GAY BOOK CLUB

Javen and the Pretty Boy - free novella

2009-07-06T11:42:31Z

I am posting this new 37,000 word novella in the Different Senses universe as a free download here. It will also be part of the second volume of Different Senses but will remain free.

Summary: Javen wants a lover who doesn't care about his empathy, and but when he gets his wish, he also gets someone trying to kill his new boyfriend. How can he keep his lover safe, find out who wants him dead and keep his friendships alive, all at the same time?

Warnings: Language, snark and some exceedingly chaste m/m. SPOILERS for the previous stories.

Although it should make sense if you've read the free prologue and first story of this series, it will make more sense and be much more enjoyable if you have read the three stories that come before it. So see this as a thank you to those who bought Vol 1, and, uh, encouragement to those who haven:t :) You can buy the previous stories here for a modest $4.49.

I'd be grateful to have any errors or inconsistencies pointed out to me. If anyone wants Vol 1 but is financially embarrassed, or unable to use Lulu's payment system, please contact me and I will gladly give you a copy.

Reviews welcome, and please spread the word about this freebie.

Hell Cop and Hell Cop 2

2009-07-01T06:56:07Z

Over the weekend, I consumed Hell Cop and its sequel, Hell Cop 2. (Not a very inspiring name for a sequel, I know, but that does make it easy to find.) Both titles run about $8 per ebook from Loose ID; neither are available in print yet.

I recommend both books very highly. Both volumes feature exciting, fast-paced, and well-written stories from Ginn Hale, Nicole Kimberling, and Astrid Amara.

The setting is Parmas City, a large urban sprawl where humans and demons live together-- and the Hell Cops police the demons, sorcerers, and other-worldly transport portals. All three authors convey a wonderful sense of setting, even weaving small details from one author into the next story to create a sense of continuum.

First, Astrid Amara tells the tale a naive commune-raised young man who has come to the big city to find the father he never knew. At the hospital where he works filing paperwork, he encounters a Hell Cop who (literally) flames... and the cop is astounded the young man can touch him without burning. This is a terrific introduction piece, mixing the young man's charming naivety with the jaded cop's point of view.

Second, Nicole Kimberling's story features a half-demon cultural anthropologist professor on his way home from a study in a demon realm. Trouble is, the professor arrives in Parmas City with a dead body at his feet-- and the Hell Cops are called in to deal with him. As a mid-point, this story brings something of a liberal vs. conservative feel to how the natives live and work in Parmas.

Finally, Ginn Hale provides an investigative thriller as a photographer helps a Hell Cop gather information about a dangerous demon-fighting and drug ring. I felt this one was really an edge-of-your-seat story, carrying the volume out with a bang-- and a strong desire to grab the next volume!

In Hell Cop 2, I won't give the details away except to say that the same three authors bring back their characters and weave together another excellent trio of stories. I liked the sequel even better than the first book! If you like urban fantasy, I urge you to give these a try.

Online reading of "Death Claims" starting on July 20

2009-06-29T21:47:25Z

With many thanks to rebecca2525 for organising the next on-line reading event.

Starting on the 20th of July 2009.

We had such a good time discussing the first book in Joseph Hansen's "Brandstetter" series, we've decided to continue on with book number two, "Death Claims". As Rebecca says, each novel is a self-contained story and can be read on its own. (The books are also not very long, it would be possible to read the first book before July 20th.), so please feel free to join in at the d_brandstetter community, even if you missed the first discussion event.

GLBT Bookshelf goes live!

2009-06-26T16:11:11Z

(This post isn't about a specific book, so I hope members will forgive that.)

By now I hope you've heard about the ginormous new wiki, brainchild of author Mel Keegan, that celebrates all things GLBT in writing and publishing. Click the images to view the wiki (above) or my pages there (below).

Says Keegan: "We're a new Community of writers, artists, publishers, reviewers and readers ... with a difference. We're a GLBT Community, where the emphasis is on gay books. If you enjoy a great gay read, this is the place for you! ... The goal of the community is to support our publishing industry, encourage writers, reach & intrigue readers, foster sales, build careers -- not just in writing and publishing, but in GLBT writing and publishing."

If you haven't heard of the project, check out this press release. Readers, writers, reviewers, publishers, editors, artists, booksellers, and others all may join -- for free!

Born on a Blue Day by Daniel Tammet

2009-06-18T20:53:23Z

Daniel Tammet is a unique person. His breakfast porridge is made from 45 grams of oatmeal every morning, not more, not less. He cannot leave the house without having counted the articles of clothing he's going to wear. He has no instinct for social skills, and is often unable to differentiate a question from a statement. He has difficulty distinguishing left from right, and with even minor changes in a routine, such as dropping a fork while washing dishes. Yet he's capable of astounding feats of mathematical genius, and is able to learn a foreign language within a week.

The root of both Daniel's talents and difficulties is savant-syndrome, a form of Aspergers syndrome (which in turn is a form of autism), coupled with a neurological phenomenon known as synesthesia, wherein numbers, letters, words, etc., are perceived as visual, olfactory or tactile impressions. What makes Daniel's case unusual is his ability to communicate, and in his autobiographical book Born on a Blue Day, he gives a remarkable account of his life and his coming-of-age as a gay man struggling with savant-syndrome. His narrative of childhood memories, the challenges he faces as a result of his condition, and the fascinating descriptions of his thought processes are recounted in honest and straightforward detail. Completely void of any attempts to teach or dismantle myths, the book does just that, beginning with his infancy and concluding with both the challenges and the joys Daniel finds in his relationship with his partner, Neil. All in all, it's an amazing read and a rare first-hand glimpse into the world of Aspergers syndrome.

