maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 12/05/2009 by Kris


It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts; however, my recent in-depth study of the nipple coverage and associated poses of half-naked chicks on book covers at Samhain Publishing got me thinking.

My question is – Why is it there are girlies flashing their tits on these covers anyway?

Don’t get me wrong those covers are definitely attractive and the pretties pert (to say the least). I just don’t understand why.

The passionate clinch I get, the strong and smexy chest or back I can DEFINITELY understand (let’s face it reading romantic fantasy it’s only a hop, skip and a jump to being a perve), but… bare boobs?

Isn’t it us gals who buy the majority of romance fiction? Why then do we need – or want – a book cover with some random naked lady??

Is the image meant to evoke a response along the lines of “Ooohhh. This looks hot. I must get it.”? Are we meant to relate (as much as I can relate to anyone who is about a third of my body weight and is young enough to wear jeans like that) to her?

Seriously, what’s the deal here? Does anyone else think this is odd??

Posted in book covers, maybe it's me but, randomness, Samhain Publishing | 17 Comments

ok, maybe it’s a gimmick…

Posted on 11/05/2009 by Kris

… but it’s fun and I figure we all need a bit of a giggle in our lives.

What am I talking about??

Why the content warnings at Samhain Publishing, of course!

These are a few of the ones which caught my eye (Besides some very weird arse – not to mention unpunny – titles and… have you noticed how many half-naked chicks like to hold onto their nipples or shoulders or whatever?? Is this some sort of new US craze?? Do our friends up north walk around doing the barely-covered-breast strut?? Isn’t that cold or is it only a Summer thing?? If so, it’s a bit hypocritical, don’t you think?? Like you can only be a nudist when it’s warm?? And what happens if you need to use your hands?? Is that when you do the ‘one arm covering both boobs’ pose?? Do you tuck you hand in your armpit?? What happens if you’re sweaty?? Isn’t that unhygienic?? Or perhaps you’re trying to hide something like a bad piercing scar or unsightly body hair… What?! I’m just asking. *pouts*) while I was perusing the ‘Coming Soon’ books the other day:

The Chancellor’s Bride by Kirsten Saell

Warning: This book contains explicit sex, including m/m and m/m/f; violence; bad language; financial irregularities; uneaten dessert; gratuitous invocation of various deities; and breakfast-table hijinks you’re not likely to witness at your neighborhood IHOP.

Hemovore by Jordan Castillo Price

Disclaimer: Be sure to schedule adequate breaks for food and sleep while reading this novel. The author will not be held liable for any missed workdays, low blood sugar headrushes, or unfortunate bathroom accidents that may result from reading “just one more chapter”.

What about you?? What are some of the LOL warnings that you’ve come across at Samhain??

Not familiar with them?? Go have a look. It’s a great timewaster. *g*

Posted in maybe it's me but, Samhain Publishing | 21 Comments

m/m mad libs by tam

Posted on 10/05/2009 by Kris

Some of you may have played Mad Libs in your youth or with your kids. For those of you who haven’t, there is a text with blanks that you fill in with parts of speech; nouns, verbs, colors, names, etc. and then you get a mixed up hilarious (hopefully) story.

So today there is a special m/m text (Kris: Created for you by Tam!) that you can add your own special touch to. Click on the link below and fill in the words as requested. If you click “mad adjective” or one of the other “mad” buttons it will automatically fill those in for you with random choices.

Once you’ve gotten your own personalized mad lib m/m story, copy one or two sentences that came out rather amusing and post us for all to giggle over.

Hope you have some fun.

http://www.wordlibs.com/genre/libs/index.php?story=3292&name=After Work

Posted in guest post, m/m, mad libs, tam | 32 Comments

the latest from bs hq

Posted on 09/05/2009 by Kris

Media Statement from:

The nominations have been collated and the deliberations by our highly respected and lauded judging panel (in case you missed it last time that would be Tracy and Kris) have begun for the…
BOOK SLUTS ‘R’ US BLOGGER AWARD! *still wooting*

The inaugural winner of this long awaited – and already prestigious – award will be announced on Friday 15 May (Tracy’s time)/Saturday 16 May (Kris’ time).

