Well written, m/m romance cum coming-out novel for those anglophiles among us.
Rick is small village born and bred and he can't imaging wanting to livWell written, m/m romance cum coming-out novel for those anglophiles among us.
Rick is small village born and bred and he can't imaging wanting to live anyplace else. However, he's gay and comfortable with it personally, but has remained in the closet because he fears losing the acceptance and respect of his neighbors.
But when he meets and falls for Malik, a Pakistani radiologist, Rick must confront his fears of coming out. Mal loves Rick's small village and from all signs, the people in the village are accepting of Mal as Ricks buddy from the city. They are even accepting that he's Muslim, but will they be equally as accepting if and when the boys should come out?
Malik has already come out to his family and while he's willing to conceal his sexuality for a while, he's not willing to resume any permanent residence back in the closet.
This was a fun read. The novella is relatively short and the angst is never too deep. The village and its inhabitants are charming as are the two romantic leads. I also found the story a bit of an education. Despite decades of working with Brits and several Pakistanis, I learned quite a few new details that I'd never encountered before.
Some have criticized the tale for the somewhat "too easy" way in which the main conflict is resolved but as with many things in small towns, hard problems sometimes become easier in a small supportive community.
I understand that this novella is intended to be the first in a series and that we'll meet a few more of the gay inhabitants of "Slopy Bottom" in the ensuing stories. I personally look forward to it.
*** Note: I received a copy of this e-book for free from the author in exchange for an honest and impartial review as part of the Don't Buy My Love program ***...more
I freely admit I'm an Anglophile. I love Christie's Marple mysteries for the way that they evoke a village life that is now past and can only be foundI freely admit I'm an Anglophile. I love Christie's Marple mysteries for the way that they evoke a village life that is now past and can only be found in fiction. (Perhaps it only ever was. )
This novella cum short story has a lot of that same appeal. It's well crafted and there are polished facets that make it a gem of a story.
The title "Resonance" and the MRI struck a nice chord that was carried through in any number of other ways. The tale of a young blue collar bloke from a traditional village meeting and connecting with a Pakistani man who's plummy accent suggests a well educated and much more professional background, has many sweet surprises in store for those that read it.
The details about both men are presented in well-orchestrated ways that play into the story while complimenting the pace of the narrative. The man's watch powered by kinetic energy says a lot about the man's activity level in a distinctive way. The way that it's worked into the tale that his folks moved to Australia explain his living alone in a very traditional village with one of the greatest town names I've ever encountered in m/m fiction.
The dialogue is even salaciously witty at exactly the right times as in their shall we do dinner exchange... "I really fancy an Indian." "I'm Pakistani."
And now even though I've worked with Brits for 20 years, I've got a bunch of new phrases that I need to research... a game of Dead Lions? getting my strimmer out? Andda Bread? Though as I was reminded by another phrase it's time to stop faffing about....more
Mitch Jenkins is a high school teacher in NYC and is going through a low point in his life after breaking up with Jerry his latest lover whose partingMitch Jenkins is a high school teacher in NYC and is going through a low point in his life after breaking up with Jerry his latest lover whose parting shot after two years was that Mitch was boring in bed.
But when work associate, Aaron, introduces Mitch to the Black Lounge, a gay club, cum brothel and Mitch meets Nikko a young Japanese man who works there, everything changes.
While I've always had a soft spot for the fantasies of slightly older guys rescuing slightly younger guys, the danger level in "the Black Lounge" took the tension to a level that I was worried about. I was seriously worried that the story direction would veer into something that I was really not prepared for.
Nevertheless, I was intrigued by Mitch and Nikko's relationship and I liked Mitch's family enough to find the story worth sticking with.
The writing was well crafted and the story moved along well even through the dangerous bits that had me wondering. The story beyond that conflict was intriguing, and had me interested in what would happen beyond the end of the danger and beyond the end of the tale. Toward the end there are some really positive developments that had me wanting to know more and will probably have me checking some of the other entries in this author's canon.
*** Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest and impartial review ***...more
Short novella of two military men who meet at Annapolis and end up in different branches of the service. The flashbacks are sexy and the overall tale Short novella of two military men who meet at Annapolis and end up in different branches of the service. The flashbacks are sexy and the overall tale in interesting but being the voracious reader I am I wanted a longer tale with more detail. ...more
I heard about this book some time ago but when I heard about the sad elements of the plot I put off reading it.
Now that I have, I should have read itI heard about this book some time ago but when I heard about the sad elements of the plot I put off reading it.
Now that I have, I should have read it sooner. It's not as bleak as I feared and the snarkiness of the 13 year old protagonist makes some of the sadder parts also a bit laugh out loud funny.
Overall this book is life affirming and even a feel-good book in some ways. It's certainly a bildungsroman in that the main character/narrator become a man over the course of the book in the most important ways....more
This is an odd but enjoyable romance. We have the smitten couple brought together by a twist of fate. Though very different and NOT what you'd expect This is an odd but enjoyable romance. We have the smitten couple brought together by a twist of fate. Though very different and NOT what you'd expect they both find something in the other that's totally enthralling. Yet circumstances and distances interfere and even by the end of the book there is still much more that they don't know about each other than in your typical romance. But romance is all about wanting to see them get together and this book has that aspect in spades.
By the end little is settled and the sexual content in this story is low key enough that little old church ladies wouldn't be shocked. Yet, the book manages to evince the gooey happy at the end feeling that is so addictive. This book could easily have a sequel but I'm afraid that it would seem ordinary after the story in this one. ...more
Another great Sherlock Holmes story. If you're in the mood for a detective and his Bosworth solving yet another perplexing mystery in Holmes usual almAnother great Sherlock Holmes story. If you're in the mood for a detective and his Bosworth solving yet another perplexing mystery in Holmes usual almost workmanlike but brilliant passing as competent manner, then this may be just the ticket. ...more
I've always been a sucker for stories of waifs and strays and for coming out stories in general so I was pretty sure from this book's blurb that I'd lI've always been a sucker for stories of waifs and strays and for coming out stories in general so I was pretty sure from this book's blurb that I'd like it. I wasn't wrong.
John Williams, a recently separated man, is lonely living his big empty house now that his son has moved out and his wife left him -- even taking the family dog.
When John goes to get a new pet, he meets Blue McCoy, a young man whose hippie parents raised him to be almost puppy-like in his optimism and impressibility but Blue has been living on the streets for a while and that optimism (and Blue's self esteem) have been battered a lot.
Blue is in crises when his adopted dog (and best friend) is struck by a car.
John ends up offering Blue (an his recovering pet) a place to stay and although John has resisted an attraction to men for pretty much his whole life, Blue is irresistible.
Sure, there's some younger man, older man, fantasy fulfillment here but what great romance isn't about a bit of fantasy fulfillment?
As with the other B.G. Thomas books I've read, this one touches on some serious issues but overall it's a happy, feel-good tale and a great respite from some of the gloomier stuff that I've been reading. There was a bit in here about a sibling of Blue's that was a bit bleaker than the rest of this tale. That sub-plot felt less developed than the rest but I'm guessing that the author has another tale in mind. If so, he's certainly hooked me.
It was fun to see a few characters from other Thomas books make cameos here and yet the book is easily enjoyable by folks that don't recognize the characters from earlier works.
*** Note I was given a copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest and fair review. Actually, I requested it! ***...more
This story is a refreshing bit of basic wish fulfillment... 30 year old successful writer Robert meets and is smitten with Dario a young and sexy guy This story is a refreshing bit of basic wish fulfillment... 30 year old successful writer Robert meets and is smitten with Dario a young and sexy guy who's attending college and working as a busboy, and miracle of miracles Dario likes him back. Not only as a potential beau but as a writer!
The coming together is well plotted, the writer's cat is interesting and the writer's friends and acquaintances add interest that soon becomes something more sinister taking this from just a simple romance to a bit of a mystery/detective story.
The prose is a bit rococo, and unusually rich and evocative without getting in the way of the narrative. The characters all seem realistic and likeable its a pleasure to spend time with them. Not to mention that the sex scenes are well written, hot and a bit more well crafted than is usually the case in this type of story.
If you're in the mood for a sweet older-guy younger guy tale, this one is pretty good bet....more
This is a the tale of a young man (Zack) who's had to begin supporting himself at much too young an age and of Charlie, the preppy college kid who comThis is a the tale of a young man (Zack) who's had to begin supporting himself at much too young an age and of Charlie, the preppy college kid who comes to love him. Some have criticized this book for being misleading and/or inaccurate and the cover for being deceptive.
I didn't find that to be the case.
The fiction we read about hustlers being "rescued" is just that, fiction and folks that have spent time making money that way are generally damaged in a way that will never entirely heal. Yet everyone bears scars and many become better human beings because of them.
One of the first good friends I made when I moved to NYC many years ago was a guy who'd grown up a bit rough. He'd been a hustler and had done a LOT of things that we don't consider "proper" but he was fiercely proud of being a survivor and had turned his life around to a large degree.
By the time I met him he was working full-time as an accountant/bookkeeper and had a steady living situation (albeit with an old trick turned friend) He also maintained a lot the friendships he'd made over the lean years and I spent more than a few hours drinking and swapping tales with him and a few other "working boys" in several "hustler bars." Though he died of AIDS in the mid 80's, I learned a lot from him. He was a good friend and a good person. I've talked to/befriended a number of guys since then who've found themselves in similar situations.
This book actually seemed pretty romantic on the whole, particularly given the premise. Perhaps the MC was a bit too well adjusted but overall it seemed like a credible story. However, it will not be to everyone's liking....more
Chris Jackson is a bright and happy college student and the captain of his soccer team. But he's aware in no uncertain terms that his father expects hChris Jackson is a bright and happy college student and the captain of his soccer team. But he's aware in no uncertain terms that his father expects him to carry on the family tradition of marrying a cheerleader. That becomes problematic when Chris falls for troubled Alonzo Martin, a goth guy that seems to have no friends but who shows up to watch all Chris's soccer practices and games.
Approaching Alonzo is also problematic initially as Chris discovers. Apparently Alonzo has had some severe problems in his past and as we and Chris discover more about these their relationship develops.
While the basic set-up for this was well done and most of the storytelling engaging there were a few points that were just too far-fetched or discordant to be believable. For me the worst was the father's obsession with the whole cheerleader thing. It felt artificial and just too unbelievable to serve as the plot device that the author was going for.
Chris's being brilliant (as well as being a star athlete) was nice but his logophilia (word loving) seemed a bit under-served with some of the best words reserved for other characters. "Specifications" has never struck me as a ten-penny word and "sesquipedalian" felt like it was trying too hard. I think that given the nature of the story a few more "fundament"al points might have been made if Chris were an acknowledged ass-man. And some were just throw-aways. "Ocular Trajectory" was used too early and as part of the narrative rather than in dialogue.
Also the symbolic "Black Trench Coat" wasn't the best device in my opinion. Given the Columbine connotations a "Black Hoodie" might have been much more effective. But again, that observation might just be the "back seat writer" in me.
On the up-side the characters were sympathetic and likeable though I felt like the best friend Doug might have been handled better. I did especially like the chocolate milk apology.
One tends to paint a mental picture and "get into" a story as one reads but if the author uses the wrong word or creates a cognitive dissonance one can be "pulled out" of that state. I was really enjoying the story but a few clinkers along the way damaged the overall experience.
One, was the metaphor involving a catalytic converter being set to idle. As far as I know catalytic converters aren't set at all and the rest of the metaphor was about gears so I'm guessing that what was intended was a transmission metaphor. Given that we'd been preconditioned to expect word precision, this one was kind of jarring. Likewise Chris's rejoinder when learning about Alonzo being from Nebraska... "I bet the Mountains are gorgeous." kinda threw me. I'm guessing that there MAY be some mountains (or at least foothills) in the extreme western parts of Nebraska but I've always thought of Nebraska as one of the plains states and pretty flat.
But enough of picking nits. If one can overlook these minor annoyances, the basic story-line is sweet and the boys are the kind that any romantic would root for. A wounded character is almost by default a sympathetic one and discovering the nature and extent of Alfonzo's (or Lonnie's) wounds made him endearing and it seemed natural that Chris would be attracted.
The development of couples as friends was also something nice to read about that is all too uncommon in m/m fiction.
Been reading a lot of Mark's books lately and for the most part enjoying spending time with the guys he writes about.
However, there are some continu Been reading a lot of Mark's books lately and for the most part enjoying spending time with the guys he writes about.
However, there are some continual themes that should be less omnipresent. 1) We don't always need to know what everyone at the table is eating (and drinking). 2) Yes, we know that there are a LOT of pretty boys at IU but the way they are written it's almost as if they were the overwhelming majority. 3) Yes, having so many pretty boys around makes staying monogamous hard but the temptations are not something that are as continuous as what's depicted here.
I did expect some cheating in this book because the main couple aren't as devoted to each other as the other main main couples. I think it would have been more interesting to see them deal with the cheating and the aftermath, forgiving each other and transitioning from lovers to friends.
Fun savvy tale of a loathing to loving relationship. Two imperfect people who are just right for each other. Great friends add to the plot and the parFun savvy tale of a loathing to loving relationship. Two imperfect people who are just right for each other. Great friends add to the plot and the parentals add their bit of depth to the story as well....more
The best books are those that surprise you. For me this was one of those. In the mood for a sticky sweet romance (even if it was M/F) I picked this upThe best books are those that surprise you. For me this was one of those. In the mood for a sticky sweet romance (even if it was M/F) I picked this up and pretty much guessed the secret from the cover blurb. (view spoiler)[The fact that the main character's love interest was a gay boy. (hide spoiler)]
But that was confirmed early on and yet this book continued to surprise. The parallels between society's attitudes toward miscegenation and gay marriage were evident. The troubled consciences of the main family over their slave holding heritage even into this millennium added yet another level of complexity to what I thought would be a simple romantic confection.
This is a good book. It meets the simple expectations and exceeds them, shedding light on things I'd not thought of in these terms before. Not bad for a "sticky sweet romance (though it turns out there's no great romance. One is left like the main character a bit sad at what never happened but content with the deeper account of what is more real....more
Lymstock is subject to a poison pen letter spree... or is it?
The mystery itself is better than many of the regular Marple mysteries but as written coLymstock is subject to a poison pen letter spree... or is it?
The mystery itself is better than many of the regular Marple mysteries but as written could have almost been solved without her. Her role in the Joan Hickson adaptation is expanded quite a bit and we get to see more of the Marple we love. The TV adaptation also features Michael Culver (better known as Prior Robert from the Cadfael Mysteries)
(The clue about the address on the letter being altered from Barton to Burton was so subtle that I didn't recognize the significance at all until I saw the Joan Hickson adaptation for the second or third time)
Yet, from what I understand, Christie was sort of continually badgered to write more about Marple AND Poirot....more
I've read most of Mark's books and have been following him since shortly after he released his first tale of Mark and Taylor. There has been some declI've read most of Mark's books and have been following him since shortly after he released his first tale of Mark and Taylor. There has been some decline in quality with the increased frequency of his releases but there is usually something that makes each one worth reading. And while I like the tales of first love centered back in the 80's, this one felt a bit like he was just going through the motions.
Just re-read this and it holds up well. There IS a lot of detail on meals and on decor but then that's sort of a comfortable thing for these books.Just re-read this and it holds up well. There IS a lot of detail on meals and on decor but then that's sort of a comfortable thing for these books....more
Very odd in that it was Poirot mystery but he didn't appear until quite late. Still it was very good. The BBC TV adaptation features Poirot much earliVery odd in that it was Poirot mystery but he didn't appear until quite late. Still it was very good. The BBC TV adaptation features Poirot much earlier but it almost had to...more
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