To Feel the Sun by Marie Sexton

To Feel the Sun by Marie Sexton
Stars: 5/5

Length: 8 pages
Blurb
Sometimes love isn't enough...

Overall
This short is worth the pain it puts you through. Beautiful and heart wrenching.

Review
This story is beautiful and painful. The reader knows, nearly from the beginning, that things aren't going to be happy go lucky. And yet there is still a positive feel to the end of the story. It has lovely prose, is well written, and while just a slice of life, it is the most poignant slice of life you can find.

I definitely recommend this to everyone, unless you absolutely hate pieces with sad undertones/overtones.

The War at the End of the World by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane

The War at the End of the World by Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Stars: 4/5

Length: 26 pages (10,000 words)
Blurb
September, 1941.

War correspondent Joseph Byrne has been cheating death all his life, ever since he spent two years in an iron lung as a boy diagnosed with polio. In the years since, the Fetch, a strange being charged by Death with collecting Joseph and transporting him into the unknown, has been condemned to watch and wait.

Now, with Joseph working in a Finland caught in a tug of war between Nazi and Soviet forces, it seems a foregone conclusion that the Fetch's sentence is at its end and Death will have Joseph for her own at last. Joseph, an openly Jewish American, has no doubt where his allegiance lies, no matter the danger. But after all these years at Joseph's side, watching him overcome adversity to grow into a brave and principled young man, the Fetch has come to realize that there are forces stronger and so much sweeter than even the purpose you were made for.

(Part of the Goodreads M/M Romance Group's Love is Always Write event.)

Overall
These two authors always take me for a ride, never knowing if I'm going to like the ending, but never disappointing, even if they break my heart, and this is no exception. This is a refreshingly different story that takes place during WWII mainly, but in Finland rather than the standard locations. Once again Belleau and Vane bring the supernatural into a mundane world, creating something terrible and beautiful that leaves an impression.

This is a very different love story, as we are trapped in the perspective of a guiding spirit that is meant to gather the souls of the dying and take them to death. But the one we are in has been delayed from his purpose and again and again is unable to take the life of his charge. It's a moving, sad, painfully tender tale as he struggles with knowing his duty and knowing they are running from death, but unwilling to cause suffering to Joseph. The end is beautiful and a little painful, but ultimately satisfying.

The Sartorialist by Cecilia Ryan

The Sartorialist by Cecilia Ryan
Stars: 3.5/5

Length: 66 pages
Blurb
When royal sartorial adviser Beau Brummell meets a pretty soldier at a ball full of people who have begun to bore him, he's only thinking of a brief affair and the opportunity to prove that clothes make the man. When Toby turns out to be not only beautiful but kind and a generous lover, Beau finds himself falling fast. Though previously happy to let him have his fun, the jealous Prince Regent issues an ultimatum: Toby must return to France or risk being charged with treason. Knowing Toby is unlikely to survive, Beau begins a downward spiral into depression and debt. Surely he and Toby will never meet again….

Overall
Written in a classical form, this novella may come across awkward to the modern reader, but those who can go beyond the writing style will find a charming story rife with historical information. My initial impression at the half-way mark was not too positive, but as the story unfolded and came to a head (and I grew comfortable with the format and style), I found myself hoping Beau would find his happy ending. This piece won't be for every reader, but I definitely think it's one that's worth giving a chance.

I probably would have given the story a 3-star rating, but the ending got to me, so I bumped it up. I'm such a sucker sometimes.

Strengths
This is one of those "making history interesting" stories where the tale that's told is more interesting than what we would be told in History class. While obvious liberties have been taken with details, at the end the author provides a bare-bones account of what actually happened and provides an idea of how the story grew up around that. Beau's story is much happier in fiction than was likely in history.

While I didn't enjoy the writing style initially and it never really won me over, the author used it consistently, never wavered, and did an excellent job telling the story using that style. It definitely fits the time period and the cover.

I didn't particularly like the narrator in the beginning, but by the end I was rapidly reading to get to his happy ending. I mean, it's a romance, it had to have a happy ending, right? Right? Either way, some where along the way I fell for the poor sod and his close friend, and I loved where the main romantic relationship and where the close friendship went. Yep, I'm a sap.

