Older, Younger by Michael John

Title: Older, Younger
Author: Michael John
Publisher: self-published
Pages: 234
Characters: Alan Reid, George Hope, Terry Fowler
POV: Third person
Sub-Genre: Gay fiction / romance
Kisses: 4

Blurb:

Terry is a handsome young man who seems to have it all – but he has a secret: he is sexually attracted only to much older men. He lives a closeted life in northern England, flying several times a year to the holiday island of Gran Canaria to indulge his unconventional passion. But on one of these trips he meets Alan Reid, the father of his ex-girlfriend – a man he’s always secretly desired. Alan and his best friend George Hope seem determined to grow old disgracefully amid the sun, sex and booze of the Canaries. Can this chance meeting lead to lasting happiness – or will it just be another holiday fling? Rich, bitter-sweet and sexy, Older, Younger explores the nature of attraction between the generations, in the vibrant and colourful gay scene of Playa Del Ingles.

Review:

Even at 234 pages I found Older, Younger going by really quickly. It may have been a bit of a slow starter but it didn’t take long before I found myself totally involved, wanting to know about Terry, about his penchant for older men. Then when longtime friends George and Alan came on the scene I was soon hooked on what was happening in their lives as well. It’s a fascinating, and foreign, world but one that took me, with the memories / flashbacks throughout, right into the minds and hearts of Terry, Alan, and George.

The scenes where we are invited into the memories of these three men add richness to the experience, but it’s the intersection of their lives—now and in the past—I found most riveting.
Michael John has done a fabulous job introducing not only the cast—which includes a pantheon of secondary and tertiary characters—but the setting as well. Playa Del Ingles, which is where the action of the present takes place, is delineated with depth and lavishness; it becomes more than just a setting, it’s the reason for all that happens. The culture, and sub-culture, of the place is unlike any other I’ve ever read about before and it definitely adds a fillip to the story.

Older, Younger is different from anything else I’ve read in gay fiction; it’s fresh and exciting and as there is a suggestion of a sequel all I can say is, the sooner the better! I’d love to see how the story continues; I want to know what happens next with Terry and Alan, and if George has found love. These are people whom I’ve come to like and admire and about whom my curiosity is thoroughly aroused. Kudos to the author, Michael John, and I hope that I may not have too long to wait.

Reviewer: Kathy

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Losers by Jeff Erno

Title: Losers
Author: Jeff Erno
Publisher: Self Published
Pages: 83
Characters: Jacob, et al.
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Bullying, High School Crushing/Romance
Kisses: 4.5

Blurb:

Jacob Stevens is a high school freshman facing an onslaught of constant bullying. When the unthinkable happens and he falls victim to a cruel prank, he and a small circle of friends band together to form a Losers’ Club. By embracing the name their tormentors have assigned them, they reclaim their power and try to fight back. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jacob finds the strength he needs to stand up for himself and his friends, a group of losers like himself.

Review:

Note: In addition to Jacob and the other Losers’ Club original members, Darien, Lily, Jena, Karen & Benny, other key players would include the spiritually evasive Austin, the Key Bully Elijah, and the school Principal Mrs. Holbrook.

This story really hit home with me as in my high school days I was a constant victim of bullying in an environment that not only accepted it but in ways also encouraged it; or at the very least turned a blind eye to it! I personally lost 3 friends to teen suicide, and had contemplated the act more than once myself!

This is obviously a subject that is not only too often center stage news in today’s society but in our past as well and Mr. Erno has done a wonderful job of capturing its attention while providing a comforting tale in which to absorb it. One key truth emphasized in the story is that although “Zero Tolerance” is easy on the ears, it is not so easy in its administering.

The characters are well defined and easily identified with. Excluding the inclusion of Austin, the story could ring true in just about every high school across this country. I found myself not only reminiscing my own teen years but also being quite nicely entertained and hoping that things truly are changing for the better.

Another concept I thought the author presented quite well and entertainingly was that although a victim might not necessarily have an other-worldly compatriot, the notion that ‘something’ is looking out for them is not so out of the question as we quite often do not bring ourselves down to our tormentor’s level, although opportunities might present themselves for us to easily do so; we stand above them, and proudly so!

In summation, if you were bullied in high school this little story will ping your heart and if you were fortunate not to be bullied, you will still be quite nicely entertained.

