The Case of Nikki Pagan by Rachel Eliason (REVIEW)

The Case of Nikki Pagan is a touching and powerful novel about a trio of unlikely friends. Rachel Eliason groups together three young people, whose struggles in the face of extremely unfortunate circumstances allow their individual greatness and heroism to shine through. This occurs through the support and love they generate for each other in the face of their devastating and life-changing issues.

It is about one young man's willingness to accept and embrace the emotional suffering of a gender variant friend, in the context of the illness and courage of a second new friend.  More than this, it is a complex coming-of-age tale about a young man, whose hopes to become a college football star are dashed through the result of his own stupidity.  However, this young person finds that for all that he loses, he gains so much more. His personal growth, fostered by a heightened sensitivity brought about by his own plight and growing mindfulness, lead to an ever increasing empathy for the pain and suffering of others. This is a story about this young man's willingness to move past his own personal prejudices to the acceptance of the gender issues of a new friend and his touching and growing sensitivity to the terminal illness of another.

It is a novel that is not for the faint of heart as the author recreates the realism of the emergency room and the "code blues" that summon forth the hospital faithful in the attempt to stave off impending death. While it extolls the virtues and professionalism of many in the medical and nursing profession, it eviscerates the ineptitude and paternalism of those who have placed themselves as gatekeepers to the transgender and intersex community. It is an inspirational journey to behold and a very worthwhile read from beginning to end.



[Reviewed by Samuel]

Finally Giving It a Shot – Leigh Campbell on Blood and Lipstick (GUEST POST)

Vampire Lesrotica. That's how I've been describing my short story, "Bloody Flowers", being published in the Blood and Lipstick anthology from Storm Moon Press. I've always found the idea of lesbian vampires incredibly fascinating and loved taking the trip down the rabbit hole with my characters. I love all the different things you can incorporate in a story with vampires. History, sensuality, sex. Unending romance. Darkness. These ladies can do it all and have probably done it all with incredibly fascinating people. (I have a personal theory that the eldest vampire in my story has probably romanced quite a few royals in her day, simply because she could—she had quite a fondness for Marie Antoinette.) They carry themselves with confidence because they are confident.

Their confidence comes from knowing that in the end, they'll always end up with what they want. When a vampire character walks into the room, other characters can feel a magnetism. I really don't care what genre you're reading; it usually just works that way. They're predators at their very core, so, it really comes as no surprise that this would occur. Pretty plumage and an alluring nature gets them their prey. It's the way Mother Nature intended.

Yes, yes, you know all that. Now, you want me to talk about the lesbianism and what pulled me towards that, right? Well, I'll tell you. Quite frankly, it's because I find it incredibly hot. There. I've said it. I have a thing for lesbian vampires. I have a thing for vampires seducing other women to get what they want. And I'm totally all right with that.

It's something that is not new to me—I've found that I've liked subtle hints of it in my "bestsellers" reading, and have imagined it going quite a bit further. One of my favorite series has a bisexual female vampire as a major secondary character, and I've always (not so secretly, as the author is very much in touch with her fans and I've spoken to her—come talk to me about my writing! I'd love that!) wished that the main character who spends three quarters of the series dancing around her feelings would just... give it a shot. This has always been such a build up and let down for me, like getting close to fulfillment and then remembering you really need to do laundry and go to the grocery store and you should really make a list instead of what you're currently doing.

That right there is my main inspiration for writing this story. Giving it a shot and wanting to not go grocery shopping or make a list of any kind. It's my first paid submission to any publisher (a fact that I'm extremely proud and pleased with), and I really just felt a call. I felt, for me, it was the "right story to write". Storm Moon Press gave me an opportunity to explore via writing something I've always really been interested in reading, and for that I'm incredibly grateful. "Bloody Flowers" gave me a place to start from, gave me an opportunity to explore darker themes than I usually tool around with. I normally don't write from the perspective of "the monsters", but this was a lot of fun. Really sinking my teeth (har har, I should write comedy) in a sub-genre that I enjoy has given me quite a bit of confidence and has taught me a lot.

The whole "first accepted submission to a publisher" thing has taught me a lot as well. I've never fully grasped all that goes into it (and I still don't from a publishing side of things, but I'm ever so curious how it works at HQ), and now I have a much firmer idea. Storm Moon has a lot going on and seems to be taking on more projects every day, so, it's a most excellent adventure that I'm enjoying being a small part of. (And if you're not reading that in a Bill and/or Ted voice, then you're not old enough to read the anthology in most places.) So, I have to thank them for giving me the opportunity (I feel like I should have an Oscar and be tripping up stairs), and the other big thank you I feel like I want to take this chance to give is to my best friend and perpetual cheerleader, Meri, without whom one of the characters still wouldn't have a name.

Blood and Lipstick -- Now Available from Storm Moon Press for just $6.99 (ebook). Get your copy today!

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies Interview with Angel Propps

Good morning, all!

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Angel Propps, a lovely femme leatherdyke submissive with a secret sadistic side . . . who just happens to write some very steamy BDSM themed erotica. As one of the contributors to the Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies anthology from Storm Moon Press, Angel graciously agreed to stop by today for a brief interview.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

♥ Tell us a little about yourself.

