The Hiding Place by Wayne Mansfield

Title: The Hiding Place
Author: Wayne Mansfield
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 85
Characters: Bryan
POV: 3rd & 1st Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy
Kisses: 5+

Blurb:

Like a million other young gay men, Bryan keeps his sexuality hidden because it’s safer that way. Yet other guys know he’s different — they sense it, and make Bryan’s life pure hell. At home, things aren’t much better. He barely acknowledges his alcoholic father, and his mother has little time to spend with her family. So Bryan is alone, with no support, no shoulder to cry on.

Years of torture and torment, of name calling and humiliation, have taken their toll. Bryan does what he can to make new friends, but in trying to be something he’s not, he makes a huge mistake. Unable to cope with the repercussions, Bryan spends more and more time in a fantasy world he has created for himself. In this private world he is handsome, an object of desire. He is loved.

Is the hiding place as perfect as it seems? Or will Bryan go too deep and not be able to come out again?

Review:

This is the first time I have had the pleasure of experiencing a Wayne Mansfield story and I must say he had me mesmerized from the very first paragraph. His style here to mix 3rd and 1st person Point Of View is surprisingly quick to comprehend and simplistically easy to follow.

Wayne is dealing here with a topic that is all too familiar, I expect, with an abundance of his readers; that of “Bullying.” His presentation of this timeless bane of adolescent torture is unique to say the least. He had me guessing all the way to the end and then he landed a proverbial slap to the face and the command to “Wake Up.”

Nobody, and I emphasize NOBODY, will be able to read this story and come away without being profoundly affected.

Reviewed By: Jymbo

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Stallions and Studs: Rodeo Cowboy by Terry O’Reilly

Title: Stallions and Studs: Rodeo Cowboy
Author: Terry O’Reilly
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 60
Characters: Lex, Trent, Rio
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Rodeo, Cowboy
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Lex Cunningham rides rodeo. Trent Boxwood is a good friend and fierce competitor, but Lex hopes Trent’s friendship can be turned to something more. Unfortunately, after a night of heavy drinking, he acts on what he thinks are the signs that Trent is interested in him but is rebuffed.

Rio Cody, on the rodeo circuit to recruit staff for the Stallions and Studs dude ranch, befriends Lex and encourages him to pursue his hopes for a relationship with Trent, as he feels Trent might eventually reciprocate.

If Trent likes Lex, then what stands in the way of a relationship between the two men? Does Lex have the courage to trust Rio’s intuition and try again to win Trent over, or will he pass up a chance at happiness and continue to ride solo?

Review:

I have read a lot of stories that deal with coming of age and coming to grips with one’s identity that would cause a cowboy to cringe and a Dom to blush. But this little tale softly indents upon the heart while gathering a storm that threatens to rival that which deposited Dorothy in Oz but instead quietly lands the reader in a realm where reason and sanity prevail.

For a short story, the turf of a beginner gaining experience, the territory of self-denial turned to acceptance, and the dimension of parental prejudices expunged have been more than adequately covered.

If you’ve a mind to encounter three hot cowboys who don’t mind giving themselves not only to the reader but to each other as well, then here is a story for you.

Reviewed By: Jymbo

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The Human Cage by Wayne Mansfield

Title: The Human Cage
Author: Wayne Mansfield
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 117
Characters: Dale and Tom
Sub-Genre: Vampire/BDSM, Erotic Romance
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

Dale is a 23-year-old university student working on his thesis. Fortunately, rather than having to endure the interruptions and distractions at university, his “Uncle” Tom has invited Dale to stay with him at Walton Manor. In the countryside he has plenty of space, almost continual silence, and a butler to cater to his every whim.
Dale and Tom have always had a mutual admiration for each other, and now they have the chance to explore this attraction. Yet Dale doesn’t count on falling in love with Dominic, the muscular Italian employed as Tom’s gardener. Despite his feelings for Tom, Dale can’t help the fact that the more he sees Dominic, the more attracted he is. Unfortunately, Tom is a jealous man. Even worse, he reveals a hitherto unseen sadistic side, which frightens Dale. One night Tom’s jealousy boils over, and Dale finds himself punished for his feelings for Dominic. From then on, Dale’s tranquil existence at Walton Manor is permanently shattered. Once things are set in motion, they are impossible to stop. After a final confrontation between Dominic and Tom, Dale discovers the most shocking truth of all.

Review:

When I read The Human Cage I thought it was new and fresh. The story begins with a young man going for his thesis and goes to spend the summer with his Uncle Tom. That is where it takes an odd twist. Dale is young and impressionable but has always had a crush on his uncle. Then one night they act on it, and it’s hot! It’s better that he ever thought it could be.

His uncle is sweet, caring and very adoring of the young man. When he asks Dale to work a party for him Dale thinks nothing of it. From this point on in the story things take an entirely different turn. The erotic scenes are very hot but very graphic There is forced sex, drug induced sex and very violent sex scenes that follow.

Although the characters were strong and the writing was great, I think for me the BDSM elements to the story was just a bit too much. If you like a romance that pushes the boundaries of your comfort zone, The Human Cage is definitely something to consider.

Reviewed By: Jerry

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The Lone Wolf by KC Grim

Title: The Lone Wolf
Author: KC Grim
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 20
Characters: Bryson Gilroy and Beautiful
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Shifter, Romance
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

Bryson Gilroy never wanted to be a lone wolf, unmated, but coming out to his pack isn’t an option. Alpha males and homosexuals just don’t mix. Even if his father is the current pack master and his twin brother will one day succeed as leader, it’s still better to keep some things secret.

With each passing full moon, the werewolf inside Bryson becomes harder and harder to tame. If the beast gets free, it’ll be impossible to pen back in. Control is an illusion and Bryson knows once he loses it, nothing will ever be the same.

The call of the moon is powerful, but Bryson need relief. A dark, secretive bar called the Iron Side is a place where anything goes, a place for anonymous satisfaction for men by men. Bryson’s plan is simple — get in, get laid, and get out, but the plan changed once he saw the man of his dreams. He is, in a word, beautiful. Bryson never wanted someone so much.

Can Bryson have a one-night-stand with this handsome stranger and just walk away? Will he be able to to his life as a lone wolf knowing this man was still out there?

Review:

The Lone Wolf by KC Grim was a very good short story. The characters were strong and the story line very engaging. Beautiful’s character was wonderful, and left me panting for more. The author’s description of him was so vivid that I couldn’t help but see him in my own imagination, which of course did nothing for my panting.

Bryson was an interesting lead character and I really hope there is more to come from this story. I would love to learn more about these two men and where they are going to end up. If you’re looking for a quick and easy read with some raunchy hair pulling sex, you have found it!!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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Not Letting Go by Danni Keane

Title: Not Letting Go
Author: Danni Keane
Publisher: Queerteen Press
Pages: 22
Characters: Josh, Bradley
POV: 1st Person
Sub-Genre: Young Love, grief
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

When someone dies, how are you supposed to behave? Josh Roberts has no idea. Losing his dad has left him deeply confused. He loved his dad, so why isn’t he crying? All Josh can think about is spending time with his boyfriend, Bradley. He can’t wait to go to Uni, when he and Bradley will finally get to be alone.

Bradley wants nothing more than to give love and support to his grieving boyfriend. But Josh’s expectations of a life together next year are putting a lot of pressure on him. He’s not going to get good enough grades for Uni, especially if whenever they are in Josh’s room they don’t get round to any real studying. Why can’t Josh understand that?

Review:

Not Letting Go is a powerfully written little story of young love’s evolution temporarily sidetracked by grief. I enjoyed the presentation of the timeline in jumps which were smooth, easily traversed and without the reader having to stop to piece things together.

