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*