Ann Somerville: Going Down

Going Down by Ann Somerville
From: LuLu

From my review at The Good, The Bad and The Unread

Ann Somerville obviously loves this world she has created here in Going Down. Read more

Tags: Ann Somerville, Gay, Grade C, LuLu, Sci-fi Romance

What I Am Reading ~ Ann Somerville: Going Down

Going Down Read more

Tags: Ann Somerville, Gay, LuLu, Sci-fi Romance

Dara Joy: Death By Ploot Ploot

Death By Ploot Ploot by Dara Joy

First about the cover… Ugh-Gah-Lee! Read more

Tags: Dara Joy, Grade F, Sci-fi Romance, Straight

Blade Runner: Time To Die Scene

When I got the 5 DVD Blu-Ray version of Blade Runner I had no idea that a re-edit could so improve upon an existing classic. Read more

Tags: Movies, Sci-fi Romance

A Regelence Christmas by J. L. Langley

Merry Christmas everyone! J. L. Langley let me post this Christmas Present to her readers. If you enjoyed My Fair Captain you should appreciate this glimpse into the life of Steven and Raleigh. You must be 18 years or over etc etc etc… Enjoy!

He shut the door, cutting off a loud wail, and debated with himself for the hundredth time in the last hour. The Christmas presents weren’t going to buy themselves, yet he couldn’t quite make his hand ungrip the doorknob. I’m a coward. The manly thing to do would be to ignore the possibility of utter destruction inside and go— he winced at a particularly loud crash sounding from behind the door.

“Raleigh!” Steven stuck his head out of the lift, nearly knocking off his top hat. “Let’s go. They’ll be fine.”

“They are going to destroy the entire castle.” And possibly one another. Why had he wanted more than two? Oh yes, he’d wanted Rexley and Payton to have more playmates. Galaxy, had he called that one wrong. Instead he’d given Rexley more self-inflicted responsibility and Payton more partners in crime. Raleigh huddled deeper into his great coat wondering if he should go back in for a scarf.

“Then let them. We’ll have another one built. Let’s go.” The last word was slightly whiny, then Steven disappeared back inside the lift.

Raleigh let go of the doorknob and prayed to whatever deity would listen. “Please just don’t let the kill each other.” Pains in the arses they may be, but he was rather attached to them.

A muffled feminine screech rent the air, followed by Rexley’s exasperated admonishment of “Muffin…”

“And don’t let them drive poor Rexley insane.” As Raleigh started down the steps toward the lift, the front door flew open behind him.

“Have fun shopping, Cony.” Tarren ran past, right down the front steps and into the snow, with no coat, no less.

Raleigh opened his mouth to hail his youngest but was jostled out of the way.

“Oh! I say, sorry, Cony.” Colton stopped, steading Raleigh with a hand on his shoulder. He was nearly as tall as Raleigh now. “Thought you and Father had already left.”

What are you—”

“Got to go Cony, have fun shopping.” Colton bolted down the steps out into the snow, also without a coat, after his younger brother. “You are a dead man, Tarren.”

Steven stuck his head out of the lift again, this time he did knock his hat off. He looked to the left towards the boys, now wrestling in the snow, and shook his head. He chuckled turning his gaze back to Raleigh. “They’ll be fine. Rexley, Christy and Thomas can handle it until Nate and Aiden arrive.”

“But—”

“Pick up my hat, will you?” Steven’s dark head disappeared out of view once more.

Raleigh groaned and stooped down to grab his spouse’s hat. He climbed into the lift and handed it to Steven as he sat down next to him.

“Close lift door and continue to our destination.” Steven said to the lift computer, before patting Raleigh’s thigh. Grabbing him by the chin Steven pulled him close and kissed his frown.

Raleigh tried to relax but—

Steven let out a long suffering sigh. “And send a message to Jeffers to make certain someone brings Tarren and Colton in out of the cold before they get frostbite.”

“Yes, your Majesty.” The lift door closed and it began moving…in the wrong direction.

Steven slid closer, his leg nestling up against Raleigh’s as he tossed his top hat on the bench opposite them. His hand slid up Raleigh’s thigh, fumbling with his coat and his hot breath teased Raleigh’s ear. “Bloody hell, Raleigh. How many layers of clothes do you have on?”

“We’re going the wrong way. Classige is north of us, not south. I thought we were going shopping.”

Steven finally managed to get his hand under Raleigh’s coat. “We are, but we’re making a stop first.”

“Where—”

Steven pulled at the placket of Raleigh’s trousers, unhooking it, as his tongue swept into Raleigh’s ear.

Willing his errant prick to stop getting hard, Raleigh closed his eyes. Galaxy, he hated not being in control of everything. He should have never allowed Steven to plan this outing. There was no time to fool around. “Steven, if we’re going to get all the…” A warm hand pushed his short drawers out of the way and gripped his cock, squeezing it into a full blown erection. Goose bumps rose up on his skin from the wicked tongue teasing him.

