The Inside Reader: Jan Irving

Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends - Silas Weir Mitchell

This week I will host another "special" inside reader: Jan Irving. I think Jan has a reading background quite similar to mine, I arrived to the Gay Romance world only three years ago, and so if you ask me what are my Top 10 list, probably among them there will be also het romance. So it's for Jan, whose list is not striclty LGBT, but it's all the same interesting to understand her as a reader and author. So welcome Jan!

Growing up in the seventies, there were very few images of women I could look up to and I was hungry for that, so most of my list features strong women characters. I also had a hunger for the unusual and enjoyed fresh twists.

1) Deerskin by Robin McKinley. A story of rage, nightmare, and true love. McKinley took a fairy tale and reinvented it in an accessible way. Her prose is beautiful and the story has several things that I always look for--a strong central female character and an atypical happy ending. The prince in this story is overweight and smells of dog, but he is a tender and protective man.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Ace Trade (May 3, 2005)
Publisher Link: http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780441012398,00.html?Deerskin_Robin_McKinley
ISBN-10: 0441012396
ISBN-13: 978-0441012398
Amazon: Deerskin

From the award-winning author of Sunshine comes a novel that "will involve readers from the first to the last page with its sheer beauty, its anguish, agony, horror, despair, and, ultimately, its joy" (Kliatt). As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's lust and madness. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will unlock a door to a world of magic, where she will find the key to her survival-and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.

( books from 2 to 10 )

About Jan Irving: Jan Irving has worked in all kinds of creative fields, from painting silk to making porcelain ceramics, to interior design, but writing was always her passion.

Visit Jan's blog at http://jan-revealed.livejournal.com

Wylde by Jan Irving
Release Date: 12/2009
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1665

Blurb: Noah Matthews brought his son Josh to the pristine woods of Washington State to make a fresh start. The first night in their new home, Noah meets Kell Farraday when the laconic police chief shows up on his doorstep searching for two people lost in the forest. It's the start of a sexy new friendship when Kell decides to pursue the shy but flirtatious Noah. But a new beginning won't be so easy. Noah's former boyfriend shows up to try to reclaim a place in his life, and worse, Josh is drawn to the growing mystery in the forest. People disappear and then one turns up dead. There's something haunting the forest. Something watching. And soft-spoken and confident Kell's reassurances can't ease Noah's fear when Josh goes into the woods alone.

The Inside Reader: Jan Irving

Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends - Silas Weir Mitchell

This week I will host another "special" inside reader: Jan Irving. I think Jan has a reading background quite similar to mine, I arrived to the Gay Romance world only three years ago, and so if you ask me what are my Top 10 list, probably among them there will be also het romance. So it's for Jan, whose list is not striclty LGBT, but it's all the same interesting to understand her as a reader and author. So welcome Jan!

Growing up in the seventies, there were very few images of women I could look up to and I was hungry for that, so most of my list features strong women characters. I also had a hunger for the unusual and enjoyed fresh twists.

1) Deerskin by Robin McKinley. A story of rage, nightmare, and true love. McKinley took a fairy tale and reinvented it in an accessible way. Her prose is beautiful and the story has several things that I always look for--a strong central female character and an atypical happy ending. The prince in this story is overweight and smells of dog, but he is a tender and protective man.

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Ace Trade (May 3, 2005)
Publisher Link: http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780441012398,00.html?Deerskin_Robin_McKinley
ISBN-10: 0441012396
ISBN-13: 978-0441012398
Amazon: Deerskin

From the award-winning author of Sunshine comes a novel that "will involve readers from the first to the last page with its sheer beauty, its anguish, agony, horror, despair, and, ultimately, its joy" (Kliatt). As Princess Lissar reaches womanhood, it is clear to all the kingdom that in her breathtaking beauty she is the mirror image of her mother, the queen. But this seeming blessing forces her to flee for safety from her father's lust and madness. With her loyal dog Ash at her side, Lissar will unlock a door to a world of magic, where she will find the key to her survival-and an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.

( books from 2 to 10 )

About Jan Irving: Jan Irving has worked in all kinds of creative fields, from painting silk to making porcelain ceramics, to interior design, but writing was always her passion.

Visit Jan's blog at http://jan-revealed.livejournal.com

Wylde by Jan Irving
Release Date: 12/2009
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Buy Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=1665

Blurb: Noah Matthews brought his son Josh to the pristine woods of Washington State to make a fresh start. The first night in their new home, Noah meets Kell Farraday when the laconic police chief shows up on his doorstep searching for two people lost in the forest. It's the start of a sexy new friendship when Kell decides to pursue the shy but flirtatious Noah. But a new beginning won't be so easy. Noah's former boyfriend shows up to try to reclaim a place in his life, and worse, Josh is drawn to the growing mystery in the forest. People disappear and then one turns up dead. There's something haunting the forest. Something watching. And soft-spoken and confident Kell's reassurances can't ease Noah's fear when Josh goes into the woods alone.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Cover

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1)


Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price - Cover Art by Kanaxa

2)


Warrior's Cross by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux - Cover Art by Anne Cain

3)


Flight by Nicki Bennett - Cover Art by Dan Skinner

Honorable Mention:
4) Clippings by A.J. Mirag - Cover Design by Morgan D. - Cover Art by Korekan
5) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan - Cover Art by Mara McKennen
6) A Strong Hand by Catt Ford - Cover Art by Catt Ford
7) False Colors by Alex Beecroft - Cover Art by Larry Rostant
8) The Janitor by Jan Irving - Cover Art by April Martinez
9) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow - Cover Art by Analise Dubner
10) Frost Fair by Erastes - Cover Art by Alex Beecroft

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Cover

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1)


Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price - Cover Art by Kanaxa

2)


Warrior's Cross by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux - Cover Art by Anne Cain

3)


Flight by Nicki Bennett - Cover Art by Dan Skinner

Honorable Mention:
4) Clippings by A.J. Mirag - Cover Design by Morgan D. - Cover Art by Korekan
5) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan - Cover Art by Mara McKennen
6) A Strong Hand by Catt Ford - Cover Art by Catt Ford
7) False Colors by Alex Beecroft - Cover Art by Larry Rostant
8) The Janitor by Jan Irving - Cover Art by April Martinez
9) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow - Cover Art by Analise Dubner
10) Frost Fair by Erastes - Cover Art by Alex Beecroft

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Coming of Age / Young Adult Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Josef Jaeger by Jere' M. Fishback, Prizm Books

"I really liked this book and how seamlessly the author wove historical facts into the story. He did an excellent job of capturing the time and place of Germany as the Nazi's rose to power. I'm wondering if it's meant to be part of a series." Josh Aterovis

Josef Jaeger turns thirteen when Adolf Hitler is appointed Germany's new Chancellor. When his mother dies, Josef is sent to Munich to live with his uncle, Ernst Roehm, the openly-homosexual chief of the Nazi brown shirts. Josef thinks he's found a father-figure in his uncle and a mentor in his uncle's lover, streetwise Rudy, and when Roehm's political connections land Josef a role in a propaganda movie, Josef's sure he's found the life he's always wanted. But while living in Berlin during the film's production, Josef falls in love with a Jewish boy, David, and Josef begins questioning his uncle's beliefs. Complications arise when an old friend of his mother's tells Josef that his mother was secretly murdered by the SS due to her political beliefs, possibly on Roehm's order. Josef confides in his Hitler Youth leader, Max Klieg. Klieg admits he knows a few things, but he won't share them with Josef till the boy proves himself worthy of a confidence. Conflicting beliefs war within Josef until he must decide where his true loyalties lie, and what he really believes in.

2) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press

Holy Communion is a rite-of-passage novel that follows a seven-year-old boy's first communion preparations and celebration.Throughout the four-day peroid the boy deals with cruel nuns,sadistic babysitters,his mother's unfortunate accident,a drunken father,plus a pedophile or two, but finds a way to cope in the midst of so much tragedy-first by indifference,later by defiance and rebellion.He also discovers that his urban surrondings in New York City give him autonomy,comfort, and satisfaction.Holy Communion is full of the boy's dispair and self-questioning,along with the author Mykola Dementiuk's powerful insights into the human condition.

3) The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell, P.D. Publishing

Eighteen year old Dillon Carver made the biggest mistake of his life when he dumped Jamie Walker two years ago over Jamie's decision to come out of the closet. At the time, he was afraid Jamie's revelation would out him to the world - and his narrow-minded parents. Jamie Walker's heart was ripped to shreds when Dillon walked out on him. With help from his best friend Ben, Jamie was able to pick up the pieces and move on. He still hasn't tried his hand at love again, but for the most part Jamie has been able to put the pain behind him. Now things are different. Dillon wants Jamie back, and he'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Only one thing stands in his way: Jamie's relationship with "bad boy" Ben Lewis. When Dillon begins an open campaign to win Jamie back, Jamie's life is once again thrown into chaos.

Honorable Mention:
4) True Blue by Connie Bailey, Dreamspinner Press
5) Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
6) Without Sin by by J. Tomas, Prizm Books
7) Circle of Change by Laney Cairo, Torquere Books
8) The Nest by G.S. Wiley, Aspen Mountain Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Coming of Age / Young Adult Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Josef Jaeger by Jere' M. Fishback, Prizm Books

"I really liked this book and how seamlessly the author wove historical facts into the story. He did an excellent job of capturing the time and place of Germany as the Nazi's rose to power. I'm wondering if it's meant to be part of a series." Josh Aterovis

Josef Jaeger turns thirteen when Adolf Hitler is appointed Germany's new Chancellor. When his mother dies, Josef is sent to Munich to live with his uncle, Ernst Roehm, the openly-homosexual chief of the Nazi brown shirts. Josef thinks he's found a father-figure in his uncle and a mentor in his uncle's lover, streetwise Rudy, and when Roehm's political connections land Josef a role in a propaganda movie, Josef's sure he's found the life he's always wanted. But while living in Berlin during the film's production, Josef falls in love with a Jewish boy, David, and Josef begins questioning his uncle's beliefs. Complications arise when an old friend of his mother's tells Josef that his mother was secretly murdered by the SS due to her political beliefs, possibly on Roehm's order. Josef confides in his Hitler Youth leader, Max Klieg. Klieg admits he knows a few things, but he won't share them with Josef till the boy proves himself worthy of a confidence. Conflicting beliefs war within Josef until he must decide where his true loyalties lie, and what he really believes in.

2) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press

Holy Communion is a rite-of-passage novel that follows a seven-year-old boy's first communion preparations and celebration.Throughout the four-day peroid the boy deals with cruel nuns,sadistic babysitters,his mother's unfortunate accident,a drunken father,plus a pedophile or two, but finds a way to cope in the midst of so much tragedy-first by indifference,later by defiance and rebellion.He also discovers that his urban surrondings in New York City give him autonomy,comfort, and satisfaction.Holy Communion is full of the boy's dispair and self-questioning,along with the author Mykola Dementiuk's powerful insights into the human condition.

