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Blokes in Love
On October 11-13, a small group of authors, readers and reviewers are meeting in Sydney for the first mm romance conference in the southern hemisphere: OzmmMeet2013.
To commemorate the occasion and allow others a glimpse of life down under, six of the attending authors have contributed a short story. The brief: the setting of either Australia or New Zealand must be an integral part of the story.
Given such a simple scenario, it’s amazing how the stories are similar yet different. They range in location from shearing sheds in New Zealand to Goth nightclubs in provincial Queensland. From surfers on north coast beaches to sophisticated gallery owners in the heart of Sydney. A paranormal story involving werewolves is set in the Hunter Valley while a ghost makes a startling appearance in the South Island of New Zealand.
The minor characters also reflect the diversity that can be found in these two countries from Asian cross dressers to Maori siblings and co-workers.
The anthology kicks off with a sparkling debut by Susan Beck. You can almost feel the sand between your toes in “Weekend at Lennox” which brilliantly captures two teenagers being forced to share a bed when a group of surfers spend the weekend in a beach house at Lennox Head.
The next story “A Soldier’s Will” is set further down the coast near Newcastle where Jess Buffett gives us a taste of a new series based around a Mangrove Mountain pack. In it, a war weary alpha werewolf returns from stints overseas, to shake up the equilibrium of a non-pack human who has idolized him for years.
N.J. Nielsen creates some memorable characters and scenes in her story “By the Way”. In this, a country boy wakes up after a night on the town, wondering why he is decked out in collar, handcuffs and the scariest pair of stilettos he’s ever seen.
A more gentle pace follows in Pelaam’s which features an established couple, Ethan and Riley, as they take a romantic holiday amongst the vineyards around the Marlborough Sound and meet “The Rose”.
“Home” returns us to Oz, this time to the heart of Sydney where we catch up with some of A.B. Gayle’s characters from “Leather+Lace” and “Caught” and are introduced to two new ones: Jesse a sophisticated art gallery owner and Isaac, a typical boy from the bush.
And to round up our anthology, we revisit New Zealand, where we shift into the world of hard-working shearers in Meredith Shayne’s touching story “Cutting Out”. You can almost smell the greasy wool, hear the bleating sheep and see the bulging muscles of Lachie and Shane as they work side by side, forging a bond that can transcend culture and age differences.
To commemorate the occasion and allow others a glimpse of life down under, six of the attending authors have contributed a short story. The brief: the setting of either Australia or New Zealand must be an integral part of the story.
Given such a simple scenario, it’s amazing how the stories are similar yet different. They range in location from shearing sheds in New Zealand to Goth nightclubs in provincial Queensland. From surfers on north coast beaches to sophisticated gallery owners in the heart of Sydney. A paranormal story involving werewolves is set in the Hunter Valley while a ghost makes a startling appearance in the South Island of New Zealand.
The minor characters also reflect the diversity that can be found in these two countries from Asian cross dressers to Maori siblings and co-workers.
The anthology kicks off with a sparkling debut by Susan Beck. You can almost feel the sand between your toes in “Weekend at Lennox” which brilliantly captures two teenagers being forced to share a bed when a group of surfers spend the weekend in a beach house at Lennox Head.
The next story “A Soldier’s Will” is set further down the coast near Newcastle where Jess Buffett gives us a taste of a new series based around a Mangrove Mountain pack. In it, a war weary alpha werewolf returns from stints overseas, to shake up the equilibrium of a non-pack human who has idolized him for years.
N.J. Nielsen creates some memorable characters and scenes in her story “By the Way”. In this, a country boy wakes up after a night on the town, wondering why he is decked out in collar, handcuffs and the scariest pair of stilettos he’s ever seen.
A more gentle pace follows in Pelaam’s which features an established couple, Ethan and Riley, as they take a romantic holiday amongst the vineyards around the Marlborough Sound and meet “The Rose”.
“Home” returns us to Oz, this time to the heart of Sydney where we catch up with some of A.B. Gayle’s characters from “Leather+Lace” and “Caught” and are introduced to two new ones: Jesse a sophisticated art gallery owner and Isaac, a typical boy from the bush.
And to round up our anthology, we revisit New Zealand, where we shift into the world of hard-working shearers in Meredith Shayne’s touching story “Cutting Out”. You can almost smell the greasy wool, hear the bleating sheep and see the bulging muscles of Lachie and Shane as they work side by side, forging a bond that can transcend culture and age differences.
207 pages, ebook
First published October 11, 2013
4 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
A.B. Gayle
20 books191 followersUnlike many authors, I haven't been writing stories all my life. I've been too busy living life.
My travels took me from the fjords of Norway to the southern tip of New Zealand. In between, I've worked in so many different towns I've lost count. I've shoveled cow shit, mustered sheep, been polite to customers, traded insults with politicians and need to be forgiven on occasions when I get confused as to who needs what where. Now that I'm settled in Sydney, Australia, my real-life experiences can morph with my fertile imagination and create fiction which I hope readers will enjoy.
My philosophy on posting reviews is to recommend books I like which I think other people may not read and state why I like them. These are only the tip of the iceberg of books I read. If I do post a negative review, it's because there is some craft aspect (usually) that, to me, prevents the book from reaching its full potential. Books I straight out don't like or don't finish, don't even get a mention, as they may be someone else's cup of tea.
My travels took me from the fjords of Norway to the southern tip of New Zealand. In between, I've worked in so many different towns I've lost count. I've shoveled cow shit, mustered sheep, been polite to customers, traded insults with politicians and need to be forgiven on occasions when I get confused as to who needs what where. Now that I'm settled in Sydney, Australia, my real-life experiences can morph with my fertile imagination and create fiction which I hope readers will enjoy.
My philosophy on posting reviews is to recommend books I like which I think other people may not read and state why I like them. These are only the tip of the iceberg of books I read. If I do post a negative review, it's because there is some craft aspect (usually) that, to me, prevents the book from reaching its full potential. Books I straight out don't like or don't finish, don't even get a mention, as they may be someone else's cup of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 28, 2013
Can I visit Australia/New Zealand now??? I wanna go! Big 4.5 stars for this one!
