Posts labeled Novella
Review - Damnatio by S.P. Somtow
My rating: 
Sporus is on his way to Greece with Nero, after the emperor had the young man’s genitals removed so that he would remain looking forever young, in the image of the Empress Poppaea, whom Nero killed in a fit of rage. The onetime slave may now be Empress of Rome, but in every way that matters, Sporus has less freedom than when he belonged to Petronius. I had thought that this third book would be the final in the series, but there’s now a fourth book announced.
Tags: Ancient Rome Novella
Review - The Ugly Duckling by Sean Michael
My rating:
Brook agrees to a blind date that his old friend set up. His date turns out to be Ducky, one of a group of boys that bullied Brook in high school. They’ve both grown up since then. Brook is no longer the geeky kid, but a ballet dancer. Ducky is apologetic over his bad behavior and the two hit it off in a big way. “The Ugly Duckling” is a very short romance tale about two men finding a connection.
Tags: Fantasy Fairy Tales Novella
Review - The Taste of New York by H Birchwood, Key Dyson & Raymond Roach
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Rich Merrill is in New York to speak at a conference. The city is still one of the major world financial centers despite all the changes wrought by the changing climate. Rich is definitely out of his element. Fortunately, he meets Solace King in a coffee shop. Like Rich, Sol is descended from genetically modified parents. Only, his genes give Sol a more elfin appearance, with pointy ears and a diminutive stature.
Tags: Science Fiction Novella
Review - Daddy's Cabin Boy by Morticia Knight
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Note: The author kindly offered a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. Ricky is rather desperate for a break. He’s been struggling since breaking up with his former Daddy who found it too much work. He jumps at the chance to be a service sub on a kinky cruise, even though that’s never been his thing. It doesn’t take long for Ricky to realize he is in over his head.
Review - The Fairest by Sam Burns
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Prince Carwyn will be crowned king in just a few days. He’s not really looking forward to it. Even at twenty years old, Carwyn doesn’t feel he’s mature enough to take on the job. His stepfather, the regent, seems to be doing a far better job than Carwyn feels capable of. Carwyn would much rather be spending his time with Gareth. The two were inseparable as children, but as Carwyn took on the tasks of learning to rule after his mother died, Gareth took up the role of huntsman and went off to live in the woods.
Tags: Fairy Tales Novella
Review - Searching the Seas by Sean Michael
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Abraham has made a life for himself as the peacekeeper of a small island town after being exiled from his father’s castle for refusing to marry a woman of his father’s choosing. One day, a mysterious ship drops anchor in the harbor. It turns out to be pirates, who need a safe place for one of their crew, and take Abraham hostage to ensure the safety of the people left behind.
Review - Luck of the Draw by Addison Albright
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Once upon a time, three kingdoms were engaged in a bloody war over a small piece of land. Many princes and princesses died in the battles. When the rulers decided to make peace, part of the treaty called for marriages between the houses to promote stability. The only problem is that there are slightly more eligible princes than princesses. This means that either Obren or his brother will have to marry Prince Dukan.
Review - French Twist by Shawn Bailey
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Chef Gage is under pressure. Both the baker and pastry chefs have quit, and Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. Gage decides to take a risk on two recent culinary school graduates. The new pastry chef, Valentin, is not only very talented, he's very beautiful as well. Valentin isn't the kind of guy Gage is normally attracted to, but he can't seem to resist the young man. “French Twist” is a barely novella-length story about finding love where you least expect it.
Tags: Contemporary Novella
Review - Making Waves by Marie Sexton
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Ward grew up in foster care, moving from one home to another. The one constant in his life was Dean, who remained his friend through high school, where they shared a love of cars. Years later, the two stay best friends and work at the same garage, where Dean has become one of the stars of a reality show while Ward does the “real” work of fixing cars for all the clients the show brings in.
Tags: Contemporary Novella
Review - Ash Belives the Impossible by Kim Fielding
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Ash lives a rather mundane life. He has a very fulfilling job helping people who have been out of work due to personal crises find jobs. It doesn't pay very much, but it's enough to get by. Since the breakup with his last boyfriend, Ash has been renting an apartment from two aging hippies with a forest in their backyard. One day, gifts start appearing outside Ash's door. They're not fancy, but obviously handmade with love.