3) The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell, P.D. Publishing

Eighteen year old Dillon Carver made the biggest mistake of his life when he dumped Jamie Walker two years ago over Jamie's decision to come out of the closet. At the time, he was afraid Jamie's revelation would out him to the world - and his narrow-minded parents. Jamie Walker's heart was ripped to shreds when Dillon walked out on him. With help from his best friend Ben, Jamie was able to pick up the pieces and move on. He still hasn't tried his hand at love again, but for the most part Jamie has been able to put the pain behind him. Now things are different. Dillon wants Jamie back, and he'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Only one thing stands in his way: Jamie's relationship with "bad boy" Ben Lewis. When Dillon begins an open campaign to win Jamie back, Jamie's life is once again thrown into chaos.

Honorable Mention:
4) True Blue by Connie Bailey, Dreamspinner Press
5) Dumb Jock by Jeff Erno
6) Without Sin by by J. Tomas, Prizm Books
7) Circle of Change by Laney Cairo, Torquere Books
8) The Nest by G.S. Wiley, Aspen Mountain Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Contemporary Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing

"I love Aaron & Joey, this is one of my comfort reads for when I'm feeling down." Shanghi

Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn't have anything against love, but he knows it means a lot of responsibility, like when he had to step in to raise his siblings. With the last one off to college, Aaron's anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He certainly isn't expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into his life. Sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, Joey's tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron's way; Joey knows all about love. He's fallen in it ten times. All that experience has to count for something, right? With Aaron it's different. Joey's fallen for good.

2) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan, Dreamspinner Press

John McCann, a man who judges life by the tally of an accounts ledger, has a supreme goal in life: To achieve, live, and enjoy the rarified executive lifestyle. But he's encountered one problem: The migraines are going to continue to get worse unless you make some major changes in your lifestyle. What you need is a 'sea change'... Perhaps buy a nice little business in the country, settle down, something easier to occupy your time... While John knows the doctor is right, he just can't resign from the job he's fought so hard for. He decides the sacrifice of taking a year's leave of absence won't interfere too much with his plans, and so he finds himself running Margins, a cozy little bookstore, with the help of the former owner's son, Jamie. John expects to put in his year, get his stress under control, and then get back to business. What John doesn't expect is how Margins and its denizens draw him in, particularly the quiet, disheveled man who takes refuge in the old leather chair in the second-hand book section. John's plans for an unattached year of simple business crumble when he meets David and is forced to reevaluate life, love and what he really wants from both. John and David are forced to come to terms with their pasts as they struggle to determine what possible future they might build together.

3) That´s what brothers do by Derekica Snake, Lulu Press

"Initially, I found the world a little unbelievable. But I think that may have been because I live a very sheltered life. If I actually thought about ( and I did ) the cases I read about in London, with brothels being worked by underworld bosses, using young girls, usually girls without passports, who through no fault of their own have no choice in the matter, I began to see that, Yes, it is 'possible' that this could happen, and I found the utter ruthlessness of the organisation very believable indeed. I couldn't help finding the initial premise a little far fetched. I couldn't believe that a 14 year old boy would take this all on himself or the ease with which the father let this all happen. Even after discovering that the main character wasn't the fathers natural son, I still found it hard to believe that the man could live this way, allowing his son to pay for his own ( the father's ) mistakes with so LITTLE resistance. I realise the father wanted to protect his daughters, it just seemed he 'accepted' it all a little easily. I just did not find that father a believable character at all. I found the mob wife unbelievable too. Although, the gang bosses, I thought the author did a good job showing their ruthlessness, so I found those to be very believable. The central character, well I wax and wane over him, most times believable, sometimes not though. Altogether, this was a very enjoyable story, and because the author was not frightened to show how ruthless this world could be, I never knew what was coming next. I expected ...the unexpected!" Rosie

"OMG! What a awesome surprise! This beautifully written love story had me in tears. A very emotional story of loss, love & redemption. I definitely recommend this book to anyone." Shanghi

To save his family, he sold his innocence. To save his sisters, he sold his body. To save his love, he sold his soul. Why? That's what brothers do...

Honorable Mention:
4) Kelland by Paul G. Bens Jr., Casperian Books
5) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id
6) The Complete Dr Fell Vol 1: Lost by Syd McGinley, Torquere Books
7) Self Preservation by Ethan Day, Loose Id
8-tie) Gaylife.com by Neil Plakcy, MLR Press
8-tie) Lovers, Dreamers, and Me by Willa Okati, Loose Id
9) The Happy Onion by Ally Blue, Samhain Publishing
10) Subsurdity Vignettes from Jasper Lane by Eric Arvin, Dreamspinner Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Contemporary Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing

"I love Aaron & Joey, this is one of my comfort reads for when I'm feeling down." Shanghi

Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn't have anything against love, but he knows it means a lot of responsibility, like when he had to step in to raise his siblings. With the last one off to college, Aaron's anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He certainly isn't expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into his life. Sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, Joey's tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron's way; Joey knows all about love. He's fallen in it ten times. All that experience has to count for something, right? With Aaron it's different. Joey's fallen for good.

2) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan, Dreamspinner Press

John McCann, a man who judges life by the tally of an accounts ledger, has a supreme goal in life: To achieve, live, and enjoy the rarified executive lifestyle. But he's encountered one problem: The migraines are going to continue to get worse unless you make some major changes in your lifestyle. What you need is a 'sea change'... Perhaps buy a nice little business in the country, settle down, something easier to occupy your time... While John knows the doctor is right, he just can't resign from the job he's fought so hard for. He decides the sacrifice of taking a year's leave of absence won't interfere too much with his plans, and so he finds himself running Margins, a cozy little bookstore, with the help of the former owner's son, Jamie. John expects to put in his year, get his stress under control, and then get back to business. What John doesn't expect is how Margins and its denizens draw him in, particularly the quiet, disheveled man who takes refuge in the old leather chair in the second-hand book section. John's plans for an unattached year of simple business crumble when he meets David and is forced to reevaluate life, love and what he really wants from both. John and David are forced to come to terms with their pasts as they struggle to determine what possible future they might build together.

3) That´s what brothers do by Derekica Snake, Lulu Press

"Initially, I found the world a little unbelievable. But I think that may have been because I live a very sheltered life. If I actually thought about ( and I did ) the cases I read about in London, with brothels being worked by underworld bosses, using young girls, usually girls without passports, who through no fault of their own have no choice in the matter, I began to see that, Yes, it is 'possible' that this could happen, and I found the utter ruthlessness of the organisation very believable indeed. I couldn't help finding the initial premise a little far fetched. I couldn't believe that a 14 year old boy would take this all on himself or the ease with which the father let this all happen. Even after discovering that the main character wasn't the fathers natural son, I still found it hard to believe that the man could live this way, allowing his son to pay for his own ( the father's ) mistakes with so LITTLE resistance. I realise the father wanted to protect his daughters, it just seemed he 'accepted' it all a little easily. I just did not find that father a believable character at all. I found the mob wife unbelievable too. Although, the gang bosses, I thought the author did a good job showing their ruthlessness, so I found those to be very believable. The central character, well I wax and wane over him, most times believable, sometimes not though. Altogether, this was a very enjoyable story, and because the author was not frightened to show how ruthless this world could be, I never knew what was coming next. I expected ...the unexpected!" Rosie

"OMG! What a awesome surprise! This beautifully written love story had me in tears. A very emotional story of loss, love & redemption. I definitely recommend this book to anyone." Shanghi

To save his family, he sold his innocence. To save his sisters, he sold his body. To save his love, he sold his soul. Why? That's what brothers do...

Honorable Mention:
4) Kelland by Paul G. Bens Jr., Casperian Books
5) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id
6) The Complete Dr Fell Vol 1: Lost by Syd McGinley, Torquere Books
7) Self Preservation by Ethan Day, Loose Id
8-tie) Gaylife.com by Neil Plakcy, MLR Press
8-tie) Lovers, Dreamers, and Me by Willa Okati, Loose Id
9) The Happy Onion by Ally Blue, Samhain Publishing
10) Subsurdity Vignettes from Jasper Lane by Eric Arvin, Dreamspinner Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Fantasy Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

"The story not only deals with the very contemporary problem concerning legal recognition of gay relationships but also takes a long, hard look at bigotry between the species of animals. It is also a “coming out” novel in which a very physical and intimidating linebacker who had spent his life believing he was heterosexual even though he always felt that there was something missing a life where, night after night, he “banged” what ever cheerleader or coed he could entice to his bed. Since he is an incredibly gorgeous, muscular, alpha male tiger, he has no problem populating his bed. Because of the length of this novel, the writer was able to establish characters along with emotional growth for all of them." Bobby Michaels

"I've just finished the absolutely terrific OUT OF POSITION and I'm giving that one a perfect 30. I can find no flaws with it whatsoever." Jay Hartman

"Probably the setting is the best thing about it. Very creative with the animal characters acting like humans and mingling together in a human-type setting in contradiction to the usual prey-predator relationships in nature. I wouldn't have thought a writer could make me believe this, but this author managed to convince me. I did get a clear sense of both characters' personality and they were appealing and believable as young "college student" types (even though they're furry animals as well). The writing style is very clear, plain, and minimal, which is how it should be. This author knows how to set down a good story and get out of his own way so as not to distract the readers from the experience. He's a good writer who know the rules of grammar, and his story had a decent, believable plot." Judge X

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

2) The Pauper’s Prize by Mark Alders, eXtasy Books

The ruling family of Corrus needs an heir and the Viscount-s son, Wilhelm, must provide it. He is to be wed to Catherine within the week to ensure the family name continues. He, however, doesn-t love her. He can-t love her, for she cannot give him what he really desires. Wilhelm needs a man to satisfy him. That man is the most unlikely person in the whole town, a pauper named Pavel. Will Wilhelm give up everything, his title, his wealth, and all his family inheritance just for the chance to be with Pavel? Or will Catherine make sure he marries her so she can solidify her place as a ruler of Corrus?

3) Northern Love by Nica Berry, Loose Id

Jerek had long dreamed of finding the mythical citadel of ice with his strong, handsome lover, Emmanuel. Their search led them to years of enslavement aboard a steamship with only each other for comfort until Emmanuel committed a terrible betrayal and left Jerek to follow his dream alone. Now, three years after escaping the ship, Jerek has found the citadel and a northern lover: mute, shape-shifting Piaktok, who teaches Jerek a new language of love and lust. They're content until desperate, snow-blind Emmanuel finds his way to the citadel and reignites Jerek's desire. Despite their mutual attraction, Jerek cannot forgive or forget the past and unleashes his anger on Emmanuel. Piaktok, in turn, treats Emmanuel with tenderness, sparking love between them. Emmanuel tries to tell Jerek the truth about his "betrayal," but Jerek refuses to listen. One last fit of rage sends Emmanuel and a gravely injured Piaktok fleeing from the man they love. Too late, Jerek realizes his errors. If he can find a way to melt the ice around his heart, the three of them will have a sexual and spiritual bond unlike any other. If he can't, Piaktok will die, and he'll lose Emmanuel forever.

Honorable Mention:
4) In This Land: The Purple Book by Matthew Haldeman-Time, Lulu Press
5) The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer, Dreamspinner Press
6) Many Roads Home by Ann Somerville, Samhain Publishing
7) Dark Heart by Thom Lane, Loose Id
8) The Fifth House by L.E. Bryce, Phaze Books

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Fantasy Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

"The story not only deals with the very contemporary problem concerning legal recognition of gay relationships but also takes a long, hard look at bigotry between the species of animals. It is also a “coming out” novel in which a very physical and intimidating linebacker who had spent his life believing he was heterosexual even though he always felt that there was something missing a life where, night after night, he “banged” what ever cheerleader or coed he could entice to his bed. Since he is an incredibly gorgeous, muscular, alpha male tiger, he has no problem populating his bed. Because of the length of this novel, the writer was able to establish characters along with emotional growth for all of them." Bobby Michaels

"I've just finished the absolutely terrific OUT OF POSITION and I'm giving that one a perfect 30. I can find no flaws with it whatsoever." Jay Hartman

"Probably the setting is the best thing about it. Very creative with the animal characters acting like humans and mingling together in a human-type setting in contradiction to the usual prey-predator relationships in nature. I wouldn't have thought a writer could make me believe this, but this author managed to convince me. I did get a clear sense of both characters' personality and they were appealing and believable as young "college student" types (even though they're furry animals as well). The writing style is very clear, plain, and minimal, which is how it should be. This author knows how to set down a good story and get out of his own way so as not to distract the readers from the experience. He's a good writer who know the rules of grammar, and his story had a decent, believable plot." Judge X

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

2) The Pauper’s Prize by Mark Alders, eXtasy Books

The ruling family of Corrus needs an heir and the Viscount-s son, Wilhelm, must provide it. He is to be wed to Catherine within the week to ensure the family name continues. He, however, doesn-t love her. He can-t love her, for she cannot give him what he really desires. Wilhelm needs a man to satisfy him. That man is the most unlikely person in the whole town, a pauper named Pavel. Will Wilhelm give up everything, his title, his wealth, and all his family inheritance just for the chance to be with Pavel? Or will Catherine make sure he marries her so she can solidify her place as a ruler of Corrus?

3) Northern Love by Nica Berry, Loose Id

Jerek had long dreamed of finding the mythical citadel of ice with his strong, handsome lover, Emmanuel. Their search led them to years of enslavement aboard a steamship with only each other for comfort until Emmanuel committed a terrible betrayal and left Jerek to follow his dream alone. Now, three years after escaping the ship, Jerek has found the citadel and a northern lover: mute, shape-shifting Piaktok, who teaches Jerek a new language of love and lust. They're content until desperate, snow-blind Emmanuel finds his way to the citadel and reignites Jerek's desire. Despite their mutual attraction, Jerek cannot forgive or forget the past and unleashes his anger on Emmanuel. Piaktok, in turn, treats Emmanuel with tenderness, sparking love between them. Emmanuel tries to tell Jerek the truth about his "betrayal," but Jerek refuses to listen. One last fit of rage sends Emmanuel and a gravely injured Piaktok fleeing from the man they love. Too late, Jerek realizes his errors. If he can find a way to melt the ice around his heart, the three of them will have a sexual and spiritual bond unlike any other. If he can't, Piaktok will die, and he'll lose Emmanuel forever.

Honorable Mention:
4) In This Land: The Purple Book by Matthew Haldeman-Time, Lulu Press
5) The Sheikh and the Servant by Sonja Spencer, Dreamspinner Press
6) Many Roads Home by Ann Somerville, Samhain Publishing
7) Dark Heart by Thom Lane, Loose Id
8) The Fifth House by L.E. Bryce, Phaze Books

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Futuristic Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing

"I found the World Building quite good. I grew to understand the Regency system in place on the planet. I didn't get to know too much about the rest of the World, or the work that Stephen and Raleigh did though. I found the characterisation of Nathaniel better than that of Aidan who could sometimes appear to good to be true! Although, I did enjoy reading about the royal family and loved to read about the other brothers. I totally look forward to reading about the other brothers as their books come out. Once again, I found the grammar and writing to be very well done. At no time did it take me out of the story and was tight and well paced throughout." Rosie

"Another of my favorites, JL is one of my top recommended authors and an autobuy for me." Shanghi

Talk about a compromising situation! A storm of political intrigue, murderous mayhem and sexual hungers is brewing on planet Regelence. Swarthy Intergalactic Navy Captain Nathaniel Hawkins ran from a past he had no intention of ever reliving. But when his Admiral asks him to use his peerage, as an earl and the heir to a dukedom, to investigate a missing weapons stash, hes forced to do just that. As if being undercover on a Regency planet where the young men are supposed to remain pure until marriage isnt bad enough, Nate finds himself attracted to the kings unmarried son. All Prince Aiden Townsend has ever wanted was to be an artist. He has no interest in a marriage of political fortune or becoming a societal paragon. Until he lands in the arms of the mysterious Earl of Deverell. One look at Nates handsome face has Aiden reconsidering his future. Not only does Nate make a virile subject for Aidens art, but the great war hero awakens feelings in Aiden he has never felt, feelings he cant ignore. After a momentous dance at a season ball, Aiden and Nate find themselves exchanging important information and working closely together. They have to fight their growing attraction long enough to find out who stole the weapons and keep themselves from a compromising situation and certain scandal. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence, hot nekkid man-love.

3) Hell Cop by Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling & Ginn Hale, Loose Id

Welcome to Parmas City, where demons and sorcerers live among ordinary people and a few tough Hell Cops protect them all. Jay, Argent, and Ben are three of them, and they've just met the men of their hottest dreams.

Next of Kin by Astrid Amara: Jay Yervant is a Hell Cop so powerful that his bare skin incinerates anyone he contacts. Isolated, he is tortured by desire, until he meets Brian, a sensual young man who touches him with impunity. But Jay's burgeoning hope is threatened when a malevolent sorcerer unleashes a host of demonic assassins against Brian. Keeping his lover may cost Jay his life.

Red Sands by Nicole Kimberling: Anthropologist Michael Gold's got problems. His apartment's been ransacked, his dad's missing, and he's been framed for murder. As a half-demon he expects trouble from the city's Hell Cops. Instead, he gets Argent, a man with intimate knowledge of Michael and whom Michael can't penetrate with his psychic powers. So does Argent want to clear him or expose him?

Touching Sparks by Ginn Hale: When photojournalist James Sparks discovers an underworld of sorcery, blood sports and demonic drug traffic, he turns to Detective Ben Moran, a hard-bodied Hell Cop whose touch sends James's pulse racing. But when James uncovers evidence of police corruption he realizes that Moran may be in as much danger as he is.

Honorable Mention:
4-tie) Marry Me Or Die by D.J. Manly, eXtasy Books
4-tie) The Katzman's Mate by Stormy Glenn, Siren Publishing
5) Masks by Jan Irving, Dreamspinner Press
6) 2050 by Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael , Phaze Books

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Futuristic Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing

"I found the World Building quite good. I grew to understand the Regency system in place on the planet. I didn't get to know too much about the rest of the World, or the work that Stephen and Raleigh did though. I found the characterisation of Nathaniel better than that of Aidan who could sometimes appear to good to be true! Although, I did enjoy reading about the royal family and loved to read about the other brothers. I totally look forward to reading about the other brothers as their books come out. Once again, I found the grammar and writing to be very well done. At no time did it take me out of the story and was tight and well paced throughout." Rosie

"Another of my favorites, JL is one of my top recommended authors and an autobuy for me." Shanghi

Talk about a compromising situation! A storm of political intrigue, murderous mayhem and sexual hungers is brewing on planet Regelence. Swarthy Intergalactic Navy Captain Nathaniel Hawkins ran from a past he had no intention of ever reliving. But when his Admiral asks him to use his peerage, as an earl and the heir to a dukedom, to investigate a missing weapons stash, hes forced to do just that. As if being undercover on a Regency planet where the young men are supposed to remain pure until marriage isnt bad enough, Nate finds himself attracted to the kings unmarried son. All Prince Aiden Townsend has ever wanted was to be an artist. He has no interest in a marriage of political fortune or becoming a societal paragon. Until he lands in the arms of the mysterious Earl of Deverell. One look at Nates handsome face has Aiden reconsidering his future. Not only does Nate make a virile subject for Aidens art, but the great war hero awakens feelings in Aiden he has never felt, feelings he cant ignore. After a momentous dance at a season ball, Aiden and Nate find themselves exchanging important information and working closely together. They have to fight their growing attraction long enough to find out who stole the weapons and keep themselves from a compromising situation and certain scandal. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence, hot nekkid man-love.

3) Hell Cop by Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling & Ginn Hale, Loose Id

Welcome to Parmas City, where demons and sorcerers live among ordinary people and a few tough Hell Cops protect them all. Jay, Argent, and Ben are three of them, and they've just met the men of their hottest dreams.

Next of Kin by Astrid Amara: Jay Yervant is a Hell Cop so powerful that his bare skin incinerates anyone he contacts. Isolated, he is tortured by desire, until he meets Brian, a sensual young man who touches him with impunity. But Jay's burgeoning hope is threatened when a malevolent sorcerer unleashes a host of demonic assassins against Brian. Keeping his lover may cost Jay his life.

Red Sands by Nicole Kimberling: Anthropologist Michael Gold's got problems. His apartment's been ransacked, his dad's missing, and he's been framed for murder. As a half-demon he expects trouble from the city's Hell Cops. Instead, he gets Argent, a man with intimate knowledge of Michael and whom Michael can't penetrate with his psychic powers. So does Argent want to clear him or expose him?

Touching Sparks by Ginn Hale: When photojournalist James Sparks discovers an underworld of sorcery, blood sports and demonic drug traffic, he turns to Detective Ben Moran, a hard-bodied Hell Cop whose touch sends James's pulse racing. But when James uncovers evidence of police corruption he realizes that Moran may be in as much danger as he is.