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck ★★★★½
Adam and Edward have been friends for years. Now they’re about to head off to uni and are enjoying one last summer weekend at home with their buds surfing and relaxing at the beach house. Between an overcrowded house though and only one bed big enough to really support Ed’s height the two boys end up sharing one bed for the weekend.
Ok this was kinda the perfect exploration of two boys trying to figure this whole sex thing out. I loved the fact that neither of them really knew what they were doing or what they ultimately wanted. This wasn’t a case of longing from afar or anything. This was just a couple of horny boys who’ve known each other for years trying their hand at experimenting and discovering that they liked it. A perfect introductory slice of life. I love that the sex kinda just happened. The teenage logic of “come on I’m so close please” and just pushing in is soooooooo believable. There were a ton of little things in here that really gave you a strong feeling for who these two guys were. Great little short story.
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett ★★★★½
Will has been pining over his best friends brother Derek for years. Of course it’s been unrequited and quite the long distance yearning since Derek has been off fighting for his country. But now he’s returning home and having completed the duties for his pack he’s expected to take over as alpha of the pack and settle down with a mate. Dragged to Derek’s welcome home party Will is despairing of it all not wanting to see what woman Derek’s going to be mated with. Instead he retreats to an old shed they used to play in never expecting his hopes and dreams might be right there waiting for them.
Another really solid short here, very complete. The history between these two lends itself well to being able to keep this short and sweet. I loved Derek’s reasoning behind hiding their mate bond. Sometimes the simplest explanation really is best. And his mother smacking him upside the head was just perfect. Will’s not a push over either despite being human and not a werewolf. I liked getting to see these two find their HEA together and would enjoy seeing more here or in this universe. Really solid writing and a very cute couple.
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen ★★★
Shawn is on vacation visiting his cousins and getting some much needed time away from the cattle station. Yet when he wakes up alone in a strange hotel room bed in 10inch high heels, a collar, cuffs and nothing else trying to retrace his steps from the night before is a must do plan. Still he never imagined that meeting goth boy Corey would spin his world on it’s axis.
Because this was a short I felt like the whole not remembering the night before concept just didn’t work. It took a bunch of time for the explanation and the discovery which left even less time to really have these two get to know each other. Of course you’re then left with an insta-love situation and not a lot of space for character development to make up for it. In the end I was just left feeling kinda meh about the whole thing, though I think that if these two had a full novel to explore and really develop these characters and their feelings I could have really loved them. Corey’s just too cute and Shawn as the innocent country bumpkin is just squeezable. Everything just felt a bit rushed to me.
The Rose By Pelaam ★★★
Ethan and Riley have been together for 5 years and a camping/sightseeing vacation is just the thing to celebrate. Two nights camping along the lake and then two nights staying in a haunted hotel is just the thing. As a schoolteacher Ethan loves the history of the idea and enjoys teasing Riley with stories about the woman Rose who is supposed to haunt the place terrorizing men because of the abuse she suffered as a whore ages before. The camping portion of their trip goes off without a hitch as the two men get to spend some quality time together, but once they arrive at the hotel, well Riley is sure that someone’s watching them.
Again I felt like this story suffered from a lack of time and good pacing. I’m a sucker for seeing established couples enjoy their love and Ethan and Riley were no exception. They’re very cute together. Solid in the way all long standing relationships should be. But in a story about a ghost WAY too much time is spent on camping and wineries so that by the time we get to the haunting theirs no real way to explore how they change the ghosts’ path or how the ghost changes theirs. Sure they see it and Riley faints so adorably but we only get a little piece of dialogue saying maybe all the ghost needed to see was real love. Eh, not quite enough for me I’m afraid.
Home by A.B. Gayle ★★★★★
Jesse is internally a nervous wreck. This is his first big showing at the gallery since Vittorio died. Hanging Nick’s fantastic erotic photography of his lover Danny may not be everyone’s cup of tea but so far the showing is going beautifully. Still it’s a hard night with out the man he loved. Then he sees Isaac and feels the first stirrings of attraction in a long time. A one-night stand might just be what he needs to shake things up and the hot man up on vacation from the country seems to be exactly what he needs. Issac is persistent when he sees something he wants. Seeing Jesse is no exception. Now if only he can convince the man that more than one night isn’t a bad idea.
First of all…I LOVE A.B. GAYLE! I’ve only read one of her books so far but the others are coming shortly and I know these characters all have to be from that world and now I can’t wait to get caught up! She also HAS to write a full novel for these two! This is just a teaser! Their first night together is just amazing and hot and perfect, but I want to know more! Gah! Obviously Jesse has some issues he’s going to need to work through and what is Isaac’s deal back home? There’s so much here to explore and I want to know it all. I also really need to read Nick and Danny’s book now because man, those photos and the brief interaction here totally caught my attention and intrigued me. *gleefully rubs hands together* Yay, more books for me!
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne ★★★★★
Shane runs the team every time they’re hired out to a sheep ranch for the shearing. He’s great at his job and loves what he does. Of course falling for one of the other guys on the team was never in his plans. Especially when Lachie is so much younger than he is. He doesn’t see what the younger man could possibly see in him and while he tried to keep his feelings hidden it’s become much too hard to just pretend their relationship is casual. When Lachie seems to retreat and run from his stumbling attempts at putting his feelings out there Shane shuts down. Lachie knows he didn’t handle Shane’s questioning well at all. But despite what he feels for the man he doesn’t think Shane deserves to be drug down into his family troubles and can’t bring himself to tell the man everything.
Wow, there was some great heart-wrenching emotion built into this one from the get go. Shorts really do seem to work better when there is history between the MC’s. It lets us as the reader get drawn into the story that much quicker and be more satisfied with the ending. I felt so bad for Shane to start this book out. He wants so much and despairs of it ever coming true for him. Of course I knew there had to be something more going on with Lachie and when you find out I felt so bad for his position in his family even knowing he puts most of the pressure on himself. I kept waiting for him to speak up to break down those walls and let Shane in. Should of known it wouldn’t be that easy. I was quickly invested with these two and was really happy when they finally worked it all out. Shane showing up was just perfectly lovely!
~All in all this was a fun little anthology and I really enjoyed reading a bunch of stories from these wonderful writers. I liked that everything took place in Australia/New Zealand. Nice work for a bunch of stories put together during Oz Meet.
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck ★★★★½
Adam and Edward have been friends for years. Now they’re about to head off to uni and are enjoying one last summer weekend at home with their buds surfing and relaxing at the beach house. Between an overcrowded house though and only one bed big enough to really support Ed’s height the two boys end up sharing one bed for the weekend.
Ok this was kinda the perfect exploration of two boys trying to figure this whole sex thing out. I loved the fact that neither of them really knew what they were doing or what they ultimately wanted. This wasn’t a case of longing from afar or anything. This was just a couple of horny boys who’ve known each other for years trying their hand at experimenting and discovering that they liked it. A perfect introductory slice of life. I love that the sex kinda just happened. The teenage logic of “come on I’m so close please” and just pushing in is soooooooo believable. There were a ton of little things in here that really gave you a strong feeling for who these two guys were. Great little short story.
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett ★★★★½
Will has been pining over his best friends brother Derek for years. Of course it’s been unrequited and quite the long distance yearning since Derek has been off fighting for his country. But now he’s returning home and having completed the duties for his pack he’s expected to take over as alpha of the pack and settle down with a mate. Dragged to Derek’s welcome home party Will is despairing of it all not wanting to see what woman Derek’s going to be mated with. Instead he retreats to an old shed they used to play in never expecting his hopes and dreams might be right there waiting for them.
Another really solid short here, very complete. The history between these two lends itself well to being able to keep this short and sweet. I loved Derek’s reasoning behind hiding their mate bond. Sometimes the simplest explanation really is best. And his mother smacking him upside the head was just perfect. Will’s not a push over either despite being human and not a werewolf. I liked getting to see these two find their HEA together and would enjoy seeing more here or in this universe. Really solid writing and a very cute couple.
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen ★★★
Shawn is on vacation visiting his cousins and getting some much needed time away from the cattle station. Yet when he wakes up alone in a strange hotel room bed in 10inch high heels, a collar, cuffs and nothing else trying to retrace his steps from the night before is a must do plan. Still he never imagined that meeting goth boy Corey would spin his world on it’s axis.
Because this was a short I felt like the whole not remembering the night before concept just didn’t work. It took a bunch of time for the explanation and the discovery which left even less time to really have these two get to know each other. Of course you’re then left with an insta-love situation and not a lot of space for character development to make up for it. In the end I was just left feeling kinda meh about the whole thing, though I think that if these two had a full novel to explore and really develop these characters and their feelings I could have really loved them. Corey’s just too cute and Shawn as the innocent country bumpkin is just squeezable. Everything just felt a bit rushed to me.
The Rose By Pelaam ★★★
Ethan and Riley have been together for 5 years and a camping/sightseeing vacation is just the thing to celebrate. Two nights camping along the lake and then two nights staying in a haunted hotel is just the thing. As a schoolteacher Ethan loves the history of the idea and enjoys teasing Riley with stories about the woman Rose who is supposed to haunt the place terrorizing men because of the abuse she suffered as a whore ages before. The camping portion of their trip goes off without a hitch as the two men get to spend some quality time together, but once they arrive at the hotel, well Riley is sure that someone’s watching them.
Again I felt like this story suffered from a lack of time and good pacing. I’m a sucker for seeing established couples enjoy their love and Ethan and Riley were no exception. They’re very cute together. Solid in the way all long standing relationships should be. But in a story about a ghost WAY too much time is spent on camping and wineries so that by the time we get to the haunting theirs no real way to explore how they change the ghosts’ path or how the ghost changes theirs. Sure they see it and Riley faints so adorably but we only get a little piece of dialogue saying maybe all the ghost needed to see was real love. Eh, not quite enough for me I’m afraid.
Home by A.B. Gayle ★★★★★
Jesse is internally a nervous wreck. This is his first big showing at the gallery since Vittorio died. Hanging Nick’s fantastic erotic photography of his lover Danny may not be everyone’s cup of tea but so far the showing is going beautifully. Still it’s a hard night with out the man he loved. Then he sees Isaac and feels the first stirrings of attraction in a long time. A one-night stand might just be what he needs to shake things up and the hot man up on vacation from the country seems to be exactly what he needs. Issac is persistent when he sees something he wants. Seeing Jesse is no exception. Now if only he can convince the man that more than one night isn’t a bad idea.
First of all…I LOVE A.B. GAYLE! I’ve only read one of her books so far but the others are coming shortly and I know these characters all have to be from that world and now I can’t wait to get caught up! She also HAS to write a full novel for these two! This is just a teaser! Their first night together is just amazing and hot and perfect, but I want to know more! Gah! Obviously Jesse has some issues he’s going to need to work through and what is Isaac’s deal back home? There’s so much here to explore and I want to know it all. I also really need to read Nick and Danny’s book now because man, those photos and the brief interaction here totally caught my attention and intrigued me. *gleefully rubs hands together* Yay, more books for me!
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne ★★★★★
Shane runs the team every time they’re hired out to a sheep ranch for the shearing. He’s great at his job and loves what he does. Of course falling for one of the other guys on the team was never in his plans. Especially when Lachie is so much younger than he is. He doesn’t see what the younger man could possibly see in him and while he tried to keep his feelings hidden it’s become much too hard to just pretend their relationship is casual. When Lachie seems to retreat and run from his stumbling attempts at putting his feelings out there Shane shuts down. Lachie knows he didn’t handle Shane’s questioning well at all. But despite what he feels for the man he doesn’t think Shane deserves to be drug down into his family troubles and can’t bring himself to tell the man everything.
Wow, there was some great heart-wrenching emotion built into this one from the get go. Shorts really do seem to work better when there is history between the MC’s. It lets us as the reader get drawn into the story that much quicker and be more satisfied with the ending. I felt so bad for Shane to start this book out. He wants so much and despairs of it ever coming true for him. Of course I knew there had to be something more going on with Lachie and when you find out I felt so bad for his position in his family even knowing he puts most of the pressure on himself. I kept waiting for him to speak up to break down those walls and let Shane in. Should of known it wouldn’t be that easy. I was quickly invested with these two and was really happy when they finally worked it all out. Shane showing up was just perfectly lovely!
