Velvet Blade by Sean Michael

Velvet Blade by Sean Michael
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall
Although the kink here involves blades, it's not cutting, but shaving. Neither of these particularly interest me as we are given, once again, a Dom with money to burn and a Sub who doesn't realize he's a sub. Although the "Darlin'"s got old fast, I did enjoy the Sub, and the Dom was what he needed--it can't be argued they weren't sweet together. But the beginning seemed slow, humdrum, and done before (although fans of the series may enjoy it just for this reason). The last 40% really picks up and took me for a surprised ride.

Strengths
I was taken off guard by the end, which I'll resist discussing in too much detail. After the slow beginning, it's quite the shock, and it may have all happened too quickly; the book could have benefited from a shorter beginning and a longer ending. I'm interested in seeing how the series will continue after these events.

For people who want what Michael consistently offers in the Velvet Glove series, they will find it here, although the BDSM qualities are lighter and mostly limited to shaving (and, of course, collaring). In addition, many of the characters that appeared in previous stories make a re-appearance and play important or at least emotionally important roles.

Weaknesses
The beginning of this story didn't grab me, as the Dom of focus is not only exceptionally rich, but also has an air of expectation that comes across as arrogance. Although he's nothing but nice to his Sub, his initial appearance rubbed me the wrong way. Eventually he grew on me as he became more human and we saw more dealings between the two men.

The end felt a bit rushed, but part of it could be that I wanted to see everyone that I'd previously been introduced to and see how they made out, but there may be opportunity for that in future stories.

The writing felt a bit tired, but that could partially be my disinterest in the beginning of the book, as my exhaustion faded as interesting events occurred later. I can't mark off as I don't think the writing was any better or worse than previous books of the series, but my interest in what was happening was less.

6 film reviews

Crush - Michael J. Saul directs this contemplative anthology of short films about same-sex relationships between men that explores the multidimensional definitions of love and the often-painful realities of romance. Stories involve a longtime couple grappling with the morality of military service, a pair of teens thrown into passion, an unrequited teenage crush and an art student tackling new lessons with a difficult teacher.

(Rent) Four short films grouped together, all touching upon different topics while being centered around two men. It's sometimes difficult in a world where we constantly see high-budget films, because when we see something made on a lower budget, we nit pick at all the tiny things. Overall it was a relatively enjoying collection, though some were stronger than others. "Bloodlines" was the weakest, both in terms of plot and dialogue, while "Strokes" was the best in overall construction (though I think I missed something along the way). "Don't Ask" and "Breathe" were both good, and "Breathe" definitely leaves a lot in the air but is a pleasant way to end the group. While there was nothing amazing in the video, I wouldn't mind sitting through it again.



Times Have Been Better - After moving in with his beau, 30ish banker Jérémy decides to let the cat out of the bag, telling his unsuspecting parents, Guy and Rosine, that he's gay. Though they've always envisioned themselves as enlightened, the news staggers Guy and Rosine -- who are determined to get to the root of Jérémy's homosexuality. Olivier Guéritée also stars in this delicious French farce.

(Buy/Rent) This is an amusing little flick that looks at relationships and expectations. Jeremy is expected to be the good son who is succeeding in business, and his parents are just waiting for him to find a girl to settle down with. When he announces he's gay and living with someone, his parents are shocked. They both react very different as they try to--or not to--cope with the news. I really did enjoy this movie on an intellectual level if not just as a viewing pleasure. It didn't seem to do anything wrong, but it just didn't grab me. I do appreciate the recognition of stereotype and the breaking away from stereotype. This is a good film for a study at human relationships and being honest about yourself. A comedy, it covers plenty of serious topics.



TransAmerica - Bree (Felicity Huffman) gets the shock of her life a week before her final sex change surgery when she discovers a son she didn't know she had. After bailing him out of jail, the two set out on a cross-country journey riddled with road bumps. Huffman won numerous awards (and an Oscar nomination) for her role as a man longing to be a woman. Elizabeth Pena, Burt Young, Kevin Zegers and Graham Greene co-star.

