One of the things I love about reviewing is meeting new propel even if only by their writing. Jon Michaelsen was kind enough to make a comment on a review I did of Lambda Award winner, David Lennon so I decided to find out more about him and sure enough, he is also a writer and has a new book coming out (which is the subject of this review). When you read as much as I do, it is always fun to read something from someone that you never have read before.
“False Evidence: Murder Most Deadly 1” is interesting in that it is both a romance and a mystery and Michaelsen has created a fascinating character in Kevin Mitchell, an accountant who is bored with his job. He dreams about and lusts after Tony, who lives in the building next to his and before Kevin realizes it, he is obsessed with him. Then Tony surprises Kevin by coming to his apartment, bruised and bloody. Kevin helps him and shows him to his bed. However, (there is always a “however”), something is strange and when the police arrive we learn that all is not what it appears to be. The police are searching for a violent murderer and here is where I have to be careful not to give anything away.
To read more: http://reviewsbyamoslassen.com/?p=16264
What begins as a cursory glance at the high-rise apartment opposite soon becomes something much darker and far more dangerous. For bored accountant, Kevin Mitchell, lusting after gorgeous, muscular, Tony, in the adjacent building, builds into a life changing obsession. When Tony shows up at Kevin’s apartment, bloody and bruised, Kevin offers him instant refuge…and a place in his bed. However, all is not what it seems, and the police draw a different conclusion in their hunt for a violent killer.
Except:
Kevin’s fantasy drew him in more and more. His days at the office began to drag along and often left him exhausted and miserable by the end of the workday. He stopped going out to lunch with Alice, choosing instead to pack a bite to eat in order to end his day at work earlier. His evenings alone and awake ran on to well after midnight. Sleep, when it came, became fits of restlessness until it was time to get up and head to the office. He spent any spare time he had peering out the windows hoping to catch a glimpse of the stranger across the way, always craving just one more look to satisfy his unquenchable thirst before calling it a night.
Within the week, Kevin had purchased a camera and tripod. Five days later, he added a telephoto lens and other items. Before long, he’d amassed a stellar collection of photographs capturing the imagines of an abstracted, young man in his prime and oblivious to the attention he’d reaped from a neighboring high-rise.
The quest for satisfaction consumed Kevin, he all but ignored his responsibilities at work and at home. His actions became irresponsible, even voyeuristic, and ignited desires that he didn’t know he possessed. His boss expressed dissatisfaction with his tardiness and increasing mistakes, but he made excuses for his lack of focus. Friends calling his home found nothing but an answer machine and returned calls never happened. He even gave Alice the cold shoulder when she voiced concern, but Kevin didn’t care. He slipped deeper and deeper into a compulsion he didn’t see, convinced all the while he could stop the spying on his neighbor at any time.
* * * *
By early May, Kevin had settled into a routine of spying on the man of his dreams, laying out a daily ritual of surveillance that played against a backdrop of reality. He knew when to catch the guy working out with free-weights in his bedroom, sunbathing on the terrace, or even when the dude might pass before the windows after taking a shower.
So it came as somewhat of a shock when the blinds across the street began opening and closing at irregular intervals and the lights in the apartment burned well into the evening hours two nights in a row. Mr. Adonis roamed freely throughout the penthouse, more frequently without a stitch of clothing on his body. Kevin surmised the man’s companion had gone away for a while on a business trip, or perhaps to visit relatives.
Whatever the case, the idea and new-found impudence to introduce himself to the young man prevailed and Kevin took time off work. He cleaned his home from top to bottom and stowed the camera equipment away. He spent the next few days sunning on the terrace, hoping to catch the guy’s attention, moving the floral canopy out of the way to create a clear view. Kevin’s body was lean and tight, but not as muscular as he was tall. More endowed than most, he filled the tiny swimsuit he sported in hopes of catching the stranger’s attention.
