Bending the Bookshelf

The Case of Nikki Pagan by Rachel Eliason (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:53:00 +0000

The Case of Nikki Pagan is a touching and powerful novel about a trio of unlikely friends. Rachel Eliason groups together three young people, whose struggles in the face of extremely unfortunate circumstances allow their individual greatness and heroism to shine through. This occurs through the support and love they generate for each other in the face of their devastating and life-changing issues.

It is about one young man's willingness to accept and embrace the emotional suffering of a gender variant friend, in the context of the illness and courage of a second new friend. More than this, it is a complex coming-of-age tale about a young man, whose hopes to become a college football star are dashed through the result of his own stupidity. However, this young person finds that for all that he loses, he gains so much more. His personal growth, fostered by a heightened sensitivity brought about by his own plight and growing mindfulness, lead to an ever increasing empathy for the pain and suffering of others. This is a story about this young man's willingness to move past his own personal prejudices to the acceptance of the gender issues of a new friend and his touching and growing sensitivity to the terminal illness of another.

It is a novel that is not for the faint of heart as the author recreates the realism of the emergency room and the "code blues" that summon forth the hospital faithful in the attempt to stave off impending death. While it extolls the virtues and professionalism of many in the medical and nursing profession, it eviscerates the ineptitude and paternalism of those who have placed themselves as gatekeepers to the transgender and intersex community. It is an inspirational journey to behold and a very worthwhile read from beginning to end.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Finally Giving It a Shot – Leigh Campbell on Blood and Lipstick (GUEST POST)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:14:00 +0000

Vampire Lesrotica. That's how I've been describing my short story, "Bloody Flowers", being published in the Blood and Lipstick anthology from Storm Moon Press. I've always found the idea of lesbian vampires incredibly fascinating and loved taking the trip down the rabbit hole with my characters. I love all the different things you can incorporate in a story with vampires. History, sensuality, sex. Unending romance. Darkness. These ladies can do it all and have probably done it all with incredibly fascinating people. (I have a personal theory that the eldest vampire in my story has probably romanced quite a few royals in her day, simply because she could—she had quite a fondness for Marie Antoinette.) They carry themselves with confidence because they are confident.

Their confidence comes from knowing that in the end, they'll always end up with what they want. When a vampire character walks into the room, other characters can feel a magnetism. I really don't care what genre you're reading; it usually just works that way. They're predators at their very core, so, it really comes as no surprise that this would occur. Pretty plumage and an alluring nature gets them their prey. It's the way Mother Nature intended.

Yes, yes, you know all that. Now, you want me to talk about the lesbianism and what pulled me towards that, right? Well, I'll tell you. Quite frankly, it's because I find it incredibly hot. There. I've said it. I have a thing for lesbian vampires. I have a thing for vampires seducing other women to get what they want. And I'm totally all right with that.

It's something that is not new to me—I've found that I've liked subtle hints of it in my "bestsellers" reading, and have imagined it going quite a bit further. One of my favorite series has a bisexual female vampire as a major secondary character, and I've always (not so secretly, as the author is very much in touch with her fans and I've spoken to her—come talk to me about my writing! I'd love that!) wished that the main character who spends three quarters of the series dancing around her feelings would just... give it a shot. This has always been such a build up and let down for me, like getting close to fulfillment and then remembering you really need to do laundry and go to the grocery store and you should really make a list instead of what you're currently doing.

That right there is my main inspiration for writing this story. Giving it a shot and wanting to not go grocery shopping or make a list of any kind. It's my first paid submission to any publisher (a fact that I'm extremely proud and pleased with), and I really just felt a call. I felt, for me, it was the "right story to write". Storm Moon Press gave me an opportunity to explore via writing something I've always really been interested in reading, and for that I'm incredibly grateful. "Bloody Flowers" gave me a place to start from, gave me an opportunity to explore darker themes than I usually tool around with. I normally don't write from the perspective of "the monsters", but this was a lot of fun. Really sinking my teeth (har har, I should write comedy) in a sub-genre that I enjoy has given me quite a bit of confidence and has taught me a lot.

The whole "first accepted submission to a publisher" thing has taught me a lot as well. I've never fully grasped all that goes into it (and I still don't from a publishing side of things, but I'm ever so curious how it works at HQ), and now I have a much firmer idea. Storm Moon has a lot going on and seems to be taking on more projects every day, so, it's a most excellent adventure that I'm enjoying being a small part of. (And if you're not reading that in a Bill and/or Ted voice, then you're not old enough to read the anthology in most places.) So, I have to thank them for giving me the opportunity (I feel like I should have an Oscar and be tripping up stairs), and the other big thank you I feel like I want to take this chance to give is to my best friend and perpetual cheerleader, Meri, without whom one of the characters still wouldn't have a name.

Blood and Lipstick -- Now Available from Storm Moon Press for just $6.99 (ebook). Get your copy today!

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies Interview with Angel Propps

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:50:00 +0000

Good morning, all!

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Angel Propps, a lovely femme leatherdyke submissive with a secret sadistic side . . . who just happens to write some very steamy BDSM themed erotica. As one of the contributors to the Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies anthology from Storm Moon Press, Angel graciously agreed to stop by today for a brief interview.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥ Tell us a little about yourself.

Okay—I'm a very involved femme leatherdyke submissive with a secret sadistic side (or maybe not so secret). I currently serve as WILL (Women's International Leather Legacy) 2012. I work to record and preserve leatherwomen's history. I have had several titles within the community and own, with my partner, Owhips. I'm also on the board of a great conference called SouthEastLeatherFest, and I'm a writer of erotica, horror, poetry, and music.

♥ Storm Moon Press' Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies anthology just released April 12th. What is the name of your short story contribution, and what is it about?

"She's the Boss". It's about a boss who offers one employee some very special 'perks'.

♥ What theme in your erotic short sets it apart from the rest? Is there something special you put into it that readers should look forward to?

It's very much a BDSM tale, and it's a f/f power dynamic scenario. I love women engaging in that type of play and sex. There is something so exciting about seeing women claiming their power and bodies and sexuality.

♥ Do you have your own coffee break fantasy from a menial job? What about that secret flame for a co-worker? Any work-related tidbits from your life you can share in celebration of your book release?

I own a business that sees me attending kink and leather conferences nearly every weekend, so I can't say I have a menial job. I get to see naked people doing all kinds of wicked things, and I get paid to be there.

I have the utter hots for my Daddy. (That would be my butch dyke Daddy type partner.)

I sell whips and use them, too. I teach classes on the subject. You want to learn? I could tell lots of stories but I won't; I never whip and tell. Or get whipped and tell, for that matter.

♥ What television show comes up most at your water cooler conversations?

Oh, ha ha... oddly enough... CSI. Second to that would likely be American Horror Story. Maybe it's me or just that the people I know like gory stuff. I hadn't thought about that until just now.

♥ Where can readers find you?

I can be found at www.owhips.com and, of course, on Fetlife as angelwrong.

♥ Thanks for stopping by!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies – Now available from Storm Moon Press for $3.99 (ebook)

Ah, the allure of the office romance. The sly smiles across the room as you wonder if anyone else knows. The danger of being caught by the boss. The thrill of those stolen moments in the copy room or supply closet. It's this feeling that we've condensed, distilled, and captured in the short shorts of Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies. We've compiled thirteen brief tales of men and women getting it on with a co-worker or a boss in a steamy office romance.

Some of them are established and have been sneaking around the office for some time, like Lori Hunt and her P.A. Ms. Lovell in She's the Boss or Tom and Neal in Personal Assistance. Others, like The New Guy's Greg and Eli or the awkwardly-named Rebecca A. and Rebecca B. from Tele-Romance are just beginning to experience the allure that can come from keeping the secret. Nor are such trysts confined to the office itself, spilling out into stairwells, copy rooms, gyms, and even computer server rooms. Whatever the case, though, they're sure to arouse your imagination, and maybe even leave you looking at your own co-workers a little bit... differently.

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies includes:Skype Wars by Rob Rosen Hands On by K. Piet One Week by L. Alonso Corona Working Lunch by Ann Anderson Personal Assistance by K. Lynn She's the Boss by Angel Propps The New Guy by John Amory Stair Walking by Harper Bliss 1-800-BOREDOM by Raven de Hart Fair Play by Anna Hedley His Nonexistent Coffee Break by Lor Rose Tele-Romance by Erik Moore Three Strikes by Piper Vaughn

Nevada by Imogen Binnie (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 18:16:00 +0000

Totally

Somehow I find that I am at a loss to say much about this stunning novel as I am still assimilating it and trying to understand it `cause it hit me like a train wreck. Totally. Although I feel I must say something or blow loudly into some heralding trumpet, words fail me as I sit here in awe.

In her stunning novel Nevada, as a keen observer of the gender dysphoric experience, Imogen Binnie slices into every conceivable permutation of transgenderism with surgical precision, examining from all angles the nooks and crannies of the minds of her creations. Penned in a very unusual stream of consciousness style that exposes that "little voice" in the minds of her characters for what it is, the novelist examines and dissects every thought and every thought behind every thought, peering ever deeper and deeper into the psyche of those about whom she writes. The desired result happens to be totally great and I cannot say enough good things about this novel.

On the one hand, I think the author totally "nailed it," but with dropped jaw, I cannot say exactly what she nailed, but somehow I know it was important and we are witnessing something great happening here. Totally. Although I am embarrassed to admit that I do not know exactly what it was, I think the power of this book is that it exposes and eviscerates the bi-gendered model of society and is an indictment of the paternalistic medical model of transgenderism. Totally.

That the author's characters happen to be trans, gay and/or drug addled, socially challenged, codependent, lacking in self-esteem, purpose and moral fabric, provides a great backdrop and makes for a very interesting ride to say the least.

This book is an amazing experience and not to be missed. Totally.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Ignorance is Bliss by Karin Bishop (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:23:00 +0000

Ignorance is Bliss is a touching and sweet little book that is virtually a classic psychological case study about a mother and her transgender child. It is, first and foremost, a novel about a young teen who not only has to deal with her own transition to a female gender role, but the burgeoning realization that her mother is suffering from mental illness in the form of a Dissociative Disorder, a condition that involves a breakdown of memory, awareness, identity and perception.

How this little girl deals with her own struggle in the face of her mother’s issues is nothing short of magnificent. This tale demonstrates the virtues of honesty and ethical practice, and features the support of caring professionals, friends, and loved ones. It provides an interesting juxtaposition of the protagonist’s struggle to come to terms with her own true identity, while her mother is presented as a person who we can only theorize is a survivor of some buried trauma or deeply rooted horror that will never permit her to come close to knowing who she really is.

Sad to think that while the daughter jubilantly launches on a path to achieve her quest, the mother never will.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Intervention by Crystal Veeyant (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:06:00 +0000

After her last tale (The Sissy and the Billionaire), which went all-out erotic fantasy from the first page, Crystal Veeyant scales things back with Intervention. It is a smaller story, with a more intimate cast of characters, and while it still has a touch of fantasy, it deals very sensitively and maturely with the concepts of addiction and consequences.

Bob is a stressed out, overworked, middle-aged gentleman stuck in a job that provides no satisfaction, and entrenched in a relationship where his wife is the primary breadwinner. He's not a sad man, or a depressed one, but one who is desperately seeking something . . . something special, something different, something exciting. He and his wife are more adventurous in the bedroom than the average couple, but he still wants something more - something that he seeks, day in and day out, through pornography. It is not just a fetish, but an addiction, one that has already almost cost him his job once already.

When an impromptu encounter in the bathroom at his addiction counselling session triggers that 'something' he has been looking for, much more than just his job is at risk. Suddenly, he is losing himself in transsexual pornography, rubbing himself raw to images of shemales and sissies, and eventually cheating on his wife with the beautiful transsexual prostitute from the bathroom.

If that seems like pretty standard stuff, trust me . . . it certainly is not. Veeyant demonstrates a deep understanding of the human psyche and the depths to which sexual addiction can send us. More than that, she layers in an even deeper layer to the story, one that is deliberately psychological in nature. As evidence of Bob's cheating comes to life, his wife gives in to her own fantasies and consummates the blossoming lesbian relationship with her assistant - a young psychology graduate who just happens to specialize in sexual deviance and addiction.

Together, the two women work to break Bob of his addiction by giving him EVERYTHING he desires, attempting to overwhelm him to the point where his fetish addictions lose all power over his life. Of course, this is a Crystal Veeyant tale, so you know that is going to involve some forced feminization, role-reversal, and submissive role-playing. By the time Mary's true intentions are revealed, Bob and his wife have sunk too far, gone too deep, to ever return to their 'normal' lives.

The opening chapters may be a bit difficult to read for many, only because Veeyant's look at sexual addiction hits so close to home. It is hard not to, in some small part, identify with Bob . . . to fear for him . . . and to experience some honest tension on his behalf. Fortunately, things turn out precisely as they should, and the resolution of addiction, fantasy, and relationships is entirely satisfying.

[Reviewed by Candace]

A Different Kind of Life by Katie Leone (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Through circumstances beyond his control, a sensitive young boy is faced with a vital decision in A Different Kind of Life. "Michael or Michelle, someone step forward and take charge," the internal voice of our protagonist pleads for direction and help. Then, in what almost appears to be divine intervention, a powerful dream sequence, leading to absolute clarity, removes the scales from his eyes. This is a book, not about the plusses and minuses of being either gender, but about the idea of finally being who you are.

Katie Leone has written a novel touching all the bases of gender dysphoria, from the actual realization of the forbidden fantasy of the transgender child, to the exploration of the philosophical conflict of our bigendered society, where personal freedoms are an illusion and societal expectations fostered by paternalism are the norm. This is a sensitive novel by an author who has the courage to gracefully and tastefully touch, not only upon a child's gender issues, but the sexuality of children, an important but oft neglected area ordinarily taboo to literature, but here outlined with unerring innocence and sweetness. Just another wonderful novel by a fine and passionate write

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Get the latest copy of Frock Magazine . . . FREE!

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:07:00 +0000

I am delighted to announce that Issue #20 of Frock Magazine is now available, and it's a great one!

Inside you'll not only find my regular "Frock Books" review column, but also a great piece on the Photographing Dr.a.g collection, and Frock Chick Ava Roux.

Completely free, and available digitally, Frock Magazine is one of the finest transgender lifestyle magazines around, and one that prides itself on being coffee-table friendly (i.e. free of any erotic content, suggestive ads, etc.).

While you're at it, we're always looking for new and exciting stories and articles to share, so if you have a transgender related idea you'd like to see in Frock Magazine, or a story/article you'd like to share, please drop me a line (sally AT frockmagazine DOT com).

Don't just pick it up for my column, though - the magazine has a wonderful variety of articles and features, looks absolutely gorgeous, and is a wonderful read. Please hop on over to Frock Magazine and give it a read today!
♥

Her Turn by Tom Tame (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:51:00 +0000

Using the finely honed skills of an accomplished hypnotherapist, Christine employs brain washing and mind control techniques to turn Tom, at least in his own mind, into the person he always wanted to be.

Not since the movie, “The Manchurian Candidate,” has this reader observed such a thorough invasion and implantation of thoughts into the human mind. “Her Turn” is an ingenious, expertly writte, and extremely sexy story about a deal gone out of control . . . or perhaps Tom and Christine got exactly what they wanted after all.

For our two protagonists this begs the question, “If a tree falls in a forest and no one hears, does it make a sound?” In other words, did this all really happen if post-hypnotic suggestions wipe out all memory of past events, and what does it all mean, anyway? Perhaps we’ll find out in the subsequent chapters promised by this very fine author.

READER’S CAUTION: BECAUSE OF REALISTIC HYPNOTIC TECHNIQUES UTILIZED, DO NOT OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY OR DRIVE A VEHICLE WHILE LISTENING TO THIS BOOK IN KINDLE TEXT-TO-SPEECH FORMAT. :)

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Princess of the Desert by M.N. Thomas (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 12:42:00 +0000

While Princess of the Desert is not a perfect book, M.N. Thomas is guaranteed to hold your interest. After reading the author's Stolen Innocence and loving it, I just finished Princess of the Desert, and also enjoyed it very much, although there were some editing difficulties that appeared to be probably caused by scanning errors and a cursory proofreading job afterwards.

The story was ingenious, exciting, and it contained just the transgender element of romance that I had sought. It is also a tale of self-acceptance against all odds and triumph over prejudice. Unfortunately, though, I made the mistake of looking ahead in anticipation of next reading the continuation novel, Tears of the Princess, and noticed that the description of that particular book contained a serious spoiler for the book I was reading, which I was by then about 75% finished. That really upset me and wrecked my entire reading experience. I won't say what it was of course, but I wrote to the author, whose email address appears after the conclusion, suggesting that she might seriously want to consider revising the book description.

In any case, if you read this book, DO NOT LOOK AT THE DESCRIPTION OF "TEARS OF THE PRINCESS" until after you are done. :)

Note, the author has just written to me and plans to correct this. Very gracious.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Candid Confessions: My Life, My Words and My Journey by Mona M Rios Monroe (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:17:00 +0000

Candid Confessions is an often interesting, fast-moving and extremely raw memoir, written in the language of the streets. Although this book is riddled with grammatical errors, sometimes repeats descriptions of the same events, and could be better edited, I enjoyed it immensely for what it was, a memoir of the violence-filled and drug-addled life of a gender variant individual and her struggles to overcome her inner demons. Although Mona M Rios Monroe has a serious criminal past and can perhaps be considered sociopathic, her upbringing was so dysfunctional that it engenders a certain amount of sympathy, as she is a person whose code of conduct was initially modelled on the stormy, addictive, abusive and often criminal activities of her parents.

As years passed by and with the onset of more advanced life skills honed from working the seamy streets of downtown Los Angeles as a sex worker and polysubstance, drug-seeking addict, she used others while others in turn used her, as she journeyed down to the bottom rungs of our social structure. It would be a grave understatement to say that the writer didn't always make the best decisions. In fact, she made such poor choices and hurt so many innocent and not-so-innocent victims she served extensive time locked away in California county jails and state prisons for her criminal activity. Some of her crimes concerned substance abuse violations while others were of a more violent and horrible nature of the type that make headlines in the tabloids and cause the reader to gasp in disbelief. We know that someone is doing these things and here she is!

In the author's journey, she has long struggled to come to terms with her poor upbringing, co-dependent nature, habitual drug taking, alcoholism and criminal recidivism. She acknowledges that she married the wrong person for all the wrong reasons. However, she does not seem to cop to the fact that she brought an innocent child into the world and subjected her to the same raging life issues she, herself encountered as a child. In search of escape, love and a solution to her incessant and recurrent problems, the author got involved in a religious cult and eventually immersed herself in the porn industry, all to no avail in search of deliverance from her background and the drug and gender demons with which she struggled.

At the conclusion, although the author appears to have finally become involved in a successful relationship and ostensibly is clean and sober, one wonders when the demons will again strike. But where this book really falls short is that the author, though acknowledging some of her mistakes of the past, does not seem deeply repentant for them. I don't experience that she takes full responsibility for the horror she caused others. This is clearly evidenced by the fact that although she talks much about her daughter, she completely leaves out any acknowledgement that the pain and suffering she caused this little girl was clearly horrible child abuse, just as it was in her own upbringing.

By and large the author continuously presents herself as a victim of circumstances who has finally gotten her life into balance, albeit possibly quite precarious and illusory, given that she does not appear to have ever sought or gotten the professional help she needs. Given that the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour we see a new life built on a very flimsy foundation indeed. That said, I wish the author all the best for future success and thought this memoir to be a very entertaining read.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Stuck in the Middle with You by Jennifer Finney Boylan (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:43:00 +0000

Nearly 5 years and a pair of young adult fantasy novels later, Jennifer Finney Boylan makes a triumphant return to the subject of gender. Having previously written about her own transition in She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, and having revisited her childhood home (and memories) in I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted, she takes a step back this time and reflects on her role in nurturing the next generation.

Anybody who has ever given it even a moment’s passing thought knows that it is not easy to step outside the so-called ‘norm’ and embrace a gender identity or expression that lies beyond the traditional gender binary. There’s a world full of fear and prejudice out there, and the sad truth is we all too often have to accept the loss of friends and family in order to find peace and happiness within ourselves.

When there are children involved, however, the situation gets even more complex. Fortunately, Stuck in the Middle with You does a wonderful job of exploring the role that gender (and gender change) plays in parenting, and demonstrates that the health and happiness of one’s self and one’s children can coexist peacefully. That’s not to say it’s all fluff and laughter – there are some deep thoughts and some painful tears involved, but time, love, and caring heal most wounds.

As a second-time parent, going though the infant/toddler stage all over again, I was really struck by her doubts and fears regarding what secrets her boys might be hiding. I do wish we could have heard more from her children, and learned more about their rough edges. Maybe it’s a matter of being blinded by love, or just being protective of her family, but Boylan does paint an almost too-perfect picture of her children. Even the best-behaved children will lash out in establishing their individuality and challenging authority. Glossing over those episodes creates more of a problem than it solves, especially with readers who are coping with adolescent rebellion, and who are looking for comfort that it’s not their fault.

Overall, however, it’s comforting to know that our children can take after us, and can learn from us, without actually becoming us. Like Boylan, nothing could ever make me love my children less, but I would give almost anything for them not to have to face the emotional and psychological pain I dealt with in my own youth.

At first I wasn’t sure what to think of the ‘Time Out’ Conversations that take place between chapters. It felt like she was trying to force the issue a bit, to really drive home the point that this was a story about parenting first, and gender second. Before long, however, I began to see how their placement enhanced the story, adding a new perspective to things. The more we heard from other parents, the more it becomes clear that so many parenting experiences are universal, and not unique to any gender.

What’s more, she doesn’t play it safe or censor the discussions. Alternately touching, amusing, inspiring, and even confrontational, they provide those rough edges that were missing from the stories of Boylan’s own children. Furthermore, she takes the bold step of concluding the book with an interview of her partner and herself, conducted by novelist Anna Quindlen. Jennifer and Deirdre talk about stereotypes and secrets, about Maddy versus Daddy, and even answer a few difficult questions. It is Boylan, of course, who gets in the last word, but not before her partner has a chance to pull all the threads together in a family portrait that’s not much different from any other.

While not as ground-breaking as her first two novels, Stuck in the Middle with You is a welcome addition to the shelves upon shelves of parenting books out there, and one that offers a unique perspective for all genders.

[Reviewed by Sally]

♥

Stolen Innocence by M.N. Thomas (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:23:00 +0000

Stolen Innocence conjures up some of the darkest fantasies and most primal fears of the human psyche. This is a book destined to become a cult classic in several genres, addressing areas of child abduction, sexual slavery, child pornography, forced feminizing of a minor and the transgender experience. It is a book that quickly becomes mesmerizing and one in which the material and subject matter, while at times extremely disturbing, difficult and uncomfortable to read, is exceptionally well presented.

The story itself is quite unique and the character development so exceptionally realistic, it is difficult to put down and harder to forget. In a way, the novel impacts the reader more by what it omits of the graphic nature of the sexual material, perhaps out of deference to the central character, whom as you can guess is a child. The violence, on the other hand, although not gratuitous, is at times quite vivid.

Some of the characters are clearly sociopathic demonstrating wanton, exploitative and nihilistic behavior that is on a par with the experiments of infamous Nazi scientist, Dr. Josef Mengele. This book is also an ingenious detective story, emphasizing how different branches of the criminal justice and law enforcement systems can put the pieces of the puzzle together and work cooperatively for the greater good.

Through it all, Stolen Innocence emphasizes the strength and survival of the human spirit against all odds and fosters the idea that we, as human beings, are so much more than what we appear on the outside. It is a hopeful novel, offering an often romantic, deeply spiritual and moving story espousing the idea that all of us have a destiny and a purpose to our lives and everything happens for a reason. Lastly, it is a story about loss, but through loss there is discovery or rediscovery of life's purpose and there is redemption of the soul.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

The Return of Ka-Ron the Knight by Donald Allen Kirch (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 02:12:00 +0000

Making a triumphant return to the world of his Nown World Chronicles, Donald Allen Kirch brings us The Return of Ka-Ron the Knight.

In many ways, this third volume brings the entire tale full-circle, both in terms of narrative and world history. After a relatively straight (no pun intended) forward entry, in which genders remained fixed, even if they were sometimes disguised, Kirch makes Jatel victim of the same gender-bending curse as the man to whom he was once squire, and then husband, and now wife. It's interesting to see how he adapts to things, especially having been forewarned by Ka-Ron/Karen's experience, but I won't spoil the surprise.

At the same time, Count Voslow makes a rather surprising return, revealing the truth about his origins, his vampiric nature, and his role in world events. I really wasn't expecting to see him again after the middle volume, but I should have known a good vampire never rests for long. The way in which the world has evolved however, and the way the new settlements surrounding his castle have developed, both add some interesting depth to his role in the story.

Of course, once cannot talk about Count Voslow without mentioning the Nown. Mysterious figures from history, who have attained the status of legend, it turns out that Voslow is the only man left alive to remember who they are, where they came from, and where they left. Their return adds a significant science-fiction element to the saga, bringing the concept of alien invasion to a fantasy world. With no weapons of mass destruction, heavy duty armour, or any of the other scientific developments that usually see humanity triumphant in contemporary tales, Kirch's world is at a serious disadvantage.

Or, they would be, were it not for magic!

Just as much fun as the first two volumes, with a little more of the first book's erotic elements, but a serious increase in the level of excitement, The Return of Ka-Ron the Knight brings the story of Ka-Ron, Jatel, Keeth, and all the rest to a satisfying close.

[Reviewed by Sally]

♥

Gigs From Hell by Melanie Tushmore (GUEST POST)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 05:34:00 +0000

We've all been there. The gig from hell. Maybe you've only been attending: your car broke down or public transport failed. You forgot your ticket, you couldn't find the venue, some twat spilt beer all over you, ruined your hair, and you can't even see the stage.

Now take all that, times it by a hundred, and imagine you're the band playing.

Now take it all, times it by a thousand, and imagine you're in charge of this catastrophe.

Yep, you're in hell. Being a promoter and a manager was easily the most stressful time of my life, not least because I had van-loads of grown men complaining or panicking about things I had no power over, but also because my income would be decided on how many people could be bothered to turn up for a show.

Sometimes, not many at all. Yep, the music biz can suck. I think the gig we turned up for where literally no one else was there was one of the worst. The gig had been cancelled, except no one bothered to tell us. The only fan who turned up was a really cute Finnish groupie, and at least she enjoyed herself.

The venue was run by this weird little guy we ended up calling 'the rock hobbit', whose politic opinions were just plain scary, and whose chat-up lines were even worse.

Example:

Rock Hobbit: Want to come upstairs and play video games?
Finnish groupie: Er...
Rock Hobbit: Go on. I'll let you win.
(The rest of us try not to laugh.)

The other gig that sticks out in my mind as the most comical, was that gig at The Underworld. The promoter must have closed his eyes and gone 'eeny meeny miny mo' when picking the bands, because it was a right old mish mash. We turned up; my then-boyfriend's band was a three piece of fast and loud punk rock. The other bands were a new wave band, a ska band (complete with full brass section), and the headliners were a cyber-pop goth outfit.

It was utterly ridiculous, and yet the show was pretty packed.

The cyber-goths were four men who were easily pushing forty, chubby around the edges, and shoe-horned into tight PVC. It wasn't a pretty sight. These guys spent nearly an hour sound-checking, and yet they weren't even playing their instruments; they played to a backing track. It was comical.

The pièce de résistance was their groupie / go-go dancer.

At the time, my band consisted of Chris, Sparky, and the bassist we called Zoolander (because he really was that much of an idiot). I was out in the venue with Zoolander's girlfriend. The boys had gone backstage only minutes before, and then all suddenly came hurrying back out, looking shocked.

"There's a girl getting naked backstage," Sparky announced.

Surprised, I asked, "And you're not there because...?"

Chris explained, "Because she has a face like a squashed potato, and I thought I was going to catch a venereal disease just from being in the same room as her."

Chris was always colourful with his language, so I assumed he'd been exaggerating. Lo and behold, when this girl came onstage with the goth band, I could see what he meant. She was a bit skanky, yes, and she did rather resemble a pale, dumpy potato. (Her head was mostly shaved, which probably didn't help matters.) She gyrated around as they mimed their songs, and then she got her floppy tits out and wibbled them around, much to the audience's shock.

It was one of the rare times the boys didn't want to see a pair of boobs.

Combined with the band's bizarre songs about 'date-rape lovers', suicide bombers (their political message) and cyber sluts, it was comedy of epic proportions. We hid at the back of the venue with the ska band, and tried not to piss ourselves laughing.

Apparently the goth singer was a pro-wrestler in his spare time. He told the boys so. (Why they believed him, I don't know.)

Another colourful jaunt we had was at one of the many Purple Turtle gigs we did in Camden. It was around 2005, and the lads kept getting lumped into this neo-glam genre which was doing the rounds, even though their band was punkier and more aggressive. The bikers loved them, the posers in leopard print did not.

At one of these neo-glam-fests, the lads abandoned backstage because they said the other bands were being annoying. Even Sparky'd had enough. Apparently, conversation between 'musicians' that night went like this:

"I prefer leopard print tights, but the zebra print ones are thinner so I don't get as hot onstage," said the knob-end guitarist, while other men stared at him in horror.

So the lads stayed out in the venue with us, while we watched some singer wiggle his leopard-clad arse onstage, and a pitful of bikers look on in distaste. Then local legend and entertainer, Captain Howdy, gets up to do some flesh hanging installation. Sparky, who was barely twenty at the time, couldn't stand to watch, and had to brave the backstage again.

Between flesh hanging and discussions on tights, the tights won, hands down.

I can't remember if it was that same gig, or another one, where the girly wet t-shirt competition was cancelled because health and safety said 'no'. So instead, Captain Howdy gets up again, and lets band members throw darts at his bare back. He held a poster tube over his spine to protect the vital parts.

Why this went on at a rock show, I don't know. I was squirming whilst watching from the balcony. Luckily for him, most people were drunk and couldn't aim that well. I believe we braved the British weather outside, and hung out with the older, hairier bands who weren't talking about tights, but were talking about Twisted Sister.

(See, everyone loves Twisted Sister!)

Speaking of British weather, outside venues are even worse. The last tour I sent the boys on in Scotland, I telephoned them to find they were stuck in a water-logged field somewhere, unable to move. (My poor van!) Once the rain had stopped enough, the lads had to move their heavy equipment to the band site. Across fields, fences, and car parks. They said it was "like an episode of The Krypton Factor."

[Krypton Factor: UK game show where contestants face gruelling physical ordeals.]

Well, that'll teach 'em to play electrical instruments, won't it. They even had Gaz with them, who can usually lift one bass cab with his little finger, but in that environment, he kept sinking into the mud.

I'm still not sure if Gaz has forgiven me for sending him on that tour. The Zoolander bassist couldn't go (but no one liked him anyway), so I took matters into my own hands and hired Gaz instead. He learned the set in two days, and went on the road on day three.

One day, Gaz and I are going to write down his memoirs. For now, the stories in Crucifox are my homage to this era. [Chuckle.]

Crucifox #1: The Green-Eyed Monster is now available from Storm Moon Press for just $7.99 (ebook)! Go get your copy for some true rockstar fiction!

Sky Somers is an ex-traveller; the son of a folk musician and a new age hippy. Sky's form of rebellion is electric guitars, and he wants his own band. His desire is to set the world to rights through music. Brandon Cruikshank is new to London, recently arrived from Glasgow. Charismatic, charming; a natural born performer. Brandon is openly bisexual, with a penchant for dressing in women's clothes. His desire is to be adored.

From the moment Sky meets Brandon, he knows he has to have him. Brandon, in turn, wants Sky. But that's when it becomes clear they both have very different desires in mind. Brandon wants Sky as a lover, yet Sky only wants Brandon as a singer in his band. Misunderstanding set aside—or apparently so—Brandon and Sky become firm friends. To escape equally troubled pasts and families, they change their names. Now, Brandon Fox and Sky St. Clair are ready to take over the world.

As the years roll on, Brandon's desire for Sky still simmers, waiting. Then a chance night sharing a hotel room sparks the desire between them, and this time, Brandon wants it all. Sky has never explored his desires before. Now, the passion and jealousy Brandon has unleashed in him threatens to shake the whole band apart.

Author links

Website: http://www.melanietushmore.co.uk/
Twitter: @melanietushmore

Boulevard Girls by David Kaye (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:06:00 +0000

Boulevard Girls is an absolutely riveting murder mystery within the transgender genre. This well-written novel, which kept me on the edge of my seat, is filled with all the exciting elements I enjoy, including powerful and sardonic humour and violence, reminiscent of a dark Quentin Tarantino tale.

In a methamphetamine fuelled world, a trans* girl of questionable moral persuasion meets a young man who is struggling with his own gender identity issues, and his place in the world. Together, they forge a strong, loving, and very sexual bond. When he inherits millions, their relationship continues to grow, but their lives are impacted and expanded by the introduction of a number of strange and interesting characters.

Along the way, David Kaye provides a scathing look into the practices, corruption and cynicism of the legal and criminal justice systems. This is a coming of age story about transitions, not only of the gender variety, but about the growth and individuation of the central characters. With many ingenious twists and turns along the way, "Boulevard Girls" races to an exciting, nail biting and inexorable conclusion.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Allusion, Homage and Filing off the Numbers by Angelia Sparrow (GUEST POST)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:01:00 +0000

Like many writers in our genre, I got my start in fanfiction. Technically, I've been writing fanfic since I was eight, when I hauled my mother's enormous manual typewriter out and typed up a Land of the Lost comic as a script for recess play-acting. All on Mom's favorite lavender typing paper of course.

In the early 80s, I discovered science fiction fandom, conventions, and fanzines through Star Trek. In the late 90s, after college, marriage, and children, I rediscovered it through Buffy. And I wrote. I wrote fairly copiously in the 80s, and moreso when I had an actual computer instead of longhand. I discovered slash and made it all my own.

Then, in 2004, someone I knew from Star Wars fandom announced "I have this new press, and we need short stories for an anthology." So I tried my hand at original slash-style fiction, and it took off from there.

Every now and then, I look at something like Fifty Shades of Gray and wonder about recycling some of the older fanfiction. I have done it. And I have pirated characters almost wholesale from media properties and dumped them into my own universes.

There are ways to do this that aren't plagaristic and make your readers feel clever instead of making them glare at the book and ask "Did I really need to spend 200 pages on a 'Sons of Anarchy' Mary-Sue fic set in a paranormal universe?"

Let's start with the most obvious: Heart of a Forest is a Robin Hood novel. Now Robin is a semi-historical legendary figure and the set pieces of the story are all public domain. But, when Naomi and I were writing, we had to be careful not to take anything whole cloth from the movies and books. There is homage, and then there is plain old laziness.

One of the more blatant homages is when Bess and Little John are fooling around:

"Oh no! You’ll keep me here, you wicked thing, and have your fierce naughty way with me! Every day!" She turned her face away and bit the knuckle of her index finger. "Every night!" She turned the other direction, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. "And sometimes right after lunch?" She gave him a wicked grin as she fell giggling across his chest for a kiss.

The dialogue comes from Men in Tights, but the behavior is pure Bess.

On the other hand, in the forthcoming space bounty hunter piece, the character of Hevik is clearly written for Harrison Ford. He's not quite Han Solo, despite the whole space thing. He's closer to a fired and displaced Jack Ryan with a side of Rick Deckard. Even as we were writing, his dialogue came through in the trademark growl. But Hevik Montag is his own character for all of that.

Then there are Zora and Talla, in the Adventuresses collection. These two started as original characters in the Star Wars universe, background in a couple of fics. Then, I came up short doing the collection. So I looked over the old fanfiction, took a Han/Luke slash piece that had been a zine fic only, and removed all SW universe references. That meant everything had to go: lightsabers, the Force, Chewbacca, the last chapter rescue by Darth Vader (don't ask). I let the girls take over the roles for the boys, made Talla a cat-girl, kept the primary adventure plot and rewrote the ending. I'm rather pleased with it.

And that brings us to Barbarossa's Bitch. The sources are there and fairly obvious for anyone who wants to look. In fact, Dylan, our narrator, is a big enough geek to hand some to the reader on a silver platter. When the masked leader of the wildpack is looking over the captives, he has a Road Warrior flashback and has to stifle a giggle. The equipment the pack uses is pure SCA camping gear, down to Barbarossa's curule chair. One bit I really like, that made one of my first-readers fall out of her chair laughing, occurs at the Amazon freehold. The pack makes sperm donations, the amazons (all lesbian) centrifuge out the Y sperm and only have daughters.

"But no Barbarossa daughters," I said, looking at him sadly.

"One, and only one. But they call her Diana and her mother tells her she made her out of clay and the goddess Hera breathed life into the statue. She's being raised to be the next leader." He glanced up to the walls where General Prince inclined her head at him.

It's the Wonder Woman origin story in one sentence. I don't explicitly tell the reader that in the narrative. I assume they will either get the reference to Diana Prince, or it will just wash over them.

So, if you're looking at your old fanfic, wondering, I would say try it. My best suggestion is put two generic character names in, remove all universe reference and have a friend not in that fandom read it to see if it makes sense. With a good editor, and a good amount of hard work, fanfic can be converted. Not every fic has what it takes, but sometimes it's worth trying.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Barbarossa's Bitch is currently available from Storm Moon Press in ebook format for $5.99.

Angelia Sparrow's work can be found at http://www.brooksandsparrow.com. She can also be found on LiveJournal (valarltd), Facebook (Author Angelia Sparrow), Google+ (Angelia Sparrow), Fetlife (valarltd), Twitter (@asparrow16), and Blogger.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

GIVEAWAY!
This post is part of the blog tour for Angelia Sparrow & Naomi Brooks' new book Barbarossa's Bitch. To celebrate this new release, they're holding a huge giveaway! You can enter by commenting with your e-mail address on this post or any other on their blog tour throughout this week. Commenting on multiple blogs means multiple entries, so follow along and keep commenting! Entries are open until Midnight EST on Saturday, March 2nd, 2013. There will be three winners. The Grand Prize is Angelia Sparrow's entire backlist (that's 12 novels and over 70 short stories). First runner up will get an ebook copy of Barbarossa's Bitch along with a $10 gift certificate to Angelia's Etsy shop, and the second runner up will get the ebook alone. Amazing prizes are a great way to sweeten the dark themes of this post-apocalyptic gay novel! Thanks for joining us on the blog tour and remember to comment to enter the giveaway!

The Agony of Joy by Red Haircrow (PRESS RELEASE)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:10:00 +0000

“Finding the courage to face the pain of the past in order to have a future.”

· Title: The Agony of Joy

· By: Red Haircrow

· Published: February 17, 2013

· ISBN: 9781301334520

· Length: 350 pages

· Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, GLBTIIQ Interest

· Price: $4.99 in e-book format

· Available at Smashwords& soon at other online distributors

· Book Trailer: The Agony of Joy

Blurb: For many survivors of child sex abuse, there is a lifelong battle for understanding and acceptance, not only from others, but also from themselves. From London to Berlin, to the frozen seas of far east Russia, this is an unforgettable journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption as two men struggle to overcome their separate past agonies and allow themselves to experience friendship and love.

Description: “Former model turned actor Adrian Lee can barely list age range '23-29' on his resumé anymore nor stand his life of empty social events and appearances, meaningless roles and casual partners. When he meets Alexander Skizetsky by clever arrangement of his agent, the enigmatic yet infinitely attractive Russian kindles a little light of hope in his aching heart. Yet even the beginnings of a friendship and love beyond his wildest dreams cannot assuage a life spiraling out of control.

The long estrangement from his devout Irish Catholic parents and family and the dark secrets they all share combine to drive him to the brink of despair, though Alexander is determined to stay by his side. After locking away his own memories of betrayal and loss, the Russian had decided never to love again but something in Adrian spurs the noblest intentions in his formerly jaded heart. Returning in pilgrimage to his homeland, he brings Adrian along on a journey of rebirth, revelation and redemption.”

More about the novel: Taking almost ten years to complete, The Agony of Joy, incorporates many of the author’s experiences and observations as a survivor of sexual abuse and violence. But far from being the central theme although psychological and behavioral after-effects continue for many, the novel focuses on the courage it takes, often in the face of opposition, misunderstanding and/or apathy to not allow anything or anyone to keep you imprisoned by that past, not even yourself.

One of the primary reasons the author returned to university, completing another degree in Psychology, graduating Spring 2013, was to help others in this and other regards, as well as continue personal healing.

Editorial Pre-release Reviews:

"Your story does what good fiction should do. It makes me think, makes me feel, allows me to visit different places, and connect deeply with the characters. It explores real issues that people face...."
"I love descriptive stories that enable me to travel to different places without leaving the comfort of my easy chair. I love using all my senses while reading and getting so totally immersed in a story that the sound of the phone ringing makes me jump. And I love characters so deep that I think about them during the day and dream about them at night."
"A love story, but not a romance, definitely a gothic feel and one of the most positive portrayals of bisexuality I've ever come across in fiction."
-Nancy Ferrer, Outlaw Reviews

"It is an incredible work! You have been able to channel your memories and experiences, create vivid real characters and make something so beautiful out of pain and struggle is the highest meaning of what I believe art is: transforming hurt and becoming healers.
I’ve never read anything like Agony of Joy. There has never been a story that deals with some of the personal issues you are presenting in such an open way. It is inspiring and liberating and needed."
-Ana Christina Caelen, Sound therapist, Musician and Composer

"A well-told story...I admire your tact, and am enthralled by these characters and the world they live in."
-M. Daniel Nickel, Entertainer and Author of The Dashing Mister R

About the Author

Both traditionally and independently published, Red Haircrow is an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction, poet, private chef and former law enforcement officer of Native American (Chiricahua Apache/Cherokee) descent who lives in Berlin, Germany. They are also a Psychology major and operate the independent publishing label and writer cooperative Flying With Red Haircrow.

