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.
Is nice.
I am so addicted to Glee. It’s like High School Musical for big kids. Really, I am such a nerd.
The ‘Say a Little Prayer’ number, character Quinn Fabray did the other week, so cute! The resulting numbers on youtube are even cooler! Ganked this from Stephen Rader’s blog.
Found this on youtube whilst feeding my addiction!
Congratulations to KathyK! Please contact Rowan via - mcbride_rowan@yahoo.com regarding your choice of book. I know you’ll love it!
Thanks to everyone else for your comments, it was cool!
After reading several books by this very cool author and following Rowan’s blog and twitter rather slavishly, I thought it would be interesting to ask a few questions about writing, reading and Pocky!
Would you care to share a few things about yourself? Favorite place, shoes, music, t-shirt..?
Favorite place: Any room with good friends, good drinks, and good anime.
Favorite music: It varies according to mood. When I lived in Hawaii, I really liked the Ka’au Crater Boys, but someone recently told me they broke up. Also liked Bright Red Boots (sadly, no longer together), ClosetHuman (on hiatus). For a while I was thinking my tastes were cursed. Nowadays I listen to Death Cab For Cutie, Vince Gill, Ludo, Ella Fitzgerald, Seether, artists like that. But my favorite band is probably still the Electric Mayhem.
I’ve attached pictures of my favorite shoes and shirt. The shoes *used* to be blue suede, but I’ve had them so long and they’ve seen so much of the Texas sun that they’ve faded into a color I can’t even name at this point. I’m not actually sure where I picked up the aloha shirt (the safe bet’s Hawaii, but you never know with me), but I wear it all the time. I’m surprised it hasn’t fallen apart yet.
When did you start writing?
Second grade, I think. In third I had to read a story I wrote (about an elf who grew to be eight feet tall, heh) to the entire grade, and the experience scarred me so badly that afterward I kept everything I wrote (except for an independent study I didn’t know anyone had paid attention to until the year after) secret until well into high school.
What types of characters and situations are you drawn to write about?
I like to write about characters who find themselves, who discover their own worth. I’m also a big fan of MGS (Muscle Growth Stories), because I like to play with ideas of strength and power. That, and the shallow side of me just adores a muscular form.
I really liked one of your blog posts back in May about writing as therapy. How much of yourself do you see in your books?
Wow, yeah. Writing that post was a good day for me. I’d just learned my mother was cancer-free after five years, and it was quite a milestone. That sense of relief led to some introspection on my part.
While I’m writing, I don’t see myself in my stories at all. The characters always seem like shiny new strangers, the situations entirely unique. It’s often months, or even years, later when I look at those books and go “Ohhh. That was *my* trust issue.” or “That was *me* trying to patch himself together after being broken.” I suppose that’s a good thing– putting yourself into your stories. Even when you don’t realize you’re doing it, if you’re willing to put yourself out there from the beginning it adds an element of honesty.
What’s your writing process like? Outline or seat of your pants?
I start with a spark of an idea. It could be one line of dialogue that makes me curious about why it was said, or a character whose story I want to know more about, or a bizarre event that I can’t resist dropping unsuspecting characters into. From there it’s usually seat of my pants until I discover I have too many scenes jumbled together in my head. Then I crack open a pack of index cards and storyboard the rest to make sure it makes sense.
How important are your beta readers and what part do they play in your writing process?
Good, honest beta readers are worth their weight in gold. I’m the writer, so naturally I think each of my stories is a jewel. Sometimes I don’t see plot holes, continuity issues, characters taking leaps they really shouldn’t take. Some beta readers are great at telling me whether the overall concept works, and whether the characters resonate with them. Others will tear apart my grammar until I dream about misused semicolons. Having different perspectives is important because if a story is fresh in my mind, I tend to fill in blanks without realizing it.
Is there a piece of work you feel especially proud of?
“Want Me.” I got to go crazy with several themes I enjoy. Love it when my stories come full circle, and in that one each turn of the spiral allowed me to explore that concept again and again. I also like playing with the idea of true power– where it really comes from, what a person does when they believe their strength has been stripped from them, etc. And Joel, starting in a life he was content with and painfully moving to one that holds more depth… that was my favorite part.