Honorable Mention:
4-tie) Marry Me Or Die by D.J. Manly, eXtasy Books
4-tie) The Katzman's Mate by Stormy Glenn, Siren Publishing
5) Masks by Jan Irving, Dreamspinner Press
6) 2050 by Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael , Phaze Books

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Historical Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

"Man, I loved these guys and was rooting for them the whole way through the book. The author did a great job of giving them both flaws and good qualities and their personalities shone through the entire book. I loved the attention to detail in the time period-- automats and jazz and railroads and the war. The author did an excellent job." Kirsten

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press

"It´s a pretty damn good book, the research is clearly top-notch, and stands head and shoulders above pretty much all all historicals I´ve read. The characters are well-developed and believable, especially since they are historical men rather than 21st century males in kinky costumes." Aleksandr Voinov

"This was a historical that was set in the 1700s, on various ships and on land in Gibralter and Jamaica The author's descriptions take the reader into the locales so you can almost see and feel them, especially the scenes on the ships. She developed the two main characters quite well after the first couple of whiny chapters. John Cavendish and Alfie Donwell are the two main characters, Farrant is the third character who was very well written. I'm no history buff but it sounded very authentic." Perpetua

"This story was extremely well researched. I have read many historical romances set in this time period and I can say that Alex did her research well. I felt transported through Algiers, out to sea, to Gibralter, to England, Jamaica and to Baffin Island and back with Alfie and John. I could smell the sea, the stench of unwashed bodies and the hear the marketplace as I read through their story. Well done Alex! John and Alfie were well rounded characters who I identified with, cared for and understood. It didn't feel like we spent almost three years together but we did. The secondary characters were distinct and not charactures in the least. I love how Alex unfolded John's realization that he wasn't necessarily pious and chaste just repressed and not attracted to females. Mrs. Deane was a favorite character too eventhough she appeared only briefly. Lush wording, beautiful flow and just plain well written all around. It was extremely well paced with the action sequences and the story unfolding with perfect timing. The stories of their lives and their romance woven seemlessly together. I don't think I could quibble much about anything. What adventerous lives these two men shared. I can so see them as older men retired to their small house in Jamaica living out their HEA." Pamela

1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship—the HMS Meteor—and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers. Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer—a secret punishable by death. With the arrival of his former captain—and lover—on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.

3) Bee Among The Clover by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe, Dreamspinner Press

A slave and an indentured thrall learn what it means to love and trust in a fantasy 5th century Britain. Roman, captured slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased with the thane's acquiring of a new pet, the prideful Aron. Bound to Wulfgar in payment for his father's debt, Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now...though his choice in the matter is lost the moment he is bound to Wulfgar. Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave that life can still be sweet, even as a slave. He is intrigued, threatened and ultimately terrified of Aron and the things the beautiful young man makes him feel. The two form a bond greater than any hold another could claim on them and determine, whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy...together.

Honorable Mention:
4) The Phoenix by Ruth Sims, Lethe Press
5) The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, Dreamspinner Press
6) Awakening by Terry O'Reilly, Aspen Mountain Press
7) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press
8) Pirates by G.A. Hauser, Phaze Books
9) Bound by Deception by Ava March, Loose Id
10) Lessons in Love by Charlie Cochrane, Samhain Publishing

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Historical Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

"Man, I loved these guys and was rooting for them the whole way through the book. The author did a great job of giving them both flaws and good qualities and their personalities shone through the entire book. I loved the attention to detail in the time period-- automats and jazz and railroads and the war. The author did an excellent job." Kirsten

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press

"It´s a pretty damn good book, the research is clearly top-notch, and stands head and shoulders above pretty much all all historicals I´ve read. The characters are well-developed and believable, especially since they are historical men rather than 21st century males in kinky costumes." Aleksandr Voinov

"This was a historical that was set in the 1700s, on various ships and on land in Gibralter and Jamaica The author's descriptions take the reader into the locales so you can almost see and feel them, especially the scenes on the ships. She developed the two main characters quite well after the first couple of whiny chapters. John Cavendish and Alfie Donwell are the two main characters, Farrant is the third character who was very well written. I'm no history buff but it sounded very authentic." Perpetua

"This story was extremely well researched. I have read many historical romances set in this time period and I can say that Alex did her research well. I felt transported through Algiers, out to sea, to Gibralter, to England, Jamaica and to Baffin Island and back with Alfie and John. I could smell the sea, the stench of unwashed bodies and the hear the marketplace as I read through their story. Well done Alex! John and Alfie were well rounded characters who I identified with, cared for and understood. It didn't feel like we spent almost three years together but we did. The secondary characters were distinct and not charactures in the least. I love how Alex unfolded John's realization that he wasn't necessarily pious and chaste just repressed and not attracted to females. Mrs. Deane was a favorite character too eventhough she appeared only briefly. Lush wording, beautiful flow and just plain well written all around. It was extremely well paced with the action sequences and the story unfolding with perfect timing. The stories of their lives and their romance woven seemlessly together. I don't think I could quibble much about anything. What adventerous lives these two men shared. I can so see them as older men retired to their small house in Jamaica living out their HEA." Pamela

1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship—the HMS Meteor—and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers. Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer—a secret punishable by death. With the arrival of his former captain—and lover—on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.

3) Bee Among The Clover by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe, Dreamspinner Press

A slave and an indentured thrall learn what it means to love and trust in a fantasy 5th century Britain. Roman, captured slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased with the thane's acquiring of a new pet, the prideful Aron. Bound to Wulfgar in payment for his father's debt, Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now...though his choice in the matter is lost the moment he is bound to Wulfgar. Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave that life can still be sweet, even as a slave. He is intrigued, threatened and ultimately terrified of Aron and the things the beautiful young man makes him feel. The two form a bond greater than any hold another could claim on them and determine, whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy...together.

Honorable Mention:
4) The Phoenix by Ruth Sims, Lethe Press
5) The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, Dreamspinner Press
6) Awakening by Terry O'Reilly, Aspen Mountain Press
7) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press
8) Pirates by G.A. Hauser, Phaze Books
9) Bound by Deception by Ava March, Loose Id
10) Lessons in Love by Charlie Cochrane, Samhain Publishing

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Mystery / Thriller Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

"I have finished reading L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown and after thinking long and hard about it, I really must give it full marks (30) as it was a fantastic read. The style of writing was great and really captured a "whodunnit" atmosphere. I was left guessing right up to the end who was the "Carpet Killer" and I loved the red herrings thrown in along the way. The author did a very good job of combining a crime thriller with romance. The crimes were given just the right amount of grusomeness it deserved and the erotic scenes seemed realistic. The setting was so vivid that I was soon wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the LAPD. Life in L.A, both the glitzy and seedy parts, is so far away from my own life but the author wrote it in such away that I could connect to the world without loosing myself to it. The Character development was very well done. There was a sense of closure for both David and Chris. Although the author doesn't delve too deeply into the characters' pasts or the reasoning behind why they are the way they are at the start of the book, it was as if this wasn't even necessary. The author decided to focus on the characters' lives now and how they can move forward, rather than going into great detail to explain how they got to this point in their lives and i think this was the right decision to make." Rose

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

2-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications

"TERRIFIC Chicago background, the city is a character in itself! Definitely a winner!" Lee Rowan

Aaron Stiles is dead. He’s been dead for four years but doesn’t seem to know it. He’s waiting for his partner Bill to come home, and until that happens, he’s not going anywhere. The trouble is, Bill Somers won’t be coming home—ever—because he’s dead, too. The official verdict was suicide, but... The last thing Elliot Smith needs in his latest renovation project is a ghost, especially one who won’t let him sell the place until he solves the mystery of who killed Bill. He has John to help with the spectral side of things, but that just leaves him with the quandary of how to get information on the case. After all, he can hardly explain he’s investigating on behalf of one dead man with the assistance of another.

2-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press

"This was one the best books I've read. The author is a master at characterization. The main Character, Evan is so incredibly likable." April

"A very detailed style of writing, it was smooth, enticing me along and keeping me intrigued. I felt like I was a detective along side Evan Austin, slowly putting the peices together. It was fun to read. A very vivid setting, highlighting the fine divide between the high life and the seedier underbelly. Some of the characters did seem to have unlimited supplies of money but this didn't detract from loosing myself in this world. It took a little time to warm to the characters but once it had warmed up, I fell in love with the detective. He was such a nice, good guy and his characteristics that at first came across as stuck up, actually ended up edearing him to me even more by the end. The blossoming romance was absolutely wonderful to read, moving deliciously slow, making me mork for it. I do wish there had been more of the romance though!" Rose

EVAN AUSTIN, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR It couldn't be simpler. All Evan Austin needed to do was find R.J. Gibson before his eighteenth birthday and the kid would inherit a huge trust fund. Everybody would go home happy: R.J. would be set for life, the mom would appease her guilt, and maybe Evan would finally be able to put a tragic case from his past behind him. But nothing in life is ever that easy. Adding to the confusion are a young woman whose boyfriend liked to slap her around and the murder of an Assistant U.S. District Attorney, for which one of Evan's former clients is now a suspect. Throw in his growing attraction to R.J.'s guardian, artist Roman Cavanaugh, plus the Mariners having another really bad season, and Evan's got a bit more on his plate than he can handle. Not that it's ever stopped him before. The First Evan Austin Mystery

3) The Bones of Summer by Anne Brooke, Dreamspinner Press

"A story with a mystery, trauma from the past and the how childhood can affect adult life. Very interesting, very well written." Caroline

When Craig Robertson's religious fanatic father disappears, Craig is forced to return to the home he'd left behind after an underage affair in order to look for answers. His new lover, private investigator Paul Maloney, agrees to help so they can continue to enjoy their fledgling relationship. During his initial search, Craig finds items that belonged to Michael, his lover in that long-ago ill-fated affair, and soon discovers that Michael has disappeared as well. The search becomes an investigation into Craig's past, and, because of distressing gaps in his memory, he's terrified of the truths he might find. Finally Craig tells Paul his deepest fear: that Michael is dead and he himself is responsible. While Paul refuses to believe his lover is a murderer, Craig's obsession with uncovering clues grows, and their fragile relationship begins to disintegrate. Now on his own, haunted and stalked, Craig has to face down the horror of his memories if he wants to have any hope of a future at all.

Honorable Mention:
4) Murder on Camac by Joseph R. G. DeMarco, Lethe Press
5) Bashed by Rick R. Reed, MLR Press
6) Hard Fall by James Buchanan, MLR Press
7) Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux, Dreamspinner Press
8) Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville, Dreamspinner Press
9) The Jade Owl by Edward C. Patterson
10) The 38 Million Dollar Smile by Richard Stevenson, MLR Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Mystery / Thriller Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

"I have finished reading L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown and after thinking long and hard about it, I really must give it full marks (30) as it was a fantastic read. The style of writing was great and really captured a "whodunnit" atmosphere. I was left guessing right up to the end who was the "Carpet Killer" and I loved the red herrings thrown in along the way. The author did a very good job of combining a crime thriller with romance. The crimes were given just the right amount of grusomeness it deserved and the erotic scenes seemed realistic. The setting was so vivid that I was soon wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the LAPD. Life in L.A, both the glitzy and seedy parts, is so far away from my own life but the author wrote it in such away that I could connect to the world without loosing myself to it. The Character development was very well done. There was a sense of closure for both David and Chris. Although the author doesn't delve too deeply into the characters' pasts or the reasoning behind why they are the way they are at the start of the book, it was as if this wasn't even necessary. The author decided to focus on the characters' lives now and how they can move forward, rather than going into great detail to explain how they got to this point in their lives and i think this was the right decision to make." Rose

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

2-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications

"TERRIFIC Chicago background, the city is a character in itself! Definitely a winner!" Lee Rowan

Aaron Stiles is dead. He’s been dead for four years but doesn’t seem to know it. He’s waiting for his partner Bill to come home, and until that happens, he’s not going anywhere. The trouble is, Bill Somers won’t be coming home—ever—because he’s dead, too. The official verdict was suicide, but... The last thing Elliot Smith needs in his latest renovation project is a ghost, especially one who won’t let him sell the place until he solves the mystery of who killed Bill. He has John to help with the spectral side of things, but that just leaves him with the quandary of how to get information on the case. After all, he can hardly explain he’s investigating on behalf of one dead man with the assistance of another.

