Martin Luther King, Jr., I Had A Dream speech, and This Coming Week In Reviews

It’s the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s speech on Wednesday and yesterday tens of thousands of people gathered to commemorate that momentous occassion and to remind the world that his dream still needs to be fulfilled. Racism still exists and we as a nation still have such a long way to go for all to be equal under the law and in each other’s eyes.

Just in time for his anniversary, the MLK statue on the memorial was “fixed” so that awful truncated version of MLK’s speech is now gone, That was just another example of how this man and his message is still misunderstood by some, in this case the Chinese artist and a group of architects responsible for that statue.. I am not a fan of that statue. To me it belongs in Tiananmen Square not Washington DC, it exemplifying the type of statuary so often seen in the communist nations. Where is the man of passion? Where is the man of fire and vision? I don’t see him in the statue but instead look to his speeches where he and his dream will live forever.

Martin Luther King’s “I Had A Dream” speech:

I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked “insufficient funds.” But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check — a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.
It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro’s legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, “When will you be satisfied?” We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro’s basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating “For Whites Only”. We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God’s children will be able to sing with a new meaning, “My country, ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim’s pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring.”

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Now to the week ahead in book reviews. I have the second series from the Pulp Friction authors and a guest blog from Lee Brazil this week. I love these series and can’t wait to bring the third one to you the week after next. That will be the Triple Threat series by Laura Harner. I also have two books by authors who are always on my TBR list, Astrid Amara and Josephine Myles. Be sure to grab those up as well.

The weather is exquisite. Present are those clear blue early autumn skies that make you smile and stay outside until twilight falls. I heard my first flock of snow geese go trumpeting overhead last night, the first of many that signal an early fall. The whitetail deer herds are also reforming early. That would account for the over 15 of them in my neighbors yards last night. Did it make the terrors three crazy? Why, yes it did! As well as every other dog in the neighborhood. Almost time to start winter proofing my gardens but not just yet. I will enjoy them for a little longer. So its time to gather up my Kindle and my knitting (and of course the dogs) and head outside to enjoy the day. I hope you will enjoy yours too.

Monday, Aug. 26, 2013: Fifty Fifty Chances Are by Lee Brazil

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013: Ghost of Chances Are by Lee Brazil

Wed., Aug. 28, 2013: Author Spotlight: Meet Lee Brazil

Thurs., Aug 29, 2013: Demolished by Astrid Amara

Friday, Aug. 30, 2013: Handle With Care by Josephine Myles

Sat., Aug. 31, 2013: A Summary of Scattered Thoughts August Reviews

Review: Wicked Incarceration (Wicked’s Way #03) by Havan Fellows

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Series Rating: 5 stars out of 5

It was almost a guarantee that Wick Templeton would end up in prison one day, at least thats what the local wisdom said. True insiders knew that if Wick Templeton is walking through the prison gates, all the inmates should run and hide for the devil’s at their door and knocking to get in. With a wicked smile and a knowing smirk, Wick Templeton is being incarcerated. So why is he so pleased?

It seems that inmates are disappearing only to resurface drooling at the local funny farm. Who is behind the disappearances and what could be their motive? Wick Templeton is there to find out and if he has to become the king of the cellblock to do that, he will. So run, you criminals, run while you can. The most wicked of them all has been incarcerated and trouble has walked through the gates.

Wicked Incarceration, book 3 of Wicked’s Ways, has landed and my love affair with all things Wicked has deepened into addiction. How I love this wicked, wicked man! Once more we are thrown into the middle of an investigation of Wick Templeton’s. This time, it is a case of a disappearing ex boyfriend of a new client of Wick’s. That the boyfriend turned up a drooling mess in a psychiatric ward is shock because the guy was sent off to prison and should still be there. It makes perfect sense for Wick to investigate from inside the prison, at least that is the course that Havan Fellows takes to our absolute delight.

With delicious disregard for the bonds that rules and regulations lay on most men, Wick Templeton flows through the prison corridors like the devil’s own enforcer, a dangerous wiseguy in orange. As created by Havan Fellows, Wick has more hidden depths to him than the Carlsbad Caverns and navigating through to the truth about Wick Templeton can get just as tricky. With friends and foe at his beck and call, Wick Templeton is always the dominant force in every situation, evens when it seems to be a hopeless mess. Here is a taste of an incarcerated Wick:

He heard Banyu’s exaggerated sigh and smiled. That boy really thought he’d be able to instill proper phone etiquette in Wick.

“Hello, Wick, how are you doing today?”

“I’m in jail, how the hell am I supposed to be doing?”

Banyu laughed over the line. “You put yourself in jail. You can’t use that as an excuse for being a sourpuss.”

Wick straightened and shook his head. “I’m sorry, I thought we knew each other. Hello, my name is Wick Templeton. I’m an Aries, I enjoy long walks over fiery sandlots with broken shells cutting into my feet and smelly water creeping up to me, also putting on false happy faces when stupid people do stupid things that others consider cute. And did you just call me a puss?”

“Um…no?

Good answer. That’s Banyu, Wick’s go to IT genius. Banyu is at it again, assisting Wick on his investigations. Banya is another wonderful character among the small group of characters you will meet in this series that orbit around our man Wick. Another is, of course, Ned Harris., our local law enforcement enigma who is not only hot but hot on Wick’s trail once more. But is it Wick or the case, Ned is interested in? Wicked Incarceration brings the hint of romance or perhaps lustmance more fully into the picture here. It’s dangerous, and incredibly sexy. Just like the men involved.

Havan Fellows seems to specialize in questions with these characters, another of the joys of this series. We are still not sure of anyones true identity. Banyu is only heard over an earpiece. Who is Ned Harris? Who exactly is Wick Templeton? We are never quite sure, precariously balanced as Wick is between the law and the lawless. The author continues to keep us guessing even as we snicker and gasp at Wick’s escapades and intrigues. And they are many. We know he will pull the situation together and escape but how? And when will Ned pop up, to mess up Wick’s plan and confound us further? One thing I am sure of. We get a terrific little mystery and a joyfully, deliciously wicked path to journey on before the story will end.

Fellows’ narrative is an absolute treat. It flows swiftly, even lightly through the maze she has laid out for us and her characters. There is snark, witty lines and tons of trouble on every page. It’s just so much fun!

One more story to go, and it’s the best yet. But I truly adored Wicked Incarceration, read it twice in fact. So need a new addiction? Something to make your heart beat faster and your brain giggle? Meet Wick Templeton and crew in the Wicked’s Way series. Start with Wicked Solutions, then Wicked Bindings, and then Wicked Incarceration. You will love each and every one. They are short in length and large in character and feel. And you won’t ever want to put them down. As I said, one more to go and more promised from the author. I can’t wait. And neither will you.

Cover art by Laura Harner does an excellent job of branding the series. I only wish she had used elements of the old Pulp Fiction books on it as well, that was a missed opportunity here.

Here is the series in the order they were written to date:

Wicked Solutions (Wicked’s Ways #01)
Wicked Bindings (Wicked’s Ways #02)|
Wicked Incarceration (Wicked’s Ways #03)
Wicked Guidance (Wicked’s Ways #04)

Review: Mixed Tapes Volume #2 Edited by Kris Jacen

Rating 3.5 stars out of 5

Remember when there was nothing finer than someone putting together a tape of music that meant something to you both. A song here that brought back memories of a special date or a song there that spelled out the love you had for each other. That special list of songs on that Mixed Tape told you someone was thinking about you and your relationship with them when putting that list together. Here is the second volume of songs and the stories that revolve around the relationships forever tied together by musical memories.

Mixed Tape – Volume #2:

“Never Goin’ to Let You Go” by Embry Carlysle
“Living On My Own” by Megan Slayer
“Save Your Love For Me” by Lex Valentine
“Up Where We Belong” by Rob Rosen
“It’s Raining Men” by Diana DeRicci
“How Soon Is Now” by Christopher Koehler

I did not read the first anthology in this series although I love the subject of these two volumes. I still have locked away somewhere a tape or two that a former boyfriend mixed together for me, tapes that still manage to bring back smiles and perhaps a few tears along with the memories. Among these stories I have found a new author to love, and several stories to recommend. I am not sure if any of these stories have companion pieces in the first volume but one story here in particular is sending me back to check. Here are the stories as they line up in the anthology:

1. How Soon Is Now by Christopher Koehler. Rating: 4 stars

Toby Meyer and Derek Tremaine are university undergraduates. And each has been eyeing the other for months but neither has worked up the courage to approach the other man. For Derek, past mistakes have made him overly cautious about relationship until the sight of Toby makes Derek want much more with the other man. For Toby, Derek is frustration personified. He can’t understand why the man won’t ask him out on a date. One night at a party which change the stalemate Toby and Derek are locked in. For someone else has his eyes on Toby and Derek must decide to act for both their sakes.

I wished this story had been a little longer but the characters were interesting and endearing. Derek especially was a interesting take on the “larger man”. His sense of fashion is an important part of his personality, a trait more often seen in the young quirky characters instead of someone as huge as Derek. Loved him, and this aspect of the story. I only wish it has been a little longer and the resolution more drawn out.

2. It’s Raining Men by Diana DeRicci. Rating: 5 stars

Dallas and his group of friends have come to Paper Dolls to cheer on their friend in the drag queen contest. But from the moment he lays his eyes on Pepper Prince (aka Peter), the hostess of the club, Dallas knows he must do everything possible to get to know the man on stage. Pepper Prince has a firm policy to never date any of his “dolls” or members of the audience who comes to see them. Dallas, however, is impossible to ignore and persistent beyond measure. When they do finally get together, the sparks fly. But Peter has been hurt in the past. Can Dallas overcome Peter’s past to make a future for himself and Peter together?

This is simply an amazing story. Outstanding characterizations and terrific plot make this story a true standout. DeRicci layers the story with several couples that you want to know better, along with the point of view of gay man who loves dressing as a woman and being a man. The author makes Peter such an accessible personality, so well grounded in his beliefs that every reader will be able to understand exactly where Peter is coming from emotionally and applaud him. Dallas too has so many wonderful strengths and accompanying insecurities that the pair is terrific apart and as a couple. I simply wanted more of them, and their friends. This is the best story of the anthology. I want more in this universe.

3. Up Where We Belong by Rob Rosen. Rating: 3.5 stars

A limousine driver is standing in an airport holding a sign with a name on it – Ted Jackson. Unfortunately for him, two men with the exact name arrive at the airport at the same time, one from the East Coast and one from the West. The solution? Both men take the same car to their hotel and a romance ensues that turns into something much more for them both.

This is a very cute story. I loved the idea of two men with the same name and one very confused limousine driver. There are some hot sexy scenes and a quick resolution. Another case of instant love but here it kind of works. Short and sweet.

4. Living On My Own by Megan Slayer. Rating 3 stars

Kelsey’s life is in turmoil. He has just been dumped by his ex who has made awful accusations about him, his sister has trashed the house he let her stay in and he is lonely beyond measure. Then Daniel Tate shows up, the man Kelsey has never gotten over. They had a wonderful life before Daniel’s drinking destroyed their relationship. Now Daniel is back and sober. Daniel also wants Kelsey back. Can Kelsey work through all the pain he has been put through and trust Daniel again? Or will their last chance at a relationship be lost forever?

I liked Kelsey and Daniel well enough, although I would have appreciated a little more back history on them both. They were involved in a BDSM relationship and they pick back up on that immediately as soon as Daniel reenters Kelsey’s life. Kelsey has just been humiliated in public due to a man he trusted, the trust he had previously place in Daniel had been destroyed due to Daniel’s drinking. So how it is that they pick back up on that part of their relationship immediately given their test issues? I liked the rest of their story well enough but this issues dragged it down to a 3 star rating.

5. Never Goin’ to Let You Go by Embry Carlysle. Rating: 2 stars

Takes place in Chicago in the 1980’s. Friends Drake and Shane come to grips with each other and their sexuality. Drake is gay and unashamedly so. Shane is sure that he is straight to the point of making fun of gays and throwing around gay slurs. Shane is also attracted to Drake which confuses him and makes him act out in a cowardly fashion. Months and months go by and the miscommunications and misplaced emotions pile up. Can Drake and Shane break through Shane’s self imposed barriers to have the relationship they want with each other?

Sigh. I almost didn’t make it through this story. It feels impenetrably long, like slogging through molasses on a cold day. The writing is overly dense, the same issues repeated innumerable times throughout the story until the reader just doesn’t care any longer how the boys resolve their problems to have any sort of relationship. Shane particularly is not a likable or endearing character. I am not sure why the author feels like the reader should connect with him, Instead we are left thinking that Drake should have moved on eons ago. My least favorite story of the group.