*Tracy: Why is it taking us so long again?

Kris: That would be because of the 33 fr@cking nominations – Count ‘em. Thirty. Three. And that doesn’t include the double-ups. – we got!
Tracy: Crap. Who’s idea was this anyway?!

Kris & Tracy: Katiebabs! ::mutterdamnhermutter::*
Signed:

Posted in blogger award, book sluts r us, tracy | 4 Comments

a tasting smorgasbord

Posted on 09/05/2009 by Kris

When I realised I had about six books people wanted me to taste, I thought why not pig out and take a bite out of the lot of ‘em. (FYI – This is still me NOT being lazy.)

Feast and be merry, my invisible friends.

Longhorns by Victor J Banis (for Tracy & Lily)

Why I bought it: Love VJB. Love. Him.

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ I still cringe in an ‘ouch that’s gotta hurt but not in a dub con’ way when it comes to VJB’s sex scenes. However, it does work within the context of the story and in relation to the characters. That is, it’s believable.

Like~ VJB is such a terrific storyteller. I find his work has a great, gritty realism to it. I‘ve also yet to meet a character of his that didn’t engage me in some way.

So, what I think: A must for VJB and for cowboy fans.

Happy Ending by L B Gregg (for Tracy & Jen)

Why I bought it: Liked Gobsmacked and thought I’d try another. 🙂

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ I did think the ending was a little rushed and I also guessed whodunit, yet neither of these issues really impacted my overall enjoyment of this book.

Like~ Awesome opening scene. LBG is very good at grabbing the reader’s attention from the outset and pulling them along for the ride.

So, what I think: Those who liked Gobsmacked will enjoy this one too, although don’t expect it to be as LOL funny as the first because it has more serious themes.

Collared: Turquoise and Leather by Kim Dare (for Tracy & Lily)

Why I bought it: I was browsing at Total-E-Bound and this looked interesting.

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ I’m a reader who is always happy to be convinced by a HFN ending, but I’m not sure I really believe one where an experienced dom hooks up with a green sub, who, despite being hesitant at first, is willing to consider being collared by the next morning. Hmm…

Like~ Regardless of the above, I found this new-to-me author extremely readable and the novella had very good pacing, which is pretty important for me, especially in a short read.

So, what I think: I bought two other shorts by this author at the same time I got this and I admit that I preferred them. Of these, my fave was Gaydar. I was much more satisfied by the characters and the HFN so would suggest you go for this one if you want a taste of this author.

To Hate and To Hold by Dakota Rebel (for Tam & Lily)

Why I bought it: The cruising at Total-E-Bound thing.

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ Predictable. Not bad, but for me… meh-ish.

Like~ The main thing I liked about this was the worldbuilding. It offered something a little different for the readers of m/m paranormal romance.

So, what I think: I think this is for fans of this author and for fangbangers (points to those who get this reference).

Carey’d Away by J M Snyder (for Tam)

Why I bought it: It was a pressie from someone who knows I like this author. *blushes*

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ I realise one of the main characters, Patrick, was very shy, but I was still vaguely uncomfortable by the way Carey (of Carey-d Away fame) insisted on sexually teasing him in front of his friends. Perhaps the prude in me was coming out?? *ponders*

Like~ It’s J M Snyder. Writing = good.

So, what I think: For those in the mood for a short, sexy hook up story.

Freeman by Clare London (for Jen)

Why I bought it: Clare London is pretty much an auto buy for me. *g*

Mini-chomp:

Dislike~ This is more of a warning to those readers who prefer their characters to be more palatable. I was going to say that neither of the protags (Freeman nor Kit) are very likeable; however, on reflection, I think it was more their actions that some might find objectionable. Kit especially seems to be a very immature and selfish person. Still, his character grows as the plot develops and by the end of the story the reader is left feeling he had redeemed himself.

Like~ I LOVED the gritty, British underworld feel to this book with its dark and seedy setting, unrepentant cast of characters and the murky convergence of their past and present lives. It was a very engrossing read and I gobbled it up trying to find out what would happen next.

So, what I think: This is an excellent story; great writing, terrific characters and a wonderful, twisty plot. I would highly recommend Freeman.

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

‘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 clare london, Dakota Rebel, j m snyder, Kim Dare, L B Gregg, m/m, tasting, Victor J Banis | 20 Comments

your m/m story by k z snow

Posted on 07/05/2009 by Kris
In the midst of planning for her new release from Liquid Silver Books and edits for her upcoming book from Loose Id, the wonderful K Z Snow has written the m/m story incorporating ALL of the elements that you chose! And you thought you’d stumped her, didn’t you?!

Read The Amazing Fruit of New Hope now!

Thank you, K Z. You ROCK!

Don’t forget that K Z’s next release InDescent is due out on 11 May from Liquid Silver Books. Interested?? Here’s more info:

The Blurb

When a breach in the Prism of Nezrabi frees creatures from another plane, a troubled wizard learns there are things more terrifying than the bogeymen of our nightmares. Like inner demons…and love.

Being a powerful, sexually magnetic wizard has its disadvantages. Like inviting the attention of bumbling but persistent rivals. And seductive women. And otherworldly beings.

For Jackson Spey, that isn’t the worst of it. His lover-of-choice is a man with a disturbing past. And a girlfriend. And feelings Jackson is reluctant to return.

The legendary Prism of Nezrabi brings all these elements together when it falls into the hands of Spey’s number-one enemy. No ordinary crystal, the Prism is an intricate microcosm wherein all time, space, and dimensions exist in delicate balance. Humans who’ve been pulled into it have gone mad . . . or simply never returned.

Through inept or malicious magic, the structure’s integrity has been compromised. A breach has freed creatures thought only to exist in Slavic myth. Nobody but the most qualified Adept can repair the split. If Jackson descends into this mystical world, he may have to face something more dreadful than a seemingly impossible task and its potential consequences.

He may have to confront the secrets of his own soul.

Happy reading!
Posted in a choose your own m/m story, K Z Snow | 22 Comments

the twinkiest twink

Posted on 06/05/2009 by Kris


Yesterday I was given the strenuous task of researching that fucking sexy interesting little treasure known as ‘the twink’. Below are the results of my detailed research:-

Best definition from the Urban Dictionary:

Twink

A smooth-bodied, almost pre-pubescent looking young gay male. From “twinkie” (as in Hostess twinkie)- soft and full of cream.

That twink is young, dumb and full of cum…and I want him NOW!

by mike May 22, 2003

Examples:

Highest Google ranked reference:

The Twinkiest Twink – #1 bestseller by The Beach Butts

The twinkiest twink
That you’ll ever meet
The twinkiest twink
That you’ll ever meet

Well I’m not braggin’ babe so don’t put me down
But I’ve got the cutest little twink in town
When something comes up I don’t even try
Cause if it had a set of balls man he’ll suck it dry
He’s the twinkiest twink
That you’ll ever meet
(The twinkiest twink)
(That you’ll ever meet)

Best twink character:

Best twink character?

Hmm??

Help a gal out, virtual folk, and tell me who your fave twink character is?

Inspiration. 😉 All images appropriated from Matthew Melmon’s blog.

Posted in cookies, m/m, pretties, tropes, twink | 31 Comments

kanga rules: a weekly serial by Sirk

Posted on 05/05/2009 by Kris


Acknowledgment

This were-kanga manga is dedicated to Tam, birthday girl and sub-genre aficionado. Thanks for always being older than me!

