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Behind the Velvet Curtain #0.5
Strip Shot: The Prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain
We've all seen strippers up on stage. Did you ever wonder how they got there? The answer might surprise you.
Michael is a scrawny kid from Ohio who moves to San Francisco with his boyfriend Kenny. He loves everything about the city, except the guy he's with. When things turn ugly, how will he escape and how will he survive on his own, completely alone in the big city?
Along the way, he meets an eccentric cast of characters in his own personal Oz. An unlikely and not so yellow brick road with unexpected twists and turns lead him to the stage, but what will he find when he gets there? Will he have what it takes to make it as a stripper? Sometimes, you only get one shot.
Michael is a scrawny kid from Ohio who moves to San Francisco with his boyfriend Kenny. He loves everything about the city, except the guy he's with. When things turn ugly, how will he escape and how will he survive on his own, completely alone in the big city?
Along the way, he meets an eccentric cast of characters in his own personal Oz. An unlikely and not so yellow brick road with unexpected twists and turns lead him to the stage, but what will he find when he gets there? Will he have what it takes to make it as a stripper? Sometimes, you only get one shot.
114 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2017
27 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Matt Converse
22 books88 followersBestselling author of horror, thrillers, sci-fi and m/m romance, including The Whistler, I'm the Last Face You'll Ever See, The Four Corners of Horror and upcoming release They Kill.
Like his idol Alfred Hitchcock, he strives to bring suspense to his books.
Like his idol Alfred Hitchcock, he strives to bring suspense to his books.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 6, 2017
Gossshh it strikes me that after exactly one year Behind the Velvet Curtain i had the same feelings while reading: Close to the heart, intimate and personal, if this story was just for me.
Michael DeGragio confiscate in an improper way some money and moves away from home with his friend Kenny.
Telling your moving to Los Angeles instead of San Francisco because it sounds less gay... sorry it's really funny inventive.
Michael is such a nice guy, always kind and polite (don't abuse him because.....)
I hoped to know more about his sexual fantasies.....and damn there he goes...to the bath house....
After the break up, his life is getting better Karma does her work properly ;)
He gets a room and a job at the same place. Only strange things are happening in certain parts of the building...!!
Michael has a clear vision and I don't think he is aware of it but also really funny. He sounds serious but express himself humorous. I had a big smile while reading....
I love his confidence and trust for the future. He is such a pleasant personality, I would really love to have him as a friend.
At 69% I felt a tear rolling down my cheek, dear dear Gran what a great woman.
All the little story's through this story were really well written and very enjoyable.
Again the smooth way of telling his life is close to the heart, intimate, it felt real and honest, funny, with some tiny thriller parts and last but not least some parts are sexy as hell.
The end of the Prequel just gave me goosebumps because i knew what was coming......the story of Matt Jaxx
~~ I just loved Gran with her plaque “SILENCE PLEASE! You Are Now In The Presence of a GENIUS AT WORK.” ~~
Michael DeGragio confiscate in an improper way some money and moves away from home with his friend Kenny.
Telling your moving to Los Angeles instead of San Francisco because it sounds less gay... sorry it's really funny inventive.
Michael is such a nice guy, always kind and polite (don't abuse him because.....)
I hoped to know more about his sexual fantasies.....and damn there he goes...to the bath house....
After the break up, his life is getting better Karma does her work properly ;)
He gets a room and a job at the same place. Only strange things are happening in certain parts of the building...!!
Michael has a clear vision and I don't think he is aware of it but also really funny. He sounds serious but express himself humorous. I had a big smile while reading....
I love his confidence and trust for the future. He is such a pleasant personality, I would really love to have him as a friend.
At 69% I felt a tear rolling down my cheek, dear dear Gran what a great woman.
All the little story's through this story were really well written and very enjoyable.
Again the smooth way of telling his life is close to the heart, intimate, it felt real and honest, funny, with some tiny thriller parts and last but not least some parts are sexy as hell.
