Elisa - My reviews and Ramblings

Wet Paint by Will Parkinson
Paperback: 214 pages
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (September 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1632162490
ISBN-13: 978-1632162496
Amazon: Wet Paint
Amazon Kindle: Wet Paint

Although Addy’s heart and body bear the scars from his life before he was adopted by the Deans, he’s ached for something he thought he would never find. Until he met Benny. He isn’t sure how anyone can care for someone as broken as he is, even though he wants it desperately.

High school senior Benny Peters has his whole life planned out for him, until a chaste kiss at summer camp opens a new world of possibilities. Determined to erase Addy’s insecurities, Benny works to take away his boyfriend’s pain and replace it with love.

When Addy’s past intrudes on their future, it’s going to take everything Benny can muster to show that no matter what – or who – they face, they belong together.

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Author Bio: WILL PARKINSON believes that no matter what obstacles are thrown in the path of young love, it will always find a way to win in the end. He wants his characters to have their happily ever after, but that doesn’t mean that it’s going to come easily.
None of this would have happened if he had followed the advice he was given many years ago. “What are you wasting your time on that for? It’s never going to amount to anything.” He believed it for the longest time, abandoning characters he’d created in his childhood.
He picked up his very first m/m story by a writer named Eden Winters, who was an absolute joy when they corresponded. She asked him if he wrote and he told her the story. Eden explained to Will that the voices in his head would never go away and how he needed to let them out. With that thought in mind, Will put e-pen to e-paper once more. It was truly a liberating experience and one he has no intention of giving up again.

Author Contact:
Website: http://www.willparkinson.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillParkinsonau
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/will.parkinson.520
E-mail: will@willparkinson.com

Video trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVOiQ8yOsII



Tour Dates/Stops:
9/22: Because Two Men Are Better Than One, Joyfully Jay, Velvet Panic
9/23: The Hat Party, Iyana Jenna, Rainbow Gold Reviews
9/24: Prism Book Alliance, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
9/25: LeAnn’s Book Reviews, Havan Fellows, Andrew Q. Gordon
9/26: Hearts on Fire, Lee Brazil
9/29: Decadent Delights, Foxylutely Book Reviews, The Novel Approach
9/30: Jade Crystal, Wake Up Your Wild Side, MM Good Book Reviews
10/1: Cate Ashwood, Book Reviews and More by Kathy, Kimi-Chan
10/2: Amanda C. Stone, Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Fallen Angel Reviews
10/3: Emotion in Motion, Love Bytes

Rafflecopter Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rafflecopter Prize: A $25 gift card to Amazon or ARe





This journal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/4447744.html. If you are not friends on this journal, Please comment there using OpenID.

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:



Gay Anthology / Young Adult
Rainbow Briefs by Kira Harp
Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 2, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 149361083X
ISBN-13: 978-1493610839
Amazon: Rainbow Briefs
Amazon Kindle: Rainbow Briefs

"Perfect score for this story! As I encountered stories about lesbian and bisexual I was a bit weary because that's not something I've ever read nor have I had an incline nor curiosity of reading. I was very surprised on how wonderful the stories were. Perhaps because the stories are based on feelings and sentiments and not sex which is something I really don't care to read about if the pairing is F/F or Hetero. Great short stories...All of them! Plus, this is a new to me author. I'm glad to have read her stories."

Transgender Young Adult
If We Shadows by D.E. Atwood
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (March 6, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627988203
ISBN-13: 978-1627988209
Amazon: If We Shadows
Amazon Kindle: If We Shadows

"WOW! This author bravely tackled everything about being a trans* teen. The gender dysphoria, how to "pass",  dating, hormone injections, transphobia, violence against trans* people.... All of the issues big and small were covered, brilliantly. Then it was packaged with Shakespeare and High School, and magic. I am so impressed right now. Certainly one of the best trans* books I've EVER read. "

"Perfect 40. This book was pure pleasure to read. The author hit every note perfectly, leaving me feeling like I was in the head of the main character, or whomever had pov control at that point. Flawless. The character growth was believable, the story arc enthralling, the writing style captivating. I am definitely a fan."

