Winston Quirk

Title: Winston Quirk
Author Martin Delacroix
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Drama, Interracial
Rating: 3.5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

When Dane witnesses an attack on Winston Quirk, he has to intervene. It seems certain inhabitants of the Bahamian island of Man-O-War Cay do not take kindly to change but still Dane cannot believe the level of animosity and aggression toward new guy Winston, just for the black man being on the island after dark. Truth be told though, Dane is struggling with more than just the behavior of idiots; he’s trying to deal with his own feelings that are stirring, thanks to this mysterious stranger entering his life.

In Winston Quirk, Dane and Winston are faced with barriers they must overcome if they wish to take their obvious chemistry to the next level. Set in 1975, I must admit that having to face the mindless prejudices of disturbed people was not particularly pleasant to observe. However for a majority of the time the author successfully focused on the development of Dane and Winston, with both men trying to overcome social inequalities and find their place in the world. Dane was very mixed up about his emotions for Winston but Winston seemed more secure in himself and patient enough to allow Dane to figure things out for himself.

Winston Quirk is part of Torquere Press’ Charity Sip 2010 Healing Hearts.

Where a Hand is Always Needed

Title: Where a Hand is Always Needed
Author: Kara Larson
Publisher: Torquere Press
Publisher URL: http://www.torquerebooks.com/
ISBN: N/A
Genre: {M/M} Drama
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Rose Nymph

Graeme wasn’t looking forward to spending his summer out in the middle of nowhere. He’d much rather be back in the city but he knows there could have been much worse punishments for his recent behavior at school then staying with his Aunt and Uncle. He didn’t have high expectations of what the summer held in store for him but when a plane crash puts his whole family on high alert, Graeme wonders if maybe the outback is just the right place to be after all.

Where a Hand is Always Needed is a short story included in the Healing Hearts Charity Anthology. I loved reading this story as it gave me an insight into the young mind of Graeme, a man I first got acquainted with in Sliding Down the Pohutakawa Root. This story is set before Graeme met Amiri in New Zealand and focuses on Graeme’s summer with his Aunt and uncle in the Australian Outback. The language and descriptions of Graeme’s surroundings and extended family is wonderful. The slow realization of the possibilities awaiting Graeme in his future was tenderly sweet and a joy to read.

Condor and Falcon

Title: Condor and Falcon
Author: John Simpson
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Publisher URL: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/
ISBN: 978-1-61581-246-2
Genre: {M/M}, Contemporary, Drama
Rating: 5 Nymphs
Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Satyr Vael

President David Windsor and his ex-Secret Service agent-turned-partner, Shane Thompson, are back and stronger than ever. David is determined to remain with Shane, despite all the political hell they have to deal with as the nation’s first “First” gay couple. In fact, David wants to make it official… with marriage. Detractors, however, aren’t so keen with the idea. It’s going to take everything David and Shane have within them--individually and together--to keep it all from destroying them both.

As with the first two books, Condor and Falcon is a wonderful tale of a dream many folks in the GLBT community have entertained: that of a gay (or lesbian) president.

I fell more in love with both of these men in this book and the love scenes are, as always, poignant and hot. The drama is top-notch and extremely believable, given the circumstances of being America’s first gay president.

Simpson, once again, has penned a tale of love, perseverance and intrigue that will stay with you long after you’re done reading.