Fearless by Robin Alexander

Fearless by Robin Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


You know the previous book I read to this one? That’s right, Soulshift. Wait… heh, oopsie. I thought the previous book I read was the newest Alexander book. See, now that just blows away my planned opening to this review. pfft.

Right, so, I was in the middle of reading a book (literally), when I just couldn’t take it any longer and had to jump to a different book to read. I had been reading the second book in Missouri Vaun’s ‘Return to Earth’ series, though it was the third I’d tried in that series (since there’s a prequel I also read). I generally enjoy Vaun’s works, so I’ve not put this one on my DNF shelf yet, but I needed something else to read.

Having recently read a new Alexander book, yay new book!, and having recently been glancing at quotes and reviews for other Alexander books, I figured I’d do something I rarely did in the past but is a frequent go to now – do a reread.

Fearless is a book I loved so much after I read it that I wanted to do an immediate reread. But I somehow held back. As each new Alexander book popped up, and was instantly read by me, I’d turn to this book again to see if now was the time, but no . . . not yet. I had ‘just’ read it in September 2017, I needed to give myself some room.

So, needing a book to read, I gave myself the green light and dove in.

It shows me taking two days to read, though that’s more because I keep having to break away to clean and box stuff (I cleaned 7 hours today, I very tired).

Fearless is the story, for those yet to try it, of two opposites who bump into each other on a cruise ship and immediately . . . hate each other. Literally bump into each other.

The book opens with Falon Whyte having an argument with her girlfriend (Leanne (sp?)). Leanne’s pissed because the cruise isn’t a lesbian cruise; Falon counters with 1) scheduling didn’t work out for that one and work; 2) there are a ton of lesbians around – it is a LGBT cruise. One thing quickly leads to another and before you can sing that famous song ‘Toot Toot’, the two year relationship was over. Falon leaves the ship cabin to do stuff like eat a mound of onion rings (which she couldn’t while dating Leanne), and drink.

Meanwhile, Haley’s pissed off that her roommate, her best friend’s cousin, has once again locked her out of the cabin. She’ll have to spend something like her third night out on the deck sleeping in a chair (luckily she meet a nice man she likes; both of them are not sexually interested in the other, by the way).

While heading to her sleeping spot, Haley angrily rushes through a door and a drink gets spilled on her. She immediately demands that the other woman tell her her room number so that she can send a laundry bill. The other woman asks for a new drink since this one cost $12 and it was that other woman who walked into her. Haley rushes away.

Falon, it just so happens, was that other woman.

The second time the two meet, Falon has the word ‘Ass’ written on her forehead. Haley gives her thumbs up in approval of her self-awareness of her nature.

The third time they meet, Haley is kind of having an out of body experience – she’s been talked into going on a zip line experience and Haley is in a fog, a horrified fog. She misunderstands what people are saying around her, and she ends up riding with Falon (there are in separate ‘chairs’ but the zip line sends people down two at a time). Haley, to show how out of it she is, was supposed to go with her new male friend, but couldn’t be coherent enough when questions were asked and accidentally said she was a single rider.

The two, once on the ground, continue to argue and march around. Then a man asks for stuff (in a 'my hand is in my pocket, pretend it's a gun' way) – in the middle of the two arguing with each other. One thing leads to another and . . . . the cruise ship leaves without them and now they are stranded.

Eventually the two end up at a hotel/inn/bungalow type place with a mobster looking guy in charge. A sweet mobster with a NY accent.

Any other set of circumstances and the two women probably wouldn’t have given the other the time of day (well not literally, but . . . bah). But they were forced together, they learned about each other, and they grew closer.

I once again rather enjoyed the two main characters, and their friends (well, Haley’s best friend is a bitch to Falon but . . . reasons and stuff).

Great book. Lots of great humor.

I’d originally listed this, seconds after reading this book the first time, as being in the top three of the books written by Alexander that I’d read. I was wrong at the time (as my comments show me) as this was in the top 4 of the books I’d read – at that time.

If I was to make that list again today, it’d be:
1) Patty’s Potent Potion
1) Next Time

Gave both of these six stars on reread.

3rd) Fearless
This one ends up ahead of a few others rated the same because I’ve read it twice (and gave it a 5+ rating both times) while similar rated books have only been read once.

4th) Temporary Girl
4th) Kellen’s Moment
4th) Dear Me
4th) Magnetic

All read once, all rated 5+.

I’ve reread 4 Alexander books by this point. The fourth, first that I actually reread, isn’t on this list. I’d rated it 4 stars on the reread, which is actually an improvement on original 3.5 star rating. Pitifully Ugly isn’t 8th on the list of favorite Alexander books, as there are other once-only reads rated higher than it.

Rating: 5+

July 15 2018



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Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander

Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is my second reading of this book. My first reading of this book occurred in May 2017.

Robin Alexander is the perfect example to be used for why I tend to give authors 3 to 5 books before I decide on if I like them or not – if I’ll continue to read them or not (previously I would have used Georgette Heyer). Why do I say this? Simple enough – I read three books by Alexander in 2014 and, naturally, I loved . . . . heh, no. I gave those three books an overall rating of 3.8, though that was mostly due to giving one of the three a rating of 4.5. It then took me two more years to try another book – and then I went on a longish string of 5 star reads. Did I love everything I read after that point? No, of course not. Some books I actually ended up rating worse than the initial three reads, but this is all boring and stuff so I move on. The point is that Alexander ended up being, basically, my favorite author and I almost gave up on her books before I should have. Eh, happens.

If I recorded things correctly, this is the third book I’ve reread by Alexander. And second I’ve placed on my top shelf reachable only by reread books. Alexander is the only author who has more than one work on my 6 star shelf.

Strangely enough, this book was even better than I recalled, and I spotted bits of humor here and there that I am fairly certain I hadn’t noticed the first time. There are both humorous lines, and humorous passages (as in, humorous banter; and, in context, humorous scenes). I loved everyone involved with this book, character-wise (well, I mean, ‘obviously’ I wouldn’t want anything to do with Janice, the grandmother, and she wasn’t great on her own, but the interactions added something to the book). Let’s step back and say: I loved the two main characters, Shawna and Ashton; and a good number of the side characters like Jet the daughter, and Patty the friend (actually, I believe I came to like Patty more this go-around than in the previous read).

The interaction between Shawna & Ashton as friends and lovers was great; the interaction between Patty and both Shawna & Ashton was good; the dynamic of the ex-Megan (Shawna’s ex) was quite good, and I kinda want to see a book starring Megan and Lucy (or Megan and anyone, really, but she seems to be doing well with Lucy so . . .).

Great story line. Humor, romance, sex, . . . hmms . . . humor again.

Rated: 6 stars

April 26 2018




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Next Time by Robin Alexander

Next Time by Robin Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Humor is tricky to pull off well for many reasons – chief among them the relatively simple fact that there’s no form of humor that appeals to everyone (and I mean 100% of all people), and the more you drive to reach a large significant portion of the audience, the more likely the humor will end up being super mild and would likely, at best, generate just a weak smile. Not only is it super easy to offend with humor, it is, in some ways even worse, very easy to bore with humor.

And here I thought of putting in a bunch of stuff about different types of humor, like: satire/parody, broad humor, low humor, high humor, word play humor, domestic humor, etc. etc. And mention how one of the types of humor I like best is the kind somewhat rarely actually seen, at least by me, in prose novels – the quick-witted sharp dialogue that seems more easily shown, in example form, in plays by Noël Coward (who, largely, seemed to like the comedy of manners type of humor (at least his popular early work) – married couples (Private Lives, Blythe Spirit), families (Hay Fever), etc. I rarely see it in prose novels as, as noted, it tended to involve married couples, not something that’s hugely popular, it appears, with what I personally read. But all of this is beside the point: the point being that humor is difficult to do well, and even when it is done well – 50% of your intended audience might still be bored (at best), or disgusted (at worst).

I specifically mentioned Coward above so I’d mention married couples – so I’d note that this book here involves a married couple. In snippets, at least, in the ‘present’. They, Payton Foret & Ryann Seely, technically aren’t married since, at the time this book was published and set, lesbian marriage was not yet legal in Louisiana, but the two are a long term couple who see themselves, basically, as married. But that’s the ‘present’. And most of the story consists of what happened in the past, when Payton & Ryann first meet, entangled with others, and then finally come together in coupledom. So it’s a variation that both allows the reader to see a ‘married’ couple long after they got together, and see what is normally shown in romance books – a couple coming together.

Payton and Ryann first meet in a bar – as ‘wingwomen’ for Jana and … um, I’m going to say Melena, but could be Melissa, or Melina, or . . . well, doesn’t really matter. Jana and Payton are best friends, while Ryann and M are friends – though, as is both seen throughout the book, and stated at the upfront – M would rather have had Ryann’s significant other there as the wingwoman, as Leigh is more of M’s friend. Leigh being Ryann’s long-term partner of roughly 8 years (several years go by in the telling of this story, and the number 8 got tossed out there at some point, not sure when the number was used, so I’m going with 8).

Payton and Ryann meet well – they have an instant spark, but they also have no obligation to like/dislike/or go through the ‘game’ of romancing – since they are there for their friends, not for themselves. Though Payton does mention that she might have made some kind of play for Ryann but for the fact that she knew that Ryann had a long term girlfriend.

