maybe it’s me, but…

Posted on 01/03/2009 by Kris
From BeautifulMag – Blame Sarah!

… I’ve been pondering Wave’s latest poll topic ‘Sex in M/M Books… Do Readers Want More or Less?’ and do you know I don’t think I’ve ever finished a book and thought to myself “well, that was shit because there wasn’t enough smexing in it”.

Maybe it’s because I read a lot of YA and spec fiction in which sex is not ‘essential’ so I have different expectations?? *shrugs*

Still, it struck me.

I commented… somewhere… last week that I thought it bloody ridiculous for books to be reviewed and categorised for their ‘hotness’ factor – you know, the kissy mouths and the chillis thing. It’s not like we’re eating in a Mexican restaurant for fuck’s sake.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t want sex in books, especially when it’s romance or erotica, but… am I the only one who thinks like this??

‘Fess up, have you ever bought a book based on how smutty it was meant to be??

Posted in Jessewave, randomness, reading, reviews, smexy | 17 Comments

tasting authors: t a chase

Posted on 27/02/2009 by Kris

What do mean I’ve banged on about T A Chase before and sound like a broken record?? Too bad! It’s my blog and I ADORE his work. So there!

The Whys I Like (1, 2, 3):

Like No. 1~ Again, great characterisation. This apparently is a big deal to me. *g* For me, though, the more developed a character, the more I’m engaged in their story and the more I enjoy the read. As far as I’m concerned, this trumps nearly all other aspects of writing.

Like No. 2~ Okay maybe I’m cheating a bit and this is associated with Like No. 1, but, still, I don’t think I’ve yet to meet one of T A’s characters that I didn’t have some sort of affinity with. What I like the most about his characters is that they are strong and vulnerable, appealing, and convincing.

Like No. 3~ Whether it be the plot, the theme, the characters, the style, whatever, T A’s stories inevitably draw me in. Who could ask for more as a reader?? Not me!

The Dishes I Love (1, 2, 3):

Love No. 1~ Angel’s Evolution

“I’m a monster. Or so my father would have me believe. I’m imprisoned in a world I hate and fear. As heir to my father’s title, I’m expected to marry, but my secret desires may keep me from fulfilling those expectations.

One night a stranger kisses me. In his touch, I see the possibility of a life beyond my prison. My name? Just call me Angel and this is my evolution.”

I LOVE this story. I can’t say enough about how awesome I think Angel’s Revolution is. If anyone is going to read T A at all I think they should read this book. What may shock those of you familiar with my likes and dislikes is that it’s historical and it’s first person. I know! But the setting and the POV is perfect for this story about horrific prejudice to homosexuality and about acceptance.

Love No. 2~ Here Be Dragons

Herpetologist, Kael Hammerson is hiding in Ireland working at a research lab. While Ireland may seem a strange place for someone in his field, it was the furthest away he could get from his abusive ex-partner. Now, a year later, his heart is ready to heal.

Kael’s boss, Hugh Price, is very interested in Kael, but is afraid to cross the line from employer to lover. When a strange sea creature is brought into the lab, Hugh and Kael are swept into a fight for their lives and the lives of mankind.

Dragons have returned and the men must decide if their own love can survive the interference of a goddess.

This is one of the books I’ve talked about previously where I think the blurb does the story a disservice. Despite my love for T A’s work it took me ages to get over my – in hindsight ridiculous – response to the blurb and buy it. Needless to say, I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve re-read this book. Kael is another victim of abuse, who comes to recognise his own value as person through his relationship with Hugh and the situation in which he finds himself. Plus… DRAGONS return to the world! How can you not want to read about that.

Love No. 3~ No Going Home

Six years ago, a hoof to the head ended Leslie Hardin’s show-jumping career and his relationship with the man he loved. Broken, hurt, and rejected, Les has focused his energies on rebuilding his life.

Les’s accident has shown him that the most valuable treasures are usually found under an imperfect surface, and his reputation for taking in strays starts to grow. But it’s one of these strays in particular, injured rodeo cowboy Randy Hersch, who captures more than just his compassion.

Between his disapproving father and his chosen career path, Randy has always felt the need to deny his passion. But when Les takes him under his wing, Randy begins to realize that he is truly strong enough to admit his true self—to himself and the rest of the world. But in the arms of a broken man, can he find acceptance…and love?