Reviewed By: Jymbo

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I Don’t: A Christmas Wish by Kari Gregg

Title: I Don’t: A Christmas Wish
Author: Kari Gregg
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 68
Characters: Seth, Owen
POV: 1st
Sub Genre: Holiday Romance, Romantic Comedy
Kisses: 4

BLURB:

At least he isn’t pregnant.

Seth Murphy campaigned for Maryland’s Question Six, wildly celebrating the Election Day victory for marriage equality. Divorce attorney and live-in boyfriend Owen, however, believes just as passionately that the gay community should focus on a plurality of equal rights protections instead of allocating so many resources and man-hours to one hot button issue.

Owen won’t marry Seth.

Relationship deteriorating, the couple visits the Murphy farm outside Brunswick for Christmas. Seth’s family never considered that Seth and Owen wouldn’t be first in line for a marriage license as soon as same-sex marriage passed. When they find out there won’t be a wedding, their season of miracles is invaded by pornographic gingerbread cookies, frowning church ladies, and a determined father with a tactical assault shotgun.

Neither Seth, Owen, nor their love may survive the family holiday circus to say, “I don’t.”

REVIEW:

I’ll be the first one to admit, I hate Christmas. I have hated it for years, with it’s consumerism and it’s false humanitarianism. It is a point of irony that I chose an obvious Christmas story as my first book review for Top2bottom. I hoped against hope for this story, but realistically, I went into this book prepared to hate it, but as Christmas miracles might be…

The story of I Don’t: A Christmas Wish by Kari Gregg boiled down to: Seth and Owen are perfect for each other. They love each other very much, but unfortunately, they don’t see eye to eye on the subject of marriage, which will be allowed in Maryland (where they live) in a month or so. Seth wants to get married, Owen doesn’t. And while Owen has his reasons, the fact that Seth doesn’t agree, (and neither does his family) creates a huge conflict in their relationship. His mother and father have no issues with their son being gay, but will not even consider them not marrying. And thus, the comedy and true conflict explodes.

The story was brought to to life by Seth’s mother and her use of the wooden spoon, and Eddie, his cousin, who loves making porno gingerbread cookies and might be a little gay. The secondary characters, for a short bit of the story, became more interesting and more rounded than the leads. But that was needed in order to understand Seth’s mind set and where he is coming from. But the more I read, the more I fell in love with all the characters, and began to imagine the world through their eyes. And that is a feat not easily accomplished when you’ve read the amount of books I have.

This book had me invested from the beginning. The action never stopped. I had to know what was going to happen and how the characters and the situation resolved itself. Without saying much, there were guns involved, causalities (RIP the microwave), and everyone is shocked at the decisions made. And the comedic edge was kept until the very end, definitively reaffirming this is a romantic comedy.

Finally, regarding the book’s sexual content, I have read many a book where the sexuality is the only thing the author focused on. And that’s fine, if that’s your bag. However, sex can only be done in so many positions and so many times before I find myself wanting to call it the Kama Sutra and start drawing pictures. This is one story that I truly felt the sex was actually needed in the story. It helped the characters connect, and showed a closeness that otherwise would not have been shown.

The last question I ask myself after I read a book: Do I feel inclined to read anything else by this author? The answer to this question is ABSOLUTELY. With characters I could easily read more about, a plot that is memorable, and a story that is truthful and funny, I think reading this story may become one of my Christmas traditions.

Reviewed by: Sam

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Reflections on a Romance by Nathan Grant

Title: Reflections on a Romance
Author: Nathan Grant
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 56
Characters: Aaron Lewis, Corey De Voe
POV: 3rd
Sub genre: Contemporary
Kisses: 4


Blurb:

Aaron Lewis was seated alone in a crowded notoriously haunted Half Moon Bay restaurant, when Corey DeVoe and his friend June Evans asked to share his booth. Aaron experienced instant attraction to outgoing and handsome Corey with his black curly hair, furry muscular body, and easy smile.

June soon engaged the somewhat shy Aaron with hilarious tales of their personal lives, drawing him out of his self-imposed shell. After lunch Aaron asked them to join him on a walk on the beach to become better acquainted.

Soon the afternoon is gone and before they leave Corey slips Aaron his number, and a warm hug. Later that week Aaron invites Corey over to his house for dinner where they both feel the sexual tension begin to rise. Unable to wait, Corey pulls Aaron into an erotic embrace when suddenly Aaron pulls back and feeling rejected, Corey leaves.

