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Cia

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  1. Cia

    Weekly Wrap Up 2/27-3/3

    By Cia,


    Weekly Wrap Up
    A look back at this week on GA!
     
    This week started off with a review of Tiff's No Fairy Tale World by yours truly! A great story, follow the link if you'd like to see the review if you missed it the first time around. You'll also find a link to the story.
     
    We had member reviews of two stories by site authors, Cassie Q and In the mind of Sunshine. Another feature this week was a prompt 114 response story by Andy021278. This weeks prompts, 116 and 117 were both creative cues. One gives you the basic plot and the other was a starting line prompt. Check them out here!
     
    A big event on GA this week was the reveal of the Reader's Choice Award winners! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who was up for nomination and those who won. Every story involved deserved the recognition. CJ, of course, won the King of Cliffhangers award. Everyone needs to make sure they don't let him forget the high honor he so obviously deserves!
     
    Thanks to Wildone and Lugh, we also got to see a list of the award winners from the last 5 years in this week's Blast from the Past. It was interesting to see the names of authors move through the lists over the years! You can see it through this link.
     
    This week's tip came from Renee. It was all about head hopping; that nefarious practice where your character's thoughts and emotions pop up when they shouldn't. Bad characters! She gives a good set of examples and how to fix them in the blog that can be found here.
     

    So... we've looked back, now let's look forward.
     
    Spring 2012-Anthology 'It Wasn't Me' is due March 8th. That's Thursday!!
    The theme can be interpreted in many ways. Participating in the anthology is a great way for authors, especially new authors, to get a larger number of reads on a story. It's also a great way to give readers a taste of your writing, and possibly gaining you more fans. So if you can, submit a story or poem. Information on how to submit can be found in the anthology forum.
     
    The next anthology is GA's Poetry 'Cracks in Time' due 4-17-2012.
  2. Cia
    Recognize that name?! Yes, Anyta Sunday was once a very active author on GA, and now she's a successful eBook author. I recently had the chance to read her latest fantasy title and wanted to share my review here as well!
     


    My Review


     
     
     
    So it's been quite a few years since I was heavy into fantasy. I enjoy it, but my convoluted plot reading skills have rusted. I had a hard time getting into Locked in the beginning, switching from what read as contemporary to fantasy to some mix of the two... but in no way like I was expecting. By the time I reached the ending scenes of the book I couldn't read fast enough and I'd sequestered myself in a room and hushed my children as they interrupted me, begging for just a few more minutes to be left alone with Rye and his friends and foes.
     
     
     
    Locked is definitely a fantasy tale rife with magic, mayhem... and dragons! Are they evil? Good? A mix of the both? Considering the dragons are also people (though in no way is this a shifter-like theme) for me they fell into both. I loved how they were humanized in some ways and beastified (I can't think of another way to put it) in others.
     
     
     
    Above all, I loved the themes of the story that come into play again and again. Good isn't all good and evil isn't all evil. Everyone has their motivations and everyone has choices to make. But... how many people in the story are making their own choices or are being led to making them for a greater purpose? And is that greater purpose good for them and the realms or is their a mastermind villain behind the scenes when we're focused on the more obvious one?
     
     
     
    Those questions and more plagued me as I read, keeping me wondering to the very end... and beyond. I'm still not sure who is really the bad guy and who isn't. I'd love to read more, which will happen since Locked is just book one in the Telluric Realm series. My only word of warning to readers is to make sure you can read this in a place with no distractions because the tale is told through many different point of views, which means you really have to pay attention if you want to catch the subtle clues and connections lacing the story.
     
     
     

    Want to pick up your own copy?



    ​Visit my offsite blog,
    Cia's Stories, to enter the rafflecopter contest to win an eBook copy or use the link below to buy your own.




  3. Cia
    This month we're featuring Bill W's story, Butterflies Fly Free. Did you check out Monday's post with his ad graphic and reviews by some of his readers? You should! You can also download a copy of the signature graphic if you want to help promote Bill's story.
     


    Butterflies Fly Free

     
     
     

    Bill says: Sometimes you have to give those you love the chance to spread their wings, like a butterfly, and if they return, your being together was meant to be.
     

    Want to read more? Check out the story here!
  4. Cia

    December Signature Excerpt: Heart Of The Tree By Graeme

    By Cia,


    Signature Feature
    This month we're featuring Graeme's story, Heart of the Tree, which he picked for the Signature feature. You'll notice he has a graphic running in the story and site ads, and you can also download a graphic for your signature if you want to help support Graeme. Today we're sharing an excerpt from his story he picked to share with you. Enjoy!
     

    Heart of the Tree

     

    Everyone’s attention was drawn to the sound of a motorbike being ridden at well over the speed limit, and then to the squeal of tyres as it pulled up at the edge of the park.
     
    “Rhys has arrived,” Vince said, smiling wryly.
     
    The rider took off his helmet and shook his head to release a coal-black ponytail that reached down between his shoulder blades; a ponytail that Vince and Mia knew annoyed Rhys’s dad. The peroxide-blonde strip down the middle was calculated to push that annoyance to the limit. His shirt, with the slogan “COOL AS FCUK,” added to the overall image of teenage rebellion.
     
    “He likes to make an entrance,” Mia replied, secretly pleased by the distraction. “Come on,” she added, using their friend as her excuse to escape from The Tree.
     
    “RHYS!” Senior Sergeant Dresden’s face went red with rage.
     
    “Do you think he’s in trouble again?” Mia asked Vince as they headed over.
     
    “That depends. Has he stopped being in trouble from last time?”
     
    With the ease of years of practise, Senior Sergeant Dresden was reading the riot act to his son. Rhys just looked wide-eyed back at his dad, the perfect picture of innocence.
     
    “...Now give me the keys!”
     
    “But you can’t confiscate my bike for that!” Rhys said, surprised at the demand. He was suddenly uncertain. That was not the way things normally went.
     
    “As a cop, no. As your dad, yes I can. Now hand them over, or I start writing charges. I’m sure I can come up with enough to keep you off the road for at least a year.”
     
    Mia couldn’t help grinning. Rhys normally perfectly rode the line between a minor infraction and a major misdemeanour, but he’d gone too far. When he dropped the keys into his dad’s outstretched hand without further comment, Mia could tell that Rhys knew it, too. How long it would take before he got them back remained to be seen, but Rhys had suffered a rare loss in his ongoing duel with his dad.
     
    To read more of the story click HERE!
  6. Cia
    This guest article on Writer's Digest's blog is absolutely wonderful! I can't say enough about how I agree with every single point made!
     
    The Highlights:
     
    1. Your words are your tools; make sure they are in working order.
    2. Check for inconsistencies.
    3. Avoid overwriting.
    4. Avoid underwriting.
    5. Make sure your characters are more than a name.
    6. Show, don't tell.
    7. Sharpen that dialogue...
    8. ...And expose that subtext.
    9. Drive the plot toward your reader's AHA moment.
    10. Build your world.
     
    Now go check out the great information and tips shared.
     
    http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-top-10-elements-of-a-book-people-want-to-read?et_mid=733701&rid=239107852
  7. Cia

    Free Publishing eBook

    By Cia,

    I like to share tips, and free tip books, whenever possible. Not everything might apply to you, but even if you don't publish, knowing how to brand yourself as an author and use social media can be helpful! Bookbaby is offering another free eBook, Self-Publishing Book Camp by Carla King, as a download now. Get your copy!!
     

    Bookbaby Download Page

  8. Cia
    My rating:
    4 of 5 stars

     
    Today I'm featuring Chris T. Kat's newest release, Bratty Angel. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Okay, I don't have much to say about this book... except go buy it now! It's a great fantasy, with a mythological twist I really enjoyed. Good and evil aren't quite so clear cut in this tale. Nope, no siree. You find that out when you learn a hellhound and angel are hanging out. And the angel's harassing someone for some pleasure.
     
    Reading this story caused me to snicker like crazy. Love-stick--totally priceless! There's a lot of great snark in the story, which I always love. A story that makes me laugh is always appreciated. But then I sank into Bratty Angel as it revealed a lot more depth. There's a whole mythos to discover in the short story which makes it feel longer... but still not long enough.
     
    I think there's a lot more of this that should come next. Chris has created a storyline that must go on. So buy the eBook, read it, review it, and do what I'm doing now... tell her to write MORE!
     
    View all my reviews
  9. Cia

    Author Interview: Carl Holiday

    By Cia,


    Author Interviews
    Have you downloaded your copy of the Signature Background for February yet? There's still time! Today we're featuring an interview with Carl Holiday, all about him, his writing, and a little about how Hold 32 came into being!
     
    Do you eat your fruits and vegetables?
    I’m more of a dairy and grains kind of guy.
     
    Are you a person who makes their bed in the morning, or do you not see much point?
    I make it up at night, before I use it. It’s not like the housing inspectors will be coming along and give me demerits for sloppy housekeeping.
     
    What brought you to GA?
    I was out on the web looking for gay (or, gay written) stories and discovered Gay Authors. At the time, I was working on a long story and publishing it on Nifty when I was contacted by someone here and the rest is history.
     
    Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
    Yes, getting in enough humor because it’s so vital to the human psyche.
     
    Do you have any writing rituals?
    No, not since I moved in with my son in October 2011.
     
    How did you come up with the plumber idea for Hold32 based on the anthology theme ‘Walk on the Wild Side’?
    There will come a time in the far future (if we’re not obliterated by an asteroid or massive Yellowstone sized volcano) when humans will venture forth in humongous space vessels seeking a new planet they can pollute with rapt abandon.
     
