The Inside Reader: Bryl R. Tyne
Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends - Silas Weir Mitchell
Bryl was for sure one of my discoveries of last year, and it was for sure my first transgender story. I probably have to thanks this author since I found out that I like this genre. Even when it's not a transgender story, I found that I like Bryl R. Tyne's work, a clue maybe that I like this author point, despite the genre? Yes, probably, and so I'm very glad to hose Bryl R. Tyne:
Bryl R. Tyne's Inside Reader List
Thanks for asking me to share some of my favorite books, Elisa.
I'll start out with a little disclaimer: Not having read much of anything since high school, unlike most authors, I'm not a seasoned reader but rather a newb. I did pick up reading a couple years ago, however, meaning my selection of books will contain more current titles than most other lists.
A couple of things about me: My tastes in genre vary and I'm easily distractible. I may pick up a Contemporary only to put it down half an hour later and pick up a Mystery or Historical, unless of course, a book captures me right off. I also love Westerns, high-energy Adventure stories, and unlike many others, I prefer short stories over novels, probably because of my short attention span. But anything I think worthy of keeping must have two things: 1) an interesting plot; and 2) unique characters, preferably male and exceptionally flawed. (A great love scene strewn here and there never hurt either.)
Getting to the point . . .
Rhyme or reason to my choices? Usually, if a book or short story strikes me as inspiring in any way or thought-provoking, it's on my keeper shelf. It's literally impossible to choose a favorite, since I may pick up the next book and enjoy it so much, my list will change again tomorrow. Anyway, here are ten recent reads that have left me feeling spectacular or made me stop and think.
Books I've read and enjoyed over the last two years:
1) Island Song by Alan Chin. Island Song is full of page turning, artfully depicted adventures and involves many touching issues relevant to the gay community that could make even the toughest of hearts weep. (It made me tear up, many times.)
Alan Chin's writing is highly descriptive, and yet with his vivid scenes, accurate scenarios, and multifaceted character depictions, the overall movement throughout the book was never tedious. This aspect is terribly important to me, since I get distracted easily. Not only did his writing draw me into his created world, it kept me spellbound, which is a feat in itself, especially when it comes to description of scenes. As I stated in a previous review, I picked up Island Song, and four and a half hours later, closed it feeling as if I had taken the deepest breath of fresh air imaginable in years.
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Zumaya Publications, LLC (September 8, 2008)
Publisher Link: http://zumayapublications.com/title.php?id=64
ISBN-10: 1934841021
ISBN-13: 978-1934841020
Amazon: Island Song
Two years after the death of his lover, Garrett Davidson sits in a Hawaiian beach shack, gazing out over the vast, empty Pacific. He has nothing left. Despair has robbed him of his elegant home, his lucrative job and his sanity. The single thread holding him to reality is the story he has come to this shack to write: Marc's story, the story of his lost love. Then Songoree breezes into his life. Songoree, a Hawaiian surfer and Garrett's new cook, is not gay, but he can't help being captivated by Garrett. He has always been attracted to broken things, like the crane with a broken wing he once mended and cared for. He is drawn to anything that reminds him of the broken image he has of himself. When he attempts to heal Garrett's spirit they become entwined in an extraordinary relationship. The stakes are raised when Songoree's grandfather, a venerable Hawaiian kahuna, frees Garrett's mind from anguish by using ancient shamanic methods to induce altered states of awareness. Garrett and Songoree struggle to transcend their differences in age, race and life experiences. They soon discover that some of the islanders will stop at nothing to destroy their unique bond, while Songoree's grandfather is hell-bent on bringing them together to fulfill an ancient Polynesian prophesy. A clash of wills erupts between grandfather, grandson and hostile islanders, with Garrett caught in the middle fighting for his life and plunging headlong to a moment that will brutally test the boundaries of the human spirit.
2) The Riddle of the Sands by Geoffrey Knight. This book caught grief from some readers as having "no character development whatsoever". However, I found that the plot carried the story well enough, how much I knew about or how well I resonated with the characters was never an issue for me. They were interesting and each had a unique personality and set of flaws that I found fascinating enough for me to want to see what came next in each of their predicaments. From James Bond-type suspense to Indiana Jones-like adventures, I love a great tale, and The Riddle of the Sands offers that. It was well-written and easy to follow, despite the numerous characters, underdeveloped or otherwise. I found the book an absolute delight, one that left me feeling, like any great adventure, that I could conquer anything!
