4 stars

Review: Something Like Summer

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Something Like SummerSomething Like Summer by Jay Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Something Like Summer is a moving coming of age story that will definitely appeal to readers. Unfortunately I didn’t particularly like the main character in Ben but in many ways this is completely subjective. He happened to touch on a few personal pet peeves that are unlikely to bother other readers, although the issue of fidelity may be a problem for some. The writing though is very engaging, bringing you into Ben’s journey with an absorbing intimacy. Although this isn’t a fast paced read, it’s a story I didn’t want to end.

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Review: Ambrose And The Waif

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Ambrose And The WaifAmbrose And The Waif by Rick R. Reed

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What happens when your life is so horrible that to survive, you invent a separate reality, but is it really fiction, or has fantasy become reality? Reed offers a phenomenal story where truth and fiction collide in a macabre and eerie tale of two men whose love is as passionate and ill-fated as any tragic Shakespearean duo. This timeless piece could easily fit into any period, weaving its complex and illicit account of two men, love, murder, hatred, deception and loneliness. Continue reading →

Review: Lord and Master

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Lord and Master (Lord and Master, #1)Lord and Master by Jules Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mark Paulson is a PhD student working in industry and writing his thesis, expecting to be offered a full time position in the company and generally happy to continue on the way he’s going. So he is surprised when his advisor suggests a career change to something that’s not exactly his field. He’s good looking, detail-orientated, and very easy-going. He may be young but he only has glimpses at his youth, his laid back nature giving him an older outlook. Continue reading →

Review: Only Words

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Only WordsOnly Words by Acer Adamson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This short story is really just a few scenes put together that gives a glimpse into the relationship between two complete opposites. The context to their relationship and background on both the men is missing which makes this both a fun short story and an incomplete look. Due to the feeling of being dropped into the middle of the book, it is almost as if this is more of a day in the life of Max than a fully realized story, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the characters and their interaction. Even within a few short pages the characters come alive with energy and vitality with a concise prose without embellishment or errors.

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Review: Jackass Flats

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Jackass FlatsJackass Flats by Julia Talbot

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dave Lopes is a young, handsome, outgoing, charismatic man that is stationed out in the desert for voicing his opinions a little too broadly in his previous assignment. He’s careful to stay within the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell guidelines of the military but he’s not interested in quick gropes in the shower while hurrying not to get caught. He’s wandering a bit, still trying to find his niche, both in the military and his life.

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