CSI: Librarian

Gay Romance Reviews: Fortune Hunter, Rogues, and Jungle Heat

Posted on May 4, 2012 by April

Lately I’ve actually been using my Nook. Which pretty much means I’m reading Gay Romance e-books because if I can get something in print, I opt for print. And the majority of Gay Romance e-books tend to remain in solely available in an electronic format. The two Brook Street books are fairly recent grabs from Netgalley, and Jungle Heat is one I bought ages ago. For summaries and info, click on the covers.

Fortune Hunter by Ava March (Brook Street #2) - 4 Stars. A lovely story in a lot of ways. I really cared about both men, particularly Oscar, and wanted them to be together. Their conflict was and yet wasn’t a misunderstanding, which I liked. Oscar approached their relationship with the hopes of it becoming a committed one as Julian obsessed over getting married in order to become rich while taking Oscar for granted. The reveal was really heart-breaking, but the conclusion showed up way too soon which I didn’t like at all.

Rogues by Ava March (Brook Street #3) - 3 Stars. I liked both Linus and Robert. They had a very friends with benefits thing going on, which clearly wasn’t going to work forever although neither one of them could quite admit it. I liked that as a starting point, and I also liked the ways their relationship developed/evolved. I just found myself wishing there was a bit more to their story. I liked their emotional conflicts, but some external conflicts would have been nice too. *

Jungle Heat by Bonnie Dee – 4 Stars. A very sweet and hot story that is quite a bit like Tarzan. The ending seemed a tiny bit rushed, but I really liked the way time passed prior to that. Michael’s journey from Odd One to finding a love and home was definitely well-done. I loved his thoughts as well as the transition from speaking very few words to being able to form full sentences. James was also a great love interest, and I liked how his reluctance and uncertainty stemmed from caring too much rather than being unsure of his own orientation.

* Please Note: After reading it and going to GoodReads, I did notice Katie(bab)’s NSFW review. I decided it was worth linking to because if I’d paid more attention while reading about certain (ahem) intimate acts, I might have had a similar reaction.

Other Gay Romance Reviews:

Posted in E-book, Mini Review, Review | Tagged Ava March, Bonnie Dee, Carina Press, Gay Romance, Historical Romance, M/M | Leave a comment

Review: Magic Mansion by Jordan Castillo Price

Posted on May 3, 2012 by April

How did I get it: I sort of stumbled upon this book while trying to find new M/M Romances on GoodReads. Then I spent some time at Price’s website. After reading the first 5 chapters online, I had to buy Magic Mansion.

Why did I read it: I loved the premise. Anything to do with magic and magicians always excites me, and I enjoy killing brain cells while watching trashy reality shows. What also appealed to me was the fact that Magic Mansion is a long book. The idea of reading a Gay Romance novel that was significantly more than 200 pages long made me unbelievably giddy.

Summary:

Professor Topaz is tired of fending off advice that he should retire in Vegas where magicians his age have an easier time finding work.

Ricardo Hart’s career has sunk so low, he’s resorted to shaking his moneymaker at bachelorette parties.

But there’s a casting call for a new reality show called Magic Mansion that could change everything for these two gay stage magicians, one recovering from the loss of his partner, the other awe-struck by the presence of his idol. Each is poised for a critical second chance: at fame, and at love.

Who will win? Step into the Mansion, and find out….

Review: This book mostly just makes me want to flail and make incoherant sounds of delight. I loved it for so many reasons though so let me try and articulate a few of them.

The first is that it’s just a darn good book with a lot of romance, magic, sweetness, humor, and charm. From opening line to ending sentence, Magic Mansion basically owned my eyes. I literally could not sleep until I finished it, and even then I sort of wanted to forgo sleep in order to read it again.*

Another reason that I am finding it really hard to do anything but gush is that it’s such a refreshing change to read a book with gay characters that was just as long and just as romantic as so many of the books out there for straight characters. Don’t get me wrong. I am a fan of hot and steamy. I am also ten times more likely to gravitate towards or read a book with a gay character than I am anything else, but the books that stay with me long after I arrive at the last page are books that go the emotional distance. And Magic Mansion is all about deep connections rather than insta-love.

Price’s writing was equal parts wonderful, well-done, and engaging. I loved John and Ricardo so much. The way their relationship developed was utter perfection that I could not get enough of. There was such a maturity to both characters, particularly John, that I expected to be there, but was so worried that I wouldn’t get. Every moment they spent longing for the other or actually being together made me swoon. Or sigh. Or both. There were also a fantastic and diverse cast of minor characters as well as subplots, and I came to care for just about everyone.

The reality show, which kept John and Ricardo apart while simultaneously bringing them together, was really believable in so many ways, and very well-developed. Although the book is contemporary in terms of its setting and references, there’s also a paranormal element. This was provided by some magicians having a gift for True magic, which allows them to do more than simple conjuring tricks or illusions. I loved how it was used, and thought it added another neat dimension to John and Ricardo’s story.