    Did the characters or the plot come to you first?
    Plot first, characters and tiger second.
     
    Did you ever think up the alternative method for them that you didn’t share with the short story?
    No, they had their work to do and it has to be done. They probably have a union approved directive stating their need to get the job done. How they did it was up to them.
     
    What are your future projects? Do you ever think you’ll go back to these guys?
    1) Finish Hercules III. Honest, there is an end in sight; it’ll just take a while; unless, of course, a plot change occurs.
     
    2) Depending on unknown circumstances, I’ll probably start work on another long story; humongous star ships seem to be a sub-genre I can live in.
     
    Guys in Hold 32 again? No, I don’t see ever coming to another story about plumbers. Although, a long, long time ago (decades), I was working on a long story centered around a plumbing company, Petersen Plumbing, located in North Park (favorite fictional town) in Washington state.
  10. Cia

    Featured Story: Hold 32

    By Cia,


    Featured Stories
    This month for the Signature Background, I featured Carl Holiday's story, Hold 32 from the 2011 Anthology themed: Walk on the Wild Side. A short story I enjoyed then and now, I thought I'd do the review myself! And if you haven't had a chance to download your background yet this month, you can get it here!


    Hold 32

     

    by
    Carl Holiday


    Signature Author


     
    Reviewer: Cia
    Status: Complete
    Length: 1,595
     
    I read A LOT, but this story stuck out to me in 2011 when I first read it. In fact, I said:
     
     
    When I read the story again, I was struck anew by the nuances of the world Carl created in a seriously restricted amount of words. We get a lovely picture of the two main characters' life together outside of work. They live upon a millennia-old ship the size of the moon, humanity going on after leaving Earth but never setting down roots on a planet. But just like some areas here and now, poor decision making and mismanagement have created areas where it is just NOT safe to go.
     
    Places where humans do not hold sway--somewhere no one has gone since things went wrong. And are these two guys soldiers? Nope. Just two work-a-day men who have a job to do, and some piddly stunners to keep themselves safe. That just screams bad idea, because who knows what those critters have gotten up to as they cruised through the stars?
     
    I still want more of this story. I want to see what happens after Jerry and Derrick meet with the written dead-end. Can they fill the order and perform the work? Or will there be other surprises waiting for them? What would happen if those surprised got out?!! As always, the mark of a really good story is the fact I don't want to put it down. Hold 32 definitely qualifies. If you have a few minutes and are looking for a short read to fill your spare time, you definitely need to read this!
     


    Category: 2011-2 Anthology: Walk on the Wide Side Genre: Drama Tags: off-planet, no sex, future Rating: Mature


  11. Cia
    Let it Go by Sid Love
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    For me, Let it Go, ranks 3.75 stars. The writing is generally smooth, and the slang terms were kept separate for the different nationalities, which I know is tricky when you're writing a foreign character. There were some typos and a pretty big character oops when one of the two main characters, Virat, says his wife doesn't speak good English--and then she comes right out fluent as can be later in the story. I was able to overlook most of the issues, though, and really enjoy the characters' journey.
     
    Damon is an interesting character. At first I thought he was a photographer, based on the beginning. I liked his personality, though. Like most people, he saw something he wanted but when he realized he couldn't have it, he tried to do the right thing... but is the right thing always what everyone else thinks is best?
     
    And we find out that Damon's love interest, newlywed Virat, isn't quite sure what the right thing is either. His wife of just days is a sweet, wonderful woman, and he loves her. But is that enough? They both have a lot of miscommunication going on between them, and everyone else in the story. The true question comes at the end of the book... "What happened next?" and I'm so glad we find out with a lovely epilogue. The Bittersweet Dreams angle scared me, but I was quite happy by the time I hit 'The End'.
     
     
    View all my reviews
  12. Cia
    This month’s Signature Background featured 9.11 by Mark Arbour. Usually when we feature a story by a Signature author, we like to get a review from one of the site members… but the very nature of 9.11 made that difficult. It’s a story in a very long, very complex series, and CAP isn’t something you can just jump into anywhere. So, instead, I thought we’d let a few of Mark’s over 1000 reviews (holy crap!!!) share reader’s favorite parts and thoughts from the very emotional tale.
     
     
     
     
     

    9.11 by Mark Arbour


    Signature Author


    Series: CAP Saga Bk 13
    Length: 502,253
    Status: Complete
     
    From BigBearPaul: I know that this is my first review but I sometimes get overwhelmed by the quality of the postings here. That written, I really love the CAP stories and I love this constant struggle that appears between the Schluter and the Hayes men… Again, great story and so much more to look forward to.
     
    From jack.unders: OMG!!! What more can I say that has not already been said so eloquently by all my fellow fans and readers of CAP and other sagas that have been borne from the imagination of such a fertile mind as that of our beloved auithor, Mark. To all of his assoicates that have contributed to the publication of what has been up to now an amazing journey through the lives of JP's family, my heartfelt thanks.
     
    From dtothesecond: It just gets better with every book. It is easy to see, just by having read this book in its entirety, that 9.11 took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to put together. That was such a turbulent time in everyone's lives, mine included. I've stayed quiet for a long time (I think I last posted when "Paternity" was still new...dang time flies) but I just want to say once again just how much I appreciate your amazing talent for writing and the fact you share it with us, your devoted fans, here on GA.
     
    I look forward to seeing what awaits that Crampton/Schluter/Hobart/Danfield/Carrswold/etc clans in the coming book. It's my (and many other readers, from what I've seen) hope that Matt finally figures things out in the next book. I guess only you know if he and Wade will eventually work their ways back to each other and I eagerly await the twists and turns that are sure to come in the next book.
     
    From Mark M: Wow, realising I joined the CAP series in 2008 with Be-Rad means I've been reading your work for like six years. (Holy crap)
    These story are just pure gold in my mind. However some authors I read kill of characters left right and centre.
     
    I believe the creator of "Game of Thrones" (The Author) has the record for most introduced and killed main characters. I have not read his work but I do watch the show.
     
    And alas he is gone and has not returned I will mention Vlista here also as one of the most descriptive brutalish writers I have read.
     
    But in Also Seriousness, Mark. I Rank you in one of my favourite authors of all time.
     

    And there are many more reviews where these came from!! Mark has one of the most vocal readerships I’ve ever seen—commenting on his characters as if they live—because for so long may have for readers within the series. To keep up the continuity well enough to please fans in the time-sweeping CAP Saga is an impressive feat, because they’re certainly not shy in sharing their criticism on the plot and characters just as freely as they praise it. And that’s just what we like to see here on GA!
  13. Cia
    Let it Ride by L.C. Chase
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I read Let it Ride... and then let it ride. It's hard to write this review without spoiling the story. My first impressions of Bridge were of a big, affable cowboy whose everyone's friend on the surface. Under that, he has a great big heart that's set on Eric. Eric is cautious, and with his past, slow to trust.
     
    Watching their dance play out as they go from the private 'I want him, does he want me?' moments to the end was great. At no time did I feel the author overdid the drama. Sure, there were some moments when I really wished the characters would just TALK, but by far, the emphasis on their conflict was on the emotional side of things, both the causes and effects, and how they could overcome them.
     
    I really, really liked how the ending went most of all. Nothing was magically fixed, the big climactic conflict wasn't swept under the rug or tied off with a neat bow. We got a happily ever after (it's a romance, c'mon, we all know that's coming, so I know that's not a spoiler)that both let me sigh with a smile, and not feel like they were too idyllic or easily overcome.
     
    Plus, you know... a hot cowboy and a medico. Two of my favorite things! LOL Definitely a recommend.

    View all my reviews
  14. Cia
    It's Complicated by L.A. Witt
    My rating: 3 of 5 stars
     
    Okay, so I had the hardest time rating this eBook. I thought 2.5 stars for the plot. It's annoying--basically. Passive aggressive relationship stories drive me bonkers. I thought we'd see more of them working through their problems, not have new ones dumped on top that ramped up the angst factor to "Seriously?" factors for me. Which this did. I don't want to spoil the story... but read the story blurb and it's pretty much already done for me. The marketing basically gives you the ENTIRE plot. The only thing you don't get to see is the ending. For me, that makes it even more annoying because it feels like every surprise we're suppose to learn along with the characters is info bombed before we even get there. It lessens the impact of the emotional climaxes along the plot arc, which divorced me from the characters in a BIG way.
     
    Oh, we love each and want to make it work so we're starting over--Boom! Already know that. Great sex still works--Boom! Already know that. Ex that still works with main character gets pregnant--Boom! Already know that. Ex wants to bail from the business and the city, omg, what will he do--Boom! Already know that.
     
    The only things we don't get to see beforehand are the way Brad's job contributes to the resolution (though it was obvious as soon as I figured out what he did) and the actual decisions made at the end on how to make things work. Which again, isn't any big thing--it becomes pretty much obvious.
     
    This eBook went up to 3 stars because I did feel L.A. Witt's basic writing ability to craft sentences and flow is good. I also got a tad teary eyed during the climax emotional scene before the resolution and ending. Pulling me into the story to feel even that much for the characters when I felt divorced from the plot because I already knew it took some skill. Overall, though this type of plot isn't my favorite, I'd have enjoyed it--if it didn't feel like I'd already read the CliffsNotes version.


    View all my reviews
  15. Cia
    Bonded by Rosalie Tarr
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 because I did snicker quite a bit in the story. Delivery can only make up for the plot so far, though, and I felt that Bonded took the gay for you a bit far with 2 'straight' characters. I have to admit to having issues with fact that the insta-love element didn't just apply to the character's newly met relationship but to the sexual desire element as well.
     
    There's a line there when it comes to attraction going from opposite to same gender that doesn't always need to be crossed. It's like telling a gay man he just needs to meet the right woman, and he'd be straight. Now, maybe in paranormal fiction that would work... but how loud would folks cry out against it, if it were true? I didn't really expect all that in the story, so it really colored my reading experience.
     
    I did like the author paired both the romance with an underlying story. Without giving away anything, I enjoyed the arcs of the story... until the end. Like another reviewer said, it just felt too neat, too pat. Things are never perfect--especially when you deal with real people and real events. I'd have loved to see a better realistic ending.
     
    Overall, I like the story. But... that's it; I just like it. I find that vampire fiction isn't as common anymore, so I was super excited to pick this up to read, but then fizzled. It just didn't quite live up to what I was looking for as far as the overall storyline.

    View all my reviews
  16. Cia
    Straight Shooter by Heidi Belleau

     
    It's out! I thought I'd share this review today, though I read Straight Shooter a bit back as an ARC. What can I say? I never pass up a chance to get a Heidi Belleau story. At first, I was pretty leery after I read the description. For all my open-mindedness about kinks, humiliation just doesn't do it for me. It makes me pretty uncomfortable, actually, because the shades of denigration usually feel more damaging than anything else. Plus, I somehow get embarrassed for the characters.
     
    Yes, I did spend some time reading this literally squinting with one through my fingers as I cringed from the page on my reader. I still really, really liked it.
     
    Austin was such a complex character. He had a lot going on, pressures and feelings and insecurities, and a serious issue with impulse control. I loved watching his evolution through the story as he came to know himself in a deeper way... and relate that to the people around him in positive ways. And yes, a big part of that came from the kink he explores with 'Puck'.
     
    Heidi also exposes a lot of the duality of those in the porn industry--both the good and bad sides of it. Yes, they're characters but they're people too with lives, likes, and loves completely divorced from the person on the screen. Yet... obviously that person is a part of their psyche too. Add in that Liam, aka Puck, is a real person with feelings and flaws and we have yet another lovely character driven piece of wonderful fiction.
     
    Seriously, read the synopsis and excerpt for this. If you have no issues with humiliation kink and like coming of age stories that are firmly rooted in reality--yet still have that wonderful dose of just right angst, you should read Straight Shooter.
     
    Oh, did I mention it has college jocks? Yeah. Hockey players. YUM

    View all my reviews
  17. Cia
    Strain by Amelia C. Gormley
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars
     
    *COMING SOON*
           Feb. 17th!
     
    Many, many times I search for dystopian stories only to fail to find one that captures my attention. I want the sense of 'the world has ended' drama, the gritty and often dark reality that the comfortable has disappeared and survival takes a level of guts and bravery not everyone has.
     
    Strain fulfilled every single one of those dystopian desires. We have governmental mishandling, virus-releasing, politician tumbling, society crumbling and... and.... ZOMBIES! Well, kinda. We also have superhumans that are more human than the humans they're trying to save and protect.
     
    I'm not going to go over the plot, other to warn that there is a lot of sexual content and those who have issues with slight reluctant consent/shades of non-consent should be wary. I felt the sex, while frequent, was not gratuitous due to the integral nature of the plague/cure the plot required. There's some shades of D/s involved as well.
     
    The world building was a little lax. I'd have liked to see more of the society and overall picture, but the microcosm of the story from the character's POV made that lack not too bad. When the world has ended, there's not like any newspaper or TV to watch to see what's going on in other countries, or even in the same country or state.
     
    The author's writing was smooth. I was hooked from the dramatic beginning, where the main character was fighting for his life... and losing. I adored the main characters, disliked the villain and steadily grew to hate him as I was supposed to. The story wasn't exactly a surprise when it comes to events but I was forced to stay up half the night to finish it anyway. It was absolute torture... to end it! I wanted more. I will definitely be watching this author for more stories to come.
     
    View all my reviews
  18. Cia
    I began this story as a flash piece with my blog group, The Wednesday Briefers. With a lot of polish, and over 14k in new content... it's now Protecting Bear. Today only, January 10th, you could win a copy on my off-site blog! Just comment, include your email, and you could win! Contest ends at 10 PM, PST. All comments also count toward my $10 Amazon gift card contest ending on my blog, January 20th.
     

    Visit my blog contest

     

    Protecting Bear is also available for purchase for only $2.99







    Protecting Bear


     
    Synopsis:
    Bear has sworn off guys who try to pick him up at his second job working as a bartender. His ex, Vilem, damn near turned him off dating altogether. Jimmy would flip if he finds out Bear dated a drug dealer, as if Bear did it knowingly. His career as a cop only makes his brother more protective.
     
    But Kameron doesn’t try to pick him up at the bar. He doesn’t ask for a blow job or a back alley screw. He asks Bear out for coffee. That alone is rare enough to get Bear to say yes. They have an instant chemistry, even though he will cut the giant off at the knees if Kameron calls Bear “little guy” one more time.
     
    Kameron’s secrets grow harder to hide the longer he dates Bear. He wants to come clean, but he knows there’s a very good chance the fiery man will never speak to him again. Kameron wrestles with his conscience and his desire for Bear.
     
    Both men’s choices lead to a series of events neither see coming. Bear believes his judgment failed him once again when he learns exactly what Kameron was hiding. At the same time, Bear learns Vilem wasn't just a corner drug dealer, and some very scary guys are after him.
     
    Can both men survive their encounter with Vilem’s bosses? When Bear and Kameron land in a life or death situation, it's up to Bear to save himself … and Kameron, if he's lucky.
     
    Excerpt:
    "I don’t know man, that’s a lot.”
     
    “Can you get the stuff or not?” Kameron shifted his weight back and forth. The inside of the phone booth was filthy and something had died in the corner. The small space had a foul smell, but Kameron tried to pretend he didn’t notice. “Ben said you could get me ten grams. I need it.” He sniffed and wiped his nose.
     
    “I don’t usually—”
     
    “Look, I got two fifty. I’m looking for ten grams for a… a party I’m throwing. I need it now. You coming or not?” His heart raced during the silence as he urged Maks to agree.
     
    “Fifth and Inochs?”
     
    “Sweet,” Kameron said with relief. “Yeah, I’ll be by the statue. See you in twenty, right? You’ll be there with my stuff?”
     
    “I’ll be there.” Kameron heard Maks mutter about junkies under his breath. He managed to keep his response in check. He waited until he was almost to the bridge before he made the call so it only took him a few minutes to get in place. His palms were sweating, and he kept wiping them on his ratty jeans. Finally he stuffed them in his pockets to keep them still.
     
    His hoodie obscured his vision, but he didn’t want to lower it. It was cold under the bridge, and the wind sent icy fingers inside the holes exposing his knees. Kameron hunched over, slumping against smooth side of the abstract metal statue. Damn wind was making his nose run already.
     
    How much longer? He couldn’t help peering back and forth, checking the creeping shadows. The freeway overhead hummed with cars taking people home or out to whatever entertainment they craved on a Friday night.
     
    And here was his.
     
    Maks looked just like his picture. Kameron relaxed a little. He took his hands out of his pants pockets and fiddled with the strings to his hoodie. The cold made his fingertips burn. There was a lot more snow here than he was used to, and Kameron was fucking freezing.
     
    “Carson?”
     
    Kameron nodded. “You Maks?”
     
    “Yeah.”
     
    They both knew how this went down. Kameron twitched his strings again and sniffed. “You got my party supplies?”
     
    “Yeah, I brought them.” The drug dealer lifted a six-pack of beer. “You’re gonna pay me back for the beers, right?”
     
    “’Course.” Kameron dug around in his pocket and pulled out a small wad of crumpled bills. He stuffed the money back in his pocket after he flashed it to Maks. “I just need to make sure the beer’s my
    favorite kind.”
     
    Maks didn’t look happy, but he handed over the six-pack. “It’s all there.”
     
    Kameron picked up a bottle, peering at it, then tilted the carton. The orange glow from the streetlight shone on the white baggies tucked in the bottom, around the beer. “Looks good.”
     
    He put the beer back and then shoved his hood off his head. Kameron dug into his pocket, shivering as the wind blew sharply, scattering litter along the ground. He peered at Maks. “If I have another party, say in a couple of weeks, could you get me more of the same?”
     
    “Sure.” Maks looked eager to be gone, his eyes focused on the cash in Kameron’s hand.
     
    “Cool.”
     
    Maks grabbed the cash Kameron held out and kept walking. “Nice doing business with you,” he said over his shoulder.
     
    “Oh, it was. You can stop right there though.” Kameron tugged on the cord hanging around his neck, hidden under his sweatshirt.
     
    “What the fuck? You gonna try to rip me off? My bosses will—” Maks spun around and froze.
     
    “Not be any help to you.” Kameron pulled his gun from behind his back.
  19. Cia
    As Natural As Breathing by Thianna D.
    My rating: 3 of 5 stars
     
    I enjoyed the story, which is why I gave it 3 stars. However, it was not without its flaws. I definitely felt the 'Stepford family' vibes. The contrast between the perfect couples to the supposedly broken Christian bothered me. The parental/child knowledge of their sex lives really bugged me. Just... ew, but I guess in a true DD relationship having kids would create a wrinkle. Either it becomes bedroom related only and extremely well hidden, or it's open.
     
