Brothers of the Wild North Sea

by Harper Fox

CCC


Fen, a magnificent warrior takes part in the annual marauding, but is more than surprised to find his match in a squalid monastery on the very fringes.

Cai, heir to a warlord and recently converted is more than ready to take arms when trouble visits their rocky shore. He is a charming mix of earthly and ethereal. His frank acceptance of his body's desires is amusing if blasphemous to some. A young man will face temptations, but God is forgiving.

Once again, I am enthralled by Fox's lyricism.  The structure of the sentences create a cadence that lures me in, some may find it overdone, verbose or prosey--I find solace in it. Her words weave worlds that are so crisp and clear that they're palpable. I can smell the gorse and the yarrow. I certainly can feel the sand and sharp wind on my face. And I can step inside the world and see Fen and Cai and all the brothers of Fara. Beyond that, the discourse on theology and that fractious time of change as new peoples claim a land while wrapped in seventh century Britain is relevant in the world today.

Favorite quotes:

“I’ll hurt you.”  

“I want that, this once. Carve your shape into me. So I won’t ever forget.” 

It was for her sake, for the sake of every creature different, unknown, unable or unwilling to conform to the law of the church or any authority, that Cai would teach his villagers.

Cameron's Pride

by Kim Dare

CCC


Trading places.

Cameron is use to taking care of things for himself, ever since he went rogue a couple years back. In this case, taking care means he's not the one taken care of or even cared for. Franklin's more than willing to care for him and pay whatever it takes. A man use to taking charge he's about to find out the two things he's always counted on won't work with Cameron.

Both protagonists have issues to deal with and as it turns out, guilt is an equally opportunity albatross to carry. Unfortunately, I never got either man's guilt completely. I understood it, but I didn't feel it and it didn't seem to click. The issue felt forced in places. I felt Franklin's submission was much more successfully illustrated and it was only marred by the guilt.

Usually, I want to throttle Arslan's meddlesome ways, but here--spot on. His intervention and the ensuing pride meeting was <i>purrfect</i>--I had to do it at least once. A nice conclusion to the series as Keifer's work is finally completed.

Favorite quote:

"Damn, but he actually made the whole ‘stunning while psychotically angry’ bull that people spouted make sense."

Half Moon Chambers

by Harper Fox

CCCCC

Exquisite atmosphere and sense of place wrought from lyrical prose.

All authors have their strengths, but Fox's ability to wrap the reader within the folds of the setting to make the the prosaic and extraordinary shine equally bright is a gift. I was once again drawn in a laid down gently as this story of binaries played out before me, safe in a cocoon as I watched it unravel.

Vincent, he works hard and plays harder until that moment when failure occurs--he's left broken. How does one move forward when everything you've come to know and expect is taken away. He finds succor in an unlikely place, mercy where he never would have thought and himself when he thought all was lost. 

The balance between hope and hopelessness flips back and forth. The sides of strength and weakness exploited. The connection between loathing and compassion followed. All in this desolate post-industrial hell that no matter how much you want to hate you can't because even beneath all the grime and ugliness are glimpses of forgotten beauty. They peek out to you and it is all due to the language. Luscious and entrancing. 

In the end, beneath all the seductive whispering of the words is a message of hope and love. Gorgeous.

Favorite quote (perhaps):

"He wasn't unleashed—he was the most trapped thing on earth, just like Phil, just like anyone who got into the barbed-wire thickets of uncontrolled human desire."

VGL Male Seeks Same

by Rick R. Reed

CCCC

Sweet and adorable.

Honestly, it's the kind of story you want to read with a giant glass of milk and plate full of warm chocolate chip cookies--gooey and delicious.

What do you do when you've reached a certain age and you realize all the advertised avenues for meeting prospective mates aren't working. Do you curl into your shell and wait to die or try. Try something new or stupid OR BOTH.

Ethan manages to find his unicorn, but has he oversold his own goods?

Recommended for hardcore romantics. 

Favorite quote:

"Where once he wondered where all the gay men were, he now wondered where all the decent ones were, the ones who weren't either so low on self-esteem they needed a booty bump of confidence or so sexually promiscuous, horny, and indiscriminate that they truly were no different from a cocker spaniel in heat."

College Boys

by Daisy Harris

CCC

Hot, sexy mess coming of age story.

Two guys. One knows exactly who he is and the other is just discovering things. A couple of late night solo sessions, no wall insulation, and a front row seat to your neighbor's orgasms means that Chris and Peter are becoming very well acquainted and yet, not. 

Having been the guy stuffed in lockers, Peter has no great interest or love for jocks, but a certain part of him stands up and takes notice whenever he's around. Letting go of high school grudges, he accepts Chris's offer of friendship. But...yearning for the straight guy isn't going to help with the frustration.

The story starts with a low simmer and by the end is sizzling hot. While there is some drama surrounding Peter and Chris, there are no great impediments for them to overcome. Overall, a sweet, smutty read with low angst. 

Tequila Truth

by Mari Carr

CCC

Yum...YUM. Seriously, this just falls under every girl's must-have: two best friends and you all fall in hot sex and love. Delish combos served fresh and hot. Nothing surprising here, just good fun menage. 

Favorite quote:

Well, that’s certainly the worst proposal I’ve ever heard. I’m embarrassed my name was even linked to it.”