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All I Want for Christmas
A naughty collection of Yuletide tales includes Chris Kenry's An Extra-Large Christmas, in which legendary photographer Frank Malloy, who is known for his photos of gorgeous, naked men, falls for a burly delivery man and learns that love comes in all sizes. Original. 15,000 first printing.
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 1, 2017
Four entertainingly light-weight stories set in LA (3) and Hartford. Pleased to find gay lit that deals with characters that are more than twinks - some who have life experiences beyond coming-out drama. All have different plots lines and were fun to read - not causing any deep thinking. Probably a good beach read.
December 26, 2008
This book is a collection of four Christmas-themed novellas with gay protagonists. I actually picked up the book because I am a big fan of one of the author's (William J. Mann) included in the collection and was looking forward to read another piece by him.
The first storry was called "He'll Be Mine by Christmas," and it was written by Jon Jeffrey. In this tale, Carson St. John, a self-centered fashionista and editor of the gay men's magazine, BFM, has been given the opportunity to get a big promotion and take a postition at a publication run by a very wealthy british publisher named Carson Fox, who has recently had some work done and is quite the hotty. Carson has decided that what re really wants for Christmas is Carson, and he is going to do whatever it takes to win the publisher's hot. That includes bringing his old, catty secretary along to work undercover against another man who is in pursuit of Carson.
In "An Extra-Large Christmas," Chris Kenry looks into the fact that size really does not matter when two different, large men take the center stage. We are first introduced to a retiring Czech porn star who is looking to become well known for more than just what he packs. Instead, he is looking to make it big in the photography arena, which forces him to make an appeal to Frank Malloy, a talented man behind the camera who is hoping to shift his focus from artsy shots of naked men to the great works of architecture in Europe. His publisher has doubts, but Frank is still hopeful. As the holiday season kicks into full swing, Frank meets Al, a plus-sized delivery man who catches his eye, and the two start a romance. Frank is embarassed about his taste in men so he doesn't invite Al to his annual Christmas party, and things get a little wild, presenting a situation that endangers their relationship. How will the trio of characters achieve their dreams? That is the big question.
William J. Mann does what he does best with "If You Believe." Four characters that have been friends for years despite fights and changing relationships find their world changing as Christmas approaches. Michael, who is the only one who is not in a relationship, finds what he is really missing even as havoc reigns through their gay family's holiday celebrations.
Ben Tyler shares what it must be like to be the son of Polly Pepper, a gay diva that is a superstar. Tim believes that he has finally foundlove in the form of Evan, a local florist. He is not sure that his mother will approve of someone of such low stature being involved with her sone, and he knows that most guys are either only interested in him because of his mother or want to avoid him for the same reason. As a result, he keeps his maternity quiet, which leads to another whole round of challenges, particularly as Tim is trying to balance Christmas party planning for his mom and a good friend. No one really seems to know whether it is better to be "Naughty or Nice."
As you can probably tell from the descriptions, there is a little bit more romance in evidence in these stories, and many of the characters are shallow. By the end, though, I found myself really interested in their story, and was pleased to find happy endings that shows that it is sometimes a wonderful thing to get exactly what you wish for for Christmas.
The first storry was called "He'll Be Mine by Christmas," and it was written by Jon Jeffrey. In this tale, Carson St. John, a self-centered fashionista and editor of the gay men's magazine, BFM, has been given the opportunity to get a big promotion and take a postition at a publication run by a very wealthy british publisher named Carson Fox, who has recently had some work done and is quite the hotty. Carson has decided that what re really wants for Christmas is Carson, and he is going to do whatever it takes to win the publisher's hot. That includes bringing his old, catty secretary along to work undercover against another man who is in pursuit of Carson.
In "An Extra-Large Christmas," Chris Kenry looks into the fact that size really does not matter when two different, large men take the center stage. We are first introduced to a retiring Czech porn star who is looking to become well known for more than just what he packs. Instead, he is looking to make it big in the photography arena, which forces him to make an appeal to Frank Malloy, a talented man behind the camera who is hoping to shift his focus from artsy shots of naked men to the great works of architecture in Europe. His publisher has doubts, but Frank is still hopeful. As the holiday season kicks into full swing, Frank meets Al, a plus-sized delivery man who catches his eye, and the two start a romance. Frank is embarassed about his taste in men so he doesn't invite Al to his annual Christmas party, and things get a little wild, presenting a situation that endangers their relationship. How will the trio of characters achieve their dreams? That is the big question.
William J. Mann does what he does best with "If You Believe." Four characters that have been friends for years despite fights and changing relationships find their world changing as Christmas approaches. Michael, who is the only one who is not in a relationship, finds what he is really missing even as havoc reigns through their gay family's holiday celebrations.
Ben Tyler shares what it must be like to be the son of Polly Pepper, a gay diva that is a superstar. Tim believes that he has finally foundlove in the form of Evan, a local florist. He is not sure that his mother will approve of someone of such low stature being involved with her sone, and he knows that most guys are either only interested in him because of his mother or want to avoid him for the same reason. As a result, he keeps his maternity quiet, which leads to another whole round of challenges, particularly as Tim is trying to balance Christmas party planning for his mom and a good friend. No one really seems to know whether it is better to be "Naughty or Nice."
As you can probably tell from the descriptions, there is a little bit more romance in evidence in these stories, and many of the characters are shallow. By the end, though, I found myself really interested in their story, and was pleased to find happy endings that shows that it is sometimes a wonderful thing to get exactly what you wish for for Christmas.
May 7, 2011
Two of the stories were boring and formulaic, but An Extra Large Christmas by Chris Kenry and If You Believe by William J. Mann were surprisingly well-written. An Extra Large Christmas is a witty, charming and laugh-out-loud story about photographer Frank Molloy who hides an embarassing secret. Although Frank is known for his airbrushed photos of perfect boys, Frank likes men of girth. He is currently in love with AL, the portly UPS man who delivers packages to his door. But, too ashamed to admit his attraction he pushes AL away. He soon regrets it and hires the witty and perceptive aging Russian porn star,Rodya to play detective and track down AL. ( AL is described as looking like a cross between James Gandolfini and Fred Flinstone). This utterly delightful,likeable, and hilarious story reminds me of some screwball comedy from the 1930's, but starring gay men. It would make a great movie. All the characters are funny: The intelligent Rodya, the indignant AL, and the cowardly Frank. I was surprised at how enjoyable this story was!
The second worth-while story was If You Believe by William J. Mann. It is the only romance I have ever read set in gray,depressed, working-class Hartford.Conn. I was very impressed by the author's ability to convey such a strong, and definite sense of place. Ambitious kids in Hartford either work for the insurance companies or leave town and move to Boston or NY. Old gay High School friends Christopher, James and Michael have never been able break free,but hope for the best anyway. Except for some cliched minor characters, and a small fantasy element, this is a novella that would not be out of place in a top-notch literary anthology. I look forward to reading The Wisecracker by William J.Mann.
The second worth-while story was If You Believe by William J. Mann. It is the only romance I have ever read set in gray,depressed, working-class Hartford.Conn. I was very impressed by the author's ability to convey such a strong, and definite sense of place. Ambitious kids in Hartford either work for the insurance companies or leave town and move to Boston or NY. Old gay High School friends Christopher, James and Michael have never been able break free,but hope for the best anyway. Except for some cliched minor characters, and a small fantasy element, this is a novella that would not be out of place in a top-notch literary anthology. I look forward to reading The Wisecracker by William J.Mann.
August 28, 2015
Four of Kensington's most popular gay novelists contribute novellas to this collection of holiday-themed fiction that should fulfill most stocking-stuffer requirements.
In Jon Jeffrey's "He'll Be Mine by Christmas Morning," self-absorbed magazine editor Carson St. John goes to great lengths (including hiring a dating coach to critique his personality traits) to woo Callum Fox, a consumer trends forecaster who recently "pulled a Sandy from Grease" (i.e. transformed himself from a chunk to a hunk). Although Carson's shift from callow to cavalier is abrupt, the writing is witty and fun.
Chris Kenry's "An Extra-Large Christmas" is filled with interesting characters-including a retired gay porn star and a famous photographer of sculpted gym bunnies who secretly lusts after a plus-sized UPS delivery man-but the one-joke premise (the photographer thinks he will be ruined if people know he is a chubby-chaser) gets less funny as it drags on.
The two best stories are unwrapped last. William Mann's haunting and skillful "If You Believe" uses flashbacks to show three friends' evolving relationships with each other when new mates are added.
Ben Tyler's bubbly and sweet-natured "Naughty or Nice" features musical-comedy TV star Polly Pepper's efforts to find Mr. Right for her gay son. Polly is a great creation, a raunchier Auntie Mame (with a yen for risqu‚ Internet chat rooms) and a slightly more sober version of AbFab's Patsy and Edina (with best friend/maid Placenta in tow).
In Jon Jeffrey's "He'll Be Mine by Christmas Morning," self-absorbed magazine editor Carson St. John goes to great lengths (including hiring a dating coach to critique his personality traits) to woo Callum Fox, a consumer trends forecaster who recently "pulled a Sandy from Grease" (i.e. transformed himself from a chunk to a hunk). Although Carson's shift from callow to cavalier is abrupt, the writing is witty and fun.
Chris Kenry's "An Extra-Large Christmas" is filled with interesting characters-including a retired gay porn star and a famous photographer of sculpted gym bunnies who secretly lusts after a plus-sized UPS delivery man-but the one-joke premise (the photographer thinks he will be ruined if people know he is a chubby-chaser) gets less funny as it drags on.
The two best stories are unwrapped last. William Mann's haunting and skillful "If You Believe" uses flashbacks to show three friends' evolving relationships with each other when new mates are added.
Ben Tyler's bubbly and sweet-natured "Naughty or Nice" features musical-comedy TV star Polly Pepper's efforts to find Mr. Right for her gay son. Polly is a great creation, a raunchier Auntie Mame (with a yen for risqu‚ Internet chat rooms) and a slightly more sober version of AbFab's Patsy and Edina (with best friend/maid Placenta in tow).
December 6, 2008
This wasn't a bad collection. The 3rd and 4th stories being the better of the 4.
March 10, 2015
The four stars are for the William J Mann story. The others were more a two or three....
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews