Author: Kassa

Playing The Field: Served! By J.M. Snyder

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Playing The Field: Served! By J.M. Snyder

 
Blurb:

Colby Johnson and his cousin Megan have been practicing all summer for Wildwood’s annual Beach Volleyball Tournament. The evening before, Colby drops by the bar where Megan works for a quick drink before heading home and meets sexy Vander “Van” Byron. The instant attraction is mutual, but they share only a few brief hours before Colby has to call it a night.

The next day, Colby and Megan are on a winning streak, advancing through the tournament ranks with ease. When Colby runs into Van and his twin sister Vallery at the tournament, he isn’t surprised—more than half of Wildwood’s population, tourist and local alike, are crowded on the beach for the event. But he is shocked to see the numbered vest Van wears, marking him as a competitor.

A quick look at the schedule shows that if both teams continue their winning streaks, the day will end with Colby and Van facing off through the volleyball net. To up the ante, Van proposes a little wager. Whoever wins their game advances in the tournament, of course, and continues on for a chance to win one of the grand prizes the next day, but whoever loses gets whatever he wants from the winner…

 

 

Review:

The fourth book in the JM Snyder’s Playing the Field series is another fun and sexy novella. This series are stand-alone books involving different sports for each book. There is the author’s trademark wit and humor evident in entertaining dialogue and affectations that elevate the pure fun of the short story.  These are not always happy ever after endings with lasting love but some are short flings with two hot, sexy guys with some sports thrown in for flavor. Although there is not depth to these stories, they are always a lot of fun to read and perfect for light summer reading.

Here Colby is unwinding after a long day of enticing tourists to throw hacky sacks into a bowl for a dollar prize. As he has a big volleyball tournament the next day, he’s not looking for a hookup but can’t resist flirting with a tall, handsome, and sexy out of town visitor. Although both are hungry for more, Colby has to play the next day so their first “date” is cut short. The promise for more exists as they meet the next day on the court and decide to add a sexy little incentive to their game.

This short and fun flirtation doesn’t delve into the characters much but offers a delicious summer flavor. The characters of Colby and Van are both sexy and very masculine. The type of young men who aren’t worried about the future yet but indulge in their love of summer, sports, and sun with the occasional hookup. The chemistry and flirtation is electric and the story keeps a nice balance of not quite giving into that lust but keeping the tension stretched tight. Although these two aren’t looking for a happy ending, there is always a possibility for more which makes their interaction more interesting than strangers meeting to scratch an itch.

The secondary characters of Van’s twin sister Vallery and Colby’s cousin Megan are fun as they are annoyed with the walking hormones of their respective tournament partners. The story is short enough that the antics of the women aren’t annoying and it’s easy to relate to their annoyance while enjoying the sexual flirtation of the men.  The dialogue and background of the volleyball tournament bring to life a hot summer day filled with spectators as the men unobtrusively grope and fondle while trying to distract each other. The numerous details added really add a depth and flavor that is often ignored in short stories in favor of adding more sex. Here the sensuality and flirting continue to ratchet the tension higher and higher until the last satisfying scene.

Although I think my favorite of the series so far is Play On, the soccer themed novella, this new installment is fun and highly enjoyable. The dialogue and setting are rich and wonderful, offering a texture not often found in shorter stories. If you’re looking for a quick, hot summer read, be sure to check this out. You don’t need to have read the previous stories to understand this one, there are no continued characters so go ahead and indulge in some summer smexing. Two hot guys, suntan oil, and a rocking jeep – what more could you want? 

Get it HERE!

 

A Busted Afternoon by Pepper Espinoza

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 A Busted Afternoon by Pepper Espinoza

Blurb:
It’s June, 1972, and the Vietnam war overshadows Ed Sorenson’s life. Barely out of high school, and there’s nothing ahead of him except war and death. On a whim, he packs up his old station wagon with California in mind. He invites his friend, Sammy, to join him on his journey, never expecting the other man to jump at the chance.

The station wagon barely makes it as far as Nevada. It dies on the shoulder during a freak summer thunderstorm, trapping the two young men, and giving them no choice but to face the secrets they’ve been hiding, the fears they’ve been harboring, and the desire they can barely keep at bay…

 

 

Review:

A look back at a scary time when the draft loomed over many young men forcing them to take hold of their destiny and live in the present rather than worrying about the future. This short story (~40 pages) is sweet, sensitive, and gives a lasting relationship to a childhood crush. The happy ending in the epilogue is the perfect touch on a lovely short tale of first love. The writing is good and gives the characters an honest description, rather than a false sophistication. My only complaint is that the story is so short it ended before I could really connect to either character. For that, the story is sweet but not lasting sadly. Hopefully other readers will connect sooner to the men because this story is definitely worth reading.

One of the best things about this short story is the semi-historical setting yet the atmosphere feels entirely modern. Although the draft no longer exists, the elemental fear of it still looms for many young men. This wonderful look brought the time and attitude of the early 70’s back with clarity while smoothing out the edges to focus on the men. Both characters are constantly aware of the draft and their place in it, but decide to take a trip to California before their decided fate steps in for them. This seemingly simple action shows a deep well of courage existing simultaneously with what could be a paralyzing fear. Instead these two men grab life and adventure with both hands and set their own course.

The story almost entirely takes place in the backset of a broken down station wagon on the side of the road in nowhere Nevada. The two men knew each other as children but were never friends. Thus Sammy’s decision to accompany Ed pleased him, but baffled him at the same time. The two men admit, in stops and starts, their lingering feelings for each other, but not without their own fear and confusion mixed in. Although the first blush of love between the two young men is lovely, their emotions also swing to anger and rage. The two battle both verbally and physically as they struggle with unknown emotions and fears neither wants to acknowledge. Eventually that anger dissipates in the face of overwhelming desire. The sweet, often clumsy first kiss leading to both virgin boys giving into their hormones is touching while still giving readers a bit of a thrill. Let’s face it, two twinks in the backseat of a wagon is never a bad thing, especially since they’re legal.

The characters of Ed and Sammy are brief but enjoyable. Ed is the smaller and frailer of the two often sick and picked on some as a kid. Sammy is bigger but has always noticed Ed and protected him, even without Ed realizing. This dynamic will please those fans that like the idea of a childhood crush turning into first love and lasting happy ending. The story stays true to the young men as it explores their emotions, desires, hopes and dreams, as they know them during the fearful political time. This is the strength of the story as the language is emotional and touching. The prose is best exemplified with this lasting impression:

They fell back into silence. Sammy wasn’t eager to break it. He just wanted to enjoy the quiet. It pressed in around them, comforting in its own way. He didn’t know if they’d ever be able to figure anything out. He didn’t even know if they’d be alive a year from now. But, for the first time in their lives, neither one of them was alone. Sammy didn’t think he had the need, or the right, to ask for anything beyond that.

This solid short tale will connect with some and be too short for others, but is definitely worth reading. The beautiful emotions are easily translated and depict two young men on the verge of the scariest time in their lives, grabbing a hold of the few constants they can. There is an uplifting emotion though and ends on a positive note. Fans of the author especially will adore this short.

Get it HERE!

 

Man’s Best Friend by PA Brown

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Man’s Best Friend by PA Brown 

Blurb:

New Mexico, the land of enchantment weaves a spell of love around Todd Richards and Dr. Keith Anderson as they struggle to make their love work amid terrible loss, betrayal and rustlers and make their dream of a bed & breakfast in Santa Fe a reality.

 

 

 

Review:

There are so many problems with this book I’m not sure where to begin. Perhaps with the truly hideous cover art that preschoolers put together with picture cut outs. For a press that prides themselves on their quality, I’ve yet to see these dominating displays unfortunately and the cover art is just one area. This book is actually a DNF. I got about halfway and realized this book was not worth my time as it was that bad. Also by that point, I simply couldn’t have cared any less about the characters so I wasn’t going to spend anymore time to finish their ridiculous story. What is most surprising is that this is by an established author – who I liked! What happened to her?

Anyway, the book is about a new to town vet, Kevin that meets with Dobie owner Todd. The two hit it off immediately and engage in rampant, raunchy sex before falling in love. Tragedy strikes Kevin and the two end up moving to New Mexico to start a bed and breakfast inn together. I stopped here so what happens in the last 100 pages at the Inn, I couldn’t say.

The plot is weak and the characterization is non-existent. The story is told from Todd’s point of view but neither man is well developed and the author surprisingly chooses to spend the majority of the first half depicting sex scenes in cringe inducing language. The story has some tense problems and the initial part jumps between present and past tense, some of which is exacerbated by the use of the first person narrator. The biggest problems that detract are the language choices. Many of the descriptions are awkward with unattractive prose and the first person point of view, in this case, is too intimate. Examples of prose that is not attractive or enticing and often forget the condom they have on:

I pulled away as he arched his entire body in release. I watched as his cock spewed out gobs of thick, hot cum. I smeared it all over his washboard stomach and abs. Leaning down I licked a path up to his turgid nipples, while he continued to pump out thick, gluey fluid. Five, six times his cock spasmed and poured juice all over himself and me. I released his softening cock and slid up his body, smearing it even more, coating us both in hot, salty cum. I captured his mouth in a kiss that left us both breathless. I rolled him over and pressed my hard cock against the soft skin of his ass.

[…]

The bed undulated wildly under us, and I clamped my legs around his waist, pumping with my ass as my own pleasure mounted. Then it broke out into a starburst of pleasure, and exquisite pain, as wave after wave of release slammed through me. My cock twitched and jerked as I came, pumping what felt like gallons of cum onto my chest, face, and hair.

[…]

I arched away from him, ripping open the condom pack and unrolling it over my bulging cock. Slathering my fingers with lube, I explored Keith’s damp hole, then lathered my cock with more lube. I eased the cock head in, past the ring of muscle, pausing long enough to let his body adjust to me. Then I sank into him and began to pump.

[…]

He used the copious amounts of precum off my cock to coat his hand, and slid it between my ass cheeks. He shoved two coated fingers up my hole.

I threw back my head and rode his hand, bucking and twisting, as he worked me harder and deeper. He had never been so relentlessly aggressive in his possession of me. When he replaced his hand with the head of his cock, I growled. He shoved it into me.

[…]

His tongue worked into me, digging and probing, sending wave after wave of raw lust singing along my nerve endings.

[…]

Ropey cum shot out of his straining cock all over my stomach and chest, and the sudden tightening of his ass sent me over the edge. I shouted his name and slammed into him, holding his straining legs high over his thrashing head as I poured my liquid seed into his hot, wet hole. We collapsed on the bed, our bodies glued together. I made no move to extricate myself from him.

 

There are also several continuity errors in the book. The time line of days seems fluid and without much structure, causing some confusion and I was left wondering if I’d missed part of the book, until the men meet up at a dog event on a beautiful Sunday. They go immediately to have sex and spend the night together, yet the next morning after about a page of detail about the eggs, bacon, toast, and brimming cups of coffee, there is a comment “Nine,” he said, glancing at the wall clock. It was eight-fifteen on a Friday morning.

So it was Sunday night last night and the next morning it’s Friday morning. All of this occurred within the first thirty pages and the sheer volume of examples that could have been included is staggering. For an author I have previously enjoyed quite a bit, I’m shocked at the lack of solid writing and tight editing. There are obvious errors (such as the continuity problem) that should have been caught on reading let alone the writing and editing process.

Moving on with the story, the two men admit the day after their first night together (mere days from their first meeting), that although neither is experienced, they’re both convinced the connection between them is love. Here, Kevin is a thirty something vet who is a virgin, never giving or receiving in gay sex, which leaves much to be wondered about his previous experiences. He then immediately tells his parents about Todd after they’ve declared their love, which prompts Kevin’s parents to call and grill Todd about his job prospects and ambition. This entire scene is unbelievable, beyond reality and cemented the lack of depth to the men and the story.

The lack of weight to the various details included is shown over and over in the minute and frankly unimportant bits of information that litter the story. Frequently the men are seen eating and there are extended descriptions of the food which just serve to give the story a boring and superficial layer of information. Repeated descriptions of food without action or conversation are superfluous when adding nothing to the story as is the case here.

These are some very brief excerpts from longer examples:

We dug in, and I found I had a developed a hearty appetite, which necessitated a full helping of omelet, tomatoes, and bacon, several butter-slathered pieces of sourdough toast, and two brimming mugs of coffee.

Keith proved to be an excellent cook. He grilled the salmon steaks on my barbecue, tossed the watercress with a light vinaigrette dressing he whipped up in my blender, and boiled the new potatoes. He served them with butter and chives.

Tonight it was stuffed manicotti shells with herbed spinach and cheese filling. I’d made up a fresh pitcher of ice tea—we made it a habit not to drink at every meal. Everything in moderation, you know. Well, except for sex. We hadn’t gotten around to moderating that yet. 

“So, did you have a busy day?” I asked, spooning some extra sauce onto my pasta, along with a generous sprinkling of Parmigiana Reggiano—until Keith, I’d never realized there were top-shelf cheeses right up there with premier wines.

 

At this point, ~page 60, the emotional upheaval of the book is in full swing with the death of Kevin’s parents right before their big visit. However, the parents still had time to rewrite their will and include the barely known boyfriend of their son.  

He cleared his throat. “Er, yes. At any rate, they had me draw up another will. I can go over the details later today in myoffice, but the crux of the document is simple. The entire estate is deeded to you, Keith, as their sole heir, with the exception of this property.” Bartlett’s washed out blue eyes scanned the cozy living room, with its infusion of southwest artifacts and decor. “This, and the ten acres surrounding it, are deeded to Mr. Todd Richards and you, sir. Your parents gave it to both of you equally.”

At this point, Kevin freaks out and kicks Todd out, back to San Francisco. However, not to worry Kevin comes back with a ring and a blowjob and all is wonderful again for the two as they plan to open up a bed and breakfast. This is about halfway through the book and I question do I really care what happens with the bed and breakfast and can I really stand more horrific writing? The answers are no and no.

Ultimately, the plot is utterly ridiculous and the writing is horrible. I have read other books by PA Brown, even a stunning BDSM themed mystery, and yet this book almost points to an entirely new author. I’m shocked this is under the same name as books I really enjoyed. The raunchy and cringe inducing sex descriptions filled the first 50 pages of the book, to the exclusion of any plot development or characterizations. In between the sex, mundane details and inane conversations filled the pages.

I could go on but you get the point. I can’t recommend this book and this is likely to color my opinion of the author (it was that bad). Why did no one catch this? 

 

New Rainbow Reviews

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Another week, another RR round up! I had a pretty good week with books last week and had two, TWO M. Jules Aedin. Poor author got both new books reviewed by me so be sure to go out and buy the books. They’re both really good.  Also might consider checking out the mystery by Abigail Roux. One of the best twists I’ve read in a mystery. And of course the bittersweet short by JM Snyder about “cutting.”  It was a good week!

Afflicted by J.M. Snyder

Every Good Thing by M. Jules Aedin  

My Brother’s Keeper by Abigail Roux

Pirates Do It With Passion by Mimi Riser

The Palace of Varieties by James Lear

 

In other news, there is still time to enter the contest for a free copy NL Gassert’s book “The Protector.” The details are in the post below and you can either post or tweet to get entered. I’ve had a really strong response, more than I expected, so thank you to everyone so far! A winner will randomly be drawn tonight.

I also caved and joined Good Reads like a good lemming. Over on Kris ‘n Good Books there is extensive discussion on ratings (which I’ve likely done wrong) and friend etiquette (also likely to offend). If you’re new to good reads or thinking about, the unofficial guide seems to be there. 

Contest! Free Stuff!

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Hi all! 

Are you excited? It’s my first contest! Yea yea, but it is and it’s for a book I really enjoyed reading. So you’ll want it too of course. *noddles*

I recently was offered the book The Protector by NL Gassert to read for review. This fabulous book is a Lambda Literary Award finalist in Best Gay Romance category. Although I know nothing about awards and such, having read the book, I can say any recognition is well deserved. Although initially released only in print, the publisher Seventh Window, has recently issued an eBook copy.

In a great show of generosity, the author has been wonderfully giving away free copies here, there, and everywhere! So if you missed your chance to get this book, here is one more chance. NL Gassert has offered a free e-copy of her book The Protector and I’m giving it away over Twitter.  (I just thought that’d be fun :D).

So to enter to win your free copy, either post on this thread or RT on twitter the following message:

RT @kassa_11 to enter for a chance to win a free e-copy of @nlgassert great book "The Protector". Winner chosen Monday Night!

Be sure to add the @kassa_11 so I can see your tweet.  Everyone that tweets and posts will be entered and one random winner will be drawn Monday Night. A little Monday blues pick me up for everyone hating on the new work week. It’s my first contest so hopefully it’ll go well and promote a great book. So go tweet! It’s free!

The Protector by NL Gassert

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The Protector by NL Gassert

Blurb:

Soren Buchanan no longer wishes to work for his father, crime boss James Buchanan, nor does he want to continue his relationship with the dangerous and sexy Jolina Miciano. But Jolina has connections that would make James Buchanan more powerful than he already is. Unwilling to be a pawn in his father’s game, Soren decides to stop seeing Jolina even if it means having to suffer through one of his father’s vicious beatings. Bruised for his defiance, Soren flees to the FBI for help.

Mason Ward, former US Army Ranger and security specialist, lives a quiet life on a house boat docked off the island of Guam. Despite his lack of companionship, Mason believes he is living the life he’s always wanted. Then a job comes Mason’s way, one that will turn his life upside down: hide Soren Buchanan.

Protecting Soren Buchanan should be easy money, but not for Mason. Soren is young, seductive and lacking the type of discipline that doesn’t leave bruises. It doesn’t help that Soren’s physical presence brings up desires Mason would rather not feel about a mobster’s son. Now Mason has to keep his mind on his job while being chased by thugs sent to bring Soren Buchanan home…dead or alive.

  

[It has two possible covers, which do you like better?]

 Review:

This is the kind of fast paced, well-written action story that is instantly engaging and completely entertaining. The tight plot and well-paced story may stumble occasionally but that only adds to its appeal. The first installment of what promises to be a new series only scratches the surface of interesting characters and introduces a wealth of possibilities for future adventures. Not surprising this was a Lambda Award finalist and well deserving the recognition. Although this isn’t a mystery, all the bad guys are introduced early, the action from the beginning to the end is well thought out and enjoyable, almost more so than the romance aspect. Be sure to start this series now before the second installment comes out, you won’t want to miss it.

The premise of the book hinges on Soren, the son of a local crime boss, as he goes into hiding after a particularly brutal beating from his father. Although the FBI is reluctant to help Soren, they do set him up with a bodyguard of sorts in ex-ranger Mason. Mason and Soren are supposed to head out to sea away from the chaos in their wake but plans go awry soon after they’ve left. In the ensuing action, Soren must re-evaluate his life and choices while terrorists and angry fathers threaten his life.

The story begins with Soren being handed over to Mason for safekeeping and the two butt heads immediately. Soren’s spoiled life of privilege, alcohol, and drugs is at odds with Mason’s almost puritanical sensibilities. Although the two clash often, there is a surprising amount of mutual respect. Mason is able to see beyond the image and pampered life Soren has led to hidden strength even Soren doubts exist. This faith and belief in Soren is essential to helping him mature and grow over the course of the book. Soren never loses his wit and sense of humor through his trials, even accepting the abuse as the price for his easy lifestyle. It takes a considerable amount of force and Mason’s unwavering support for Soren to move beyond his empty life. Soren’s motivation and desire to prove Mason’s belief in him is not misplaced is the real driving force for change and maturity, more so than even the numerous and painful beatings he receives.

Soren is a great character, even as he frustrates for well over half the story. His inability to change his pattern of behavior and poor decision making almost predict bad things will happen. I was hard pressed to feel too sorry for him when his inevitable stupid choices led to dire consequences. However, his charm is also evident in his continued self-evaluation and hard work for positive change, even as he slips backward a few times. These aspects of his personality kept Soren from being too annoying and leave a character on the verge of so much possibility in future stories. Soren is a wonderfully flawed and genuine character that struggles against taking the easy life he’s been provided and developing his own identity and independence. He’s far from a weak character but has honest flaws and can admit to taking the easy road in his life up until now.

The relationship portion of the book certainly suffers for the action element. Mason and Soren dance around each other for the majority as Soren comes to terms with his first gay experience rather easily but Mason has some trepidation about the younger man. Soren’s flaws are balanced by Mason’s inherent goodness, creating an interesting dynamic between the two. That is not to say the romance is unsatisfying, as the slow bloom of emotions and connection is fierce, fiery, and explosive. The delicious tension mounts and provides some great scenes of sensuality. Although this is less important than the action/adventure theme, the relationship is no less developed or thought out.

Mason is perhaps a less well-developed character than Soren, though no less interesting, as he and others exist as a support system for Soren. This is really Soren’s story and his maturity while facing the consequences of his lifestyle and choices.  Mason is a good balance for Soren’s poor decisions and helping the story is Mason’s twin brother, Stoney. Stoney is sure to have a book of his own as the dynamic character almost steals scenes. The other secondary characters such as Soren’s father, James, and his ex-girlfriend, Jolina, are both somewhat stereotypical without much depth beyond the obvious evil façade. Even so, they are solid characters without dipping too far into the classic bad guy tropes and keep from being annoying with snappy dialogue and fast paced action.

The story itself is mostly action and slips into almost non-stop sequences once the setup and characters are introduced. The quick story is entertaining and well written with only a few holes in logic and circumstance. Most notable is the final action sequence that comes out of nowhere with no explanation or logical reason for its setup. However, the story is engaging so this small quibble is unlikely to affect any enjoyment. The only other compliant would be that the ending felt forced and rushed, almost an attempt to wrap up big changes in a happy for now ending. However, knowing there are more books to come staring these characters mollifies any disappointment the ending may have caused.

Another well-researched aspect to the story is the setting of Guam. Many settings for action/adventure tend to be either exotic or a typical city setting without much character and flavor to the actual place. Here, the island of Guam is integral to the story and adds detail and texture to the story. The interesting and unique destination is not mentioned for something as stereotypical as drugs but for more mundane reasons and the actual crimes are those attributed to crime bosses everywhere. This helps create a believable setting, rich in detail that definitely adds to the book’s appeal.

Overall this is a great story with fascinating characters and well-written action. There is no fear of dirty, bloody, dire consequences and the story is not afraid to put everyone in danger, which keeps the reader guessing at what might happen while taking away the safety net of immediate rescue. The dramatic tension is well crafted and keeps you fully engaged in the adventure unfolding. This fresh new voice will captivate you from the very beginning and take you on a breathtaking ride from one scene to the next. You won’t want to miss this ride.

Get it HERE! 

Nights in Pink Satin by Sharon Maria Bidwell

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Nights in Pink Satin by Sharon Maria Bidwell

Blurb:


Vincent is a vampire of world renown, even if most people believe his story is a fable, but with age comes boredom. Seeking out new silk to line his coffin for his annual Cotillion. he comes across a bolt of pink fabric. Curiosity leads him to a mistake that is about to change his existence. Martin is a newly turned vampire and a lonely gay man. When he finds an extremely good looking and famous vampire in his humble abode, he’s glad of the company even though he’s afraid. When a simple mistake leads to explosive passion, what’s a vampire to do but look forward to a future of gay nights between sheets of pink satin?

 


 

Review:

There’s something about a gay vampire with pink glitter in his hair and lining his coffin in pink satin that just epitomizes fabulous.  This is a lighter story without much depth that focuses on the emotions of the vampires rather than action. Unfortunately problematic head hopping keeps jarring the narrative and the tension and conflict created is solved off page, thus ending the story abruptly and without a satisfying resolution. However, the edgy darker tone and the pop of colorful personality combine for an entertaining, if forgettable short story.  

When Martin returns home with the latest Kylie Minogue CD, he’s surprised to find a legendary vampire in his home. Just as Martin is dealing with his shock and instant attraction to the handsome “older” man, Vincent is equally shocked to find the owner of the pink satin is a man. Although Vincent is thrown off his seduction plan at the change in gender, Martin is equally determined to show the other vampire the delights of sex between two men. When the vampires are stuck in the closet during the daytime, the explosive chemistry ignites both questions and delight.

This is an interesting story where all the action happens within the span of 24 hours. From the time Vincent discovers the pink satin bolt to when both men leave the apartment, only one day has passed. The men are wary of each other as the sexual chemistry between them sparks. Martin is openly gay and lonely even before his transformation to an undead vampire. He is also strong willed and surprisingly dominant in bed, overwhelming Vincent and his protests. Vincent doesn’t protest much beyond refusing to admit he’s attracted, let alone having sex, with another man instead of a woman. Vincent lets the attraction and great sex between the two override his mental protests.

The story has a dark edge with the blood and emotional tone woven into the mental musings of the men. This keeps the characters sharp even as the men lack some depth. The focus on internal musings helps define the characterization but the problematic writing keeps this from succeeding. The narrative frequently shifts point of view, hopping from Martin’s head to Vincent’s head often paragraph to paragraph creating a disjointed and slightly jarring reading experience. Also unfortunate is that the epilogue sweeps all the dramatic tension and progression into a neat bow with a happy ever after ending. This is shifted from a happy for now ending at the end of the story and unfortunately weakens the entire narrative. Vincent’s struggle to accept his sexuality and a relationship with the flamboyant Martin all occurs off page as the reader is simply informed all is happy at the end. This struggle and acceptance would have been very interesting to read and I was disappointed the men and conflict was introduced then dropped off page.

As a shorter beginning to the characters and brief touching on the London setting, this is a fun, sexy story. I’d like to see more of the two in the future as their opposite personalities are sure to cause conflict then heated make up sex. The complex character of Martin is sure to arouse reader empathy even if Vincent is a little too godly for the context. Overall, fans of vampire stories looking for something different and edgy with a splash of cliché gay tropes be sure to check this out. You might find yourself getting some pink satin sheets.

Get it HERE!

 

Slight change

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Hi everyone,

I hate to do this but there’s been a slight change to my LJ address so old links won’t work. Please update the new links! The new address is: http://kassa-rvws.livejournal.com/

Sorry to put everyone through this, the few who really care. It should still show up just fine on all the friends lists and so on. The reasoning is that “someone” found my journal and thought it would be a hilarious joke to pass it around. Now, in and of itself – who cares? However, some of these people had no idea and it’s caused me some embarrassment. Which of course was the main goal and all that so cheers.  

While part of me thinks again.. so what? Doesn’t everyone read gay smut? Well they should..
Another part of me is uneasy knowing this link is passed around and laughed over like its some big joke. I haven’t tried to hide it before and if you look at the link, it’s not like I’m taking extreme measures to hide it. I just think another layer to go digging for dirt is enough – most won’t bother. 

If those that found me before go so far as to do so again – have fun! I made one change, won’t do it again. If you can’t see what’s fucking hot about two guys getting it on then I feel sorry for you. BTW spell check before spreading nasty rumors and emails. It looks more “professional.”

Back to your regularly scheduled programs!