El & Em by M. E. Samm LGBTQ Book Review

El & Em by M.E. Samm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At times, M. E. Samm’s novel El & Em feels much like a music biography or an episode of MTV’s Behind the Music. However, this rock narrative also centers around the attempts of two bisexual men to form a lasting relationship in an atmosphere where that love could easily destroy their careers. It starts in Philadelphia, in 1972, continuing decades beyond that.

Luke seems to love nothing more than his music, and he often fails to see the ways he dismisses the feelings of others while trying to make the live performances and studio recordings match the vision he creates for his songs. Complicating matters, his desire to add a trumpet player will awaken other desires.

As a fan of both classic rock and stories about gay or bi men, the premise of this book caught my attention. It delivers on both fronts. The descriptions of the long tours and long studio sessions ring true, along with how the musicians must endure both obscurity and the pressures of fame. The fear and longing the two men experience also seems all too real as they constantly attract and repel each other.

Samm writes with subtle grace, turning a lingering touch or gaze into a stepping point for a relationship that will take years to even begin. At times, I wasn’t even sure if Luke and Emmett were really the title characters El and Em, thinking maybe one of them might fall in love with some other guy who could fit within that title. Still, the connections exist and keep reemerging over the years.

The novel’s long span of time not only captures the highs and lows of a popular band but also shows how AIDS, racism, and homophobia impacted countless lives in countless ways during those years. Fortunately, the focus mostly stays on music and love. M. E Samm gives us an entertaining rock and roll story about people who often seek perfection in their work but often miss it in how they treat themselves and each other. I won’t give more away, but I hope more people download the book and hit the road with El & Em.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Small-town talking

• “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” –Kirkus Reviews
• “The Acorn Stories delivers insight into a fictional small town, illustrating the ups and downs of life.” –Novels Alive
• “Duane Simolke’s stories invite the reader to linger — to notice the quiet in between the noise. A lovely reminder that depth lives in the details.” –Iwan Ross, author of Keepers of the Lighthouse
• “If you enjoy stories of new beginnings, stories with humor, and realistic characters then this is absolutely the book for you.” –Scribble’s Worth Book Reviews
• “Each story left me delighted and satisfied, yet still yearning for more.” –Robert Karl, author of The Goldies: 50th High School Reunion
• “The central theme is the human condition and the shared experiences, emotions, and challenges of the town's residents, with topics that range from light and funny to dramatic and thought-provoking.” –Tenkara Smart, author of His Name is Junsaku
• “I swung from sad to happy, angry to laughing out loud.” –Tweetables
• “Simolke shares life’s beautiful and humorous moments side by side with the devastating and painful ones, and the contrast is palpable.” –The RedHead Notes
• “For those who are searching for a book which is written so well that you are able to enjoy a respite from reality and enter into a fictional world…this is the book for you!” –Author and book blogger Leonard Tillerman
• “Duane Simolke presents an enthralling collection of slice-of-life stories set in a fictional Texas town.” –Readers' Favorite
• “Duane Simolke is one of our great American writers just ready to be recognized as such. He has the talent and the imagination and the humanity and the perspective to make each of our lives richer. Bravo!” –Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer
• “I found this book to be a perfect vacation companion.” –A. Chandler
• “These highly believable settings and naturally developed characters could be anywhere in the nation.” —TMDGReviews
• “I love the numerous small wins of the characters and the unexpected turns of luck.” –Billy O.
• “You’ll want to read every story to the very end of the book to grasp the concept of the interweaving relationships of these characters that at first glance appear to have no connection.” –RLWood.Rocks Book Reviews
• “Having spent quite a bit of time in Texas, I could see each character matching someone I know or have met in my time there.” –Noel D
• “Amazing and hard to put down.” –Kimmie Sue’s Book Review and More
• “Snapshots of the lives of people and their life-changing encounters that will leave lasting impressions on you.” –Michelle Williams
• “Readers who enjoy immersive first person stories about small town life and the human condition will love this book.” –Purple
• “The author demonstrates a healthy understanding of human nature.” –John H. Mangold
• “A talented, insightful author.” –E. Conley, Betty's Books
• “The town is Acorn, Texas, and it is a representation of all of the tiny places, or wide places in the road that dot America.” –jonboy
• “If you liked WINESBURG, OHIO . . . rejoice.” –Watchword
• “By the time you have finished reading these tales of the people who inhabit the fictitious town of Acorn, Texas, population 21,001, you will have met some endearing as well as irritating characters, from the Mayor to the local would-be gigolo; from the busy-bodies to the business owners; from those who grew up in Acorn and have tried to escape the small town to those who have moved to Acorn to escape from the real world.” –Ronald L. Donaghe, author of Uncle Sean
• “A well-crafted collection of short stories.” –L. L. Lee, author of Taxing Tallula
• “It was a real pleasure to read about the fictional town of Acorn, Texas.” –Mark Kendrick, author of Desert Sons
• “Simolke makes good use of his vivid imagination in creating credible dialogue and satirical images.” –Huda Orfali, author of Blue Fire
• “There are people that you like, some that you can't wait to see if they get theirs.” –Joe Wright, StoneWall Society
• “Each of Simolke's stories lets us look into the lives of some of the most interesting characters I have ever read about.” –Amos Lassen, Literary Pride
• “When you finish, when you put the book aside, Acorn will still be with you.” –E. Carter Jones, author of Absence of Faith
• “I highly recommend this book!” –Richard Carlson, author of Jeremy Grabowski's Crazy Summer in Stormville!
• “…reminds us that nobody is perfect and that everyone is just trying to get by in life either it be by hurting others or by trying to change their life for the better.” —The Abstract