~All in all this was a fun little anthology and I really enjoyed reading a bunch of stories from these wonderful writers. I liked that everything took place in Australia/New Zealand. Nice work for a bunch of stories put together during Oz Meet.
October 16, 2013
Whether you're looking for a taste of Australia and New Zealand, or whether you're up for a bunch of great reads, this free anthology definitely offers both. I had the privilege of being at the meeting this anthology was written for, and reading these stories while I was in Australia definitely gave them an extra touch of "special" for me. I know I'll reread them when I'm back home in the cold winter of the UK, and might even enjoy them more – if that is even possible!
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck
This very funny opening story, set in Australia, put me right in the mood for visiting a beach. Better yet, reading this gave me the feeling of being there – but without the sunburn. Teenager Eddy has the same issue – trying to void burning his very light skin to a crisp, he only goes surfing early in the morning and late in the afternoon. His friend Adam keeps him company and when they end up sharing a room with a somewhat older double bed, well, let me just say they get a lot closer than they've ever been before. Their somewhat clumsy antics made me smile, and as they discover there is pleasure in getting physical together, without necessarily putting a label on it, things heat up pretty quickly. Or they try to – except some very funny mishaps made me laugh out loud. If you’re in the mood for short, funny, and slightly clumsy teenagers, you'll like this one.
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett
If this story is truly the start to a new series, as indicated in this anthology's introduction, I'd like the next book right now, please! The Mangrove Mountain pack sounds totally fascinating and both the human, Will, and the new alpha werewolf, Derek, worked their way into my heart immediately. Will has "suffered" from attraction to Derek for years, never believing he'd stand a chance to be with Derek since he is neither a female, nor a werewolf. When Derek returns from his turn in the military and is about to take a mate, Will cannot stand the idea of Derek with someone else and runs from the pack function. Derek, having waited to be able to be with Will for years, cannot go after him quickly enough… If you're looking for a deeply emotional, passionate, and very hot werewolf/human liaison, then you'll probably like this one as much as I did.
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen
What can I say about this really funny and somewhat mysterious story? Woo-hoo comes to mind… No, seriously, the way this Australian "country boy" named Shawn tumbles into one of the hottest nights he's ever had, then promptly cannot remember any of it the next morning, had me in stitches. As he goes off to retrace his steps and discovers "city boy" Corey, who happens to believe he's a vampire king (well, some of the time anyway), is behind it all, Shawn also discovers there may be more between them than he'd ever thought possible. By the way, his journey of discovery is just as funny as the first scene when he awakens in a strange hotel room. If you're after funny, hot, and very touching, then you'll probably like this story as much as I did. I'm still smiling!
The Rose by Pelaam
This is one of the gentlest ghost stories I have ever read, not very scary at all - thank God, as I don’t deal well with super-scary ghosts. Ethan and Riley are a great couple, and following them on the stops of their romantic holiday in New Zealand while discovering the locations they visit was great fun for me. Their talk about the "haunted hotel" and eventual visit there was just enough suspense. The way they eventually both dealt with the supernatural was somewhat unusual, but very fitting. If you're in the mood for slightly spooky and a very loving established couple, this one is for you!
"Home" by A.B. Gayle
While I haven't read "Leather + Lace" nor "Caught" (but definitely should), I was able to enjoy this short story without any problems, since it stands on its own. Its characters, Jesse and Isaac, are definitely worth getting to know, since both of them have hidden depths that I enjoyed discovering as their fast and furious first few encounters in Sydney had me laughing and wanting more. Jesse may be a sophisticated art gallery owner, but he has come out of a relationship with a much older lover and discovers he is ready to move on. After a year of mourning and hard work to keep the gallery going, he certainly deserves a bit of fun. Isaac, a "typical boy from the bush", is just the man to show Jesse a good time, to help him relax, and to introduce him to a few slightly kinky activities. There is quite a bit of food play, so if that's your thing (or if you're curious about it), you'll probably like this story. I definitely enjoyed it a lot!
"Cutting Out" by Meredith Shayne
Set in New Zealand, this story about two sheep shearers, one much older than the other, touched me deeply. Shane so desperately wants more than casual encounters with the much younger Lachie, and is devastated when Lachie rejects him. Shane's situation had me up in arms, railing against the injustices of fate. That was until I got to see things from Lachie's side, and his reasons for turning down Shane almost made me cry. Be ready for an intense emotional roller coaster as these two men battle their pride and their circumstances! If you're in the mood for intense, emotional drama, and a few very hot encounters, you'll probably like this story. I'll remember it for a long time to come.
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck
This very funny opening story, set in Australia, put me right in the mood for visiting a beach. Better yet, reading this gave me the feeling of being there – but without the sunburn. Teenager Eddy has the same issue – trying to void burning his very light skin to a crisp, he only goes surfing early in the morning and late in the afternoon. His friend Adam keeps him company and when they end up sharing a room with a somewhat older double bed, well, let me just say they get a lot closer than they've ever been before. Their somewhat clumsy antics made me smile, and as they discover there is pleasure in getting physical together, without necessarily putting a label on it, things heat up pretty quickly. Or they try to – except some very funny mishaps made me laugh out loud. If you’re in the mood for short, funny, and slightly clumsy teenagers, you'll like this one.
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett
If this story is truly the start to a new series, as indicated in this anthology's introduction, I'd like the next book right now, please! The Mangrove Mountain pack sounds totally fascinating and both the human, Will, and the new alpha werewolf, Derek, worked their way into my heart immediately. Will has "suffered" from attraction to Derek for years, never believing he'd stand a chance to be with Derek since he is neither a female, nor a werewolf. When Derek returns from his turn in the military and is about to take a mate, Will cannot stand the idea of Derek with someone else and runs from the pack function. Derek, having waited to be able to be with Will for years, cannot go after him quickly enough… If you're looking for a deeply emotional, passionate, and very hot werewolf/human liaison, then you'll probably like this one as much as I did.
