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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 To Win (Glasgow Lads, #2) – Avery Cockburn

Posted on May 11, 2016 | Leave a comment

Playing To WinDate of Publication: June 17, 2015
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ, Romance, Politics
Format: 361 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published
ASIN: B0116LBLKE
Cover Art: Damonza
Characters: Colin MacDuff, Andrew Sunderland

So how do I go about with this second book of my favourite series this year? It’s Colin and Andrew’s story so that ought to excite fans who loved them in the first book because sexy, crass Colin is back and the too-cool for school Lord Andrew is ready to go all-out in wooing the very political and youngest player of Woodstoun Warriors. Yes, I did say political because their story was set in the midst of Scottish-Independence struggle and as much as I’d love to tell you much about that from what I’ve learned from the book itself – I don’t think there’ll be much I can accurately say about it. Truthfully, I wasn’t even aware of it when it happened so I ain’t touching that one baby.

The story though is nothing short of special as a follow-up to that super-awesome Playing For Keeps starring Fergus and John. Colin and Andrew are so very different from said couple and I loved how they set their difference aside in order to meet halfway to try to make their relationship work.

Both are young so I loved that Ms. Cockburn was able to flesh out their personality in such a way that shows where they are in terms of maturity. Colin for me is the idealist one whilst Andrew is the realist in the relationship. ‘not saying the other one has more maturity but again, they have differences when it comes to not only their social standings but also their point of views which is why they hit it off to begin with. Andrew needs someone who will keep him grounded while Colin needs someone equally stronger emotionally keeping him from his bouts of histrionics when it comes to his political views. I said that I won’t touch the “political” side of things but I keep on bringing it up. I hope I am not offending anyone with my views towards Colin’s character. It’s just how I view his views ‘politically.’ So if I were to compare myself from either Colin or Andrew, I’d say I’m more of an Andrew person.

I obviously enjoyed it although the first couple from previous book is still my favourite, I thought this one sends a very strong political message (I know, sorry) and the characterization of both MCs is a strong depiction of them young people at the moment. Millenials they call them?

This review may sound way subdued from the first book but I think a lot of people will enjoy how very different this one is and readers (like my friend Riina who recommended this series) will fall for Colin onset of the story!

I absolutely recommend this book and this 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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Book Review: Spencer Cohen Book Three (Spencer Cohen, #3) – N.R. Walker

Posted on May 6, 2016 | Leave a comment

Spencer Cohen 3Date of Publication: April 21, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Romance
Length: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Blue Heart Press
ASIN: B01EDDUAMM
Covert Artist: Sara York
Characters: Spencer Cohen, Andrew Landon

Warning: This review contain some spoilers.

I absolutely adore this series! There’s just something so special about this couple – Spencer and Andrew – that makes you want to give them all the love in the world.

Spencer is just freaking unbelievable! For someone who’s been bruised by his past, his countenance and outlook in life is just beyond amazing and he’s not even aware how good he is with people, how is kindness touched the people around him! What a really special guy!

Andrew on the other hand is just adorkable in so many ways! Who wouldn’t love this guy? Seriously? He’s shy, smart, sexy, sophisticated and …I’m running out of S adjectives but what I’m trying to say is that he’s all kinds of perfect! He’s Spencer’s perfect guy!

When I was reading the second book, I knew that something from Spencer’s past will finally be able to burst his happy bubble in L.A. A sad call from Sydney was all it took for him to confront some remnants of his past. It was a rather  bittersweet reunion between Spencer and a member of his family and more heartbreaking that suicide has to pave a way for them to reconnect. Ideally, I would’ve like the father to just go and offed himself but the villains in the story doesn’t always die, the same way in real life. I cried for Spencer, Archer and Lewis and the times they’ve all lost together because of his parents’ bigotry and conditional love. What a waste, really. If only Spencer could turn back time.

The story may have a bit of a sad tone but overall, there’s overflowing love in it! Their friends, family members and the guys themselves are just spreading love all throughout the story. I love stories like this because it makes me feel good and makes me believe that love will always prevail in everything. I am totally channeling Dumbledore.

