Darkness Falls by Jamie Lynn Miller

Matthew and Daniel are fellow actor in the same tv fiction and also close friends. Matthew openly gay and with a past long term relationship and Daniel an hesitant bisexual; actually for how much things they have shared during their friendship, the matter of Daniel's sexuality was never faced, and Matthew is not sure of his friend's preferences.

Matthew broke up with his last boyfriend after having finally admitted that he is sexually attracted by his friend Daniel, but in the last four months he has never affronted the argument with Daniel. He is still pondering if he wants to risk his friendship when Daniel has an accident and becomes temporarily blind. Since the doctors are not sure if Daniel will ever regain his sight, Matthew decides to move on with his friend and helps him to be acquainted with this new reality. Being so near to the object of his lust will soon lead them both to a point where they can't no more hide their feelings.

The story moves pretty quickly and all the events happen one after the other leaving the reader a bit disoriented. I always like the story where friends become lovers, since there is always a deeply intimacy between them, they know each other well and they can face more arguments than normal lovers. In this case it's also quite right since Daniel now depends on Matthew for more things than a normal lover does. Actually if not for Daniel's inability, Matthew and Daniel are very similar characters, with same strenght and independence.

The story is good and flows smoothly, but again, it seems too short. I'd like to read more, since both story than characters were interesting. It would be interested if the author wrote more about the setting and the supporting characters: there are a lot of interesting things, the show business environment, all the friends and co-workers around the main characters, the argument of two actors, public figures, being in love...

http://www.darkroastpress.com/darknessfalls.php

Waiting Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle

Darkness Falls by Jamie Lynn Miller

Matthew and Daniel are fellow actor in the same tv fiction and also close friends. Matthew openly gay and with a past long term relationship and Daniel an hesitant bisexual; actually for how much things they have shared during their friendship, the matter of Daniel's sexuality was never faced, and Matthew is not sure of his friend's preferences.

Matthew broke up with his last boyfriend after having finally admitted that he is sexually attracted by his friend Daniel, but in the last four months he has never affronted the argument with Daniel. He is still pondering if he wants to risk his friendship when Daniel has an accident and becomes temporarily blind. Since the doctors are not sure if Daniel will ever regain his sight, Matthew decides to move on with his friend and helps him to be acquainted with this new reality. Being so near to the object of his lust will soon lead them both to a point where they can't no more hide their feelings.

The story moves pretty quickly and all the events happen one after the other leaving the reader a bit disoriented. I always like the story where friends become lovers, since there is always a deeply intimacy between them, they know each other well and they can face more arguments than normal lovers. In this case it's also quite right since Daniel now depends on Matthew for more things than a normal lover does. Actually if not for Daniel's inability, Matthew and Daniel are very similar characters, with same strenght and independence.

The story is good and flows smoothly, but again, it seems too short. I'd like to read more, since both story than characters were interesting. It would be interested if the author wrote more about the setting and the supporting characters: there are a lot of interesting things, the show business environment, all the friends and co-workers around the main characters, the argument of two actors, public figures, being in love...

http://www.darkroastpress.com/darknessfalls.php

Waiting Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle

Tokyo Ink by Ann Vremont

In a post apocalyptic world, Tetsu is a bond worker for the Iyashii Corporation which rules in Tokyo. But Tetsu is also a sideline terrorist and he exchanges information with his fellow terrorist using intricate inks on the geishas who serve the corporation executives and who Tetsu as head of security forces sees almost everyday. But for him they are nothing else that tools to achieve a scope, all of them save for Youran, a male geisha. He is not Japanese, probably Canadian, and his fair skin and blue eyes makes him unforgettable. Youran's, Western Orchid, real name is Gabriel and he is one of the most sought whores, for his beauty and his ability, and Tetsu can't deny that his interest toward him is more than only for his inks. When he realizes that someone is trying to kill the man, he kidnaps Gabe, officially to avoid that someone can see his inks and comprehend their meaning, but in reality since he can't see the man's death.

Tetsu has never had the chance to love. In this post apocalyptic world, love is no more a common feelings, and only the wealthier can sustain the cost of paid sex. For Tetsu, Gabriel is an unreachable dream, since the male geisha is a too valueable good for a simple man like him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are two lonely souls. From different origins, and social status, they find a common path in a similar purpose; they have different reasons to search vengeance, but since it seems that vengeance leads to the same point, they agree to team up their forces. In all this, love seems not to be considered, and Tetsu can't believe that a man like Gabriel could truly feel real desire for him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are not "perfect" hero; they could have noble reasons for what they do, but how they reach their purpose is not noble at all. Without giving up the story, I can only say that, for example, Gabriel will do a thing that in a normal and classical romance would be unforgivable, but here, in this twisted world, it seems the only right thing to do.

The story is not very long, less than 70 pages, but it's very good. I have had in the past the opportunity to read another little story by Ann Vremont, and with this one, she confirms my believe that, in the urban romance genre, she is a very good voice. 

http://www.changelingpress.com/index.php?uaid=ISFUDNYA

Amazon Kindle: Tokyo Ink (Gay SF Erotica)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Waiting Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle

Tokyo Ink by Ann Vremont

In a post apocalyptic world, Tetsu is a bond worker for the Iyashii Corporation which rules in Tokyo. But Tetsu is also a sideline terrorist and he exchanges information with his fellow terrorist using intricate inks on the geishas who serve the corporation executives and who Tetsu as head of security forces sees almost everyday. But for him they are nothing else that tools to achieve a scope, all of them save for Youran, a male geisha. He is not Japanese, probably Canadian, and his fair skin and blue eyes makes him unforgettable. Youran's, Western Orchid, real name is Gabriel and he is one of the most sought whores, for his beauty and his ability, and Tetsu can't deny that his interest toward him is more than only for his inks. When he realizes that someone is trying to kill the man, he kidnaps Gabe, officially to avoid that someone can see his inks and comprehend their meaning, but in reality since he can't see the man's death.

Tetsu has never had the chance to love. In this post apocalyptic world, love is no more a common feelings, and only the wealthier can sustain the cost of paid sex. For Tetsu, Gabriel is an unreachable dream, since the male geisha is a too valueable good for a simple man like him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are two lonely souls. From different origins, and social status, they find a common path in a similar purpose; they have different reasons to search vengeance, but since it seems that vengeance leads to the same point, they agree to team up their forces. In all this, love seems not to be considered, and Tetsu can't believe that a man like Gabriel could truly feel real desire for him.

Tetsu and Gabriel are not "perfect" hero; they could have noble reasons for what they do, but how they reach their purpose is not noble at all. Without giving up the story, I can only say that, for example, Gabriel will do a thing that in a normal and classical romance would be unforgivable, but here, in this twisted world, it seems the only right thing to do.

The story is not very long, less than 70 pages, but it's very good. I have had in the past the opportunity to read another little story by Ann Vremont, and with this one, she confirms my believe that, in the urban romance genre, she is a very good voice. 

http://www.changelingpress.com/index.php?uaid=ISFUDNYA

Waiting Reading List:

http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=waiting+reading+list&view=elisa.rolle

Lee Rowan: Writing SIN (Speak Its Name)

Hello, Elisa!

1) Could you tell us about your writing "process"?

Not in great detail. I usually get a 'what if' or a 'why not' – a basic idea – then put together characters, then decide what kind of things they would do together and who or what could complicate their lives. With the new novella, Gentleman's Gentleman, I wanted to write a story about lovers who could find a way to live together without incurring social wrath. What sort of man could live with another without anyone thinking twice? A servant, of course—servants were practically invisible. Of course, that meant breaking another taboo of British custom—the class barrier—so for that I needed an upper-class gentleman who recognized prejudice for what it was and rejected it—and a lover for him who had all the qualities (except social standing) that would make a compatible partner. Then it was 'what would they do?' and inventing a background that brought them together, and of course the research for the place and time of the story. I always have a file of research notes for any story that's more than a few pages long.

For one that's really long or complicated, like Ransom, where there were three separate plotlines that had to converge, I often have to make a timeline chart. But process as such…I just don't think about that too much; it would be like taking apart a watch to see how it works, and hoping I can get it back together. I think every writer's process is slightly different, and sometimes my own will vary from one story to another. 

2) What are the best and worst aspects of being an author?

The best - doing something I love that brings some joy or hope into the world. I was in my 40's when I discovered the love of my life, so I think it's important to say 'don't give up hope." The worst – getting distracted. The flexibility of a writing schedule can be a real drawback at times, and it's hard to say no when something really needs to be done and my wife's working her buns off too.

3) Once your book is finished do you rely only on the editor feedback or do you take also other measures to be sure that your work can be enjoyed by other people?

My wife always reads my stories. I can trust her to be a tough critic—she can always spot the weaknesses in a story—but she's very kind about telling me what they are. I also have a couple of British friends who read my stories to catch the Americanisms, and a gay friend I rely on to make sure my characters are believable as gay men. Now, he's in his 40's and has been with his partner for 23 years, so his feedback is different from what I might get from a 20-something guy—but that's unavoidable. Besides, I want feedback from a man who has found a lifemate, as my characters have.

4) What are some taboos subject you will not write?

The usual, I suppose. Portraying rape, incest, child abuse, or anyone inflicting physical damage or humiliation as romantic. And bestiality, of course—I love animals, but they're no more able to be consenting sexual partners than a child would be. I don't really care that the subjects are taboo—to some people, writing two men as lovers is an enormous taboo! It's that these are subjects I personally find unappealing.

5) Are your loved ones and friends supportive of your writing?

Yes, I'm incredibly lucky, especially in being married to my biggest supporter. I really can't thank her enough.

6) What do you do to celebrate after finishing a story?

Take a day off to clear my head—then decide what's next on the list. I usually don't celebrate until the story is accepted. When it goes to print, I open a bottle of wine.

7) Have you ever cried as you wrote a story---if so which title?

I got a little sniffly during Winds of Change, when Will and Davy are saying goodbye, not knowing if they'll ever see each other again. I wasn't sure, either, in the first draft. One friend told me it was a stronger story, and more realistic, to tear them apart that way, but I just couldn't stand to do that to them.

8) What attracted you to writing gay romance?

I love adventures and mysteries, and I've always enjoyed 'buddy' shows with characters who care for each other more than anything—so adding romantic love to that combination heightens the emotion and makes the story complete.

9) What do you find most challenging about writing gay romance?

Finding believable ways to get to the happy-ever-after. Even today, it's more difficult for same-sex couples to have that – though I read a survey recently that says a majority of young gays and lesbians today do want to find a life partner. To romance readers, that may seem obvious—but when I was growing up, the common belief was that same-sex partners almost never stayed together, that we were unable to have valid, lifelong relationships, and until very recently the surveys of GLBT folk reflected that attitude. Most just didn't believe they could have a happy-ever-after.

There was some truth to the idea that gay and lesbian couples often split up, though a lot of couples flew under the radar, and some more visible show-biz people like George Takei, Lily Tomlin, Richard Chamberlain, and John Barrowman are showing that same-sex relationships can outlast many conventional Hollywood marriages. I think a lot of that instability was due to the lack of support from friends and family. Conventional marriages have the approval of family, church, and society, but gays and lesbians have had a hard time even finding partners until pretty recently, and being able to live together was difficult, too, because of legal discrimination—can you imagine happily ever after if you could be fired or evicted or beaten up if someone found out you were in love with the 'wrong' partner?

I don't like to dwell on the dangers and difficulties in my stories, so acknowledging the issues and getting around them is what I find the most challenging. On the other hand, the idea of a love worth risking everything for is, I think, universally appealing, and it's one of the strongest factors in gay romance.

10) What is your favorite character from all your stories and why?

My favorite character is still probably David Archer, from Ransom and Winds of Change. He's such a brave, loving person—he's gone through hell and still managed to stay positive. But I've grown very fond of Jack Darling, the title character from Gent's Gent. I think the characters I like best are those who have to hang tough and work just a little bit harder to win their happiness.

Gentleman’s Gentleman
Trilogy No. 111: Speak Its Name
By: Lee Rowan, Erastes & Charlie Cochrane
ISBN # 978-1-60202-125-9
Word Count: 71,949
Categories: Gay / Lesbian, Historical, Drama, Erotica, Trilogy, Series
Available in: Adobe Acrobat, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Mobipocket

Lord Robert Scoville has lived in a reasonably comfortable Victorian closet, without hope of real love, or any notion that it’s right there in front of him if he would only open his eyes and take notice of his right-hand man, Jack Darling. Jack has done his best to be satisfied with the lesser intimacy of caring for the man he loves, but his feigned role as a below-stairs ladies’ man leaves his heart empty. When a simple diplomatic errand turns dangerous and a man from their past raises unanswerable questions, both men find themselves endangered by the secrets between them.

( Excerpt )

Lee Rowan: Writing SIN (Speak Its Name)

Hello, Elisa!

1) Could you tell us about your writing "process"?

Not in great detail. I usually get a 'what if' or a 'why not' – a basic idea – then put together characters, then decide what kind of things they would do together and who or what could complicate their lives. With the new novella, Gentleman's Gentleman, I wanted to write a story about lovers who could find a way to live together without incurring social wrath. What sort of man could live with another without anyone thinking twice? A servant, of course—servants were practically invisible. Of course, that meant breaking another taboo of British custom—the class barrier—so for that I needed an upper-class gentleman who recognized prejudice for what it was and rejected it—and a lover for him who had all the qualities (except social standing) that would make a compatible partner. Then it was 'what would they do?' and inventing a background that brought them together, and of course the research for the place and time of the story. I always have a file of research notes for any story that's more than a few pages long.

For one that's really long or complicated, like Ransom, where there were three separate plotlines that had to converge, I often have to make a timeline chart. But process as such…I just don't think about that too much; it would be like taking apart a watch to see how it works, and hoping I can get it back together. I think every writer's process is slightly different, and sometimes my own will vary from one story to another. 

2) What are the best and worst aspects of being an author?

The best - doing something I love that brings some joy or hope into the world. I was in my 40's when I discovered the love of my life, so I think it's important to say 'don't give up hope." The worst – getting distracted. The flexibility of a writing schedule can be a real drawback at times, and it's hard to say no when something really needs to be done and my wife's working her buns off too.

3) Once your book is finished do you rely only on the editor feedback or do you take also other measures to be sure that your work can be enjoyed by other people?

My wife always reads my stories. I can trust her to be a tough critic—she can always spot the weaknesses in a story—but she's very kind about telling me what they are. I also have a couple of British friends who read my stories to catch the Americanisms, and a gay friend I rely on to make sure my characters are believable as gay men. Now, he's in his 40's and has been with his partner for 23 years, so his feedback is different from what I might get from a 20-something guy—but that's unavoidable. Besides, I want feedback from a man who has found a lifemate, as my characters have.

4) What are some taboos subject you will not write?

The usual, I suppose. Portraying rape, incest, child abuse, or anyone inflicting physical damage or humiliation as romantic. And bestiality, of course—I love animals, but they're no more able to be consenting sexual partners than a child would be. I don't really care that the subjects are taboo—to some people, writing two men as lovers is an enormous taboo! It's that these are subjects I personally find unappealing.

5) Are your loved ones and friends supportive of your writing?

Yes, I'm incredibly lucky, especially in being married to my biggest supporter. I really can't thank her enough.

6) What do you do to celebrate after finishing a story?

Take a day off to clear my head—then decide what's next on the list. I usually don't celebrate until the story is accepted. When it goes to print, I open a bottle of wine.

7) Have you ever cried as you wrote a story---if so which title?

I got a little sniffly during Winds of Change, when Will and Davy are saying goodbye, not knowing if they'll ever see each other again. I wasn't sure, either, in the first draft. One friend told me it was a stronger story, and more realistic, to tear them apart that way, but I just couldn't stand to do that to them.

8) What attracted you to writing gay romance?

I love adventures and mysteries, and I've always enjoyed 'buddy' shows with characters who care for each other more than anything—so adding romantic love to that combination heightens the emotion and makes the story complete.

9) What do you find most challenging about writing gay romance?

Finding believable ways to get to the happy-ever-after. Even today, it's more difficult for same-sex couples to have that – though I read a survey recently that says a majority of young gays and lesbians today do want to find a life partner. To romance readers, that may seem obvious—but when I was growing up, the common belief was that same-sex partners almost never stayed together, that we were unable to have valid, lifelong relationships, and until very recently the surveys of GLBT folk reflected that attitude. Most just didn't believe they could have a happy-ever-after.

There was some truth to the idea that gay and lesbian couples often split up, though a lot of couples flew under the radar, and some more visible show-biz people like George Takei, Lily Tomlin, Richard Chamberlain, and John Barrowman are showing that same-sex relationships can outlast many conventional Hollywood marriages. I think a lot of that instability was due to the lack of support from friends and family. Conventional marriages have the approval of family, church, and society, but gays and lesbians have had a hard time even finding partners until pretty recently, and being able to live together was difficult, too, because of legal discrimination—can you imagine happily ever after if you could be fired or evicted or beaten up if someone found out you were in love with the 'wrong' partner?

I don't like to dwell on the dangers and difficulties in my stories, so acknowledging the issues and getting around them is what I find the most challenging. On the other hand, the idea of a love worth risking everything for is, I think, universally appealing, and it's one of the strongest factors in gay romance.

10) What is your favorite character from all your stories and why?

My favorite character is still probably David Archer, from Ransom and Winds of Change. He's such a brave, loving person—he's gone through hell and still managed to stay positive. But I've grown very fond of Jack Darling, the title character from Gent's Gent. I think the characters I like best are those who have to hang tough and work just a little bit harder to win their happiness.

Gentleman’s Gentleman
Trilogy No. 111: Speak Its Name
By: Lee Rowan, Erastes & Charlie Cochrane
ISBN # 978-1-60202-125-9
Word Count: 71,949
Categories: Gay / Lesbian, Historical, Drama, Erotica, Trilogy, Series
Available in: Adobe Acrobat, HTML, Microsoft Reader, Mobipocket

Lord Robert Scoville has lived in a reasonably comfortable Victorian closet, without hope of real love, or any notion that it’s right there in front of him if he would only open his eyes and take notice of his right-hand man, Jack Darling. Jack has done his best to be satisfied with the lesser intimacy of caring for the man he loves, but his feigned role as a below-stairs ladies’ man leaves his heart empty. When a simple diplomatic errand turns dangerous and a man from their past raises unanswerable questions, both men find themselves endangered by the secrets between them.

( Excerpt )