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen
What can I say about this really funny and somewhat mysterious story? Woo-hoo comes to mind… No, seriously, the way this Australian "country boy" named Shawn tumbles into one of the hottest nights he's ever had, then promptly cannot remember any of it the next morning, had me in stitches. As he goes off to retrace his steps and discovers "city boy" Corey, who happens to believe he's a vampire king (well, some of the time anyway), is behind it all, Shawn also discovers there may be more between them than he'd ever thought possible. By the way, his journey of discovery is just as funny as the first scene when he awakens in a strange hotel room. If you're after funny, hot, and very touching, then you'll probably like this story as much as I did. I'm still smiling!
The Rose by Pelaam
This is one of the gentlest ghost stories I have ever read, not very scary at all - thank God, as I don’t deal well with super-scary ghosts. Ethan and Riley are a great couple, and following them on the stops of their romantic holiday in New Zealand while discovering the locations they visit was great fun for me. Their talk about the "haunted hotel" and eventual visit there was just enough suspense. The way they eventually both dealt with the supernatural was somewhat unusual, but very fitting. If you're in the mood for slightly spooky and a very loving established couple, this one is for you!
"Home" by A.B. Gayle
While I haven't read "Leather + Lace" nor "Caught" (but definitely should), I was able to enjoy this short story without any problems, since it stands on its own. Its characters, Jesse and Isaac, are definitely worth getting to know, since both of them have hidden depths that I enjoyed discovering as their fast and furious first few encounters in Sydney had me laughing and wanting more. Jesse may be a sophisticated art gallery owner, but he has come out of a relationship with a much older lover and discovers he is ready to move on. After a year of mourning and hard work to keep the gallery going, he certainly deserves a bit of fun. Isaac, a "typical boy from the bush", is just the man to show Jesse a good time, to help him relax, and to introduce him to a few slightly kinky activities. There is quite a bit of food play, so if that's your thing (or if you're curious about it), you'll probably like this story. I definitely enjoyed it a lot!
"Cutting Out" by Meredith Shayne
Set in New Zealand, this story about two sheep shearers, one much older than the other, touched me deeply. Shane so desperately wants more than casual encounters with the much younger Lachie, and is devastated when Lachie rejects him. Shane's situation had me up in arms, railing against the injustices of fate. That was until I got to see things from Lachie's side, and his reasons for turning down Shane almost made me cry. Be ready for an intense emotional roller coaster as these two men battle their pride and their circumstances! If you're in the mood for intense, emotional drama, and a few very hot encounters, you'll probably like this story. I'll remember it for a long time to come.
December 1, 2013
An anthology of wonderful love stories that is well worth reading.
The authors in this anthology created such beautiful vision of Australia and New Zealand with their words that it makes me yearn to be there.
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck
I was smiling when I got to the end of this friends-to-lover story. The two boys were adorable and charming. I just loved the way they eventually got together using the kind of logic that I recall with amusement from my more naive days.
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett
Lovely paranormal shifter story here. Despite the short length of the story, not a word was wasted to bring this story to life. I quite enjoyed it.
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen
This was a little hilarious and I had a lot of fun reading about a rural boy trying to figure out what had happened to him during his drunken, crazed night in the city and who he had slept with after all that clubbing he did. The love story played out nicely.
The Rose By Pelaam
An intriguing premise that I would have liked to have seen developed further. The story was quite exciting once the paranormal aspect played a bigger role.
Home by A.B. Gayle
After reading Leather+Lace, I was eager to sample more of A.B. Gayle's work. Though short, this story absolutely did not disappoint. I loved the way Jesse and Isaac's story played out. I was enthralled by their story.
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne
Last but definitely not least. This was a refreshing read. I found myself quite fascinated by the shearing aspect of the book. The pain and obstacles that Shane and Lachie had to go through to finally be together made for an interesting read.
My usual experience with anthologies are one or two hits with mostly average or mostly misses. This was mostly hits for me.
The authors in this anthology created such beautiful vision of Australia and New Zealand with their words that it makes me yearn to be there.
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck
I was smiling when I got to the end of this friends-to-lover story. The two boys were adorable and charming. I just loved the way they eventually got together using the kind of logic that I recall with amusement from my more naive days.
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett
Lovely paranormal shifter story here. Despite the short length of the story, not a word was wasted to bring this story to life. I quite enjoyed it.
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen
This was a little hilarious and I had a lot of fun reading about a rural boy trying to figure out what had happened to him during his drunken, crazed night in the city and who he had slept with after all that clubbing he did. The love story played out nicely.
The Rose By Pelaam
An intriguing premise that I would have liked to have seen developed further. The story was quite exciting once the paranormal aspect played a bigger role.
Home by A.B. Gayle
After reading Leather+Lace, I was eager to sample more of A.B. Gayle's work. Though short, this story absolutely did not disappoint. I loved the way Jesse and Isaac's story played out. I was enthralled by their story.
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne
Last but definitely not least. This was a refreshing read. I found myself quite fascinated by the shearing aspect of the book. The pain and obstacles that Shane and Lachie had to go through to finally be together made for an interesting read.
My usual experience with anthologies are one or two hits with mostly average or mostly misses. This was mostly hits for me.
April 27, 2016
This was a super fun anthology with my favorite story being the first one "Weekend at Lennox". I seriously almost pee'd myself I was laughing so hard during this short story and would love to read how these two went on from here. The others were a mixture of paranormal and contemporary and all took place in either New Zealand or Australia. The sweetest of the bunch IMO was the last story "Cutting Out" which was about an older man and his younger lover and how they finally come together after a misunderstanding. All the stories were entertaining and well worth reading.
October 16, 2013
I know I'm one of the authors. But I'm rating it because the other stories in the anthology deserve recognition. Every one is different and each has its own unique spin on life down under. From Sue Beck's brilliant debut short about two teenagers forced to share a bed at a holiday house through to Meredith Shayne's story about love in shearing sheds in New Zealand.
December 1, 2013
This was 6 stories written by Authors from Australia and New Zealand. All together they were quite enjoyable. The first story was about 2 boys in high school. I think it was the author's first story and it was really good. There were a couple more that I really didn't want to end! So I think I will give it 3.5 stars-enjoyable.
