Showing posts with label Jerry L. Wheeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerry L. Wheeler. Show all posts

Thursday, January 1, 2015

LGBT: 2014 Favorite Books & Authors

Happy New Year everyone! I wish you all the best for the coming year -- health, love, happiness, and prosperity!

I am beginning my blogging year by posting a list of favorite LGBT books and authors of 2014. My reading was not as prolific in 2014 as in previous years. Fortunately, my reading experience was excellent and I recommended many wonderful books along the way. In the end, however, my choices came from the most memorable books read, reviewed, and graded A (5.0) and A-/B+ (4.75/4.5) throughout the year. Following, in no particular order, is my list of the talented authors or editors whose LGBT themed novels and short stories became my favorite reads of the year:

FAVORITE BOOKS & AUTHORS:


Scruffians! Stories of Better Sodomites by Hal Duncan
SFF Single Author Short Story Collection (2014, Lethe Press)
Hal Duncan is one of those authors whose short works always leave me craving one more story. In Scruffians!, a homoerotic collection of fantasy and mythology-based short stories with its fairies, pirates, and other adventures, Hal Duncan's writing skills, imagination and extraordinary capacity for weaving dreams can be really appreciated. I read this collection early in 2014 and needless to say, it continues to be a favorite.


Cub by Jeff Mann
YA Contemporary Romance Novel (2014, Bear Bones Books)
Jeff Mann! Now here is a favorite author whose talent seems to have no bounds. He just keeps on adding to his already magnificent backlist of winners. This, of course, is not surprising to readers familiar with Mann's works -- poetry, fiction, erotica, historical romance. With Cub, the ultimate outsider YA story, Mann adds to his already impressive repertoire by writing one of the most unique LGBT YA books I've read to date. I can't help but believe that it became a classic the moment Mann finished writing it.


Butcher's Road by Lee Thomas
Historical Thriller Novel (2014, Lethe Press)
Lee Thomas is a personal favorite and his works always seem to make it to my favorite list at the end of the year. In 2014 it was Butcher's Road, a historical, spec fic/mystery thriller that was so good it spoiled my reading momentum for a while. I just wanted more of that edge-of-my-seat, adrenaline high I get from reading Thomas's books. Butcher's Road is dark, violent, bloody, and filled with magnificent contrasts masterfully rendered by the author. A winner!


Wingmen by Ensan Case 
Historical Fiction / Romance (Reprint, 2014, Lethe Press)
Talk about a 2014 reading obsession! This World War II novel with its subtle, yearning romance, sexual tension, well-researched historical background, down-to-earth, sexy as hell fly boys and epic air battles, was it for me. I read, researched battles, read, research airplanes, read, and loved! What is there not to love about this epic historical fiction novel by Ensan Case? I gushed in my review, I'm gushing now, I know, but if you want to read a fantastic LGBT epic tale set in the Pacific during World War II, this is it.


The Unwanted by Jeffrey Ricker
YA Fantasy Novel (2014, Bold Strokes Books)
Jeffrey Ricker's mythology-based fantasy with a gay young adult as the central character is a book I would recommend to any young adult. And that's one of the many reasons it belongs right here on my list of favorites. The mythology is well integrated with family and young adult conflicts. Most importantly, young adults can relate and see themselves in Ricker's characters. I particularly love the end of this book where Ricker takes a huge risk and wins. I'm hoping for a sequel!


The Bears of Winter ed. Jerry L. Wheeler
Gay Erotic Fiction Anthology (2014, Bear Bones Books)
I adored this anthology! It is Bear erotic fiction and all of those factors are reflected in the stories. The eroticism is strong, but so is the "fiction" factor, which adds depth to the collection as a whole. Wheeler's introduction, editing, and choice of talented writers did it for me, making The Bears of Winter my favorite, most reread anthology of the year!


The Affair of the Porcelain Dog & Turnbull House by Jess Faraday
Historical Fiction/Mystery (2011/2014, Bold Strokes Books)
What a fantastic duology! I read a slew of LGBT historical mysteries this past summer and Jess Faraday's Porcelain Dog duology was a stand out. Its focus on mysteries set in London's gritty East End has a fabulous atmosphere. Combine that with Faraday's morally questionable characters and the historical facts she utilizes as background to build on the gay theme that gives depth to this duology, and you have a winner.


