Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wednesday Briefs: No Way Out #15

Wednesday is upon us once more, which means it's time for some flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! By the way, if you  are interested in becoming one of us, we're always happy to add more to our group! Just email me at shelley_runyon@yahoo.com, and I'll give  you all the details!

This week's prompts were:  "If you wish upon a star" or use pea soup in your story or have your character make some sort of comfort food or "When I'm away from you, I feel..." or use an overdue book fine at the library or "My... is bigger than your..." or "round and round the mulberry bush" or "She slid her thumb gently across my lips and I thought I'd melt" or have your character Google something.

This week's installment of No Way Out continues with Randy and Shy in the bedroom. Can things get any worse for Shy? See what happens for yourself! Then be sure to visit the other Briefers, as they spin their own tales. Their links follow my story. Enjoy!

No Way Out #15

The sting of the alcohol permeated Shy’s skin, sending sharp sensations cascading through him. Just as those started to blessedly dull, Randy brought the paddle down again... and again... and fresh waves assaulted Shy. His nether cheeks flamed, seared with a heat that refused to quit.

When he was younger, and Randy had spanked him, Shy used to squirm on Randy’s lap, trying to escape the pain. He’d learned quickly enough not to do that; it only made things worse. He lay still now.

“Who do you belong to?” Randy demanded to know, striking a fresh blow.

“You,” Shy mumbled automatically, his response muffled against Randy’s thigh.

“I can’t hear you!”

Shy lifted his head slightly, just enough to make himself heard. “You. Only you.” No need to think, just spit it out. Nothing less would do.

When Randy made no immediate reply, Shy thought the worst was over. Until he felt Randy’s teeth press against his inflamed skin. Oh please no, not now, please not now... Shy’s inner plea a mantra of protection against what he feared Randy might do.

But it didn’t help. He could feel Randy’s teeth pierce his flesh, and a searing pain went through him.  This was not the first time Randy had bitten him, whether in anger or lust. Sitting would be a bitch tomorrow and Shy knew it.

At times like these, Shy absented himself, separated his mind from his body and did his best to not feel the pain. Nonsense phrases and silly songs played themselves in his mind. Monkeys and weasels raced one another round and round the mulberry bush. London Bridge fell down and dreams flew over the rainbow.

The paddle fell once, twice more, before Randy mercifully stopped what he was doing. At least that aspect of it.

“You will not ... ruin... my mood. D’you hear me?”

“Yes, Sir.”  Shy made sure to make himself heard this time, trying to focus on anything but the throbbing in his ass.

“So red,” Randy crooned, as if he’d actually accomplished something he was proud of. “Like a cherry. Like the cherry I took. Remember?”

How could Shy forget?

Shy felt his cheeks being pulled apart and then Randy jammed something inside, without warning. Felt like his thumb, maybe. Shy gasped at the intrusion.

“So fucking tight. Perfect fit for me, and no one else.”

Shy felt his protesting muscles open, forced to relax at the intrusion.

“Damn straight I’m gonna fuck you.”

Suddenly, Shy felt empty. Randy had withdrawn his thumb. He slapped Shy’s ass, producing a wince.

“Get on the bed,” he commanded. “Quickly. I can’t stay here all day, have to get back to work.”

“Yes, Sir.” Shy scrambled to obey, although his legs protested. They felt rubbery. For a moment, he worried he’d fall to the floor, incurring Randy’s further wrath. But they held, just long enough for him to flop on the bad and assume the position, ass invitingly in the air. No matter that it hurt like a son of a bitch.

Please just let this end...

He couldn’t see what was happening, but he felt the bed quiver as Randy put his weight on it. Shy tried to return to the other place, the safe place, but his mind wouldn’t cooperate, filled with images he could not shake loose.  He didn’t want to think about what was going to happen, but he couldn’t stop, and he felt himself tense up, his arms stiffening, his body clenching, as if to prevent Randy’s entrance.

No, no. It’ll hurt more...

He felt Randy behind him, moving into position for the kill. He wished he knew how to pray, but his mother had never taken him to church. Told him there were cocksucking perverts there.  

Watch out for the cocksuckers, boy...

“Is something wrong?”

Wyatt’s words came tumbling into Shy’s mind. He could see Wyatt standing there, his shadow falling over Randy’s expensive sedan, a white knight minus the steed.

Shy knew better, but he couldn’t help himself. Wyatt filled his brain to the exclusion of all else, as if Shy’d lapsed into a dreamlike state from which he might never emerge. He pictured Wyatt behind him, imagined his beautiful cock sliding in and out of Shy, filling him with the greatest pleasure. Wyatt wasn’t too big and he wasn’t too little—he was just right. And he knew just what to do, the right way to move, drawing his own pleasure from Shy’s eager body.

Take me, Wyatt, I’m yours...

He relaxed into Wyatt’s masterful touch, which overrode the pain, even as Shy rose above it, floating on the strength of his own dreams. Never mind that his cock was swollen and angry, leaking precome, but unable to find release because of the leather ring. Never mind any of it, just keep on dreaming...

He was shaken from his torpor by the grunts of Randy’s orgasm. He felt Randy pull out, dripping, before he collapsed onto the bed, one arm flung over his eyes as he worked at catching his breath.

Shy’s eyes widened as he realized what he’d just done, and he was barely able to keep himself from trembling. He watched Randy, fearful of what he’d do. Maybe this time he’d go over the edge and ... he couldn’t complete the thought even to himself.

“Shylor...” Randy panted, and Shy held his breath. This was it. “Go get a wash cloth and clean me up. Make sure it’s warm.” And that was all. Apparently, Randy hadn’t noticed.

Shy almost peed himself in his gratitude at not being caught.

He hurried to the bathroom, ignoring the pain that radiated through his limbs, wet the cloth and brought it back to cleanse Randy. When he was done, Randy dressed, his usual smirk fixed in place.

“Don’t take that off.” He pointed to the cock ring. “And put in a plug.”

What did this portend?

“We’re going to the club tonight, my little slave.”

to be continued

Now for the rest of our merry band:


Lily Sawyer      
Nephylim    
Cia Nordwell    
Tali Spencer     


 Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie





Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Dead Ever After Review

Dead Ever After   

Author:  Charlaine Harris
Publisher:  Ace Books/Berkley Publishing
American release date:  May 7, 2013
Format/Genre/Length:  Novel/Fantasy/352 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★


Sookie doesn’t know it, but she’s in for a world of trouble, ‘cause she’s made enemies, and there are people who do not wish to become members of her fan club. More trouble than she suspects, what with Eric being pissy with her about the whole cluviel dor thing. And that getting married and moving to Oklahoma thing he’s got going on. And Sam is acting damn strange. Stranger than usual. On top of that, Arlene shows up out of the blue (wasn’t she in prison?) and tells Sookie she wants to come back to work at Merlotte’s!

Seriously?

Can things get any worse?

You betcha. ‘Cause it’s Sookie we’re talking about. Arlene turns up dead and Sookie gets the blame. And everyone knows Sookie was mad at her about what she tried to do. Will Sookie end up doing hard time for something she didn’t do?

We’ve always known this day was coming, and now it’s here. The last Sookie Stackhouse book. A journey begun fourteen years ago is coming to an end. And leave it to Sookie to do it her way.

There are many people who’ve grown attached to Sookie and all the other characters over the years, as well as those who love the TV series, and many who love both. And of course, when you have that many loyal readers, you’re bound to find a number of them with their own ideas as to how the series should end. But as Charlaine Harris explains at the beginning of the book, she knew she couldn’t please everyone, so she went with the plan she always had.

Personally, I never thought about it one way or another. Maybe I had my wishes of how it would work out, but I didn’t get obsessed with it. And honestly? I find her ending just right. And real. And honestly Sookie.

The last book is certainly full of what we’ve come to love in the series, as befitting a finale. Old friends and new friends, as well as a few enemies. Endings and beginnings. I can’t say I shed a tear for Arlene, considering. But I was excited to see some of the people that showed up to make their final appearances.

Sookie has to sort out how she feels about Eric and what he may or may not be about to do, plus the way the vampires are all acting toward her is confusing. She’s got Jason’s wedding to get ready for and help her brother through. Plus she’s got a murder rap to beat. And there are people who are out to get her.

There will be some who complain that the ending isn’t right. But I say it is, because it’s realistic. Sookie’s life is going to go on, even after this book. We just won’t see it.

Or will we?

Actually, there’s one more book, although not a novel. Coming out in October is After Dead, which will tell us what happens to all the characters we’ve come to love.

I loved Dead Ever After and savored every page. I think all Sookie’s fans will too. A fitting end to a wonderful series. And I can’t wait to read After Dead.




Saturday, July 27, 2013

My Sexy Saturday #8: Revelations

Good morning and Happy Saturday! This week, I'm going to offer another selection from Revelations. Today, I'm guest blogging on M.A. Church's blog, talking about the scene in the book that ended up on the cutting room floor, so to speak. In other words, it was edited from its original version. But if you want to read the outtakes, go here. And there will be a giveaway.

This is just a little bit of that scene, from Judas' POV.


Now the question is, where do I begin? Despite all the years I’ve spent dreaming of this moment, of being in just this very position with Jesus, I seem to have neglected to formulate any sort of a game plan for what I'll do now that I’m here. I don’t want it to be painful, but pleasurable, for both of us. Damned short-sighted of me, don't you think? I know I think so.

            But not an insurmountable problem. We've already gotten past two thousand years of lusting after one another in our hearts, just in order to be here. What else can compete with that? 





Don't forget to check out the rest of those who are participating in My Sexy Saturday! You'll find them here.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Feature and Follow Friday

I almost didn't remember this week, it went so fast!

Q: What do you do with your books after you are done reading them?


Well, I return the ones I borrowed from the library to them. If I like something enough to buy it, I generally keep it. But now and then I do go through my books and weed out the ones I don't want to keep any more. Generally, I bookmooch those. 

As for ebooks, I guess it depends on whether I liked the book or not. If I don't, then it can get deleted. 

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Happy Anniversary, Priceless! One year ago today...

Priceless, by M.A. Church, was released by Dreamspinner Press. Today we're going to look back and reflect on the beginning of one author's journey. And I'm going to re-post my review of Priceless, as well. Come on in, M.A., let's get this party started!






Hey everyone! I have a very special announcement. J Today is one year since Priceless was released by Dreamspinner. To celebrate its one-year anniversary, I’m doing a giveaway. Comment to win a copy of Priceless,the first book in The Gods series.
~ ~ ~

* Airfare from Memphis to Las Vegas: $500
* Meals, Room, Entertainment: $2000
* Falling in love: Priceless


Money makes the world go round, and can buy the best things life has to offer. Pricey clothes, expensive cars, luxury toys, insanely high priced meals, the best rooms in hotels… and people who’ll jump to do your bidding. Money speaks—wealth and power go hand in hand. And when you have money, hey, why not throw it around like it grows on trees? There’s more of where that came from.
Right?
So what if the men you date are more interested in your money than your private thoughts? Does it really matter if all they see you as is a bag of money? It’s certainly safer. After all, they’ll tell you what you want to hear. They wouldn’t dare tell you the truth. If you have money, you don’t need anything else.
Right?
But… what if that’s not right? What then? Wealth can buy you security, provide comfort, and surround you with ‘yes’ men. Sure, money can buy a lot of things, but do those things really mean anything if there’s no one special to share them with? What about a lover’s touch, a simple smile, or the feeling of being near the one you love? Money can’t buy that—it can’t buy you a sense of completeness. As the old saying goes…‘You can’t take it with you.’
Can you buy love?
Not the love I’m talking about. There have been all kind of shows on TV about this subject—saying yes money can and no it can’t. Frankly, I don’t think money can buy love. Not soul-touching, deep, give your life love. It can buy a warm body, but that’s not the same.