(Rent/Buy) This was a very well-done movie. The beginning started a little slow for me, and I didn't really relate to the characters, but as the two leads started opening up to each other, I found them opening up to me too. This is a movie about journeys--the journey from man to woman, from boy to man, from individual to family, from unaccepting to slightly more accepting. While it was a highly enjoyable movie, I didn't love it enough to want to buy it, but that is just my personal preference; some may want to watch this again and again.



Beautiful Thing The iconoclastic, underachieving denizens of a southeast London apartment building get an emotional wake-up call when two teenage boys -- next-door neighbors Jamie (Glen Berry) and Ste (Scott Neal) -- unexpectedly fall in love. This moving slice of affecting kitchen-sink realism from Britain's esteemed Channel Four Films is adapted from the hit West End play penned by Jonathan Harvey, who also directs.

(rent) A touching story with some interesting and un-Hollywood characters, I was interested in the characters, but never really invested in them. The acting and plot were both pretty good, I just don't think the characters were ones that I could relate to, even though I felt pity and varying other emotions for them, I never became absorbed in their world. This could just be me, as if it were a book I probably would have enjoyed it more.



Summer Storm - A young man begins to realize he has more than friendly feelings for his best pal in this coming-of-age tale. As champion rowers Tobi (Robert Stadlober) and Achim (Kostja Ullmann) prepare for a big tournament, Tobi grows increasingly jealous of Achim's devotion to his girlfriend. Tobi avoids the amorous advances of a girl, and when a hunky, pride-filled gay crew team enters the meet, his sexual confusion thunders like an approaching summer storm.

(rent) While not a happy movie, it isn't unhappy either. It has what can be called a happy ending, although it left the romantic in me a little unsatisfied. It was a bit jarring that all the music was in English while the film was subtitled, something I hadn't been expecting. I think what rings true about this movie is the behavior of the characters, who all act pretty much like their age group would, both in their immaturity and their moments of raw emotion. The characters are not suave or cool, although many of them struggle to be, but teens just trying to fit in and find love, or at least acceptance. Definitely worth a watch.



Two Spirits (documentary) - At age 16, transgender American Indian Fred Martinez became one of the youngest hate crime victims in modern history when he was beaten to death by a man who later bragged about the brutal crime. This documentary tells Martinez's story. In the process, it illuminates the Navajo two-spirit tradition -- which honors individuals who embody both the masculine and the feminine -- and demonstrates how ancient values can inform (and improve) modern life.

(rent/buy) This was a very well-done film that was professionally handled. It started a little rough, since it throws the viewer into the "story" a little, but they started explaining everything soon enough. It was very educational and, while not what could be called entertaining, it certainly wasn't boring either. It starts by talking about Fred, then goes into the history and current practices of the Two Spirited individuals, then switches back to Fred. While I understand the need for this, it did lend a sense of disjointedness to the film, overall.

Triple Review!

What Worse Place Can I Beg in Your Love? by Syd McGinley
Stars: 3/5

Overall
This is a very strange story. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about the story as a whole, or even in part. The writing is pretty middle of the road, done in a simple and straightforward style that is fitting for the narrator. The content did nothing to move me emotionally and parts creeped me out a little, but logically I can appreciate what McGinley did in the story. This isn't a romance, it isn't a slave/master story and while sex is described (in detail), most people won't consider this a "hot" read as the sex happens between a human and an alien and mostly sounds painful. I think this story would be more disturbing if not for the ending, which provides an amount of comfort for the reader.

Oddly enough, if you don't go into this story expecting a romance, it's actually a very interesting (and slightly disturbing) study of the lead character and humanity. While I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, or even most people, if you aren't easily disgusted and read Borges and Vonnegut, then you may find this an interesting story.

If you like aliens with large dicks training their pet human to be a good pet, then you may enjoy this as well.




Velvet Dragon by Sean Michael
Stars: 3/5

Overall
Another Sean Michael book in classic form. We return to the Velvet Glove where we meet Serius and Dragonne. Serius is new to the Glove and looking for a sub, preferably a challenge and Mal offers up Dragonne who gives the facade of submitting beautifully but never actually submits. Unlike most of Michael's other Velvet Glove stories, this one doesn't focus on the more hardcore elements (whipping, etc), although there is at least one scene with them. The focus of this story is getting Dragonne to actually submit when he's been trained his entire life to not give up those things that Serius is demanding. I enjoyed the different perspective that this story offered although it isn't what I'd call one of the "hot" stories.

My one issue was that Serius was described as kind of stone faced and emotionally cold and while there was a little bit of progress that we saw, there also seemed to be a large jump from stone cold to caring. I would have liked to see a little bit more of the change happening. But overall a pleasant little story.



Got Your Back by William Neale
Stars: 3/5

Overall
This was a cute story told mainly from the perspective of a dog. I enjoyed the concept and the overall story, but the writing left something to be desired at times. While it wasn't a waste of time, I wouldn't have wanted to spend more than I did on it, which is sad, because I think it had a lot of potential.

Strengths
Grady. Easily my favorite part of the story, the writing in the italic bits indicating Grady seemed well written, witty (with a touch of snark) and still caring. Grady loves his owner with all the devotion of a dog, but that doesn't mean he can't get frustrated with him! In the short space we have to get to know everyone, I fell in love with this sparky dog. Very sweet.

Weaknesses
Dialogue. Much of the dialogue felt stilted and unnatural. I couldn't imagine two men talking like that to one another, especially after having only known each other a week. Part of me wonders if the desire/need to keep this story short make the dialogue get bunched together, but it felt awkward to me. This goes along with some of the internal dialogue/internal actions that happened. After the natural flow of Grady's mental dialogue, the humans felt like cardboard cut outs.

Movie reviews!

I will now provide the summary of the movie with my review, since these are for the most part movies that readers are not familiar with (most likely).

Soldier's Girl - This powerful drama tells the true story of a young soldier, Pfc. Barry Winchell (Troy Garity), who meets and falls for a beautiful transgendered nightclub performer (Lee Pace) while on a drunken outing with fellow soldiers. Winchell's relationship is frowned upon by the other soldiers -- and eventually leads to tragedy at the hands of his homophobic roommate. Garity and Pace both earned Independent Spirit nods for their performances.

(Rent) This is a love story between a male soldier and a transitioning M--F transexual. He first meets her at the club she works out and doesn't realize she still has a penis. The first half of the story focuses on the development of their relationship, then the second half splits between their relationship and his company on base. I felt everything was rather realistically portrayed and the acting was well done. Nothing in the story grabbed me and held on, perhaps because I knew it was a tragedy so I refused to get attached. (Being based on a true story, they didn't hide that ending.) Anyone interested in mental health, sexuality and the military should definitely check this out.


Just Say Love - After sharing stimulating conversation, philosophy-reading homosexual Guy and married carpenter Doug sleep together. Following their sudden tryst, the two seemingly opposite men explore their dreams, visions of happiness and possible future together. Adapted from David J. Mauriello's stage play, this male love story takes place on a sparsely decorated set that keeps distractions to a minimum.

(Rent) This was a very different movie in multiple ways. First, artistically, it was a play adapted for the screen, but it kept many of its theatrical feels, like the sets and lighting. The cast was only two people (and a third person's set of legs, but was well paced and constructed. Overall it definitely had an artsy feel to it, as the one lead male was involved in Plato and philosophy and the other lead male's wife was into "new-age crap" (his words). The ending surprised me and I'm not exactly sure how I feel about it all in general. But it was definitely worth a watch.


Antarctica - Facing down his quickly approaching 30th birthday, gay librarian Omer hasn't found his place in life or his ideal man, until fetching journalist Ronen enters the scene. Meanwhile, Omer's sister Shirley struggles to decide between settling down with the woman of her dreams and indulging her long-held fantasy of traveling to Antarctica. Yair Hochner directs this comedy that also stars Rivka Neuman.

(Rent) First off, the description of this movie, while technically accurate, leaves a lot to be desired. I'd also argue that it's called a "comedy," since it's a comedy only in the Shakespearean sense, not the traditional movie category. While the movie does focus on Omer, the opening is a confusing montage of men who we are then introduced to three years later. The acting was quite good and half-way through, once I had a feeling of who was who, I began enjoying the movie, but the beginning dragged a little as I didn't really connect with anyone as we jumped around through their stories. The end was satisfying, although a little weird. I'm glad they didn't make anything too definite, but that part of the story line was a bit off beat. Overall, a good movie, although not something I'd want on my shelves.


Priscilla, Queen of the Desert – Invited to perform at a casino in remote Alice Springs, Australia, drag queens Mitzi and Felicia and transsexual Bernadette hit the road in a broken-down lavender bus named Priscilla in this campy comedy classic. Along the way, the friends change into their most outrageous costumes and lip-synch disco tunes -- including plenty of ABBA -- for the outback's befuddled locals.

(Rent) It's probably sacrilege or something that it took me this long to see this movie. It's a classic (of some sorts), right? While it was enjoyable and goofy and at points cute, I have to say I rather enjoyed the more American version (To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything) better. Sure, it's not exactly a remake, but the general premise is similar and it just felt overall more amusing while Priscilla seemed to struggle with being funny and serious and unable to find its happy balance. It was an alright movie and all the acting was excellent, but the story moved a little slow for me.

Sno Ho by Ethan Day

Sno Ho by Ethan Day
Stars: 3/5

Overall
Although I felt the story started off a little rocky, it eventually got around to being enjoyable. The writing was okay, although in the beginning I didn't really think too highly of it. It didn't help that initially the characters seemed rather simplistic and a little sex crazed. However, once they both get done being sluts and start having an actual relationship, the story and the writing both seem to progress forward (although it could just be because my enjoyment of it increased.

This is a quirky little story about a guy whose boyfriend of a year dumped him (over the phone) when the guy thought they were going on vacation together. While the "consolation prize" seemed a bit far fetched, it wasn't enough to make me lose interest--actually it was an amusing and rather obvious way to excuse why our leading man was there. Although there is definitely a romantic theme in the story, it also tries to not take itself too seriously as it keeps its humor through the interaction of the leading males.

A cute, amusing story, good for a Sunday evening of relaxing reading.

The Only Gold by Tamara Allen

The Only Gold by Tamara Allen
Stars: 4.5/5

Overall
This is a highly enjoyable book, especially for fans of Allen's previous works. Halfway through reading I described the experience as taking a leisurely stroll through the park, and until about three-quarters of the way, it is very much like that. If you're looking for action-packed adventure, this isn't the book to pick up, although the last quarter does a good job of satisfying that. This is like many romances where our two unlikely men meet and fall in together. It is unlike most romances in that a large amount of time is spent developing the one character before the two get together.

Much like Allen's other works, this is a novel where a romance happens and is essential to the story, but a steamy romance should not be the sole reason you're reading (in my opinion). You should read it for the pure enjoyment of going along on whatever path Allen takes you through the park, being sure to study the flowers along the way. This was another wonderful piece and definitely worth waiting for.

Strengths
I don't think I can praise Allen's writing enough to express how much I enjoy it. Much like the time periods she writes in, everything is slowed down, nothing is rushed when it doesn't have to be. Characters and relationships are thoroughly explored, environments are completely fleshed out, and all the reader needs to do is go along for the ride (through the park, to keep with my metaphor). Even when very little is happening plot-wise, the story never stumbles because the writing is that enjoyable. (Warning: That's for me, at least. I can imagine some people may have trouble with the same things I find enjoyable.)

Depth of character. As a character-junkie, I adore how much we learn about Reid and Jonah. I love the indistinct lines between good guys and bad guys. And, I'll be honest, I want to squish Jonah in a giant bear hug (but I'll leave that to Reid). I enjoy the variety of characters we see both at the bank and at Jonah's boarding house, my favorite of which has to be Liliane and Margaret.

Plot/story. While the heavy action doesn't pick up until later in the book, the extended character growth and relationship development were plenty enjoyable and culminated in a more pleasing climax (*cough*). When the action does happen, the reader is so committed to the characters that the story becomes rather suspenseful and Allen moves the pieces around the chess board splendidly.

Weaknesses
Not so much a weakness, but some people may find the story to be slow moving, especially if used to fast-paced, hot-and-heavy romances. This is not a bodice ripp---err, a button ripper. There are sex scenes, which is new for Allen's books, but they weren't very graphic, which may bug some people, but I felt it fitting since Jonah was narrating. Reid's PoV of the scenes would have been dirtier.

There were a few things that gave me pause in the novel, the main one that sticks out is some of the sums. Ten dollars to look out a window seemed expensive for the time, but maybe that was the point. Also, a few times the language felt a little stiff, and while most the times I attributed it to Jonah being a stiff personality, once and a great while it felt like Allen was trying too hard to keep with the era's language (or what we think it should sound like). On the other hand, this didn't really bother me; I just took notice, possibly because I've been accused of the same.

Warning, the below could be considered possible spoilers.
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I do love the ending, but some may find that it is too tidily cleaned up and set into place (especially the Alice/Gil bit, which I didn't really go for). Also, I'm noticing a theme of being separated or the threat of separation being the final push to bring two men together. It was handled slightly differently here, but was close to how Whistling in the Dark ended. I feel so picky, but I get that way when I enjoy a book!

Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon

Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 4.5/5

Overall
A classic detective/murder mystery with a gay romance twist, this World War II story starts with a rainy day in December and pulls you through the dreary streets of Los Angeles and the surrounding area. In a world where everyone has secrets, Nathan Doyle has a secret that could ruin his life if it gets out. In order to keep it quiet, he and Lieutenant Matt Spain race one another to solve the mystery first. While the mystery ties the story together, this is a study of two men in a difficult time period, one of whom is struggling with himself while desperate for human contact. The strength of the book is in the writing as the reader sinks into the characters and doesn't want to leave even as he reads the last lines.

I'm excited to learn that Lanyon plans to continue this as a series with a second book due in 2012.

Strengths
Writing. Lanyon's writing is excellent and very smooth, giving the impression of the time period without confusing the reader. There is something very clean about the writing, leaving the story to shine through. Highly enjoyable and a pleasure to read.

Characters. Matt and Nathan are both good guys who want the right thing, and also both happen to want something for which society can throw them in prison. It's hard not to like them, especially when they're surrounded by a bunch of shady characters that they interview while trying to solve the case. It doesn't hurt that the pair has a good dynamic in their actions and dialogue.

Atmosphere. Aside from the major conflict of the time period (aka, sexuality), I liked how Lanyon integrated minor points about things relating to it being during World War II and the small hardships this caused, such as foods and drinks not being available and older people who would have been retired needing to work since able-bodied men were at war.

Plot. The story was intriguing without being too suspenseful (which could count against it for some people, I suppose). There is a sense of danger, but not so much that the reader is constantly fearful for the main characters' lives. I enjoyed the resolution, though it could be construed as cliche, I think that's what I enjoyed most about it!

Weaknesses
A very minor detail, but in the beginning the PoV switches only seemed to happen between chapters, but as the novel progressed they seemed to happen more often and without regard to chapter ends. Also, and this probably just the formatting of my copy, but there were times when jumps in time or perspective occurred and there was no space in the text to indicate it.

"Thigh to Thigh" by Angelia Sparrow and Naomi Brooks

"Thigh to Thigh" by Angelia Sparrow and Naomi Brooks
Stars: 3/5

After reading "Paying Forfeits" by the same pair and dealing with the same men, I wasn't looking forward to "Thigh to Thigh." But I already owned it and I hoped that some of my problems with the first story would be resolved in the second. I was pleased to see my faith rewarded.

The writing seemed to have improved, but it could be because instead of showing snapshots from different weekends, the reader was given one short but continuous story, creating a solid idea of characters and emotions. While the writing didn't blow me away, it did improve enough that I'd consider reading another story by one or both of these authors.

The flesh of the first story was sex sprinkled with some internal and external emotional conflict that was never really addressed. This story skips ahead two years to where most of the issues have been resolved and they are in a functioning threesome. While in the first story William played favorites to Billy and often jilted Sam, in this one they receive equal 'punishment' and 'pleasure' by being equal in all things--quite literally thigh to thigh!

All the negative emotions of the first story are fixed as we head into this story, and while the move is done with a magical hand wave, it's enough to allow the reader to enjoy this story after so much of the first was unbearable. I feel like these two stories combined make a novel with all the bits in the middle missing. We have the awkward beginning that causes the rise in conflict and the happy ending with a hot, sensual sex scene. No idea what happened in between, but I'm glad I read this story! Very tasty.

Note: The way I rated this story may have been influenced by my negative feelings toward the previous story.

Mute Witness by Rick R. Reed

Mute Witness by Rick R. Reed
Stars: 3/5

Overall
I was under the impression that this book was a romance, which it really isn't as the romantic elements take a back seat to a lot of other dramas and the traditional story of a romance (two people struggling to be together) is lacking, although there is discord among the couples. That aside, I think some people may be able to (and obviously have) enjoy this book more than me. While the writing was good and the story itself was rather interesting, I never became attached to most of the characters, and as this was a third-person, limited omniscient point of view, that made my job reading difficult--and it did feel like a job. At 60% of the way I started skimming, especially when less desirable characters were narrating. I only started really reading again toward the end. If I was giving this an enjoyability score, it would be a 1. The writing pulls it up to a 2 for me, and knowing that this story just wasn't my cup of tea but recognizing its strengths brings it to a 3.

Warning: Contains homosexual and heterosexual couples and scenes. Also, people sensitive to rape should be warned.

Strengths
The writing was good, definitely smooth, well constructed and enjoyable. I think if the writing style had been weaker, I would have given up on the book much sooner.

The characters are all very realistic with faults and good points. None of them are black and white but instead fall in a wide spectrum of gray, often questioning their behaviors but still making choices, even when they are conflicted about them. I recognize this as a good thing, even if I didn't particularly enjoy it in this circumstance. The plot, overall, was realistic as well, aside from one point made below.

Weaknesses
I am in no way involved in the justice system, so I could be wrong here (most my education comes from Law & Order: SVU). But when they had a DNA sample from Jason, wouldn't they automatically take DNA samples from all the men he encounters on a daily basis who could have been suspects, thus cutting down on who could have done it? Obviously this is a small town, so things could be different, but that bugged me a little (especially since it was so important to the story).

Characters. I never really connected with any of the characters, and those I did didn't take the role of narrator very often. Austin and Jason were two of my favorites, but they only had snippets of focus. The one detective (Alan) annoyed me in the beginning, but I grew to understand his torn perspective and desire to escape the town. However, the majority of the book is spent in the heads of characters I don't care about (Paul, Shelley and Shelley's mom) or Sean, who I feel conflicted about. I think having a child may help the reader associate with more characters, although it shouldn't necessarily be the reader's job to bring the emotions to the table.

Pace. As I was reading, I wanted to know how everything worked out, which is why I kept going, even as I started skimming. However, so much of the story felt overburdened by description and all the thoughts behind an individual's actions that it slowed to a drudging pace. As I wasn't emotionally involved with most of the characters I was reading, I didn't care what they were thinking/feeling. However, I also understand that if the reader is emotionally involved, then they will feel the same struggles that the characters feel and will probably enjoy this drawn out struggle as the different characters try to figure out everything. It just didn't work for me. At all.