Tag: contemporary (Page 101 of 122)

The Lonely Drop by Vanessa North

August 23, 2014 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: It was recommended to me all over the place. It’s also free as a free thing which is free. Extra bonus points for the clean formatting and good copy editing.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Dear Author,

Ten years ago, I turned him down.

One night stands were his norm, and not because he couldn’t have had a relationship if he’d wanted one. He could pretty much have any man he wanted. I walked away because I deserved better.

Now our paths have crossed again. He has the world at his feet. It’s a tempting thought to throw away my lifetime of ideals for a single night with him.

Do I still have the strength to walk away?

Do I even want to?

Photo Description:
Two men lie naked in bed. One is on his stomach, with his head out of the frame, the other strokes a hesitant hand down his lover’s back.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group’s “Love’s Landscapes” event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): Nick Hana and Kevin Dorsey have been best friends all through college. They’re both on the college soccer team and they’re both gay. They also have a lot of other things in common and have been very close. Nick is in love with Kevin but Kev gets around and is notorious for one-night stands. Nick is a firm believer in sex having to mean something. He doesn’t want to have sex for the sake of sex. He wants the relationship too. Believing he cannot get that from Kevin, they part the eve before graduation on unfriendly terms.

Review at AudioGals

August 20, 2014 / Kaetrin

I’m over at AudioGals with a review of This Time Next Door by Gretchen Galway, narrated by Tanya Eby. Wherein I try a new-to-me author and count it a success.

I’m at Dear Author

August 19, 2014 / Kaetrin

with a review of Caught! (Shamwell Tales book 1) by JL Merrow. Merrow has such an engaging style. This was a joy to read.

Review at AudioGals

August 18, 2014 / Kaetrin

I’m over at AudioGals today with a review of Fire Inside by Kristen Ashley, narrated by Kate Russell. This was much more successful for me on audio than Motorcycle Man. I enjoyed the print version of Fire Inside and the audio was a blast too.

The Girlfriend by Abigail Barnette

August 15, 2014 / Kaetrin

Why I read it: I had this one on the TBR and I started it immediately upon finishing The Boss because I don’t do cliffhangers. Fortunately, it’s only 99c so the two books cost less than $2.00.

**SPOILERS FOR THE BOSS FOLLOW – BE YE WARNED**

It’s possible some may consider my review to be spoilerish for The Girlfriend too. But I can’t talk about the book without talking about these things so… I have hidden the worst of it under a spoiler tag.

What it’s about: (from Goodreads) Unemployed, blacklisted, and pregnant, Sophie Scaife’s life is totally upside down. Her relationship with publishing magnate Neil Elwood is on the rocks. Her best friend’s career is igniting. And Sophie is afraid she’ll make one of the toughest decisions of her life alone…

When a devastating diagnosis forces Neil to return to London, Sophie throws caution to the wind to follow her heart across the Atlantic. Keeping a scorching D/s affair as red-hot in sickness as it was in health is a challenge, even for two lovers as inventive as Sophie and Neil. But Sophie is more than willing to try anything her Sir commands, and their fantasies of control become a welcome refuge from the daily stress of illness.

While Neil’s wealth and privilege make adjusting to her new situation easier, Sophie finds herself rebuilding her life around an uncertain future. And while both of them face the changes between them head-on, they’re all too aware that their happiness may be fleeting—and Sophie could lose Neil forever.

What worked for me (and what didn’t): In this second book in the series, Barnette dials up the angst factor but she does it in a way that, at least to me, felt organic and believable and… grown up. I don’t really have a clear understanding of what “id vortex” reading is (I’ve read a few definitions but they’re all slightly different, which I find confusing, so as a concept it’s still pretty vague for me) but I guess this series would probably fall into that category. However, while it does have plenty of drama, I felt it was grounded in reality and not ridiculous jealousies, stalking and such. Authors manipulate my feelings all the time – it’s part of why I read (or watch tv or see movies for that matter). There are times when I willingly go along for the ride even though it’s a bit ridiculous. Which is how I’d describe something like the Crossfire series – over the top and with a side of cheese; I say this with some affection. (Even though I only read to the end of the second book, I had been enjoying the series. I would have read the third book but then the whole saga was extended to five books and I was out.) I have fond memories of Bared to You and Reflected in You. This series seems different to me. The set up of the characters feels smarter and more believable and the problems they deal with feel more real world. Yes, Neil is a billionaire but as the book shows, while his wealth can give him some serious advantage, it can’t protect him from everything.

Review at Dear Author

August 13, 2014 / Kaetrin

I’m over at Dear Author with a review of Get What You Need by Jeanette Grey. It’s a college set m/m romance between a jock and a geek – but there’s more to it than that (of course).