That Door is a Mischief by Alex Jeffers
Gay Fantasy Novel (2014, Lethe Press)
It just seems that I read this gay fantasy by Alex Jeffers at the right moment. I was struck by the beauty of his prose and imagination, yes. But, I believe that for me this story's beauty lies in Jeffers' ability to marry fantasy with reality, to let the reader see behind that magical door into life's truths. Life is beautiful and magical -- happiness and sorrow are just part of the magic. A gorgeous book!


My Favorite Uncle by Marshall Thornton
Gay Comedic Romantic Fiction Novel (2014, Wilde City Press)
I had such fun reading this book. My favorite aspect of My Favorite Uncle is the great combination of wit and depth Thornton uses to develop this generational tale. It clearly details how two different generations of gay men see, experience, and navigate the world. But, this is also a family story with all the dysfunctions that go along with that. Thornton integrates both threads with wit and a deft hand. This book is on my reread shelf!


Provoked, Beguiled, Enlightened (Enlightenment Trilogy) by Joanna Chambers
M/M Romance (2013/2014, Samhain)
The Enlightenment trilogy by Joanna Chambers is a late addition to my list of favorites as it was read in December, but it is a fabulous addition. The slow building romance filled with sexual tension, sensuality, and both inner and outer conflicts make the final outcome worth the journey. Additionally, the setting and atmosphere, as well as the well incorporated historical facts and details are a big plus to this beautiful m/m romance trilogy.

FAVORITE SHORT WORKS: My favorite short works are all chosen from single author collections and anthologies read and reviewed during 2014. All collections are highly recommended in their entirety. I have chosen 10 short stories and believe me, that was not an easy task this year! Here they are, in no particular order:

"Anthology of Spoon River AIDS Walk" & "One Hundred Kisses"
Naming Ceremony: Stories by Chip Livingston (2014, Lethe Press)

"Cruel Movember" & "Persimmon, Teeth, and Boys"
Red Caps: New Fairy Tales for Out of the Ordinary Readers by Steve Berman (2014, Lethe Press)

"The Water That Falls on You from Nowhere" by John Chu" (also reviewed Tor.com edition)*
"Caress" by Eli Easton
"57 Reasons for the Slate Quarry Suicides" by Sam J Miller
"Super Bass" by Kai Ashante Wilson
Wilde Stories 2014: The Year's Best Gay Speculative Fiction ed. Steve Berman (2014, Lethe Press)

"Werewolf" by Michael Carroll 
With: New Gay Fiction ed. Jameson Currier (2013, Chelsea Station)

"Ma tu sei pazzo?!" Tommi Avicolli Mecca

-----------
2013 Favorite LGBT Books & Authors
2012 Favorite LGBT Books & Authors
2011 Favorite LGBT Books & Authors
2010 Favorite LGBT Books & Authors
2009 Top Reads

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Review: The Bears of Winter ed. Jerry L. Wheeler

What can you expect? Bears, Bears, & more Bears . . . Muscle-bound beauties, sexy Daddies, adorable cubs and strong bears experiencing life, adventures, and enjoying each other in stories featuring rough play, erotic moments, the consumption of orgasmic feasts, everyday life issues or those all-important connections. Bears hibernating in past, present, and future winter settings ranging from the North Pole to Antarctica, isolated cabins in mountain ranges to ski resorts, and on to far away planets.

This collection flows beautifully with variety instead of sameness. It kicks off strongly beginning with the erotically enticing contemporary foodie piece "Don't Feed the Bear" by R.W. Clinger, Jeff Mann's vampire tale of domination and submission, control and surrender courtesy of a forceful but loving hunkalicious biker in "Snow on Scrabble Creek," and 'Nathan Burgoine's exquisitely executed speculative fiction piece "Psychometry of Snow."

Frank Muse's amusing "Little Suzie" with an erotic Santa – think snicker doodles and black leather jockstrap -- as the ultimate winter Daddy bear fantasy is followed by “Snowblind,” Jeffrey Ricker's creative science fiction tale set in a distant frozen planet, and Max Vos’ extremely heated “Mountain Bear,” a story set in the cold mountains of Tennessee featuring gay bashing southern style, as well as raw lovin' between a writer and a reclusive bear. Serving as a heavy contrast, Jay Neal's reflective poet/writer sets off in an adventure to research early Antarctica explorers and finds hot romance with a devious bear in "Miles, of the Antarctic."

Up next is Xavier Axelson's fabulous speculative fiction/horror tale detailing a bear's quest for justice in the chilling "Sleeping Bear," followed by the emotional roller coaster "Feast of January” by Roscoe Hudson with a wickedly funny beginning and romantic cookfest that quickly turns into a reflective piece about a past loss and grabbing that second chance at life. And Daniel M. Jaffe serves a different sort of romantic holiday treat as his Jewish sex angel finally finds the love of his life at Christmas time in "Romancing the Pole."

The reader is then transported to 1878 and big, hairy lumberjacks and ice harvesters toiling, bunking together, and tenderly caring for each other in "Truckee," one of Dale Chase’s deliciously raw, bearishly hot and gritty stories. It is a smooth transition to contemporary times and a fabulous bear erotic fiction piece by Lewis DeSimone who with his finely tuned insight into men needing hope or a way to move forward utilizes friendship and a new acquaintance to pave the way for that to happen in "The Bears of Winter." This grouping ends with the futuristic "Thaw" by Hank Edwards, a short story memorable for its excellent world-building, fantastic atmosphere, and a dystopian frozen earth that serves as the perfect setting for a dangerous cute-meet between two surviving bears.

In Phillip Williams' rough and tender erotic tale "World of Men," a young, isolated cub desperately wants to experience the world of men and gets his wishes (and then some) when a bear gives him a few lessons in desire. Everything shifts when a man faces reality as friends help him come to terms with his beloved partner's long-term illness in Charles Hopwood's truly touching "Cold Comfort." And, the anthology ends with a contemporary piece that relies on the character's fantasies and fixation on a bear for most of its eroticism. "The Balaclava" by Nathan Sims is a story that surprises the reader by ending just as it should for the character.

I usually read anthologies in slow motion -- one, maybe two stories at a time -- but with The Bears of Winter it was different. I read one story after another without stopping for a breath in between. It is true that I am a sucker for stories about bears and that in my estimation Jerry L. Wheeler is a fabulous editor, but in this case the proof is in the pudding. All 16 stories meet the required theme, hibernating bears in all sorts of winter landscapes, however, it is quality writing by the contributing authors and the variety and caliber of the stories chosen by Wheeler that keep this anthology fresh and engaging, driving the reader forward until the very end. Highly recommended. Enjoy.

Category: LGBT - Gay/Bear Erotic Fiction/Anthology
Publisher: Bear Bones Books
Release Date: Digital Ed. August 23, 2014 / Paperback: November 1, 2014
Grade: A-

Other anthologies ed. by Jerry L. Wheeler
Tented: Gay Erotic Tales Under the Big TopRiding the Rails The Dirty Diner: Gay Erotica on the MenuOn The Run: Tales of Gay Pursuit and Passion


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Quotes: March Favorite so far...

You all know I love my quotes. Here are a few I've chosen from the books I've either read, or I'm reading this month. The reason behind choosing them? Well, these either made me laugh, smile, or think, plus they will give you clues about the characters or the stories.

Family... it is a bitch. [...] Summer vacations...if you thought about it, what kind of people actually gathered together at a lake with cabins and all that crap anyway? Hadn't they ever watched Friday the 13th? Jason? Hockey masks? Machetes? A good time for me, yeah -- oh hell yeah -- but not as much for the members of your average Prius-driving middle class. 
Stupidity is everywhere. [Cal - Doubletake by Rob Thurman]

How could I be so petty? he wondered. It's only a word, right? He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but the word seemed to be imprinted on his eyelids in flowing, femmy script.
Mangina
His balls recoiled, drawing up into his body as if he'd just been plunged into a cold swimming pool. [Waafrneeaasuu!! from Strawberries and Other Erotic Fruits by Jerry L. Wheeler]

Even if you're not attracted to a woman, something in your blood compels you to conquer her, to find her weaknesses and exploit them until she surrenders to your charm like every other woman. 
That wasn't true. He didn't need to charm every female he came in contact with. He just happened to be a sociable kind of guy. [Seth - Dalton's Undoing by RaeAnne Thayne]

A man's fate, as you no doubt feel deeply in your present circumstances, is rarely in his own hands. But you have already shown, again and again, that you put duty before desire, as a man must. [Father - Purgatory by Jeff Man]


Friday, March 16, 2012

... On Erotica: Reading + Recs (LGBT / Het / Ménage)

While posting my thoughts about Jeff Mann's Purgatory: A Novel of the Civil War I noticed that although I read plenty of erotica throughout the year, I have not been posting regularly about my erotica reads. As a matter of fact going through my blog and list of reads, it seems that sometimes I even neglect to list as read some of those books or novellas.

I think I stopped blogging regularly about erotica sometime in 2010?  I'm not sure if this happened because I tend to read this sub-genre in the form of collections or anthologies. I read anthologies slowly (short stories in between other books), and sometimes it takes me so long to finish them that by the time I'm done, I just don't post a review, or maybe it's something else altogether, but I DO read and enjoy them.

Gay Erotica:


For example, right now I'm reading Strawberries and Other Erotic Fruits by Jerry L. Wheeler, his latest collection of erotic reads. Wheeler did a terrific job of editing Tented and just seems to have such a great handle on erotica that I couldn't pass up reading his collection. I don't have it up under the "Currently Reading" list of books on my sidebar, but I'm about 25% through this book already. Wheeler also edited another anthology recently (December 2011) that I want to read, Riding the Rails: Locomotive Lust and Carnal Cabooses. That book includes some of my favorite erotica writers: Jeff Mann, Gavin Atlas, Jay Neal, Dale Chase,William Holden, Rick R. Reed, 'Nathan Burgoine, Jeffrey Ricker and Erastes! A great group of writers.

And, I've read the following gay erotic anthologies or collections, but either never listed or blogged about them here.

Frat Boys: Gay Erotic Stories edited by Shane Allison (Cleis Press)
My Name is Rand by Wayne Curtois (Lethe Press)
Bearotica: Hot & Hairy Fiction edited by R. Jackson (Bear Bones Books)
The Back Passage by James Lear (Cleis Press)
The Secret Tunnel by James Lear (Cleis Press)
A History of Barbed Wire by Jeff Mann (Bear Bones Books)
Tented: Gay Erotic Tales From Under the Big Top edited by Jerry L. Wheeler (Lethe Press)


I've read more in this category, but am not going to list them all. Of the books listed above, I highly recommend  A History of Barbed Wire by Jeff Mann and Tented: Gay Erotic Tales From Under the Big Top edited by Jerry L. Wheeler. Also for those who enjoy the unusual, My Name is Rand by Wayne Curtois is a trip and a half!

I actually recommend all the stories listed above: Frat Boys: Gay Erotic Stories edited by Shane Allison is hot and sexy and it has a great mixture of stories about college boys and their sexual adventures (Lambda, Lambda, Lambda). Bearotica edited by R. Jackson has some favorite writers of erotica in there: Jay Neal, Dale Chase (love Chase!), and Thom Wolf . From the James Lear books I recommend The Back Passage over The Secret Tunnel. These are fun erotic mysteries set in England -- BUT, expect lots and lots of sex in these stories. Note that "erotic" comes before "mysteries," so don't be surprised at the amount of sexual scenes in the books.

Erotica and Ménage/Multi-Partnered Erotica:



I'm still reading Samantha Kane's Brothers in Arms series. I read the last two books in that series at the end of last year, and I also read my first book by Megan Hart:

Love's Surrender by Samantha Kane
Love's Fortress by Samantha Kane
Tempted by Megan Hart

The Brothers in Arms series is long and one that I believe tends to be repetitive because in some ways they all end up with the same or similar (M/M/F) type of happy ending. However, those first few books are so good that the whole series becomes addictive, particularly once the characters become familiar and readers connect with them, and that's something that Kane does quite well. She establishes that connection between the reader and her characters. So read on... I know I will!

Megan Hart is a writer whose works came highly recommended. Unfortunately Tempted just didn't do it for me. I didn't really find this story erotic, and although I enjoyed her writing style it felt more like a women's fiction book that attempted to be erotic but failed -- at least it did for me personally -- perhaps because I was expecting the story to be geared towards erotica. I think I gave it an average grade because Hart's prose is excellent and as something besides erotica, the story works well enough. However, I have not given up on Megan Hart. I have Dirty in my TBR and have been told that this is THE book. So I will give Ms. Hart one more shot.

TBR:

I also have quite a few books in my TBR and I'm always buying new books (old and new releases).  For example I just purchased two old releases, Between Dances by Erasmo Guerra, a gay Latino writer who has two interesting books (different genres) that I want to read -- this book is a Lambda Award winner for erotica, and Tales From The Sexual Underground by the prolific and ever-popular writer Rick R. Reed.


And I have ménage and het erotica in droves, and a few polyamorous stories too. I have books lying around the house all over the place, plus quite a lot in my Kindle -- some of them are PNR erotica which I tend not to read. I also have a couple of series to catch up on --  Lorelei James. However, I do have other types of pretty raw erotica from authors whose works are well known and others whose works I've never read and whose names I've never heard before. Maybe I'll just post about my erotica reads once in a while again, some of them are pretty wild, while others are tamer than you might expect, and depending on taste, most of them can be lots of fun to read! :D