And the muscle growth. Always love that.
You not only write, but draw, what is your favorite piece?
I have a long way to go, but it’s been hella fun learning how to draw in a manga/anime style. Eventually I’d like to get to a place where I don’t always need a reference picture, and I’ve been starting to inch toward that direction lately.
The only picture of mine I ever framed and hung on my wall is “Lelouch 1“. He’s one of my favorite characters of all time, and this was the first image that came out exactly the way I wanted– from hair to eyes to the little smirk on his mouth. It must have taken me over a week to draw.
Another favorite of mine is “Colors“. I think I’d colored it at three in the morning, and I was impressed he came out looking how I felt at the time.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to read? Any particular reads you’d recommend?
Reading for fun? What is this concept? 
I enjoy quirky science fiction like “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.” I also like to read books about writing, and Stephen King’s “On Writing” is a favorite of mine. Jennifer Crusie’s “Bet Me” is excellent– It was recommended to me by someone via twitter, and I don’t remember the last time I laughed out loud with a book. I enjoy poetry, especially anything by Langston Hughes. I’ve learned it’s hard to go wrong with anything by Jet Mykles or Katrina Strauss.
I’m getting ready to dive into a lot of new books, so hoping to find more autobuy authors.
Please explain Pocky? O-o
lol! Pocky is this glorious cracker cookie stick thing usually dipped in chocolate (but also comes in strawberry and a variety of other flavors). It’s imported from Japan and is the food of the gods.
My favorite flavor actually comes from its Korean counterpart– Pepero. It’s called Nude because (I think) the cookie is on the outside and the chocolate is on the inside.
So, now that I have drooled all over your shelves of books, what are your favourite manga?
One of my favorites out of the mainstream manga pool would be “Saiyuki,” by Kazuya Minekura. It’s loosely based on the Chinese novel “Journey to the West” and features a half-demon, a demon who used to be human, an amnesiac monkey king, and a monk who drinks and smokes and carries a Smith and Wesson revolver. The dynamic between the four men is funny and intense, and the art contains some of the most gorgeous fight scenes I’ve ever seen.
With yaoi, my favorite to date is “Totally Captivated,” by Yoo Ha-jin. It’s actually a manhwa (the Korean counterpart to manga), but I don’t know what the Korean word for yaoi would be. I tried to ask my mother, but that entailed explaining exactly what yaoi was and, well, she’s still processing that information. “Totally Captivated” features violence, angst, some pretty intense sex. It also has an unexpected humor to it, as well as moments of tenderness. I don’t know how the creator managed to balance all that, but they did, and it was fab.
Oh! And “Tokyo Babylon” by CLAMP. One of the best of ALL TIME.
{ahem} Pardon my fanboi moment there…
Finally (I promise there are no more questions!) what have you got coming out soon?
At the moment I don’t have anything planned. Been writing almost non-stop for three years, and it’s time to take a break. Once I’ve recharged I think I’d like to complete “Broken Thread,” this bizarre royal alien rock star yaoi thing I’ve been working on for a while now. I’d also like to get a few sequels finished and maybe complete a serial or two.
Should be a lot of fun once my muse starts talking to me again.
This has been such a cool interview to do and I’ve really enjoyed the emailing back and forth and having a chance to yak. Thanks Rowan!
I had a lot of fun too! It was great chatting with you, and I’m glad that the time difference + my insomnia worked out so well.
Rowan has kindly consented to put up an ebook to be won. Just leave a comment below and go into the draw for one ebook of your choice from Rowan’s back catalog.
Check out Rowan’s website, twitter, art and most important - books!
This was an absolute delight to watch and a rather pleasant way to spend a rainy afternoon. While there were parts of the movie that lagged a little, it kept my interest for the most part and had us both roaring with laughter. It was so funny and romantic and really, anything with Colin Firth doing the tango is must see stuff. Big thumbs up!
Reader geek of ebooks, comics, porn, occasional art fiend, banana blog lover and review writer.
