maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 03/07/2009 by Kris


… do you sometimes wonder about how an anthology comes together?


Hard to believe I know, but I have mixed feelings about anthologies.

I love the diversity of voices and stories; however, they can be such a hit and miss in terms of the quality of the work included.

What really gets me, though, is the way some of them end. For example, when you finish and think “well, overall it was relatively interesting but what the hell was with that last short?!”

It just strikes me that publishers and/or editors of anthologies need to really, REALLY, carefully consider the way an anthology is structured, similar to the way an author does with the story itself.

Leaving the reader with a raised eyebrow at the completion of a book of shorts will colour their impression of the work as a whole.

At least it does for me.

Have any of you had similar reactions??
Posted in an, anthology, maybe it's me but, serious randomness | 18 Comments

tasting ‘broken wing’

Posted on 02/07/2009 by Kris

Orannia’s Broken Wing Challenge and Kris’ New Year’s Readolution 3 all tied up in to one neat package.


Broken Wing by Judith James

The Blurb:

Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has never known tenderness, friendship or affection. Although fluent in sex, he knows nothing of love. Lost and alone inside a nightmare world, all he’s ever wanted was companionship and a place to belong. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy’s family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother’s disappearance. When he’s located, safe and unharmed despite where he as been living. Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own.

Becoming a mercenary, pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Why I bought it:

Kristie J praises this book to the heavens. Although historical romance is not really my genre of choice, I was intrigued and had it on order when Orannia instigated her reading challenge. It was fate.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ This book started with a bang. A terrific prologue from the POV of Gabriel, the main male protag. It was dark, deep and gritty with some very heavy themes such as sexual and child abuse, prostitution, depression and self-harm. All in all, pretty awesome. So, why the dislike?? The prologue gave me the expectation I would really get into Gabriel’s head (his feelings, his motivations, etc); however, for me, this insight did not follow through to the same extent in the remainder of the book. I was disappointed.

Like~ Here’s where I do a bit of a back flip and say what stood out for me about Broken Wing was its focus on Gabriel’s story. I have a deep fondness for m/f romance stories which concentrate on the male protag’s POV and I was particularly impressed by the fact the author chose the historical romance genre in which to do this. Very refreshing.

Dislike~ I think this probably stems from my being, let’s face it, a bitch, but I could not believe Sarah forgave Gabriel so easily at the end. I know that he explains his motivations to her and these are extremely believable to both Sarah and the reader, who has travelled with him all this time. Added to this, is the couple’s devotion to each other and their longing to be together. I still reckon she should have kicked his arse and made him suffer. *mutterstupidmalemutter*

Like~ Wasn’t it great that the main characters were separated for a large part of the story? Granted it could be the nasty cow thing again and the reader knows there will be a HEA (after all it IS a romance), but it was all so deliciously angsty. Although I wasn’t totally convinced by the passage of time, Gabriel’s journey was certainly an interesting one albeit fraught with much drama and danger.

So, what I think:

I obviously have mixed feelings about Broken Wing. While I didn’t hate it, I certainly didn’t love it either. I think what definitely saves it from being being shelved on my fence was that it was essentially Gabriel’s story, which is very different from the stock standard m/f historical romance we’ve all come to know and hate love. I would probably recommend it for this reason alone.

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Tasting’ is my 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 historical, judith james, kristie j, m/f, My 2009 Readolution 3, orannia, tasting | 11 Comments

maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 01/07/2009 by Kris


… I seem to have issues with ‘the flashback’.

I can’t put my finger on what it is I’ve got mixed feelings about exactly; however, I’m extremely critical (yeah, yeah, K Z, when am I not *rolls eyes*) of the technique when it is used in writing and I hate ’em with a passion when it comes to film.

What?! Did any of you see the last season Battlestar Galactica! Half of it consisted of totally unnecessary flashbacks. A complete waste of fraking time! *Grrrr.*

Like many aspects about writing I guess my main issue with the flashback is its relevancy to and the way in which it is used in the story. For example, in With Caution, J L Langley very effectively uses Remi’s dreams to explore his repressed memories and in The White Knight, Josh Lanyon subtlely weaves between past and present by using different points of view.

Having said this, considering my probs with letters in stories, I could just be developing a phobia to large chunks of italicised text in fiction.

It’s possible. This is me after all.
Posted in maybe it's me but, reading, serious randomness, tropes | 29 Comments

tasting ‘like coffee and doughnuts’

Posted on 30/06/2009 by Kris

Kris’ New Year’s Readolution 3! To try a different author and/or genre once a month. (Nothing like squeezing it in at the last minute 😉

Like Coffee and Doughnuts by Elle Parker

The Blurb:

Dino Martini might accept his friend Seth as a lover–if they can stay alive.

