Diego by Angel Martinez

Diego by Angel Martinez
Stars: 5/5

Overall:
Finn and Diego return! They've settled in Montana for a nice quiet life, but life with a pooka is rarely quiet for long. But really, this time it's Diego's fault. Mostly. A simple misunderstanding opens the Veil and a whole set of new problems. As Diego becomes more confident with himself and his magic, Finn begins to have doubts if he's the best thing for someone as wonderful as Diego. We follow the couple and their new friends between worlds and into trouble. Life really isn't going to be quiet for long...

I enjoyed this novel overall, even if there isn't much I can pinpoint at being its strong points. The exploration of the worlds and magics, the integration of politics, and the continued study of love between cultures all lent to a well constructed story.

What I liked
Action, world, politics. There were so many different elements in this story! We have the fae political scene, the mundane world's political scene, some shady Alien Business, and all mixed up with their continued struggle for romance. The story kept a good strong pace all the way through--I had trouble putting it down (much to the chagrin of my boss).

Emotions. I was so happy to see Finn struggle with new emotions he normally didn't have, and the parallel incidents of Finn's jealousy and Diego's jealousy and the reactions/end results.

What didn't work
Epilogue. I think it's the only thing I can complain about, and it's not even much to complain about. It was cute, just not completely my cup of tea.
SPOILER BELOW




**SPOILER**I'm not sure why I don't like weddings. Also, I was kind of hoping that Diego would somehow be immortal so he and Finn could be together forever. The pen thing was hilariously awesome though.**SPOILER**

Love Means ... Freedom by Andrew Grey

Love Means ... Freedom by Andrew Grey
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall:
This is an enjoyable story, following two young men, one who needs to learn to stand up for himself and another who needs to learn to see what people are like inside. This is a tale of healing, some physical and some emotional, as Preston and Stone struggle for love, understanding, and freedom from their past.

What I liked
Pace. Once Stone and Preston start dating, they move at a reasonable pace. They confront Stone's issues without it being a huge deal (since said issues effect everyone differently). And take time before really confronting the issues, which felt realistic. They also both slowly grow feelings for one another, rather than instantly, but still don't talk about it immediately.

Length. There is no "big" climax, but rather several smaller ones (pun recognized, if not intended). This works in order to fit in their entire story and express the theme of the book (Love means freedom, in case you missed that). Each time I hit a mini-climax, I'd see how much I had left, shrug, and continue. The story never dragged, no matter how long it was, but just steadily went along. All those stories I've read where "I wish there was more" was satisfied with this one, where we kept going until we're cozy.

What didn't work
Telling, not Showing. Sometimes the author tells us, or spells out what was already implied. This was a small stone tripping me in my travels, but for the most part wasn't too distracting. I would come across a line, wince, then move on. It didn't terribly detract from the story.

Pace. It felt like the transition from "you annoying jerk" to "I want to kiss you" went quickly, but again this didn't detract from the story, since their initial getting together isn't really the focus. Also, Preston does apologize and offer to make amends, but I think having Stone realize that he just uses his cockiness as a defense in the beginning (rather than making an awkward reference about it later) would have smoothed the problems on Stone's end.

Equine therapy. Being a horseback rider and familiar with equine therapy, I felt some of these things facts were a bit off. It could be the type of therapy center they are running, and some of the facts were spot on, but other parts had me questioning the realism (certification, experience, training, lack of sidewalkers...) This probably won't bother most people.

Someplace in This World, an anthology

Someplace in This World edited by Lee Benoit
Stars: 2.5/5

Overall:
While none of the stories were painful to read, few were a true pleasure. See below for more details about each story.

The Black Times by Kiernan Kelly
This story starts off strong, but about the time of the date starts to get wobbly. It began to feel unbelievable, or at least enough that it threw me out of the moment. I liked Michael and Bill as characters and a couple, and I think the story is strong enough to be enjoyable--but if I were editor, I would have requested some changes.

The Prodigal by Eden Winters
A continuation of Mark's story from The Angel of 13th Street, we follow this country boy-turned prostitute from his place on the streets back to where he belongs. Those familiar with the book will find little new in the story, but it doesn't make Mark's concerns any less understandable. It's a sweet story as we find those who had originally pushed Mark away come to terms with who he is and welcome him home.

I have a question about the cop that helps Mark and how that ties into the Angel's arrest in the novel, but I'd have to check to see if it's actually an error.

The Magic of Moving Houses by G.R. Richards
This story did very little for me. It seemed odd and forced and just odd. I can get behind the crazy idea of houses vanishing and molding themselves together, but everything else just seemed awkward. I think if this was explored as a longer story, with the reader witnessing the interaction of the characters before the monumental night, then the two men would feel more believable. As it is, I'm not buying it.

Comeback by G.S. Wiley
This was the first story in the set to really move me. Felix is so unlike most people reading--he's a once-famous movie star who spun out of control with his alcohol and drug abuse and went into rehab. He fires his manager--the only person who has been there for him the whole time--and gets a new one in his struggle to reclaim life.

So not many things that people have to deal with. And yet. And yet we are drawn to Felix because he's made some poor decisions, he's pushed away friends and family, he's made mistakes--things we all can connect with--and now he's trying to fix his life and make some sense out of it all, while daily fighting with the desire to take a drink. His desperation, mixed with his motivation to not give in, is what makes him so believable.

Return to the Mountain by P.D. Singer
I'm actually surprised I enjoyed this story as much as I did. Gary is self-centered, selfish, and a cheat. But he's on the path of reform, which redeems him long enough for us to get through the story, and we are rewarded with his reunion with Seth--but that doesn't mean everything is roses afterward.

Oilsmouth by J Rocci
This is a romance story in only the most basic sense that Edge loves Kit and is willing to do pretty much anything to keep him. The world is steampunk and very thoroughly described without being too much. I wasn't disappointed with the ending, even if it was abrupt...I'd kind of like to read more about this world and this couple!

Light the Fire by J.L. Merrow
This feels like a return to a classic-type of story, and I appreciated it. Kurt is still mourning the loss of his previous lover, who has been dead for 2 years, and Matt is not the type to give up. It's a fun, spit-fire dynamic that dips its toes into deeper waters without delving too far (due to limited space).

Pack Horse by Lee Benoit
I enjoyed this story...I think. I understood the overall jist of the story, but some of the subtleties were lost on me. Especially the flirt. At least, I think it was flirting. I may need to reread this to get it, but maybe I'm just being dense.

Home is the Hunter by Syd McGinley
Aside from the abuse of exclamation marks, which is a pet peeve (and is just ridiculous. If you can't get your excitement across with one, or better yet with the use of words, then why are you writing?). But aside from that, I feel like I'm see a sliver of a story that deserves more. Or needs more, whether it deserves it or not. There seems to be alot missing. I like the situation Topher is in (though I'm curious why he no longer goes by Chris), and I see potential in his relationship with Kynan. I think if this were fleshed out more there'd be potential, but overall it was flat.

Night Watch by Eden Winters

Night Watch by Eden Winters
Stars: 3/5

Overall:
This story probably isn't strong enough to stand alone, although the plot itself is self contained. It's a nice story, but nothing amazing. It is very touching to watch Jay "deal" with Michael's problems and seeing the relationship from his perspective (since Michael would surely say Jay got the raw end of the deal).

What I liked
I felt the story really picked up once Jay actually arrived home. I realize the need for the detour, but that section dragged a little for me (on the other hand, the story would probably feel like it was missing something if it wasn't there). More than the sex (not that I minded that, it was enjoyable!), I liked watching Jay help Michael come out of himself and his memories through the sensory questions, especially when Michael describes Jay's touches on him.

What didn't work
There was one possible plot hole: The story takes place on July 4th, and the fireworks of New Years are referenced, but The Telling takes place in spring, which mean a July 4th would have already passed once.

The French Have a Word for It by Josh Lanyon

The French Have a Word for It by Josh Lanyon
Stars: 4/5

Overall:
A brief, sweet tale of long ago crushes returning. Colin is hiding from his grandfather when he meets his old crush Thomas. But all isn't what it seems. It was moving and rewarding (although not hot) in a very short space.

What I liked
Emotions. While a short piece, we easily get attached to our narrator and experience his emotions.

Story. We are given plenty of back story without bogging down current events, and everything is fleshed out smoothly. We understand the characters without being told everything and our main voice has weakness while not being weak.

What didn't work
There wasn't anything that didn't work, my only disappointments were the lack of a sex scene (which isn't vital, but was kind of teasing) and I wish it were longer, which isn't a failing, since the story is self-contained. But I did want more...I think that says good things about this short story.

Jude in Chains by K.Z. Snow

Jude in Chains by K.Z. Snow
Stars: 3.5/5

Overall:
Third time's the charm, right? So when Misha meet Jude again, in a gay conversion camp of all places, he knows he has to save him. But it might just be Misha who ends up being saved. This is a story you have to take with a small grain of salt, believing in that *spark* between two people that draws them together. Otherwise it's good, but not amazing; a touching story that satisfies.

What I liked
Misha isn't perfect, but he certainly is passionate about caring about Jude and wanting to save him from the "straight ideal." He's an enjoyable narrator, mixing humor and feeling as we go along. Nothing felt unrealistic or improbable and the flashbacks worked well to establish their history.

What didn't work
The only minor downside is that we don't really see what Jude would get out of the decisions he makes. This is where you have to suspend your disbelief and go with it a little, believe in soul mates or what have you. This didn't bother me and I never really considered it until I sat down to write the review.

The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt

The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt
Stars: 3.75/5

Overall:
A study in life. A painting in words. A moving, subtly dramatic piece that dissects human nature and human life, splaying it on the table for us to see--and shudder at. I think anyone beyond high school will find a character to relate to, whether you are gay, straight, single, married, working a job you enjoy, working a job you hate, working a job you're good at, in love, in lust, just friends, hoping, dreaming, desperate, depressed, in the closet, out of the closet or just plain searching.

Very little dramatic action leaves this a rather slow read, but if you go in expecting a steadily plodding story, you won't be disappointed. The lack of high-action isn't a necessarily a bad thing, although it didn't rush me through the book either. Instead it's a loaf of bread, needing time to rise and be kneaded, then rise again. Patience pays off with something delicious, even if it isn't a burst of amazing flavors. It is substance.

The ending is satisfactory--you can't really expect much else from a story so gritty in its realism. Life may not be amazingly happy, but it's working on getting better, and I guess that's all you can hope for sometimes.

Looking for It by Michael Thomas Ford

Looking for It by Michael Thomas Ford
Stars: 4/5

Overall:
As we follow the stories of six men whose lives weave together in a small New York town, we are shown the good, the difficulties, and the heartbreak of relationships. We are given a gamut of men, with those who are looking for love, those who have given up hope of finding someone, those who are in denial about their sexuality, those in a committed relationship and those who have lost their partner and struggling to return to "the scene" as an old man.

The accounts are sometimes amusing, sometimes heart wrenching, and sometimes tender. As their tales unfold, the stories of these men is the story of us all--searching for love, struggling to deeply understand another person, and trying to find our own place, whether its in our own self-worth or how society views us.

The two stories that moved me the most was those of Stephen, who is single, mostly comfortable with his sexuality, but feels incapable of forming a relationship with another man; and Thomas and Mike, who form a bond that just warmed me. No matter the angle Ford took to view these men and their relationships, he did a thorough job of exploring the complex dynamics involved. They are all touching and delightful.

A word of warning, there is some violence (gay-bashing) described in some detail and through the perspective of the perpetrator. Also, if you are uncomfortable with the word "fag/faggot," be warned that it is used by this same man often.

Liquid Glass by Zathyn Priest

Liquid Glass by Zathyn Priest
Stars: 2.5/5

Overall:
True love. Soul mates. Whatever you want to call it, Priest has it stretch across time and existence. I didn't really know what I was getting into when I started reading this story; in fact, I had some very wrong assumptions (which, after reading the description of the book, I'm not sure where they came from). We are given a ghost story in the barest sense that it involves ghosts and the past, but more importantly it involves true love which struggles through the ages to finally be happy together. While I didn't suffer while reading it, I wasn't captivated either. I'll probably give the author another chance, since I enjoyed one of his short stories.

What I liked
Story. The overall arch of the story was pretty interesting once they got into it and the action started happening. The flashbacks did an excellent job of explaining what was happening without further exposition (see What didn't work). Although it wasn't an intense story, it was "creepy" enough for it's ghost-story-like charms.

Characters. Most of the characters were enjoyable and complimented one another well.

True love. I'm a giant sucker for the idea of true love and soul mates, so this novel pushed that button hard. I really enjoyed the soul mates once they came together because they didn't completely lose their own identity. (Completely, see What didn't work.)

What didn't work
Over explaining. This problem mostly comes to head when Trudy is narrating. While she is the most knowledgeable about psychic abilities, she also tells the reader too much. While she has an important role plot wise, I'd rather if the author didn't use her as an unnecessary crutch to tell the reader things...things that we didn't really need to know in the first place. This is seen most clearly toward the end of the novel in the falling action when she pretty much tells all. In monologue. I felt like the author was trying to justify his own story when he didn't need to--I followed along with him until then.

Character loop hole. Cameron is frugal, a penny pincher, what have you. But as soon as his true love arrives, he's willing to blow massive amounts of money on him. I can't buy it. Yes, love makes you do crazy things, but love also rarely changes deep-seated behavior traits like that. It felt horribly out of character for him.

Construction. The story didn't grab me right off the bat, which I find to be a failing of any story/novel. Why should I continue if I'm barely interested? I realize some stories take time to build into a complex weave (and this one did have a fair amount of weave to work with), I still needed to be pulled in quicker than I was. Mostly the first few chapters left me annoyed, although it didn't help Malcom and Trudy initially led the story, and they were my least two favorite characters.

The Telling by Eden Winters

The Telling by Eden Winters
Stars: 4/5

Overall:
A well-paced, unfolding story of a war veteran trying to overcome his demons and discover who he is, and the young man who helps guide him on his journey. Everything felt realistic and tasteful while dealing with difficult topics. The bedroom scenes were well written and appropriate for Michael's state of mind, a matter Winters always kept in mind.

What I liked
Emotions. If Jay hadn't had a long-standing crush on Michael's picture, then the relationship between the two men would never have worked. Because he did, his feelings and actions were more believable, cementing a support system for Michael.

Struggles. I enjoyed their small miscommunications/misunderstandings in the beginning that caused a little strife but didn't linger. As the story developed, so did the problems, most of them resulting from Michael's innerself, but also realistic things like coming out and Jay's looming graduation.

Moments. Michael isn't completely broken, but he's not completely stable either. Winters did an excellent job of keeping the balance by using little moments (like when he wakes in the morning) to show the random terror he feels in life. He also experiences larger fears (being outside in the open), which are continued as bigger issues that become hurdles for him to overcome.

What didn't work
Pathos. While I liked the characters, there was no real depth of plot to make me extremely attached to them. When something happened to one, I felt a twinge of sadness, but not much else. I don't think this is necessarily a terrible thing, but it is the weakest point of the novel.