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I don't think we're in Kansas anymore.So... this is very Southern. My previous exposures to southern writers did not prepare me for this. Maybe my reading is lacking. Took me a few moments to get into the groove and frankly, I think I was sitting through more than a few of the scenes shaking my head right along with Jackson going, "How do I get off the crazy train?"Wiley is a loud narrator who does not make nice even if his momma wished we would. He's brash and honest and puts things out there, warts and all. Might be a bit more honesty than I'm use to. Anyway, you can see he didn't fall far from the tree when his Papaw opens his mouth and witness the gems that come out. Rude and offensive pretty much describe every conversation which Papaw takes part in. Inevitably, he manages to become less obnoxious and more endearing, but I think that's after you figure out he's making fun of you for playing along. Let's just say that as far as attention getting maneuvers go, Papaw is hard to ignore.
“We don’t hide crazy,” I said. “We put it on the porch and let it entertain the neighbors.”
Wiley's situation isn't unique and isn't easy. Sole parent to a special needs child living under the poverty level and doing the best he can. Rough barely begins to describe it. But, one look at Noah and you can't help but smile. Noah is one of those rare determined and joy-grabbing people. He's both in his own world and radically interacting with others. He won't be ignored. I fell more than a little in love with him. The hard part was watching how those who should really have a vested interest in Noah, didn't. Then there are those who see Wiley and Noah and understand and know: Jackson, Father Ginderbach, Tonya, and Mrs. Humphries. And those who need to be dragged to common sense--it's a distinguished list and longer than it should be. But the journey to make a family in the unforgiving territory surrounding Wiley was a good one. The author's note about the story was spot on: This is the story of one man's love for his child. It is beautiful. Overall, big, bold and in your face.Favorite quote:
For the first time, there was acceptance and, oddly enough, disinterest, as though I had finally reached a point in my life where my peculiarities were so commonplace as to be no longer worth noticing.
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Another beautiful loving submission with a Sleeping Beauty/Cinderfella mashup. A lot of intense focus on fixing broken Liam so that he can let go of the visceral reaction he has to dominance when all of his previous exposures before Marcus were abusive. Liked the story, but wished there was more meat to the plot. This is a character driven story which begins to feel like getting lost in a the swirl of the gentle cycle on washing machine.
CCC
Conflicted reader ALERT.To not like this is like kicking puppies. Nothing upsetting or offensive at all, and that's the problem. Conflict is hinted at and then voila! Disappears. All problems swept under the rug or fast-forwarded past. Time is kept via Jason and Abe boink sessions. Overall, totally enjoyable, but don't look for anything toothy.
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Nothing is inviolate in a world at war.Tam is the beautiful, charming and obedient slave. He was given a task and he fulfilled, now he has to live with his choice. Even when strained, he never regrets his decision. Kai is the captured warrior who's presence ignites the crowd's desire to break him by the whatever means necessary--and with great pleasure. His auction price escalates quickly. His journey is to find a place within Master's house. Master is the philosopher king example. One that proves that the system can work, whereas in reality it is flawed with no safety measures. A leader who puts the wellbeing of those who are under his care first. Very Romantic viewpoint espoused with the lushness and the ending that seems straight out of a Delacroix painting. And what an ending. It will certainly leave a few readers wondering and a few more disgruntled, but honestly, it fits with the situation and the theme. A weird quirk or two regarding the time period which seemed nineteenth century, but then having references to military fatigues instead of uniforms and explosives which while developed in the mid-nineteenth century weren't used in the manner depicted until later. 3.5 Stars Favorite quote:
I smiled gently. “Yes, you. You’re the only thing I ever chose for myself.”
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Solid read, just not my favorite cup of tea. I did enjoy it. There are a lot of similarities in the characterizations between this story and Gala's Claimings, Tails, and Other Alien Artifacts. So if you loved that story like I did, then this will be a pleasure read. In fact, the parallels between Liam and Dallin and Ondry and William when stripped down share more than a passing resemblance. There are differences, but their temperaments and the dynamics are spot on.
It was the fact that William’s reaction to a fight was to pull him even closer, like he valued Dallin enough to keep him.
Unlike Gala's Claiming series, the heat meter is turned up--to Scorch. Some really lovely play that was both erotic and sigh worthy--nicely done and YUMMY!So did I rate this lower because I'm familiar with Gala's scifi works and miss the added elements--probably. I really like science fiction for the freedom it allows to express radically different viewpoints to traditional contemporary ones without the didacticism. Again, my personal bias, I do not enjoy stories that have MCs with extended crises related to religion. I actually have no opinion on what any one does or doesn't believe as long as they don't try to shove it down my throat. Thus, the legitimate and completely understandable family situation surrounding Dallin did not appeal to me. AND... the fire and brimstone proselytizing by his parents raised my hackles. Third bias, I really don't like rent boy stories. Weird because I read all sorts of stories that deal with romanticizing objectification and dehumanization, but by placing them in non-contemporary settings I have this psychological separation that allows me to concentrate on the underlying theme. Finally, I liked the end, but it felt a bit rushed. Or maybe, I just wanted to see how the threads got untangled. Loved, the realistic treatment at the conclusion. Overall, a sexy D/s Cinferfella tale with some religious baggage. Favorite quote:
Yeah, part of him had known it was a stupid dream, but he’d liked that dream.
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Smorgasbord of tidbits.Gotta a little bit of nighttime soap opera goings-on, flair, and kinda touching, too. Not that kind, you pervert. Though, Al would definitely approve and Duke would have no problem getting on board with it either. So at first I was a bit hesitant to to just let go and take the ride, but when I did, it was playful and sweet. Al has a boldness and vulnerability to him that is charming and Duke, well... he's just solid as a rock. Nice job on characters that could have been stiff and stereotypes. Each one at first glance appears cardboard, yet managed to come alive. That combined with the pace made it an easy, smooth read. Overall, enjoyable with some laughs and some ahhhs. 3.5 starsFavorite quote:
Tempt not a desperate man.
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Great outdoorsy read with steam, intolerance, and self acceptance.Joe is a solid, upright citizen. A man who contributes to his community and serves it because that is what he believes is right. He's well respected until it all hits the fan. There's something wrong with him--at least, that's what a portion of his neighbors think. Cue intolerance and homophobia. The temptation? Kabe. An ex-con that's settled into the area. When circumstances bring them together they have a hard time separating again. There's a lot more to this story than just a biracial, religious romance. There's some great climbing and hiking, and while I don't do the first, this story definitely made me want to do the second--now. Nature lovers take note, a good portion of the story revolves around the open spaces and it has a certain reverence to it. There is a strong emphasis on rock climbing in particular. Growing up in an extremely diverse area I find that multicultural stories often have a weird fetish to them or stereotyping that doesn't sit well with me, but here it wasn't an issue at all. Yes, there are instances of skin admiration, but it focused more on tonal hues in the sunlight and difference after a solid spanking--Yum. Gorgeous play that noted the inherent difference, but didn't feel skeevy.The part that was a bit more uncomfortable for me was the LDS component and Joe's struggle with finding a balance between his beliefs, his orientation, and his church. Honestly, this underlined why I have issues with organized religion. Having a family member who converted during college, I can say that I understood and thought the portrayal of Mormon beliefs and behaviors were in line with what I've observed: missionaries, food stockpiles, tithing, caffeine/alcohol restrictions, and baptisms for the deceased. I have no knowledge of undergarments and Temple activities.Overall, one man's struggle for acceptance in the wild open spaces of the West. 3.5 Stars More than three, but not quite a four. Favorite quote:
"God may love me, but you don't."
