wanna play again?? the choice is yours

Posted on 30/04/2009 by Kris

You all thought there was no way I could sucker bribe persuade a second author to play the ‘choose your own m/m story’, didn’t you?? My powers of evil good are underestimated yet again. *MWAHAHAHA!*

Guess who’s tired of how depressed I am WE all are and wants to cheer me US the hell up with some fun-ery:

K Z Snow!


Have YOU read the Utopia X series yet?? Go get them (#1 & #2) now. Hurry! #3 is out in June.


Remember how it works??

Step 1. Virtual folk choose different elements to be included in a story.

Step 2. After the counting of votes, I let you know the results…

Step 3. Hand over the lot to K Z, who has 2 weeks – no, I won’t make K Z do it in the 4 days that Sean took to write his story. why? cos that would be mean and it’s bad enough for her as it is. – to write a short story incorporating your choices and this will then be posted on the blog.

On to the fun part… the choices:

1. the setting
a) a nudist colony
b) an elevator
c) a secret hideaway
d) a customs/immigration check point

2. a cultural idiom to be included in the story
a) G’day Mate
b) Crikey!
c) ‘There are were-kangas among us.’
d) ‘That’s not a knife.’

3. a secondary character
a) an agent
b) an AI ship
c) a disembodied voice
d) the twinkiest twink you’ll ever meet

4. a conflict
a) a crash
b) ringing alarms
c) mistaken identity
d) fruit

5. a phrase/object/etc to be mentioned in the story somewhere
a) Moby Dick
b) duelling penises
c) Scooby Doo snacks
d) ‘Live Long and Prosper.’ *complete with proper hand sign*

6. genre
a) romance
b) futuristic
c) crime
d) fantasy
e) romantic futuristic crime fantasy *hehehe*

Leave a comment with your choices or email me at krisngoodbooksATgmail.com. You have until 5pm Sunday 3 May (Perth Western Australia time).

Come play with us! I promise K Z doesn’t bite… much. *g*

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

exciting news from bs hq!

Posted on 28/04/2009 by Kris

Media Statement from:

Since the issue was first hinted at last week, the blogging community has been literally awash in rumours about will they or won’t they.

Bombarded by messages (not to mention the threat of a #booksluts_fail), we are pleased to be able to put your minds at ease (for God’s sake stop emailing us!) and proudly announce the opening of nominations for the whenever-we’re-in-the-mood-to-give-it-to-someone-nual…

BOOK SLUTS ‘R’ US BLOGGER AWARD! *woo hoo*

We don’t care who nominates who (in fact preference may be given to those who self-nominate because of the sheer and utter sluttery of the action), but all entries must demonstrate one or more of the following:

-> huge tbr pile (extra points go to those who continue to buy books regardless of the size of this tbr)

-> overextended 2009 book buying budget

-> more than five review blogs on daily reading list

-> blatant book and/or author pimpage

-> unrepentant crowing when said pimpage has an effect on someone else’s tbr

The person selected by our esteemed judging panel (ie Tracy and Kris) will not only receive the Book Sluts ‘r’ Us inaugural Blogger Award, but will be the first inducted to what is sure to become the very prestigious Book Sluts Honour Board. Oh, and we’re going to throw in an ebook of your choice up to $8. (It’s true. We so rock.)

Nominations should be sent by email (krisngoodbooksATgmail.com) and received no later than next Tuesday 11.59 PM (Tracy’s time)/ Wednesday 2.59 PM (Kris’ time – she changed because she got it wrong *sigh*).

Signed:


Posted in blogger award, book sluts r us, tracy | 17 Comments

tasting ‘zero at the bone’: lesley’s choice

Posted on 28/04/2009 by Kris
Zero At The Bone by Jane Seville

The Blurb:

After witnessing a mob hit, surgeon Jack Francisco is put into protective custody to keep him safe until he can testify. A hitman known only as D is blackmailed into killing Jack, but when he tracks him down, his weary conscience won’t allow him to murder an innocent man. Finding in each other an unlikely ally, Jack and D are soon on the run from shadowy enemies.

Forced to work together to survive, the two men forge a bond that ripens into unexpected passion. Jack sees the wounded soul beneath D’s cold, detached exterior, and D finds in Jack the person who can help him reclaim the man he once was. As the day of Jack’s testimony approaches, he and D find themselves not only fighting for their lives… but also fighting for their future. A future together.

Why I bought it:

How could I, a self-confessed lover of anti-heroes, not buy a book that featured a hitman as one of the main protags??

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

But first~ Jen reviewed this at her blog and at Wave’s blog. I recommend you also read these reviews and the subsequent discussion if you are interested in this book. The below are my main dislikes and likes and don’t take into account the comments there. This is entirely Kris unplugged. 🙂

Dislike~ To epilogue or not to epilogue. That is the question. This is one of those books where I could have happily done away with the epilogue. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. It didn’t wreck the HFN for me, but it did make me scratch my head and say ‘hmmm’. Once I came to the end of the epilogue I assumed it must be associated with the lead up to a sequel; thinking about it now makes me wonder whether I felt like it was more of a prologue or a first chapter of a new book. Something to ponder. Being totally honest, however, I still would have preferred that it was not included because I was more than happy with the HFN ending.

Like~ This is a thriller/mystery with plenty of action and twists to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Some may think this will mean that the ‘busy-ness’ of the story hides crap writing, a superficial plot and wooden characters. Well, my virtual friends, you couldn’t be more wrong! Everything about this book is well developed. A veritable feast, in fact. 😉

Dislike~ The lead up to the HFN seemed to drag a bit too much for me, which I think was a lot to do with my impatience as much as anything else. LOL. What I do think the time lag successfully achieved was the settling back into a ‘normal’ life for Jack in which he could assess his feelings and commitment to D without the intensity of the ‘on the run’ situation. It made the HFN, when it did come, all the more convincing and poignant. I also think this was one of the reasons why I could have easily done without the epilogue; that is, because the lead up to the end seemed so drawn out.

Like~ D is a truly awesome anti-hero and everyone who loves this type of character should read this book! That is all.

So, what I think:

This is a terrific read with a great story and fabulous characters. I was VERY pleased to find out that a sequel is planned.

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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, jane seville, m/m | 12 Comments

thoughts on ‘hero’

Posted on 26/04/2009 by Kris

Kris’ New Year’s Readolution 3! To try a different author and/or genre once a month.

I know I said I’d make the challenge specific to my blog and not include the reviews I’ve done for Wave; however, technically this is not a book I got through her (see how it came to my intention below). Plus the fact it is so bloody good that it deserves all the pimpage it can get!

Hero by Perry Moore

The Blurb:
The last thing in the world Thom Creed wants is to add to his father’s pain, so he keeps secrets. Like that he has special powers. And that he’s been asked to join the League – the very organization of superheroes that spurned his dad. But the most painful secret of all is one Thom can barely face himself: he’s gay.
But becoming a member of the League opens up a new world to Thom. There, he connects with a misfit group of aspiring heroes, including Scarlett, who can control fire but not her anger; Typhoid Larry, who can make anyone sick with his touch; and Ruth, a wise old broad who can see the future. Like Thom, these heroes have things to hide; but they will have to learn to trust one another when they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the League.
To survive, Thom will face challenges he never imagined. To find happiness, he’ll have to come to terms with his father’s past and discover the kind of hero he really wants to be.


My thoughts:

(I think) Tam mentioned this book to me when we were talking YA a couple of months ago and then in another discussion a so-called friend described it as being ‘FANF*%KINGTASTIC’ and very helpfully provided me the link to a bookstore which not only had the paperback, but also free global shipping to Australia. (Damn you, Sean Kennedy!) Well, who could resist??

Thom Creed is not a typical teenager by any stretch of the imagination. His father, Hal Creed, was one of the greatest superheroes of his generation, but after being blamed for a tragic accident became an outcast. Soon after, Thom’s mother disappeared leaving his father devastated and Thom increasingly determined not to cause any further pain to the person who has been the one constant in his life. Circumstance and, I think, Thom’s natural inclinations make him a loner, who is careful to keep his distance from others and to guard his own secrets. The first of these being that he’s gay and the second his newly discovered super powers and invitation to join the League that ostracised his father; both of which he knows will be of great disappointment and sorrow to Hal Creed.

Hero is Thom’s coming of age story. I became very quickly engrossed in Thom’s journey as he struggles with his secrets, the reality of the world of superheroes, the meaning of friendship, the growing feelings he has towards a certain boy, and, in my opinion, most importantly, his relationship with his father. It was the latter that resonated the most with me and truly made this an unforgettable story.

Why did I like this aspect so much? I think it was because it was so extraordinarily moving. Many of us can relate to dealing with issues such as acceptance with parents or other family members. In Thom’s and Hal’s case these problems are exacerbated by their personal situations: their inherent wish to be honest and open with each other; their unwillingness to cause hurt and hesitancy to take that first step; the concern and shame both feel about what happened to Hal and consequently to the family; their pride in the Hal’s former life as a superhero; their desire to help people; and, above all else, their love for each other. All of these themes and issues came through so evocatively in Hero and the majority of them the reader is privileged to explore through Thom as he discovers and begins to comprehend his and his father’s past, present and future.

Although I was charmed by Thom and found his journey a bitter sweet one, it was the character of Hal who I found particularly poignant. He was tragic and flawed, but strangely heroic. His prejudice towards homosexuals was made clear from the start of the book and this obviously influenced Thom’s secrecy about his sexuality; however, there was no doubt that he loved his son. There were two scenes towards the end of the book that broke my heart. Even typing this I have a tear in my eye so be warned that you may need to keep a hankie handy.

Because some people are sure to want to know ;), Hero is beautifully written from the first person POV with an outstanding, engaging and well crafted cast of characters and an excellent plot. Be sure to set a good length of time aside as it will keep you turning the pages until the very end.

Finally, this is not a ‘and the Daddy and Mummy got back together, Daddy regained his place in society, after some minor concerns the Daddy and Mummy accepted their son Thom was gay, Thom found the boy of his dreams, and they all lived happily ever after and saved the world (a number of times), the end’ kind of a story. If that’s what you’re expecting because it’s YA or a superhero story, take your bat and ball and run along home… and may you live the rest of your lives with the niggle that you have missed out on a truly awesome read. Amen.

My recommendation:

This is a must read.

Oh, all right. This is a must read for all those of you who want a ‘FANF*%KINGTASTIC’ story! At the very first opportunity, I will be re-reading it. It was a fabulous experience.

PS – Lesley and Tracy I haven’t forgotten your tastings! They will be posted during the coming week.
Posted in fantasy, m/m, perry moore, thoughts, ya | 23 Comments

tasting ‘dissonance’: nichem’s choice

Posted on 25/04/2009 by Kris

Dissonance by Sonja Spencer

The Blurb:

dis•so•nance [dis-uh-nuhns]—noun. 1. inharmonious or harsh sound; discord; cacophony. 2. Music: a. a simultaneous combination of tones conventionally accepted as being in a state of unrest and needing completion. b. an unresolved, discordant chord or interval.

Matthias McGaughey checks into his new dormitory, dreading the new year, new people, and new dangers. The past year was a nightmare, and now he lives in a constant state of unrest, unable to find balance or trust anyone. The building director, Kent Thomas, can feel the vibes pouring off Matthias; they’re discordant enough that even he can tell the musician is very troubled. Appointing himself Matthias’s protector, Kent tries his best to draw Matthias out of his shell. Despite his initial resistance, Matthias finds himself warming to his new friend. Little does he know that Kent, already in love, will help him weave harmony between the past, the present, and their future.

Why I bought it:

I love the word dissonance. The way it sounds is so different to it’s meaning. I just kept coming back to the word.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ I enjoyed Dissonance; however, my biggest problem with it was its length (97 pages). This had nothing to do with how the plot was paced or how well the characters were developed, but everything to do with the fact that I felt the protags, the themes and the storyline had so much potential it was almost a disservice to them it was such a short length. I wanted more back story about Matthias and Kent, more scenes which showed the growing trust and relationship between the two men… just more.

Like~ This is one of the few books I’ve read in this genre to date which I think made a good attempt at conveying what a male victim of abuse goes through. As I indicated above, I would have really liked further exploration of Matthias’ growing trust towards the sensitive and caring Kent, but overall the sense of this did come through in the story.

Dislike~ more, More, MORE. It’s the length thing. I can’t get away from my reaction – sorry! I also realise I may be putting some of you off from getting it. I guess the bottom line for me was I liked the story in this short format, but I think I would have LOVED it as a longer novel.

Like~ At heart, this is a story about trust and love and features two characters with whom I found it very easy to empathise. There may be some who feel it was a little too sugary for their taste, but I enjoyed it for the sweet story it was.

So, what I think:

This is for those who, like me, appreciate a well written, uplifting love story involving two charming characters.

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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, m/m, sonja spencer, tasting | 10 Comments

tasting ‘a promise kept’: emmy’s choice

Posted on 24/04/2009 by Kris
A Promise Kept by Stormy Glenn

The Blurb:

Mason is in love with his brother’s best friend, Jack. It’s been ten years of secret fantasies, hidden glances, and forbidden yearnings. Just when Mason decides to give up on Jack and move away, his friends step in to get them together.