Okay—I'm a very involved femme leatherdyke submissive with a secret sadistic side (or maybe not so secret). I currently serve as WILL (Women's International Leather Legacy) 2012. I work to record and preserve leatherwomen's history. I have had several titles within the community and own, with my partner, Owhips. I'm also on the board of a great conference called SouthEastLeatherFest, and I'm a writer of erotica, horror, poetry, and music.

♥ Storm Moon Press' Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies anthology just released April 12th. What is the name of your short story contribution, and what is it about?

"She's the Boss". It's about a boss who offers one employee some very special 'perks'.

♥ What theme in your erotic short sets it apart from the rest? Is there something special you put into it that readers should look forward to?

It's very much a BDSM tale, and it's a f/f power dynamic scenario. I love women engaging in that type of play and sex. There is something so exciting about seeing women claiming their power and bodies and sexuality.

♥ Do you have your own coffee break fantasy from a menial job? What about that secret flame for a co-worker? Any work-related tidbits from your life you can share in celebration of your book release?

I own a business that sees me attending kink and leather conferences nearly every weekend, so I can't say I have a menial job. I get to see naked people doing all kinds of wicked things, and I get paid to be there.

I have the utter hots for my Daddy. (That would be my butch dyke Daddy type partner.)

I sell whips and use them, too. I teach classes on the subject. You want to learn? I could tell lots of stories but I won't; I never whip and tell. Or get whipped and tell, for that matter.

♥ What television show comes up most at your water cooler conversations?

Oh, ha ha... oddly enough... CSI. Second to that would likely be American Horror Story. Maybe it's me or just that the people I know like gory stuff. I hadn't thought about that until just now.

♥ Where can readers find you?

I can be found at www.owhips.com and, of course, on Fetlife as angelwrong.

♥ Thanks for stopping by!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies – Now available from Storm Moon Press for $3.99 (ebook)

Ah, the allure of the office romance. The sly smiles across the room as you wonder if anyone else knows. The danger of being caught by the boss. The thrill of those stolen moments in the copy room or supply closet. It's this feeling that we've condensed, distilled, and captured in the short shorts of Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies. We've compiled thirteen brief tales of men and women getting it on with a co-worker or a boss in a steamy office romance.

Some of them are established and have been sneaking around the office for some time, like Lori Hunt and her P.A. Ms. Lovell in She's the Boss or Tom and Neal in Personal Assistance. Others, like The New Guy's Greg and Eli or the awkwardly-named Rebecca A. and Rebecca B. from Tele-Romance are just beginning to experience the allure that can come from keeping the secret. Nor are such trysts confined to the office itself, spilling out into stairwells, copy rooms, gyms, and even computer server rooms. Whatever the case, though, they're sure to arouse your imagination, and maybe even leave you looking at your own co-workers a little bit... differently.

Gay & Lesbian Coffee Break Quickies includes: Skype Wars by Rob Rosen Hands On by K. Piet One Week by L. Alonso Corona Working Lunch by Ann Anderson Personal Assistance by K. Lynn She's the Boss by Angel Propps The New Guy by John Amory Stair Walking by Harper Bliss 1-800-BOREDOM by Raven de Hart Fair Play by Anna Hedley His Nonexistent Coffee Break by Lor Rose Tele-Romance by Erik Moore Three Strikes by Piper Vaughn

Nevada by Imogen Binnie (REVIEW)

Totally

Somehow I find that I am at a loss to say much about this stunning novel as I am still assimilating it and trying to understand it `cause it hit me like a train wreck. Totally. Although I feel I must say something or blow loudly into some heralding trumpet, words fail me as I sit here in awe.

In her stunning novel Nevada, as a keen observer of the gender dysphoric experience, Imogen Binnie slices into every conceivable permutation of transgenderism with surgical precision, examining from all angles the nooks and crannies of the minds of her creations. Penned in a very unusual stream of consciousness style that exposes that "little voice" in the minds of her characters for what it is, the novelist examines and dissects every thought and every thought behind every thought, peering ever deeper and deeper into the psyche of those about whom she writes. The desired result happens to be totally great and I cannot say enough good things about this novel.

On the one hand, I think the author totally "nailed it," but with dropped jaw, I cannot say exactly what she nailed, but somehow I know it was important and we are witnessing something great happening here. Totally. Although I am embarrassed to admit that I do not know exactly what it was, I think the power of this book is that it exposes and eviscerates the bi-gendered model of society and is an indictment of the paternalistic medical model of transgenderism. Totally.

That the author's characters happen to be trans, gay and/or drug addled, socially challenged, codependent, lacking in self-esteem, purpose and moral fabric, provides a great backdrop and makes for a very interesting ride to say the least.

This book is an amazing experience and not to be missed. Totally.