Money may be able to buy a lot of things, except true love. And true love is…

Blurb:
Sparks ignite when Cupid takes aim at two mortals in Las Vegas: Randy Jones, an average guy on a company vacation, looks into Garrett’s eyes at a craps table and time stands still. Throwing aside everything he believes, Randy engages in a torrid two-night affair with Garrett—only to panic when he realizes he’s fallen in love.
Cynical billionaire Garrett Shiffler has everything money can buy, and most of his dates can’t see past the dollar signs. Life has taught him that innocence and love are figments of the imagination. But when Randy disappears, taking with him feelings Garrett thought he’d never know, Garrett wages the most important battle of his life to win Randy's love—but this time he fights with his heart, not his bank account.
Meanwhile, Cupid wonders what happened. His golden arrows never fail unless the Fates interfere. If Garrett wants to win Randy back, he’s going to have to do it on his own, because the Fates have other plans for Cupid.
Excerpt:
They stepped closer and Randy’s body was as tense as a drawn bow. What would a suave, sophisticated guy do in this situation? Suave, right. Randy just hoped he didn’t make an idiot out of himself.
Randy’s breathing increased as he chewed his lip. His heart sped up as Garrett leaned into him. Would the kiss be hard and brutal, his mouth claimed by an onslaught of passion that would leave him breathless and bruised? He moaned in surprise as Garrett’s mouth sweetly moved on his.
From one heartbeat to the next, pleasure exploded in Randy’s mind. He hadn’t expected such gentleness. Throwing caution to the wind, he grasped Garrett’s hips and pulled him closer. Garrett’s tongue explored his mouth, that sinful goatee tickling his chin. When Garrett nudged his head to the side and nibbled a path down Randy’s neck, he willingly bared his throat. And moaned again when Garrett sucked hard on the tender skin near his collarbone.
Randy, squirming from the sensations, rubbed his leg up and down Garrett’s thigh. One of Garrett’s hands drifted down and lifted Randy’s leg higher, palming his ass as he kneaded the firm flesh. The electricity that jumped between them had Randy shaking.
“Garrett,” Randy gasped as Garrett found a particularly good spot, “there’s gotta be cameras in here.”
Garrett held Randy tightly for a moment, their bodies crushed together, before he released him and moved away. He mumbled under his breath about how could Randy think, much less clearly, at that moment. Randy leaned against the elevator wall, eyes closed, and tried to bring his rampaging body under control. The elevator dinged and lurched to a stop, causing Randy to stumble into Garrett.
He slid his arm around Randy to steady him and didn’t let go when the doors parted. Garrett pulled Randy toward his suite, throwing the door open. Once inside he slammed the door shut, spun Randy around, and trapped him against the back of the door. He slammed his mouth over Randy’s, picking up where he left off in the elevator until Randy was gasping for air.
“Let me be very clear,” Garrett panted into his mouth. “I want you in my bed. I want you desperate, wild, and begging.”
“I’m to the desperate phase now.” Randy trembled, trapped between him and the door. “Wild is right around the corner, and begging isn’t far behind.”
Garrett’s thumb traced over Randy’s swollen bottom lip. “That’s what I like about you, Randy, you speak your mind and don’t play games. I can’t tell you what a turn on that is for me.”
“I don’t have the first clue how to play games like you’re talking about, nor do I want to.”
“And thank God for it.” That jaded little devil on Garrett’s shoulder rolled his eyes. This guy either was very good, or very innocent. “Now, let me show you my bedroom. I can’t wait much longer to have you in my bed.”
Garrett ushered him through the living area, not giving him time to admire the softly lit main area. He opened a door to a large room that held a beautifully made bed with a sinfully black silk bedspread. The room was done in dark woods and masculine tones with paintings and photography from some extremely well-known artists. It shrieked authority, money, and power. The curtains were open, letting in the light from the city.
Garrett stepped behind Randy and turned him toward the mirrored closet. Garrett unbuttoned his shirt, parted the fabric, and placed his hands on Randy’s stomach. Taking his time, he ran his hands up Randy’s chest, dragging the pleasure out until he reached those perky nipples that begged for attention. Garrett flicked both hard peaks, making Randy arch in his arms. Then he rolled them between his thumb and forefinger as they both watched their reflection.
“So very hot,” Garrett whispered in Randy’s ear as his fingers teased the nubs until Randy moaned.
Randy reached behind him and wrapped his arm around Garrett’s neck, dragging him closer. That bulge that pressed against Randy’s ass was huge and had his imagination sitting up, tail thumping. It had been a long time since a lover affected him this way. Randy leaned his head back against Garrett’s shoulder and watched, heavy-eyed, as Garrett’s hands drifted down and undid his belt.
M.A. Church
M.A. Church lives in the southern United States and spent many years in the elementary education sector. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they have two children. Her hobbies are gardening, walking, attending flea markets, watching professional football, racing, and spending time with her family on the lake.
But her most beloved hobby is reading. From an early age, she can remember hunting for books at the library. Later nonhuman and science fiction genres captured her attention and drew her into the worlds the authors had created. But always at the back of her mind was the thought that one day, when the kids were older and she had more time, she would write a book.
By sheer chance she stumbled across a gay male romance story on the web and was hooked. A new world opened up and she fell in love. Thus the journey started. When not writing or researching, she enjoys reading the latest erotic and mainstream romance novels.
My links:
Twitter @nomoretears00


  


Priceless
Author: M.A. Church
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
American release date: July 24, 2012
Format/Genre/Length: Novel/M/M Contemporary Romance/73 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★ (4.5)


There’s an expression that goes what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But Randy is only there to do a job, so that doesn’t really apply to him. He has no intentions on meeting anyone or doing anything he’ll live to regret. Of course, a little gambling doesn’t hurt, right? It is Las Vegas. So he goes to the casino of the hotel he’s staying at. While standing near the craps table, he spots a gorgeous stranger on the other side, and when their eyes meet, sparks fly…


Synopsis:

Randy can’t believe it when the stranger beckons to him to join him. Who me? Yeah him. So he joins the good-looking man, and stands by his side as he proceeds to play, winning a lot of money in the process. Randy’s grumbling stomach betrays other needs so the man suggests they get some food. Together, of course. But then he makes his first mistake, offering Randy an orange chip, one worth $1000. Randy doesn’t want it, especially from someone he doesn’t even know but doesn’t know how to say so, especially after Garrett introduces himself and pours on the charm—what’s a guy to do?

Garrett proceeds to show Randy a hell of a time over the next couple of very intense days they spend together, neither one aware that they are being observed by the god of Love himself. The two men are very attracted to one another. Could this be love? Neither one’s willing to admit it, but the thought’s sure there. But there are also issues between them. Randy doesn’t like the way Garrett throws his money around, like it should make a difference. Maybe it’s what Garrett’s used to, but not him. Instead of being the great equalizer, could this end up being the great separator, the dividing factor?

Can they break down the barriers between them and get down to what really matters—love? First, they have to learn to communicate properly.



Commentary:


Priceless is the first book in M.A. Church’s The Gods series. Why the gods, you ask? It’s about men, not gods. Well, you see, there’s this cute little fellow known as Cupid that’s involved, but you’ll see more of him later. Just know he’s there, and he’s got a finger in everything that happens. Or so he’d like to believe. And he’s a very important player in the scheme of things.

Priceless is a romantic tale of strangers who meet and fall in love with just one glance. Instant chemistry. But is it love or lust? That’s the crux of the matter. Being attracted to someone by just one look is common, but so is finding out it was just a physical thing.  Everyone puts their best foot forward in making first impressions. It’s the aftermath that counts.

Church gives us the glamor and glitz of Vegas, but then it all boils down to the two men and who they really are, and what each wants from the other. Her book is sweet, romantic, heated ,and sensual, and a great read. I liked both men: the earthy, shy and sweet Randy, as well as the controlling yet not as secure as he’d like you to believe Garrett. I’m a sucker for HEA’s.

As I said, this is the first in the series, with Perfect coming out soon. The books don’t need to be read in order. But it also puts things more in perspective if you do. I’ve actually already read Perfect, just not written the review. Yet. I’m really looking forward to the third book in the series, Pure.











Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Wednesday Briefs: No Way Out #14

Happy, happy Hump Day! Hard to believe the week is half over already! And yes, if it's Wednesday, it must be time for the Wednesday Briefers to entertain us with their flash fiction! This week, I used a picture prompt.

Last week, as you'll recall, Shy prepared himself and the bedroom, according to Randy's specifications. This week, the celebration continues. But what is Shy getting out of this? Find out in No Way Out #14. Then don't forget to visit the other Briefers, whose links follow my tale. Enjoy!

No Way Out #14


Randy laid the empty glass on the table, swiping at his mouth. “He never knew what hit him!” he crowed. “I stole the Big V right out from under Ken Leiland’s nose. Wait ‘til he finds out the account he thought was in the bag went to me!”

Shy watched Randy’s excitement growing along with his cock, as the viagara took hold. He’d looked up how it worked once, curious to know the mechanics. Apparently, it had to do with specific arteries that weren’t working properly, and the pill, which was targeted to them, opened them up. Uninhibited blood flow led to a hard-on. Also a warning about an erection lasting more than four hours. Though people joked about it, there was a medical reason why that was dangerous, and not a very funny one. Luckily, Randy had never been in that situation.

Shy suspected if he were, he’d blame Shy for his dysfunction.

He was under no illusion that Randy was sharing this particular triumph with him. This wasn’t the first time he’d come home for a nooner following a particularly satisfying coup at the office. Randy was in love with the sound of his own voice. He enjoyed bragging, and Shy just happened to be in the room. Nothing more.
He couldn’t help but think that Wyatt would be more considerate.

Lost in his own thoughts, it took a second for Shy to realize Randy’s gloat had stopped. He glanced and found Randy’s eyes trained on him, and he fought the rising panic that threatened to overtake him, forcing his face into its usual passivity.

Randy tapped one finger against his closed lips, thoughtfully. Shy had no idea what, if anything, he was thinking. He seldom did.

“Stroke yourself hard.” Randy commanded and Shy instantly obeyed. He palmed his soft cock and brought it to an erect state with practiced ease.

“Put on the cock ring,” Randy instructed.

Shy hastened to obey. “Yes, Sir.” To an outside observer, Randy’s calm face was no cause for alarm. But Shy could see the grey eyes beginning to darken, and his skin crawled at the knowledge. What did he know, or what did he think he knew? He fought to keep his breath even. Reveal nothing, give nothing away.

The cock ring resembled a dog’s collar, black leather and studded. It was adjustable. At its loosest it was not too bad, but on some settings it could be brutal. It all depended on Randy’s mood. Normally, Shy was allowed to keep it looser than not.

He left it in that particular position, awaiting more orders.

“Tighter,” Randy instructed.

Shy adjusted it a notch. “Again.”

Shy pulled it as far as it would go, trapping his erection in the vise-like grip of the cock ring. It was painful now, but he didn’t let on. It wouldn’t be forever, just until they were done here.

Randy’s expression was inscrutable. Shy had regained control. He presented his usual compliant face to the man who considered himself his master, his dominant. Dom, for short. Randy had rules, and Shy obeyed them. Randy had begun to instill his rules into Shy at the age of fifteen. After he bought Shy from Shy’s mother, Doreen.

Shy knew nothing else.

Shy waited patiently for Randy’s next command. He assumed Randy would wish to be lubed, and would want Shy to prepare himself for his entrance. Although Randy had requested the paddle, Shy didn’t anticipate he would use it. That was generally for discipline purposes, and seldom used. There were different types of paddles. This one was wooden, and it hurt. But it was the one Randy had specified.

Shy had been paddled a lot in the beginning, when he was just a child. He had confused the strokes with love. He knew differently now. There was no love between them, only obedience. Love was not real, it was a myth. The subject of sappy books and stupid fairy tales.

Love did not exist.

Randy poured himself another glass of champagne and sipped at it, regarding Shy over the rim. “Have a good day?”

Shy nodded, not trusting his voice. Where had that question come from?

“Anything... special... happen?”

“I got what you asked for.” As if catering to Randy’s every whim were the only special occasion in Shy’s life.

The eyes seemed darker, unblinking. Shy fought against the need to run.

Fuck me and go. Please.

“Anything you want to tell me?”

Shy shook his head.

Randy surprised Shy by taking a seat on the edge of the bed, close to the table. Closer to the lube, perhaps?

Randy patted his bare thighs. “Bend over. “

Wh-what?

Now.”

Oh Jesus, why hadn’t he moved fast enough, when the words first left Randy’s lips. Not stopping to think, Shy did as he was told, stretching out across Randy’s lap.

Please, don’t let him be mad, don’t let him be mad, don’t let

The first stroke took Shy by surprise. He released an inadvertent gasp. Randy didn’t seem to notice or care. The hard wood bit into Shy’s tender flesh. It stung. The next one felt a little harder. So were the third and fourth.

Pain flamed through his body like wildfire, a liquid warmth that stole through his veins. He gritted his teeth, knowing Randy couldn’t see, not with his hand bent down as it was.

When Randy paused, Shy prayed that he was done. That he’d order him on to the bed and then fuck him. He heard the bottle of champagne clunk on the table. Must have wanted another drink.

The cold wet liquid shocked Shy. It burned into his bruised cheeks and stung like the very devil. This time he couldn’t help the moan. It was wrung from him, against his will.

He felt Randy’s tongue lap at his wet skin. It didn’t ameliorate the pain in any way.

Tears stung his eyes.

“You’re mine, Shylor. No one else’s,” Randy hissed.

