Book review: Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror

Hi, pornies! I hope you are having a good time. There are ups and downs for me, part of life’s journey and so on. Cannot get to philosophical right now. What I can get to is to speak about a good book, about Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror, by Julián López, more specifically. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy!

• Print Length: 218 pages
• Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (April 14, 2020)
• Publication Date: April 14, 2020
• ISBN-10: 1635556899
• ISBN-13: 978-1635556896

This compilation of short horror stories is certain to frighten, but also seduce. From the alluring handsome stranger disguising his true identity as the Grim Reaper to the ancient Egyptian elite returning after centuries to cause mayhem, and spine-tingling tales of the full moon, vampires, werewolves, and other lurking creatures. The Eiffel Tower is only a short distance from the circus, with its sinister freaks coming out to play. Antique Venetian masks serve as optical instruments to see the seducing spirit others cannot, a mariachi is in search of his deceased lover Adrian, and a queen of hearts card promises more is at stake when the odds are just right. All are part of the pleasure of horror in this compilation that delivers like the horror classics...good ole tales of terror.

I have to say there were several nice surprises in this book. Of the ten short stories to be found in Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror, I have to say that “A Masked Camaraderie,” “The Archangel’s Canvas,” Scarecrow” and “Razor Cut” are my favorite ones. There are a couple of themes repeated, truth be told, but if you go with the flow and enjoy the reading then it doesn’t bother that much.

Julián López has an immersive style that helps you get into the mood. Although I was left waiting for more sensual, hotter and sexual content, I’m still really happy with this book. It blends both horror and eroticism nicely, so it just a matter of taste. What I did have problems with was that sometimes he spoiled the ending, making it obvious with his descriptions. Such is the case of the story that names the book.

However, I cannot say I didn’t enjoy it, because I did. It’s a book you devour in no time and makes you wonder what could be lurking in the shadows, if monsters are what we think they are of if they could be more. Cirque des Freaks and Other Tales of Horror is a good queer horror book, and I’m certainly interested in reading more stories coming from the hand of Julián López.

About Julián López:

Julian Lopez is the author of the novel Missed Connections and of several short stories published in Icarus and in anthologies from Alyson Publications. He has contributed articles to several magazines on architecture and design, and on animal welfare, and he served as editor for the spcaLA magazine. An LA native, Julian is a designer in commercial architecture who devotes his spare time to writing fiction, vintage hunting, and exploring LA with his dog, Fina. You can visit him at www.julian-lopez.com/home.html

Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!

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Book review: Following in the Footsteps of King Arthur

Hi, pornies! How are you feeling today? I was really, and I mean really sick last week, but I’m feeling better now. Would you believe me if I said even reading was hard? However, I couldn’t stop traveling Britain with Following in the Footsteps of King Arthur, by Andrew Beattie. Trust me when I say that you want this book. Thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy!

• Series: Following in the Footsteps (Book 5)
• Print Length: 208 pages
• Publisher: Pen & Sword History (April 30, 2020)
• Expected Publication Date: April 30, 2020
• ISBN-10: 1526727811
• ISBN-13: 978-1526727817

The story of King Arthur is one of the best known in English history: he was the boy who was schooled by Merlin and who claimed his right to lead the Britons against the Saxons by drawing a sword from a stone; later, he was the warrior who congregated with his knights around a Round Table and who was given a magical sword, Excalibur, by the Lady of the Lake. These stories have been told and re-told hundreds of times - and over the centuries the actual figure of Arthur has retreated into obscurity, with many scholars suggesting that he was a mythical figure who never actually existed. Arthur has been the subject of thousands of books; yet this one tells his story in a way that is wholly new - through the places where the events surrounding his life supposedly unfolded. 

Reading Following in the Footsteps of King Arthur was like traveling through time and space, meeting one of the most legendary figures of the world. Andrew Beattie explains how places like Cornwall, Slaughterbridge, Somerset, Glastonbury, and many, many more, shed a light in this character. The first part of this book was my favorite one, for it provides a delightful historical review on the evolution of King Arthur. 

I won’t lie and say it was an easy reading, because it was not. I felt confused now and then, but the amount of data, stories, historical facts and legends provide an answer to many of the questions, if not all, you may have about King Arthur. Being one of my favorite characters since I was a kid, I couldn’t miss the chance to read this book, and I don’t regret it at all. It was challenging, but I’m really happy for learning so much. 

Following in the Footsteps of King Arthur, by Andrew Beattie, has a clear, detail style that charms the reader. Part history book, part traveling guide, lovers of Celtic and Britain history and mythology will fall in love with this reading.

About Andrew Beattie:

Andrew Beattie is the author of several cultural-historical titles, including books on Prague and Cairo in Signal Books' Cities of the Imagination series and on the Scottish Highlands and the River Danube for their Landscapes of the Imagination series; he has also written for the travel series Rough Guides.

