Michael Barnette

This was a good easy reading western with a real story. Two drifters, Johnny Sapphire and Moses Star, meet up in the tiny town of Snakebite. I love the name of the town. The characters were well rounded out and were extremely likable. The sex had a little kink to it though the thought of using axle grease as a lube made me shudder. What impressed me was that instead of making the story just about sex, Mr. Barnette wove some prejudices into the story. The social issues filled the story out and made it real for me. This was one of the better shorts that I've read in a while.… (mais)

In a variation on the many legends about the fae that exist, this story focuses on two who were left behind when their fellow fae decided to depart Earth. For slightly different reasons, each of these fae was considered "unacceptable" to the rest of their kind, and have since wandered Earth alone. Finding unexpected companionship and a new beginning is the theme of this short story, and it left me feeling very happy and smiling.

Kyle has been searching everywhere. He is a sea creature, a seahorse, and some of his magical feats were quite fun. He is desperately alone, and the scene at the beach which opens the book makes that perfectly clear. Entering the "tavern" is not something he really wants to do, but he figures human companionship is better than nothing.

Anluan, the bartender, looks human at first glance, but he discovers Kyles's secret too easily, and is not shocked enough, for Kyle to believe he actually is human. I loved how he gives discreet advice to Kyle, mainly to do with the age of the silver coins the other fae uses to pay for his beer, and the way he dresses. Small signs like that quite easily date Kyle.

When Anluan offers to take Kyle home with him after the bar closes early, and the two fae come together in an explosive moment of passion, things heat up very quickly. If you like stories about paranormal beings trying to make their way in a human world, if you enjoy tales about lonely men finally finding someone to share their life with, and if you prefer your stories with some hot action, you will probably like this short book.




NOTE: This book was provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
… (mais)

This is an intriguing Christmas story about two men who find each other when they least expect it. Both keep telling themselves not to become emotionally attached – while that is exactly what's happening to them. The paranormal elements are part of the story, but rather than being the point or the focus of it, they serve more as an enhancement, much like a piece of decoration on a Christmas tree. The straightforward style and simple, but effective plot kept me interested, and made for a slightly tense, but fun read.

Cooper is a park ranger and likes his solitude. Supervising hikers and making sure everyone stays safe is his job, but I also got the feeling it is his passion. I smiled at his slight snobbery regarding survival skills, but it fits well with his personality, and he has experienced enough "city folk" coming into the wilderness and doing stupid things to have a right to be somewhat distrustful. Hence, his initial skepticism about Alejandro's ability to keep himself safe. As soon as he meets Alejandro, he knows he wants more from the photographer, but thinks it isn’t possible.

Alejandro is a photographer looking for great winter shots. Even though he lives in Florida, he knows what to do in winter, and he's been on enough camping trips to understand basic safety precautions. He still gets into trouble, but a combination of his powers and level-headed thinking stand him in good stead. He is very interested in Cooper, loves being the slightly more dominant partner when they decide to play, but doesn’t think they stand a chance long-term.

If you like Christmas stories with lots of ice, snow, and wonderful descriptions of a wintery mountainscape, if you enjoy reading about two men who think they’re all about the physical only to discover how much their emotions got involved before they even realized it, and if you're looking for a read with just a touch of "magical enhancements", then you will probably like this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.… (mais)