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Hard Working Men
No ties. No button-down shirts. Jeans and t-shirts. Sweat and dirt. These are combinations that can bring a man to his knees, or can it? In this collection, join four of our authors as they explore the blue collar world. William Maltese's TOW-BLOW, Victor J. Banis' IF LOVE WERE ALL, THE THOMAS COLEMAN FULL NELSON by Jardonn Smith and ONE BRICK AT A TIME by J.P. Bowie bring us to where denim, sweat and lust are everywhere.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
59 people want to read
About the author
William Maltese
151 books20 followersPseudonym of William J. Lambert III.
I've been in the business of writing books for a very long time, and I derive particular enjoyment from visiting different places and then trying to relay the "essence" of those places to my readers. Likewise, I'm very adventuresome regarding trying new things, whether it be exotic and strange foods and/or other more personal "things".
I've been in the business of writing books for a very long time, and I derive particular enjoyment from visiting different places and then trying to relay the "essence" of those places to my readers. Likewise, I'm very adventuresome regarding trying new things, whether it be exotic and strange foods and/or other more personal "things".
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May 7, 2009An anthology of blue collar love... even if sometime the blue collar is not what he seems...
If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis: Charlie is a boy without home and work. He wonders under the rain when Tom, an older man, offers him a shelter for the night. When they are alone, it's clear that Tom offers also something else, and Charlie doesn't see a reason to reject the man. So they start a strange relationship, where Tom supports Charlie in every material needs, a roof, food, dresses in exchange of sex. But Tom claims he is not gay, that he opted for this solution for avoid trouble with women, trouble that in the past put him in prison. So he is pretty feeling deprived and Charlie has not the strenght to face him.
It's clear that Victon J. Banis is fond of Charlie. In this story Charlie is the victim, the poor boy who needs comfort and instead finds only a cruel sexual relationship with a man who seems not able to love. But all in all instead I like Tom: I think he is not a desperate case, and if Charlie had had the courage to impose his reasons, maybe their relationship could have a chance.
One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie: Of the four stories, this one is the most sweet. I don't say the most romantic since, in their own ways, all the stories in this anthology are romantic. Sometime sex is raw and primitive, but all the stories are about "romantic" love. Anyway here we have Tony, a web programmer recently dumped by his wealthy lover. Not that Tony minds the loss of the money, he was truly fond of Jeremy, if not really in love. And so, six months later, what he misses his a steady partner, someone to go bed together and wake up still together. Steve seems the right guy: handsome and gentle, he is working on the construction site in front of Tony's building. Actually Steve is not a real "blue collar", he owns his own business as brick layer, and he is very good at it. From the first time they met, for Tony is love at first sight, and when he has the change to also known better the man, the physical attraction soon develops in real love.
All in all Tony is a true romantic and he finds his match in Steve. Both men are not selfish, and even if they have some slightly trouble during the starting phase of their relationship, it's obvious that they are fated to be together and all the story flows smoothly and enjoyable towards the expected ending.
The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith: Here is maybe the story where the sex vs romanticism match could seem more harsh, and instead to a careful reader, this could be the most romantic story of the anthology. Melvin and Thomas are buddy friends: they lived near each other for all their live, made all the first thing together and were inseparable. Melvin also developed a sexual interest in Thomas when both boy passed the phase between childhood and adolescence, but in their "blue collar" world, being gay is not something you can consider. And so the last night of their adolescence, before Thomas's marriage (a shotgun wedding...), they share an intimate moment, and Melvin offers himself to Thomas, but Thomas is not ready, or willing, to start something with Melvin that he can't have for real. Yes since Thomas is not disgusted, or surprised, by Melvin's proposition: probably also Thomas is in love with his friend. And so Melvin enters his "gay" adult life using another man as experimental playground. But years later, when Thomas is finally ready to admit that he made a mistake, Melvin is there, with open arms, to welcome again his friend, and now lover.
The story is told in first person by Melvin, who, while living his present life as Thomas' lover, remembers their past and all the step that took them together. As I said there is a lot of sex, the type of sex from gut rather than heart, the type of sex that can discourage the most faint hearts, but try to pass over, or better, try to enjoy it, while at the same time you enjoy the story.
Tow Blow by William Maltese: last but not least the like a riverin flood William Maltese telling the amusing adventures of... William Maltese! in the role of an hustler who sometime has to play the role of a blue collar for kinky customers and that, in the end, will fall in love with his own personal "blue collar". After a rather quite calm starting, William launches himself in a 13 pages long sex scene all in first person and all "talked": it's not the author that told us the story, but it's William Maltese, in the hustler role, who explains in every details to the current customer, what he will do and what he is doing. Like I said, a riverin flood of words. After this William continues his adventures with some eclectic customers, to finish in the middle of nowhere Texas, in a barn, making love for pleasure and not for money, with Denny, a supposed truck driver. What William thinks a passing fling, reveals to be the true thing, and the skilled hustler will do everything to find again Denny, even if, in the meantime, he tests his "devotion" to true love, with other men... well, you need to be certain, needn't you?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531790/?...
