Pearl by Kelly Rand

Pearl by Kelly Rand

Stars: 5/5

Length: 9,600 words (24 pages)

Blurb

Edith sleepwalks through a life so normal as to be boring. She lives with her mother, works a mundane job to support them, and makes no waves among the ladies of her sleepy 1920's Canadian town. Secretly, though, she watches the flappers and so-called "loose women" with envy, dreaming of what glamorous lives they must have. And that's before Clark walks into her life.

Clark embodies the world that Edith wishes she could be a part of. He's slick and dangerous and sexy in a way Edith has never experienced. So when Clark offers her a window into his world, she dives through without thinking. On the other side, though, her black and white world explodes into shades of gray, challenging Edith in ways she never imagined.

Overall

This short story is a charming look at Edith, a sexually repressed woman, and Clark, a transman, and Edith's eyes being opened not just to her own sexuality but to the world at large. Everything was tastefully handled and the language is reminiscent of a much older time period (as if it were written in that time, not just taking place then).

It is an almost simple story dealing with complex issues, and while some may challenge the somewhat insta-love qualities, I felt it was fitting for the characters. Considering Edith's limited emotional engagement and her sudden awakening, plus Clark's state, finding one another would lead them to do considerably rash things, and I felt it was appropriate for the characters..

The writing, the style, the feel of the story, and the characters all fell into place to form a superb short story. While there is a lot we are never told due to its length, we are not left wanting either.

A sweet, thoughtful story that lets the reader finish the story.

Received this book for review.

Inherit the Sky by Ariel Tachna

Inherit the Sky by Ariel Tachna
Stars: 3/5

Length: 206 pages
Blurb
Caine Neiheisel is stuck in a dead-end job at the end of a dead-end relationship when the chance of a lifetime falls in his lap. His mother inherits her uncle’s sheep station in New South Wales, Australia, and Caine sees it as the opportunity to start over, out on the range where his stutter won’t hold him back and his willingness to work will surely make up for his lack of knowledge.

Unfortunately, Macklin Armstrong, the foreman of Lang Downs who should be Caine’s biggest ally, alternates between being cool and downright dismissive, and the other hands are more amused by Caine’s American accent than they are moved by his plight… until they find out he’s gay and their amusement turns to scorn. It will take all of Caine’s determination—and an act of cruel sabotage by a hostile neighbor—to bring the men of Lang Downs together and give Caine and Macklin a chance at love.

Overall
This is a light romance that starts off almost unbearably slow, but picks up toward the end. It suffers from a bit of a fascination with the details about sheep farm life and several scenes could have been cut because they did nothing to further the story, but overall it was a fine read. I wasn't particularly invested in the characters or the romance, and my favorite characters were side characters, but it wasn't grueling to read either. Probably worth picking up for readers who like Tachna's other works, really enjoy farming stories, or love Andrew Grey's Farm series.

Strengths
There were scenes I really enjoyed, such as the flood, and when Caine puts his man-boots on and stands up for himself. Those moments brought out the essence of the story and occurred more often in the latter half of the book (appropriately).

Several characters (the young boy and the cook) are fun, more friendly, and add a nice layer to the types of characters. They weren't enough to make the story really shine, but were an element I enjoyed.
The sheep farming and information about Australia all felt thoroughly researched and gave me a sense that I could know what to expect if I ever walked onto a sheep farm. I appreciate the hard work that obviously went into it.

Weaknesses
This story has an epilogue that isn't an epilogue but is actually the final chapter. It's not really a point against it, but I know some people get really annoyed with it.

One of the characters went from good to evil and back again way too quickly for my taste. Obviously finding something out about someone (aka, the gay), would cause serious reactions in some people, but for me the changes were too abrupt in every direction.

The writing wasn't bad, but in combination with the pacing of the story, left me un-enthused. It was a story I enjoyed while reading, and I was curious about how things would turn out, but it didn't move or inspire me.

Requested this book for review.

Bitter Harvest by Kim Knox

Bitter Harvest by Kim Knox
Stars: 3.5/5

Length: 30,000 words
Blurb
It's 2050, and humans are an endangered species. Lieutenant Robert Sutton has survived the collapse of civilization by luck, his wits, and a chance mutation that makes him immune to the nano-virus that has wiped out millions. Now, his compound of survivors is surrounded by the infected, who are driven by the need to spread the contagion through sex. It is only a matter of time before they attack. So when Sutton is assigned to interrogate a prisoner who claims to have overcome the infection, he immediately suspects a trap... 