2-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press

"This was one the best books I've read. The author is a master at characterization. The main Character, Evan is so incredibly likable." April

"A very detailed style of writing, it was smooth, enticing me along and keeping me intrigued. I felt like I was a detective along side Evan Austin, slowly putting the peices together. It was fun to read. A very vivid setting, highlighting the fine divide between the high life and the seedier underbelly. Some of the characters did seem to have unlimited supplies of money but this didn't detract from loosing myself in this world. It took a little time to warm to the characters but once it had warmed up, I fell in love with the detective. He was such a nice, good guy and his characteristics that at first came across as stuck up, actually ended up edearing him to me even more by the end. The blossoming romance was absolutely wonderful to read, moving deliciously slow, making me mork for it. I do wish there had been more of the romance though!" Rose

EVAN AUSTIN, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR It couldn't be simpler. All Evan Austin needed to do was find R.J. Gibson before his eighteenth birthday and the kid would inherit a huge trust fund. Everybody would go home happy: R.J. would be set for life, the mom would appease her guilt, and maybe Evan would finally be able to put a tragic case from his past behind him. But nothing in life is ever that easy. Adding to the confusion are a young woman whose boyfriend liked to slap her around and the murder of an Assistant U.S. District Attorney, for which one of Evan's former clients is now a suspect. Throw in his growing attraction to R.J.'s guardian, artist Roman Cavanaugh, plus the Mariners having another really bad season, and Evan's got a bit more on his plate than he can handle. Not that it's ever stopped him before. The First Evan Austin Mystery

3) The Bones of Summer by Anne Brooke, Dreamspinner Press

"A story with a mystery, trauma from the past and the how childhood can affect adult life. Very interesting, very well written." Caroline

When Craig Robertson's religious fanatic father disappears, Craig is forced to return to the home he'd left behind after an underage affair in order to look for answers. His new lover, private investigator Paul Maloney, agrees to help so they can continue to enjoy their fledgling relationship. During his initial search, Craig finds items that belonged to Michael, his lover in that long-ago ill-fated affair, and soon discovers that Michael has disappeared as well. The search becomes an investigation into Craig's past, and, because of distressing gaps in his memory, he's terrified of the truths he might find. Finally Craig tells Paul his deepest fear: that Michael is dead and he himself is responsible. While Paul refuses to believe his lover is a murderer, Craig's obsession with uncovering clues grows, and their fragile relationship begins to disintegrate. Now on his own, haunted and stalked, Craig has to face down the horror of his memories if he wants to have any hope of a future at all.

Honorable Mention:
4) Murder on Camac by Joseph R. G. DeMarco, Lethe Press
5) Bashed by Rick R. Reed, MLR Press
6) Hard Fall by James Buchanan, MLR Press
7) Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux, Dreamspinner Press
8) Zero at the Bone by Jane Seville, Dreamspinner Press
9) The Jade Owl by Edward C. Patterson
10) The 38 Million Dollar Smile by Richard Stevenson, MLR Press

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Paranormal / Horror Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

2) The Rest of Our Lives by Dan Stone, Lethe Press

"I loved this book! On a scale of 1 to 30, make it a fifty or so." Victor J. Banis

"The book stayed with me long after I finished it and I realized it was really derserving of a full rating. I even ordered a print copy!" Jem

Colm McKenna has led a guarded life. Gifted with a wintry soul and a photographer's eye, he can stop time as easily as he freezes water, or call down cold north winds. He thinks he is alone and unique in the world. Then, seemingly by accident, he meets handsome writer Aidan Gallagher, his opposite, a young man who not only magically raises temperatures but quickens Colm's heart. In this lighthearted and contemporary, gay romantic fantasy, can two male witches whose passion reincarnates century after century, find a way to express their love for each other again? Can this enchanting pair finally succeed after so many lifetimes?

3) Immortality is the Suck by A.M. Riley, Loose Id

"Yes, I really liked this book, which is suprising because I hadn't expected to! *hee* The many loactions were richly detailed without being too much so. The author didn't merely say the alley was dirty, he or she described it with references to smells and trash, but never went too far over the line. The descriptions were spot-on and just enough that I could picture things in my mind. The main characters were flawed and interesting enough that I wish I'd given this author a try before. Neither of them were entirely good, but even the "bad" one was presented as someone I could see redeeming himself. There was a really interesting plot going on, with secondary characters that were fully fleshed and had enough detail revealed about them that they were far more than two dimensional. The one down side was that the main villain of the piece rarely had any page time, though that might be part of why he was so effective. I didn't see HIM as much as the results of his villainy. I enjoyed the writing style and the way this author used words. I never got bogged down and only saw one or two typos, though that may be because I was so absorbed by what was going on. There's one fight scene that dragged on a bit for me, but I was able to skim it without missing anything that mattered. I know, I know... I'm all "Yay, A.M. Riley" but as this is the first thing of his or hers that I've ever read, I can't help it. I think I actually enjoyed this book more than anything else I've read in the last month, maybe two." T.C. Blue

Adam's an undercover vice cop dealing with a dark past. He's no stranger to bad nights; in fact, he's lived a lot of them. But he won't survive this one. First, a drug deal he's working goes south. Then his partner and sometimes-fuck-buddy Peter has to watch him bleed to death. But the kicker: he's not sure what's worse. Watching Peter cry over him or waking up undead. Peter's a good cop in love with a bad man. Or a bad vampire, now. Watching Adam die was the worst thing he could imagine. Until he woke up. Now their relationship's in crisis. Adam's in the middle of a vampire enclave at the center of Los Angeles motorcycle clubs and Peter just can't hack it. Adam thinks he's fine with that. He's a commitment-phobe. But he's about to discover, immortality is seriously the suck.

Honorable Mention:
4) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press
5) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing
6) On The Ragged Edge Of The World by Jamie Craig, Amber Quill Press
7) Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price, Samhain Publishing
8) Cooking with Ergot by Luisa Prieto, Aspen Mountain Press
9) Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield, MLR Press
10-tie) Faewolf by D.M. Atkins & Chris Taylor, Circlet Press
10-tie) Knowing Caleb by Cameron Dane, Loose Id

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Paranormal / Horror Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

2) The Rest of Our Lives by Dan Stone, Lethe Press

"I loved this book! On a scale of 1 to 30, make it a fifty or so." Victor J. Banis

"The book stayed with me long after I finished it and I realized it was really derserving of a full rating. I even ordered a print copy!" Jem

Colm McKenna has led a guarded life. Gifted with a wintry soul and a photographer's eye, he can stop time as easily as he freezes water, or call down cold north winds. He thinks he is alone and unique in the world. Then, seemingly by accident, he meets handsome writer Aidan Gallagher, his opposite, a young man who not only magically raises temperatures but quickens Colm's heart. In this lighthearted and contemporary, gay romantic fantasy, can two male witches whose passion reincarnates century after century, find a way to express their love for each other again? Can this enchanting pair finally succeed after so many lifetimes?

3) Immortality is the Suck by A.M. Riley, Loose Id

"Yes, I really liked this book, which is suprising because I hadn't expected to! *hee* The many loactions were richly detailed without being too much so. The author didn't merely say the alley was dirty, he or she described it with references to smells and trash, but never went too far over the line. The descriptions were spot-on and just enough that I could picture things in my mind. The main characters were flawed and interesting enough that I wish I'd given this author a try before. Neither of them were entirely good, but even the "bad" one was presented as someone I could see redeeming himself. There was a really interesting plot going on, with secondary characters that were fully fleshed and had enough detail revealed about them that they were far more than two dimensional. The one down side was that the main villain of the piece rarely had any page time, though that might be part of why he was so effective. I didn't see HIM as much as the results of his villainy. I enjoyed the writing style and the way this author used words. I never got bogged down and only saw one or two typos, though that may be because I was so absorbed by what was going on. There's one fight scene that dragged on a bit for me, but I was able to skim it without missing anything that mattered. I know, I know... I'm all "Yay, A.M. Riley" but as this is the first thing of his or hers that I've ever read, I can't help it. I think I actually enjoyed this book more than anything else I've read in the last month, maybe two." T.C. Blue

Adam's an undercover vice cop dealing with a dark past. He's no stranger to bad nights; in fact, he's lived a lot of them. But he won't survive this one. First, a drug deal he's working goes south. Then his partner and sometimes-fuck-buddy Peter has to watch him bleed to death. But the kicker: he's not sure what's worse. Watching Peter cry over him or waking up undead. Peter's a good cop in love with a bad man. Or a bad vampire, now. Watching Adam die was the worst thing he could imagine. Until he woke up. Now their relationship's in crisis. Adam's in the middle of a vampire enclave at the center of Los Angeles motorcycle clubs and Peter just can't hack it. Adam thinks he's fine with that. He's a commitment-phobe. But he's about to discover, immortality is seriously the suck.

Honorable Mention:
4) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press
5) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing
6) On The Ragged Edge Of The World by Jamie Craig, Amber Quill Press
7) Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price, Samhain Publishing
8) Cooking with Ergot by Luisa Prieto, Aspen Mountain Press
9) Notturno by Z.A. Maxfield, MLR Press
10-tie) Faewolf by D.M. Atkins & Chris Taylor, Circlet Press
10-tie) Knowing Caleb by Cameron Dane, Loose Id

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Non Fiction Book

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) The First Risk by Charles Jensen, Lethe Press

In four extended sequences, The First Risk confronts the murder of Matthew Shepard and the myth of Venus and Adonis through the eyes of Italian Renaissance painter Luca Cambiaso; the eccentric women of Pedro Almodovar's All About My Mother and their search for authenticity; the nature of love and obsession in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and the pain and confusion of loss; and ''The Strange Case of Maribel Dixon,'' the compelling novella-in-verse of a physicist in search of his lost wife, haunted by a phantom voice that may or may not be hers...

