Category Archives: Authors

Book Review: Last Night I Sang to the Monster – Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Monster

Published September 1st 2009
Format: Novel
Genre: Fiction /Family/Contemporary/YA
Length: 250 pages, ebook
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Cover Artist: Antonio Castro H.
Ebook ISBN: 1933693797
Characters: Zach Gonzalez

Eighteen-year-old Zach does not remember why he’s in a rehabilitation center for alcoholics. Still, with therapy and group sessions, he soon finds out that he can deal with his past and work on his recovery.

I decided to pick this up when I found out that the author is working on his multi-awarded novel Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. I just wanted to get a feel again of how this author lured me the way he did with Ari and Dante’s story, and this one gave me those feelings again! And this came out three years before Ari and Dante]

What an incredible novel! The quality of his writing is impeccable. His characterization is rich, and the realism behind each character masked through his beautiful prose is fucking genius! Seriously, I cannot even begin to tell you how much I laughed with Zach, cried with him, and all those crazy mixed-up emotions that it felt like I was living his life.

I believe this story. I devoured everything in it, although Zach may have excessively used a few expressions–I thought these were part of his personality where he could not fully articulate himself, mainly depending on his private conversations with himself.

While reading it, I was Zach in the story – not that I’m an alcoholic, an addict, or something, but there’s something about his character that resonates with me. The ‘lost me,’ the ‘little boy’ me that may have been looking for some happiness. I dunno, it’s almost depressing to think about those times while I’m writing this review, but yeah, I guess the book is depressing but not in an “I will wallow in this shit and cry myself to sleep” kind of way. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you have a choice to read this book and get all weepy about it or read this, wallow in it but expect that there’s some happy ending waiting for you. I liked that in this book. It’s dark in a way that it shows the reality of people suffering from addiction. There was no sugarcoating the fact that it’s not just about destroying themselves. Still, it’s also about destroying everything around them, but most importantly – something I’ve gathered from experience that it’s a cry for help.

Last Night I Sang to the Monster is evocative prose of a novel that will leave you enthralled with Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s artistry! What a genuinely delightful masterpiece!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published September 1st 2009 by Cinco Puntos Press

About the Author
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author of poetry and prose for adults and teens. He was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and a recipient of the American Book Award for his books for adults. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was a Printz Honor Book, the Stonewall Award winner, the Pura Belpré Award winner, the Lambda Literary Award winner, and a finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. His first novel for teens, Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, was an ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adults and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His second book for teens, He Forgot to Say Goodbye, won the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, the Southwest Book Award, and was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. He lives in El Paso, Texas.

My Top Picks For January 2016 MM Releases (Ebook Category)

Cold FusionCold Fusion
by Harper Fox
Release Date:  January 5th 2016
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
PRE-ORDER LINK

Their love is the catalyst that could save the planet…or cost their lives.

As an environmental activist for Peace Warrior, Kier Mallory never hesitated to throw himself into dangerous situations. Until his hotheadedness costs the lives of two fellow crewmembers on an anti-whaling mission.

He finds no refuge in his hometown on Scotland’s north coast, where everyone knows what this son of a broken fisherman has done. Effectively homeless, Mal returns to one of his favorite places—Spindrift, a rustic colony of artist and crafter huts.

Spindrift is dilapidated and empty, save for a lone resident. Vivian Calder, a brilliant but emotionally detached scientist who appears to have done the impossible—mastered cold fusion. A clean, free, limitless source of power.

Despite Viv’s aversion to contact, a fragile bond forms between them, seemingly one atom at a time. Until Mal, determined to redeem himself by revealing Viv’s accomplishment to the world, brings down the wrath of an oil-dependent establishment, risking not only their love, but Viv’s life.

Warning: Contains a disgraced environmentalist and an autistic genius who go from strangers to lovers-for-life in thirteen days. Don’t believe in miracles? We’ll make you.

Dangerous TerritoryDangerous Territory
by Cari Z.
Release Date: January 13, 2016
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
PRE-ORDER LINK

With his father barely in the ground and his sister married to a scheming bastard, Carter is on the verge of losing the family ranch. His only chance at holding onto his inheritance is to get his cattle to market before his brother-in-law. That means braving Mason Canyon, which on top of being snake-infested and easily flooded, is also shifter territory. Most clans would just as soon shoot humans as look at them.

His only hope of making it is to trust the shifter who’s agreed to help him, and pray that Rani won’t double-cross him. If Carter doesn’t go he loses everything, and if he doesn’t make it there his family is as good as dead.

My Review HERE.

Ollie AlwaysOllie Always
by John Wiltshire
Expected Release Date: January 15, 2016
PRE-ORDER LINK (will update once available)

Named after the main character in his mother’s infamous Oliver novels, Ollie’s been fighting his fictional namesake his whole life. It’s a battle for identity he is slowly and inevitably losing. Ex-army PTI Tom knows all about battles—the real ones that break soldiers. When he volunteers to help with the Oliver situation, Ollie hears more in the offer than Tom apparently intends, for Tom quickly informs Ollie that he’s married. Which is absolutely fine, because Ollie isn’t gay—that’s Oliver. Tom and Ollie discover fairly swiftly that there is often a very fine dividing line between fact and fiction.

Rock N SoulRock N Soul
by Lauren Sattersby
Release Date: January 16th 2016
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
PRE-ORDER LINK

I’m Tyler Lindsey, and until recently, I had an okay apartment, an okay girlfriend, and an okay job as a bellboy at a respectable Boston hotel. Then rock star Chris Raiden died right before I brought his room service—stiffing me on the tip, by the way—and my life went to hell. My fifteen minutes of fame was more like five seconds, and my girlfriend left me in disgust.

But even worse—Chris is haunting me. Not the room where he died, like a normal ghost. No, somehow he’s stuck to me and is insisting on taking care of a bunch of unfinished business in California. So now I have to traipse across the country with the world’s most narcissistic ghost.

But . . . I keep having these weird thoughts. Thoughts about how much I like the way he makes me laugh. Thoughts where I kind of want to kiss the emo-narcissist, even though he’s a ghost and an asshole and I can’t touch him anyway. And even if I could, what will happen when he finishes his business and nothing’s keeping him here anymore?

My Review HERE.

LollipopLollipop (Candy Man #3)
by Amy Lane
Release Date: January 25th 2016
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
PRE-ORDER LINK

Ezra Kellerman flew across country to see if he had another chance with the man he let slip through his fingers. He didn’t. Rico has moved on, but he doesn’t just leave his ex high and dry. Instead, Rico entrusts his family and friends with Ezra’s care. Ezra, confused, hurt, and lost, clings to Rico’s cousin and his boyfriend as the lifelines they are—but their friend Miguel is another story.

Miguel Rodriguez had great plans and ambition—but a hearty dose of real life crushed those flat. When Miguel finds himself partially in charge of the befuddled, dreamy, healing Ezra, he’s pretty resentful at first. But Ezra’s placid nature and sincere wonder at the simple life Miguel has taken for granted begin to soften Miguel’s hardened shell. Miguel starts to notice that Ezra isn’t just amazingly sweet—he’s achingly beautiful as well. Suddenly Miguel is fending off every single man on the planet to give Ezra room to get over Rico—while fighting a burning suspicion that the best thing to help Ezra get over his broken heart is Miguel.

¤¤¤

Enjoy you guys and please buy copies from legitimate sites! Do not support piracy!

Book Review: Against The Grain (THIRDS, #5) – Charlie Cochet

Against The GrainI am a big fan of this series and have grown to love most of its characters. Charlie definitely knows her way with humor and great world building. Against The Grain is the fifth book in the THIRDS series focusing this time on Ash Keeler (Sloane’s BFF) and Cael Maddox (Dex’s brother) with them finally getting together.

I really did my best to get in the zone with this one but it’s not just for me. I ignored Ash’s asshatery towards Cale since he came around eventually but the story just didn’t click for me.

I feel that there’s just so many things happening around them and the the focus that was supposed to be on the couple was sidetracked by plot lines including Cael’s ex-boyfriend, his bonding / mating, the new drugs and all. Also, reading Austen’s POV was such a distraction, like I feel that the guy shouldn’t be in this book at all because he took some of the spotlight from the couple and the Therian Intelligence Network (TIN) just made the whole thing a hot mess. The out made for Sparks was just all too convenient – and…

I loved that we still have a lot of Dex-time here who totally saved this read for me. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed the first four books but I will definitely continue to support the next books in the series.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published August 3rd 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Book Review: Speechless – Kim Fielding

Speechless

Speechless is a lovely short story about two lonely men – one who’s afflicted with aphasia after developing it from a vehicular accident. The other is a one-eyed machinist simply drifting through life with a disdainful cat as his lone companion. Both are looking for someone to love that holds no judgment over their condition.

