price：$4.62
L-Book ePublisher
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great story) 『I really loved this book. You can just feel and imagine what it was like on the Oregon trail. Very well written.』
(So-So Writing, Good Story) 『I felt that Jae's writing in Backwards to Oregon was very average in quality. There wasn't anything very compelling in how she writes and especially in the second half of the book was much too repetitive for my tastes. I get really irritated when the same thoughts are expressed by characters or the same explanations are given over and over again. However, given that she is evidently German I think that even being an average writer in English is an impressive accomplishment.
Jae is a good story teller though and the story is what holds this book together and makes it worth reading. I enjoy adventure and old west types of stories, so this was right up my alley in that regard. Jae brings alive what it was like to be on the Oregon Trail and all the hardships people had to endure as they made their way west. I found a lot of the details of how the oxen and wagons were handled quite interesting.
The characters were also interesting, including several of the secondary characters. Luke, a woman passing as a man most of her life, on a spur of the moment decision asks Nora, a brothel worker, to marry him. The marriage is offered as a sort of business arrangement on the eve of Luke heading west. Nora will get the chance to make a new life for herself and her daughter in a place where no one knows her background. Luke will have a better chance at continuing to pass as a man with a wife and child along on a trip taken mostly by families, not single men. Luke doesn't let Nora in on "his" little secret, so a lot of the story centers around the issues that creates.
If I could give half stars I would rate this book 3.5 stars. It's not a really great book, but Jae's ability to weave a good tale and create characters we care about rescues what could easily have been a 2 star dud. So while I can't give the book a rave review, I can say it's worth reading for those who enjoy this type of story.』
(Highly Recomended) 『There have been very few books in my life time where I have felt obligated to write a review, but this book has inspired me to recommend it to any and every one regardless of background. The way the author evolves the main plot and the way she tells the story is amazing. I truly feel I got my money worth out of this one.』
(bois, dressed in rough leathers, outdoing the men is so sexy) 『I have recently finished reading Backwards to Oregon and I loved it. It was well written, exciting, realistic, believable, sweet, eduational and very very entertaining. Last night, I also sat down and read 'The Art of Pretending' (from the same author and available from [...]). This was a spin off of BTO which is offered as a free book/story from L-books. While it was only a novelette/short story, the author captured my interest and really delivered. I was definately not disappointed and would be keen to read more from this author in the future. There is even potential for this story (TAoP)to be turned into a full length novel and maybe even meet up with the characters from BTO.
If there is anyone out there who hasnt heard of this author (Jae)-go have a look. Anyone who is ho-humming about getting the stories, I recommend that you go ahead, both are great reads. Tough women, slinging guns and matching it with the men are sooooo damn hot, so tough and yet so vulnerable. A fantastic mix! You will fall in love with the characters of Backwards to Oregon, you wont be able to help yourself. Devlyn』
(Fascinating, well written, credible) 『You might think that lesbians in the west were an impossibility. And it's true that being a woman who loved women in the Old West might have been harder than it is now. But Jae has given us an excellent, plausible tale about this very situation. Luke is an endearing character whom I'd love to meet in real life. Nora is equally fascinating as a woman who has survived being kicked out of her home for becoming pregnant, worked in a brothel for several years, and suddenly finds herself married to a most confusing "man." I'll leave it there. This is a well-written voyage of discovery, and as a plus, has excellent, well-researched insight into what our pioneer foremothers went through as they populated the western US.』 『Lesbian: Historical Fiction - "Luke" Hamilton has always been sure that she'd never marry. She accepted that she would spend her life alone when she chose to live her life disguised as a man. After working in a brothel for three years, Nora Macauley has lost all illusions about love. She no longer hopes for a man who will sweep her off her feet and take her away to begin a new, respectable life. But now they find themselves married and on the way to Oregon in a covered wagon, with two thousand miles ahead of them. 1851 Oregon Trail』
price：$13.50
Amber Quill Press, LLC
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Simple Romance) 『A nice short predictable romance with lots of sex and not much plot.
They came from two different worlds and the shy bookworm was supposed to be very angry at the tattoo artist for the loud music playing next to his shop. I was let down however, as I felt the build up to the confrontation was over almost immediately as they went for a romp in bed. I felt it could have been drawn out a bit more which would have made their coupling and the story more exciting.
The story had lots of sex, but almost no plot and a predictable ending.
This book is not her best work IMO.』
(Another solid story from Rhodes) 『Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS: - Good depiction of a common fantasy: a sexy, tattooed bad boy with a heart of gold. - Sex scenes that are hot and descriptive (nothing terribly kinky, but not boring) and emotional. (see cons list below also) - Good writing. Rhodes does an excellent job of maintaining consistency in POV and establishing unique characters by examining their thoughts in detail. She does well getting inside their heads. - Accurate descriptions of the uncertainty that comes with a new relationship, especially as concerns whether or not the other person likes you as much as you like him.
CONS: - I don't like sex for the sake of sex, but the speed at which an emotional connection forms wasn't terribly believable for me. Their first sexual encounter is more than just f*ing, but at that point they still barely know each other. They go from simple mutual attraction (and strong fear and dislike on one side) to meaningful sex within a couple of hours after a brief one-on-one conversation in a bar. - Slightly contrived conflict at the end of the second novella. I didn't feel that the action related to the "bad guy" was necessary; I thought the tension between the two characters trying to figure out their relationship was conflict enough.
Overall comments: A very good read, despite my nitpicky cons comments. Rhodes has established herself as one of my favorites in the genre; I like every book I've read by her.』
(Under My Skin) 『Labeled "the smart guy" all his life had ironically become a bad stigma to Sebastian Keller. He may be book-smart and business-smart, but when it came to his love life, he made dumb choices and stupidly fell for the wrong guys.
But now he's learned his lesson and he's smart enough to realize that jocks and bad boys could never have an interest in him and falling for them would only lead to humiliation and heartbreak. Bad boys are taboo, especially the tattooed ones and that includes the sexy tattoo artist Dylan Radamacher who just opened his tattoo parlor next to Sebastian's travel bookstore.