The end of the Prequel just gave me goosebumps because i knew what was coming......the story of Matt Jaxx
~~ I just loved Gran with her plaque “SILENCE PLEASE! You Are Now In The Presence of a GENIUS AT WORK.” ~~
March 15, 2021
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
This is the the very first book I've read by this Author. This book just took me by surprise. Michael is a small town boy. He decides that California is better than Ohio. He sets off on his travels with high hopes, flying by the seat of his pants. He figures out pretty quickly that life has a lot of crossroads. He trusts his guts to get him on the right road. This book is a trip.I like the way MATT CONVERSE brought this story together. I'm all jazzed up to see what's next. You can bet I'm going to find out. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
This is the the very first book I've read by this Author. This book just took me by surprise. Michael is a small town boy. He decides that California is better than Ohio. He sets off on his travels with high hopes, flying by the seat of his pants. He figures out pretty quickly that life has a lot of crossroads. He trusts his guts to get him on the right road. This book is a trip.I like the way MATT CONVERSE brought this story together. I'm all jazzed up to see what's next. You can bet I'm going to find out. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!
April 8, 2017
I won this in a GOODREADS giveaway - Strip Shot: The Prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain (Paperback) by Matt Converse - in case you are not paying attention: this is an Erotic Horror Novella - A excellent prequel : My suggestion is to have "Behind the Velvet Curtain" on hand. Since "Behind the Velvet Curtain" was actually written first, you should get them as a set!
May 19, 2017
Twenty-One year old Michael has always known he was destined to move away from his sleepy Ohio town and go somewhere exciting. With his boyfriend Kenny, they take off to San Francisco, California, and Michael feels like this is exactly where he was supposed to be.
Settling into his new environment proves to be a work in progress, but he meets some great people who help him come out of his shell, and forge his path to becoming a stripper.
One of the most notable parts of this story for me, is Michael’s sexuality, and his preferences regarding sex with men. I really appreciated that Michael had very clear feelings about penetrative sex, and this was demonstrated in both his interactions with men, and his own internal musings. Most, if not all, the gay erotic stories I’ve read over the last two years, have revolved around anal penetration, and I was really pleased that Michael’s preference for oral sex only, was made clear from the beginning, and remained consistent throughout the story. It was a refreshing reminder that not all people enjoy penetration, either receiving or giving, and that sex can be just as fun and sexy without it.
Michael’s confidence was really nice. He was comfortable in his own skin, and appeared to thrive in his environment once he settled into the city. There wasn’t really a chance to find out how he was in Ohio because the story begins as he and Kenny are leaving the State, and heading towards their goal of San Francisco. All I had to go on was his memory of events and how stifling he believed them to be. I would have liked to know more about how his behaviour was different in Ohio than it was in California.
Some of the scenes in this story didn’t quite fit into the overall plot, and I wasn’t particularly engaged in those parts of the story. Michael’s dreams didn’t interest me, and I would have preferred not to read about them. I do think the author has a knack for writing some creepy shit, but I think that would have served better not to be included in this story. It didn’t seem to take the plot anywhere that I could see, and became distracting, with no clear overall message.
This story needs a thorough edit. Some parts of Michael’s internal dialogue was repetitive, and unnecessary. I think a full edit and polish would do this story a lot of good. Another thing that was missing was the engaging of all senses. It would have created a more three-dimensional experience.
I liked Michael’s journey, and I thought some tightening of the storyline would have made him a less scattered character. His thoughts seemed to jump around alot, and it took a lot longer to get to the point of the monologues. I enjoyed the direction of the story, and the reason for Michael choosing the job he did. His confidence and easy-going nature made him a nice character to follow.
I was disappointed in the flippant and dismissive nature with the complex issue of domestic violence. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to reflect Michael’s naivety about this issue, but it certainly did showcase how young and sheltered he was, even within the freedoms and growing potential provided by San Francisco. It was a major sticking point for me, and I’ve been rattled by it for a few days.
Overall this story had potential, and was interesting. I liked Michael’s character, and his journey to a big city. I would take a chance on the author in future, as his skills in writing develop, because the subject matter overall is something I am interested in reading more about. With the small horror element added in via Michael’s dreams, I can see this author doing really well in that genre, once the writing is tightened up.
Settling into his new environment proves to be a work in progress, but he meets some great people who help him come out of his shell, and forge his path to becoming a stripper.
One of the most notable parts of this story for me, is Michael’s sexuality, and his preferences regarding sex with men. I really appreciated that Michael had very clear feelings about penetrative sex, and this was demonstrated in both his interactions with men, and his own internal musings. Most, if not all, the gay erotic stories I’ve read over the last two years, have revolved around anal penetration, and I was really pleased that Michael’s preference for oral sex only, was made clear from the beginning, and remained consistent throughout the story. It was a refreshing reminder that not all people enjoy penetration, either receiving or giving, and that sex can be just as fun and sexy without it.
Michael’s confidence was really nice. He was comfortable in his own skin, and appeared to thrive in his environment once he settled into the city. There wasn’t really a chance to find out how he was in Ohio because the story begins as he and Kenny are leaving the State, and heading towards their goal of San Francisco. All I had to go on was his memory of events and how stifling he believed them to be. I would have liked to know more about how his behaviour was different in Ohio than it was in California.
Some of the scenes in this story didn’t quite fit into the overall plot, and I wasn’t particularly engaged in those parts of the story. Michael’s dreams didn’t interest me, and I would have preferred not to read about them. I do think the author has a knack for writing some creepy shit, but I think that would have served better not to be included in this story. It didn’t seem to take the plot anywhere that I could see, and became distracting, with no clear overall message.
This story needs a thorough edit. Some parts of Michael’s internal dialogue was repetitive, and unnecessary. I think a full edit and polish would do this story a lot of good. Another thing that was missing was the engaging of all senses. It would have created a more three-dimensional experience.
I liked Michael’s journey, and I thought some tightening of the storyline would have made him a less scattered character. His thoughts seemed to jump around alot, and it took a lot longer to get to the point of the monologues. I enjoyed the direction of the story, and the reason for Michael choosing the job he did. His confidence and easy-going nature made him a nice character to follow.
I was disappointed in the flippant and dismissive nature with the complex issue of domestic violence. I wasn’t sure if it was supposed to reflect Michael’s naivety about this issue, but it certainly did showcase how young and sheltered he was, even within the freedoms and growing potential provided by San Francisco. It was a major sticking point for me, and I’ve been rattled by it for a few days.
Overall this story had potential, and was interesting. I liked Michael’s character, and his journey to a big city. I would take a chance on the author in future, as his skills in writing develop, because the subject matter overall is something I am interested in reading more about. With the small horror element added in via Michael’s dreams, I can see this author doing really well in that genre, once the writing is tightened up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2017
We follow Micheal and Kenny as they take the leap to move away from their home town to be together but deep down is it truly meant to be, as they descend on San Francisco they find a place but as their relationship moves forward it then turns unsuspected with Micheal running.
~ I'm not going into details as this book needs to be read to savour each elements of the story.~
I really liked Michael he was headstrong always beloved their was more then what was just in front of him.
Being alone he has to pull it together and he finds himself the perfect opportunity.
I loved the whole dynamic of this book with all characters brought a different edge with it.
I really enjoyed this adventure and so glad I managed to find this author now I'm so intrigued to read the next book.
~ I'm not going into details as this book needs to be read to savour each elements of the story.~
I really liked Michael he was headstrong always beloved their was more then what was just in front of him.
Being alone he has to pull it together and he finds himself the perfect opportunity.
I loved the whole dynamic of this book with all characters brought a different edge with it.
I really enjoyed this adventure and so glad I managed to find this author now I'm so intrigued to read the next book.
April 4, 2017
I really enjoyed this prequel. Michael goes through various adjustments after he moves to San Francisco with Kenny. His relationship with Kenny ends and leaves him on his own to make a new life by himself. After several experiences, it leads him to agree to be a stripper. Looking forward to reading behind the velvet curtain.
July 30, 2017
I think perhaps I should have read the prequel after reading Behind the Velvet Curtain. I enjoyed the book but had a hard time connecting with Michael. Maybe if I'd known the characters better? I am excited to read the main event now. Bring on the new adventures as he starts his career stripping. I love erotic suspense. I can't wait!
March 24, 2017
Gold Prequel
Prequels are always good for getting more back information about the characters. It helps give you information to understand why the. Character does what he does. It was a gold prequel.
Prequels are always good for getting more back information about the characters. It helps give you information to understand why the. Character does what he does. It was a gold prequel.
March 7, 2017
This book was so amazing! I can't wait to read more from Matt Converse. The story was filled with emotions and humor and made me see things in a whole new light. It was also full of fun surprises. I will definitely be reading more of Matt's work!!
February 11, 2017
Great setup, I'm glad I read this one first.
June 30, 2017
This book was great story about Micheal and his adventures to a new place. At the age of 21 he kinda took some money from his Gran which makes him fee bad...just so he and Kenny could leave this place behind them. San Francisco they where bound which they'd settled in to a dingy flat until they could get jobs. Micheal knows that he and Kenny are not going to make it long term in their relationship. 3 months latter after an abusive argument Micheal runs out the flat not looking back. What happens next to Michael as he finds his way in amongst San Francisco, you'll need to read this book. Adventures include Drama, Paranormal Beings and great scenes..I found the first chapter was a little repetitive but after that it was great.
April 16, 2018
After the success of my first release, Behind the Velvet Curtain, my readers wanted a sequel. But I thought there was a story that needed to be told first, so I wrote Strip Shot, the prequel. It shows how the main character made it to the stage and became a stripper. I wanted to show people that coming of age can come in many different and unexpected forms.
Most people's view of what it is like to be a stripper is very skewed by movies like Magic Mike. I enjoyed the movie, but it is very unrealistic. I wanted to show a real, gritty look at the road the becoming a stripper and what you really find when you get there. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Most people's view of what it is like to be a stripper is very skewed by movies like Magic Mike. I enjoyed the movie, but it is very unrealistic. I wanted to show a real, gritty look at the road the becoming a stripper and what you really find when you get there. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
November 22, 2020
This is the prequel to a book I read a little while ago, this tell the story of how Michael/Matt makes his dodgy way to San Francisco and the adventures and nightmares he goes through for the year or so before he gets into stripping. It's interesting in places, scary in places, amusing in places, and a wee bit boring in places, but not enough to stop me reading. Nice short.
October 11, 2018
I really loved this story which explains why Michael does what he does to survive in the big city of San Francisco. The story is very fast paced and sometimes I felt breathless, but at the same time it totally draws you into Michael's life and personality which is a credit to the author. I loved the supernatural parts where in his dreams he sees things that turn out to be linked to the real word including his ex boyfriend, the death of a resident and his grandmother. Altogether it was a fantastic read that kept me hooked until the end.
April 14, 2021
This was definitely a crazy, fun read. It was truly Michael's personal Oz. There was a diverse group of characters, plenty of twists and turns, and a dash of horror. I loved every minute of Michael's journey to the stage. I'm looking forward to reading what comes next for Michael.
February 10, 2022
I am not sure how I feel about this title just yet. Seeing how the main character managed to work to get to be sustainable on his own was great to see. Curious to see what the next book brings. Will continue to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2018
Good
Characters are warm and true to form. Story seems to get a bit weak in spots but tends to be interesting.
Characters are warm and true to form. Story seems to get a bit weak in spots but tends to be interesting.
March 15, 2018
i really enjoyed this one
July 9, 2018
I enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this prequel to The Velvet Curtain. I laughed and gasped a little here abd there. I thought it was really nice look into Matt Jaxx's beginning.
I really enjoyed this prequel to The Velvet Curtain. I laughed and gasped a little here abd there. I thought it was really nice look into Matt Jaxx's beginning.
July 13, 2018
Strip Shot
Awesome book. This book was a page Turner that I couldn't stop reading unti the end. I had loved this book. I would highly recommend this book.
Awesome book. This book was a page Turner that I couldn't stop reading unti the end. I had loved this book. I would highly recommend this book.
Read
February 24, 2020DNF @ 57%
I tried with this book, but it was just too jumbled.
I didn't know where this story would be going. It was just too confusing...
Didn't like it.
I tried with this book, but it was just too jumbled.
I didn't know where this story would be going. It was just too confusing...
Didn't like it.
February 5, 2017
Good.
Sometimes first person point of view works and others it feels a little stilted and immature. Personally, this fell into the latter for me. Great set up for the main event, though.
Sometimes first person point of view works and others it feels a little stilted and immature. Personally, this fell into the latter for me. Great set up for the main event, though.
Read
March 9, 2018The book started with a guy stealing money from his grandparents. I lost interest after that.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews