My G-Spot

Dade is having a secret affair with Pablo, who has a jealous girlfriend, Judy. Frustrated that he is not treated well, Dade begins to distance himself from Pablo, who contacts Dade only when he has the urge to fun. As soon as the fun is over, Pablo chases Dade away. A handsome young drug-dealer, Alex enters the picture and becomes a new interest for Dade. With Alex, it is so much easier for Dade to get over Pablo.

I won't call this book as anything above ordinary, but I am not entirely disappointed with the story presentation. I enjoyed the slow story. It is like watching a slow Oscar movie, where there is no prediction of where the story will end, or how it should end. Dade is painted as a frustrated teenager, who is weeks away from his new college life. He has to face the marital problems his parents are facing, the verbal abuses from other teenagers who suspect him of being gay and disappointment with Pablo.

I was curious the need of including Jenny into the storyline, but I think that plot may be good enough to get me to read again this book once again, to see how the town's obsession with a missing girl blends in with the story of a gay teenager deals with coming out.

David has a crush on Sean and he is trying hard to deny his feeling. Especially not when his best friend, Eddie comes out. David tries to tell himself that he and Kick are an item, except that he has never gone far enough in the relationship with Kick which is leaving her frustrated.

David is a school runner, and so is Sean. There is a mixed of attraction and resistance from David and this makes him anxious. Sean's best friend, Parker, is a homophobe and this causes David to keep his distance away from Eddie.

And then, one day, a note appears in David's locker.

I find this book easy to read and delightfully pleasant. I find myself caring for the characters easily. Although there was this lust inside of me wishing for things to get well between David and his secret-affair guy, I was willing to accept the ending for the book. I was surprised how soon it took me to turn the pages, and unlike other novels, I finished reading the book within 2 evenings, which means that the book is relatively short. But still, I think it is a book worth having. I love this book. :)

Taylor Adam is sent to Straight to God school when his parents find out that he like boys. Well, not just all boys - just his boyfriend - Will. There, Taylor is expected to live as a good Christian and repents his ungodly love for another man. Taylor meets other young guys and girls who are there for several reasons, other than being gay. Taylor thinks that it is going to be unbearable 6 weeks to stay away from his loving boyfriend, but as the days progress, Taylor begin to learn about the problems guys and girls his age face, and the problem posed by the expectation of society.

You know.. this kind of book should come with a warning.. a book with 60 to 80 percent straight content, with a young gay character floating in between the paragraphs, and nothing more.

Jack Francisco is a wanted man. Jack has witnessed three brothers killed a woman. D, a professional killer, is sent to kill Jack. Instead of doing his job, D ends protecting Jack and helps Jack to escape from hitmen who are sent to hunt them down, as well as keeping Jack away from FBI as it has already failed to protect Jack.

Tale of Two Summers is a gay novel, by Brian Sloan, written in a manner of blog entries by two best friends who are separated by the summer. Hal, the gay teenager, is stuck in his hometown. He is supposed to live through the boring summer, sitting for his driving test. His best friend, the straight boy, Chuck, is away for a drama camp.

Both blog down the events that happen that summer - Hal meets a fag hag, Brett and a French young guy, Henri, who returns his affection. Chuck has crushes over Ghaliyah, but ends up spending more boy-girl moments with MK.

Bobby Framingham is the star quarterback at Durango High School. He is popular. He is waiting for the right call of offers from colleges. He has loving parents. He has supportive team players. And the school thinks that he and beautiful Carrie are a great couple. It should have been a perfect life for him, except that he is battling confusion in him. He likes guys. He has dreams of Todd, another athletic in the school who plays baseball.

It is not easy for him to consider what right track he should pursue - to come clean on his sexual orientation or to suppress it. It does not make it any easier when he notices a guy his age, Bryan, is eying him at the games.

When he comes out to his best friend, Austin, one drama leads to another, and suddenly Bobby finds himself in a greater spotlight. It does not help Bobby either that his father tells him that his father has cancer.

I love reading a good book. It's like watching a good movie, where when it ends, it leaves nothing but a great smile on the face. Or a sigh, hoping for a little bit more although the heart is satisfied with the way the book or the movie turns out. After reading Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy and has a great satisfaction from it, I was surprised that I read another good book so soon.

Bill Konigsberg produced a great gay character and a storyline that I would definitely be talking about often enough when I have the chance to. Bobby Framingham is a good boy. He is a likable boy. He does not take advantages of girls. He does not sleep with them to keep a pretentious straight image. It is just that he does not tell people of the actual gender he likes.

So, his whole dilemma deals with the desire in his heart for guys and he wants to come clean with his friends. He carries his worries too long on his own and he wants someone to know. It starts with his friend, and then friends and eventually, more come to know of his situation.

To be honest, I thought Bobby had it easy. It is not impossible to find someone gay who has good supports from people around. However, I think it is not often enough to find someone so lucky, to have supportive team players and parents who stick with him through thick and thin. Sure, Bobby had a bad time with his games and dealt with the possibility of losing his father, who turned out to be quite charming with Bobby's gay situation. Still, the storyline is believable.

This book won the Lambda Literary Award. Bravo. :)

It has been such a long time since Simon has a partner. To make up for it, his time is spent on his job, dealing with film festival, as well as time for his best friends - Roger and his wife, Fran. Roger and Fran are aware of Simon's sexual orientation and accepts him for who he is. However, they are not so thrilled with his single status and hence, Simon is dragged to a party.

At the party, where everyone else seems to know everyone else, Simon meets the famous football player, Declan. It is a not a pleasant first meet. Simon defends Declan's ability in the football field, while calling Declan arrogant when Simon overhears a group of football fans criticizing Declan. Declan has been out of action due to a knee injury.

Since that night, Declan and Simon begin to keep in touch with one another. However, this is kept a secret as Declan is a national star, in closet. When Roger and Fran find out, they have been nothing but supportive friends (in awe of Declan). Simon gets to meet Declan's version of Roger-and-Fran best friends - Abe and Asian Lisa. Together, Simon and Declan the hardship of starting and maintaining a gay relationship, between an unknown gay and a gay superstar.

I have always been a big fan of beautiful gay love story. Until now, I have the greatest respect for Steve Kluger's Almost Like Being in Love. It is witty, funny and well-written. I have often wondered when I would be able to come across another gay novel that would make me fall in love with the art of story-telling, like Steve Kluger's fine work. I found it eventually, when I picked up Sean Kennedy's Tigers and Devils.

Okay. I am shallow. I did not even think highly of the book title. On the first page itself, it is already giving the warning sign that I may not favor this book. It talks about football. Me? Football? Oh boy.. so I thought.

However, as the storyline progressed, I was drawn into the characters. I cared for Simon. I cared for Declan. I even read slower to find the witty remarks between Fran, Roger and Simon. The conversation was divinely pleasing that I had to slow down my reading just to enjoy each and every punch line I could find. Throw in Abe and Lisa, and I was more in love with this book than a mere loving thoughts for Simon and Declan.

I love how Sean Kennedy is able to portray well the situation one would think of, and even not think of, when a non-jock guy dates a jock - an unknown guy in love with a famous national player. I mean, questions like - what does he see in me when he can date any supermodel? Will this be a fling? How long can this last? What is it in me that is interesting for him to be attracted to me?

In fact, the coming-out process was dealt well when even more insights were provided to the expected pressure for someone like Simon to blend in with the Wives and Girlfriends (WAGs) as well as the unwelcome attention of the nation on his relationship with Declan. A moment there, I thought I was catching a glimpse of the lives of Britney Spears, Zac Efron, Megan Fox and the stars of Gossip Girls for all the negative remarks of how a common him in the world of celebrities. And how he was the inferior half of the media darling couple.

You know what.. Almost to the end of the book, I had my eyes in tears. It was touching. And I have to thank Sean Kennedy for ending the book in a beautiful note and not to write another tragic love story for the gay community. Kudos. I am over the moon with this great gay story book.

This gay novel is highly recommended.

John Simpson's Patrick St James is back for another adventure. Still in the closet, Patrick works well with his work partner Hank to beat down crimes. At the same time too, Patrick's relationship with Dean is blossoming. Hank finds himself a cute young thing, Shawn, to indulge in. However, a new murder emerges in the town where a young gay is killed. It is left to Patrick and Hank to go undercover again to nail the killer.

I was not sure if I was happy to see Patrick back again. I did love Murder Most Gay until Patrick settled down with Dean. I did not know why I did not like Dean better, but maybe I was expecting more action between Patrick and Hank, before Dean stepped into the picture. As usual, John Simpson wrote the story well, including a detail description of the proper procedure of carrying out any tasks. It was a well-thought work.

However, I have to admire the erotic moments brought up when Patrick, Dean, Hank and Shawn came together in a tent. I was disappointed that the story did not develop further. It was as if there was a certain level of fidelity that should not be crossed, which really killed the story when preaching came in. But it was still a good book, and I was happy to read more on Hank's pervert-ness.

I only hope that one day this is made into a gay film, where I can see perhaps Zac Efron starring in it. Fine, he may be too short, but Zac Efron is the finest there is. And perhaps throw in Mitch Hewer. Or at least put Hunter Parrish. Sigh.. That gay film would be a smash. LOL.

Patrick St James is a new officer joining the police force. Patrick fears that if his colleagues are aware of his sexual orientation, he is not going to be able to enjoy his work easily. Being gay has its advantages in the police force. A series of murder of young gays forced Patrick to work with Hank, another new hunky officer. Knowing that Hank is also another closeted gay, Patrick works well with Hank but still fearing his other colleagues for homophobic treatment. Patrick and Hank are asked to go undercover to catch the serial killer who is preying for young handsome gays. Along the way, Patrick falls for a doctor named Dean, who is worried for Patrick's safety as Patrick is chosen be the bait for the murderer.

I have to admit that when I first read this book, I did not know that I was reading a homoerotic thriller. I think this is one of the best combination where the book does not dwell only on the sex stuff, but tells the story. I find myself engrossed and wanting to know more of what's going to happen to Patrick next. Somehow, I like the combo of Patrick-Hank more and was disappointed that Patrick settled for the boring Dean.

Wes is a high school boy who does not believe his luck when the handsome boy in the school, Toren, plays attention on him. Being the boy who is not that popular, and often burying himself in books, Wes finds Toren's attention puzzling, and yet pleasing. And in one stolen kiss, Wes finds himself unable to keep Toren away. Wes helps Toren with his studies, and Toren keeps Wes company almost everyday after school. Their relationship develops. It hits good notes when Wes comes out to his family and is accepted, even though Wes is worried that his mother may not approve. His father is gay, and he had seen them arguing before divorcing one another. Wes's sister is more than happy to see Wes comes out and readily welcomes Toren into their life. Unfortunately, Toren faces a tougher time in coming out to his family, and moves out. Together, Toren and Wes builds a life together, when they move in to stay with one another. Wes continues to study after high school and Toren works. It is a story that tells endless love turns and love-makings.

I was really into Wes & Toren when I read the first few chapters. They were tempting. In fact, I began to wonder if they are the best gay couple in gay stories. I was eager to read up more on them, and was unwilling to put down the book. However, I began to see the monotonous plot as the story continued and I was beginning to lose interest. I did like the idea that gay couples stay happy and so heavily sexual of one another. Perhaps this is just not for me. I want a happy ending, no doubt. But I also prefer less lengthy process to reach the expected end.

However, I'd like to point out that I like the part where Scott, the straight brother of Toren, took Wes and danced together at the end. That was sweet, something that I did not come across in other books before. :D

Joe is a growing kid in high school. For someone so young, Joe expresses himself well in his homework - a journal of A to Z about himself. Naturally, he writes about all - himself, his best friends, his family and the guy he likes - Colin. And the good news is that Colin likes him back. So, as the journal progresses, we learn of the relationship between a closeted Colin and at-ease Joe, who paints his fingernail pink. This does not sound good for Colin, coz when people start calling them names, Colin shuns Joe and leaves him sad. But isn't that the whole package of love - it comes with heartaches?

This is a wonderful book about the growing up of a young kid, who accepts himself as gay, and how his world is viewed from his eyes. Of course he has the advantage. His family accepts him, and in fact, pushes him to come out. So, perhaps he is a little different from the rest of us who have to bear with the silent. We are Colins.

I totally dig this Totally Joe.

Charlie is forced to be the man of the house, when his father turns to liquor after his mom passed away. He turns to pot, and makes his girlfriend upset. He owes $500 for the pot and he does not know how to pay back the dealer. He is only a teen, and life is stressing him down. And he does not even know the reason why his best friend, Sam, has not talked to him for a year.

Sam is gay. He fell for Charlie. So, he has to stay away from Charlie. Sam lives in denial. His father left his mom for another man. His mom found another man, Teddy, who makes homophobic remarks. Sam suppresses his feelings, and hopes much that his lack of liking for girls is just a phase in life. He shivers when he thinks people suspect he is gay. All is under control, until a new boy, Justin, shows up, and likes Sam.

Charlie avoids the dealer. Sam runs away from his mom. Their paths cross. Two best friends have to come to the fact that they still need one another.

Saints of Augustine is the first book I have read, written by PE Ryan. I have to say that I was impressed. I was hooked on the characters. I was disappointed that Charlie remains a straight for the book, but still I was sympathetic enough to want to know how his story ends. And equivalently interesting is Sam. It is interesting to follow his character as he ventures through the time of uncertainties and denial, unable to cope of what he imagines his life would be if people think he is gay.

I was eager to see their paths cross. I did wonder if Charlie would be testing the water of his sexuality, but apparently, the story needs not to cover that. It was sufficient enough that the kids have enough plots to fall back on, to get the readers to be happy with what were offered.

Mason knows he likes his best friend, Billy, but there is no way for him to tell Billy. He is scared. He is scared of his family finding out. And yet, Billy draws him near too often that it is frustrating for Mason that nothing comes out from the many days they spend together. Still, Mason is happy he has Billy around. Unfortunately, Billy has his own plan. Billy plans to leave for New York as soon as high school is over. Devastated, Mason turns to his Aunt Savannah. Living with his Aunt Savannah in New Orleans helps him to breathe free. And there is Joey, who is cute and is interested in him. Life would have been perfect, until Billy drops by.

This is the only book I have read which is written by Michael Holloway Perronne. Within the few pages, I thought I was made to declare my love for his work. There was already a mention of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and a few more 80's things, enough to keep me nostalgic. It was cute to feel the experience of Mason, and to pity him, for the difficulties he has to go through, to emphatize with the character in this A Time Before Me. A few times, I feel like I did have that kind of Billy in my life, and just like Mason, they pass me by. Sigh.. Life can be so cruel.

Yeah, Mason faces other hurdles as well. It is nice to find that although the book starts off with Mason having a difficult sister, they end up better friends for one another. And the part where Mason has to deal with his mom when he does not want to go to college, because he wants to stay free in New Orleans. But coming to the end, I thought it was kinda rush, for the father to face health problem, Mason facing his mother and a sudden announce by Aunt Savannah to have another relationship a try.

I smirked when I read the ending. First time I come across a typical love story 'don't-let-him-go' ending scene, except that this one deals nothing with airport. :)

There is a book 2 to this, although the setting takes place many years later.

A teenage boy stays with his aunt because he is unwelcome in his own home. He's gay. He stops going to school and works in an old clothings store. His life in the town is just beginning, and it becomes complicated one night. On his way home, he sees a young man, with eyes so blue, and feature so handsome, our teenage boy falls in love. However, the young man, named Josh, is a ghost. Josh was killed in a hit-and-run accident 40 years ago.

For 40 years, the people in the town has witnessed the young ghost walking by the road, in the same manner before he was hit. And they saw him disappeared. Josh never realises that he is dead until the teenage boy comes along. Obsessed with the teenage boy, Josh follows the boy home.

At the same time too, the gay boy starts to develop feeling for his female best friend's younger brother, Second Mike. Second Mike, because Second Mike was conceived to replace the lost, presumed dead, first brother, First Mike. Trace (the female best friend) has always suspected that her house is haunted. It is not until when the gay boy shows up that her suspicion is confirmed.

Unfortunately Josh finds out that the gay boy has feelings for Second Mike and is jealous. The gay boy now has to put an end to this, so that his Second Mike will not be harmed.

I kept reading here and there in the net of this book, Vintage: A Ghost Story, which was voted as one of the best gay fiction books. Curious enough, and willing to depart from my money, I got a copy after contemplating for months. From the first few pages onwards, I was hooked. Steve Berman made me cared easily for the gay boy, for Josh and for Second Mike. I was not able to put down the books willingly, and seriously, this is one hell of a book that made me all spook up. I read, and got goosebumps. I had to cover myself with blankets and I felt the chills. Well, perhaps it was only me. That should teach me a lesson to read a haunting book like this at midnight, with the lights in other rooms all switched off.

I understand why this book was voted to be one of the best. I don't regret a bit, spending my lunch and dinner budgets for this book to be added into my collection. Bravo work.