Midnight in Orlando AND Midnight on a Mountaintop by Amy Dawson Robertson

Midnight In Orlando
by Amy Dawson Robertson
Pages: 119
Date: December 28 2012
Publisher: Fox in the Brush Books
Series: Midnight (1st in series)

Review
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 30 2015

A slow neat little story about a lawyer and a paralegal meeting up at a conference. Circling each other. Dating. In Orlando. And while an ABA (lawyer) conference is going on in Orlando, that isn't the conference they are attending. They are at the, well some long name. Basically a lesfic conference with the readers and writers of lesbian fiction in attendance.

Quite a nice little story. Two women with insecurities. Meeting. Having fun. Romancing.

Midnight on a Mountaintop
by Amy Dawson Robertson
Pages: 131
Date: January 19 2014
Publisher: Fox in the Brush Books
Series: Midnight (2nd in the series)

Review
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 30 2015

My biggest problem with Midnight on a Mountaintop, and it's a little odd to think this, is that I'm reading it right after Midnight in Orlando. The previous story in this series. The story is already short. Having pages and pages devoted to letting the reader in on each character, and how they relate, and what they did together . . . when I had just read off of that a few minutes before, is annoying. To be fair, the sequel, this story here, while it takes plays four months after the first story, was published something like two years after the first (or a year and a month). Still . . ..

Mmphs. I did not need the introduction of an old girlfriend. mmphs. I dislike when old girlfriends are suddenly thrust forward and dangled before the horrified eyes of the reader. The whole ex-girlfriend was really uncomfortable. Hell, the whole "let's start the story a month before they actually see each other, slowly every so slowly work up to them seeing each other again."

Bloody hell. I entered this with the idea I'd be reading a story about Nic and Susan. Instead I was reading a split story. From their point of view. Involving them but not involving them. How . . . annoying.

The Princes Affair by Nell Stark

The Princes Affair
by Nell Stark
Pages: 264
Date: March 19 2013
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Series: A Princess Affair (first book)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 29 2015

This was a difficult book in several ways (I'll just briefly note: closeted people hiding from the public; certain amount of miscommunication issues; etc.), and for the longest time I figured I'd be lucky to rate this as much as three stars. Though I never doubted I'd complete the book. In the end, though, I was able to like it enough to give it four stars.

I'm not sure if I can get myself to read another like it, though. For a long while I've been tired of the "straight woman who suddenly realizes they are actually a lesbian" theme. That's not in this book, though the Princess isn't "out". And that's the theme I'm rapidly growing tired of, the "not out" part. In this day and age, the cowering in the closet is something I'm rapidly losing patience with. At least among adult characters who are not over a certain age.

There's always a reason, of course. Mostly tied to work. Mostly I see it in acting related books (which is, in itself, funny in its way, as the perception has been long presented that the public thinks they are all wild weirdos anyway). Well, this time the reason is "royal highness", i.e., position in society.

Okay, I've read that now. I'll not "punish" this book for having the closeted theme, since I hadn't specifically read this exact storyline before (though I've run across princesses with fake images falling for a specific woman, and how that created complications, etc. etc. - though there it was a fantasy - it had to be, what with lesbianism being so open, allowed, and not questioned, heck the fake image was of the princess sleeping around, a lot, with women). I lost track of this paragraph. So I'll just conclude it with: I've read this story line now, I won't detract points based on it, but I'll try to steer clear of the theme in the future.

(I just noticed - the book wandered over Ireland, Scotland, and England; what, a day trip to Wales was too much to ask for? hehe).

Full Court Press by Lynn Galli

Full Court Press
by Lynn Galli
Pages: 272
Date: January 20 2010
Publisher: Penikila Press

Review
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Read: June 29 2015

I rather liked this story. And I liked the interactions with most of the people involved. With one exception. I could have seriously lived without having to put up with Darby. And her relationship with the coach.

But, meh, it happened. Humans make mistakes, relationship-wise. Maybe it humanized the coach. Perhaps. And, while I would have much preferred to see the Kesara and Graysen relationship, preferred to see it instead of the Darby/Grayson one, I understand why things went the way they did.

Sports: I'm actually surprised that this is my first full-on sports + lesbian fiction book I've read. I've read books that had sports pop up, there's one or two characters who played pick-up softball games on the side, but this is the first sports/lesbian fusion I've read before. And again, I'm back to being surprised. It isn't because I didn't want to read this type of thing, it's because I can't seem to find much in this niche of a niche to read.

Basketball was never something I've paid attention to as an adult, but that didn't keep me from understanding and liking the sports action. I didn't pay attention, or don't pay attention because I was a part of an undefeated basketball team when I was a kid. And so . . . I did that and felt, well, I've accomplished that. No need to try to live through others in this sport. Heck, there's a million and one others to live vicariously through, so it's good to have one crossed off. *nods*

It was neat to see a female head coach tackling the concept of coaching a male college basketball team.

Aspen's Stunt by Melissa Grace

Aspen's Stunt
by Melissa Grace
Pages: 237
Date: December 31 2014
Publisher: Author

Review
Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 26 2015

hmm. Aspen kind of presented, at least in the beginning, as an overly energetic 13 year old. Which is odd, since she's supposed to be 21. (well, literally she is presented as 7, but I meant during the present day scenes). Does not help that the father seems to treat Aspen as roughly 13.

'When did you become such a little adult?' - um, wha? Little . . . adult? Did I misread the earlier mention of Aspen's age? Did I accidentally transpose the 1 and 2? Forget 13, the father treats his daughter as a 12 year old. A super needy, easy to fall into tears at the mere idea of his "little adult" going off "forever" to be "lost" . . .. That's super creepy.

'I'm finally going to make some money.' - seriously, is she or is she not 21? What the hell? The dad doesn't want his 21 year old to work? Is there some unstated thing going on here? Does she actually have the mental capacity of a 4 year old? And, all these mentions of "motorcross" . . . that pays nothing?

'Dad, I honestly know that [as opposed to dishonestly knowing that?], and I will be careful.' - bah. Going off to make money to save the farm. 'I don't need friends. I need you. I need this place.' - this is really really creepy and is giving off vibes of an abusive incestual relationship.

This is all so bloody strangely laid out. A super creepy father is lose'ing the farm. Seemingly like a gift from heaven, his daughter, whom he treats like a five year old, is given an opportunity to go to Hollywood. To "do stunts". Assumption being that they are stunts on a bike. Without asking about payment or the like, the young woman immediately heads to Hollywood. Wherein the super naive young woman is given a contract. A six figure contract. And some vague idea that she will be jumping through windows. While on fire. And while on a bike. And if anything goes wrong, she can't sue. Or get any compensation. Here - sign. OOh! What a great deal! Let's sign!

I can't wrap my brain around this story. No foundation has been laid for any reason for an agent to contact this Aspen woman to do stunts. Aspen has apparently never worked a day in her life, at least nothing that would pay her money. Yet she's always out doing her "motorcross". And apparently somehow is well known enough for an agent to contact her. To do stunts. Apparently Hollywood now sends out calls to random people to see if they wish to come to Hollywood. For six figure deals. There's no bloody foundation for this story. Bah. Oh, sorry. There is foundation. Of a sort - mother died when girl is seven, while attempting to give birth, to a still-born brother. Father treats girl like she's really really young/and or really immature, while at the same time giving off massive waves/vibes of incestual stuff. And the woman is 21. There, see, foundation laid.

And . . . seriously? She's given a contract. She doesn't read it. Signs it. Agent immediatly picks it up and . . . 'pocketed it in the breast pocket of his suit." Seriously? There's naive and then there's super stupid. Maybe she does have the mental capacity/maturity/intelligence of a 5 year old. And what contract is so thin that it could be picked up and placed in the breast pocket of a suit? Have you seen contracts? Have you seen the breast pockets of suits? AARGH. Me and making notes while reading. He picked up his pen. But the wording made it seem like he was picking up the contract.

Okay, then she works on stunts. And, apparently, is the best stunt motorbike driver of all time. Who has never been paid. I guess she . . . no, I have no bloody clue what's going on.

First impressions are everything, right? Right. Jasper, the stunt coordinator (well, trainer, maybe he isn't the coordinator?) is very lazy in his coordinating. At least, from what is written. Just - do that. Aspen has blond hair. Is 21. Apparently naive. JT, the male actor on the film (apparently there's just two actors on the film), is a flirt (and apparently gets extras pregnant). And . . . um . . . given to saying vaguely inapporpriate stuff while elbowing Wren. Wren being the female actor on the set. Who, apparently, can't stand the smell of gas. Or dirt. Or anything, really. She's real bitchy and stand-offish. The dirctor, Gideon Wolff . . . um . . sarcastic twit? No, no real first
impression of him.

hmm. Apparently Aspen is the best at what she does. Still without ever, not once, never in her life, having been paid any money. For work. Maybe I need to stop fixating on that possible throw away line. I probably misinterpreted it.

Especially since her dad and her worked hard for Aspen to get to the pros. Which means . . . she should already have a source of income. To help on the losing the farm issue. Or, at the very least, have received money at some point in her life. Being a motorcross pro and all.

'The paparazzi still mention it today.' - so says the director. About JT getting extras pregnant. Um . . wha? Paparazzi take photographs. They don't . . . mention stuff. Reporters, entertainment presenters, etc. "mention" stuff. Not paparazzi. Maybe I've been misinformed? *looks up definition of paparazzi: "a freelance photographer who pursues celebrities to get photographs of them"* hmms.

Second impressions are . . something. Yeah, Wren's a bitch. Jasper's really hands-y. Oh, and, apparently, Aspen is gorgeous and everyone wants to do her. JT, and Kerri (the stylist). Correction. Wren's a major massive nasty bitch. Not just a bitch. And JT's a slimeball.

This. Is. Not. Making. Sense. (1) Aspen is 21; (2) her dad seems to treat her like she's 12; (3) she's a motorcross pro; (4) who has apparently never made any money; (5) while being the best at what she does (motorcross); (6) dad breaks down and cries when daughter Aspen is going to go away to Hollywood, because she will be away; (7) Aspen has, apparently, been all over for motorcross events, just not to L.A. (8) lives on the farm; (9) wakes up early to do chores. (10) gives
impression never leaves farm. (11) while going all over for motorcross . . . eh? (12) never been in a coffee shop before.

Does . . . not . . . compute. Super naive young woman from a small farm, who has been all over the place as a pro motorcross . . . person. Does she compete by herself? With no live audience? Just . . . out there in the wilderness?

Does she have one of those video stick things that record her, or record as if from her eyes as she zooms around on a motorcycle? And she uploads these videos? So, no one is around, she does massive stunts, records them, uploads them - is that how she is naive, but been everywhere, never made money - yet thinks she is a pro, and has had her stunts seen by others? I'm so confused.

heh. Apparently liking coffee the same way moves Wren from being a total bitch to Aspen to smiling sweetly. Those Hollywood people. So shallow.

'I won some nice prestigious awards in motorcross, but the money . . .' - um. So. She has in fact made money. Okkkay then.

Hmm. I don't really like pushy Kerri. bah. Actually, I know I don't. What a bitch.

Forcing Aspen to go on a date with Kerri. hmms. I don't think I particularly like Wren either. Esepcially when she turned into such a cold bitch after 'playing' with Aspen. Yes, playing is code. (I realize she wasn't actually, but she sure acted that way).

Huh. Now I really kinda dislike the papa as well. Pushing men at his daughter. mmphs. Bloody smoothering, that guy. Icky dude.

heh. Good grief, now I've no ability to have sympathy for Aspen. Because she went and injured herself. It got driven in too deeply about how much of a pro Aspen is so . . . I have no sympathy for her crashing. When she shouldn't have been doing what she was doing. While overly emotional. bah.

Forever and a Knight by Bridget Essex

Forever and a Knight
by Bridget Essex
Pages: 350
Date: January 26 2015
Publisher: Rose and Star Press
Series: The Knight Legends (2nd book)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 4.0
Read: June 25 2015

Well, I read the book that I didn't think I'd read. I didn't think I'd read it because it didn't continue the story of Virago and Holly from the first book in the series, but, instead, injected two completely new people. And . . . I rather dislike when series do that. Sometimes I continue the series, sometimes I don't. Most often, now-a-days, I don't. There is a high likelihood that I wouldn't have this time either, except I had read three other stories by Essex on the same day (when was that, yesterday? the day before), and I liked them so much that I just had to continue this specific series. Since there so few stories that actually are continued by Essex, even if this was only continuing the universe, not the people (though the people did have a cameo).

So. A radio DJ. Very sarcastic and bitter. I might not be remembering right, but if I am, the only creature they are close to in life is Wonder, the DJ's cat (and the DJ's sister, but sister is dead). I've named the cat but not the main character. heh. Josie.

Josie works for public radio and the grant that basically funds the place just got pulled. So she's out of work. Abruptly. There's one last shot at the board that runs the trust that gives out the grant. Josie and her, apparently, bitter rival will jointly present the idea that pulling the grant is stupid. Present this idea the next day.

Noticing that all she has clean in her apartment, clothing wise, is thin tiger pants and Scooby Doo shirt, Josie heads down to the "haunted" basement to do some laundry. Which is important to mention, because while down there, she falls through a portal between worlds. And lands on the world Virago came from.

Well, no. More accurately she bounced on that world, got all confused, tripped, fell down a hill, and eventually stopped moving after she fell onto a woman. In armor. A woman named Attis.

And so, Attis and Josie go on a quest towards a specific city where Attis knows someone who might, just might, be able to help Josie return home. Most of the book involves following Attis and Josie on their journey. Almost immediately, and this is quite important, Josie stopped the journey. Right when it was about to start. Because heard mewing. Mewing that sounded suspiciously familiar. Josie charged back up the hill she had previously fallen down and found her cat. So, see, important. Cat, Josie, Attis, and horsie go on this journey.

Solid book. Solid characterization. Somewhat annoying in terms of the dragging romance, and the ending was kind of weird.

And, despite having "knight" in the book title and series title, Attis isn't a knight. But a mercenary. Who used to be a knight. Meh, just something to note. I guess "Forever and an ex-Knight" doesn't work as well. And something like "The (ex)Knight Legends" or "The Knight and ex-Knight Legends" works even less well. So . . .. *shrugs*

Relatively Rainey by R.E. Bradshaw

Relatively Rainey
by R.E. Bradshaw
Pages: 240
Date: June 13 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Rainey Bell Thrillers (Fifth book in series)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 24 2015

This is one of those wherein some would say something like "why'd anyone even bother labeling it lesbian?" Why would they say that? Because there's no sex. Apparently some see "lesbian" as "here be sex between women inside the pages of this book." meh. It be a lesbian married to a lesbian and raising three kids.

Okay, I admit I wrote that first paragraph because I couldn't think of anything else to write. I know why I label things the way I label them. Same reason I labeled this a mystery. And crime. Because it contains those elements. Now if there had been sex, well, I'd probably have added erotica/adult, or other label. As that would be an added element to be labeled.

That's enough talking to myself.

Rainey's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from all the damage and danger she's suffered over the years. Though, mostly and specifically from the attack by the Y-Man (that's the media's name for they guy, right?). Waking up screaming, and at times coming periously close to injuring her wife, Katie. She must work on this issue in this book. *nods*

Meanwhile, Katie's suffering from a nasty illness picked up from her triplets. Who suffered greviously from this illness shortly before Katie caught it.

It's been a while since I've read the Rainey series. I remember everyone except Wendy. I'm not exactly sure why I don't recall her. But, meh. She's an officer of the law. Trying to make her big break. Has this case involving underage male prostitutes and dead underage male prostitutes. Gets into trouble over it. But she's a Bell, specifically Rainey Bell's sister. So . .. trouble follows the Bells.

This is kind of incoherent. But it is roughly 2 am. So, I blame that.

Mystery-wise, we have three "mysteries" in operation: (1) Someone has escalated from stealing underwear to become a sadistic serial killer and must be tracked down and stopped; (2) someone's killing boys; (3) ... other than an added element of danger, I forget why the ex-FBI agent is involved in the story. No real mystery here. He's an abusive asshole who keeps trying to kill his wife. Wendy was able to lure the wife and kids away and save them. The ex-FBI agent turned to Wendy as a target since he can't find the wife. I have a vague sense that there are more than three mysteries I should mention. I suppose a fourth would be (4) why, and/or what has triggered Rainey's PTSD nightmares, and how can she "fix" herself before she accidentally kills her wife and kids.

hmms. I think I just fell asleep a few moments there. Really too late to be attempting to write something.

Lot going on in the book. Solid book. Good characterization. Other than having Molly the lawyer pop up for like three seconds, have one solid scene then leave the book forever more. It's like Patrick Stewart showing up at the end of Robin Hood and noting that he's King Arthur and he's back now. And stuff. Or, Sean Connery did a bunch of cameos as well. I've some vague idea he popped up for like three seconds on Hunt for Red October. See, if my brain worked all this would be ordered more coherently. And be one line. As in: Molly turns up in this book, but it is just a cameo appearance, a few lines, before she leaves again. Ah, the "other than" part has to do with sadness that it's just a cameo/and or the feeling of forced inclusion.

I've noticed that before in Bradshaw books. In the book titled Molly, Bradshaw has a couple from another book pop up for like three seconds to wave at the reader, then poof. A problem with that is that I hadn't actually read that book they are in yet, so some bits slipped out. Just in the three seconds they were on the page. Though that's more of a issue for that Molly House on Fire book (and Waking up Grey, as the cameo couple is from that Grey book that I haven't read).

Dakiti by E.J. Fisch

Dakiti
by E.J. Fisch
Pages: 353
Date: May 29 2014
Publisher: Transcendence Publishing

Review
Rating: 2.8 out of 5.0
Read: June 4 to June 23 2015

On phone so this review will be likely crap.

It probably could have been a much better book if one of two things had been the case: (1) Aroska or . whatever his name was didn't exist or, probably better (2) POV stuck with Ziva.

The Ziva sections were much better. Maybe around 4 stars. Aroska's sections were around 1 or 1 1/2 stars. I could not stand that moron. He seems to do everything wrong, has a massive chip on his shoulder, leaks secrets like a leaky balloon, and worse yet, just plain rubs me the wrong way.

As it is, hmms, a rating of 2 and a half stars? 3?

By the way - - I didn't actually realize Ziva and Aroska were in the police. Their organization seemed much more like a military one. Only two reasons lead me to realize they were not in a military organization: I read something in a thread somewhere noting that they were not military and there is a scene wherein the military was called in. If you are in the military saying that a different organization is being called in, and calling them "the military" seems weird. I know that the description noted that Aroska was in the special police, but I either didn't catch that the first time, or - didn't take that to necessarily mean that it wasn't a military organization (there are many police like organizations inside the military).

Falling for Summer AND A Wolf for Valentine's Day AND Wolf Queen by Bridget Essex

Falling for Summer
by Bridget Essex
Pages: 70
Date: June 8 2015
Publisher: Rose and Star Press

Review
Rating: 4.75 out of 5.0
Read: June 23 2015

I don't actually recall if the other main characters in the stories I've read by Essex are as unstable emotionally as they have been in the two stories I've read today, but I've a vague recollection that it is something of a theme (one was a lonely woman, waiting for her knight in shining armor, other was a woman in a bad relationship, tired of being taken for granted). Not so much unstable, just overly emotional. Maybe. Well, the one in Wolf Queen was. And the one in this one is. Though both have their reasons for their unstableness. I'm not sure unstableness is a word.

So, Amanda has returned to her home town after 20 years. To punish herself. It's been twenty years since her sister died. When the sister was ten, and Amanda was 17. For a while Amanda had monthly nightmares. Recently it's been weekly. She blames herself deeply for the issue. So, naturally, she's overly emotional.

So, this overally emotional woman arrives at Lake George to mourn her sister Tiffany, and punish herself. Arrives to find a woman slide out of the water and grin at her. Then realizes and or remembers that Summer, the name of the woman, was one of Tiffany's friends. So she's abrupt and rude to Summer. And bitchy.

hmms. I guess this is the sex one. Read two stories by Essex today. Both released this month. The other lacked graphic sexual activities. Unless I just missed them somehow. heh. This one isn't lacking said graphic activites.

hehe. Oops. Accidentaly started laughing during the sex scene. Then continued, maybe, because I had started laughing. "Summer tastes of exactly that: summer. She tastes of green grasses . . ." and that's when I started laughing. She tastes like grass. Like . . . grass. hehehehehehe. How'd the rest of the sentence go? Don't know yet. Haven't been able to read it yet. hehehehe. Moooo. 'ooh, you taste . . taste like *licks, gobbles* ooh, like like grass, lovely grass . . ..' Bah. I be insane.

Bah. Another long drawn out story about how being gay in a small town was just not done and . . blah blah blah. mmphs. I just read that. I don't need to read it again. Even if it is true to life, I don't need to keep reading it over and over again.

Well, this time the story lasted up to 90% of the Kindle file (last time it got up to 87%). You know, there's at least one problem with stories like these. They are short, this one's 70 pages, and if I actually like it and the couple I'm kind of stuck. Because that's that. Tortured by their emotions, breaking through them and . . . poof. The end. Would be nice to see them in the happy times, but I guess that's not in the cards.

Like, I've been looking for the supposed sequel to A Knight to Remember for ages now. There is no indication of a sequel for A Wolf for the Holidays, but I've been hoping for one for a while now as well. As I said, that's the problem with these stories. They are so bloody short and then that's it. Ah well.

ETA: oh. I just noticed that the second book in that Knight series already was published. And . . . is another of those series wherein the characters are replaced with a different set. I sad now.

Wolf Queen
by Bridget Essex
Pages: 56
Date: June 19 2015
Publisher: Rose and Star Press

Review
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 23 2015

Amber works for a gay newspaper in Chicago named "Proud and Windy". There's basically three other people working there, and one's a bird. The kind with feathers. She's 25 and has lived in Chicago for seven years. After fleeing her gay hating (apparently) little town in not-Chicago Illinois (specifically Kankakee Illinois). Her mother's dead, she has a sister, and she was raised by her minimum-wage working father who loved her, but whose love is conditional on not learning that she was this evil fithly gay person. That she was. So, at 18, she was going to move to Chicago. With the woman of her dreams, Stevie.

Except Stevie didn't turn up.

Well, as I said, it's seven years later. Amber's given an assignment to interview the new owner of Howl, renamed Wolf Queen. Who, it turns out, is someone Amber hasn't seen in seven years. That Stevie person who disappeared on her.

I'd already overloaded the first paragraph or I'd have put there that the newspaper that Amber works for is, as the owner of the place calls it (well, Amber's boss, maybe he isn't the owner) - mostly used for it's personels section. And is only in operation because of the advertisements. Oh, and Howl has promissed to put a full page advertisement in, which is one reason Amber's given said assignment to interview the owner.

Ah, stories that start off in "modern times" then suddenly jump elsewhere. Like this one. In which, suddenly, after being shocked into not being able to move or talk by bumping into the new owner of Howl/Wolf Queen - Stevie, we are lead back to Kankakee. Not even as quick a trip as back to that night seven years ago when she was going to leave the town. No, all the way back to when she was ten and saw Stevie for the first time and knew that one was the one for her.

It's vaguely weird when you read about love at first sight. Especially when the people involved are both ten years old. But, meh. heh. Then it's weird to learn that the deeper kind of love wasn't realized until 16. Strange, that. Realized as in, realized loved them that way.

Hmms. And this short story is only 87% of the Kindle file. And . . . just kinda . . ended. What the hell? That's the story? There's no bloody story. Two women were apart for seven years and found each other again. The end. mmphs.

A Wolf for Valentine's Day
by Bridget Essex
Pages: 101
Date: March 3 2015
Publisher: Rose and Star Press

Review
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 23 2015

My fifth Essex story. And I'm confused. The main character doesn't seem to be a bundle of emotion. Overly emotional. Or whatever. I kid.

So. Single woman. Is given a gift certificate for a week at a yoga retreat. For Valentine's day (I assume the week around it). Sorry, I should have said a "singles yoga retreat" or "yoga singles retreat."

Ah, there we go. Finally dug up the name. Trish. The woman's name is Trisha 'Trish' Dalton. (Sister's name is Jackie, but that's less important).

Trish doesn't want to go but as the gift is given on Christmas day, she has a lot of time to turn it down. So, she ignores it. Until it comes time to go on the retreat and she can't get out of it now. So . . . she goes. 'It'd be stupid not to go.' (p. 13).

-- notes as reading -- she lives in Florida. Retreat is in Boulder Colorado. She doesn't exactly have much in the way of winter gear. Realizes this at last minute - - -

'Okay, so I think I should send my sister more than just a thank you card as I race after the tall chauffeur.' (p. 20). - note: you, apparently, got the "elite package", I assume that being able to leisurely follow your chauffeur is part of eliteness. Don't run after your driver. mmphs. heh.

-- more notes -- the gorgeous woman who walks like wolf is named Kennedy Butler; “'So, what brings you to our retreat weekend?'” (p. 28). - wait, I thought it was a retreat week? I confused.; okay, they said weekend again. She arrived on a Monday.

A retreat weekend that starts on a Monday? I actually went back to the beginning to see if they ever said week; other than stuff about being too busy for a week, and schedule cleared for a week, and see you next week, I don't see that the retreat is actually a week. But, what weekend starts on a Monday? I'm annoyed that I just got pulled out of this story to spend twenty minutes trying to figure out week/weekend issue. mmphs.

'Kitted out like this, I look a little bit like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.' (p. 47). - hehe, see, I can find humor in stuff. *nods* - -

'The electricity that has been crackling all over my skin roars through me like a bolt of lightning as we kiss each other now. I shudder against Kennedy as the electric kiss devours the both of us in waves of need. This is not a simple little kiss. This is energy, this is want and desire as our lips merge, as our tongues entwine, hers sneaking into my mouth even as I smile against her, breathing out in a hiss of want.' (p. 64).

'Like she knows what's inside of me, what makes me.... me.' (p. 65). - hmms, that's beautifully put.

hmms. Well. That's kind of embarrassing. Well, I haven't actually said the embarrassing thing yet. And I'm not sure I want to. I'm fairly certain that I don't want to. Course now I'm vaguely curious as to what some reader might think I might mean. hehe. So I'll just blurt it out, since it isn't really anything that should be embarrassing. This story might be the best one I've ever read. I've said that once before, I believe. But, even taking that once before into consideration, I still make the comment. It was a beautiful story. I feel vaguely at peace, content, and happy to have read this story. I'm not 100% sure I can write coherently at the moment, but that's okay. A perfect beginning middle and end.

And this time I'm not completely saddened by the knowledge that I'm highly unlikely to meet these characters again. I'm just happy to have been able to see this glimpse into their lives. Though, if they did suddenly turn up again, I'm almost completely positive that I'd gobble it up. The story.

Hmms. My third Essex of the day. And two of them end up being five star reads. And one of those two feels more than five plus somehow or another. This one. Then the third one which was a 3 star, but I still liked it. Heck, it was the first one I read today, so if I'd disliked it, I'd not have continued reading Essex.

(oh, and I never did found out if it was a weekend or a week retreat, as the story ended before I could find that out)

Pitfall: A Jurassic Romantic Adventure by Kelli Jae Baeli

Pitfall: A Jurassic Romantic Adventure
by Kelli Jae Baeli
Pages: 297
Date: September 9 2014
Publisher: Lesbian Literati Press

Review
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.0
Read: June 18 to June 21 2015

Time Travel, archaeology, dinosaurs, lesbians, displaced in time, and more.

Pitfall is the name of a cave in New Zealand. A Dr. Veronica Hill excavated that cave and found a "Flinstone's phone", as one janitor called the item. An artifact that looked human made from the Jurassic era. Dr. Hill loaded up bones and artifacts and headed back to the states to examine them closer.

The book opens, though, centered on the janitor I briefly noted before. One Jonna Clarke. Jonna's cleaning in the basement and spots the good doctor over next to specimens examining them. She sweeps back and forth near Dr. Hill. Dr. Hill screams at her, asking what she is doing and why she is there. One thing leads to another and it turns out that this isn't actually their first encounter. For a drunker version of Dr. Hill had made out with Jonna that past weekend. So. You have that going on.

Meanwhile Jonna's spotted that Flinstone's phone. And, being a naturally curious person, wanders close enough to it to nudge it. Veronica pulls her away but not before the device was activated. When the two awaken again, they find themselves slumped over on the dusty ground. Thousands of miles away. In New Zealand.

That part is relatively quickly realized. Since they apparently appeared in Pitfall cave. The place Veronica had just been excavating, so she recognizes the place.

Relatively quickly after that they realize that, not only have they traveled in space, they have also traveled in time. 145 to 150 million years ago. To the time of the dinosaurs.

And, so, the book unfolds from there. Two lesbians back in time. With something of a tentative relationship. Jonna having a massive chip on her shoulder re: education, and being seen as "dumb". Veronica tends to only want and have one night stands. Which is a little hard when you are on a planet with only one other human on it. Oh, and dinosaurs are wandering around. Can't forget the dinosaurs.

Reasonably interesting book. Dragged in a few places here and there. Considering that "lesbians teleported back 150 million years" is a little over the top to begin with, the bouncing around that occurs near the end is even more over the top.

The characters grew on me, though. And the plot, while absurd, was solid enough. I suppose my only real problem has to do with the impact of injuries and what happens to them when a person teleports/time travels. But, bah.

The Wandering Traveler by Sam Ryan

The Wandering Traveler
by Sam Ryan
Pages: 288
Date: April 24 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Dynasty Saga (2nd in series)

Review
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 18 2015

I only really have two notes:
1) heh. Apparently my vague feeling in the first book re: arousal of main character was correct.
2) the fantasy element was a lot more notice-able in this book, though, except for certain scenes, still subtle.

and then:
I liked the book. I'd recommend it. I wish book three "The Gloriousness of Being Straight", or whatever the title was that I saw in the endnotes, was already available for me to immediately read. I'm actually sad about that. That it isn't available for me to immediately read.

oh and:
Since it was mentioned in the end-notes, I'm not exactly sure what was meant by the "180 change in the main character's personality". I mean, the story opens one and a half years after the first book. After much adventure. And travel. And stuff. Like rape. So, um, personality should, at the very least, alter a tiny bit, yes? Heck, just living as a 17 year old in the real world, and then suddenly living a year and a half in a world where 17 is not only an adult, but is three or four years older than most people are when they are considered to be adults in this other world would alter a person's personality. And that's without adding the experience gained from traveling around having adventures.

The Heavenly Fox by Sam Ryan

The Heavenly Fox
by Sam Ryan
Pages: 225
Date: January 27 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Dynasty Saga (1st in series)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 17 2015

This is one of those books that kind of defy genres, or labels. It's a displaced in time story, something of a time travel story. But no scientific explanation is given, and time travel stories in and of themselves, by their very nature, unless heavily loaded down with science fictiony elements, stretch the science fiction label. So this book isn't science fiction.

There is a long tradition of displacement in time, of people displaced in time, I mean. The guy who had a nap and woke up ages later (Rip van Wrinkle), the guy who suddenly found himself back in King Arthur's time ([book:A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court|162898]), etc. Somewhat by definition those have a fantasy element by their very existence, but still, it's not exactly what is normally thought of as "fantasy."

Well, this one does have very very minor touches of fantasy in the story itself, beyond the displacement in time element, so a certain "light fantasy" label could be applied.

It's supposedly set back in time, though the oddly knowledgeable 17 year old does not recognize the place by looking on maps, and does not recognize the people. Who appear to be have a mix of Asian traits. Nor does she recognize, it appears, the concept of the seven kingdoms. Though I did. There was a period in ancient Chinese history when seven kingdoms competed against each other.

Even so, there is no specific reason to believe that mention of Seven Kingdoms in the book, refers to the seven kingdoms that were conquored to create China. Especially with men having no authority at the top levels in the book. There were some rather powerful warrior women back then, though, in real life - well, at least one springs to mind. Pre-China wasn't ruled by women, though (a counter to that, I guess, is that history got rewritten a lot in ancient China, to the point that the first Emperor literally destroyed every history that existed before him. Basically saying - history begins now; so it's vaguely possible history was rewritten and that there actually was a time of female rule in ancient China, however unlikely that might seem today).

People go in and out of fashion. I've no idea if Sun Tzu would have been known in 200 B.C. China, though I suspect he would have been. Though that was 300 years after he was around. Still, it's vaguely possible he was in a low point in 'popularity' at the time and so it is not, in and of itself, a clue that this isn't ancient China simply because several teenagers didn't recognize the name Sun Tzu (most of the women in the book, it is easy to forget, especially as they are groping and more each other, are actually younger than the main character's 17 years of age).

All the above just means - I do not even know if I could call this historical fiction. As elements suggest someone traveled back in time to the warring period in ancient China, but that person could easily enough been thrust far enough forward into a post-apocalyptic world to confront a mixed-Asian culture that's about at the level of the warring period in ancient China. So this might even be a post-apocalyptic book for all I know (though there is even less evidence of that being the case).

Well. That was a lot on how I can't really figure out how to place this book on the shelves. Probably too much.

Story-wise: there are points here and there wherein things kind of dragged, and or events seemed to oddly jump, but otherwise it was a quite interesting and good story.

Character-wise: The characters . . . hmms . . seemed, on somewhat vague recollection, to be mostly well-rounded. I liked Lymee, and Alia, and all the rest. The poly-sexual nature of the time was an interesting thing to confront, especially from the view point of a "modern" woman falling in love with someone but being unable to act on it because the person they loved, couldn't have a monogamous relationship. And that "modern" woman wouldn't allow herself to be in a position of being in anything but a monogamous relationship.

Sex wise - it was somewhat oddly injected. Somewhat naturally, but still oddly. There was a layer of eroticism spread throughout. Scenes of bathing, scenes of groping, etc. While at the same time someone looking specifically for that, for graphic sex, would probably be disappointed. I guess. At some point I kind of suspected that part of the fantasy element of the story was some kind of . . hmms . . . spell/pheromones/something that was impacting that woman from the future (Lymee), because she just kept getting more and more aroused as the book unfolded, but that was just a stray thought as I read.

A strange book. A good book. So interesting that I got the sequel before I'd even completed 25% of this book. And yet, not a five star level book. Just . . . something kept it from getting there. Probably not even a 4.5 book, if we had 1/2 stars here, but a good solid 4 star book.

Pariahs & Prodigals by Kelli Jae Baeli

Pariahs & Prodigals
by Kelli Jae Baeli
Pages: 291
Date: February 12 2015
Publisher: Lesbian Literati Press
Series: Rain Falls (3rd book)

Review
Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 16 to June 17 2015

hmms. This book was one person away from filling all of my LGBT tag. We have lesbian sex, gay sex, and bisexual sex pouring out of the book. Just no, as far as the reader knows, transgender sex. We even have sex between a man in a coma and a woman roughly the age of that man's mother.

I liked the first two books in this series. This one here feels like a let down, sadly. I liked following Tegan and India's story. This book here was more the story of Lincoln Fry, Kennedy Bell, Carla Bell, etc. etc. Everyone else, basically. The series moved from following the POV of Tegan and India to mostly following a bunch of other people. Including Napoleon Fry.

I did not wish to be in Leon Fry's head. Nor, for that matter, Lincoln's. Or anyone elses. Except for Tegan and India. I guess that is just what happens. Need something to write about, eh? mmphs.

I think my favorite character in the series had like 2% of the total work. Ok, maybe 20%. But still. I missed Tegan, I did. Ah well. I guess I should have paid closer attention to the fact that this series is called "Rain Falls" not "Tegan & India".

Rain Falls by Kelli Jae Baeli

Rain Falls
by Kelli Jae Baeli
Pages: 275
Date: January 16 2014
Publisher: Lesbian Literati Press
Series: Rain Falls (1st in series)

Review
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Read: June 15 2015

A gimp and a psychopath roll into a bar and . . .

Okay, one, I got somewhat tired of how often Tegan called herself a gimp, but that didn't really annoy me. Too much. Two, India Bell isn't actually a psychopath, she just has massive defensive walls around her emotions that just maker her appear to be emotionless. Wow this was a bad start, now I don't know where to go. heh.

Okay, story. India is a writer/book store owner/journalist/editor. Tegan is a successful lesbian romance author. India is hired by . . um . .. hmm. She's supposed to do a story about Tegan. Hired by India's publisher, I believe Brad Walker is the guy's name. But . . . I never did figure out where this "story" was supposed to go. On the publisher's website? On bathroom walls? Where? I didn't get the impression that Walker had a paper to go along with his book publishing business, so I overlooked that part when I read the book. Chalked it up to "it doesn't matter."

Tegan is happy with the idea of being interviewed. Figured it might help sales. Is horrified with the idea of India actually interviewing her in her crap dungeon, as she is very embarrassed at having to live in such a situation. So begs India to allow the interview to take place elsewhere. So, the interview takes place in India's cabin.

Meanwhile, the publisher also has made a "bet" with India. Write a romance novel. Sell at least 100 copies. Do so, be made highest paid editor at publishing company (that highest paid part got tossed in there at some point, then dropped almost immediately, I'm not sure if that's actually part of the bet).

A chance comment leads to India offering Tegan the chance to use her cabin to finish her most recent book. While India works on her own. India wants to do that because she figured she'd tap into Tegan's knowledge to help her write her romance novel. Tegan wants to do that because she lives in a dump and can't currently write because the really loud noises all around her at home.

By the way, ever think being a writer is the easy life? Getting paid to just put stuff on paper? Well, I never did, but . . um. Right. So, despite being a successful lesbian romance writer, Tegan lives in what she calls "The Dungeon." The basement in her mother's house. Driving a crap car. Living a crap live. With an abusive mother, one who steals her money and gives away Tegan's cats without telling Tegan where the cats went. The mother, being the massive bitch she is, probably actually ate them instead of gave them away (there is no indication that the mother ate the cats).

Tegan finishes her book. Goes home. Learns mother rented out her room/basement/dirt hole. Moved all her worldly possessions into garage. The garage that doesn't have a door. So anyone could come by and get it. Tegan sits in a chair crying. Receives call from India to see if she is "settling in". India gets odd responses from Tegan, who then hangs up abruptly on India. India's confused and worried. Drives by. Finds the crying Tegan. Learns of situation. Loads her into her car. Drives her to her cabin. Installs her in cabin.

At this point, India and Tegan are no more than possibly friends. If that. Though both seem to have vague feelings of arousal about the other. Though India's cat appears to love Tegan.

Meanwhile a guy named Napoleon bugs the hell out of India. Getting all up in her face. Ticketing her (Napoleon's a sherriff deputy), and otherwise harassing her. Stealing her clothing when she goes skinny dipping, etc. Napoleon is a massive jackass. Tegan and India must "deal" with this "outside tension" while also dealing with their developing sexual tension. With each other, that is, not with Napoleon. No one has sexual tension with or for Napoleon (to clarify, Napoleon desires to hump India, which is in and of itself sexual tension, I suppose, but India does not desire to be humped . . . again by Napoleon. Um, I guess there's a vague level of sexual tension there). Napoleon is a massive loser who would do the world a favor by dropping dead. He refuses to drop dead. No one is happy about this stubborn resistance from this reasonable demand.

Interesting book. Took a while to warm up to India. I kind of liked Tegan from the beginning, though the dive into self-pity, and gimpness was something of a hurdle to pass through.

Books like this apparently need someone like Napoleon around. Or some "outside tension" of some kind. Maybe a massive snowstorm. Maybe angry porcupines. Something. Still, I thought there was enough outside pressure already without needing Napoleon. The loser mother. The rotten financial situation Tegan finds herself in. The somewhat barely covering expenses (while also living in a paid off cabin that only requires paying taxes on) situation India is in. The bet with the publisher, etc.

Some of what Napoleon provided could have been provided by other means. It's an old cabin. Maybe the cat leaned against some window a little too hard and it popped out. And that's why the cat got out. India mentioned that the town was quite conservative. Maybe some random person could have made faces at India and Tegan (or something; didn't even need to be real disapproval, just appear to be to India). Causing India to make a big deal about kissing Tegan in public. Those two things were important enough to the story to keep somehow. The rest of the problems Napoleon added could just be swept away as not needed.

To be fair, I am not sure if the removal of Napoleon would push me to make this a five star book, but it would likely have allowed me to come closer to doing so. As it is, I probably would give the book somewhere between 4.25 and 4.65 stars. Which basically means nothing. Unless there were half stars. Then I'd rate this 4.5 stars.

The Scent of Jasmine by Lila Bruce

The Scent of Jasmine
by Lila Bruce
Pages: 55
Date: October 5 2014
Publisher: Author

Review
Rating: 2.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 12 2015

I'm vaguely surprised. This is my second story by Lila Bruce that I've read. The first one, Falling Slowly, I found to be cute and fun. This one . . .well. I kinda hated all the side characters. Heck, I even didn't particularly like the niece, and she's only 8 or something like that.

Not exactly sure what the difference is between the two stories would be. I mean, in both the two who 'hook up' play hard to get - to a certain extent. In Falling Slowly, the two women have two bad meetings, then a good third one. This time, the two have several rather good meetings, but Grace kept trying to avoid Jessica. Because of how good the meetings were.

Hmms. Maybe that's it. One story went from "I can't stand being in the same room with you because you are a rude bitch" to "that was a wrong impression of you that I developed, you are actually quite nice." While this one went from "my god you are so gorgeous . . NOOO I can't find you gorgeous! *flee*" to "I still find you gorgeous, I guess I can't fight my feelings any more."

That might give a wrong impression, the trying to fight feelings part. All four women started the story as lesbians and remained so by the end. Which is a plus. I'm so bloody tired of "oops, guess I was wrong all this time, I'm actually a lesbian" stories. So, as I said, that's a plus in both stories.

I mentioned I didn't like the side characters but I didn't mention the main. That's another difference between the two stories. I came to feel like I knew the two women in Falling Slowly. Here, I feel like I basically know nothing. Two women. One had a woman walk out on her shortly before marriage. And has a business doing decorations and stuff. Other just moved back to the small town. And apparently has a business. And has millions. That's basically all I know about both.

Winter Jacket by Eliza Lentzski

Winter Jacket
by Eliza Lentzski
Pages: 251
Date: May 15 2013
Publisher: Author
Series: Winter Jacket (1st in series)

Review
Rating: 3.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 12 2015

This probably wasn't the book for me to read. I was hesitant to begin with because it involved a teacher and student. That's not really my kind of thing. Then it was so bloody slow (ironically, I've seen reviews saying it's too fast, meh, can't displease everyone the same way. hehe)

Right, so below is what I wrote as I read it. I suggest not reading it. I kind of got a little annoyed and used words I shouldn't have.

I probably could have given this an extra 1/2 star if I could. Even a full extra star if the melodrama had been cut down a little bit.

ETA: I've added another star after thinking about it. The story is lingering in my mind. Description of the rest of the series is a little off-putting, though, so I'll probably still not continue.

This is one of the most bloody frustrating books I've read. Super slow paced. I kind of hate Elle. The woman who wants to not be alone, but appears to abhor the thought of actually dating anyone. Especially if that someone is gorgeous and into her. Especially if there is some age difference. Bloody frustrating fucking book.

Bloody frustrating. There's this one specific woman she is always fantasizing about. That specific woman keeps flirting with her. But Elle keeps pushing Hunter away.

Then there are these super weird moments. Like Hunter turns up soaking wet from rain. Elle allows her inside. Offers her a towel. And a shirt. Then makes some weird comment to herself that "the shirt might have been inappropriate enough" after dismissing the thought of offering pants and a shirt. What the fuck? Push her into the bathroom. Close door. Offer her towel and change of clothing. What the fuck is inappropriate to offer a drenched girl clothing to slip into? As it is, it looks like you want her to strip, towel off, and put on . . . just a shirt. And freezing. Since "usually kept my house a few degrees chillier than necessary in the fall to save on heating bills." So. Dripping wet. And you offer just a towel and a shirt because offering more would be inappropriate? What the fuck?

Elle really fucking annoys me. Of course Hunter then has to beg to have pants to go with the shirt. Because Elle's a fucking moron. And thought even offering as much as the shirt was inappropriate. Apparently it would be more appropriate, in Elle's mind, for Hunter to strip naked and have a towel as her only clothing. That or stand there in dripping wet clothing and slowly freeze to death. Yes. That's a lot more fucking appropriate than being given a change of clothing. hehehe. As it is, the shirt she did offer was so fucking thin that Hunter's breasts were quite obvious once she had changed into them. hehe. Elle, the prim and proper professor who keeps trying to push Hunter away, and for that matter all women (for whatever fucking stupid reason), accidentally gets Hunter to stand near her in borrowed clothing that is quite revealing. Because, as I've mentioned, Elle is a fucking moron.

This whole fucking book is frustrating. It's funny, to myself, in a way. Because I was ready to toss this book near the beginning. When it looked like Hunter and Elle fucked days away before the semester ended. Days away from it being okay for them to fuck. But it had just been a dream. Then, afterwards, all that fucking time, when Elle was free to peruse Hunter without any teacher-student issues getting in the way, and with Elle doing everything in her power to keep away. So . . . this has both. Icky inappropriate teacher-student interaction, which only after the fact turns out to be a dream, then stupid fucking moronic behavior by a fucking moron. Is that too many morons in the same sentence? I don't care. Elle is a fucking immature moron.

"It nearly stole my breath how natural and right our hands felt together when I knew everything about this was wrong." - As thought by Elle. When with Hunter. As I said, Elle's a fucking moron. It's just sooo wroooongggg. Fucking immature moron. Obsessively fixated on age differences.

Oh, and by the way? Do or do not. Don't hang in the middle. Really think it is wrong? Strongly express that, that you find the other gorgeous but the age thing is just too much for you. Don't fuck her while thinking it is wrong. Don't keep pushing her away then pulling her back in. Do or do not. Fucking moron and fucking tease.

Of course, to be fair, all the above was written with only 40% of the book read. Though the rest of the book didn't start off well. What with fucking Hunter, feeling weird about it, and at the first opportunity afterwards, heading off to have a talk with her, Elle's, ex-girlfriend. What the fuck?

This is a really fucking wordy book. hehe. Weirdly wordy in certain places, weirdly lacking in others (like describing every bloody thing around her, then just causally mentioning having had a conversation with her friends about Hunter, but not actually producing the conversation event for readers to, you know, experience).

"'Because speaking as someone whose heart you've recently trampled,' she unnecessarily added, 'it's a total bitch to not be on the same page as you.'" - well, at least the ex-girlfriend gives good advice.

You know, all this talk about age really ruined things for me. I mean, after a while, when they actually dated, it seemed like I was watching the interactions of a six foot tall 40 year old with a pretty smart 13 year old of roughly four feet flat. When in reality, they were nine years apart in age, and roughly the same height. Hell, they could wear each others clothing without too much problem. So, thanks. The book made a normal lovely relationship into one where I felt icky just reading about it. Thanks a fucking lot. (Probably doesn't help that, at times, Hunter kept asking for permission for certain things, like sitting down.)

"Her lips twisted. 'Next time you're not sure how I feel about something, just ask.'" - so says Hunter to Elle. Apparently, Elle's fucking moronic act continued. I mean, she was even given this advice by her ex-girlfriend. But had to have it given again by Hunter. Fucking moron.

"Her backpack was apparently a clown car." - page 130 of 242. hehe. Okay, if Elle doesn't fuck it all up, I might be able to stop with all the bashing. And just enjoy. I kinda doubt that's going to happen, but my hopes have been raised.

Hmm. And the scene wherein Hunter took control somewhere around the half-way point of the book was quite exciting.

Well. That didn't take long. Back to hating the book. Sure, like I didn't have problems before, why not bring in a really pushy ex by the name of Ruby? Sure sure, why the fuck not? And Elle keeps talking about how she's so dominate. Talking about herself, I mean. When the fuck is she ever dominate? Fuck. I'm reading a fucking soap opera.

Elle didn't want to decline going out with Ruby because she didn't want to explain to Hunter who Ruby was, specifically who she was in her life (ex-lover, not friend). Elle then, after Ruby leaves, explains who Ruby is, re: ex-lover. I give points for actually communicating, I deduct points for agreeing, even if reluctantly, to go to dinner with Ruby. So . . . meh.

I need to stop writing reviews while reading. Makes my reviews look like babbling. But . . whatever. So, I'm at 63% now. Let's see more fuck-ups, eh? Fucking hell. I really fucking need to stop reading soap opera books. Me not like.

hahaha (my sarcastic laugh). Yeah, I knew things would get fucked up yet again. The whole Ruby thing was stupid. But, meh.

hahaha times 2. Fucking hell. BDSM? Seriously? You have a young woman very very unsure of herself, her place in the world, and her place in a relationship and not really wanting anything to do with BDSM but she doesn't want to lose Elle. So . . . . let's go ahead and fuck things up more? No, I 'm not saying BDSM is fucked up, I'm saying this is fucked up. Pushing an insecure, whimpering, literally whimpering and confused and scared woman to do something. Seriously? (see, this is what happens when you write while reading. The BDSM part was in and out so quickly, and it didn't even matter, which is why I struck it out).

Too a certain extent, Elle and Hunter are horrible together. Why? Because Elle keeps tiptoeing around, Hunter keeps being confused by all that, and they are both too fucking . . . hmm. Elle has major hang-ups that cause her massive problems being with Hunter. Hunter is very insecure. Elle keeps reinforcing that, accidentally, because she doesn't to push Hunter too hard. So she keeps back. Thus reinforcing Hunter's insecurity. So, as I said, they are horrible together.

"I'd always thought relationships should be the easiest thing in your life." - that might be the dumbest thing I've ever read.

Falling Slowly by Lila Bruce

Falling Slowly
by Lila Bruce
Pages: 178
Date: November 12 2014
Publisher: Author

Review
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Read: June 11 2015

Quick cute story about two women meet twice and have bad interactions both times. Takes the third meeting before things turn good. Quinn's a scarred military veteran, and Allie's a co-owner of a chain of stores.

They meet the first time by chance. Amanda, Allie's cousin and business partner, set up an early morning meeting with Quinn's sister Rebekah(sp?). Amanda has a t-ball game she has to attend, and so Allie attends the meeting. Rebekah's car's dead, so Quinn drives her. Even so, it's only because Rebekah made an accidental comment that lead to dragging Quinn inside the store. To be stared at by Allie. Quinn does not like it when people stare at her, is self-conscious about her scarring.

The second time they meet is a "just in the neighborhood" type deal where both Amanda and Allie are near by looking to see if they'll open a new store nearby. And drop in on Rebekah at Quinn's house. As I said, two meetings, two bad interactions. Quinn and Allie yell at each other.

People normally do not get three chances to "come together". At least not if there is no real reason why the two would bump into each other. Especially if two of the three interactions end badly. And yet, these two have a third meeting. A second chance encounter (can't call the second meeting chance, since it was prearranged). Quinn stops by a food place. Eats. Spots Allie also there and eating. Spots homeless person confronting Allie. Watches as Allie starts to get flustered. Quinn steps in to help.

One thing leads to another, and Quinn flies Allie to a wedding rehearsal. And the story unfolds from there.

Was good. I liked it. Not 100% why I think it's a 4 star instead of 5 star story, but I do.

Vanishing Fame by Selina Rosen

Vanishing Fame
by Selina Rosen
Pages: 328
Date: June 20 2014
Publisher: Yard Dog Press

Review
Rating: 5.5 out of 5 stars
Read: June 11 2015
This story was something of a roller-coaster. And quite frankly I was a little scared of it. In an odd little way. I just felt that there was no way it could have a happy ending. I mean, there's this happy moment at something like 16% into the book (16, 9, 11, whatever it was). And I knew, that was too bloody early for such a moment. Unless bad things were about to happen. And I was right. The little roller coaster car the reader was in was at a high point. Then whee . . . falling quickly downwards. Then up again. And down.

I'm being somewhat purposely vague. For the most part I loved the side characters. And, for the most part, I loved the main characters of Jessy and Joan.

I don't normally particularly like the "love at first sight" type of story, but here it had to work that way. Because of the people involved. Jessy is a hermit, because of events in her past she had to get away. She's spent, basically, six years up on a mountain by herself building a massive lovely home. Joan's a self-proclaimed rude bitch who must try everything, at least once. Including every kind of man out there. Striving to get that itch scratched that never seems to actually get scratched.

That, above, is a false impression on one level. Jessy had been a hermit. But had been dragged out on tour for several months by the time she bumps into Joan. Naked. In her . . . hmm, I suddenly can't recall if it was called a hot tub or not.

But I was mentioning why it had to work this way, love at first sight. Jessy had been burned way too often to allow herself to try to get close again. Hell, one of the reasons, not sure how high or low this falls, but one of the reasons she agreed to go out on the road again was, to put it crudely, is for pussy. Out on the road for months. People screaming in joy that she's back again. Out there. Throwing underwear at her. And . . . even though she keeps saying that she's just about to go have fun with groupies, or something like that, she never actually does so. Because she doesn't want to be burnt again.

So, basically what I'm saying is that the only real way that a relationship could suddenly develop would be through love at first sight. Lust at first sight certainly wasn't going to do it.

Course, that's one of the reasons I was somewhat scared about the book, after I started. Two reasons. One, I came to like Jessy and knew that if something bad happened, Jessy would become unglued. Two, Joan's one of those women who didn't realize that they might actually be a lesbian, and once realize such, didn't want to admit it publicly because of fear for their career. And Jessy has been burnt many times, well two times, by getting into relationships with women who don't want to admit, publicly, to be in a relationship with Jessy.

Right, so, Jessy James was born in a rat infested building. Was found at the age of three hiding in her closet, nearby was her dead decaying mother who had been killed, probably, by one of her "tricks". Mother having been a junkie prostitute. Tossed around in the system, Jessy eventually made it, too late to a certain extent, to a good couple. Who bought her a real drum set. One thing lead to another and Jessy and her band, Tidal Wave, became massively popular. Rode the wave for about five years then imploded. Mostly because every other band member got hooked on drugs. And Jessy's lover of the time died in a exploding car. A car driven by this lover into a pole. Around this time, Jessy gets hit by a drunk driver. Gets put into a walking cast. Gets dumped by a different girlfriend who couldn't admit to being a lesbian and returned to her husband. After all of this, Jessy had to get away. Story opens six or seven years later with Jessy living on a mountain in a home-built home. Watching television. VH1 to be specific. And randomly stumbles across the story of her own band. And life.

Hmm. That's a wall of text if I ever saw one. Was going to mention Jessy, then Joan, but bah. It'd just be another wall of text. So.

Jessy - fabulously talented singer/songwriter/hermit in hiding last 6 years.

Joan - fabulously talented singer/actress/songwriter with a reputation of being flightly in romance, hooking up with everyone.

Jessy + Joan = ?

Loved the book. Though, as I've mentioned, I was on edge and scared everything would be ruined.

Under My Skin by A.E. Dooland

Under My Skin
by A.E. Dooland
Pages: 688
Date: October 15 2014
Publisher: Author

Review
Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 9 to June 10 2015

Right. I've been letting myself down review wise. So, let's see if I can put anything here.

The story is about Min Lee, a worker at Frost International located in Sydney Australia. Working as a marketer in the diamond division. Somewhat unexpectedly, Min is made a program lead on a secret project with a small team. Highly confidential. Very stressful.

Meanwhile Min's boyfriend, Henry Lee (no relation, Lee's a popular Korean name), works in the HR department at Frost International. Has a psychology degree. Is very patient and understanding. Apparently visits Korea a lot, and while there, visits Min's mother. Min's mother keeps pressuring Min to marry Henry (not that Henry has actually proposed or anything). Henry and Min date, every once in a while see each other at the office, and even less often, about once every three weeks or so, have unfun, disagreeable sex. Because Min feels it's expected to do so.

Min has one friendly acquaintance/friend at the office. One Sarah. Sarah's always trying to drag the workaholic Min out for drinks and the like, but Min is always busy. Too busy.

Not too busy, though, to occasionally paint. And upload paintings to DeviantArt. And interact with users through comments and private messages. Which is important to this story on several levels.

One night, feeling inspired, Min paints. Uploads picture. Min doesn't normally paint people, but did this time. Titling it something like "self-portrait". Goes to sleep. Wakes up to hundreds of comments and notes. Most from women gushing over the painting. Both in how much they like the painting and how handsome and attractive the man is in the painting. Flirting with Min. Since it is Min, right? What with labeling it with the title given.

Course, Min's somewhat confused. Looks at profile picture. Realizes/remembers had, at some moment of this or that, removed gender indications. Min keeps almost deleting the painting, taking it down. Doesn't like how it appears to be misleading people. For Min is in the body of a woman, not that of a man.

A certain amount of mounting tension builds from having uploaded that painting. And then, Min uploads a new profile picture. Clearly showing that Min is a woman. A picture taken by a coworker when a group were out celebrating the end of a project. The picture shows How tall Min is, how serious. Against the backdrop of drinking/drunk coworkers. Oddly the positive comments continue.

And then Min leaves a little earlier than normal. Waits at a crosswalk. Hears two high school aged girls giggling behind her. Looks back at them. Notices they are gazing at her. Min feels quite uncomfortable. Much more so when they start loudly saying things. Then one bubbly chatty one finally bounces over and demands to know if it actually is Min Lee. The artist. Apparently (1) Min uses own name on DeviantArt page; (2) the two schoolgirls had used the internet to track down Min Lee.

One thing leads to another and Min Lee finds herself in a super expensive restaurant with her young female stalker. Who talks a mile a minute. About everything.

I haven't yet noted that Min Lee almost always dresses up. Wears nice jewelry. Make-up. Skirt or dress. Almost never pants. With massive high heels Attempting to look very feminine. Unless at home alone, when she wears comfortable clothing. Which is important on two levels. One, Min hates having to look feminine and drag on the bra and skirt and all that. Two, Bre, the schoolgirl stalker, makes a comment that drives Min to flee the restaurant. A comment about how the super tall woman doesn't look . . . right in the outfit she is wearing.

So, while highly stressed at work, and while being stalked by a bubbly schoolgirl, Min begins to seriously think about how she might really be a he. And, after certain interactions, maybe is attracted to women. I mean, Min accidentally kissed another woman while drunk. Found it quite pleasurable. Much more so than anything she gets from Henry.

The story unfolds. Lives, careers, relationships shift, tense, explode, come together. A quite good story. Several times I thought Min might be too depressing to continue to follow, but I'm glad I did. And, oddly, I came to really like Bre. Despite her baggage, bubbliness, flightiness.

Other than side characters, this is the first transgender novel I've read. First with a lead transgender lead character. I'd recommend the book. Apparently there are other things by this author, well, not apparently, I've seen them, but none up on GoodReads. They are all over on a blog. Including a sequel to Under the Skin. I found it difficult to try to read in that setting, so I hope the sequel finds it's way to published status at some point.

Off Screen 1-4 by J.A. Armstrong

Off Screen
by J.A. Armstrong
Pages: 86
Date: March 12 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Off Screen #1

Review
Rating: 5.0 of 5.0
Read: June 4 2015

I wasn't sure what to expect with this short story. Everything seemed to indicate, everything being the reviews and the description, seemed to indicate a "sweet slow story". With some seeming to imply sappy sweet, overly sweet. Maybe sickeningly sweet.

All of which through me off guard for when I actually read the story. I mean, bloody hell. I think I might be a little in love with Em and Addy myself, and I'm just the reader reading a fictional story. And a "sweet slow story" doesn't lend itself to imply in my mind "exciting graphic sex scenes."

This was a fun little story on many levels. I got the next three stories in the series before I even read this one. But now I'm kind of scared to read the next one. I mean, I read this one, I don't want to be let down. It could be said that I'd always have this story, if any future one disappointed me. But that isn't the fear. The fear is that something would be done or said that would cause me to reinterpret this story in a displeasing way. But enough of that, and enough of this "review".

The Red Carpet
by J.A. Armstrong
Pages: 103
Date: March 19 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Off Screen (2nd in series)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Read: June 4 2015

Another in the Addy & Em series completed. Another lovely little story. So, why four instead of five stars? Boils down to sex. Too much of the story was turned over to that. I didn't really have a problem with that in and of itself, more the percentage of sex scenes vs story scenes. Which basically means that this might have been another five star effort if it was something like a 155 pages instead of 105 (or however many pages it is actually). With the extra fifty pages filled with story scenes.

Balance is important. On the other hand, the level of potential drama and angst gets cut down when fewer pages are giving over to story scenes. I certainly wouldn't want to ramp up drama or angst or whiny-ness or anything like that. There's a certain amount of tension in this specific story, a certain amount of drama, but the right amount. hmms. I guess they could have had a pool party. Or gotten a cat. I don't know, just some extra bunch of story scenes to balance things out. hehe.

Dim All The Lights
by J.A. Armstrong
Pages: 80
Date: April 22 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Off Screen (3rd in series)

Review
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Read: June 4 2015

Another good story. Another one where the sex scenes overbalance the book. Though this time there is a layer of . . . . I guess the best word to use would be "disappointment."

A problem with reading these short stories all in, more or less, one go is trying to remember exactly which event happened in which story. I know this one has Addy and Em going on the road to promote their new show (Addy as writer and producer, Em as actress on the show). Ah, one of the "disappointments" I was thinking of actually occurred in the previous story. Ok then, so the disappointments in this story involve miscommunication, overhearing things - incorrectly, etc. etc. Mostly miscommunication.

It's all well and good to be better at communicating through touch, but some thoughts and ideas actually require words to be used. Love it or hate it, but Em seems to communicate better through touches, and showing, and less on words, and while Addy is better with words, she still allows herself to become distracted from problems through touch, sex. So some issues build over time.

I suppose the only other thing I could note in this rambling "notes to self" is that Tam has her own girlfriend in this story, though she keeps constantly pointing out that Chris (it's Christine, right?) isn't her Em, and she knows that she, Tam, is not Chris' Addy. As in they love each other but not love each other. Tam and Addy kind of look at each other at this point when Tam tells Addy this and apparently the message is conveyed. I didn't really get it, but whatever.

Writer's Block
by J.A. Armstrong
Pages: 91
Date: May 17 2015
Publisher: Author
Series: Off Screen (4th in series)

Review
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Read: June 5 2015

I've been quite happy that I've been able to find something to put in this little box so often lately. But, I don't know what to put here now.

Part of the story takes place with Em and Addy apart, part of the story takes place with the together. What I write will be spoiler for series, but not for this story. Heck, the first chapter title "gives it away". And so . . ..

Story opens on Emmie and Addy's wedding. They get married in a wheat field, apparently. Tam and Chris are there. As are Em's parents, brothers and in-laws. If anyone connected by blood to Addy was at the wedding, I didn't notice them being mentioned. Only thing I noticed was some off-hand comment about how Addy's father was quite angry at Em at some point. It's not actually mentioned, so I guess I just have to assume that Addy's family isn't "alright" with the marriage.

Right, so. They marry. Honeymoon. Shortly thereafter Em's off to London and Paris for a part in a movie, while Addy's back working on that show titled "Off Screen" (I never did mention the show, and not sure why I would now, as a reader should already know about - as in I hope no one's reading this here review before starting the series). The show involves two women in love with each other in the 1950s. It was a love letter from Addy to Em. Hollywood being Hollywood, the higher ups at the show forced Addy to add a man as a beard, a husband to one of the woman on the show. I mention all these to note 1) Addy has writers block; 2) a week into that block the higher ups come over and say that the man and woman married on the show will have an intimate moment. Addy is quite pissed off by the suggestion.

So, this story circles around (1) marriage; (2) whether or not Tam and Chris have some kind of relationship or not; (3) Addy and Em separated by work (first with Em in England and France, then later with Addy suddenly getting inspired to write something or other and therefore being something of a ghost in the house when Em returns); (4) problems with work, i.e., the show.

Another good addition to the series. More balanced this time, sex and story scenes. By the way, I know that what they have is "love" not "sex", and that Addy has several times noted how they don't have sex. I get it. I'm going to call it graphic sex as graphic love could be an intimate a candle light dinner, or anything and everything.

As I conclude the last story currently available in the series, and foresee a longish break before another story pops up, I note that if this had been packaged together as a book, I'd probably have rated the whole thing as 5 stars. As all the imbalances I kept noting in my reviews of other parts, would not have been there. Would have been a lovely coherent balanced story. As it is . . . I'm not really sure what I'm reading here. Was there some plan at some point re: serialized novel? Or was it always going to be a series of interconnected short stories? Long short stories. I think the shortest was about 80 pages. As of now, the whole work is 360 pages in length.