This is a fast, fun, erotic gay tale that caters to those with a liking for jock-nerd pairings, kidnapping, first times and a bit of bare-knuckle brawThis is a fast, fun, erotic gay tale that caters to those with a liking for jock-nerd pairings, kidnapping, first times and a bit of bare-knuckle brawling. The standard tropes pretty much suffice for character development and for a tale where the triumph depends on the laws of physics there is less accuracy here than a nerd would expect but as a fantasy tale, that's fine. It should also be mentioned that this tale features unprotected sex; but it is a fantasy, and both guys claim to be virgins. So perhaps one of those fantasies is one's ability to accept the word of a stranger.
One other niggle here... the guy pictured on the cover is beautiful. Too beautiful to be the nerd described in the text and that's the only character wearing a towel in this tale. Nitpickers may pick away but if you're just along for the fun-ride, enjoy.
This is actually short for even a short story... It might be more aptly termed a literary amuse-bouche. At just over 30 pages there's not really enough here to really judge the author's skill but they ARE pretty much able to tell a tale without getting in the the way too much. And I've an appetite for something more substantial next time.
***Note: I am voluntarily reviewing this after receiving a complimentary copy ***...more
Can one sue an author for failing to signal a stop? This is the engrossing story of Niki Georgiev who’s grown up part of a traveling circus. When the Can one sue an author for failing to signal a stop? This is the engrossing story of Niki Georgiev who’s grown up part of a traveling circus. When the book opens, he’s in the midst of a well-deserved pity party because, while working as a roustabout he was involved in an accident, and ended up losing his left arm. While the circus folk have banded together and support him like family, he’s now working as a clown and is feeling like less than a man due to his disability.
When the star of the circus’s flashy new act turns out to be his scrawny childhood buddy, now grown into a sexy man, and that man is clearly interested in him, Niki’s perspective is suddenly shaken. When that man apparently wants him (and not just as part of his act), things seem to have taken a decidedly upward turn.
However, this novella ends much too quickly. The sympathetic and genuine characters and the circus atmosphere draw us in, everything is starting to get better (and interesting), but “Wham” it’s plottus interuptus. The story ends so abruptly that I swear I hit my head on the closing credits. Even many short stories have longer, more satisfying denouements.
At about 15,500 words I didn’t expect an epic, but I felt like there was so much more I needed to know. Vaudevillians used to say “always leave em wanting more.” but this just ends too quickly. I would have easily rated it a four or more had it continued, but I felt that I needed to deduct at least half a heart for not posting a warning before such a precipitous end.
This is my second book in the Codename Winger series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Theo Reese is super-smart when it comes to computers and haThis is my second book in the Codename Winger series and I enjoyed it more than the first. Theo Reese is super-smart when it comes to computers and has a maturity well beyond his years but he’s also a “normal” teenager in many ways. Though he’s been a “secret agent” of sorts for a while, in this installment he has to deal with the death of a co-worker and mentor. It clearly affects him. I guess Edna St. Vincent Millay was right… “Childhood is the kingdom where nobody dies.” Here Theo is forced to leave another part of his childhood behind. He’s still lucky enough to have understanding parents and a sexy and caring boyfriend.
These tales are clearly told in a YA “action movie” style. Much of the action in this one concerns the theft of a secret encryption key, and Theo trying to “coach” a team of his fellow school-mates in a cyber-security challenge with college scholarships and cash prizes at stake.
Again, I was struck by the way Theo’s being gay is accepted by his parents, his teammates, and his workmates as if it were just commonplace. It’s just treated in an “It’s no big deal” manner. At one point Theo and Eddie even double date with Theo’s best friend, Mitch, and his girlfriend. Later that girlfriend and Theo team up on the straight boy by teasing him about what they find attractive in a guy.
As you’d expect with teen-aged main characters, there is no graphic sex depicted here. Very little is even suggested, though the boys do get to spend some private time alone again.
This audiobook presentation is again narrated by Kirt Graves. His boyishly youthful voice works perfectly for Theo. Kirt even does a passable British accent for his boss, and a bit of an Irish one for one of the villains. Many of the more minor characters don’t get their own “voices.” While this might have been better with more variety, it isn’t all that confusing, and doesn’t really detract from the story in any way.