Red Haircrow has various poems, shorter works and articles published in magazines like Sword & Saga Press’ American Athenaeum, Sibling Rivalry Press' Assaracus, Danse Macabre, and Indian Country Today. A winner in Rainbow Awards 2012 for Best LGBT Biography/Memoir: “Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World.”

Among other things, Red Haircrow enjoys photography, traveling, learning languages and cultures, and is quite active in Native American affairs, life, traditions and history.

Website: Songs of the Universal Vagabond

Red Haircrow on Twitter

Facebook Fanpage: The Redhaired Crow

Goodreads Author’s Page

Amazon Author’s Page

Redhaired Crow’s YouTube Channel

GLBT Bookshelf Page: The Journey of Red Haircrow

Other Works

Fiction:

A Lieutenant’s Love

Convenience Store Romance

Night Shift

Katrdeshtr’s Redemption

The House of Doom, Dreams and Desire

The Coat: Secrets of a Hatcheck Boy

The Angel of Berlin

The Caravaggio and the Swan

We, The Dead

Non-Fiction:

Songs of the Universal Vagabond

Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World

Other Book Trailers:

The Angel of Berlin

Silence Is Multi-Colored In My World

Wrestling Against Myself by Katie Leone (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 18:03:00 +0000

Wrestling Against Myself is a sweet, touching and gut-wrenching story by Katie Leone, an author who has a knack for demanding the reader's emotional involvement in her novels. This is a realistically told story about a romance between two innocents that flames brightly before calamitous events precipitated by hate, bigotry and transphobia test the values and principles of the "righteous" as this novel winds toward a very exciting conclusion.

What I loved most about this book was that it grabbed me at the start and gripped me from start to finish. I also enjoyed witnessing the unfolding inner strength and unflinching loyalty of Antonio, the male lead. What a fine young person, wise beyond his years, but still very human and not without his flaws. Surprisingly for me, I also appreciated the strongly religious aspect of this book, which was portrayed in a manner that seemed appropriate for the characters, but not to the point of trying to convert the reader to Christianity. For the non-Christian reader like me, this was interesting and more than tolerable.

Where I felt this work was less than perfect, was my sense that the story was a little too drawn out. I felt that it could have been condensed a bit and tightened up for an even better reading experience. On the other hand, that it was not, made the events that were to unfold appear more like the "train-wreck" they turned out to be. So who knows? Lastly, the character of Courtney, our very young transgender protagonist, was a bit too enigmatic for me and not as developed as I would have liked. I sometimes wondered what Antonio saw in her that caused him to love her. Yes, she was sweet, innocent and needy, but what else was she? Well, I guess, as Antonio (and Woody Allen) were fond of saying, "The heart wants what the heart wants." A very enjoyable effort.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

The Boy in a Bikini by Russell Frank (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 06:07:00 +0000

This fine novel features an extremely narcissistic and bereaved mother who creates havoc in a young boy's life by slowly and inexorably turning him into a girl, totally against his wishes.

The Boy in a Bikini is a story of child abuse and forced feminization leading to gender transition, told primarily from the point of view of the victim. Offering many plot twists, Russell Frank weaves a deft tale that eventually concludes in a manner reminiscent to the 1967 movie, The Graduate, but with an unexpected counter twist that I won't reveal.

A particularly interesting technique that the author employs advantageously is the 360 degree overview afforded as each of the central characters has the opportunity to describe his or her own perspective on things, offering justifications and rationalizations for sometimes aberrant behavior that will make you cringe.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

Gender's Hourglass by Cybele Marcia Carte (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 08:03:00 +0000

I'm an avid reader of books in the transgender genre with an additional long-term passion and interest in fantasy and science fiction. Gender's Hourglass (Second Edition) is a fine novel satisfies me on all these levels.

Cybele Marcia Carter spins an ingenious tale of gender transition through time travel, grabbing me from the very first paragraph, when she writes:

"It was odd, closing my eyes in 2012 and opening them in 1972. But stranger things have happened to me. Like living my life in two genders."

The author goes on to weave a most interesting, creative, and realistic tale, rich in nostalgia and 'what-if' scenarios, one that conjures up similar emotions felt when reading the haunting H.G. Wells novel, The Time Machine. It is a story that I didn't want to end. I could say more, but I don't want to ruin the impact for other readers. PS. I always overlook minor editing issues on powerful books that are self published. There are a some here, but I consider them of little consequence to the total picture.

[Reviewed by Samuel]

The Sissy and the Billionaire by Crystal Veeyant (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 19:47:00 +0000

With The Sissy and the Billionaire being Crystal Veeyant's longest work to date, I was really excited to see what she could pull off with space to let her imagination and her talents soar. Much to my surprise, rather than using those extra pages to ease us into the tale, she goes all-out from page one, introducing us to not just one fantasy-fuel scenario, but a second intricately intertwined within it.

For most authors, it would be more than enough to open the story with a forcibly feminized prisoner, on his knees, and kissing the female warden's lovely derrière. Some might even push it a bit further, and have that all be a set-up for Ricky/Rita to be offered as a birthday present for a senior prison officer. A few of them might even try using that as a springboard to explore the military barracks threesome that led to the sissy's incarceration, but I doubt any of them would use all of that to set up a lifetime of submission to a spoiled, bratty, billionaire's daughter.

Crystal does all that, and more, in setting us up for a story that is wilder, darker, and more emotionally stimulating than any she has written before. The way in which she links all of those scenarios together, making the all a part of the ongoing story, rather than just convenient fantasy scenarios along the way, is quite spectacular. Just when you have forgotten about the men and women who have played a role in Ricky's transformation into Rita, Crystal finds a way to not only bring them back, but have them play far more of a role than we, as readers, have any right to expect.

As always, her protagonist is a huge part of what sets her tale apart from the competition. Ricky is a nice young man with a lingerie fetish - a little confused, but not your typical emotionally-damaged, shame-filled, guilt-ridden crossdresser. Life's circumstances definitely set him up as a victim, but Crystal never allows him to wallow in that role, instead making him a young man who makes his own choices, and who follow his path into sissy submission as Rita with equal parts excitement and trepidation.

For the first time, however, Crystal presents us with an antagonist who is just as fully developed, and just as worthy of her time in the spotlight as Rita. I will be honest, I came to intensely dislike Sylvia by the end of the book, but the strength of that dislike is a testament to just how well her character was developed. Like Ricky, I fell in love with her early on but, as we both came to understand her selfishly deficient understanding of the power relationship, I really worried where the story was taking us.

Fortunately, just when I though the story was going to end on a dark note, Crystal throws in a last-minute twist that may be just a bit too convenient, but which works beautifully. In the space of dozen or so pages she ties up the loose ends we never knew were waiting to be resolved, gives the entire story meaning, and resolves not just Rita's journey, but the theme of dominance and submission at the heart of the story.

It is a book that is entirely satisfying on all levels - sexual, emotional, and intellectual - and which truly entertains as it arouses. Definitely worth reading for any fan of the transgender experience, and any lover of the BDSM power exchange.

[Reviewed by Candace]

Reclamation by Vee Hoffman (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:41:00 +0000

Reclamation, by Vee Hoffman, picks up almost immediately where her first novel, Acclamation, left off. In case you didn’t read my review of Acclamation, let me summarize by saying that I have rarely loved so many aspects of a story so much. Acclamation was detailed, intense, erotic, moving and realistic. Reclamation is all of those things, and more. I wouldn’t recommend reading the sequel without reading its predecessor first, but that’s okay, because trust me, you’re going to appreciate starting at the beginning with this one.

Acclamation was in some ways a very tentative novel, fixated on the taboos and challenges that are inherent in a relationship between Michael Cassidy, a teacher at a Catholic school who is in his late twenties and an atheist, and Dominic Butler, one of his students, a teenager and devoutly religious. Reclamation carries some of that tenuousness over, but there are also a series of revelations that make their romance, if not their lives, easier. Not that their romance is easy yet; the mating dance, as Michael puts it, is exhausting, and that lengthy, time-consuming courtship is on full display. What makes the wait for all of us more palatable is how much more we learn about the main characters, and particularly Michael.

Michael is given the chance to express more of his own foibles in this book, to be more than a love interest and partner in exploration. He’s the narrator for both books, but with Reclamation we get a real sense of both the good and bad of his character. He gets angry, he feels betrayed at times, and he expresses himself with imperfect control and immaturity. Thank god. He’s not even thirty yet, he shouldn’t have to be a paragon of control and maturity all of the time. Michael gets to have his bad days, just like Dominic has his own. The important thing, the thing that makes this pair worth reading about beyond the obvious lyricism of the writing, is how determined they are to be there for each other. Even when the misunderstanding is intense, there’s never a sense of hopelessness. We’re swept up in Michael’s enduring, sometimes astonishing love. Once we learn more about Scott (via his mother Makoto, who is an amazing character) we get a better sense of that love, of how Michael loves, of what he gets from being in love with Dominic. It’s explanation and satiation all wrapped up in absolutely delicious description. Speaking of that…the sex. The intimacy. It will give you shivers.

Feel free to expect a lot from this series and this author. She’s not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and the introspections on topics ranging from literary interpretation to prejudicial violence to the myriad definitions of virginity were thought-provoking without being proselytizing. The stage is set for future conflicts, the road forward is murky but hopeful, and I personally cannot wait to read more. Ms. Hoffman, with all due respect: step on it.

[Reviewed by Cari]

The Wild West Vampire Wars by Billy Cruz (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:28:00 +0000

“This is what the wild west was all about amigo; making money, fuckin' honey and killin' dummy. Yes siree!”

This pithy phrase completely encompasses the themes of this book, mostly focusing on the last two. Wild West Vampire Wars is a book of almost four hundred pages that nevertheless manages to say next-to-nothing for that entire span. There’s copious description, but in Billy Cruz's hurry to delve into the dirty-nasty-explicit-hardcoreness that is meant to come off as hilariously intense (and occasionally does), it completely loses the plot, as well as any hope of good editing.

I started this book expecting a western, or a paranormal, or some blend of the two. It’s both, but it’s also neither. Honestly, I should have started with the warnings on the book’s Amazon page. They read as such:

Contains vampires, ghouls, ghosts, Geronimo, General Pancho Villa, very special appearance by guest Jack The Ripper, and plenty of ABSURDLY WILD-WILD-WEST SEX. Open the double-doors and see for yourself, if your up-to-it that is. Did I mention the Vampire Whores?

ENTER AT OWN RISK! WARNING! CONTAINS EXPLICIT CONTENT AND BELLY ACHING LAUGHS.

WOMEN WHO ARE PREGNANT OR NURSING, PLEASE ADVISE A SNACK OR TWO WHILE READING.

DANGER! FREEDOM OF SPEECH. MAY BE OFFENSIVE IF UNDER MIND CONTROL. SHORT CIRCUITING MAY OCCUR.

All the ACTION PACKED ADVENTURE you can handle plus SEX SEX and MORE SEX.

Well, there certainly is a lot of sex. There is sex of every flavor and every type that one man can have with lots of women, including virgin sex, pregnancy sex, rape and incest, just to name a few. While the sex scenes are described with a certain tongue-in-cheek flair that’s meant to remind you that this is all deliberately absurd *nudge nudge-wink wink* that reminder isn’t enough to make them genuinely interesting most of the time. There are so many people having sex that it becomes boring after a while, the male protagonists either beset by ravening nymphomaniac whores (yes, note the reference to those lauded Vampire Whores above) or are seducing/capturing/coercing sex out of virginal little nymphs who, after their first taste of cock, transform into ravening nymphomaniac whores. Ostensibly we’re following Sky Claw, Eagle Clan Warrior on his vision quest, but mostly we’re watching a paper-thin archetype of masculinity fuck his way from drama to drama.

That’s not to say that this is entirely a throwaway book. The author offers up a unique type of absurdity, and there are some interesting bits of world-building and plenty of historical figures tossed into the mix for good measure. His powers of description are sometimes moving and always evocative, enough so that you can really hear his efforts with character’s voices and circumstances. Those moments of enjoyment weren’t enough for me to really engage with the novel, though, more than offset by the Dr. Suess-style synonyms for body parts, the casual ethnic slurs, and the unrelenting slutification of every single woman in the book.

If you want a read that whole-heartedly embraces the absurd with every crude gag and violent spectacle, then this might be the book for you. If you want romance, realistic dialogue, sex that doesn’t make you cringe or a coherent plot, then I suggest you stay away. Wild West Vampire Wars didn’t leave me better off for having read it, but it did stick in my mind.

[Reviewed by Cari]

Loki's Joke by Penny Blackwell (REVIEW)

noreply@blogger.com (Sally Bibrary) — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:16:00 +0000

Loki's Joke is a kind of a bittersweet journal that chronicles the life of a person who transitioned to a female gender role in later years. Subtitled "How I learned to stop fighting and be a woman," the book depicts Penny Blackwell's decades of angst in dealing with gender dysphoria, and her struggle to fit into the world as a "normal" man before it all became too much to bear.

The book is also the moving account of two loves that were savoured . . . and eventually lost.

More than a story about transgender transition, it is a tale of success, failure, relationships and eventual self-acceptance that will resonate with most of us. Interestingly punctuated by little doses of the author's sometimes artful, and often humorous, poetry, the book offers some fine changes of pace to savour. Perhaps the only thing detracting from this reader's fullest enjoyment was the string of emails and responses to and from a British government agency concerning the "official" change of gender that the author has interspersed near the end of her otherwise fine story.

[Reviewed by Samuel]