Under My Skin is fantastic! It's over a hundred pages, but it read like ten. I was amazed at how quickly I breezed through this book and was so disappointed when I reached the last page, not because of how it ended, but because it was the end. Sebastian is so sweet; he makes you want to kick the butt of all his prior boyfriends who made him feel worthless and used. And Dylan is just as sweet. Sebastian and Dylan have in common the fact that people judge them based on what they see and not who they truly are. In Sebastian's case, he's viewed as being easy to take advantage of and sadly, past boyfriends have taken advantage of his kindness. It took a lot of courage for him to lower his walls and allow Dylan into his life, even if it was only for physical gratification to start with, but past scars caused him to judge Dylan and almost lose what may be the best thing to happen to him. As I stated earlier, I was very disappointed when this book ended, but knowing M. L. Rhodes and her penchant for sequels, I'm hoping Sebastian and Dylan are two guys she would like to visit with again. Under My Skin is a great book and I'm certain readers will enjoy it as much as I did.
Will Marshall and Davy Archer serve aboard a ship in His Majesty's Navy. Will and Davy have been lovers for quite some time and so far they have been lucky to remain together during their ship re-assignments. Word has just come down that they are being transferred yet again under their current captain to help find a saboteur aboard another vessel. Will and Davy have managed to stay above suspicion into their personal lives and appear as good friends only. But in taking on this newest mission, their captain asks them to give off the signals that they are perhaps more than just friends, thereby hoping to draw out the scoundrel. Only all does not go as planned when Davy gets shot and is forced to return to land thus separating the men. With Will on the water and Davy on the land only time will tell if they can manage a distant relationship.
I found Winds of Change to have a very in depth storyline. The characters are very detailed in background and personality. There were spots where I had a tough time following the ship jargon, but overall I understood most of it. Will and Davy's tale is full of misadventure and drama mixed with some stolen lover's moments, and yet some tender moments as well. I believe if you like a historical style M/M story Winds of Change may be for you as it has a good plot, storyline and happy ending.
Ley reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed』
(My type of M/M romance!) 『This may consists of 2 novellas, released months apart, but the story flows seamlessly, the romance heartfelt and sexy as hell. As for her 2 characters, Sebastian and Dylan, they are credible, well developed and very likable. Sebastian is the intelligent and good looking American boy next-door who owes a little bookshop. Far from being confident, Sebastian feels that people are somewhat repulsed by his looks and brains. His failed past relationships affirm that, especially a recently emotionally abusive one which leaves him heartbroken, insecure and unable to trust again. Dylan is a tattoo artist, operating his growing tattoo/piercing business beside Sebastian's little bookshop. Dylan exudes confidence and sex, a handsome hunk with his tattoos, bike and jeep. However he sucks in his relationships which are confined to sex and never his heart as he is much affected by his mother's unhappy past after being abandoned by his father. Rhodes has penned a lovely and credible story delving deeply into these 2 vulnerable and sensitive men's feelings as they struggle with their emotional obstacles which they need to overcome before they could trust, love and commit. The first novella, which has Dylan relentlessly trying to convince a flighty Sebastian his sincerity once he realizes Sebastian is much more than a one-night stand, is more light hearted, their growing romance very sexy. The plot picks up in the second novella which is even better. Emotionally charged, the verbal exchange between the 2 men in the second novella is stirring and absorbing. The plot turns suspenseful towards the end when one of the men's past catches up with them and as Rhodes has shown in "Always", she really knows how to keep you at the edge of your seat. Highly recommended to all M/M romance fans.』
(UNDER AND OVER) 『Under My Skin (Books I&II) It is decision time for Sebastian and Dylan. Both are dealing with fears from the past, Sebastian had a painful experience with a bad boy and is still trying to recover from it when he met Dylan. Dylan wants to prove that a bad boy persona does not mean automatic heartbreak, but he must do battle with his own demons before he can entrust his heart to Sebastian. You cannot help but respond to the well written characters that come to life with each sentence. I felt their pain, smiled at their joy and became an enthusiastic voyeur watching their sensual love scenes. This is a fantastic book that should not be missed.』 『From award-winning and best-selling gay-fiction author M.L. Rhodes......Now merged together in one paperback volume, readers can enjoy the first two parts in the sizzling Under My Skin series! In Under My Skin...Sebastian Keller's been called 'the smart guy' most of his life. Though he hasn't always appreciated the label, and it hasn't exactly made him a man magnet, he's put his intelligence to work building his store, Great Escapes Travel Book Shop, to the point it's now the favorite recommendation of travel agents in the St. Louis area. His customers love him for his extensive knowledge and his amiable personality. He doesn't feel very amiable, however, when Rad Tattoos moves in next door to Great Escapes. Its owner, Dylan Radamacher, rubs Sebastian the wrong way from the get-go. The man's insufferable, stubborn, and worse, a bad boy. Everything Sebastian loathes! And yet, much to his annoyance, the teasing sparkle in Dylan's eyes, his hot, inked body, and come-hither voice set Sebastian's libido on fire. Sebastian's been there, done that with the bad-boy type before, though, and almost lost everything because of it. There's no way he's going down that road again. Yet when Dylan sets his sights on Sebastian and is determined to take him for a walk on the wild side, Sebastian knows he's in big trouble. It's going to take all his smarts and a whole lot of willpower to resist the sexy tattoo artist before the man finds a way to burrow deeper under his skin......And the story continues in Under My Skin II......For two months things between Sebastian and Dylan have been sinfully spectacular, and Sebastian hates to rock the boat. But the truth is, in spite of his own commitment issues, he's fallen in love with the sexy tattooist. Dylan, on the other hand, seems determined to avoid the 'L' word at all costs. As their relationship shifts toward the serious side, can the guys overcome their fears and take the steps that will bring them the kind of love that lasts a lifetime? Or will their old baggage come back to haunt them and tear them apart for good?』
price：$6.99
Urban Books
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Worth the Read) 『I didn't know what to expect from this author, but she got down. It took me less than two days to read this book. It an unexpected cliffhanger. I was telling friends about the book as if the characters were real. I couldn't wait to read the next book.』
(Blew my mind) 『Could not put the book down!!!!! I could not believe how one woman had so much power over the people in her circle. How she was able to break up a marriage. Just blew my mind but it also told me how sick one individual can become obsessive over someone or something and will do whatever it takes to get what they want. I would recommend this book to everyone.』
(madness) 『this book is an emotional, you'll laugh, be pissed off, have moments when your heart beats rapidly.
a very intersting and good story line. its well written but ends as a hanger, theres a sequal im yet to read it
』
(Love Affair Gone Wrong) 『Overall book kept me reading and I kept finding more and more about this Monica chick that mainly had a lot of problems that just kept getting bigger and bigger.
Monica liked what she saw when she seen Jasmine so she set up to get to know Jasmine husband and go from there. So Monica and James started sleeping around that lead for Monica to ask James to ask his wife Jasmine to get into a threesome with them. First Jasmine was like no no no but, then it lead to a threesome that runs out that she still wanted more with Monica afterwards.
Monica was crazy about Jasmine but, she set into action to get pregnant by James that happened but, then she lost the baby and it just made her want James' baby more.
Monica is into blackmailing everyone she knew to get what she wants. Her pass life started to come out also with more about another lover Tanya that was in jail for killing her husband which wasn't true at all. But, Monica somewhat felt guilty and helped her get out by setting up a well known drug dealer that the feds wanted. Monica will sleep her way up to the top no matter what. She was also blackmainly Sheila Jasmine secretary to do things for her and with her.
Overall Anna J did a good job on this book now I am on to The Aftermath to see what else happens. 』
(GREAT BOOK- MUST READ) 『From the very first page it gets stuck to the book. Its a great book to read and after a couple of chapters you find yourself guessing whats going to happen next AND than BOOM- somthing you never suspected to happen. You find out later through the chapters what Monica is really about and once your hooked, you do not want to put the book down. It is a fantastic read and it has very good detail, good story line and great revenge.』 『For most couples, inviting someone into their bedroom is totally out of the question. Any normal woman would flip if her man even thought about trying a threesome with another woman. Jasmine is that woman, and more. It's not until her husband James pressures her into having a threesome that their once happy lives get turned into nothing but drama. FIC000000』
price：$13.50
Amber Allure
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Gay Erotic Romance) 『Chase. T.A. "Nick of Time", Amber Allure, 2009.
A Gay Erotic Romance
Amos Lassen
Nick is a researcher and something of a geek. He is seduces by a guy to help him locate a book of spells that will destroy all paranormal activity on earth. When Nick discovers the plan, he is beaten almost to death and then tossed into a cell with a vampire, Gryphon, and he is tortured there. Gryphon is dying because he does not have access to enough blood to keep him alive. Nick offers his blood to Gryphon and the two are bound together in an amazing adventure in which human and supernatural words collide. Granted this sounds unbelievable and it is to a degree. There was a chance for a really good story but some reason it just doesn't happen. It seems to me that the author was in too much of a hurry for a romance to develop between Gryphon and Nick and because of that their characters were never fully developed. What is here is not bad but it could have been so much better. 』
(Great premise but no character development) 『I've usually really enjoyed books by T A Chase. But, this book had absolutely no character development. This should have been a great romance. It should have grabbed my interest and not let me go until I reached the end of the book. How about the period directly after they escape? How about how they discovered they felt something for each other, in more than three words? How about just some getting to know you time of discovery? Everything about the relationship was too rushed. Instead, it was a somewhat disjointed suspense, thriller adventure that tried to cram too many things into too little space. Come on, T.A., you can definitely do better than this. I wish I could rate this book higher, but it's impossible to do so. What a disappointment!』
(Disappointing) 『#Spoilers for book.#
I had high hopes for "Nick of Time," since I really enjoyed T.A. Chase's "No Going Home." However, even with the addition of vampires and werewolves to this novella, the plot doesn't feel cohesive. The premise is great, Nick, a researcher and all-around geek is seduced by the bad guy to help him find a book of spells that can destroy all paranormal creatures on Earth. Finding out the bad guy's plan, Nick refuses to help him and is beaten to near death, then thrown inside a cell where a vampire is being kept - and tortured. Nick offers his blood to save the vampire from certain death, so when Gryphon breaks them out of their prison, it is then Gryphon's turn to save Nick. He takes him to The Cave, and the gods turn Nick into an Immortal, bringing him back to life. Nick and Gryphon become lovers and set about to find the spell book to save all paranormal creatures.
Sounds like an amazing premise, right? It could have been great, however the execution is flawed. Nick and Gryphon's romance is too quick, it felt forced, and just did not flow with the rest of the story. I found the banter between Pavel and Jess (the next couple for this series?) more interesting, which is a shame because if T.A. Chase hadn't rushed the romance between Nick and Gryphon I think eventually I could have grown to like them together.
Overall, I just could not get into this book despite the fact I love the vampire/werewolf/paranormal genre. Now, I have not read the prequel, "Allergies," but the two main characters from that novel are also in this one, which should make readers of that book happy. Maybe I will buy "Allergies" and see if it is better, just to make sure that the lackluster storytelling in "Nick of Time" was just a fluke, because generally I do like T.A. Chase as an author.
