reviews_and_ramblings | Jul. 4th, 2009

Jul. 4th, 2009

Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield
Release Date: 06/2009
Publisher: MLR Press
ISBN# 978-1-60820-034-4 (print)
978-1-60820-035-1 (ebook)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=NOTTURNO

Buy Here

Amazon: Notturno

Blurb: For antique document expert Adin Tredeger, finding a perfectly pristine five-hundred-year-old homoerotic journal is the highlight of a successful career. He’s smart, he’s cautious, and he’s determined keep it safe. Donte Fedelta has only ever loved one man and the journal that celebrates their affair has finally resurfaced. He’s not above using every trick, including seduction and outright theft, to get it back. He knows Adin’s no match for a centuries-old vampire on a quest. Adin Tredeger wants that journal. Donte wants it back. Neither man is prepared for something—or someone—they might want more

( Excerpt )

ePistols At Dawn by Z.A. Maxfield
Release Date: July 7, 2009
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60504-618-1
Publisher Link: http://samhainpublishing.com/romance/epistols-at-dawn

Amazon Kindle: ePistols at Dawn

Blurb: Choose your weapons. Jae-sun Fields is pissed. Someone has taken the seminal coming-out, coming-of-age novel Doorways and satirized it. He’s determined to use his Internet skills and his job as a tabloid reporter to out the author as the fraud and no-talent hack he’s sure she is. Kelly Kendall likes his anonymity and, except for his houseboy, factotum and all-around slut, Will, he craves solitude. There’s also that crippling case of OCD that makes it virtually impossible for him to leave the house. He’s hidden his authorship of Doorways behind layers of secrets and several years’ worth of lies—until he loses a bet. Satirizing his own work, as far as he can see, is his own damned prerogative. Except now he has an online stalker, one who always seems several steps ahead of him in their online duel for information. A chance meeting reveals more than hidden identities—it exposes a mutual magnetic attraction that can’t be denied. And pushes the stakes that much higher, into a zone that could get way too personal…

( Excerpt )

Crossroads Revisited by Keta Diablo
Release Date: June 28, 2009
Publisher: Phaze Books
ISBN: 978-1-59426-778-9
Publisher Link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Crossroads+Revisited/exact_match=exact

Amazon Kindle: Crossroads Revisited

Blurb: The exciting sequel to Crossroads! Frank McGuire is beginning to think the City has become a melting pot for serial killers. Another maniac is stalking the streets, only this time the deviant isn't tracking Goth girls, but gay college students. Rumors surface that put Frank's life in jeopardy, and somehow he must protect Rand from the carnage about to unfold. What he didn't count on was Rand becoming the killer's next victim.

( Excerpt )

Carnal Cravings by Keta Diablo
Release Date: July 1, 2009
Publisher: Phaze Books
ISBN: 978-1-59426-778-9
Publisher Link: http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Crossroads+Revisited/exact_match=exact

Blurb: Craven and Anthony find themselves in a cauldron of trouble while spying on Beresford Hall. A man in a black hood has routed them while they spied, and now he´s escorted them to the manor and secluded them in separate rooms. One thing haunts Craven, the ice-blue eyes behind the hood and Anthony´s words, `Only one man possesses such eyes . . . Dominic Beresford, the most magnificent creature God ever breathed life into.

( Excerpt )

Kaji Sukoshi & The Shining One by Connie Bailey
Release Date: June 29, 2009
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
ISBN: 978-1-61581-013-0
Publisher Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/currenttitles/kaji/kajibuynow.htm

Amazon Kindle: Kaji Sukoshi & The Shining One

Amazon: Kaji Sukoshi and The Shining One

Blurb: When the manager of Kazuki, Japan's hottest pop star, approaches Benjamin Blume, manager of the fledgling rock 'n' roll band Hayate, he can't believe their good fortune. Their plan to court publicity by having Hayate's lead singer, Kaji, pose as The Shining One's lover sends both groups' popularity skyrocketing. But when the publicity stunt turns into a real affair with disastrous consequences, Kaji is left heartbroken. Unfortunately, Ben has problems of his own. Soothing his lead singer's pain and keeping Hayate on the road to success becomes even more challenging when his ex-lover, rock god Hagen Rune, shows up promoting rival band Voodoo. Torn between the attentions of Kazuki's attorney, Shin Yoshiro, and the feelings for Rune that have never quite died, Ben's decisions could send Hayate to the top of the charts—or lead to disaster for them all.

( Excerpt )

Black Roses by Jaime Samms
Release Date: June 27, 2009
Publisher: LoveYouDivine
ISBN: 978-1-60054-376-0
Print ISBN: 978-1-60054-372-2
Publisher Link: http://www.loveyoudivine.com/index.php?main_page=document_product_info&cPath=30_51&products_id=539&zenid=ba6dbddf485284649d8b43c7588b5ccc

Blurb: Nothing grows in captivity, except maybe lust and the desire for freedom. In order to create, something must be destroyed. But what if there was an endless supply of energy and creative power to be tapped? One gardener will take a god prisoner, and a god will devour anything within his reach for freedom. When lust turns to desire, though, even gods can have a change of heart.

( Excerpt )

Hidden Enemies by Trish Kocialski
Release Date: 07/ 2009
Publisher: P.D. Publishing
Publisher Link: http://www.pdpublishing.com/hiddenendpage.html

Amazon: Hidden Enemies

Blurb: Life is good, and Dean and Katie are enjoying it. Katie’s job at the DEA Training Center is going well, and their relationship is growing stronger each day. Dean and her colleagues at the Pentagon are trying to piece together intelligence reports that lead them to believe that something bad coming. As they try to unravel the intelligence threads at the Pentagon, Dean is unaware of another attack being directed at her until it’s too late. The enemy is everywhere and they strike a mortal blow. Hidden Enemies deals with the devastation of September 11, 2001 and the end of a career. How will it all turn out? Turn the pages and find out.

( Excerpt )

The Last Paladin 3: Devotion and Grace by Vaughn R. Demont
Release Date: June 27, 2009
Publisher: Torquere Books
ISBN: 978-1-60370-750-3
1-60370-750-6
Publisher Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2041

Blurb: With a succubus under his protection and his two satyr lovers in tow, Lennox returns to Elmwood to spend Thanksgiving with his father, who has been blissfully unaware of his son's new career as a paladin. When a demon follows Lennox home though, his two worlds collide, and Lennox will be forced to make the hardest of choices. Between his lovers, his father, and his vows to his liege, where will a paladin's devotion lie?

( Excerpt )

Meghan’s Playhouse Book 2: A Woman For Zachary by Adriana Kraft
Release Date: July 2, 2009
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
ISBN: 978-1-60313-434-7
Publisher Link: https://www.whiskeycreekpress.com/torrid/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=431

Blurb: Zachary Cullen has ignored Josette Patrice’s overtures for years, but she agrees to take on his latest protégé-slash-arm-candy, Meghan Keenan, in her off-Broadway workshop theater. The girl has incredible talent, but Josie would stake her reputation on that little thing being a switch-hitter, like herself, and she doesn’t want Zach to be duped. Josie sets out to seduce Meg and expose her for what she is, but all bets are off when Meg turns the tables on Josie to hook her up with Zach.

( Excerpt )

Don’t Look Back by Josh Lanyon
Release Date: June 30, 2009
Publisher: Loose Id
ISBN: 978-1-59632-972-0
Publisher Link: http://www.loose-id.com/prod-Don_t_Look_Back-973.aspx

Blurb: He was chuckling, a deep, sexy sound as he pushed Peter back on the satiny cushions. Was this for real? Was he going to go through with it? Peter blinked up as his tie was unfastened, tossed aside, his shirt unbuttoned, laid wide. The evening breeze -- scented of smog and jasmine -- felt cool against his overheated skin, like the lightest breath… Peter Killian, curator at Constantine House in Los Angeles, wakes in the hospital to find himself accused of stealing a tenth century Chinese sculpture. Peter knows he’s not a thief -- but that’s all he knows. Why is hot and handsome Detective Mike Griffin so sure he’s guilty -- and so hell-bent on seeing Peter arrested? And why is Peter having these weird dreams about an unseen lover who somehow reminds him uncomfortably of Michael Griffin?

( Excerpt )

Berdache by Lena Austin
Release Date: July 3, 2009
Publisher: Aspen Mountain Press
ISBN 978-1-60168-223-9
Publisher Link: http://www.aspenmountainpress.com/new-releases/berdache/prod_265.html

Blurb: The shaman "Lizard" is one of the two-souled-ones, a Berdache. Lizard must convince his proud and stubborn childhood friend, Red Wolf, one of the finest warriors of his village, that he too is a Berdache and must take the shaman training, before he loses his mind. A call for aid comes, so the Berdache, his friend Red Wolf, and the beautiful Chickasaw slave, Born In Moonlight, take the journey to hopefully avoid a war. Will these three give in to the closeness they feel or will they be forever separated by the dangers they face from both the Spirit World, and the world that surrounds them.