If you’d like to read something with a gay main character, where romance isn’t the primary focus, these books may be right up your alley.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
Did you like the Alex Rider book series but kind of wish that Alex had been gay?
Well, meet Theo Reese. Unlike Alex Rider, Theo isn’t physically ninjaDid you like the Alex Rider book series but kind of wish that Alex had been gay?
Well, meet Theo Reese. Unlike Alex Rider, Theo isn’t physically ninja quick, but he is smart. And he uses that skill in his work with the ultra-secret TOS agency that he and his parents work for. At the tender age of 16 he’s attending high school, taking a class at MIT, playing hockey for his high-school team… and oh yeah… He’s a hacker/tech guru for the spy organization his parents work for.
But this is spy fantasy… He’s also got a sexy and caring boyfriend. and both sets of parents are understanding enough not to be troubled by having gay sons.
That said, this is not so much a romance as a YA “action movie” style title. There are some bits where Theo (or Winger since he’s most often using his code name) is concerned that his boyfriend Eddie might be getting fed up with the secrets he’s keeping from him. There’s also his very legit concern that he may be endangering Eddie’s life without every really letting him know the full truth. But, it’s most definitely NOT a romance novel.
I do love the way that being gay is just accepted by his parents, his teammates, and his workmates as if it were just commonplace. Talk about a fantasy!
Also along those lines, Eddie is described as being “darker skinned.” In one bit Theo reflects on how Eddie doesn’t blush very often and when he does it takes longer to spot. Also at one point his hairstyle is described as being a short afro-style. While it’s not spelled out anywhere, I’m guessing/hoping that Eddie is at least partly African-American. While I love to celebrate diversity, I like to think that someday we’ll all get to a point where all of our differences can be celebrated without necessarily commenting on them.
Some critics have mentioned that Theo exhibits way more maturity than any teen has a right to. While I can understand their concerns, I wasn’t particularly bothered by that aspect of his character. He may be a bit too perfect in that regard, but unusual abilities are just part of the super-spy genre, no? Anyone who’s dealt with what he has for any length of time, and who has caring and supportive parental role models might well be more mature than most of his peers. He is still dealing with many of the other issues of being a teen. In some ways he’s completely normal. I was particularly touched by his concern that his employer, TOS were actually “the Good Guys.” Though he may be “too good to be true” on another front as well. At one point he sends himself to his room.
As you’d expect with teen-aged main characters, there is no graphic sex depicted here. Theo’s kept so busy that very little sex is even suggested here. Though both boys do get to spend some private time. …in Eddie’s room, in Theo’s hotel room, and even a sauna at various points.
An earlier release of this audiobook was criticized by some for John Solo‘s voice not being a good match for the teen-aged protagonist in this single POV story. The current version is narrated by Kirt Graves who’s definitely got a youthful voice. At some points his boyish timbre still rings of Clearasil®. He’s also got some pretty spot-on regional accents that make a few of the tale’s characters more interesting as well.
Not sure if it’s just my preconceptions or something about Kirt Graves’s voice acting, but I kept picturing Theo as he might be portrayed by Ansel Elgort; and that’s despite his self-described status as a ginger.
If like me, you’d like to read something with a gay main character, but where romance (and/or being gay) isn’t the primary focus, you could certainly do worse than choosing this title. I’m already diving into book 2.
*** In the spirit of full disclosure: I did receive a free copy of this title but this is an honest and impartial review ***
A short but satisfying tale of a couple re-uniting. This short features the return of a wealthy though possibly now dis-inherited ex-lover to his boyfA short but satisfying tale of a couple re-uniting. This short features the return of a wealthy though possibly now dis-inherited ex-lover to his boyfriend who's running a failing animal rescue project. Will the two make it as a couple? Will they somehow manage to turn the rescue around?
Not much is made clear here except that the author knows how to write convincing characters that one quickly grows attached to.
I think that the author accomplished his mission. I want to know more and will probably read the next in the series....more
Though it’s partly due to my age, this book has perhaps the highest TPP (Tears per Page) rating of any book I’ve ever read. I was reminded of this durThough it’s partly due to my age, this book has perhaps the highest TPP (Tears per Page) rating of any book I’ve ever read. I was reminded of this during this years Memorial Day Holiday and I should have reviewed it prior to then but it’s really just as effective at any time of the year for those that lived through this period.
