1: Stupid Boy by G Younger A great story, sometimes achieving dizzying heights and always entertaining. The later 'Better Man' series is largely a disappointment, as the man seems more immature than the stupid boy was, as the stories dissolve into utter porn (the earlier ones handled the eroticism extremely well, keeping it in context without going overboard or underselling it.
Still, the later series is still quite compelling, it's just a tad more problematic.
Unfortunately, I have grave doubts after that, as it's likely to be 4+ years of NOTHING but sports, as the characters, rather than fighting it, as he easily could have, decides to concede without an objection on EVER modeling, or making another movie--which of course just seems idiotic.
The earlier books are clearly more compelling and thought provoking, while the later ones are more constrained, limited and self-obsessed.
2: Retribution by Thornfoote "Retribution" by Thornfoote is definitely worth a look. It's a promising start by a new author with a long history on the site. He's edited several books for me and numerous others, so he knows what he's doing.
The story is short, only twelve chapters, so it doesn't get too deep into the character, but if you like a strong vigilante superheroine with some unique abilities, then this is your story.
I'm looking forward to many more by the author.
3: Variation on a Theme, Book 1 by Grey Wolf A wonderful, rich, insightful and challenging 'Do-Over' story. The later stories slow a bit, feeling a bit too 'been there, done that and got the t-shirt', yet they're still excellent reads, just not as compelling as the earlier ones. After a point, they begin to feel a bit jaded, however the many characters are compelling, it's intelligently told and touches on the many issues which 'Do-Overs' invariably raise.
4: Bow Valley by Barbe Blanche My newest read. Another Post-Apocolyptic story, but with a difference. Great character development and several unusual developments.
The author, now deceased, Barbe, started just as I did, and our stories paralleled each other, as both focused on a 'more realistic representation' of common story themes. So if you like my story, you're likely to enjoy this one as well.
Sadly, the author had been suffeing health problems, so the story was never successfully completed as he'd wanted. Still trying to write, his concentration was off, so he didn't want to compromise the story, so instead worked on lesser secondary stories.
5: Tycoon by Raven Soule Nothing at all like my story. Guy wins lottery, unintentionally picks up a slave. Ends up the richest man in England, a feared and beloved slave master. It's about everything my story isn't, but it's still a lot of fun with a lot of great personalities!
6: Pete: A Young Man's Story by Magi Great classic SOL tale. Takes a unique approach: Serial Monogamy. The protagonist meets and gets involved with one beautiful girl after all, each of which professes their love but who each leaves soon thereafter for a variety of reasons leaving him free to chase someone else.
Great character development, great, sustained plot. Great story all around.
7: No Strings Attached by Cheryl Terra A beautiful story of two troubled souls stumbling forward and occasionally bumping into each other, in ways neither could have expected. Wonderfully written, masterfully executed, and the pathos and trauma literally bleed from the virtual electronic page.
8: East Meets West by OldSarge69 A delightful, though tense, emotional tale, with enough unexpected action to keep you guessing through every suspenseful moment. The odd beginning immediately sucks you in, and the story only grows from there, as the additional revelations pull you ever deeper into it. The non-traditional ethnic romance and the east-meets-west ESP just makes it that much richer!
9: SWISH! by aroslav The whole Team Manager series is a true delight, with rich characters who don't behave like you (or the author) might want them too. Each is unique, moving at their own pace and in their own direction, while the story of a communal 'home for all' team keeps the story moving.
While other harems stories quickly peter out in the sudden rush to the goal after everyone's effectively been deflowered, these characters seem alive, voicing their opinions and standing up for themselves, rather than falling like dominos as they do in many other, similar stories.
I love the characters, and wish the best for them, even if it's not always the best for them all. Wonderfully written, carefully constructed, and while the central conflict in the book seems a bit forced, the inter-character conflicts more than make up for it.