October 14, 2013
I loved it.
The short from the newcomer, Susan Beck, was hilarious, and the humour was continued, albeit in a more subtle form, in NJ Nielsen's story.
I enjoyed all the stories, which ranged from a sweet interlude in an existing relationship from Pelaam to the beginnings of the relationship (like the one from AB Gayle) to the resolution of issues that had been preventing a relationship in the stories from Meredith Shayne and Jess Buffett.
Although most of the stories are contemporary, I found them to be varied and interesting, with Pelaam's ghost and Jess Buffett's shifters adding a bit of paranormal spice to the mix.
Definitely a must read, and as it's free, there's no reason not to.
The short from the newcomer, Susan Beck, was hilarious, and the humour was continued, albeit in a more subtle form, in NJ Nielsen's story.
I enjoyed all the stories, which ranged from a sweet interlude in an existing relationship from Pelaam to the beginnings of the relationship (like the one from AB Gayle) to the resolution of issues that had been preventing a relationship in the stories from Meredith Shayne and Jess Buffett.
Although most of the stories are contemporary, I found them to be varied and interesting, with Pelaam's ghost and Jess Buffett's shifters adding a bit of paranormal spice to the mix.
Definitely a must read, and as it's free, there's no reason not to.
February 15, 2014
There's just something unbelievably sexy about an Aussie bloke. I don't think there are any ugly ones. Something in their genetics I guess. Of course I also couldn't get all the "sheep shagger" jokes out of my head on that last one too.
November 1, 2013
Loved it!
November 13, 2013
Absolutely loved this anthology. Quirky and some hilarious writing from new author Susan Beck and short, powerful stories from other Australian and New Zealand authors. Loved it!!
October 31, 2013
This was excellent anthology. I liked all the stories and the detail that they all happened in Ausralia or New Zealand gave the stories nice, exotic feel. Even if some of the language was little hard to understand. =P
First story was one of my favorites.Weekend at Lennox is about two teenage boys heading of to university and they spend one last weekend together with their friends on the beach and end up sharing a bed and having totally accidental sex. Their reaction to the sex is perfect teenage logic and for once the matter that they are both boys doesn't cause the sky to fall on them just because they have sex.
A Soldier's Will was nice paranormal, I liked how Will refused to go down without a fight and even Derek's logic was understandable, if little faulty like his mother told him.
The story is about Will who has always loved Derek who's his best friend's brother and has been out serving his country past several years. Now that Derek is back there is huge party where Derek is going to get the leadership of the pack and also announce his future mate. And Will isn't happy at all about that.
By the way wasn't quite as good as the others. I'm not big fan of meddling family members and insta-love and this had both. Not a bad story but just not as good as the others.
The story opens up when Shawn wakes up in a motel room with a studded leather cuff and collar on and wearing a killer pair of high heels. Last night is just one big black hole. After that we get the meddling family members and Shawn on a hunt to find who he was with last night and after they find Corey we get the insta-love after the one amazing night of sex.
The Rose was interesting ghost story with a couple on their 5 year celebratory vacation. I liked both Ethan and Riley and they seemed to have very good and loving relationship which was great. What I would have liked was more focus on the ghost part of the story. It was great and intriguing start but it came near the end and so didn't really get the page time that I would have wanted it to have. Still I liked this very much.
Home was another story in A.B. Gayle's Opposite's attract world and we get to see Nat and Danny from Caught (my personal favorite) and Dom and Steve from Leather+Lace again as secondary characters.
The story is about Jesse who is hosting his first gallery opening night as the new owner after his partner died earlier. The opening is going great but Jesse is nervous and can't really enjoy it all. After seeing Isaac in the crowd he is interested, especially as Isaac seems to return the interest, but he is still not quite over his lover's death so he is not totally happy to find a man that catches his eye again.
Jesse and Isaac were an interesting couple and I would love to see what comes off of their week together and what secrets Isaac is hiding. And he is definitely hiding something, he is way too mysteries about his job and where he lives not to have something to hide. =D
The last one Cutting out was another favorite of mine. It's pretty heart breaking story of Shane who is leader of a group of shearers and his affair with another shearer, Lachie. Lachie has problems of his own and isn't ready when Shane tries to tell him that he would want something other that just sex during jobs. Totally beautiful story.
First story was one of my favorites.Weekend at Lennox is about two teenage boys heading of to university and they spend one last weekend together with their friends on the beach and end up sharing a bed and having totally accidental sex. Their reaction to the sex is perfect teenage logic and for once the matter that they are both boys doesn't cause the sky to fall on them just because they have sex.
A Soldier's Will was nice paranormal, I liked how Will refused to go down without a fight and even Derek's logic was understandable, if little faulty like his mother told him.
The story is about Will who has always loved Derek who's his best friend's brother and has been out serving his country past several years. Now that Derek is back there is huge party where Derek is going to get the leadership of the pack and also announce his future mate. And Will isn't happy at all about that.
By the way wasn't quite as good as the others. I'm not big fan of meddling family members and insta-love and this had both. Not a bad story but just not as good as the others.
The story opens up when Shawn wakes up in a motel room with a studded leather cuff and collar on and wearing a killer pair of high heels. Last night is just one big black hole. After that we get the meddling family members and Shawn on a hunt to find who he was with last night and after they find Corey we get the insta-love after the one amazing night of sex.
The Rose was interesting ghost story with a couple on their 5 year celebratory vacation. I liked both Ethan and Riley and they seemed to have very good and loving relationship which was great. What I would have liked was more focus on the ghost part of the story. It was great and intriguing start but it came near the end and so didn't really get the page time that I would have wanted it to have. Still I liked this very much.
Home was another story in A.B. Gayle's Opposite's attract world and we get to see Nat and Danny from Caught (my personal favorite) and Dom and Steve from Leather+Lace again as secondary characters.
The story is about Jesse who is hosting his first gallery opening night as the new owner after his partner died earlier. The opening is going great but Jesse is nervous and can't really enjoy it all. After seeing Isaac in the crowd he is interested, especially as Isaac seems to return the interest, but he is still not quite over his lover's death so he is not totally happy to find a man that catches his eye again.
Jesse and Isaac were an interesting couple and I would love to see what comes off of their week together and what secrets Isaac is hiding. And he is definitely hiding something, he is way too mysteries about his job and where he lives not to have something to hide. =D
The last one Cutting out was another favorite of mine. It's pretty heart breaking story of Shane who is leader of a group of shearers and his affair with another shearer, Lachie. Lachie has problems of his own and isn't ready when Shane tries to tell him that he would want something other that just sex during jobs. Totally beautiful story.
July 15, 2014
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck - 4 Balls
* This was probably my favorite (along with the sheep shearer one). The youthfulness of the guys, the casual way they go to a beach house - it screams that time in your life when you are having your last sort of fling before college and/or responsibility. I thought it was sexy and I adored the way the two guys were more casual about who they liked. This is the same as my exp. with kids today - they are much more accepting and things don't seem so odd to them - you like girls, boys, both, neither..it's all good.
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett - 3 Balls
OK I liked this - a short 'mine' insta shifter love story. I'm a sucker for an alpha who tops a smaller bottom and yes that includes the whole "me, mine" language.
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen - 1 Ball
I didn't connect with this one, found it confusing and just strange. It felt all over the place.
The Rose by Pelaam - 2 balls
Another one where I just could not get into it. Neither the setting nor the characters called to me. It was very ho hum and I just didn't gel with the story at all.
"Home" by A.B. Gayle - 3 Balls
A.B. Gayle is one of my favorites and while I loved we got to see Don again this one I liked - but did not love. The writing is very good - I think I didn't like the characters too much for some reason. I did like the sex though :)
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - 4 Balls
Really enjoyed this story of a sheep shearer and the other shearer he is in love with. They have an issue with communication and believing the other will be there for each other. All I could picture with Coop was the Marlboro Man so you know the two MC's weren't the only one's with sex on their mind in this short.
* This was probably my favorite (along with the sheep shearer one). The youthfulness of the guys, the casual way they go to a beach house - it screams that time in your life when you are having your last sort of fling before college and/or responsibility. I thought it was sexy and I adored the way the two guys were more casual about who they liked. This is the same as my exp. with kids today - they are much more accepting and things don't seem so odd to them - you like girls, boys, both, neither..it's all good.
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett - 3 Balls
OK I liked this - a short 'mine' insta shifter love story. I'm a sucker for an alpha who tops a smaller bottom and yes that includes the whole "me, mine" language.
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen - 1 Ball
I didn't connect with this one, found it confusing and just strange. It felt all over the place.
The Rose by Pelaam - 2 balls
Another one where I just could not get into it. Neither the setting nor the characters called to me. It was very ho hum and I just didn't gel with the story at all.
"Home" by A.B. Gayle - 3 Balls
A.B. Gayle is one of my favorites and while I loved we got to see Don again this one I liked - but did not love. The writing is very good - I think I didn't like the characters too much for some reason. I did like the sex though :)
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - 4 Balls
Really enjoyed this story of a sheep shearer and the other shearer he is in love with. They have an issue with communication and believing the other will be there for each other. All I could picture with Coop was the Marlboro Man so you know the two MC's weren't the only one's with sex on their mind in this short.
March 22, 2014
Weekend at Lennox ~Susan Beck
Cullen = BEST NICKNAME EVER!
4 stars. I wasn't sure How I was going to like this. I'm not a big fan of bodily functions in my fiction. I mean, geez lets keep some mystery. But I soon got over that and this was really cute.
A Soldier’s Will ~Jess Buffett
3 stars. I liked the story. I'm a sucker for a shifter tale. It started off great. I skimmed the sex scene. It just wasn't doing anything for me.
By the Way” ~N.J. Nielsen
3 stars. cute. I got a tad confused with all the family name drops and stuff but it was still a cute read
The Rose ~Pelaam
2 stars. The italicizes thoughts were a bit distracting. The story was really rushed and by the time it got to the only interesting thing going on in the story (the ghost) It was over before it even started.
Home ~A.B. Gayle
5 stars. Wow what the absolute fuck... HOW COULD IT JUST END!!! *heavy breathing* holy shit. These guys are hot and im soo sad it's over!!!!
Cutting Out ~Meredith Shayne
4 stars. Really good solid read.
Cullen = BEST NICKNAME EVER!
4 stars. I wasn't sure How I was going to like this. I'm not a big fan of bodily functions in my fiction. I mean, geez lets keep some mystery. But I soon got over that and this was really cute.
A Soldier’s Will ~Jess Buffett
3 stars. I liked the story. I'm a sucker for a shifter tale. It started off great. I skimmed the sex scene. It just wasn't doing anything for me.
By the Way” ~N.J. Nielsen
3 stars. cute. I got a tad confused with all the family name drops and stuff but it was still a cute read
The Rose ~Pelaam
2 stars. The italicizes thoughts were a bit distracting. The story was really rushed and by the time it got to the only interesting thing going on in the story (the ghost) It was over before it even started.
Home ~A.B. Gayle
5 stars. Wow what the absolute fuck... HOW COULD IT JUST END!!! *heavy breathing* holy shit. These guys are hot and im soo sad it's over!!!!
Cutting Out ~Meredith Shayne
4 stars. Really good solid read.
September 14, 2014
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck ★★★★
This is my favorite story in the whole anthology. It was funny and cute. I wish there was more. My only question is why is Susan Beck not publishing more stories?
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett ★★★
This started off great but was disappointed where it ended. I need more from this story. Overall I love it and wish the author would extend this story.
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen ★★
It was an okay read and that little scene where the MCs was imagining himself as a vampire, sad but funniest part of the story.
The Rose By Pelaam ★★
Over too quickly to have any real opinion about it.
Home by A.B. Gayle ★★★
Cute and funny story.
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne ★★★
Quick story and nice way to end the anthology.
Overall the anthology was good choice for me. None of the story was real struggle for me to read. It nice free read to read in your spare time.
October 17, 2015
So far I have only read "Cutting Out" but if any of the others come close to how much I enjoyed that short story then this book will be a real winner.
Review to be adjusted as I go.
Review to be adjusted as I go.
April 4, 2014
What a fabulous collection of short stories. I can't even begin to express how fabulous it was reading these stories in my own vernacular.
I loved it! A solid 4.5.
I loved it! A solid 4.5.
March 7, 2014
Great read, especially since I love the whole Australian way of life and thinking. I had no trouble at all understanding most words....
September 10, 2016
A gift from the Oz MM Meet authors, 6 free shorts!
Generally, I really liked the stories - as usual in an anthology there are those I loved and those I probably wont return too.
The range covers werewolves, art galleries, ghosts, opposites, sheep shearing and all written with great antipodean vernacular!
As usual, rated each story and averaged out at 3.7. Enjoyed, will probably reread my two favourites again.
Generally, I really liked the stories - as usual in an anthology there are those I loved and those I probably wont return too.
The range covers werewolves, art galleries, ghosts, opposites, sheep shearing and all written with great antipodean vernacular!
As usual, rated each story and averaged out at 3.7. Enjoyed, will probably reread my two favourites again.
September 18, 2014
"Weekend at Lennox," by Susan Beck and Meredith Shayne's "Cutting Out" rate two thumbs up. The other four stories were unmemorable or extremely long and dreadful, or formulaic. But it's a free anthology, yeah?
June 28, 2016
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck - 3,5 stars
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett - 1,5 stars
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen - 3 stars
The Rose By Pelaam - 2 stars
Home by A.B. Gayle - 2,5 stars
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - 4 stars
A Soldier’s Will by Jess Buffett - 1,5 stars
By The Way by N.J. Nielsen - 3 stars
The Rose By Pelaam - 2 stars
Home by A.B. Gayle - 2,5 stars
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - 4 stars
August 21, 2014
4.5/5.0
August 24, 2023
Lots of different stories but none really long enough to feel satisfying.
November 23, 2023
An anthology of love stories from down under. Set between Australia and New Zealand the six stories follow different couples and their life and loves.
July 13, 2014
Weekend at Lennox by Susan Beck - July 10 - ★★★★☆
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett - July 10 - ★☆☆☆☆
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen - July 10 - ★★☆☆☆
The Rose by Pelaam - July 10 - ★★☆☆☆
"Home" by A.B. Gayle - July 10 - ★★★☆☆
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - July 11 - ★★★★☆
A Soldier's Will by Jess Buffett - July 10 - ★☆☆☆☆
By the Way by N.J. Nielsen - July 10 - ★★☆☆☆
The Rose by Pelaam - July 10 - ★★☆☆☆
"Home" by A.B. Gayle - July 10 - ★★★☆☆
Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne - July 11 - ★★★★☆
October 30, 2014
Weekend at Lennox - Susan Beck
It was the story of two straight teenage boys, too much to drink, a porno movie and restricted sleeping conditions. What's a guy supposed to do when he's horny and the double bed rolls to the centre. A fun read by a new author.
Jess Buffett's - A Soldier's Will.
With long held desires, secrets, a hot encounter and a misunderstanding it had all the elements of a good story. The action in this story all took place in a matter of hours. Well worth a read.
By the Way - N.J. Nielson.
Shawn wakes up in a hotel room wearing nothing but a collar and stilettos. He has no memory of the night before. The story follows Shawn finding out what happened and who with.
Pelaam - The Rose.
Ethan and Riley take a holiday for their 6th anniversary together. One place they stay is reported to be haunted by a ghost named Rose. Plenty of loving and a visit from a ghost. Worth reading.
"Home" - A.B. Gayle
Jesse's gallery is showing Nat's erotic photos when he catches the eye of Isaac, a country cowboy. This is the story of Isaac's persistence and Jesse's reawakening. The story could be considered part of her Opposites Attract series. Now I need to read those other stories.
Cutting Out - Meredith Shayne
Shane and Lachie are shearers working on the same gang who have become close over the past 3 months. Lachie's response to a comment by Shane pushes them apart. It is the story of their next meeting and what made Lachie respond as he did. Worth a read.
It was the story of two straight teenage boys, too much to drink, a porno movie and restricted sleeping conditions. What's a guy supposed to do when he's horny and the double bed rolls to the centre. A fun read by a new author.
Jess Buffett's - A Soldier's Will.
With long held desires, secrets, a hot encounter and a misunderstanding it had all the elements of a good story. The action in this story all took place in a matter of hours. Well worth a read.
By the Way - N.J. Nielson.
Shawn wakes up in a hotel room wearing nothing but a collar and stilettos. He has no memory of the night before. The story follows Shawn finding out what happened and who with.
Pelaam - The Rose.
Ethan and Riley take a holiday for their 6th anniversary together. One place they stay is reported to be haunted by a ghost named Rose. Plenty of loving and a visit from a ghost. Worth reading.
"Home" - A.B. Gayle
Jesse's gallery is showing Nat's erotic photos when he catches the eye of Isaac, a country cowboy. This is the story of Isaac's persistence and Jesse's reawakening. The story could be considered part of her Opposites Attract series. Now I need to read those other stories.
Cutting Out - Meredith Shayne
Shane and Lachie are shearers working on the same gang who have become close over the past 3 months. Lachie's response to a comment by Shane pushes them apart. It is the story of their next meeting and what made Lachie respond as he did. Worth a read.
October 5, 2014
This book was just OK for me; I liked about half of the stories and the other half was just kind of meh. My favorites are torn between the second story and the last one but of those two, the last story was more complete. That was a big complaint for me with this book...I just wanted more from a lot of them or they touched on something really interesting and then kind of failed with the follow through. (The Rose comes to mind which is a shame since it could have been really good if the concept had been explored more). I don't really see myself reading this one again.
April 23, 2014
Story ratings ranging from 3-4
September 8, 2016
Rating for Meredith Shayne's story Cutting Out only. Still need to read the others.
July 28, 2014
I know its an anthology but some of the stories were too short. I love some more than others but I have also found some new authors to add to my must read list.
September 16, 2014
Excellent quality and free to boot! love some Aussies in love. every story is well fleshed out and thoroughly enjoyable.
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