Blog Archives
Better Than Sex
In Better Than Sex, Kit Erikson spins an unapologetically raunchy and surprisingly heartfelt story of two very different men navigating their lives and desires in San Francisco. Spencer is a charming yet commitment-averse playboy whose self-image as a “sex god” belies deeper insecurities, while Mickey is a wholesome, endearing nanny grappling with his inexperience in love. Their paths cross in a chance encounter, setting the stage for a journey that blends humor, longing, and emotional growth.
What stands out most is Erikson’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth. The opening scenes, particularly Spencer’s internal monologue about his “sex god” rules, had me laughing out loud. His morning-after exchange with Rory is witty and over-the-top, yet it highlights Spencer’s struggle to maintain emotional distance. On the other hand, Mickey’s tender moments with Logan, the child he cares for, exude warmth and sensitivity. One scene where Mickey comforts Logan with a stuffed tiger encapsulates his nurturing nature, making him instantly relatable.
The writing style is bold and descriptive, yet not without its quirks. Erikson doesn’t shy away from graphic depictions of sex, but these moments are balanced with tender, introspective scenes. Spencer’s ongoing quest to complete his “f*ck-it list” showcases his hedonistic lifestyle but also subtly reveals his fear of vulnerability. Similarly, Mickey’s internal debates about putting himself out there romantically tug at the heartstrings. Erikson weaves these contrasting tones seamlessly, keeping the reader engaged while switching between the characters’ perspectives.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of self-acceptance and love. Both Spencer and Mickey seek validation, one through hookups and the other through his dream of a romantic connection. Their development feels genuine, with moments of vulnerability that hit hard. Spencer’s realization about the hollowness of his lifestyle, juxtaposed with Mickey’s hesitance to take risks, creates a compelling narrative arc with a satisfying conclusion.
I highly recommend Better Than Sex to fans of LGBTQ+ romance who enjoy stories that mix explicit content with genuine emotional weight. Readers looking for a blend of humor, steam, and heart will find plenty to enjoy here. It’s a story that’s not afraid to embrace both its lighter and darker moments, making it as memorable as it is entertaining.
Pages: 396 | ASIN : B0DMMMN9CX
DEAR GOSEI
John Forrester’s upbringing, marked by privilege within a well-to-do family, might suggest a life of ease and comfort. Yet, despite his affable nature and intelligence, John’s existence is marred by familial challenges: a father with rigid religious beliefs, a distant mother, and the overshadowing presence of an older brother. These complexities form the backdrop of his relatively carefree childhood until a harrowing event at 14 alters his trajectory, casting him into a world of uncertainty. The once vibrant and hopeful young man now stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the decision between forgiveness and vengeance.
Dear Gosei distinguishes itself as a nuanced exploration of the aftermath of sexual abuse, taking the reader on an emotional journey that is as unsettling as it is profound. The narrative centers around John, whose resilience and inner strength in adversity are heart-wrenching and admirable. His character is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for courage and endurance. The portrayal of John’s mother invokes a complex mix of emotions, from frustration over her apparent neglect to a reluctant empathy for her choices. Similarly, Douglas, John’s father, initially appears dismissive, yet as the story unfolds, his infuriating actions become somewhat understandable within the broader context of their fractured family dynamics. While Dear Gosei confronts the reader with the uncomfortable realities of abuse, it is ultimately a narrative imbued with hope. The characters are skillfully crafted to evoke a spectrum of responses, from anger and perplexity to empathy and tears. The book challenges readers to navigate the murky waters of moral ambiguity, understanding, and forgiveness. It serves as a beacon, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, there is a healing potential and a better tomorrow.
For those seeking a story that offers more than mere escapism, one that provides a raw yet inspiring examination of the human condition, Dear Gosei will resonate deeply. It is a compelling read for mature audiences, promising a glimpse into the trials and triumphs of its characters and a reflection on the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0C7NGKWGZ
To Discover Myself
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan follows a 32-year-old gay accountant who moves to Washington, DC, to come out and discover who he really is. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Randy’s story has some parallels to my own life. I was born in Bryan, Ohio, a very small town near the borders of Michigan and Indiana. In my later 20s, I moved to Washington, DC, ostensibly to discover myself. Randy did much the same thing, only with his mother’s encouragement. While there are many parallels between my life and the story’s premise, only one event happened to me, as described in the book.
The original short story was written just as the country experienced lockdowns due to COVID-19. I have some notable health conditions, so that period was particularly stressful. I decided to write positive stories, including likable characters, to keep me in a good frame of mind. It was important that every character had some positive attribute, even those who didn’t serve an outwardly affirming role in the story.
When I finished the short story, I couldn’t get the Jayne and Randy characters out of my head. I kept thinking of their lives before the High Heel Race. I also wondered what would happen if Jayne stayed with Randy as a mentor in his coming-out process. So, as my mind continued to explore these situations, I began to think I needed to write a book.
Most of the characters are amalgamations of people I’ve known. The longer I worked on the book, the more the characters became real to me. I quite often felt I was sitting in the room taking dictation from their conversations rather than writing them. It was an amazing experience.
The one scene that is based on my real life is Randy getting hit on by an older man at the bar. I was 27 or 28 when I went to JR’s (a Washington gay bar) for the first time. I was alone and hadn’t been there long when a man in his 50s or 60s became very friendly. I tried to leave, but he followed me to the bar down the street, and I went home early to get away. Randy handled it much better than I did!
Randy spent his life hiding who he was and now has entered a new world of acceptance. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Randy’s journey is familiar to nearly all gay men “of a certain age.” We spent our developing years with longings and attractions we heard were wrong, and we had no role models. So, we built various walls around ourselves, including religion, female friends, and studiousness, and tried to get by with as little conflict as possible. Many of us also moved to large cities to find our kind. The experience can be jarring, as it was for Randy. I thought it would be interesting to explore what would happen if a pushy drag queen fairy godmother came along to help through this difficult transition.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This single biggest theme is self-discovery. Everyone can relate to learning about themselves regardless of the parallels to sexual orientation. The story of a man-child coming into his own in his early 30s felt like a little-explored area. Yes, it mirrored some of my own experiences, but I think it’s more common than is represented in film and literature.
I also believe very few things in life are black or white, mostly an infinite rainbow of gray shades. My desire to focus on the positive is meant to help people see the good in others. Our current society too often condemns people for a single trait or act when we should see them through a more holistic lens.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is based on the real estate agent Sarah Horowitz from Jayne. She’s renamed and moved to New York, but many attributes remain the same. It’s the story of two widowed best friends who are unexpectedly ensnarled in an international crime syndicate as they near their 70th birthdays. The working title is Who Disturbs My Peace This Lovely Evening. It should be finished later this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
When Randy Larson, a 32-year-old gay accountant who’s never been outside North Dakota, moves to Washington, DC, he struggles to find his way. A six-foot, nine-inch, sensational Jayne Mansfield drag queen takes him under her colorful wing for lessons in shopping, first dates, hosting brunch, furnishing an apartment, and living in the gay community. Is Randy ready for life and love in the Nation’s Capital?
Chandler Myer’s debut novel, Jayne and the Average North Dakotan, is an unconventional coming-of-age and coming-out story filled with humor and humanity. Randy and Jayne, an odd couple with a unique relationship, will have you cheering the underdog and wishing for your own drag fairy godmother.
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan by Chandler Myer tells a story of queer self-acceptance outside the stereotypical framework of young teens just figuring themselves out. Randy, our 33-year-old protagonist, has been aware of who he is from a young age. Still, between his family’s expectations and religious upbringing, he had long ago put to bed any thought of being open about his identity. That is until his dying mother pulls him aside and gives him one simple piece of advice- “Move to the city.” This starts him on a journey that will lead him to incredible new experiences as a tall, elegant drag queen named Jayne comes into his life. With Jayne’s help, Randy comes to a better understanding of love, of what it means to be a true friend, and of himself.
This coming-of-age story is packed to the brim with fun, quirky characters, each with a unique voice all their own, that are sure to stick with readers. In addition, it’s written with a degree of self-aware humor. The comedy definitely falls into a more raunchy category.
While the book is mainly comedy, and a laugh-out-loud one, it has its more heartfelt moments mixed in. I found the relationship between Jayne and Randy to be especially compelling, as for a majority of the book Jayne herself is a bit of a mystery. By the end, I felt everything had been wrapped up satisfyingly. While Jayne and the other members of the queer community Randy meets in the city had a lot of depth, some of Randy’s friends from back home came off as a bit stereotypical- a choice that felt intentional, providing readers with a jarring experience in places.