6. Save Your Love by Lex Valentine. Rating 2.5 stars

Starts out May 1987 in San Jose, California. On his 18th birthday, Jay Sparks loses his virginity and finds out he is gay at a rock festival. Jay also discovers that Matt Langdon, his friend and first lover is also his forever love. But it will be years and many different paths and lovers for each of them before they will be ready to take the chance on a relationship and a forever love.

I just couldn’t connect with these characters, however much I wanted to. Jay, now a rock star, and Matt, a firefighter, keep meeting, usually on birthdays, having sex and telling each other how much they love each other. They also have to tell each other they just got tested and when was the last time they slept with someone else. Conversations then occur where they deny their many lovers mean anything and that they know this causes each other pain. *head desk* Nothing about their relationship or feelings felt very realistic or believable, When Jay says “I don’t understand how I can be with other guys when loving you feels so right, ” well, by that time I really didn’t care. Far too short to make the reader engaged in such a relationship. My penultimate least favorite story in this anthology.

Book Details:

ebook, 253 pages
Published June 18th 2013 by MLR Press
ISBN 1020130092
edition languageEnglish
seriesMixed T

Review: Welcome, Brother (College Fun and Gays #5) by Erica Pike

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Arts student Kyler Morris has heard all about The Nova Britannia Brotherhood at college. Unlike the other fraternities, The Nova Britannia Brotherhood works for charities and supports the college clubs and athletics that none of the other Greek organizations do, like fencing, the Chess Club ,the Knitting Club and more. But the real reason Kyler applies for membership is that the members of the Nova Britannia Brotherhood are some of the most well connected people in every known industry. Once a member graduates, he is assured of a job in the profession of his choice. But first Kyler has to get accepted and that means passing the inspection of the most idolized and important man in the fraternity, Nova Britannia Brotherhood President Hunter Kingsley.

Once accepted Kyler finds out that Hunter isn’t as intimidating as he thought. In fact, Hunter takes Tyler as his protege and a relationship is formed. But both young men are hiding secrets. Kyler is gay and crushing heavily on Hunter. Hunter too has a hidden agenda, one he has pursued for several years. When all the secrets come out in the open, will Kyler, Hunter and the Nova Britannia Brotherhood survive?

Welcome, Brother is the fifth book in the College Fun and Gays series by Erica Pike and one I enjoyed immensely. I have read most of the books in this series and found them generally to be an uneven lot. But like the stories I liked best, These Walls Have Ears and Grade-A-Sex Deal, these story has memorable characters and a great plot.

The Nova Britannia Brotherhood is unlike the other Greek fraternities in that it is more inclined toward social good and charities than bongs and beer parties or at least that was its origin. There was an interval where a certain faction dismissed it founding mission and guidelines and tarnished its reputation. But under the leadership of Hunter Kingsley, the organization has returned to its illustrious status and moving forward with new goals and membership. Pike gives the reader a neat twist on the typical college fraternity story while still holding on to the elements that draw a reader in. I liked her setting and thought her descriptions really brought the college and Brotherhood alive for us.

Placed in this setting is a trio of likable and endearing characters. Kyler Morris, Hunter Kingsley, and Liu Wong, a trio of vulnerability and intelligence. While the main characters involved in a romance are Kyler and Hunter, Liu adds a lively and ultimately pain filled note to the story. Gay bashing figures strongly in this story as does its impact upon its victim. Pike treats this issue with intelligence and sensitivity, just a great job. Pike has made all three young students not only realistic but worthy of our empathy and affection. Hunter Kingsley especially could have and initially does come off as too good to be true. But there are hidden depths and angst to Hunter that are slowly revealed as the story moves forward. Kyler is adorably young and impressionable. And Liu is a friend anyone would be proud to have. We like them and therefore, care greatly about their future.

If there is to be a quibble, it deals with the ending. It seems to be missing a chapter or two, an epilogue at the very least. For me, it just seems it ends without a clear resolution or additional information. And these are characters that deserve that and so much more. If this story came with a more polished and complete ending, it would have garnered a 5 star rating. But that quibble aside, I loved these characters and this story. I recommend it as a quick and delightful read.

The books in this series can be read as stand alone stories. Books in the College Fun and Gays series are as follows:

Hot Hands (College Fun and Gays, # 1)

Grade-A-Sex Deal (College Fun and Gays, #2)

The Walls Have Ears (College Fun and Gays, #3)

Little Stalker (College Fun and Gays #4)

Welcome, Brother (College Fun and Gays #5)

Cold Hands (College Fun and Gays, #6)

College Fun and Gays: Anthology One

Book Details:

ebook, Second Edition, 35 pages

Published July 12th 2013 by Ice Cave Publishing (first published April 27th 2013)

ISBN13 9789935915443

edition language English

url http://www.ericapike.com/p/college-fun-and-gays-series.html

series: College fun and Gays

Previously published by No Boundaries Press at 29 pages

Review: The Boy Who Came In From The Cold by B.G.Thomas

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Life has not been easy for Todd Burton. He lives in a small town, Buckman, Missouri. His father died when he was young and his mother remarried to an abusive man who makes Todd’s life miserable in every way possible, including calling him a “fag”. All Todd has ever wanted was to be a chef but his dream and small efforts are ridiculed by mother and stepfather alike. One night, the taunts and abuse become too much, and Todd flees his home and town, running away to Kansas City to pursue his dream of being a chef. But the reality of life in Kansas City is a harsh one and soon Todd is left out in the cold, evicted from his apartment with no where to turn.

Gabe Richards, a wealthy businessman, finds Todd outside his apartment building freezing to death. The sight of the young man brings back memories that Gabe thought he had buried. He offers Todd a place to spend the night and food to eat and as the men get to know one another, the night becomes a week, and then more. But the situation is fraught with tension and awkwardness. Todd has always assumed he was straight, so why is he checking out Gabe like he would a girl? Could he actually be gay? And for Gabe, Todd brings up memories of another young man in Gabe’s past, one associated with pain and betrayal.

Gabe and Todd find themselves falling in love despite their pasts. For Todd, being evicted and coming in from the cold might be the best thing that ever happened to him.