Les Hardin has to be one of my most favourite characters written by this author. He is the perfect example of what I meant by T A’s characters being both strong and vulnerable. It is Les who gives Randy the strength to be true to himself and the relationship the two have is a seriously beautiful thing.

So, are you a fan of T A Chase or is he a new-to-you author? Are you gonna give him a taste or a pass? Tell me. I want to know. 🙂

Posted in m/m, T A Chase, tasting authors | 13 Comments

tasting ‘the devil’s fire’

Posted on 24/02/2009 by Kris


The Devil’s Fire by Sara Bell

The Blurb:

Forced into an arranged marriage after the death of his true love, Gareth has no intention of giving Alric of Kray the time of day. He’ll do what he has to, but he knows he’ll never find a love like the one he’s lost. Alric has problems of his own, but is willing to go along with the wedding to help defend his kingdom from the forces ready to tear it apart.

When Alric is gravely injured, Gareth discovers the secret of Alric’s magic, and discovers that he has feelings for Alric that he’s been trying to deny. They may be able to heal Alric’s wounds, but can they defeat the enemy that lurks behind the scenes, waiting for them to make one false move?

Why I bought it:

Dakota Flint talked about the book here and it sounded interesting.

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ After two years of deep mourning, Gareth seems to fall for Alric pretty quickly. That’s a bit of an exaggeration and there are events that progress the relationship and story along, but still some things were a little too easy.

Like~ It’s HEA. The good guys win despite the (quite amazing) machinations of the baddie. He was a very, very busy bad guy.

Dislike~ This is the last sentence of the book; “Knowing a choice offer when he heard one, Gareth followed hot on Alric’s heels.”

A “choice offer”?? A “choice offer”. Modern idiom + medieval fantasy world + ending = no-no.

Like~ Gareth and Alric were great together. I just wish there had been a little more sex between the two. *note to self: try to be LESS superficial*

So, what I think:

I liked it. I particularly liked the medieval setting where same sex couples were accepted. It’s something a bit different.

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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 fantasy, m/m, Sara Bell, tasting | 11 Comments

it’s the ‘i’ thing

Posted on 21/02/2009 by Kris

As some of you may know I’ve been doing reviews at Wave’s and a couple of times I’ve mentioned that a story written in the first person POV is not something I’m a fan of or particularly choose to read.

Apparently this was cause for a few comments on blogs elsewhere – as I’m discovering is often the case 🙂 – with some people saying readers such as myself shouldn’t be dismissing this POV out of hand (ummm, which, unless I was on someone else’s blog, didn’t think I’d done) and not understanding how I and others like me could NOT like this POV (well, people, different strokes and all that).

So… insta post! (Created more because I thought it would make an interesting post to see what others think than a real need to explain myself to others. I get seriously evil about not giving a toss about this kind of thing, but still… great topic. *g*)

Hehehe

For me, not liking the ‘I’ thing has everything to do with what kind of reader I am.

I read to relax, to be entertained and above all else to escape. When I’m reading, I imagine myself in the situations and lives of the characters.

If the story is written in first person, and no matter how much I might dis/like or have an affinity with other characters, for all intents and purposes I’ve been told who/which protag I am.

That is, the I, who is reading the story, has been immediately engaged with the I, who is telling the story, and I’m experiencing everything that they do, sometimes to the detriment of all else.

So, the bottom line is that as someone who reads to escape, to imagine themselves in different lives, roles and worlds, I prefer not to be told who I am. I want to choose for myself.

What do you think?? What’s your preference??

Posted in povs, reading, reviews, serious randomness | 10 Comments

tasting authors: m l rhodes

Posted on 20/02/2009 by Kris
or ‘for Jen: on the occasion of her joining the ranks of M L Rhodes fans’

Perhaps a bit presumptuous because Jen is a strange one after all and her normal Pommy good taste may be having an off day. 🙂

Anyway…

Since I’ve been doing the pimping tasting thing, I thought it might be cool, in addition to books, to try my hand at quick bites of authors. (Hehehe, I’ll never tire of how naughty that sounds.)

I’ve decided to start a ‘tasting authors’ series, with no particular scheduled day or week for posting – to be honest I hadn’t really thought that far ahead *g* so could easily change my mind (*whispers* Libran remember) – and sharing with the partially invisibles a few reasons why I like an author’s writing as well as choosing some of my fave stories from their work.