    Usually I dissect exactly what I do and do not like about a story. Other than those issues though, I just felt a vague 'meh, it's a story'. I read it, I didn't feel like my time was, but it didn't really stick out. Overuse of character descriptions and a vaguely unreal feeling let me somewhat dissatisfied. I think the author would have benefited greatly from a comprehensive content review to shake up the story and make it more believable.

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  20. Cia
    No Flag by Liz Borino
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I tried to read this, stopped in a few pages, tried to read this, stopped in a few pages... The early hook with the dramatic scene into the past plot line drives me bonkers. It colored the story for me and let some of the initial romance down.
     
    That being said, I'm so glad I read the story. Once I got to a certain point the character's bond and the pain/drama they went through reached me and kept me reading. I've had a bit of a thing for military fiction lately, and this fit the bill, but by and far the story focused on Will and Mike.
     
    Domestic discipline stories aren't my usual fare when I read bdsm, but when in context with a loving relationship, it can work. The power dynamic always feels a bit... childish to me, though. But, it works for Mike and Will.
     
    It doesn't work for the supporting characters. Wow. I really felt for Will. He had no true support network, and the very beginning when we hear him say that no one will call him from the military because he isn't Mike's family was very telling. The fact that his friend didn't see through his ruse was telling. I am a big sick of the shrewish/evil/conniving chick character trope, but Casey was a character I'd love to bitch slap, again and again, so her behavior did get a reaction from me.
     
    Overall... smooth reading with a good story pull once you get into it. If you like DD style BDSM, military, hurt/comfort stories or any combo of the above, check out No Flag. I think you'll quite like it!

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  21. Cia
    Catch a Ghost by S.E. Jakes
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I hesitated to read this book based on the cover title. I adore contemporary paranormal, but I have a... bias, we'll call it, about ghosts. I'm glad I gave Catch a Ghost a chance, however, because it's nothing like what you might expect.
     
    I adore military fiction lately, especially anything that throws in otherworldly info for effect. The spit and polish is missing from the story for the military vibe... but that's because these guys are as far from soldiers as you can get. Prophet and Tom are rough and tumble guys ready to do things THEIR way. Fortunately Phil doesn't micromanage them, as if he had a shot.
     
    Prophet and Tom are off on a mission that is oddly geared toward their strengths. I thought that element of the plot, with the fighting backgrounds, to be almost too coincidental. Of course for Prophet, it fit because the whole incident they're investigating is tied intimately to his past. We get to meet several of the people who made Prophet who he was. It was good to see that background fleshing him out.
     
    Tom's background felt a bit more vague. So much of his motivation, partnering with and without Prophet, was based on his fear that his intuitions had caused a miasma of bad luck, not for him, but for anyone stuck being his partner. That led to an angry, closeted man... even if his sexuality wasn't what he was hiding.
     
    What threw me was the ending of the story. It's not over. I know there's a sequel... but I'd have liked more resolution. Knowing the sequel is already out, though, takes a bit of that dissatisfaction away. The writing and flow of the story was definitely enough to keep me reading and make me want Long Time Gone. I'm hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars on the review, but that need to read more hiked me up to 4 stars for my rating.

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  22. Cia
    Bad Idea by Damon Suede
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    This was my first Damon Suede eBook. I'm a tad torn on the review and hopefully this won't come off as a bad review. I have to say I enjoyed the story. Trip and Silas were well fleshed out characters and their motivations were easy to see and understand. The plot was arced well and fit together seamlessly. The supporting characters, especially the women, blended together a bit for me and I'd have liked to see more character definition and quirks from them to set their personalities apart.
     
    Though I liked the story once I'd finished, I still felt a disconnect. I started and stopped this book twice when usually I can breeze through one this length in a few hours at most. It might be that I'm not a comic person. I'm not a movie person. Those two elements were vital vehicles to the character and plot progression. Without having that interest, and 'inside' knowledge, I think it was harder for me to really identify with the overall story.
     
    If I were to rate this on the plot alone, I'd give it 3 stars. But I am inclined to add another star for a writing element that would normally have turned me off completely. I was fascinated by the graphic feel to this book. I could almost, as I read along, see the action panes for each scene. It hopped from section to section that would usually make me complain about plot continuity and ease of reading but with Bad Idea... it felt deliberate. That sort of tie in, with the writing itself to the plot, impressed me.
     