( Excerpt )

Renovations 1: Framework by Anah Crow and Dianne Fox
Release Date: July 1, 2009
Publisher: Torquere Books
ISBN 978-1-60370-748-0
1-60370-748-4
Publisher Link: http://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2045

Amazon Kindle: Renovations 1: Flipping Out

Amazon Kindle: Renovations 2: Playing House

Amazon Kindle: Renovations 3: Moving Day

Blurb: When Toby Archer’s marriage falls apart, he takes up flipping houses to fill some of the void left in his life. The first time that contractor Ven Parrish works for him, Toby notices the fact that Ven is gorgeous, but what really catches Toby’s attention is Ven’s work ethic. Toby isn’t going to pass up the chance to hire Ven again; it’s just good business sense. The more time they spend together, the harder it is to deny their attraction to each other. Toby is a lawyer with an upper class lifestyle, and Ven is a working man from a family still scraping by. What they have in common, especially a commitment to family, does more to keep them apart than bring them together. Still, Toby and Ven have sense enough to know when something is worth the work, and neither is afraid to get hot and dirty to get the job done, especially when the finished product might be a happy ending for everyone.

Renovations I: Framework includes the following stories:

Renovations 1: Flipping Out
Renovations 2: Playing House
Renovations: Making Time
Renovations 3: Moving Day
A Renovations Addition: Counting Blessings

( Excerpt )

Blood Eclipse by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Release Date: 06/2009
Publisher: eXtasy Books
ISBN: 978-1-55487-320-3
Publisher Link: http://www.extasybooks.net/ebjmsite/index.php?page=shop.product_details&category_id=11&flypage=ebook_flypage&product_id=5926&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44

Amazon Kindle: Blood Eclipse

Blurb: Vampires have come “out of the closet” and they’re buying up real estate and running brothels in the City of Angels. Rory bitterly hates vampires. After all, one of them murdered his friend. So when his best friend Dennis begs him to accompany him to a vampire brothel on his birthday so that he can experience what is widely believed to be the sex of his life, Rory tags along reluctantly. Rory and Dennis both find their worlds changed forever as the sun goes down on Eclipse. As they enter the er…revamped Magic Castle, they discover sex, love and blood can mix. Dennis finds himself falling in love with the mysterious Thiago and Rory is taken by Carden who is so beautiful, Rory isn’t even sure if he’s real…but evil is everywhere, permeating everything as the night closes in around them.

( Excerpt )

There are some photos of mine I like for the colors, some other for the subject, and some other for an unnatural effect I obtained with some lens. I usually use a normal lens, means that what I see is what I have on the picture, but I have also a special lens that allow me almost a 180° of landscape. When I went in London I just bought it, and so I amused myself using it a lot. Here is the result:

by Elisa, Piccadilly Circus, London, 2001:
http://www.elisarolle.com/travel/2001London.htm

As you can see, I obtained almost a "running toward horizon" effect. I like it.

( Piccadilly Circus )

When I read Let's Get Medieval by Jardonn Smith I was quite candid in stating that while The Bishop of Grunewald was not my cup of tea, I somewhat liked The Tortured Secutor. I like the setting, the roman empire, and I like the relationship between the two men, very explicit and "down and dirty", but with a certain degree of romance, even if not the classic "pick glasses" type of romance.

Danube Divine is on the same level of The Tortured Secuter, and it's also losely connected to the previous story. But instead of in the apex of the Roman Empire, the story is set during its decline and it's not told from the perspective of a glorious and pompous roman soldier, but from the perspective of two "barbarian", Theo and Gregoric, two of the Goth who scattered the Roman at Hadrianopolis. There is also another thing that links this story with the other one, the way it starts: Theo and Gregoric are in a warriors paradise, or walhalla, or in any other place a good warrior went when his time on earth is ended. In this way we know, from the start, that both Theo than Gregoric had a good life, and, despite everything will happen during the story, we know that they will overcome all of it.

Theo and Gregoric are cousins but their similarity ends there. Gregoric is stoic and steady, he has a bigger perspective on life than the immediate day; Theo is more easy, he enjoys the day and little think on tomorrow. After the Battle of Hadrianopolis, Theo is roaming among the dead Roman soldiers, like many other, to find a pair of boot of his size... not exactly an eroic act, but quite normal in that situation. Among the fallen soldiers he finds Drusus and Strabo, two Romans, injured but still live; they are like all the other soldiers, but for Theo they are different, thanks to the medallion they wear, Theo recognizes two fellow Mithras worshipers. I don't know if Theo saves them since they are fellow worshipers or since he is in lust with Drusus, in a way or the other, Theo kidnaps Drusus while leaving Strabo to Gregoric's care.