MORE gay werewolves!

2009-06-12T06:38:32Z

I continue to get comments on my previous post about gay werewolf reads and I continue to read about them. So, here's another batch!

"Wolfy" by Kate Hill
A freebie! You can find it here at Changeling Press (posted 07/07).
It's basically a 4 page PWP, but it is enjoyable. 2/5

"Wild Ones" by Kira Stone
76 pages, stand-alone ebook $3.50 or print anthology "Wolf" (with het werewolf stories) for $15 list price.
Essentially, it is about a specialized quartet of werewolves who are mystical guardians for a group of indigenous people. Each werewolf represents an element (earth, air, fire, water) and together, the four use their powers over their elements in order to protect those they guard. Sadly, the author was much more interested in having the werewolves screw each other rather than giving them adversaries or explaining their magic or why/whom they serve. I felt this one could have been better as a longer story. As it is, well, if you like multiple PWP... 2/5

"Wolfkin" by Emily Veinglory
75 pages, ebook through Samhain for $3.50
The main character intends to be a fire-priest but the local lord blackmails him (by threatening his sister) into giving up the priesthood and becoming a virginal sexual lure to trap a werewolf. Of course, in true romantic tradition, the two are fated partners. Although I liked the story, the ending was very abrupt. I also found the author's style difficult to read, as if she was trying hard to use five-dollar words, but instead of sounding refined, she came across as awkward and pretentious. For example, "Time idled by to the sound of wet wood steaming and cracking as the avaricious fire inexorably destroyed it. … Finally the sound of oars could be discerned, interspersed with this muffled tessellation of sounds, drawing closer." 2/5

"Marked" by Joely Skye
$4.50 ebook or $11.50 print at Samhain, 183 pages.
This one was a little too dark for me and involves characters with deplorable social interpersonal skills. I found the story very unbelievable, too. In short: guy marked by bad werewolves falls in love with formerly bad werewolf. Bad werewolves make trouble. Lots of kidnapping and some torture. 2.5/5

"Mourning Doves" by Angela Romano
$17 print or $7 ebook at Dreamspinner Press, 271 pages.
This book's featured heroes are a werewolf and a werefox who are government agents for TASK, a group in charge of policing mutantkind. There are only four named characters, besides the heroes: two male bosses (lovers) and one boss's female aide, plus her damsel-in-distress lover. These characters exist in a vacuum of faceless, milling crowds and unintelligent enemies. The main heroes never show anything more than teamwork between them. While the blurb promises intrigue and excitement, the reader gets some quick battles tied together with hospital room hurt/comfort and some scenes with the paired lovers. The ending left the author with a boatload of explaining to do. Choppy event-timing and major plot-mistakes abound. I suggest you skip this one. 1/5

"Hoosier Werewolf: Howl & Prowl" collection by Kate Steele
$8 ebook collection at Changeling Press, 307 pages all together.
(1- Midnight Howl, 2- Who Let the Wolf Out, 3- Things that Go Grrr)
Each story features one of three brothers. First, is the story of the middle brother, a shy assistant librarian who fell for the high-school jock. The second story blends into a tale of the little brother and a lawyer. Finally, the eldest brother finds love with the werewolves' pack leader. All three stories are sweet romances with no substantial obstacles to anything. 2/5

"Soul Mates" series by Jourdan Lane
Available through Torquere Press in ebook and print
(1- Bound by Blood, 2- Deceptions, 3- Sacrifice, 4- Secrets, +a 16-page "sip")
I hesitated to mention these, because they're more vampire than werewolf, but a couple of people rec'ed them in regards to my last werewolf post, so I'll include them now. I have to say, though, that the werewolves are really side-characters. Overall, the series is a love story (with a lot of sex) between a master vampire and a bartender (who becomes much more over the series). The first installment is the foundation meeting/love story. The following books gradually have more and more plot, building on the setting and supernatural creature politics. I'm genuinely looking forward to the next one. Overall, 3/5

Cursed by Rhianne Aile
Dreamspinner Press, $12 print or $6 ebook, 223 pages.
Ages ago, a witch cursed the lover who betrayed her: he and all his heirs would be werewolves. The karmic kick-back cursed her own family to lose their loved ones to early deaths. Now, her ancestor seeks to lift the curse and right her wrongs. This is actually a fairly well-spun tale and there's a nice twist, making the story more than lifting an ancient curse, or a witch falling in love with a werewolf. The book ends with the strong hint of a forthcoming sequel, too. 3/5

***

Laura Bambauch's "Ripples on the Moon", which was supposed to be out in March was delayed until late July. I haven't read D.J. Manly's "Wolf Saga" yet, either, so those will have to wait for the next batch.

As before, if you'd like to recommend some gay werewolves I've missed, I'd be happy to try them. Also, does anyone else here read in themed streaks like this?

Cultivating Love - M/M Contemporary Novella

2009-06-09T20:05:44Z

When two gay men move to a farm in small-town America, their relationship warms up, but can they take the heat of the bigotry they face?

NOW AVAILABLE!

Cultivating Love by: Addison Albright

Published in ebook format on June 9, 2009 @ Loose ID

120 pages / 33,800 words
ISBN 978-1-59632-971-3
Available file types - PDF, LIT, PRC, HTML

BLURB

A man of few words, Joe is a hard-working farmhand who likes his simple, uncomplicated life. Ed is satisfied with his existence as an auto mechanic, but thrilled when an unexpected development in his life allows him to help Joe realize a dream.