The first author on my tasting plate is… ::drum roll please:: M L Rhodes!

M L is an auto buy for many in the m/m romance crowd, including me. ::Duh!:: Go here for more info about her and her books.

The Whys I Like (1, 2, 3):

Like No. 1~ Good characterisation = reader engagement = much pleasure for the Kris’ in the world! M L’s characters are well developed and, in my opinion, written in such a way that the reader can easily identify and connect with the characters and/or their situation.

Like No. 2~ Her sex and love scenes are HOT! They are extremely believable and never disappoint the voyeurs among us. *g*

Like No. 3~ M L is terrific at building and pacing a story to a very satisfying HEA or HFN. What more can you possibly want in a romance!

The Dishes I Love (1, 2, 3):

Love Nos. 1 & 2 (I could cheat, but I won’t 🙂 )~ The Draegan Lords series

The blurb of the first book, True of Heart:

A hundred years ago, the high sorcerer of Velensperia launched a swift and deadly attack against the draegans—a race of dragon shapeshifters who’d always lived in harmony with the humans. The draegans were all but destroyed, with the few who remained, scattered and in hiding. Now, a group of them have united and begun to fight back. Their leader, Keiran Hareldson, seeks to free his people from the cruel repression the high sorcerer’s reign has imposed on them.

Gaige Rizik is captain of the sorcerer’s High Guard, and known for his lethal ability to hunt down his prey with no remorse. His orders are to infiltrate the draegan rebels’ camp, learn their plans, and identify their leader so he can be destroyed. But when Gaige joins the rebels, posing as a human sympathizer to the draegans’ cause, he discovers the shapeshifters aren’t the bloodthirsty beasts he’s been led to believe, and their leader is a passionately captivating man who only wants what’s best for his people. Keiran sparks powerful emotions in Gaige, tearing down his walls of steely control, and stirring a longing in him he can’t deny.

Torn between his duty to the high sorcerer and his growing feelings not only for Keiran, but for the draegan way of life, Gaige knows he’s damned no matter which he chooses. In a world of lies, deception, and dark secrets, one false move will bring destruction to all he’s begun to hold dear. With the fate of so many lives on his shoulders, Gaige’s only hope is to follow his heart…and pray it’s true enough to save them all.

I might have said (once or twice) how much of a fan I am of fantasy fiction. Add a strong dash of m/m romance written by an author whose work I enjoy and you have an instant Kris re-read. I’d say without a doubt this is one of the best m/m fantasy series I’ve read to date and I’m salivating at the thought of the third book coming out sometime in 2009. Kieran and Gaige sizzle together.

Love No. 3~ Falling

As the leader of an elite British group that hunts criminals of the magic world, Christian Wetherly comes to the U. S. undercover, posing as a British cop, to investigate a series of murders he suspects have been committed by a dark mage. He never expects, however, to find himself intensely attracted to the American police detective in charge of the case. Christian has long struggled with his hidden desires and hasn’t admitted them to anyone. But Alec Anderson stirs something deep within him that’s difficult to ignore.

Still…even if he could master his fear of coming out, Christian’s dedicated himself to protecting the world from magic terrors. It’s a dangerous life an ordinary human could never understand or accept. And to complicate matters, Alec’s emotionally vulnerable, still grieving the death of his previous lover, a fellow cop killed in the line of duty. So Christian’s determined to keep his true occupation and powers hidden from Alec.

Neither man can deny the powerful chemistry that burns between them, and both realize they’re falling hard for one another, yet with so many secrets and complications, a relationship seems impossible.

When the two men become the target of the dark magic, however, and clues about an ancient legacy come to light that indicate Alec may not be exactly what he seems, can they find the strength to tear down all the barriers between them and risk their hearts in order to save each other’s lives?

That this is urban fantasy/paranormal is just a bonus, because I LOVE the romance between Christian and Alec. Soooo good and smexy. Here’s a peek:

Christian’s sculpted chest heaved as he drew in and let out a ragged breath. His eyes filled with emotion, he sat up, grasped the back of Alec’s head with one of his hands, and pulled him into a kiss.

“We belong together, Alec.” His breath was warm and minty against Alec’s lips.

“I know. I’m so in love with you, Chris.”

“God, I’m so in love with you.”

*wipes tear from eye* So beautiful. *sssnnniiifff*

So what sayeth you?? Have I tempted you to taste-test author M L Rhodes or are you already a fan??

Posted in M L Rhodes, m/m, tasting authors | 25 Comments

cheer up, dammit!

Posted on 18/02/2009 by Kris
Here’s some pretty pictures appropriated from other places to make us all feel better. 🙂

Posted in cookies, pretties | 13 Comments

a moment that resonates

Posted on 17/02/2009 by Kris

Not really but I wanted to post about a documentary I watched last night by well know English actor, writer, comic and all-round entertainer Stephen Fry about his battle with manic depression.

It was extraordinary because it was an exploration of the illness and its treatment from his own point of view; that is, the point of view of someone with this mental illness.

He also took the time to share experiences with other people who have been diagnosed with the disease, which gave the viewer a deeper appreciation of how manic depression can be both debilitating and exhilarating.

All in all, it was his very personal journey through this disturbing landscape made even the more powerful, I think, because of his and others willingness to discuss their own reactions – not necessarily that of others – to their ill health.

The latter especially resonated with me for, although I do not have manic depression, I do suffer from depression.

It took a very, very long time for me to admit my mental illness not only because of the stigma, but because of my pride.

Admitting I needed help with my depression was akin to admitting defeat. I was so angry at myself for not being able to cope that I delayed seeking treatment until I had reached breaking point.

I won’t bore you – or myself *g* – by going into the details of my personal experience, but I will say, that although I am off my medication and am managing pretty well, no one but another sufferer can imagine what you put yourself through.

On top of the sadness, you have feelings of self-hatred, anger and shame, which many people think they should hide by showing a smiling, happy face to the world and this in turn adds to the burden you constantly carry with you. At least, that’s what it was – and sometimes still is – like for me.

Anyway, this post was not meant to be a downer – hey, I get to tell jokes like this 🙂 – , but rather just the need to chat a (very) little about my own experience after being inspired by the terrific Stephen Fry.

If you do get the chance to watch this documentary I would strongly suggest you do.

Depression is a widespread illness in our society and, with predictions it is likely to increase because of the stressful socio-economic situations many in the world now find themselves, I think it’s something with which we should all be more aware.

Posted in me, serious randomness | 13 Comments

dear publisher

Posted on 15/02/2009 by Kris


Dear Publisher,

I realise I may have had a few digs at made some comments to you in the past about the (very) occasional odd book cover, crappy unusual website construction and over the priceds of books, and then of course there was the whole ménage thing.

Please, please believe me when I say, my Dearest Supplier of Books of all kinds of Genres for all kinds of Folk, I was swept away in the heat of the moment and succumbed to the Wwave of pressure from my peers.

My humblest apologies for any discomfort caused to you by the antagonism of the many readers who have not the wit to believe in the ultimate fantasy of m/m/f. I’m sure all will soon be forgotten when your new releases become more evenly representative of the different genres.

However, this is not the reason why I write.

No, my darling fiction-issuing Gods/desses, today I have grim tidings.

It is with deep regret I advise I was unable to purchase your latest releases because they were not available through my favoured online bookstore.

Further to this, rumours abound in romance bloglandia that some recent books have been deliberately delayed being sent to online shops and that some have ONLY been sent to one bookstore and not another.

I know, my glorious producer of ebook goodness, I can well imagine the disappointment and deep sorrow you must feel in the face of these types of accusations and assumptions. I myself was absolutely incensed on your behalf.

It should go without saying that in these troubled economic times magnanimous publishing companies such as yourselves are doing everything in your power to ensure your readers continue to buy your books by allowing them to maximise their dollar (sometimes foreign and therefore subject to those dreadful exchange rates) and grant them variety by making releases available through general bookstores.

Indeed, I am Shocked more readers would not realise your marketing experts are sure to tell you that such actions will give you a loyal customer base.

I am also Appalled my fellow readers would not consider the benefits this additional promotion will bring to you and your authors. Alas, not all can be as worldly as you and I.

Unpleasant though it is, I am confident you will take immediate steps to remedy this unfortunate situation.

As always, I wish you many sales, Dear Publisher, and look forward to purchasing the latest releases that appeal to me through the bookstore of my choice.

Yours sincerely, and with the utmost respect,

A Friend.

Posted in further randomness, publishers | 5 Comments

reflections from a single chick*

Posted on 14/02/2009 by Kris

Nah, this isn’t going to be a ‘woe is me I’m single on Valentine’s Day**’ post because that would be sad, not to mention boring as bat poo.

Instead, I want to talk about how I’ve decided to add yet another title to my list of descriptors.

So far, I have Queen Bitch, Super Speed Reader, Book Goddess and The Pimp. Added to this will now be…

DOMESTIC WONDER… WONDER… WONDER… WONDER…

This isn’t a play on Nigella’s ‘Domestic Goddess’, but rather a reference to all those things that I – and other single chicks – learn to do around the house besides the cleaning gig.

I mow the lawn (granted it’s more like a sand pit at the moment because of water restrictions); I do reticulation for the garden (good fun in Summer when it’s hot); I fiddle with electronic gadgets to get them working; I spray oil stuff to make locks turn and things not squeak; with much swearing I change washes on taps so that I can sleep at night; I have a handy, electric screwdriver, which every time I use I find myself growling like Tim the Tool Man; and, I’ve even been known to use a sander.

I know. It’s true. I’m full of awesomeness.

You all are wondering why I’m only now just adding DOMESTIC WONDER… WONDER… WONDER… WONDER… to my list of titles.

Let me tell you…

Yesterday, I fixed my toilet.

Trust me it wasn’t a vomity ‘have to’ fix because even I would pay the outrageous call-out fees and deal with butt cracks for something like that.

It was a CLEAN water overflow problem for which I braved egotistical wankers chauvinistic bastards helpful hardware store guys and carefully read the instructions to put the new floaty whatsit into the tank bit.

With a glow of satisfaction I rang up my baby brother to brag about how good I was before settling down to read a romance, eat chocolate and have a glass of red wine.

So you see. I tell not a lie.

I AM A…

… DOMESTIC WONDER… WONDER… WONDER… WONDER…

*This is not the thing I was talking about, Jen.

** I noticed a number of people referred to it as ‘VD’ for short. ‘VD’! You know in Australia after both World Wars there were VD clinics for those soldiers who got up to no good whilst overseas. Yes, that’s right, VD clinics. VD as in Venereal Disease. Made me friggin shudder every time I saw it in a post or comment today. Yuck!

Posted in me, randomness | 9 Comments

tasting ‘the elf and shoemaker’

Posted on 12/02/2009 by Kris

The Elf and Shoemaker by M L Rhodes

The Blurb:

Logan Shoemaker’s honest, hardworking, and loves what he does. Though he never expects to get rich, he’s fared well enough to stay comfortable with his quirky metaphysical store, Shoemaker’s Magick Shoppe. But when the economy falls on hard times, his store pays the price. As each month passes, slow sales turn into no sales, and soon Logan’s living off ramen noodles and sleeping in a freezing house during the cold winter nights as he struggles to make ends meet. His personal life isn’t much better—the worse business at the store grows, the more isolated and lonely he becomes. After a string of mishaps that wipe out the last of his small savings, he finally hits rock bottom the day he discovers the disconnection notice from the electric company hanging on his door. That night, desperate and in despair, he makes a plea to the universe, asking for help.

Needless to say, he never anticipates receiving a response so quickly. Not only does he awaken the next morning to find on his kitchen table four little bottles of a special potion labeled “PASSION,” but he keeps remembering the erotically charged dream he’d had during the night. A dream where a tall, gorgeous man with pointed ears comes to his bed and shows him just what kind of magick they can make together.

But was it a dream? All Logan knows is that his customers can’t get enough of the special potion—an aphrodisiac—and he can’t stop thinking about the sweet seduction of the nighttime visitor who made it. As he tries to sort out what’s real and what’s not, he discovers there’s a much bigger world out there than he’d ever believed, and his true heart’s desire might come in a most unexpected form…

Dislike/like (ending on a high note):

Dislike~ Let’s face it, you know from the outset that this is pretty much going to end happily ever after. I didn’t really dislike this exactly, but still a smidge too easy.

Like~ I HEART M L Rhodes’ work. She gives good romance. Enuf said.

Dislike~ I wanted a longer story. I wanted more angst, more conflict, more detail – in real time – about what was happening in the Elf world, etc.

Like~ Awww, Logan and Hallan. *sigh* Perfect characters for this story; not to mention being very smexy together. *YAY*

So, what I think:

M L Rhodes never disappoints. If you like her, you’ll like this sweet story.

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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.

Posted in contemporary, M L Rhodes, m/m, paranormal, tasting | 15 Comments