New Reviews

New reviews for recent pax releases!

At Rainbow Reviews, Serena Yates calls Mr. Wolfe by A.J. Llewellyn "just plain fun," recommending it for readers who enjoy stories "about the supernatural that are somewhat unusual."

Aria of the Eclipse by Vivien Dean got 4.75 stars from Melanie at Joyfully Jay, who said it was "magical, conceptually stirring, and still full of romance."

Pixie at MM Good Book Reviews gave Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz 3.5 stars, saying that it was "a really sweet cute story that had some really touching sweet moments."

Something Rich and Strange by Helen Louise Caroll got 4.5 kisses from Susan at Top 2 Bottom Reviews, who calls it "fascinating" and "a solid good story."

New reviews

New reviews for recent pax releases!

At Rainbow Reviews, Serena Yates reviewed Love for Sale by A.J. Llewellyn and said, "The writing is excellent, the pace exhilarating, and the number of funny scenes would make this a romantic comedy were they not balanced by some really serious issues."

Jay at Joyfully Jay gave Test Drive by L.A. Witt 4 stars, calling it "a fun, steamy short story with a nice dash of hot car porn."

The Novel Approach calls The Tinkered Pinkerton by Helen Louise Caroll "imaginative" and "unique", giving it 4 stars.

At Hearts on Fire Reviews, JustJen gave Harnessing by D.J. Manly 4 Hearts, calling it "a really enjoyable story."

Swimming with the Boys by Helen Louise Caroll

When the opportunity to write a story for the Everyday Immortals collection came up, I jumped at the chance.  Had a character and plot all ready to go.  One that had been rattling around in my brain for a couple years.  It involved Anteros, Eros’s lesser known twin brother.  I grabbed my pencil and notepad and started to write.  This is what came out:

“Everyone out of the pool!” Poseidon, Greek god of the sea and earthquakes, but better known to the employees and patrons of the 10th Street YMCA as Maxfield Stanton, blew his whistle for emphasis.

What?  Wait!  Poseidon?  Where did he come from?  And what was he doing at a Y?

(I knew where Maxfield Stanton came from.  Any old Sailor Moon fans out there remember that that was the civilian name of the villain Nephlite?)

Before I could do more than register the fact that the wrong Greek god had shown up for the party, he was off and running.  The story was taking shape with very little input from me.

If you read Something Rich and Strange you’ll discover that Poseidon is like that.  He does what he wants.  When he wants.  Or as he thinks:

He was a god. An elemental. A force of nature. His realm was action, not thought. He took what he wanted, when he wanted it.

While I’m not a fan of arrogant leads, there’s something kind of appealing about Poseidon/Max.  Maybe it’s the fact that he has bad days like the rest of us:

Poseidon released an exasperated breath. It had been a long day, full of changes in insurance coverage meetings, safety procedure meetings, updated professional development guideline meetings, and dealing with sexual harassment meetings, as well as giving swimming lessons to people who shouldn’t be allowed within a hundred miles of water. He just wanted to go home, slip into his own pool, and have a chilled glass of something.

Or maybe it’s because the poor guy is dying.  About to cease to exist.  And he doesn’t know what to do about it.

Fortunately for Poseidon, there’s Greg.  

Greg is a nice guy.  He’s average.  Ordinary.

He was almost fifty. A big man. Not fat, but a little chubby, with a double chin. His glasses hid his eyes and his best feature was his dirty-blond hair. It was thick and shiny…  The man favored loud Hawaiian print shirts in red, orange, and electric blue.

But as Poseidon discovers, it’s not the outward appearance that makes the man.  Greg is just the person to take his mind off his impending doom.

Greg’s response was an explosion of action that caught Poseidon by surprise. One hand came up to capture Poseidon’s head. His fingers dug into his scalp, tangling in his hair. His tongue dueled with Poseidon’s for domination. His other hand closed over Poseidon’s ass, pressing him closer to thrust against him.

Greg’s having his own bad day.  The lover who dumped him is getting married.  His apartment is being turned into a loft – with a rent increase.  And his job is giving him headaches.  But he’s there when Poseidon when he needs him.

Poseidon and Greg aren’t the only characters in the story.  The three sisters, the Fates, make an appearance.

Looking like a trio of PopTart divas, the ladies drop by to wish the sea god good-bye in their own inimitable style.

The Moirai joined hands, dancing around him in a circle. They moved so quickly they became a blur of motion. Their forms and words ran together. The sleeves of their dresses brushed against him, feeling like the sweep of feathers.

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.”

“For ever, and for ever, farewell, Poseidon for we will not see your like again.”

“Farewell, brother of Zeus. Farewell, to the greatness that was Poseidon.”

A sound like thunder shook the room, rattling the windows and doors. The lights went off, then snapped back on.

He was alone.

From a distance he heard a faint voice. Clotho’s he thought. “He might have invited us for a last supper.”

The scenes with these three are some of my favorite in the story.  They just love to yank Poseidon and Greg’s respective chains. 

As I said, I like Poseidon and Greg.  I hope readers will, too.

*_*_*_*

Something Rich and Strange by Helen Louise Caroll is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all, and that's multiple chances to win!

LATEST PAX RELEASE - Immortals

Visit the links to take advantage of our

Immortals An AmberPax™ Collection of Gay Erotic Romance by Various Authors  Genre: Gay (M/M) FantasyRomance  Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber

Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

Canines, Crosshairs and Corpses by Angel Martinez Extended Novella (Gay)

Club Arrest by D.J. Manly Novella (Gay)

Mr. Wolfe by A.J. Llewellyn Novella (Gay)

Something Rich and Strange by Helen Louise Caroll Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

Truth or Lie by Lynn Lorenz Extended Novella (Gay)

  In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Starting tomorrow, leave a comment on any post made during the week (5/19-5/24), and you'll be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

Something Rich and Strange by Helen Louise Caroll

Even a god can be afraid...

Maxfield Stanton has a secret. He’s not just the swim instructor at the YMCA. He’s actually Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas and earthquakes.

And as Poseidon, he also has a secret. He’s going to die. Just as the other Olympians have, he’s going to cease to exist. And tonight, he wants one last fling before he disappears.

Greg Turner isn’t the traditional dream man. He’s quiet, shy, and has a little pot-belly and love handles. But he’s there when Poseidon needs him, and now the god of earthquakes is about to find his world rocked.

Genres: Gay/Contemporary Fantasy/Exhibitionism/Public Places
Heat Level: 3
Length: Extended Amber Kiss (13k words) 

Read a short excerpt...

...Poseidon shot Greg a sideways glance. What was with him? He was sorry now he’d asked the other man to join him. If he wanted silent, sullen company, he could enjoy his own.

Funny, though, he’d never noticed that even stooped, Greg was as tall as he was.

He’d taken off his glasses, too. Poseidon was surprised to see that his eyes were the clear blue of the Aegean where it met the shore.

“So, how’d you get Donny out of the pool?” Greg made a visible effort to restart the conversation. Poseidon was going to ignore it, but then that little smile appeared again. “In case his mother signs him up for my class.”

Yeah, definitely a sexy smile.

Poseidon’s step stuttered. Where was that idea coming from? Greg wasn’t sexy. Greg was… Well, okay, the hair was nice. And he had a nice set of shoulders. If they weren’t slumped. If you got rid of the print shirts, maybe…

No. Greg wasn’t sexy.

But obviously, he, Poseidon, hadn’t been getting enough action if he thought the other man was for even a second.

When was the last time he’d gotten some?

Poseidon thought for a moment. That would be that Berkley co-ed in ’66. Forty-six, no, forty-seven years ago.

Forty-seven!

Poseidon had never been the player his brother Zeus was. Though one didn’t sire the number of naiads he had by just lying around. He’d had his flings. Certainly more than poor Hades had.

But forty-seven years. When he’d had eternity, decades hadn’t been any more than days to him. Now, though, with his end near, he had to make time count.

Well, he’d end that dry spell tonight. While he had his drinks with Greg, he could check out likely prospects.

“Not telling?” Greg was looking at him, his smile slipping from teasing to uncertain.

Poseidon pulled his thoughts together. He grinned at Greg, surprised and pleased to see a slight blush pinken his cheeks. Leaning close, his lips just brushing the other man’s hair, he whispered, “Uh-uh. It’s a secret.” He blew in Greg’s ear, taking pleasure in the fact that the other man couldn’t hide his shiver.

He didn’t know if Greg was straight, gay, or in-between, but it could be fun finding out...

More pax reviews

Look at what people are saying about some of our recent releases!

LadyM at Reviews by Jessewave believes that The Tinkered Pinkerton by Helen Louise Caroll will be interesting to readers, especially steampunk fans.

At Obsidian Bookshelf, Val Kovalin says L.A. Witt does an impressive job with the murder mystery in her novella, The Mayfield Speakeasy.

Serena Yates at Rainbow Reviews calls Griff and Ash by D.J. Manly "one of the more interesting versions of the Cinderella story I have read."

Over at Brief Encounters, Ruby thought Beau in Rick R. Reed's Beau and the Beast was "certainly an appealing main character," giving the story a B.

Seeing Steampunk: A Highly Personalized List of Favorite Steampunk TV shows, Movies, and Comics by Helen Louise Caroll

Steampunk is a wide open genre that seems to be, if you’ll pardon the pun, steaming right along, gathering new fans every day.  Some come to it through the literary door: either by way of classics like Michael Moorlock’s Warlord of the Air, K.W. Jeter’s Infernal Devices, or William Gibson and Bruce Sterling’s The Difference Engine, or newer entries such as Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series, Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris’s The Ministry of Peculiar Occurances series, and Karina Cooper’s St. Croix Chronicles. 

But steampunk also has a history in the visual arts, whether in costumes, inventions, or a short-lived TV series.  The latter is what caught my attention and brought me into the steampunk fold.  Following is a short – very short – list of the movies, TV shows, and graphic novels that made me a fan of the possibilities of the genre.

Voyagers!:  My first.  Not that I realized this television show was steampunk at the time.  No, when it first aired on NBC back in 1982 for its one and only season, I was more interested in watching the very cute Jon-Erik Hexum dashing about in quasi-piratical duds with young Meeno Peluce.  It wasn’t until later that I realized the alternate histories they were trying to fix were often steampunk in nature.

Nadia: the Secret of Blue Water:  This anime (Japanese animation) features the spunky, orphaned acrobat Nadia, the adorkable inventor Jean, Nadia’s pet lion King, the comic Grandis Gang, Captain Nemo, and the Gargoyle organization.  Over thirty-nine episodes, viewers watch Nadia grow from a stubborn, narrow-minded girl to a compassionate young woman as she uncovers the secrets of her origin and learns to love the faithful Jean.  Though the “Island” arc of the storyline moves a bit slowly for my taste, the series as a whole is funny, romantic, gripping, and dramatic.  It’s a classic for a reason.

Laputa: the Castle in the Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle:  Two films by the great Hayao Miyazaki.  While they aren’t my favorite of his many works – my heart will always belong to My Neighbor Totoro – both really need to be seen by anyone who enjoys steampunk.  Laputa is similar to Nadia – only without the submarine.  Heroine Sheeta literally falls into hero Pazu’s arms from the sky, her glowing pendent protecting her from harm.  Pursued by Ma Dola’s comic air pirates and a much more sinister organization, the pair discovers the legendary floating city of Laputa, forcing Sheeta to make a difficult choice.  Howl’s has only a surface similarity to the Dianna Wynne Jones book it’s based on.  However, if you enjoy cocky wizards with soft hearts, smart-mouthed fire demons, and a heroine who finds the freedom to be herself after she’s turned into an old woman, this is the movie for you.  Both films are full of Miyazaki’s trademark flying scenes, strong female characters, and visually stunning worldbuilding.  Labeled children’s films, they’re very much for anyone who enjoys great movies.

Girl Genuis:  Originally a comic book by Phil and Kaja Foglio Girl Genuis has since become a webcomic, and a series of novels.  Heroine Agatha Clay is a “spark,” an inventor of weird and wonderful gadgets.  But she doesn’t know it.  She does it in her sleep.  She’s also heir to a fascinating legacy that puts her right in the crosshairs of the powerful Baron Wulfenbach and his son Gilgamesh.  There’s also a talking cat, a bloodthirsty air-pirate queen, an army of monsters, an enthusiastic swordswoman, and plenty of mad science. While there’s action, adventure, humor, time-travel, betrayal and romance Girl Genius is at heart a story about the weirdness and wonderfulness of family. 

The League of Extraordinary Gentleman: Originally a comic book mini-series by Alan Moore and artist Kevin O’Neill featuring Victorian-era characters such as Mina Harker, Allan Quartermain, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll, and the Invisible Man in a fight to save Britain from Fu Manchu and Doctor Moriarty, the League became a series of mini-series collected in graphic novels, and, eventually, a movie.  While the comics are fantastic, showcasing Moore’s imagination and intelligence, I actually like the movie a smidge more.  If only because it has Sean Connery’s Quartermain mentoring Shane West’s cocky Tom Sawyer.  Mrrrwww.

The Adventures of Luther Arkwright:  The original graphic novel by Bryan Talbot is dense with information and sometimes confusing, but it’s fascinating reading and viewing.  In contrast, the sequel seemed kind of blah.  Able to travel across parallel universes, hero Arkwright is taxed with protecting them from upset and ushering in a new age of humanity.  It’s a more adult and philosophically sophisticated Voyagers, without the kid sidekick.  Which brings me back to where I started.

Steampunk embraces a variety of styles and stories and is waiting open-armed for new readers.  Dip in and try it.  You might like it a lot.  

*_*_*_*

Pinkerton agent Brom Donker’s arm and legs were taken from him during the American Civil War. Now, ten years later, although he’s adjusted to the metal limbs that replaced his real ones, there are times when he still feels like less than a man. Especially when he’s near Simon Wain, his physician/mechanic.

Simon has cared about Brom for years. As his patient. Lately, though, he’s been seeing the handsome agent as more than that. But how can a lowly physician/mechanic fit in with a man from a powerful and influential family?

As Brom deals with missing gun shipments, rogue Sasquatches, and disaffected Southerners, he and Simon confront their feelings about themselves and for each other.

The Tinkered Pinkerton is now available at Amber Allure.

If you'd like the chance to win the entire pax collection, just leave a comment on today's post. On Saturday, a winner will be picked at random from all the comments made this week on the blog. Comment on all five, and that's five chances to win!

LATEST PAX RELEASE - Days of Future's Past

Visit the links to take advantage of our

Days of Future's Past  An AmberPax™ Collection of Gay Steampunk Erotic Romance  by Various Authors  Genre: Gay (M/M) Steampunk Erotic Romance  Cover Copyright ©2012 by Trace Edward Zaber

Included in this collection of erotic romance...
(For more information on each title, or to purchase separately, click on the book covers below!)

Balthazar Starblitz by A.J. Llewellyn Novella (Gay)

Harnessing by D.J. Manly Novella (Gay)

Iron Eyes by Vivien Dean Extended Novella (Gay)

The Tinkered Pinkerton by Helen Louise Caroll Extended Amber Kiss (Gay)

The Whore of New Slum by T.A. Chase Extended Novella (Gay)

  In conjunction with our newest release, we will be having a giveaway! Starting tomorrow, leave a comment on any post made during the week (2/18-2/22), and you'll be eligible to win the entire pax collection. A winner will be picked at random on Saturday from all comments received.

The Tinkered Pinkerton by Helen Louise Caroll

Pinkerton agent Brom Donker’s arm and legs were taken from him during the American Civil War. Now, ten years later, although he’s adjusted to the metal limbs that replaced his real ones, there are times when he still feels like less than a man. Especially when he’s near Simon Wain, his physician/mechanic.

Simon has cared about Brom for years. As his patient. Lately, though, he’s been seeing the handsome agent as more than that. But how can a lowly physician/mechanic fit in with a man from a powerful and influential family?

As Brom deals with missing gun shipments, rogue Sasquatches, and disaffected Southerners, he and Simon confront their feelings about themselves and for each other.

Genres: Gay/Steampunk/Action/Adventure
Heat Level: 2
Length: Extended Amber Kiss (17k words)

Read a short excerpt...

...“Are you almost finished?” Brom’s voice was strained.

Simon looked up. “Almo…” The word died on his lips. Brom’s face was flushed. Sweat beaded his forehead. “What’s wrong?” Simon leaned against Brom, concern replacing his earlier embarrassment.

“N-nothing.” The color in Brom’s face darkened. “B-but could you move your hand?”

Simon looked. Without being aware of it, he’d begun to stroke the scar crossed skin of Brom’s thigh. He pulled back his hand as if he’d been scalded, but he couldn’t help noticing that there was a definite bulge pressing against the soft material of Brom’s underwear.

“Thank you.” Brom’s voice was rough with embarrassment. Or something else.

“You’re welcome,” Simon muttered, bending to his work again.

Could Brom be interested in him? In that way?

The thought sent a shiver of excitement through him. His body tightened.

Did he want Brom to…want him? To…to…

He’d never considered it before.

No, that wasn’t strictly true. Simon’s cheeks burned. There had been dreams, half-remembered when he woke.

He defended himself. Brom was an attractive man. And desirable.

Simon’s heart rate increased.

It was impossible. He was Brom’s physician. His mechanic. It would be unethical. He would be taking advantage of him.

Not if Brom wanted it, too.

Simon closed the panel with more force than necessary, trying to shut out the tantalizing thought.

He couldn’t think like this. It was… He had to stop. He was probably only imagining Brom’s interest. Why would someone like Brom desire him? He was…ordinary and Brom was… Brom was older. Wealthy. He could be a man of influence, if he chose. His family regularly dined with senators and the president, offering advice over cigars and brandy.

That was a foreign world to Simon.

No. He had to put these foolish ideas and feelings aside.

He stood and stepped back. “Try standing now.” He kept his gaze lowered, focusing on Brom’s bronze feet and finely jointed toes.

There was the slightest hint of a hissing sound as the pneumatics in his legs allowed Brom to bend his knees and stand.

“How does that feel?” Simon didn’t wait for the answer. His eyes were on the left knee. The plates seemed to be aligned improperly. “Try walking.”

Brom moved his left leg forward. The plate at his knee slipped. Simon heard him swear. Brom started to totter. Simon reached out to catch him.

Simon’s arms wrapped around Brom. Brom’s arm pressed Simon tightly to his chest.

He could feel Brom’s heart pounding. Or was it his own?

Simon was conscious of the heat of the body pressed so firmly against his own. It burned through the layers of material separating them. Did Brom have a fever? Or did he?

He felt like he was spinning. He tightened his grip on Brom. In response, Brom crushed him to his chest.

Simon inhaled the moist, sweaty scent of the man. His hands, moving of their own accord, ran over the broad back.

Somehow in catching the stumbling man, he’d trapped Brom’s leg between his own. Brom’s thigh rubbed against his.

Simon moved against him, his body growing heavy and hard. His head fell back. He lifted weighted eyelids to look into Brom’s face. His breath caught. He had never seen that expression on Brom’s face before. It was a look of desperate hunger...