If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis: Charlie is a boy without home and work. He wonders under the rain when Tom, an older man, offers him a shelter for the night. When they are alone, it's clear that Tom offers also something else, and Charlie doesn't see a reason to reject the man. So they start a strange relationship, where Tom supports Charlie in every material needs, a roof, food, dresses in exchange of sex. But Tom claims he is not gay, that he opted for this solution for avoid trouble with women, trouble that in the past put him in prison. So he is pretty feeling deprived and Charlie has not the strenght to face him.
It's clear that Victon J. Banis is fond of Charlie. In this story Charlie is the victim, the poor boy who needs comfort and instead finds only a cruel sexual relationship with a man who seems not able to love. But all in all instead I like Tom: I think he is not a desperate case, and if Charlie had had the courage to impose his reasons, maybe their relationship could have a chance.
One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie: Of the four stories, this one is the most sweet. I don't say the most romantic since, in their own ways, all the stories in this anthology are romantic. Sometime sex is raw and primitive, but all the stories are about "romantic" love. Anyway here we have Tony, a web programmer recently dumped by his wealthy lover. Not that Tony minds the loss of the money, he was truly fond of Jeremy, if not really in love. And so, six months later, what he misses his a steady partner, someone to go bed together and wake up still together. Steve seems the right guy: handsome and gentle, he is working on the construction site in front of Tony's building. Actually Steve is not a real "blue collar", he owns his own business as brick layer, and he is very good at it. From the first time they met, for Tony is love at first sight, and when he has the change to also known better the man, the physical attraction soon develops in real love.
All in all Tony is a true romantic and he finds his match in Steve. Both men are not selfish, and even if they have some slightly trouble during the starting phase of their relationship, it's obvious that they are fated to be together and all the story flows smoothly and enjoyable towards the expected ending.
The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith: Here is maybe the story where the sex vs romanticism match could seem more harsh, and instead to a careful reader, this could be the most romantic story of the anthology. Melvin and Thomas are buddy friends: they lived near each other for all their live, made all the first thing together and were inseparable. Melvin also developed a sexual interest in Thomas when both boy passed the phase between childhood and adolescence, but in their "blue collar" world, being gay is not something you can consider. And so the last night of their adolescence, before Thomas's marriage (a shotgun wedding...), they share an intimate moment, and Melvin offers himself to Thomas, but Thomas is not ready, or willing, to start something with Melvin that he can't have for real. Yes since Thomas is not disgusted, or surprised, by Melvin's proposition: probably also Thomas is in love with his friend. And so Melvin enters his "gay" adult life using another man as experimental playground. But years later, when Thomas is finally ready to admit that he made a mistake, Melvin is there, with open arms, to welcome again his friend, and now lover.
The story is told in first person by Melvin, who, while living his present life as Thomas' lover, remembers their past and all the step that took them together. As I said there is a lot of sex, the type of sex from gut rather than heart, the type of sex that can discourage the most faint hearts, but try to pass over, or better, try to enjoy it, while at the same time you enjoy the story.
Tow Blow by William Maltese: last but not least the like a riverin flood William Maltese telling the amusing adventures of... William Maltese! in the role of an hustler who sometime has to play the role of a blue collar for kinky customers and that, in the end, will fall in love with his own personal "blue collar". After a rather quite calm starting, William launches himself in a 13 pages long sex scene all in first person and all "talked": it's not the author that told us the story, but it's William Maltese, in the hustler role, who explains in every details to the current customer, what he will do and what he is doing. Like I said, a riverin flood of words. After this William continues his adventures with some eclectic customers, to finish in the middle of nowhere Texas, in a barn, making love for pleasure and not for money, with Denny, a supposed truck driver. What William thinks a passing fling, reveals to be the true thing, and the skilled hustler will do everything to find again Denny, even if, in the meantime, he tests his "devotion" to true love, with other men... well, you need to be certain, needn't you?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531790/?...
May 28, 2010
I really liked this collection of four stories about blue-collar men.
The first one, If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis, packs quite a punch. Depressing in many ways, I think it's a great story with a very powerful message.
The second story, One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie, was very romantic. The brick layer and the webdesigner have an immediate rapport that I found very touching.
The third contribution, The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith, was a little confusing because it jumps back and forth in time a lot. I still enjoyed it as a portrait of two blue collar men who finally find each other after years of struggle.
The last story, Tow Blow by William Maltese, was a lot of fun, even hilarious in places. I found the hustler's descriptions of his "adventures" very entertaining.
The first one, If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis, packs quite a punch. Depressing in many ways, I think it's a great story with a very powerful message.
The second story, One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie, was very romantic. The brick layer and the webdesigner have an immediate rapport that I found very touching.
The third contribution, The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith, was a little confusing because it jumps back and forth in time a lot. I still enjoyed it as a portrait of two blue collar men who finally find each other after years of struggle.
The last story, Tow Blow by William Maltese, was a lot of fun, even hilarious in places. I found the hustler's descriptions of his "adventures" very entertaining.
November 12, 2012
This was a collection of short stories featuring hard working, blue-collar men. One of these stories was surprisingly poignant.
If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis: [5 stars] This story was the shortest story in the anthology but definitely the most poignant. In fact, this wasn't a happy story at all and I was really surprised that the anthology started this way. Charlie is a young man hitching a ride when he is picked up by a man who offers him shelter. What happens next is nothing like what you would expect from a romance anthology, but it really kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading. Easily the best story in the book in my opinion. (in fact, I just read it again - it was that short and that good)
One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie: [3 stars] I've read this short as a standalone story before but I read it again as part of this anthology, This story was okay. I see I gave it about 2.5 stars last time. I think it's better as part of an anthology than as a standalone story. I found however, that I didn't like Steve as much as I did the first time I read the story. I was more annoyed this time that Steve didn't believe Tony.
The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith: [5 stars] This was around a 4-5 star read for me. I gave it 5 as part of the anthology. I really liked Melvin and Thomas in this story and while the story jumped around in timelines, it still wasn't too bad to follow. Usually I get annoyed when there are years of wasted time between two people that are obviously meant to be together, but for some reason, while I still didn't like it, it just seemed to work with this story. Maybe because of the way the story jumped among timelines.
Tow Blow by William Maltese: [2 stars] There were things I liked about this story but other things I didn't. The MC, um, William Maltese (hey, isn't that the author's name?) is a high class hooker that is generously compensated for his fulfilling of rich men's fantasies. The thing I liked the least about this book were all the scenes with his Johns. The first half of the book was a scene with a John named Terry, a car salesman, and it was really, really, really, really long. And awful. It was awful because they were role-playing and I had to read such hideous dialogue as "My thick and coagulating spunk webbing...the entire length and depth and circumference of your tightly gripping asshole...That you, blasting, Mr. Car Man?" So not only was it bad, but it was like pages and pages of bad. In Mr. Maltese's defense, I really think he was trying to emphasize how awful the sex with Johns can be. But I could barely get through it and skimmed nearly the entire scene. And the next one with the John that wanted to be a cowboy. Soooooo - it was hard to really come back from that. While I did enjoy William's interactions with the towtruck guy, Denny, and that sex scene was much better, I just couldn't get back into it. And he never tells Denny that he's a hooker. That could potentially be a deal breaker to their HEA.
If Love Were All by Victor J. Banis: [5 stars] This story was the shortest story in the anthology but definitely the most poignant. In fact, this wasn't a happy story at all and I was really surprised that the anthology started this way. Charlie is a young man hitching a ride when he is picked up by a man who offers him shelter. What happens next is nothing like what you would expect from a romance anthology, but it really kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading. Easily the best story in the book in my opinion. (in fact, I just read it again - it was that short and that good)
One Brick at a Time by J.P. Bowie: [3 stars] I've read this short as a standalone story before but I read it again as part of this anthology, This story was okay. I see I gave it about 2.5 stars last time. I think it's better as part of an anthology than as a standalone story. I found however, that I didn't like Steve as much as I did the first time I read the story. I was more annoyed this time that Steve didn't believe Tony.
The Thomas Coleman Full Nelson by Jardonn Smith: [5 stars] This was around a 4-5 star read for me. I gave it 5 as part of the anthology. I really liked Melvin and Thomas in this story and while the story jumped around in timelines, it still wasn't too bad to follow. Usually I get annoyed when there are years of wasted time between two people that are obviously meant to be together, but for some reason, while I still didn't like it, it just seemed to work with this story. Maybe because of the way the story jumped among timelines.
Tow Blow by William Maltese: [2 stars] There were things I liked about this story but other things I didn't. The MC, um, William Maltese (hey, isn't that the author's name?) is a high class hooker that is generously compensated for his fulfilling of rich men's fantasies. The thing I liked the least about this book were all the scenes with his Johns. The first half of the book was a scene with a John named Terry, a car salesman, and it was really, really, really, really long. And awful. It was awful because they were role-playing and I had to read such hideous dialogue as "My thick and coagulating spunk webbing...the entire length and depth and circumference of your tightly gripping asshole...That you, blasting, Mr. Car Man?" So not only was it bad, but it was like pages and pages of bad. In Mr. Maltese's defense, I really think he was trying to emphasize how awful the sex with Johns can be. But I could barely get through it and skimmed nearly the entire scene. And the next one with the John that wanted to be a cowboy. Soooooo - it was hard to really come back from that. While I did enjoy William's interactions with the towtruck guy, Denny, and that sex scene was much better, I just couldn't get back into it. And he never tells Denny that he's a hooker. That could potentially be a deal breaker to their HEA.
May 18, 2015
The first two stories were the best. In fact, I didn't finish the last two stories. I just couldn't get into them. As I've said before, anthologies are not my favorite books, it's always a mixed-bag of stories, some good, some not so good.
Three Stars!
Three Stars!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews