The Zagzagel Diaries by Bryl R. Tyne

Title: The Zagzagel Diaries

Author: Bryl R. Tyne

Publisher: Untreed Reads

Publication Date:2010

Genre: GLBT Romance

Length: Short stories

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Rating: 5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Sensual

Other: GLBT

Reviewer: Sky & Valerie Mann

Date: 10/10/10

Forsaken: A high rooftop, a concrete courtyard, a young man in utter despair and Zagzagel, a guardian angel. How to stop disaster from happening, how to show that even in the lowest points there is hope? ~Reviewed by Sky

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Denial: A woman has put herself in the world’s oldest profession, unable to accept herself, alone, sad, craving touch and love. Can her guardian angel show her life doesn’t have to be sad and solitary—and degrading?

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Desperate: Zagzagel’s got his hands full again. This time around, his charge is having to deal with an overly-religious father, fears of going to Hell and his growing attraction to his roommate. ~Reviewed by Valerie

In the light of recent homophobic events, Desperate particularly resonated with me. Though there is a lot of humor injected into this story (who knew angels could have allergies or erogenous zones?), the gravity of the subject matter isn’t lost. Nick is in love with his roommate Cody, but refuses to acknowledge his feelings due to strict upbringing and indoctrination at the hands of a loony-tunes father. His desperation is palpable as he decides how he’s going to deal with his attraction for Cody. Fortunately, he's got a guardian angel who knows exactly what to say and do to allow Nick to deal with his issues and find comfort and happiness in his decision. ~Reviewed by Valerie

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In all of three of these tales, Bryl Tyne shows us his typical, extraordinary insight into the hearts of people who long for acceptance and love in their lives. And injects a note of hope and caring in the form of the guardian angel, Zagzagel, who is willing to break a few of Big Papa’s rules to get the job done. These tales will touch the heart of any reader.

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The Robber Wife by Verona St. James

Title: The Robber Wife

Author: Verona St. James

Publisher: Whispers Publishing

Publication Date: June 2010

Genre: Erotic contemporary

Length: 18 pages

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Rating: 4 Diamonds

Heat: Erotic

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Date: 9/18/2010

Jon’s wife, Cassie, left him when she found out he killed people for a living. To pay back for the lies and the, you know, dead people, she stole all his money and cleaned out their apartment down to the last tube of toothpaste. After three years he’s still got it bad for the woman who broke his heart and plundered his wallet. So when she breaks into his apartment one night hoping for a reconciliation— or maybe another chance at his cash— all Jon has to decide is whether he’s going to kill her… or kiss her.

It’s been awhile since I’ve reviewed because I just don’t have the time anymore. But this little number caught my eye when it landed in the review site inbox and before I knew it, I was halfway through!

I really enjoyed this Erotiquick story. Though the story was super-short, the characters are well drawn and their conflicts realistic. It’s difficult to have conflict and resolution in such a limited space but the author pulls it off well. The sex is hot and I loved how Jon and Cassie slipped right back into their relationship with nary a stumble…there’s something to be said for familiarity. The only thing I would have liked to know is why Cassie came back ~ that piece of the puzzle was left unanswered. I think that was the author’s intent, but I’m a nosy reader! Otherwise, 4 diamonds and 2 thumbs up!

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Hot & Sticky by Keta Diablo

Title: Hot & Sticky

Author: Keta Diablo

Publisher: Amber Quill Press

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-60272-686-4

Genre: M/M Erotic contemporary

Length: 48 pages

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Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: Anal/oral play, M/M sex

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Date: 05/17/2010

It’s been extremely difficult for Hugh Landon, an up-and-coming lawyer in Washington, D.C., to control his sexual fantasies about his paralegal, Milan Vassar. When his career hangs in the balance over a missing file, Hugh must call Milan at the midnight hour and plead for assistance. Hugh’s determination not to mix business with pleasure disintegrates when Milan arrives at the office not only to help him, but to confess he’s held the same secret desires for his boss...

This story packs a lot of punch in a short period of time and I felt every blow! I loved Hugh, a conflicted, intelligent and very sexual man. Add yummy Milan, his paralegal, who thinks Hugh is his dream come true, and every fantasy they’ve had for each other for several long months working together come graphically to life. My only disappointment, as cliché as it might be, is I wished this story was longer. I would have loved to see even more relationship develop between Hugh and Milan, especially with regards to their pasts. Having said that however, I’ve been fortunate enough to read several fantastic M/M stories lately and this ranks right at the top with the best of them. I highly recommend Hot & Sticky, it won’t disappoint any reader who enjoys this genre!

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Dark Man (Blood Slaves Book 3) by KyAnn Waters

Title: Dark Man (Blood Slaves Book 3)

Author: KyAnn Waters

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Publication Date: 2010

ISBN: 9781419924668

Genre: M/M vampire paranormal

Length: 114 pages

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Author Email: spicy.writer@yahoo.com

Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, BDSM, menage

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Date: 05/15/2010

There are dozens of romance series out now because many authors find sub-characters have their own stories to tell and/or readers often ask, "what happened to _____?" Funny thing about Theron, the main character in Dark Man...I don't think anyone can deny he's always been a main character in the first two books in the Blood Slaves series, even though relegated to the sidelines. As an author myself, I sensed he wanted to break free and have his story told. And man, did KyAnn Waters deliver the goods!

Theron is a hot, powerful vampire and nearly everyone who comes in contact with him knows it, or at the very least, senses his incredible charisma and power. And as with any really great hero, he's flawed. A past filled with pain has left him unable or unwilling to allow himself to love. So when he finds himself falling for Vance, a mortal, he puts up barriers as usual. Vance has his own private issues and sees Theron as a means to an end, even though his feelings for the studly vampire are less than platonic.

As Dark Man progresses, the intense desire the two males have for each other builds until finally both are forced to give in to their mutual love. Watching the progression of the relationship between Theron the vampire and Vance the mortal (who's hot in his own right, which makes for double the pleasure, double the fun for this reader!) is a wonderful thing to behold. I loved every couple in each of the three books in this series but am extra glad that I finally had the opportunity to dig deep into Theron, find out his secrets and watch him find happiness. While this is definitely a stand-alone read, I always recommend starting at the beginning of a series so you don't miss out on anything! But if you don't, Theron and Vance will not disappoint!

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Summer Solstice by Kate Hofman

Title: Summer Solstice
Author: Kate Hofman
Publisher: Dark Castle Lords
Publication Date: May 2009
ISBN: 978-1-921347-98-6
Genre: Contemporary
Length: 42 pages
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Author Email: katehofman@rogers.com
Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: erotic
Other: Oral play
Reviewer: Valerie Mann
Date: 03/13/2010

Lady Margaret, daughter of the late Earl Bronley, is working at an art gallery in Ocean Breeze, Florida, when her employer asks her to do him a favour and go over to his friend, Prince Alessandro of Sant' Angelo. He needs someone to do some work. When she arrives, she realizes that the work he wants her to do is accompanying him to a formal dinner. She agrees, only to find that the Prince expects her to take part in a 'quickie' so they can both be relaxed during the probably endless dinner. Later, they will enjoy more leisurely pleasures. Incensed, Margaret wants to refuse, but the Prince succeeds in seducing her. A month later, he arrives at the gallery, to ask Margaret whether she is pregnant--the condom broke. She says, Yes, she is, but she will manage very well on her own. Horrified, the Prince explains that she is carrying the heir to his throne, and they will have to get married. Margaret refuses angrily. Will the Prince succeed in convincing Margaret to marry him so that his child will be born the legitimate heir to the throne? And even if he succeeds, what kind of marriage will they have, with her refusing his every olive branch?

Summer Solstice reminds me of the Harlequin romances I used to read as a teenager - powerful royal hero and outwardly timid heroine with a spine of steel. I enjoyed the tenderness the Prince Alessandro shows his pregnant princess and while attraction had never been an issue between them, the growing love they feel for each other is obvious. My only complaint? I wanted this read to be longer because I love a good love story!

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Ice Man by KyAnn Waters

Title: Ice Man

Author: KyAnn Waters

Publisher: Ellora’s Cave

Publication Date: 2009

ISBN: 9781419925238

Genre: Vampire contemporary

Length: 85 pages

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Rating: 4.5 Diamonds

Heat Level: Erotic

Other: anal/oral play, M/M, fetish/bondage, slight BDSM

Reviewer: Valerie Mann

Date: January 18, 2010

Feeding and sex go hand in hand when you’re a blood slave to a vampire. It’s like a drug and Rowan is hooked. With the vampire Theron, Rowan has never wanted for more than his next fix. Until he meets Brett. Brett is hot, the sex is incredible and he’s human. Brett is looking for kinky sex when he goes to The Catacombs, an exclusive fetish club for men. Flair bartender Rowan, also known as Ice Man, is sexy and mysterious. Brett isn’t ready to complicate his life with a lover outside The Catacombs and Rowan isn’t interested in club-scene sex but coming together and giving in never felt so good. Rowan’s dark secret could destroy everything. He must never allow Brett to learn of his symbiotic relationship with the vampire. He has to choose—tell Brett the truth or remain a blood slave. He can only hope that Brett will trust in love enough to forgive him.

This is one of those stories that sticks with you and makes you ponder for awhile after finishing. There is so much going on in this novella - sex and the emotions that go with it, some serious emotional baggage for all parties involved and some interesting insights into the world of vampires and their blood slaves. I loved the vulnerability of both Rowan and Brett (and to a lesser degree, Theron). Not that their vulnerabilities detract in any way from their masculinity or sexuality, it only serves to deepen it. The ending came as a bit of a surprise for me, I didn't have a clue how everyone in this triangle would get what they wanted, but Kyann Waters resolved the problem beautifully. And I'm happy to say, the next installment in the series is out so I'm headed off to read it now!

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Muse's Vacation by Jaime Samms

Title: Muse’s Vacation
Author: Jaime Samms
Publisher: loveyoudivine Alterotica
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60054-426-2
Genre: M/M erotica
Length: 17 pages
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Rating: 4 Diamonds
Heat Level: Erotica
Other: BDSM, oral/anal play
Reviewer: Valerie Mann
Date: December 22, 2009

Patrick is pretty new to the idea of having a Dom. When Leo gets trapped in that endless cycle of word-lock, and the inspiration just doesn't come for his writer Dom, Patrick decides discretion is better than taking his needs and frustration to Leo and asking for what he wants. Leo is not pleased to find his sub trying to satisfy his own desires, but even giving Pat what he needs doesn't break through the block, and Patrick knows drastic measures are in order. He has to drag Leo half way around the world before the writer realizes it's time to put his muse, and his sub, in their places.

For a quick read, this had great character development and emotion. I loved Patrick's need and willingness to please his lover and Dom. Leo was a bit harder to like at first but within a few pages I realized the author made him distant as a result of his inability to think past his writer's block. Once Patrick figured out how to help Leo deal with the block, the intensity of Leo's feelings for Patrick was very apparent. I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to more from Jaime Samms!

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Hard by Jamieson Wolf

Title: Hard
Author: Jamieson Wolf
Publisher: Breathless Press
Publication Date: 2009
ISBN: 978-1-926771-15-1
Genre: LGBT
Length: 7 pages
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Rating: 4 diamonds
Heat: Erotica
Other: M/M, oral play
Reviewer: Valerie Mann
Date: 11/26/2009

Owen’s best friend makes him hard. He’s been in love with Daniel for years, but could never tell him. If Daniel knew how Owen felt about him, Owen knew that he would lose him. And that his heart would break. Owen dreamed of kissing Daniel, of touching him. But the most they had done was look at porn together. Owen knew that his dreams would never become a reality…until Daniel rents some gay porn by accident and he becomes just as hard as Owen…
Short and erotic, this is a great little read that reveals the feelings of young lovers discovering and experimenting with their sexuality. Owen and Daniel are great friends and find something even better when they finally admit their desire for each other. There were some editing issues that bothered me but not enough to ruin the story. A definite must-read if you like this genre!

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