f/f

Review: Scout and the Lavender Girl by K.C. Littleton

Books, Reviews

About the Book

Title: Scout and the Lavender Girl (Love in Austin #1)

Author: K.C. Littleton

Publication Date: June 9, 2019

Length: 270 pages

Category: lesbian romance, bisexual romance

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon

Synopsis

Scout Martinez, retired WNBA star, just moved back to Austin to put her life back together after her health, love life, and investments have all taken a beating, and she has no time for a curvy, lavender-haired bisexual with a big mouth and zero girl experience. Not. Going. To. Happen.

If it weren’t for bad luck, Evie Koenig would have no luck at all. Her ex-husband stole thousands of dollars from her college fund, she’s barely scraping by with three jobs, and now she’s buried her car under the back end of a huge moving truck. Which, by the way, just happens to be driven by one of her sports heroes and the architect of her bisexual awakening. #fml

It’s too bad, really, that they keep on running into one another.

Review

I picked this book up on a recommendation from another reader. It looked cute, so I figured I’d give it a go. I’m so glad I took a chance on a new-to-me author.

This was everything I’ve been looking for in a great women-loving-women romance. Funny, sweet, and sexy as all get-out, plus a great plot. It’s exceptionally well-written with likable characters.

I absolutely adored Evie. She’s smart and sassy and in-your-face femme. The descriptions of her style were well placed with just the right amount of detail. Her life is complicated and messy at the start of the story, but she’s doing her best to keep her head above water. Even so, she’s a woman who knows what she wants, and she’s not afraid to go for it.

Scout is fantastic. There were times I wanted to slam my head against the wall in frustration over her lack of communication. But I understand her motivations, and she does eventually come around.

There’s a lot of great myth busting about bi women in here. Part of me wishes that we could have bi romances where that simply isn’t a factor between the women, but part of me is glad that books are willing to go there. In the end, the issue was Scout’s insecurity about something else rather than about who Evie’s been with.

All in all, this is what a great feel-good romance looks like. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and fun, this is one to pick up.

About the Author

K.C. Littleton resides in the Austin, Texas area with her wife, three dogs, and usually a foster dog (or two). She enjoys her work as the manager of the learning team for a local software company, and pursues her passion for writing and reading on the weekends. Aside from writing, her favorite hobby is getting tattoos.

Author Interview: Brenda Murphy

Books, Featured

About the Book

Title: Knotted Legacy

Author: Brenda Murphy

Publisher: NineStar Press

Publication Date: September 10, 2018

Length: 65k

Genre: erotic romance

Category: F/F, F/F/F, contemporary romance, bdsm

Content note: contains depictions of hot wax play, blood play, rope play, collaring, kidnapping and forced captivity

Purchase Link

NineStar Press

Synopsis

Martha McLeod, Head Mistress of Rowan House, Skye’s most exclusive pleasure house, is heartbroken.

Frustrated and lonely after a bitter split with her lover, she departs Rowan House for Lake Como, Italy to seek solace at the feet of Madam Givernay, keeper of Martha’s deepest secret. Lake Como and Madam’s attention is the perfect balm for Martha’s broken heart, until she meets Mistress Lucia Coruso.

Captivated by Lucia’s regal elegance and cool demeanor, Martha is torn between her desire for Lucia and the fear her secret will be revealed. When an extortionist threatens to destroy Rowan House, Martha and Lucia must join forces to save it.

Interview

Today we have Brenda Murphy here to talk about life, writing, and her new novel. Welcome! Let’s get right to it. How and why did you choose your genre?

I grew up reading everything, and when I was twelve a friend at school handed me a romance, and I was hooked. I liked that no matter what there would be a happy ending. As a young queer person finding any stories that featured queer characters with happy endings was difficult. When I finally found lesbian romance I read everything I could find. I want people like me to know you can have happy endings, no matter what life throws at you. I wanted to give back, and if even one person reads my work and feels seen, and hopeful that life can be good and they can have a happy ending I will have accomplished what I wanted to with my storytelling.