I have some very mixed feelings about this story because I really liked parts of it. B.G. Thomas has a lovely writing style and his characters, specifically, Todd Burton and Peter Wagner, a friend and employer of Gabe, are fantastic. Todd is someone we could empathize immediately. Even when he is using offensive words like “fag”, we know its because those words have been thrown at and around him all his life. It’s a knee jerk reaction, especially in someone questioning his true sexuality. I have to admit having to suspend some belief in Todd’s miraculous culinary skills. Given his background, would someone like Todd really know what to do with fennel or taste white pepper in wine? But as I love a cooking element in a story, I can accept his interest and gift in putting flavors together to create something wonderful. Todd’s questioning of his sexuality is another terrific aspect of this story, although his leap into bed with Gabe as well as his embrace of his “gayness” came a little too fast for someone who just found out that they were gay. But again, I can accept that too because Thomas made it seem realistic.

Peter Wagner, vaguely British, kind and over the top is perhaps my favorite character, Think Peter O’Toole in My Favorite Year and you have some approximation of Peter Wagner. I loved him and every scene he appeared in. Thomas must have a real fondness for him too because his descriptions of Wagner and his actions are vivid, almost Technicolor, trying hard to express the heart and vitality of this man. Here is a sample of Peter at his best:

“Yes,” Peter decreed. “Sexily aromatic, like linen sheets after making love on an island in Greece.” Peter took another sip. “It is superb. And now if I might?” Peter lifted a fork as if it were a conductor’s baton, then a knife, cut into the thigh Todd had placed on his plate and sliced it quickly and masterfully. He brought the morsel to his mouth, stopped, inhaled. Then popped it into his mouth.

Todd held his breath.

A corner of Peter’s mouth slowly tipped upward. He opened his eyes. “Heaven,” he whispered.

Todd felt a rush. He had no idea why. He had no idea who this strange man was with his flourishes and declarations, his nimble swagger, and the graceful way he moved his hands and arms and lanky body. Yet, the compliment Peter had given him might have been the best in his entire life.

And we get that because Peter has become so real to us as well that we understand the sentiments involved. Great job, great characters indeed.

Gabe Richards is a little more problematic for me. It is with him and an event and people in his past that I have issues with. Gabe is described as a successful businessman with a painful past that both Peter and Gabe’s friend/assistant are aware of. This past involves a young man who had been sexually abused by his father for years and was living on the streets when Gabe found him. This character and his situation are the dramatic fulcrum upon which Gabe’s past angst pivots. And this is the element that dragged the story down for me.

It’s my opinion that if an author uses rape or sexual abuse as an element in their story, they have a responsibility to treat it as seriously and realistically as the topic deserves. This includes have the adult characters suggest counseling and police action for sexual abuse/rape, especially in underage victims involved in this storyline. The fact that this is fiction does not reduce that responsibility for the author. But when an abused underage young man is instead “adopted” as a son, calls the men who adopted him “Daddy One” and “Daddy Two” and is then looked at as a possible bedmate by both of them, then the subsequent story is undermined for me. That this young man is then also portrayed not as a victim but instigator of a painful event, then that aspect of the story becomes an object of disbelief. For that element to have been realistically portrayed, the author should have gone into the ramifications of parental sexual abuse, including perhaps the need for validation by a father figure and other long term aspects of paternal sexual abuse, especially if untreated. I am aware that this is only a part of Thomas’ story but it is still a small but important one. The author could have left this element out all together and chosen to make this a shallow opportunistic young man. If Thomas had, this would have been an altogether different review. As it is, it reduced the rating almost to a 2.

Outside of the sexual abuse section , this story also contains a case of “instant love”, something I am seeing a lot of these days. Gabe and Todd have one week together, during which time Todd not only comes to grips with his sexuality but also falls in love with Gabe, who very conveniently falls in love back. Sigh. Gabe’s past “homelessness” really isn’t, as he left his apartment for the night. So not the same as Todd. Again, a suspension of belief is called for. The author then wraps up all the loose story lines in a manner that seems a little pat. Again, while I could accept most of them, the resolution of the plot with the young sexually abused man is handled just as badly as was the character’s introduction. He runs off to confront his father by himself. No police involved, no one helping him because “he has to do it by himself”. And the last chance to redeem this plot element is lost.

Why give this story a three rating? I had to ask myself that question too. I did love parts of The Boy Who Came In From The Cold. I loved some of the characters and plot points. The parts that bothered me about the story are, in my opinion, hugely relevant, enough so to drag an otherwise charming story downward. So the writing, and some of the characters saved this story for me enough to give it a 3 star rating. For other readers, maybe they will skim over those sections that bothered me or it won’t be so obvious as to be an issue for them. You can make up your own mind.

Cover art by Aaron Anderson is lovely except (and I can’t believe I am saying this) but the model is a little too old for the character of Todd. Usually it is the other way around. But the graphics and overall feel is lovely.

Book Details:

ebook, 284 pages

Published May 29th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN 162380714X (ISBN13: 9781623807146)

edition language English

url http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3822

Scattered Thoughts July 2013 Book Review Summary

Scattered Thoughts July 2013 Book Review Summary

It was an outstanding month with regard to books I read. So many great books and authors that it made this month a joy to be a reader and reviewer. And even more remarkable is that every one of the 5 star rated books were all part of a great series, whether it was a long established series or a series just getting started. Mary Calmes released her 7th book in her A Matter of Time series,, Missouri Dalton new Guidebook series promises to be an instant classic for young and old, Amy Lane made us weep as she finished up her beloved Promises series, and Kendall McKenna continued to prove she is one of the best military fiction writers I know with her third book in the Recon Diaries series. And that’s just the tip of the books read and reviewed this month. So many great stories, truly something for everyone.

All the reviews are linked. So take a look, see what story you might have missed or new author to add to your must read list. The bar has been set really high for August. Just saying.

July 2013 Book Review Summary
5 Star Rating:
Birds of a Feather (Bellingham Mysteries #5) by Nicole Kimberling (contemporary romance)
Forever Promised (Promises #4) by Amy Lane (contemporary romance)
Necromancy and You (Guidebooks #2) by Missouri Dalton (YA horror supernatural fiction)
Parting Shot (A Matter of Time #7) by Mary Calmes (contemporary romance)
The Final Line (Recon Diaries #3) by Kendall McKenna (contemporary romance)

4 to 4.75 Star Rating:
Attachment Strings (Jeff Woods Mystery #1) by Chris T. Kat (4 stars) (contemporary romance)
Fever Anthology by M. Rode (4 stars) (contemporary romance)
Grime and Punishment (The Brothers Grime #1) by Z.A. Maxfield (4.5 stars)(contemporary romance)
Son of a Gun by A.M. Riley (4 stars) (contemporary romance)
Sweet Young Thang (Theta Alpha Gamma #3) by Anne Tenino (4.25 stars)(contemporary romance)
The Curtis Reincarnation by Zathyn Priest (4.25 stars)(contemporary romance)
Vampirism and You (Guidebooks #1) by Missouri Dalton (4.75 stars) (YA horror supernatural)
Worlds Collide (Sanctuary #7) by R. J. Scott (4.75 stars)(contemporary romance)

3 to 3.75 Star Rating:
Bully For You by Catt Ford (3.75 stars) (contemporary romance)
Love On The East End by Lily Sawyer (3.5 stars)(contemporary romance)
Pick Up Men by L.C. Chase (3.75 stars) (contemporary romance)
Tattoo You by Willa Okati (3.75 stars) (contemporary romance)
The Heir Apparent by Tere Michaels (3.75 stars) (contemporary romance)
Waiting for Ty (Lovers and Friends #2) by Samantha Ann King (3 stars) (contemporary romance)

2 to 2.75 Star Rating:
Changing Planes by Karenna Colcroft (2 stars) (contemporary romance)

1 to 1.75 Star Rating:
Side Line by Ben Ryder (1.5 stars) (contemporary romance)

Review: Necromancy and You (Guidebook #02) by Missouri Dalton

Rating: 5 stars out of 5

Alter (Al) Skelton is just like any other 15 year old who is obsessed with death. He has a purple and black bedroom full of skulls, walls decorated with Day of the Dead posters and a vent where he hides all his copies of Raising the Dead from Cemetery Comics. Shortly after his 15th birthday, Al sends away for a copy of Necromancy and You with a coupon out of the back of his Raising the Dead comic along with the box tops from three boxes of Count Chocula cereal. The book he receives in the mail is so much more than he expected. Instead of a paperback, Al gets a heavy leather bound book addressed to him and immediately his life starts to change dramatically.

From the moment Al starts to read the book, he realizes something is weird. The spells in the book are working for him as a disastrous incident in his science lab demonstrated. Al can raise the dead. Now he’s a boy with a plan and the ability to raise the dead. That plan? To raise his dead father and get his family back together. But so many obstacles block his path. The man his mother is dating is hateful and abusing, too bad he is also Al’s psychiatrist. An evil group called the Coalition operates a school for Necromancers and they will do everything in their power to bring Al into their fold. Suddenly Al’s world is full of ghouls, ghosts, vampires, and talking dead frogs. What’s a young budding necromancer to do when danger is all around him in a world turned more dark and scary than usual?

Missouri Dalton has created an instant classic for older teens and adults alike with Necromancy and You, the second story in the Guidebook series. Never have I been so enthralled by a young 15 year old like Al Skelton. As created by Dalton, Al is a brilliant, depressed social outcast, who lives for his Raising the Dead comics and memories of his old family life. His father died five years before when Al was 10, an event that happened while his dad was away on business so Al never got to say goodbye. Since then, his mother has turned cold and distant, spending all her time either at work or with her new boyfriend, a sadistic man who also happens to be Al’s psychiatrist. With his present life a nightmare, Al would like nothing better than his family back together again, happy and whole, an impossibility considering his dad is dead. If this description starts to conjure up visions of Harry Potter, then yes, there are similarities. But for me, I find Al Skelton far more interesting and quite a bit darker. He is also far more sarcastic and self aware than Harry seemed to be. But I guess that comes with being a Necromancer. albeit a budding one as well as being a bit of a smartmouth.

Dalton’s narrative is so clever, so enthralling and her main character so charismatic and appealing that the reader is pulled in instantly, immediately hooked on Dalton’s world building and Al’s life. Oh the life of a teenager at 15, it’s such a tough one. Hormones are raging, poised between child and adult, the world can be a harsh place, especially if that teenager is just a little different from everyone else. Dalton takes this truism and gives us a darker version. Al doesn’t just think everyone is out to get him, they really are. Lonely, upset and missing his father and the way his family used to be? That should sound familiar to any number of kids these days. And if the normal world is scary place for them, what would happen if you then find out that vampires, ghouls, zombies and ghosts are real and you are not quite human?

Lucky for us, we get to find out as Al goes from normal teen to powerful Necromancer and beyond. This is how it all starts:

When the package arrived, that clear crisp morning on the twenty-third of October, I knew it would be a good day. The package was green, vibrant and shiny, tied with black string. The address label was white with black letters that spelled my name.

Alter Skelton

215 Bridge Lane

Verity, IL 34055

It was a package I’d been waiting for seven weeks and three days. Waiting ever since I mailed in the coupon out of the back of Raising the Dead along with the box tops from three boxes of Count Chocula cereal. The ad had caught my attention immediately, gleaming on the slightly thicker glossy paper of the back cover, in bright green and black and white.

Learn to control the forces of life and death! This book will change your life!

I knew in a heartbeat I would do anything to get my hands on it. So despite my normal tendency toward not eating breakfast, I ate it. I also started to act less strange around my mother to decrease suspicion. And now, on a Saturday morning, I had my book.

I took the parcel immediately to my room. My mother was out shopping, so I had a good couple hours to peruse the book before shoving it behind the vent cover where I kept my issues of Raising the Dead and the pornographic magazine Tommy had foisted on me after his mother started cleaning his room again.

And then later on, once Al is safely in his room:

I cleared the detritus off of my bed, mostly clothes, and unwrapped the parcel.

The book was heavy, and as I tore away the paper, I noticed it was not the paperback copy I’d expected from the photo in the back of the comic. The cover, by the feel, was leather, black. On the very front there was incised decoration: bright green lines indented as a border around a white skull that felt and looked like bone. Over the skull, in silver lettering, was the title.

Necromancy and You!

Underneath the skull was a secondary title. From A to Zombie

There was no author listed. On the interior page was a notation.

A Stone House publication copyright 1344. Do not redistribute. Books sold without covers are considered stripped books; the house nor the author receives payment. Please refrain from purchasing stripped books.

And on the next page.

Welcome, young master! You have chosen to take the first step in a wonderful journey! Herein are the methods, practices, and rules of the way of Necromancy! Please read the entire first chapter thoroughly before proceeding to the Practical Applications to ensure safety!

Well. Safety was important. One wouldn’t want to raise anyone on accident or anything. No need to get the neighborhood riled with corpses walking about. Or skeletons. Or both.

No, secrecy was key here.

The neighbors were too nosy as it was. Then again, so was my mother.

And from the moment Al opens the book and begins to read, his journey (and ours) has started. There is no going back, not that he would want to of course, at least in the beginning. Al has a unique voice, it’s quirky, it self effacing and it definitely belongs to a teenager. It has just that right amount of young perspective and cluelessness while still sounding aware and confident. How I love this boy. Al is also remarkably resilient and he has to be. Because before him are so many unpleasant truths about his world and horrifying events to cope with that the ability to take such things in stride is necessary for his survival.

Along his journey he also meets a cadre of remarkable personalities and creatures, some friend, some foe, and some just well….we just don’t know where they stand. But all of them are exquisitely created. They team with life or unlife (!) as the case may be. Some are personalities that we have met already in Vampirism and You (Guidebook #01), including that m/m couple of foster vampire Duncan and 17 year old Louis. They loom large in Al’s future but more than that I won’t say. You will have to discover the details for yourself. All the characters involved are memorable, some charming, some chilling and several downright evil. But no matter what side they fall on, good or bad, they are all believable and realistic right down to the smallest detail.

Dalton moves her narrative along at a swift and smooth pace and you will want to scamper along with her, wanting to rush to see where the plot is taking Al and you next. But slow down, don’t miss any of the details, even the ones that seem so insignificant. There is so much layering here, of plot twists, relationship dynamics, family dynamics, young love (more on that later), the trials and tribulations of growing up….you name it and Missouri Dalton has incorporated it into her story. But Dalton does so effortlessly, her narrative never feeling jumbled up or dense. Really, this is an outstanding book in a remarkable series.

There are some things that should be noted. Necromancy and You as well as the Guidebook series are categorized as a YA book, a category I do agree with one limitation. I don’t feel it is appropriate for anyone under the age of 15 (Al’s age). While a kiss between the hero and heroine is the sexiest this gets, there are mild suggestive comments for the sexual activities of a few other couples. Nothing explicit, nothing even major, but its there. My limitations pertaining to age is more along the lines of the traumatic events that occur. Al is hurt numerous times and while we are spared the details, it happens and younger children might be upset. People die and there are other potentially violent scenes. They are necessary for the book and work beautifully within the narrative. Most of the violence is “off stage” as it were, but the emotional impact is huge. These events are as beautifully constructed as the rest of the story so yes, you will feel them just as Al does. This is an emotionally moving, heartfelt and heartrending story. It has the power to bring tears to your eyes even as they are rolling down our hero’s face.

In addition to giving us an intrepid young man, Dalton gives us an equally resourceful heroine. This is a minor romance happening within the storyline. Al is straight and there is a slight romance starting here. One that I suspect will grow over the course of the series, along with that of our m/m couple Louis and Duncan. Again, like every other teenage, young love finds a way, no matter your sexual preference. But this series is geared towards suspense and mystery of the supernatural kind. The romances that occur are secondary to the main focus of the series, a battle brewing against good and evil, that eternal conflict with surprising elements to each side. I wanted to order print copies immediately and go running along crowded sidewalks, passing them out and yelling at them to “read this book”!!!!! Teenagers, young adults, old adults, and everyone in between needs to read this book, invest themselves in the series.

As you may have guessed, I enthusiastically recommend this book and this series. I will leave you with a few thoughts from Al himself:

I just couldn’t take normal life seriously.

“Mr. Skelton, are you paying attention?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good, then you can complete the problem on the board.”

Do. Not. Kill.

That should not be anyone’s daily mantra.

While it may not be ours, I love that it is Al’s. Run, fly, do whatever you have to do, but get this book!

Here is the Guidebook stories in the order they were written:

Vampirism and You (Guidebook #01)

Necromancy and You (Guidebook #02)

Book Details:

ebook, 206 pages

Published July 3rd 2013 by Prizm Books

ISBN1610404939 (ISBN13: 9781610404938)

edition languageEnglish

urlhttp://www.torquerebooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=83&products_id=3934

series Guidebook

Review: Love On The East End by Lily Sawyer

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

When restauranteur Gabriel Meyer needs several cases of wine for an event, William Thomas, owner of Rolling Hills Winery comes to his rescue with the necessary vintage and the offer of a date. One magical date later leads to others with Gabriel and William find themselves falling hard for the other. One night, on their way home, the two men come across a young man desperate to end his life. Ben Stewart has been bullied over his sexuality until one incident at school pushed him over the edge. William and Gabriel vow to help Ben and stop the bullying. But as Gabriel and William discover love on the east end of Long Island, a larger threat looms. Hatred and bigotry personified visits the island and targets Ben. Can the men rescue Ben and find the love they have always wanted with each other?

Love on The East End is an interesting romance with a lot of heart but not the same amount of depth. Lily Sawyer has created some lovely men for her story. Both Gabriel Meyer and William Thomas have followed their dreams and chosen careers to Long Island where one has established a restaurant and the other a winery. Both are well educated gay men, content in their lives and missing only love and romance. They meet in a realistic fashion and fall in love. It’s all very sweet, containing little drama or suspense. We know how this is going to end from the moment they meet. They go on walks and romantic getaways but it’s all sort of bland. There is nothing about the descriptions or dialog to bring us intimately into their lives or spice up things and unfortunately, this includes the sex scenes. True, Gabriel has an ex-wife, but she’s lovely and a friend to them both, which I have to admit is refreshing. I liked her.

The only aspect of this story that brings an element of angst is the story of Ben Stewart, a young gay teenager being bullied to the point of suicide. This was my favorite section of this book. Ben is heartbreaking and realistically characterized. I wish Sawyer would have concentrated more on Ben and the men’s relationship to him as friends and mentors. It is also where I found my most frustrations. The bullies hurting Ben are at school but Sawyer brings in an outside threat that takes away focus from the school and Ben’s problems there. Had the focus remained on Ben and the high school situation, so often in the news these days, then this story would have come across as more timely and relevant. As it is, the attack that did occur struck me as less than realistic, considering the time and venue. Still, Ben, Gabriel, William and Ben’s mother’s handling of the situation is well done and satisfying to the reader.

Love On the East End is a short story at 96 pages and a sweet one. It is a quick read and a lovely way to spend the time. I think you all would enjoy it

The cover for this book is gorgeous. Absolutely one of my favorites but my copy of the book did not include the name of the cover artist who definitely deserves recognition for this lovely cover.

