Phillip Froelich and Tim Danelaw are irresistibly drawn to each other. Both are in every obvious respect what is generally considered masculine, and live and work in a completely normal man’s social and professional world. Other men respect and admire their courage and ability and even their physical prowess. Women are very much attracted to both of [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, America, Essential Reads, Fiction, Reviews, World War II | 2 Comments »
Trusting a psychic flash might solve a mystery…and lead to love. Inspector Robert Court should have felt a sense of justice when a rag-and-bones man went to the gallows for murdering his cousin. Yet something has never felt right about the investigation. Robert’s relentless quest for the truth has annoyed his superintendent, landing him lowly [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, BDSM, Bonnie Dee, detective, ebook, England, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Reviews, Summer Devon, Victorian | Tagged: 4½ Stars, BDSM, Bonnie Dee, detective, ebook, England, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Reviews, Summer Devon, Victorian | Leave a Comment »
Sorry to cut into the Advent Calendar which I hope you are all enjoying. We will be reviving the Speak Its Name Awards this year and introducing a new category, the Readers’ Choice. The Awards will be: Best Novel Best Cover Best Author and Readers’ Choice. The first 3 are chosen by Speak Its Name, [...]
Filed under: 4 stars, 4½ Stars, Awards, Best of the Year, five stars | 4 Comments »
Two stories, two couples, two eras, timeless emotions. “This Ground Which Was Secured At Great Expense” It is 1914 and The Great War is underway. When the call to arms comes, Nicholas Southwell won’t be found hanging back. It’s a pity he can’t be so decisive when it comes to letting his estate manager Paul [...]
Filed under: 1910's, 1940's, 1950's, 4½ Stars, Charlie Cochrane, detective, England, Essential Reads, Fiction, novella, Reviews, War, World War I | 1 Comment »
When Matt films a documentary of gay men living in New Orleans over the last fifty years, his first subject is none other than Sebastian LaGrange, his very own landlord. The elderly gentleman has lived through good times and bad, has seen and done it all, and Matt thinks he’s perfect for the project. Although [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 1950's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Lynn Lorenz, novella | Leave a Comment »
Baldwin’s haunting and controversial second novel is his most sustained treatment of sexuality, and a classic of gay literature. In a 1950s Paris swarming with expatriates and characterized by dangerous liaisons and hidden violence, an American finds himself unable to repress his impulses, despite his determination to live the conventional life he envisions for himself [...]
Filed under: 1950's, 4½ Stars, Essential Reads, Europe, Fiction, Reviews | 5 Comments »
Post World War Two finds Laguna Beach in its heyday as an artists’ colony. Tony runs his uncles’ Grocery store in the town where a man of his bent can hide among the eccentrics who call the place home, including his Aunt Cora, who’s in charge of this year’s Pageant, where denizens of Laguna Beach [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, novella, Parhelion, Reviews, World War II | 5 Comments »
In 1958 meteorologist Dr. Rob Lanard is in Las Vegas to observe the effects of the first nuclear test explosions on the weather. His boss on this job is Dr. Phillip Argent. The two men share more than just their boredom on the job; they are both pitching for the same team, so to speak. [...]
Filed under: 1950's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Parhelion, Reviews | 1 Comment »
Rome, 10BC. New soldier Manilus Dardanus is sent to apprentice under General Cassius Valerian in the hope of securing a military sponsorship. Dardanus is idealistic and naive, Valerian brusque and restrained – but each soon discovers the other is not what he expected. In the legion Dardanus finds purpose and strength; in Dardanus, Valerian finds [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Ancient Rome, Fiction, Heather Domin | 2 Comments »
New York 1888 Jonah Woolner’s life is as prudently regulated as the bank where he works. It’s a satisfying life until he’s passed over for promotion in favor of newcomer Reid Hylliard. Brash and enterprising, Reid beguiles everyone except Jonah, who’s convinced Reid’s progressive ideas will be the bank’s ruin. When Jonah begins to discover [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, America, Fiction, Reviews, Tamara Allen | 1 Comment »
Driven from his family when his sexuality is exposed, Jonah discovers drama, passion, and intrigue in a traveling carnival–and in the enigmatic owner, Rafe Grimstone. The preacher’s son and the lord who’s rejected his former life in England feel the heat of attraction from the moment they meet. Open-hearted Jonah is willing to risk hellfire [...]
Filed under: 1900's, 4½ Stars, America, Bonnie Dee, ebook, Fiction, Reviews, Summer Devon | 2 Comments »
Peter Scudamore, a former captain in the Royalist Army, has unwittingly become a tool in a game much larger than it seems. When Peter assists the English Queen in her escape to Paris, he finds himself caught up in the machinations of the infamous Corvay, a man determined to be the final word in espionage [...]
Filed under: 17th Century, 4½ Stars, Lee Wyndham | 1 Comment »
On November 16, 1959, Truman Capote reads about the murder of a Kansas family. There are no suspects. With Harper Lee, he visits the town: he wants to write about their response. First he must get locals to talk, then, after arrests, he must gain access to the prisoners. One talks constantly; the other, Perry [...]
Filed under: 1950's, 1960's, 4½ Stars, America, films | 8 Comments »
By the close of 1882, the inhabitants of the American West had earned their reputation as untamed and dangerous. The line between heroes and villains is narrow and indistinct. The concept that a man may only kill if backed into a corner is antiquated. Lives are worth less than horses. Treasures are worth killing for. [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, Abigail Roux, America, Fiction, Reviews, Western | Leave a Comment »
He’s at the end of his rope…until fate casts a lifeline. Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Book 8 The Great War is over. Freed from a prisoner of war camp and back at St. Bride’s College, Orlando Coppersmith is discovering what those years have cost. All he holds dear—including his beloved Jonty Stewart, lost in combat. A [...]
Filed under: 1910's, 4½ Stars, Cambridge Fellows Mysteries, Charlie Cochrane, detective, England, Fiction, novella, Reviews, World War I | 4 Comments »
From Publishers Weekly “Kirmser’s was the underground queer bar in St. Paul, a hidden sanctuary for homosexual men and women in the 1940s. It was the haven I found in 1945 after being drummed out of the navy for being a homosexual.” This extraordinary memoir of postwar, pre-Stonewall Midwestern gay life is as historically crucial [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, America, Essential Reads, Fiction, history, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Mr. Nathaniel Travers has been visiting Madame Delacroix’s brothel for five years. On every visit, he requests the same man. Stunningly handsome and highly skilled, Jasper not only shares Nate’s fondness for wickedly erotic games and black leather corsets, but he’s become a friend. Someone he can talk to. Someone he can share a supper [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, Ava March, BDSM, ebook, Fiction, Regency, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Home Station on the Prairie The Nebraska territory is a lonely place for young Jamie, who longs to be a Pony Express rider, but only manages to take care of their horses. Still, he has the ponies, and his father, and before he knows it he has Thad, a boyhood friend from back in Iowa. [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4 stars, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Kara Larson, novella, Western | Leave a Comment »
Born into a stern farming family on the island of Keos, Simonides escapes his harsh childhood through a lucky apprenticeship with a renowned Ionian singer. Travelling through fifth century BC Greece, Simonides learn not only how to play the kithara and compose poetry, but also how to navigate the political intrigue surrounding his rich patrons. [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Ancient Greece, Essential Reads, Mary Renault, Reviews | 7 Comments »
The desire of an emperor… Bored with his usual palace musicians, the emperor Liu Che is tempted by a new song from lowly qin-player Li Yan Nian. Yan Nian is also beautiful, and Liu Che is in the mood to take a new lover. His lovers usually come to him, but Yan Nian’s shy reticence [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Ancient World, BDSM, China, ebook, Kate Cotoner, novella, Reviews | 2 Comments »
Teleny is the haunted musical genius that everyone desires but no one has truly touched… until the fateful night that he senses Camille’s presence in the audience. The wealthy young man is instantly seduced by Teleny’s dark beauty and smoldering melancholy. This groundbreaking and powerful early gay novel, written in secret by Oscar Wilde and [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, graphic novel, Victorian | 3 Comments »
It’s the Roaring Twenties. Skirts are short, crime is rampant, and booze is in short supply. Prohibition has hit Little Egypt where newspaper man David Flynn has come to do a follow-up story on the Herren Massacre. But the massacre isn’t the only news in town. Spiritualist Medium Julian Devereux claims to speak to the [...]
Filed under: 1920's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Josh Lanyon, Murder Mystery, novella, Reviews | 3 Comments »
In London during the gross indecency trial of Oscar Wilde, Douglas Shrove finds himself still haunted by memories of his dead lover while skirting violence, blackmail and the affections of two men. There are two who seek you out That is what the gypsy told Douglas Shrove a few months after the death of his [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, England, Fiction, M J Pearson, Reviews, Victorian | 3 Comments »
Lord Vincent Prescot’s life couldn’t be better. Thriving investments, well-respected by his peers, and mind blowing sex with a man who submits to his every desire — what more could he want? Lord Oliver Marsden should be more than happy with his life. He’s been in love with Vincent for over a decade and six [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, Ava March, ebook, Fiction, novella, Regency, Reviews | 1 Comment »
Peter Thorton and his lover set out on a quest to rescue a captive duke who is the pretender to the throne of Portugal. Thorton is arrested and placed on trial for desertion and sodomy. Men of Honor continues the further adventures of a gay officer during the Age of Sail, replete with perils, excitement, [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, Fiction, M Kei, Reviews | 3 Comments »
An emperor’s search for love destroys the very person he most adores. Crime/mystery/romance historical fiction based upon real events and characters of pagan Rome. Set two centuries before Rome’s recognition of Christians, it is an era of intrigue, torrid relations, raging ambition, wild sensuality, & unconventional love. Caesar Hadrian’s ‘favorite’ is found one dawn beneath [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Ancient Rome, Ancient World, Fiction, George Gardiner, history, Reviews | 8 Comments »
Lieutenant Robert Pierce of the Royal Navy was raised in the shadow of his father, a great admiral, and has spent his life on the high seas fighting the ships of Napoleon Bonaparte. When he loses a leg in battle and is confined to land, Robert is devastated. Taken in by his sister Maria, Robert [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, England, Leslie H Nicoll, novella, Reviews | 4 Comments »
Graphic Novel Dreaded pirate Black Wade has a cruel mind and an explosive sexuality. His mercilessness is legendary, but it wavers when he encounters the young and warm-hearted English officer Jack Wilkins. these two absolutely different men are prisoners to their fate. overwhelmed by their passion they unite in a fight for freedom and love. [...]
Filed under: 18th Century, 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, Fiction, graphic novel, pirates, Reviews | Tagged: 18th Century, 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, Fiction, graphic novel, pirates, Reviews | 6 Comments »
Lt. Peter Thorton of the 18th century British navy must struggle to come out gay while surviving storms at sea, ship to ship battles, duels, kidnapping, and more in his quest for true love and honor. My own Quick Summary Lt. Peter Thorton is in love with fellow lieutenant Perry. Both men are given commissions [...]
Filed under: 18th Century, 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, M Kei, Reviews | Tagged: 18th Century, 4½ Stars, Age of Sail, M Kei, Reviews | 3 Comments »
J.S. Cook debuts haunted American expatriate Jack Stoyles, whose numb exile in an unexpected Atlantic outpost is suddenly brightened by a stranger who kisses him — and then dies. Betrayal, graft, a lost girl, and too many deaths. With good reason Jack called his place Heartache Cafe. This short story in ebook format part of [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Joanne Soper-Cook, novella, Reviews, World War II | Tagged: 1940’s, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Joanne Soper-Cook, novella, Reviews, World War II | 2 Comments »
“Calico” is something of a breakthrough novel in that it spans a bridge which is only now opening for two-way traffic. The author describes “Calico” as a “western/romance/adventure/mystery with a twist”…the twist being that its cowboy hero/protagonist just happens to be gay. Calico Ramsey finds himself with the responsibility of seeing that two 17 year [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, America, Fiction, Reviews, Western, YA | Tagged: 4½ Stars, America, Fiction, Reviews, Western, YA | 4 Comments »
Complementing each other on the dance floor isn’t enough to form a relationship. Is it? It’s 1953, and Hollywood is booming with extravagant musicals. Coming off a string of hits with MGM, Paul Dunham couldn’t be hotter. Hoping to capitalize on Paul’s popularity, the studio announces its attention to pair him with the latest actor [...]
Filed under: 1950's, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Jamie Craig, Reviews | Tagged: 1950’s, 4½ Stars, America, ebook, Fiction, Jamie Craig, Reviews | 4 Comments »
When Feldwebel Horst Stussel is murdered in Jake’s Plenty’s brothel, local police chief Captain Nicholas Renard suspects Jake’s involvement in the crime – but with an Allied invasion of North Africa mere days away, Jake and Renard must combine their wits, their cunning and their courage to defeat the Nazis for once and for all. [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, Fiction, Joanne Soper-Cook, Reviews, World War II | 2 Comments »
Set in a small town in the middle of nowhere in the mid-1960s, Common Sons not only anticipates the coming gay revolution, but delineates its fields of battle in churches, schools and society, pitting fathers against sons, straight teens against gay teens, and self-hatred against self-respect. From the opening scene (where a reckless bout of [...]
Filed under: 1960's, 4½ Stars, America, Reviews, Ronald L Donaghe | Tagged: 1960's, 4½ Stars, review, Ronald L Donaghe | 1 Comment »
Lieutenant Commander Gabriel Conlan, United States Navy Seabees, knows he’s not in Kansas anymore when he steps off the launch at the small island of Ile Dorée and sees gorgeous Frenchman René Dubois waiting for him on the dock. The year is 1943, the place is the Pacific and the world is at war. Free [...]
