Month: August 2013

Books

My Thoughts: Dark Soul, Vol. 3

As I’m sure you’re aware, my “book reviews” tend not to be your typical review. I prefer to give my thoughts, opinions, and insights. This one won’t be any different. I will caution that if you haven’t read the Dark Soul series and intend to, you may want to skip this post. I will try not to give anything away, but it may happen despite my best efforts.

I just finished reading Dark Soul, Volume 3 by Aleksandr Voinov. Without a doubt, this is the best volume of the three. Hands down. It is composed of three stories. All are emotion-filled and well-written. 

The first is “Dark Lady” where Silvio goes above and beyond for Stefano. He dresses up as a hot female prostitute. His target: the Russian hit men who beat Stefano. 

The second is “Dark Lady II” where Silvio relates to Stefano what he did and shows him exactly how well he can pull-off being a woman.

The last and most revealing is “Dark Brother” where we meet Silvio’s brother Franco and learn of their relationship. Continue reading “My Thoughts: Dark Soul, Vol. 3”

Books

Review: Dark Soul Vol. 1

Dark_SoulI just finished Dark Soul Vol. 1 yesterday afternoon. I’ve gotten so behind on reviews that I wanted to write this one ASAP so it didn’t get lost in the shuffle of life.

This story, 76 pages, is written by Aleksandr Voinov and is the first volume of five. This is my first read of his. I’ve had several of his stories on my TBR list and decided it was time to take the plunge.

Wow. I never should have waited so long! This read is intense, gritty, and well-written. I love the author’s style! Stefano is the main character. He is a mafia boss on the west coast of the US, happily married, but has had feelings toward men in the past – something that does not go over well with the “family.”

When Stefano meets Silvio Spadaro, openly gay and also the enforcer for retired mob boss Battista, he finds his heart racing and his mouth dry. Something about the man gets to him – all of him. Silvio is a sub and involved sexually with his boss; however, he openly flirts with Stefano. Well, if those dark eyes and typically stone-faced expression are capable of flirting! Continue reading “Review: Dark Soul Vol. 1”

Writing

M-M #SampleSunday

The day has gotten away from me – ahhh! I was hoping to get this #SampleSunday post up sooner rather than later, but hopefully it’s okay as it is still Sunday…for another couple of hours at least!

Allow a brief digression, and then I will get to the sample…last night I went on a Historic/ Ghost Tour – Gravediggers and Ghosts of Sharpsburg in the town of Sharpsburg (where the Civil War Battle of Antietam took place). Mark, our guide, was well-versed in local lore and history. He actually gave me several good ideas for my Halloween story. I’m anxious to get back to writing it. This is the story where my main character – Zach Werner – is based upon Michael Taggart’s model Trevor Werner. Check out Michael’s site here for pics of Trevor. Continue reading “M-M #SampleSunday”