An earlier tragic experience made Aaron wary of starting relationships and rather than try to explain to Corey, Aaron escapes south to his home on the beach in Santa Barbara. Late that night there is a knock on Aaron’s door and he finds Corey there demanding to be heard and asking what went wrong. Corey makes no pretense of his attraction to the slim muscular man, but stops short of anything physical until he is sure Aaron is ready for him.

Will hot sexy Corey be the man who can chase away Aaron’s demons and finally let him love again, or will Aaron push away the determined handsome man who can fulfill his life?

Review:

Aaron Lewis is sitting on the terrace outside a famous restaurant and thinking about the break up of his last relationship three years before when he is approached by a young man and woman asking if they can join him. He agrees and they begin becoming acquainted with each other. June Evans and Corey De Voe are best friends who stopped by the restaurant to have lunch when they notice the young man sitting alone.

They decide to drive north to Ano Nuevo State Park to observe the elephant seals. Aaron finds himself attracted to Corey and the feeling is mutual. Corey gives Aaron his phone number as they part ways. A week later Aaron calls Corey and invites him over for dinner. They enjoy a quiet meal and start making out on the couch when Aaron abruptly stops and tells Corey that he needs him as a friend, not a one-night stand.

Corey is puzzled by Aaron’s sudden withdrawal but leaves without a fuss. The next day Aaron feels like a jerk for the way he ended the date with Corey but is too afraid to call him and explain. He heads south to the house in Santa Barbara that his great aunt had left him when she died. Corey is able to track Aaron down and they spend the next few days dancing around each other trying to overcome their pasts and the major misunderstandings they have between each other. Corey ends up leaving after a major argument but is unable to stay away. The two finally work out their problems and move in together.

This is a story of two young men who find themselves attracted to each other but let their fears and tragedies from their pasts get in the way of their potential happiness. I really loved how the characters are able to work through all of the obstacles they put in each others’ way and are able to finally able to start their long-term relationship.

Reviewed by: Pat

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Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter by Jeff Erno

Title: Dumb Jock 3: Appearances Matter
Author: Jeff Erno
Publisher: Self Published through Amazon
Pages: 218
Characters: Todd Hoffman and Galen Caulfield
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, Series
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

Todd Hoffman, age sixteen, doesn’t have an easy life. Not only does he live with his alcoholic mother in a rundown mobile home, but he’s also a bit of a social outcast at school. He doesn’t have the nice clothing, shoes, and car the other students have. He has only one really close friend, Shannon, but even she doesn’t understand him completely. He knows he can never confide in her his deepest secret. He can’t tell anyone,not even his favorite teacher.

But Todd finds a way to express his feelings when he learns about fan fiction. Being a gifted writer, Todd begins to write stories–gay stories–about another boy he’s secretly crushing on. He posts the stories on a fan fiction website.

When the object of Todd’s affection one day notices him and asks him out, Todd feels like he is suddenly living a dream, that his literary fantasy is become real. Soon, however, he realizes that reality and fantasy are two different things, and he has to determine if Galen, the high school soccer team captain, is the boy of his dreams or just another dumb jock.

Review:

Appearances Matter is the third book in the Dumb Jock series by author Jeff Erno. Like the previous stories, this book tells the tale of a high school geek and the high school jock. Mr. Erno makes his characters very easy to care about and it was not long before these two young men joined those ranks.

Todd, our geek, has slowly come to the realization that he is gay, but has no one to talk to about his discovery, which leaves him feeling alone at times. With an alcoholic mother Todd’s home life is hell and he wonders if he will ever find a way out. The anger he feels towards his situation and his mother is understandable and believable. Galen, the story’s jock, is the captain of the school’s soccer team and, unlike Todd, has known for some time that he is gay. Galen’s life is also different from Todd’s in other ways as Galen comes from a well to do family, yet there’s more to him than what others know. I have to say that in the beginning Galen was not someone I always liked. At times he came across a little self-centered, yet once more of his life was revealed it was easy to understand why he behaved the way he did.

The young men come together in a way that’s different from the other stories. While in the first two books the geek was ask to help the jock with a particular subject in school, in Appearances Matter, Galen runs into Todd after school and asks him out on a date, which was a nice change up and keeps the series fresh. I wish I could say that the men’s lives flow smoothly after this but it does not as they run into issues caused by outside forces, some of which have harsh consequences. Previous characters show up from time to time which also helps tie in the three books.

Like the other stories, Appearances Matter was a fast read. I could not put it down, wanting to see how the story would play out. I hope the author has plans to add more stories to this series as it is one I love to read over and over again.

Reviewed By: Lydia

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Summer Heat by Lisa Worrall

Title: Summer Heat
Author: Lisa Worrall
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 69
Characters: Mitch Spencer, Kade Willis
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 4.25

Blurb:

After a car accident which left him scarred and his best friend dead, Mitch Spencer retreats to his family’s vacation home to heal. He has no idea the turn his life is about to take when there’s a knock at the door.

Kade is good at one thing, and one thing only, theft. The Spencer house was supposed to be empty so now he needs to rethink his game plan. After years of keeping others out, it’s Mother Nature herself who throws an unexpected obstacle in his way; in the shape of Mitch Spencer.

Forced to spend time together when they’re cut off by flash floods, will the two men be able to vanquish their inner demons and find each other? Or will their pasts be too much to overcome?

Review:

Falling just under seventy pages, Summer Heat was full of likeable heroes, an interesting plot and plenty of romance to satisfy even the pickiest of readers. I thought Ms. Worrall’s descriptive writing style flowed smoothly throughout the novel and I was quickly hooked on the lives of her characters and watching two men from very different walks of life, find a way to meet in the middle and be together.

Kade is a thief…and a very good one at that. He’s just stolen all of the valuables from the Hendersons, and is on his way to his next target when he gets caught in a summer storm. Unfortunately for Kade, his car gets stuck and now he’s in the middle of nowhere…in the middle of the night and a during a huge rainstorm. When he spots a light in the distance, he immediately walks to it to get shelter from the storm, wondering why the house he’s walking towards is occupied, after all it was to be his next job and it’s residences are supposed to be out of town.

Mitch is hiding away from the world at his parent’s house while recovering from a horrible car accident that took the life of his best friend. He’s just started to settle down for the night, when a knock at the door startles him. Knowing there is a huge summer storm outside, he’s still a little hesitant to open the door, but his visitor is persistent, so against his better judgment, he opens the door. What Mitch is not prepared for is the handsome stranger who has told him that his car is stuck in the road and is in need of shelter from the storm. Knowing he can’t turn the stranger down, he allows the man, Kade, to come in from the storm and take refuge with him.

Neither man is prepared for the immediate attraction and sense of rightness they each feel while they are around each other. While together, they have a quick friendship that develops as well as a naturalness between them that brings each of their guards down. As they fall into each other’s arms and relish in the feeling of having an emotional connection between them… there is a dark cloud overhead. Kade isn’t who he says he is, and he still has a job to do, which is to steal Mitch’s mother’s jewelry.

Summer Heat gave me some much need escapism from my everyday life. I really enjoyed watching Mitch and Kade’s relationship develop into something truly special. The story itself is a fast-paced read with plenty of heated moments between the two heroes that sizzled up my computer screen. I loved the chemistry between them and I thought the plot was original and very interesting. I did wonder how Ms. Worrall was going to somehow give these two men their happy ending, but she did…and she did it in a way that left a smile on my face.
If you are looking for a quick, sexy and fun story then Summer Heat is definitely the book for you. Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Ink by Sarah Goodwin

Title: Ink
Author: Sarah Goodwin
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 553
Characters: Eli Thompson, Daniel Fischer
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance, Incest
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

Eli Thompson is the once golden-boy son of Oak Island’s preacher. Since the death of his mother, Eli has fallen foul of everything his father holds dear – indulging in drink, drugs, women and men.

With a dark and desperate secret weighing on him, Eli is determined to lose himself to vice, no matter what the cost.

Daniel Fisher is a twenty-six year old high-school janitor. He spends his days cleaning the school, and his nights taking care of his seventeen-year-old brother, Cory. With an alcoholic father to support, Daniel’s plate is full, even before one of the school’s students decides to seduce him.

When Eli enters his life, Daniel is too lost in his own despair to consider the consequences of their fling, and as he grows closer to Eli, and to the boy’s damaged former choirboy persona, he realizes that all is not as it seems with the teenager.

However, neither of them knows the secret that connects them and their families. A secret that will eventual break their hearts afresh, and test their new relationship to its limits.

A secret that lies in their very blood.

Review:

Ink is the second book I’ve read by Sarah Goodwin. I totally fell in love with her other book, Me and Mine, and I knew from reading it, that Ms. Goodwin likes to push boundaries when it comes to writing romance. I will say, if you are looking for a light and sweet read…her books are not for you. Ms. Goodwin writes dramatic, brash characters with a realism that really resonates with me as a reader. Her heroes are very far from perfect, and they often make mistakes, which in many ways makes them realistically written and very easy to sympathize with and care for.

I knew once I finished reading the book, this was going to be a difficult review to write. Not because I didn’t like it, because I loved it, but because I really don’t want to spoil anything. I also believe the blurb does an excellent job at describing the story itself. So, I’ve decided to tread lightly with reviewing the storyline, and instead concentrate my review on why I really loved this book instead. Going into this, I do need to inform readers that I realize this book will not be for everyone. Unfortunately this will mean I will have to give out some spoilers, so if you want to go into reading this book without a clue as what some of these things are, please stop reading here.

As you can probably tell from the blurb and by what I’ve noted on the subgenre, this is a forbidden love story and those who do not care for these types of stories, the blurb surely will push you away. This story is unlike any other ‘forbidden love’ book I’ve read before. Instead of quickly washing through the forbidden aspect of their relationship, Ms. Goodwin meets this issue head on and takes no prisoners. It’s not always an easy romance to read. It’s dark, forbidden and angsty with just the right amount of well…love and romance which makes it very well written and very addictive to read.

Another thing I think I need to point out is the age difference between the two heroes. Eli is 17 and travelling on a road of self-destruction. He meets Daniel which is 26 and their relationship begins. Now, I’m not into reading underage sex, but for some reason their age difference didn’t bother me. Eli is such a tortured character, he reads older, but also very naïve about the destructive things he does to himself. Both men have their issues in which brings them together and although it should have given me the willies, it didn’t. I came to understand what they needed from each other and what drove them to be together. This within itself made this an excellent read.

Both Eli and Daniel are not perfect heroes, nor are they your typical cookie-cutter heroes we read so much these days. They both have dark issues they are dealing with, as well as their own vices which make them come across very human and very authentically written. Even though there are times I wanted to shake some sense into them and/or hug them. All in all I really loved them both and wanted to take them both under my wing and protect them from the ongoing drama that stays in their lives. One thing I really loved is how much both characters really evolved throughout the story. Eli in particular is very self-destructive at first, and as the story progressed and ended, ended up making some positive changes in his life.

The story itself is a fast read. It’s a long book, but it really doesn’t read like one. From the first page it starts off quickly and doesn’t let up until the last word. Once I started it, I ended up reading it in one setting, so be prepared to get enthralled with these characters and their story and know it’ll be late in the night before you finish it. Make sure you have a hanky or two, because as I read their story, I experienced many different emotions while I read this book. Now, don’t get me wrong here. It can be a dark read, but there is an appropriate and in my opinion very positive ending and there are some sweet moments in the book too.

So, I’m officially hooked on Sarah Goodwin’s books. I know when I’m in the mood for a dark, emotionally written and character driven romance she’ll be the author I’ll chose. I’m looking forward to reading more books by her and highly recommend this book for those who are looking for a darker, intense romance.

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Me and Mine by Sarah Goodwin

Title: Me and Mine
Author: Sarah Goodwin
Publisher: Self-Published
Pages: 369
Characters: Jude Walker, Sebastian Grey
POV: 3rd
Sub-Genre: Contemporary Romance
Kisses: 5

Blurb:

When seventeen-year-old Jude Walker confesses to his priest that he’s gay, and in fact has an unhealthy attraction to the priest himself, the last thing he expects is compassion. Father Gray surprises him with his understanding and Jude accepts his offer of help in overcoming his condition.

When Sebastian Gray extends an offer of help to a troubled teenager, the last thing he expects is that it is Jude that will save him. Yet Jude steadily breaks through the priest’s barriers, bringing him out of his self-imposed exile and into the world.

As the two find surprising parallels between their lives and obsession gives way to affection, both men begin to understand that their love may cost them their souls. Jude stands to lose his family to the truth of his affections, and Sebastian could fail in his original task; saving Jude, no matter what the cost.

