Dustin Reviews: A Not-So-Grimm Fairytale by Ann Somerville

A Not-So-Grimm Fairytale is proof positive that fairy tales aren’t just for children. This tale of a Prince in search of love has a witch, a spell and of course a handsome prince. An entertaining tale for sure.

About the author:

Ann Somerville grew up in one of Australia’s prettiest small cities. In 1989, she left Australia with a BA and a burning ambition to see more of the world and its people, and to discover this ‘culture’ thing people kept telling her about. In 2006, she returned home to Southeast Queensland with two more degrees, an English husband, and a staggering case of homesickness, vowing never to leave Australia again.

Her long, plot-driven fiction featuring gay and bisexual characters has been professionally published, although copious free full length stories and novels are also available on her website. She blogs about writing, publishing, her life and many shiny distracting things.

A Not-So-Grimm Fairytale may be obtained at Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99652

Tags: mm, gay romance, silliness, gay & lesbian fiction, gay fairytales, short story

Words: 5019 (approximate)

3 out of 5 stars

Dustin Reviews: Reasons for the Fall by Greg M Schumaker

Channeling the magical love of storytelling of early American writers like Kate Chopin and F. Scott Fitzgerald, Reasons for the Fall follows a trio of aimless, romantic and wealthy friends on a summer vacation to Saugatuck, an enchanted and bohemian town snuggled alongside the dunes of Lake Michigan. This volume also includes three short stories which travel from the sandy Great Lakes coast to the mind of an enchanted old woman, to a personal narrative by the author and, across the solar system, to the cold surface of one of Jupiter’s mysterious moons.

Reasons for the Fall was a delight to read. I found myself smiling at the generous sprinkles of subtle humor. An entertaining fast read. The additional bonus stories (Dinner for Buddha, Decaffeinated and Jupiter) were enjoyable, but not as much fun as Reasons for the Fall.

Reasons for the Fall may be purchased at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Reasons-for-the-Fall-ebook/dp/B00802JI2G

Tags: gay drama, gay fiction, gay love, gay romance, homosexual, gay and lesbian, gay fantasy, gay suspense, gay themed, homosexuality, short story, young adult drama, young guys

Kindle Edition, 137 pages

4 out of 5 stars

Dustin Reviews: Skeleton in the Closet by Mental King

Two beings have been created one was called man and the other woman and the two shall be united. But Charles Dietrich was different, he’s been imprisoned by his own identity. Being the only son of a rich family, money did not help him find his true happiness even freedom was out of reach. Living would be his last resort and dying would be his first. Is it going to be too late for everyone in Charles’ life in accepting the painful truth?

Skeleton in the Closet could have easily been a depressing read, however Mental King wrote the story in an upbeat voice with the inevitable conclusion as the undertone.

Charles is a likable gay character and I felt his emotions during the 12 hours that the story took place. The author puts the reader inside Charles’ head and weaves a remarkable short story and not a lightweight read of fluff.

Skeleton in the Closet may be purchase at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/tags-on-product/B008458H6W

Tags: gay drama, gay fiction, gay love, gay romance, homosexual,gay and lesbian, gay fantasy, gay novel, gay suspense, gay themed, homosexuality, short story, young adult drama, young guys

 Length: 37 pages (estimate)

3 out of 5 stars

Dustin Reviews: Into Deep Waters by Kaje Harper

Two Navy Marines, Daniel and Jacob, met on-board a naval ship during WWII , both were very young – still in their teens – but they were old enough to serve their country. And against all odds, and the many risks involved, they fell in love and 

managed to stay together for the last 60 years. Now, as their time together inevitably gets shorter and shorter, Daniel can’t wait any longer for the right to finally marry the only man he has loved all these years.

Into Deep Waters is an amazingly beautiful and emotionally driven story that reads like a fast paced novel. Kaje Harper has packed a lifetime of history between Danial & Jacob into a very believable and emotional story. I can’t count the many times I wiped mist from my eyes. A fabulous mood-lifting read.

Into Deep Waters celebrates love, sex and romance between Daniel and Jacob. It is a product of the Love Is Always Write Event sponsored by the Goodreads M/M Romance group and is published as a free read.

5 out of 5 stars

Congratulations to the 2012 TLA GAYBIES WINNERS

BEST GAY DRAMA

Judas Kiss
When this film hit the film festival circuit last summer, this movie has been a huge hit with gay audiences. Following a washed-up gay filmmaker who gets the opportunity to meet his college-aged self, this clever and intelligent gay time-travel tale – peppered with a sexy young cast, high production values and an unconventional script – packs a creative and captivating punch that holds up to repeat viewings. We can’t wait to see what co-writer/director J.T. Tepnapa has in store for us next.

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BEST GAY ROMANCE OR COMEDY

The Love Patient
Anyone who saw director Michael Simon’s short film festival hit Gay Zombie back in 2007 probably had an idea that his feature debut, The Love Patient, would have a lot of sick and twisted comedic thrills in store. Benjamin Lutz plays a gay egomaniac who lies about having cancer in order to gain sympathy points from an ex-boyfriend. Packed with wickedly funny performances, we’re glad that our customers love The Love Patient as much as we do.

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BEST GAY ROMANCE OR COMEDY

Bite Marks
A 100% guaranteed fun time for gay scary movie fans, Bite Marks manages to blend together the horror, comedy and gross-out gore genres perfectly – with a little bit of gay erotica thrown in for good measure. It also doesn’t hurt that all of the lead actors (including aforementioned Love Patient star Benjamin Lutz, Windham Beacham, David Alanson and ’80s teen actor-turned gay porn star Stephen Geoffreys) are so damn sexy!

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BEST GAY DOCUMENTARY

Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride
Covering pride events from all over the world, Beyond Gay: The Politics of Pride, a fascinating documentary, offers a reminder that many gay communities in other nations have yet to win the battles for basic civil rights that we in the United States have already conquered. Even those of us who have had our fill of pride parades will have a lot of consider after watching this film. The footage from the Moscow Gay Pride March in 2008 had us literally cheering!

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SEXIEST GAY MOVIE

Longhorns
When it comes to sexy subjects, is there anything hotter to imagine than the naughty, experimental on-goings of a frat house? The people who proudly voted for Longhorns don’t seem to think so! With this raucous tale of a Texas frat boy’s sexual awakening, director David Lewis (usually known for more dramatic offerings like Rock Haven and Redwoodsmanages to blend true romance and hilarious, completely delicious raunchiness while presenting the funniest, wildest film of its kind since Another Gay Movie.

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BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A GAY MOVIE

Charlie David
Actor/author/screenwriter/producer/travel show host Charlie David is a jack-of-all-trades if we have ever seen one! We’re absolutely thrilled that he is this year’s Gaybie Award Winner for “Best Lead Actor in a Gay Movie.” With roles in Dante’s Cove, A Four Letter Word, Mulligans, 2 Frogs in the West and the new comedy Vance and Pepe’s Porn Start, he’s always been one of the best in our hearts!

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BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A GAY MOVIE

Seal Paul Lockhart
There are many adult film actors who long to break into mainstream film. Sean Paul Lockhart (formerly known to gay porn aficionados as Brent Corrigan has the talent and charisma to pull it off! Since his mainstream debut in Judas Kiss, Sean has also had roles in the gay comedy Sister Mary and the new cult favorite horror anthology Chillerama. We’re excited to see him do just about anything and can’t wait to see his next movie!

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BEST PHOTO/ART BOOK

Seasons of Love - Michael Breyette, Artist
This truly wonderful book documents the seasons of the year with stunningly emotional illustrations from Michael Breyette. Our TLA-commissioned Michael Breyette illustration for Christmas 2011 was one of our favorites ever. Bruno Gmunder’s work as publisher of this volume ensures that it will be a collectible decades from now.

