author. human. working hard to become stellar at life.
Scott at Gay Guy Reading Review (GGR-Review) has the following to say about Training Season:
“It is truly a story you won’t want to put down.”
and
“I should receive a quick kick to the arse for not reading this [book] earlier.”
and
“I can only recommend that you follow what I did (only don’t wait as long as I did to read it). Just open it up and start reading.”
***
Read the rest of his enthusiastic review here: Training Season | GGR-Review.
Reading reviews for Training Season has been a bemusing and fascinating experience. There is, of course, no way to please all the people all the time, and what one reader likes another reader hates. It’s wild to watch many people declare a character real, perfect, amazing and say they’ve fallen in love with him, and then to see another person declare that character boring, badly drawn, or unbearable. At this point, the positive outweighs the negative, and I’m hopeful it stays that way, but, as I said, it’s been a wild ride.
Given that Training Season was in, or hovered around the edges of, Amazon’s Top Ten Gay Romances for over two weeks in December, I think that I must have done something right along the way. And one thing that I’ve been mulling over during all of this hoopla is reader expectations and how they seem to play into the reception of the book. Some readers are disappointed that ranching or skating doesn’t take front and center, though most seem fine with how both things are presented. The thing is, I did a ton more research on ranching and skating than reveals itself in the book itself. And there’s a reason for that.
See, the book was never about those things. Sure, I could’ve written a book about the ins and outs of figure skating, with a lot of competitions, and scenes of skating on the ice. I could’ve written a book about ranching, featuring thrilling moments of escaped or wounded cattle, encounters with dangerous wild animals, or life-or-death adventures on the range. Instead, I wrote a book about something else entirely.
I wrote a book about a romance and about a young man’s emotional growth. I suppose some readers who say this book is more of a coming of age novel, might have a point, though the romance being central definitely makes it a romance in my book. But the book was never about the world of figure skating, or the adventures of ranching. It was always about how a person falls in love, makes choices, processes loss and pain, and moves into a stronger, better place in his life.
There were points when I was writing when I felt like I could take the book in another direction, something more sports or more ranch, but when it came down to it, I realized the book I was really writing and stayed true to it. I think that’s part of why this book has been so surprisingly successful in the scheme of things. Not that readers don’t want books about sports or about ranching! But rather, I think readers want a story that it is told true all the way through, and if I’d wavered from the direction the characters originally set out in, I think the book would have been a failure.
Thank you to all the readers out there–every last one!–who have loved or hated it so far. Y’all are the best. Thank you for letting these characters into your life for even just a little while.
Lady McNeill Reviews Training Season by Leta Blake Plus Goat Farming Post and Giveaway |. <– Click on the link here to enter a rafflecopter giveaway for Training Season! Don’t feel obligated to read, just scroll down to the bottom and enter! But, if you do want to read the lovely review that Lady McNeill gave Training Season, feel free! I’m so delighted by it!
“Wow can I say I’m emotionally drained after finishing Training Season by Leta Blake! Nothing better than a story that keeps you thinking of the characters when you aren’t reading. It was one of those books that I wanted to stay up all night to finish and when I couldn’t, I just kept thinking all night of where the book was going to go. I woke up this morning with the need to finish it because I couldn’t keep holding on waiting for the HEA to happen. And now that I’ve finished, I want to go back and reread it.”
Skylar M. Cates Is Here Today With “The Guy From Glamour” And A Giveaway!.
Click the above to read more about Skylar’s new book and comment for a free copy! I’m so excited! It looks awesome! FWIW, I saw a very, very, very early version of the first half of this book and loved it! Can’t wait to see how it worked out!
Training Season by Leta Blake.
“This book is the epitome of perfection. Rating: 5/5 shining bright North Stars”
Thank you, Yuki! 🙂 *twirls*
“Does Training Season by Leta Blake live up to all it’s crazy hype? IT SO DOES!”
— Breann, at Boy Meets Boy Reviews
Read more of her glowing review at: Boy Meets Boy Reviews: Review: Training Season by Leta Blake.
Gay Olympic #figureskating romance! (via http://www.keiraandrews.com)
Cover reveal! I love sports romance — especially when it features hot guys getting it on in the locker room. My new m/m sports romance is coming February 4, just in time for Sochi. Two pairs skaters: one American, one Russian. Bitter rivals on the…
[Read more…] about Get Your Gay Olympics Fix Right Here! #figureskating #mmromance
Guest Post and Giveaway: Training Season by Leta Blake — Joyfully Jay.
Click the above link to read a deleted scene from Training Season and comment for a chance at a free copy!
Interesting discussion at Brandonshire’s blog about heteronormativity in M/M Romance. I replied there with the following and wanted to post it my comment on my blog. It’s a bit out of context, but I think sense can be made of it. Otherwise, you can check it out at Brandon’s blog for full contextual understanding. 😉
**
What you’re describing is not actually this, “Even the most effeminate gay men are still that, they are men, they aren’t women, they shouldn’t be written like women” but rather this, “That is writing a stereotype of a woman, who is not a woman.” Because what you’re describing are BADLY WRITTEN CHARACTERS. Women don’t behave in those ways either.
So, to me, the issue is not if the gay man is effeminate, or horny, or not horny, or “alpha male”, or whatever else…the issue is whether or not they are written as well-rounded, true-to-life human beings. Basically, when I see people complaining about gay men being written like women, I start wondering just how they see WOMEN, you know? I mean, when was the last time I read a woman in a book–especially a romance–that I related to as a woman? It’s sadly been awhile.
So, I have no problem with you or anyone else pointing out that some of the characterizations of gay men (and of women) in books are deeply problematic because they are unrealistic, stereotypical, and lacking in creativity, but I guess I do end up having a problem with the idea that it is because the men are being portrayed as ‘like women’…because generally I don’t even know any women who behave like these stereotypical characters we see in books.
Maybe a better phrasing would be “gay men who behave like the worst and most unrealistic stereotypes of women”. That’s a phrasing I could probably get behind.
**I have been told that I should shut up about this and that female authors of m/m can write whatever they want because women are the biggest readers of the genre.**
and
**I’ve had gay friends of mine (authors) who were told by female readers of the genre that their gay men were wrong, because they didn’t fit how they see gay men.**
Well, obviously, that’s shitty and short-sighted and homophobic and fetishizing on the part of those who have said these things. I’m certainly not expressing that opinion. I’m just challenging the idea that these characters are written “like women” because I think that they’re just crappily written characters who are not like women at all.
Hope this made sense! I haven’t had my coffee yet!
“I am stunned. I am shocked. I am bewildered, beholden and breathless at what I have just read. What did I just read? A wonderful story? The most complete love story that I have come across? A gorgeous tale of love, hope, loss, acceptance, forgiveness and just a stunning tale…all of the above? You bet your sweet ass.”
— A Review of Training Season by Leta Blake, by The Risque Redhead Reviews.
Another really touching and amazing review of my book, Training Season. I’m so amazed! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much!
I am giddy over this new review! Thank you so much Ninjakitty! 😀
Review: Training Season by Leta Blake | Mama Kitty Reviews.
To quote:
“If you are looking something real, and passion that leaps off the pages, read this book. Now. You will NOT be disappointed.”
“This book felt like a real relationship, crazy hits of jealousy, moments of exasperation and the very real knife of sometimes making decisions that suck. This is the only time I have ever, and I mean EVER, emailed an author halfway through reading a book to exclaim how much I loved it.”
“What if you were madly in love, and your love treated you terribly? Abused you, mocked you, crushed your dreams and didn’t even kiss you before it screwed you? What if sometimes that love sent you flying, touching the edges of greatness and sending you away with love pouring from every particle of your body? No, this is not an episode of Teen Mom or even the latest and greatest BDSM novel. This is figure skating, and just because you might wear eye shadow doesn’t mean you get cry like a girl.”
Rating: 5 Stars
In June, I was lucky enough to see the male ballet corps, Trockadero de Monte Carlo. To quote a YouTube user named MozartGirl1756: The Trocks are trying to tell the world that you don’t need to have giant sticks up your ass, noses up in the air and serious for it to be this to be wonderful art form. They’re all amazing and talented dancers who are doing what they love, doing it beautifully AND showing us that ballet isn’t a stuffy form of entertainment.
What I found most amazing about seeing them was how, yes, as you’ll hear in the videos below, there was always a bit of laughter and comedy, but there were also times when the audience would go so still and quiet, emotionally absorbed by the beautiful dancing and the story playing out before them.
Here is a beautiful video of Swan Lake as performed by Trockadero de Monte Carlo:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/LLmcc1r1P4U]
Another video:
[youtube=http://youtu.be/xgTnwwFQGPI]
Seeing them, I was reminded of the Chorus Line song, “At the Ballet”, because, yes, everyone is beautiful at the ballet, every prince must have his swan, and the fact that the dancers are male and covered in chest and armpit hair make them no less beautiful. It was a real treat and I’d like to thank my friend, Pun, for taking me to the show.
Today I’m OVER HERE talking more about Trockadero de Monte Carlo, ballets, and how fairy tales and certain other stories can provide us with a world free of difficult, realistic baggage so that we can explore emotional touchstones in a more open-minded, open-hearted way.
Wow, that sounds super wanky. Go read and let me know if it’s wanky as it sounds. LOL!
As a reminder, Love’s Nest is available on Amazon now. Barnes & Noble and Sony are coming soon! It’s also up on Goodreads where you can mark it as “wanna read” or rate it if you’ve read it already! Hooray!
Hooray! We are live on Amazon! Love’s Nest is there waiting to fulfill your Kindle’s sexy fairy tale needs! Because, seriously, who doesn’t need some hot gay fairies on their Kindle?
At Cup o’ Porn today, Keira and I are offering up a free copy of our latest sexy fairy tale, Love’s Nest, in a random raffle! To participate click HERE!
For more information about Love’s Nest, and to determine if it’s a book you’d be interested in winning, please check out these blog posts:
1. Love’s Nest Release Day! It has a blurb and additional information about this sexy fairy tale. Gotta love hot gay fairies! 🙂
2. Love’s Nest 7/7/7 which has a small excerpt from the book.
3. The Next Big Thing which talks about the inspiration for Love’s Nest!
And I’ll include some of that imagery below, too.
So, head on over to Cup o’ Porn and sign in for the raffle to win Love’s Nest!
The awesome Amelia Gormley tagged me for this game.
The rules: Go to Page 7, 70, or 170 of a current Work in Progress or recently published work and choose either the first complete paragraph or 7 lines of dialogue to share. Paste to FB and tag 7 other authors to do the same.
Here are seven paragraphs from page 70 of Love’s Nest, released yesterday, and soon to be available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Sony, and other online stores.
***
“While it’s true that what I do know I’m enamored of, I fear these feelings are based in something not entirely real.”
Ópalo looked queasy. The birds clicked and made barking noises of agitation.
Mateo swallowed against the odd sense that he was telling a lie, even though every word he said was true.
“This is real. And I believe you will choose it. You will choose me.” Ópalo’s hands shook, but he seemed convinced of his own words.
The shimmer of Ópalo’s eyes pulled at Mateo. He felt rather convinced himself, which was deliriously ridiculous and deliciously reassuring all at once. Still, he couldn’t keep his mind from supplying an argument. “For all your talk of choice, telling me not to eat the fairy cakes so I can be completely free to come and go as I like, where is your own choice in all of this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Only that you’ve waited for your ‘bride’ your whole life, and now that I’ve arrived, you’ve accepted me without a second thought. How can you be so certain I’m the man for you? You might not even like me once you’ve known me more than a day or two.”
***
Love’s Nest is inspired by The Twelve Dancing Princesses and explores, in part, the function of destiny in fairy tales, especially when one of the heroes doesn’t believe in fate or love at first sight.
Love’s Nest is here! Whoot, whoot! Let’s all dance!!
This third book in the Tempting Tales series is currently available at Ellora’s Cave and coming soon to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Sony, All Romance eBooks and more. Also, be sure to check it out and add to your Wanna Read list at Goodreads!
***
Love’s Nest is based on the fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses. You can read more about the inspiration for the story here in my The Next Big Thing Blog Hop post.
Also, I’d like to say that somehow we managed to get this thing published without any front material. We shall look into fixing that. In the meantime, we’d like to enthusiastically and publicly thank Alejandra for her awesome help in making sure the Spanish words in the book were used accurately and with all the right accent marks! And for giving additional feedback and help on the book! We’d also like to thank Alice for her feedback on the earlier drafts.
And I’d like to dedicate this book to Jed, who is my bird, my best friend, and who loved this book more than I did, probably. I’d like to thank her for her help, her friendship, and for patiently listening to me babble about books for hours. This book was written for her. There is another book that is being finished because of her, but this was for her, and so I’m glad she loves it as much as she does.
There’s no greater mystery in the kingdom than how Prince Mateo’s sisters wear out their shoes each night while locked away in their chambers. Using old magic, Mateo discovers their secret and follows them through a portal to an enchanted world of fairies and lusty delights. Ópalo has waited years for his male human, and he knows Mateo is his destiny. Mateo soon succumbs to the pleasures of the flesh, but as their worlds collide, Ópalo has to risk everything to win his man forever.
A Romantica® male/male erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
Here we go, babies! Everyone who is always coming to this blog looking for “sex with fairies” (yes, I see you in my stats! 14 to 20 of you a day!) are in for a treat! The next book is about…dun, dun, dun! Fairies! And, yes, sex is had with the fairies! Whoot! 🙂
The blurb:
Part of the Tempting Tales series
There’s no greater mystery in the kingdom than how Prince Mateo’s sisters wear out their shoes each night while locked away in their chambers. Using old magic, Mateo discovers their secret and follows them through a portal to an enchanted world of fairies and lusty delights. Ópalo has waited years for his male human, and he knows Mateo is his destiny. Mateo soon succumbs to the pleasures of the flesh, but as their worlds collide, Ópalo has to risk everything to win his man forever.
A Romantica® male/male erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave
This story is based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but has an entirely different feel, and not just because of the fact that it has two heroes. We have been notified that this upcoming Wednesday, July 17, will be the day, folks! So check back then to find out more!
Today we’re talking with Dev Bentham’s characters in her new book, Bread, Salt and Wine!
What are your names? And tell us a little about yourselves?
I’m George Zajac, L’Ouest’s new catering chef. It’s a second career for me. A few years ago I traded on Wall Street and had an apartment overlooking Central Park. That all went to shit, which is what it is. In Los Angeles no one really knows me and it’s better that way. There is this waiter, Kenny Marks, who… well, I like his company. I’m too messed up to get involved anyone, but I keep thinking maybe he’d go for a friends with benefits kind of thing.
How did you meet? Was it love at first sight?
We work together. And hell no, it wasn’t love at first sight. I don’t do relationships. Can’t. But Kenny’s a great guy. He’s smart and funny, sexy as hell, makes me feel good when I’m around him. But no, it’s not love.
What do you believe is your worst or most frustrating quality? What about his?