Even with the most determined matchmakers, new love is not always easy. Especially when a serial killer has his sights set on Mason being his next victim, and will destroy anyone who gets in his way. Can Jack keep Mason safe, or will their new love be over before it gets going?

Why I bought it:

I was glomming on that name. 🙂

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ I was cringing with some of the emoness of the first couple of chapters of this book. I almost tossed it aside in disgust when the brave and determined Mason, who after finally deciding to get a life, goes on a binge and then runs away back home. What the hell?? I was glad I stuck with it in the end, but Holy Crap did I have a few issues with the beginning of the story!

Like~ So after the return, Mason comes out to his folks who already knew, finds a set of gay friends and, strangely enough, learns how to be gay. O_O It is actually a lot more convincing than it sounds – it’s pretty cute really – with Mason gaining confidence and learning to stand up for himself.

Dislike~ A stalker and an interfering family member?? Gee, these sound a bit familiar.

Like~ Loved Mason’s circle of friends. They were a seriously funny sarcastic crew and very supportive of Mason as were his Mum and Dad. All in all, a great cast of characters.

So, what I think:

Despite the beginning and some familiar tropes, overall it worked and I did like this story. Fun, relatively uncomplicated characters, a decent story and good writing with lots of humour. Recommended bedtime reading.

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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, m/m, stormy glenn, tasting | 12 Comments

tasting ‘angels of the deep’: jitterbug’s choice

Posted on 23/04/2009 by Kris


Angels of the Deep by Kirby Crow

The Blurb:

Becket Merriday is on the trail of a killer who is murdering beautiful young men in the small town of Irenic. What he discovers an ancient race of immortal beings hunted by an incredibly powerful adversary: the angel Mastema. Soon, Beck and his partner, Sean Logan, find themselves at the center of a deadly supernatural war.

Why I bought it:

A combination of the cover, the blurb and the author.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ More of a warning than a dislike… I am familiar with the Nephilim (the children of the ‘Sons of God’ and the ‘Daughters of Humans’) and therefore was quick to catch on to the main premise of the story, which, as the blurb says, is the hunting of the Nephilim by the Angel Mastema. It’s not essential to have an in depth knowledge of Nephilim, but a certain amount did help me to better understand the nuances of Angels of the Deep. Along these lines, some back story and flashbacks appear throughout the book to assist with the development of the story. Take notice of them. They are important!

Like~ This is dark fantasy, my friends. Not everything is as it seems and bad stuff happens (a lot) to people; some of which is quite graphic including murder and references to rape and to child abuse. Not a pleasant afternoon’s reading by any stretch of the imagination. So why the heck is this a like?? I LOVE good dark fantasy, that’s why. *G*

Dislike~ Being very, very honest, this story contains a cast of characters, who are very difficult to like, especially the main character Brett. He is a bit of a bastard, un/caring, cold/hot, a prick to his estranged wife, hovering on the brink of an affair with a man, and more often than not seemingly detached/inhuman. I thought he was a total wanker and then the big reveal happened and all became clear(er). This – and subsequent revelations – did make me feel more sympathetic to Brett in the end.

Like~ Twist upon twist upon twist upon twist. Other than the fact that I figured more people were going to die (prob’ly quite gruesomely) I had no idea where the plot was going and what was going to happen next. I love it when an author keeps you guessing, don’t you. 😉

So, what I think:

This will definitely NOT be everyone’s cuppa. For those of you who, like me, enjoy dark fantasy with a strong dash of mystery, GET IT. It’s an engrossing story which has the added bonus of being written by the talented Kirby Crow, who never fails to impress.

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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, dark fantasy, kirby crow, m/m, tasting | 13 Comments

meanwhile back in bs hq…

Posted on 23/04/2009 by Kris

Kris: We think you will make an awesome addition to our team, don’t we, Tracy?? *sharp elbow to ribs* Don’t we, Tracy!

Tracy: *coming out of daze* Oh yes. I, umm, I mean we both feel your contribution will be very significant.

Kris: *emphatically* A survey our demographic has already indicated such.

Tracy: *nodding enthusiastically in agreement*

Deep and sexy male voice rumbles: I don’t know. *Tracy shivers* Are you two sure about this?? This is not the usual kind of stuff I do.

Kris and Tracy: *looking at each other* YES!

Deep and sexy male voice rumbles: If you’re really sure people will still buy…

Tracy: *interrupts* Believe Me. These people are perv… umm, serious book lovers. They will buy anything with you this slogan on it.