Review:

Wow! When I first started Me and Mine by Sarah Goodwin, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I’ve never read anything by this author before, but after I read the blurb of this story, I was anxious to see how the characters relationship would develop after starting out with such unusual circumstances. When I received the book, I had intentions of putting it aside for a few days before starting in. But being the curious reader I am, I decided to take a quick glance at it before I set it aside. WRONG! As soon as I started reading this book, I was immediately gripped into the lives of these characters and the story they told. I read all of the 369 pages in one sitting and was sleep deprived for the next day because of it.

I realize that because of the religious content of the book, and since Jude and Sebastian first started their relationship with Sebastian being a Catholic priest may turn some readers off, and that’s a shame. When seventeen year old Jude confesses to Father Sebastian about his desire for him, it petrifies the priest. For one thing, both Sebastian and Jude believe that homosexuality is a sin and for the other, Sebastian has also fought his own homosexual desires for years and hearing Jude’s attraction to him brings all of those feelings he’s managed to keep at arm’s length for some time now, front and center, and now Sebastian must fight them again. Sebastian tries to help Jude fight these feelings, but in the process ends up falling for Jude as hard as Jude has for him. As the months progress, a deep respect and friendship develops between them and it is after Jude turns eighteen before anything sexual happens between them.

Even then, their sexual relationship is pretty mild. It’s a gradual process and even though both of them feel intense guilt over it, they still know that the love and affection between them is truly real and undeniable. But Father Sebastian wants Jude to have a life. He realizes Jude is very young and needs to find his own way without the shame and scandal of being with him will bring. He leaves the priesthood and Jude, and both men have a long period of time where they have to go on with their lives without each other.

When they meet again, it was truly a beautiful and bittersweet moment. I cried like a baby from the years they missed being together. It’s a rocky road for them, but both men are determined to make their love last and they work hard to build a life together.

I loved, loved, loved this book! The author really stuck her head out and took a chance in writing about these two heroes. I loved watching their relationship develop from friends to lovers and thought they truly were perfect together. I do feel like I need to point out that there are some editing issues and the book is told in present tense. But, the editing problems didn’t bring me out of the story and after a few pages I quickly got used to this type of viewpoint. In all honesty, reading the story was worth any little knick picky things I came across.

Both Jude and Sebastian go through A LOT of self-growth as the story progresses. Both men are humanly flawed and wonderful characters and I found them very likeable and complex men. Their journey together isn’t an easy one, but it’s a very special and beautiful one and I loved every minute of it.

I’m looking forward to reading more this author. I loved her ability to bring this reader deeply into her lives of her characters and keep the story moving pretty smoothly. If you are looking for an emotional read with amazing and well written characters, this book is definitely for you. Just make sure you don’t start reading it before you go to bed, or you’ll be as sleep deprived as I was! Highly Recommended!

Reviewed By: Gabbi

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Whiskey Dreams by Ranae Rose

Title: Whiskey Dreams
Author: Ranae Rose
Publisher: Self-published through Smashwords
Pages: 34
POV: 3rd Person
Sub-Genre: Historical
Kissses: 4

Blurb:

The war that won the country its independence also lost many of the men who fought to achieve it, including Brom’s lover. Years later, he still feels as if he left half of himself on the battlefield. When a new schoolmaster comes to Sleepy Hollow, a spark and a whiskey-flavored kiss ignite feelings he thought were long dead. But in order to be with John, he’ll have to let the past be the past, or risk letting it destroy his opportunity to start over. And even then, loving another man is a dangerous endeavor.

Review:

Whiskey Dreams is a free read offered by author Ranae Rose, and is the prequel to her new release Haunted Passions. Taking place shortly after the Revolutionary War the story is about Brom, a young blacksmith struggling to come to terms with the loss of his lover, and John, Sleepy Hollows new teacher. Brom’s struggle with his loss has him becoming an alcoholic and the way in which he handles his issues comes across very realistically. John is on the shy side and unsure of his attraction to Brom. I like the way the author handles this situation and John’s uncertainty. As the men’s relationship becomes stronger, the passion that flares between them is intense.

At over 30 pages, Whiskey Dreams is a fast paced story with a happy for now ending. Even with all their issues, the characters are likeable and the story holds your interest. The author does a good job bringing the time period in which the story takes place across believably. Ms. Rose is a new author for me and I urge others to check her out.

Reviewed By: Lydia
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