Having written Following in the Footsteps of the Princes in the Tower, this is his second book for Pen and Sword. He is also an established children's playwright and his play Arthur: Boy-King of Britain has been performed by schools and youth theatre groups in the UK, the United States and Australia. He is a graduate of Oxford University and lives in London. More information about his books can be found on his website, www.andrewbeattie.me.uk.

Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!

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Book review: Deep Cut

Hi there, pornies! How have you been? These last days were horrible for me. I've been so sick I couldn't even read, but totally free of coronavirus. I'm feeling way much better now and catching up with everything, including a review of the amazing Deep Cut, the first book in the Permanently Black and Blue series, by C.R. Scott. Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy!

• Series: Permanently Black and Blue (Book 1)
• Print Length: 299 pages
• Publisher: NineStar Press (April 8, 2020)
• Publication Date: April 8, 2020
• ISBN-10: 1951880846
• ISBN-13: 978-1951880842

Shaun’s an outsider. He has a dark past and an even darker habit of cutting himself and burying his emotions under his skin. The only thing he’s got going for him is his guitar and a head full of lyrics.When Jesse moves to town, bringing big bright smiles and warm blue eyes into Shaun’s dark life, he insists they become friends.But that’s going to be a problem for Shaun. He’s never had a real friend before. Oh, and he’s also finding himself hopelessly attracted to Jesse’s undeniable charm, which is definitely not going to work out.Being gay isn’t brutal and Shaun has an image to uphold if he’s ever got a shot at becoming the death metal God he knows he’s destined to become.

I’m gonna say first of all that if you are not into cliffhangers, stay away from this book. If there are some things that should be illegal for authors, then that kind of ending tops the list. After such a roller coaster and drama and teas and laughs, we get that? You better hurry up with Book Two then, miss author.

As the first book of a trilogy, Deep Cut presents an entire cast of characters, some more interesting than others, a couple of them more developed, but all interesting at some level. I liked how they all interacted and how the story developed, because you often get a linear story in young adult books, but it’s not the case this time.

C.R. Scott has a writing style that makes it all interesting, keeping you reading page after page, completely hooked on the story. Nothing that amazing happens, to be honest, but this book is filled with beautiful descriptions and feelings that made me smile and shiver more than once.

However, a word of caution here. There’s suicide, murder, self-harming, drug, suicide ideation, child abuse, and much more in Deep Cut. Also, I find it a bit unrealistic that someone as Jesse would insist in being friends with someone as Shaun, not that I don’t love these guys, but I don’t understand why he would be so interested in a guy who acts like a jerk most of the time. I guess Jesse may have some kind of Autism, or something like that. Maybe we will get the answer in the next books.

In short, I’m completely in love with Deep Cut, by C.R. Scott, and cannot wait for Scars, the second book of this series. I find it strange that this woman is nowhere in the internet (trust me when I say I can be a stalker,) but I guess we all have different needs of privacy.

About C.R. Scott:
C.R. Scott is a self-taught writer with a BA in psychology. Her characters are flawed and imperfect and she loves them for it. They urge her to write their stories. She currently resides in the ever-changing climates of Ohio with her husband and two children. This is her first published book, with more to come. You can reach C.R. by sending her an eMail.

Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!

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Release Blitz: Handsome Death

Book Title: Handsome Death

Author: Sara Dobie Bauer

Publisher: Carnation Books

Release Date: April 10, 2020

Genre/s: Paranormal M/M romance, contemporary M/M romance

Trope/s: Vampires, bondage, hurt/comfort, age gap

Themes: explicit sex, past abuse, dark, immortal, graphic violence, stalking

Heat Rating:  5 flames   

Length: 72 000 words

It is a standalone story.

Add on Goodreads

Find my review HERE

Buy Links - Available on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon US  |   Amazon UK

Blurb

I’m not hunting him; I’m protecting him.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

In New York City, a beautiful creature like Tristan Clement should not be walking the streets alone, and I’m the perfect vampire to watch his back.

But what if keeping him safe isn’t enough anymore? What if I want to touch? And taste?

I need him. But I’ve never needed anyone.

In a world where paranormal creatures live amongst us and must follow certain laws, living life as a dangerous loner works for vampire Ethan. Inhabiting his gleaming apartment, wearing his designer suits, jetting around the world as a fanged killer-for-hire, Ethan does it all alone.

That is, until he literally runs into Tristan. Tristan, who is clearly trouble wrapped in skinny jeans and an oversized sweater. Tristan, with his shock of angelic blond curls. Tristan, who plays piano more beautifully than the old masters-- and Ethan would know; he saw Beethoven.

Tristan is gorgeous, a little sassy, and irresistible. Also, Ethan is horrified to note, Tristan has no idea how incredibly tempting he is to things that go bump in the night.

Overcome by the urge to keep Tristan safe, Ethan begins to... well, stalk is such a strong word. What starts as an obsession quickly becomes something more, something that Ethan needs. And to his surprise, Tristan seems to need him, too...

*This darkly romantic tale delivers steamy passion and a happily ever after. Be advised that Handsome Death includes explicit m/m content, stalking, mentions of past abuse, and graphic violence.* 

Excerpt 

I feel an itch on the back of my neck so glance behind me, and indeed, there he is, the blond kid from yesterday. I must have caught him staring, because as soon as I turn to look, he ducks his head and goes back to reading.

I shouldn’t approach him. Granted, he’s stunning. Most vampires would love to get their hands on his bare skin, but I’m not one for picking up humans outside of blood clubs. I’m cautious. Vampires can get in a lot of trouble for biting a human without consent. Like sentenced-to-death trouble. The humans at blood clubs know what they’re getting into. This guy? He looks like a puppy in need of a cuddle. He has no idea what a vampire could do to him.

Maybe some reconnaissance is in order. Just to, you know, make sure he’s all right after yesterday’s altercation. 

Or something. 

I’m lying to myself. This isn’t a protective detail in Serbia, this is me away from combat too long and bored in New York. 

Fuck it.

He sits at one of the heavy wooden tables with the lid off his cup. His hair hangs halfway over his forehead, tilted down over a paperback, but I can still see his mouth, the way he chews his bottom lip, making it pinker, fuller. 

I walk right up to his table. I don’t wait for him to look up. I don’t wait for an invitation. I just sit.

He startles at my arrival. His eyes widen and stare at me.

“Who are you?” I ask. I’ve always been really good at openings.

“Uhh.” His forehead wrinkles.

I drum my fingertips on the table. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”

“You saw me yesterday.” He folds the top corner of a page in his paperback: Dracula by Bram Stoker. “You saved my ass yesterday.”

“Before yesterday,” I reply. 

He sighs. “A Starbuck’s bought out my favorite coffee shop, so I guess this is now my favorite coffee shop. Buy local.” He scoops his messenger bag off the floor and shoves the book inside.

The kid has one of those runway model faces—gaunt if not so beautiful, sharp and yet soft. Freckles? Zero. Wait, no, he’s got just a smattering that you would only notice close-up … or with well-trained vampiric eyes. He has no shadow of recently shaved facial hair, and that’s no surprise based on the white-blond of his hair. He must moisturize those lips because nobody’s mouth just naturally looks like the perfect mixture of velvet and silk.

He sighs again, louder. “You’re staring at me.”

No, I’m studying him—checking out his vulnerable areas, which are pretty much everywhere considering he’s so thin and fragile-looking.

As for everyone else in the coffee shop, they’re looking at the kid like they want to take him to bed. I catch a girl at the next table over gawking. A big dude with a beard stands in line to our right, his mouth hanging half open as he admires. 

“Everyone is staring at you,” I respond.

His pale cheeks burn bright red as he swoops his bag onto his shoulder and stands. “No, that’s …” He shakes his head. “Ha, no.” He doesn’t say goodbye. He even leaves his coffee, half-consumed on the table. He up and abandons me without a word, but I do watch him go—as does half of Inky Grounds. 

Once he disappears out into the early October morning, I turn back around and stare at his deserted coffee. Granted, I’m not smooth—I get it—but he didn’t have to run out like that. I just wanted to see that he was safe. Shit, I don’t even know his name. 

About the Author

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, mental health speaker, and LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. Her current obsession with Timothee Chalamet runs deep, and don’t even get her started on Call Me By Your Name.

Author Links

Blog/Website  |  Facebook  |  Private Facebook Group

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Kinky regards, K!

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Book Review: Handsome Death

Hell-low, pornies! How are you today? I come with a book I literally devoured. I planned to take it easy on Handsome Death, by Sara Dobie Bauer, but since when seem authors to take care of what readers expect? Thank you so much, Sara, for this copy!

• Print Length: 257 pages
• Publisher: Carnation Books (April 10, 2020)
• Publishing Date: April 10, 2020
• ASIN: B084ZXG5D2

Although Ethan has been a mercenary, hunting down the bad guys, and hasn't had anyone in ages, he finds himself stalking protecting Tristan Clement in the middle of New York. However, he doesn't even know what he's protecting him from, to begin with. He seems to be happy just as he is, but why is he so interested in that boy that looks more like a faerie than a human? He should know better, for it is illegal for vampires to stalk humans.

I'll start saying that there are lots, oh sweet lots of sex in this book. After reading We Still Live, by the author, I knew I would have a good dose of steamy, hot scenes, even more with a vampire. Be advised, sensitive hearts, that there are a couple of violent scenes in it, although most of them are way too sexy.

Now, I liked the characters a lot as well, mostly because how their relationship evolved from a toxic, codependent one into a healthier romance. Sara Dobie Bauer knows how to create cute yet sexy love stories, and this is not the exception.

As I said, I planned to take it easy and enjoy the reading, but Handsome Death is not a book you can put down many times. I literally forced myself to do it now and then so I could still go on with my day, responsibilities and so on, although I'm still catching up with many things, and I'm guilty-free, to be honest.

I wanted something to take me out of this routine, make me travel to someplace better, and I found it in this book. Handsome Death, by Sara Dobie Bauer, transported me to New York City although I've never been there (I cross my fingers and hope I go soon; I could fancy an Ethan hehe) and made me daydream with a love like this one. You're not putting it down until you're done. Promise.

About Sara Dobie Bauer:

Sara Dobie Bauer is a bestselling author, model, and mental health / LGBTQ advocate with a creative writing degree from Ohio University. She lives with her hottie husband and two precious pups in Northeast Ohio, although she’d really like to live in a Tim Burton film. She is author of the paranormal rom-com Bite Somebody series, among other sexy things. Read more at SaraDobieBauer.com or find her on Twitter @SaraDobie.

Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!

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Book review: From the Dark We Came

Hello, pornies. Are you feeling good this week?

I’m still reading and am currently preparing some things for the blog. I have several plans, but they are all in stand-by because quarantine matters. Hopefully, I can start working on them after this ends. In the meantime, still reviewing! Today I come to talk about From the Dark We Came, by J. Emery. Thanks to the publisher for the copy!

• Print Length: 171 pages
• Publisher: NineStar Press (March 16, 2020)
• Publication Date: March 16, 2020
• ISBN-10: 1951880714
• ISBN-13: 978-1951880712

We meet monster hunter Belar, one of the best in the field. He tracks, hunts and kills creatures like no one else can, but a vampire seems to be the only exception. Although Belar has tried to kill Cassian twice, the undead wants to hire him: someone is after Cassian, and has been using Belar to do the dirty work unknown to him, but why?

The synopsis was promising, a lot, and I wanted to like this book a lot, but that wasn’t the case. There was something in the style that kept taking me out of the reading. I didn’t understand a big part of the plot and have to say I had serious problems with the romantic part, mainly because it seemed very unrealistic that someone who identifies as demisexual would fall in love with someone else after a couple of days, even more when he said he just felt those feelings after months.

From the Dark We Came has some interesting scenes and ideas, but I had real problems with the style of the author. I didn’t feel any passion in the writing, to be honest, as if J. Emery forced the whole plot and characters to be, who seemed more like an instalove couple than anything else.

I was expecting more world-building, character development, but it wasn’t the case. However, From the Dark We Came, by J. Emery, could be the right choice for those who want a simple love story with supernatural creatures. I liked many ideas and the concept, although the development didn’t work for me that much.

About J. Emery:

J. Emery is slowly writing their way through every fantasy trope imaginable. And if they can make it weirder and queerer while they do, that’s even better as far as they’re concerned.

They spend their free time watching anime, gaming, and drinking large quantities of tea, occasionally all at the same time. They have also been known to document their ridiculous levels of terror while watching horror movies on twitter as @mixeduppainter. Sometimes they even discuss upcoming projects.

Have you read this book? Would you recommend it or not? Let me know in the comments! Kinky regards, K!

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Sigil Presentation: Healing Sigil

Hi, pornies! How are you feeling today? In case you’re not well, and I wouldn’t blame me you because even an introvert like me is getting nuts in this quarantine, or sick in any sense, here’s a sigil you can use as you want.

I made this sigil a long ago, a couple of months if I’m not mistaken, which I probably am, but didn’t know if it would be okay to share it. The reason’s that it’s really similar to a reiki symbol we use in a branch of reiki, but I guess we all can use it since it is not said symbol, right? Anyhow, here it is.

How to use this sigil?

• Draw it in your heart chakra to send healing energy through all your body.
• Look at your reflection in the mirror and visualize it covering all of your body to clean and heal yourself
• Trace it in your hands to channel more healing energy. I’d first do the straight line and the curve, and end with the dot, to end in deosil.
• Draw it or visualize it in anyone who may need healing or channel healing energy.
• Any other use you can imagine!

As always, you can use this sigil as long as there is no commercial use involved and credit the source: yours truly. Although it is a very simple one, and I tend to prefer more detailed and complex sigils, I like this one’s simplicity, but let me know what you think about it and your experiences if you decide to use it.

Kinky regards, K!

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