Reviews

Review of Ashley Lister’s “Raven and Skull”

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"Tell us about a time you nearly died, Tony." I met Ashley Lister at Eroticon 2014 in Bristol, UK. He was giving a lecture on using the basics of Joseph Campbell's "Hero's Journey" in romance and erotic writing. I was one of the faceless attendees that day and, as Mrs. Stranded and I often joke, the only one in the room with no accent. That Lister was hitting on the Campbell note, the same note that inspired one named Lucas to write "Star Wars", was one of the highlights of the conference for me. "Raven and Skull" is the first chance I have finally had to read one of Lister's work. Having been part of the conference at Eroticon, finding Lister writing in the horror realms was surprising. Honestly, I expected romance or [Read more...]

Review of “That Day At the Lake”

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This review, with five stars, was added to Amazon.ca this evening: I admit, that this is not my standard genre for reading or writing. Rachel de Vine has become a fast online friend over the last year. I figured it was time to give "That Day At The Lake" a go and see what I could make of it. One of my favorite lines from the story made short work of my apprehensions about the genre, however: "If you are having an orgy, can I join in?" "No Hugh, this is girl bonding. Go back to bed." It was this line where the word cool crossed my mind about this story. The story is complicated by the emotions mixed with an underlying thread that drags the story arc to places Chris Carter would have enjoyed pulling Mulder and Scully through. [Read more...]

Swingers Fiction Review – Cooper S. Beckett’s “A Life Less Monogamous”

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I was given a copy of Cooper S. Beckett's new novel in exchange for an honest review. Now, I'm no literary reviewer, but let's see if I can make this puppy fly, shall we? It is a story of Ryan and Jennifer as they being their journey outside the traditions of monogamy. A new friendship with a swinging couple, Bruce and Paige, who offer our heroes a way to spice up their marital experience. This couple, given my lifestyle, I felt strong empathy for as they begin exploring the hushed lifestyle of swingers and swinging. Don't kid yourself; the population is estimated to be about 10% non-monogamous, and swingers only make up a portion of that. It is very hushed. Having been through some of these scenes, myself, the author knows of which he [Read more...]

The Friday Review: Icicles Hand Blown Glass Massager

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It looks phallic enough; that's for certain. It's dishwasher safe and, let's be honest; there are very few real erections that are dishwasher safe. The possibility of drowning the owner is a very real concern. It's also got an impressive weight to it and, another benefit over the real thing, it won't be going flaccid anytime soon. Like many men, you can see right through it. But, better than most men, with the weight it carries it could be used to defend one's self in a home invasion. Quoting straight from the back of the package... The hypoallergenic glass is nonporous and body safe, and when cared for properly, is designed to last a lifetime... AKA, don't drop it unless on some form of padded floor covering. So what is [Read more...]

Swingers Threesome at Bowery Bliss

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With how many threesome stories I've written, it should be easy to come up with something new, right? I mean, in the swingers' lifestyle, these things are bloody near common. However, I've been bad. I have a new Skelly Manor short releasing on Amazon today and a new novel, Darwin's Sword - Savannah Book Two, out next month. So I may be a touch busy. Lovely Marie Rebelle took my suggestion for a prompt, and here I sit in a New York City hotel room trying to come up with a story about threesomes. Well, it is now 10:23 AM EST, and we have a lunch reservation for 11:30 AM, followed by a miserable day on Broadway seeing Bruce Willis in Misery for a matinee, and Les Miserables for an evening performance. Yesterday, no chance to write [Read more...]

Toronto Pub Affair – An Erotic Writer’s Review of the Foggy Dew

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Toronto Pub, The Foggy Dew

My darling, we have enjoyed three years together in secret. Three years of drinks, meals, and glorious sexual innuendo. But, alas, our time is at an end. I must end this. Though I was vague to protect our tryst but many of my readers would recognize you, my gorgeous mistress...I have often described your sensual nooks and crevices, your aged woodwork, your playful barmaids, and your glorious beer selection in my stories. I did not, however, criticize you for shortening up on your menu and no longer allowing me the luxurious and luscious taste of steak and Caesar. I kept my mouth shut for fear of pushing you away. Not sure why I bring it up now, as that is not why I am ending this affair. And it was an affair. With your kilts, [Read more...]

Sex Toy Review – Electrified by the Magic Wand

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Yes...I decided to do a sex toy review. My initial thought on such reviews was pretty simple and straight forward. I'm a guy...I don't need no stinkin' toys. Upon further review, my wife convinced me that I could do it with her help. So here goes... Anyhow, we have a Magic Wand personal massager (used to be the Hitachi Magic Wand Original)..if in the UK, try UK Wand. Again, being a guy I'd not explored any details previously, but I was surprised to find out that this device was first marketed in the late 60s and promoted even by the likes of Betty Dodson. Upon initial opening, the device looks like a white microphone that Monty Hall might have once tried to make deals with. It is definitely ready for action immediately upon [Read more...]

Swingers on Friday at Club M4

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My longtime readers will know Club M4 rather intimately...though perhaps not by name. The opening stanza of Just Prey - Savannah Book One uses this swingers club as a setting. In fact, the setting was used a few times within Savannah lore for settings. M4 is a place that we first *ahem* cut our swinging teeth almost two years ago. Having been to regular Liberty Village BDSM parties, a friend of mine suggested we try M4 when we were first dating. For awhile, we became semi-regular at the place. M4 is a basement club, in all respects, located along the lake shore in Toronto's west end. One enters the joint from street level through glass storefront doors that open onto stairs descending into the depths one full flight down. Opening [Read more...]