The two meet again about … oh, several months later when M and J have a BBQ. By this point Ryann is still dating Leigh, and Payton is dating ‘squirrel-woman’ (a successful voice actor who specializes in ‘funny voices’ who doesn’t have good control over the ‘on/off’ switch). Squirrel-woman is in and out so quickly from Payton’s life that I didn’t really catch her name (but, then again, I couldn’t recall M’s name and she’s there throughout the book so . . . ). Payton and Ryann reconnect at this party and continue their liking of each other, and their witty banter. For reasons this is only the second time they both have meet, months after first meeting, largely due to how easily Leigh falls into jealous rages at the slightest opportunity, and how little Ryann does to fight this impulse of Leigh’s (beyond basically never going anywhere but for work and home – at least not without Leigh).

Payton and Ryann meet for the third time on J & M’s anniversary – Payton, by this point, is by herself, while Ryann is still with Leigh. Throughout all this time Ryann has made noises that indicate that she doesn’t really want to still be with Leigh, and is ‘just about’ to break up with her. For roughly a year or more. And so the two still don’t date, or cheat with each other, for neither are the cheating type and Ryann is still with Leigh.

Payton works as a ‘children’s educational music jingle writer’, or something like that. She writes children’s show/commercial/film songs. Ryann works as a teacher, I believe a high school teacher though I might have that part wrong.

Of importance: the woman whose name I can’t remember, Melena or whatever, is in the book throughout but mostly on the side as she’s the lover/girlfriend of Jana (not a main character) and more friends with Leigh (not a main character) than with Ryann (main character). Jana is best friends with Payton and therefore pops up whenever the book needed someone like her to pop up (you know, to say things like ‘I know you aren’t the cheating kind’ and stuff like that). Shelly is Ryann’s straight sister, and seems very much her close friend (mom Carol and the two named sisters, and two (or was it three?) unnamed brothers play little part in this story, at least until near the end when the sisters and Carol pops up – for reasons). Shelly’s kids and husband are there when needed for excuses for certain things – like why Shelly’s suddenly over at Ryann’s place (Evan, the husband, tried to burn down the house making food), or why there’s a ‘rat’ running around (Brody, Shelly’s son, got a ferret without asking permission) – but are not otherwise of any real importance to the plot.

Beyond everything else, like say romance and humor, there are two things Alexander likes including in her books: travel and ‘old people’. Here, in this specific book, the travel is covered by several impromptu car trips, while the ‘old person’ is covered by Grace, Payton’s next door neighbor of advanced age. The old people tend to be sources of amusement and be quite wacky, here, though, the wackiest thing about Grace is her weird food combinations.

This is the first book by Alexander that I have successfully reread. I’d previously attempted to listen to the audio for one prior book, without success, which is why I worded the first sentence the way I did. As I somewhat expected/suspected, rereading a book I’d previously rated 5+ stars by Alexander ends up with me pushing this book onto the exclusive ‘reread only’ six star shelf.

Right, so, great bits of humor that I personally found quite good and others might find boring; great romance that others, not me, might find vaguely lacking something (in terms of the potential angst/drama of one woman already in a relationship when she meets her ‘soulmate’ – tension somewhat lessoned by the fact that the story is being told by a happy long term couple about how they meet). Oh, and there’s some graphic sex that occurred. Lovely top tier book.

Rating: 6.0

December 18 2017



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Falling into Her by Erin Zak

Book received from both Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review

Somewhere around 75 to 87% I was seriously considering ways I could sneak this book onto my six star shelf, despite that being reserved for reread books only (and only the best of the best rereads - there's a reason there's only 4 books on that shelf). Somewhere around there, though, an odd kind of conflict point came up and I no longer had to worry about sneaking this book where it didn't belong.

Don't get me wrong - I liked both the 'item of conflict/point of conflict' and how it was handled. It just . . . side-tracked me from the happy little bubble I was in that had me read 25% in one setting, then another 31% in another. Then I read the final 43% in a third sitting, but that 'magical bubble' was gone.

I loved everything about this book. The characters, the interactions, the descriptions of 'things' (city (Chicago), and rural Michigan), and holidays. If you were to look at my book, you'd probably find most of it highlighted for 'goodness'. For 'remember this passage here'. Oh, and yes, there is graphic sex. And I read it, and I enjoyed it.

Right, so, what should I say?

There were two point of views in this book, two lead characters. 40 year old Pam Phillips, and 32 year old Kathryn Hawthorne. Pam spent twenty-one years married to a man she never loved, and didn't really particularly like, but is still recovering from his relatively recent death from cancer when this book opens. She never has to work again, since her husband did very well as a lawyer, but she feels freed now to do so - and works in one of those beauty shops. As might be expected with this particular set of facts, Pam is straight (she could have been bisexual, but if so she probably wouldn't have married and stayed married to Harold, but that's another story).

Kathryn is something of a celebrity in Chicago. In the way anyone who appears on television can be - in a 'do I recognize her? I should recognize her, right?' way. For she's a movie critic on one of the local stations. Some time before the start of this book she had her heart broken and therefore has spent a lot of time, and I mean a lot of time, bouncing from one women to another for meaningless one-night-stands. Which is seen in this book from the opening when the book opens with her annoyed that a woman still hadn't left when the morning came. And seen in how her friends react to certain things. But - that player/player reputation never gets seen again in the book in any other way. Not, at least, after she stopped into a particular beauty store to try to find a gift for her mother's birthday - assuming she'd fail and get yelled at by her mother (her mother is that kind of person). Whereupon she meets Pam. And is smitten. It isn't seen in her point of view section, but apparently she left her phone number with Pam on . . . hmm, some kind of receipt. For later Pam finds it and, after much reluctance, calls the number.

Whereupon Pam and Kathryn begin slowly edging towards possibly becoming friends. While both feel some odd feelings of lust towards the other (well more odd for straight Pam to feel odd about the feelings). Kathryn's open to the idea of making a new friend, which is hard when you are an adult, but nothing more. Especially since Pam is straight. The woman who broke her heart was straight.

Everything about this book kind of blinks at me like something I wouldn't want anything to do with. It has more red flags bouncing around warning me away than an overly highly penalized football game (I'd no idea where to go with the red flag thing and the idea ran away from me). Age difference, an older woman who never thought she was anything but straight, somewhat annoying best friend, straight-lesbian romance, overbearing mother, etc. etc. Yet . . . other than that best friend, I loved every single second of this book. Loved it.

Completely unexpected reaction. I'm always slightly worried when I try a book by someone who a) I've never heard of before; b) never published anything before (as far as I know). Especially if the book is in a sub-niche market area. But I'm quite glad I found my way to trying this book and reading it. And enjoying it.

Rating: 5+

November 11 2017

You Gave Me the Word, I Finally Heard by LeighKelly

Title: You Gave Me the Word, I Finally Heard
Author: LeighKelly

Fanfiction: Glee (alternate universe)
Link: Archive of Our Own

Review:
There are three ways I could begin this review:

1) This is the kind of book where I wouldn’t be surprised to be one of the few people to give the book 5 stars for reasons related to how the book is set up/structured . . .
2) To start with: this book falls within the fandom of Glee, though an alternate universe version in which Brittany Pierce and Santana Lopez meet in their late 20s (Britt – 29; Santana – 26). And: Santana is a radio personality while Brittany is a successful children’s artist (illustrates children’s books) & is deaf.
3) Then there’s the way the review actually starts –

This book needs to come with a warning: Warning: drink plenty of fluids while attempting to read this book as fluid loss, directly from your eyeballs, may occur.

This is not a book I would have expected to read but for one very specific reason: I put ‘deaf’ (or was it ‘deaf character’?) into the search box over on AO3 and came up with several book length works. Two of which I ‘captured’, this being one of them. It is unlikely I would have otherwise attempted this book for several reasons: fandom (wasn’t sure I had a huge desire to read a Glee fanfiction); but mostly because of the writing style – more on that later.

Fandom – Unlike, say, Killjoys, The 100, and other television series that pop up when I search for possible things to read on AO3 (Archive of Our Own), I actually have watched episodes of Glee. I have some kind of . . . issue with music based shows, so I always kind of ‘snuck’ peaks in on the series, though. I sneaked peaks at episodes throughout the first 3 or so seasons before dropping it from my vague fringe orbit of things to maybe pay attention to (and thus stopping one season short of Supergirl’s appearance on the show – or, I should say, I suppose, Melissa Benoist). I mention so I can note that unlike these other fanfictions I’ve read or could read, I actually did have some vague understanding – pre-understanding I suppose, of both Brittany Pearce and Santana Lopez.

I have to immediately dive into the main reason why I believe this would be a tough sell/read for many readers – writing style. Hmm, ‘writing style’ might not be the correct way to enter this topic. Bah, no matter. This book is, I believe, the only book I've read that uses the ‘second person point of view’ that wasn’t a choose-your-own-adventure book. Despite the use of you, the reader has no control over this story. Other than reading or not reading. There are two points of view – both use you during their own sections (though not when that person is in the other persons sections, as in, you’d have Brittany’s sections be like: ‘You gazed down at Santana . . .’ instead of the super complicated ‘You gazed down at you . . .’ because that’d just be weird and difficult to read).

This is a 132,472 word book. I thought from the near beginning that this might be better as a short story – not because of the information coming in, not because of the plot, not because of the story, but specifically because of reading alternating ‘you’ sections is tough over the long haul. Yet I did it. And, barring a few moments here or there, I loved every second of it. Well that’s odd – now I have tears in my eyes just thinking about the book. Not sure that’s happened before.

Right so, story: Brittany and Santana meet in their late twenties in something like a split second random event type way. The way in which neither might have known the other except for this random split second event occurring. Brittany, you see, accidentally slammed into Santana while both were out walking on the Philadelphia city streets. Coffee splashing all over Santana’s expensive coat. Anyone who has seen Glee probably could predict how Santana would react to this type of situation. And she did begin to react that way – angry, belligerent, etc. Until something about Brittany made her slow and stop. It might have been the deaf thing, it might have been the attractiveness of Brittany, it might even have been the cute dog, but something stopped her angry words.

The two then begin a slow burn type of relationship that occurs over many years. With the book ending something like six years after the start of the book (I think it was six years), during which time, a romance occurred, family issues occurred (both positive and negative), holidays, travel, life occurred. Then the nice introduction of another character near the end.

A good solid book. And bloody hell, I’ve tears in my eyes and it’s hard to see now. Ah, blinking. That helped.

Rating: 5+

October 5 2017

Sincerely Daniella by Eija Jimenez

Sincerely Daniella by Eija Jimenez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is a 'funny' place I find myself in now. At about 36% into the story I made the brilliant and detailed observation in my status updates that "this series turned to crap." I know exactly what made me make that observation but it's one of those things that's so spoiler-y to mention that I don't even want to put it under spoiler tags ((view spoiler)[(view spoiler)[xxx (hide spoiler)] (hide spoiler)]). Of course, once I saw what happened, I immediately looked at the book description - if you haven't yet, don't look (stupid book descriptions including spoilers, mmphs). If you have, then you already know the issue. I, of course, didn't look at the book description before reading.

Right, sorry, that wasn't the funny place. No, it's that I had that thought 36% into the book and . . . seriously want, need, desire to break my own rules and put this book on my six star book shelf (which is supposed to only contain those books that I've both reread and feel are the best of the best). Seriously, I do wish to do that.

I'm not really sure what I can say without being spoiling things. Sure the book description spoils things, but I'm not the book description.

Despite the way the book opens, it continues close to where the previous book ended ((view spoiler)[which ended with Taylor on a plane with massive turbulence issues on the way back to war; picks up with some weird commentary on the what seasons in Rowark Rhode Island are like, though initially looking as if it was a much different season than the previous book ended . . . until it got out of that weird commentary section and let the reader know that it was not that long after that ending (long enough, at least, to receive a letter from Taylor) (hide spoiler)]). Taylor's back among her fellow military unit in Iraq.

Sergeant Briggs has taken over for Sergeant Rick. And Briggs puts up a massive air of hating Taylor. Initially because she is a woman, eventually there's an air of terror created by how Briggs might, might know that Taylor is a lesbian.

Meanwhile Daniella is raising her adopted daughter (Jackie), while working through the procedures to become a foster mother.

Then the thing at 36% occurred and I can't actually continue saying what did or didn't happen.

One 'issue' that I had - I kept reminding myself, and feeling the need to remind myself, that the author is Canadian. Gave me certain breathing room in regards to certain issues that would pop up that I found . . . . odd, but I'd just let slip past (1: Sergeant Briggs is described as being from a long line of Generals and he really desires to become one himself eventually (but . . . but, he's a Sergeant! (there are such things as Mustangs - promoted to Officer side from enlisted side - not that such individuals have much luck raising all the way to General) - he's described as being old-ish (as in, even if he suddenly found himself doing that 'Mustang' thing, he doesn't have enough time to move up to General; 2: a fellow member of Taylor's team joins them in Iraq - he is described has having some family similarities to Briggs (as in long tradition of military service) which leads to - he's a recent graduate of West Point (which is where Briggs would expected to have gone instead of enlisting, especially with the help of the Generals background) . . . and . . . enlisted? West Point graduates officers not enlisted personnel; 3: the third one I can't mention because spoiler - ((view spoiler)[you don't go from Corporal to Captain through 'time in service' - there might be some kind of promotion to Warrant Officer due to circumstances, but not Captain (hide spoiler)]))). But it has been a while since I paid attention, so the Military might have radically changed since I last looked.

Onwards. I have forgotten how I worded it in my review for the prior book. Ah. 'This is a great book all the way around, and I kept having to wipe at my eyes while reading.' This issue continued with this book here.

Loved the book, despite some things I saw along the way, and some words I might have expressed. Great book.

Rating: 5+++

August 17 2017



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Dear Taylor by Eija Jimenez

Dear Taylor by Eija Jimenez

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is the first book that I’ve read by this author. I do not specifically recall what road I went down to see it the first time, but something about it made me want to read it immediately upon first viewing. Not sure how long ago that was. For reasons I don’t recall I couldn’t immediately read it right then and there.

And the reasons, vague though they were (and are still somewhat), that lead me to believe that I would enjoy this book turned out to be true. This is a great book all the way around, and I kept having to wipe at my eyes while reading.

The story is told through two point of views – and from their point of views and from their letters. Daniella Melo is a teacher at a school in Rhode Island. At the start of a semester, Daniella hands out information about soldiers fighting overseas. She has an assignment for her huge class of 120 students – write to them. That specific part isn’t as important, since it rarely came up again (the students writing part), but it’s important because someone dropped her class that morning (one of the reasons I’m confused as to which level Daniella teaches at, I thought it was a high school, but the mention of people jumping around, joining and dropping classes to find their best ‘fit’ sounds more like the beginning of a college semester) and Daniella has one extra information sheet left over. Either one soldier isn’t going to get anyone to write to them, or Daniella will take on the task. Before she can think about it, another woman appears and squealing is heard (I’m not actually sure if squealing actually occurs, I forget now, it just seemed fitting). That’d be Tasha (friend who is originally from Britain – ‘the Brit’ is used a lot) and Jackie (Daniella’s adopted daughter).

Eventually, though, Daniella takes on the task of writing a letter and sends it off. Whereupon the story shifts and now we, the reader, are with Taylor, the black woman (yes, that is one of the odd slightly off putting aspects of the story, the author felt the need to constantly say things like that – ‘the black woman glanced over . . . . the black woman stretched . . .’). Taylor’s bouncing around driving a military vehicle and doing stuff. Delivering stuff. Dodging bullets. Eventually she gets back to base and while standing near her bunk, her sergeant pops up and thrusts an envelope at her. She’s confused as no one ever writes her (the only one who might is the one who gave her the letter, Rick, a foster brother – hmm, I was going to get to that but – Taylor was ‘in the system’ and then aged out, she was put into the system at a young age). She somewhat fears the letter but eventually opens it up. And finds a short message from Daniella. And, when she turns the letter over, also a drawing from a 2 year old girl – Jackie. Taylor is quite touched by this, unexpectedly to her, and quickly jots off a reply and sends it off. I’d say ‘and then they communicated back and forth …’ but that didn’t happen. Both wanted that to happen but . . . well, let’s just say ‘complications occurred’, and once complications were overcome they did get to that ‘they sent off letters to each other . . . for about two years, before they meet for the first time in the flesh.’

And they do meet in the flesh. Taylor has a month leave and is staying with Rick in Boston (who is living there now because he’s now out of the military (I’m being vague as . . . how much should I say?)), but Rick knows about Taylor’s letter writing and basically kicks her out . . . gently, to go visit Daniella and Jackie in Rhode Island. Somewhat complicated, though, since this . . . crap, I really should have written this differently.

Meet Taylor – she’s 20 and has been in the military for a short while. When she was 18 she aged out of the foster system and moved to New York. She got a job at a coffee shop and was there when she watched the events unfold at the Twin Towers. She was just close enough to see it up close and personal, just far enough away to be out of the danger zone. She wanted to rush in and help, but only professionals were being allowed in. She continued serving coffee – to survivors, and then to rescue personal. Eventually she leaves and joins the army. Gets posted to Afghanistan. Whereupon, somewhat shortly after arrival, Taylor receives a letter from a woman from Rhode Island. Over time, roughly (maybe exactly) two years, Taylor works in Afghanistan and then in Iraq while receiving and sending letters to Daniella.

Since, and we are back to where I left off, since it’s the beginning of the first decade of the 21st century, and since communication between civilians and military personal in a war zone is hard even now, and so . . gah, is this where I was leading up to? Mmphs. Right, so, because of all of that, Taylor doesn’t have any real method of contacting Daniella now that she’s in the USA. She doesn’t have a cell phone, and doesn’t have Daniella’s number even if she did have one. She does have an address but . . . she wants to warn Daniella before just dropping by. And that’s where Rick kicks her out of his place, telling her to just go there.

It was quite a touching scene when Taylor sat in Rick’s car in Daniella’s driveway. Nervous. Then walking up to the house. And having a somewhat messy (from cooking) looking woman answer her knock and wonder who she is – only to learn that it’s the woman she’d been writing letters with. And then Jackie and Taylor were introduced to each other – --..

As noted, it was a month leave that Taylor had. And after that month’s leave was up, Taylor returned to the war. And the letters continued. Both living their lives, now separately, though feeling a connection. Until they meet again, when Taylor received leave. And this continued throughout the rest of the book.

One of the points to stress is that both women learned about the other first through the written word before either meet. They developed a connection before, really, either even know what the other looked like. Though I’ve not actually said anything that isn’t in the book’s description.

Characters: Taylor Phillips, military woman, starts off at the age of 20 when the book opens. Her ‘battle buddy’ is a fella named ‘Christian’, and her foster brother, Rick, just so happened to be her sergeant – neither realizing this would occur when Taylor turned up in Afghanistan.

Daniella Melo – history teacher, mother of Jackie, hints to her age are given, but if it was outright stated I didn’t see it. Her friends include Tasha and . . . well, she’s friendly with co-workers at her school, but she’s closed herself off to a large extent after an event occurred when she was 18.

Setting: Taylor pops around, but is mostly in Afghanistan and Iraq when she’s ‘over there’, then I believe it’s Missouri she’s based at for a brief moment or 8; while Daniella sticks to a small town in Rhode Island.

Time: early to mid-first decade of the 21st century. As in, 2001 to . . . hmms, I don’t actually recall how far we got, but not past 2005 (if we even got up to 2005).

ETA: Oh right. There's something like a cliff-hanger ending (and based on other reviews I've now read, the ending here is different than the ending that was in the fanfiction version (see comment where I noted fanfiction stuff below)). I didn't 'care' because I read this after the second book had already been released. And I already had access to it. And stuff. So . . . yes, there's a cliff-hanger ending.

Rating: 5+

August 17 2017



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Northern Lights by Debra Dunbar

Northern Lights by Debra Dunbar

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


On June 26 2017 I read my first Debra Dunbar book. A book that I had had since May, but hadn’t tried until that date. I mention that specific fact because, since that date, I’ve now completed 11 books by Dunbar, all of them within the Imp World series, though only 8 of them are in the main Imp series (the others are spin-offs). I wasn’t really going to read the spin-offs but impulsively tried the first and now, and noted or instantly seen by those who do math quickly, I’ve read 3 spin-off books. All three involving different main characters – all side characters in the main Imp series.

I’ve kind of edged into each of these books. Somewhat reluctant to try them, for various reasons. And this specific book here I was even more reluctant to read both because I wasn’t really certain how it corresponded to the three Northern Wolves short stories (one of the reviews made mention of Northern Lights in a way that implied that the Northern Wolves short stories were something of a continuation; now that I’ve read Northern Lights and seen descriptions of the short stories, I know how they are connected – just as the non-main Imp books in Imp World are spin-offs of the Imp series, Northern Wolves involves stories spin-off Northern Lights). Oh, and reluctant to read because the spin-off I read immediately before this one kind of annoyed me more than I’d expected.

As mentioned, I’ve read 11 books by Dunbar, ratings are all over the place, though the important point is that three of the books have had me click on all 5 possible stars on GoodReads. Two because I thought the books were roughly 4.75 star books, then the third, this book here, I thought was 5+. Yes, that’s right, my favorite book by Dunbar is this book here, a spin-off. And again it’s a book that is better read after reading the Imp series – though here I’d say to read books 1-7, then read this book, then read book 8 (Exodus). For . . . reasons. This book is, by published date, published later in time than Exodus, but chronologically, the story takes place before Exodus.

So, that’s a lot of words, none of which actually say anything about this specific book.

There are several point of views in this book, and, I believe for the first time for this author, there are more than one coupling up going on in this book. To start off with, we have Raphael who has appeared in the main Imp series, and is brother to one of the main characters in that series – Gregory (aka Michael, there’s a complicated reason why Archangel also has the name Gregory – simplified – Sam knew him as ‘Gregory’ because he was the head of the ‘Gregori’ (the angels who watch over the earth; I did say I was doing simplified), and didn’t otherwise know his name, only later learning that his name is actually Michael (or, as he is sometimes called, Micha). Gregory/Michael makes a very brief appearance in this book. I assume the guardian angel for the gate in Alaska also made an appearance, and that some of the wolves might have appeared as well in the main Imp book that had Sam and Gregory in Alaska, but I didn’t recognize the guardian angel nor any of the wolves – therefore I can say that Raphael is the only ‘important’ character of note who appears both in multiple Imp books and in this book here.

Raphael is not the first main point of view, though. Started with him because he’s also in the Imp series. The first POV in the book is . . . well, now that I think about it there might have been a prologue or something, well, another point of view in this book is Ahia. Just like another side-book, Ahia has live a long time ‘knowing’ that she’s a Nephilim (the off-spring of Angel/human mating, and the ‘first’, or ‘parents of’ werewolves’). Unlike Jaq, the Nephilim in No Man’s Land, Ahia gives the impression that she’s been around for several thousand years – I believe that there’s even a mention of an exact date, 5 or more thousands of years maybe, but a really long time.

As I think I mentioned, this book also pulls in another coupling. That’d be Brent, the werewolf alpha of the pack Ahia mostly lives with in Alaska (she does move around within Alaska), and Kennedy, a trauma surgeon and human. Both of them have their POV’s appear in this book, and a certain romance blooms, though their story is told more in the spin-off short story Juneau to Kenai (not that I’ve read that short story).

To continue down that specific path of revealing characters in short stories – Sabrina (werewolf) and Karl (werebear) star in the second Northern Wolves short story, and both are very minor characters in ‘Northern Lights’. And I do not recognize the characters listed for the third Northern Wolves short story.

Right, so. Rifts are opening up in Alaska (and all over the world, see previous Imp books for what’s going on – why the rifts are opening I mean), and two things are occurring because of that – ‘monsters’ are falling out of the rifts, and humans (and others) are getting sucked through the rifts. Ahia and the wolves have been running around killing the monsters that have come through, or trying to, but they can’t close the rifts. Ahia, even though she knows it might mean her instant death (Angels kill Nephilim on sight), she asks for help . . . from an Angel (well, okay, sometimes the Angels don’t kill on sight). The Angel that guards the gate in Alaska to Hel isn’t powerful enough to close the rifts so he asks for someone more powerful for help. That’s where Raphael comes in. He can’t see the rifts, but he can close them – with the help of someone like a demon to see the rifts.

Complications ensue immediately after Raphael arrives. He assumes that if the guardian angel knows of the rifts then he has to have a demon around to see them. A demon he is protecting. Raphael intends to use said demon, temporary, to help locate rifts. Which leads him to finding Ahia. Whereupon . . . well, spoiler-y stuff. Right, without getting into spoiler-y stuff, Ahia and Raphael then proceed to go around killing monsters and closing rifts.

Meanwhile, some people get sucked into and through a rift. Including Brent and Kennedy. And they wander around on the world they landed on. Having their own POV’s shown and stuff.

For many reasons I really enjoyed and loved this story. And really want to see more of Ahia. It’s possible that I might, since this book is from 2017, but the spin-off short stories don’t star her, and none of the later Imp books (which don’t actually have descriptions yet) mention her.

Oh, and there’s stuff like sex that occurs.

Rating: 5+

August 3 2017



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Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander

Patty's Potent Potion by Robin Alexander

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


A very sad thing happened just moments ago – the book ended. I’m sad now.

It is rare for me to think and/or say this but I loved the characters in this book to the point that I want to know them in real life, and if they are based on real life people the author knows, then I’m jealous, I am.

There’s Shawna Haydel, 39, work-at-home (she also has a gas station, and is the reason for the ‘financial services’ shelf since she also works as an accountant) mother of 16 year old Alicia ‘Jet’ Haydel; and there's Ashton Guidry, 39, biology teacher and (reluctant temporary) color guard coach at the same school Jet attends. Both of them are the point of views in this book. And both are darn right lovable. The others, the non-point of view characters, are also lovable – though slightly less so depending on the character. There’s Jet, already mentioned, who is also a member of the color guard; and both of Shawna’s parents (Lou and Will) are also still alive and around (Will being the bald man (but for two hairs) who is there in the story, has a distinct personality, but hasn’t much to do with the book; and then there is Lou, another one with a distinct personality, though shown more through her interactions with her own mother – who just happens to live with Lou and Will), and grandmother (Janice, who had been the principal at the high school and is very prim and proper). Rounding out the first tier side characters is Patty – one of the four who were friends in high school (Shawna and Ashton being two of the others, while Cassie makes the fourth but isn’t around the town any longer). Filling in the second tier are those like the band leader Stiles, who is a pushy dick, his girl-friend Joann (who Shawna and the rest knew at high school – as a stuck up bitch), and . . . well, Janice probably goes on this level instead of first tier. Hmm. I kind of ‘ruined’ my tier system so let’s forget about that. Like, I should have had Meagan (Megan?) on the first tier but, like I said, let’s forget about tiers. Megan is Shawna’s 1) best friend; 2) ex-partner/wife (and referred to by Jet as Mom-Megan – one of Jet’s two mothers).

The book opens with a bunch of 16 year olds giggling and writing on paper while 16 year old Patty made a ‘potion’ (not the drinking kind of potion, luckily, since . . . well, spit and stuff). The potion is some kind of love potion – the girls wrote down the person they loved and/or wanted to love them, and put that paper into the potion. Shawna is nervous about the whole thing because she wants to write the name of one of the other young women there, but doesn’t want anyone to know or see the paper. The ritual is concluded, the page is turned, and it’s now 23 years later.

Shawna works out of her home while overseeing her daughter Jet. The ‘present’ part of the book, which apparently takes place in 2015 based on a comment in the book (which literally said ‘it is 2015’), starts off with Jet being super annoyed. And wanting to drop out of the Color Guard team. Because there’s a new coach and she’s bitchy and mean and stuff. Coach Ashole (or Ashhole, I forget spelling now). I suppose I should interject two things here – Shawna and Ashton haven’t communicated in roughly 20 to 21 years, and Shawna has no clue that Ashton has moved back to the small town, so there’s no inherent reason for her to immediately hear ‘Ashole’ and think ‘Ashton’. And she doesn’t immediately realize this fact. But she does want Jet to remain on the team, for now, because of the promises Jet made (and the money spent on the ‘stuff’ associated with being a member of the color guard).

Ashton, meanwhile, has been forced to become the temporary color guard coach due to the current coach needing to step away for a while for emotional reasons (going through a divorce).

And, um, stuff.

There’s no way I can do this book justice so I’m going to move on from my normal rambling.

The book is super humorous, lovely, great book. Brought tears to my eyes several times (from laughter), and there were many humorous moments/scenes. Some of which are created by having the daughter (Jet) catch her mother (Shawna) doing things. Like dance around.

“Were you backing it up on the fridge?” [Jet]

“I was…uh…was…removing smudges with my butt. Did you forget something?” [Shawna]

“My laptop. I have a paper due Monday for English. I’ll just go get that now,” Jet said, still looking disconcerted as she left the room.

“I saw a smudge, and I rubbed my butt on it. That’s perfectly normal,” Shawna called after her."

- 24% into the book. Jet catches Shawna dancing for joy when she reconnects with Ashton (and this also might be the scene after Shawna learned that (view spoiler)[Ashton is also a lesbian (hide spoiler)])

Some of the humor scenes involve just Shawna and Ashton – like the time Shawna catches Ashton sleep walking and (view spoiler)[sleep fighting the vacuum cleaner (hide spoiler)], or the time Ashton catches Shawna drinking wine out of a pickle jar due to nerves. Things more humorous in context. Or, I should say, read in the book.

"You're having wine...in a pickle jar. Why is that?" Ashton asked, looking confused.

"Oh." Shawna looked closely at it. "I didn't even notice. I just grabbed it."

Several of the sex scenes are quite humorous as well. For . . . reasons.

I, relatively recently, read two Alexander books close-ish together and labeled one as the best romance book I’d ever read and the other the best humor book I’d read. Well, I’m pushing both books out of their positions and sliding this book here in their place. This book here is both the best romance book I’ve read and the best humor book I’ve read. I wish to put this book on my top tier, but, sadly, I have to wait until I reread this book to do that.

Rating: 5.99 (only rereads can be 6 star books)

May 4 2017



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Spanking New by Clifford Henderson

Spanking New by Clifford Henderson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of those books that's probably somewhat impossible to pin down genre-wise. It is a strange book concept wise and in actuality. And I loved 99.9% of every second of it. I laughed, I cried, I . . . um . . completed the book.

An entity has been ripped from the collective knowledge and been forced to be. To be an I, instead of a we. The entity is somewhat annoyed about that separation from The Knowledge, but what’s done is done. And now it’s time to look for parents. To make the next step. All the while losing bits and pieces of knowledge until ‘the great forgetting’ that occurs at birth. But for now the entity can float around, observing, knowing, and sliding into people’s thoughts, memories, and brains. Watching.

Finds itself in an alley behind a theatre. Looks around, curious, wondering why they are there. Spots Rick and Howie talking and smoking a joint. Next to a dumpster. Ew, this can’t be . . . wait, there’s something about this Rick guy . . .. Sliding from one to the other the entity examines their thoughts and desires and feelings. Having knowledge they do not. Learning that the Rick guy is there because he’s showing Howie a ‘good time’ on his last night before he has to return to duty with the military; and because a girl he is interested in is there – no not in the alley – she had been on stage in a really weird play.

The entity, seeing and feeling Rick and Howie, experiences things and comes to a decision – the entity . . . is a he! He will be a boy when he finally gets his parents together.

Time passes. It is possible that Rick and Nina (that girl that Rick was interested in) might not actually get together. Stupid stupid entity! Choosing two people to be his parents when they hadn’t even meet yet! So thinks Spanky – the name used for the entity in the book description (for a reason) and so I use now so I can stop saying ‘the entity’.

Spanky slides along, watching, feeling, visiting the parents and families of both Rick and Nina, sliding along, watching Dink and Pablo – two of Nina’s friends – interact. At first Spanky is worried about Pablo, less so about Dink – for Nina is really into Pablo. I mean really. Will Spanky not get to be born? Will he get reabsorbed? But! And this is something Nina actually knows but is suppressing, Pablo is a gay man. Massively gay. On the other hand . . . the friend that Spanky didn’t initially worry as much about, Dink, is really into Nina – the way Nina is into Pablo. Though Dink keeps pretending to herself (and mostly herself) that she isn’t a lesbian, so there’s still an opening for Rick. For Spanky to be born.

And time passes. Relationships build, fall apart (more background characters than main characters), and build again; romantic and family relationships fluctuate. Spanky continues watching and learning and knowing that once he is born that he will stop knowing – that he’ll go through the veil of forgetfulness and forget all that he knew.

Strange thing occurs, though, once Spanky actually ‘gets inside’ Nina (and yes there is a rather graphic depiction of Spanky ‘getting inside’). Spermy and (I’ve forgotten now what Spanky called Miss Eggy) have merged, but . . . XX. They have created an XX entity! Spanky is . . . a girl?!? Spanky is confused. Then considers the idea that he just saw Rick and Howie’s and the father’s interactions and wanted to be with them – tossing a baseball, playing a guitar – manly stuff (eventually learning more about ‘boy things’, ‘girl things’ and fluidity).

This is an awesome book, a great book, had me in tears, from laughter and otherwise. I want a sequel _ want to watch the life that I saw being created – live. Grow. Spanky, by the way, does not actually get named ‘Spanky’ – that’s just her name while ‘inside’ Nina. A joke – probably drug influenced (there’s a lot of drugs, alcohol, and stuff going on in this book).

Rating: 5.5

April 19 2017



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Favorite FF Short Stories found in short story collections

1. Forever Yours, Eileen Rebekah Weatherspoon

A short story found within the book 'Best Lesbian Romance of the Year: Volume 1' edited by Radclyffe

tags: The South, Brooklyn, 1950s & today, People of Color (black)

I do not know if I can write a review for this one. Quite emotional still, I am.

Two young girls grow up near each other in 'The South' back in the 1950s. Both are black. Someone, a relative perhaps, mentions that it would take God himself to separate the two (as a side note, 'God' is used 25 times in this book (book not story) - 'our mamas would joke that it would take the hand of god to pull us little devils apart. The hand of god or my daddy's determination.'). The daddy in question were seeing how things were looking, Jim Crow, 'The South', the 1950s, so he moved his family north - to Brooklyn.

Two youngsters who were destined to grow up together, to be inseparable . . . separated by a father afraid, then by circumstances. Separated for 50 years, baring very brief moments. Very brief. They wrote letters, though, throughout that time. They documented their separate marriages, their families, the news of what was going on, and eventually their realization of who they actually loved in life.

And the story itself starts in a dinner. I believe in New York, though might be Brooklyn. It only took 50 years, but the two are near again - near and able to actually, maybe, probably move on with a life that involves both of them together, near, no longer separated, back to being inseparable.

And I'm sure I do not need to mention, since this is a book of lesbian short stories, but yes, both realized that they were lesbians. And who it was that was in their hearts.

Rating: 5.75*

* I believe the only reason this is .25 off my highest rating is because it's a short story inside a short story collection, and I've only read it once. Otherwise . . ..

November 1 2016

2. Learning to Ride by Fletcher DeLancy

A short story found within the collection titled 'Spread the Love' edited by Astrid Ohletz?

Tags:

I’m not really sure what I was expecting when I opened the book, I just know that I was in something of a bind – I needed to read something (that’s me, must always be reading), but the book I’d picked up to read was annoying me. So, a quick look through my Kindle lead to this book – and this first story in the book.

I was hooked immediately – a woman on a bicycle going for a ride. A woman who hadn’t ridden in a great while and was . . . larger than the common bike rider. Hooked me – it did.

I’m not sure how others might view the story. The cover emphasizes ‘Seven Romantic and Erotic Lesbian Stories’ – which is actually why I haven’t even opened the book since I got it in January. I have to be in a ‘mood’ to purposefully go out of my way to read something labeled ‘erotic’, not ‘romance’, but out and out ‘erotic’. This brings us back to my first sentence in this paragraph. I’m not sure how others might view this story, because it is: (1) quite simple, really, in nature; (2) doesn’t have angst/drama/tension/conflict (beyond ‘can I go another mile/can I climb the hill’) except for the first encounter between the two women in the story, when one almost accidentally killed the other (‘On the left does not mean that you go to your left, but that I’m coming from the left’); (3) this story is by no means erotic, graphic, or otherwise have with sex in it. Those who need conflict/angst would probably be annoyed by the romance. Those who saw ‘erotic’ on the cover of the book, would be annoyed by the lack of erotic . . . action in the story.

Me? I loved the story. I actually found myself tear-y eyed while on the train. Long after I’d completed the story. I know, I probably should see someone about that. Heh. Unlike the last time I mentioned teary eyed (or something along those lines), this time it was happiness, joy, positive stuff that caused the mist.

I mentioned that the story was simple – well, it’s basically just a story of a series of bike rides. And a woman that encounters another on these rides. The first time a blur speed past Dana – the blur said something, but Dana couldn’t catch it. She assumed it was something derogatory. The second encounter with the woman almost involved injuries – blur ‘on your left!’ squealing. Dana didn’t realize ‘on your left’ meant someone was coming on your left. She thought that meant the rider wanted Dana to move to her left.

And the story proceeds from there. Brief encounters while on the bike trail. Though the brief encounters build up. Somewhere along the line names are exchanged. Sexual orientations are hinted at. Common interests are mentioned. More encounters on the bike trail.

This story kind of caught me unaware. Sure, I was hooked from the beginning, but I didn’t expect to love it.

Rating: 5.5
Date read: April 27 2016

3. Spiritquest, LLC by Andi Marquette

A short story found in the collection 'Wicked Things' edited by Jae and Astrid Ohletz

tags: Denver, Ghost (from 1920s), Ghost hunters

Ghost hunters investigate the Halstead House in Denver - sightings had been made of a young woman named Lily who had died in the 1920s at the age of 26. The Ghost hunters include Allie, Mike, Mandy, and Sky (a newcomer). The story is from the point of view of Allie. A joke is made that they should rename themselves 'Spiritqueer' since all of them are queer.

This is a very interesting story, quite detailed, quite thrilling/exciting. I wasn't sure if this was going to be a romance or an erotica or what, so I was kind of hunting in the beginning for who the potential pairing might be. If you, the reader of this review, wish to know beforehand - look behind the spoiler - think of it as either 'no one' or 'the ghost' - since there is a century long romance there..

I loved this story - I loved the atmosphere, the relatively gentle nature of everything - considering the the subject matter; the romance angle, everything. Which is somewhat surprising to me because of the author. See - I failed myself a long time ago. I had this rule that I was never going to allow 1 story to dictate whether or not I like or hate an author (or, more exactly, whether I try anything else by them). And I failed myself.

For you see, I had read something by Andi Marquette before. A book that was, in general, liked by readers (4.01 overall rating), and strongly liked by friends (4.05 overall rating). While I myself had seen it as kind of meh, and was something I was only able to give, tentatively, a 3 rating to. So I never again attempted a story by Marquette. I'd see things that might interest me, notice the author, and cringe away. It's actually the combo of me giving a 3 rating, and the part where I was in the minority for that rating. But there was this story here in this collection, see, so . . . I read it. And loved it. This is why I have this rule to not base decisions (good or bad) on one work.

Rating: 5.0

October 29 2016

3. Walking After Midnight by Lois Cloarec Hart

A short story found in the collection 'Wicked Things' edited by Jae and Astrid Ohletz

tags: Halloween party, Vampire

A wallflower type woman around 28 (I believe) named Gem St. Claire is talked into going to a holiday party. She wants nothing to do with it but can't get out of it. It's like the day before so she has to make do with whatever she can make herself so she ends up in a tux an cape and pretends to be a vampire.

Part of the 'talking into going' is the part where Kate, someone Gem has lusted after since high school, will be there. And is, apparently, single. The friend of Gem's tells her that she needs to ask her out already (with positive or negative results to the asking out) or move on from her lust for Kate. She's basically put her life on hold because of these feelings. At least her romantic life.

Things go about as expected (don't ask what I mean, that would be spoiler-y, there's like a ton of directions 'expected' could have gone) and Gem finds herself wandering a graveyard on the way home - darting from the party early. Runs into a woman in that graveyard. A woman dressed somewhat similarly to Gem (tux, cumberbund, cape). A woman named Cleo.

Some advice given. The night continues. A reunion of sorts occur. More time passes. Another Halloween roles around. Life, such as it is, continues.

I'm being purposely vague. Lovely story.

Rating: 5.0

November 2 2016

3. Batteries not Included by L.T. Smith

A short story found within the collection 'When the Clock Strikes Thirteen' edited by Astrid Ohletz.

tags:

This is one of those stories that needs to be read/felt/experienced by the reader - anything/most things I could write/explain would just be in the way.

All I can really say is that there's this house with more than 1 floor, a woman in it working late at night, noises heard, and a building tension. Building . . . building . . . building . . .

Rating: 5.0

October 24 2016

6. Some Nudity Required by Axa Lee

A short story found within the book 'Best Lesbian Romance of the Year: Volume 1' edited by Radclyffe

tags: Student, Teacher, model, artist, nude model, geek girl

A bookish English major, a senior, is secretly dating a TA (not sure if they were ever in a teacher-student situation in a class (ah, see, went back to make sure of names, saw 'best students in class had a right to meet with her TA outside of hours, right?' - the power imbalance* is somewhat on display in this story - one of the reasons I dislike teacher-student relationships (like I dislike boss-employee as well), though part of this 'imbalance' might just be personalities involved and not teacher-student; TA - teacher's assistant). The TA, Erika, is kind of bossy, dismissive, desirous of her girlfriend to not look 'like a lesbian'; and desirous of not being out and open about their relationship.

The bookish English major self-describes herself as being geeky, an follower of rules, standards, and stuff. Not at all the kind to answer an advertisement for a model with a line like 'some nudity required'. But then, maybe she is that type to answer an ad (this isn't a mystery about whether or not she' contact Audra - since the story opens with her already in the middle of doing so; advertisement - 'Female Model, any body type, thesis project, some nudity required. Paying. Contact Audra').

I'm not actually sure that the 'bookish English major' actually has a name used at any point in this story. Beyond 'I'.

Right, so. Fun enjoyable exciting story that I'd probably react differently to depending on situation (like if I'd been on the train commuting when I read this, or just outdoors in general).

artist/photographer - Audra
TA - Erika

* many things could be said about a teacher-student power imbalance. The teacher has certain power over their student that might not be there otherwise. Power to 'ruin' the student's life - or at the very least control it so they didn't ruin it (via bad grades and the like; recommendations; whispers to other teachers). All of which 'would take down' only the student. The student has power as well, but implementing it would 'take both of them down' - by coming forward about the unethical (potentially illegal) situation (they could lie about the nature of the relationship, of course, talking about force/harassment/rape - but they could do that kind of thing, lying, without actually being in any kind of relationship).

Rating: 4.999999999999

November 4 2016

7. Kindred Spirits by Lea Daley

A short story in the book 'Finding Ms. Write' edited by Jae and Jove Belle.

Tags: Grief, partner died, age-older-grey-hair

A story about two women whose partner's died (separately and by different means). One, whose partner passed away a while ago, attempts to help the other whose partner died six months ago.

A year or more passes.

A really nice, lovely story.

Rating: 4.98

January 13 2017

8. Eden's Revenge by Missouri Vaun

A short story found within the short story collection 'Absolute Power: Tales of Queer Villainy!' edited by Erica Friedman.

tags: Hacker/Geek-girl/terrorist, Police Detective

A young woman's sister died because of the actions of a specific man. Eden, the live woman (Jordan's the name of the dead woman, and Grey is the name of the Police Detective investigating Eden), has targeted the man who is responsible for Jordan's death with destruction.

It is highly likely I vastly overrated this story. I have my reasons.

No matter - well written story. Kept my interest.

Rating: 4.97

January 20 2017

9. The Road Home by May Dawney

A short story found in the collection 'Wicked Things' edited by Jae and Astrid Ohletz.

tags: Halloween, bar, student, small town, bad weather, ghost story, age-20s

Have you ever seen that Steven Spielberg directed 'Duel' tv film (well it was intended for tv, I think, might have gotten a theater release)? This story is nothing like that (I should do this with all my reviews (you know the 'Hobbit'? this is nothing like that - hehe). At least in the sense that the weather was down right nice in that film. And the 'events' that unfolded were much longer than the events that unfolded here. In the sense of two cars chasing each other in a life and death like struggle? Yeah, similar. Though it's pouring rain in this story, and not everyone involved in the struggle might realize . . . things.

Depending on whether or not someone has to be 21 to serve alcohol, this story involves two young women around the age of 20 or 21 who end up near each other in an unexpected way. Which leads to a pulse-pounding encounter. Actually, more than one encounter.

Quite thrilling. Exciting. Good story.

Rating: 4.95

November 2 2016

9. Healing Hand by Lynn Mixon

A short story found within the collection 'Women with Handcuffs' edited by Sacchi Green.

tags: Witness Protection, US Marshal

The story is from the point of view of a woman who was a professional gambler, and has now been in witness protection for the last 5 years. The story kicks off with that woman hearing a car, grabbing a shotgun, and looking outside. Spotting a slick SUV - out of place in the mountains of her home. A US Marshal steps out - one that the woman knows.

That US Marshal mentions that the evil dude who is the reason for the woman to be in protective custody had escaped.

The story then proceeds to have the protector and protectee engage in a display of erotic play. Though in a much better and more satisfying way that my little comment might make it seem.

rating: 4.95

October 21 2016

11. Hollis by Jove Belle

A short story found within the collection 'Women with Handcuffs' edited by Sacchi Green.

A woman who is both a police detective and someone who sees themselves as being on the verge of middle age, is at a training . . . um . . thingie. Story opens while she's running for seven miles under the supervision of a FBI agent.

Apparently this police detective has a certain level of submissiveness, though only to those who she sees as being . . . um . . . strong enough. Which works out here, since she sees the FBI agent as strong enough, and that agent is quite happy with the concept of dominating another.

They have a moment in the agent's office.

Quite exciting, in its brief way.

Rating: 4.89

12. Lavish are the Undead by B.A. Huntley

A short story found within the collection 'Less than Dead' edited by Samantha M. Derr.

tags: FF, Doll-monsters (zombie-like), wheel-chair

A self-described gym rat is on a treadmill listening to her girlfriend, a DJ, on the radio until she starts to play an hour long David Bowie album. Switches to a book. Switches back to the radio. Runs. Lights flicker. Mick, the gym rat, powers down the treadmill - worried she'd end up planted in a wall if she didn't and the power cut out suddenly. Screams erupt (okay, I don't recall if there are screams, let's try that again). People start fleeing from the area near the windows. Mick looks over. Sees . . . things. She in turn flees.

Gets outside. Sees . . . doll people? Well, human shaped creatures bouncing around looking like porcelain versions of humans. They are breaking everything reflective - windows, glass, mirrors. They charge towards Mick. Mick leaps into her car and flees.

Somewhere along the way she spots a woman being attacked, an older woman. She saves her. Takes her back to the older woman's place. As they clean themselves up, they listen to the radio. Apparently some kind of 'bone-disease' is sweeping the area. People are told to stay indoors and board up their windows. Mick gets Sally (the older woman) to change the station so she can check on her girlfriend. Girlfriend still alive but . . . sits inside a giant tower of glass - 100 floors up. In a wheelchair. Mick must save her.

Quite thrilling short story. Fun, exciting. I'd rate it . . . hmms . . . 4.85.

12. Bow and Arrow by Carsen Taite

A short story found within the collection 'Girls with Guns' edited by ?

Tags: Bounty Hunter

The first story in the book, despite the line up of the authors on the cover, is Bow and Arrow by Carsen Taite. As noted, this is my first story by this author. So I do not know if Luca Bennett, Jessica Chance, or, for that matter, if Teresa Perez or Cris Perez-Soria have appeared in anything by Taite before now (ETA: there is a three book Luca Bennett series that Chance appears in. Going by the book descriptions, this story here might be considered 3.5 (not rating, but series order number; three books then this short story). I know books like this have a tendency to have one of three types of stories – (1) a story involving a character from a series (either as a cameo or as the lead character in the story); (2) a completely new set of characters; or (3) stories by different authors that are, in some way, linked together by character, story, events, or some other issue. I do not know, yet, which category these stories in the book fall under.

Bow and Arrow follows Luca Bennett, ex-cop, and current bounty hunter. The story starts with her returning to work after having been shot. At work she's a bounty hunter, so it's a good thing that she's on the hunt for a fugitive (since that's what they pay her to do). She’d rather be at home wiggling around with her love, Jessica Chance, but her boss would be annoyed if she didn’t actually return to work at some point. So there she is, in her car, watching a place she believes a suspect is located. She has her dog Cash with her.

Relatively easily . . . well, I’ll go ahead and note this issue. She momentarily captures the fugitive but he has information on another fugitive, someone by the name of Teresa Perez. Another ex-cop, and someone who had previous run-ins with Chance and Bennett (a kidnapping of Chance was mentioned, the part where Bennett had been shot might be related, but not sure – the events that occur in this story kind of lead me to believe I might be following up on a previous story). Perez is someone both Chance and Bennett really want. So Bennett is going to go after her.

Just a quick note – I do not know why I keep calling her Bennett, I believe she gets called Luca a lot more often, but I got kind of trapped there in which names to use.

Okay then, the story will be about a former cop, current bounty hunter who will be investigating a fugitive cop (though she herself had not specifically been assigned to find said ex-cop). Except . . . complications ensue. Luca has jury-duty. Heh. Kind of neat in its way. Must investigate! Have leads! Must . . . wait? What? Well crap. *sitting impatiently in a jury waiting room . . . waiting for the obvious dismissal . . . waiting. Name called. Waiting for the questions from the lawyers. She’s an ex-cop who lives with a cop, and hunts fugitives, obviously she’s going to be bumped . . . except she isn’t bumped*.

It’s neat to see a case from the jury-perspective, especially through someone who knows investigations and the like. So the story turns to Luca investigating the missing/fugitive cop and attending trial. As a jury-member.

I mentioned another name above. Way way above. That of Cris Perez-Soria. But hadn’t mentioned her yet. She’s a fellow jury-member and really talkative. Really enjoys the chance to be a jury-member. And stuff. She had too many lines, so to speak, for me not to include her name above in the list of people who might have previously appeared in a Taite book.

I rather liked Luca Bennett. And the story was quite neat. I didn’t particularly like Cris, but she’s not the lead so whatever. A few more things before I give a rating: (1) Romance – Jess and Luca are already a couple when this story opens. They appear lovey-dovey, though there are a few complications. (2) Sex – possible I missed it, but there wasn’t any. (3) Mystery/Trial – both were about what I’d expect for a short work and I have no complaints there. (4) Short work - I was at 28% of the file when the story ended. The book is listed as being 240 pages. So that’s 67.2 pages for this part of the book.

This specific short story I’d give a rating of 4.85 out of 5 stars. I’m quite interested in looking into other stories by Carsen Taite, though I have ‘experiences’ with tackling people who write both short and long work. Boiled down – I grew up reading short story collections (best of [insert year]; Treasury of the best [insert genre]) and short story magazines. I found out several things. Short stories are something in and of themselves (and not just fragments of a larger story; though serial stories exist as well). There are good ones, great ones, and crap ones. And the skill to write an outstanding short story does not always translate to the ability to write a great book (and the opposite also applies). There are some authors who I hated when I tried them in short story form (Jack McDevitt), but loved in long form (McDevitt – tried a long form by accident). And some I love in short form, but never really loved anything they wrote long form (many names could go here, I’ll just use Lawrence Block as an example). So, my near 5 star rating for this short story does not mean I’ll instantly love anything and everything by Taite.

Rating: 4.85

14. The Christmas Grump by Jae

A short story found in the collection titled 'Gingerbread Hearts' edited by Judy Underwood.

tags: Security guard - mall, kid

Hmm. Story starting out with a vague feeling of 'I've been here before' (story-wise).

And . . . yes, I've read this before. At least I think I have. Darn. This is at least the second time I've excitedly started in on a Jae story . . . only to realize that I'd already read it - last time it was, I think 'Morning After' which I had read when I read the book 'Depature from the Script' (if I have the titles right). Here the title of the story is the same. Just two different short story collections. This one and 'Love Beneath the Christmas Tree.' And looking at that collection - the next Jae story is also in that collection. So, it's as if there are no Jae stories in this collection - no new ones. I feel annoyed by that fact. I'd be even more annoyed if I hadn't gotten this collection here for free (just like I had gotten that 'Morning After' short story for free as well).

Well, guess I'll have a reread or two then. I mean, it has been 2 years since I read that other collection.

So, since I didn't write anything for that other collection -

This story stars Rachel, a security guard at a mall at Christmas time. She's grumpy because of all the arrests she's been having to make. While she's running around attending to 'incidents' she keeps spotting a specific boy all by himself in a toy store in the exact same spot, day after day. Near lego toys. Starring at them. If this was a story in one of the other collections I read recently, I'd know instantly what was going on (that or if I hadn't read this before) - ghost! But no, this is a Christmas collection, not one of my Halloween collections.

mmphs. How annoying. Apparently I got something in both of my eyes at the same time. They are both wet and stuff. No idea how that could have happened.

Rating: 4.8

15. On an Ocean of Skin by Laila Blake

A short story found within the collection 'Sweat' edited by ? (I can never figure out the editor for Ladylit books.

tags: chubby

Okay, story opens with a woman in a yoga studio. She may or may not be fat. And feels self-doubt and guilt for 'subjecting beautiful people to her presence.' She's there because she got 'something' related to the studio on her birthday. A voucher - 'Yoga for woman in larger bodies' (so she actually does inhabit a larger body, and it's not just her self-image making her feel fat).

hehehe. What a gift to get from your mother. I can just imagine the scene (well a scene, I don't know the relationship involved) - daughter - 'ooh, a card *opens, stares, sees 'Yoga for woman in larger bodies' thinks to self *my mother thinks I'm fat, thanks mom*

Interesting. Large bodied depressed woman, goes to yoga studio, meets - happy round woman as instructor.

Hmms. This be a really nice story. Quite . . . nice. A couple of word choices here and there jarred and pulled me from the story, unfortunately, otherwise I might call this one something close to 5 stars. As it is . . . . I'll call it 4.79 stars. *nods*

August 19 2016

16. Hammersmith by Michelle Grubb

A short story found within the short story collect 'Girls with Guns' edited by ?

Tags: Undercover, Police, London, Terrorism

As I mentioned, I’ve read none of these authors before, including Grubb. Hammersmith involves a woman named Belinda Riley. She works for an anti-terrorism unit in London England, specifically the unit that monitors the underground (as in the mass-transit trains that run underground; USA – mass transit trains running underground get called subways, not sure ‘underground’ gets used for anything in the USA (except, say, underground railroad (which, to confuse things, wasn't actually a railroad)); UK – mass transit trains running underground get called ‘underground’ (or ‘tube’), ‘subway’ is an underground passage for pedestrians to use. At least these were the definitions in use when I was in London in the ‘90s).

Riley is relatively new in the unit, though she’s been in the police for a while now. She’s 30, but can pass for 21. This is important, not specifically being able to pass as 21, but being able to ‘blend in’, to not look like an obvious cop. Because that’s what she does for half her day, ride around (or stand around on platforms) underground. Other half of the day is spent in training. Oh, and for those who recall the title of this book – ‘Girls with Guns’ and know UK police tend to not be armed, they have special units that are armed, well – as luck would have it, anti-terrorism is one of the units that are armed.

The story consists of Riley riding around on the train, and, separately, unwinding with her current new-ish girlfriend Esther (who is, apparently, around 36). Quite an interesting story, though for a moment there I was recalling how the first story didn’t have sex. And how lesbian romance/fiction tends to at least hint at it. And, for a moment or two, I was thinking that this story here, Hammersmith, was the sex part. Because Riley and Esther spend a rather good amount of time humping. But no, there is also police work as well.

By the way, I’m writing these notes before I’ve finished the story. Not sure how far along I am, though I could be close to the end (I was at the 40% mark when I wrote this sentence, and the story ends at the 63% mark). And I kind of got a feeling about how things are going to unfold. Though they haven’t exactly unfolded yet. As of now, Riley is on alert for a ‘cleaner’ (suicide bomber). And is following orders to get off trains, get on trains, etc.

Note: I read most of this story . . . um, I don’t know how long this story is. Okay, I read the start of this story while on the train. While Riley was on the train. Checking people out. Seeing if they might be a suicide bomber. Hearing something that heightens her alertness . . etc. Quite a way to heighten my own tension and the suspense of the story – to read that while actually being on the train. Conversely, I read the sex part on the train as well. Not exactly where I wish to read about someone being bent over, their pants lowered, and their knickers lowered, and stuff occurs.

More to come . . . now.

Baring the note about sex, I last left things with me hovering in the middle of the story with a strong sense of how things were going to unfold. I was both wrong and right. I can’t really say what I mean without giving too much away.

I feel like a giant hand picked me up, put me into a blender, then a giant finger hovered over a button for a while. Then pressed the button. That’s the way this story made me feel. Like I’d been blended. Or, well, like I’d been put through a blender.

I rather liked Riley. I’m not certain how I feel about anyone else in the story, including Esther, but Riley I liked. It was a rather neat story – the action and adventure, the twists and turns, the danger. Quite exciting. Can’t say anything about the sex, though. There were two sex scenes – one occurred while I was on a crowded train, and the other occurred while I was out in public eating lunch. So I mostly skimmed those parts to make sure I didn’t miss anything, but didn’t get too involved with the graphic sexual stuff. So I can’t say anything about the quality of that specific issue. I know people were dying to know what I thought of the sex. Hehe.

A good story. I’ll look for more by Michelle Grubb. If the story had unfolded the way I thought it might be unfolding I probably would have given the story something around 4 something out of 5 stars. Because it unfolded the way it did unfold, I’d give it closer to 4.75 out of 5 stars.

Rating: 4.75

17. Touch of the Traakyn by Sandra Barret

A short story found within the collection 'Spread the Love' edited by Astrid Ohletz?

Tags: Science Fiction, erotica

Well, I figured out why the one author who lists Erotica among their genres on their GoodReads profile didn't have erotica in their story (referring here to Bishop not Barrett) - I wasn't on the train. I've mentioned before that I have this odd track record wherein I'll read a book and nothing of a sexual nature will occur, I'll get onto the train and . . . unleash the sex! Shesh.

I mention this because I finally found the erotica in this book. After I got on the train. Started with this story here and continued through the last stories in the book.

This story here is the Science Fiction story of the lot. Stars as its main character a human female who had been in the military before becoming injured. I guess she's technically still in it - the book opens with her in the hospital being examined. Though she knows she's going into forced retirement shortly.

She's lost her foot, right arm, and part of her upper torso. Replaced with synthetic parts. Her girlfriend of the time couldn't stand the concept of seeing her with gold parts (the synthetics) and dumped her. Every human she runs across also reacts badly when they see her. So she hides away as much as possible.

Until one night she's in the hot tub and a voice strikes her ears. She's so used to people talking around her and ignoring her that she doesn't at first realize that she's the person being addressed. She looks up and kind of drools. A gorgeous woman is standing there barely clothed. The woman repeats herself - asking if she can join her in the hot tub. By the way, she has blue skin - the new woman.

One thing leads to another and the two become friendly towards each other. And as would be expected from my opening remarks leading into this story - there is graphic erotic depictions of 'stuff' that occurs.

Odd, for me, I rather enjoyed the story. And the graphic depictions of 'stuff'.

Rating: 4.72
Date Read: April 27 2016

18. Red Hot Neighbor by T.M. Croke

A short story found within the collection 'Spread the Love' edited by Astrid Ohletz?

Tags: erotica

Two women move in to the same house. The lead character is quite taken with the other woman, and keeps having to stop and watch her walk around. Then there's a flash back to when the two women first meet.

I liked the story. Well written. Though it's mostly an erotic story with graphic sex.

Rating: 4.67
Date Read: April 27 2016

18. Jaguar Light by Susan Smith

A short story found within the collection 'Absolute Power' edited by Erica Friedman.

tags: Magic, Fantasy, Portland, Superheroes/villains, Cat-burglars, werecats, Native, PoC

While impulsively robbing a museum, Jaguar is interupted by Bloodmoon. No, neither is a superhero. Bloodmoon is the NWVA secretary (North West Villains Alliance (I might have both the letters and title wrong)). She is also a magic user who had been looking for The Source for a while. Apparently she's found it. And she's going to use it to kill all power users who got their power through some means other than magic (meaning that Bloodmoon, and for that matter Jaguar, will retain their powers, but people like Lady . . . um . . Light . . . Lady Light? Whatever the name of the solar powered Portland hero goes by (I know one of the heroes is named Rain Man because a joke is made about that)). Bloodmoon lets Jaguar know about this because Jaguar was nice to her. Like a cat sometimes is - towards vaguely unremarkable humans.

Jaguar, while not informing Bloodmoon of her opinion on the matter, is vaguely horrified. She is easily distracted - she needs the Portland hero.

And so the story unfolds - a cat against a witch, with the appearance of a solar powered superhero.

Neat story.

Rating: 4.67

January 20 2017

20. Midnight Messages by Lois Cloarec Hart

A short story found within the collection 'When the Clock strikes Thirteen' edited by Astrid Ohletz.

tags:

This is one of those stories wherein it is hard to mention what exactly the paranormal nature of the story might be. The other two stories I've read so far are fairly straight forward in that regard. The vampire and werewolf nature of those stories was known more or less immediately and neither was exactly a twist. Here? I can't mention it - it is in fact a twist. There are some things I can mention though.

It is unfortunate that I do not know the age of the main character for one specific reason - I have a strong suspicion that she falls into an age range I do not normally get to read. I suspect that she is somewhere between the ages of 40 and 70, and likely somewhere around 55 or so - at a guess based on certain factors. She could be older, she could be younger, but not a lot younger.

That main character, Luce Sheppard, has had a long 'think' recently based on her circumstances. And she has come to a specific conclusion. Having reached said conclusion, she is able to have a relatively peaceful sleep that night - that is until she's startled awake by some noise around 4:44 am. At first she thinks it's her inconsiderate neighbor who is known for having parties nonstop at all hours, but then she realizes that the sound she hears is crying. So she springs into action.

Luce finds a young woman of about 16 years of age outside - soaking wet (it had been raining. She offers that woman, Keira, a temporary abode of safety. They have a long talk - much discussed, a good serious talk. Luce likes Keira, and her dog Ferron likes Keira as well. After offering Keira the use of some sweats and the guest room, Luce heads off to sleep. When she awakens, Keira - after having left a note - is gone.

And now I can't mention anything else (though I've probably already said to much, though there is a ton of good stuff I haven't mentioned), though the story doesn't end here.

I'd give this story a rating of 4.66

October 23 2016

20. A Witch in Arkham by Cora Walker

A short story found within the collection 'Less than Dead' edited by Samantha M. Derr.

tags: FF, witches, zombies, bisexuals, lesbians, Old Ones

Strange one - this. Alternate earth. One with Innsmouth and other such places. Well, action takes place in Arkham. Witch girl is in cemetery on a job - she's going to raise a really dead person to ask them a question about a century long inheritance dispute. Gets distracted when a ghost wandered into her line of sight. Her ex-boyfriend Marcus - dead three years now (and no, not the same Marcus as prior Marcus, and one of the reasons I'm not certain both were actually named Marcus). He has warnings. Involving a 'Michael', 'Phoebe' and 'Templars'.

Then witch girl spots a Templar and bolts (the magic users and the Templars/Vatican are not exactly best friends).

Quite an interesting entertaining story - once I got deeper into it. I'd rate this one something around 4.66.

October 8 2016