>Oracle by RJ Scott

>

Oracle

by RJ Scott
Silver Publishing
Length: 303 Pages
Characters: Alex Sheridan, Luke MacKinnon
POV: Third person
Setting: England/Greece
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Book Cover Rating: 5

4 KISSES

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Blurb:

Oracle is a modern-day story about a mysterious man, an Empath, who appears to be a descendant of the Sybil at the oracle in Delphi. He holds power that, should it fall into the wrong hands, would become a valuable weapon. Young Alex Sheridan washed up on a beach with scars and marks covering most of his body; scars that hide a horrific past and a key to his future. Luke MacKinnon is a shy professor of ancient languages brought in by the U.S. Army to translate documents that could lead to a powerful weapon; a modern-day Oracle. When the two meet, their connection is instant. Can Luke and Alex survive the evil that wants the Oracle’s power?

Review:

Alex Sheridan has no memories of life before the age of 7, when he emerged from the sea on the coast of modern Greece. Scarred and scared, Alex was adopted by an American family but knew he was very different from others when he discovered that he not only had unusual powers, but he also had powerful dreams; visions that were not his own, yet were somehow a part of him.

Alex is an illustrated man. The scars on his body, which he’s had styled into intricate tattoos, tell an ancient story and reveal a past life that ended in sacrifice, murder, and betrayal. It is a story that belongs to another, a boy who’d died many centuries earlier in Ancient Greece at Apollo’s temple at Delphi. The boy is sacrificed in the name of greed by a priest who lusts for the power of the Oracle, but he’s spared by Apollo and ascends with the gods to live under their protection for fifty lifetimes before returning to fulfill his destiny.

A directive given by Alex’s murdered lover just before he dies, sends Alex to Greece where he begins to unravel the mysteries surrounding himself and his past – a past that may only be able to be deciphered by one man, Luke MacKinnon, an American professor who is an expert in the history and language of Ancient Greece, and a man whom Alex had met only very briefly a short time before.

Luke is a self professed daydreamer whose life is “anything but normal.” He is dedicated to a field of work that sometimes removes him from his own world and leads him into an ancient past that leaves him little time to connect with anyone but his students. When he’s contacted by the US military to assist them in finding a powerful weapon that was prophesied to exist, Luke finds that the key to its discovery lies in decoding the mystery of “the painted man.” When he discovers that he is a part of that ancient prophesy, his connection to Alex becomes an unbreakable bond that propels them both into danger.

Oracle is a story whose roots are planted firmly in Greek Mythology. The characters are drawn from both mythology and the contemporary, and each had an important role to play in the exposition of the plot. Alex and Luke were strong protagonists, and the bond they were fated to share was deeply compelling and authentic. The book explores the concept of life and relationships controlled by fate and how life is directed when destiny, rather than free will, controls the paths taken. From the introduction to the conclusion, the plot held my attention with a blend of romance, suspense, conflict, and action. The climax of the story and its resolution were emotionally satisfying and well developed. The story, as a whole, was well paced and tautly written. My one and only conflict was the editing issue that made it difficult at times for me to remain in the story. Fortunately, I found the characters, plot, and dialogue to be compelling enough to help me overcome those issues.

Reviewer: Lisa

>Johnny Miles

>

Johnny Miles

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Johnny. We are very excited and can’t wait to learn more about you.

Are you kidding? Thank you for having me! The excitement is mutual.

Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Well, I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York and of Puerto Rican descent. I grew up in East New York, which is a ghetto and was exposed to a lot of fighting, racial tension and drugs. I think that’s probably the reason why books were such an important part of my life.


In high school, I figured if I was going to be a writer I’d better learn how to type. So I did! I was the only boy in a class of 33. Everyone called me crazy, among other things, but it worked out to my advantage. I had a pretty good speed with low errors and because of that my typing teacher recommended me for an afterschool job in the Graphic Arts department.


Since then, I’ve had all different kinds of positions – telephone sex operator, customer service rep, massage therapist, caterer. I was even in the adult entertainment industry for a while but so far, hands down, my favorite is writing.

What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?

My very first book was “Summer For Two” and it was never published. I wrote it when I was…15? 16?. I remember working on it day and night during the summer when I was off from school. Like a lot of young writers, I thought it would be an instant bestseller! It was 500+ pages, double-spaced, on onion skin of all things! And it was complete trash. In a way I wish I had kept it but I threw it away.

I’ve written other books since then but they’ve been self-published. It’s a fun, exciting and sometimes frustrating process but not nearly as exciting as having a book published by someone else and getting paid for it.

In that sense, “Casa Rodrigo” is my very first. It’s a M/M historical romance between a plantation owner and a slave. It took about 9 months from start to distribution.

How many books have you written thus far?

I have a total of 5. Three are self-published and are very graphic M/M stories; “Casa Rodrigo,” which was published by Loose Id, and I’ve just completed a fifth. But it’s not ready for submission just yet.

When did you start writing erotic romance? What about this genre interested you the most?

I’ve always written gay erotica. Back then it was called porn, though. I wrote for a lot of now-defunct magazines then stopped for almost twenty years.


Then, in January of 2009, my partner and I went on a cruise where we met Treva Harte. She and Bobby Michaels both encouraged me to write an erotic M/M romance. I had never done so and thought, what the hell? How hard could it be? Boy was I ever wrong!


It was much, much harder than I thought. Writing good sex is one thing. Writing a good story is another. Writing a good story where you get to mix the hot sex into it is, in my opinion, akin to being a Master Chef. The ingredients have to be just right and go in at the right time or the flavor is all wrong.

Do you write full time?

Not one hundred percent but I’m working towards it.

Looking back was there something in particular that helped you to decide to become a writer? Did you choose it or did the profession choose you?

I’ve always written. Ever since I was a little boy. But in Junior High, my homeroom teacher assigned us a project. I can’t even remember what it was. All I know is that I wrote, from memory, the story of “The Wizard of Oz” after having just seen the movie.


Of course, coming from a Spanish household where English was my second language, I had no clue it was already a story! The teacher pulled me aside and told me I couldn’t do things like that but he was impressed and suggested I should give serious thought to becoming a writer. Years later, I would discover that what I had done was to be called “novelizations!”

On a typical writing day, how would you spend your time?

It’s quite boring, really. After seeing my honey off to work, I answer my e-mail, chat on Facebook for a bit and then immerse myself in whatever project I happen to be working on. I usually take a half hour for lunch and then keep going until my partner comes home. Sometimes, if I’m particularly inspired by the fickle muses or if I’m on deadline, I’ll get back to work immediately after dinner and work until it’s almost bedtime.

See? Nothing glamorous I’m afraid. Though I DO eventually want to get back into a good workout regime. I used to have really nice arms; or so I was told.

What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?

I sometimes do research before starting a story but usually it’s more of a research-as-I-go type of thing. I go online to check things out but I’m not a good researcher. I get frustrated too easily when I don’t find the answer I want right away; especially if something in the book hinges on a certain detail. That’s when I usually ask Treva. Or I throw it out there on Facebook. Most times, though, it’s “Ask Treva.” I think she should start an advice column!

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters? How do you approach development of your characters? Where do you draw the line?

Parts of me? Definitely. Other people? Sometimes. Mostly, up to now, my writing has been about fantasy. Though some characteristics do come from real people at times. But I don’t emulate people outright. I like to people watch and make up stories about them so it’s easy coming up with character bios for personal use.

How long does it take for you to complete a book you would allow someone to read?

The one I just finished was completed in under a month. My critique partner read it almost immediately after it was done or rather, as I would complete a chapter. My partner is reading it now. But that’s it. I don’t think I’ll be able to let anyone else read it until I’m done editing. Hopefully by the end of the month!

If you weren’t sitting there right this very moment answering our book of questions, what else would you be doing?

I have a freelance project I should be working that will help me pay some immediate bills but if that weren’t on my plate to do next, I’d probably be editing or working on another story. I like to work with a schedule or I just sit in front of the computer researching – yeah, that’s the word – researching, xTube and get nothing done.

Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?

Writer’s block is a very real thing. It’s a horrible nemesis and a writer’s worst nightmare. It happens to me frequently and sometimes I’m at a loss for days on end. I used to force myself, thinking I had to keep going, that it would flow again. But I’ve come to realize that the thing to do is step back. I’ll do housework or some other mundane chore that I let pile up. Once, I started working on a new story but then I got sidetracked and didn’t want to work on my previous piece so I’ve decided that’s no good.


Usually, when I get blocked, it’s because something is happening in the story that I’m not happy with or that isn’t working. Sometimes a character has hijacked the story and has taken it in a different direction, only I haven’t realized it at the time. Blockage seems to happen a lot more when I work on the fly, with no plot or story in mind other than, “Okay. Today I’m going to start a new story.”

When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel, or experience?

I want them to have a good time. I want them to feel like they’ve been taken to a different place from where they are. I want them to walk away and say, “Wow! That was a really good story!”

Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?

Here’s the weird thing. I can usually help others with their titles. Or sometimes I come up with great titles but I have no story. In fact, I have a list of titles but the stories just haven’t materialized. Even the one I just finished doesn’t have a title.

How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?

My sense of humor is often sick and perverse. I’ve been told deranged. But I can totally do slapstick as well! The Three Stooges always make me laugh. So does “Family Guy,” “The Cleveland Show” and “Golden Girls” – the Fab 4, in my opinion – over and over again.

I used to really love Rita Rudner. She was probably my favorite. Robin Williams. Ricky Gervais is pretty funny as well. Recently, my partner and I got hooked on a British show called “Spaced” which was hysterical!

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a contemporary M/M romance involving a 39-year-old advertising exec who has a heart attack and falls in love quite unexpectedly with a Latin hunk while he’s recuperating in Fort Lauderdale.

What was the best piece of advice you’ve received with respect to the art of writing? How did you implement it into your work?

I’ve gotten loads of really good advice along with some that was not so good. Most of it was great, though! And you incorporate what rings true to you, into your routine. The absolute best piece of advice, however, is that I write for myself, in order to find out what happens next.

Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative “spark” alive – both in your work and out of it?

Right now, aside from the occasional freelance project, writing has been it since I don’t have an “official” job. I was laid off February of 2009. To keep the spark alive I talk about things with my partner. But I’ve also found an incredible group of writers and readers on Facebook who are not only supportive, open and willing to share their experiences, they’re nurturing as well.