[Reviewed by Samuel]

Ignorance is Bliss by Karin Bishop (REVIEW)

Ignorance is Bliss is a touching and sweet little book that is virtually a classic psychological case study about a mother and her transgender child.  It is, first and foremost, a novel about a young teen who not only has to deal with her own transition to a female gender role, but the burgeoning realization that her mother is suffering from mental illness in the form of a Dissociative Disorder,  a condition that involves a breakdown of memory, awareness, identity and perception.

How this little girl deals with her own struggle in the face of her mother’s issues is nothing short of magnificent. This tale demonstrates the virtues of honesty and ethical practice, and features the support of caring professionals, friends, and loved ones. It provides an interesting juxtaposition of the protagonist’s struggle to come to terms with her own true identity, while her mother is presented as a person who we can only theorize is a survivor of some buried trauma or deeply rooted horror that will never permit her to come close to knowing who she really is.

Sad to think that while the daughter jubilantly launches on a path to achieve her quest, the mother never will.



[Reviewed by Samuel]

Intervention by Crystal Veeyant (REVIEW)

After her last tale (The Sissy and the Billionaire), which went all-out erotic fantasy from the first page, Crystal Veeyant scales things back with Intervention. It is a smaller story, with a more intimate cast of characters, and while it still has a touch of fantasy, it deals very sensitively and maturely with the concepts of addiction and consequences.

Bob is a stressed out, overworked, middle-aged gentleman stuck in a job that provides no satisfaction, and entrenched in a relationship where his wife is the primary breadwinner. He's not a sad man, or a depressed one, but one who is desperately seeking something . . . something special, something different, something exciting. He and his wife are more adventurous in the bedroom than the average couple, but he still wants something more - something that he seeks, day in and day out, through pornography. It is not just a fetish, but an addiction, one that has already almost cost him his job once already.

When an impromptu encounter in the bathroom at his addiction counselling session triggers that 'something' he has been looking for, much more than just his job is at risk. Suddenly, he is losing himself in transsexual pornography, rubbing himself raw to images of shemales and sissies, and eventually cheating on his wife with the beautiful transsexual prostitute from the bathroom.

If that seems like pretty standard stuff, trust me . . . it certainly is not. Veeyant demonstrates a deep understanding of the human psyche and the depths to which sexual addiction can send us. More than that, she layers in an even deeper layer to the story, one that is deliberately psychological in nature. As evidence of Bob's cheating comes to life, his wife gives in to her own fantasies and consummates the blossoming lesbian relationship with her assistant - a young psychology graduate who just happens to specialize in sexual deviance and addiction.

Together, the two women work to break Bob of his addiction by giving him EVERYTHING he desires, attempting to overwhelm him to the point where his fetish addictions lose all power over his life. Of course, this is a Crystal Veeyant tale, so you know that is going to involve some forced feminization, role-reversal, and submissive role-playing. By the time Mary's true intentions are revealed, Bob and his wife have sunk too far, gone too deep, to ever return to their 'normal' lives.

The opening chapters may be a bit difficult to read for many, only because Veeyant's look at sexual addiction hits so close to home. It is hard not to, in some small part, identify with Bob . . . to fear for him . . . and to experience some honest tension on his behalf. Fortunately, things turn out precisely as they should, and the resolution of addiction, fantasy, and relationships is entirely satisfying.


[Reviewed by Candace]

A Different Kind of Life by Katie Leone (REVIEW)

Through circumstances beyond his control, a sensitive young boy is faced with a vital decision in A Different Kind of Life. "Michael or Michelle, someone step forward and take charge," the internal voice of our protagonist pleads for direction and help. Then, in what almost appears to be divine intervention, a powerful dream sequence, leading to absolute clarity, removes the scales from his eyes. This is a book, not about the plusses and minuses of being either gender, but about the idea of finally being who you are.

Katie Leone has written a novel touching all the bases of gender dysphoria, from the actual realization of the forbidden fantasy of the transgender child, to the exploration of the philosophical conflict of our bigendered society, where personal freedoms are an illusion and societal expectations fostered by paternalism are the norm. This is a sensitive novel by an author who has the courage to gracefully and tastefully touch, not only upon a child's gender issues, but the sexuality of children, an important but oft neglected area ordinarily taboo to literature, but here outlined with unerring innocence and sweetness. Just another wonderful novel by a fine and passionate write



[Reviewed by Samuel]

Get the latest copy of Frock Magazine . . . FREE!

I am delighted to announce that Issue #20 of Frock Magazine is now available, and it's a great one!

Inside you'll not only find my regular "Frock Books" review column, but also a great piece on the Photographing Dr.a.g collection, and Frock Chick Ava Roux.

Completely free, and available digitally,  Frock Magazine is one of the finest transgender lifestyle magazines around, and one that prides itself on being coffee-table friendly (i.e. free of any erotic content, suggestive ads, etc.).

While you're at it, we're always looking for new and exciting stories and articles to share, so if you have a transgender related idea you'd like to see in Frock Magazine, or a story/article you'd like to share, please drop me a line (sally AT frockmagazine DOT com).

Don't just pick it up for my column, though - the magazine has a wonderful variety of articles and features, looks absolutely gorgeous, and is a wonderful read. Please hop on over to  Frock Magazine and give it a read today!
♥