Steven licked along the shell of his ear before nipping the lobe. “Mmm.. That’s my Cony, body is willing, but your mind is still ticking away at what all we have to accomplish.” His voice was low and seductive and his hot breath fanned across where his tongue had been seconds ago, making it cool.

Raleigh shivered, trying to fight his body’s reaction. They had several presents to—.

Steven’s hand slid up his cock and back down as his other hand tugged at Raleigh’s cravat.

Rallying one last effort, Raleigh put his hand over his consort’s, trying to stop the continuous caress on his prick. “We’ve got so much to—”

The cravat came loose and Steven sank his teeth into Raleigh’s neck.

He was a goner. Resisting Steven had never been one of his strong points. He was smart enough to know when he was beat. Thrusting up into Steven’s hand, he reached for Steven’s coat. The man had entirely too many clothes on. Where the hell is my dagger? He’d cut the damned things off.

Steven chuckled and kissed down his neck. When he got as far as Raleigh’s shirt would allow him to reach bare skin, he growled.

“I still say we don’t have time for this.” Of course, he no longer cared. He released Steven long enough to get his great coat and waist coat off.

Steven didn’t let go of his cock. He continued to stroke, at a firm and steady pace, sure to drive Raleigh out of his mind.

As soon as Raleigh’s outer wear was disposed of, he went back to his consort’s coat, trying to get it out of his way. It was still a little chilly in the lift making his nipples peek and the hair raise on his arms, but Steven was warming him up fast.

His fingers finally managed work loose one of the buttons of the soft brocade waistcoat. “And you accuse me of wearing too much.” Oh yes, nice soft cotton and— if he pushed his hand inside—skin. He never got tired of running his hands over Steven’s wide shoulders and hairy, sculpted chest.

Steven merely grunted and pulled Raleigh into his lap.

Having been tugged by the prick, Raleigh had no choice but to stop fumbling with Steven’s clothing and straddle his thighs. Galaxy, he loved it when Steven was beyond speech. Those little grunts and groans were like music to Raleigh’s ears. He lowered his head, capturing Steven’s lips as Steven jerked his lawn shirt down his arms.

Buttons flew all over the lift, pinging off the walls. Raleigh shut out the part of his brain that asked what he was going to wear while they were out shopping later.

Steven sighed into his mouth and ripped his own shirt open. He pulled Raleigh close, mashing their skin together.

Mmm, he was no longer cold. The hair on Steven’s chest tickled, making his nipples even harder. He moved his hips a little reminding Steven his cock was out and quite ready to play with.

“Aahh.” Steven took over the kiss, thrusting his tongue inside Raleigh’s mouth. He fed from Raleigh’s mouth, tracing his teeth and nipping at his lips. Grabbing Raleigh’s cock in one hand and his arse in the other, Steven leaned back studying the skin he’d revealed before pulling Raleigh closer and kissing his neck. “So bloody beautiful, Raleigh.”

Raleigh let his head fall back, pushing his hips up. The firm tug on his cock wrung a moan from him. Bloody hell, it had been days since they’d had time to themselves without interruptions. The last few days had been filled with Christmas planning. At night they’d fallen into bed exhausted.

“We’re here.” Steven mumbled against Raleigh’s throat.

What? Raleigh raised his head. The lift had stopped. “Where are we?” He’d thought they were merely going to indulge themselves on the way to town.

Steven nipped his jaw, then let go of his prick. “You’ll see. Put your coat on and gather you clothes.” He tapped Raleigh’s hip. “Come on.”

“I can’t get out of the lift in nothing but a coat and my trousers.” Raleigh slid off Steven’s lap, tucked himself back in his trousers and buttoned them up. He reached for his shirt, but Steven leaned forward and caught his wrist.

“Leave it, just get your coat. We’re not going far and there is no one else around. I’ve made certain there’d be a fire going inside.”

Raleigh frowned, his erection dwindling. He really did not want to get out of the vehicle nearly naked. Forget the scandal, what if someone attacked them or—

“Raleigh.” Steven pulled his own coat closed and grabbed Raleigh’s chin, forcing him to look at him. “Trust me.”

He did trust Steven, more than anyone in the galaxy, but it was his job to protect Steven. If someone— He reached down toward his boot, for the knife hidden there.

Steven chuckled. “We’re not going to be attacked. Let’s go.”

Raleigh groaned. “You know me too well.” He stood, deciding to trust his spouse and put his coat on and buttoned it up while Steven gathered the rest of his clothing. Besides, he was nearly as lethal without a weapon. “Steven where are we?”

“You’ll see.” Steven looked him over with a fond smile on his face. “Open lift and extend steps.”

The door opened.

Silence was the first thing Raleigh noticed. There was no electrical hum, no children running amuck. It felt like they were alone in the world. A feeling of peace washed over him, followed quickly by caution.

The second thing he noticed was the glare of moonlight coming off the snow. It was beautiful, blue and silvery. Little crystals of ice shimmered on the ground below. The snow was absent of any foot prints. Where are we? It was like a winter wonderland with trees and— Raleigh sniffed. Is that chimney smoke?

Steven climbed down the lift steps and out into the snow, before Raleigh could insist he go first.

Raleigh hurried after him, “Stev—” He stopped dead in his tracks.

Steven stood just outside the lift, Raleigh’s clothes gathered in his arms, smiling and staring at something to their right. His silhouette was set off by a background of snow dusted trees. The moonlight highlighted the silver at his temples. Whatever he was staring at pleased him.

Raleigh turned his head. “Oh.” It was a winter wonderland. Raleigh took a step forward, his boots crunching on the snow. They were on the very south side of their property, approximately three miles from the castle.

The log hunting cabin sat in a clearing of tall pine trees. A billow of dark smoke rose from the stone chimney. Raleigh felt something in his chest tighten. His knees felt weak. He hadn’t been here in some time. It looked exactly the same as it had the night of their nuptials.

“Come on, Cony. There’s a fire inside and a warm bed.” The snow crunched as Steven made his way to the cabin.

Raleigh smiled. The memories came back to him and his prick hardened again almost immediately. This was the first place he and Steven had made love. He’d stormed out of the castle on his wedding night after the “plug tradition” daring anyone to follow him. No one had. No one but Steven that is. Steven had knocked on the door, not fifteen minutes after Raleigh had arrived at the cabin, cursing the cold. They’d warmed one another up while waiting for the fire to heat the one room cabin.

There was no electricity in the small lodge, it was—in a word—primitive with a water closet and small shower as it’s only modern conveniences. But then that had been part of the charm, Raleigh supposed. Just the two of them out in the middle of the woods. It had been—he decided—the perfect start to a wonderful marriage.

Jeffers had known where they were—he knows everything that happens on the grounds—but no one had bothered them until morning, when Thomas had brought them breakfast. They’d ended up staying in the cabin for four whole days.

“Raleigh. Come on.” Steven stood in the open doorway of the hunting lodge, grinning at him. Apparently, Raleigh wasn’t the only one remembering their nuptial night.

The grin ratcheted up Raleigh’s arousal a notch. He hurried to the cabin, shutting himself and Steven inside.

He shrugged out of his coat, looking around. Steven had obviously sent someone to clean the place up and lay a fire. The inside was just as he remembered.

It was rustic, yet cozy. A large bed covered in navy flannel sheets turned down over heavy dark green blankets set adjacent to the large natural stone fireplace. The stone was native to Regelence, charcoal, brown and red lanite stone with glittering glass like veins. The firelight shone of the stone, making it shimmer. Fire from the fireplace was the only light in the room, just as it had been that first night.

Raleigh shivered remembering the way the firelight had played across Steven’s bare skin. There was a fireplace across from their bed in the castle, but something about that first time. Raleigh went up behind Steven as he lay Raleigh’s clothes out on a chair next to the water closet door. Raleigh ran his hands over the wide back, then tugged the coat off Steven’s shoulders.

After he removed Steven’s coat, he stepped close, making sure their bodies touched. He rubbed his hard cock against Steven’s lower back as he reached around and began parting Steven’s shirt.

Steven laid his head back against Raleigh’ chest and turned his head sideways to kiss Raleigh’s neck. Groaning low in his throat, he allowed Raleigh to take off his waistcoat and shirt before he turned in Raleigh’s arms. He kissed Raleigh breathless, backing him toward the bed.

Moaning into his spouse’s mouth, Raleigh let himself be swept away and led to the bed. There was no place he’d rather be. When his legs hit the back of the bed, he broke the kiss and sat, reaching for Steven’s trousers.

Steven’s thick hard prick strained at the placket of his black pants, making Raleigh’s mouth water. He loved the taste of Steven. Loved the soft tip of Steven’s cock tracing his lips. He unhooked Steven’s pants, freeing his cock.

Steven groaned and gripped the hard flesh, holding it towards Raleigh’s mouth. “Suck me.”

Raleigh groaned, his cock throbbing. He licked up his husband’s shaft and then back down before shoving the trousers lower. Tracing the prominent vein, he laved his way to the balls. He pressed his face forward feeling the soft sacks caress the bridge of his nose, before making his way back up and engulfing Steven’s cock.

The familiar taste and feel exploded in his mouth, jolting his senses. He lost himself in the task of sucking. He knew exactly how to drive Steven crazy and set about doing so, using his spit slick hand to follow his mouth. In no time, Steven was pushing him back.

“Stop. Get your boots and trousers off.” Steven stepped back and began freeing himself from the rest of his clothing.

Raleigh watched the play of muscles rippling across his abdomen for a second before turning to his own garments. When he was naked, he pulled the dagger out of his boot and lay it on the nightstand, then lay back on the bed. Without Steven so near, the warm air played over his bare skin making the hair on his legs stand up. It was exhilarating and exciting.

Steven climbed onto the mattress joining him.

“Did you bring lube?”

The grin Steven gave him was downright wicked. He lay down beside Raleigh and turned toward the nightstand, giving Raleigh a view of a firm bitable arse.

As Steven retrieved the lube, Raleigh gave into temptation, scooted down and sank his teeth in to one round globe.

Steven jerked forward. “Bloody hell.” He laughed and turned over. Tossing the bottle of lube onto the pillow, he grabbed Raleigh and rolled him onto his back. He straddled Raleigh, his fingers digging in, tickling Raleigh’s ribs.

They ended up rolling around the big bed, laughing and wrestling. Raleigh finally managed to get on top. He stared down into Sherry colored smiling eyes. Steven was the one and only person Raleigh could play with and cut loose. It was refreshing and relaxing to be able to do so. He always looked forward to his time alone with his husband.

They stayed there for several seconds just staring into the others eyes. The laughter faded.

“I love you.” Steven reached for him.

“And I you.” He bent down, offering his lips to his king.

Steven seized his mouth, his tongue pushing inside and tracing the depths of Raleigh’s. All the while his hands roamed over Raleigh’s back, hips and arse. “Get the lube, Raleigh.”

He retrieved the bottle from the half underneath a pillow where it had ended up while they tussled on the bed. Before he could offer it to Steven, he found himself on his back, with Steven on his knees between Raleigh’s spread thighs.

“Mmm…” Steven bent forward and licked a line down Raleigh’s belly then captured his cock in his mouth. He hummed his pleasure, sending vibrations along Raleigh’s prick.

It tickled and felt good at the same time. It made Raleigh’s balls draw tighter. He lifted his hips, pushing himself further into his spouse’s hot mouth. “Oh galaxy, Steven.”

He was barely aware of Steven taking the lube from his hand or him opening the bottle, but the warm slick finger probing at his hole gained his undivided attention. It dragged a moan from his throat and a wiggle from his hips.

The finger slipped in and out as Steven swallowed his cock. A tingle started at the base of Raleigh’s spine and radiated upward. He pushed down, trying to make Steven go deeper. He wanted Steven inside of him, not just a finger. “Steven, please.”

Another finger joined the first, working in and out, stretching him. The sting was wonderful, reminding him of that first night and how the feeling had actually frightened him. He’d been weary of the pain. Galaxy, he’d come along way from that naive seventeen year old he used to be…they both had.

When Steven added a third finger and let Raleigh’s cock slip from his mouth, Raleigh was damned near babbling incoherently. Steven was the only man in the entire universe who could make him beg…for anything.

Steven retrieved the lube again and drizzled it onto his cock, still working his fingers in and out of Raleigh. His gazed, however, was fixed on Raleigh’s bobbing prick.

Raleigh glanced down and noticed the wet spot on his lower abdomen where the head of his cock had made contact. The shaft was still shiny from Steven’s saliva.

“Are you ready for me?” Steven asked, withdrawing his fingers.

Raleigh whimpered at the loss and jerked his head in some semblance of a nod. “Yes, oh yes, now.”

Pushing Raleigh’s legs back, Steven lined himself up and glanced down at Raleigh making eye contact as he slid slowly in.

It was heaven and hell at the same time. Raleigh wanted to close his eyes and just feel, but the look of sheer love and bliss on Steven’s face, kept his attention riveted to his love’s eyes. The look said as clearly as a shout, “I love you.”

Raleigh smiled, then gave in and closed his eyes. Funny how over the years they’d learned to read one another so well.

Steven’s hips rested against Raleigh’s arse for only a brief second before he pulled back and thrust forward again. He was obviously past going slow. He wanted as badly as Raleigh. Steven jabbed forward with his hips, over and over. The sound of skin slapping together drowned out the fire crackling in the hearth. Their breaths became panting groan as Steven moved faster and faster, fucking him with deep hard strokes.

Raleigh thrashed his head back and forth on the bed, reveling in the lovely friction in his hole. Steven was so bloody thick, that it always made him feel like he was filled to capacity. Raleigh loved that burning sensation. He felt as though his balls were going to crawl right up into his body. Opening his eyes, he watched pearly drop glisten on the tip of his prick as it bobbed up and down, nearly slapping his belly with each of Steven’s forward thrusts.

Pushing Raleigh’s legs up further, Steven changed the angle. His cock hit Raleigh’s prostate and he saw stars. “Oh bloody hell, there! Right there.”

“Yes.”

Raleigh fisted his prick and began stroking.

Sweat trickled down Steven’s face, wetting the salt and pepper hair at his temples. More ran down his chest. It was an amazing sight, with his skin glowing golden in the firelight. Steven had alway been simply stunning, but Raleigh knew he’d remember him like this for a long time to come.

Whether it was the cock hitting his prostate, the delicious drag of his hand on his prick or Steven’s sweat soaked body, Raleigh couldn’t say, but lightening raced up his back and pleasure rushed over him. His vision whited out for a few seconds and his entire body clenched as he came. The hot splash of cum on hit his stomach, just as Steven stiffened and shouted out above him.

Warmth filled his ass, and then Steven let go of Raleigh’s legs and collapsed forward onto his hands. When he opened his eyes, he stared at Raleigh for several seconds, his sherry gaze full of love.

Raleigh managed to lift his head off the bed just enough to brush a kiss across his king’s lips before letting his head fall back to the mattress. “Merry Christmas, Steven.”

The bed began to shake along with Steven’s shoulders. A chuckle escaped his mouth.

“What?”

“Merry Christmas?”

“Yes. Merry Christmas, I imagine it’s past midnight now.”

“I suppose you’re right, but I was really hoping for something a little more—” He shrugged and rolled his eyes up like he was thinking. “A little more appropriate.”

Raleigh frowned. “Like what?”

Steven’s eyes danced. “Oh like, Steven you’re a God, or Steven you—”

Raleigh groaned and grabbed his husband behind the neck and kissed him to shut him up. One thing hadn’t changed in twenty-five years…Steven’s enormous ego.

When Raleigh let him go, Steven smiled and rolled to Raleigh’s side making him hiss at the lovely feel of Steven’s cock slipping out of him.

Steven chuckled and nodded. “That’s a little more like it. Merry Christmas, dear.”

Tags: Gay, J.L. Langley, Regency Romance, Sci-fi Romance

What I Am Reading ~ Zannie Adams: Hold

Hold by Zannie Adams
From: Ellora’s Cave

Convicted by the Coalition of a minor crime, Riana is sentenced to life on a prison planet — no order, no safety, just a primitive hold filled with criminals vying for dominance. The only way Riana can survive is to give herself to the strongest man there in return for protection. By desperate instinct, she chooses a mysterious, handsome loner named Cain. She offers him her body and can only hope he’ll be able to protect her from the other inmates who circle her like beasts.

She never dreams she will come to take pleasure in Cain. Or want to offer him her heart as well as her body.

Surprisingly good for a Sci-fi Prison Romance so far… I had to get the bad taste out of my head after reading that horrible new Carol Lynne ~ Riding The Wolf. Yes, one of the characters actually says Ride The Wolf during sex. I don’t know how Carol does it but she can even fuck up Gay Werewolf Romance with her abrupt slapped on patented bad sex scenes in four pages or less. “Hi, What’s your name? Let’s have sex. Ride The Wolf! I mate you!” It’s romance for preteens with ADD.

I know, I only have myself to blame in the end. I can only hope everyone else knows better by now. Must forget, so back to Zannie and a story that does not read like some shitty cut and paste fan fiction. Oops, sorry fan fiction writers out there.

Tags: Ellora's Cave, Sci-fi Romance, Straight, Zannie Adams

J.M. Snyder: Trin

Trin by J.M. Synder
From: Aspen Mountain Press

He pushes past her as he races down the hall. The image burns in his mind-he closes his eyes and still sees the gunner’s slack cheeks and open mouth, his eyelids half-shut in lust. A hand stroked Gerrick’s thigh, another curved around his flat ass, a man knelt before him with the gunner’s fingers plunged deep into his thick hair.

The hard length suckled between red lips, Garrick in him, fucking the bounder’s hot pink mouth as the shower poured down between them. The bounder, Trin recognized his eyes when he turned to see why it was all of a sudden cold behind him.

Gerrick’s eyes widen slightly and the gunner sighed his name, “Trin.”

No explanations, no hurried excuses-he didn’t even push the bounder away, just kept thrusting into the softness between his lips and uttered his name. Trin. For the first time he was getting off he said Trin’s name, and it wasn’t even on him.

Behind him Gerrick calls out but Trin’s beyond hearing. He runs down the hall, head tucked between shaking shoulders, chin pressed to his chest. He tells himself he won’t cry, even as the first hot tears cut through the sweat on his cheeks.

J.M. Snyder’s story Trin is set in a post apocalyptic world where Devlars (Dragon like creatures) attack from the sky. Only the wild and warrior like gunners protect the people who populate the string of towns known as outposts. Trin, a mechanic, lives in what seems to be the local truck stop with his older brother Blain and Blain’s girlfriend Alissa. Blain used to be a gunner who ran with a man known as Gerrick whom Trin has a well known long time crush on.

Then one day Gerrick rides in.

It is hard to call Trin a gay romance. It follows all the romantic requirements. You have two men, one who is not so secretly in love with the older warrior. They do get around to having sex and there damn well is conflict that keeps them apart. Well, if you read the excerpt above then you know it is not so much conflict as betrayal, on both sides eventually. They get a type of HEA but…

The real stomach punch for me came at the end. It is not so much an HEA as a coming to terms and accepting responsibility with what you have left after the illusions shatter. I know that sounds vague but just read this thing yourself. I consider it very a stunning bit of writing.

This book will never rest easily on my favorites shelf, the really powerful ones never do. This one will sit in the back and be brought out to show someone just how effective a little eBook story can be. I myself recall being this incredibly young, of walking in and finding a man I had grown to love in bed with another. I still remember the chaos of that moment very clearly as if it happened yesterday. These characters and their reactions in the story rang true till the very end.

This is not a fairytale and there is no Prince Charming, nor is there a damsel in distress. Not really, neither character can be seen as blameless or very smart. As Morpheus told us “Welcome to the Desert of the Real.”

Grade A writing, Grade A story telling, for a book that contains some very jagged bitter pills.

Tags: Aspen Mountain Press, Gay, Grade A, J. M. Snyder, Sci-fi Romance

Nica Berry: Venom’s Bond

Venom’s Bond by Nica Berry
From: Loose-Id

Krait’s unmistakable red hide squatted next to Anole’s. A limp form rested against Krait’s chest. Jared. Marquez watched in horrified fascination as one clawed hand wrapped around Jared’s wrist and brought the paper-thin flesh to his snout. He bit
A chill rushed through Marquez. “What are you doing?” The ball dropped from nerveless hands and rolled behind him. He took a step forward, and another, until a pair of strong, scaly arms encircled his waist. “Let me go!” His voice rose high, panicky. “They’re going to kill him. Let me go, let me go!”
He flailed and kicked at Gharial, but the lizard refused to let go. He tried to drag Marquez backwards, but Marquez grabbed onto one of the roof supports for the dwelling so he couldn’t be moved.
Eilis rushed over and clapped a hand against his mouth. “Hush! You’re only making it worse. Leave them alone. They’ll take care of him.”
Furious, Marquez shook his head. Over her shoulder, Jared lay, limp as ever in Krait’s arms, a new expression of pain on his face. As he watched, Anole drifted over on all fours next to Krait. The green lizard stripped the loincloth from around Jared’s waist and then from around his own. The lizards had no external genitalia; instead, they had a sort of pouch at the base of their tails. Marquez watched, half-sick and half-aroused, as Anole’s genitals emerged, shiny and red and thick.
The lizard had not one phallus, but two, and he clearly meant to use them on Jared.
Marquez would have shrieked if it weren’t for Eilis’s hand. He wriggled and struggled while Gharial gently pulled him backwards, trying to make him loosen his grip. With her free hand, Eilis pried at his fingers. “You have to trust us, Marquez. If there were any other option, they would have done so.”
Gharial sent, although the emotion was overlaid with concern. Not for Jared, but for him.

This book asks the question… Do you think the Geico gecko is sexy? Would you do him?

I have to admit that after reading the scene above I suddenly understood the warning Loose-Id provided for this book. Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Sexual torture in a medical setting, violence, dubious consent, M/M rape, M/M interspecial, M/F interspecial, voyeurism.

In fact Nica may have written a single book that encompasses almost every major plot device that might turn me off. Child like men being raped, Ilsa, She Wolf of The SS style female guards and doctors torturing men and killing gay men, Gang rape, bleeding anuses, sex with creatures that in no way are humanoid but look exactly like lizards. Any one of these situations I have seen handled by writers before and made to be acceptable within the story they were telling. But… here you are smacked in the face bluntly with no finesse.

This story crossed every line and dotted every T as far as making me gag on some raw subject matter. I find myself lacking the stomach to even go into a detailed analysis of where this book went wrong so let’s just say “from the beginning”. I fail even to think of anyone who might consider this a gay romance, but if bestiality and rape is your turn on… here ya go. I myself am going to try and forget I read any of this.

I will not say that Loose-Id should not publish books like this or rant about censoring their content, I am very open minded but I must say simply that none of it was even remotely sexy in my opinion.

Grade F from me due to mislabeling torture/bestiality as gay romance. Sorry.

Tags: Gay, Grade F, Loose-Id, Nica Berry, Sci-fi Romance

What I Am Reading ~ J. L. Langley: My Fair Captain

My Fair Captain by J.L. Langley
From: Samhain

Aiden stared out over the crowd of military uniforms, his fingers itching to draw. The ball was being held in honor of veterans and most men in attendance were Regelence Naval officers. There were also a few Regelence Marines and three or four IN officers, including Nate.

Aiden hadn’t realized Nate was attending in the capacity of an IN officer, but before leaving the castle Cony had informed them Father and Nate had gone to the ball early for The Fallen Warriors ceremony. Since then, Aiden had been dying to see Nate in uniform.

All day Aiden’s mind played over the scene this afternoon and Nate’s flirting with him. He didn’t quite know what to make of it, but he was excited nonetheless.

“Lord Aiden, how are you this evening?”

Aiden turned to find the Duke of Keithman’s second son, Christian Morris, standing next to him, all decked out in his black and silver dress uniform. Aiden bowed. “Lieutenant Commander Lord Christian.”

Christian smiled and gripped Aiden’s hand. “I’m sorry to disturb you.” He wasn’t conventionally handsome, but he was attractive in a rugged way—the IN uniform only enhanced that. He brought to mind an avid outdoorsman, with his tanned skin and reddish-brown hair.

“You didn’t. I was only watching the dancers while I wait for the next dance.”

“Were you stood up?” Christian frowned. “I’d love to dance with you. It’s such a shame you should have to sit out. Whoever your dance partner is, they must not be very smart giving up the chance to dance with such a fine young man.”

“I’ve no partner for this set, but thank you for the offer. I’m catching my breath, waiting for the next one.” Aiden spotted his friends Rupert and Bannon heading toward himself and Christian. Dipping his head in greeting, he realized Lord Christian was doing the same.

After pleasantries were exchanged, Bannon turned to Aiden. “Do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“No, of course not.” He may not have seen Bannon for a few days, but they were friends. Like Aiden and Rupert, Bannon was a fellow artist.

“The gentleman staying at the castle, Lord Deverell? What is his given name?”

Aiden had no right to feel pride, but he did. “Lord Deverell’s name is Nathaniel Hawkins.”

The lieutenant commander smiled. “I met Captain Hawkins during my service with the IN. Surprising to find out he’s an earl. The man is practically a legend. His war record is phenomenal.”

“Oh yes, I’ve been meaning to ask you…” Rupert’s grin should have warned Aiden what was to come. “What happened on Platt Street today? I’ve heard everything from fisticuffs to a marriage proposal.”

Aiden’s eyes widened. They were saying he and Nate were engaged?

Lord Casey, one of Christian’s acquaintances, stepped up beside the lieutenant and answered before Aiden got the chance. “My brother says he saw you and Lord Deverell walking together this afternoon. He said Deverell called Lord Braxton out for trying to kiss you.”

Good Galaxy, the gossip had made the rounds already. Aiden shook his head. “No, that wasn’t it at all. It was a misunderstanding. Braxton was trying to rescue me thinking I’d lost my chaperone. And then Na—Lord Deverell rescued me from Braxton.” At least according to Braxton that was the story. Aiden wasn’t convinced. Braxton had seemed…different today, threatening.

“Speaking of rescues. I heard Lord Deverell rescued a Regelence ship that was under attack and in flames,” Bannon stated.

“My father told me he’s a mustang captain, that he was promoted the first time every time. He was one of the youngest men to make captain in IN history,” Lord Casey said.

Christian nodded. “Yes, he got his commission while he was enlisted, worked his way up the ranks.”

“Amazing considering he’s an earl, surely his family could have easily bought him an officer’s commission.” Rupert touched his chest dramatically.

Aiden was fascinated. He’d already surmised that Nate was an honorable, noble man, but he had no clue that Nate had such a well-known reputation here on Regelence. Nate may not be an earl, but his rank and status as an IN captain made him more than acceptable consort material. Keeping quiet, Aiden soaked it all in. A man like Nate would never leave his career as an IN captain for marriage. It made Aiden’s spirits drop a little—which was ridiculous, Aiden didn’t want a consort—but he could not help but admire the man even more.

Bannon grabbed a drink off a passing tray. “Captain Fitzgerald said it was his ship Captain Hawkins saved.”

Leaning close to Aiden’s ear, Rupert whispered, “He’s so handsome.”

Aiden was about to agree when an opening formed directly in front of him, and through a chasm of people, a vision appeared.

Nate. Aiden’s heart began beating so hard he was certain it could be seen through his waistcoat and evening coat. Like tunnel vision, his entire focus centered on the man walking toward him. Whispers and gasps sounded all around him, but Aiden barely heard.

Nate was covered head to toe in brilliant almost blinding white. The uniform hugged his body as he strode forward. It accentuated his powerful frame, making him seem even bigger somehow. Which was something, because Nate was a very big man. He wore gold cords over his shoulder and under his arm proclaiming him an Admiral’s aide, likely the Admiral in command of Aries Fleet, the fleet in charge of protecting Regelence’s system. That and the colorful ribbon bars on his chest marked him as the highest decorated officer at the ball, out of IN and Regelence officers. He was the most beautiful and masculine thing Aiden had ever seen.