Over all, I loved how everything worked and came together. Particularly the ending, which really surprised me in ways that a lot of the eliminations didn’t. I was a bit startled at one point when more mention was made of John’s deceased lover/partner had only been gone for a year. For some reason I kept thinking it had been longer, but by then I was so emotionally invested and so happy that it just matter or bother me as much as it might have under different circumstances. Besides, my biggest complaint is also my deepest regret. And that is not hearing about this book or paying much attention to its author any sooner than this.

In conclusion, awesome, awesome, awesome! Magic Mansion is one of my favorite books of 2012 so far, and likely to remain that way. It’s a book that I am so grateful to have found not to mention overjoyed to have read. It’s more than worth $6.99, and I could not recommend it enough.

How I would rate it: ALL THE STARS! Or, in keeping with my actual rating system, 5 out of 5.

* I am also have a hard time convincing myself to lend the book to my room mate off of my Nook, which is sort of bizarre since traditionally my Nook sits in a corner collecting dust… But that’s neither here nor there.

Posted in Review, E-book | Tagged M/M, Magic, magicians, Gay Romance, JCP Books, Jordan Castillo Price | 3 Comments

More 2012 Books I Want #10: Son of Even More M/M Romance

Posted on May 1, 2012 by April

Several of the May releases mentioned here were found thanks to Dear Author‘s latest Open Thread for Authors, and the books that are already out are titles I was just lucky enough to finally stumble upon while killing a half hour on GoodReads.

I’m so annoyed that I didn’t know about them sooner because they look so good and I could use some so good books. At least I know about them now and can buy them pronto because, after reading the first 5 chapters, I need Magic Mansion ASAP. Click on the covers to learn more!

Mage of Silence by Edward Kendrick (Silver Publishing: January 21)
The Starving Years by Jordan Castillo Price (JCP Books: March 5)
Irregulars by Nicole Kimberling, Josh Lanyon, Ginn Hale, and Astrid Amara (Blind Eye Books: March 14)
Magic Mansion by Jordan Castillo Price (JCP Books: April 10)
Chasing Shadows by Jez Morrow (Torquere Press: April 25)
Redemption by Fire by Andrew Grey (Dreamspinner Press: May 2)
Gambling Men by Amy Lane (Dreamspinner Press: May 7)
Hard Tail by JL Merrow (Samhain Publishing: May 8)
Rock and a Hard Place by Jane Davitt and Alexa Snow (Loose ID: May 8)
Heart of Ice by S.A. Welsh (Silver Publishing: May 12)
Nico’s Fire by Sui Lynn (Silver Publishing: May 12)
Ensnared by Dawn H. Hawkes (Silver Publishing: June 2)
You Can Run by Beth D. Carter (Loose ID)

Related Posts:

Posted in Shiny New Books, To Read | Tagged Blind Eye Books, Dreamspinner Press, Gay Romance, JCP Books, Loose ID, Samhain Publishing, Silver Publishing, Torquere Press | 1 Comment

Reader’s Progress #45

Posted on May 1, 2012 by April

Reader’s Progress is a monthly post where I look at my reading habits as well as the books I’ve read and reviewed.

April in Review:
Read: 14 books
Reviewed: 12 books

Reading Challenges:
2012: 82 out of 150 books according to GoodReads.

Reading Habits:
I read a lot of graphic novels and supehero chapter books for kids then I made the dreadful mistake of reading Fifty Shades of Grey which basically forced me to end the month with one of my favorite go-to genres – M/M Romance. I suspect this month will be more of the same, but there’s nothing wrong with copious amounts of manga, graphic novels, and M/M Romance.

In general, I find myself getting easily frustrated with what I’ve been reading. Probably because I also have a mountain of books to get to.

Posted in Reader's Progress | Tagged Reading | 2 Comments

Review: Manhandled by S.A. Reid and Rosemary O’Malley

Posted on April 30, 2012 by April

Manhandled by S.A. Reid and Rosemary O'Malley How did I get it: A review copy was sent to me by S.A. Reid.

Why did I read it: I liked the summary and really wanted to read it as soon as it was offered to me.

Summary:

The Cop
Brendan Daly prides himself on being a man’s man – in both senses of the word. A Boston cop with a hard body and a Southie’s hot temper, Brendan is taken aback when his boyfriend Kent accuses him of letting their love life go stale. So at Kent’s office Christmas party, Brendan decides to surprise him with some roleplaying – cop vs. suspect.

The Doc
Fresh out of medical school, handsome Stephen Gallagan is every woman’s idea of a catch. Trouble is, he’s not sure he wants a woman. Surrounded by predators in cocktail dresses, Stephen flees the Christmas party through the service corridor, running smack into Brendan. In the dark, in a tux, Stephen is a dead ringer for Kent.

The Broom Closet
The room is pitch black. Brendan is taller, stronger, and too intent on kissing Stephen to permit any protest. Metal cuffs snap around Stephen’s wrists. Ready or not, it’s time to obey…

Review: I think Manhandled serves as an intriguing introduction to both of its authors. A lot was packed into a short number of pages and it felt like a complete story, but also like a very, very short novella. Don’t get me wrong. Manhandled was hot, and I liked both characters being such stark contrasts to one another. Manhandled certainly delivers on its main premise…

But the fact that it was on the short side sort of prevented the sort of development of feelings that I tend to prefer, and haven’t found in many of the Gay Romances I’ve picked up lately. It all boils down to preference, of course, but when it comes to love, I’m all about the hearts and rainbows and feelings in addition to everything else. So I would have preferred more romance being involved in their encounters as well as their relationship. Brendan was a very tough Alpha male, and Stephen was more of a nice guy trying to figure things out, but in the case of Brendan less would have been more because he came across as an overbearing and cliche example of manly manliness in both his point of view sections as well as his dialogue.

It’s also worth noting that the excerpts afterwards were great. Both books look very promising and are definitely going on my TBR list. The first was from Rosemary O’Malley’s forthcoming novel entitled The Red King. It’s about a ruthless sort of pirate and a young almost-priest and is really tantalizing. The second was from S.A. Reid’s forthcoming novel called Soulless. It seems to be about a vampire and a man who is slightly Dr. Frankenstein and somewhat Lord Byron. The first page was a little slow, but I love the ideas behind it and the cliffhanger left me really wanting more.

In conclusion, an enjoyable piece of short fiction with a steamy concept, but I’m definitely more excited about the full-length novels that both authors plan on releasing later in 2012.

How I would rate it: 3 out of 5 stars.

Posted in E-book, Review, Review Copy | Tagged Gay Romance, Lyonnesse Books, M/M | 7 Comments

Review: Mongrel by K.Z. Snow

Posted on April 27, 2012 by April

How did I get it: I own it. I was able to pick an e-book as my prize for the March round-up of the 2012 Horror/Thriller Reading Challenge run by Mary over at Sweeping Me. This is the one I chose.

Why did I read it: I ’ve been intrigued by the summary and also the cover for quite some time now.

Summary:

Hunzinger’s Mechanical Circus, a rollicking seaside carnival where imagination meets machinery, seems like the only bright spot in the dreary city of Purinton. But a shadow is cast there one day by a tall, cloaked figure striding down the boardwalk and behaving in a most eccentric way — a man with strange eyes and strange ears and a mark at the base of his throat. He’s Fanule Perfidor, commonly known as the Dog King, and he isn’t welcome at the Circus. No resident of Taintwell is. They’re all Branded Mongrels, and they’re officially shunned.

So it’s understandable that Will Marchman, a young patent-medicine salesman, is wary when Perfidor approaches his stand and begins asking questions. Much to his chagrin, Will is beguiled as well. When the two men meet again at a public house in the city’s seediest district, all prejudice falls away. Lust takes over, then affection. An affair is born.

The naive but plucky pitchman soon becomes embroiled in a dangerous quest. Fanule suspects that Alphonse Hunzinger and Purinton’s civic leaders are responsible for the disappearance or incarceration of countless Branded Mongrels. But why? As Will’s passion and regard for his tormented lover grow, he’s determined to help Fanule get answers and prevent any further persecution…or worse.

With the aid of a dead and dismembered witch, a vulgar bounty hunter, and a dapper, voracious vampire, Fan and Will take on a group of ruthless enemies. If only they can stay together and stay alive long enough to see their plan through…

Review: This book surprised me by not only being a very enjoyable read, but also with having some new, strange concepts. I had such a good time reading it that I couldn’t put it down. I liked the mash-up of genres, particularly the Steampunkish vibe. I really liked the idea of Mongrels and their brands indicating the percentage of their mutation. Fanule and Will were great characters, together and apart. I liked the minor characters, and I think the villains served a good purpose. There could have been more grey areas or maybe a few more conflicts, but I liked the way things developed in terms of the plot, which was very interesting, and romance, which was really sweet.

My only complaint stems from my being a very greedy reader who always wants more of a good thing. Because I was really into what I got, I wanted the book to be twice as long. Everything worked and I’m very glad I got around to reading it, but I never fell as deeply in love with this book and its world as I would have liked to. I’m pretty sure that’s because the book was only a little over 200 pages in length, so I think more pages and more time would have allowed everything –from the world-building to the romance to the plot– to unfold in a much more organic way.

In conclusion, a really good and engaging romance with a lot of unique aspects. I don’t know that everything was used to its full potential, but there’s so few books like this out there that it’s well worth getting a copy of. I’m also very sad to discover/report that there aren’t sequels or other e-books set in the same world. If there were, I would be in the process of gobbling them up right this very minute. Instead I’ll wait for a little bit of time to pass and then I’ll probably read Mongrel again.

How I would rate it: 4 out of 5 stars.