For a short story I considered it to handle the concept of love quite appropriately; how it is a progression, and yes, sometimes a temporary regression through lack of or miscommunication. Also, the discovering that it is quite acceptable for people to grieve in different ways was an added bonus.

I believe the young adult readers will enjoy and appreciate the truthfulness in the lives and love of Josh and Bradley.

Reviewed By: Jymbo

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The Bookstore Clerk by Mykola Dementiuk

Title: The Bookstore Clerk
Author: Mykola Dementiuk
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 74
Characters: Billy, Timmy
POV: 1st
Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance, Historical
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

New York City in the late 1960′s. Just in his twenties, Billy has left his life on the streets behind and now works in the stockroom at Doubleday’s on 5th Avenue, a job he’s held for over a year.

But when he meets his supervisor, Timmy Jennings, at a Times Square movie theater one Friday night, what does the man think of Billy’s life of easy sex? Billy’s world is rocked when Timmy seduces him in the movie theater, then brings him home.

Can Billy settle in with Timmy, his lover and protector, in his new home? Will he be able to manage his promotion to bookstore clerk even as it pulls him away from his friends in the stockroom and ensnares him in the tangle of egos and emotions on the sales floor? And can he come to grips with his newly-admitted queerness and let himself love Timmy?

Review:

The Bookstore Clerk is a wonderful story about finding true love AND getting everything you want to go with it! I enjoyed reading about Billie coming of age, exploring his sexuality and learning how to love.

Billie is a hard working boy in a big city. His only outlet is the Theatre, where Billie sees his boss, Timmy, and soon to be daddy. A one chance hookup leads to a perfect match for these two adorable men. The Bookstore Clerk is a sexy ‘Boy meets Daddy’ story told in a very interesting setting by a great author. I can’t wait to read more books by her! Recommended!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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The Wanted Men by Benji Bright

Title: Chevalier, Book 6: The Wanted Men
Author: Benji Bright
Publisher: JMS Books
Characters: Giovanni, Solister, Casic, and Farrbiner
POV: Alternating
Sub-Genre: Erotic Romance, Fantasy
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

There are tales of dashing knights and blushing ladies, and there are stories of bravery bound to become legend. Then there’s the life of a mercenary.

Four swords-for-hire — Giovanni, the supposed magician; Solister, the armored giant; Casic, the virtuous fighter; and Farrbiner, the drunken healer — try to make their pockets heavy and their grief light. On their way to fame and fortune, or maybe just notoriety, they encounter every twist and turn the criminal underworld can throw at them. In a world full of double-crosses and shady motivations, can’t a man just find a warm place to thrust his sword?

In Book 6: The Wanted Men, the mercenaries have to leave the lavish island of Veyr and they have to do it quickly, but with the Queen’s best on their trail will they make it home in one piece? Magic, mistrust, and secrets surround these wanted men.

Review:

I really liked the characters in The Wanted Men. Although this is a quick read, it is still an interesting book in the Chevalier series.

The characters are strong men that have been through so much, and they’ve learned to stick together through thick and thin. Although this time one member of the group leaves, doing it to spare the others, he is forced to submit and go with the Queen’s men. Feeling a little lost and not sure how to proceed the remaining men decide to get him back at all costs.

The difference between this book and the others is: you start to get a feel for the characters. Their feelings are shown more in this story… at least I could feel them more. I felt that the author did a great job explain some background on the men, and it really helped to put more of this story into perspective. I do wish it was a bit longer though. Just as I was truly getting into the story it was over, I guess I will just have to wait for the next story and find out what happens next!

Reviewed By: Jerry

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The Prince and the Cowboy by Sam Singer

Title: The Prince and the Cowboy
Author: Sam Singer
Publisher: JMS Books
Words: 17k
Characters: James, Jonathon
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance, Western
Kisses: 3.5


Blurb:
Pampered Texan James Walsh has been keeping a secret from his overbearing but well-intentioned mother. When she throws a lavish birthday party in the hopes that he will meet the woman of his dreams, she has no clue James is gay.

But a sudden storm blows rugged, rain-soaked ranch owner Jonathon Ross to James’ doorstep, and suddenly he can’t hide who he is any longer.

Review:

This is a retelling of the Princess and the Pea, with James as a Texan Prince whose mother wants to find the perfect girl for him to marry. Narrowly missing the murderous clutches of a fake Princess Martinez, James finds a friend and ally in Princes Bianca. On the verge of confessing his true sexuality to his mother, Jonathon arrives to apologize for his sister not responding to the invite and James all but drools at the sight of the cowboy. James and his cowboy spend the night together and In true fairy tale tradition there is a wonderful happily ever after.

Is you’re looking for a sweet and sexy fairy-tale themed romance, The Prince and the Cowboy is the book for you! Recommended!

Reviewed By: Pammyla

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A Model Romance by Michael P. Thomas

Title: A Model Romance
Author: Michael P. Thomas
Publisher: JMS Books
Words: 6862
Characters: Kai, Bridger
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Kisses: 3

Blurb:

When Bridger Bradford chases the wrong guy to South Korea, he falls in love … with his fantasies about Kai, a model whose handsome mug is splashed across every subway station and bus shelter in the country.

Kai has a big career and big money, but what he really wants is a shot at big, blond Bridger, who can’t believe his luck when the man of his dreams seemingly walks out of the stack of souvenir magazines and right up to him in his favorite San Francisco bar.

Review:

This is a very short piece about two men who meet in a bar, only for them to find that Kai has had a crush on Bridger, since High School, and that Bridger has fantasized about Kai since seeing the model’s photos all over Korea.

Unfortunately, their back-stories take up three quarters of the tale. It would have been nice to read a little more of the couple after their meeting. Instead, almost as soon as they meet, they bed, a contrast of small and lithe, with big and broad.

If you’re looking for short and sweet, with a side of hot sex, A Model Romance is definitely for you!

Reviewed By: Pammyla

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Light the Fire by JL Merrow

Title: Light the Fire
Author: JL Merrow
Publisher: JMS Books
Pages: 22
Characters: Kurt, Matt
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Erotic
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Two years after the death of his lover at the hands of bigots, Kurt’s still not looking for another relationship, even though the big old house he bought with Raoul seems cold and empty these days. But there’s a perky kid at his gym who just won’t take no for an answer.

Matt can tell there’s more to Kurt than just a great set of pecs. He’s drawn to the big guy’s caring, protective attitude as much as to his muscles. But when push comes to shove, can Matt show Kurt he’s not just a big mouth in a small package?

Review:

Light the Fire is a sexy and heartwarming gem of a story. For a novella just under 22 pages, it really packs a lot of punch. I’ve read several stories by JL Merrow and I’ve enjoyed her descriptive storytelling ability as well as the way she seems to really get to the heart and soul of her characters.

At first glance, Matt and Kurt are total opposites of each other. Kurt lost his partner over two years ago and is still grieving from it. He lives in a large home he bought with his dead lover and really just seems to be going through the motions of life instead of living it. When he meets Matt at the gym, Kurt is a little overwhelmed by him. Matt is around five to ten years younger than Kurt and he has a bubbly disposition with a big sunny smile as well as a flirtatious flair about him.

Matt’s behavior makes Kurt nervous (read it and see why) and he does what he can to push the younger man away. What Kurt doesn’t count on is Matt’s persistence to be with him and Kurt’s sudden and surprising fascination of the younger man makes him want to stop existing and start living again. But will Kurt’s past fears keep him from taking a chance on love again?

This is a great short story. I wish it had been a full-length novel. I would have loved to have seen these two men really work at making their relationship work. I loved both of the heroes and wanted to read so much more about them.

Light The Fire is a perfect, quick read on a cold, rainy day. It’s gratifying story and likeable, interesting characters will warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face. Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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