Kris: *rubbing hands together in glee just thinking of the merchandising pimpage* Okay than… back into position… and action…


Deep and sexy male voice rumbles: Is she okay?? I’ve never seen anyone do that before.

Kris: *nudging the-keeled-over-in-a-swoon Tracy with foot* Yeah. Now about that bookmark….

Posted in book sluts r us, randomness, tracy | 34 Comments

tasting ‘roar – bound by leather’: jen’s choice

Posted on 22/04/2009 by Kris

Roar: Bound by Leather by Mychael Black & Shayne Carmichael

The Blurb:

In the world of werewolves, to harbor submissive desires is looked upon with disdain. To be gay and submissive is a double threat. To satisfy his craving, Nathaniel seeks acceptance at a BDSM club…and is quick to receive it.

Master Raphael’s interest in the beautiful wolf is quite obvious to the club’s clientele, and it isn’t long before the two are paired for play. Yet, Raphael isn’t known exactly for monogamy. Could Nathaniel turn him into a one-man, or one-wolf, Dominant?

Why I bought it:

I’m fascinated by BDSM in romance and this blurb caught my eye.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ At 10,000 words, there was not a heck of a lot of story to sink your teeth into. It really only left an aftertaste and with it the sense there will be a sequel. If that’s the case, I’ll prob’ly be buying it to see what happens next. In other words, the approach worked. *sigh*

Like~ I quite like the premise of a paranormal which dealt with an omega werewolf who is both gay and submissive. It is a bit different and has lots of potential. There wasn’t a lot of world building/setting in this short other than what the reader learns through Nathaniel and through Raphael (strangely enough since he appears to be human) so hopefully there will be more in the next story… if I’m right about a next story that is.

Dislike~ The kid works up the nerve to join a BDSM club, finds a Master during his first visit (*doublesigh* I know. A little easy.) and said experienced Master decides not to give into the pretty’s submissive needs straight away, but makes love to him instead?? There is a why (not spoiling it any more than I already have), still the BDSM voyeur in me was NOT happy.

Like~ At this early stage, I’m quite liking the characters. Nathaniel especially seems like a smexy, sweet little sub and not the least bit twink-ish, which is a nice change.

So, what I think:

This is something that fans of these authors will snatch up. It may also interest those intrigued by the paranormal/BDSM lifestyle mix.

For those not wanting to get invested in yet another mini-series, you may want to give this first one a miss and wait and see how the series develops.

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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 bdsm, black/carmichael, m/m, tasting | 8 Comments

tasting ‘sutcliffe cove’: lily’s choice

Posted on 21/04/2009 by Kris


Sutcliffe Cove by Ariel Tachna & Madeleine Urban

The Blurb:

Seeking first-time riding lessons in the rolling hills of Connecticut, Gerald Saunders is pleased to discover Sutcliffe Cove. The current proprietor, Brett Sutcliffe, welcomes the beginner, and Gerald quickly finds a home away from home at the farm as he spends more and more time volunteering there.

Over the course of a few months, Gerald and Brett build a strong friendship, but it’s not until Gerald is off on vacation that the two men realize their friendship could be so much more… sexually satisfying, emotionally intimate, or even warmly loving. But Gerald is so laid back, Brett just isn’t sure what to do next. Move forward and deepen their relationship? Or back off and just be friends with benefits?

Why I bought it:

Madeleine Urban = auto buy for me.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ Some readers may get pissed off with Gerald because he is absolutely clueless. Doesn’t pick up on cues, goes with the flow, etc, etc. Stick with it because this forms an important part of the story and in particular the relationship between Gerald and Brett. Plus I actually thought it was more cute than annoying. 🙂

Like~ It might be bloody minded of me, but I LOVED the fact that Gerald and Brett didn’t get together straight away. They admitted an attraction (in their own minds at least 😉 ) very early on and then became friends; neither knowing that the other was gay. Some of you may be thinking “what about gaydar?” Remember the Gerald being clueless thing. Yep. Any more doubts?? Trust me. It’s convincing.

Dislike~ While Gerald was away on vacation, Brett just happens to break up with the boy toy, thus making himself available for smexing on G’s return… hmm, a little convenient.

Like~ I must say I found it absofrigginlutely refreshing to read a contemporary with a focus on the romance itself and without any complications like angsty family/s, stalkers, etc. It made a great change and added to my enjoyment of the story.

So, what I think:

A must for fans of these authors and a very good contemporary romance. Terrific stuff all round.

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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, m/m, tasting, urban/tachna | 22 Comments