Review: Grown Men

Grown Men by Damon Suede

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The newest addition to the HardCell world really took me by surprise. I think I expected something gritty and slightly twisted (see Seedy Business). Instead, Grown Men is a tender, moving love story about two very different men who slowly learn to depend on one another, become friends, and eventually realize that their true home is with each other.

One of the aspects of the novella that I truly enjoyed is how well Runt develops over the course of the narrative. Runt initially comes off as very self-absorbed, paranoid, and a bit of an ass. However, as he starts to work with, care for, and becomes attracted to Ox, he develops into a much more interesting narrator. Ox, in contrast was easy for me to adore from the beginning (possibly because I was already familiar with his history).

Grown Men is really a great addition to the HardCell world, and I hope Damon will continue to write about this fascinating universe. I feel that these two offerings have really only scratched the surface of the tales that could be told. Overall, this was an incredible read, sweet, hot, and with characters and a world that is truly intriguing and unique.



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Photos from GRL

The following are a few of the fun photos from GLR 2011. Or, at least, these are the ones I can probably safely post!

Cake at the opening gala

Ethan

ZAM

Jo, M.L., and yours truly 

Jo, M.L., and yours truly 

Stalking Rachel

Reunited after many years!

GRL Retreat

Just relaxing by the pool, enjoying some quiet time after the craziness of the GayRomLit Retreat. I will post a more in-depth account of my time in New Orleans (with redactions to protect the innocent) once I return to DC.

Right now, however, let's talk about my new tattoo! Friday night the amazing M.L. Rhodes, John, JoJo, and I headed over to Frenchmen Street to get John his first tattoo. It is no surprise that the rest of us decided to get new ink as well. Talk about an amazing bonding experience for our little group. Thanks so much to all three of you for such a fun evening.

And, for the big reveal, here is the new ink! Very simple, but it turned out so well.

Thanks again, M.L., John, and Jo!


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Location:Chartres St,New Orleans,United States

Review: Unforgiven

Unforgiven by S.W. Vaughn

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I always forget how much I am enjoying this series until I read another installment, and then am instantly hooked again. This was no exception. I really enjoyed seeing how far Braelan has come since the series began and how his relationship with his brothers has evolved. River's character was actually quite riveting, and even though I felt sympathy for his situation, I could not imagine how he would let down his guard throughout the book. I do wish that we learned more about the villain's motive in committing the crimes that he had, but I don't think the narrative suffers from the lack. Highly enjoyable, and although the brothers have all had their stories told, I hope that more will come in the series.



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Review: Acting Naughty

Acting Naughty by G.A. Hauser

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I tried really hard to like this book, but like so much of Hauser's work, it came across as overly simplistic with insipid dialogue. The troubling part is that her characterizations are usually really interesting, so I did find myself really invested in Keith and Carl, but overall, the writing just didn't hold up. The relationship is very sweet, and while I wouldn't mind reading more about these two, I think I will have to take a break from the series.



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Preparing for Costa Rica

So in good form, I had thought to finish off the unpacking, do my laundry, and generally clean the house before I head off to Costa Rica. Instead, I spent a couple of extra hours in bed finishing reading Marie Sexton's Between Saints and Sinners, which was time well spent. But then, for me, all of Sexton's books tend to fall into that category. I did manage to then roll out of bed, do laundry, and get in a short workout. Since then, however, I have spend the early afternoon trying to set up this blog. Sigh. Procrastination again. Anyway, I am looking forward to heading to Playa Samara on Wednesday, and hope that this picture will be enough to motivate me to finish my packing.