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (October 1, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.cleispress.com/book_page.php?book_id=328
ISBN-10: 1573443662
ISBN-13: 978-1573443661
Amazon: The Riddle of the Sands
Hot gay tomb raiders Blackmailed by Jake's nemesis-the vengeful Pierre Perron-Professor Fathom's team of gay adventure-hunters is sent on a seemingly impossible mission. Will they uncover the legendary Riddle of the Sands in time to save one of their own from a rare and deadly poison? Is the Riddle a myth, a mirage, or the greatest engineering feat in the history of ancient Egypt?
3) Deliverance by Aleksandr Voinov (one story in the Forbidden Love Anthology). Deliverance is a story I will read again and again.
Joining the Knights Templar to do penance for his sins, William never imagined he'd make a journey, full-circle, to find himself once again in the arms of the love of his life, Guy de Metz, a man William had done all he could to forget.
The world-building and character development made this story real to me; and the sexually-charged encounters between the two men were written to my fancy. Direct and often fraught with the heat of the fight, William and Guy inevitably come to the only plausible conclusion -- their undeniable love is their fortress. Wonderful historical and beautiful story of love in times when love between two men was not "supposed to be".
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=61
ISBN-13: 978-1605920535
William Raven of Kent joined the Knights Templar to do penance for his sins. Formerly a professional tournament fighter and mercenary, William is brought face-to-face with a past he'd thought he had escaped.
4) Vienna Dolorosa by Mikola Dementiuk. Vienna Dolorosa uses graphic examples to clarify the depths of terror that a Nazi Germany, under Hitler’s rule, inflicted on not only Jewish people, but also other minorities of the era--Gays, Lesbians, Trans, women, and even some of Germany’s own who refused to bend to the dictator and his ways. No one minority went unscathed. Emotionally, physically, or psychologically, everyone felt the effects.
In this book, numerous atrocities are committed in 24-hours, including mutilation, castration, rape, brutality, murder, prostitution, and incest, however, not all perpetrated within Nazi ranks.
Vienna Dolorosa’s full cast of unsavory characters each held a spot, center stage in the depiction of good and evil. From Brothel Redl proprietor Frau Friska Bielinska, the strong-willed, stronger-hearted, self-accepting transvestite to Gestapo officer Krumpf, who exhibited compassion and worldly wisdom with his nondisclosure, each character, some to greater extremes than others, beheld a humble piece of all that is human. While the book brutally reminded me that no one is innocent, the story also highlighted a truth, that even society's vilest are capable of redemption, as long as enough humanity has been retained to recognize the sting of remorse.
Although I was mortified at some of the scenes, I will read this book again. If only to remind myself that I too, am only human.
Perfect Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Synergy Press; first edition (September 1, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://viennadolorosa.com
ISBN-10: 0975858157
ISBN-13: 978-0975858158
Amazon: Vienna Dolorosa
A full length historical novel set in Vienna, Austria, Vienna Dolorosa takes place during a one-day time period - March 12,1938,the day Hitler invades Austria - in an Inner City hotel managed by a transvestite and doubling as a brothel for men who like boys dressed up as girls. Told from the perspectives of various hotel personnel and guests, brothel employees and clientele, a talkative Viennese official, German police, Nazi SS, and a darling street boy Petya. Not for the faint of heart, Vienna Dolorosa includes rape, incest, intergenerational sex, prostitution, transvestism, teen sex, brutality, castration/mutilation, and murder.
5) Diary of a Hustler by William Maltese. Few instances of Maltese the prankster in this book, although, he adds just enough to lessen the harshness of the reality of hustling. In Diary of a Hustler, Maltese is simply profound at illustrating, in tongue in cheek manner, a life with no self-worth...sad, but true.
As someone who's a "pretty dumb smart person", or so I've been told, I can thoroughly resonate with the main character, Joey, in his trials. While he has everything he needs right in front of him, all his intelligence equates to ignorance, when it comes to wisdom. As it is, what could be love evades him.
Throughout the book, I found myself routing Joey on. In my mind, screaming at him to make the "right" choices, but to no avail. All I can say is we've all had days when we think life can't get any worse...Next time I feel like that, I'll pick up this book and re-read it if only to remind me that many others have life far worse.
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: MLR Press (March 25, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DOAH0001
ISBN-10: 0979311071
ISBN-13: 978-0979311079
Amazon: Diary of a Hustler
This reissue of the classic shocking account of the sleazy underbelly of Los Angeles comes hot from the mouth of an 18-year-old prostitute. Joey's frank and full-on diary reveals even more than you wanted to know about what the tricks ask for--and just how Joey gives it to them! Day by day, the truth about this young nymphomaniac is revealed and you get to know the guy behind the advert, the hustler's human heart.
6) The Good Thief by James Buchanan. I love James Buchanan's writing, but I think The Good Thief illustrates the typical good boy/bad boy relationship better than any of Buchanan's other books that I've read.
Caesar, the career thief, falls for Nate, the career cop. Interesting enough for an intriguing story. However, moral conscience is thrown in to thicken the plot, and I was continually driven ahead, wanting to know what happens next. I was literally unable to put the book down for more than a few seconds.
As all Buchanan's books, the characters and plot are excellently drawn, but I loved The Good Thief for its underlying theme: There's a bit of good and bad in all of us.
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: MLR Press; 1 edition (April 20, 2008)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=GOODTH01
ISBN-10: 1934531448
ISBN-13: 978-1934531440
Amazon: The Good Thief
Working construction provides Caesar with a great way to cover up his real job; stealing whatever he can get his hands on. Which is why the guy he has a fling with could be really bad for business. Nate is a cop, and Caesar worries that he might be tempting fate if he sees Nate again, even if he wants to. When Caesar discovers something far worse than some petty thievery on one of his jobs, though, he knows he has to report it to Nate, and the two of them try to find a way to keep Caesar safe until he can testify, even as the sparks fly between them. Can Nate protect Caesar and teach him that there are ways to be a good guy as well as a thief?
7) Longhorns by Victor J. Banis. Up until reading Longhorns, I'd never pictured hard-working, cattle-driving cowboys as lovers. Yet, Banis paints the story so that it feels as realistic as taking a drink and expecting it to moisten your throat. I found myself thinking, "Makes perfect sense to me."
His characters pulled me in. They were manly men, rough, tough, and proud, and although he showed quite a few times that his men possessed consciences, brains, and hearts, they were always just men. I fell for all three main characters, Buck, Les, and Red, from the beginning, and found myself cheering for them at the end.
Besides being an interesting Western, Longhorns is a beautiful and well-crafted romance. Needless to say, I really, really enjoyed this book.
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Running Press (July 13, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/runningpress/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0786719524
ISBN-10: 0786719524
ISBN-13: 978-0786719525
Amazon: Longhorns
A bawdy love story set on the Texas plains. Longhorns ranges from hard riding action and sex as hot as the blazing Texas sun to lyrical descriptions of the Old West.
8) Sub for Hire by Clair Thompson. Of all the crazy things I've done in my life, nothing pertaining to a BDSM lifestyle can I boast. Out of curiosity, I read Sub for Hire. This was the first book I read with BDSM elements...talk about an eye opener. I kept hearing myself saying, "Oh my God!" over and over inside my head...and yet this book is one of the most intimate stories I've ever read-one where I could get inside the characters' minds. Not only know what they're thinking, but why.
From my life experiences, I associate dominance with anger and insecurity. Yet, Thompson succeeded in pulling me into this story by illustrating every feeling, both physical and emotional, the characters went through. She made me see and understand different viewpoints, both from a dominant and a submissive perspective, those which I had never considered before. Didn't take me long, before I realized that I couldn't put the book down either. Claire Thompson is an amazing writer.
Publisher: Ellora's Cave (November 1, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419917752&Page=Page1
ISBN-13: 978-1419917752
Amazon: Sub for Hire
Writer by day, sub for hire by night. Blond, built and as hot as they come, Josh knows his dream of D/s romance has no place in the dungeons where he bares his body for any Master's whim. Michael, piercing blue eyes, movie-star smile and compelling Dom persona, can have any man he wants with the snap of his fingers. On an impulse he checks out Dungeon Dreams, known for its stable of hot male submissives. Though the scene is controlled, "slave j" reacts with an unexpected passion to the kiss of Michael's whip and his sensual touch. Slave j's intense response steals Michael's breath, but he's determined to forget the green-eyed man since by definition their "relationship" can never be more than a game. Josh - his body, imagination and perhaps a piece of his heart-is captured by the sexy Dom. He finds his carefully compartmentalized world crumbling. Somehow he must face and conquer his desire for a man he might never see again, one who regards him only as a sub for hire.
