I’ve been contemplating writing this article for a while. The trouble has been actually sitting down and getting to do it. So I put time aside and made myself do it and here it is.
My reading tastes are fairly eclectic. While I tend to read about 95% within the MM Romance genre itself, I do enjoy books by other authors I’ve always loved before I became an #MMReadFreak. Authors such as Phil Rickman with his Merrily Watkins – Priest/Exorcist- novels, full of superstition, occult practices and the vagaries of living in a small village off the Welsh/English border. It’s a definite must read if you’re into this thing. The Alex Delaware psychological/thriller series by Jonathan Kellerman is another one, although I confess his books of late are no longer providing me the same joy I used to experience. They seem flatter than his earlier ones. I love Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Joe Donnelly – all horror writers, which is a preferred genre of mine.
Although I love these guys, this article is about my favourite reads in the MM Romance world and I’d like to give a shout out to certain authors who have really made me sit up and take notice when they write. Books I’ll read over and over again.
Let me point something out right from the get go. I’m a rare beast I think. When I read, the things I remember most about the story is the story. It’s how it grabs my attention and emotions. Everything else is secondary -editing, small plot holes, technical stuff. If a story makes me laugh, cry, feel joy and empathise with the characters, then for me, it’s a great tale. I don’t over-think a book like some people, pulling it apart strand by strand. I’ll forgive an author myriad of little inconsistencies because in my opinion the writer did his/her job. They made me feel.
I tend not to read too many BDSM novels because I find some of them are simply rinse and repeat scene wise, and occasionally in a series, to me the names are just changed but the content is much the same. I’m not fond of ménage either. I’ve read some brilliant ménage stories in my time but I like my relationships to be two people. It works better for me.
This is my favourite type of place to read. A book store with a coffee place right next door. Heaven.
So, here’s my list of favourite reads-
Tell Me It’s Real by T J Klune. T J is a master at making me laugh and I love that in a book. And as for The Lightning Struck Heart – OMG. Epic story.
The Zebra Striped Shirt by Cameron Vale. It’s not just a BDSM novel, and isn’t the same old story – this one was different.
The Spanish Captain by Robyn Elliot. This was a beautifully told, atmospheric tale of a boy sold into slavery and the Captain who loved him.
Cowboys Down by Barbara Elsborg. This is one I’ve read about five times already and each time I read it, I love it just as much.
Shattered Glass by Dani Alexander. God, I wish there were more books by this wonderful writer.
Omorphi by Cody Kennedy. This book simply blows me away each time I read it. It’s poignant, wonderfully written and a book I carry around in my heart.
Midwinter Prince by Harper Fox, probably my favourite author in the genre. You can’t go wrong with anything she writes. Her books are truly captivating and as I’m so fond of saying about them, atmospheric. The British landscape is brought to life with her words.
The Chalk Butterfly Trilogy by Audra Red. Breathtakingly haunting and so heart wrenching you get lost in the tale.
Josh Lanyon. It’s no secret I love her books. I fan girl often enough. My all-time favourite is the Adrien English series.
Collision Course by K.A. Mitchell. Love it so much, and the characters and I am an avid reader of anything she writes.
Between the Lines by B J Shepherd. I love stories about damaged man with hang ups and this one was inspiring and such a great read.
My best Christmas read was Scrudge and Barley, Inc by the wonderful John Inman. I adored this different telling of an old tale, and I laughed, rejoiced and cried all the way through. Read it now even though Christmas is over. You won’t regret it.
The latest book I’ve read and loved was Shiver (Unbreakable Bonds Book 1) by Jocelyn Drake and Rinda Elliott. Hot, gripping and with main characters that are simply too sexy for words. I can’t wait for the next books in this series.
There are so many other books I’ve read and loved, and it would be impossible to mention them all. These ones though hold a special place in my soul. I’m sure you’ve got the same list somewhere.