Oh fuck...

to be continued


Now, go see what the others are up to!


Lily Sawyer      
Nephylim     


 Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie



Rope Review

Rope   

Director/Studio/Author: Alfred Hitchcock/Warner Brothers/Hume Cronyn
Original release date: 1948
DVD release date: June 20, 2006
Format, Genre and length: DVD/Psychological Thriller/80 minutes
Publisher/Industry Age Rating: NR
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Two young men, Philip (Farley Granger) and Brandon (John Dall) strangle a former classmate, David, because they can. They hide his body in a trunk in their apartment, on the same night that they are giving a dinner party—one that includes the victim’s parents. If this weren’t macabre enough, they decide to move the dinner from the dining table to the trunk, so that everyone is feasting off David’s grave.

Amongst the guests are David’s current girlfriend, Janet, and her former boyfriend, Kenneth, David’s father and his sister-in-law, and Rupert Cadell (James Stewart), former housemaster of the three youths.


Rope is Hitchcock’s take on Leopold and Loeb, the 1924 murder in which two wealthy, privileged young men kill a boy in order to commit the perfect crime. He didn’t reproduce the crime but rather the flavor of the crime, including their fascination with the theories of Fredrick Nietzsche.

In the film, Rupert unwittingly expounds on that theory, of the idea that the privileged few are allowed to get murder, which Brandon eagerly takes up and agrees with. When asked who should be the special few, Brandon replies himself, and Philip and maybe Rupert.


The film is told in typical Hitchcock suspenseful fashion, the audience often becoming privy to things that the characters don’t know. Such as when the housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, begins to clear the meal from the trunk, including the two candelabra, while the others are engaged in conversation. The camera follows Mrs. Wilson in her seemingly mundane task,  made morbid only by the knowledge of what is in the trunk. The audience is held in suspense, wondering if she will open the trunk and see what is there.

The story flows from beginning to end without a moment of lag or boredom. Of the two young murderers, Brandon is the brash one with the devil may care attitude, while Philip has more of a conscience over what they’ve done. Philip is more fearful of being caught, while you get the impression, Brandon could talk his way out of anything, and probably has on more than one occasion.

I had heard of Rope a long time ago, but didn’t know anything about it, and made no effort to
watch it until I discovered that it was indeed based on Leopold and Loeb, and then it become a must-see for me. I’ve watched it twice already, and love it. Everything takes place in their apartment, as if it were a play. Not surprising, considering that Rope started as a play first.

What I find particularly fascinating is the pink elephant in the room that everyone is aware of and no one talks about. Namely, homosexuality. The clues are there. Philip and Brandon are obviously a couple and everyone treats them that way. They have one bedroom. They vacation together, as if it were only natural. Their interactions are of the intimate variety. Philip talks of being scared of Brandon, even when they were in prep school, and then admits it’s part of Brandon’s charm.

But not once in the film will you hear the subject mentioned in any way. Hitchcock pushed the envelope without appearing to do so. He was fascinated with the protagonists not because they were homosexuals, but because they were murdering homosexuals.

There is an extra on the DVD called Rope Unleashed that is well worth watching.

I can only think of two flaws off the top of my head. One is a continuity error, the other an error in casting.

There’s a scene where a tense Philip clutches his champagne glass too tightly and shatters it cutting his hand, bleeding well enough to need to bind it with his handkerchief. Yet, only a few minutes later, when David’s aunt takes his hand in order to read his future, both hands are unblemished.

James Stewart is, in my opinion, miscast as Rupert Cadell, the former housemaster. I didn’t realize, until I watched Rope Unleashed, that the character had an affair with one of the young men (my guess is Brandon), but you never get a feel for that. I love Jimmy Stewart, but I didn’t feel the connection there. He didn’t make me feel his guilt for teaching them Nietzsche to begin with.  Also, his role didn’t warrant his receiving top billing. Farley Granger and John Dall should have had that. If this had been made now, Jimmy would have received a mention at the end of the regular cast, such as And Jimmy Stewart as Rupert Cadell.

The action is all psychological as we get into the heads of the killers, and watch the
unsuspecting guests at their little affair. Waiting to see who, if anyone, will figure out what is wrong, especially when David never shows up for dinner. Of course, we the audience know why that is.

This is a great addition to Hitchcock’s legacy, and one I intend to watch over and over.