I know what is on my *Christmas presents to me* list!!! hehe. 
Check out the mini site at Class Comics.
A son of a forest dwelling people, Yhalen knows little of the world outside the ancestral forest, until he is captured by a band of ogres on a slave-taking mission. Only grim tales of the barbaric giants had reached the forest, but Yhalen soon learns that even the darkest fireside story only hinted at the brutality of these Northern warriors. He discovers the meaning of true fear at their hands, and only the awakening of ancient magic saves him from destruction.
Surviving ogre viciousness, he finds himself given to Bloodraven, the half ogre, half human war leader as a slave. Yhalen, refusing to bend, soon pays the price for offending prickly ogre pride.
But Bloodraven is no mindless, violent ogrish beast. Bloodraven has an agenda and Yhalen finds himself drawn in the wake into human and ogre politics, into bloodshed and cruelty and into the forbidden magic that is damnation in the eyes of his own people, but which might mean the difference between death and salvation.
Synopsis via Lulu.
I don’t think I’ve had such an engrossing fantasy read in an age. I’ve seen the book sereral times when I’ve been fossicking through PL Nunn’s website for goodies, but just not picked it up. Obviously an oversight on my part!
The world building is what initially sucked me in. It was vivid and without an abundance of silly names for coffee and other such folderol, that often spoil good fantasy or sci fi. The story itself is very much a journey tale and the landscapes were rather epic. The history of the place is alluded to, without being overly complex and distracting.
I found the pacing to be particularly good. It was well executed, with a nice balance of action, erotica and character growth. I don’t think I was ever left with any moments of wishing their horses or boots would grow some wings. heh.
Yahlen was complex and certainly needs the whole book for the growth of his character to cycle and feel complete. But, at the end of the story I wondered if there was the possibility of more for him and even though there was an ending that tied it all up for now, his character felt like there was more there to explore, which would be cool. Bloodraven I just loved. His gruff, orgre nature at odds with his human side. Plus, he’s green and you know it’s just not that easy being green. heh. I totally warmed up to him and kinda liked his pet pooch too. The chemistry between Bloodraven and Yahlen was hot, deliciously so, but smex is not always a happy occasion. The roughness and power inequalities between the two is such, that it often left me feeling a little conflicted. This is not to say that I did not enjoy these scenes, just that they were not easy or light.
One part of the novel I did find a bit challenging was the violence. The author pulls no punches and I’d honestly say I’m not a sook, but some of the non con, rape and graphic descriptions had me ready to hide under the covers. eak! I am a brave button though *gulp* so I soldiered on and while it was not always my cup of tea, it was in keeping with the story and it worked.
I enjoyed this book hugely. I brought Bloodraven in ebook form but I’d now love to get the actual paperback and/or graphic novels. I think the big paperback has artwork in it, so that’s a heouge plus for this geek! PL Nunn’s website is totally worth a nosey too, so check out the book here via her site and also via Lulu and Amazon.
Some good reads in the last week or two and one crushingly bad hardcover.
I Spy Something Wicked by Josh Lanyon was an absolute gem. His books are like presents. You unwrap the first few chapters and there is always untold goodness underneath. After enjoying the first book in the series so much, this was a delightful follow up to I Spy Something Bloody. Stephen and Mark are now living together, but when Mark gets the call to go on one last final mission their relationship is jeopardy. Apart from the gorgeous drama the smex was incredibly hot. Merow! Loved this one! Get it here from Loose Id.
Blood Noir by Laurell K. Hamilton, Dear lord, this book sucked the will to live right outta me. I skipped pages, I rolled my eyes and worst of all… I skipped the sex scenes. ME! I love grubby were or vamp pron, but this book blew goats and I just could not bring myself to read it in the end. I’ve been assured by a friend that the next one is better, so fingers and toes crossed.
Bit late to the party, but I finally got round to reading Beautiful C*cksucker #1 & #2. While I felt the 1st novel ended rather abruptly and needed more fleshing out, the 2nd book was quite enjoyable. After reading some internet discussions I was not sure that everyone feels that the BDSM content was authentic, but you know what? It is fiction. Come on!!!! It floated my boat in an older, austere man kinda way and I liked it muchly. Check them out at ARe.
Sacred Fate by Eresse is set in a hermaphroditic society with lashings of fantasy and rather epic world building. The story was pretty engrossing and a lot of that is down to the world she’s created and solid story telling. I did get a little lost when I started it due to the many characters initially introduced and it was difficult to distinguish between them. I liked the story for the most part, but found the Lassen very hard to warm to and Rohyr almost too overbearing. An interesting and unique story. Get it here from Liquid Silver Books.
