Back Porch Reader

LGBTQ+ Romance and Erotica Book Reviews

Five-Star Friday

Five Star Friday Review: Winter Kill by Josh Lanyon

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Happy Friday everyone! I’m still enjoying my back porch during some unseasonably warm weather–no longer in shorts though as temps are cooling. But, wow! what gorgeous days we’re having in November. It’s so hard to believe Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner…and a whole new year!

Soo…I’ve been looking thru Five Star shelf on GoodReads, particularly for books I’ve reviewed–it’s slim-pickings y’all. I’m frequently star-stingy and I didn’t write reviews before April of this year. Starting next week I’ll be doing Feature Friday on books I think deserve a highlight. Some might lack reviews but since I’m rarely short on words I’ll be sure to share some thoughts to send you off with weekend reading material.

Thanks for visiting!

The Blurb:

cover-winterkill-joshlanyonClever and ambitious, Special Agent Adam Darling (yeah, he’s heard all the jokes before) was on the fast track to promotion and success until his mishandling of a high profile operation left one person dead and Adam “On the Beach.” Now he’s got a new partner, a new case, and a new chance to resurrect his career, hunting a legendary serial killer known as The Crow in a remote mountain resort in Oregon.

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FIVE STAR FRIDAY Review: Duck Duck Ghost (Hellsinger series Book 2), by Rhys Ford

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It’s that time. The night before All Hallows’ Eve. This is not a favorite holiday for my own stupid reasons you can read all about here in my self-deprecating blog post. I know loads of people who go all-out for this day. That’s cool. The ghoulish stuff folks come up with is crazy good, and I’m always amazed. It’s just…not my day.

But what kind of person would I be if I hid on my back porch and ignored it altogether? So, in the spirit of goodwill and goblins, I bring you a ghostly story that scared me out of my fucking mind. Have at it. Note though, it’s book two in a series. I think this can be read as a stand-alone, though.

Or, check out the recently released, read, and reviewed Stygian by Santino Hassell…it also scared the bejeezus out of me.

About the Book

DUCK DUCK GHOST, RHYS FORDParanormal investigator Wolf Kincaid knows what his foot tastes like.

Mostly because he stuck it firmly in his mouth when his lover, Tristan Pryce, accidentally drugged him with a batch of psychotropic baklava. Needing to patch things up between them, Wolf drags Tristan to San Luis Obispo, hoping Tristan’s medium ability can help evict a troublesome spirit haunting an old farmhouse.

With Wolf’s sister handling Hoxne Grange’s spectral visitors, Tristan finds himself in the unique position of being able to leave home for the first time in forever, but Wolf’s roughshod treatment is the least of his worries. Tristan’s ad-hoc portal for passing spirits seems to be getting fewer and fewer guests, and despite his concern he’s broken his home, Tristan agrees to help Wolf’s cousin, Sey, kick her poltergeist to the proverbial curb.

San Luis Obispo brings its own bushel of troubles. Tristan’s ghost whispering skill is challenged not only by a terrorizing haunting but also by Wolf’s skeptical older cousin, Cin. Bookended by a pair of aggressive Kincaids, Tristan soon finds himself in a spectral battle that threatens not only his sanity but also his relationship with Wolf, the first man he’s ever loved.

The Finer Details

Published:
Publisher:
Genre:
Length:
POV:
Type:
September 8, 2014
Dreamspinner Press
Paranormal, M/M, GLBT+
214 e-book pages
3rd person
Series (BOOK 2)

 

See the book on GoodReads.

Review:

Shame, shame, shame on me. See, I’m a big ole scaredy cat, and I explained in my review of Fish and Ghosts (Book 1) here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show… that I don’t particularly go for ghost/paranormal stories unless they’re written by an author I really like who typically writes in other genres I like. I handled Fish and Ghosts like a champ and only got a little bit squicked out once. So I sallied forth without a thought or a care and dove right on into Duck Duck Ghost without reading the description or any reviews. That was my first mistake.

My second mistake was that I woefully underestimated Rhys Ford. I thought (stupidly in hindsight) that Ms. Ford had exhausted all of her horror-inducing tricks in Fish and Ghosts. I thought (again, stupidly), I’d get another steamy romantic tale with a few brushes with some ghosts who might be aggravating at worst. They’d cause some mostly mild disturbances, move some furniture around, stuff like that….but mostly, I’d get a lot of laughs. But noooo. Ms. Ford upped her game. She was holding back. She’s got a sick and twisted, twisted mind. I imagine she’s pretty damned pleased with herself right now with a MWA-HA-HA evil, maniacal laugh going on. Go ahead. I deserve it.

***F-Bombs and Warnings Ahead***

Child ghosts….horrifying. Just….I can’t go further with that. Don’t get any ideas Rhys, but thank fuck there weren’t twin child ghosts. RED-RUM anyone?

DOLLS people! Dolls are straight-up fucking creepy. I did NOT play with them as a child because I KNEW back then they were creepy. They’re all possessed. They all do things when left unattended and especially, especially, at night when everyone is asleep. Who does not know this? Y’all think Toy Story is a sweet, innocent Disney flick? Go back and read the real Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty then come tell me I’m nuts. I’m telling you, Toy Story is Disney’s sparkly version of Chucky.

Then Rhys had to up the freak factor with CLOWN dolls. Clowns alone – the real living, breathing, circus freak, McHamburger peddling, Birthday party crashing clowns – are also sick-ass creepy, full-body shiver frightening. There had to be clown dolls?

Oh and DOLL PARTS. And why would anyone have doll PARTS lying around? Everyone knows those things don’t need to be part of the whole to wreak havoc. Jars of doll eyeballs and grasping, choking, tongue-pinching doll hands, and cracked and faded doll HEADS that move and crawl in bed with you. Oh, Hellz No.

Christ on a popcorn kernel, I won’t sleep for a week.

There’s gonna be another book, isn’t there? I know there is. Just please more funny stuff from the likes of Gildy and Mara and more sexy times with Wolf and Tristan.

My being freaked right the EFF out aside….this was a great, well-constructed read in the high-caliber style I’ve learned to expect from Ms. Ford. It was fast-paced and sexy with some funny to break up the fright factor.

Yeah, I’ll read book three. But gotta say I’m glad it’s not out yet. I need a shot or twelve of tequila so I can get some sleep.

This review also posted on GoodReads.

QueerRomanceMonth.comThis is probably the last post from me mentioning Queer Romance Month until next year. I hope you’ve paid them a visit, and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I’ll still be bringing you queer stories since that’s primarily what I read. I also hope to provide links, so you have good resources for information if you’re an ally, or have questions. Or when I have questions and find answers I’ll be sure to share.

Thanks for visiting!

FIVE STAR FRIDAY Review: In The Absence Of Light, by Adrienne Wilder

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Queer Romance Month is still going strong. Again, I’m not a sponsor, just a self-proclaimed pimp spreading the word because I think what they’re doing and saying is nothing short of amazing. This week’s Five Star Friday offering was selected with QRM in mind, just as the last two FSFs I’ve posted.

QRM’s theme this year is “We All Need Stories.” Their About Page lists their mission statement wherein they explain what “Love is Love” is all about, that Queer Romance is not a sub-genre, and that all people, of all walks of life, need to see themselves in stories.

My selection this week is a Gay Romance that adds just a touch of extra light and color of another sort to the QRM theme in that one of the heroes in this story falls on the Autism Spectrum. His challenges are, well, sometimes a little more challenging than most. But, above all, he’s lovable (as we all are), kind of quirky (as we all are), and has a unique way of seeing the world (as we all should consider). This story is eloquently told with warmth, heart, and humor and does a gorgeous job of showing that Love Is Love.

About The Book

InTheAbsenseOfLight-AWilderFor years Grant Kessler has smuggled goods from one end of the world to the next. When business turns in a direction Grant isn’t willing to follow he decides to retire and by all appearances he settles down in a nowhere town called Durstrand. But his real plan is to wait a few years and let the FBI lose interest, then move on to the distant coastal life he’s always dreamed of.

Severely autistic, Morgan cannot look people in the eye, tell left from right, and has uncontrolled tics. Yet he’s beaten every obstacle life has thrown his way. And when Grant Kessler moves into town Morgan isn’t a bit shy in letting the man know how much he wants him.

While the attraction is mutual, Grant pushes Morgan away. Like the rest of the world he can’t see past Morgan’s odd behaviors.

Then Morgan shows Grant how light lets you see but it also leaves you blind. And once Grant opens his eyes, he loses his heart to the beautiful enigma of a man who changes the course of his life.

The Finer Details

Published:
Publisher:
Genre:
Length:
POV:
Type:
March 25, 2015
Adrienne Wilder
Contemporary, M/M, GLBT+
261 e-book pages
1st person
Stand-Alone
Dates I read this:
Edition I read:
April 20-21, 2015
Kindle Edition
See the book on GoodReads.

Back Porch Thoughts

Review

Beautiful cover, beautiful heroes, beautiful story set in a crazy-assed town of colorful, nosey characters who take care of their own with flair. Full of laugh out loud funny moments, acrobatic steamy sex, with a taste of mystery and suspense amongst some personal growth and a dash of mayhem. All of this is done really well with wit and charm while sticking to a story about finding love, acceptance and understanding between two unexpected, vastly different heroes.

This review also posted on GoodReads

All the links you need to go check out the Queer Romance Month pages.

QRM Badge 2015

FIVE STAR FRIDAY Review: Chasing Death Metal Dreams, by Kaje Harper

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I chose Chasing Death Metal Dreams this week for a few reasons. One being this is a really fucking good book. Next, we’re still observing Queer Romance Month and this is a prime example of the stories that are needed. Everyone needs a love story. Also, it doesn’t hurt those of us who walk a different path to read these stories. This was the first book of this particular flavor I’ve ever read. I learned SO much. I cried SO hard. I felt…all KINDS of beautiful things. I thought about this book for days and days after I finished reading it.

I’m excited to tell you about it.

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Five Star Friday: The Angel (The Original Sinners, book 2), by Tiffany Reisz

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This is where I’ll make an effort on Fridays to spotlight a FIVE STAR read that has either been previously reviewed here on this blog-o-mine or one from my archives. Since I’m still so new at this blogging business I’ll bring forth an older read, one never before reviewed by me–except out loud to friends, and possibly strangers, and perhaps my neighbor’s cat.

This week, in honor of Queer Romance Month (see below for more details), I’ve selected the first book I read that contained some MM action. This was my first foray, my gateway, into the realm of LGBTQ+ novels and it was a beautiful start to what has been an amazing journey so far.

About the Book

TheAngel1-ReiszNo safe word can protect the heart
Infamous erotica author and accomplished dominatrix Nora Sutherlin is doing something utterly out of character: hiding. While her longtime lover, Soren–whose fetishes, if exposed, would be his ruin–is under scrutiny pending a major promotion, Nora’s lying low and away from temptation in the lap of luxury.

Her host, the wealthy and uninhibited Griffin Fiske, is thrilled to have Nora stay at his country estate, especially once he meets her traveling companion. TheAngel2-ReiszYoung, inexperienced and angelically beautiful, Michael has become Nora’s protege, and this summer with Griffin is going to be his training, where the hazing never ends.

But while her flesh is willing, Nora’s mind is wandering. To thoughts of Soren, her master, under investigation by a journalist with an ax to grind. And to another man from Nora’s past, whose hold on her is less bruising, but whose secrets are no less painful. It’s a summer that will prove the old adage: love hurts.

The Finer Details

Published:   September 25, 2012
Publisher:    Harlequin MIRA
Genre:          Contemporary Erotica, BDSM
Length:         411 Pages (Kindle)
POV:              3rd Person
Type:             Part of a Series

See the book on GoodReads.

Review:

I wasn’t reviewing books back when I read this…and it’s been a while since my last read through.

I found book one of the Original Sinners series, The Siren, during a time that I was finding it very difficult (on a super-tight budget) to find well-written, intelligent prose with interesting characters.

The Siren floored me and left me clamoring for more.

I was hooked. I became a fan. I don’t have all the WORDS I need to EXPLAIN how utterly a-MAZE-ing these books are.

I have since pre-ordered and devoured every book in the series like a starving beast. I’ll also admit that these are the only books that, in addition to the Kindle e-books, I’ve also purchased the print versions. (My budget is no longer quite so tight, however bookshelf space is at a premium around here. But, I have to HAVE them ALL.)

So, The Angel is a continuation from where The Siren ended. It’s best if they’re read in order.

This is not exactly an MM romance per se. There’s some menage, and some BDSM kinky stuff going on, the characters identify as bi-sexual/bi-curious/sex-is-amazing-in-all-kinky-forms-with-whomever-is-consenting. But, a gorgeous, sweet, and enchanting MM relationship begins as a major (MAJOR) plot line.

It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever read.

Griffin Fiske is…smart, a smart ass, compassionate, just…FUN, and sexy as hell. He’s enamored – HEAD OVER HEELS – for the young, damaged Michael who’s just figuring out who he is and that his differences don’t mean he’s alone. He’s not weird…or, so what the fuck if he is? He just needs to be around all the other weirdos for a while in order to learn how to fly. And being weird is SO okay. And he’ll be okay.

And Gaaaaaawwwd I want a Griffin Fiske of my very, very own. He wears a kilt, y’all…with combat boots. I mean…

I found this somewhere on the interwebs (I don't remember where). If it's yours and you want me to credit you or remove it let me know since I don't know who you are to ask in advance. It's HOT, and it was used to illustrate a point. But, I wasn't raised to be a thieving pirate. So let me know and I'll take it down if you want, just please don't send me to jail.
I found this somewhere on the interwebs (I don’t remember where). If it’s yours and you want me to credit you or remove it let me know since I don’t know who you are to ask in advance. It’s HOT, and it was used to illustrate a point. But, I wasn’t raised to be a thieving pirate. So let me know and I’ll take it down if you want, just please don’t send me to jail.

LOOKIT!!!   >>>>

Gimme!

K, I’m under control.

Mostly.

It felt…a little illicit…that I was reading about two men, because I’d never read that before. I didn’t know that kind of stuff was out there. I mean, I did, but I didn’t know that it was for me–that I might possibly be included in the target audience.

Was I?

This gave me something to think about. Was I limiting myself to only certain types of love stories based on my own pre-conceived notions of what “Romance (or Erotica) for me” should include? Would it be okay to read more like this? Are there other authors out there whose stories are just as brilliant? If I went hunting down other MM books was somebody going to bang on my door and say, “lady, seein’ as you’re straight, we’d prefer you to keep out of things that don’t concern you.”

Well…I haven’t been hunted down yet. I might be straight, but I’m damn sure not narrow–never have been, thank Christ. So maybe these stories can be for me too.

LGBTQ+ is not new to me because of friends, family, and life with my eyes wide open and blinders off.

But when I read The Angel, it was new flavor for me in books. One I liked.

These stories, yeah they’re sexy (because I go hunting for sexy stories). But they’re more. They’re new roads to travel, new people to meet, new experiences, new lessons, new thoughts, MORE understanding–because we can’t have enough of that.

This world is a glorious, colorful place and this book was my first step on a path full of more light, color and beauty than I ever dreamed I needed.

OH, before I forget (…and free, unsolicited promo…) Book EIGHT (and final book in the series), The Queen, is being released on October 27th. It’s up for pre-order now through all major retailers and where e-books are sold. Now is the time to start the series if you haven’t done it already. Do it!

The Red Years:
The Siren
The Angel
The Prince
The Mistress

The White Years:
The Saint
The King
The Virgin
The Queen

Just one more item of bizness before you go.

QRM Badge 2015October is Queer Romance Month. This is worth checking out. I’m not an official sponsor, or pimp, or anything like that. I just know about this because of some of the fantastic authors and reviewers I follow on Twitter and GoodReads.

Check out their website, check out the items being posted throughout the day, every day, this whole month.

I’ve cried like three times already reading through the posts.

Go forth, let in some light and color into your world. You’ll be better for it.

Love is Love.

That’s all there is to it.

Click  this link > QueerRomanceMonth.com and go see some amazing folks.