This time of the year just wouldn’t be the same without the smell of Christmas cookies and several good, heart-warming holiday romances. I’
This time of the year just wouldn’t be the same without the smell of Christmas cookies and several good, heart-warming holiday romances. I’ll admit that I’m a Christmas romance addict, having always preferred low-angst stories that allow me to bask in their happy ending. The hunt for really good ones usually starts around this time and stretches long into January.
Status Update was a must read for me mainly due to its author, Annabeth Albert, whose work I’ve enjoyed many times in the past. She’s one of those authors who always get it just right for me, since we seem to share the same opinions and tastes in our romances. When those first reviews started trickling in, one more enthusiastic than the next, I knew Status Update would be another huge success by this wonderful author.
Noah and Adrian are both wonderful, complete characters with so many intricacies that make them stand out. We meet them as complete opposites: one light-hearted and extroverted, and the other closed off and deeply closeted. As they get to know each other, though, more and more similarities come to light and it is slowly revealed that the two have far more common ground than we (or they) first thought.
Despite their similarities, the lives Noah and Adrian lead simply don’t go well together. It’s fine while they are in their little bubble (aka Noah’s RV), but they just can’t function in the real world. Above all, Noah’s worldview and life plans get in the way – his ultraconservative upbringing and work environment, as well as his deep shame and conviction that being gay is utterly wrong.
Adrian provided an excellent counterbalance with his openness and humor that always remained present, despite his own issues. He wasn’t without fault either- if he was to truly be with Noah, he had to learn from his past behavior and finally stand up for himself. Albert did an excellent job with these two characters, and while some side characters seemed a bit plastic and over the top, the focus was always on these two where it belonged.
If you’re looking for a holiday romance with an unusual amount of substance and realistic issues, but still wonderfully warm and romantic, look no further. Status Update is everything you need and more.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review.
For those of you who haven’t been keeping track obsessively like me, Carina Press has been publishing some of the best LGBT romances for a
For those of you who haven’t been keeping track obsessively like me, Carina Press has been publishing some of the best LGBT romances for a while now. They have amazing editors and seeing their name on the cover is a guarantee of my enjoyment. Letting Go series by J. Leigh Bailey is no different.
I’ve read Reckless Hope twice since I received the advanced copy three months ago, and as much as I enjoyed it the first time, I loved it even more the second time around. Knowing how it all ends allowed me to truly savor the emotions, to experience everything alongside Sebastian and Micah and to appreciate the smallest details that made the story richer and that much more beautiful.
Micah has been alone for far too long, abandoned and betrayed in some way by every adult in his life. Now, with a dead father, a disabled and depressed mother and a younger sister in need of an attitude adjustment, Micah has no one to count on but himself. It’s not only that he doesn’t trust easily, it’s that he doesn’t trust at all, and why would he? Life has thought Micah many lessons, and very few of them have been good. As much as he might want to at times, Micah doesn’t let go, he doesn’t relax, and he certainly doesn’t rely on other people. So when he meets Sebastian who is his exact opposite, a gorgeous, reckless rich boy who seemingly has no regard for others or even for his own life, Micah doesn’t understand why his heart keeps pulling him back.
Sebastian has many faces, but none of them are honest. He is a very good actor with a shattered heart and no one to see him for what he truly is. Micah intrigues him for so many reasons and for the first time, Sebastian truly sees himself with someone for more than a night. But Micah refuses to play along, making Sebastian pull all the stops.
The journey of these two boys and their respective families will make your throat constrict due to injustice each of them suffers constantly. They are both products of circumstances, tragedies and events other people caused. It was so very painful to see them struggle with things like trusting someone and having someone to rely on, but every happy moment was so much more rewarding because of all that pain. Both Sebastian and Micah are fantastic characters with very complicated backgrounds. The birth of their love is something you’ll have to discover for yourselves.
I loved the first book in this series, but Reckless Hope really stole my heart. I would recommend it even to those who rarely read M/M fiction.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review....more
*sigh* The magic of the wonderful Rhys Ford is still very much alive. Fish Stick Fridays is another one of her unique, heartfelt romances that feel ve*sigh* The magic of the wonderful Rhys Ford is still very much alive. Fish Stick Fridays is another one of her unique, heartfelt romances that feel very much like warm blankets in cold, winter nights. As always, Rhys gave everything she had in her latest book and she somehow breathed life into several amazing characters as well as their small community.
Emotionally, Fish Stick Fridays is a challenge and a trial that ends up paying off. None of Rhys’s characters ever have it easy, and Deacon and his eight-year-old niece Zig had it tougher than most. Both have gone through the system and both have been damaged by it, only unlike Zig, Deacon didn’t have anyone to save him from the worst of it. The two are an odd pair: a tough motorcycle dude with a criminal past, and a tiny wild-haired girl wearing a pink tutu and combat boots. They stand out just about anywhere, but they fit together really well and they seem to just instinctively know how to help each other.
When they move to Half Moon Bay, they might just be too much for the small town to handle, but they are quickly embraced by other colorful inhabitants, each of them with a past of their own. While they don’t fit in with most people, Deacon and Zig fit in really well with two gay mechanics, a crazy beautician, and most of all a rich, highly educated bookstore owner named Lang Harris.
For all his polished upbringing, Lang Harris isn’t without demons of his own. His life has been on standby of sorts for years, and with good reason. He knows he shouldn’t get involved with someone as alluring as Deke, especially someone with a vulnerable eight-year-old, but he just can’t help it, not when he’s finally feeling alive after all that time.
The mystery part is as compelling as usual. Rhys doesn’t pull back punches, it just isn’t her style, which leaves the reader genuinely afraid for everyone, including the main characters. Everyone seems to be fair game in Rhys’ books, it’s just one of the many things I appreciate about her, and the danger surrounding Deacon and Lang is almost palpable.
I’m hoping for many more books set in Half Moon Bay. I don’t think that I could ever grow tired of this small community. What’s more, I trust Rhys Ford to follow her characters wherever they might take her, no matter how far, dark or dangerous their path might be.
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review.
No matter how many versions of the same story Mary Calmes writes, no matter how many times she gives different names to almost the same cha
No matter how many versions of the same story Mary Calmes writes, no matter how many times she gives different names to almost the same characters, no matter how often she re-uses the same plot, I will always buy her books the second they come out. Whatever the woman did to make us all addicted to her stories worked like a charm. I need her books like I need air to breathe and chocolate and coffee to be a functional human being.
Sleeping ‘til Sunrise is the fifth in Mary’s successful series of contemporary novellas set in Mangrove, Florida. Mangrove is a small community obviously brimming with gay people, all of them hardworking, honest, and head over heels in love. In Sleeping ‘til Sunrise, we finally get a better look at Essien Dodd, the new fire chief and his teenage daughter Ivy. Essien has been avoiding dating ever since he moved to Mangrove, despite enormous pressure from Ivy and his many meddling neighbors to finally get a life. Most men just aren’t worth the trouble, but Roark Hammond isn’t most men and Essien is well aware of it.
Roark has been consistently losing his power of speech ever since he first ran into Essien Dodd. As a well educated, rich pediatrician he should be polished and smooth, but all his upbringing and charm fly out the window whenever he’s around the gorgeous fire chief. But gorgeous or not, Essien is not meant for Roark, no matter how persistent he might be.
As always with Mary’s books, there is an insane amount of chemistry between the characters. You know from the very first minute that the two are simply meant for each other. There is no middle road, there is no other option. I love this about Calmes, this absolute certainty that someone was born for someone else. That is most likely the source of her amazing popularity, the crack cocaine that she sprinkles between the lines of her books. It is the very simple idea that there’s a perfect person for each of us, someone desperate to be near us as much as we are desperate to be near them. Same stories, same characters, same plots… none of it matters. I close these books with a silly smile, already planning when I might reread them. What could possibly be better than that?
A copy of this book was kindly provided by the publisher for review purposes. No considerations, monetary or otherwise, have influenced the opinions expressed in this review.
Among the many authors in the M/M genre, both seasoned and new, Heidi Cullinan stands out for the sheer quality of her prose, the deep unde
Among the many authors in the M/M genre, both seasoned and new, Heidi Cullinan stands out for the sheer quality of her prose, the deep understanding of her characters and the subtle sense of humor that permeates her every page. All these defining characteristics were present in Cullinan’s earliest work, but as she matures, they become more pronounced and each of her books brings forth a new surprise.
I must confess that I adored the previous two books in this series. For me, they’re a sure sign that Christmas is coming in its full romantic shine. I love romance as much as the next person, but there’s something so special about holiday stories, and especially those that take place around Christmas. After all, we all dream about our very own Christmas miracles and we love to witness them happening to others, fictional or otherwise.
Paul Jansen and Kyle Parks make a very odd pair, but that’s usually true for Heidi’s boys. We remember Paul from the previous two books and we remember that he was not our favorite. But as we learn more about him, some of his past actions become more understandable, if not entirely justified. Paul may seem like a bear on the outside, but he is a delicate, vulnerable, soft-hearted man on the inside. In fact, both of these men crush stereotypes left and right, which is precisely the sort of thing I appreciate. Being Christmas-themed, these books are a bit lighter than Heidi’s usual work, but the overall tone, the characters and everything else can only be described as perfect for the holidays.
Winter Wonderland is a fairly quick read, but that only makes it all the more appealing. It’s easy to reread in winter months and it basically guarantees the same level of delight each time you decide to pick it up. All three books have made it to my ‘comfort reread’ list were they’re sure to stay for many years to come. ...more
I’ve been a fan of Jenn Bennett ever since her first Arcadia Bell book (which seems like a million years ago), but I never expected her to try her hanI’ve been a fan of Jenn Bennett ever since her first Arcadia Bell book (which seems like a million years ago), but I never expected her to try her hand in young adult fiction. Foolish of me, I suppose. Why wouldn’t she, when she’s so good at everything else she puts her mind to writing? From the very first advanced reader’s copy that fell into a reviewer’s hand, The Anatomical Shape of a Heart (internationally titled Night Owls, which I prefer), has been getting nothing but rave reviews. And with good reason. Homework was done, a checklist was made, many YA books and reviews have been read and the result was a book designed to satisfy even the most demanding YA reader. At least that’s how it reads.
I’ve tried my best to nitpick and dissect in an attempt to pinpoint the exact thing that made me so uncomfortable, and I failed. Jenn’s writing is flawless and her characters are well rounded people with unique interest. The book offers diversity on more than one level and it even includes a positive, albeit unflinchingly honest representation of mental illness. So what the hell is wrong with me, you say? Likely the fact that my brain kept screaming too perfect too perfect too perfect!
While I loved several things about this book – in fact, my brain loved just about everything about it – my heart just refused to get with the program. It truly did feel as if Jenn had followed some well planned checklist. This is one of the rare few times when my rating won’t in any way reflect my true feelings. Objectively, this book is a dream and I would (and will) recommend it to teens wherever I turn. It includes the very things I stand for, it’s quirky and unobtrusively educational. While the perfection of this book clearly made me uncomfortable, I am more than capable of appreciating its worth. So read this, if you haven’t, and then come back to yell at me for being heartless. Or, you know, discuss. There’s nothing I’d enjoy more. ...more
The Girl in the Road follows bravely in the footsteps of some of the most famous science fiction authors. It is a very ambitious debut proj
The Girl in the Road follows bravely in the footsteps of some of the most famous science fiction authors. It is a very ambitious debut project, but Monica Byrne is more than up to the task. In it, she offers an elaborate vision of our future, focusing mostly on new energy sources. Byrne takes her time in explaining the new sources of energy and the advancements in existing ones. Her imagination is largely based on possibilities and probabilities, which gives her world an almost tangible quality. In addition, with a story set partly in India and partly in Africa, she gives us a clear view of different cultures with a very modern twist.
Bryne’s writing style is very thick, lush and intense. She sometimes jumps randomly from memory to memory, event to event, which gives her narrative a dreamlike quality, an amount of uncertainty in how much of it is real and how much is happening inside Meena’s head. And Meena’s head, let me tell you, is a wondrous place, filled with seemingly odd conclusions and paranoid jumps.
The story is full of symbolism, with meaning hidden behind meaning in several layers. Snake is the most prominent symbol, often mentioned throughout the book, reminding us constantly of ouroboros, the mythological symbol depicting a serpent eating its own tail. It symbolizes renewal, the endless cycle, things that end only to begin again. It’s easy to see why it is central in Meena’s story.
“The snake begins and ends all things, of course.”
The Girl in the Road is practically bursting from diversity of all types. Meena is Ethiopian and bisexual and her former lover – her one great love – transitioned from man to woman while they were together. When you add to that cultural diversity, The Girl in the Road becomes a novel one can read, enjoy, but also learn from. Byrne approaches all these things matter-of-factly, as one should, and the result is a book that is freeing and feministic, even though it might make a more conservative reader run for the hills.
Neil Gaiman wrote that it is transfixing to watch Monica Byrne become a major player in science fiction, and as usual, Neil Gaiman was right. With such a strong debut behind her, who knows what she has in store for us next. ...more
What could be more difficult (and more improbable) than a catholic priest and a rock star who’ve been deeply in love since childhood? It is
What could be more difficult (and more improbable) than a catholic priest and a rock star who’ve been deeply in love since childhood? It is a question Leta Blake and Indra Vaughn decided to explore together, and I dare say they found the perfect answer in their new novel, Vespertine.
Nico Blue has reached an all-time low. Things just don’t hold the same appeal they used to, not the fans, not the music, and certainly not the drugs. Being a rock star isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, not when you’re doing it without the most important person in your life. But Father Jasper Hendricks is a distant dream for Nico Blue. He was once everything to young Nicholas Blumfield, but then he decided to follow his calling and dedicate his life to God. It’s been years since the two last laid eyes on each other, but with Nico desperate to recover, he has nowhere to go but home.
Once there, Nico becomes Nicky again, and tries desperately to let go of anger and resentment, which is a lot harder than it seems with Father Jazz around to show him what he’s lost. But Jasper himself isn’t as firm in his determination to stay away from Nicky. His calling might be honest, but it maybe isn’t strong enough to hold against Nicky’s appeal.
The progression and the trials of their relationship seemed very honest to me. Neither of them was quick to jump into it and let go of years of different expectations. They had very different plans and they took the time to get to know each other as adults before they decided that their love was strong enough to give up everything else for. The book also highlights the dark side of both worlds, that of rock stars and the church and both men have to work together to find common ground after all that time.
Aside from being almost torturously romantic, Vespertine brings to light some major issues of LGBT youth. Jasper’s work with these kids is equally as important as his love for Nicky and that part of the novel was handled with great care and sensitivity.
Vespertine is everything you want a romance to be: it’s painful, exciting, emotional, deeply romantic, at times desperate, joyful and even illuminating. Aside from being a story about two complex, wonderful men, it makes us think (more) about the problems of kids who don’t quite fit the social norms. ...more
For your average romance reader, a Mary Calmes book is better than cupcakes, better than tropical beaches, better than crack. There’s just
For your average romance reader, a Mary Calmes book is better than cupcakes, better than tropical beaches, better than crack. There’s just something about the strength of devotion between her characters that captivates right on the first page. Her characters are always more than a bit eccentric, some are even a bit unhinged, but they are all magnetic and irresistible, for readers and their romantic interests both. I’ve been a fan of Mary’s books for years, and although she keeps producing the same type of romance over and over again, my idea of heaven remains one Mary Calmes book per day.
Fit to be Tied is the second in her Marshals series, loosely connected to her Matter of Time series. We rejoin Miro and Ian, partners at work and partners in life, several months after they finally acknowledged their love for each other. Things are going well for them and they love each other desperately, but while Miro is all in, Ian refuses to get married. This part of the book was very painful for me. The desperate love these two share was obvious on every page, but I kept imagining Miro down on one knee, being turned down by the love of his life. Ian had his reasons and they were valid ones, but the hurt was unbearably strong at times.
Professionally, things are going well for them both. Their newly promoted boss, our very own Sam Kage (SAM!), knows precisely how to handle them. When a serial killer escapes from a maximum security prison, a psychopath determined to hurt his arresting officer Miro Jones, Sam comes up with a plan that should keep both Ian and Miro safe.
The best thing is that even when they strongly disagree, Miro and Ian never fail to acknowledge the fact that they can’t and won’t live without each other. They need one another more than they need their next breath and they are extremely vocal about it. They are both frighteningly possessive, but instead of being overwhelming and psychotic, their connection and possessiveness just work.
As far as I’m concerned, the next book by Mary Calmes can’t come soon enough. Her plots are generally outlandish and her characters are always just a tiny bit crazy, but that’s precisely why we love them. In Mary’s case, reviews can’t convince anyone of the appeal… it’s something everyone has to experience for themselves. ...more
Sloe Ride is the fourth book in Rhys Ford’s Sinners series, in which cops and rock stars collide to create compelling mysteries and sizzlin
Sloe Ride is the fourth book in Rhys Ford’s Sinners series, in which cops and rock stars collide to create compelling mysteries and sizzling romances. It has been more than a year between books so some will have to refresh their memory a little bit, but the Morgan brothers (and assorted relatives) make it very easy to sink back into their world.
In the beginning of Sloe Ride, we see Rafe’s decline into addiction and self-destructiveness, and it’s not a pretty sight. It’s easy to dismiss him as just another spoiled rock star, which is exactly what he is. It’s difficult to sympathize with someone when seeing him at his worst, without really knowing how he got there or what caused him to become that way. Ford pushed the limits with Rafe, coming almost to the point of no redemption, but then she pulled him back beautifully by giving him direction and purpose and making him find his way.
Quinn, the odd one out among the Morgan brothers, has always been likeable, if a bit antisocial and odd. It was made quite obvious, though not addressed directly, that Quinn falls somewhere on the autism spectrum. He is brilliant, but he doesn’t pick up social cues easily and he struggles with things other people find easy, like crowds, or even flirting.
The mystery was done well, as usual. One can always trust Rhys to make it exciting and compelling. She knows how to write a real page turner, and if the romance itself isn’t enough to keep us interested (which it is), there are plenty of murders to keep us glued to our e-readers. Oddly, Rhys’s style bothered me somewhat in this book. It was a bit more choppy and disjointed and I had a hard time following the events, but even that wasn’t enough to seriously diminish my reading enjoyment.
Sloe Ride may be the weakest of the four books, but that’s not saying much when it comes to Rhys Ford. This is an author who knows how to create a mystery, how to lure us in with the promise of excitement and breathtaking romance. Weak or not, Rhys always delivers more than most authors have to offer, and picking up one of her books is a pretty safe bet. ...more
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
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