Ah shit, do I have to talk about this? Let me just say, I’ve got issues. Sexual issues. Let’s leave it at that. As for Kenny, the thing that frustrates me most about him is that he’s so out there. I mean, you wouldn’t need to spend two second with him to know he’s gay. Which is okay for him, but I don’t want anyone making assumptions about me because they’ve seen me with him. I don’t need to shout out to the whole world that I’m gay, okay? I mean, it’s none of their business, right?
What is your best quality? What about his?
My best quality? I don’t know, I’m good cook I guess.
Kenny, he’s the bravest man I’ve ever met.
If you could have one wish come true, what would it be and why?
That the nightmares would stop and I could be with someone like Kenny without breaking into a sweat or needing him to—that we could just be together like normal people. Like, well, lovers.
***
Now, let’s talk to the author!
Dev, what other book/series would you compare your current offering to?
This is the fourth, and last, book in my Tarnished Souls series. Each story in the series highlights a particular Jewish holiday. They are all stand-alone novels, independent in that you can start anywhere in the series but linked by characters who float between books. For example, Kenny showed up as a childhood friend of the main character in Learning from Isaac and George employed the protagonist in Sacred Hearts and yet none of that history is important for understanding Bread, Salt and Wine.
What’s next for you?
What’s immediately next is that I have another story coming out next week from Amber Allure, Painting in the Rain, a novella set on the Oregon Coast. The story I’m working on right now involves a small town veterinarian, a big city artist and a bunch of dogs.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
George had a terrible childhood. He wonders if perhaps some wounds never heal. And while George is a fictional character, far too many of us are wandering around with our own bleeding hearts. Thinking about that makes me sad.
***
Blurb:
Some wounds never heal. George Zajac grew up in a religious family with a father who beat “the swish” out of him. Now he’s a troubled man. At thirty-eight he moves across the country to start a new life in Los Angeles, working as the catering chef for a prestigious French Restaurant. Kenny Marks, a writer who’s currently waiting tables, is everything George cannot be—flamboyant, proud and sexually confident. Enthralled by Kenny, and against his own better judgment, George agrees to a date. Sparks fly. The sex is better than good. But even after the two get close, George remains crippled by humiliating sexual hang-ups. Still haunted by his childhood, he lingers in the closet and can’t commit to a relationship with Kenny. Love is the great healer, but is it enough? George’s emotional scars could drive Kenny away, and with him, George’s last chance at happiness.
Find Dev on the web at www.devbentham.com, email her at devbentham@yahoo.com and follow her on twitter at @DevBentham.
I’m happy to present the cover for the upcoming fairy tale in Keira’s and my series! It’s a tale based on The Twelve Dancing Princesses and will clock in at over twice the length of the first two tales in the series. We’re hoping it will be out later this summer. We’re awfully excited and hope you love the cover as much as we do!
Wow, so this is new. Recently, I’ve been confronted with the option to pay between $2 and $5 less for actual physical books than their ebook versions. And it’s not just books, either. It’s true of CDs as well. And, wow, I’m surprised at how hard the choice is.
Not for CDs. That’s easy. I get the option of ripping the mp3s and having a hard copy with pretty pictures. I’ll take the CD, thanks.
But the book! Oh, man, I feel like such an anti-hipster asshole saying this. But, here we go. I really love reading on my e-readers at night for one ridiculously lazy reason. I don’t have to get out of bed to turn out the lights. I know right? Yeah. I know.
But it’s true.
So, here I am trying to decide–do I buy this lovely hardback book for $5 less than the e-book? Or do I get the e-book because I’m more likely to actually read it due to the fact that I do 99% of my reading in bed before going to sleep and…I don’t have to get out of bed and turn out the light? Or roll over to the other side of the bed, reach really far, and turn off the bedside lamp?
Holy crap! I’m lazy!
So, I guess I’ll get the hardcover. But, wow, I actually had to think about it.
What do you all think is behind this new movement of pricing the physical objects (CDs, books) lower than the e-book? Do you choose the physical or e-book version when presented with this choice?