As Travis walks home every day, he passes the handsome guitar player Drew sitting on his front steps. As days passed, Travis mustered the courage to approach Drew, whom he learned he couldn’t speak because of aphasia. This didn’t deter Travis from getting closer to Drew until their friendship blossoms into romance. Due to his financial situation, Travis must relocate to keep his job, leaving him no choice but to leave Drew. But what exactly is more important for Travis?

I loved the tenderness of the story’s narration. There’s something extraordinary about this couple. It’s like fate has put them together to be each other’s rock. The inability of Drew to talk may seem like a challenge at first, but I guess it was the reason that made them much closer. You know that people genuinely care about you if they can see beyond such limitations. I never knew that this couple has their own story until I read Astounding! – the author’s most recent release. I’ve met them first in Bone Dry (the third book of the Bones series) and have been wondering about their story. So glad that I finally got a hold of this.

I very much recommend this one for readers looking for some nice and tender love story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published July 18th 2012 by Dreamspinner Press (first published July 2012)

You can also download the subsequent short story following their reunion  via Dreamspinner Press for FREE called The Gig. [click image for the download link]

The Gig

 

About The Author
Kim Fielding lives in California and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phonebooth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out homework assistance to her children. Her favorite word to describe herself is “eclectic” and she finally got that third tattoo.

All royalties from her novels Stasis, Flux and Equipoise are donated to Doctors Without Borders.

Book Review: Ten Simple Tips for Surviving the Apocalypse – Cari Z

Ten Simple Tips for Surviving the ApocalypseThis story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’sLove is an Open Road” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Photo Description:
A person stares out at you, someone clearly no longer human. His hair is white, his skin is dusky purple, and his eyes are the color of honey. He’s scarred, a cut spanning his face from cheek to cheek, and he’s looking at you like you might be lunch.

Review Logo

Cari Z sure knows how to create quirky, adorable and just oh-so-dreamy characters! Javi and Conrad are simply a wonderful tandem! I totally loved Javi! He’s just the cutest and most adorbs ever! Of course Javi will remind you of Jesse Eisenberg’s character from Zombieland but a way funnier version of him – and way hotter of course. And Conrad! Ugh. So dreamy!!!!! The hottest human-zombie (?) ever. I loved the whole interaction of the cast, the comedy was very well written and of course, the world building itself. We’ve seen a lot of Zombie Apocalypse stories but personally, this would be my first time to read one centered on queer romance. I just loved it!

And this is also free so Yay!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COPY HERE – MM ROMANCE GROUP

About The Author
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she’s put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.

Book Review: Yes – Brad Boney

“Every day for the rest of my life, it’ll remind me there’s only one way forward. I’m done being angry. I’m done feeling regrets and living on the sidelines. From now on, if life is a question, then this is the answer.”

During a trip to Denver with his best friend, Mark, Ian Parker buys a bar of enchanted chocolate from a candy store and wakes up two decades younger. Feeling like he was gifted by the universe a second chance to correct past mistakes, he poses as his nephew Ryan who then tried to pursue Bartley James, a regular customer at his La Tazza Magica cafe. Things, though, didn’t go as planned as his Ryan persona’s expectations didn’t bode well with the reality of things. Only what exactly is real and what is not?

You are forty, you have your own business and are successful enough, but you are not happy – you are still searching for that one thing and still feel that past mistakes are holding you back in reaching that.

What if you’ve got a chance for a do-over? Ian was given that chance, and as per Brad Boney’s tradition – magical realism was heavily used here. Yes will introduce you to the characters from the author’s past efforts entitled The Nothingness of Ben and The Return (you can include The Eskimo Slugger even). I’m confident you’ll enjoy reading this more if you’ve read the first three books because familiar characters were heavily featured here. However, I don’t think it’ll be a significant problem if you want to read this one regardless of the authors’ other books. What I can tell you is that this is a brilliant book. The characters are decidedly relatable, and the story was easy.

The whole 17 Again vibe was glaring at me at the onset of the story, and the excessive information dump about porn stars was somewhat informative, and I do like that part for some reason. It was like the pop culture lessons back in The Return.

Although there is one part that irks me, which I thought was intentional – the car sex scene between Ryan and Matthew – I was like, cmon’ man, it’s a do-over, right? —ever heard of protection? That was a ploy to get a rise out of the readers. I know I took the bait.

I think avid fans of Boney (like me) will get a kick out of this in the scope of things. I know I enjoyed this immensely and thought the author’s writing style is one of a kind in this genre. He’s just always on point, and the voices of his characters (especially Ian) speak to you.

Can I also mention how happy I am to hear from Topher and the guys? Ugh. So. Very. Special. And the preamble on Sam and Jeremy’s story. I couldn’t wait!

Yes may not be the strongest amongst Brad Boney’s novels, but it is a solid effort deserving of a five star-ratings like its first three predecessors.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 16th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

About The Author
Brad Boney lives in Austin, Texas, the 7th gayest city in America. He grew up in the Midwest and went to school at NYU. He lived in Washington, DC and Houston before settling in Austin. He blames his background in the theater for his writing style, which he calls “dialogue and stage directions.” His first book was named a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He believes the greatest romantic comedy of all time is ’50 First Dates’. His favorite gay film of the last ten years is ‘Strapped’. And he has never met a boy band he didn’t like.

Please note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission via Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Return – Brad Boney

I’ve had a hard time coming up with a proper review for this book. It’s just so special to me that I feel like limiting it with the sound words I could say about it won’t suffice at all. Aspiring rock star Topher Manning (who first appeared in The Nothingness Of Ben) had a weird but surreal field day when he met Stanton Porter, a music critic from New York who’s in the small town of Dime Box in Austin for a music festival. With luck on his side, he found himself getting a ticket to see Bruce Springsteen, which led to many possibilities that neither he nor Stanton ever expected.

I do love how Stanton’s past and future clashed in the story. The retelling of his past gives me this nostalgic feeling, especially with the talks of music, Stanton’s early college days, his friendship with Marvin and the guys, and his relationship with Chris / Hutch. It was just unbelievably sad. 

I also fell in love with Topher here. That guy is the cutest thing ever! I loved his personality, and the exuberance of his youth towards Stanton is just too adorable. He’s the perfect book boyfriend – sweet, sexy, intelligent, sensitive, and cute rolled into one!

I thought the whole reincarnation thing was sad and beautiful at the same time. There’s this one particular scene where I have to stop and tear up when Topher asked Stanton if he minded Maurice calling him Stan. Stan then answered, “Maurice can call me whatever he wants. He was always my favorite” (referring to Michael)

I also loved the extensive pop culture references here. It was so good it’s almost overwhelming. One of my favorite moments in the book was the Greatest Game scenes – both games played in the past and the present (Topher’s time.)

You see, The Return is one of those books that have its magic. It has its power and that something special that would stay with you for the longest time. It’s the perfect book to bring when soul searching or when you want to laugh or cry. The Return will give you all the options – pull different emotions out of you. If you liked The Nothingness Of Ben, The Return would be the perfect follow-up. It’s just perfection. Again, thank you, Brad Boney, for writing this fantastic piece of gem.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Brad Boney lives in Austin, Texas, the 7th gayest city in America. He grew up in the Midwest and went to school at NYU. He lived in Washington, DC and Houston before settling in Austin. He blames his background in the theater for his writing style, which he calls “dialogue and stage directions.” His first book was named a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He believes the greatest romantic comedy of all time is ’50 First Dates’. His favorite gay film of the last ten years is ‘Strapped’. And he has never met a boy band he didn’t like.

Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

The first time I saw and held this book, I thought it had one of the best covers I’ve seen in a while, and the title itself is screaming “Good Book!” “Read Me!” “Now!” but I didn’t exactly read it right away. It took me over three months before I finally decided to give it a go. I finished it in a day, and I was just so in love with it and was amazed at how affecting and rich the story was. I thought to myself, why didn’t I read this sooner? At least now, I know what the raves are all about! 

This coming-of-age book is about young Mexican-American teenagers Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana trying to discover the “secrets of the universe.” It’s a story of self-discovery, acceptance, and living in the now without forgetting the past. It tackles so many things that even adults alike don’t seem to understand. Those secrets of the universe became Ari and Dante’s emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical battlefields that they had to go through to realize something out of them. 