And really, that epilogue just about killed me! I loved it! Such a perfect ending to a beautiful series! Thank you N.R. Walker!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

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Book Review: The Distance (Firsts and Forever Series, #11) – Alexa Land

Posted on May 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

Date of Publication: April 8, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ New Adult, Family, Comedy
Format: 250 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published.
ISBN: 9781311268150
Characters: Jessie James, Malakai “Kai” Kahale

I’ve been waiting for Jessie’s story for a while now and all I can say after reading “The Distance” is that it was so worth the wait! I absolutely loved this story and I absolutely adore Jessie and Kai! I didn’t exactly pictured Jessie as a twink and one who’s into drag racing for that matter but I liked how the author incorporated this aspect into his character. Although, I’ve to say that I’m still a bit clueless how he found himself so into racing and cars in general. He just mentioned that he started with go-cart and it was a bit vague from there and we were told he came out of the closet at 17 with his family disowning and kicking him out. It’s not a very important detail but it’s just so unlikely with his upbringing I think but at the end of the day, I’m still okay with that vagueness. Sort of.

Malakai “Kai” Kahale aka Trigger is a reminiscent of Dare’s character from “Sky Blue.” This is the 12th couple in total so there are 22 guys in the series but for some reason, Kai’s personality reminded me so much of Dare – laidback, silent and determined. He’s got an amazing chemistry with Jessie and although I’m not a big fan of kids in my MM books, I’d say that I am loving how Alexa Land characterized Joshie and Izzy. ( Joshie’s the adopted son of Trevor and Vincent.)

This series is one of those series you’d just have to enjoy and not over-analyzed (hahaha! I know, I just overanalyzed that detail about racing but yeah – you get the drift). The story doesn’t have much of a conflict and is still over the top like the rest of the series but again, it’s very much enjoyable! It’s pretty long for such a plot but of course, we need to get updates every now and then with the other / previous ‘gay homosexuals’ in the series and you simply have to watch out for Nana’s wedding!!!

If you have not read anything from the series, this one is pretty much a  stand-alone read and let me tell you that Alexa Land’s writing is the kind of writing I go to whenever I feel shitty or on the verge of experiencing a book slump. And this book is an example of that kind of writing.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
I write and independently publish M/M love stories. My best-selling Firsts and Forever series includes: Way Off Plan, All In, In Pieces, Gathering Storm, Salvation, Skye Blue, Against the Wall and Belonging. Coming Home will be released in later summer, 2015.

I’ve also published Feral, a paranormal M/M romance, and The Tinder Chronicles, a paranormal trilogy.

For more information, please visit my blog at:http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/ Follow me on Twitter @AlexaLandWrites or find me on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…

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Book Review: The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson (Get Out, #1) – Sean Kennedy

Posted on May 4, 2016 | Leave a comment

Micah JohnsonDate of Publication: April 7, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Young Adult, Comedy, Sports, Bullying, Homophobia
Format: 190 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 9781634765473
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Micah Johnson, Kyle Marks, Declan Tyler

I prayed for this to be as awesome as the Tigers and Devils series and the gods heard my chanting because this one is just fucking marvelous!

First, this one is separate from the Tigers and Devils series but I’d say that it’s in the same universe.

Is it stand-alone? In some way it is, but I think some readers would probably be a bit clueless about who Dec was and the story behind his character (obviously) if they have not read the Tigers and Devils series.

Micah Johnson is the runaway kid / football protégé of Declan Tyler from the last book (Tigers on the Run) of the Tigers and Devils series. Here, Micah is trying his best to ‘reform’ his attitude which dramatically changes after his spectacular ‘coming-out.’ It’s Micah Johnson against the world in his self-pitying opinion but he’s got to keep his opinion to himself if he wanted to get to his goal of getting drafted into the Australian Football League (AFL).

Second, fans of Dec and Simon (especially Dec) would love this one because he’s in here half the time.

