The
classic tales you know, the characters with secrets you
don’t
Synopsis
White
has a secret. One he has shared with his family to no avail. When he meets the
Prince of his dreams, he decides he can no longer live a lie, but in order to
do so, he will have to face his worst nightmares.
Queerky
Tales is a series of classic fairy tales retold with LGBT characters. Snow
White & the Seven Angels is about fighting for your happy-ever-after,
whatever shape it comes in.
Rhys Christopher Ethan is by no means a
scientist, but he is an architect of his own fantasy worlds; an illustrator of
emotional and multi-dimensional characters; a doctor of creativity and
inspiration and a chemist of genres; mixing two or more, to find the perfect
fit for his creations. He lives in a small, dusty lab he calls Home in London
and works hard to bring his experiments out into the world. His companions (for
now) are his pet-Laptop and his coffee-Booster and a bunch of notes, digitized
and paper-wise. He voices his obsessions on his website http://www.rcethan.com,
rants on twitter @Rhys_Ethan, shares
messages on facebook.com/rcethan1
and pins his muses on pinterest.com/rcethan.
You can contact him at rhysethan@hotmail.co.uk, or if you’re telepathic, he
will probably meet you in
your dreams. Review: 4/5 A fresh, wonderful rendition of the classic children story. Unexpectedly sweet, it took me back to my childhood, when happy endings were always possible and the good always won. My only regret is that I didn't have this when I was growing up.
Its
summer and three friends from Ohio graduate college, ready to start making
their way in the real world.
Rhys;
the eternal optimist who wants to be an actor and moves to Los
Angeles.
Erick;
the career man, seeking money and position who moves with him.
And
Joey; the aspiring artist, who for the love of his girlfriend, Cheryl, stays
behind in Ohio.
While
attempting to follow their dreams each must face their share of personal and
professional obstacles. Each is tested. Will they lose sight of
themselves?
Will
old friendships fall apart and new friendships form?
JOHN
WILEY is currently a barista that hates coffee, but is really good at making
it. When not writing, he likes to expose his cat to as many Christmas movies as
possible. Just like his life, his biography is a work in progress.
The concept of the story was interesting, three young men becoming adults and facing life on their own. The approach was fresh and engaging. There were a bit too many secondary characters that didn't bring much to the story in my opinion, but that wasn't too big of an issue in the end. What did bother me, making the story hard to follow, was the fact the the book is written in present tense. This is in fact the reason I'm rating it 3 stars and not more.
Rhys is the prince of the small island country of Mauritania, a
land rich in gems, rose oil, and pearls, but poor in skilled artisans and seeds
to grow crops. In order to further cement the trade route to the mainland, he’s
been sent to marry a man he’s never met, and bring him back to Mauritania.
Unfortunately, an accident years before has left Rhys with a lot of emotional
baggage and very little trust in strangers.
But trust is exactly what Caden and Rhys are going to need if
they are to make a life together, and help unravel the mystery of who’s been
smuggling valuable gems and pearls off the island. Add in the realization that
Caden’s stepmother, Mildred and her island representative, Maxwell, have been
importing inferior goods for years, forcing Mauritania to become more dependent
on them, and trust becomes even more difficult.
Caden possesses the knowledge to finally allow Rhys’ father to
unravel the plot to ruin Mauritania, but only if the king and his son are
willing to put their faith in Caden’s loyalty to his new home. Something that
is difficult to do after Caden is accused of cheating on his marriage vows to
Rhys with his guard, Luc. Will Rhys believe him innocent? Or will their
marriage be over before it truly has a chance to begin?
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Jackson
had watched a medley of emotions play across Caden’s face as the story
unfolded, but now the young man sat with his hand still upon the head of his
hound, a blank, almost expressionless look in his eyes. Jackson lingered with
bated breath, waiting on Caden’s response.
Caden blinked several times
and resumed scratching Brutes’ ears. “Will I ever see you again?”
Jackson tried to give his
son a smile but was certain it came out a grimace. “I will do my best to come
to Mauritania and visit with you each year around the time of your birth.”
Caden dropped his gaze, but
not before Jackson saw the shimmer of tears forming there. He should have known
Caden would not be fooled by such a flimsy lie.
“And what about them?”
Caden asked, stroking Titus’ head now as well. Jackson heard the hitch in his
son’s voice and the shaky exhale of breath that revealed just how flimsy a hold
he had on his emotions.
“I honestly can’t answer
that,” Jackson told him. “You will have to ask Prince Rhys if he will allow you
to keep them. I promise you that they will have a home here for the rest of
their days if he will not.”
Caden ducked his head,
hiding the tears that now flowed freely. With some difficulty, Jackson
swallowed down the lump in his throat and reached out to pull his son into an
embrace. For several long minutes, no other words were spoken.
“I have never disobeyed
you father,” Caden’s soft voice whispered in his ear. “I will marry the prince
and do my best not to shame you.”
“I am proud of you, my
son,” Jackson whispered back, hugging him tighter, “and I have faith in you. I
know you will do your best.”
“Is he kind? Is he going
to be afraid of me? Perhaps he won’t want me because of my eyes.”
“He faces the same
repercussions as you do if he refuses to honor the contract. As for whether he
is a kind man or not, I cannot say, for I have never met him. All I know of
Prince Rhys is that he is two years older than you.”
Caden pulled out of his
father’s embrace and laid his head on Titus’ back as a loud horn sounded in the
distance. There was no more time for words; the prince had arrived.
About the author
LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of
Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking,
fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and
dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and
visit museums, historic, and haunted places.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry
and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times,
troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life
is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She
writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers,
truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love
with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its
aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering
somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a
kitty on her lap.
A long time ago, I read a book. I've read thousands since then, of course, but that one stuck with me. Even now, after so many years it's still one of my favorites and to be honest I didn't think I could find another to resonate with me so intensely. That one was written by a French fighter pilot flying with the RAF during the WWII and it was his combat journal. I remember living every single combat on the page, relishing in his every victory. Because he made me feel. Just like Aleksandr Voinov's Nightingale does. That book, which name I will not give, because it isn't about that, ended with a bitter sweet "They didn't understand." They, those who lived in the occupied Paris, without having to live the fear of each sweep, of each dogfight. And I didn't understand either. But with Nightingale, I was forced to. Not only that, but it made me feel, and what more could I ask from a book?
Yves' story took me to that occupied Paris, to the fear of the bombings, and of the German's and Gestapo, and never knowing if you'll see the next morning. The daily struggles are almost glossed over, the lack of coal for heating, the lack of food, or clothing, they all make room for the more pressing matters of dealing with the oppressor while retaining your self and staying alive in the process.
The plot is not predictable. It kept me guessing till the very last page. The love story is real. If you're looking for fluff, you won't find it here, but there is a subtle sweetness to the book, a fondness that makes me think this is one of Aleksandr's favorite stories.
I can say in all earnest that Aleksandr Voinov is, if not the best, than one of the best out there. Hats down to you, Aleks, and thank you for a great story!
Rhys is the prince of the small island country of Mauritania, a
land rich in gems, rose oil, and pearls, but poor in skilled artisans and seeds
to grow crops. In order to further cement the trade route to the mainland, he’s
been sent to marry a man he’s never met, and bring him back to Mauritania.
Unfortunately, an accident years before has left Rhys with a lot of emotional
baggage and very little trust in strangers.
But trust is exactly what Caden and Rhys are going to need if
they are to make a life together, and help unravel the mystery of who’s been
smuggling valuable gems and pearls off the island. Add in the realization that
Caden’s stepmother, Mildred and her island representative, Maxwell, have been
importing inferior goods for years, forcing Mauritania to become more dependent
on them, and trust becomes even more difficult.
Caden possesses the knowledge to finally allow Rhys’ father to
unravel the plot to ruin Mauritania, but only if the king and his son are
willing to put their faith in Caden’s loyalty to his new home. Something that
is difficult to do after Caden is accused of cheating on his marriage vows to
Rhys with his guard, Luc. Will Rhys believe him innocent? Or will their marriage
be over before it truly has a chance to begin?
Jackson growled with hatred in his eyes as he
pushed past his wife. His steps were heavy with anger as he ascended the stairs
to the second floor, fists clenched so tightly that half crescent indents were
forming on his palms. Outside his eldest son’s chamber, he paused and took
several deep breaths, desperately seeking some small measure of calm before
delivering the life-altering news. If only there were a way to be certain Rhys
would be kind and understanding of Caden’s odd, distracting behaviors, but
sadly, few had ever truly given the young man a fair chance. If he could,
Jackson would have spared his son the kind of bitter, miserable marriage he
himself endured, but he held little hope that Rhys would be any different from
those who had ridiculed Caden in the past.
Knocking on the door, Jackson mentally prepared his speech
while waiting for Caden to answer. When he did not, Jackson pushed open the
door and let his eyes drift around the dimly lit chamber until they came to
rest on the figure curled upon the bearskin rug by the hearth, two large hounds
on either side of him. Jackson couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the trio
before a sudden thought abruptly wiped the smile from his face.
Would Rhys allowCaden to keep the animals, or would his son be
forced to leave his two closest companions behind? Jackson crossed the chamber
quietly, stopping near the hearth. When one of the hounds growled low and
raised his head, the white splotch of fur around his left eye identified him as
Titus. When Titus saw that it was Jackson he laid his head back on his paws and
closed his eyes again while the other hound, Brutes, snored on.
With a sigh, Jackson knelt and placed a hand on his son’s
shoulder, gently shaking him awake. Caden blinked sleepy, mismatched eyes up at
his father, and as his son sat up, Jackson wondered what Rhys’ reaction to
seeing Caden’s eyes would be and whether the prince was yet another
superstitious fool who believed Caden’s one green eye and one white were a sign
that he was devil-touched.
Fools, Jackson through to himself as Caden reached out and
placed his hand on Brutes’ head, rubbing the dog’s ears. Caden’s head was
cocked to one side, and he made a soft, clicking sound with his tongue that let
Jackson know he was listening. While his son could speak, Caden used words
sparingly and only after careful thought. It was one of the many things that
made the boy so endearing in his father’s eyes. In another’s eyes, however,
Jackson knew it was just another sign that Caden was different from others his
age.
“I’m sorry I had to wake you. Were you up late wandering the
moors again?”
Caden grinned and nodded, mismatched eyes lighting up and
darting to the heavy curtains that were blocking out much of the sun and the
moors that lay just beyond the window.
About the author
LAYLA DORINE lives among the sprawling prairies of
Midwestern America, in a house with more cats than people. She loves hiking,
fishing, swimming, martial arts, camping out, photography, cooking, and
dabbling with several artistic mediums. In addition, she loves to travel and
visit museums, historic, and haunted places.
Layla got hooked on writing as a child, starting with poetry
and then branching out, and she hasn’t stopped writing since. Hard times,
troubled times, the lives of her characters are never easy, but then what life
is? The story is in the struggle, the journey, the triumphs and the falls. She
writes about artists, musicians, loners, drifters, dreamers, hippies, bikers,
truckers, hunters and all the other folks that she’s met and fallen in love
with over the years. Sometimes she writes urban romance and sometimes its
aliens crash landing near a roadside bar. When she isn’t writing, or wandering
somewhere outdoors, she can often be found curled up with a good book and a
kitty on her lap.
Its
summer and three friends from Ohio graduate college, ready to start making
their way in the real world.
Rhys;
the eternal optimist who wants to be an actor and moves to Los
Angeles.
Erick;
the career man, seeking money and position who moves with him.
And
Joey; the aspiring artist, who for the love of his girlfriend, Cheryl, stays
behind in Ohio.
While
attempting to follow their dreams each must face their share of personal and
professional obstacles. Each is tested. Will they lose sight of themselves?
Will
old friendships fall apart and new friendships form?
“I’m
really proud of you,” Rhys’ dad says, shaking his son’s hand and pulling him in
for a hug. When he lets go, Rhys doesn’t speak, distracted by something two
cars down. Rhys’ dad follows his son’s gaze to the unnaturally tan boy taking
his cap off and shaking his head to try to fluff out his hair.
“Who’s
that?” his dad asks, smirking at Rhys.
The
guy checks his reflection in the side mirror and runs his fingers through his
hair.
“Huh?
Oh, just some guy.”
“Go
talk to him,” his dad says, pushing him toward the guy.
“Dad,
no,” Rhys says, blushing.
“Maybe
I should tell your mother about him, she’ll talk to him for you,” his dad
offers, a mischievous grin on his face.
“What’s
that?” his mother asks, distracted by taking pictures of the buildings surrounding
the quadrangle.
“Nothing.”
Rhys sighs. “I hate you,” he whispers to his dad, a smile on his face as he
walks down to the guy, who’s wearing a blue T-shirt and khaki shorts.
“Hey,
Liam. Congratulations on graduating.”
“Yeah,
thanks… you too.” Liam looks at Rhys like he’s trying to place him.
“Thanks.
It’s Rhys, by the way. We had a couple of classes together.”
“Yeah,
I know who you are.” Liam smiles. “You made that B*Witched documentary for our
film editing class.”
“Yeah,
I did. And you made a film about how Japanese Americans were treated during
World War II. It was really good,” Rhys adds after a few seconds of
silence.
“So,
I gotta get going and meet my parents at their hotel.” Liam tosses his cap and
gown in the trunk before getting in his car.
“Oh,
right. Yeah, my family is waiting too.” Rhys turns toward them and sees his mom
taking a picture of the guys talking. “Dammit.” He looks back at Liam and sees
him smiling.
“Later,”
Liam says, shutting the door and starting his car.
“Bye,”
Rhys mumbles, turning and sulking back to his family. “That was so
embarrassing!” he says when he reaches the car.
Video
Trailer
About
the author
JOHN
WILEY is currently a barista that hates coffee, but is really good at making
it. When not writing, he likes to expose his cat to as many Christmas movies as
possible. Just like his life, his biography is a work in progress.
Its summer and three friends from Ohio graduate
college, ready to start making their way in the real world.
Rhys; the eternal optimist who wants to be an actor
and moves to Los Angeles.
Erick; the career man, seeking money and position
who moves with him.
And Joey; the aspiring artist, who for the love of
his girlfriend, Cheryl, stays behind in Ohio.
While attempting to follow their dreams each must
face their share of personal and professional obstacles. Each is tested. Will
they lose sight of themselves?
Will old friendships fall apart and new friendships
form?
“OKAY YOU three, get together,” a
woman with a camera says to her son and two of his friends. She brushes a stray
strand of hair out of her face.
“Ugh, come on, Mom,” moans Rhys.
She gives him the “mom look” and he quickly puts
his graduation cap on his shaggy brown hair.
“I really wish you would have gotten your hair
cut,” Rhys’ dad says, standing behind his wife. He holds the graduation program
up to block the sun from his eyes.
“Ooh look, it’s the mascot!” says his mom, running
across the quadrangle to catch the giant squirrel, which is wearing a
graduation gown of its own. Well, it’s more of a waddle than a run. She’s
having difficulty running in a dress and high heels.
Blank
bookcover with clipping path
“This is so embarrassing,” Rhys says, and he
follows his mom with his two friends.
At six foot one, Joey is about the same height as
Rhys, but his blond hair is spikier and shorter. “Yeah, it is,” he says. “You
should be ashamed.”
“My family is probably looking for me, you know?”
Erick, the shortest member of the group, says. He’s a pale guy who has a
constant five o’clock shadow no matter how recently he’s shaved.
“Okay, guys, hurry,” says Rhys’ mom. She has the
mascot cornered between a large bell and a wall of shrubs. Rhys and Joey get on
either side of the squirrel and Erick stands in front of it. “You look like a
vampire, Erick,” she says, looking at the image on the camera.
“Sorry?”
“It’s just your white skin against the black robe,”
she says, mostly to herself as she gets the picture perfect. “Okay, thanks!”
she says to the squirrel once the picture has been taken. “I’m just saying that
you probably should have gotten a base tan before moving to California,” she
continues to Erick as she reviews the several dozen pictures she’s taken so far
today. “You’re going to burn like a lobster once you get out
there.”
Video Trailer
About the author
JOHN WILEY is currently a barista that hates
coffee, but is really good at making it. When not writing, he likes to expose
his cat to as many Christmas movies as possible. Just like his life, his
biography is a work in progress.