Nicholas Rider may have survived the virus, but he's a changed man, ruled by his desires. But his need for Sutton is different. Rider craves an end to his overwhelming needs, and Sutton could be the man to do it. 

Secure in his belief that he's invulnerable, Sutton can't understand or resist his intense attraction to his prisoner. Will Rider be his downfall-or his savior?

Overall
This story is a dark sci-fi, post-apocalyptic erotic romance. That has to be understood for the story to be enjoyed, and even then, this won't be for everyone. I surprisingly enjoyed it. While there was a bit too much sex and sexual tension for my taste, the world that Knox described was creative, easy to visualize, and dark, creating an absolutely perfect setting. Compared to the world in which they live, the characters feel a little flat, but this could be, in part, due to their sex drive running most of the show.

An interesting story with an inventive resolution. Everything fitted together well and left me satisfied with the story as a whole. Also, I loved the little comment about the bees. Brilliant and subtle.

Strengths
The world creation was very impressive in this story. In the short amount of time, the author painted a dark picture, used dialogue to fill in knowledge gaps, and provided all the necessary information without bogging down the story. The visuals, while sparsely provided, were enough to help the reader envision the world, relying more on reader experience and intuition than description. Definitely the strongest part of the story. 

While I found parts of the ending a little too much, for the most part the resolution and the plot leading up to it were excellent. I didn't know where things were going and I liked the journey we went on while being taken there.

Weaknesses
A little too sex heavy for me, but that is preference. However, it did detract from character development a little as both men seemed to think with their little heads too much to create more in depth realizations. Still, it wasn't so much sex that I rolled my eyes, and most of it was glossed over, giving the feeling of lots of even more sex without bombarding the reader with scene after scene of it in hot nano-infected detail.

  Requested this book for review.

Bonds of Earth by GN Chevalier

Bonds of Earth by GN Chevalier

Stars: 5/5

Length: 240 pages  
Blurb
In 1918, Michael McCready returned from the war with one goal: to lose himself in the pursuit of pleasure. Once a promising young medical student, Michael buried his dreams alongside the broken bodies of the men he could not save. After fleeing New York to preserve the one relationship he still values, he takes a position as a gardener on a country estate, but he soon discovers that the house hides secrets and sorrows of its own. While Michael nurses the estate’s neglected gardens, his reclusive employer dredges up reminders of the past Michael is desperate to forget. 

John Seward’s body was broken by the war, along with his will to recover until a family crisis convinces him to pursue treatment. As John’s health and outlook improve under Michael’s care, animosity yields to understanding. He and John find their battle of wills turning into something stronger, but fear may keep them from finding hope and healing in each other.  

Overall
 I love this book. I struggled to write the review for this because every time I went to, my words didn't seem good enough. Even now I'm just rambling on about how much I liked it. I'm not a big historical fiction reader, but much like Tamara Allen, this author has a style I love and picked a topic I enjoy. I will definitely be looking out for more by Chevalier.

While this is a romance, the romantic elements are almost secondary to several other focal factors: healing war wounds (physical and emotional), the advancement of medicine and psychiatry, and overcoming the self. This well-written tale may not have provoked tears, but it left me breathless in its beauty.  

Strengths
The writing in some ways is simple, describing gardening, massage, and life, but it's also moving and powerful, bringing alive everything on the page. The majority of the story is a slow progression, so the strength of the writing and the author's storytelling skills are vital to holding everything together and keeping the reader's attention.

Everything else, too? The story is basic, just telling the life of a man and by doing so shares the lives of all those around him. He doesn't make miracles happen or leave a huge imprint on society, but through small things he does make huge changes in the lives of those around him. The characters are beautifully real, toughened by the war, broken by the war, rough and tumble but kind and thoughtful.

This was a book that moved me, not to cry or to ache, but to hope. To see what happiness is in life, to hope that the world is full of people like are in the story, to hope that those who suffer can find the happiness the main characters found. It filled me with a quiet joy; I felt almost serene at the end.  

Weaknesses
There isn't a weakness that I can find in this book, although there are some elements that I enjoyed that other readers may not.

This is a slowly progressing story, which is what it needs to be, but some may not enjoy the careful build.

There are flashbacks written in third person present tense, which may throw some people off.

Also, there was a moment when I think the one character draws a sunset in pencil. I may have misread the lines, but he brought a sketchpad and pencil, and yet it later says how he painted the sunset. But I may be misremembering, and it's really nit-picky.  

Requested this book for review.

The Ronin and the Fox by Cornelia Grey

The Ronin and the Fox by Cornelia Grey
Stars: 5/5

Length: 32,000 words (85 pages)
Blurb
In feudal Japan, Kaede Hajime lives as a vagabond ronin, a samurai without a lord. As he spends the night at a village's inn, the innkeeper begs him to help stop a mischievous kitsune, a fox spirit, plaguing their village. But when he captures the spirit—in the form of a hauntingly beautiful man—Hajime learns that the kitsune has troubles of his own. The pearl that contains the fox's soul has been stolen, leaving him a slave to the new owner, who is forcing him to attack the village.

Hajime agrees to help the fox retrieve the jewel, but living with a fox spirit isn't easy, and the budding trust between them is constantly tested. Kitsune are tricksters above all, and Hajime must decide how much of the story the fox tells him is truth. What's worse, an old comrade of Hajime's is in town, bringing with him the sour memories of Hajime's time as a samurai. Hajime must find a way to locate the thief and steal back the jewel before the thief turns the kitsune's considerable power against him.

Overall
A passionate, heart-felt story, this will especially appeal to readers who like Japanese mythologies, mischievous spirits, and honorable samurai. While the cover and title caught my eye (and perfectly represent the story told within), the pages within didn't let me down. I was quickly drawn in by the serious ronin and the playful kitsune and the troubles they find themselves in and their struggles to trust one another.

Strengths
Despite most of the time our only two characters are the leading men, I never became bored with them. They are entertaining and mysterious enough that as everything unfolds, it's enough just to find out more. These aren't flat characters. The honorable samurai who was too honorable and lost his lord, and the mischievous kitsune who isn't causing problems because he wants to (this time, at least). They can't trust one another, but they have no one else they can trust. It's a wonderful dynamic that plays out perfectly.

While the story being told isn't incredibly new or surprising (for me, at least), it does incorporate fresh elements and there were enough unknowns to keep me curious about how everything would turn out. The pacing was perfect, dragging out curiosities until the end without ever slowing down the story. Much like it's setting, there are almost meditative qualities about the telling, which brings the tale together nicely.

Grey does an excellent job of setting the scene in a historical-esque story that is unfamiliar to many readers. She provides the necessary information without bogging down the text and keeps the craft ahead of facts, although facts are not necessarily lacking.

Weaknesses
The only moment that stuck out as being a little odd was after Hajime meets the fox. While previously I felt a sense of urgency at needing to stop the events and help the village, instead there is a drawn out period of time together. While obviously this is needed for the two to get to know each other, for healing, and for resting, the sense of hanging out seemed too casual considering Hajime was supposed to be doing a job. However, this niggle was very minor (and inconsequential), and did not detract from the book's enjoyment.

Received this book for review.

Galley Proof by Eric Arvin

Galley Proof by Eric Arvin
Stars: 3.5/5

Length: 200 pages
Blurb
Fiction writer Logan Brandish is perfectly happy in his peaceful small-town routine with his best friend, his cat, and his boyfriend—until he meets the editor of his next book, the handsome Brock Kimble, and the lazy quiet of everyday living goes flying out the window. Faced with real passion for the first time, Logan becomes restless and agitated, and soon his life and his new manuscript—a work in progress he’d always thought would be completed—are in a shambles.

But as Logan is learning, you can’t always get what you want… at least not right away. To take his mind off the mess, he takes a trip, but even the beautiful Italian, um, scenery can’t keep his thoughts from his erstwhile editor for long. Logan just might have to admit there are some things you can’t run from.

Overall
A surprisingly delightful read, my initial reaction was not positive, as the narrator rubbed me the wrong way, but once I settled into his head and realized he was meant to do just that, his antics became more amusing than irritating. Although the love story left much to be desired, the focus of the story--the narrator's character growth--was well done and touching. Under the humor, the sarcasm, and the pseudo-blasé attitude, the author, through the narrator, gives the reader a look deep inside himself and makes the reader question their own place in life.

Stories by authors about authors are always a dangerous ground, but the voice and sometimes ridiculous attitude of the narrator lets this story come to a head without taking itself too seriously and ruining everything. And while the story has a first person, it's-all-about-me voice, it's ridiculous manner keeps it from being a whiny exposition.

Strengths
The narrator is slightly annoying, kind of funny, and pretty much an average guy trying to do his job. I was fed up with him by the second chapter, and begrudgingly siding with him by the tenth. He's an anti-hero, lacking most the positive attributes of a hero, but doesn't prove as irritating as other literary anti-heroes (I'm not naming any names, Holden). Some may find him too annoying to continue, but once I progressed a good chunk of the way through the book and his world began to quake on its feet, my interest took hold.

While my own position as a hopeful author may taint my review, I found the points made in the story and the lessons learned to be meaningful thoughts to ponder, and I think they'd apply outside the writing profession as well.

The humor used here may not appeal to everyone--it's not generally my thing--but it lends a specific voice that makes the narrative work. If the style had been done differently, it probably would have fallen flat, and while it's not laugh-aloud funny, it is a vital strength that made this piece come together.

Weaknesses
This story is a collection of odd characters, and this made it difficult to really empathize with any of them, although generally in this style of story, that is perfectly acceptable.

Once again, the humor and story isn't going to be to everyone's taste, but I think it's a strong enough, and meaningful enough, story to give it a chance.

Requested this book for review.

Blue Notes by Shira Anthony

Blue Notes by Shira Anthony
Stars: 2.5/5

Length: 227 pages
Blurb
Blame it on jet lag. Jason Greene thought he had everything: a dream job as a partner in a large Philadelphia law firm, a beautiful fiancée, and more money than he could ever hope to spend. Then he finds his future wife in bed with another man, and he’s forced to rethink his life and his choices. On a moment’s notice, he runs away to Paris, hoping to make peace with his life.

But Jason’s leave of absence becomes a true journey of the heart when he meets Jules, a struggling jazz violinist with his own cross to bear. In the City of Love, it doesn’t take them long to fall into bed, but as they’re both about to learn, they can’t run from the past. Sooner or later, they’ll have to face the music.

Overall
While this story has some shining moments, the writing, the "rich man rescues poor kid" trope, and the beginning kept me from rating it too high. Initially I was concerned the book was going to end up on my rare DNF shelf, but it kept my attention enough to read through to the end. It picks up after its rocky start and some readers may be more forgiving of the negatives I point out, especially those who love Paris stories with music focuses and a slight age gap between protagonists.

This book did nothing to make me hate it, and most of its weaknesses fade as the story continues (although most never vanish). Still, it wasn't enough to enamor me to want to re-read it, thus the wavering 2.5 score.

Strengths
Music played a wonderful role in this story, working to bring the men together, express emotions, and challenge Jason while giving something for Jules to be successful in. Unlike the forced feel of the locale name-drops, all the music references felt organic in the story.

Although the beginning of the story didn't impress me, the latter-middle part hit its stride and carried me through. The characters' interactions seemed more plausible and heartfelt as Jason struggled to deal with his feelings--both recognizing them and verbalizing them--and Jules coped with all his insecurities. Rosie also makes more appearances, pushing everything she wants into place. Although some of the end verges on an eye roll, the strength of the middle section kept this story from falling in on itself. Despite (or because of) the Big Misunderstanding, I struggled with the sadness the characters felt and was rewarded with the eventual resolution.

Weaknesses
The writing suffers mainly from telling too much and over explaining, which probably annoys me more than the average reader, but still gives it a stilted and amateurish feel. It only flickered on the rim of my focus, but like that shadow you see out of the corner of the eye, it was distracting.

The author is obviously in love with Paris, as the characters played tourist and the reader learned all about the sites. Sadly, these parts sounded to me like name-drops more than setting the location. I didn't get a feel for France from the grand architecture and hot spots--instead, the taste of locale bleed through best in the more intimate moments of breakfast consisting of bread and cheese, pastries, and the likes. I wanted to feel that all the time, but then the main character would go for a walk and we'd be bogged down with the names of places again.

While I'd have to re-read to be certain, this story suffers from magical perspective. Initially the entire story takes place from Jaz's perspective, with his thoughts coloring everything. For the majority this holds true. But at some point the perspective is opened up to Jules and Rosie. While there could be some benefits in seeing in the heads of both lead men, it was too inconsistent.

While the development of "love" took its time and I felt was pretty well handled, the initial "Oh, hey, come home with me" was unbelievable. I couldn't fathom any reason Jaz would let a complete stranger stay the night when it would be much more likely, if he were going to invite him home at all, for him to stay until the next bus could arrive, since that was the "reason" for the invitation anyway. While obviously there needed to be a catalyst that drove them together, the one we are provided is not very plausible.

While it didn't particularly bother me, and most just made me roll my eyes in good humor, this story does have a Big Misunderstanding. If you don't like that, you'll probably want to stay away from this classically performed example.

Requested this book for review.

Stolen Moments by Ariel Tachna

Stolen Moments by Ariel Tachna
Stars: 2/5

Length: 210 pages
Blurb
After a year apart, teacher Jacob Peters and county judge Beau Braedon decide they can’t live without each other. There are just a few small obstacles to their Alabama love story. Jacob resents Beau’s paranoia about being outed, but Beau is convinced he’ll lose his seat on the bench if he admits to their relationship, and as a teacher at a Christian school, Jacob’s job is even more at risk. They could relocate, but Beau’s mother has Alzheimer’s and can’t be moved. And then there’s the tiny issue of Jacob’s infant son, Finn, and his mother, whom Jacob wed out of duty. In short, they are stuck.

But Beau has a long-term plan, and he’s prepared to swallow his fears and compromise with Jacob, because sharing stolen moments is no longer enough.

Overall
While there are moments of this novel that I enjoyed, such as how the resolutions were handled, how the characters reacted (sometimes), and the general concept, I had difficulty connecting with Beau, struggled to feel the connection between the two men initially, and had to force myself to keep reading what is a slow-paced story. The things that are done well weren't done quite well enough to overcome the problems I had with the story, but for readers looking for a slow, "second chance"-type story, this may be right up their alley.

Strengths
The struggles the two men go through at the end are touching and sweet as they stick together and persevere. Although some moments seemed a little ridiculous, I was willing to let it go as part of "small Southern town" stuff.

When the men are human together--not worrying about their jobs, their secrecy, or their dicks--the story is a warm tender tale. However, these moments are rare and were barely enough to keep me reading.

Despite my largely negative review, this story will read better for some readers than others. The story wasn't bad so much as bland, leaving me unimpressed and feeling it was largely forgettable. This isn't a story I'd recommend, but it's not one I'd wave red flags all around either.

Weaknesses
The uninspired prose felt sex heavy and plot light. Although the story wasn't unbearable, too much time was spent on them being apart from one another and only getting together for sex, leaving me to see very little development of their relationship at first. Their moments together not talking about what they are going to do or having sex are nice and develop the characters, but these instances seem too few.

Too happy of an ending. Things fell into place too easily, making all the worries and fretting from the beginning seem unimportant--and left me even more frustrated with Beau. While I wanted the men to have a happy ending, this fell into the almost-unrealistic end of the spectrum.

Requested this book for review.

Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham

Moving in Rhythm by Dev Bentham
Stars: 4/5

Length: 173 pages (42,000 words)
Blurb
Mark Apolostolos should be able to have any man he wants. Handsome and smart, he's also cripplingly shy, especially around attractive men. Tired of waking up alone, he's desperate to conquer his insecurities and have a real, meaningful relationship.

He gets his first opportunity when he tags along to his sister-in-law's dance class and lays eyes on the sexy instructor. Seth Miller has a way of moving that takes his breath away. It isn't long before sparks fly and they share a steamy kiss, but Seth wants much more than just a casual encounter.

If Mark wants a real relationship with Seth he'll have to come to terms with his sexuality—but will it be enough to break through the walls he's built up around his heart?

Overall
A sweet romance between a man who is pathologically shy and attempting to step outside his comfort zone to support his sister-in-law, and a dance instructor who has a thing for quiet, muscle-y guys. One of those stories where not much happens and even the drama is limited, but it's perfectly sweet and an enjoyable stroll through their lives. What really brought this story to life is the characters and their earnest emotions and honest helpfulness. A great feel-good story.

Strengths
The characters in this story are honest, good, and fun. I think Claire is my favorite, and even though Seth feels like the least explored character in the story (aside from those not really appearing on screen), I liked him. Their romance was a little thin to me, but considering Mark's struggles, it would have been hard to give much focus to Seth when Mark was so wrapped up in himself. Mark is a wonderful "broken character" because he flops between wanting to change and not wanting to bother, Lisa is a good pregnant woman (aka, not stereotyping), and the mix of all the people together was just a very pleasant experience.

Some of what really caught my eye were the descriptions, specifically of Seth's movements. The author took obvious care in describing his grace and poise, but I think my favorite was the dance routine, which I could easily picture.

This is a sweet story. That's what it's meant to be. Touching, tender with a little bit of sexy. It deals with a harder issue, but doesn't go too crazy exploring it and instead sticks to the person who has the issue and what he's going through. A pleasant read.

Weaknesses
I can't think of a weakness of hand, although this isn't a very enthralling story (per se). It was definitely good, excellent even, and I wanted to keep reading and keep reading so the characters would get their happy endings and resolution, but not much happens outside of Mark's struggles. Of course, that is the point of the story, so I don't score against that, but it might not be a book for everyone.

Everyone in this story makes me feel like a couch potato. Mark works out a ridiculous amount of time, though I imagine his profession gives him that sort of time. Still. *whines*

So overall, while I can't give this story a 5-star rating (it wasn't quite that good), this is definitely one I'll be coming back to again.

Requested this book for review.