Reviews (22)

Growing up with Mr. McCauley
I have reading Mr. McCauley since Object of My Affection, and my only criticism is that he does not write fast enough.This book is laugh out loud funny at times with wonderful dialogue and memorable characters.Dry, bitter, sarcastic and bitchy this book is a 5 star winner.

Unpleasant characters make this a tough read
Having enjoyed McCauley's first novel & read enough reviews that lead me to want to read this as a sort of lighthearted romp along the lines of a gay male 'Sex & the City', I was almost totally put off by this dreary and sour book.The main problem for me was that almost all of the characters, including at times the narrator/protagonist, William, are so unlikeable and often unpleasant, that I found myself wanting to escape their company.Even the 'object of his affection,' Edward, is so sulky and petulant throughout the book, that one cannot really root for or even care whether they get together.The non-rent paying tenant Kumiko; the belligerent self help guru, Marty; the effete Belgian, Didier; the arrogant perfumer, Sean; the bulldozing fellow agent, Deirdre, and on and on- all of these characters are so meanspirited and nasty that the book is a downer.Perhaps this is due to the fact that it is also self-consciously a 'post-9/11' novel, but to wallow in such misery is more than I could take for the few chuckles the book elicited... be warned!

Just wonderful!
The only bad part of this novel is that it ends.Had read all Mr. McCauley's other novels, and adored them.This one seems more mature and developed than the other books.I'm a sucker for characters in ruts that evolve and "grow-up" (as a character in the book, Marty, would say) and this novel did not disappoint. It's true that there weren't many suprises, but who needs those, in real life we figure out what others should do long before ever they do.The narrative is somehow a page-turner, yet moves slowly enough to flesh out so many realistic supporting characters as well.It was thrilling and heartwarming to witness William's transformation to adulthood without having morality crammed down our throats. I look forward to Mr. McCauley's next book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. Literary    5. Love stories    6. Popular American Fiction    7. Fiction / Literary   

Reviews (13)

A Tasty Treat!
I have to start by saying I think that Tony Bidulka is handsome and charming. But do I let that prejudice my opinion of his books?
Yummmmmmm
Amuse Bouche are little tastes served at the beginning of the meal - but this thriller by Canadian author Anthony Bidulka is a full and hearty meal that will leave you wanting more. Meet Russell Quant and his very real and human cast of friends and foes - someone for eveyone.

Alluring and Amusing Mystery for Everyone
Amuse Bouche is about Russell Quant, a young gay man celebrating his first year as a private detective with a bottle of passable champagne he retrieves from the mini fridge that holds up one end of his office desk. He is reminiscing about his less than exciting cases in the first twelve months when along comes the case of a lifetime - murder, deceit, international travel, and a client who may be the bad guy. What follows is an absolutely alluring and amusing romp of a mystery that anyone will enjoy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay    5. Literary Criticism    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery & Detective - Series    8. Mystery/Suspense    9. Fiction / Gay    10. Literary Criticism & Collections / General   

Subjects:  1. Gay Studies    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photography    4. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    5. Subjects & Themes - Nudes    6. Erotic art   

Reviews (9)

I just had to read it twice...
It's not often that I read a book twice, but I had to read this one again.WOW!What a phenomenal story.
A Great Love Story
Beautifully written love story of two women letting themselves fall in love despite past experiences.

Fire and brimstone
I felt a hidden desire to fling Cassie to freedom about her sexuality.Then meeting her father...well, I'd like to have kicked his butt to kingdom come.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Lesbian    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Literature of special Lesbian interest    7. Modern fiction   

Reviews (4)

"You see this guy, this guys in love withyou"
One sunny autumn day Ed sees a new mailman walk up his sidewalk and drop off his mail.Ed, a late 20s guy in a small-ish town in NE Indiana, notices this mailman in the way that a gay notices another guy....or for that matter, the way any person would romantically notice another person.Ed's fascination gets the best of him as he conjures a scheme to find out if the new mailman is 'one of his kind.'While Ed's scheme doesn't provide a clear answer, bumping into the mailman at a gay watering hole in Ft Wayne a few days later does.
Gay romance with a heart!
This gay romance between a handyman and his mailman is a delightful read. It is a heartwarming love story set in a backward small town.
A genuine heartfelt story....
This book is everything I want in a book and more. As I read it, I felt myself being drawn into the story, and I could not put it down. The characters are true to life, and its written in a very classy way. The thing I like best about the book is that its very believeable. Its a very tender story that has humor, sadness, anger, despair, and challenges that we all face on a day to day basis. This is an exceptional read, one you can enjoy no matter your background. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction - General    2. Gay    3. General & Literary Fiction   

Reviews (1)

This book is both really sexy AND has a good plot!
First of all, I should admit that I'm a big fan of reading erotica. Usually, however, I prefer short stories that get right to the "good parts" over full length books. But in Sign on the Line Jaime Clevenger successfully weaves together six or seven sex scenes ranging from pretty darn good to incredibly hot with a fun and compelling plot (it's way more interesting than the back of the book makes it sound). Clevenger's dialogue is particularly witty and had me laughing out loud more than once. The main character of the book is charming and likeable despite (or maybe because of) her playgirl ways, and the ending delightfully resists the predictable. If you like reading erotica and/or lesbian fiction, I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Erotica - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Popular American Fiction    6. Romance - Adult    7. Literature of special Gay & Lesbian interest    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (6)

A sensitive book
Carly's Sound is a sensitive story about loss and renewal.Ali Vali shows a masterful use of the language in the way she deals with Poppy's feelings.There are no long tortuous passages about how much she misses Carly.Instead, Vali uses her words and actions to show how much Carly meant to Poppy and what a devastation her loss was.Vali doesn't bludgeon the reader with sadness, but the feeling is still there.One of the best devices used in the book is to have Carly's ghost appear in the story.Whenever Poppy's misery threatens to become too strong, Carly pops in and provides some comic relief.The great affection between the two characters is obvious, but so is the fact that Carly is ready for Poppy to move on.The reader can also feel Poppy's confusion as her feelings for Julia begin to develop and she feels that she is somehow betraying the relationship she had with Carly.Julia provides a perfect character study as the woman who wants to love Poppy, but is afraid she will never be able to live up to what Poppy had before.Vali shows herself to be a talented writer in how she tells her story and presents her characters. Whether or not the reader has ever experienced such a loss, you will feel empathy with the characters and know that you've read a good book.
Heart and Soul Returned!
Carly's Sound is a wonderful book!You feel for all of the characters that lost part of themselves the day Carly died.I can't imagine loosing the love of my life, let alone through suffering and pain. Ali Vali paints a very real picture of the pain and sorrow that a person would go through.
Touching, Heartbreaking, Intense... Ali Vali Does it Again...
Poppy Valente is a self-made, wealthy woman who lost the love of her life, Carly,to an aggressive form of breast cancer two years prior to the start of this story.Deciding it is time to rejoin the living world, Poppy takes an active part in the opening of her newest resort, Carly's Sound.In the meantime, Julia Johnson poses as her brother's wife and comes to live in the employee housing at the resort.Poppy and Julia become fast friends and eventually find it hard to resist the growing feelings between them.
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Subjects:  1. English Canadian Novel And Short Story    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Romance - Contemporary    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (5)

Yaoi!!!! Love it to pieces!!!!
This is one of the first mangas I ever read (I got it from my friend) and now I'm collecting the series myself because I couldn't get enough. The characters seem so real, and relationship fits together like puzzle pieces. If you are into yaoi, or even if you're not, this is an awesome book/series and I reccomend it to anyone who enjoys anime. The only thing I don't like about the books is that they needed to continue forever or at least until Dee proposed to Ryo and they got married and adopted a kid (which Ryo already has, practically). That is when I would agree that the series needed to come to a close.
One of the Best Manga Series Out There!
This is my all time favorite series - even though it's only Shonen Ai it is the greatest Manga Series out there. The art is great and the story is funny and sweet in a lot of places, especially when it reveals how much the two main characters care for one another. It focuses on Dee Laytner and his persistence to get into the pants of his new partner Ryo Maclean, your average uke not knowing what to make of Dee's advances and Dee isn't the only one after Ryo, their new boss Berkley Rose is and Dee has his own admirers including one hyperactive jealous JJ, who hates Ryo. This is a must have series for any Yaoi or Shonen Ai Fan!

Manga review from the experienced
I couldn't help but grin while reading this volume. The story just keeps getting better as the series progresses.If you liked volumes 1 and 2, then you'll love this one. There are few comedy manga titles out there, even less that are the same humor wave-length as me. This one is right on target. I plan to get the rest of the series. Great manga!
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Subjects:  1. Comics & Graphic Novels    2. Fiction    3. Gay    4. Graphic Novels - Manga    5. Graphic Novels-Manga    6. Romance - General    7. Special Interest - Adventure    8. Graphic novels   

Reviews (7)

Radclyffe Keeps Getting Better and Better
I remember reading a Radclyffe interview where she said she didn't like writing series romances.I'm so very glad she doesn't "walk the talk" on that one!I have completely enjoyed her three series: Honor, Provincetown, and Justice.In fact, I've read through all of them for a second time this year.
Adventure,romance,intrigue,and more!
Rarely have I found a writer who can take so many different plot lines and weave them all into one book. You could take any one of at least three seperate tracks in this book and turn them into individual stand alone stories worthy of publishing. But such is the case with Radclyffe's writing. She gives you much more than your money's worth, and leaves you with enough questions to cause you to hunger for the next installment in the series. I recommend reading her "series" stories in order, and watch both the writer and the characters in her literature mature!

Another Winner
Whether you read Radclyffe's series books, like the Justice series or the Honor series or the Provincetown series, or you read one of her stand-alone romances, you can not go wrong.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Mystery & Detective - Police Procedural    4. Mystery/Suspense    5. Crime & mystery    6. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural    7. Lesbians    8. Police   

Reviews (8)

read before buying
I am afraid I have to agree with most of the reviewers, mostly Straitjacket and Elizabeth Lockett.
body beautiful aplenty
there is something about a hot man in a loincloth that's just.... fascinating. since i have read the scanlation of this manga a while back, i'm well aware of its strengths and weaknesses. the cover alone makes it worth the money spent on acquiring a copy of this manga, although truthfully i had debated for a long while whether to buy it or not. the reason, simple - the plot is quite... mediocre to say the least. however, the visuals won out eventually and i ended up with a copy in my hands.
Wild Rock is Rock'en!!
Wild Rock is one of my favorite mangas ever. Sure some of the plot in the stories are a bit weak, but the cuteness of the romance makes up for it. There is some guy on guy action, but it's done beautifully and tastefully. The art is fantastic to boot. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comics & Graphic Novels    2. Fiction    3. Gay    4. Graphic Novels - Manga    5. Graphic Novels-Manga    6. Historical - General    7. Homosexuality    8. Graphic novels   

Reviews (74)

Although strange and foriegn, its idea is still compelling
This book was written a long time ago for a completely different audience. That being said, this is still a good book that gives insight on to the lives of people in France in the early 20th century as well as possibly opening people's eyes to the idea of homosexuality in a whole new light. Baldwin creates real people, that could be me or you, and puts them in a situation that isnt too far fetched to consider, and does a good job of showing how people act.
"Can we not have a life together?"
"Love him and let him love you."
Finely crafted melancholy
One thing I'll say right off: This is a book that can require several breaks from the reader, simply because its well-written despair worms its way into your mind and stays there. It's not the book you should read on a relaxing vacation, on your birthday, the day before your wedding, when you've already had an awful day. Still, it is a book you should read, because of Baldwin's insights into his characters and their situations.
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Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Fiction    3. Gay    4. General    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Fiction / General   

Reviews (7)

Suspense and Drama at its Best!
Restaurant owner, Jane Lawless is embroiled yet again, in another mystery to solve. This one hits close to home.Very, very close in fact.
Tension, Suspense, Danger and a Dead Ringer
Jane Lawless has struggled and grieved over her partner Christine's death back in 1987, a long time ago, but now she's happy with someone else and after coming back from a vacation with new partner Kenzie, she finally decides she's ready go through Christine's things. However, as she's going through Christine's briefcase, she finds a gun that shouldn't be there and now she has questions that need to be answered.
Enjoyable but more coincidence than investigation
The murder had taken place years before. Two people were brutally killed, a young boy traumatized, and the surviving family members left in their disintegrating home, backbiting and squabbling, with a line down the middle of the house to make sure neither trespassed on the other. Jane Lawless's lover, Christine, had been involved in a real estate deal that was supposed to sell that house, but Christine's cancer and the murder put the real estate deal on permanent hold. Now, though, Jane is starting to see hints of that murder everywhere.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    3. Lawless, Jane (Fictitious char    4. Lawless, Jane (Fictitious character)    5. Lesbian    6. Mass murder investigation    7. Minneapolis    8. Minnesota    9. Mystery & Detective - Women Sleuths    10. Mystery/Suspense    11. Women detectives    12. Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Women Sleuths   

Reviews (3)

A witty mystery
The year is 1979 and Don Strachey is hired by a wealthy couple to find their son Billy. Billy is wanted for murder, and since both he and Strachey are gay, the detective must have some ideas as to where the young man has fled. Of course, because all gays know each other, right? Soon Strachey is drawn into a complex puzzle as he becomes determined to prove Billy's innocence. Now if he could just find the young man before it's too late. In this lively mystery, Stevenson introduces his plucky detective and spins a great tale that belies the social commentary contained within. "Death Trick" is not only a great example of the mystery genre, but also a compelling slice of gay literary history.

The gay storyline blends well with the telling of the events
around a murder.I like the angst that Donald feels when he becomes involved with a central figure in his case.The patronizing parents are a good, but overdone touch.In all, it is a pleasant read.

A fast-paced, witty, gay who-dunnit.
In the series opener Albany P.I. Donald Strachey takes on a sensational murder case within the gay community--which just happens to be right up his own alley.Read more

Subjects:  1. Albany    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Mystery/ Detective    4. Gay    5. Gay men    6. Mystery & Detective - General    7. Mystery/Suspense    8. New York (State)    9. Private investigators    10. Strachey, Donald (Fictitious c    11. Strachey, Donald (Fictitious character)    12. General & Literary Fiction    13. Literature of special Gay interest   

Reviews (5)

The Real Thing
Dance in the Key of Love is one of the books that have restored my faith in lesbian fiction. I love to read. I love to read good books, and I'm always looking and hoping to find good lesbian-themed books. I've been dissappointed so many times that when I find one of this quality writing I make the effort to tell others about it.
Is Dancing the Key to Love?
I don't know, but this novel dug deep into Paige's life.Paige has been on her own since her teen years.She has family, but they are estranged.
Excellent book
Dance in the Key of Love is the sequel to an earlier novel by Marianne K. Martin called Dawn of the Dance.You don't have to have read the first novel to enjoy this one, but, if it is available, it might be helpful to review it.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Fiction / Lesbian    5. Literature of special Lesbian interest    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (47)

Unbelievably intriguing
Don't look for a synopsis here, just a wholehearted recommendation.I learned about Bart Yates' books from a reader's list on Amazon.com a few days ago.I checked this book out of the library and started to read it when I got home from work in the late afternoon.I didn't get to sleep until 2:00 a.m. the following morning because I could not put the book down.It was a completely unexpected engrossing reading experience for me; I haven't been absorbed in a novel like that in YEARS. I plan on reading it again soon, but more slowly next time.For the first time in a long time I am going to buy a novel (this novel) at full price, just to support the author.

I didn't mow the yard today...
I join the couldn't-put-it-down club on this book.I read it in a gulp on a Saturday afternoon and evening when I should have been doing other things.The plot is compelling (although the wrap-up in the final chapters is a bit swift and tidy) and the voice of the narrator is astounding.The author has a rare ear for natural, plucky dialogue, and words in the mouth of Noah York -- a teenager with a boatload of problems -- are both hilarious and gut-wrenching.
Excellent
I don't know what it is about the way Yates writes - but I become obsessed with the characters and story and just hate putting the book down.I recently read Brothers Bishop and felt the same.Right now I feel sad because I finished the book and fear I will not find anything as engrossing any time soon.This is not a typical coming of age novel - the characters are well developed and the story is one that any reader would enjoy!Keep on writing Mr. Yates! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Gay    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Fiction / Gay   

Reviews (11)

I loved this book bravo
It's hot - it's remote - it's steamy attractions but still a great story line. Best lesbian book I've read this year.

Wilderness Quiet
Hill does a great job with character development and the visualization of the scenery was excellent.
Another Hill Page Turner
The plot of this book is as described elsewhere.
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Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Romance    3. Lesbian    4. Romance - Contemporary    5. Literature of special Lesbian interest    6. Modern fiction   

Reviews (2)

A truly romantic read
Ally Blue has a way of drawing the reader in and sending them on an emotional rollercoaster.All her books are a must read and Willow Bend is no exception.It's a beautifully crafted story.The characters are so real you will hate to leave them.I felt like I knew these characters, they made my smile, cry and laugh.The sex scenes are erotic and will leave you breathless, but the truly outstanding thing about this story is the development of the Cory and Paul's relationship and how they help each other over the death of loved ones.This is a very romantic and realistic love story.Also recommended: Laura Baumbach's A Bit of Rough; Sean Michael's Tripire; Chris Owen's Bareback

A must read M/M romance writer !
Willow Bend is a lovely gay romance about finding love in the midst of death, the death of a beloved spouse and the death of a beloved parent. I love Ally Blue's works (4 e-books thus far in Loose-id and Samhain). She explores her guys' feelings deeply, emphasizing on the emotional content of their relationship and Willow Bend is no exception. And of course there is the hot sex. All of you into M/M erotic romance should not miss Ally's works. I for one am glad to have one of her stories available in good old fashioned paperback. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Erotica - Gay    2. Fiction - Adult    3. Gay    4. Fiction-Gay   

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. Lesbian    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Romance - General    6. Romance   

Reviews (9)

Amazing for the First Book!
Ali Vali has an amazing talent! I could not put this book down! The Devil Inside was an easy and very enjoyable read. For this being her first attempt at a novel, I think the work rates Vali up there with the likes of Radclyffe and Gerri Hill. I can not imagine anyone not liking this book and the great characters. Derby Cain is a tough and powerful woman with a soft side that lets you fall in love with her. Cain's family comes first especially her son Hayden.In the begining you doubt Emma, Cain's wife but by the end of the book you find yourself rooting for her.As the story unfolds Emma's character is transformed and it makes you wonder what level she will be taken to in the sequel.
So Anxious For The Sequel, I Could Burst!
This reader has enjoyed many stories the talented Ali Vali has posted online and was anxious to read her first published book.I am most definitely NOT disappointed!Vali leaves the reader hanging at the end of each chapter - heck, at the end of each sentence - thus making it difficult to make the pleasure last.It's impossible to put the book down once you start reading.
A Rare Gift - An Outstanding First Book
Cain is the head of one of New Orleans' mob families.She took over the job when her father was killed.Emma is her partner and the mother of her son.When Emma walks away from Cain and her son, both are devastated.When Emma returns four years later, all have to deal with the consequences of Emma's betrayal.
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Subjects:  1. American Mystery & Suspense Fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. Lesbian    5. Romance - General    6. Suspense    7. Modern fiction   

Subjects:  1. Photo Techniques    2. Photography    3. Subjects & Themes - Children    4. Subjects & Themes - Erotica    5. Subjects & Themes - Nudes    6. Literature of special Gay interest    7. Photographs: portraits