be placed in the home of a rich Athenian. In order to get the horses right, he observes a group of men who ride on the beach near to him. One of the group is the spoiled son of the man who they Philon is working for, whose superior attitude annoys Philon, and another among that group is Hilarion, a scarred man who catches Philon’s eye.

I love a historical with an eye for incidental detail and this story has it in spades. I can’t say that I know much about ancient Greece, but this book manages to combine a thorough setting, showing the structure and hierarchy of the sculptors and their work, the expectations and courtships of a relationship between an older and younger man, and the difference between those with money and those who work, alongside a sweet and touching romance which blossoms between Philon and Hilarion. It was all rather fascinating.

Another part that worked for me was in the friendship that Philon shares with fellow apprentice, Anatolios. They share a brotherly relationship as work-fellows and friends and I found their platonic relationship delightful. The theme of family is strong as Philon’s boss, Nikias, is more like a father to Philon and Anatolios, than a supervisor. Some of my favourite parts of the book were when these men showed a strong regard for each other through their words and actions.

The romance between Philon and Hilarion is only a small part of the story but I enjoyed seeing Philon acting all gooey over Hilarion’s attentions. Philon is surprised and pleased by the attention of a man, who outwardly looks shabby, but has a strong moral sense and calm demeanor. The scene where they come together made me smile in the way that Hilarion is trying to do the right thing, but Philon’s gentle curiosity and openness breaks his resolve. It was a lovely scene which showed us Philon’s delight, without being too explicit and it fit perfectly with the tone of the story.

Overall, I was fully immersed in the ancient Greek way of life and in the relationships between these characters. I highly recommend this story to those readers looking for a beautifully written romance with a vivid setting.

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Making Camp by Clare London

Posted in A, Authors: J-L, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on July 30, 2012 | 7 Comments »

Title: Making Camp
Author: Clare London
Length: 3,032 words (10 pdf pages)
Publisher: JMS Books (FREE)
Genre: m/m contemporary humour
Rating: A

Blurb: 

Nick’s a dedicated city boy, Max is from the West Country: the chance of a compatible date seems unlikely until Max invites Nick to spend a weekend with him. It’s the chance Nick’s been waiting for, the opportunity to get to know the guy he’s been mooning over at work, up close and personal. Nick just has to cope with the fact it’s got to happen outdoors.

Through various disasters and culture shocks, Nick tries to impress. But finding himself a fish out of water, albeit on a camping site, Nick demonstrates far too well the fact he doesn’t do canvas. Can town meet country, and he and Max find more common ground?

This story originally appeared in Tea and Crumpet.

Review:

Plain and simple, I am giving this story an A because it made me laugh, out loud. Nick is definitely a city boy and his way of describing his love of diesel fumes and the smell of the hot pavement in the city was chuckle-worthy. Really, those things are appealing? Why yes they are, to Nick. It’s only his sheer lust for IT guy Max that induces him to agree to go camping with the man, in the country no less.

I do like camping, at least I used to, but Nick’s disorientation as he awoke to the sound of crows, not the traffic, and the utter collapse of his tent, well, the descriptions the author brings forth had me laughing out loud. I have to confess, I am one of those people who will laugh at other’s misfortunes (if they aren’t injury inducing – and maybe even then if the injury is mild) and I laughed at poor Nick and his sad tent.

After that, Nick rather settles down to enjoy his day in the country with Max, much to his surprise, leading to that moment when they finally acknowledge their simmering attraction and their agreed sharing of a tent since Nick’s is pretty much buggered up do to the collapse. It was just funny and sweet and you know these two guys are going to have fun, being two rather opposite souls, but perhaps able to appreciate the world they each find appealing. So when you are in the mood to come away smiling, snap up this freebie and take a few minutes to lighten your day, at poor Nick’s expense. :-)

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Good Company by J.L. Merrow

Posted in A, Authors: M-O, Contemporary, Romance, tagged , on May 31, 2012 | 8 Comments »

Title: Good Company
Author: J.L. Merrow
Length: 5,200 words
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: m/m contemporary
Rating: A

Blurb:

Hitchhiking is a dangerous proposition. Aidan is just hoping for a ride and no trouble when a bloke named John stops to give him a lift. John seems a decent sort, though. When night falls, Aidan would do John a ‘favor’ to say thanks, just like he would any guy who seemed interested, but finds himself in a bit of a bind: he might be getting fond of the man. Can a stranger who’s good company become more than that in one short day?

