valarltd | Books for 2011

1) Cherry on Top. M. Rode, ed. A pretty good anthology about first times. I was gifted a copy by

bg_thomas. The stories ranged from cute to intense, memorable to utter pablum. I liked the early look at Dr. Fell, Kiernan Kelly turned in a terrific one with her tale of first love rediscovered. (But Kiernan is almost always the standout in a TQ anthology) Ben's offering was a story of a young man discovering his own and his best friend's sexuality. It was cute.

2) Dr. Doolittle's Circus. Hugh Lofting. Dr. Doolittle and his family take the pushmipullyu on the road to make money. On the way, helps a seal escape, helps end fox hunting in a district and generally reforms the whole outfit. Long and very victorian lit.

3) Cornfed. Kiernan Kelley. I remember Kiernan taking on the challenge of writing an Amish man in love with a sheik. The result is this delightful piece. Part Witness homage, but all her own, I highly recommend it as a fun, suspenseful and hot read.

4) Mongrel. KZ Snow. In a steampunk world where not-quite-human people are branded with their ratio of human blood, the leader of the Mongrels discovers a fiendish plot and true love, at the same time. This was terrific. Great worldbuilding, great characters. A vampire named Clancy Marrowbones. Where else you gonna find THAT? If you like steampunk, this is it for you.

5) All or Nothing. James Buchanan. Nicky and Brendan cope with holiday vacation and Brendan's nine year old. Good story, good men, but the mystery was transparent. Maybe I read too much Sherlock Holmes.

6) Safe-Words. Jodi Payne and Chris Owen. More of Phan and Noah and Tobias. Tobias is much too smug and the boys seem adrift without their jobs. Sexy as all hell, though, and some serious emotional work on Phan's part.

7) Dreams of Steam. Kimberly Richardson, ed. A solid steampunk collection, with all sorts of fun stories. Marred by some poor copy editing in places, but recommended.