getting on the ‘best of’ bandwagon: 2009

Posted on 28/12/2009 by Kris


In 2008 I did something a little different when it came to my ‘best ofs’ so I decided to take the same approach in 2009, but this time chat about my top 5 recommendations.


No, not the stuff I’ve pimped to peeps – let’s face it I’d easily win ‘The Best Pimp of 2009’ award for converting many of you to the glories of yaoi 😉 -, rather the top 5 things that have been pimped to me and, more importantly, I’ve enjoyed muchly.

Without further ado, these are them (in no particular order):

1. Hero by Perry Moore


Pimped by Sean Kennedy and Tam.

This is one of two books which are easily my best reads of 2009. I can’t tell you how much I adored this YA, which is the coming of age story of a gay superhero. At the end of my review I said if you dismissed this book out of hand “may you live the rest of your lives with the niggle that you have missed out on a truly awesome read. Amen.” I stand by that. Reviewed by me here.

2. Almost Like Being in Love by Steve Kluger


Pimped by Merwan.

This is the second of my fave reads for 2009. It’s epistolary format made it an engrossing read as did the wildly appealing characters, especially Travis, and it’s ‘one great love’ theme. It would have been one of my DIK books if Tracy, who I pimped it to in the first friggin’ place, hadn’t stolen it out from under me! *mutterbiatchmutter* Tasted by me here.

3. Black Wade: The Wild Side of Love


Pimped by Sarah.

I’m sure this luscious graphic novel needs no introduction since a number of you showed complete lack of willpower and now have your own copies of it. *Book sluts!* I’m still drooling – with a bib though cos I don’t want to mark the pretties – over the sensuous artwork. So good. *sigh* Tasted by me here.

4. Shelter


Pimped by M L Rhodes.

I finally watched this movie online the other day after unsuccessfully trying to find a copy of it locally. *Fucking, stupid, isolated Perth!* I loved it. It’s such a an evocative film about relationships, love and being true to yourself. God, and that scene where Zach succumbs to his feelings for Shaun… *fans self* I buying my own copy asap so I can replay that over and over again. M L’s review is here.

5. goodreads


Pimped by Richelle.

Yeah, yeah, I admit that it appeals to my OCD, but I’m still struggling with the whole ‘this is great fun’ thing. Plus, it makes me feel like I’m back in my early teenage years with all the friending crap. Read about my intrepid expedition into the world of goodreads from here on.

So, what 5 books/whatevers haven’t you been able to resist in 2009 and what did you end up thinking of them?

Oh, and while you’re at it, what, if anything, have I made you spend your $$ on this year? I’m curious. 🙂


Posted in best of 2009, black wade, good reads, perry moore, shelter, steve kluger | 42 Comments

things that make you go O_o

Posted on 27/12/2009 by Kris


Have any of you noticed the abundance of licking, slurping and swallowing of cum that’s happening in m/m romance at the moment?


Yeah, it’s hawt and all…

… but does it have to be in every. single. friggin’. sex. scene.

I swear to the Book Goddesses that by the end of some books I’m rolling my eyes and yelling ‘I fucking get it ok. You swallow. Let’s move on already. Jesus.’

It’s weird.

Although it would explain why some characters don’t eat at all during the story.
Posted in m/m, probably tmi, things that make you go O_o, tropes | 31 Comments

the awesome tam

Posted on 26/12/2009 by Kris


Some of you may vaguely recall – somewhere from the depths of your Xmas food and drink comas – K Z Snow’s shout out for help with a story she was co-writing with Castanet Feldman about the “romantic and sexual misadventures of three wacky cougars spending their holidays in a South Seas island hut.”

Our very own Tam came up with this hilarious short, which appealed muchly to the pervy judging panel. (Once you’ve read it, believe me, you’ll understand. *g*)

Tam, hun, you are full of win. Head over to K Z’s to receive your spoils. 🙂


Posted in giveaway, K Z Snow, tam | 17 Comments

merry krismas

Posted on 24/12/2009 by Kris


Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season!

Take care and be safe.

Kisses & snuggles, Kris.

Posted in me | 28 Comments

almost-kiss xmas cookies

Posted on 23/12/2009 by Kris


Since it’s the season and all that crap, I’m sharing some of the bribes almost-kiss cookie goodness given to me by Janna.






*sigh*

Posted in cookies, Janna, pretties | 23 Comments

kanga rules: an occasional serial by sirk

Posted on 22/12/2009 by Kris

Previously on Kanga Rules…



************************************************************

Chapter 3

*tense silence*

“You want what!?”

“You heard me, Cam. We want the Greys to provide bodies to meet the quota for this year’s CULL.”

*never looking away from Big Red* “Brett, pass the word that the Grey Clan is to leave immediately. This conclanfab is officially over.”

“Your haste is a sign of your youth, Cam.”

*quietly furious* “Do not presume to lecture me on how to be a leader. You dare to make such a request and think I will not protect my Clan?! We’re leaving.”

*somewhat placating* “I meant… aren’t you even curious to find out what the Red Clan would offer in compensation?”

*raises eyebrow and looks beyond Big Red to his restless Clan*

“It seems that even your own Clan is confused by your offer. Regardless, I have no interest in what price you can possibly put on Grey lives.”

*acknowledges the now returned Brett* “There’s no point in continuing this.” *turns and walks away*

*Big Red signals to some members of his Clan and calls out…* “Surely not even you, Cam, especially given the Greys’ beliefs, can dismiss this offer so easily.”

*hearing struggles and the gasps from a few, remaining Greys, Cam looks*

“Oh, fuck.”

************************************************************

Until next time,
Sirk.
International bestselling author of m/m werekanga manga.

Posted in chapter 3, kanga rules, sirk | 10 Comments

maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 21/12/2009 by Kris

© Franze & Andärle, 2009

The bearded baby brother and I were having a chat the other day and he revealled to me his long time wish to become a pirate.

Naturally, I offered to loan him my copy of Black Wade for research purposes.

He queried what it was about.

I explained.

In some detail.

He refused.

I called him an ingrate.

The conversation degenerated from there.

Boys can be sooo prissy sometimes.

Don’t you think?
Posted in black wade, maybe it's me but, my brother | 27 Comments

what kris wants for xmas

Posted on 20/12/2009 by Kris


Cookies and books!


Go here for more.
Posted in cookies, dik, guest blogging | 23 Comments

the mumma’s guest taste: dash & dingo

Posted on 19/12/2009 by Kris

Dash and Dingo by Catt Ford & Sean Kennedy

The Blurb:

Stodgy British archivist Henry Percival-Smythe slaves away in the dusty basement of Ealing College in 1934, the only bright spot in his life his obsession with a strange Australian mammal, the thylacine. It has been hunted to the edge of extinction, and Henry would love nothing more than to help the rare creature survive.

Then a human whirlwind spins through his door. Jack “Dingo” Chambers is also on the hunt for the so-called “Tasmanian Tiger,” although his reasons are far more altruistic. Banding together, Dingo and the newly nicknamed Dash travel halfwaytd around the globe in their quest to save the thylacine from becoming a footnote in the pages of biological history.

While they search high and low, traverse the wilds, and fight the deadliest of all creatures—man—Dash and Dingo will face danger and discover another fierce passion within themselves: a desire for each other.

Why I bought it:

I am really very lucky, Sean feels sorry for me ‘cos I’m Kris’s Mumma so he sent his book to me as a present. I love Sean!

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~

Honestly, I can’t say that there is anything to dislike about this novel. To be really nitpicky – call me the pedantic English teacher – one of the things I could say is that I was bothered by the fact that the letter Dash received from Gordon Austin in the first chapter was written in capitals and had no paragraphs.

Like~

Enjoyed the characters immensely, in particular Dash. I really enjoy male characters who start out geeky and have hidden elements of ‘Action Man’ behind the façade. When it came to him using the f*** word, I could almost see that change come about him. You know the one I mean, “well hell, I am not at home, why shouldn’t I express myself in this way.” The further into the story the more Dash came out of his shell and became real.

Dingo was also a well written character although there were times when I felt that he may have been almost too Australian. Australian readers may possibly understand it when I say Dingo gave me “The Castle cringe.”

Jarrah is also a delightful character to get to know, I liked the idea that he was Tasmanian born – it rebuffs the tale of the “last Tasmanian Aboriginal”, that we all learned about in school.

Love~

The quirky chapter headings, I enjoyed them immensely.

Once again, lots of dialogue which if you read my tasting of Tigers and Devils you will know I love! I feel that one can gain a great deal of information about a character in reading what they say AND how they say it.

So, what I think:

Dash and Dingo has an excellent storyline with a timely theme and, is a truly great read. The combination of Sean Kennedy and Catt Ford worked very well for me. My first book with smexin’, and surprise surprise, I had no problems reading it. Thanks so much for a delicate introduction.

When is the next one coming out? 😉

=============================================

‘Tasting’ is my/Kris’ version of a mini-review where I talk a (very) little about what I liked and disliked about a book as well as who I think the story will appeal to. Oh, and I’ve added a bit about why I picked up the book in the first place – sometimes this can be interesting to know.


Posted in catt ford, historical, m/m, mumma, sean kennedy, tasting | 9 Comments

maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 18/12/2009 by Kris


One of my favouritest lines in a movie, which also happens to be one of my favouritest movies ever, has to be in The Princess Bride when the young boy suspiciously asks his grandfather, “Is this a kissing book?”


I was reminded of this line whilst browsing the shelves at Loose Id recently when I realised how much I absolutely adore book covers that feature the ‘almost-kiss’.


I don’t know about you, but there is something so delicious about this image.

I think it is because it conveys so much.

The first tentative movement towards each other. The caressing of breath. The slow, closing of eyes as you begin to lose yourself in the moment. The sensuality. The anticipation.


It is a truly glorious thing to see.
Posted in book covers, Loose Id, maybe it's me but | 32 Comments