Sunday, June 8, 2014

Book Review of Bollocks! Anthology


Bollocks as a word is a little naughty. It’s a little cheeky. It’s a little rude.
And it’s the tongue-in-cheek theme for this collection of short stories celebrating all things English.
You'll discover a bonk is not a typo for somewhere to keep your money.
A shag isn’t something thick and plush under your feet to keep them warm, though it is guaranteed to heat you up!
And as for a snog, the boys of Bollocks! can assure you it’s worth finding out what that Brit term means.
The stories will make you laugh.
They’ll make you snort.
They’ll make you blush.
Sigh—they’ll probably make you shake your head.
They may even make you want to catch the next flight to England to find something a little British of your own!
It's not just cricket, or jolly hockey sticks, it's more… it’s the very British, Bollocks!
*****
HEALING
Tabitha McGowan
Werewolf meets human healer, and snuggling ensues…
but not till the danger that’s threatening them both has been dealt with…
SHEEP’S CLOTHING
Elin Gregory
Meet Darren Murchison: self-employed plumber and reluctant werewolf…
NO WORRIES MATE
E.S. Skipper
“Who needs a partner when I have this?” Rangi said, opening his arms out as if to encompass the entire island and surrounding ocean.
Who indeed…
IT COULD BE YOU
Anyta Sunday
Ted has just won 15 million quid.
Or at least, he would have won 15 million quid if he could find his bloody lotto ticket…
JUST LIKE PULLING TEETH
L.J. Harris
A trip to the dentist has never been so… interesting…
DIY DELIGHTS
Taylin Clavelli
While renovating his first house with his partner, Mike, Duncan discovers a plethora of reasons to use his favourite word… Bollocks!
IN THE BLUE MOONLIGHT
H. Lewis-Foster
A bottom bared to a local bobby means a night out Simon will never forget.
IT’S WRITTEN IN THE STARS
Lily Velden
Who needs a holiday when your destiny is Written in the Stars?

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With this intriguing and eclectic blend of m/m short stories Wayward Ink Publishing has come roaring out of the gate and has me excited for their future!  The majority of the stories in this anthology are contemporary in nature but there are two that put a paranormal twist on their storytelling with nice results.  There's also differing degrees of sexual intensity ranging from merely sweet to super steamy which gives a little something to every reader.  Ultimately, while there wasn't a story that I didn't like, some worked for me better than others with writing styles more polished than others....

Healing was an intriguing and atmospheric fantasy read with a premise that immediately grabbed my attention as a deformed young man with magical healing talents is on the run from persecution when he runs into a man with secrets of his own that puts his life on the line for him.  This one left me wanting to scream as it was just getting good when it ended and I ssssoooo want to see more of these two and their struggles to reach a HEA.  If, or when, Ms. McGowan revisits this world I'm definitely there.

It Could Be You is a sweet story that put a smile on my face as a young man spends the afternoon looking for his lost lotto ticket while trying to tell his best friend he's in love with him.  There's awkwardness, laughter, and lots of warm fuzzies as they both dance around each other trying to define their relationship.  Virtually no sex but lots of sexual tension that made for a feel good story.

It's Written In The Stars is by far my favorite courtesy of its delightful banter and fun and timely premise of TV dating shows.  The lead character gets roped into being a contestant with his friend grooming him to be victorious with unexpectedly hilarious results.  Sebastian is immensely likable with his outspoken nature and irreverent way of looking at things.  This one was all about the foreplay, verbal that is as there's no sexual contact, and considering how enjoyable I found the banter I didn't miss the steam at all.

From start to finish I found this to be an enjoyable read with a collection of stories that meet every readers needs with their variety of sexiness and genres.  Some felt more well-rounded and polished than others but all of them show great promise to the authors themselves and this new publisher as well.  Fans of the m/m genre will find this an immensely satisfying anthology and will want to keep an eye out for what this publisher plans for us next.

My rating for this is a B.

*I received this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for slotting us into your busy schedule! We at Wayward Ink Publishing appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete