Salty Aftertaste - Reviewed by Trix

SALTY AFTERTASTE

By Jason Lloyd

Ginge Publishing

Beaches, boys, and bad decisions...

In this nonfiction tale, Jason and his hilarious and crude motley cast of friends leave their mundane suburban jungles and flock to the mecca that is Rehoboth Beach, Delaware for vacation. They are in search of a little rest and relaxation; aka beach, bars and boys, lots of hot boys.

Jason is just looking for a little attention. He just wants to feel wanted and a little summer passion would not hurt either. Jason is the self-proclaimed hopeless romantic of the group. Will he find his summer love or is romance really scarce?

Kevin is the complete opposite of Jason. He feels that romance is only alive in stories. Kevin's love for a teenage drama goes too far and his obsession turns into more than he expected. Did Kevin finally stumble upon some romance or does his fascination finally get the better of him?

Bobby is looking for a connection. Any kind of connection. He meets a new guy every night and shares his bed every night with a different guy. What is really going on behind Bobby's bedroom door? Will he ever be able to fill this insatiable void for closeness?

Benjamin sneaks out every night. He disappears into the night and reemerges the next morning as if nothing had happened. He is quiet about his extracurricular activities. Where does Benjamin go? What is he doing?

In this beach oasis, where there is an endless sea of sexy men with perfect bodies, will Jason and his friends actually find love or just one night stands? One thing is for certain, it is an epic vacation that none of them will forget.

Trix’s Review:

3.25 stars

While the story takes place in the present day, it definitely evoked the feel of a lost '80s summer buddy comedy to me as I read it. Lloyd sets an authentic mood, and the bantering boys' frenetic search for Mr. Right Now in seemingly laid-back Rehoboth Beach is often lighthearted fun. On the other hand, SALTY AFTERTASTE also has a lot of the things that bug me about vintage teen comedies: namely, the ads would prepare you for a sexy time, but the raunchiness would emerge as gross-out humor (bathroom as much as bedroom) instead. (It's all basically guys talking a good game and joking around, but I definitely learned more about their bodily functions than I needed to know.) There's very little on-camera sex (not a good or bad thing, just something to be aware of), and no real romantic resolutions. The editing is an issue at times; verb tenses shift a lot, and sometimes the story feels a little bit stream-of-consciousness for my taste. A couple of red herrings had me fearing some major plot curveball at the end, but things generally stay breezy here. I'm not sure I feel the need to revisit SALTY AFTERTASTE, but Lloyd's wisecracking intrigues me enough to make me try another story of his. 

Project X Blog Tour

Synopsis:

Morgan Bentley is a bastard. Always was and always will be.

At least that’s what Matthew Hopkins thinks. Unfortunately, Morgan is also a brilliant law student, and easily eclipses Matthew, academically and socially.

Matthew insists he hates Morgan. According to Matthew’s best friend, Cory, perhaps he doth protest a bit too much.

Cory has received the chance of a lifetime in the form of an internship with ITM—Information Technology and Medicine—the prestigious research company where Morgan’s father is the CEO. Too inquisitive for his own good, the naturally curious Cory stumbles on a deadly secret inside of ITM. What he has learned will tip the balance of everything, but for good or bad?

Just what is the mysterious Project X?

What is Morgan’s involvement?

Matthew has to sort fact from fiction, friend from foe, as his world is turned upside down and inside out, and nothing can be the way it was.

Buy Links

WIP   |   Amazon US   |   Amazon UK   |   Amazon AU   |   Amazon DE

A chat with the Project X characters

Question: So tell me, Matthew. You didn’t have the best impression of

Morgan at first. What…led you to that?

Matthew: (gives a nervous glance to Morgan, who shrugs) Um. Well. The first time we met was when me and Cory were visiting the university for the first time. To be honest I didn’t really want to go there. I thought the place would be full of snobs. Then I see Morgan with these three nobs, complaining about the gravel ruining their designer shoes, and I thought they were pretty much the worst people I could hope to meet.

Cory: It didn’t help that Morgan had this gorgeous, shiny, sports car, and parked it next to our piece of crap.

Matthew: Hey, don’t talk about Ellie like that.

Question: Ellie?

Matthew: That’s what we called the car.

Question: Why Ellie?

Cory: Because it looked like a herd of elephants had gone over it.

(Morgan sniggers)

Matthew: It’s alright for you! We saved up for almost a year to afford that car. It was our most prized possession, and the way you looked at it on that day made me want to smash your face in.

Morgan: Glad you didn’t try. I would hate to have scuffed my shoes.

Matthew: See? That’s one of the reasons I thought he was a complete bastard.

Question: Because of his shoes?

Matthew: No, because he’s a sarcastic son of a bitch.

Morgan: Guilty as charged.

Question: What about you, Cory? What did you think about Morgan?