About the author
The cabin in the woods…and other things
My family and I decided we deserved a weekend away all together, including the pooch. I found this amazing place in Holt, in Norfolk, which looked tailor made for us. No, that's not two bald-headed coots sitting on the deck, having flown in from parts unknown - that's my husband Gary and son Jason LOL. My daughter Ashley was with us too, and of course, Blu, the family pet. The cabin was beautiful, tucked away in the Weybourne Forest and was everything you'd imagine it to be. We did some walking, some sightseeing, played Trivial Pursuit (I won all the games heh heh, go me) and it was relaxing and invigorating at the same time. We took some time to visit old friends of ours who'd opened a gin distillery in Wymondham, not too far away from where stayed. Shaun and […]
David Bulley and Friends Concert
One of the things I was able to do recently (the 18th February to be exact) was to attend an intimate gig at the Surya club in Kings Cross, London, and watch several fabulous up and coming, and some-already-there artists strut their stuff in front of an audience. I was lucky enough to be able to meet up with them all before the show started and we had a frank and casual interview session where I learned a bit about each of them. I dragged my husband Gary along (no hardship really, he loves live music) and a night out in the city. The artists were David Mark Bulley as the main attraction with supporting acts Henry Fricker Music, Angel Gold, Alex James Ellison Music , actor Rob West and a secret unexpected guest, details of whom I can’t disclose. […]
2018- My Year Ahead
2017 was an amazing year in some respects, and awful in others, both from a personal standpoint and a world view. I’m not one to dwell on what’s been before, because I believe it’s self-defeating. Instead, I focus on the future and live day to day, because, honestly, that’s all any of us can do. To my amazing publisher, Boroughs, the readers of my books, the bloggers that helped me throughout the year, the organisers of the events I attended, my fellow authors who consoled and supported me, my family who kept me sane, and everyone in my life who touched it, however briefly – thank you. I treasure each and every one of you and I hope your 2018 is as good as mine is going to be. If I can do anything to help in that regard, all […]
Musical Theatre Review – Annie – Piccadilly Theatre – London
Like director Nikolai Foster, I’d always had the impression that Annie was a sweet, gleeful film where unruly children ran about causing trouble and sang songs, contrived to make the audience who were children lovers ooh and aah as they gazed with tears in the eyes towards the little darlings on stage. I confess, this was what I was expecting. I was wrong. This musical is entertaining, has depth and the talent that abounds in these young performers is nothing short of stupendous. To be able to perform as they did to hundreds of people in an audience at such a tender age is mind boggling. There is no doubt the children stole the show, with their clear direction, obvious team work and sheer exuberance. One of my favourite tracks from the show had to be Hard Knock Life. The […]
Seasonal Greetings To You All
I recently wrote a rather sobering post about Christmas and what it means to me here. You can read it if you want. This post is a cheerier, more uplifting one, designed to make you think about Santa, elves, reindeer, twinkling lights, Christmas songs and presents. I’m an atheist so for me Christmas doesn’t have much of a meaning other than it being a jolly holiday albeit one rife with commercialism and a little bit of jadedness about the money shops are making this time of year. I think you can’t help but get swept up in the Christmas merriment. Especially if you live in a large city, like London. The constant and innovative window displays, the beautiful array of lights, the buskers, the bright, flashing lights of the West End and the general air of festivity and cheer that’s […]
Being the best ‘YOU’ you can be
Hi there, it’s been a while I know but I’ve been pretty busy getting real life stuff sorted, so apologies for not being around much. I wanted to talk a bit today about doing things you love; things you have a passion for. We all have them, whether it be drawing, writing, cooking, baking, bungee jumping, going to the gym -- it’s life affirming to have something that makes you feel good about yourself. For me, it’s writing, writing, reading and getting involved with things that make a difference in other people’s lives. I’m not a do-gooder I don’t think, depending on how you use the term. I’m simply someone who is blessed to have gone through tough times with the support of some wonderful people and come out feeling fairly comfortable with myself and my life. I have my […]
Related
7 Ways Friendships Keep You Feeling Young and Healthy