"D.E. Atwood is a powerful voice, and this story should be in every high school library across the nation. The simple beauty with which the author presents this clever weaving of magic, ordinary teen angst, the alienation everyone struggles through in high school, and the pervasive dissonance of being born into a body whose bits and pieces don’t fit the person living inside it…astounds. Bravo, D.E. Atwood, bravo. "

Gay Fantasy
Mercy's Prisoner (Life Prison, Volume 1) by Dusk Peterson
Publisher: Love in Dark Settings Press (August 26, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Mercy's Prisoner (Life Prison, Volume 1)

"Dusk is all about subtlety and shades of meaning. The details of the plot were slowly revealed, and often by reading between the lines of what a character says, rather than having motives laid out clearly before us. Sex does not dominate the plot, it is about relationships, companionship and the unexpected development of love. I also liked that the 4 stories linked to each other because I was so immersed in the world Dusk had created that I didn't want to leave it. "

Gay Sci-fi / Futuristic
Light by 'Nathan Burgoine
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (October 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602829535
ISBN-13: 978-1602829534
Amazon: Light
Amazon Kindle: Light

"No pretension, just a wonderful fast-paced story. Distinctly Canadian, Light is great read. The writing is so smooth that the author's presence is invisible, the romance is sweet and just hot enough that it doesn't get in the way of the plot, the threat is frightening but not overpowering—the theme of unity just sings—and there's even a delightful if not too bright dog. I think this story could be read on several levels, and it works well on all of them. Maybe this top score is wish-fulfillment on my part, because I've always thought telekinesis would be the perfect way to deal with hateful religious fanatics. BRAVO!"

Gay Contemporary Romance
The Last Thing He Needs by J.H. Knight
Paperback: 220 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (July 28, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627988599
ISBN-13: 978-1627988599
Amazon: The Last Thing He Needs
Amazon Kindle: The Last Thing He Needs

"This is it! The ultimate contemporary story. As a reader, I believed in every turn in story line. No abrupt happy endings, no victory without a fight. Every character is well defined. I could just imagine them living next block. They have their reasons and their pride. You don't know if they will live happily ever after but you just wanna believe in it with all you've got! Thank you for the great book! An honor to read it!"

Transgender Biography / Memoir
Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders by Diane & Jacob Anderson-Minshall
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (May 13, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626390622
ISBN-13: 978-1626390621
Amazon: Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders
Amazon Kindle: Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders

"Holy freaking hell. This book gave me chills. That’s pretty damn awesome for a non-fic. Everyone, their brother, mother, father, friend and enemy needs to read this book. It’s that damn good."

Gay Contemporary General Fiction
Stronger Than This by David-Matthew Barnes
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (February 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1602829888
ISBN-13: 978-1602829886
Amazon: Stronger Than This
Amazon Kindle: Stronger Than This

"Gripping characters and story told in an absolutely unique style. And it made me cry."

Lesbian Erotic Romance
Speakeasy by MJ Willamz
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (January 20, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626392382
ISBN-13: 978-1626392380
Amazon: Speakeasy
Amazon Kindle: Speakeasy

"Top tier erotica author - graphic sex and a compelling story made this an awesome read. loved it!"

Transgender Young Adult
Cevin’s Deadly Sin by Sally Bosco
Paperback: 258 pages
Publisher: Queerteen Press (February 17, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1494874350
ISBN-13: 978-1494874353
Amazon: Cevin's Deadly Sin
Amazon Kindle: Cevin's Deadly Sin

"I loved this book! It's a terrific addition to YA/LGBT literature in the best tradition of Brent Hartenger and Bill Connigsberg. The plot is engaging and interesting with events building in intensity until I was really aching for the protag. The characters of Cevin and his friends are well developed and three-dimensional and seem like they could be found at any small town high school. Though the settings are not dramatic, they feel realistic with just enough description given to paint a picture in the reader's head. And finally, the writing is accessible and appropriate to a YA audience. Altogether a very enjoyable book I would recommend to anyone of any age."

Gay Contemporary General Fiction
The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy
Age Range: 9 - 12 years
Grade Level: 4 - 7
Lexile Measure: 750L (What's this?)
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (July 22, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385376529
ISBN-13: 978-0385376525
Amazon : The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher
Amazon Kindle: The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

"This wasn't something I would normally read but I'm so glad I did.  I loved the characters and this family.  The author did a great job writing about them all.  I will definitely be reading more."



This journal is friends only. This entry was originally posted at http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwidth.org/4448071.html. If you are not friends on this journal, Please comment there using OpenID.

Waiting for the list of finalists to be announced beginning of October, I will post daily the 2014 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mentions: an honorable mention means a judge gave a rate of 36 or above out of 40 to the book; an honorable mention doesn't mean the book is automatically among the finalists, could be could be not, but it's important to understand there are more than 500 books in the literary contests, all books are in the process of being read by the jury, but only half of them will go to finals. So please, congratulate with me this year honorable mentions:



Lesbian Erotic Romance
Switching Gears by Rhavensfyre
Paperback: 498 pages
Publisher: Sapphire Books Publishing (December 1, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1939062306
ISBN-13: 978-1939062307
Amazon: Switching Gears
Amazon Kindle: Switching Gears

"Totally loved this book. Well developed,intense storyline. The characters were very well developed and I liked seeing both of their vulnerabilities. Especially liked Micah! Hard to believe that this is a first book!"

Gay Mystery / Thriller
A Hunted Man by Jaime Reese
Series: The Men of Halfway House
Paperback: 378 pages
Publisher: Romandeavor, Incorporated; 1 edition (April 27, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0991457064
ISBN-13: 978-0991457069
Amazon: A Hunted Man
Amazon Kindle: A Hunted Man

"Well developed characters and story line. Author did a fantastic job of building up the suspense and making the reader invested in Cam and Hunter’s story and relationship. The one thing that I did notice was that it was unclear where the story was set until the city of Miami was mentioned. The author could have done a better job of developing the setting and scenery to ensure that the reader knew what city and state the story took place in."

Lesbian Historical Romance
Agnes by Jaime Maddox
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (January 14, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1626390320
ISBN-13: 978-1626390324
Amazon: Agnes
Amazon Kindle: Agnes

"Fabulous - new to me author but I was hooked and didn't want to leave the house until the last page. I would recommend this to anyone who like historical fiction, or mystery, or romance or general fiction. Keeper!"

Gay Contemporary Romance
Summer Son by Anna Martin
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press; 1 edition (July 31, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: Summer Son

"This was one of the better books I've read so far this year. The author tells the main character's tale in such a heartwarming way."

Lesbian Historical Romance
Club Storyville by Riley LaShea
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Riley LaShea (April 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1499645384
ISBN-13: 978-1499645385
Amazon: Club Storyville
Amazon Kindle: Club Storyville

"This is an absolutely stunning historical piece set mostly in the shadow of World War II in which every action, every turn of phrase is believable for the time. The portrayal of both visible and invisible lines of segregation are depicted with anguished realism and the parallel, invisible struggles of LGBT people handled with painful accuracy. And while it's a well-told story about these artificial social and legal lines between people, it's also a very touching story about a young woman's self-discovery and her slow realization that she's much stronger than she's been lead to believe."

"Club Storyille is a very well written book. This author is very good at character development and I loved how she fleshed out the supporting characters. Wonderful job. The book started out a bit slow but when I got into it, I loved it and couldn’t put it down till I knew how it would end. I think that’s a great recommendation, don’t you? "

Gay Young Adult
Not Broken, Just Bent by Mia Kerick
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (February 14, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627985298
ISBN-13: 978-1627985291
Amazon: Not Broken, Just Bent
Amazon Kindle: Not Broken, Just Bent

"I really liked Ben's point of view, but when he put his head into the sand, hiding, I really would have liked to have been more inside Tim's head. Ben's father really reminded me of my own Father, a military policeman, good lord it was eerie at times. Mia's writing just flowed, grabbed me and didn't let go until the end, then I wanted more...... "

Lesbian Paranormal Romance
True Nature by Jae
Paperback: 468 pages
Publisher: Ylva Verlag e.Kfr. (October 31, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3955330346
ISBN-13: 978-3955330347
Amazon: True Nature
Amazon Kindle: True Nature

"Wonderful story! It kept me on thw edge of my seat. I finished this in one night as I could not stop reading!"

Gay Contemporary Romance
Mirage by Tia Fielding
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 17, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1627986634
ISBN-13: 978-1627986632
Amazon : Mirage
Amazon Kindle: Mirage

"Score points for having a not so typical lead character."

Gay Biography / Memoir
See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody by Bob Mould
Paperback: 420 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (October 29, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1573449709
ISBN-13: 978-1573449700
Amazon : See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody
Amazon Kindle: See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody

"Involved and entertaining. I feel like I'm back in an era of my youth."

Lesbian Anthology / Contemporary Romance
All you can Eat, A Buffet of Lesbian Erotica and Romance by R.G. Emanuelle & Andi Marquette
Publisher: Ylva Publishing (August 20, 2014)
Amazon Kindle: All you can Eat, A Buffet of Lesbian Erotica and Romance

"This collection of short stories was fun and creative. Each one was different and I found myself extremely intrigued by the way food played a major part in each story. I also loved the way the stories got steamier and sexier as the anthology went from appetizer to dessert. With each story the characters were fully developed as much as they could be in a short and each author's writing style was engaging. On the whole, the setting development was adequately fleshed out and the plots for each story ran the gamut of emotions. All in all, a very enjoyable read."



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