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BEST COMIC/COMIC ART BOOK

Just So Horny - Michael Kirwan, Artist
With inspiration from the pioneering gay artist Paul Cadmus, Michael Kirwan’s imagination runs wild in this absolutely, disgustingly wonderful book. And Bruno Gmunder have put together a wonderful book you’ll want on your coffee table, as long your mom and dad aren’t coming over.

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BEST EROTIC FICTION BOOK

Riding the Rails: Locomotive Lust and Carnal Cabooses - Jerry Wheeler, Editor
The charming Mr. Wheeler has assembled some really interestingly erotic stories about sex on trains – another in his series of unusual porn collections. I think we need to see sex in zoos next Jerry!

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BEST MYSTERY BOOK

Holy Rollers - Rob Byrnes, Author
Rob’s second novel in this series may have changed publishers but it’s just as witty and laugh-out-loud funny. This comic mystery about a pair of bumbling gay criminals is lots of fun.

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BEST ROMANCE BOOK

Captain Harding’s Six-Day War - Elliott Mackle, Author
It was quite a drama for Elliott to get his book published as it was slated to come from the now-dormant Alyson Books, but it was well worth the wait. Romantic, erotic and packed with adventure, clear some space on your schedule to read this book if you haven’t yet.

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BEST E-BOOK

Spring of the Stag God - J.C. Herneson, Author
Orcs and Stag Gods rut in the spring in this lush erotic fantasy from Lethe Press that’s been a steady seller in both print and on e-book.

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BEST SPECULATIVE FICTION BOOK

Woke Up in a Strange Place - Eric Arvin, Author
While we’ve got nine books either authored by Eric Arvin on the site, or with stories by him in them, none appear to be like this fantasy about a man who wakes in a field with no memories. Very well-reviewed everywhere, we expect Mr. Arvin to revisit this type of fiction in the future.

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BEST GOSSIP/SEX/BIOGRAPHIES BOOK

Blow Me - Stephen Niederwieser, Author
Being our top seller for the year we expected this sex guide to win – for some reason you guys seem to enjoy oral sex – we’re not sure why. This handy-dandy sex guide has some hot shots and pointers for making seem fresh with your man.

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BEST FICTION BOOK

Chulito - Charles Rice-Gonzalez, Author
Like “Captain Harding” above, this book was delayed by the Alyson Books situation, but it was also worth the wait. Our number one best-selling novel for the year, this book is set on the rough streets of the Bronx and you need to read this book!!!

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Congratulations to the 2012 Winners and a special Thank You to TLA for providing this annual forum to recognize outstanding works of accomplishments in the Gay arts.

Visit TLA Video website: http://www.tlavideo.com

Author William Neale Passes

 On Tuesday March 13, 2012 the Gay Literature world lost one of it’s contemporary authors: William Neale (born: William Fullerton). His seven romance novels were published by MLR Press. Although I had not had the pleasure to have met William in person, I felt as if I knew him from reading several of his works. It’s surprising how we as readers connect with an author through their writing, even though we may never meet face to face. We have shared intimate thoughts and emotions through their writing and feel a personal connection with the author.

According to information gleaned from various online discussion boards, William’s partner Marty Walters, granted permission to MLR Press to edit and publish William’s recently completed (unpublished) novel.

FULLINGTON W I L L I A M FULLINGTON, 55, of Cleveland, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, March 13. Bill is survived by Marty Walters, his devoted partner of many years. He is the loving son of Nell Easley Fullington and the late William J. Fullington. He is also survived by brothers, Mark (Debbie) and Tim; many nieces and nephews; and a circle of loving friends. Bill was President of Fullington Services and former Vice President of Marketing Services at the Richard E. Jacobs Group. A memorial to celebrate Bill’s life will take place at the Ballroom at Park Lane Villa, 10510 Park Lane in University Circle on Saturday, March 24, 2012, from 3-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cleveland Animal Protective League or the charity of their choice

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( Published in The Plain Dealer from March 17 to March 24, 2012 )

Somewhere Only We Know

Grayson Wagner is a classical pianist who was unemployed, hungry, and on the brink of being homeless until he’s hired by a big-hearted former country music star as her new piano player. Gray loves his job but his new life is threatened when a near fatal accident delivers him into the brawny arms of Jacob Kent, a reclusive park ranger. Their physical attraction quickly turns into much more. But can their love survive Jacob’s secret? Or, a shocking revelation that threatens to tear down the very house that love built?

Always Faithful

When Cade and Mark said their vows it was for always and forever. But that was before Mark entered the Marine Corps and before Cade enrolled in college. Four years later, with Mark’s impending discharge and Cade’s graduation, they’re seemingly ready to finally have a long-awaited life together. Their hot and passionate attraction to each other remains as strong as ever. But their long separation has changed both men. And even the strongest of marriages can be threatened by temptation, suspicion, and broken promises. Can their love survive? Or, will they discover that “always” does not always mean faithful?

Christmasing With You

Andrew Bastion lost his partner to a violent and senseless criminal act. Devastated and all alone, he questioned how he would ever get through his first Christmas season without the husband he so loved. But when Drew’s best friend convinces him to “find people who need help and help them,” he finally begins to focus on something other than his own grief. And to his great surprise, he meets the one man with the ability to help heal his broken heart. Christmasing With You is a shamelessly heartwarming, upbeat holiday story that will require tissues, smiles, a box of good chocolates, and the willingness to believe that Christmas miracles really happen.

Son Of A Ditch

Book Two in the HOME Series.

Colby Dawson returns to his southern hometown after serving his country in the U.S. Air Force. Emotionally scarred by a broken relationship, the last thing he wants is another man in his life. But he doesn’t count on falling in love with childhood best friend, Kyle McCoy, now a local deputy sheriff. Their relationship seems almost too charmed until a corrupt governor attempts to locate a state prison next door to Colby’s family home. His prominent father and brothers organize an illegal protest effort that will force Colby to choose between loyalty to his family — or to the partner and lover who may have to arrest them. Not only is Colby and Kyle’s relationship in jeopardy, one of them will fight for his very life while the other must confront his guilt.

A New Normal

Former Marine Corps Major Jake Vincenzo had a plan. He was convinced that his son Mark and his long-time best friend Cade were in love but just didn’t know it. Forced for years to hide his own gayness because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” Jake had kept a secret getaway – a remote mountain cabin where he now intended to play matchmaker for the two nineteen year-olds. What he didn’t count on was falling in love with Cade. How will the three navigate the minefields of potential hurt, jealousy and even betrayal? How will father and son maintain their close relationship without viewing each other as rivals? And how will Cade manage not only accepting being gay but also being in love with the two most important men in his life? For the three, it means redefining everything each had thought was normal. Two will live happily ever after. One will go on with a broken heart. And all must recognize that life will never be the same again – that it now means finding a new normal.

Home

Lucas Reed is a big city advertising executive who must return to his small southern hometown after the death of his estranged father. There, he unexpectedly encounters Rogan James, the boy – now man – who had cruelly taunted him throughout high school with insults and accusations that Lucas was gay. Rogan had been the school’s star football player and the dream date of every girl. But deep inside his handsome stud jock persona, he held a closely guarded secret: his own strong attraction to Lucas. Now reacquainted 12 years later, the two finally acknowledge a powerful physical attraction that quickly evolves into an even stronger emotional connection. But their plans come crashing down when they are outed in the local newspaper by an unscrupulous reporter. And Rogan, as the town’s popular deputy chief of police, stands to lose his job, his reputation, his friends, and even his family’s acceptance. But all this becomes secondary when they discover that another man’s deranged obsession for Rogan is a serious threat. Together, they face a crisis that could mean the end of not only their newly found love, but their very lives.

Got Your Back

Dave Durand was used to meeting men at the local clubs and bars. But all he had to show in his search for love was a steady string of shallow losers and superficial players. Time for an intervention. Enter Grady, his acerbic and protective terrier whose self-appointed “job” is saving Dave from himself. This whimsical and heart-warming short story celebrates the love between a dog and his man. And, the dog’s humorous telepathic efforts to finally land Dave the one “keeper” he deserves.