Weaknesses
The writing style is first person and takes a more classical form, like the era the story is from, which is a unique choice and didn't sit with me well at first, especially for the first scene which had royalty speaking almost crudely. Eventually it grew on me, although I wouldn't go out of my way to read many in this style. The style keeps the story from getting too in depth, since everything is narrated to the reader as if sitting in the same room, which diminishes some elements that I normally enjoy in a romance novel. However, I still found myself moved by the writing, so the chosen style didn't ruin the story either.

Requested this book for review.

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.

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.

If It Ain't Love by Tamara Allen

If It Ain't Love by Tamara Allen
Stars: 5/5

Length: 18,000 words
Blurb
In the darkest days of the Great Depression, New York Times reporter Whit Stoddard has lost the heart to do his job and lives a lonely hand-to-mouth existence with little hope of recovery, until he meets Peter, a man in even greater need of new hope.

Overall
This is a beautifully written piece that follows the struggles of two men during the Great Depression and the hope that can be found in the most desperate of times. I don't have a single thing to mark off against this story. It was moving and well written, and I loved the characters, but it didn't make me feel like I was shorted (as many short stories do). It ended when it needed to. It painted the time period, surroundings, and characters superbly, giving enough to let the reader see without cluttering the pages.

Muffled Drum by Erastes

Muffled Drum by Erastes
Stars: 4.5/5

Overall
This is a well-written novel that I emotionally struggled to finish, not because of the writing or the 'heavy' content, but because the character's suffering spoke true to me. Although it's not an overly intense in any one way, it is the story of two lovers, one of whom has forgotten the past two years during which the lovers came together. While in the end I was rewarded, I had a hard time making myself read when I knew the characters were in emotional pain. However, if you struggle with the same, I'd still recommend this book--and recommend you stick through 'til the end.

Strengths
Approach. The angle of the story (one lover loses his memory just as the pair are prepared to forfeit their ranks in society, leaving one in the lurch), was well played out as the characters struggled with the new places they find themselves in. Interestingly, there are almost two major conflicts: the initial problem that perpetuates the story and then the later event that is the real rising action of the story. I enjoyed the direction the story went and the eventual resolution.

Characters. A nice variety of characters with good human reactions. One kind, but clueless, hero; the second hero is pained and trying to do the right thing; a companion is gruff, trying to do the right thing, but not that bad a guy; and a skeevy man who uses his body to trick rich men. Individually the characters may not be that interesting, but thrown together into the situation and we see more of them than is first presented.

Weaknesses
While the lead up to the end was long, the end itself was short, almost abrupt. It didn't feel lacking in content, but it did bring about a quick turn of emotions that I'm not sure I was completely prepared for. A very minor niggle in my brain.

I requested a review copy of this book.

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.

The Lion of Kent by Aleksandr Voinov and kate Cotoner

The Lion of Kent by Aleksandr Voinov and Kate Cotoner
Stars: 4.5/5

Overall:
I was very impressed with this novel, not that I went in with low expectations, but I was just pleasantly surprised. It never struggled to be something other than it was, and it excelled at what it did. Plot, characters and writing were all well done.

What I liked
Cover Art. Rarely do I find books in the M/M genre to be enticing, but the knight staring me down on this cover was hot. The cover was telling without being abusively obvious, leaving the reader intrigued and curious to read.

Characters. Our characters were men of the manly sort, rough and tumble. They were knights and squires, earning their keep with their swords while keeping loyalty to their lord and master. Of course, some men find different ways to show their loyalty...

Plot. We enter these tales wanting a love story, but this novel balances out the love story with a deeper plot involving deception, desperation, and politics. It gives details without being overwhelming and works within the parameters if it's story. Overall, well constructed.

Romance. After our second “hot” scene, I was worried about the romance. The sex felt almost demeaning and I was hesitant to read more of it. I was rewarded by Sir Robert explaining his actions and making up for them to great satisfaction (all around).

Writing. The writing was smooth so that you don't realize you're reading good writing until you go to write a review and think, “I'm missing something.” The language use mostly felt time-appropriate, as did behaviors, thoughts, and flow of language (giving a sense of the period without being bound to it).

What didn't work
I think my only complaint is whenever they mentioned Constantinople the They Might Be Giants song played in my head.

The reason it only received 4.5 stars instead of 5: I enjoyed the story, it was strong and well done with a enclosed plot, developed characters, and enjoyable scenes. However, I never connected with the main character on a deep level that moved me emotionally to ache when he ached and squirm when he squirmed. Part of this could be because he feels more honestly written like a man than some other stories, so isn't overtly emotional.