I also watch a lot of movies and read. I love discovering new music and hanging out in bookstores. Sometimes I even sit in coffee shops and watch people as they walk by.


The spark is always there. I don’t think it ever goes away; at least I hope not. I think it’s just a matter of finding what will make that spark flare then stoke it into a roaring fire.

What kind of books do you like to read?

All kinds. Right now I have 13 books by my side of the bed. Some of them are erotic romances, some are thrillers, others are mysteries. One is a book on how to write a good historical, the other is a how-to on romance. And one of them is a fantasy.

What is your favorite TV show?

My favorite all-time show? Definitely “Golden Girls.” Currently, though, my favorite is “Modern Family.”

What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Just thought we’d throw that in for fun…

Ha! Fast food. Yeah. A guilty pleasure. I’d have to say McDonald’s for their french fries and Wendy’s for their bacon cheeseburger. Oh, and Dunkin’ Donuts. Hmmmm. Donuts!

Without getting up, can you tell us what’s under your bed? (yep, another sneaky question.)

Wrist and ankle cuffs. A pair of genuine, BSO issue handcuffs – Broward Sheriff’s Office; I dated a cop once and stole them from him – a paddle and a broken-down weight bench.

If you weren’t a writer what would you be?

Probably a professional escort or a porn producer.

When it comes to the covers of your books, what do you like or dislike about them?

As far as the self-published books are concerned, I don’t like that the first two have no “real” cover to speak of. It’s just words against a colored background. As for “Casa Rodrigo” I absolutely LOVE it! Anne Cain did an amazing job and I love her work.

Aside from writing, what else do you enjoy doing?

Now that’s a loaded question! There isn’t much I’m not willing to try. Sometimes twice! But as far as clean stuff goes, I love dinner out, traveling, movies and hanging out with good friends.

Any special projects coming out soon we should watch for?

Well, since you asked, I’m very excited about all of them really. The contemporary romance I just finished, which has no title yet. But I haven’t submitted it yet and don’t know if it will be accepted. I’m also excited about a fantasy/sci-fi romance I started; I’ve gotten some very good feedback from a fellow writer. And then there’s a gritty, noir-type story called “Sex Offenders.” I find sometimes I just need to immerse myself into reality and remind myself that life, no matter how pretty or how much of a fairy tale we want it to be, consists of the ugly, tawdry and seedy side of sex and love and violence. Life just isn’t a Disney movie and the grit sometimes needs to be there.

New writers are always trying to glean advice from those with more experience. What suggestions do you have for new writers?

The only advice I have to offer is what I’ve learned after being laid off. Once I started writing in earnest, I couldn’t stop. Now, I MUST write. Otherwise I feel as if I have no purpose and life just doesn’t have any meaning.

You have to some talent, something to start with in order to build and hone. But you have to really want it. You have to be so hungry for it but you must also be prepared for the fact that a first book more than likely won’t be a bestseller.


You have to be able, and willing, to wear different hats in order to help get your name, and story, out to the public. People won’t automatically make you an overnight sensation. I know my first book won’t change the world. But I’m okay with that. It’s more about the experience and the journey.

Frankly, though? As a newcomer I’m still learning. All the advice I’ve received made any sense until I was actually on the road and going through the process.

Can you please tell us where we can find you and your books on the Internet?

There are several ways actually. I can be befriended on Facebook. Or you can visit my website: http://www.johnny-miles.com./ There are links there to purchase the books. To go directly to the self-published books on Lulu: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3000562. Finally, for Casa Rodrigo and, hopefully, any future romances, you can go here: http://www.loose-id.com/Our-Authors/Johnny-Miles/

>Casa Rodrigo by Johnny Miles

>

Casa Rodrigo

by Johnny Miles
Loose ID
Length: 205 Pages
POV: Third
Setting: Historical Spain/Caribbean’s
Genre: Slavery/Romance
Book Cover Rating: 4

4.5 KISSES

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Blurb:

On a lush, tropical island inhabited by rogues, thieves and villains, where men take the law into their own hands, a father and son are thrust into tumultuous events that will change their lives forever.

Bernardo de Rodrigo is proud of his son. Alonso is handsome and winning, and everyone he meets is instantly drawn to the tall, warm Spaniard. But how could either of them have known that a forbidden love is about to claim Alonso’s heart?

Arbol, the charismatic male slave who was saved from the clutches of Raul Ignacio Martín, feels an instant connection with Alonso, the moment he looks into Arbol’s eyes, the moment they touch.

Bernardo has other things to worry about, however. He’s trying to exorcise himself of an intensely gratifying yet shame-filled sexual affair with Raul, who secretly adores Bernardo but doesn’t know how to show it.

When Raul blackmails Bernardo, their dark and sordid relationship not only threatens the bond between father and son, it places Arbol’s life in danger. Now Bernardo must make a difficult choice that could further alienate his son while Alonso must find a way to keep the man he loves.

Publisher’s Note: This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find objectionable: Dubious consent, male/male sexual practices.

Review:

Let me be the first to tell you that I have never heard of Johnny Miles, but now, knowing the talent this man has, I plan on getting to know more of him. He took a time in history and not only taught me a few things, but also almost made me wish I could slip back there and teach them a thing or two. Why?

Slavery is an extremely hard subject for me to approach. I mean, it’s different in a BDSM read, where the person elects to be a slave for his/her Master but this is a whole different type. The slavery in this story is not an option for the poor individuals, they do not have a choice, they are either slaves or they are dead. Those who want freedom, but were unlucky enough to be born into slavery have no hope of ever tasting what so many take for granted. Their freedom.

At the start of this historical a young woman is seen running through the woods, pleading for help, and carrying her baby. It’s obvious she’s running away from something or someone, but we don’t find out what that is until that poor woman is shot and left to die. We don’t find out until a family opens their door to the sounds of gun shots and someone yelling for help. They arrive to the fallen woman just in time to take the baby from her, before she dies.

It’s then we find out that the woman was a slave and she was running for freedom. The child made it, thanks to the family and is raised until he’s five in their home, but totally hidden from the man who killed his mother. Raul. The guy is a jerk who owns slaves, and he’s also the jerk that helps Bernardo, a man who is very married, to get out of financial debt. He does this by blackmailing him into setting sail with him to the Caribbean’s where they will have their own plantations and using slaves to work said plantations.

Bernardo has two son’s, twins to be exact and it was one of those twins that seems to take right after his daddy, his name is Alonso and when he’s a little guy, he actually took little Arbol, who has been in hiding for many years out of Raul’s eyes, a piece of birthday cake. Suddenly we jump ahead by like thirteen years and find Arbol working on the plantation in the fields and find out that he’s gay. Well, all those years he’s without the family that had saved his life from Raul, and he sees his friend again. One whose face he never forgotten, and one he knows he loves with all his heart.

I want to mention that Bernardo has a wife, who hates Raul, and she refuses to ever leave Spain so when Bernardo takes off on the ship, he’s gone for a year at the least and even takes his son’s with him. Come to find out, Bernardo is gay but he denies himself, and stays married to his wife because in his mind it’s dirty to be gay, to love another man. I really didn’t care for him as a person, but I understood his anguish both in trying to protect the young boy whose life he saved and putting him to work on a plantation in the fields out of Raul’s sight, who owns his own plantation up the road. I really wanted him to have more of a backbone but that doesn’t take from the anguish of the story, it adds to it. I mean he’s in bed with Raul and giving into his needs but hating himself at the same time while his son is finding that he is loving Arbol.

I had tears in my eyes reading this one. I can just imagine the heartache. The unfairness angers me. Not only should a person be free to love, they should be free…PERIOD.

Things don’t go easy for the characters here. There is so much torment and I couldn’t stop reading it. I had to know what happened to all of them. Though I was happy to see one get their comeuppance I still had hurt for him because really, he wanted to be free enough to love who he wanted to love without having that feeling that he was being shameful and dirty because he preferred men. Oh the anguish! I’m so glad I wasn’t around back then.

Johnny has done a wonderful job and really, my review hasn’t captured most of it. I simply can say he’s done a wonderful job with the plot, the characters, and the setting? Oh wow, I almost felt as if I was there with them.

If you’re looking to learn a little something with the extra spice of very well done sex scenes? Try this. I am so happy I did.

Reviewer: Michele

>Young Adult Gay-themed Literature

>During the upcoming week, we will be focusing exclusively on the Young Adult genre. Beginning on Wednesday, September 1st, we will begin this focus. We appreciate comments, feedback, and recommendations. Here are some of the authors we plan to include:

• Alex Sanchez
• Robin Reardon
• Nick Burd
• Lee Bantle
• Hayden Thorne
• Perry Moore
• Michael Cart
• David Levithan
• Martin Wilson
• Stephen Chbosky
• Rigoberto Gonzalez
• Brian Malloy
• Brian Sloan

And more!
Please visit us, and by all means, share your feedback.

Yes! by Kim Dare

YES!

by Kim Dare
Total E-Bound
Length: 55 Pages
POV: Third
Setting: Modern Day/UK
Book Cover Rating: 5
4 KISSES

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Blurb:

Can Andrew really spend twelve hours saying no to everything Stephen offers him? It’s not going to be easy, when all he wants to say is – Yes!

Andrew likes sex. If someone he’s attracted to wants to have sex with him, he’s not going to say no to them. That’s not a character flaw, it’s just common sense.

Stephen seems to think otherwise. He’s sure Andrew is incapable of saying no to a cheap thrill. But, at the same time, he’s more than happy to provide Andrew with the prefect opportunity to prove him wrong.

Andrew has no doubt that he can say no to everything the younger man offers him for the next twelve hours, and that’s all he needs to do to win their bet. He’s also quite looking forward to cutting the would-be dominant down to size in the process. Because, while he may be easy when it comes to vanilla encounters, Andrew has high standards when it comes to dominants.

There’s no way an inexperienced nineteen year old is going to receive his submission. Andrew will obviously find it easy to say no to that. Won’t he…?

Review:

Kim’s short Yes! is about two young men, Andrew who is in his 20′s and Stephen who is 19. The story starts off with the two men chatting at a coffee shop about Andrew and his urges. Apparently the guy loves to sleep around, and Dom’s are his men of choice. Andrew is a natural sub, who I believe is or could be a pushy little bottom, so to speak. Stephen, I could swear is a therapist, he’s smart and very controlled, and controlling but he does it in a way that makes you really think things through.

He’s confident, he’s very nice looking, well off, and goes after what he wants.

What he wants is Andrew, but in his way. So he proposes a deal to the flirty Andrew…For a full twelve hours, Andrew, who apparently has a hard time saying the word: NO, must remain with him and prove to him that he is capable of saying the word no. IF he screws up and says Yes, then consequences will occur.

Of course Andrew goes for it and this is where their fun begins. That Stephen may just be 19 years old but just wow, he’s a smart one and he’s every bit the Dom that Andrew needs in his life. It was an entertaining story, especially when everything Stephen questioned Andrew about meant he had to say yes or no. And to keep with the conditions that Stephen has placed on Andrew to show him that Stephen is right about Andrews out going ways, all of the questions Stephen asks technically should be answered with No. Questions like: “Would you like a taste of…” and Stephen teases him about a yummy taste of pure chocolate heaven, that Andrew wants soo badly…To see him struggle with himself to say No is just funny.

I watched Andrew grow as an individual in this story, and I watched Stephen take the role of a Master with ease.

What a joy it was. Kim? Can we visit these 2 again? soon?

And the sex? Come on this is Kim Dare….Yes! it’s hotter than the sky on the 4th of July.

Reviewer: Michele

>Charlie Cochrane

>

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, Charlie. We are very excited and can’t wait to learn more about you. Can you tell us a little bit about your background?

I read Biology at Cambridge, then worked firstly in the pharmaceutical industry and afterwards in adult training. I have three teenage daughters and love watching sport (especially rugby), theatre, walking and historical sites. I’m a committed Christian, which sometimes surprises people.

What was your first book and how long did it take to get it published?

I must have been the luckiest girl in the world. Lee Rowan, whom I’ve known since before she was ‘Lee Rowan,’ was putting together an anthology of stories – Speak Its Name – and asked if I’d contribute. After ‘umming’ and ‘ahing’ a bit I agreed and my first published story, Aftermath, was born. Less than a year from idea to print/ebook.

How many books have you written thus far?

Published ones? Stand alone novels – seven (the Cambridge Fellows series)Novellas/short stories – seven, all of them in anthologies with some of the great names in GLBT writing.

When did you start writing gay historical fiction? What about this genre interested you the most?

Probably when I was a teenager! Like many girls, I dabbled with slashy type stories (mine were vaguely based on Lord of the Rings and I cringe to think of them). Then the inclination to write went dormant, although I’ve always made up stories in my head, for example to entertain my daughters when they were smaller.


A few years back I was looking for something new in my life and I turned back to writing. I love history and I love gay romance so it felt natural to combine the two. In terms of why a biologist loves history so much, I think it’s in part due to the wonderful country I live in. England is full of ‘the past on your doostep’, almost to the point where we take it for granted. I live in a modernized Edwardian house so that seemed an ideal era for me to write in when I was trying to find the right setting for the Cambridge Fellows stories.

Do you write full time?

No. I’ve got too many irons in the fire. I do some freelance training, a fair amount of voluntary stuff and have three teenage daughters and a husband to keep in line. Writing started as a hobby but it’s growing in terms of time and importance.

When it comes to plotting, do you write freely or plan everything in advance?

I tend to write freely. If I write to too tight a plan I sometimes find I can’t write at all; too constrictive, too little capacity for the characters to develop and do what feels natural. (If that makes sense?) I’d rather have to go back over earlier parts of a story and change them to fit later developments than change later developments to fit some artificial framework.

What kind of research do you do before and during a new book?

I try to immerse myself in the time; not necessarily by reading about the era but accessing sources from the era. Newspapers, books, pictures, paintings, good TV or radio adaptations set in the age I’m writing about, all that sort of thing. As I go along, I check out various things – bits of language, articles/brands, timetables – to make sure I’ve got as many right as possible. (I’m so mad they didn’t have Jelly babies early enough for them to be Orlando’s favourite sweet!)

How much of yourself and the people you know manifest into your characters?

Not a lot in terms of character traits, but a fair amount in terms of what people say or do. My stories are littered with little incidents and sayings that come straight from the home life of the Cochranes and their friends. (In Lessons in Trust there’s a scene where Orlando won’t take some medicine, which is modeled on my eldest daughter’s boyfriend doing the same thing.)

If you weren’t sitting there right this very moment answering our book of questions, what else would you be doing?

The washing up, or some gardening. I’d much rather be here, doing this!

Do you write straight through, or do you revise as you go along?

Revise as I go along, so a work in progress might have bits which are perfect and some which are still at their roughest stage or not yet in existence at all.

Writers often go on about writer’s block. Do you ever suffer from it, and what measures do you take to get past it?

I do and I write out of it. Anything – fanfic, doggerel, revision of work already done. Sometimes I try writing with a pen in a notepad instead of at a computer. Usually works. If it doesn’t, then a day away from writing often works the oracle.

When someone reads one of your books for the first time, what do you hope they gain, feel, or experience?

That they’ve been transported back to the era concerned and that it feels authentic. Then I hope they’ve found characters to like and maybe had a laugh. I hope they don’t ever feel frustrated!

Does the title of a book you’re writing come to you as you’re writing it, or does it come before you even begin the first sentence?

I am totally rubbish at titles so they usually come last. I just have a working title while I craft the story.

How would you describe your sense of humor? Who and what makes you laugh?

Dotty, silly, dry. I laugh at Round the Horne (radio programme from the 1960’s, still repeated on BBC7), Morecambe and Wise and Wallace and Gromit!

What is the most frequently asked Charlie question?

Can you explain the rules of rugby?

What are you working on now?

A script for a TV programme. Very speculative venture, this one – following up a slender lead!

Writing is obviously not just how you make your living, but your life-style as well. What do you do to keep the creative “spark” alive – both in your work and out of it?

Accessing plenty of inspiration – beautiful locations, good music, hot guys playing rugby. Not getting stuck in a rut or letting life get stale.

What pros and cons surround the e-publishing industry?

Can I cheat here? I blogged about selling the idea of e-books to print authors here http://historicromance.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/selling-the-idea-of-e-books-to-print-authors and listed the pros and cons for readers, authors and publishers.

What kind of books do you like to read?

Any and everything. I adore the Aubrey/Maturin stories by Patrick O’Brien, I love classic murder mysteries (Ngaio Marsh, Dorothy L Sayers and the modern versions by Simon Brett). I also like anything by Mary Renault or Alan Bennett.

What is your favorite TV show?

At present, the modern Sherlock Holmes adaptation, with Benedict Cumberbatch. (I want him to play my Orlando from the Cambridge Fellows books!) Of all time, the comedy series Open All Hours.

What is your favorite fast food restaurant? Just thought we’d throw that in for fun…

I really don’t like fast food places. Does Nando’s count?

Without getting up, can you tell us what’s under your bed? (yep, another sneaky question.)

A copy of CAM magazine and the puzzles from last week’s Sunday telegraph. Various pairs of shoes and small suitcases.

New writers are always trying to glean advice from those with more experience. What suggestions do you have for new writers?

Make good friends with people already in the business and listen to their advice. If it’s good advice, adapt it for your needs. And ask them questions, lots of them. Many authors are delighted to help new writers.

Can you please tell us where we can find you and your books on the Internet?

My website is http://www.charliecochrane.co.uk/ and I have pages at the GLBT wiki http://historicromance.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/selling-the-idea-of-e-books-to-print-authors. For the most up to date news, visit my blog http://charliecochrane.livejournal.com/

Hot Pink or Yellow and why?

Neither. Black, especially leather, please!

Lessons In Love by Charlie Cochrane

Lessons In Love
by Charlie Cochrane
Linden Bay Romance LLC
Length: 186 Pages
Characters: Jonty Stewart, Orlando Coppersmith
POV: Third person
Setting: St. Bride’s College, Cambridge
Genre: Mystery
Book Cover Rating: 3

4 KISSES

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Blurb:

St. Bride’s College, Cambridge, England, 1905. When Jonty Stewart takes up a teaching post at the college where he studied, the handsome and outgoing young man acts as a catalyst for change within the archaic institution. He also has a catalytic effect on Orlando Coppersmith.

Orlando is a brilliant, introverted mathematician with very little experience of life outside the college walls. He strikes up an alliance with the outgoing Jonty, and soon finds himself having feelings he’s never experienced before. Before long their friendship blossoms into more than either man had hoped and they enter into a clandestine relationship.

Their romance is complicated when a series of murders is discovered within St. Bride’s. All of the victims have one thing in common, a penchant for men. While acting as the eyes and ears for the police, a mixture of logic and luck leads them to a confrontation with the murderer—can they survive it?

Review:

Jonty Stewart is a fellow at St. Bride’s College in Cambridge, England. Jonty teaches literature, more specifically, he teaches Shakespearean literature during an era when tradition and good form were the height of propriety. Lessons in Love is set during the Edwardian era, a time when the social class system was rigid and gentility itself was a barometer of a man’s character.

Orlando Coppersmith teaches mathematics at St. Bride’s. Orlando is a solitary man who is more interested in academics than in anything that may resemble social interaction. Orlando doesn’t understand much about friendship or love and has a tendency to look at everything that comes his way in an exceptionally analytical way.

When the two men meet in what can only be described as an accidental encounter, the particularly affable Jonty and the unusually staid Orlando begin the journey of an unlikely friendship that develops into a sweet and charming romance, but certainly is not without its difficulties. Orlando is a man with a troubled past. He has buried himself in the world of academia for so long that he has entirely missed out on what it means to make an emotional connection with another person. Orlando isn’t attracted to anyone, either male or female, and is baffled by both Jonty’s gregarious personality, and his sudden desire to befriend the man who seems to be his polar opposite. Orlando is a man of numbers, while Jonty is man of the sonnets and plays of the Bard of Avon. Jonty tells Orlando, “It’s never too late to learn to appreciate life’s pleasures,” and sets out to show Orlando that, where love is concerned, there is no right or wrong, there is only deep affection and abiding friendship.

As the relationship between these two wonderful characters grows, a series of murders at the college begins to stir fears among its residents. The murders are being committed in the name of righteousness, backed by the fervor of the religious precept that it is an abomination for two men to love one another. Orlando and Jonty are both fearful of being discovered but have developed a bond so deep that they can’t bear to part, even for their own safety. Instead, the two men join forces to do a bit of amateur sleuthing in hopes of bringing the killer to justice.

Charlie Cochrane has written a lovely romance between two charming, intelligent, and guileless characters; one that is appropriately restrained for the time period in which it takes place. Coupling that with an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing right through to the end, and a peppering of references to various Shakespearean plays, giving the story a “play within a play” feeling that the Bard used to such great effect in so many of his works, Lessons in Love was a fresh and entertaining tale.

Reviewer: Lisa

>Revenant by Connie Bailey

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Revenant
by Connie Bailey
Dreamspinner Press
Length: 217 Pages
Book Cover Rating: 4

3.5 KISSES

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Blurb:

Expecting another run-of-the-mill salvage job, Bo Andressen and his crew arrive at a crumbling castle in Wales and walk into a mystery of murder, hidden treasure, and greed with roots in the far past. In cooperating with the local law enforcement, Bo agrees to bring in a psychic, hoping to debunk rumors that the castle is haunted. However, paranormal liaison Tristan Lambert discovers that ghosts are only one suspected danger.

Bo doesn’t believe in ghosts, but Tristan is convinced they’re dealing with a revenant—a hostile spirit feeding on sexual energy and striving to be reborn. The arrival of the castle’s owner, Sir Rhys Turcotte, with his secretary—who happens to be Bo’s ex-lover—complicates an already dangerous situation. Unwittingly bound together by an evil spell, Bo and Tristan seek to unmask the revenant’s earthly allies… before more people become victims to an ancient evil seeking to rule the mortal world.

Review:

I’ve checked and double checked, and what was seriously missing in this book was a warning that I felt should have been in place. ***WARNING: CONTAINS VIOLENCE, NONCONSENSUAL SEX, AND SCENES OF RAPE TO WHICH SOME READERS MAY BE SENSITIVE*** This book warrants this warning, and since it wasn’t offered by the publisher, I’m throwing it out to those who haven’t yet read it. No offense is intended toward the author or publisher.

Ghost stories tend to get me hyped, but this one is a whole other ball game. The ghost in this story, as it turns out, is a manifestation of pure sexual evil. To me he was worse than a damn incubus. At least they use sex for power without killing their victim. I’ll say that I found many scenes disturbing in their nature such as the rape scenes and the brutality that went along with them. Up until nearly the end, this was no love story. But if you really need to know, the love story aspect of it is resolved around Tristan and Bo which you’ll read about in the last several chapters.

In any event, all that doesn’t begin well ends well. It eventually comes to an unbelievable climax and a satisfactory ending that soothes the soul, putting our minds to rest after the disturbing activities described within the story.

I could go on and on about this book now that my mind is flooded with thoughts about it, but I wouldn’t want to bore you by allowing my review to turn into a rant.

Review by Sidney

>Josh Lanyon

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http://www.joshlanyon.com/

A distinct voice in gay fiction, multi-award-winning author JOSH LANYON has been writing gay mystery, adventure and romance for over a decade. In addition to numerous short stories, novellas, and novels, Josh is the author of the critically acclaimed Adrien English series, including The Hell You Say, winner of the 2006 USABookNews awards for GLBT Fiction. Josh is an Eppie Award winner and a three-time Lambda Literary Award finalist.

Other Books by Josh Lanyon:

Don’t Look Back
Peter Killian, curator at Constantine House in Los Angeles, wakes in the hospital to find himself accused of stealing a tenth century Chinese sculpture. Peter knows he’s not a thief — but that’s all he knows. Why is hot and handsome Detective Mike Griffin so sure he’s guilty — and so hell-bent on seeing Peter arrested? And why is Peter having these weird dreams about an unseen lover who somehow reminds him uncomfortably of Michael Griffin?
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Out of the Blue
Grieving over the death of his lover, British flying ace Bat Bryant accidentally kills the man threatening him with exposure. Unfortunately there’s a witness: the big, rough American they call “Cowboy” – and Cowboy has his own price for silence.

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The Dickens With Love
A quirky holiday romance about Faith, Hope, and…er…glow-in-the-dark condoms!

Three years ago, a scandal cost antiquarian “book hunter” James Winter everything that mattered to him: his job, his lover and his self-respect. But now the rich and unscrupulous Mr. Stephanopoulos has a proposition. A previously unpublished Christmas book by Charles Dickens has turned up in the hands of an English chemistry professor by the name of Sedgwick Crisparkle. Mr. S. wants that book at any price, and he needs James to get it for him. There’s just one catch. James can’t tell the nutty professor who the buyer is.

Actually, two catches. The nutty Professor Crisparkle turns out to be totally gorgeous—and on the prowl. Faster than you can say, “Old Saint Nick,” James is mixing business with pleasure…and in real danger of forgetting that this is just a holiday romance.

Just as they’re well on the way to having their peppermint sticks and eating them too, Sedgwick discovers the truth. James has been a very bad boy. And any chance Santa will bring him what he wants most is disappearing quicker than the Jolly Old Elf’s sleigh

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The Darkling Thrush
Fed up with his desk duty in the Imperial Arcane Library, book hunter Colin Bliss accepts a private commission to find The Sword’s Shadow, a legendary and dangerous witches’ grimoire. But to find the book, Colin must travel to the remote Western Isles and solve a centuries’ old murder.