Aiden would have given almost anything to have had his sketchscreen at that moment. He had to capture Nate like this. This was Nate. He was the embodiment of military authority and strength. He took Aiden’s breath away.

When Nate finally stopped in front of him, Aiden just stared. He wanted to touch Nate, yet at the same time he was afraid to. Nate was so…perfect.

Looking up into the chestnut eyes, Aiden caught Nate’s gaze. It was like the entire assembly disappeared and the two of them were alone. They stood there for several seconds, neither of them saying a word—they didn’t have to. It was then that Aiden knew exactly what he wanted. He wanted Nate.

The side of Nate’s mouth turned up, as if he knew, then he offered Aiden his hand.

Aiden got the distinct feeling if he grasped it he was accepting much more than a dance. Which was fine by him. He inhaled deeply and took what he wanted, seizing Nate’s hand.

Arching his right brow, Nate gave Aiden a full-fledged smile. “You promised to waltz with me.”

“I did indeed.”

Aiden’s group of friends began murmuring at once.

Bending over Aiden’s hand, Nate kissed the knuckles. “Forgive me, but after seeing you tonight, I must command all three.”

Tags: Gay, J.L. Langley, Samhain Publishing, Sci-fi Romance

Sienna Black: To Touch The Stars

To Touch The Stars by Sienna Black
From: Liquid Silver

The air around him cooled as Talkirk moved away. Lucan wondered whether the man really put out heat or if he imagined it, just a trick of the mind. That too would take some testing. Investigating.
His thoughts centered in his cock again. He thumped his head gently against the wall where he leaned. He had lived twenty Cycles. He’d proved himself adept, controlled. He could ignore any distraction and yet one touch from this coarse man and he could hardly think for wanting.
The staff clattered to the floor, somewhere across the room. Glass rasped against wood, then Talkirk poured something liquid. “Sit.”
Lucan shook his head. “Do you always give orders?”
There was a pause. Utter silence from the big man. Lucan could hear the sounds of the cairn outside in the quiet. Then Talkirk moved, settling down in front of him. “I’m Talkirk,” he answered. “I don’t have to ask.”
Lucan grinned. Another battle for another day. He straightened off the wall. “Then where would you like me to sit?”
“Here. With me.”
Straight ahead. Lucan stepped forward. Two paces, three, then his toe caught a riser and he stumbled forward. He caught his weight on his hands and knees, sinking into a thick mattress.
Talkirk was half a breath away. Lucan heard him inhale. Felt the rumble before he heard it. His pulse kicked up, beating hard at the base of his throat. Talkirk exhaled, hot against his cheek and asked, “When were you going to tell me you were blind?”

Sienna Black is not a well known author in M/M Romance but she should be, the few books I have read have amazed me in their quality and complexity of the characters and the worlds she creates. This new book To Touch The Stars from Liquid Silver Books is simply yet another example of her powers as a writer.

Lucan, a blind pureblood from The Warren, an underground society, wanders out of the waste to pledge his support to Talkirk Cymren leader of those surface dwellers who live in The Cairn. The Talkirk likes men and makes sure when Lucan offers himself and his services that it means everything. There is an immediate sexual tension between the two warriors and the book hits it right off with a very hot sex scene. Their immediate connection though is not a bed of roses. Others like Delano, The Talkirks second in command, and Athel, The Talkirk’s favorite lover, understandably worry about Lucan’s motives and his loyalty.

The world building here is stunning. The characters are complex and the only bad part of this whole book is it’s short length and the lack of back story for each of these characters we are introduced to. Sienna even jokes about us someday knowing how Athel became The Talkirk’s lover. I know I wanted to hear that story too because none of these characters were written as throw-aways. These characters breath and have underlying and even conflicting motives at times.

The BDSM in this story is not in your face but the relationship dynamics are there though. The sex is raw and even the Ménage à Trois sex scenes are very masculine and the society is highly militaristic and warrior oriented so there is no overwhelmingly tender emotional drama in evidence here. You come away feeling at the end, they did not so much win the battle but simply survived long enough to face another day. I loved this!

Will Lucan realize his dreams? Will Talkirk live a long and healthy life with Lucan and Athel by his side? Will Delano, The Talkirk’s ex-lover and second in command, come to terms with this new Ménage relationship?

I wanted more, I felt this book was far too short and I hope maybe someday to see a longer more complete revision or even a sequel for these people and this fascinating world. Sienna Black you are not only an excellent writer and an extremely kind person but you are so damn good at telling a story it’s scary and please let me know what’s the next book. I will be waiting.

Grade B, as in Got To Be More!

What do others think…
Elisa Rolle
Joyfully Reviewed

Tags: BDSM, Gay, Grade B, Liquid Silver, Ménage à Trois, Sci-fi Romance, Sienna Black

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