That’s a great goal, and I’m confident people are indeed feeling seen and hopeful. How else do you hope your writing influences other people?

I want my readers to have hope, to laugh, to cry, to blush, and ultimately enjoy the character’s growth through the story. I want them to know that no matter what they can have happy endings too. I hope that women 40 plus will see themselves and know that happy endings are not just for 20 somethings.

Oh, man. That really speaks to me as a 40-something, especially when it comes to queer lit. What else do you use to immerse yourself in the story (music, visuals, etc.)?

I find images/pictures or film clips that become my characters in my mind. After I’ve done the character work, I chose a theme song for each main character, one for the overall tome of the book and then make a playlist specific for that book. I listen to it every time I sit down to work, and it instantly gets me into the story, and the words flow.

Music is a really powerful tool. Okay, ready for some Word Sprints? Here we go! Plotter or pantser?

Plotser, my outline is more like a garden trellis or the shot list in an unscripted/improve film. Once I start writing the characters, take over, and I hold on for the ride.

Coffee or Tea?

It depends on my mood and accessibility. At home I drink tea most often.

As a kid, were you a Goody-Goody or a Wild Child?

A total Wild Child, still am. Been there done that, effed it up twice and have all the t-shirts.

About the Author

Brenda Murphy writes short fiction and novels. She loves tattoos and sideshows and yes, those are her monkeys. When she is not loitering at her local tea shop and writing, she wrangles two kids, one dog, and an unrepentant parrot. She reviews books, blogs about life as a writer with ADHD and publishes photographs on her blog Writing While Distracted. You can find her on Facebook by clicking here.

Books

Knotted Legacy

Both Ends of the Whip

The Sum of the Whole

ONE

Dominique and other stories

Social Media

Website | Publisher | Facebook Author Page | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Book Review: Rainbow Romances Anthology

Books, Featured, Reviews

About the Book

Title: Rainbow Romances: charity collection National AIDS Trust

Author: Sarah Beth James, G R Lyons, Amir Lane, Melanie Quinlan, Carmilla Voiez, Mike Ferrante, Marolyn Krasner

Date: June 1, 2018

Length: 284 pages

Categories: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Romance

Goodreads

Synopsis

G R Lyons:

Stripped Bare: Though they both work as strippers for the gay nightclub, Matchmakers, Sev is convinced that Ty is out of his league. But that doesn’t stop him from trying to win the little guy’s heart.

Broken Defences: After his work ruined one too many relationships, Beni Thaton has given up on dating, until he meets a very determined new student who pushes all the right buttons.

Michael Ferrante:

Online Casanova: Michael didn’t believe in online dating. But after going through a few bad relationships he decided what’s the worst that can happen? People say you find the one you love when you least expect it. Well, Michael is certainly going to realise that on his journey to love.

Amir Lane:

Far Water: Avery is on her way to Ohio after finally turning 18 and leaving foster care. On the bus, she meets a girl who isn’t what she seems.

Carmilla Voiez:

Something To Hold On To: Jenny is a high-school student who’s in love with her best friend, Lucy. Unfortunately, Lucy likes boys. After numerous failed relationships, will Lucy be willing to redefine her sexuality, and think of Jenny as more than just a friend? Jenny is afraid to make her dreams come true and risk a broken heart.

Melanie Quinlan:

Bedsitter Christmas: Delivers some fluffy M/M romance, set against the harsh backdrop of bedsitter land in 1980s London.

Sarah Beth James:

Until My Dying Day: Francis struggles with moving from the reservation into a normal white city school when his mother falls ill. Dealing with bullying, death, homophobia and abuse before he meets the boy of his dreams in Xander. Who does everything he can to bring a little joy into Francis’s life. Cutting between current day, and their relationship with the past and how they got to be where they are. We follow a painful, yet fulfilling journey of how Francis’s life improved.

Marolyn Krasner:

Selia: Selia is not living her best life. She is young and full of lust for the mail clerk, but she is not doing anything about it. The seeds of her lust start sprouting, forcing Selia to take action to improve her life and seek sexual healing to eradicate the pest threatening her personal ecosystem.

Raising money for the amazing charity: National Aid’s Trust.

Purchase Link

Amazon

Review

Overall, this collection is decent. It’s a quick, easy read with a variety of styles. There’s plenty of romance, but only a couple of these ended up feeling like they fit strictly within the romance genre. On my part, that’s not a complaint. I tend to like those kinds of stories. For someone looking for very clear romance, they might end up a little disappointed.

On the whole, I thought the lesbian/FF stories were superior to the gay/MM stories. It could be my own personal preference, but there are some common factors. A lot of the gay stories seemed to focus on abuse, trauma, and/or beating, which was hard for me to read. The lesbian stories, on the other hand, emphasized queer joy and awakening to self, which was a pleasure to read.

The other thing that surprised me is that this was for an AIDS charity, but there isn’t even one story that includes HIV+ characters, not even the one set in the 1980s. It seems like that’s still an off-limits subject for a romance story, sadly.

The anthology is worth picking up in order to support the charity. Different stories may appeal to different people, but we can all agree that it’s for a good cause.

Total rating: 7/10 fountain pens

Individual reviews:

Stripped Bare, G R Lyons: This was okay. Cute, fluffy, maybe a bit over the top on the hurt/comfort angle. That’s not my thing, but it is for a lot of other people. Ty read as babyish to me, and I’m not sure there was quite enough space to deal with his mental health issues in such a short span. But it was very sweet and the writing was decent. 6/10 fountain pens

Broken Defences, G R Lyons: This one, too, was a sort of hurt/comfort story. I was somewhat put off by all the posturing and the immature way they talked about sex. There was some weird stuff about gay stereotypes as well. Both this one and the previous one are set in the same world as the author’s novels, so I might be missing something from not having read them. But I suspect the author’s work just may not be for me. 4/10 fountain pens

Online Casanova, Michael Ferrante: I liked this one a lot. I don’t know if it’s actually the author’s memoir or if it’s a fictionalize account or what, but I loved the personal feel to it. It’s very relatable to anyone who has been on a search for Mx. Right. My only issue was that it needed some tighter editing to eliminate the constant run-on sentences. 8/10 fountain pens

Far Water, Amir Lane: This is a great story. It drew me right in and held me until the end. I can’t say much because I don’t want to give spoilers. Not a traditional romance but certainly captivating. 8/10 fountain pens

Something To Hold On To, Carmilla Voiez: A very sweet young adult romance with a true happily ever after. Another relatable story for anyone who has harbored a crush on a best friend. 6/10 fountain pens

Bedsitter Christmas, Melanie Quinlan: This is a cute holiday romance. I have to admit, I was a bit put off by the violence in one section of this. I had the same problem with the main character as in one of the other stories being really immature and not in an endearing way. Still, the story itself is cute and offers a hopeful ending. 6/10 fountain pens

Until My Dying Day, Sarah Beth James: This is the longest story in the anthology, which also means it’s one of the best developed. It wasn’t bad, though I’m not entirely sure the author captured the US educational system. I wasn’t clear on how the setting and characters were chosen. I can’t really speak to whether this story is good representation, as I’m not Native myself, so I can’t critique that aspect, though it did hit me a bit funny. I did like that it has a happy ending, and I think it’s good for young people to see that even after a difficult life, hope and joy are still possible. 6/10 fountain pens

Selia, Marolyn Krasner: This is easily the best story in the anthology. Not only is the writing incredible, the story’s concept is unique. It’s more literary than romance, which is fine by me. The main character’s feelings were so familiar and easy to relate to. The end made me cry, not out of sadness but out of a sense the main character had triumphed. Every woman should read this story regardless of her orientation. 10/10 fountain pens

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Book Review: Grrrls on the Side by Carrie Pack

Books, Reviews

About the Book

Title: Grrrls on the Side

Author: Carrie Pack

Date: June 8, 2017

Length: 60,500 words

Publisher: Duet (subdivision of Interlude Press)

Categories: YA, bisexual, 1990s, Riot Grrrl

Goodreads

Synopsis

The year is 1994, and alternative is in. But not for alternative girl Tabitha Denton; she hates her life. She is uninterested in boys, lonely, and sidelined by former friends at her suburban high school. When she picks up a zine at a punk concert, she finds an escape—an advertisement for a Riot Grrrl meetup.

At the meeting, Tabitha finds girls who are more like her and a place to belong. But just as Tabitha is settling in with her new friends and beginning to think she understands herself, eighteen-year-old Jackie Hardwick walks into a meeting and changes her world forever. The out-and-proud Jackie is unlike anyone Tabitha has ever known. As her feelings for Jackie grow, Tabitha begins to learn more about herself and the racial injustices of the punk scene, but to be with Jackie, she must also come to grips with her own privilege and stand up for what’s right.

Purchase Links

Interlude Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Review

This is a fairly easy read, surprisingly light given some of the big themes in the story. Although I think in some ways the story has trouble deciding what it wants to be (YA, nostalgia, an issues book, romance), that was all right with me. This is one that’s meant to be enjoyed for what it is, not for what we wish it would be.

There are a lot of heavy issues brought up in the book: fat antagonism, bullying, homophobia, biphobia, assault, racism, white feminism, sexual maturation. The story doesn’t exactly offer answers to most of those, instead choosing to allow readers to sit with the tension. Readers looking for a more hard-hitting examination of the Riot Grrrl movement won’t find it here. This is one person’s story about coming of age at a particular time and during a particular feminist movement.

And that’s what I liked about it. Tabitha, the main character, is younger than I was, but I can still relate to many of her feelings and experiences. There are times when she makes mistakes, and times when others violate her boundaries. There’s a realism in how the characters interact in different situations. Instead of correcting it, we’re challenged to see it for what it is and do better.

That makes this at times an uncomfortable read. Nearly 25 years on from the events in the novel, we’re still learning from the mistakes of past eras. It’s clear this book is intended for a particular audience, and as such, I hope it reaches those people. Whether or not it’s relatable for today’s youth, I can’t say. It’s closer to being a book with young adult characters than a book for young adults.

Still, it’s an enjoyable story. The pacing felt right to me, and it was fun to see that era from a different perspective than mine in those years. I was glad to have a story with a fat protagonist that didn’t revolve around her trying to lose weight or developing her self-worth through being in a relationship. I was also glad to see a teenage character behaving like a teenager, even if she wasn’t always making good choices.

For a trip down memory lane, a main character worth rooting for, and an easy, enjoyable read, this gets 10/10 fountain pens.

About the Author

Never one for following the “rules,” Carrie Pack is a published author of books in multiple genres, including Designs on You and In the Present Tense. Her novels focus on characters finding themselves in their own time—something she experienced for herself when she came out as bisexual recently. She’s passionate about positive representation in her writing and has been a feminist before she knew what the word meant, thanks to a progressive and civic-minded grandmother. Coincidentally that’s also where she got her love of red lipstick and desserts. Carrie lives in Florida, or as she likes to call it, “America’s Wang.”

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Review: Dog Biscuits (Underdogs #6) by Geonn Cannon

Books, Reviews

About the Book

Title: Dog Biscuits

Series: Underdogs (#6)

Author: Geonn Cannon

Release date: July 1, 2017

Length: 184 pages

Synopsis

Ari is currently working for Gilles Girard & Moreau on a probationary basis, and her next assignment has piqued Dale’s interest: Seattle is finally getting a hockey team! The owner, a client of the firm, asks her to do a background check on the players who will make up the roster to ensure there are no nasty scandals waiting to be uncovered. Ari follows the new recruits while Dale digs into their pasts.

The first few targets don’t show up any red flags, but any hope of an easy case is destroyed when she and Dale are the victims of a sudden, unprovoked attack.

Certain that the attack is related to the hockey team, Ari redoubles her efforts to find out which player is behind it and what they’re hiding. Determined to find the truth, she also knows she has to proceed with caution. Hockey can be a brutal sport, and its players can be even more dangerous off the ice.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Review

I love this series, and this is a fantastic new installment. All the elements I’ve come to love are in there, but it’s obvious that the characters and the storyline have matured and grown over time. It’s a perfect blend of good, old-fashioned detective story plus the added bonus of going deeper with Ari and Dale.

The story revolves around Ari’s investigation into the background of Seattle’s new hockey players. It’s a great set-up, even for someone like me (I’m not a fan of hockey or most sports in general). Part of the charm is in how clueless Ari also is about the sport. It made me feel a kinship with her, which amused and delighted me. Be forewarned: There isn’t actually a whole lot of hockey going on here. Mainly, it’s the mystery of what some of the players are up to. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t end with a big game.

I’ll leave it up to readers to find out for themselves what sinister things Ari and Dale uncover about the team. Instead, I’ll offer a tiny little cheer for the bi character who does a little bit of myth-dispelling (and is also just plain cool). There’s also some really shady things going on underneath the investigation itself and how Ari is hired to do it, with a nice cliffhanger at the end. I guess that means we haven’t seen the last of this series, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

When it comes to mystery, women in love with each other, beefy hockey players, and this series, there’s not a single thing to be disappointed about here. I don’t think new readers will need to have read the rest first. However, I hope after this, they’ll give the others a chance.

For an absorbing mystery, a satisfying relationship, and plenty of fun and excitement, this gets 10/10 fountain pens.

About the Author

Geonn Cannon is a male author who grew up in Oklahoma, thousands of miles from the nearest coastline, who found his calling in stories about women who live on an island in the Pacific Northwest. In 2010, Geonn became the first male author to win the prestigious Golden Crown Literary Society Award for his novel “Gemini.” In 2015, he won it again for “Dogs of War.” He was also invited to write an official tie-in novel for the television series Stargate SG-1. He is currently working with Tello Films to turn his novel “Riley Parra” into a web series. His first name is pronounced just like “John.”

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Book Review: Mistress’s Release by Anastasia Vitsky

Books, Reviews

Title: Mistress’s Release

Author: Anastasia Vitsky

Publication Date: June 16, 2016

Cover: https://governingana.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/mistresss-release-200×300.jpg

Publisher: self-published

Genre(s): Contemporary Romance, Lesbian Romance, GLBT Romance

Heat Rating: 2 flames – light BDSM and spanking elements with sexual scenes

Page Count: 134

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30375176-mistress-s-release

Two women. Two pasts. One destiny.

Trinity survived an abusive fundamentalist father, needy siblings, an uncaring mother, and a lifetime of fear that she will go to hell for being a lesbian. Never mind her craving for kink and the intricate dynamics of BDSM.

Graciela, on the other hand, came of age following a picture-perfect childhood complete with 4-H, cornfields, and doting parents. Successful in her chosen field, she’s established a thriving overseas practice as a professional domme.

Now, with Trinity forgiven for cheating a decade ago, the two women are finally happy. But before returning to America, Trinity receives contact from her family: They want a reunion. Gracie hits the roof.

Her lover’s family almost killed her once. Wasn’t that enough? Graciela wants Trinity safe at all costs. She issues an ultimatum: No contact, even if it means cutting ties with her family forever.

But Trinity’s longed for this moment half her life. Family’s family, no matter what they do. She loves Gracie, but no one can replace parents. Why can’t Gracie understand? She has pledged to obey, but she can’t make this sacrifice.

Can Gracie and Trinity’s love for each other overcome this impasse? Or will happily ever after turn into a parting of ways?

I’ve read the whole Mistress series to date, and I can say for sure this is my favorite. It’s raw and sensitive and entirely wonderful.

Readers should be aware there are some heavy themes, including religiously-based abuse. For anyone capable of reading the material, it’s worth it to dig through the layers until the end. The way Trinity finds healing on her own and the way Trinity and Gracie find it together is stunningly beautiful.

As with many of her works, the author weaves in complex themes of sin, repentance, and forgiveness. Also like many of her stories, this digs underneath the shiny surface of cliched penitence. The end goal is not to forgive and forget but for Trinity and Gracie to achieve true reconciliation.

This story is particularly moving, delving into complex issues of family dynamics, violence, and control. A lot of Trinity’s psychology is revealed here, page by page. As she unravels, the careful structures she and Gracie have built also come undone. Watching them rebuild from a more authentic place is satisfying.

The writing, as always, is superb. There are so many brilliantly crafted passages. Toward the beginning, Trinity’s memory of being a child in her parents’ home comes to life in vivid detail. Having spent enough time among religious fundamentalists, it’s almost painfully real the way Trinity experiences her home life. There’s a lot to unpack there, and many ways in which her parents have irreparably harmed her. Yet ultimately, she’s still able to come to a place of hope. Her resilience is remarkable, like most survivors of such horrors.

Despite the great strides Trinity makes, it’s Gracie who I think grows the most. She’s let the wrong emotions rule her in her relationship with Trinity, and watching the beautiful, compassionate woman emerge from beneath her stern exterior is exciting and plain wonderful.

Overall, this is one I will need to read again and take time processing. While some of the content may be triggering for readers, it may also provide an avenue of comfort and catharsis. I love the way the light BDSM elements are expertly blended with the psychological and emotional healing. This is not a tired, trope-filled “rescue” story. It’s a genuine hurt/comfort narrative told with sincerity and compassion.

For powerful themes, careful handling of sensitive subjects, and an emotionally satisfying conclusion, this gets 10/10 fountain pens.

All Romance: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mistresss-Release-Anastasia-Vitsky-ebook/dp/B01GVQD0ZS/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mistresss-Release-Anastasia-Vitsky-ebook/dp/B01GVQD0ZS/

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mistresss-Release-Anastasia-Vitsky-ebook/dp/B01GVQD0ZS/

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Mistresss-Release-Anastasia-Vitsky-ebook/dp/B01GVQD0ZS/

Amazon Germany: https://www.amazon.de/Mistresss-Release-Anastasia-Vitsky-ebook/dp/B01GVQD0ZS/

I check my email. There, at the top of the inbox, sits the same message I’ve pretended to ignore for a week. The subject line is simple, short, and innocuous.

Re: Hi

At last, I click to open the email. Will it tell me to get lost, drop dead, or repent? No, none of the above.

Hello. Trinity.

We have been praying for you all these years. Praise to God you are safe. Mama cried when I told her about your email. We will have a dinner for you when you return.

May God bless you and keep you safe, dear sister.

Jacob

I blink, and I blink again. Still, I stare at this incomprehensible message. Has my family forgotten I refused to marry a man? Have they prayed all these years for anything besides the saving of my soul? No talk about sin, repentance, or running away? They’ve gone insane.

Gracie pads into the hallway, worry lines creasing her forehead. “It’s late,” she says, even though she can’t know the truth of her words.

It is, indeed, late. Over a decade late, but it’s not never. “Just checking email,” I say, keeping my tone light. I dispense with the pretense of homework. No one could listen to childish jingles set to the ABC song.

“Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

It probably should, but that’s not happening. I promised Gracie no secrets. If we’re going to make this relationship work, we have to be on the same page even when I don’t like it.

“I’m going to see my family when we go back.” I try to make my voice clear, loud and certain. Or at least I hope it comes across that way because my chest pounds. It’s my family, right? My decision.

Cookie queen, wooden spoon lady, and champion of carbs, Anastasia Vitsky specializes in F/F fiction. She hates shoes and is allergic to leather. When not writing about women who live spankily ever after, she coordinates reader and author events such as Spank or Treat, Love Spanks, and Sci Spanks. Her favorite event is Ana’s Advent Calendar, a month-long celebration of books, community, and making a difference.

She is too afraid to watch Doctor Who, but she adores The Good Wife and anything with Audrey Hepburn. In her next life, she will learn how to make the perfect pie crust.