I loved how this story reminded me of that feeling when I’ve read one of my favorite books, “Lonesome Dove” by Larry McMurtry, due to its stirring and lyrical rendition of the story. Benjamin Alire Saenz’s writing here is flawless. It speaks. It will affect you. Remember when Call had to bury Gus? I cried for days. And I cried reading this as well.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is simply forgettable. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published February 21st 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

 

About the Author
Benjamin Alire Sáenz is an author of poetry and prose for adults and teens. He was the first Hispanic winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award and a recipient of the American Book Award for his books for adults. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe was a Printz Honor Book, the Stonewall Award winner, the Pura Belpré Award winner, the Lambda Literary Award winner, and a finalist for the Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award. His first novel for teens, Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood, was an ALA Top Ten Book for Young Adults and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His second book for teens, He Forgot to Say Goodbye, won the Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, the Southwest Book Award, and was named a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age. He lives in El Paso, Texas.

Book Review: Nowhere Ranch – Heidi Cullinan

Blurb: Love will grow through the cracks you leave open.

Ranch hand Roe Davis absolutely never mixes business with pleasure—until he runs into his boss, Travis Loving, at the only gay bar within two hundred miles.

Getting involved with the ranch owner is a bad idea, but Roe’s and Travis’s bedroom kinks line up against one another like a pair of custom-cut rails. As long as they’re both clear this is sex on the side, no relationship, no interfering with the job, they could make it work.

Shut out by his family years ago, Roe survived by steadfastly refusing to settle into so much as a post office box. As his affair with Travis grows into more than just sex, Roe’s past catches up with him, threatening the thin ray of happiness he’s found, reminding him it’s well past time he went on his way.

But even a loner gets lonely, and at this point, there’s nowhere left to run. The shame and sorrow of what he’s lost will stay with Roe wherever he goes—until he’s ready to let love lead him home.

Here, Roe told us from the onset how he finally found his “home,” but not before informing us how his family discovered his homosexuality. It was pretty painful like I couldn’t even fathom what it could do to someone like him or anyone, especially after your family threatened to kick you out if you remained to be “true” to yourself. That’s just so wrong in so many ways. You can’t choose what you are. Maybe you can decide how you live, but you are what you are—trying to be someone doesn’t do it at the end of the day. Going back to Roe, as he narrates how he got to Nowhere Ranch – we found out that he’s been working from farmland to farmland and does not like staying at one place. Less attachment, less pain for him. Then he met Travis Loving, the owner of Nowhere Ranch, who’s got a secret of his own which excites Roe, and soon, the two have forged a relationship that somehow worked both for them.

I almost planned on not finishing this book because I’m not big on M/M stories involving BDSM, but in actuality, the whole BDSM fiasco plays little importance to the book’s merits. Without reservation, Roe Davis’s story was honest and poignant that it echoed so much truth, so much passion, and a lot of mixed emotions. It’s simply unforgettable.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 254 pages
Published March 1st 2015 by Heidi Cullinan (first published Fe
bruary 15th 2011)

Book Review: Always – Kindle Alexander

“Always” is a heartbreakingly beautiful story of two souls finding their perfect match. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve shed tears while reading this book that I can’t even discern which emotion was predominantly directed towards the two main characters in this book.

The poignant narrative of Avery Adams and Kane Dalton serves as a poignant testament to the boundless nature of love. Their story demonstrates that genuine love transcends all boundaries and can endure even beyond life itself. Perhaps the sentimentality is overwhelming for some, but for me, this book has rightfully earned its place among my all-time favorites.

Discovering this exceptional read has been a delight. Both men serve as sources of inspiration, leading a remarkable life despite societal norms. Kindle Alexander deserves commendation for crafting such a compelling narrative.

In a literary landscape often cluttered with overly complex interpersonal dynamics, it’s refreshing to encounter a story where love is depicted in its purest form. While Avery and Kane’s relationship may seem idealized, it nevertheless resonates as a possibility in our world. “Always” reminds us that true love, though rare, has the power to transcend any obstacle.

In the end, “Always” serves as a poignant reminder that true love has the capacity to overcome all challenges.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
ebook, 280 pages
Published March 11th 2014 by Kindle Alexander LLC (first published March 8th 2014)