Review:

This was an absolute surprising delight. I was scrolling through my TBR file and saw this title. I have no idea where I got it, because it was in e-pub format, and I had no idea what it was about or by what author. So on a whim I opened it. Oh, a Sip by J.L. Merrow. I like her work, I’ll give it a go. Wow. Best decision I made all day. :-)

This book will absolutely transport you to the UK. There is no question where these guys live, it’s not “American” English with a touch of an accent, it’s British English and just delightful. The story is told from Aidan, our hitch hiker’s POV. He’s young and cheeky and at a bit of loose ends. He’s on his way to Glasgow, but we’re not sure exactly why, however when he’s picked up by John in a fancy car, he and Aidan hit it off.

Part of what was appealing and worked for me, beyond the very clear sense of place and people, was the way little bits of information are revealed. Aidan mentions his first lover was a much older man and that he likes older men, but you also sense there is some sadness surrounding that relationship, but little bits come out as Aidan reveals things to John as they go along. It’s sweet and a bit sad, with a very optimistic uplifting future for Aidan. HEA? Maybe, but definitely HFN.

This book may not appeal to all readers, especially those who dislike the use of “accents” or very local terminology in their stories, but I absolutely loved every minute of it. I also love the banter between the two men who immediately started off with good-natured barbs about each others ages and circumstance. So I really think you can’t lose with this little gem, and I’m sorry I waited so long to discover it sitting there in my TBR file.

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Angels and Airheads by Anne Brooke

Posted in A, Authors: A-C, Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance, tagged , on May 21, 2012 | 10 Comments »

Title: Angels and Airheads
Author: Anne Brooke
Length: 5,000 words
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: m/m contemporary romance
Rating: A

Blurb:
Can one determined angel smooth the course of true love and help Ricky get his man?

Ricky has been secretly in love with his best friend Jez forever, but he’s never dared confess his feelings because he thinks Jez is too high-class for him. One evening, while sharing a quiet evening with Jez, a mysterious angel, Madred, appears and tries to persuade Ricky to take a chance on love.

Too bad Ricky doesn’t believe in angels. Madred is forced to take desperate measures in an attempt to show the reluctant Ricky the truth. When the angel leaves, can Ricky find the courage to declare himself to Jez, and what will happen to their friendship if he does?

Review:
This is a short and rather delightful story about ‘airhead’ Ricky who is so oblivious to the major crush his best friend, Jez, has on him it takes an angel to give him a major push in the right direction.

The scene is set at the beginning to show the comfortable and easy relationship that Ricky has with his friend. Little subtle touches, such as Ricky’s admiration of Jez’s flat, or how he likes spending time there, begin to give us clues that his feelings for Jez are perhaps more than just friends and were far more effective than the overt and clumsy physical lust signifiers used by some authors. It’s all about ease and warmth, not bolts of uncontained lust or throbbing cocks. So when the angel appears I was at a point where I could see that Ricky’s first thoughts of Jez’s safety fit well with a man who has feelings for his best friend.

The angel was very amusing and I enjoyed his slightly impatient and determined nature. This also told us something about Ricky’s character in that he’s got a touch of low self-worth.  Even four previous angels were unable to break through that insecurity and show Ricky that his feelings are very much returned. It was a clever way of showing us something of Ricky, and allowing the reader to do the deducing rather than being told through Ricky’s thoughts. I also liked the way that the presence of the angel lingered after he had gone through smells and feelings – again a subtle way of showing the angel’s approval, and that it was the actions of the angel which led to the scenes at the end of the book.

Finally, I really liked how romantic this story was. We don’t get long with the men together on the page, but what is there is quite delightful. Their long friendship reflected the emotions and feelings but there was the fresh newness of the physical which added to that friendship and showed they were in for the long haul.

If you’re a big soppy romantic like me, then this story is for you. The blend of humour and romance worked perfectly, the characters had enough that I had a decent feel, certainly for Ricky, and the story left me with a big smile on my face. Perfect.

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