Book teaser vid for: Auf Wiedersehen ~ Journey to Goodbye

For twenty years, Shane has worked in retail management, not happy with the long hours and lack of compensation he deserves, blaming his job for his not having a boyfriend, which he desires more than anything. Fed up with his life, he vows to make two major changes. First: find a new career. One that will afford him the luxuries he deserves. Second: get a boyfriend. Disheartened with one night stands, he desires a lover. With two lofty goals in mind, he sets into motion a life altering chain of events.

Living a mediocre life, Michael has his books, old movies and 80′s music, but there is a void in his life, a man. He hasn’t been so very lucky in love. At this point in his life, he’s willing to settle for an ordinary schmoe like himself, to hold at night, a companion who might want the same, and won’t hold his German heritage against him.

Can two men, with different perspectives on life, nurture a romantic relationship? Can they overcome their differences and their own personal demons? Or does Fate have other plans, using the star-crossed lovers merely as pawns in a game where dreams and hearts could be shattered?

For more info, visit: http://JourneyToGoodbye.dustinadrianrhodes.com

Sexy Reading – Oh My

Earlier in the week I posted a poll on my Facebook Fan Page asking personal preference in regard to reading sexual scenes in literature. I admit the question was open ended and I provided only two options to select, either YES or NO. I was surprised that after only a couple of days, the poll had received 25 votes along with a good variety of comments.

The poll question: When reading, do YOU prefer to read a story that has sexual scenes?

Responses were 22 votes for YES and 3 for NO. Majority of those voting were authors, authors read just like anyone else.

What surprised me most were not so much the actual votes, but the comments made by those who visited the poll. Some comments were from individuals who did not feel comfortable answering either Yes or No, but added a comment instead.

A general theme ran through the comments, no matter how they voted: as long as the scene(s) related to the story and were realistic.

Some who voted YES commented that sexual scenes were not required. As readers, they were more focused on the story than the sexual scenes (if there were any).

Myself, I prefer reading releases from one particular publisher. Of the 15 or so books I’ve read from this publisher, the books contained no sexual scenes. Sex is implied but the element of the sexual act itself is assumed and not an actual part of the text. Again, this is my personal preference. I’ve read erotica and a number of books which contained from one to (in my mind) way too many sexual scenes and I often times felt that some stories were constructed around the sex scenes.

Each reader has his or her own preferences in the stories they read. Among a myriad of books available, readers can find plenty to suit their taste. There are no set rules as to what is to be included or excluded in a story, the poll was simply an exercise to obtain readers opinions. From the comments received, there were a variety of opinions expressed. I thank everyone who participated in the poll and for taking the time to share opinions and comments.

Dustin Reviews: Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

Shattered Wings opens with the story’s ending (no need to read the last chapter first, if you are one of those readers who has to know in advance how a story ends).

“The rain in coming down harder now, each drop larger than the one before it. I look up, but the water keeps me from seeing the menacing sky, illuminated only briefly by a silent crash of light. My hair is fallen and becoming matted to my forehead. I can feel the stain spread across my chest, and the water streaking down my cheeks in rivers, as though the world were crying in my stead. I must look an awful mess; and yet I will look even worse in so short a time, as I squeeze the rubber grip in my hand, resting the steel comfortably against my thigh. The barrel is still warm from being so recently in use.” *

Healey reveals the circumstances in John’s life that brought him to this point in chronologically ordered scenes from recent events interspersed with flashbacks from John’s younger years. The consistent pace of the story flowed smoothly and before I knew it, I was drawn into John’s world. A content family-man living in a suburban home with his lover Charlie and their daughter Cassie. But the world John loves and knows so very well is about to be challenged through unforeseen events and circumstances which sends John into a downward spiral. Each event in John’s life builds on itself until John is no longer in control.

Healey brings to life believable characters in events and circumstances which are common place in our world today to make for an emotional and heartbreaking read – one you won’t soon forget.

* Except from the beginning of Shattered Wings by Bryan Healey

4 out of 5 stars.

A Story Without a Genre – or – If You Write It a Genre Will Come

For months, I did research for my latest novella, Masked Identities. The storyline includes a period story sandwiched within a contemporary story. In other words, I was writing two stories that would ultimately become one.

The interior story of Ambrose and Sebastian takes place in 1890 Victorian London. Mind you, I have never been off the shores of North America and I definitely had not lived in the 19th Century (at least not during this lifetime). To properly tell this story required months of research into Victorian London history. I recreated a large 19th Century map of London which was taped to the wall in front of me along with reproduced photos of clothing styles, buildings, actual newspaper articles, court and police records, birth records (to select from popular names given to infants during the period), along with tons and tons of notes. During my research I discovered actual events, places and even people that made the story seem like it was becoming more than just a work of fiction. Not having written a “period” piece before, I encountered a challenge with phrases and words that sounded too contemporary or too “American”. Luckily, I had come across two comprehensive directories of “1890 Victorian Slang Terms” which was quite beneficial as well as educational. I began incorporating the results of my research into my story. There was a nagging voice constantly chattering in my head: “The story has to be authentic and historically accurate.”

Once the interior story was completed, I finished the contemporary (exterior) story of a troubled relationship between Megan and her boyfriend, Chandler. But, I had two different endings and was undecided of which to use. I flipped a coin and that decided the ending.

The completed story was sent out to Beta Readers for review. The extensive comments were mixed and quite varying. The Beta’s were evenly tied in their comments of how the story should end, although they had no idea I had a second ending which I had not included in the manuscript. During the revision I decided to include both ending, so the story had an alternate ending. I would leave the selection of the ending to the reader.

Then what to do about about Cover Art? I had six mock-ups and was just as undecided on which I liked best, so I put the mock-ups to a vote of my peers on Facebook.

The story was completed and ready for publication. So, exactly how many writing rules had I broken?

(1) The story has both a Contemporary story and a Period story – OK, that’s a genre specific issue.
(2) The interior story is gay themed and the interior story is hetero themed – another problem.
(3) An alternative ending rather than just one ending – can I break any more writing rules?

To publish the story, I had to consider exactly which genre did this story belong? The publishing industry has specific established genres and my story severely crossed over genre lines. Pondering my dilemma, I questioned why in the heck had I written this story in the first place.

I was reminded of an author friend who recently told me that there are two kinds of writers:
(1) The writer who follows all the rules of grammar, punctuation and writes the edit-perfect book.
(2) Then, there is the “story teller” who creates wonderful tales, but does not follow the writing rules, either due to a lack of formal training or just because they are a rebel.

The author friend had classified my writing style in the second category, as a “story teller”. Yes, I can tell you a tale, but don’t ask me to diagram a sentence, or ask me to identify an adverb or a noun, and I’ll put a period or comma wherever I feel like it. And what the **** is a gerund?

I was reminded of Cyril Connolly, who said, “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.”

Masked Identities was released in digital format on December 4, 2011 and the paperback edition will follow. Maybe no one will read my story, and those that do may not like it. Whatever the case, I will always consider Masked Identities as my alternative fiction that lacked a genre.

Synopsis of Masked Identities

Megan thought she had read every book in her grandfather’s extensive collection of fiction, until stumbling upon an unfamiliar title. Curious, she delves into the book, realizing that her own relationship with her boyfriend of four years parallels the story she is reading of Ambrose and Sebastian. Can a story of love between two men provide the answers to salvage her floundering relationship?

This unusual tale is actually a period story wrapped inside of a contemporary storyline. The interior story includes actual places and events of 1890 Victorian London. One story follows the relationship of two men in Britain, the other story follows Megan and Chandler in upstate New York, USA. Not specifically defined as a romance novella, since this manuscript crosses genre specific lines: gay / hetero, period / contemporary, and even includes an alternate ending. Definitely not the traditional run-of-the-mill read, but a journey into alternative fiction.

Available
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006IU902U
Smashwords http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/111086