Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! – Claire Davis and Al Stewart

Posted on June 3, 2016 | Leave a comment

Anthony PaceDate of Publication: May 26, 2016
Genre and Themes: Young Adult Fiction, LGBT, Humour, Romance and Relationships, Contemporary Fiction, New Adult
Format: 125 pages, ebook
Publisher: Beaten Track Publishing
ISBN: 9781786450555
Characters: Anthony Pace, Charlie Woods

“This story is so cute, I’m gonna die!!!”

It all started when Anthony Pace became Charlie Woods’ enemy for a bit with Anthony eventually finding his way into Charlie’s young heart and becoming his best friend! They’re both geeks – Anthony’s a poet whilst Charlie’s the scientist and they’re the inseparable duo against the world!

As they started their college journey, Charlie’s situation at home worsen with his mom’s progressing dementia. Taking care of his mom is a responsibility Charlie tasked himself to do all alone until the dam finally broke. With Anthony making Charlie realized that he didn’t have to do it all and that through thick and thin, they will always be together – Charlie finally figured that Anthony Pace is more than his best friend in the world.

Anthony and Charlie are both charming individually but together, they’re just the most precious ever! They’re like little babies or little kittens you’d want to protect and love forever! I so loved their quirkiness. It’s not often that I get to read a story with both MC sharing the same quirky disposition. They’re funny and fun together!

The issue involving Charlie’s mother was basically the focal point of the story and it was incredibly heartbreaking to read those scenes where Charlie would run out of money for lunch; where he had to sleep at the sofa guarding the door for when his mom try to escape – things that he’s very much willing to endure because of his love for his mom. It was just sad because they had such a good life! Sometimes, life really aint fair no?

The beautiful thing though is that as best friends, Anthony can easily see through Charlie and it’s lovely how much support he and his family are willing to extend to Charlie. Actually, he’s already a family so it’s a given that they will be there for Charlie no matter what and that’s just the best thing ever about the story. It’s just so full of positivity! And the romance is something that needs to happen for like forever and when it did – everything feels like it’s going to be okay for Charlie.

So seriously folks, this little book is such a bundle of joy to read and it didn’t even cost me more than a couple of dollars! Like, who writes something this good and priced it like it’s basically free? Well, that’s the writing duo of Claire Davis and Al Stewart for you! Goodness, gracious! Thank you!!! This book is just what you need if you’re feeling heavy inside and just want to feel good about something – say, why not read Shut Your Face, Anthony Pace! Highly recommended!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Claire Davis
Claire lives in the beautiful UK. She works full time and reads whenever she gets a spare five minutes.

http://astewartcdavisbook.wix.com/author

About Al Stewart
I am originally from an enormous housing estate in the south of England.
Early influences include male ballet dancers or anyone in tights, Robin Hood, and all my sister’s boyfriends.
I’ve written poetry from a young age but fairly recently moved on to books about ordinary people.
I’m crippling awful at talking about myself but I can draw a horse.

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Book Review: Kestrel’s Talon (The Stonewatchers, #1) – Bey Deckard

Posted on June 1, 2016 | Leave a comment

Kestrels TalonDate of Publication: May 23, 2016
Genre and Themes: Fantasy, Triad, LGBT/QUILTBAG, Slavery
Format: 426 pages, ebook
Publisher: Bey Deckard
ASIN: Fantasy, Triad, LGBT/QUILTBAG
Characters: Kestrel, Talon, Grimma

Kestrel’s a soldier sold into slavery after his own country did not buy his freedom back because he was defiled during his time as a war prisoner. Abused and dehumanized as a pleasure slave, Kestrel didn’t think that he could still escape his agonizing existence until he found himself being sold – yet again – to a fellow slave named Talon and its master, Count Strade.

I didn’t think that I’d enjoy this book immensely given that this was my first book from the author and it is 400-pages plus long. So I was a bit wary because of that but since it was highly recommended to me by a friend, I thought I’d give it a try and I’m sure glad I did because it is without question one of the best books I’ve read this year!

I loved the details in this book. You can really see as you go along with the story how the author thought about every minute detail with each character. There are three main characters here given that this was a triad and the chemistry between them was just spot on. One problem I always seem to encounter in stories with ménage à trois is the lack of chemistry between one other character from the other two. There are only few stories with similar arrangement whose characters really jived together and this is definitely one of them.

Out of the three though, Talon has got to be my favorite. I really loved his youthful characterization and his voice just left me yearning for more narrative from his perspective. There’s sweet innocence combined with wickedness about his character. Perhaps, it’s because he was never treated a slave by Grim and bears a very useful “gift?” I also loved that he’s selfless with just about everyone he considers family. I just loved him.

There’s Kestrel of course. I feel for what he’s been through but at times, he makes me feel a tad bit uncomfortable when he’s being rough with Talon. Although Talon’s okay with it, I find myself internally cringing whenever he’s being that way.

Then there’s Grimma! Oh, how I adore this guy! All the history behind his character was well-crafted and I just loved reading his POV!

Together, they make a very beautiful triad! Plus, the sexy time between them was just beyond!

As for the side characters, there are some I totally loved (Moller, Ghost, Hessa) and some whom I want to see in the next installment and hope that they will have a gruesome death (Scalt and Kes’s prisonmate whose name I forgot).

As for the story development, I loved how fast the pacing was and the upcoming plot points for the next book clearly established at the latter part of the story was nothing short of exciting and I am very much hoping for a grittier sequel.

I think I covered everything in this review and atm, I am dying with anticipation for the next book! I seriously need to read more of Bey’s works while waiting for it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Born and raised in a small coastal town in northern Québec, Bey spent his early summers on his uncle’s boat and running wild on the beaches of the surrounding islands, lighting fires and building huts out of driftwood and fishermen’s nets. As an adult, he eventually made his way to university and earned a degree in Art History with a strong focus on Anthropology. Primarily a portrait painter and graphic artist, Bey sat down one day and decided to start writing.

Bey currently lives in the wilds of Montréal with his best buddy, a ridiculous, spotty pit bull named Murphy.

http://www.beydeckard.com

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Book Review: Daddy’s Money – Alan Chin

Posted on May 30, 2016 | Leave a comment

Daddy's MoneyDate of Publication: December 10, 2012
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Contemporary, Family, Racism, Xenophobia
Format: 210 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781623802332
Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Characters: Sayen Homet, Cameron Campbell

Everyone needs a little help now and then. For gay Muslim Sayen Homet, that help first came from his understanding mother, who brought him to America from the Middle East. Now that he’s working his way through Stanford Medical School, his help comes from a secret sugar daddy. But Sayen might be able to end their arrangement soon now that he has a boyfriend he can depend on, A student Campbell Reardon. Campbell is more than willing to support Sayen, even if it means coming out to his conservative family.

But when Campbell takes Sayen home to meet his parents, everything falls apart. Campbell doesn’t realize how his boyfriend pays for school… and neither of them knows Sayen’s sugar daddy is Campbell’s father, Blake.

While everyone involved struggles to overcome their shock, it becomes obvious Blake will do anything to keep Sayen. Campbell and Sayen love each other, but in the face of so much hurt and betrayal, love might not be enough to hold them together.

The unapologetic writing style of Alan Chin is one of the things I loved about him. He won’t try to sugarcoat an event or a scene involving his characters. I liked the grittiness of the words used here, which some readers may find revolting but somehow worked. Admittedly, the whole mixed-up of religion, race, soap opera-ish twists was a bit too much for me here. I didn’t really like Sayen’s character because he’s obviously a first-class user or as my sister told me bluntly, he’s basically a prostitute masquerading with his sob story. I don’t agree much with her but like what I’ve said, I never felt an affinity towards his character. I didn’t like how he keeps on using his past to excuse what he’s doing which ultimately cost him Cameron. I also didn’t think that he really loved Cameron more than Cameron’s dad. I didn’t see the difference much. The ending was a bit disconcerting for me because there was already a gap between them and it still ended that way.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications – Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at:http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog:http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com

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Book Review: The Lonely War – Alan Chin

Posted on May 28, 2016 | Leave a comment

The Lonely WarDate of Publication: November 12, 2009
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, War, POW, Racism, Xenophobia
Format: 328 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781934841440
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Andrew Waters

How far will a man go to survive?

Andrew Waters, son of an American diplomat and a Chinese mother, already has two strikes against him when he joins the crew of the USS Pilgrim not long after Pearl Harbor–his mixed heritage and his pacifism.

He never expects he will fall in love with his handsome commanding officer.

The crew of the Pilgrim is captured and sent to the notorious Changi POW camp. The man Andrew loves will die without proper medical treatment. To save his life, Andrew makes a choice that could destroy not just his future but his life.

This historical fiction set during the second world war is a story that will make you weep, laugh and weep again for its heartbreaking poignancy! Just how apt is the name of Andrew’s crew (Pilgrim) with the story’s “religious” undertone? Actually, to say that it’s religious is a bit of a stretch because it’s more of an exploration of Andrew about himself and the things that are happening around him. At first I thought I’d be bored with it but throughout the story, I was a mixed-bowl of emotions. I was giddy with the “blossoming?” romance between Andrew and Nathan and was appalled by what happened to him eventually when they were captured by the Japanese soldiers. There really are two faces of war and it’s sad when you know that there are necessary evils that must be done in order to get through it. That’s what Andrew did here and there are times in the story that I had to stop because I was bawling my eyes out! I also loved Commandant Totturi because of his ‘history.’ It was true love for him and I pretty much believe that Andrew reciprocated that feeling, only his heart is too big for a lot of people.

People who are expecting a traditional happy-every-after ending will be very disappointed with this one. It does not have one, that I could tell you. For me though, it’s actually more than that. The author’s style will make you contemplate on a lot of things in a un-preachy way. I loved that about Alan Chin. He’s unapologetically honest and weaves his story with stirring narratives.

The Lonely War simply exemplifies Chin’s superb writing! Match Maker is still my number one favorite from his stories but this one comes close into out-besting it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Alan Chin was born in Ogden, Utah, where he was christened, Alan Lewis Hurlburt. He was raised in San Jose, California where he enjoyed an undistinguished childhood. After graduating high school, Alan served four years in the U.S. Navy where he learned and practiced the trade of aircraft mechanic while stationed at the naval air station in Kingsville, Texas.
Alan attended four years of night school at San Francisco State University, studying the field of Data Processing. Afterwards he enjoyed a twenty year career working his way from computer programmer, to software engineer, to network designer, and finally to manager of several software engineer development groups.

In 1991, while still working full time, Alan went back to night school and years later graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Economics and a Masters in Creative Writing.

In 1999, Alan retired from his career in Information Technology to devote more time to his three hobbies: writing, traveling, and tennis. During that same timeframe, Alan legally changed his name to Alan Chin, so that he could share the same family name as his life partner, Herman Chin.

Alan turned serious about his writing in 2003, and began working on his first novel, Island Song. He has now published two novel with Zumaya Publications – Island Song and The Lonely War. He is currently searching for a publisher fr his 3rd novel, while writing a 4th novel and two screenplays.

Alan currently lives and writes half of each year at his home in San Rafael, California, and he spends the other half of each year traveling the globe.

You can learn more about Alan Chin and his writing at:http://AlanChinWriter.blogspot.com or about his travels at his travel blog:http://HermanAndAlan.blogspot.com

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Book Review: Passing Through – Jay Northcote

Posted on May 17, 2016 | Leave a comment

Passing ThroughDate of Publication: March 4, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Contemporary Romance
Format: 176 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published via Createspace
ISBN: 9781507840719
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Characters: Leo, Tristan, Edwin

Passing Through is a predictable story but in a good way. Leo is a workaholic from London who found himself driving to Cornwall to spend some time with his beloved uncle Edwin whose days are numbered due to cancer. There he meets Tristan, a friend of Edwin who’s lodging and fixing up the latter’s cottage. They got to know each other and soon found themselves exploring each other’s body and history. At the end of the day, the question still remains unanswered between them – what are they willing to give up for love and happiness?

Passing Through is one of those books that doesn’t leave much of an impression long after reading it. It is however, a book that is technically well-written. That may not sound enticing at all but I think a lot of people will really enjoy how Jay Northcote went back to basics and dish out a story that is not embedded with complicated plot lines, unbelievable twists that doesn’t make sense and some loopholes that the author totally forgotten to address by the end of the story. This book isn’t like that.

There’s beauty in simplicity and Jay Northcote was able to present that in this story. I liked the angle concerning Edwin and his secret but found it a bit too much at times. The parallelism dragged the story a bit in my opinion. The whole story just revolves around these three guys which I thought was okay but I won’t mind a tiny bit of drama. It is not my favourite from Jay Northcote but it’s definitely still worth reading.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, she decided to try and write a short story—just to see if she could—and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary gay romance about men who fall in love with other men, usually set in or near her home town of Bristol. She enjoys the challenge of bringing the men in her head to life through her words. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and she also publishes her own titles under the imprint Jaybird Press. Some of her books are now available as audiobooks.

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Book Review: Get Your Shine On – Nick Wilgus

Posted on May 15, 2016 | Leave a comment

Get Your Shine OnDate of Publication: July 24, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Family Drama
Format: 330 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 9781634763738
Cover Art: AngstyG.
Characters: Henry Hood, Sam Rakestraw, Ishmael Hood

Get Your Shine On obviously has the formula taken from the author’s The Sugar Tree series because of its setting in the South and the couple with a kid but it actually has its very own charm with humor that is so spot on, commentaries’ so blunt they’ll make you flinch and characters so vibrant its feels like you’re actually living their lives. I just loved everything about it! There are some plot points in the story that were a bit predictable but in a way that feels so natural to the story.

I loved Sam and Henry’s relationship! It’s quite realistic and I loved how they have their own careers and are making a home together and not caring one bit about the nasty naysayers in their little hometown. Oh, how I absolutely adore Ishy!!! What a sweetheart! I just want to adopt him! He’s a bit slow on the uptake sure but he’s still a kid after all and I loved how his voice was so consistent all throughout the story. It was easily predictable why he’s like that but at the same time, it’s still a bit horrifying to actually read it!

I enjoyed how fast-paced the story was and how each character made an impact in the story. And that beautiful, heartwarming ending was just beyond! Just perfection!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Nick Wilgus
I sold my first short story to The Horror Show Magazine at the age of seventeen and I’ve been writing ever since.

From murder mysteries to romantic comedies featuring gay couples, I’ve been channeling my dreams and demons for almost four decades. Along the way, I picked up a Lambda Award nomination, was named one of the best columnists in the state of Mississippi, and had an award-winning movie based on my first novel, MINDFULNESS AND MURDER.

A former newspaper editor, I’m a proud dad who lives in Tupelo, Mississippi right down the street from the house where Elvis grew up.

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Book Review: Playing With Fire (Glasgow Lads, #3) – Avery Cockburn

Posted on May 13, 2016 | Leave a comment

Playing With FireDate of Publication: January 29, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports
Format: 330 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B01BA13WXE
Cover Art: Damonza
Characters: Robert McKenzie, Liam Carroll

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

This third instalment of the Glasgow Lads maybe a bit surprising for the fans of the series because the main characters here are best buds, Liam Caroll and the supposedly straight member of the Woodstoun Warriors, Robert McKenzie. Apparently, he’s not that straight and he’s got the hots for his best friend! Yay! Now, tell me how hot is that? You would think that upon realizing Robert is bisexual, Liam will be all over him in a hot second but that’s just so not the case. Liam just couldn’t risk falling for the person he couldn’t live without. There’s just so much on the line pursuing something between them. Or so Liam thought. Robert is ready to take their relationship to the next level but he’s got to make Liam see that what they have is actually worth taking a chance on.

Three things I super loved about this book:

  1. I just loved how Robert was the one taking the chance here and the one who really made the moves. He’s just super-adorable especially about saving his first gay kiss. That’s like the ‘awww..’ moment of the book!
  2. The damn hot sex scenes! Just totally burning hot!
  3. Fergus and John’s wedding! I really loved these boys and their wedding was just a joy to read especially after reading ‘Playing It Safe’ where they had their engagement! Just really sweet!

Things I don’t hate but may have balked a little while reading the book:

  1. Liam’s super annoying attitude towards Robert. At some point in the book, I was like yelling internally at him to try to at least make some effort! There’s no question that he loves Rabbie so it’s just frustrating to see him actually creating the walls between them and being overly dramatic at times.
  2. Liam’s untoward feelings about Fergus and John’s wedding. Ugh. He really got on my nerves here. I guess I could understand where he’s coming from but I feel that there was no point in the book that he’s really been ‘extremely’ happy for the couple.

So, it’s only Liam’s attitude that kind of ticked me off in this story but overall, it was still a super-awesome book! For sure, Avery is one gifted writer and I couldn’t wait for her next books especially after hinting here that she’ll be working next on Evan’s story! Yikes! I don’t know how she would give Evan the redemption arc he clearly needed after his intro during the first book. How can you ever validate cheating? And I’m kind of worried because that is one of my pet peeves!!!! I am certain though that Avery will make it work because this series is seriously beyond phenomenal! I am all for the story of these lads and we’ve only got four of them so far!!! Imagine the other boys’ stories to come! If you don’t want to get left behind with the Glasgow Lads craze, I suggest you start picking up this one and the rest of the series!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Hiya, I’m Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn). In a previous incarnation I wrote over a dozen novels for major publishers. Some of these books even won awards, which was pure awesome. But last year I decided to “go indie” so I could write exactly what I wanted, how I wanted, and publish as fast as readers wanted. Now my days are filled with beautiful men who play the Beautiful Game in the most beautiful place in the world—and who happen to love other beautiful men. It’s pretty much the best job ever.

I currently live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my mailing list at http://www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!

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Book Review: Playing For Keeps (Glasgow Lads, #1) – Avery Cockburn

Posted on May 9, 2016 | Leave a comment

Playing For KeepsDate of Publication: June 17, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Sports, Romance, Racism
Format: 326 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B00ZY6REAY
Cover Art: Damonza
Characters: Fergus Taylor, John Burns

Okay, so call me crazy now because I keep on yapping about this online on how this my favourite read this year – yup, after 70 plus books I’ve perused this year (so far) it is still numero uno but let me just say overall, that this series – Glasgow Lads series – is the best series I’ve read this year, bar none. Yup, that is one of the strongest statements I am proclaiming this year aside from my avid support for Hillary Clinton *wink* Okay, so we’re getting way out of the subject right here but this is what I’ve been telling myself as my problem why I couldn’t write the review for this book after I’ve read it last January. I just tend to ramble all about it because up until this time, I still keep on rereading Fergus and John’s story in between new books that I am reading. I’ve told you – crazy.

So my dear friend Riina recommended this one and I think I’ve already figured why she did because that wicked lady has an ulterior motive! She wanted me to simply ramble like crazy about this series because it’s just so freaking good and naturally I won’t stop telling people how I really enjoyed this one and how I loved it to bits! You wicked lady you! I blame you for this kind of book crazy!!!

Where are we now? Okay – with Playing for Keeps. Did I say that it’s about football with members of LGBTQ community as its players and the setting is in Scotland – yup, the freaking Scotland where kilts are required to be worn by every football players without extra clothing down there??? LOL. Yeah, that got your interest but that’s only in my wildest and most perverted imagination but dear lawd! I’d kill to watch a football match with players wearing only kilts! ONLY kilts that is. I know, perverted-crazy-town bound. That’s me.

Imma keep this review short because this is really getting way out of hand so to speak. So Fergus Taylor’s douche boyfriend named Evan (who is also the captain of their team) left him for another guy after years of being boyfriends and the douche (let me use this term for now alright?) did that on their most important game leading to bb Fergie falling to pieces and the team losing a very important match, obviously. So that just fucking sucks because seriously, who does that?!

Enter the ever so charming John Burns, an openly gay guy at school and a very obedient son at home. So John needs Fergie’s team to participate on a friendly match for a cause and that is to help refugees settling and about to settle in Scotland. I thought that was real neat by the way.

What both guys didn’t expect is the instant chemistry they felt for each other. Seriously guys, it was fucking magic! From the first date up to John’s first overnight at Fergie’s – the sexual tension was just off the charts.  Only John is keeping a big, big secret and once Fergie discover what that secret is, it could lead to the end of their blossoming relationship. Like, a total warzone-secret that Fergie will go stir-shit-crazy about.

Now, now – let’s not forget about the secondary characters which will also have their own story to tell (and let me just tell you that while I am only writing / posting this review now – I’ve already finished the series and ‘am impatiently waiting for the next book!!!!!! I so freaking need a time machine!!!!!). The whole characterization of each guy/gal even if they’re not the focus of the story was so rich you’d just know that after reading this you have to grab those as soon as possible! I know I did and I didn’t mind skipping a couple of meals just to finish everything. LOL. See it also help me lose some weight! Yay! (Okay, that was fucking lame I know and you can call that lame-crazy) Haha!

So I don’t think I need to elaborate more about this book! I mean, you just got to pick it up over at Amazon most preferably – although I honestly don’t buy there much because I’m really not a fan of their kindle app but yeah  – grab a copy of the series instead and enjoy every second reading it. Off I go now because I think I’ve convinced you enough! I did right?

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Hiya, I’m Avery Cockburn (rhymes with Savory Slow Churn). In a previous incarnation I wrote over a dozen novels for major publishers. Some of these books even won awards, which was pure awesome. But last year I decided to “go indie” so I could write exactly what I wanted, how I wanted, and publish as fast as readers wanted. Now my days are filled with beautiful men who play the Beautiful Game in the most beautiful place in the world—and who happen to love other beautiful men. It’s pretty much the best job ever.

I currently live in the United States with one infinitely patient man and two infinitely impatient cats. Readers make my day, so email me at avery@averycockburn.com, or sign up for my mailing list at http://www.averycockburn.com/signup to get loads of exclusive Glasgow Lads bonus material. Cheers!

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Book Review: Imperfect Harmony – Jay Northcote

Posted on May 8, 2016 | Leave a comment

Imperfect HarmonyDate of Publication: April 15, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Age Gap
Format: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Jaybird Press
ASIN: B01E18FZP6
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Characters: John Fletcher, Rhys Callington

I love Jay Northcote’s style of writing – most of the time. She’s got a very easy style which translates into her stories. Her stories are mostly feel-good with usually likable characters. Imperfect Harmony is about John and Rhys who both lost their ‘partners’ and are still grieving their losses. When John decided to join a group choir where Rhys works as a leader, they didn’t expect that their love for music would lead them into something that neither man thought they have forever lost. But their 19-year age gap isn’t lost to John and it make take more than music to convince him to give love a second chance.

I didn’t enjoy the story that much but I didn’t hate it. I just find the whole setting of the story boring and I really didn’t the feel connection between John and Rhys. I love May-December love stories but conflict-wise, this one just didn’t work for me. Jay Northcote’s writing is still smooth here as usual, her characters are likable but the subdued vibe throughout the book totally didn’t elevate the romance aspect of the story. In short, I find the story a bit lazy.

I’m still going to recommend this one to those who are looking for some easy read but I am not going to put this one on my reread list anytime soon. Rest assured though that I’d still be getting Jay Northcote’s titles in the future.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Jay lives just outside Bristol in the West of England, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She comes from a family of writers, but she always used to believe that the gene for fiction writing had passed her by. She spent years only ever writing emails, articles, or website content.

One day, she decided to try and write a short story—just to see if she could—and found it rather addictive. She hasn’t stopped writing since.

Jay writes contemporary gay romance about men who fall in love with other men, usually set in or near her home town of Bristol. She enjoys the challenge of bringing the men in her head to life through her words. Jay has five books published by Dreamspinner Press, and she also publishes her own titles under the imprint Jaybird Press. Some of her books are now available as audiobooks.

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Book Review: Coin Tricks – Willow Scarlett

Posted on May 7, 2016 | 1 comment

Coin TricksDate of Publication: February 26, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ New Adult, Family, Romance
Format: 232 pages, ebook
ASIN: B01CAVI2F6
Characters: Sid Riley, Wiremu/Wire

First, can we just take a minute to admire that uber-lovely cover? That is one beautiful and enticing cover! Yup, there ya go…

On with the story, it’s very much easy to say that out of the 70 plus books I’ve read so far this year, this is definitely one of my favourites.  The story is just all kinds of lovely from the main characters up to its secondary ones and the goodness just won’t let up until the last word of the book!

The story is narrated by Wire all throughout the story telling us about his job, about his family and how he met Sid Riley whom he eventually fell in love with.

“My name’s Wiremu: Like William but said Widdymoo” Okay, I totally don’t get this one so I am going to stick with Wire.

You may be wondering why the book is called Coin Tricks. Basically, it is some sort of homage to what Sid does on the side, rather what he really enjoyed doing and that is magic! I thought it was real sweet how Wire and Sid started to really get to know each other  after Sid was caught by Wire shoplifting just so he could give something for his sister’s birthday and Wire eventually deciding to bring foods to Sid’s place. I guess, most people would find that odd but that is how Wire is built. He’s got the kindest heart – built like a brick but very much a teddy bear at heart.

This is not just a romance book though. Half of the story revolves around Wire’s family and the concept itself. It’s heavily embedded with Maori culture because Wire’s from a Maori family and I guess that is how close-knitted Maori people are. I loved that aspect of the story because I could totally relate with it. We Filipinos have this close-knitted extended family as well and we always like to keep in touch, and even if we’re older and we can support ourselves – some of us decides to still live at home because that is where “our” family is. ‘Not saying this is an exclusive trait (obviously) but I just loved how easily relatable the family angle in the book is.

As for the romance aspect, it was very subdued. Every ‘romantic’ gestures by Wire towards Sid can be construed as platonic and I think at first, it was simply platonic because he wanted to help Sid get back on his feet or at least help him out on ‘raising’ his little sister. As the story developed, the subtle change in their relationship was just a joy to read. I loved that they both have insecurities but they don’t let those insecurities cowered them into keeping their feelings from each other.

I’d also like to mention how Wire’s character reminds me so much Alan Fletcher from J.L. Merrow’s Muscling Through. There’s just all kinds of similarity with their characters and the sweet innocence nature of their personality will just melt your heart like Hersheys.

I am totally recommending this to anyone who’s up for a wonderful, feel-good and beautifully written read. Pick it up you sappy people because I’m pretty sure you’d fall in love with the story as well.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Willow Scarlett is a queer romance writer from New Zealand. In early 2015, she quit city life and moved to a ski hut at the foot of Mt Doom. She now happily lives and writes in a tiny town which is home to more alpacas than people.
Her greatest joy is in creating holistic romances, bringing characters through friendship and lust to consuming, eye-opening, world-fulfilling love. Her stories often feature punks, rebels and outcasts.
Willow is an avid jogger and cyclist, a neocrust violinist and an enthusiastic fan of horror movies.

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