Dino Martini is an old-school P.I. in a modern age. Sure, he may do most of his work on a computer, but he carries a gun, drives a convertible, and lives on the beach. Best friend and mechanic Seth Donnelly will back him in a fight, and there’s not a lot more Dino could ask from life.

Until his world is turned upside down.

A dangerous case and a new apartment are just the start. His friendship with Seth has turned into a romance, only Dino has never had a boyfriend before. Can he handle this sudden twist? Just as he begins to believe it’s possible, he loses Seth in more ways than one…

Why I bought it:

Elle Parker was interviewed by Wave (here) and I liked the sound of this book from what she said.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ Or a warning~ Whilst reading this I was frequently reminded of the tropes used in old school PI novels or films. At the time, I wondered if this might be something that other readers would find cheesy or contrived. I personally didn’t because I thought the author was being a bit tongue-in-cheek; however, there may be some who won’t like this aspect of the story.

Like~ Loved the snappy dialogue between the two main characters in Like Coffee and Doughnuts. Loved. It. I think I’d actually forgotten how much I enjoyed good, witty dialogue until I read this. One of the best things about it is that it is pretty much maintained throughout the book. You know how some author’s seem to lose momentum? It doesn’t happen in this.

Dislike~ Another warning~ Those of you who have issues with best friends falling for each other or (kind of) GFY themes than stay away from this book. I can immediately think of one person *peering across the oceans and continents to Leeds* who will probably get a kick out of it. For those of you who sit on the fence when it comes to these themes, let me just say that I found it extremely convincing.

Like~ I really liked the characters of Seth and Dino. These boys were well developed and just great fun all round. I think one of the reasons why I found them so engaging was because the author successfully conveyed their standing as long time friends, complete with banter, acceptance, comfortableness (it is SO a word – I looked it up) and love.

So, what I think:

A solid, enjoyable read from both romance and mystery perspectives by this new-to-me author. I will definitely be trying more of her work in the future.

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‘Tasting’ is my 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 contemporary, elle parker, m/m, My 2009 Readolution 3, tasting | 6 Comments

the mumma’s guest taste: ‘tigers & devils’

Posted on 29/06/2009 by Kris

Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy

The Blurb:

Football, friends, and film are the most important parts of Simon Murray’s life, likely in that order. Despite being lonely, Simon is cautious about looking for more, and his best friends despair of him ever finding that special someone to share his life. Against his will, they drag him to a party, where Simon barges into a football conversation and ends up defending the honour of star forward Declan Tyler — unaware that the athlete is present and listening.

Like his entire family, Simon revels in living in Melbourne, Victoria, the home of Australian Rules football and mecca for serious fans. There, players are deemed gods and treated as such – until they do something to cause them to fall out of public favour. Declan is suffering a horrendous year of injuries, and the public is taking him to task for it, so Simon’s support is a bright spot in his struggles. In that first awkward meeting, neither man has any idea they will change each other’s lives forever.

As Simon and Declan fumble toward building a relationship together, there is yet another obstacle in their way: keeping Declan’s homosexuality a secret amidst the intrusion of well-meaning friends and an increasingly suspicious media. They realise that nothing remains hidden forever… and they know the situation will only become more complicated when Declan’s private life is revealed. Declan will be forced to make some tough choices that may result in losing either the career he loves or the man he wants. And Simon has never been known to make things easy – for himself or for others.

Why I bought it:

Well I must say that I heard some great things about the book and was encouraged to read this as an introduction to the sub-genre of MM romance. AND I should add that it was a gift; one that is most gratefully appreciated.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~

I can’t say there was much to dislike about this story. If I really had to find something I just might say that at times I disliked Simon. WHY, you ask? Well keep reading…

Like~

The characters! They were so finely drawn that I began to believe they had become real people. Simon was so well characterised that every now and again I wanted to do a ‘Fran’ on him: I wanted to slap him around the head to make sure that he got his SHIT together. Declan was lovely, he reminded me of one of the players on my school’s football team, the silent and serious player. Both characters were lucky enough to have friends who kept them well grounded, which of course brought humour to the plot.

Dislike~

Nup, still can’t think of anything to dislike, unless you count the fact that it was 1.45am before I finished reading and it took a long time for my mind to slow down enough to get to sleep.

Like~

Loved: Sean’s style of writing. The language was so readable and the story moved at such a good pace that I cannot remember if I had a break from reading. I may have had a meal stop but I can’t remember ever moving away from my laptop. I enjoyed the fact that the story was set in Australia, I don’t often get the opportunity to read ‘home grown’ fiction. AND of course the story involved Australian football, both the sport and conversation of choice for ‘Stray-yens’ in the winter months.

The plot was exceedingly believable and there were no major sub-plots to get in the way of the story.

When I am reading for relaxation, I much prefer to read dialogue, and this book was written just the way I like. After teaching figurative language to teenagers I try hard to keep away from the flowery imagery contained in the ‘canons’ of literature and (to my everlasting gratitude) Sean delivered in Tigers and Devils. No overly long and convoluted paragraphs giving ‘superlative’ descriptions about a rainy day in Melbourne. Thank God!

So, what I think:

It was a wonderful book and has my recommendation as an introduction to the sub-genre. A truly great read. So, all I can add is: when is Sean’s next book expected to be published?

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‘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 contemporary, m/m, mumma, sean kennedy, tasting | 18 Comments

the versatility of food

Posted on 27/06/2009 by Kris

Remember Turkish oil wrestling??

Tam’s post about food in m/m romance seemed to hit a number of people’s, umm, buttons. Quite frankly, who can blame you all because what’s not to like about this combination. *GRIN*

Inevitably, given the number of perves who seem to read this blog (ie Lily, Jitterbug and Tam), a couple of comments were made about the various applications to which food stuffs are put in this genre.

Yeah, yeah. It’s probably more associated with erotica in general than with m/m specifically. Still, one is definitely left with the impression that boys will use just about anything as lu-, ummm, moving on.

Let’s talk turkey or oil (get it?? I kill me), butter, garlic dip, pesto, cream, chocolate, ginger, anything and everything you can recall being used in a smexy sex scene that sent your heart racing.

My one?? The scene which immediately springs to mind is from M L Rhodes’ Falling where the two main characters are in the kitchen, one thing leads to another and… well, who knew ice could be so hot… *fans self*

*Phew!* Anyway, give. What’s your fave scene?? C’mon. Surely you guys aren’t going all shy on me now?? 😉
Posted in randomness, reading, smexy | 15 Comments

tam’s guest post: cooking up a storm

Posted on 27/06/2009 by Kris

As I promised, in an effort to be less of a bitchy cow, I thought I’d bring up one of my favourite themes in m/m romance, the romance that involves food in some way. This can be restaurant owners, chefs or even just couples who include food as a large part of the story. Even if the cover is atrocious, the author completely unknown and the plot ridiculous, if it involves food in some way I’ll pause and give it a good think before moving on.

I will share with you some of my favourite food related stories from my “library” and hope that you will share with me some of yours so that I can broaden my horizons when it comes to food and romance.

So, in no particular order, some of my recommended foodie reads are:

Food and Books by Drew Zachary – a chef and a cop meet in a bookstore in Saskatoon, Canada. (OMG! Books AND food, I’m in heaven.) Torquere no longer carries this but you can get it at allromanceebooks.

Shape of a Heart by Kimberly Gardner – a book store owner whose partner died and the younger man who he hires to run the coffee bar in the book store. (Double squee, more food and books.)

Cooking with Ergot by Luisa Prieto – a TV chef who’s a witch, his familiar who’s a stuffed tiger and an author who may or may not be trying to murder the chef. Hilariously funny at times.

Love’s Evolution by Ally Blue – a chef and a tattoo artist and their relationship over a long period of time. There was also a free Christmas short that involved chocolate and a paintbrush which was very enticing.

Dark Chocolate by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban – a restaurant owner and a famous actor and an interesting dessert after hours at the restaurant. A sweet story. Get it? Sweet? Dessert? Sigh.

To the Highest Bidder by Kate Steels – a book store owner and …. no, not a chef but a famous TV actor. While food isn’t the main career of either character they meet over a meal, the actor cooks for the book store owner and there is the use of sesame oil for nefarious purposes.

Hot Weather by Matthew Haldeman-Time – a college student working in a diner for the summer and a recent grad in the corporate world spend a week getting to know each other over lunch. Again food is not the main focus (but he does eat everyday) and I just like this story a lot so I included it.

The One That Got Away by Rhianne Aile and Madeline Urban – a food critic and a newspaper reporter who are best friend become more. Again, food not the main focus although there is a fair bit of cooking and going to restaurants and since one character loves cheesecake as much as I do, it was a sure thing for my list.

So there are some of my recommendations if you’d like to explore some good reads with a food theme, because really, don’t all of us dream of waking up to that sweetie at the top making us pancakes? 🙂

Next time I’ll tell you what one of my other favourite themes is, but for now I’ll keep that a secret.


Posted in guest post, tam | 14 Comments

celebrity tshirt range

Posted on 25/06/2009 by Kris
Posted in extra further randomness, kris 'n' good books stuff | 18 Comments

sean?? oh seeeeaaaannnnn…

Posted on 25/06/2009 by Kris

Posted in extra further randomness, sean kennedy, stalkage | 36 Comments

new product just in!

Posted on 24/06/2009 by Kris


New product available in the popular Kris ‘n’ Good Books’ merchandise line!


Front / Back


These are bound to fly out the door so get yours today!

Posted in further randomness, kris 'n' good books stuff | 13 Comments