It forces them, however, to reevaluate the casual, undefined nature of their relationship. They're too macho to speak of love, and neither would ever dream of acknowledging he doesn't really mind when it's his turn to bottom. When life throws them a curve ball, and the rules of their game get old, Ed makes an effort to take every aspect of their relationship up a notch. Will Joe be able to adapt to the open sentimentality Ed's injecting into their relationship, let alone the new spice in their bedroom activities?

Click Banner for Link to
Cultivating Love
YouTube Video Book Trailer

EXCERPT

"Ed?" Joe's voice wasn't much more than a whisper, close to his ear.

Ed groaned. "What"

"Hey, I'm leaving. Sorry, I didn't want to go without saying good-bye."

Ed's eyes flashed open. "Shit." He sat up. "What time is it?"

"Uh, three o'clock. Sorry, I want to get there pretty early. Got a lot to do."

Ed stood up. Jesus. No wonder it was so pitch dark. "Okay." His brain was still foggy. He couldn't think of the right words he knew he wanted to say. Damn, it would be days before he'd see Joe again. Shit, maybe a week. Or more.

He felt Joe's hands on his shoulders, then Joe's lips on his own. The kiss was tender and full of longing. Not wanting to let him go, Ed put his arms around Joe's waist. The kiss broke way too soon. "Don't go," Ed whispered before his sluggish brain could catch up with his mouth. Shit.

Joe didn't laugh, though, or even grin. Instead, he brought one hand up to cup Ed's face before giving him a soft kiss. "I have to. Follow soon, Ed."

"I will."

"Promise?" Joe's voice was husky.

Ed nodded. With his heart heavy, he knew he'd choke on any words he tried to speak.

Joe pulled back, and Ed let him go. Ed walked with him to the door. "Call me."

Joe stared into his eyes before giving him one last quick kiss. "Every day."

Ed worked up a little smile. Joe winked and turned to walk out to Ed's little Escort. That was classic Joe -- practical and hardworking, with barely a hint of sentiment. And Ed missed him already. In less than a minute, Joe was out of sight. Ed slowly shut the door and leaned his forehead against the smooth wood. He felt empty. Cold and empty, and suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. He shuddered, fighting a tear that threatened to break free.

To hell with it. There were no witnesses, so he gave in and let go. Wet trails streamed down his face. Wondering how or when it had come to this, he bit his lip, salty with tears, and snuffled. What were they getting themselves into? This was way past the level where either of them could just walk away at the drop of a hat if they had a big argument. But that was good, wasn't it? Joe had agreed they were partners and had been over-the-moon happy looking over the farm. If nothing else, he had Joe hooked with the farm.

His head ached, and he didn't want to think about it anymore. He scrubbed his face with the palm of his hands and padded back to his lonely bed.

* * * * *

All was quiet and peaceful on the farm when Joe pulled to a stop behind the house. He wanted to think about anything but Ed and the look on Ed's face when he'd left home. Worse yet, he didn't want to confront his own feelings as he'd pulled out of the driveway and fully grasped the knowledge that it would be days before he'd see Ed again.

He missed Ed acutely. Hell, he'd rather bottom for Ed every day for a week than live apart for a week. Joe smiled ruefully to himself. That was a thought he'd take to the grave with him. That and the fact he'd actually had to fight back tears as each minute had taken him farther away from Ed.

He tossed his bags in the house, grabbed a sandwich and some Gatorade, and headed out to the barn. He needed to take care of the horses and let them out to exercise in the pen. The dogs greeted him as he approached. He put out some food and fresh water for them before turning to the horses. He let them loose in the pen, filled their water trough, and gave them their morning ration of hay and oats. In the machine shed, he hooked the swather up behind the large tractor and headed out to the alfalfa field.

* * * * *

Ed taped the box shut and looked at the stack with satisfaction. The cell phone in his pocket vibrated moments before it started to ring. He reached for it quickly and smiled when he saw it was Joe. The activity of the day had helped his mood tremendously. He still missed Joe, but damn, it was embarrassing to think about how he'd cried that morning after Joe left. He chalked it up to three-a.m. exhaustion and thanked goodness Joe hadn't forgotten anything and returned unexpectedly to bust him sniveling like a baby.

"Hey, Joe."

"Hey yourself." Joe sounded cheerful.

Ed laughed. "Everything's moving along great here. Any issues in Mayfield?" He glanced at his watch. Six o'clock already.

"No issues. I pretty much got what I wanted done today. Got about half the hay cut."

"Oh yeah? Great. Will you be ready for me the day after tomorrow?"

"Are you kidding? That's great! That'll be a good day for you to arrive. I'll finish the hay cutting tomorrow, and today's cutting will need to dry another day so I'll have time to get the house ready for you that morning."

"Great."

Joe didn't say anything for a moment. Ed was beginning to wonder if the connection had died when Joe spoke again. "I miss you, Ed."

Wow. He'd been biting back the words himself and was surprised to hear Joe actually say them. "I miss you too, Joe." He smiled to himself. "Staying busy helps."

Joe snorted. "Yeah, no problem with that here."

Ed laughed. "I know. I'll be there to help soon."

"I know. I'm looking forward to, ah, training you." There was laughter in Joe's voice.

Silence followed, and Ed could hear Joe clear his throat before continuing. "Well, I'll call you again tomorrow night."

"Okay." He didn't want to say good-bye and hang up, but there was no good reason to drag out the call. It helped, knowing that Joe was reluctant to end the call too. "Good night, Joe."

"Good night, Ed."

Ed waited for Joe to disconnect first, but it didn't happen. Shit, they were standing there holding the line like a couple of fools, listening to each other breathe. Ed gave a nervous little laugh. "So when did we turn into a couple of sap-asses?"

Joe laughed too. "I've been trying to figure that out. I need someone to smack me upside the head and tell me to just get over it."

"I can take care of the smack upside your head for you, but somehow, I'm not sure I want you to get over it. I kinda like knowing that side of you exists, even if it is buried most of the time."

"Yeah, well don't pass that intel around, okay? I wouldn't want to have to hurt you."

Ed smiled to himself. That sounded more like Joe. "Ditto."

"By the way, it's my turn again when you get here."

Ed barked a short laugh. "By that time I'll almost be willing to paint a target on my ass for you."

"Only almost?"

"Don't hold your breath."

Joe chuckled. "Good night, Ed. Thanks for the image."

"Good night Joe. I aim to please." This time, he pressed the END button quickly.

Jesus, what was with him? His strong need for Joe was absurd. They often went several days without sex. He shook his head and put it down to a combination of not seeing each other at all for days and the emotional turmoil of having his entire life turned upside down.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thank you! - Addison Albright

http://addison-albright.tripod.com
http://addisonalbright.livejournal.com
http://addison-albright.blogspot.com

Now Available @ Loose ID

Now Available @ Torquere Books, Fictionwise, & All Romance eBooks

Now Available in eBook formats @ eXcessica, All Romance eBooks, Fictionwise,
Smashwords,Amazon Kindle, Siren-BookStrand, CyberRead,
Libre.de (Germany), Libresco (UK) & store.bg (Republic of Bulgaria)
Now Available in print @ Amazon & CreateSpace

Queer Wolf in PRINT

2009-06-07T16:54:47Z

QUEER WOLF
(Queer Legends)

“Their world lies between the shadows and the moonlight, between man and animal…and in the city under neon moons and through iron-treed streets, the queer wolves run.”

Bound within QUEER WOLF is an exciting collection of contemporary, urban and sensual werewolf tales; a gathering of queer wolves presented by exciting, new and established authors.

“The debut anthology from James EM Rasmussen's QueeredFiction is an entertaining and varied collection, boasting such talents as Charlie Cochrane and Ginn Hale. Lovers of the lycan will find much to slaver over here: from the werewolf wanabee to the lovers-through-time, to waifs and strays. From the carnal to the violent to the passionate, this anthology will wag your tail, I guarantee it.” Erastes author of Standish & Transgressions

"Different Senses Volume I" available now

2009-06-05T09:41:12Z

Different Senses Volume I

$4.49 - buy now from Lulu

Preview (includes Prologue and complete first story)

Javen Ythen is an angry man. A shooting on the job triggered his genetic empathy, and as a result, he lost his career as a cop, and his lover. Now he has to find something to do with his life, while coming to terms with losing the job and the man he loved, as well as a racial heritage unsuspected by anyone in his family.

He lives in a society divided by class and race. Born to privilege, nonetheless his search for a new career brings him up in repeated contact with the much despised banis race, and despite his own prejudices, he finds himself drawn towards the people and their concerns. Perhaps in working with those he knows little about, he will come to understand them - and himself.

Different Senses Volume I contains five stories and explanatory notes, 81,000 words in total, in HTML, PDF, .prc and .lit formats.

These stories contain no graphic content, only the occasional bad word.

Review copies available. Please contact me to request one.

Right Side of the Wrong Bed by Frederick Smith - review

2009-06-02T03:42:00Z

I thought I'd try another novel by Frederick Smith, whose first novel I reviewed last week. His second book, Right Side of the Wrong Bed, is a better-crafted novel, but less satisfying than Down For Whatever. Click the cover for my review.

updated review page

2009-06-02T01:51:32Z

I keep a page of Gay book recs at my site, and have recently updated it with a few reviews of Gordon Merrick's books. Most of the books I review are older and, most likely, less well known, partly because I do not at all have any faith in the e-/small pubisher book establishments' ability to provide anything other than vaguely pleasant, overpriced tripe. If you're interested, the link is here.

--

Review - Frederick Smith's Down For Whatever

2009-05-28T13:25:05Z

It's been a while since I did more than rec a book on the fly. Check out my review of Down For Whatever, an ensemble drama novel about gay men of color in LA, by the impressive Frederick Smith.

The house is like a shining faery galleon, spun of dreams and laughter, tugging at the moorings

2009-05-27T00:56:38Z

# 37: Nights in the Gardens of Spain by Witi Ihimaera:

So Chris is back in my life.
On the day after the American carrier left, he was pallbearer at the funeral of a close friend, All the World Was In Front of Him, who died after a debilitating Aids-related illness. A violinist in the city orchestra, All the World was a vivacious presence among us, someone who discovered his gayness late and kept gasping at the joy of it, as if he had always been holding his breath.

Synopsis: Staid academic upsets his parents by leaving his family and living more fully his other life as a gay man cruising in Auckland. Epic wobblers and lots of beautiful men ensue.

What a great book. The writing is fantastic, the language is fantastic, the structure and characters are memorable. This is a definite keeper, and I'm fighting the urge to just flip it back over and re-read it cover to cover.

It's also set in New Zealand, and mentions places I remember visiting (not the steam baths, darlings. I'm talking about Lake Taupo) and things I remember seeing. It's a lovely book, and I am nearly speechless at it.

I wonder if I can convince tinx_r to read it.

Holiday Outing by Astrid Amara

2009-05-27T00:12:49Z

So, after I finished reading "The Boy I Love", i felt so emotionally overwhelmed (for real!! that story is heavy!) that I can't handle any more dramatic reading for the day. I picked up "Holiday Outing", just to cheer me up and it totally did. The story is light, adorable, sexy and has its funny moments. It follows the cliche of jock/nerd's love/hate relationship from adolescence, pass-forward to adulthood, plus a who-dun-it scenario, but don't let that turn you off! The book is well-written and cute, guarantee to perk you up. Here's the synopsis from the site where you can buy the ebook

"It's been years since Jonah Levinson has seen his parents. But now he is going to spend Hanukkah with them in order to finally tell them the truth: not only is he gay, but he is a successful author of gay novels and not the struggling (and straight) writer they imagine him to be.

But the holiday starts poorly. A record blizzard delays his flight. The snow storm locks him and his loud, argumentative relatives in the house. The power fails. And, worst of all, Jonah has to share his room with his childhood rival, the perfect Jewish son, the one he spent his entire life unfavorably compared to: Dr. Ethan Rosenberg, son of his mother's mahjong partner, and apparently God's gift to the Chosen People.

If this isn't bad enough, Jonah has to interpret Ethan's strange new fascination with him. Is Ethan flirting? Or is this just another trick to break Jonah's heart?

But when a valuable family heirloom is stolen during the festivities and suspicion falls on Jonah, Ethan agrees to help prove Jonah's innocence. They have eight days to do it. But will they solve the crime before the cooking oil - and everyone's civility - runs out?"

"The boy i love" by Marion Husband

2009-05-26T01:29:17Z

Brief synopsis from BN.com:
"A tangled web of love and betrayal develops when war hero Paul returns from the trenches. He finds himself torn between desire and duty, his lover Adam awaits but so too does Margot, the pregnant fiancee of his dead brother. Set in a time when homosexuality was the love that dare not speak its name, Paul has to decide where his loyalty and his heart lie."
"The Boy I Love" is a novel set in post WW1. It is heartbreaking to follow the lives the characters, so damaged, whether physically or/and emotionally, by the war and the oppressive society that they live in. However, throughout the story, you can see that the love is there and struggling to survive. It is very endearing, sad and lovely. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel, especially to readers who like "While England Sleeps" by David Leavitt.
The sequel "Paper Moon" follows and I hope that it will tie up loose ends and hopefully not so depressing. I go read now...

Dave Brandstetter books by Joseph Hansen

2009-05-15T10:19:12Z

If you've read the Dave Brandstetter books, you might like to join in the book discussion that's just started at d_brandstetter. Click here to read the first entry featuring "Fadeout".

If you're not familiar with the books, you can read about them at Amazon.com. Reviews for "Fadeout" can be found here.

From www.thrillingdetective.com:

In many ways a conventional P.I. - although he is in fact an insurance claims investigator - DAVE BRANDSTETTER makes for an interesting read partly because he is one of the few convincing (male) gay characters in crime writing. What makes the Brandstetter books very good however, is the way they combine a compelling, well-written 'whodunit' with their evocation of 70's and 80's Southern California, particularly Los Angeles. Listen to this, from Fadeout (1970): "Fog shrouded the canyon, a box canyon above a California town called Pima. It rained. Not hard rain but steady and grey and dismal. Shaggy pines loomed through the mist like threats. Sycamores made white twisted gestures above the arroyo. Down the arroyo water poured, ugly, angry and deep. The road shouldered the arroyo. It was a bad road. The rains had chewed its edges. There were holes. Mud and rock half buried it in places. It was steep and winding and there were no guard rails."

The Dragon's Pool is now availbale

2009-05-14T17:03:03Z

I am happy to announce that my 12th book has been published and is now available on Amazon in boh Kindle and Paperback editions.

The Dragon's Pool by Edwrd C. Patterson

Book 3 of The Jade Owl Legacy Series
704 page ISBN: 1442170999

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1442170999 (Paper) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028RY7BQ (Kindle)
http://www.mobipocket.com/EN/eBooks/eBookDetails.asp?BookID=176222 (Mobipocket)

"A shadow stalks the lanes and streets, from Gui-lin to San Francisco, from Florence to the Dragon’s Pool. In its wake, Rowden Gray and his China Hands follow a course to right the wrongs of time. The relic is hidden, but stirs in the soul and archaic rituals long since forgotten, but never lost. Some books are closed. Others are open, giving up their secrets. In the darkness, ancient terror awaits. A barren field yields up its magic and . . . the comets return to earth.

The Dragon’s Pool, the next installment of an adventure like none other, looms across the landscape giving even the stouthearted pause to reflect. The stalwart characters of The Jade Owl and The Third Peregrination are back, and joined by new players and helper bees and . . . yes, villains. It is time for the Tien-xin Rite. It is time to close history’s fissure. It is time to complete the prophesy that dwells beneath Her Majesty’s hem. It is time to count the teeth that emerge from the Dragon’s Pool."
=====================================
More action. More paranormal. More Simone DeFleurry!!

Edward C. Patterson

also available: Books 1 & 2
The Jade Owl

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1440447977 (paper) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001J54AWO (Kindle)

The Third Peregrination

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1441456724 (paper) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q3M9QI (Kindle)

M/M Anthology Available in eBook & Print

2009-04-28T19:08:45Z

I am extremely excited to announce that LIKE MAGNETS, WE ATTRACT is now available in PRINT at Amazon & CreateSpace. Additionally, LIKE MAGNETS, WE ATTRACT is available in ebook format at eXcessica, All Romance eBooks, Fictionwise, Amazon Kindle & Smashbooks.

The anthology is edited by Jaye Valentine, and includes the following stories:
~ Makau/Makai, by Shea Meier
~ King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate, by Addison Albright
~ Fairy Tail, by Rob Rosen
~ Lucky, by A. Steele
~ Forever, by William Holden
~ Common Ground, by Cassidy Ryan & Tyler McKenzie
~ The Taming of the Bull, by Taylor Lochland
~ The Hideaway, by David Wesley
~ Against the Current, by Heidi Champa
~ Fire and Water, by V. Greene

200 Pages / Available eBook file types – .PDF, .HTML, .LIT, .KML, .PDB, .MOBI, .RB

BLURB - The Anthology
Lovers who are polar opposites. Perhaps one is an unskilled surfer falling for the surf god of his dreams. Maybe one is a fussbudget attorney who ends up going home with a grease-monkey. A prince trapped in a tower and a fairy with gossamer wings. A knight errant and the dragon he's been sent to slay. Vampires and their human lovers. The computer geek and the jock. These stories and more will bring you hot men who appear to be complete mismatches for their partners.

Like Magnets, We Attract brings you erotic stories that range from the sweet to the scorching hot, from the dramatic to the whimsical, written by both well-known veteran writers of the genre and those contributing with their first professional publications.

REVIEWS

Review by Carole @ Rainbow Reviews.
The review can be read in its entirety by following the link to Rainbow Reviews. Following is a brief excerpt:

Reading Like Magnets, We Attract is like having a really great box of chocolates. You are never sure what flavor the next bite is going to be, but you know you are going to like it. These stories range through the flavors ~ tangy, sweet, pungent, nutty, tart ~ but they all have one thing in common: the heat will melt you.

The premise of the anthology is 'opposites attract,' and in ten very different scenarios, they certainly do.

King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate, by Addison Albright:
I always like Addison Albright's stories, and this one is no exception. It starts, "Blaine sat down on an empty barstool between a likely prospect and King-fucking-Kong." Cruising for a hook-up, preppy Blaine would never have considered a blue-collar working guy like George unless he was desperate. Sometimes desperation (and a Skinny Pirate) lead to surprising outcomes.

Review by Rainbow Reviews' Kassa on her LiveJournal (LJ User "Kassa11").
The review can be read in its entirety by following the link to Kassa's LiveJournal. Following is a brief excerpt:

This is a ten-story anthology all catering to the delicious theme of opposites attract. Ranging from fantasy to contemporary, each story glimpses into the fascinating characters and the opposite worlds that collide when two hot men can't stay away from each other. Whether it's a happy ever after ending, an isolated interlude, or lovers denied, this collection offers something for every reader. The lineup of strong writing, tight storylines and smoking hot characters (sometimes literally) combine to create a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining selection of stories.

King Kong vs. The Skinny Pirate, by Addison Albright:
This has a laugh out loud hilarious introduction with great characters of a fussy corporate lawyer and a bear-like mechanic. The opening scene at the bar sets the fun and light tone that is carried through effortlessly. Their story was delightful and highly entertaining with a heavily romantic ending that is sure to please new and die hard fans alike.

Excerpts from all stories in the anthology are available on editor Jaye Valentine's Livejournal, here.

Win a copy of "Many Roads Home"

2009-04-22T11:39:58Z

I'm giving everyone a chance to win a copy of my new book, Many Roads Home, in a competition over at my blog.

WARNING! Thinking caps required!

Lots of consolation prizes too, so why not drop over and give it a go?

Buy Many Roads Home from MBaM!

Read An Excerpt Online

More information about Many Roads Home

Ann Somerville's "Many Roads Home"

2009-04-22T04:25:18Z

Knowing that I like reading her stories, Ann kindly sent me a copy of her novel Many Roads Home and asked that I review it. I'm happy to say it was a very enjoyable read. As per her dedication, I'm also very glad Samhain has given her the opportunity to be published "for real" because she certainly deserves an audience.

Many Roads Home
$6.50, 245 pages, currently available as an ebook.

In a very well-developed fantasy setting, Yveni is heir to a ducal throne, fleeing for his life from his would-be regent. A loyalist helping Yveni escape dies, leaving the young man stranded-- but not without brains.

The book begins slowly, setting up Yveni's predicament and (as a parallel) the life of Paole, Yveni's love interest-- answering the question "Where have you been all my life?" ahead of time. The two don't even meet until 65 pages into the tale. I usually give books a 30-page probation to keep my attention and this one certainly set up some interesting characters and dilemmas to keep me reading in spite of the slow start.

One of the 'warnings' on the book's info. page is "interminable UST" (unrequited sexual tension) and that's no joke! It drags out for a really long time, (personally, I think it lasts almost inhumanly long) but it makes the final capitulation very sweet.

Fortunately, the book has a lot more going for it than romance. It deals with international social problems, slavery, politics, differing cultures, psychic people, and a military coup! I don't want to say too much about the action and spoil events, but once the story gets rolling, it's fun to read.

If you're unfamiliar with Ann Somerville's writing, or undecided about making a purchase, I urge you to check out her website and sample her work. She has great short stories, fantasy-- including an excellent (epic!) series, and several sci-fi offerings from very dark to humorous.

"Adaptations" by Lee Benoit out now & on sale!

2009-04-16T01:26:08Z

I’ve got a new story out this week.

It’s called “Adaptations” and it’s a new installment in the Paulo & Preston tales, featuring singing sub Paulo and his older Dom, Preston.

In this episode, Paulo worries that Preston has lost interest in topping him. The real reason comes as a surprise, and Paulo and Preston have to work together to find a solution. A set of anal beads comes in handy…

“Adaptations” appears in the Toy Box: Beads anthology from Torquere Press, and also features a Felliverse story from Syd McGinley and a story from Torquere newcomer S. Blaise.

( Here's a mostly work-safe EXCERPT )

Click on cover to buy.

And April 15^th and 16^th only, save 15% (on this or anything from Torquere’s huge catalog) by typing ‘rainmen’ in the coupon box when you check out! (‘Cause it’s April, so it’s raining men!)

For those who haven’t met Paulo and Preston yet, here are links to their stories, in order. You’ll notice Paulo enjoys giving it away. ;)

Ding Dong Merrily -- FREE

Heard on High

Epiphany: Shining Through

Lavatory Luxor -- FREE

Master Preston's Bright Bottom

Lua-de-Mel -- FREE

Adaptations

New m/m novel, "Somatesthesia", out now

2009-04-14T00:14:54Z

somatesthesia

1.the perception of tactual or proprioceptive or gut sensations

2.the faculty of bodily perception; sensory systems associated with the body; includes skin senses and proprioception and the internal organs.

It’s 2042, post-peak oil America. The FBI and National Security Agency have been merged into a single entity — the Federal Justice Agency — which has wide-ranging powers of investigation across state borders. Within that agency, a small core of highly trained elite agents, Special Crime Investigators, are brought in on the most intransigent, dangerous cases to offer specialist expertise and abilities.

Newly appointed SCI Devlin Grace meets his partner, enhanced agent Connor Hutchens, for the first time. Connor is odd and damaged — but with the ability to hear, taste, feel, see and smell well beyond the senses of ordinary people. Together they must solve a dangerous and perplexing case before any more children are killed or mutilated—and resist their growing attraction to each other, which could put their careers and their safety in great peril.

Buy here for $4.49

Preview here

Reviewed by Tarra Thomas here

Free Book!

2009-04-13T02:44:47Z

I just thought I'd let you know that one of my favourite m/m authors, Jordan Castillo Price, has made the first book in her Psycop series (think paranormal, mystery, some horror, lots of romance and sex) free for the next 24 hours on her website.

You can download the book here: http://jcpbooks.com/#among

Love in Dark Settings Omnibus: 700,000 words of gay fiction, gay love stories, and gay erotica

2009-04-08T06:14:45Z

For the price of a hardback, you can buy Love in Dark Settings Omnibus, a zipped HTML e-book with all of Dusk Peterson's fiction: 700,000 words (3 novels, 10 novellas, 4 novelettes, and 12 short stories) of suspenseful fantasy, historical fantasy, contemporary fiction, friendship fiction, heterosexual love stories, original gen, original het, original slash, hurt/comfort, darkfic, gay fiction, gay erotic love stories, gay erotica, and leather fiction. It's the equivalent of a 2000-page anthology.

As a bonus, the e-book also includes 28 collections of fiction recommendations and nonfiction, including annotated lists of hundreds of novels, short fiction, and memoirs, online and in print: friendship fiction, gay fiction and erotica, original slash and yaoi, leather fiction, Victorian and Edwardian writings, science fiction, fantasy, historical fantasy, and historical fiction.

Sample passage from the historical fantasy novel Whipster:

When Michael had finished, Hasan was silent for a long time. The young man was staring out the window of his old room, which faced the river. Normally his north-facing window was in shadow at this time of year, but the river angled patterns of light onto his face, so that his skin shone like an autumn leaf under the sun.

Without looking at Michael, he said, "I was drunk that day."

Michael wished that Hasan would turn around. He always had a hard time reading Hasan's expression; reading his body alone was next to impossible. He said carefully, "I figured. Or that what you did was only a final kiss from a boy to his whoremaster. I didn't have mind 'twas anything else."

Hasan turned; his face was puzzled. He put his hands behind his back to steady himself against the window ledge and contemplated Michael a moment. Then his expression cleared. "Is Janus hot in heart that you're trussed to a man?"

"Aren't you?" Michael's mind was sending out a warning of disrupted logic, a pattern that Michael had long ago identified with the word "disconcerted."

Hasan gave a small, incredulous laugh. "Michael, I'm a whore! For the lasting of my life, no matter what I do, that is what most people will keep in mind about me – that I was once so corrupt that I gave my body over to men. Do you really have mind it matters to me whether people despise me because I slept with a man when I was twenty, or whether they despise me because I slept with a man when I was twenty-one?"

"Then . . ." He tried not to let his thoughts go any further. Hasan had just compared him to the patrons. That was not what Michael was seeking to achieve.

Hasan spent another minute examining Michael, who was standing by the door. Michael examined him back. The younger man was wearing the suit Michael had given him, but his collar was torn in two places. The fact that he had not replaced the collar was a bad sign, Michael knew. Whatever else happened during this interview, Michael should check to see whether he could help Hasan in any way concerning his future.

Hasan settled himself down upon the windowsill, balancing perilously between safety and a long drop. He said quietly, "See now, I have mind I was sixteen when I first began to wake from dreams of you and find I was pressing stiff against you. At start, I was worried you would take note. Then I began to be figuring whether you *had* taken note. Then I began to be figuring why you didn't give tale to me about it. I had mind that you would at least have me knowing your feelings toward me, if only to make plain you weren't trussed to me that way. . . . It took me some days to figure out that you couldn't have me knowing. It just wasn't possible. I'm right about this, aye?"

This would be the month, it seemed, for him to learn that everyone knew him better than he had guessed. He checked his face, discovered that it was blank, and tried to decide whether he should change that. "Aye," he heard himself say.

"I saw you at start when you came to Outram's," Hasan said, his voice still soft amidst the tooting of the steamers passing each other. "You were crying, though Outram hadn't yet gone and touched you. You looked scared. And when I saw you next, after you'd been with Outram . . . Nothing. Nothing to see, except for that wooden strut in your hand, swinging down, and down, and down."

His mind grasped upon that sentence as the clue he needed. "I'd not do that to you."

Hasan sighed as he stood up. "Michael, if I had mind it would help you to manacle me and use that weapon you're ever holding .. ."

Michael looked down. The crop was there. He hadn't noticed it, even when he redressed himself.

"If I had mind that would help, I'd gladly let you do it," Hasan continued. "But I've seen you after you've been with patrons; doing that has never made difference to you. Has it?"

"No." His voice sounded far away, like a departing steamer.

"For all these months since you came of age," said Hasan, "I've been holding for you to realize what Outram drew from you, and to draw it back. To return to what you were before."

He wondered whether he should explain to Hasan just how long he had been trying to do that. But already Hasan was saying, "It took me some days to realize I was the reason. Me being here gave mind to you of Outram."

"No!" It was one of the few times at which his thoughts had been able to move quickly enough to tell him the appropriate way to react. A breath that caught short. A raised voice. A tensed body. He ran quickly through this list to be sure that he had chosen the right reactions. Finally he said, with a voice framed to be choked, "Hasan, it has never been like that. You were the only part of my life then that was good."

Hasan smiled faintly, as he might have smiled at a skilled performance. "Not just me. There was Janus."

He thought then he had found the key to the mystery he was pursuing, of trying to figure out what response Hasan wanted from him. He said, "What I feel for Janus is entirely different from what I feel for you. Janus is—"

"Oh, Michael!" Hasan gave something between a laugh and a sob and sat down on the bed. Gazing up at the whoremaster, he said, "Michael, some days giving tale to you is like giving tale to a person from an exotic foreign land. I give tale and tale and tale, and then I find you've not understood half of what I've gone and said. Sweet one, I'm not jealous of Janus. I may have felt a bit resentful-like to him at start, 'cause you were craving his company in a way you'd never craved mine. But after some days, I could see how Janus was changing you. Making you closer to what you'd been. Even if 'twas only a change at the surface, 'twas something. I figured from that time on that Janus would ever be the main person in your life, and any love-mates you might have would be second in place."

It was as though Hasan had looked into Michael's mind and seen what lay there, and shaped what he saw into the words that Michael had been unable to speak. Hasan had always been able to do that. Only Michael's memory of his recent conversations with Janus caused him to reply, "That's not how things go most times in the world."

"So?" said Hasan with utter simplicity. "Michael, if you've got any hope for finding yourself, 'tis in Janus. But me, I'm your past. I'm the one who was there when Outram reshaped you."

"But I—" He struggled to find the words that Hasan had not pulled from his mind. "I love you. I have mind I do."

Hasan rose and came forward then. As Michael stood motionless at the door, Hasan leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek.

"And it means riches to me to finally catch tale you saying that," Hasan said softly. "But I can't abide with you if me being here means your words will never be more than 'I have mind.' That would break my heart. The only way I can yield you my love is by yielding you your freedom, as you yielded me mine. If I abide away from you, it may be that you can find yourself." He stepped past Michael and grasped the knob of the door. . . .

Ordering information and to preview the e-book contents.

Now Available at All Romance eBooks!

2009-04-08T00:16:56Z

A DREAM COME TRUE
Is now available in ebook format at All Romance eBooks as well as at Torquere Books
123 Pages/45,000 Words
Available file types – html, lit, pdf, prc

BLURB

Mike is thrilled when his old university crush turns up at his door in answer to his roommate advertisement. Wes doesn't remember him at all, or even realize he's gay, but that doesn't stop Mike from pursuing a determined campaign to seduce him. The trouble is, Mike isn't ready to give up his free and easy lifestyle and settle down with just one man.

Mike isn't comfortable with public displays of affection. Wes doesn't like anything resembling the proverbial closet, but Mike's still buried deep inside one where his family is concerned. Will Wes have the patience to deal with Mike's issues or will their dream come true end up a nightmare?

Reviewer "Emmy" gave A Dream Come True 4-1/2 out of 5 stars on Jessewave's review blog. Her comments included: "A Dream Come True is a story with very little real conflict. It mostly consists of issues manufactured by the characters themselves. I found that believable because people can, in fact, worry too much about something until an issue becomes this huge, insurmountable mountain. It's only later when it's finally faced that one realized that there was never really anything to worry about in the first place.

The characters were likeable and empathetic. I very much enjoyed the writing in this first story I've read by this author." You can read the entire review here.

YOUTUBE BOOK TRAILER FOR A DREAM COME TRUE:

I did my best to make this both informative and entertaining. I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVoBjU57uxI

Disclaimer:
Photos used in this video are all 'royalty free' photos purchased from http://www.dreamstime.com/. The music clip is also 'royalty free', from http://incompetech.com/ (Pilot Error Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons "Attribution 3.0" http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/). In other words, to the best of my knowledge, it is completely above board. ;-)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thank you! - Addison Albright

http://addison-albright.tripod.com
http://addisonalbright.livejournal.com
http://addison-albright.blogspot.com

Now Available!