2) A Report from Winter by Wayne Courtois, Lethe Press

"Well, it's hard to give the opinion since it's a memoir. But the author did a good job, describing the process of painful cutting the cord and bury the demons from his childhood." Caroline

A Report from Winter is a death-in-the-family story, a love story, and a meditation on the meaning of ''winter''--as a season and as a metaphor for family relationships. It's January 1998, and southern Maine is recovering from one of the worst ice storms in history. Into this unforgiving environment comes the author, flying home from Kansas City after a ten-year absence. His mother, Jennie, is dying of cancer. Though receiving excellent care in a nursing home, she has lost the ability to communicate. Needing support, Wayne makes an SOS call to Ralph, his longtime partner. Ralph boards a plane to Portland for his first exposure to a Maine winter, and to Wayne's family as well, including a feisty aunt and an emotionally distant brother. The contrast between a nurturing gay relationship and dysfunctional family bonds is as sharp as the wind sweeping in from the sea. Stubbornly unsentimental, A Report from Winter weaves childhood memories of winter with the harsh realities of living in a family where there's not enough love to go around. The memoir is a tribute to hard-won relationships built on mutual trust and understanding, defying an uncaring world.

3) The Underwater Hospital by Jan Steckel, Zeitgeist Press

"It gives a voice to the medical folks in the New Orleans hospitals who had to try to keep people alive with no idea of when - or even if -- help would come. I can't imagine anything worse than having lives in my hands and no tools or medicine to help them." Lee Rowan

This poetry chapbook is from Pushcart-nominated writer Jan Steckel, who is a bisexual activist and a Harvard- and Yale-trained pediatrician. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic and cared for Spanish-speaking families in CA at a county hospital and at a large HMO. Her poems, short stories and nonfiction pieces have appeared in Scholastic Magazine, Yale Medicine, So to Speak, Margin and Lodestar Quarterly.

Honorable Mention:
4) The Memory Palace by JoSelle Vanderhooft
5) The Gay Face of God by Bruce J. Simpson

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Non Fiction Book

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) The First Risk by Charles Jensen, Lethe Press

In four extended sequences, The First Risk confronts the murder of Matthew Shepard and the myth of Venus and Adonis through the eyes of Italian Renaissance painter Luca Cambiaso; the eccentric women of Pedro Almodovar's All About My Mother and their search for authenticity; the nature of love and obsession in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo and the pain and confusion of loss; and ''The Strange Case of Maribel Dixon,'' the compelling novella-in-verse of a physicist in search of his lost wife, haunted by a phantom voice that may or may not be hers...

2) A Report from Winter by Wayne Courtois, Lethe Press

"Well, it's hard to give the opinion since it's a memoir. But the author did a good job, describing the process of painful cutting the cord and bury the demons from his childhood." Caroline

A Report from Winter is a death-in-the-family story, a love story, and a meditation on the meaning of ''winter''--as a season and as a metaphor for family relationships. It's January 1998, and southern Maine is recovering from one of the worst ice storms in history. Into this unforgiving environment comes the author, flying home from Kansas City after a ten-year absence. His mother, Jennie, is dying of cancer. Though receiving excellent care in a nursing home, she has lost the ability to communicate. Needing support, Wayne makes an SOS call to Ralph, his longtime partner. Ralph boards a plane to Portland for his first exposure to a Maine winter, and to Wayne's family as well, including a feisty aunt and an emotionally distant brother. The contrast between a nurturing gay relationship and dysfunctional family bonds is as sharp as the wind sweeping in from the sea. Stubbornly unsentimental, A Report from Winter weaves childhood memories of winter with the harsh realities of living in a family where there's not enough love to go around. The memoir is a tribute to hard-won relationships built on mutual trust and understanding, defying an uncaring world.

3) The Underwater Hospital by Jan Steckel, Zeitgeist Press

"It gives a voice to the medical folks in the New Orleans hospitals who had to try to keep people alive with no idea of when - or even if -- help would come. I can't imagine anything worse than having lives in my hands and no tools or medicine to help them." Lee Rowan

This poetry chapbook is from Pushcart-nominated writer Jan Steckel, who is a bisexual activist and a Harvard- and Yale-trained pediatrician. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic and cared for Spanish-speaking families in CA at a county hospital and at a large HMO. Her poems, short stories and nonfiction pieces have appeared in Scholastic Magazine, Yale Medicine, So to Speak, Margin and Lodestar Quarterly.

Honorable Mention:
4) The Memory Palace by JoSelle Vanderhooft
5) The Gay Face of God by Bruce J. Simpson

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Setting

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press

1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship—the HMS Meteor—and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers. Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer—a secret punishable by death. With the arrival of his former captain—and lover—on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.

2) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

3) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Setting

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press

1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship—the HMS Meteor—and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers. Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer—a secret punishable by death. With the arrival of his former captain—and lover—on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.

2) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

3) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Characters

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id

"Well written, it deals with complex life issues and actually made me believe that this "gay for you" story could happen in real life." Amie

New York City Vice Detective Evan Cerelli has lost his wife, the only person he ever loved and slept with. He's trying to get on with his life, build a life for his children. Former Homicide Detective Matt Haight is a ladies' man, all sex/no commitment. He's depressed, having a midlife crisis, and not sure where his life is headed. The two find friendship in the bottom of a shared bottle. When the friendship turns to love, it shakes two straight men to the core and flips their lives inside out. Kids, families, careers that are not gay-friendly -- can all the love in the world overcome the obstacles to faith and fidelity?

3-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

3-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

3-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

3-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Characters

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id

"Well written, it deals with complex life issues and actually made me believe that this "gay for you" story could happen in real life." Amie

New York City Vice Detective Evan Cerelli has lost his wife, the only person he ever loved and slept with. He's trying to get on with his life, build a life for his children. Former Homicide Detective Matt Haight is a ladies' man, all sex/no commitment. He's depressed, having a midlife crisis, and not sure where his life is headed. The two find friendship in the bottom of a shared bottle. When the friendship turns to love, it shakes two straight men to the core and flips their lives inside out. Kids, families, careers that are not gay-friendly -- can all the love in the world overcome the obstacles to faith and fidelity?

3-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

3-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

3-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

3-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Writing Style

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

3) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press

"It´s, hands-down, the best m/m book I´ve read (I haven´t read many of them, admittedly, but this was absolutely amazing). The poetic language, the well-chosen setting/flashbacks, it quite literally created a completely new world. The journey of discovery Beck goes through is amazing and creepy and beautiful. This would easily stand up with the very best in urban fantasy/horror. A total master piece." Aleksandr Voinov

"This book was an engrossing read but one that really needed to be concentrated on. It has such depth and deeper meaning that to try and read it quickly is to not get the best out of it. The second reading was the one that cemented in my mind, just how much the author has thought of all the 'little things' as well as the broader picture. For that reason, I have awarded this incredibly high marks, I know, but I honestly believe that the world building, characterisation and writing style warrant it. The world building was vivid, and very imaginative. The characterisation was also very well done. Mastema, Beckett, Sean/Tamiel were all given depth, Catherine too. I found the writing very tight. No noticeable errors and it flowed easily. It was very descriptive without being excessively so. Thoroughly well done." Rosie

Becket Merriday is on the trail of a killer who is murdering beautiful young men in the small town of Irenic. What he discovers an ancient race of immortal beings hunted by an incredibly powerful adversary: the angel Mastema. Soon, Beck and his partner, Sean Logan, find themselves at the center of a deadly supernatural war.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Writing Style

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

3) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press

"It´s, hands-down, the best m/m book I´ve read (I haven´t read many of them, admittedly, but this was absolutely amazing). The poetic language, the well-chosen setting/flashbacks, it quite literally created a completely new world. The journey of discovery Beck goes through is amazing and creepy and beautiful. This would easily stand up with the very best in urban fantasy/horror. A total master piece." Aleksandr Voinov

"This book was an engrossing read but one that really needed to be concentrated on. It has such depth and deeper meaning that to try and read it quickly is to not get the best out of it. The second reading was the one that cemented in my mind, just how much the author has thought of all the 'little things' as well as the broader picture. For that reason, I have awarded this incredibly high marks, I know, but I honestly believe that the world building, characterisation and writing style warrant it. The world building was vivid, and very imaginative. The characterisation was also very well done. Mastema, Beckett, Sean/Tamiel were all given depth, Catherine too. I found the writing very tight. No noticeable errors and it flowed easily. It was very descriptive without being excessively so. Thoroughly well done." Rosie

Becket Merriday is on the trail of a killer who is murdering beautiful young men in the small town of Irenic. What he discovers an ancient race of immortal beings hunted by an incredibly powerful adversary: the angel Mastema. Soon, Beck and his partner, Sean Logan, find themselves at the center of a deadly supernatural war.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Bisexual / Transgender Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press

Holy Communion is a rite-of-passage novel that follows a seven-year-old boy's first communion preparations and celebration.Throughout the four-day peroid the boy deals with cruel nuns,sadistic babysitters,his mother's unfortunate accident,a drunken father,plus a pedophile or two, but finds a way to cope in the midst of so much tragedy-first by indifference,later by defiance and rebellion.He also discovers that his urban surrondings in New York City give him autonomy,comfort, and satisfaction.Holy Communion is full of the boy's dispair and self-questioning,along with the author Mykola Dementiuk's powerful insights into the human condition.

2) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press

Twenty years after publishing his groundbreaking The Spirit and the Flesh, anthropologist Walter L. Williams breaks his silence and publishes another book on Native Americans by teaming up with award-winning writer Toby Johnson. Together they have produced a work of historical fiction that is striking in its evocation of Navajo philosophy and spirituality. Set in the Civil War era of the 1860s, this novel tells the story of a feckless Virginian who finds himself captivated by a Two-Spirit male highly respected among the Navajo. It is a story of tragedy, oppression, and discrimination, but also an enlightening story of love, discovery, and beauty. Two Spirits illuminates the truth of what the United States did to the largest indigenous people of this nation. Full of suspense, plot twists, and endearing romance, this novel will captivate readers.

3) Complications by Cat Grant, Lyrical Press

Life becomes complicated for Ally Taylor when she falls for old college friend Eric Courtland.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Bisexual / Transgender Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press

Holy Communion is a rite-of-passage novel that follows a seven-year-old boy's first communion preparations and celebration.Throughout the four-day peroid the boy deals with cruel nuns,sadistic babysitters,his mother's unfortunate accident,a drunken father,plus a pedophile or two, but finds a way to cope in the midst of so much tragedy-first by indifference,later by defiance and rebellion.He also discovers that his urban surrondings in New York City give him autonomy,comfort, and satisfaction.Holy Communion is full of the boy's dispair and self-questioning,along with the author Mykola Dementiuk's powerful insights into the human condition.

2) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press

Twenty years after publishing his groundbreaking The Spirit and the Flesh, anthropologist Walter L. Williams breaks his silence and publishes another book on Native Americans by teaming up with award-winning writer Toby Johnson. Together they have produced a work of historical fiction that is striking in its evocation of Navajo philosophy and spirituality. Set in the Civil War era of the 1860s, this novel tells the story of a feckless Virginian who finds himself captivated by a Two-Spirit male highly respected among the Navajo. It is a story of tragedy, oppression, and discrimination, but also an enlightening story of love, discovery, and beauty. Two Spirits illuminates the truth of what the United States did to the largest indigenous people of this nation. Full of suspense, plot twists, and endearing romance, this novel will captivate readers.

3) Complications by Cat Grant, Lyrical Press

Life becomes complicated for Ally Taylor when she falls for old college friend Eric Courtland.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Lesbian Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing

"Setting well done. Very believable characters, well conceived. Main character speaks well with a slight twang and then later in the book begins speaking like a back woods uneducated character, however it did not take away from the story or the character. This story was excellent, good tension and plot development, as well as an intriguing romance." Julie

"I really liked a lot of the characters and the author did a good job of making me hate the bad guys. I did like Annalee a lot though and really wanted her to get closure after what happened to her father." Rose

While investigating the murder of a preacher with dark secrets in his past, Sheriff Annalee Crow stumbles upon another secret, this one involving the pale-furred wolves that roam the eldrich forest known as Malingering Deep. When Annalee encounters a woman belonging to the mysterious family who lives side-by-side with the wolves, she is plunged into a deadly world where science and superstition clash, and one man's greed for immortality may destroy everything and everyone she loves.

2) Queer Wolf edited by James EM Rasmussen, QueerEdFiction

"This collection of queer werewolf stories covers just about all the different worlds in which werewolves could live and interact with humans and others. The fan of werewolf stories will enjoy these writers, the characters, and this editor's well balanced selections for this book." Julie

Their world lies between the shadows and the moonlight, between man and animal...and in the city under neon moons and through on-treed streets, the queer wolves run. Bound within QUEER WOLF is an exciting collection of contemporary, urban and sensual werewolf tales; a gathering of queer wolves presented by exciting, new and established authors. Stories by: RJ Bradshaw; Naomi Clark; Charlie Cochrane; Laramie Dean; Moondancer Drake; Ginn Hale; Erica Hildebrand; Michael Itig; Lucas Johnson; Andi Lee; Charles Long; Stephen Osborne; Robert Saldarini; Quinn Smythwood; Jerome Stueart; Anel Viz; Cari Z "The debut anthology from James EM Rasmussen's QueeredFiction is an entertaining and varied collection, boasting such talents as Charlie Cochrane and Ginn Hale. Lovers of the lycan will find much to slaver over here: from the werewolf wanabee to the lovers-through-time, to waifs and strays. From the carnal to the violent to the passionate, this anthology will wag your tail, I guarantee it." Erastes author of Standish

3) Blood and Mint Chocolates by Adrianne Brennan, Freya's Bower

"Interesting setting that went well with the story. I thought the characters here were developed nicely for such a short story, and quite believable. Well written." Julie

Merideth, a vampire and librarian, spends most of her nights researching and book collecting for Clan Gladius within the Order of the Dragon and the Rose. Much to her surprise, the head of Clan Gladius unexpectedly presents her with a luxurious gift: a trip to stay at Hotel Paradisio at Crystal Island! The heat is on at the island resort under moonlit skies and palm trees. The tropical heat quickly transforms into a scorching hot time that will be seared into Merideth's memory forever when she runs into her long time crush, Kalia. Merideth is presented with a gift from a goddess that allows her to experience in reality her deepest fantasies...which existed before in dreams alone. But can their passion survive the intrigue and potential dangers that await them, or will it only last as long as her vacation?

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Lesbian Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing

"Setting well done. Very believable characters, well conceived. Main character speaks well with a slight twang and then later in the book begins speaking like a back woods uneducated character, however it did not take away from the story or the character. This story was excellent, good tension and plot development, as well as an intriguing romance." Julie

"I really liked a lot of the characters and the author did a good job of making me hate the bad guys. I did like Annalee a lot though and really wanted her to get closure after what happened to her father." Rose

While investigating the murder of a preacher with dark secrets in his past, Sheriff Annalee Crow stumbles upon another secret, this one involving the pale-furred wolves that roam the eldrich forest known as Malingering Deep. When Annalee encounters a woman belonging to the mysterious family who lives side-by-side with the wolves, she is plunged into a deadly world where science and superstition clash, and one man's greed for immortality may destroy everything and everyone she loves.

2) Queer Wolf edited by James EM Rasmussen, QueerEdFiction

"This collection of queer werewolf stories covers just about all the different worlds in which werewolves could live and interact with humans and others. The fan of werewolf stories will enjoy these writers, the characters, and this editor's well balanced selections for this book." Julie

Their world lies between the shadows and the moonlight, between man and animal...and in the city under neon moons and through on-treed streets, the queer wolves run. Bound within QUEER WOLF is an exciting collection of contemporary, urban and sensual werewolf tales; a gathering of queer wolves presented by exciting, new and established authors. Stories by: RJ Bradshaw; Naomi Clark; Charlie Cochrane; Laramie Dean; Moondancer Drake; Ginn Hale; Erica Hildebrand; Michael Itig; Lucas Johnson; Andi Lee; Charles Long; Stephen Osborne; Robert Saldarini; Quinn Smythwood; Jerome Stueart; Anel Viz; Cari Z "The debut anthology from James EM Rasmussen's QueeredFiction is an entertaining and varied collection, boasting such talents as Charlie Cochrane and Ginn Hale. Lovers of the lycan will find much to slaver over here: from the werewolf wanabee to the lovers-through-time, to waifs and strays. From the carnal to the violent to the passionate, this anthology will wag your tail, I guarantee it." Erastes author of Standish

3) Blood and Mint Chocolates by Adrianne Brennan, Freya's Bower

"Interesting setting that went well with the story. I thought the characters here were developed nicely for such a short story, and quite believable. Well written." Julie

Merideth, a vampire and librarian, spends most of her nights researching and book collecting for Clan Gladius within the Order of the Dragon and the Rose. Much to her surprise, the head of Clan Gladius unexpectedly presents her with a luxurious gift: a trip to stay at Hotel Paradisio at Crystal Island! The heat is on at the island resort under moonlit skies and palm trees. The tropical heat quickly transforms into a scorching hot time that will be seared into Merideth's memory forever when she runs into her long time crush, Kalia. Merideth is presented with a gift from a goddess that allows her to experience in reality her deepest fantasies...which existed before in dreams alone. But can their passion survive the intrigue and potential dangers that await them, or will it only last as long as her vacation?

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Gay Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

1-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2-tie) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

2-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

3-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications

Aaron Stiles is dead. He’s been dead for four years but doesn’t seem to know it. He’s waiting for his partner Bill to come home, and until that happens, he’s not going anywhere. The trouble is, Bill Somers won’t be coming home—ever—because he’s dead, too. The official verdict was suicide, but... The last thing Elliot Smith needs in his latest renovation project is a ghost, especially one who won’t let him sell the place until he solves the mystery of who killed Bill. He has John to help with the spectral side of things, but that just leaves him with the quandary of how to get information on the case. After all, he can hardly explain he’s investigating on behalf of one dead man with the assistance of another.

3-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press

EVAN AUSTIN, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR It couldn't be simpler. All Evan Austin needed to do was find R.J. Gibson before his eighteenth birthday and the kid would inherit a huge trust fund. Everybody would go home happy: R.J. would be set for life, the mom would appease her guilt, and maybe Evan would finally be able to put a tragic case from his past behind him. But nothing in life is ever that easy. Adding to the confusion are a young woman whose boyfriend liked to slap her around and the murder of an Assistant U.S. District Attorney, for which one of Evan's former clients is now a suspect. Throw in his growing attraction to R.J.'s guardian, artist Roman Cavanaugh, plus the Mariners having another really bad season, and Evan's got a bit more on his plate than he can handle. Not that it's ever stopped him before. The First Evan Austin Mystery

3-tie) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing

Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn't have anything against love, but he knows it means a lot of responsibility, like when he had to step in to raise his siblings. With the last one off to college, Aaron's anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He certainly isn't expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into his life. Sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, Joey's tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron's way; Joey knows all about love. He's fallen in it ten times. All that experience has to count for something, right? With Aaron it's different. Joey's fallen for good.

2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Overall Gay Novel

And the Rainbow Award goes to:

1-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Dev is a football player at Forester University, a small liberal arts college where he and his teammates get to strut around and have their pick of the girls on Friday nights. That's as good as it gets—until he meets Lee, a fox with a quick wit and an attractive body. Problem is, Lee's not a girl. He's a gay fox, an activist who never dreamed he'd fall for a football player. As their attraction deepens into romance, it's hard enough for them to handle each other, let alone their inquisitive friends, family, and co-workers. And if school is bad, the hyper- masculine world of professional sports that awaits Dev after graduation will be a hundred times worse. Going it alone would make everything easier. If only they could stop fighting long enough to break up.

1-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?

2-tie) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press

The Ice fell upon the world nearly a hundred years ago, and if civilization didn't rightly collapse, it surely staggered and fell ill a while. In the small town of Moline, Virginia, folks struggle to survive, relying on hybrid seed sent by the faraway Department of Reintroduction and Agriculture and their own faith in God and hard work. But when a mated pair of dragons starts hunting the countryside, stealing sheep, and attacking children, the townsfolk quickly learn that they don t have the weapons or the skills to fight off such predators. David Anderson is a farmer's son who has explored the world through books. When he meets the new healer in town, Callan Landers, he doesn't quite know what to make of the strange warmth stealing over him. It's not until he surprises Callan with another man and both men are promptly arrested for sodomy that David finally realizes the truth about his own feelings. When David and Callan stumble over a secret in a nearby abandoned town, their personal problems fade before government politics and corruption that threaten lives. It seems the dragons aren t the worst dangers facing Moline.

2-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press

Partnership in Blood Volume 3: Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna As the Alliance wizard-vampire partnerships grow stronger, the dark wizards feel the effects and become increasingly desperate to find enough information to counter them, unaware of the growing strain of the blood-magic bonds on the wizards and vampires alike. The conflict is spreading. The strife of uncomfortable relationships, both personal and professional, is threatening to tear up the Alliance from the inside, despite the efforts of Alain Magnier and Orlando St. Clair, Thierry Dumont and Sebastien Noyer, and even Raymond Payet and Jean Bellaiche, leader of the Paris vampires, who is fighting to establish a stable covenant with his own partner so he might lead by example. As the war rages on and heartbreaking casualties mount on both sides, the dark wizards keep searching for clues to understand and counter the strength of the Alliance, while the blood-bound Alliance partners hunt through ancient prejudices and forgotten lore to find an edge that can turn the tide of the war once and for all.

2-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

3-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications

Aaron Stiles is dead. He’s been dead for four years but doesn’t seem to know it. He’s waiting for his partner Bill to come home, and until that happens, he’s not going anywhere. The trouble is, Bill Somers won’t be coming home—ever—because he’s dead, too. The official verdict was suicide, but... The last thing Elliot Smith needs in his latest renovation project is a ghost, especially one who won’t let him sell the place until he solves the mystery of who killed Bill. He has John to help with the spectral side of things, but that just leaves him with the quandary of how to get information on the case. After all, he can hardly explain he’s investigating on behalf of one dead man with the assistance of another.

3-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press

EVAN AUSTIN, PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR It couldn't be simpler. All Evan Austin needed to do was find R.J. Gibson before his eighteenth birthday and the kid would inherit a huge trust fund. Everybody would go home happy: R.J. would be set for life, the mom would appease her guilt, and maybe Evan would finally be able to put a tragic case from his past behind him. But nothing in life is ever that easy. Adding to the confusion are a young woman whose boyfriend liked to slap her around and the murder of an Assistant U.S. District Attorney, for which one of Evan's former clients is now a suspect. Throw in his growing attraction to R.J.'s guardian, artist Roman Cavanaugh, plus the Mariners having another really bad season, and Evan's got a bit more on his plate than he can handle. Not that it's ever stopped him before. The First Evan Austin Mystery

3-tie) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing

Paramedic Aaron Chase doesn't have anything against love, but he knows it means a lot of responsibility, like when he had to step in to raise his siblings. With the last one off to college, Aaron's anticipating enjoying life on his own terms. He certainly isn't expecting Joey Miller to accidentally drop into his life. Sexy, funny and annoyingly optimistic, Joey's tendency to get into trouble keeps sending him Aaron's way; Joey knows all about love. He's fallen in it ten times. All that experience has to count for something, right? With Aaron it's different. Joey's fallen for good.

Rainbow Awards: And the award goes to...

It was a VERY LONG path to this day, sometime good (most of the time), sometime bad (not so much to ruin this experience). First of all a big thank to all the judges who helped me to arrive to this result:

Alan Chin, Aleksandr Voinov, Amie Love, Amos Lassen, Anna, Antonella, April, Arch, Benjamin, Bethann Korsmit, Bobby D. Whitney, Bobby Michaels, Brandi, Ciaran Llachlan Leavitt, Carey Parrish, Carol, Caroline, Cassandra Gold, Christopher, Craig Burke, Dakota Flint, Deanne, Debbie, Erotic Horizon, Eve, Eve Birch, Hayley, Heidi, Jane, Jay Hartman, Jem, Jenre, Jessica, Jessica Goeller, Joan Timberlake, Josh Aterovis, Josh Lanyon, Julie, Kayez, Kirsten, Kris, Lee Rowan, Lia, Lily, Lyne, Minami, Naijeria, Nem, Nicky, Pamela, Perpetua, Rbm00, Rose, Rosemary, Rosie, Ryan Field, Sandra, Shanghi, Sloan Parker, T.C. Blue, Tammy, Victor J. Banis, X.

And as always a big thank you to the Publishers which allow me and the judges to have all the books for the reading phase: Amber Quill Press, Aspen Mountain Press, Dancing Fools Press, Dreamspinner Press, Lethe Press, Loose Id, MLR Press, Noble Romance Publishing, P.D. Publishing, Phaze Books, Pink Petal Books, Prizm Books, QueerEdFiction, Samhain Publishing, Synergy Press, The Sofawolf Press, Torquere Books, Total-e-Bound, Zeitgeist Press, Zumaya Publications.



And now what all you are waiting, the winner of the 2009 Rainbow Awards. And the awards go to:

Best Overall Gay Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/887512.html
1-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
1-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
2-tie) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
2-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
3-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications
3-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press
3-tie) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publish

Best Overall Lesbian Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/887085.html
1) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing
2) Queer Wolf edited by James EM Rasmussen, QueerEdFiction
3) Blood and Mint Chocolates by Adrianne Brennan, Freya's Bower

Best Overall Bisexual / Transgender Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886824.html
1) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press
2) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press
3) Complications by Cat Grant, Lyrical Press

Best Writing Style: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886533.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
3) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press

Best Characters: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886480.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id
3-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
3-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
3-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
3-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

Best Setting: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886127.html
1) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press
2) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
3) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Best Non Fiction Book: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885934.html
1) The First Risk by Charles Jensen, Lethe Press
2) A Report from Winter by Wayne Courtois, Lethe Press
3) The Underwater Hospital by Jan Steckel, Zeitgeist Press

Best Paranormal / Horror Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885752.html
1) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
2) The Rest of Our Lives by Dan Stone, Lethe Press
3) Immortality is the Suck by A.M. Riley, Loose Id

Best Mystery / Thriller Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885484.html
1) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
2-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications
2-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press
3) The Bones of Summer by Anne Brooke, Dreamspinner Press

Best Historical Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885163.html
1) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
2) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press
3) Bee Among The Clover by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe, Dreamspinner Press

Best Futuristic Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884788.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing
3) Hell Cop by Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling & Ginn Hale, Loose Id

Best Fantasy Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884533.html
1) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
2) The Pauper’s Prize by Mark Alders, eXtasy Books
3) Northern Love by Nica Berry, Loose Id

Best Contemporary Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884434.html
1) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing
2) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan, Dreamspinner Press
3) That´s what brothers do by Derekica Snake, Lulu Press

Best Coming of Age / Young Adult Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/883980.html
1) Josef Jaeger by Jere' M. Fishback, Prizm Books
2) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press
3) The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell, P.D. Publishing

Best Overall Cover: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/883914.html
1) Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price - Cover Art by Kanaxa
2) Warrior's Cross by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux - Cover Art by Anne Cain
3) Flight by Nicki Bennett - Cover Art by Dan Skinner

ETA: the Best Characters, Best Setting and Best Writing Style awards were given computing the votes of those judges who decided to split the overall rating (from 1 to 30) in three different parameters. Not all the judges could or were able to do that, so that's maybe the reason you can't compare those categories with the others, they are not simple the splitting of the same ratings. And this is also the reason why those awards are also well deserved, they were given by judges who were very "hard" on their rates.

Rainbow Awards: And the award goes to...

It was a VERY LONG path to this day, sometime good (most of the time), sometime bad (not so much to ruin this experience). First of all a big thank to all the judges who helped me to arrive to this result:

Alan Chin, Aleksandr Voinov, Amie Love, Amos Lassen, Anna, Antonella, April, Arch, Benjamin, Bethann Korsmit, Bobby D. Whitney, Bobby Michaels, Brandi, Ciaran Llachlan Leavitt, Carey Parrish, Carol, Caroline, Cassandra Gold, Christopher, Craig Burke, Dakota Flint, Deanne, Debbie, Erotic Horizon, Eve, Eve Birch, Hayley, Heidi, Jane, Jay Hartman, Jem, Jenre, Jessica, Jessica Goeller, Joan Timberlake, Josh Aterovis, Josh Lanyon, Julie, Kayez, Kirsten, Kris, Lee Rowan, Lia, Lily, Lyne, Minami, Naijeria, Nem, Nicky, Pamela, Perpetua, Rbm00, Rose, Rosemary, Rosie, Ryan Field, Sandra, Shanghi, Sloan Parker, T.C. Blue, Tammy, Victor J. Banis, X.

And as always a big thank you to the Publishers which allow me and the judges to have all the books for the reading phase: Amber Quill Press, Aspen Mountain Press, Dancing Fools Press, Dreamspinner Press, Lethe Press, Loose Id, MLR Press, Noble Romance Publishing, P.D. Publishing, Phaze Books, Pink Petal Books, Prizm Books, QueerEdFiction, Samhain Publishing, Synergy Press, The Sofawolf Press, Torquere Books, Total-e-Bound, Zeitgeist Press, Zumaya Publications.



And now what all you are waiting, the winner of the 2009 Rainbow Awards. And the awards go to:

Best Overall Gay Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/887512.html
1-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
1-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
2-tie) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
2-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
3-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications
3-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press
3-tie) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publish

Best Overall Lesbian Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/887085.html
1) Barking at the Moon by Nene Adams, P.D. Publishing
2) Queer Wolf edited by James EM Rasmussen, QueerEdFiction
3) Blood and Mint Chocolates by Adrianne Brennan, Freya's Bower

Best Overall Bisexual / Transgender Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886824.html
1) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press
2) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press
3) Complications by Cat Grant, Lyrical Press

Best Writing Style: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886533.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
3) Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow, MLR Press

Best Characters: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886480.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) Faith & Fidelity by Tere Michaels, Loose Id
3-tie) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
3-tie) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
3-tie) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
3-tie) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press

Best Setting: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/886127.html
1) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press
2) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
3) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press

Best Non Fiction Book: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885934.html
1) The First Risk by Charles Jensen, Lethe Press
2) A Report from Winter by Wayne Courtois, Lethe Press
3) The Underwater Hospital by Jan Steckel, Zeitgeist Press

Best Paranormal / Horror Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885752.html
1) Conflict in Blood by Ariel Tachna, Dreamspinner Press
2) The Rest of Our Lives by Dan Stone, Lethe Press
3) Immortality is the Suck by A.M. Riley, Loose Id

Best Mystery / Thriller Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885484.html
1) L.A. Heat by P.A. Brown, MLR Press
2-tie) Aaron's Wait by Dorien Grey, Zumaya Publications
2-tie) Brushback by Jamie Scofield, Dancing Fools Press
3) The Bones of Summer by Anne Brooke, Dreamspinner Press

Best Historical Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/885163.html
1) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
2) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press
3) Bee Among The Clover by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe, Dreamspinner Press

Best Futuristic Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884788.html
1) A Strong and Sudden Thaw by R.W. Day, Lethe Press
2) My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing
3) Hell Cop by Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling & Ginn Hale, Loose Id

Best Fantasy Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884533.html
1) Out of Position by Kyell Gold, The Sofawolf Press
2) The Pauper’s Prize by Mark Alders, eXtasy Books
3) Northern Love by Nica Berry, Loose Id

Best Contemporary Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/884434.html
1) Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell, Samhain Publishing
2) A Note in the Margin by Isabelle Rowan, Dreamspinner Press
3) That´s what brothers do by Derekica Snake, Lulu Press

Best Coming of Age / Young Adult Novel: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/883980.html
1) Josef Jaeger by Jere' M. Fishback, Prizm Books
2) Holy Communion by Mykola Dementiuk, Synergy Press
3) The Way You Say My Name by Sara Bell, P.D. Publishing

Best Overall Cover: http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/883914.html
1) Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price - Cover Art by Kanaxa
2) Warrior's Cross by Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux - Cover Art by Anne Cain
3) Flight by Nicki Bennett - Cover Art by Dan Skinner

ETA: the Best Characters, Best Setting and Best Writing Style awards were given computing the votes of those judges who decided to split the overall rating (from 1 to 30) in three different parameters. Not all the judges could or were able to do that, so that's maybe the reason you can't compare those categories with the others, they are not simple the splitting of the same ratings. And this is also the reason why those awards are also well deserved, they were given by judges who were very "hard" on their rates.