Posts labeled Contemporary
Review - Lost in the Outcome
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Tech wizard Nate wakes up in a strange hotel room, next to a cute stranger who turns out to be named Tim. With no recollection of how he got there, or what the two got up to in bed, Nate is a bit confused to say the least. He and Tim part company assuming they will never see each other. For Tim, who remembers every detail of their night together vividly, the realization that Nate remembers none of it, and doesn’t want to see him again, is crushing.
Tags: Contemporary
Review - Not Just Friends
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This review originally appeared in slightly different form at New Adult Book Reviews. As Lewis moves into his university housing to start his first year of college, he meets his new roommates. There’s the loud jock Dean, Andreas, Rob, and then there’s Max. Openly gay Max confuses Lewis, awakening feelings that he has never acknowledged before. He and Max become good friends, and Lewis is prepared to come out, as well as tell Max how he feels, but then Max gets into a relationship of his own, so Lewis resolves not to interfere.
Tags: Contemporary
Review - Artist's Touch
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Kenon is the art world’s equivalent of a rock star. The young painter can pick and choose which commissions he takes on. The portraits he creates for the rich and famous help keep the private artists’ club he has created afloat and at the center of New York’s art scene. Kenon is used to getting what — and who — he wants. When a man catches his eye, he can be rather ruthless in pursuing them, but it’s the pursuit that thrills him.
Tags: Contemporary Novella
Review - Get Him to the Geek
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This review was written for, and originally appeared on, BDSM Book Reviews. It’s been more than two years since John’s lover passed away, after only a short time together, but he still can’t bring himself to get back out there an meet new people. So his best friend Sylvia takes things in hand and sets John up on a date with Bernie, who she assures him is perfect for John. Despite his misgivings, John agrees.
Tags: Contemporary
Review - The Hardest Thing
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This review was written for BDSM Book Reviews and originally appeared there. Dan Stagg was a career marine in the era of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a sniper in Helmond kills his lover, the major loses it. His superior officers ask, and Dan tells, and that’s the end of his military career. As a civilian with a less than honorable discharge, the only work he can find is as a doorman at a club in the East Village of New York.
Tags: Contemporary
Review - Lakeside Reunion
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Spoiler alert: This is one of those short-stories that’s difficult to review without giving away most of the plot details. But then, this isn’t a book you’re going to read for its plot. Chris has arranged a little reunion with his old college roommates Sean and Tim at an isolated vacation home. Chris had tried to deny his feelings while in school, but since graduating he has come to terms with his sexuality, and his strong attraction to Sean.
Tags: Contemporary Menage
Review - Pup
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As Tackett Austin marks the passing of another year with a drink at his BDSM club, the Guards of Folsom, he begins to look back and question some of the choices he has made. Yes, he is well-to-do and has a successful career, and he has a well-earned reputation in the club as a good Dom, with subs lining up to serve him, but as he looks around at his friends, he sees other Doms with their own collared subs, happily living the lifestyle full time.
Tags: Contemporary D/s
Review - I Like Em Pretty
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Francois Choteau, “Frankie” to his friends, is a homicide detective with the New Orleans police department. One night he and his partner Kenina are called to the scene of an apparent suicide, but it isn’t the victim that catches Frankie’s eye, it’s his young lover Kajika Fortier, the most beautiful man the somewhat closeted detective has ever laid eyes on. The attraction between the two is mutual, but Kajika is a witness if not a suspect so Frankie tries to keep his distance.
Tags: Contemporary
Review - The Hot Floor
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Josh is a shy young man living in Bath. He was recently dumped by his boyfriend and now lives in a small apartment on the top floor of a run-down converted house. He likes his job as a glass blower, making traditional ornaments, but otherwise he has a rather empty life with few friends. As the story opens, Josh is crushing on his downstairs neighbors, Evan and Rai. The big strapping Evan from Manchester and geeky Japanese Rai make an unlikely couple.
Tags: Contemporary D/s Menage
Review - Before I Wake
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This review originally appeared at BDSM Book Reviews. Jonesy is a nurse’s assistant working the graveyard shift at a hospital when a new comatose patient is brought in. The young man, named Michael, has been the victim of a gay bashing and the doctors aren’t sure if he will ever come out of his coma, or if there is any brain damage even if he does wake up. It soon becomes clear that the young man has nobody who really cares about him.
Tags: Contemporary