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

KANGA RULES

Prologue


*slap* “You have a certain position to maintain within the Red Kanga Clan. Do NOT disappoint me, boy.”




*comforting* “There is only one albino born in every 100 years. That is why your Father puts so much pressure on you.”

“But always remember to be true to yourself and your destiny, my Son.”


The Mother who believed in me is gone. Without her support, how can I live up to the expectations of my Father and the Clan??

Why won’t someone love me for me!

Stay tuned next week for more of this exciting new serial!

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

About the Author

Sirk (a pen name) has only just begun writing, but already shows an extraordinary talent for creating wonderful m/m paranormal romance stories.

She welcomes feedback from only her fans.

Posted in kanga rules, prologue, sirk, tam | 28 Comments

k z’s m/m story: your choices

Posted on 03/05/2009 by Kris


My dearest K Z

Words cannot express how simply appalled I am at the pettiness of my fellow readers.

This is what they want you to include in your m/m story:

1. the setting
It was a tie again! This time between a nudist colony and a customs/immigration check point. Now some would take that to mean the setting is therefore a security check point into a nudist colony, but surely… Really, but… I am so sorry, K Z, however, the impartial adjudicator (otherwise known as Queen Bitch) has determined that it MUST be a combination of the two. My condolences. *snicker*


2. a cultural idiom to be included in the story
‘There are were-kangas among us.’ So sayeth the High Priestess Tam, and so shall it always be known.


I really need to watch Tank Girl again.


3. a secondary character
The twinkiest twink you’ll ever meet. *Think The Beach Boys’ Little Deuce Coupe. It’ll be a #1 hit I tell ya.*


4. a conflict
Fruit. Fruit? Seriously?? Meanies.


5. a phrase/object/etc to be mentioned in the story somewhere
‘Live Long and Prosper.’ *complete with proper hand sign* Not only are there were-kangas, but there are obviously Trekkies among us. *I’m so proud.*

6. genre
Romantic futuristic crime fantasy.

So *catching breath*, I’ll hear from you about 19 May, shall I, K Z? K Z??

May the Muse be with you.

Posted in a choose your own m/m story, K Z Snow | 42 Comments

well…

Posted on 02/05/2009 by Kris

… I don’t appear to have been around much at all this week, do I??

Granted, I used my awesome powers of persuasion for the purposes of evil good – less than a day to go to make your choices for K Z Snow’s m/m story! go here for the details – and Tracy and I announced the opening of nominations for the inaugural Book Sluts ‘r’ Us Blogger Award *woo hoo*.

These are obviously very BFDs in the blogging community and require considerable amount of my procrastination resources.

The rest of my time this week has been spent with very sick kittens, looking after an extremely grumpy, sick Kris (this household is diseased – although NOT swine flu, thank the Gods), and meeting deadlines associated with the I’m-ready-to-kill-someone-so-stop-asking-me-stupid-questions job. 😦

So, besides all this and watching adaptations of Hercule Poirot to make me feel better (I LOVE him. I seriously do. *sigh*), I have, umm, apparently been reading…


This, even for me, is quite possibly a little excessive.

I’ve also realised I haven’t yet done the tasting of T A Chase’s Allergies for Tracy (she was #8 anyway so she can wait!) and it’s likely I will only be able to get one review to Wave this week (stupid work interfering with my virtual life *pouts*).

The bottom line is that I obviously need to get my shit together before I turn into an emo, angsty mess…

… oh wait…

Well, fuck.

*sigh*

Anyway, I will be back tomorrow with the results of your choose your own m/m story. Oh, and let me know if you would like me to taste any of the books above and I will add it to my list of ‘to dos’. 🙂

I thought I’d leave you all with this prettie, who was prescribed to me during the week by the Californian butt lady. Perhaps this explains my glut on m/m fiction this week?? Enjoy!

Posted in cookies, me, pretties, randomness, reading | 13 Comments