Filed under: 1940's, 4½ Stars, ebook, Fiction, novella, Reviews, Samantha Kane, World War II | 6 Comments »
Victor J Banis “Coming Home”, published by MLR Press in 2009, available either as a stand-alone ebook or in the print anthology “Esprit de Corps”, also MLR Press. The swinging sixties, the Sunset Strip a smorgasbord of horny Marines, looking for a little action before heading off to Nam. A queen’s delight, and it’s all [...]
Filed under: 1960's, 4½ Stars, ebook, Fiction, novella, Reviews, Victor J Banis, Vietnam | Tagged: 1960's, 4.5 stars, book review, ebook, Victor J Banis, Vietnam | 4 Comments »
Sometimes funny, sometimes tragic and often bawdy, Lola Dances ranges from the 1850 slums of the Bowery to the mining camps of California and Montana, to the Barbary Coast of San Francisco. Little Terry Murphy, pretty and effeminate, dreams of becoming a dancer. Raped by a drunken profligate and threatened with prison, Terry flees the [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, America, Reviews, Victor J Banis | 4 Comments »
Janos Vesh is a man fighting his past and the stranglehold it has on his present and future. He acts out against the blackness that threatens to consume him by taking revenge as a highway robber on local landowners, similar to those who tormented his youth. Nothing but the comfort of his lover, Stefan, can [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, ebook, novella, Reviews | 1 Comment »
The powerful and moving film adaptation of Martin Sherman’s award-winning stage play. For almost 20 years, Bent has stunned theatre audiences around the world. Now adapted for the big screen by the author himself, this inspiring tale of love over oppression has even greater power and poignancy. Set amidst the decadence of pre-war fascist Germany, [...]
Filed under: 1930's, 4½ Stars, films, Reviews | 3 Comments »
Set in 1920s Chicago, The Folded Leaf follows two very different boys who find themselves forming an unlikely friendship. Lymie is thin, clever and terrible at sport. Spud is athletic and quick to fight and blithely accepts Lymie’s passionate devotion to him. The bond between them is obsessively close, until they leave home for college [...]
Filed under: 1920's, 4½ Stars, America, Essential Reads, Fiction, Reviews | 6 Comments »
With Queen Elizabeth newly established on her throne, the now elderly secret agent is reaching the end of his scandalous career. Despite his fast-approaching retirement, queer events leave Box unable to resist investigating one last case…Why have pillars of the Establishment started dying in bizarrely reckless accidents? Who are the deadly pay-masters of enigmatic assassin [...]
Filed under: 1950's, 4½ Stars, detective, Fiction, Reviews | Leave a Comment »
Exiled to an abandoned presidio in southwestern Texas, Father Alonzo Vargas is accustomed to being utterly alone except for his white donkey, Angelica. He is also fully acquainted with the corrupt and rotten sheriff, John Cullen, the man responsible for his semi-permanent exile. When he finds a victim of the sheriff hanging upside down from [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, ebook, Jamie Craig, novella, Reviews, Western | 1 Comment »
Craiglockhart War Hospital, Scotland, 1917, where army psychiatrist William Rivers is treating shell-shocked soldiers. Under his care are the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, as well as mute Billy Prior, who is only able to communicate by means of pencil and paper. Rivers’ job is to make the men in his charge healthy enough [...]
Filed under: 4½ Stars, Charlie Cochrane, Fiction, Reviews, World War I | 2 Comments »
1642, England: David Caverlys strict father has brought home the quiet, puritanical Jonathan Graie to help his dreamer of a son work the family forge. With war brewing in Parliament, the demand for metal work increases as armies are raised. The fair David is drawn to his fathers new apprentice. And though his father treats [...]
Filed under: 17th Century, 4½ Stars, England, Erastes, Fiction | 3 Comments »
Nathaniel, or Natty as his family calls him, is a young man at a crossroads. His mother wants him to spend time with her family, far better off than his father, who is a poor vicar. His father would rather he do just about anything else, and his cousins have no interest in getting to [...]
Filed under: 19th Century, 4½ Stars, Alex Beecroft, England, Fiction, Hayden Thorne, Reviews, YA | Leave a Comment »
Wilde Oats celebrates gay and bisexual fiction, embracing the joys and agonies of life for gay and bisexual men,
"Military veteran Mackle's resonant story, set with Catch-22 authenticity against the backdrop of the Six-Day War, spans an emotional spectrum from lusty horniness to nuanced romance with literary polish and story-telling punch." - Richard Labonte, Bookmarks.
Speak Its Name Five Star Read
Buy the book - Captain Harding's Six-Day War
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