The first time I read this was a few years back. I was eating alone in a restaurant and brought my kindle in so I’d have something to read during the meal. The waitress left me a menu and went to get my drink and I, already knowing what I wanted, opened this book and started to read. When the big haired southern waitress got back with my soda, she touched my shoulder and asked “Sweetie what’s the matter?” I hadn’t realized it but tears had been streaming down my face. Though I covered quickly, I postponed reading the rest until I was in private.
If you’re of an age to remember Vietnam era POW/MIA bracelets, then this is a tale you’ll be glad you read. But beware, tears will be shed.
Ready for a bed-time story? How about three of them? Each involves that most common of gay fantasies, a curious straight guy. This is a collection of Ready for a bed-time story? How about three of them? Each involves that most common of gay fantasies, a curious straight guy. This is a collection of steamy stories and is clearly more erotic fiction than romantic lit. Still, they’re fun to read and there’s already a second volume out. As to “Bros with Benefits”… Gotta admit that this is the first time I’ve ever encountered the term “bro-job.” It’s amazing what one learns in college. In “The Jockstrap Thief” we meet a fresh frosh who knows what he wants and makes a deal to get it. And in “Sweet Release” we meet a freshman living away from home for the first time who learns something about himself he didn’t expect when he’s disturbed by his new neighbor’s midnight pining.
Don’t expect any in-depth character creation. This type of writing relies on giving the broad outlines and leaving enough ambiguity so you can color in the salacious details as you best see fit. Also, since these tales involve first-timers don’t expect anything too sophisticated as to bedroom antics.
At an average of 15 pages each, these tales might be termed bite-sized, but a better term might be “bate-sized.” In this case 3 sessions at least.
***Note: While I received a free copy of this title, this is an honest and impartial review ***
Billy Tucker, born and raised in rural Texas is an out gay boy whose blue-collar family runs the local diner. Tanner Strong, the football star from thBilly Tucker, born and raised in rural Texas is an out gay boy whose blue-collar family runs the local diner. Tanner Strong, the football star from the town’s wealthiest family, has gone on to college in Oklahoma. While Billy wanted to leave the small-town diner behind and become a pastry chef, he was delayed by his father’s health problems. Tanner’s coming to realize he wants something different than what his family and friends foresaw for him as well. Tanner’s having a harder time of it than he’s willing to admit in the world outside Spruce, Texas. Can the two boys explore their interests in each other without the whole town knowing? And what will happen when summer ends?
This really is one of the sweetest reads I’ve encountered in a while and I thoroughly enjoyed indulging my sweet-tooth with this book. This is genuinely low stress, high “feels” read with some hot sex between two fit and likable lads.
This audiobook was done as a dual narrator read with Chris Chambers voicing the small-town out gay boy Billy Tucker, and Sean Crisden voicing the (closeted) small town football hero, Tanner Strong.
The book has gotten mixed reviews for it’s narration. Chris’s narration is rendered in the languid drawl one might expect from a rural Texan gayboy, (Just taking a fast food order fills the first 20 minutes of the story). Conversely, Sean’s rendition of Tanner has a “6 volt monologue connected to a 12 volt battery” quality while his voice itself channels Christian Slater. Some listeners have complained that he mumbles a lot, but I was able to understand everything just fine, and am convinced that what is labeled as mumbling is just the narrator’s attempt to reflect the character questioning himself.
I very much enjoyed the audio-book version of this but am now a bit curious to read a text version of it to judge for myself as to how well the boys did with their narration and voice acting.
To those with good library access, this is available for loan on HOOPLA
These short stories are one man's attempt to prove length isn't everything. For short stories with such clear readable pReally more like 4 1/2 stars.
These short stories are one man's attempt to prove length isn't everything. For short stories with such clear readable prose, there's some stiff going ahead for anyone who immerses himself in these tales.
This is erotic fiction involving one of the most ubiquitous fantasy tropes in M/M fiction, straight guys on the cusp due to curiosity. If you like stories about opening up new horizons, redefining childhood friendships, some COVID induced curiosity, or just crusty sweat socks, this might be the collection for you.
There's not a lot of mechanistic "place tab A in slot B" style action, instead the author has some efficacy with allusion, and a randy sense of fun; good-clean, and the other kind.
*** I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review ***...more
Do you have a sexual bucket list? Well, this soon-to-be grad student decides to spend a summer clearing a few things off his list. What could be a betDo you have a sexual bucket list? Well, this soon-to-be grad student decides to spend a summer clearing a few things off his list. What could be a better way to get prepared to buckle down?
Jerry’s already ticked off an airline pilot, a gymnast and a bicycle racer before setting his sights on a reputedly easy Texas surfer boy. However when Jerry meets the lad, we find that there’s a bit more than meets his profile.
At only 17 pages one expects this to be simply a calling card. “Free-samples” are a great way to interest readers unfamiliar with an author’s work, or to introduce characters that may be the basis for an entire series. This author accomplishes that in spades. He manages to do more than just spin an erotic tale. These characters felt fully realized and they were both charming enough that you immediately enjoy their company. The sex is enjoyable, but meeting these two young guys, even more so. It does make me wish there were more, and even suggests what that more might be.
Apparently this was also included in the author’s short story collection, The Boy Can’t Help It. So, perhaps I’ll check that out soon.
An Amazon Kindle Free Read Just a quick light hearted story about City mouse meets Country Mouse.
Nick our city mouse here is a London boy, born and breAn Amazon Kindle Free Read Just a quick light hearted story about City mouse meets Country Mouse.
Nick our city mouse here is a London boy, born and bred. But when he’s asked to go camping by cute country mouse, Max (the IT Guy) from the West Country. He decides that more should be tenting than just his trousers.
But when a tent collapse puts them both under the same canvas after a day of tiring outdoor activity, who knows what appetites will arise.
At only 15 pages, this is the literary equivalent of an amuse-bouche. Satisfying as it is, and enjoyable, but it just makes you crave more. The characters are likable and the tale is entertaining, and it’s got me curious about her longer works.
In James Joyce's Ulysses there's one sentence with 4,391 words. At just 11 pages, I'm not sure there are that many words in this entire book. (is therIn James Joyce's Ulysses there's one sentence with 4,391 words. At just 11 pages, I'm not sure there are that many words in this entire book. (is there such a thing as an e-pamphlet?) This is the literary equivalent of sex in the stalls. It's not got enough character development to be called a one night stand, but it's direct, hot, and perfectly captures the "voice" of the newly "gay for pay" jock boy Cash.
Of course this kind of thing might become addictive and there are four books in this series... Consider this a free sample. Turns out... Sex Sells! ...more
If you want a short, hot, fantasy fulfillment tale about what happens when a nerdy small town southern boy suddenly finds himself with two randy well-If you want a short, hot, fantasy fulfillment tale about what happens when a nerdy small town southern boy suddenly finds himself with two randy well-built step brothers and an even studlier high school coach for a stepfather, this is just the ticket.
They say that thirty days hath September, well 31 pages hath this e-book. And yet that’s enough for veteran author Keegan Kennedy to cram in a set-up, three blowjobs, and a bit more. Don’t look for much character development in this tale. This is primarily erotic fiction.
This is about as “slow burn,” as lighter fluid. And while the character building is minimal, it relies on the stereotypes of the trope to make for a fast and satisfying read. Again, it’s a free read so you can’t go wrong with the price, and I found it well worth the reading time. I’d not recommend this type of thing as a steady diet, but as a sorbet for the hormones, it’s all good.
I'd actually rate this as three and a half stars. It's clearly better than average but there was a bit of a "mood mis-match." I was expecting somethinI'd actually rate this as three and a half stars. It's clearly better than average but there was a bit of a "mood mis-match." I was expecting something lighter and more "fun-centered" from the author's blurb, and now that I've read it, I have the sneaking suspicion that it might have been "good for me."
Drop Dead Sexy is a triptych. Three tales from beyond the grave. OK… So the undead prefer the terms “living challenged” or “previously deceased.” Who knew? Best learn the terminology or face the chance of being outed as a “breather” or a “necrophobe” by one of those re-woke advocates.
Serious as the Grave is the first tale. That of Tyler and his best (presumably straight) friend Daniel. Daniel and Taylor are both accountants in this short gay-for-you tale. Turns out that Daniel is more open-minded than his friend Tyler ever thought he was. If only hate mongers like Samuel Chalmers weren’t agitating for re-internment of all zombies… You’d think pastors would be more tolerant of the “born again.”
Lights, Camera, Zombies! Is the second tale. A bit grimmer than the first in that its events mirror too closely today’s problems of race and social injustice. Here society is still adjusting. Bigots have passed laws making the re-animated second class citizens, with laws against “passing” and fraternizing with the “previously dead.” Yet, never say die. The boys (and love) will find a way.
The third tale is Destination Dead, a tale of a resort established for the undead to get a little vacation time away from the breather infested world. The grand opening is this weekend if owners Cal and Holden can keep their hands off each other long enough to get the place open… and if the necrophobic Xavier Whittaker, owner of the island’s exclusive breather resort fails to get them closed down.
I’m a big fan of tales that allow you to walk a mile in the other guy’s moccasins. (Or in this case shamble) but by the end I did detect a bit of “decomp shaming” going on. In all of these stories the recently deceased were re-animated before any serious decomp could take place. But then fiction has generally featured the “pretty people.” These tales are for the most part light hearted but there is an under-current of discrimination that gives them a satirical edge.
Though the book is humorous on many levels, each of the tales shows that the after-life isn’t all that much easier than what comes before it. But most of the problems seem to arise from man’s intolerance for man. I’m not advocating that you rush out and buy this book, I’m just saying, I’d not be caught dead without it.
I wanted a quick, highly sexy, book as a change of pace before diving back into longer, more substantial reading. This short novella is not “dinner anI wanted a quick, highly sexy, book as a change of pace before diving back into longer, more substantial reading. This short novella is not “dinner and a movie.” This is more “let’s meet at the motel and get off.” It’s the standard tale where a geeky narrator takes on his high-school tormentor, and they both get what they want. This is a fast, fun, piece of friction fiction, what I used to call “one handed reading.”
In this story a journalist, shall we call him “deep throat?” Goes for a penetrating story featuring his former tormentor. Even without “going under-cover” he gets what he came for.
In this antithesis of a “slow burn,” the characterization is minimal, but relies on the stereotypes of the trope. The action is almost non-stop, the plot development is almost non-existent, and yet, it makes for a satisfying read. As a free read it’s worth more than twice the price, as well as the reading time. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a steamy change of pace.
At 10 pages this short story is a great fun read. Though it's a bit like stealing a lick of the icing off a birthday cake. It's the sweetest part of sAt 10 pages this short story is a great fun read. Though it's a bit like stealing a lick of the icing off a birthday cake. It's the sweetest part of something you just know you're gonna want more of.
An age gap fantasy of a different kind, the 10 year difference seems a lot, even now when the eldest is 32 but this crush has been deepening ever since the younger was 6. Their "last best chance" to get together caused by a family move makes today the day. The day to seize the day and The Boy Next Door
Angels Vs. Demons in a quite literal battle for the soul. Everyone knows love is a battlefield.
This is an interesting premise for a short and sets upAngels Vs. Demons in a quite literal battle for the soul. Everyone knows love is a battlefield.
This is an interesting premise for a short and sets up the scenario quite well but I'm not sure if there is a full length novel in this idea without some more invention.
At only 12 pages, it's a bad sign when I find myself checking to see how much is left. But, that may have had as much to do with my state of mind as that of the author's skill. There's nothing terribly egregious here and the idea is the start of a good one. I may want to read more some day. ...more
This short story is a brilliant PSA (Public Service Announcement) about safer sex that may well save lives.
Done in an engaging, creative fashion, thisThis short story is a brilliant PSA (Public Service Announcement) about safer sex that may well save lives.
Done in an engaging, creative fashion, this is the tale of a young main character waiting for his HIV test results. Meanwhile he’s flashing back on the sexual partners and encounters that have gotten him to this point. Given that it’s set primarily in a doctors office (with some hot flashbacks) it does get a bit clinical in spots.
Between his adventures and the safe sex material presented by the health clinic volunteer briefing him, the reader gets a great review of current thinking about safer sex. And you may even learn something new. …not many people I’ve spoken with have ever heard of the upside down condom trick.
So many school districts fail to present this material to young people. Some cite the fear that it will lead youngsters to thinking about sex more. C’mon! Realistically, is that really possible? This short story provides a valuable service without doing it in a preachy, easy to ignore manner.
Kudos on a brilliant concept! And Kudos on helping spread the information rather than the virus.
This is free as a Kindle book on Amazon. Check it out
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