On the third day, Kevin finally received the acknowledgement from the man he’d hoped for. A subtle nod, soon led to a flirtatious smile and movement of the man’s mouth, unable to hear his words Kevin smiled and raised his hands palms skyward. The guy pointed down toward the street, an invitation that Kevin accepted with an upright thumb…
I really enjoyed Alex Morgan’s ebook Tails Of The Sea 1: Tail Of The Sea with the introduction of sea captain Andrew and his sea-lover, Tirnan, the merman. This sequel adds further dimention with a trilling adventure for the captain and his crew. A quick-read for those looking for light speculative fiction with sexy attunement!
A very good, well-plotted mystery, though thick reading at times. I was introduced to gay P.I. Marco Fontana in the second book, “A Body on Pine” in the series, which I enjoyed greatly. In fact, I may have enjoyed the sub-plot more than the main plot because author DeMarco has created such an interesting cast of characters, that you want to know more about their lives. Mystery lovers will enjoy reading this novel, not to mention fall in love with Marco Fontana!
Wow - this novel had me from the beginning pages, with naive and closeted college graduate Jim, running into his best friend’s closeted cowboy father — who confides he’s in a marriage of convenience — and sparks fly as Len lusts after Jim. The instant attraction, awesome sex, hot romance and serious pull of the heart-strings made this gay romance between older/young men work for me. The last third of the novel had me rushing through the pages to see if these two men - with everything working against them and their budding relationship - could survive. I really. really enjoyed this novel!
I’m so glad Murder In THe Rue Dauphine was released recently via ebook - as it was the only Chanse MacLeod private-eye, murder-mystery in the series - the one that started it all, no doubt - I had missed out on. This novel sets up the awesome series and fans of Greg Herren will not be disappointed at all; awesome mystery and introduction to such a wonderful cast of characters - especially Chanse and Venus!
Check out this new anthology of Lesbian love stories. Celebrate the power, the passion, the undying love of these women…imagine the possibilities..
from the authors of SapphicPlanet
To Love and To Cherish
an anthology of lesbian love and marriage
Editors: Beth Wylde, Lara Zielinsky
Publisher: loveyoudivine
Format: Trade paperback
ISBN: 978-1-60054-431-2
Love is universal. Marriage is… not. But it should be. It is a matter of civil rights and equal protection. Evoking the importance of equality for everyone, To Love and To Cherish, showcases fourteen tales of passionate love and heartfelt devotion between women. The writers of SapphicPlanet and loveyoudivine bring you these diverse tales about the many forms of lesbian love and yes… marriage.
From their proposals through to the big day, and the many sweet and sexy loving days between, these women will sweep you along and make it known that… marriage matters.
Proceeds from the sales of this anthology benefit the non-profit organization Marriage Equality
USA. The authors, editors, and publisher are not associated with MEUSA, but wished to support their work with this contribution.
Authors included in this collection:
Jean Roberta, Stephanie Rose, Allison Wonderland, Lara Zielinsky, Jolene Hui, Moondancer Drake, Kissa Starling, Adrianne Brennan, Ann Cory, Beth Wylde, Meg Leigh, Dalia Craig, Adriana Kraft
I recently had the wonderful pleasure of interviewing the diverse writer, Adrianne Brennan, fellow author releasing at loveyoudivine Alterotica…
Jon:Adrianne, I must say, I’ve seen your name here and there but have not yet gotten to know you.Since releasing your latest, Dawn Of The Seraphs, with loveyoudivine, I’ve become intrigued.Can you tell me how you came to release with loveyoudivine?
Adrianne: Nix (Winter) was my corrupter–I mean, invitation–to join. Through Nix I found out about the Immortal Fire anthology and was encouraged to submit. I’m in another anthology due out in February for f/f and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to jump into the wide, wonderful genre of m/m! Since I have a prequel idea for the Dark Moon series in m/m, this I thought would be a great way to break into the genre before that book comes out.
Jon:Dawn Of The Seraphs sounds incredible!Congratulations on your release.The plot sounds like a tremendous undertaking, a foray into sci-fi/fantasy, erotic paranormal lust!Can you tell us more about this awesome novel?
Adrianne: It’s about two men who are incredibly different, personality-wise, from each other–but have amazing chemistry that they just have no control over. Both are very talented, brilliant Seraphs–powerful psions, if you will–and are mutually drawn into a world of subterfuge and intrigue through working on a behind the scenes assignment in ANGEL, an organization of Seraphs devoted to their kind.The two men are forced to work together in spite of the fact that the friction between them makes it nearly impossible.
But together they make an amazing partnership, and I look forward to writing more about them.
Jon:Where did you get your inspiration for Dawn Of The Seraphs?Is there more to come between Tamar and Kir?
Adrianne: I got my inspiration from some of my favorite science fiction shows plus bits and pieces of my favorite fandom male pairing. So many people have different chemistry together, and there’s that sort of chemistry where you bicker and argue before you each cave in and realize there’s a powerful attraction there. And oh yes, you better believe there’ll be more! I plan on a sequel for this, so stay tuned!
Jon:It appears you’ve been writing for a long time.And indeed, your writing has achieved wonderful praise, accolades and awards.Can you share which are you most proud of?
Adrianne: Thanks Jon! Writing is my passion, my fuel, my oxygen. I’m thrilled to be here and never in my wildest dreams imagined that I’d wind up getting so many readers, let alone awards.I don’t know if there’s a single one I’m most proud of, to be honest. I’m more proud that I got any at all. Sometimes being here is a little surreal, and I remain thankful.
If anything, I enjoy hearing readers’ feedback. They’re the ones I enjoy hearing from and make the most impression to me in regards to how my writing is being received. I receive Google alerts for my name on a regular basis, and one day got a notification that my book, Blood of the Dark Moon, was listed on someone’s profile on a message board. The reason why was because they had listed it as their favorite novel. That to me was worth more than all of the awards, the “Best Ever”s, and reviews I could’ve possibly have received and achieved. It made my day, week–no, month!
Jon:(You knew I was going to ask this question…)I’m often confounded by the attitudes by some that female authors cannot write a good m/m erotic romance.I don’t agree, as I’ve read some pretty sizzling titles by authors like Anastasia Rabiyah, Carol McKenzie, Patricia Oshier Bruening, Nix Winter, Lady Midnight and Dawne Domique, to name a few… Have you ever faced such stigma writing gay m/m erotica?
Adrianne: I’ve yet to receive it directly but have noticed it from others. I see where some are coming from, as I’ve read a lot of m/m fanfic written by women which makes me utterly *cringe* with how they write a m/m pairing. But on the other hand I don’t think it’s so much women writing about men as much as writing skills in general. If direct experience was required to write, many of us wouldn’t be able to. After all, I write about vampires and demons, and I’m certainly neither a vampire nor a demon! *grin*
Jon:Okay,here’s a fun question:If you could be any one of your characters for just a day, who would it be and why?
Adrianne: I’ve been asked this before and to be honest, I’d never want to be one of my characters–some of them go through absolute hell, lol! But I will say that there are moments in their lives which I’d love to have the chance to experience. Amanda’s first kiss with Jesse in Blood of the Dark Moon, Merideth’s date with Kalia in Blood and Mint Chocolates, Lila’s first encounter with Asmodion in book 3 of the Oath series, and for Dawn of the Seraphs, being Tamar for a day would be *damned* interesting–especially given some of his abilities!
Jon:Closing out, I understand you have the distinct pleasure of interviewing author, Melissa ElHajjar.I’m so jealous because I’ve just ordered her novel, Bane Of Exhistence.Are you as excited as I am?!!!
Adrianne: This is the first I’ve heard of it–LOL! But I relish the opportunity. I love hearing from other authors who are passionate about their craft. You can always tell who is, and it’s delightful.
Dawn of The Seraphs is also included in loveyoudivine’s awesome anthology, Immortal Fire, from His & His Kisses line.
Newsflash - Dawn of the Seraphs, a m/m scifi/paranormal erotic romance in the Immortal Fire anthology, is up for Love Romance Cafe’s Best Scifi/Futuristic Book 2009!!!