9) Coming Home by Victor J. Banis. Humorous, witty, erotic, and breathtakingly real, Author Victor Banis takes us back to the Sixties with a love story that will melt the iciest of hearts.
Mike is a young gay man working The Strip and fond of picking up servicemen, when he picks up Doug, a Marine nervous about his first time, but all too eager to experience sex with a man. Sex with Doug leaves Mike mind-boggled...need he dare think, in love? A complicated twist involving another man, Ryan, leaves Mike questioning himself and his heart again, but only long enough to learn that Doug is being shipped out to Vietnam.
The characters are wonderfully depicted and the setting is woven into the story with such expertise, without straining, one can visualize every detail and with delight. A very well-written story, indeed.
Without giving away the ending, let me say that Coming Home was another satisfying romantic and realistic read from Banis, one I highly recommend to all readers of m/m romance.
Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (October 23, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=VJBCHOME
ISBN-13: 978-1608201167
Amazon: Coming Home
The swinging sixties, the Sunset Strip a smorgasbord of horny Marines, looking for a little action before heading off to Nam. A queen's delight, and it's all too easy for a guy to fall in love with these brave, young warriors. But some of those shipping out won't be coming home, and not all of the wounded wear uniforms.
10) Out of the Blue by Josh Lanyon. Though not a huge history buff, I couldn't resist picking up Josh Lanyon's novella, Out of the Blue. And I'm extremely happy I did. I've enjoyed all the Lanyon's books I've read to date but would have to say, Out of the Blue is some of Lanyon's finest writing-Witty, charming, amazingly sensual, and funny-Well, that describes all Lanyon books, but there was something different about this one.
I noticed the style is different, but if anything, his choice aids in the action, making the story concise-fast-paced. Set in France during WWI, Out of the Blue hits all the right buttons in this story of lost love, blackmail, forced seduction, and new beginnings.
British ace Bat Bryant and American pilot Cowboy Cooper seem an unlikely pair, yet Lanyon fashions the perfect scenario, feeding into a confrontation that plays out well. Against the odds and despite their wills, Bat and Cowboy work-and they work each other over pretty darn well throughout this story. And Lanyon writes in these two men's emotions so perfectly, the story is utterly romantic on top of erotic. Readers of historical military and/or M/M erotic romance will want to read this one!
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books (August 31, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=19121.17354&product_name=Out+Of+The+Blue&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact
ISBN-13: 978-1595785787
Amazon: Out of the Blue
France, 1916. The Great War. High above the carnage in the trenches, British and German aces joust like knights of old for control of the skies. The strain and tension of living every day on the edge of death leads to dangerous choices and wild risks. When British ace Bat Bryant's past catches up with him, he strikes out in panic and kills the man threatening him with exposure. But there's a witness: the big, handsome American pilot Cowboy Cooper.
About Bryl R. Tyne: BRYL R. TYNE is a wrangler by nature and a writer by choice. Balancing as many pronouns as hats, somewhere between the evil day job, promoting authors, and helping a benevolent Sugar Daddy raise the last few of seven kids, Bryl writes. Homoerotic romance is a favorite, but many of Bryl´s stories cross genres. Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-fi, Horror, even Westerns, Bryl´s tried them all.
Bryl R. Tyne's latest is an Erotic Western with a M/M/T-Girl Menage:
Tengo Una Pistola in the Western anthology from Noble Romance, Cocked & Fully Loaded
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=81
After ten days in the saddle, Chuck just wants a hot meal and hotter bath water. He knows exactly where to find both too -- at home, with his lover, Mitch. But what Chuck finds instead is that Mitch has taken in Carmen, one of the town whores . . . and not only is she sharing Mitch's bed, she's using Chuck's tub. The situation irks Chuck to no end, but not as badly as the images of those wet and soapy feminine thighs that are stuck in his craw and driving him crazy. What the hell is going on? As far as Chuck's concerned, somebody had better start talking and talking soon!
Bryl was for sure one of my discoveries of last year, and it was for sure my first transgender story. I probably have to thanks this author since I found out that I like this genre. Even when it's not a transgender story, I found that I like Bryl R. Tyne's work, a clue maybe that I like this author point, despite the genre? Yes, probably, and so I'm very glad to hose Bryl R. Tyne:
Bryl R. Tyne's Inside Reader List
Thanks for asking me to share some of my favorite books, Elisa.
I'll start out with a little disclaimer: Not having read much of anything since high school, unlike most authors, I'm not a seasoned reader but rather a newb. I did pick up reading a couple years ago, however, meaning my selection of books will contain more current titles than most other lists.
A couple of things about me: My tastes in genre vary and I'm easily distractible. I may pick up a Contemporary only to put it down half an hour later and pick up a Mystery or Historical, unless of course, a book captures me right off. I also love Westerns, high-energy Adventure stories, and unlike many others, I prefer short stories over novels, probably because of my short attention span. But anything I think worthy of keeping must have two things: 1) an interesting plot; and 2) unique characters, preferably male and exceptionally flawed. (A great love scene strewn here and there never hurt either.)
Getting to the point . . .
Rhyme or reason to my choices? Usually, if a book or short story strikes me as inspiring in any way or thought-provoking, it's on my keeper shelf. It's literally impossible to choose a favorite, since I may pick up the next book and enjoy it so much, my list will change again tomorrow. Anyway, here are ten recent reads that have left me feeling spectacular or made me stop and think.
Books I've read and enjoyed over the last two years:
1) Island Song by Alan Chin. Island Song is full of page turning, artfully depicted adventures and involves many touching issues relevant to the gay community that could make even the toughest of hearts weep. (It made me tear up, many times.)
Alan Chin's writing is highly descriptive, and yet with his vivid scenes, accurate scenarios, and multifaceted character depictions, the overall movement throughout the book was never tedious. This aspect is terribly important to me, since I get distracted easily. Not only did his writing draw me into his created world, it kept me spellbound, which is a feat in itself, especially when it comes to description of scenes. As I stated in a previous review, I picked up Island Song, and four and a half hours later, closed it feeling as if I had taken the deepest breath of fresh air imaginable in years.
Paperback: 292 pages
Publisher: Zumaya Publications, LLC (September 8, 2008)
Publisher Link: http://zumayapublications.com/title.php?id=64
ISBN-10: 1934841021
ISBN-13: 978-1934841020
Amazon: Island Song
Two years after the death of his lover, Garrett Davidson sits in a Hawaiian beach shack, gazing out over the vast, empty Pacific. He has nothing left. Despair has robbed him of his elegant home, his lucrative job and his sanity. The single thread holding him to reality is the story he has come to this shack to write: Marc's story, the story of his lost love. Then Songoree breezes into his life. Songoree, a Hawaiian surfer and Garrett's new cook, is not gay, but he can't help being captivated by Garrett. He has always been attracted to broken things, like the crane with a broken wing he once mended and cared for. He is drawn to anything that reminds him of the broken image he has of himself. When he attempts to heal Garrett's spirit they become entwined in an extraordinary relationship. The stakes are raised when Songoree's grandfather, a venerable Hawaiian kahuna, frees Garrett's mind from anguish by using ancient shamanic methods to induce altered states of awareness. Garrett and Songoree struggle to transcend their differences in age, race and life experiences. They soon discover that some of the islanders will stop at nothing to destroy their unique bond, while Songoree's grandfather is hell-bent on bringing them together to fulfill an ancient Polynesian prophesy. A clash of wills erupts between grandfather, grandson and hostile islanders, with Garrett caught in the middle fighting for his life and plunging headlong to a moment that will brutally test the boundaries of the human spirit.
2) The Riddle of the Sands by Geoffrey Knight. This book caught grief from some readers as having "no character development whatsoever". However, I found that the plot carried the story well enough, how much I knew about or how well I resonated with the characters was never an issue for me. They were interesting and each had a unique personality and set of flaws that I found fascinating enough for me to want to see what came next in each of their predicaments. From James Bond-type suspense to Indiana Jones-like adventures, I love a great tale, and The Riddle of the Sands offers that. It was well-written and easy to follow, despite the numerous characters, underdeveloped or otherwise. I found the book an absolute delight, one that left me feeling, like any great adventure, that I could conquer anything!
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (October 1, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.cleispress.com/book_page.php?book_id=328
ISBN-10: 1573443662
ISBN-13: 978-1573443661
Amazon: The Riddle of the Sands
Hot gay tomb raiders Blackmailed by Jake's nemesis-the vengeful Pierre Perron-Professor Fathom's team of gay adventure-hunters is sent on a seemingly impossible mission. Will they uncover the legendary Riddle of the Sands in time to save one of their own from a rare and deadly poison? Is the Riddle a myth, a mirage, or the greatest engineering feat in the history of ancient Egypt?
3) Deliverance by Aleksandr Voinov (one story in the Forbidden Love Anthology). Deliverance is a story I will read again and again.
Joining the Knights Templar to do penance for his sins, William never imagined he'd make a journey, full-circle, to find himself once again in the arms of the love of his life, Guy de Metz, a man William had done all he could to forget.
The world-building and character development made this story real to me; and the sexually-charged encounters between the two men were written to my fancy. Direct and often fraught with the heat of the fight, William and Guy inevitably come to the only plausible conclusion -- their undeniable love is their fortress. Wonderful historical and beautiful story of love in times when love between two men was not "supposed to be".
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=61
ISBN-13: 978-1605920535
William Raven of Kent joined the Knights Templar to do penance for his sins. Formerly a professional tournament fighter and mercenary, William is brought face-to-face with a past he'd thought he had escaped.
4) Vienna Dolorosa by Mikola Dementiuk. Vienna Dolorosa uses graphic examples to clarify the depths of terror that a Nazi Germany, under Hitler’s rule, inflicted on not only Jewish people, but also other minorities of the era--Gays, Lesbians, Trans, women, and even some of Germany’s own who refused to bend to the dictator and his ways. No one minority went unscathed. Emotionally, physically, or psychologically, everyone felt the effects.
In this book, numerous atrocities are committed in 24-hours, including mutilation, castration, rape, brutality, murder, prostitution, and incest, however, not all perpetrated within Nazi ranks.
Vienna Dolorosa’s full cast of unsavory characters each held a spot, center stage in the depiction of good and evil. From Brothel Redl proprietor Frau Friska Bielinska, the strong-willed, stronger-hearted, self-accepting transvestite to Gestapo officer Krumpf, who exhibited compassion and worldly wisdom with his nondisclosure, each character, some to greater extremes than others, beheld a humble piece of all that is human. While the book brutally reminded me that no one is innocent, the story also highlighted a truth, that even society's vilest are capable of redemption, as long as enough humanity has been retained to recognize the sting of remorse.
Although I was mortified at some of the scenes, I will read this book again. If only to remind myself that I too, am only human.
Perfect Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Synergy Press; first edition (September 1, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://viennadolorosa.com
ISBN-10: 0975858157
ISBN-13: 978-0975858158
Amazon: Vienna Dolorosa
A full length historical novel set in Vienna, Austria, Vienna Dolorosa takes place during a one-day time period - March 12,1938,the day Hitler invades Austria - in an Inner City hotel managed by a transvestite and doubling as a brothel for men who like boys dressed up as girls. Told from the perspectives of various hotel personnel and guests, brothel employees and clientele, a talkative Viennese official, German police, Nazi SS, and a darling street boy Petya. Not for the faint of heart, Vienna Dolorosa includes rape, incest, intergenerational sex, prostitution, transvestism, teen sex, brutality, castration/mutilation, and murder.
5) Diary of a Hustler by William Maltese. Few instances of Maltese the prankster in this book, although, he adds just enough to lessen the harshness of the reality of hustling. In Diary of a Hustler, Maltese is simply profound at illustrating, in tongue in cheek manner, a life with no self-worth...sad, but true.
As someone who's a "pretty dumb smart person", or so I've been told, I can thoroughly resonate with the main character, Joey, in his trials. While he has everything he needs right in front of him, all his intelligence equates to ignorance, when it comes to wisdom. As it is, what could be love evades him.
Throughout the book, I found myself routing Joey on. In my mind, screaming at him to make the "right" choices, but to no avail. All I can say is we've all had days when we think life can't get any worse...Next time I feel like that, I'll pick up this book and re-read it if only to remind me that many others have life far worse.
Paperback: 156 pages
Publisher: MLR Press (March 25, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=DOAH0001
ISBN-10: 0979311071
ISBN-13: 978-0979311079
Amazon: Diary of a Hustler
This reissue of the classic shocking account of the sleazy underbelly of Los Angeles comes hot from the mouth of an 18-year-old prostitute. Joey's frank and full-on diary reveals even more than you wanted to know about what the tricks ask for--and just how Joey gives it to them! Day by day, the truth about this young nymphomaniac is revealed and you get to know the guy behind the advert, the hustler's human heart.
6) The Good Thief by James Buchanan. I love James Buchanan's writing, but I think The Good Thief illustrates the typical good boy/bad boy relationship better than any of Buchanan's other books that I've read.
Caesar, the career thief, falls for Nate, the career cop. Interesting enough for an intriguing story. However, moral conscience is thrown in to thicken the plot, and I was continually driven ahead, wanting to know what happens next. I was literally unable to put the book down for more than a few seconds.
As all Buchanan's books, the characters and plot are excellently drawn, but I loved The Good Thief for its underlying theme: There's a bit of good and bad in all of us.
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: MLR Press; 1 edition (April 20, 2008)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=GOODTH01
ISBN-10: 1934531448
ISBN-13: 978-1934531440
Amazon: The Good Thief
Working construction provides Caesar with a great way to cover up his real job; stealing whatever he can get his hands on. Which is why the guy he has a fling with could be really bad for business. Nate is a cop, and Caesar worries that he might be tempting fate if he sees Nate again, even if he wants to. When Caesar discovers something far worse than some petty thievery on one of his jobs, though, he knows he has to report it to Nate, and the two of them try to find a way to keep Caesar safe until he can testify, even as the sparks fly between them. Can Nate protect Caesar and teach him that there are ways to be a good guy as well as a thief?
7) Longhorns by Victor J. Banis. Up until reading Longhorns, I'd never pictured hard-working, cattle-driving cowboys as lovers. Yet, Banis paints the story so that it feels as realistic as taking a drink and expecting it to moisten your throat. I found myself thinking, "Makes perfect sense to me."
His characters pulled me in. They were manly men, rough, tough, and proud, and although he showed quite a few times that his men possessed consciences, brains, and hearts, they were always just men. I fell for all three main characters, Buck, Les, and Red, from the beginning, and found myself cheering for them at the end.
Besides being an interesting Western, Longhorns is a beautiful and well-crafted romance. Needless to say, I really, really enjoyed this book.
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Running Press (July 13, 2007)
Publisher Link: http://www.perseusbooksgroup.com/runningpress/book_detail.jsp?isbn=0786719524
ISBN-10: 0786719524
ISBN-13: 978-0786719525
Amazon: Longhorns
A bawdy love story set on the Texas plains. Longhorns ranges from hard riding action and sex as hot as the blazing Texas sun to lyrical descriptions of the Old West.
8) Sub for Hire by Clair Thompson. Of all the crazy things I've done in my life, nothing pertaining to a BDSM lifestyle can I boast. Out of curiosity, I read Sub for Hire. This was the first book I read with BDSM elements...talk about an eye opener. I kept hearing myself saying, "Oh my God!" over and over inside my head...and yet this book is one of the most intimate stories I've ever read-one where I could get inside the characters' minds. Not only know what they're thinking, but why.
From my life experiences, I associate dominance with anger and insecurity. Yet, Thompson succeeded in pulling me into this story by illustrating every feeling, both physical and emotional, the characters went through. She made me see and understand different viewpoints, both from a dominant and a submissive perspective, those which I had never considered before. Didn't take me long, before I realized that I couldn't put the book down either. Claire Thompson is an amazing writer.
Publisher: Ellora's Cave (November 1, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419917752&Page=Page1
ISBN-13: 978-1419917752
Amazon: Sub for Hire
Writer by day, sub for hire by night. Blond, built and as hot as they come, Josh knows his dream of D/s romance has no place in the dungeons where he bares his body for any Master's whim. Michael, piercing blue eyes, movie-star smile and compelling Dom persona, can have any man he wants with the snap of his fingers. On an impulse he checks out Dungeon Dreams, known for its stable of hot male submissives. Though the scene is controlled, "slave j" reacts with an unexpected passion to the kiss of Michael's whip and his sensual touch. Slave j's intense response steals Michael's breath, but he's determined to forget the green-eyed man since by definition their "relationship" can never be more than a game. Josh - his body, imagination and perhaps a piece of his heart-is captured by the sexy Dom. He finds his carefully compartmentalized world crumbling. Somehow he must face and conquer his desire for a man he might never see again, one who regards him only as a sub for hire.
9) Coming Home by Victor J. Banis. Humorous, witty, erotic, and breathtakingly real, Author Victor Banis takes us back to the Sixties with a love story that will melt the iciest of hearts.
Mike is a young gay man working The Strip and fond of picking up servicemen, when he picks up Doug, a Marine nervous about his first time, but all too eager to experience sex with a man. Sex with Doug leaves Mike mind-boggled...need he dare think, in love? A complicated twist involving another man, Ryan, leaves Mike questioning himself and his heart again, but only long enough to learn that Doug is being shipped out to Vietnam.
The characters are wonderfully depicted and the setting is woven into the story with such expertise, without straining, one can visualize every detail and with delight. A very well-written story, indeed.
Without giving away the ending, let me say that Coming Home was another satisfying romantic and realistic read from Banis, one I highly recommend to all readers of m/m romance.
Publisher: MLR Press, LLC (October 23, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.mlrbooks.com/ShowBook.php?book=VJBCHOME
ISBN-13: 978-1608201167
Amazon: Coming Home
The swinging sixties, the Sunset Strip a smorgasbord of horny Marines, looking for a little action before heading off to Nam. A queen's delight, and it's all too easy for a guy to fall in love with these brave, young warriors. But some of those shipping out won't be coming home, and not all of the wounded wear uniforms.
10) Out of the Blue by Josh Lanyon. Though not a huge history buff, I couldn't resist picking up Josh Lanyon's novella, Out of the Blue. And I'm extremely happy I did. I've enjoyed all the Lanyon's books I've read to date but would have to say, Out of the Blue is some of Lanyon's finest writing-Witty, charming, amazingly sensual, and funny-Well, that describes all Lanyon books, but there was something different about this one.
I noticed the style is different, but if anything, his choice aids in the action, making the story concise-fast-paced. Set in France during WWI, Out of the Blue hits all the right buttons in this story of lost love, blackmail, forced seduction, and new beginnings.
British ace Bat Bryant and American pilot Cowboy Cooper seem an unlikely pair, yet Lanyon fashions the perfect scenario, feeding into a confrontation that plays out well. Against the odds and despite their wills, Bat and Cowboy work-and they work each other over pretty darn well throughout this story. And Lanyon writes in these two men's emotions so perfectly, the story is utterly romantic on top of erotic. Readers of historical military and/or M/M erotic romance will want to read this one!
Publisher: Liquid Silver Books (August 31, 2009)
Publisher Link: http://www.king-cart.com/cgi-bin/cart.cgi?store=linda018&cart_id=19121.17354&product_name=Out+Of+The+Blue&return_page=&user-id=&password=&exchange=&exact_match=exact
ISBN-13: 978-1595785787
Amazon: Out of the Blue
France, 1916. The Great War. High above the carnage in the trenches, British and German aces joust like knights of old for control of the skies. The strain and tension of living every day on the edge of death leads to dangerous choices and wild risks. When British ace Bat Bryant's past catches up with him, he strikes out in panic and kills the man threatening him with exposure. But there's a witness: the big, handsome American pilot Cowboy Cooper.
About Bryl R. Tyne: BRYL R. TYNE is a wrangler by nature and a writer by choice. Balancing as many pronouns as hats, somewhere between the evil day job, promoting authors, and helping a benevolent Sugar Daddy raise the last few of seven kids, Bryl writes. Homoerotic romance is a favorite, but many of Bryl´s stories cross genres. Comedy, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci-fi, Horror, even Westerns, Bryl´s tried them all.
Bryl R. Tyne's latest is an Erotic Western with a M/M/T-Girl Menage:
Tengo Una Pistola in the Western anthology from Noble Romance, Cocked & Fully Loaded
Publisher: Noble Romance Publishing
Publisher Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/ItemDisplay.aspx?i=81
After ten days in the saddle, Chuck just wants a hot meal and hotter bath water. He knows exactly where to find both too -- at home, with his lover, Mitch. But what Chuck finds instead is that Mitch has taken in Carmen, one of the town whores . . . and not only is she sharing Mitch's bed, she's using Chuck's tub. The situation irks Chuck to no end, but not as badly as the images of those wet and soapy feminine thighs that are stuck in his craw and driving him crazy. What the hell is going on? As far as Chuck's concerned, somebody had better start talking and talking soon!