Jayne and the Average North Dakotan is a rousing coming-of-age novel with humor and heartwarming friendships. Filled with acerbically witty dialogue and insightful commentaries on gay culture, this captivating story is a must-read for anyone looking for a fun, lighthearted romp with LGBTQ+ themes.
Pages: 335 | ASIN : B0BNF61N85
Sparks in the Dark
Sparks in the Dark paints a fascinating futuristic world where space travel and alien interactions are the reality. It’s a story inspired by classic science fiction series such as Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, and Doctor Who. You’ll find many twists in the plot development, including the unlikely pairing of two characters, their respective challenges, and a relationship that is rife with sexual tension and dual points of view, shifting back and forth with a seamless transition and excellent narration. The author handles the complex nature of these characters expertly, engaging the reader from the start.
Cutter and Buzz are complex main characters with strong personalities and intense chemistry. Their on-and-off intensity between intimate and not-so-intimate moments will reel you into some intriguing and captivating dialogue. While the description paints vivid visuals, it is never overdone, and you feel as though you are a voyeur, watching each scene as it unfolds. The reader is guided through the story, learning more exciting developments and diving further with anticipation without feeling overwhelmed with too much information or confusion.
The build-up towards the story’s ending does not disappoint, and readers will find the crescendo of excitement build as they progress through each chapter with bated breath. It’s a cleverly written book with a few sharp twists, including how the plot shifts suddenly, moving in a very different direction. Siewert’s incredible world continues to hold up throughout the story, filling the reader with amazement from beginning to end.
Sparks in the Dark by James Siewert is a creative, science-fiction tale. It is an excellent addition to the genre with an LGBTQ twist. The characters were not only complex and personable, but I found them entertaining throughout the book. I highly recommend giving this excellent story a try, as it is an exciting read that brings new enjoyment to the world of science fiction.
Pages: 251 | ASIN: B0B8DWC41S
Grayality
The LGBTQ+ community has become more mainstream and visible than ever, but for those who live in small or rural towns, they may still struggle. Pate Boone, a young transman in his 20s, knows this all too well. When he moves to the tiny rural town of Cloverleaf with his best friend Oakley Ogden, he does not expect much. Neither does Oakley to be honest, but to their surprise, both end up finding love with mixed results.
Grayality by Carey PW is a raw look at what not only transgender people and those questioning their sexuality/identity go through on their road to acceptance. At times, Pate and Oakley’s story can get downright uncomfortable. Homophobic slurs and behaviors are thrown about in a way you would expect from a conservative and judgemental community. However, it does the job of painting the environment these friends are trying to navigate and survive in. Despite this, they still put their heart out there, trying to look for love. For queer kids, more is at stake than just their hearts.
No character is a hundred percent perfect. Pate and Oakley, themselves have their own flaws. The author creates these three-dimensional characters that you can’t help but root for. Some villains or bullies might appear two-dimensional, but any queer kid living in a small town will tell you how persuasive homophobia can be. This is yet another thing Carey PW gets perfectly in this book. He truly holds nothing back in his depiction of these homophobic townies (such as Bullet) who are fueled by their hatred.
I am giving Grayality written by Carey PW 5 out of 5 stars for its authentic portrayal of what it is like to be on the LGBT spectrum and the harassment that can be directed towards them. This might be a difficult read. Yet, this makes it such a memorable one! It holds no punches and has readers on edge till the end.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0B1F4TJJX
Acceptance of Differences In All People
The Moonballers follows a gay tennis star that feels threatened by a straight player that joins their organization. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I’ve been part of a queer tennis league in Toronto, Ontario, Canada since 2003. Back then, we only had queer members, and I always thought it would be funny to see how the league would react when straight people started to join. I then put the idea aside as I worked on my first book. Then in 2016, when Donald Trump was elected president, I thought about this premise again, and started to imagine what my main character would be like – a president who wanted to keep certain types of people out; in this case, keep straight people out of a queer sports league.
Stefan wants to be the best, and when someone tries to take that spot from him, his worst side comes out. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Stefan is toxic masculinity personified; he’s the ugliness of the ego that comes out in all of us when we feel inferior to others, and must compensate by bullying. As I mentioned, I looked at Donald Trump as for inspiration for Stefan; I feel his actions are a response to a threat of being replaced as the “queen bee”; he is driven by his ego and need to feel worshipped as president of the league and the best player. In all his villanry, I tried to make his antics as ridiculously absurd and funny as possible.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to highlight the consequences of the ego’s response to feeling inferior. But I “flipped the script” by having Stefan, and the league, queer. I wanted to challenge the idea that toxic masculinity is only associated with heterosexual men. There’s sometimes a stereotype that gay men are supposed to be softer, effeminate, and ultimately weaker than straight ones. But as I’ve witnessed in my almost 20 years as part of a queer tennis league, when the competitive juices for superiority — the “need to win” — rears its ugly head, the toxicity that manifests can come from anyone despite their gender, sexual orientation, and all other parts of their identities. In other words, we are ALL toxic as*holes. Lol. Further, there is a message about the need for the acceptance of differences in all people, and the pervasive bias and intolerance in everyone, including those who insist they are “woke.”
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Similar to the tone of my first novel, Cloud Cover, which was a lot more serious and dramatic than The Moonballers, I want to do a modern retelling of the story of Adam and Eve. In this version, the Adam character will be a middle-aged, gay, HIV-positive asexual, and the Eve character will be a young, bisexual and polyamourous woman. Being inspired by Eve’s liberated way of living, Adam will re-enter the dating world in hopes of finding love and connection. Considering the political events unfolding in the United States right now, I want to show their journey together in coming to terms with the outcomes of pursuing their own empowerment and personal freedom, despite what institutional or ideological constraints are placed upon them. This book is still in very early stages, but I’m hoping to publish it by 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Winter 2016. The Toronto Torches—aka the Toronto Gay and Lesbian Tennis League—had come to a crash under mysterious circumstances.
Spring 2020. A new queer tennis organization has been created in the nearby wanna-be-downtown suburb of Torpedo Valley. Proud and out Stefan “Steffi” Porsche relishes in his dominance as both the President of the league, and—coincidentally—the league’s best player. That is, until strapping and super talented Khalid Adam arrives. But differences threaten to disrupt the order of the gay institution: Khalid is … STRAIGHT, sending Stefan into a neurotic tizzy.
Will the hyper-competitive and heterophobic Stefan maintain his invincibility, or will Khalid dethrone him? Can Khalid—and all those outside the queer majority—be kept from invading the sacredness of the gay tennis league? Or will President Stefan succeed in his quest to “MAKE TENNIS GAY AGAIN!”?
With a colourful cast of characters, campy humour, and dramatic twists à la Pedro Almodóvar, The Moonballers: A Novel about The Invasion of a LGBTQ2+ Tennis League … by Straight People (Gay Gasp!) is an action packed and wacky sports parody about intolerance, love, and the absurdity of socio-political extremes that will hit you like a hard shot straight to the face!
The Moonballers
We’re here. We’re queer. Get used to it and stay out of our space! This is the unofficial slogan of the Torpedo Valley tennis organization created by queer people for queer people. The league president is Stefan Porsche, an ace tennis player who is out and proud of his sexuality and superior tennis ability. When Khalid Adam joins the league, Stefan is immediately threatened. Not only because he is a great player but also because Khalid is straight as a board.
The Moonballers: A Novel about The Invasion of a LGBTQ2+ Tennis League … by Straight People (GAY GASP!) written by Jeffrey Sotto is a unique take on how ridiculous it is to harass someone because of who they are. Turning it upside down and showing Stefan Porsche actively trying to push Khalid out of the tennis organization simply because he is straight forces the reader to think. They must grapple with how unfair such behavior is.
Sotto has delivered this message in such a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek way. He does a great job of balancing every person’s negative and positive traits. Sometimes you will despise some characters, but that’s what makes them so believable. Stefan’s behavior is beyond aggravating and downright criminal. He does have some redeeming qualities that readers will discover as they read through the entire novel.
Sometimes, you need to parody the issue to make people see their hypocrisy. People respond to humor more than anything, and Sotto tapped into this factor to deliver this humorous and charming novel. The Moonballers is a delightful, witty, no-nonsense book that is excellently written and is one read you will not want to put down.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B09VTFQ42P
