Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Drama Queens and Adult Themes Review Tour

Blurb:
Adam’s about to discover how much drama a mid-life crisis can be. He’s obsessed with Mannix, the nude model in his art class. But Adam has been married to Wade for nearly two decades, and they don’t have an open relationship.

Little do they know that Fabien, a warlock from the Afterlife, has secretly cast a spell of lust on Adam and his potential toy-boy.

As things begin to heat up, Adam’s guardian angel, Guy, steps in. But what’s the best way to save the relationship? Should Guy subdue Adam’s wandering passions or instigate a steamy threesome?


Excerpt:
"Is this what a midlife crisis feels like, Wade?"

"I don't think so, Adam."

"Why do you say that?"

"We still love each other."

"So?"

"Think about it, Adam."

I observed the appealing brick house we parked in front of. Someone had spent their hard-earned cash to buy it, and maybe someone had spent more money renovating it. Perhaps in old-world elegance or as an understated minimalist designer statement. They would have argued under its roof. Possibly committed illegal acts in the shed. Made love with the curtains open. Either way, someone has built up a past in this house, just as we had in our home. There was no chance in hell I would give it all up.

"You're right, we're still madly in love," I said. "Neither of us is stupid enough to believe that we've fallen for Mannix. We're just going through a phase."

"True, Adam. Let's not forget Simon and Jean. Now that's a midlife crisis!"

"Oh god, yes! I can see why a trapeze artist would be a good catch to a man with an uptight wife, but at least he could have stopped to think about what he was getting himself into beforehand."

"Two bratty kids to a second marriage when he should've been thinking about retirement."

"That Oscar and his little peeing problem. A six year old shouldn't still be wearing nappies when they visit friends."

Wade started the engine.

"They claim it's a medical condition, Adam."

"Medical condition, my ass! He wants attention, and Simon is past the parenting age. As for that trapeze artist, well, there's a circus short of a clown."


My Review:
4 stars

First off, this is book 2 of the series, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading book 1 first. The characters from book 1 return in book 2, plus there are interlocking events that would make more sense if you read the books in order. Now, onto the rest of my review (and I swear, I’m trying to be as unspoilery as possible).

Yes, this book does bring back all the characters (though not quite the same as they were in book 1), including Guy. And yes, Guy steals the show again for me. I loved him in book 1, and I loved him even more in this book. I also liked the fact that the author didn’t spend a lot of time on sex scenes. I’m not the biggest fan of sex scenes, and they would have slowed down the plot of this book, so I’m glad the author resisted the urge to overdo them. Though the ones that are there…interesting, to say the least.

Now, onto the plot itself. I will admit, I was more of a fan of book 1, a lot of which is due to the plot. Not only is the plot convoluted, but the story jumps from the real world to the afterlife often. Following what’s happening gets confusing at times, and I made liberal use of the bookmark and note functions on my Kindle trying to keep track of what was going on. Plus, the books are very…I guess surreal would be the best description. The books are definitely Inception type reads.

So, if you like surreal fantasies with limited sex and a plot that actually requires you to think while reading it, I would definitely give this series a try. The book is well written and edited, and it is a fun story. Plus, all the cultural references definitely upped my enjoyment. I’m looking forward to book 3 (parts of which are hinted at in this book), and I can’t wait to see what Guy and company will get up to next.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

March 10: Unabridged Andra's
March 17: Sharing Links and Wisdom
March 17: Nephy's World
March 24: The Reading Addict
March 31: Lilac Reviews


Author Bio and Links:
Kevin lives with his long-term partner in their humble apartment (affectionately named Sabrina), in Australia’s own ‘Emerald City,’ Sydney.

From an early age Kevin had a passion for writing, jotting down stories and plays until it came time to confront puberty. After dealing with pimple creams and facial hair, Kevin didn’t pick up a pen again until he was in his thirties. His handwritten manuscript was being committed to paper when his social circumstances changed, giving him no time to write. Concerned, his partner, Warren, snuck the notebook out to a friend who in turn came back and demanded Kevin finish his novel. It wasn’t long before Kevin’s active imagination was let loose again. The result was Drama Queens with Love Scenes, the first in a series of Afterlife tales.

Kevin is looking forward to thumping the keys on his laptop and churning out stories until it’s time for him to gain firsthand experience of the hereafter.

Website     |     Author Facebook     |     DQLS Facebook
Twitter     |     Amazon Author Page     |     Booktrailer

12 comments:

  1. Thanks for your review, Emily. If you feel the inclination to also review Book One, I won't stop you. ;~j

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  2. Thank you for the review. I've had my eye on this book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks H.B. Feel free to have more than just an eye. ;~j

      Delete
  3. Thank you for the review! I have this need to always read books in order so I will most definitely take your advice and start with the first one!

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  4. Review and blurb sounds interesting about the afterlife aspect to the story.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Jbst. Originally the first book had the working title of 'Staging Life' and the plot was supposed to be about characters that were cast in plays in the Afterlife that reflected the unfinished business left over from their lives.

      It kind of built from that, leaving the initial plot behind.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Jbst. Originally the first book had the working title of 'Staging Life' and the plot was supposed to be about characters that were cast in plays in the Afterlife that reflected the unfinished business left over from their lives.

      It kind of built from that, leaving the initial plot behind.

      Delete
  5. Thanks for the review, I am fascinated to read someone else's opinion.

    ReplyDelete