Gregoric is on the battlefield with Boris, a Christian priest but also a Mithras' worshiper. Boris was Gregoric and Theo's tutor, and when it was time, he became Gregoric's lover. Their relationship is more a Master and disciple one than erotic love, but nevertheless it's deep and involving. Gregoric is willing to die for Boris, but I have the feeling that Boris knows that Gregoric is fated to something bigger. He teaches him everything to let him go to his destiny.

The novel is very long but it's parted in different phases each of them told in first point of view from Theo or Gregoric, and the mood of the story varies according to the narrator. At the beginning it's Theo who told as he met Drusus, and all the focus of the story is on their erotic escapade far from the horripilation of the Battle of Hadrianopolis; there is sex, and it's playful, the mood of the story is light. Then the ball shift to Gregoric, and he remembers as he met Boris. For a good portion, Gregoric recalls what Boris told him about his past, how he was initiated to the Mithras's cult, how he arrives to be a captive of Gregoric's uncle. Then Gregoric goes down the memory lane, his love for Boris, and how he ended in the Battle of Hadrianapolis. All this part of the book is full of historic details, or history mixed to fiction; there is a bit of romance, I really love Gregoric and Boris' relationship, but it always had a sadness inside.

From that moment on, with Gregoric's narration that reached Theo's point, the story continues from Gregoric's point of view, and so it remains on a upper level, less light but more involving for the history lover. There is less sex, even if sometime the author returns to his distinctive point of view on what is sexy and erotic, Boris's torture with Gregoric that almost reveres his body it's at the same time dreadful but so full of love. In the end I think that this is one of the most romantic book I read by Jardonn Smith, and Gregoric and Boris' love is an epic one.

http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DANUBE01

Buy Here

Amazon: Danube Divide

Amazon Kindle: Danube Divide

Reading List:

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

Profile

reviews_and_ramblings

Elisa

December 2025

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Page Summary

Excerpt Day: Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield
Excerpt Day: Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield
Excerpt Day: ePistols At Dawn by Z.A. Maxfield
Excerpt Day: ePistols At Dawn by Z.A. Maxfield
Excerpt Day: Crossroads Revisited by Keta Diablo
Excerpt Day: Crossroads Revisited by Keta Diablo
Excerpt Day: Carnal Cravings by Keta Diablo
Excerpt Day: Carnal Cravings by Keta Diablo
Excerpt Day: Kaji Sukoshi & The Shining One by Connie Bailey
Excerpt Day: Kaji Sukoshi & The Shining One by Connie Bailey
Excerpt Day: Black Roses by Jaime Samms
Excerpt Day: Black Roses by Jaime Samms
Excerpt Day: Hidden Enemies by Trish Kocialski
Excerpt Day: Hidden Enemies by Trish Kocialski
Excerpt Day: Devotion and Grace by Vaughn R. Demont
Excerpt Day: Devotion and Grace by Vaughn R. Demont
Excerpt Day: A Woman For Zachary by Adriana Kraft
Excerpt Day: A Woman For Zachary by Adriana Kraft
Excerpt Day: Don’t Look Back by Josh Lanyon
Excerpt Day: Don’t Look Back by Josh Lanyon
Excerpt Day: Berdache by Lena Austin
Excerpt Day: Berdache by Lena Austin
Excerpt Day: Framework by Anah Crow & Dianne Fox
Excerpt Day: Framework by Anah Crow & Dianne Fox
Excerpt Day: Blood Eclipse by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Excerpt Day: Blood Eclipse by A.J. Llewellyn & D.J. Manly
Excerpt Days
Excerpt Days
Around the World: Piccadilly Circus
Around the World: Piccadilly Circus
Danube Divide by Jardonn Smith
Danube Divide by Jardonn Smith

Disclaimer

All cover art, photo and graphic design contained in this site are copyrighted by the respective publishers and authors. These pages are for entertainment purposes only and no copyright infringement is intended. Should anyone object to our use of these items please contact by email the blog's owner.
This is an amateur blog, where I discuss my reading, what I like and sometimes my personal life. I do not endorse anyone or charge fees of any kind for the books I review. I do not accept money as a result of this blog.
I'm associated with Amazon/USA Affiliates Programs.
Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. However, some books were purchased by the reviewer and not provided for free. For information on how a particular title was obtained, please contact by email the blog's owner.
Days of Love Gallery - Copyright Legenda: http://www.elisarolle.com/gallery/index_legenda.html

Style Credit

Style: Clarity for Paletteable by branchandroot
Resources: Holiday

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags

Page generated Dec. 6th, 2025 02:36 am

LGBT reviews and ramblings since 2006

Jul. 4th, 2009

Jul. 4th, 2009

Links

Page Summary

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags