Rock! Rock! Rock with Roan Parrish – BGFP episode 196

Jul 10, 2019 |

Jeff and I talk about the television we’ve been watching so far this summer, including American Ninja Warrior on NBC, FX’s Pose, American Masters: Terrence McNally: Every Act of Life on PBS, Grand Hotel on ABC, Good Trouble on Freeform and What/If on Netflix.

Jeff reviews In Case You Forgot by Frederick Smith & Chaz Lamar.

Jeff interviews Roan Parrish about Raze, the latest book in the Riven series. They talk about the research she did for the series, including going on tour with a band, as well as the eclectic music she enjoys. The origin of Roan’s collaboration with Avon Gale is also discussed along with what got Roan started with writing gay romance.

Remember, you can listen and subscribe to the podcast anytime at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.

Heating Things Up with Annabeth Albert’s Alaska Series – BGFP episode 195

Jul 4, 2019 |

We talk about our past week as Jeff worked on revisions and we saw a production of Oklahoma, which we both really enjoyed. A hearty hello and welcomed to the new listeners that have found the show during the past month.

Jeff reviews Something Like Gravity by Amber Smith and I review Annabeth Albert’s Arctic Wild.

Jeff and I chat with Annabeth Albert about the Frozen Hearts series, including getting a special sneak peek of Arctic Heat, which comes out in September. Annabeth also talks about the research that goes into the Frozen Hearts books, the latest in the Out of Uniform and Rainbow Cove series plus she discusses her next series about smoke jumpers.

Remember, you can listen and subscribe to the podcast anytime at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.

Quick Review: Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert

Jun 30, 2019 | ,

Arctic Wild by Annabeth Albert

Buttoned up east coast lawyer Ruben is forced to take a vacation by himself in the wilds of Alaska. Needless to say, the prospect doesn’t thrill him, until he meets Toby, his handsome bush pilot tour guide.

Toby has dealt with tough customers like Ruben before, and soon enough they’re enjoying each other’s company while exploring Alaska – until an unexpected storm sends their plane crashing into the remote wilderness.

After they’re rescued, Toby needs time to heal from his injuries. Rueben comes up with the plan that he’ll stay in Alaska for the summer, rent a house for himself and his teenage daughter and have Toby stay with them. Ruben can care for Toby, while Toby can come up with activities than Rueben can use to reconnect with his daughter, Amelia.

Amelia is no cutesy romance novel kid, she’s realistically surly and constantly annoyed by her dad – but she gradually begins to enjoy her vacation, just as her dad is enjoying all the time spent with Toby.

Love is definitely in the air for our two heroes, but both are unwilling to admit that it’s more than just a fling – primarily because they’re both stubborn in their own ways, as well as a unending number of outside obstacles to their happily ever after. Both of them have complicated family and work situations to deal with.

After weeks of nighttime cuddles and furtive blowjobs, Toby’s injuries are finally healed enough that he and Ruben can sleep together, it’s magical – and then, as it must in all romance novels, the black moment arrives.

A serious issue with Toby’s dad forces him to take a look at his obligations – he wants happiness with Ruben and Amelia, but that doesn’t seem possible.

It takes some serious soul searching until Toby finally realizes that that he can’t let a misguided sense of pride keep him from accepting help when needed. By the same token, Ruben can’t swoop in and solve everyone’s problems with his money and influence.

As with the previous book in this series, the author takes the time to let the story breathe – giving the characters time to know and like one another, before falling in love with each other. This extra time spent on the story also gives readers a chance to know and understand the unique and complicated situation our heroes find themselves in, primarily concerning their obligations to their respective families.

Annabeth Albert has written yet another winner with Arctic Wild, giving us a terrific romance featuring two dynamic and interesting heroes that readers are sure to root for.

Queer Pride and History with Author Lee Wind – BGFP episode 194

Jun 26, 2019 |

It’s the final week of Pride Month 2019. Jeff and I wish everyone celebrating World Pride in NYC a wonderful time. Jeff talks about being homesick for New York and missing playing hockey. Pose‘s early season 3 renewal is praised.

I talk about the special Masterwork Experiment happening on The Story Grid Podcast where Shawn Coyne is breaking down and analyzing the story structure of Annie Proulx’s Brokeback Mountain. I recently read Brokeback for the first time and am really looking forward to this new podcast series.

Jeff and author/blogger Lee Wind have an extended interview in which Lee discusses his debut YA novel, Queer as a Five Dollar Bill and how he’s become engaged in discovering queer history. They also talk about the YA book blog I’m Here. I’m Queer. What the Hell Do I Read? that Lee began over a decade ago. Lee also recommends a couple of his favorite YA books and the queer history project he’s trying to jump start on Instagram.

Remember, you can listen and subscribe to the podcast anytime at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.

Thrilling Romance With Layla Reyne – BGFP episode 193

Jun 19, 2019 |

Jeff opens the show talking about the work he’s doing on the manuscript for the Hat Trick re-release.

Jeff and I both enjoyed the new Tales of the City on Netflix and the new season of Pose on FX. I review Anticipating Disaster by Silvia Violet while Jeff reviews Prince of Killers (Fog City #1) by Layla Reyne.

Jeff interviews Layla Reyne about the new Fog City series as well as how it felt wrapping up the Trouble Brewing series earlier this year. They also talk about Layla’s RITA nominated book, Relay, and the upcoming fall release, Dine with Me.

Remember, you can listen and subscribe to the podcast anytime at BigGayFictionPodcast.com.