JustKissTheGuy

A Mixed Bag

Revisado: 08-12-18

The blurb describing Breaking Out tells us that Olympic hopeful swimmer Mike develops feelings for Hank, a shy and very awkward new team member. Meanwhile, his best friend since childhood decides she wants to have a baby and would like him to be the father. But there is so much more to this book that the description almost seems misleading in its simplicity. Whether that helps or hinders readers’ interest remains to be seen.

Author Angharad Jones’ biography mentions a history with British soap operas, which would definitely help explain the complex twists and turns in Breaking Out. Those expecting a simple MM romance, or perhaps any MM romance, will most likely be disappointed.

Lead character Mike, in his early 20s, is being pressured by Paul, his 50ish benefactor and sugar daddy, who he’s known since he was seven, to marry him. Enter Hank, the fresh-faced new guy on the college swim team, who is not only awkward but sometimes cringingly so. We later find out why, and not only does it help explain Hank’s behavior, but it actually makes this book somewhat groundbreaking. Working hard not to include spoilers.

Enter Mike’s best friend, a “is she or isn’t she” lesbian, who wants a baby from Mike. As it so happens in this world, gay men and maybe-lesbians have sex with each other often, and, well, readers and soap lovers will have already guessed the outcome. Meanwhile, side story with Hank veers off in a completely different and unexpected direction. Add to the mix Mike’s mother, who is in the last stages of cancer, and a last chapter that comes out of left field, Breaking Out may leave readers saying either “WTF” or “Then what happened?”

Breaking Out is almost reminiscent of early Jackie Collins. Like Collins, there is also a good deal of sex in this book—as much MF as MM. The characters can come off as shallow and manipulative, which may not sit well with modern MM romance enthusiasts . But by the end of the tale, and when Mike finally realizes his character’s motivation, it makes the journey worthwhile.

Alex Alvarez’s narration is one of the highlights of this audiobook. He adds distinctive voices for each character without going over the top. His smokey vocals make one sit up and take notice.

***I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.***

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Well Done, Fun Summer Read

Revisado: 08-08-18

This is Book 3 in the Bound & Controlled series by Shaw Montgomery, which centers around four brothers who all fall onto the BDSM lifestyle spectrum and their romantic and erotic relationships with their prospective love interests. Each book in the series follows a different brother and has recurring characters. While they are self-contained stories for the most part, reading the books in order is recommended.

In each book Montgomery explores a different aspect of sexuality and how it plays into the relationships of her carefully constructed characters. Most BDSM-focused books center around a formulaic Sub/Dom relationship and explore mostly the leather or more more “masculine” tropes. However, in this installment, Grant pursues Carter, who is gender nonconforming, particularly in his style of dress.

While Grant is—for the most part—the leading man in this story, as he is one of the brothers in the family this series focuses on, the star of their tale is Carter. Read with a soft but sassy Southern accent by narrator Kenneth Obi, who has voiced all the books in this series, Carter is by far the most well thought out and enjoyable character in this installment.

Having all but given up on the idea of having a romantic relationship due to past rejection from his gender-fluid style, Carter is, at first, reluctant to open himself up to the idea that a sexy, butch muscular man would be interested in him. Add to the mix not having past experience with BDSM, and it takes a bit of pushing to get Carter to relax and open up fully to Grant—a naughty knight in shining armor. But once the two connect, it’s fireworks, sex toys, and lacy panties!

This book is a welcome reminder about not closing oneself off to love from unexpected places, and finding the beauty in all gender expressions.

***I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.***

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Blood, Sex, and Forbidden Love

Revisado: 04-01-18

Blood, sex, and forbidden love are the trifecta of most good paranormal romance stories, which is one of most popular themes within the M/M genre. Blood Dreams, originally published as a ten-part serial, has an abundance of all three elements in its almost four hours.

The story, told in first person, is about a halfling named Peter whose memories fade as time goes on and only come back to him in his dreams. He is the companion, lover, pet and often conscience of Hector, an ancient creature known as one of the Pedigree. Relocating every decade or so in order to keep from being exposed, the two have come to London to start fresh, drink copious amounts of wine, and discreetly feed on some locals.

While Hector is away on business, Peter goes shopping for wine and meets Ian, the amazingly sexy ginger hunk who owns the wine store. Ian falls instantly for Peter, or Peter’s glamour, or most likely a combination of both. As their insta-love/intsa-lust grows from a campfire to an inferno, the question becomes if Peter can keep it a secret from a possessive and often cruel Hector.

There is plenty of heat throughout. The sex is balls to the wall (pun intended), descriptive and fun. Often stories with a romantic storyline downplay the erotic elements with an overuse of flowery imagery or euphemisms to make it more palatable to the casual reader. But French tells it like it is, and it is hot! Be warned, some of it does come with a bit of gore, but most good paranormal erotica does.

Narrator Adam Riley is a perfect fit for Blood Dreams. He perfectly captures the conflicting sides of Peter–both innocent dreamer and tortured predator–in his reading. His voice also brings an added zing to the erotic moments, making them twice as fun to listen to.

Though the blurb of the book makes reference to vampires, the story itself never truly explains what a halfling is, other than a human “turned” by a Pedigree. The overall description of the Pedigree seems to be a cross between a more attractive version of Nosferatu with elements of the modern werewolf and a smidgen of Highlander. Unlike most paranormal world builders who go into meticulous historical and cultural descriptions, random tidbits of lore to advance the plot is all there is. It in no way takes away from the story, which is strong enough on its own not to need the added exposition. Plus it leaves plenty of room for exploration in a sequel–or three.

***I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.***

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Outstanding Sequel

Revisado: 03-29-18

This is book 2 in the Bound & Controlled series by Shaw Montgomery, which centers around four brothers who all fall into the BDSM lifestyle spectrum. For those faint of heart, or extra kinky, take note that there is no intra-family naughtiness. Each book in the series follows a different brother and has recurring side characters. While they are self-contained stories for the most part, reading the books in order is recommended.

As often as we are told not to place things such as sexuality, gender and body type into neatly stereotyped packages, when picturing a dom/sub duo, the image of a large, muscular, cigar-smoking leather daddy towering over his smaller, weaker partner may be what immediately springs to mind.

Brent is a tall, muscular sub who looks more like a dom, and his love interest, and best friend, Calen is a dom who doesn’t fall easily into that role’s mold, either. The twist is a bit of a surprise and a great reminder not to take everything at face value, so there are no spoilers here.

The romance angle revolves mostly around the question of whether Brent and Calen can overcome the awkwardness of being longtime best friends who have suddenly come to see one another in a different light. Kenneth Obi returns as the narrator and again does an excellent, and often arousing, job. With a couple whom readers will be rooting for and even more steamy erotic moments than in the first book, Brent is an excellent sequel to Garrett .

***I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.***

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Worth the purchase for so many reasons.

Revisado: 03-24-18

HBO’s Emmy-winning Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has crafted the tale of Marlon Bundo, a lonely bunny who wants to marry another boy bunny, only to be told “no” by an evil old stink bug. The tale is a take-off of a newly released children’s book about a day in the life of Vice President Mike Pence’s rabbit, who shares the same name.

Not since Heather Has Two Mommies has an LGBT-focused children’s book caused so much ruckus. The book, for all intents and purposes, is a dig at Pence’s over-the-top attacks on the LGBT community. So purchasing the book is, in essence, a way to send a message, or for some a big middle finger, to those who oppose LGBT civil rights. An additional incentive is that the funds raised will be donated to The Trevor Project and AIDS United.

Borne out of political satire, one might believe this book is really meant for adults and contains tongue-in-cheek writing. While adults may indeed get a giggle out of it, the story actually is a well-written, charming children’s tale exploring a message of tolerance and love.

The audiobook is performed by an all-star cast that includes Jim Parsons, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jeff Garlin, Ellie Kemper, John Lithgow, Jack McBrayer, and RuPaul. Easy to follow, a great tale to entertain the kids, and a heartwarming story for the young at heart. A definite must-read.

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Perfection

Revisado: 03-01-18

Being pushed for months to listen to Ready Player One, fed the hype of the book since it was first released by numerous friends, I purchased this audio book, but let it sit for some time. I even loaned it to my mother to listen--and she LOVED it. So I finally dived in head first and found myself a new book for my all time top ten. As a child of 1980s culture this was a nostalgic trip for me, not to mention an excellent adventure. Wil Wheaton narrating only adds to the awesomeness. I promise you, it's not hype--it really is that good! If you're into gaming, if you are an 80s lover, or even just want a fun ride--get this book NOW!

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Excellent Debut

Revisado: 03-01-18

Baron Frosti makes his printing and audio book debut by pulling together a series of short, compelling writings. Taken into the author's abstract mind, these short pieces may, at first, seem disconnected, but by the end listeners will be left wanting more. Shawn Connelly was a perfect choice to narrate.

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