Cory: (looks uncomfortable) I kind of knew from the very first day that he liked Matthew. There was just something in the look he gave him. Then I watched them. Matthew kept saying what a bastard Morgan was, but he kind of lit up whenever Morgan was in the room. He said he hated the way everyone ran around Morgan, and he would never do it himself, but he never took his eyes off him. By the middle of the first year I knew they were falling for each other bad.

Matthew: Now, hang on a minute. I SO did not fall for Morgan in the first year. It wasn’t until he started acting like kind of a human being I started having feelings for him.

Morgan: And I certainly wasn’t falling for Matthew. I wanted him, but I wasn’t falling for him. Until then, I got whoever I wanted. I was looking for someone with some brains in their head, and a real personality. And yes, I wanted someone who would piss my father off, but I wasn’t falling for him.

Cory: They were crazy about each other by the end of the first year.

Morgan and Matthew That’s not true.

Cory: Whatever.

Question: How did you feel about that, Cory?

Cory: (flashes a quick, sad glance at Matthew) Terrible. The worst thing was I knew I couldn’t stop it. Matthew was always so sure he wasn’t gay. He told me that if he ever thought he might be, or was just…curious, he’d come to me first. (Flashes another look) It isn’t that I was pissed he didn’t come to me first, it was just…. I’ve had a crush on Matthew since I was about eight years old. It was okay when I thought he was straight. I couldn’t have him. End of. It wasn’t about me. Then, when I saw him start to fall for Morgan, and he was so blind about, I started to wonder. Maybe, if he was gay, I’d have a chance. If he was looking at Morgan like that I might be able to make him look at me like that.

Question: Did you do anything about it? Anything to try to make Matthew look at me like that?

Cory: (shakes his head) No

Question: Why not?

Cory: It was already too late. He was already in love with Morgan. He didn’t have eyes for anyone else.

Matthew: I was not in love with Morgan. I was never in love with Morgan.

Morgan: Really? It kind of felt like that to me by the end. I mean…you did say it.

Matthew: (blushes) That was different. Of course I was in love with you by the end. We’d been through so much.

Morgan: Yeah.

Question: Do you want to tell us a bit about what happened?

Matthew and Morgan: No

Question: Is it too hard to talk about.

Morgan: Well, it’s not easy, but the main reason is that if we talk about it and give away too much of the plot and no one will read our book.

Question: Ah yes, the book. Project X. What do you have to say about that?

Matthew: I think it’s pretty good. It tells the story well, but if you ask me, it shows Morgan in too good a light, especially at the beginning. It just doesn’t show what a compete and utter bastard he was.

Morgan: I beg to differ. The very first like is ‘Morgan Bentley is a bastard’ You can’t really get clearer than that. Besides, I never was that much of a bastard. Not really. I had my own issues. And I did try to be friendly.

Matthew: That’s your interpretation of ‘friendly’ is it?

Morgan: (with the sexiest smirk ever) What can I say. I guess I am a bit of a sarcastic bastard, but I’m a very sexy one.

Matthew: I can’t argue with that, and to be fair, I never said you weren’t sexy.

Morgan: True.

Question: So, back to the book.

Morgan: Sure, but just so we don’t give away too much, let’s just leave it to the general promo huh? If you want to get to know us better, and hear our crazy story, you’ll just have to read the book. It’s worth it, I promise, if only to find out how devastatingly gorgeous I am.

Matthew: And I can’t even argue about that.

Trix's Review:

3.25 stars

There is so much going on here--m/m romance, sci-fi epic, medical thriller, family drama, Christmas tale--that I don't really know where to begin. Many times, I felt that the story would have flowed better if it were much longer or much shorter. Most of the first third is devoted to Matthew's hatred of Morgan, which gets repetitive quickly. (A "Morgan Bentley Is A Bastard" drinking game would send readers to the hospital before the 40% mark.) For the most part, the admittedly annoying Morgan doesn't seem as bad as most high school "mean girls," but Matthew is so vitriolic towards him that I could immediately tell that true love (or at least spirited hate sex) was on the horizon. Matthew's eventual realization of his true feelings seems a little bit sudden, though it does propel the story along. I think a third-person narration might have helped, since Matthew's narrow focus seemed limiting.

The variable here is Cory, Matthew's long-suffering best friend. He has a rather thankless role here, the sidekick nursing an unrequited crush on his buddy whoends up having to help the very man he resents. While Cory is described as awkward and has his milquetoasty moments in the beginning, there is some intriguing ambiguity in his character. He can't resist hacking into the ITM mainframes, and his flashes of jealousy make him seem more realistic than some of the other characters. I would have loved more development of his story, and would read a book devoted to his character.

The second half shifts into thriller territory as Project X makes its presence known. While the explanations for the project's existence are glossed over, its effects are explained very thoroughly and convincingly. The story gets complicated quickly, as Cory and his professor work to counteract Project X and Morgan's father establishes his own evil presence. While the outcome is in doubt until the very end, I often wished for better exposition. Haltingly phrased emotional moments alternate with many lengthy speeches in which characters explain their motivations (I call it Bond Villain Syndrome). I usually welcome lighter tales, so I was surprised to find myself thinking that this would have worked better for me without the romance. The transitions between the darkness and the more tender moments didn't resonate fully with me, though I think it's because so much is shoehorned into one story.

In spite of these issues, PROJECT X did hold my attention all the way through. I usually would not be eager to read such a dark story (let alone think it should be darker), which in its way is a tribute to Nephylim's storytelling. Often, my frustration was kind of a compliment: the author kept bringing up intriguing story threads that kept getting tamped down due to lack of time. (The law school moot court sounded fascinating, for example, and I would have liked to see that play out.) I will keep an eye out for her future work, especially if it resolves Cory's character arc!

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About the Author:

Nephylim was born into a poor mining family in the South Wales Valleys. Until she was 16, the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and the bath hung on the wall. Her refrigerator was a stone slab in the pantry and there was a black lead fireplace in the kitchen. They look lovely in a museum but aren’t so much fun to clean.

Nephylim has always been a storyteller. As a child, she’d make up stories for her nieces, nephews and cousin and they’d explore the imaginary worlds she created, in play.

Later in life, Nephylim became the storyteller for a re enactment group who travelled widely, giving a taste of life in the Iron Age. As well as having an opportunity to run around hitting people with a sword, she had an opportunity to tell stories of all kinds, sometimes of her own making, to all kinds of people. The criticism was sometimes harsh, especially from the children, but the reward enormous.

It was here she began to appreciate the power of stories and the primal need to hear them. In ancient times, the wandering bard was the only source of news, and the storyteller the heart of the village, keeping the lore and the magic alive. Although much of the magic has been lost, the stories still provide a link to the part of us that still wants to believe that it’s still there, somewhere.

In present times, Nephylim lives in a terraced house in the valleys with her son and her two cats. Her daughter has deserted her for the big city, but they’re still close. The part of her that needs to earn money is a lawyer, but the deepest, and most important part of her is a storyteller and artist, and always will be.

Social media links:

Twitter     |     Facebook     |      Facebook Author Page     |     Tumblr

Goodreads     |     Linkedin     |     Adult Blog     |     Young Adult Blog

Forever Man VBT

Blurb:

A bond forged in Catholic school, an unspoken attraction that outlasts years of separation and other relationships.

Ren and Cole never acted on that thing that always bubbled beneath the surface of their friendship, not until a chance encounter in a Santa Fe bar and a song that would tip the scales forced them to confront their feelings. Will the influence of a music superstar, a New York socialite and a mystical property manager finally bring them together, or will a history of missed opportunities, their own fears and an impending wedding keep them apart? Can they just have one night, and then walk away?

Forever Man is a story of the consequences of the choices we make, and how the courage to change can last a lifetime.

Excerpt:

Ren turns to see Cole standing not five feet away, a bit out of breath.

"Did you mean it?" Ren asks.

"Yes."

"You're in love with me?"

"Yes."

Ren doubles over again, trying to catch his breath. Cole crosses to him, rubbing his back but saying nothing. After a moment, Ren straightens out and asks, "How long?"

"I want us to be together—”

"No. How long have you been in love with me?"

The answer to this one question is all Ren needs to know. Because this man, this friend, this lover of his has always given in to whims and drama and intensity, and Ren has to be sure that he is not that. He has to be sure that this is not new.

Cole steps into Ren's space, tilts his chin up and kisses him. The kiss is firm, an answer, a promise.

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with you."

AJ, thanks so much for stopping by. So, how did you get started writing?

I started writing very young—in grade school--because my mom was studying for her Ph.D., and brought me with her to the library. There was nothing else to do but roam the stacks and read books. It wasn’t long before I started writing my own stories. Then, a teacher took an interest in my writing. After that, there was no other profession for me.

Oddly enough, it was that same teacher who suggested I would be a better playwright than novelist, and so I pursued playwriting for many years. I was a ghostwriter of motivational, inspirational and business books for many years. But writing other people’s books for a living is soulless work. Writing Forever Man has renewed my desire to write my own books again.

What was the inspiration for your book?

I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that it started with one of my sexual fantasies about running into an old lover while away on business. It was more about stepping outside of your life for a weekend, and giving in to old temptations. I’m happily married, and I think most people in long-term relationships have similar fantasies.

Though the book started from a sexual fantasy, it became so much more than that. I wanted to explore an age-old love that had never been admitted, or acted upon. What would happen if two people secretly in love with each other for years bumped into each other by chance in a romantic city? Would they finally take a chance and go after what they want? It became an opportunity to not only explore the rush of giving in to a persistent longing, but also how loving authentically helps you live authentically.

So, what are you working on right now? Got any releases planned, or still writing?

I’m working on a new series set in a small town on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It features two young men, childhood rivals, who return to their hometown the summer after college and fall in love. There are side stories, interweaving with the main story. I’m super excited about it.

Favorite movie?
The Philadelphia Story starring Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant. I’m a sucker for old Hollywood, classic films. The characters in Forever Man talk about Casablanca, another classic film. There are a few similarities in that, just as Ingrid Bergman’s character has to choose between Rick and her Nazi resistance husband, my character Ren has to decide between staying with Cole, the love of his life, or continuing on with his plans to marry Paul, a good man with whom he has built a life that inspires the GLBTQ community.

Book that inspired you to become an author?
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Her character, Jo March, was a huge inspiration to me. I wanted to be like her, to move to a big city and write books.

Alright, you have one superpower. What is it?
I would love the ability to stop time. I have so many stories I want to write, and not enough time in the day to write them!

Last question: Which of your characters are you most like and how/why?

I am most like Ren because I too have struggled with finding the courage to ask for what I want, and trust that I’m making the right decisions. We’re different in that I’m lucky in love—my decisions have to do with my career.

Reviewed by Trix:

3.25 stars

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of the first releases by Interlude Press, a publisher featuring LGBTQ books written by fan fiction authors. FOREVER MAN is based on DeWall'sfan fiction SOMEONE LIKE YOU, based on the Kurt/Blaine fandom from TV's GLEE. Some people have strong feelings about books that are retooled fan fiction, so I won't get into that debate here. I hadn't read the earlier story (though a brief look on DeWall's LiveJournal page shows that some chapters cleave pretty closely tothe fanfic in plot, if not in character names), but I admit that once I learned it was based on fanfic, I immediately tried to figure out the fandom. Then, once I foundout it was based on GLEE (I'm not a huge fan these days, but I know it fairly well), my brain was trying to fill in the blanks of what was inspired by the show and what wasn't as I read. So, I did find it somewhat of a distraction. That said, DeWall "files off the serial numbers" well enough that if you didn't know it was fanfic-derived, it probably wouldn't be an issue. (Plus, there are some red herrings: while Alegra is obviously an older version of pop star Adele, Diedre, who I assumed was GLEE's Rachel Berry, is actually an original character.)

Now, to the actual story. Ren and Cole's long-suppressed attraction produces a story filled with longing, which occasionally sparks into sweetly euphoric love scenes when the two give in to their desires. This means that the level of angst is steady but low-burning, and sometimes I wanted more highs and lows in the storytelling. This is compounded by DeWall's very romanticized writing style here, which uses a lot of poetic rephrasing and repetition. This can be very lyrical, like a love letter, while at other times it just feels like it's needlessly drawing out the story. The guys also read a lot younger than they are because of all the back-and-forth hand-wringing. (There's a moment where Diedre is ranting that pining does not necessarily translate into true love, and it's a moment that's clearly supposed to be seen as bitchy and harsh. Yet, my first thought was "You know, she really makes a lot of sense.") There are some moments of humor, mostly in the cute text exchanges between the guys. The side characters are minor players but generally well-drawn (though I worried for a while that Antonio would fall prey to my pet peeve "mystical ethnic person" trope, but luckily DeWall backs off from that), and DeWall does well by portraying Ren's boyfriend Paul as a thoroughly sympathetic guy, which adds emotional weight to the scenario. My advice would be to read a sample chapter or two before buying and decide that way: for some the story and style will be an instant five-star no-brainer, while others will be annoyed. For me? 3.25 stars.

The author will be awarding a $25 Barnes & Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. A free download of an Interlude Press eBook title or an author/book swag pack (US ONLY) will be awarded to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter at each stop during the tour.

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August 4: Sharing Links and Wisdom

August 4: It's Raining Books

August 5: Prism Book Alliance

August 6: Words of Wisdom from The Scarf Princess

August 7: Long and Short Reviews

August 7: Behind Closed Doors - Promo

August 8: Romance Novel Giveaways

August 11: Mia Downing

August 11: Booklover Sue

August 12: Carly's Book Reviews

August 13: ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords

August 13: Dawn's Reading Nook - Promo

August 14: Erotica For All

August 15: Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock

August 15: We Love Kink

Author Bio and Links:

A professional writer for more than 20 years, A.J. DeWall began her career as a playwright. She is the ghostwriter behind dozens of nonfiction books, including several award-winning bestsellers. As a writer of fan fiction, her online titles have hundreds of thousands of reads. Forever Man is her first novel. She lives in New York with her wife and son.

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