It should be nothing more than an academic exercise, so why is dour — and unreasonably sexy — Magister Septimus Marx doing his best to keep Colin from accepting this mission — even going so far as to seduce Colin on their train journey north?

Septimus is not the only problem. Who is the strange fairy woman that keeps appearing at inconvenient times? And who is working behind the scenes with the sinister adventuress Irania Briggs? And why do Colin’s employers at the Museum of the Literary Occult keep accusing Colin of betraying them?

As Colin digs deeper and deeper into the Long Island’s mysterious past, he begins to understand why Septimus is willing to stop him at any price — but by then, it’s too late to turn back.

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A Vintage Affair
Somewhere in the cobwebbed cellar of the decrepit antebellum mansion known as Ballineen are the legendary Lee bottles — and Austin Gillespie is there to find them. The last thing on his mind is hot and heavy romance with handsome bad boy Jeff Brady. But Jeff has other ideas and, after one intoxicating night, so does Austin.

The only problem is they have different ideas. Jeff doesn’t believe in love at first sight, and even if he did, he’s buried more deeply in the closet than those famous missing bottles of vintage Madeira. Popping a cork or two is one thing. Popping the question? No way. No how.

Unless Austin is ready to give up on another dream, he’s going to have to figure out how to make sure the lights go on — and stay on — in Georgia.

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>Collected Novellas Volume 2 by Josh Lanyon

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Collected Novellas, Volume 2
by Josh Lanyon
MLR Press
Length: 404 Pages
Setting: Modern Day
Genre: MM Romance, Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller
Book Cover Rating: 4
5+ KISSES

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Blurb:

Dark Horse was Josh Lanyon’s first foray into writing for the m/m romance market. It also turned out to be one of his readers’ favorite tales. In a Dark Wood and Ghost of a Chance explore the terrors of houses haunted by something far worse than ghosts: the toxic product of guilt and shattered memory. British agent Mark Hardwicke is on the run from a mission gone horribly wrong, looking for shelter and care. But, in I Spy Something Bloody the only man who can offer that shelter and care is also the only man that Mark seems determined to push from his life. This collection includes the bonus short story A Limited Engagement, written for a collection whose sales support funding for marriage equality in the United States.

Review:

This was my first taste of Josh Lanyon’s work and I am very happy to say that this was a very pleasant experience.

The five stories included in this collection are all equally 5 star material. There isn’t a story in this book that I did not like.

The first: In A Dark Wood: Though a short story, Josh told a big story in very few words. We meet Tim who is on a camping “date,” in the woods searching for an old forest relic called, “The Skull House.” His date, Luke, is a detective and he urges Tim to take a journey into Tim’s childhood past. Something dark in the forest scared a young Tim enough that it followed him into adulthood, where he comes to terms with not only himself but with his addiction. He has Luke every step of the way to show him, help him, and love him.

Second: I Spy Something Bloody: In the preface of this charming story, Josh writes that his readers either adore this story or they hate it. I am proud to say that I am one of those who adore it. This story is longer and a very sweet read. I started it, and HAD to finish it in one sitting, it’s a page turner and I got caught up in Mark and the love of his life Stephen. The story is told in 1st person–Mark’s POV— We meet him standing in a cold dreary phone booth in the U.K., phoning the only person in the world he loves, trusts and misses. Stephen. Stephen is Mark’s ex-lover, doctor and somewhat older. Mark’s broke down, mentally and physically after a terrible experience in Afghanistan, he needs some down time, and a place where he feels safe enough to get just that. Though Stephen has given up hope on his younger lover ever settling down, he allows Mark to his home to rest and “hide” from “The Old Man.” Stephen and Mark learn communication and what true love is about. The story is about Betrayal and Forgiveness. The story is truly a great read.

Third: A Limited Engagement: This is perhaps the shortest story included in the book and it also earned 5 stars. What happens when the love of your life outs you? You’re successful, engaged to be married to a woman that you truly don’t love and you face possible rejection by the professionals you crowd yourself with. The character in this story learns a lot in a span of one night. Truly, a very sweet story.

Fourth: Dark Horse: At first when I started reading this story, it reminded me of a few others out there. A successful B rated movie actor. Not just any actor either. He’s being threatened by a dead guy and he has had to hire a bodyguard. Sean, the actor falls for Dan, his bodyguard and together they learn trust and love. A couple plot twists, a few funny lines and a predictable antagonist kept this story rolling. Midway through the story I actually found myself loving the story, and Dan as well as Sean.

Fifth: Ghost of a Chance: Truly, this is a 5 star from page 1 to the last. I laughed out loud at the thoughts and antics of the story’s protagonist Rhys. (pronounced: ‘Reece. Like in Reese’s Pieces.’) Rhys is a “ghost hunter” and is staying at the home of an older friend of his. He meets in the middle of the night a bear of a man who teaches him what trust is about. I really enjoyed this story from start to finish.

Amazing work Josh!!! I will be looking for more…perhaps I’ll go look for book 1….

Reviewer: Michele