OK, so I got memed by Tracy and I’ll also lay blame on Kris. ;p
Rules: Via Tracy.
1. Answer all the questions below in either the comments here or post it on your own site. If you post it on your own site you have to come back and give the link here so I/Kris can mosey on over and see if you answered correctly have a sticky beak.
2. You have to tag two other people once your done and pester them relentlessly until they do the meme too.
3. Instead of a meme image thing you have to post a cookie, preferably a twofer. It is an m/m meme after all. 
Cookie? You’ve been warned. There shall be more than one cookie.
Questions:
1. How long have you been reading GLBTQ fiction?
Dunno. I read Poppy Z. Brite years ago and have been a bit hooked ever since. Ebooks though, only the last couple of years. AND the best thing this year has been having an iPod Touch and now an iPhone. 
Reading on my laptop sucked.
2. What was the first book you read in this genre?
Lost Souls by Poppy Z. Brite. I think, maybe His: Brilliant New Fiction by Gay Writers. I think I did a blog about it many moons ago.
3. Are you ‘out’ as a reader?
Srsly? My partner knows what I read, they’re all on the shelves behind his chair in the office. Can’t miss them! I also have all my pron comics filed under his desk in a special comics box. I am a stationary nerd, cardboard backing and individual plastic baggies. I also have RL friends who I do book swaps with.
4. Ebooks, print or both?
Both. Mainly ebooks though as print is terribly expensive to get in.
5. Do you buy direct from publishers or from secondary sellers?
Everywhere.
6. Prove you’re a Book Slut. How many books would you say you buy a week?
2-3 and sometimes more. I read fast!
7. Are you a cover, blurb or excerpt buyer?
Often sucked in by a cover, read the blurb, but never read excerpts. Unless it is pron by JL Langley. heh.
8. Yeah, you read reviews, but do you actually take notice of them?
I read reviews by 3-4 people who seem to rate books like I do and if they rave, I tend to buy it. I like looking at overall ratings.
9. Who’s your fave publisher?
I have 3 or 4. Samhain, MLRP, Loose Id and Liquid Silver rate high for me as they’re consistent in their quality.
10. What about authors? Your top two only!!
Sorry, has to be three. Josh Lanyon, KA Mitchell and JL Langley. Oh, and Astrid Amara and LB Gregg. Thats 5. It’s a big list!!! Plus, Kris is a wee way away. I’m not scared… O-o
11. Is there a sub-genre you particularly dis/like?
Not really, as long as it is well written I’d read a cereal box!
12. Short or long?? *rolls eyes* And, no, I’m not talking about cocks.
Both, but I do prefer longer books. Gives loads of time to develop rich worlds and characters.
13. Anything turn you off about m/m or is all just glorious smut to you?
Crying. Few tears I can cope with. Page after page of overwrought drivel is a huge turn off and I usually start wishing someone would harden the fuck up.
14. Finish this sentence. You know it’s m/m twu wuv when…
I dunno. A few grandiose declarations and everyone gets over their angst? Much coming in unison? Pretty much like most romance novels. If it is pron there’s usually an orgy.
15. What trope or theme are you heartily sick of in m/m romance?
Nothing really.
16. If you could choose any 3 characters for a m/m/m who would they be?
Captain Nathaniel Hawkins from My Fair Captain by JL Langley, Jake Romero from With Caution by JL Langley and David Cooke from Happy Ending by LB Gregg. Merow.
17. What new GLBTQ release are you most hanging out for right now?
Sterling’s story from JL Langley. Jesus wept, leave me hanging much!!!!!!
18. What GLBTQ book has completely blown you away this year?
Actually, it has to be Black Wade. It fucking rocks. It is hot, damn gorgeous and so romantic your toes will curl.
19. What do you think we’ll see more of in m/m romance in 2010?
What the hell is with the Steampunk? Bunch of Victorian men with lasers? Are they hoping to create a trend? I want more fantasy/sci fi stuff, maybe some well written shifters. Maybe Shelley Laurenston will cross over? I live in hope.
20. Don’t you agree that author Josh Lanyon should kill off arsehole character Jake Riordan?
I am going to put this last comment down to living to Kris living in Australia. O-o. Must be the heat. It’s turned her a little funny.
So, apprently I have to *tag* someone else with this, please no anger. Blame Kris. Srsly.
Funny, funny show. hehe.
Ex Civil-War surgeon George Callahan is a man haunted by his past. Unwilling to deal with the demons of his childhood he turns to opium, and finds back-alley employment with the heartless brothel keepers of San Francisco’s Chinatown. In Volume 1 of this gorgeously illustrated gay historical drama, Dr. George Callahan searches for a Chinese woman from his past, and soon finds himself unwittingly drawn to dim-witted male prostitute Jun, whose own life is complicated by the unwanted attentions of an aggressive bouncer named Roan Baxter.
Synopsis via Amazon.
Available in digital format on Kindle.
Written by Tina Anderson and illustrated by the talented Lynsley Brito Games With Me is a historical drama set in the late 1860’s. The story follows the life of George Callahan as he deals with his demons past and present and his encounters with Jun, a male prostitute.
The feel of the book is very distinctive and after reading it several times I can safely say this is certainly not a light and fluffy story. Despite the bleakness of the setting Jun’s warmth seemed to add to the narrative and especially George’s character. George struggles with his past, his addiction and his growing attraction to this young man who seems so innocent. Because Jun is a prostitute and a little slow, the power dynamics in the relationship seemed very one-sided, but George’s feelings for Jun make me wonder a little who is really in a position of power.
The artwork is beautifully done and moves the story with strong expression and crisp, gorgeous historical detail. I loved how George was depicted. Elegant and kinda austere. Jun is seriously cute, pretty and that hair! The sex is hot and tastefully done, but not as explicit as some of my recent reading! I think one of my favorite panels is near the end with Jun kinda smooching up under George’s chin. Loved it.
There is plenty of depth to the story and I am looking forward to seeing where Tina Anderson and Lynsley Brito take it. The secondary characters were also interesting and I wondered at times if there was more going on with Sung than met the eye.
This was an enjoyable read and definitely worth a look if gritty historical drama is your thing. Check it out here at emanga or get it through Amazon Kindle.
Nightlife is comprised of three stories written by Dale Lazarov and illustrated by Bastian Jonsson. Dale’s signature lack of text adds intimacy with the script being carried by subtle positioning of characters, facial expression and excellent attention to narrative structure and pacing.
One of the stronger impressions I came away with is that not all sex necessarily needs to lead to a picket fence to be considered romantic. The passion, joy and downright hotness of the encounters, with a partner who instinctively understands who you are, was beautifully done. There were parts of this that felt a little more erotic too and totally floated my boat. Much smex. Is good.
Hard Cases has two men meeting at a kind of open mike night, both playing guitar who develop an instant attraction. The characters felt warm and tactile and there was much re reading of this story. It was hot and the rawness of the sex was very appealing.Layover begins at an airport, with flights being cancelled left and right, and two men meeting in a bar. My favorite pages involves the robustness of condoms. heh. Finally, Closing Time is about a bouncer in a club who rescues a young man from a violent confrontation. Out of the three stories this might just be my favorite and it is all down to one of the final pages that show the passing of time and development of the characters intimacy. It appealed greatly to my inner romance nerd and was rather heart warming.
Bastian Jonsson’s work has a really distinctive quality. I kinda liked the line work and his use of shadow and color. It makes the panels feel less contained and very vibrant. I became oddly obsessed with his legs. Bastian gives good legs! It was certainly a different style for me initially, but I like the solidness of his men and how he approaches movement.
This is another beautiful, erotic volume from Bruno Gmünder and one that will sit very nicely on my shelf!
Check it out here via Bruno Gmünder, Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Bitter Creek is a town on the brink of war.
Lines are being drawn and sides taken as two powerful men gather armies of gunfighters. The townspeople are helpless and the law worthless. One man has already died in the opening salvo of this land war and an air of fearful anticipation hangs over the town.
Eagle, the half-breed who works at the livery stable, manages to survive by not taking sides, until one day a stranger rides into town. Eagle’s life changes, and he realizes that he can no longer hide with his horses if he wishes to be the man he claims to be…
Synopsis from Amber Allure.
Cowboys, guns and bad guys made this a thoroughly entertaining read. I do like a good western romance (preferably with a happy ending) and while this did have a few rather traditional romance tropes, the book still delivered a great story with characters I found myself totally wrapped up in.
Eagle, the local half breed, who lives and works in the small town was interesting. He’s very much aware of his own sexual preferences, but keeps them well under wraps unless the guy is a sure thing. The instant chemistry between Eagle and Travis is pretty hot, with much stable boy and bad gun fighter smex. Travis is more conflicted than Eagle and does spend a lot of time wringing his hands – in a very manly, ice cold kind of way! This made for lots of angst and surreptitious sex. Merow.
In some ways the book reminded me of classic Johanna Lindsey and to be honest I am not sure why (or if someone will throw something at me for that comment!) I wondered if it was the narrative structure and pacing. You know what’s going to happen, but it feels fresh and enjoyable despite this. The writing felt clean and without to much stuffing around and the action felt that way too. I think this was why, despite some of the old hat character types that it was so enjoyable.
Well worth a read and have fingers crossed for more cowboys. AND I really like the cover, all cowboys need eyeliner!
Available here through Amber Allure and Are.
Stephen Clair, the notorious Earl of St. Joseph, has a lover he can’t afford, a social calendar that’s out of control and a libido that rules his life. If he can’t gain control of his finances, his social calendar and rid himself of his lover, he will fall into financial ruin. Could the youthful, handsome and dependable Jamie Riley be the solution to his problems?
Synopsis from Seventh Window Publications.
An incredibly charming, funny and irreverent read, The Price of Temptation is one ebook I’d love in print. Following reasonably traditional historical romance lines, minus a heroine, this was very entertaining and I cannot wait to read Discreet Young Gentleman.
Stephen is such a likable rogue, one cannot help but want someone to take him in hand. He’s rather flighty and not remotely interested in anyone other than himself. Or so he’d like you to think. Underneath this raffish exterior he has odd moments where his generosity of spirit shines through. Apart from these isolated instances, he seems to spend the rest of his time looking at his new secretaries arse or swanning off with his paramour. He’s a bit of a shit. Poor Jamie doesn’t really know what’s hit him! I’ll give Stephen credit, he does try to stay away from his delicious new secretary, but the lure of what is beneath Jamie’s gentle, sweet breeches and frock coat is just too much. heh.
Despite being a historical novel, it did not fall into the trap of making it all about how their love has to be hidden away and kept on the down low. It’s there, but not in your face and making one feel maudlin. The characters were believable and engaging and I found myself, with fingers crossed, hoping the bad guys would get their comeuppance. The tension builds beautifully and the ensuing smex is glasses fogging good. There is something inately grubby about sex written in this era, or maybe it’s just me. O-o I really enjoyed the secondary characters too, they were well fleshed out and I liked the cook and Charles the valet a great deal. They provide lovely depth to the story.
On an aside, the original cover by Sean Platter rocks! LOTS!! The new ebook cover is very nice, classy even, but for me the original is super cool and rather naughty.
A gorgeous historical read and an author I cannot wait to read more of.
Get the ebook book here via Seventh Window Publications or Amazon.
Lots of good reading in the past week or so, which is always a bonus. Feel like I’ve had much bang for my buck!
Pure Folly by Madelynne Ellis has me with my fingers crossed that this author writes more m/m romance. Two men stuck in a tower, secretly wanting to jump each others bones with some spectral smex thrown in for good measure. This was such a naughty, grubby little book and I loved it. Not sure if it was the authors voice, which felt very British at times, or the confined space that the book was set. Whatever it was made my glasses need de fogging. Excellent historical romance, more please! Check it out here at ARe.
The Elegant Corpse by A.M. Riley has to be one of my favorite recent contemporary BDSM reads. I throughly enjoyed the characterization, Roger was so contained and Sean was the exact opposite. It was beautifully written, with maybe the occasional bit that needed a little more smoothness and I am certainly looking to read more from this author. And, Sean had red hair; am a bit of a sucker for the ginger. LOL. Get it here from ARe and check out this excellent full length review from Jenre.
Ready to Serve: Arresting Gay Erotica by James Buchanan is brilliant. While I had read one of the stories before from another publisher, this is one anthology that did not disappoint. James writes men how I want to read them, delicious, hot and occasionally nasty! I think I also liked the diversity of men in the book, especially Vito, he cracked me up. From erotic encounters to softer romantic moments, this is one not to miss. Check it out at ARe.
Just For You by Jet Mykels was a sweet gay for you piece that was seriously cute and hot! It felt like a book that didn’t take itself too seriously and as a result a plot device that might have had me rolling my eyes was an absolute delight. A throughly enjoyable read from one of my favorite authors. Get it at Loose Id.
Laying a Ghost by Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow was a good contemporary read with some paranormal elements. The setting was well drawn and I enjoyed the premise. However, I did find the middle really lagged at times and it was occasionally a struggle to finish. There was much angst and lovely drama and the relationship was very passionate. Just needed to be more tightly written with an eye to better pacing. Buy the book here via ARe.
Reader geek of ebooks, comics, porn, occasional art fiend, banana blog lover and review writer.