Book Details:

96 pages

ASIN

B0052UQ20K

urlhttp://www.amazon.com/Love-East-End-ebook/dp/B00598HVLO/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=books&qid=1309648851&sr=1-4

Review: Attachment Strings (Jeff Woods Mystery #1) by Chris T. Kat

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

A mother (the Mayor’s daughter) receives a letter threatening to kill her disabled child if she hasn’t left town with the child by a specified date. While her husband doesn’t take the note seriously, the mother does and reports it to her father. With the Mayor’s family involved, the police assign Detective Jeff Woods and his partner, Detective Parker Trenkins to the case and their initial findings are unsettling. It’s not only the Mayor’s daughter whose disabled child is threatened but others as well. At the center of the investigation is St. Christopherus School, a private school for disabled children. where a number of accidents involving their children has occurred.

Gay and in the closet, Jeff Woods seeks out one night stands at local gay bars to ease his sexual frustration and stress over the case. At the bar, is a young man, Alex Fisher, who is determined to pick up the attractive detective, no matter how many snubs he receives from Jeff. He succeeds after convincing Jeff he wants a casual hookup only. But their one night stand turns into something neither man was looking for, with a casual sexual encounter turning serious towards the end.

Both men flee back to their private lives in response to their feelings. Jeff to his job and investigation and Alex to his life centered on his disabled brother and the multiple jobs he needs to support them. As Jeff’s investigation spreads out to other students in the school, he encounters Alex and his brother. Their attraction and connection snaps to life when they meet again. It also brings up a prejudice against the disabled that Jeff didn’t know he had. Detective Jeff Woods and his partner must fight their own prejudices and their past to find a hidden killer targeting disabled children before Alex and his brother become the killer’s next victims.

It took me a while to like the main characters and storyline of Attachment Strings. At the beginning, this is a pretty gritty and brutal story. Jeff Woods and his partner, Parker Trenkins, are not easily likable men. Trenkins, who becomes important later on, is a loudmouth, a seeming bigot, definitely not someone you would want as a partner. What a surprise he turns out to be. But it is Jeff Woods character that must overcome several large obstacles before the reader’s affections are engaged. Woods is all about control. He doesn’t appear to have any prejudices, he is gay and in the closet, although not very deeply. Chris T. Kat gives us a complicated man in Jeff Woods because she makes him stubborn, somewhat arrogant, and finally so prejudiced against a section of society especially vulnerable and fragile that his bigoted attitude is just so ugly that it threatens to derail her story. That is one mess of a main character and a huge portion of readers might not make it through the first ten chapters to get to the best portion of this story and the redemption of Jeff Woods.

Yes, I said ten chapters. That is almost one third of the book but it is necessary to outline and set the foundation for this story that I found kind of brave. One remarkable aspect of Attachment Strings is that disabled children are not those portrayed as glowing totally unrealistic little kids, who always smile like cherubs, are easy to care for and put up little to no fuss. No, Chris T. Kat gives us realistic portraits of children who drool, flail, gibber and hoot. Kids that others, including some adults, look askance at even as the kids are strapped into chairs, with helmeted heads and uncontrollable limbs. The children that no one really wants to look at but would never admit to that fact. This is our and Jeff’s first introduction to Sean, Alex’s brother:

A shrill, piercing whistle startled both Parker and me. Alex appeared to be the only one unperturbed. He smiled at the child in his arms and asked, “You wanna stand and say hello?”

Another piercing whistle answered. This time Parker and I merely winced. We exchanged a worried glance when Alex shifted the weight of his bundle until the child stood on his feet.

“Should he, uh, even try to stand?” Parker asked cautiously.

“I’m holding him and he loves to stand and walk.” Alex wound his arms around the child’s torso and together, they maneuvered him around until he faced us.

The boy’s movements were spastic and I hastily took a step backward, barely evading getting hit by his flailing limbs. The boy was as blond as Alex, but he bore not even a trace of Alex’s beauty. The skin on his face was stretched taut and saliva trickled from the corner of his mouth in a steady stream. The bandana he wore functioned probably as some kind of bib; it just looked more stylish. I wrinkled my nose. The sight of this kid was not pretty. Most definitely not.

And the descriptions of life with Sean get more graphic as Alex feeds Sean while answering Jeff’s questions. Jeff’s reaction to Sean surprises both himself and his partner. It’s ugly and perhaps even pretty common. This is also where the story really grabs onto the reader’s attention and heart. We watch not only as Jeff comes to grips with his feelings and prejudices but also watch the love and care that Alex feels for and gives to his brother. In fact, this story is full of parents, and teachers who are fervent in their love and support of these special children. We are pulled into that love and intimacy along with Jeff. And that makes the killer all the more heinous.

Jeff’s partner, Parker Trenkins, is another quirky character. It is hinted that he is in a D/s relationship towards the end, and his character undergoes several transformations in this story, all terrific and believable. I loved him, he is a surprise in every way. I can see that more of his character will be revealed as the series continues and I can’t wait to see the true Parker that emerges.

Along side the relationship drama playing out, we have a murderer on the loose and a case with very few clues as to who the killer is. The threatening notes are scary and nauseating in content, with a brutal view towards these children as burdens on their parents and society. This is an absorbing case and my only quibble with it is that I wish it had played out a little more in depth towards the end. As it is, it is still a chiller of a mystery. And the closer the killer gets to Alex and Sean, the faster your heart will beat that Jeff and his partner will get there to save them in time.

I think my only quibbles here with this story and the author is that I wish she had truncated the section of the story where Jeff’s initial feelings of disgust are displayed from ten chapters into perhaps even five. By shortening this portion of the story, she would have been able to engage the reader sooner and been able to concentrate on the investigation in greater detail. As it stands, I am sure that a fair number of readers won’t make through to the heart of the story, and that would be a shame indeed. For this is where it starts to turn:

THE fork crashed down hard on the plate. So hard in fact that a delicate fracture line became visible. Alex’s furious face softened as he turned around to his brother. The boy mewled pitifully and tears rolled down his cheeks. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, baby. I didn’t mean… they don’t… oh please, hush now. No one is disgusted by you.” Sean started to cry in earnest. Parker and I exchanged an embarrassed and very helpless look. We watched uneasily as Alex heaved Sean out of his wheelchair and placed him on his lap. He rocked back and forth lightly, all the while murmuring soft, soothing words into Sean’s ear.

It took Sean a long time to calm down. Alex asked me to hand him a paper towel and used it to clean up Sean’s face. My gut knotted in sympathy when Sean’s face emerged from his hiding place against Alex’s chest. It was blotchy and his eyes were red-rimmed and swollen. Suddenly, he simply looked like a lost and hurt little boy. There was no place for any kind of disgust in my heart, only guilt and shame.

Trust me, this is a story you will want to read. Hang in there and be rewarded with an unusual detective and his partner who we will be seeing more of. Attachment Strings is the first in the Jeff Woods Mystery series and I can’t wait for another installment.

Cover art by Catt Ford is terrific and pertinent to the story. Great job.

Book Details:

ebook, 244 pages

Published June 17th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

ISBN 1623808634 (ISBN13: 9781623808631)

edition language English

url http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3951

series Jeff Woods Mystery #1

characters Jeff Wood

Review: Sweet Young Thang (Theta Alpha Gamma #3) by Anne Tenino

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

Collin Montes was instrumental in getting his fraternity, Theta Alpha Gamma, to change their bylaws and accept gay and bisexual college men into TAG. Several of the brothers were already out about their sexuality, most notably Brad, so this just instilled in their bylaws the acceptance acknowledged in their close knit fraternity. But there is even another reason this change means so much to Collin and that is the fact that Collin is also gay. Collin has kept that fact hidden from most of his fraternity and his family. And that includes his Uncle Monty who raised him after his father died when Collin was 5. Uncle Monty is also the president of the TAG Alumni Association and an influential and powerful man in his own right. Uncle Monty is also a homophobe. The TAG Alumni Association contributes a heavy sum to the running of TAG and neither Uncle Monty or the rest of the board are happy with the inclusion of Gays and Bisexuals in the fraternity.

When first a water heater is rigged to launch through the ceiling, setting off a fire at the TAG house which injures one of the brothers, and then a bomb is found, Collin is sure that these are repercussions due to the changes in bylaws at TAG. One of the paramedics/firemen to arrive at the house the day of the fire is college and TAG Alumn Eric “Dix” Dixon. Eric sees Collin helping out his injured frat brother and the attraction between the men is instantaneous.

Older by ten years and with touches of grey in his hair, Eric is openly gay at work. Eric has always dreamed of someone to make a home and family with but that person hasn’t appeared until now. Collin, with his sexy eyes and gorgeous body, just may be the one Eric has been waiting for. But there are many obstacles between their happiness and future together, from Collin’s closeted status and homophobic uncle to the person responsible for the arson and bombing of the TAG House. As Eric and Collin fall in love, the threat to Collin and the fraternity grows greater. Can Eric protect the man he has come to love or will homophobic hatred ruin their chance for a future together?

This is the third book in the Theta Alpha Gamma series by Anne Tenino and I loved it. It has all the distinctive features of the others in the series. It’s funny, it has terrific characters, and of course, it’s over the top sexy! But this story has something more. It has a mystery as well. Who is behind the arson and bombs at the fraternity? A mystery is a terrific new aspect to this already wonderful series. But let’s take a closer look at this series most common features.

Each book has focused on a member of the Theta Alpha Gamma or TAG fraternity at Calapooya University in Oregon. First it was Brad, then Paul, and now it’s Collin’s turn. Each young man is not only a member of TAG but gay as well, although each has arrived at that self knowledge in differing ways. The wonderful thing about this series is that the characters and couple you have fallen in love with in the previous books are back, included in this story. That holds especially true for Brad and Sebastian from Frat B0y and Toppy (Theta Alpha Gamma #1). They are still working on their relationship and Collin plays an important part in helping them work through a few issues of their own. But the story here belongs to Collin and Eric, as well as the rest of the fraternity brothers.

This is the first time we have really seen the men of TAG interact with each other on a deeper scale. Tenino brings us into the frat house dynamics and the close knit brotherhood of the Theta Alpha Gamma fraternity. Once more we get to watch Tank, Ricky, Toby, Kyle, Jules and the rest support each other, no matter the problem. I have to admit the frat house scenes that involved all the frat brothers had me giggling uncontrollably. Whether they were being roused to action by the threat to their kegerator or watching Project Runway, these are the scenes that really brought their fraternity to goofy life. It’s hysterically funny and yet heartwarming at the same time. Is it a realistic depiction of life at a fraternity? Don’t know and quite frankly don’t care. In Tenino’s more than capable hands, these quirky, crazy group of guys are alive and kicking and making us laugh over and over again. I just loved them.

Collin and Eric are so interesting in their own right. Collin’s father died when he was young and although his mother is alive, his Uncle had a large part in raising him. Collin is an intelligent young man who knows he is gay but fears losing the love of his Uncle by telling him who Collin really is. Uncle Monty is homophobic and controlling, and that has defined Collin’s upbringing until now. It is a joy watching Collin change as the events unfold and his relationship with Eric grows more substantial. Eric is also an interesting character with a sexy, hidden side to him. Trust me when I say that a photography session is one of the sexy highlights of this story. I enjoyed their relationship and the journey towards love for them both. I liked that Anne Tenino took into consideration their age difference when writing the relationship. Neither man is at quite the same stage as the other which is an honest aspect to this story. I appreciated it much more than if we had gotten a case of “instant love”.

I did have a few quibbles with the story. The person behind the attacks on the frat house is easily spotted although the motive remains hidden until the end. I really didn’t have a problem with that aspect of the mystery because it plays out so nicely in the story. There is an event at the end I wasn’t expecting and that was a nice touch too. I did wish that Collin’s relationship with his Uncle had a better resolution (and his Uncle’s Alumni Association’s aspect too). Both his Uncle and the Alumi Association had figured greatly in the story, and that was not really dealt with at the end.

A new young gay character was introduced here. Tank’s younger brother has transfered into the college and been accepted into TAG. I see his story coming next. I can’t wait. I love these guys and their crazy mixed up fraternity. They have heart to go along with their beer parties. They are funny, engaging, and I always enjoy my time with them. I highly recommend this book and this series. Grab them all up, starting with the first one if you are new to the series and this marvelous band of brothers.

Here are the books in the order they were written and should be read to understand the characters and their relationships:

Frat Boy and Toppy (Theta Alpha Gamma, #1)

Love, Hypothetically (Theta Alpha Gamma, #2)

Sweet Young Thang (Theta Alpha Gamma, #3)

Book Details:

ebook

Published July 22nd 2013 by Riptide Publishing

ISBN139781626490321

edition languageEnglish

seriesTheta Alpha Gamma #3

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