』
(BITE ME PLEASE) 『Nick Of Time Gryphon is an ancient vampire, who was captured and tortured by humans. Nick is a human computer geek, who respects the paranormal world. Thrown into Gryphon's cell close to dying, he is willing to sacrifice himself to save the vampire. Nick's natural curiosity and suspicion almost cost him his life when he declined to hand over his discoveries and cooperate with the villain he first thought of as his lover. Because of his final noble deed to help Gryphon gain freedom, both men are saved from death. Drinking from Nick, Gryphon claims the human as his to love and protect, which unwittingly sets into motion a life-changing mission for Nick as well as his paranormal friends who refused to be left behind. The storyline is a well written fast paced erotic romantic thriller. Each chapter inserts a layer of intrigue and suspense, maintaining the reader's interest from beginning to end. Also the characters from the first book "Allergies" are featured as supportive characters to Nick's mission. The detailed love scenes are incredibly sensuous. This is an amazing story.
』 『(Gay / Erotic Romance / Dark Fantasy / Vampire / Werewolf / Shapeshifter / Suspense / Thriller / Series) Gryphon's in trouble. Captured and tortured by humans, the ancient vampire is dying. The humans gave him enough blood to continue his torture, but not enough to heal or free himself. He's on the brink of death when a meal is tossed into his cell. Nick knows all about the monsters lurking in the dark corners of the world. Unfortunately for him, it's the human ones who try to kill him. Broken and bloody, he's thrown into a cell with a vampire. Knowing he's dying, Nick offers his blood to the vampire, willing to sacrifice himself to save the tormented man. Gryphon accepts Nick's offer and the first drink of blood will bind them together through a life-changing adventure. The worlds of human and supernatural collide, catching Nick and Gryphon in the middle...』
price：$3.80
L-Book ePublisher
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (fantastic) 『just as great as Conflict of Interest. can not wait until the next of Jae's books』
(Interesting from start to finish) 『This book by Jae was one of the best written books I've ever written. It had just enough of everything to keep me interested to the point of not wanting to put it down until it was finished. The characters were well written. I am hoping that a third book will be released and continue to explore the characters. There is still so much to write about. I was not disappointed and look forward to more good writing by Jae.』 『Lesbian Fiction: Romance Crime - Sequel to Conflict of Interest. Sex crimes Detective Aiden Carlisle is slowly getting used to being in a committed relationship with Dawn Kinsley-a relationship that isn't always easy since Dawn is not only a psychologist but also a former victim in one of Aiden's cases. Aiden's private and professional lives collide when Dawn's newest patient gets in trouble with the law. Will she be able to stay objective enough to solve the case without pushing Dawn away? The same case also throws Deputy District Attorney Kade Matheson's well-ordered life into chaos. In the last few years, Kade has taken case files and law books, not lovers, to bed. She has been focused only on her career and fought hard to win cases like Dawn's, but now the case forces her to finally face her attraction to women. She suddenly finds herself with two secret admirers-but which one is more dangerous, the threat to her life or her heart?』
price：$2.59
Arcadia Books
Usually ships in 1 to 2 months Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Profound) 『Although this comment would at first glance appear to be contradictory, this book is both profoundly spiritual and profoundly humanistic. Spiritual in that it deals quite successfully with spiritual issues; belief, disbelief, faith, and skepticism. Humanistic in that it deals with the human situation with a compassionate view of humankind and the struggles to find meaning and peace in today's world.
The book starts out in the first third as a fairly simple and straight forward narrative about an Anglican parrish church, told through the eyes of its many church officials, parrisioners, and visitors. The second third shifts gears completely into the spiritual and emotional struggles of one specific character during the same period of time, showing the true issues within the parrish, only hinted at in the first third. The final third takes up the narrative of the various characters of the first third, retelling the same events through different eyes, and continuing on to a conclusion. A type of catharsis is achieved, at least for some of the characters.
The numerous characters are wonderfully drawn. The prose is at times pure poetry. The story moved me immensely; to tears at times. The story is at times quite humourous and at other times tragic. One passage in the book contains one of the most moving descriptions of a person's death, which is actually one of the most hopeful and spiritual parts of the book.
A slower than normal reading of this book will reward you. Re-reading certain portions as you go along and reviewing the list of the many characters at the front of the book, all add to a better understanding of the story and themes within the book. This book has been added to my list of the best books I have ever read.
I highly recommend this book. As mentioned earlier, the prose itself is beautifully poetic at times. If one is homophobic or disturbed by issues dealing with homosexuality however, they might be troubled by the book.
』
(Oh Brave New World) 『If nothing else this book reminds you of why you can't take blurbs seriously.As the excerpts fromthe review would have it this is a masterpiece.Not!The author throws too many chararacters at you too soon and you can't remeber whothey are or figure out why you should care.You quickly learn to distinguish goodies from badies.Good-Athieists,Gays,Progressives.Bad-everyone else.Wer'e in a shallow PC world here.Still the author can be pretty funny.I suspect this would be a much better book if it didn't try so hard.He is a good observer and clever but he is not a thinker.』
(Compelling, Disturbing, Beautiful.) 『'Easter' is not an easy read, some of the passages would make many people (including myself) uncomfortable, but it is a compelling one.
The parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale is preparing for Easter. In his Palm Sunday sermon, the Vicar explains that Christ's crucifixion and redemption are taking place every day. He little suspects that, before the week is out, he and his entire congregation will be caught up in a latter-day Passion story which will tear apart their lives.
This is not a 'christian fiction' book - most christian bookstores would refuse to stock it because of its rather graphic homosexual scenes. The clash of Evangelicals, Anglo-Catholics and Liberals is played out against a backdrop of contemporary Parish Life that may seem unrealistic to anyone who has not witnessed the incredible variety that is London culture.
The book presents the challenge of living a Contemporary Faith. The hymnal may have us sing of the 'Faith of our Fathers', but faith itself needs to be crucified and reborn for every generation. We do not live in the world of 'our fathers' and the manifestations of their faith leaves us ill equipped to deal with today. It is devastating to watch the faith of central characters get torn apart and killed, leaving you to wonder who will come forth from the grave.
It's not an easy read, not just because of the content.
The book has many characters, and I found myself referring to the list of them frequently. The book is written in triptych form. The first third presents the calendar of events during Holy week. It then switches to follow just one character in the drama. The final third of the book rewinds to Palm Sunday and replays the events from a different angle and fills in other details that the first section only hints at.
Moving. Thought Provoking. Engaging. Shocking.』
(The Passion of Christ is at Hand) 『Arditti has skillfully woven together the many lives that make up the parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale as it prepares for Easter. The Passion of Christ is relived in the experiences of the clergy, parishioners, and the greater diocese. A questioning Vicar, his wife, Jessica (whose character is particularly well drawn), a gay Curate...haughty matrons, young lovers, men with AIDS, and (wittily) Queen Elizabeth provide the central cast, with a cartoonish (then tragic) bishop and twisted archdeacon, and various congregants adding color. The contrast between Evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics is black and white -- true to reality in the Church of England or not? Christ, salvation, liberation, the meaning of the Cross are all explored. Warning to the cautious: graphic homosexual scenes -- not titillating, but very honest. Top notch. Many (but not all!) seminarians loved it.』 『
Both a devastating portrait of today's Church of England and an audacious reworking of the central myth of Western culture, this novel opens as the parish of St. Mary-in-the-Vale is preparing for Easter. In his Palm Sunday sermon, the vicar explains that Christ's crucifixion and redemption are taking place every day, but he little suspects that, before the week is out, he and his entire congregation will be caught up in a latter-day Passion story that will tear apart their lives. As the week before Easter progresses, a number of shocking events unfold against a backdrop of meticulously observed religious services, giving the novel a chance to scrutinize High Church ritual, evangelical revivalism, and the ancestor worship of the English gentry. With an unforgettable gallery of characters ranging from a Holocaust survivor and an African princess to AIDS patients and Queen Elizabeth II, the story provides a dazzling panorama of contemporary society and throws down a challenge—to believers and nonbelievers alike—to consider anew the problems of suffering and evil.
price：$1.50
Dreamspinner Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Strong Hand) 『This is a page turner. I could not put it down for the story was poignant. Each individual had to work things out themselves. It shows the caring between the photographer and his model/assistant and the confidence from being paid attention to. For the photographer is was acceptance of love.』
(A Strong Hand) 『Damian Wolfe is a successful photographer specializing in BDSM shots. He calls England home after getting some grief in his native US for provocative photos he's taken. The lifestyle Damian chooses is that of a Dom although these days he is alone, by his own choice.
He is a struggling artist going to school and filling his free time with a job to make ends meet. Nicholas Sayers is finding out what life is all about.
There is something about Damian that makes Nick nervous, makes him screw up at work. It will take Damian's good friend Ashley Winthrop to point out that Nick would make a great subject for their latest photo shoot on kink wear and the perfect sub for Damian. Something special is about to happen if Nick and Damian allow it.
A Strong Hand is an amazing example of a BDSM love story. Damian and Nick are both fascinating, complex characters exploring a relationship while secretly hoping for love. Although the opening communication is a little bumpy, A Strong Hand quickly smoothes out into something special. Some readers will shy away from the M/M plotline and others will be uncomfortable with the very explicit D/s scenes and that's really too bad because bottom line, A Strong Hand is a sensuous, emotional romance not to be missed.
Lisa Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed 』
(Loved it.....) 『I bought this book out of blindness because like few of my previous book purchases I based on the cover of the book. I didn't read the reviews or such and just bought it on a whim. Well I read the description but not all of it. I just finished it and I was surprised, I could barely part with it! It was a wonderful book, and I never thought that the kind of relationship that Nick and Damian had could ever be so tender and loving. However, I got frustrated sometimes when it does get a little wordy at some parts and not wordy in some needed scenes (Nick talk abut his scar). Otherwise I really love this book, my first book from Ms. Ford and I am not disappointed. I love the characters but I was hoping that she went a little more in-depth with Nick. In the book it did mention that he was a Art student in sculpting but there were no showing of his work. I also wished that she went with an Epilogue of Damian and Nick visiting Nick family and Damian's. Like I said, loved it! A great buy. :D ~~~4.5』
(3.75 Stars) 『A very hot and surprisingly tender m/m BDSM erotic romance. Interesting characters, nice pacing, believable angst. Lovely D/s dynamic that goes beyond play acting in the bedroom. Ms. Ford presents BDSM in a manner that is neither excessive nor preachy. Minor points deducted for head hopping, a slight case of wordiness, and some sappy melodrama that struck me as out of character, but these are small complaints. I'll probably re-read several scenes from this book. ~ 3.75 Stars』
(Not the best BDSM story I've read, but entertaining) 『Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Rating: 8/10
PROS: - Convincing story about a guy who thinks he's straight getting into a gay relationship. I often find that "straight guy turned gay" storylines either move too quickly or don't contain guys I think of as straight. I believed that Nick truly was clueless about his latent attraction to men, and I felt that the progression of his and Damian's relationship moved just at the right pace. - A top who struggles with the realistic human emotion of self-doubt. I don't hang around many people who are into the lifestyle, but when I see the public bravado of most Doms, I always wonder whether they have moments of weariness and/or insecurity, if only in private. - Cute secondary love story that I almost wished Ford hadn't told us as much about so that she could write a second volume about those characters' story. - Sexy love scenes that progress beautifully from simple sex to loving expressions of affection. - Lovely descriptions of Damian's photography. Ford must either be a photographer herself or have studied erotic photography in depth before writing this book.
CONS: - The big "I love you and you love me back" scene was anti-climactic for me. I guess it's more realistic than many such scenes, but after the emotional roller coaster the characters had been through, I wanted a dramatic, fairy tale scene rather than the straightforward, practical one I got. - Some depictions of more extreme BDSM lifestyles that made Nick (and thus me) uncomfortable and skittish. I struggled a little bit with understanding why Nick would agree to some of the things he does when witnessing others' versions of the lifestyle made him so uneasy. - Both characters are rather standoffish emotionally. This makes their eventual attachment more poignant, but they experience several "he's tired of me [or mad at me or disappointed in me or whatever] and I don't know it but he thinks I'm tired of him too" moments that made me want to smack them both.
Overall comments: A sweet read, but not without its uncomfortable moments. Nick's natural submission is described well, but some of the things he witnesses at other Doms' hands are cringe-worthy when viewed through his eyes. If you like or don't mind BDSM, I recommend this one; there's nothing terribly graphic or heavy in it--some bondage and spanking, but no blood play and few visible marks from the main characters' encounters.』 『Nicholas Sayers, needing money for college, takes a job as assistant to infamous photographer Damian Wolfe. It's just taking pictures, right? Wrong. While Nick has never questioned what kind of man he is or what he truly wants in life, working for Damian during a BDSM photo shoot opens his eyes to all sorts of sexual possibilities, and many of them include the handsome Mr. Wolfe. Damian has serious doubts about getting involved with a younger man who knows nothing about the BDSM lifestyle, but Nick's adventurous and humorous approach to new experiences is far too alluring to resist. Although he knows it might be a mistake, Damian takes Nick into his life. Flirting on the edges of control, submission, and pain excites Nick more than he would have ever dreamed possible. With Damian, Nick learns about his own deeply hidden desires and finds out that relinquishing control doesn't make him weak-having someone else in control of his sexual pleasure simply heightens it. And the reverse is true for Damian: Control turns him on. So they set out to explore these sensual boundaries together, neither expecting to find love along the way.』
price：$2.18
MLR Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Wonderful!) 『When I read my first Josh Lanyon novel, I picked this one up, hoping it would be half as good as the first. It was twice as good. I thought the characters were well developed and I hope this is only the first of many novels with Nick and Perry. Wonderful read. Highly recommend. I just wish he would hurry up and convert his many books to Kindle format! I bought the other three that were available when I finished the first, but now I'm almost finished the third and about to run out of Josh Lanyon material. HELP! Josh has a very sensitive soul and he just does wonders with his characters.』
(Lanyon does it again - murder&romance) 『In "The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks," Josh Lanyon does it again, he combines murder, mystery and romance all in the same book! So far of all Lanyon's book, this is the one I have enjoyed most (although "Dangerous Ground" is a close second). The story starts as Perry, a struggling artist comes home from a vacation to find a dead body in his bathtub. Running downstairs to tell the landlady and his fellow neighbors, one a very sexy ex-Navy SEAL named Nick, he has an asthma attack. But by the time the cops arrive, the body has disappeared. The next 150 pages are excellent as Lanyon moves all the players around like a good game of Clue while attempting to throw the reader off the trail of who the killer is.
However, the best part of the book was the romance of Nick and Perry. While I would have enjoyed a little more sexytimes between the two, the romance angle worked just fine for me too. Nick is coming out of a bad divorce and is reluctant to get involved with the inexperienced Perry, whose flaws and quirks are a great part of his charm, but the two cannot resist each other.
While I might have figured out the killer half way through the book, I still enjoyed the romance of the story. Pick up this title, you won't regret it!』
(Bit like Agath Christie but with openly gay characters...) 『Set in Vermont in a weird old boarding house, Perry returns early from the worst weekend ever to find a dead man in his bath tub. He rushes out and bumps into Nick - tall, dark and hostile, ex SEAL. And the journey commences. A lot of time is spent on the mystery and the history of the house, but the book sparked for me with the interactions between Nick and Perry. I enjoyed this book. I wasn't as enamored with it as I was with the PsyCop series, but it had a sweetness to it that I didn't expect, and was happy spending time with it.』
(Another winner from Lanyon) 『Josh Lanyon is the premiere author of m/m mystery genre with his Adrian English novels. I was eager but skeptical if he could capture my attention with his new novel. I had nothing to worry about. The characters are dead on and noir feel to the book is enchanting. The mystery plot totally works. I hate to admit I didn't figure out the villain until they were revealed at the end. I completely enjoyed The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks and can't wait for Josh's next book.』
(Strong Mystery and Endearing Romance) 『Josh Lanyon has a gift for penning an interesting mystery full of quirky and original characters that keeps the reader guessing as they race along to the end of the story and The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks is no exception.
Perry Foster is a young artist who's just had his heart broken over an internet relationship gone bad. He comes home early after taking a vacation to risk his heart and his money on a trip to see the man he thought would be his future and - dejected and a little broken - he lets himself into his apartment only to stumble across a dead body in his bathtub. Panicked and horrified, he races out and down to the main floor of the boarding house he lives in and slams, gasping and struggling for breath, into the rough ex-military body of Nick Reno.
When Perry finally manages to gasp out that there's a body in his tub, Reno goes to check it out...reluctantly and feeling much put upon...only to find no body. There's only a smudge of something that looks and smells like blood in the tub, and a shoe that wouldn't have come close to fitting the small-bodied Perry. Still, Reno's not convinced. Not until the police are called anyway, and by the time THEY check out Perry's room, even the smallest traces of anyone being dead there have been washed clean...from the top floor apartment...with no one seeing anyone come and go.
When the gruff and stand-offish Nick and the almost timid yet insistent Perry team up to try to figure out what's going on in their boarding house, the mystery really takes off, and so does the slow development of a wonderfully deep friendship and relationship. The plot is mostly centered strictly on the mystery - what romance there is is subtly and realistically woven into the plot instead of guiding it. As it's been said, the romance is M/M, so if that's not your cuppa, you probably shouldn't read Lanyon.
The book isn't a totally flawless endeavor, though my issues were relatively minor. There were a couple of spots where I thought the mystery got a bit predictable and the action a bit staid, and I would've liked to have seen a bit more romance (that's strictly personal preference, not a critique, what was there was very well done) but all in all, I very much enjoyed The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks and can recommend it to those who like mysteries with a lot of odd duck characters and a couple of strong leading men.』 『His romantic weekend in ruins, shy twenty-something artist Perry Foster learns that things can always get worse when he returns home from San Francisco to find a dead body in his bathtub. A dead body in a very ugly sportscoat--and matching socks. The dead man is a stranger to Perry, but that's not much of a comfort; how did a strange dead man get in a locked flat at the isolated Alton Estate in the wilds of the "Northeast Kingdom" of Vermont? Perry turns to help from "tall, dark and hostile" former navy SEAL Nick Reno--but is Reno all that he seems?』
price：$1.50
MLR Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Deeper Look into the D/s Mindset) 『I really enjoyed Thompson's Submission Times Two. It was an original, very erotic gay BDSM romance. However, I have to say that "Switch" was even better. This is also mid-level BDSM, not hard core but way beyond vanilla. The story is more focused and examines the D/s mindset in depth.
Dane is in Austin on temporary assignment from his banking firm in NY. He is also a well regarded Dom in an underground BDSM club. In a bar near the club, her meets Nathan. Nathan isn't a dom, per se, but he is a top. His views about BDSM ignore, and even contradict, the traditional labels. He does think Dane is really a submissive denying his true nature, especially since he has never experienced the other end of the whip. Unlike Dane, Nathan has experienced D/s from both sides. Can he persuade Dane to let go of the control long enough to discover the pleasures of true submission? The story seems simple enough at first glance, however the author gives readers much more. Dane has defined himself as a dom for so long, he is truly scared to see himself any other way. The scenes where Nathan challenges him to try submitting (even simple obedience rather than pain) are very intense. Dane thinks being a dom is the real work, but Nathan shows him that it is much harder, and more brave, to truly submit. Dane has unconsciously viewed submission as a weakness, and unless he gets past that he'll never "fly." His gradual understanding of the reality makes the story come alive. I also like that Dane isn't the only one who grows. Thanks to Dane, Nathan comes to see that the BDSM scene at clubs, which he had dismissed as playing, could be very real for those involved.
I have read books from the dom's perspective and from the submissive's perspective, but always with the roles completely established beforehand. This book was unique because readers get a peek into the mind of someone who is wrestling with that decision. Dane alternately embraces submission and rejects it. The psychological struggle was very realistic. There is some hot sex in the novel, particularly when Dane agrees to spend a week as Nathan's sub - and really give up control. The BDSM aspect is fully developed, but the romance is given equal measure. Dane is the first person Nathan can see himself having a future with, if they can only bring Dane peace with himself. Dane finally trusts someone enough to really consider submitting. Overall, this book was excellent and I highly recommend it to fans of BDSM and erotic romance.』
(Loved it; in my top 10) 『Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.
Disclaimers: * I have read only about 30 m/m romances, so I'm not an expert yet on the genre as a whole. * I prefer romances that are more about feelings than sex. If a book has lots of lust-filled, dispassionate sex, I'm not impressed. If the sex is a manifestation of love, bring it on.
Rating: 9/10
Pros: - Beautiful romance. Tender, sweet, considerate. Lovely. - Sex scenes - wow. My guess is that approximately 70% of the book is a description of sex or a discussion between the two characters about sex. However, the sex in this book functions to move the story along. Other books--Bite by Sean Michael, for example--have a lot of sex that after a while becomes monotonous and detracts from the story. In Switch, the sex (or rather, the sexual/submissive awakening of one of the characters) IS the story. - Well-written gradual blossoming of the character of Dane. - Nathan--everything about him. Selfless, loving, and awesomely devoted to his sub.
Con: - Sloppy and/or ignorant editing. The book doesn't have near the problem with typos that books of this genre tend to be plagued with, but there are situations in which a momentary POV switch and/or misplaced paragraph break disrupts the flow of the writing.
Overall comments: If you like romance and don't mind BDSM, a must read. If you're interested in the journey of a single character and the change that can be wrought by a loving relationship, a must read. If you're squeamish about BDSM, not for you--this book isn't as hardcore as I've seen in the past, but it goes beyond simple bondage and spanking. 』
(Switch by Claire Thompson) 『Dane sees himself as a Dom. He is a young and successful businessman, and he is used to be domineering at work as well as in his private life. He is not born from money, but he is doing well, and he likes to show it, to prove that him and only him has done that. At 29 years old he thinks to have all, but a chance encounter in a bar changes everything.
Nathan is 26 years old and an artist. But he is not a struggling artist, he is from a wealthy family and he has the authoritative behavior of who knows well what he is and what he can do. Basically he is a good boy and so he is not the classical spoilt baby of too much permissive parents, but he is used to drive his life where, how and when he wants. In a scene, Nathan compares himself to a lake, with its peaceful waters; I would bring on the metaphor: he is like a lake in the a mountain plain: he receives the agitated waters of mountain streams, he placates them with his huge basin, and then he releases the waters in big rivers, ready to flow away toward the valley. Till now Nathan has never taken a lover with him forever, but then he is only 26 years old.
From the first moment they meet, Nathan sees in Dane something that no one never see, a yearning to be a submissive lover, the need to give up the control. Dane, even if gay, is a very conservative thinker: if you are bigger, older and wealthier, you are the Dom. And since he is bigger, older and he believes wealthier than Nathan, he doesn't take in account that he could be a sub with Nathan. But Nathan, probably since he had a pretty easy life, has never felt the necessity to follow common rule, and so he is ready to prove to Dane that he can be a real Dom, with the real sub.
Dane feels the D/s life as a way to prove something to the world, it's another way, along with his job and his Mercedes, to prove that he is a successful man; Nathan instead looks at the D/s life like a private thing, a lovers game to bring on in the intimate comfort of a bedroom. Becoming Nathan's sub, Dane will not lose his outside independency, but he will not, deep inside him, that he belongs to Nathan.
Probably of all the D/s books I read by Claire Thompson, this is the one I like the most, since maybe I'm more similar to Nathan's point of view on D/s: thinking on it, I always liked books in where the pleasure/pain games remain inside a private bedroom rather than when it's displayed in a public dungeon.』
(Switch- A Joyfully Recommended Title) 『Dane Bishop is a real estate banker by day. By night he is a powerful Dom and he has the leather outfits, toys and adoring subs to prove it. When he meets Nathan Levi their connection is instantaneous. Strangely, Nathan seems to think that Dane is submissive.
When I started Switch I could not put it down. The feelings between Nathan and Dane leapt off the page. Nathan kept Dane off balance from their very first meeting. He saw a side of Dane that Dane didn't know he had. Nathan was determined and patient and Dane blossomed beautifully under his guidance.
Did I mention that the sex was out of this world? It was matched only by the emotion between Nathan and Dane. Ms. Thompson has a true gift for illustrating the nuances of BDSM. It is with pleasure that I Joyfully Recommend Switch to you.
Zayn reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed』
(Absolute Must Read) 『What do you get when you put two Dom's together in the same room? You get Claire Thompson's SWITCH. A funny, sweet and extremely HOT and boy do I mean HOT, this is another fry the circuits in your computer HOT READ!!! (well I did read it on ebook - lol) This Book comes HIGHLY recommended by me, especially if you love BDSM then this is an absolute MUST READ for you!!
Nathan not much into titles of dom/sub he feels they are just titles for those playing at dominance/submissive games. He meets Dane and there is an instant connection between them. Dane says he is a dom, Nathan see's something in him that leads him to believe differently, can he convince Dane to explore this? Should he even try to convince another dom that he his is actually a submissive? That is his dilemma because his feeling for Dane are growing fast. Is their even a future for these two dom's?
From the minute Nathan asks Dane "So, if it's not too personal, how long have you been submissive, Dane?" The sparks start to fly in this book. Can two dom's fall in love and live happily ever after - your going to find out if it is possible in this book. The unfolding romance in this book is so sweet, as we watch Nathan help Dane explore his submissive side, it this something Dane even wants or is he to much a Dom to ever submit to Nathan, his decision is further complicated by his growing attraction to Nathan will he loose him if he is just to dom to submit? 』 『Dane is reigning king in the Austin BDSM scene. Nathan sees beyond Dane's swaggering persona to the hidden submissive beneath. Can Nathan convince Dane of his place at his feet? As the two come together, the sexual sparks fly. It's only a matter of time before a spark catches and bursts into flame.』
price：$12.50
Amber Quill Press, LLC
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Just Right) 『The story's idea sounded to fun not to read, and I'm so glad I did! If you prefer stories with hot guys, lots of lovin', and a happy ending, with some fantasy to boot, this is defiantly a must read! Recommended all the way.』
(worth it) 『Short but sweet, I would highly recommend this hidden gem. I started reading about midnight one night, and couldn't stop until I'd finished. I hope the author decides to follow up with these characters!』
(Great Story premise&characters but too short and rushed) 『I liked the story premise and characters but the story was too short and did not do justice to the characters or the plot. Still a fun read if somewhat unsatisfying in the end.』
(pretty good) 『it was a pretty good story but it was just to short i thought that it could have had a little more meat to it』
(The Elf and Shoemaker) 『A victim of economic hard times, Logan Shoemaker fears he may not be able to keep his business afloat much longer. As owner of the Shoemaker's Magick Shoppe a metaphysical store, Logan never expected to get rich, but he did want to be able to pay his bills and live without fear of freezing to death or going hungry, but his sales have steadily been declining. There was no one in his life, the store was all he had and things seemed to be going from bad to worse. Not knowing what else to do, Logan remembered his Aunt telling him that there was no shame in asking for help so Logan sent a plea for help to the divine love and wisdom of the universe.
After waking up from a night of `binge' drinking Logan's life was about to change. Not only did a divine entity answer his plea to save his shop but his unspoken plea of love was answered as well. Logan remembers making love to a mysterious stranger throughout the night that was too real to be a dream. But in the light of day will he know for sure who it was that saved his shop and stole his heart.
The Elf And Shoemaker is wonderful modern day fairy tale with a spicy twist. Logan is a great character who didn't want much out of life, just to be happy with the shop he loves and to have someone to share it with. Hallan was the individual to make everything Logan wanted a reality, but unfortunately they lived in different worlds - literally. Hallan was an elf from a different realm, his own troubles and dilemma's added to the fascination of The Elf And Shoemaker and had me anticipating how he and Logan were going to figure out how to be together. Hallan and Logan's romance is a magical experience and The Elf and Shoemaker is a story not to be missed.
Ley Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed 』 『(Gay / Erotica / Fantasy / Fairy Tale / Witchcraft / Magic) Logan Shoemaker's honest, hardworking, and loves what he does. Though he never expects to get rich, he's fared well enough to stay comfortable with his quirky metaphysical store, Shoemaker's Magick Shoppe. But when the economy falls on hard times, his store pays the price. As each month passes, slow sales turn into no sales, and soon Logan's living off ramen noodles and sleeping in a freezing house during the cold winter nights as he struggles to make ends meet. His personal life isn't much better--the worse business at the store grows, the more isolated and lonely he becomes. After a string of mishaps that wipe out the last of his small savings, he finally hits rock bottom the day he discovers the disconnection notice from the electric company hanging on his door. That night, desperate and in despair, he makes a plea to the universe, asking for help. Needless to say, he never anticipates receiving a response so quickly. Not only does he awaken the next morning to find on his kitchen table four little bottles of a special potion labeled 'PASSION,' but he keeps remembering the erotically charged dream he'd had during the night. A dream where a tall, gorgeous man with pointed ears comes to his bed and shows him just what kind of magick they can make together. But was it a dream? All Logan knows is that his customers can't get enough of the special potion--an aphrodisiac--and he can't stop thinking about the sweet seduction of the nighttime visitor who made it. As he tries to sort out what's real and what's not, he discovers there's a much bigger world out there than he'd ever believed, and his true heart's desire might come in a most unexpected form...』
The scallop of large satisfactory ! northern countries and - [ of how much ] botan shrimp are ! tightly.
getting to know the technique of motorbike expensive sale -- Ta -- if -- -
>