    Overall, I think this was a good story. If you like comic artist stories, graphic novels, cons, movie effects, etc... this is right up your alley. Oh, and if the author had been able to commission and squeeze in an image of Silas' Con costume this would get sooooo many stars. Cause damn. *drools*

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  23. Cia
    Finding Home by Diana DeRicci
    My rating: 5 of 5 stars
     
    Sometimes, I like a feel good story. Diana DeRicci's story, Finding Home, starts out rough for our main character, Parker. He's gotten the crap kicked out of him by life. Sometimes, pride is all a person has left but Parker takes the ride and the $20 offered to him by a well-meaning older man. Even more amazingly... just a short time later, he takes the help offered by a local gay couple, one of which is a local cop, to stick around for a while.
     
    People pop up to help Parker settle in to Jasper. No one offers him a handout after the initial effort of the ride and a bit of money for food, but they certainly offer him a hand up. I loved the realism of the struggles Parker faces as he begins to stand on his own two feet once more.
     
    Diana could've given us a pat romance device of uniting Parker with his first love, and the reason for his journey on the road, but she's a better writer than that. I loved the interweaving of Parker's past life and people from it with the connections he was making in the present with Ian and Caleb's families. I adored Summer, as we were meant to, of course.
     
    Okay, so the plot moves a bit fast for all the changes and the emotional leaps for the characters. I'd have enjoyed more story and getting to know Parker and his romantic interest more as a couple. That, however, is exactly what every really good story I read leaves me wanting. I know as an author that isn't always the way it works, but as a reader, I WANT! lol
     
    All in all, I definitely recommend reading this story! Oh, and I read this outside of the series, having never read the first or second, and had no troubles keeping up with the story as a stand alone. I'm sure I might have been more familiar with a few of the other characters had I read it after them, but it wasn't necessary.

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  24. Cia
    After the Fall by L.A. Witt

     
    After the Fall was an interesting book. I enjoyed the horse facts, though I grew up around western riders, so eastern riding was a refreshing change. The average reader shouldn't have any trouble understanding the lingo used, especially since Nathan ends up teaching Ryan how to ride since he's the one who landed him in a world of pain.
     
    L.A. Witt is an accomplished rider, and I was looking forward to this installment in the Tucker Spring's series. Her stories involve rich characters and intricate relationships, but are rarely angsty. For the most part that's good, but I found this story to be almost predictable enough to be boring. Additionally, the heavy story line about Nathan's friends was distracting though I understood the parallel in the relationship fear.
     
    That being said... lust and fear drove the story's conflict. "I want you, you want me..." Both Nathan and Ryan are on the same page, but things changed for Ryan. I felt like the whole blow up at the end was a bit ridiculous. Ryan was never open about being willing to change his mind, that I could see, but when Nathan tried to explain how he felt, what he was afraid of, Ryan shut him down cold. Granted, Nathan was a bit of douche when/where he did it, and sometimes his 'I'm so afraid of being burned again' felt too girly, but Ryan blew his stack without even attempting to communicate his changing feelings.
     
    While that might be somewhat realistic, people do break up over non-communication all the time, it didn't feel like enough to drive the conflict in the plot. Part of that would be the first person style not letting us see the changing feelings Ryan had, divorcing us from his growing love and then the drastic hurt he felt. I enjoy L.A. Witt's writing style and her character's snarky humor, but in this case the first person style really divorced me from the couple dynamic. In the end that led to this being a fairly average romance story that was good, but didn't make any great impact on me. If you love the series, or L.A. Witt, you won't be sorry if pick it up. If not... well, read more of the reviews and decide for yourself.

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  25. Cia
    Orbital Decay by Allen Steele
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars
     
    I wanted to read this book because the description is so relevant to today. Set in 2016, we aren’t stuck with things like stone washed jeans and bulky cell phones that could double as exercise weights. Of course there are a lot of things that haven’t become as advanced as we are currently, but then again, authors don’t own crystal balls. Yet, this is a classic genre feeling book that drew me back to my first love of science-fiction with all its detail and actual science. Back in the 80s this story had to have felt futuristic, now it just feels … prophetic.
     
    Okay, we don’t have beam-jacks, and we’re not expanding into space at the rate humans are in Orbital Decay. But we still have so many aspects of governmental oversight, malfeasance, and denial. We have people who are frustrated with the constant deception who decide… enough! The political climate of the story is strangely familiar, unfortunately.
     
    I’m not a big fan of flashbacks, and in essence, this story is very much a giant flashback. It worked in the style written, though I did have some issues with some of the events being narrated by Sam that seemed more like the author than the character, hence the switching between first and third and characters. POV is a lot less fluid in today’s writing. Readers prefer to know who is speaking, and they can be sticklers to demand that authors don’t hop and spill things the POV character cannot know.
     
    I like the blue collar character focus. There are several characters that pop from the page, which is something I need when I read a dated book like Orbital Decay. I can overlook the dated technology and assumptions, if I’m drawn in enough by their personalities and interactions. All in all, I found this to be a solid read taking me back to my sci-fi reading roots. A definite 3.5 stars, and a recommend if you’re a fan of the genre already!
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