Author: Kassa

Review: D*U*C*K

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D*U*C*K
D*U*C*K by Poppy Z. Brite
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

D*U*C*K is a series of vignettes put together featuring G-man and Rickey. They’re somewhat related but also has a random feel to the collection. I guess there is an over reaching arc in that a former employee is rising to kind of challenge Rickey while Liquor is getting ready to serve at an out of town banquet featuring Rickey’s hero crush. The stories do have common elements but they also feel disconnected and arbitrary. That said it’s a fun, quick novella to read without the punch and impact of previous novels. Continue reading →

Review: When I Fall

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When I Fall
When I Fall by Belinda McBride
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I’m not sure what’s going on with sequels lately but they haven’t been living up to the greatness of the first books. Sadly, When I Fall is no different. An Uncommon Whore was such a vivid and wonderful book that I’m so disappointed and saddened in When I Fall. It has the same world and excellent writing but after that I’m left to wonder exactly what I read. The characters feel very different from the first book and unfortunately I couldn’t connect to either one. There are too many secrets, too many political plots and no real resolution or happy ending. Instead the happy couple just ignores their many, many problems in a move that makes me think these two actually won’t end up together. Continue reading →

Review: The Value of X

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The Value of X
The Value of X by Poppy Z. Brite
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Value of X is a prequel to Liquor, the story of G-man and Rickey as two chefs who decide to open their own restaurant in New Orleans. This novella starts with both men as kids when they meet and bond a lifelong friendship/relationship. The writing is very good and filled with tons of New Orleans flavor. You can’t help but envision the city as it was, down to the last detail. Additionally watching how the two men grow up, change, and deal with individual challenges sets up the tenor and basis for their relationship. They’re not lovey dovey kind of guys but they have a rock solid bond that can’t be broken, though it can be tested. Continue reading →

Review: His Holy Bones

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His Holy Bones
His Holy Bones by Ginn Hale
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rifter Book Ten: His Holy Bones is finally here. The end of an epic series and it’s both good and bad. The ending is good with a solid happy ending but getting there is a challenge. This episode is filled with blood, torture, pain, suffering, and basically every horrible thing you can imagine that happens. Of course it’s alright in the end but you have to be willing to slog through the blood to get there. Furthermore the story valiantly attempts to tie up the loose ends and give closure to the many subplots going on but I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the choices. I think ultimately the story is simply too big and too convoluted to wrap up so simply but regardless, it remains an epic and masterful tale. Continue reading →

Review: Winter Warmers

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Winter Warmers
Winter Warmers by Chrissy Munder, Clare London, JL Merrow, Lou Harper, Josephine Myles
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Winter Warmers is an anthology of 5 short stories about the holiday season with an obvious British flair. This collection is exactly what I wanted to get me in the mood for the upcoming Holidays and it’s short, sweet, and to the point. Each story is obviously different with their own tone and mood. I like the variety offered and each author is clearly talented. The stories are also short and often sweet, just a glimpse into the lives of these men and that’s enough for me. I never got bored with any particular story but neither did I want them to continue. I’m good with the stories offered and happy enough to move on. For only a few bucks this is one of the better holiday collections and worth the money. Continue reading →

Review: A Chip in His Shoulder

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A Chip in His Shoulder
A Chip in His Shoulder by L.A. Witt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Chip in His Shoulder by LA Witt is a really good and often used idea in science fiction. There are a few fresh twists and a brief attempt at tension but overall the story is interesting and fun to read. Where the novella stumbles though is on the pacing and content. There is too much that is skipped over and summarized leaving a very rushed and choppy feel. The world building is decent for the length but sadly leaves out so much. I wish this had been a fully fleshed out novel with solid world building and complete characters; instead it reads like the first book of a series and not a satisfying stand-alone. Continue reading →

Review: Riot Boy

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Riot Boy
Riot Boy by Katey Hawthorne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Riot Boy and I’m glad I took the chance on it. It’s a fun, super sexy erotic ride with well done punk and a dash of supernatural to top it all off. The story is mostly erotica, made up of numerous back-to-back sex scenes with a few breaks in between. Most of the plot takes place off page and the relationship develops exclusively through sex. Although this may require some suspension of disbelief I really enjoyed the writing and the sex is incredibly hot so I went along for the ride. The plot isn’t very well fleshed out nor is the supernatural element but it’s still a fun, hot read that I’d recommend for those looking for something easy and entertaining. Continue reading →