Yay! I totally missed these guys! I loved seeing Dec working post-career as an AFL player! I loved what he’s doing for the future ‘gay’ players and especially loved how he’s very supportive with Micah! He’s going to be a great dad and I’d expect a baby in the (hopefully) next Tigers and Devils book!

Third, the genre is young adult so no-excessive ‘sex-ing’ here.

But hello!? We’re talking about Micah Johnson here so expect naughty stuff to come out of his potty mouth! Haha!

Fourth, you wanna see baby Simon? Well, Micah’s basically Simon who plays footy! Hah! You’d definitely loved Micah’s voice. You can feel the angst, his dry humor and his overall Simon-ism.

And the secondary characters aside from Dec: Micah’s parents, Emma, Alex, Jack, Will and even Boyd! Gawd! Perfection! There’s a unique voice in every character and I just totally adore Alex and Jack! Please, tell me Mister Kennedy that we’ll see more of them in the future! Please, please!

What an amazing, amazing story! I cannot wait for the follow-up! Hurry-up pleasssseee!!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Sean Kennedy was born in Melbourne, Australia, but currently lives in the second most isolated city in the world (although there still seems to be conjecture over whether it is actually number one). Living in such deprived circumstances can only affect his writing, which is published by Dreamspinner Press.

You can find him at http://www.seankennedybooks.com

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Book Review: Stones in the Road (Sugar Tree, #2) – Nick Wilgus

Posted on April 17, 2016 | Leave a comment

Stones In The RoadPublished January 30, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT  Romance, Family Drama, Homophobia, Death, Drug Addiction
Length: 300 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781632167293
Characters: Wiley Cantrell, Jackson Ledbetter, Noah Cantrell

I’ve finally decided to give this a go after finishing its sequel Got Tell it on the Mountains. I find this too heartbreaking because once again, I am reminded of how lovely Noah was, mostly his relationship with his dad yet when I started reading it, I just can’t seem to stop until I turned its last page. I’ve also read this backward just like its third book ( I know, it’s weird – will come up on a different post soon). I don’t know why I didn’t feel comfortable reading it from the start – I guess I just want to know first that everything was okay. Upon finishing it though, I figured that it won’t make that much of a difference because this book is just freaking good. The first book, Shaking the Sugar Tree was too heavy for me but I still liked it. In Go Tell It on the Mountains, I was able to really appreciate Nick Wilgus’s writing style. This one just reinforced my admiration towards the author and the series. It’s just overall lovely and it’s crazy to think that it’s just now that I was able to read it. Well, mostly because I thought it’s too heavy a book for me but truth be told, it is not. It is more enlightening in such a way where you will yet again witness how Wiley’s love for Noah is so great that it’s almost unreal. You’d want to lit some characters on fire and you’d want to just keep Noah in your pocket and make everything safe and happy for him.

I didn’t really think that Nick Wilgus will be able to come up with a wonderful sequel because at times, the premise of the first book although full of humor seems a bit harrowing but this follow-up showcased how the author has masterfully crafted the wonders of storytelling particularly when fleshing out the ways of the great South. I cannot recommend this enough, though, it is a must for you to read the first book before heading into this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Nick Wilgus is the author of the best-selling romantic comedy SHAKING THE SUGAR TREE about a gay single father raising a deaf child in the South. His other novels include STONES IN THE ROAD, GET YOUR SHINE ON and BILAL’S BREAD.

He is also the author of the Father Ananda murder-mystery series: Mindfulness and Murder, Sister, Suicide, Killer Karma, and The Curious Corpse. His works have been translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish.

He also wrote the script for the award-winning film Sop mai Ngeap, based on Mindfulness and Murder, produced by DeWarrenne Films in Bangkok, nominated for Best Screenplay by the Thai Film Association.

Under the pen name Sulayman X, he is the author of several novels, including TEARS OF A DRAGON and KING OF STORMS. Under the pen name Jerome Wilde, he is the author of BOY CRUCIFIED: A THOMAS NOEL MYSTERY.

Wilgus sold his first short story, The Boogeyman in the Closet, to The Horror Show when he was 17.

He lives in Tupelo, Mississippi.

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