Do you consider your friends your family? They deserve this honor. Your friends can do a lot to help keep you young and healthy. Friendships inspire you to continue growing mentally and emotionally. They get you moving and help you connect with others in your community. Read on to discover seven fantastic health benefits of fostering strong relationships. 1. They Provide Support When You're Down When you've had a terrible day, your friends come to your rescue. They offer a shoulder to cry on and caring advice. They listen to you vent and help you process your emotions surrounding tragic events in a healthy way. Friends aren't only there in the bad times, however. Did you get a promotion at work? They'll show up on your doorstep with a bottle of wine and your favorite flicks so you can celebrate […]
The cabin in the woods…and other things
My family and I decided we deserved a weekend away all together, including the pooch. I found this amazing place in Holt, in Norfolk, which looked tailor made for us. No, that's not two bald-headed coots sitting on the deck, having flown in from parts unknown - that's my husband Gary and son Jason LOL. My daughter Ashley was with us too, and of course, Blu, the family pet. The cabin was beautiful, tucked away in the Weybourne Forest and was everything you'd imagine it to be. We did some walking, some sightseeing, played Trivial Pursuit (I won all the games heh heh, go me) and it was relaxing and invigorating at the same time. We took some time to visit old friends of ours who'd opened a gin distillery in Wymondham, not too far away from where stayed. Shaun and […]
Fifty Shades of Dave
Written and produced in Merseyside, UK, the pilot sad-com series ‘Fifty Shades of Dave’ tackles important male mental health issues. Set over just one week, the story follows protagonists Rosie (Claudia Grier) and Neil (Curtis Ledsham) hosts of the popular local Radio show ‘The Greenhouse’. All’s well it seems until the show receives a tweet one evening from a man who needs their help. A man who says he isn’t coping. A man named ‘Dave’. Things go from bad to worse for this once celebrated duo as they decide to help ‘Dave’ live on air with disastrous consequences. Writer and producer David Lee who lives in New Ferry describes the series as a ‘rollercoaster of self-discovery’ and says the series holds up a mirror to mental health issues, especially for the men in our local communities. ‘We all have a responsibility […]
8 Fun Ways to Start Prepping for Pride Month
The first of June kicks off pride month — and members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies anxiously await coming events. Whether attending a parade or doing something else to commemorate the riot at the Stonewall Inn in New York's Greenwich Village, prepping for Pride is fun. But what can members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies do to get ready for the big day? Here are some suggestions for how to prep for Pride sure to knock your socks off! 1. Find an Event It's hard to celebrate Pride without knowing when things go down. Search online for a downloadable event calendar to find out what will happen and when. Not everyone enjoys a flamboyant parade, but they may still wish to celebrate history. 2. Volunteer Like any major party, someone needs to volunteer to set things […]
How We Can Learn to Care for LGBTQ Seniors Better
Members of the LGBTQ community face difficulties those identifying as cis and hetero seldom consider. Unfortunately, their struggles often increase as they grow older. Even those who are upfront and outspoken about their identity in their youth sometimes find themselves retreating into the closet in their later years for various reasons. And few things feel more lonely than disguising the authentic self. In addition to remaining social stigmas, aging members of the LGBTQ community face greater difficulty in finding appropriate long-term care. A lifetime of employment discrimination leaves many community members without a nest egg sufficient to carry them through their golden years. Aging LGBTQ individuals may find establishing new friendships more difficult, too, as they fear others' reactions when they reveal their sexuality. When it comes to helping elderly LGBTQ individuals, we as a society must do better. Issues […]
10 Social Justice Celebrations to Mark on Your Calendar for 2019
When many lose hope about the division in our nation, events honoring human rights serve as a light in the darkness. Society needs to remember the joyous feeling of doing something for a good cause to help others. At a time when altruism seems hard to find and simple acts of human kindness get overshadowed by depressing news, it's important to celebrate events honoring the representation of human nature's better side. 1. April 2: World Autism Awareness Day Wear blue proudly on this day to support those who have autism, as well as their families. Autism impacts a child's ability to have social interactions normally and sometimes causes tics, or repetitive behaviors. Those wishing to support the cause can participate in walks to raise awareness. 2. April 22: Earth Day Earth Day celebrates the historic day in 1970 when protesters […]