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Want to learn more? Please Google The Acorn Stories by Duane Simolke.

Book Review at Novels Alive

Amy at the book blog Novels Alive book blog just posted a review of The Acorn Stories, saying “The Acorn Stories delivers insight into a fictional small town, illustrating the ups and downs of life.”

Book review of Immortal: The House of Ganymede by Robert A. Karl

Immortal: The House of Ganymede by Robert A. Karl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Robert A. Karl, author of the Clubbed series of books and The Goldies: 50th High School Reunion, returns with Immortal: The House of Ganymede, a tale that mixes gay teen drama with timely topics, social media, and Greek mythology.

Inspired by a role model who comes out, Jason wants to reveal his true self to his best friend and secret crush. To put it mildly, Jason’s plan goes awry.

While searching for acceptance and befriending a new student, Jason finds himself involved with her twin brother, Youngsoo, an out and proud gay teen. He also becomes involved with the ZEUS Universal Group and the face of their male skin-care line, IMMORTAL.

The Greek mythology enters slowly into a story that at first reads like a typical coming out story. That blending allows Robert A. Karl to create something unusual from familiar but disparate story elements. More importantly, the emotions drive the story, with Jason wanting comfort, love, acceptance, and even adulation.

The modern allure of social media acclaim blinds Jason to the misogyny and elitism of his new companions, though we still get flashes of his insights within his thoughts and observations. He seems to have risen above the homophobia he faced but still finds himself surrounded by people who look down on others.

Another person with condescending attitudes might be planning something much worse than Jason ever predicted. Despite the complicated tensions and ambitions within the story, Karl keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace that never gets bogged down by its mixed elements. Some of the reviews I read of this book give too much away, so I’ll just say to read it for yourself and be ready for some strong emotions.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

The Whisper that Replaced God Part II: Silent Almighty Book Review

You might want to first read my review of Part I, so I provided that link to my previous post. Unlike most of the book-related ideas that occur to me when I wake up at 3 in the morning, I remembered that one. The review this blog entry’s title promises will now commence.

The Whisper that Replaced God Part II: Silent Almighty by Timothy Wolff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With Part II, Timothy Wolff takes advantage of the story’s split release by letting his MC and narrator Muse comment on some of the reader reactions to Book I. Not surprisingly, it gives this fast-paced volume a level of meta cleverness that makes the pages turn even more quickly.

The story takes unexpected turns, with Mute venting frustration at how so many people follow his new rival, Deaf. Mute resorts to increasingly dark choices and justifications, but the humor keeps the narrative itself from becoming bleak or depressing. Some of the lines work as simply funny, while others reflect clever commentary on human nature, power, storytelling, and social media—even if social media might not exist within Mute’s world. I’ll avoid spoilers and say Mute takes readers on a rewarding journey.

Readers who like fantasy with exciting action and outrageous humor should add Timothy Wolff to their reading list.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Same Sex Book Review

Same Sex: Gay SF Clone Erotica by J W Steed
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Author Peter Schutes introduces two tales of clones and gay male desire. Schutes offers an introduction that shows a love for science fiction and concerns about oppression.

That introduction also explains the unlikely genesis of this unique collection. Despite similar concepts, the stories differ in feel and setting, both going in unexpected directions while both delivering an enjoyable read.

In “Journey’s End,” author J. W. Steed brings readers to a terraformed planet. Jeremy still harbors feelings for Benny, but Benny falls for one of Jeremy’s clones. Complications arise, with Jeremy worried about his obsession with observing that new relationship. It affects his job and his interactions. The tone becomes whimsical at times, thanks to Jeremy’s observations and quirks.

“Billy Club,” by Frank Slater, takes place in a different future but a more down-to-Earth setting, with a crooked system of cloned cops. This story features much rougher characters than the first one and focuses much more on desire. The officers, all known as Billy but with different badge numbers, become entangled with local gay men in a way that might expose corruption. The first-person narrator often sounds like he belongs in an old detective movie, but he takes the story into racier territory.

View all my Goodreads reviews

Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about my books, including the small-town fiction collection The Acorn Stories and my free eBook Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure.

Books Written or Cowritten by Duane Simolke

Degranon: A Science Fiction Adventure. An Iroquois family gets caught in a battle between two oppressive worlds. Free eBook!

Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure. In an alternate reality, an Iroquois scientist and her twin gay sons battle shapeshifting aliens.

Taldra: Degranon and Sons of Taldra together in one volume.

The Acorn Stories. “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” -Kirkus Reviews.

The Acorn Gathering: Writers Uniting Against Cancer. Join the fight against cancer by purchasing this fundraising fiction collection.

Free Story: Fat Diary: Humor.

Holding Me Together counters homophobia, promotes equality, and celebrates life!

Selected Poems eBook.

The Return of Innocence: A Fantasy Adventure blends humor and romance with exciting fantasy action.

Stein, Gender, Isolation and Industrialism: New Readings of Winesburg, Ohio examines the best-known work of the influential American writer, Sherwood Anderson.

That Jacobs Boy #badboystexas #smalltownlife #smalltownstories #smalltownproblems

Maybe the Right Girl at the Right Time Can Save a Kingdom

@duanesimolke The Return of Innocence: Maybe the Right Girl #booktok #fantasy #fantasybookstok #fantasybookstagram #yafantasybooks #booktoker ♬ O Fortuna - Techno Remix - Karmaik

The Return of Innocence: Maybe the Right Girl video. #booktok #fantasy #fantasybookstok #fantasybookstagram #yafantasybooks #booktoker

Discover unity, courage, and love as Taldra fights for humanity’s survival.

Discover unity, courage, and love as Taldra fights for humanity’s survival. https://t.co/42Pd7d05MR @duanesimolke#SciFiBooks #ScienceFiction #SciFiLit #SpeculativeFiction #Dystopian #IndieScifi #FuturisticWorlds pic.twitter.com/twVi0tPolc

— PromoCorner - Find your next Book. (@PromoCornerX) April 10, 2025

PromoCorner created this video for Sons of Taldra: A Science Fiction Adventure and posted it on social media.

"Refreshingly different, and at its beating heart is some much needed diversity that slots in effortlessly and with purpose." –Doctor Who Online

"The most intriguing aspect of the story is controlled by emotion as relatable characters grow and brave it all together, selflessly helping each other." –Enas Reviews

"A quick fun read for anyone who enjoys sci-fi and adventure books. The plot was compelling and the characters were engaging." –Fiction Flock

"An explosive book that will mean different things to each reader. The familial love and romantic love that shine make it even a deeper read." –N. N. Light's Book Heaven

"I recommend this book to science fiction readers and those who like complex storylines." –Review Tales

"In Acorn, Texas, every hidden story wrestles with humor and heart."

In Acorn, Texas, every hidden story wrestles with humour and heart.https://t.co/8K70gN75Oi@DuaneSimolke #booktwitter #bookstoread #booktwt #bookreader #booksbooksbooks #fortheloveofbooks #booklove #kindlebooks #kindle pic.twitter.com/9QrPKNgSR2

— PromoCorner - Find your next Book. (@PromoCornerX) April 7, 2025

JP MacDougall's Indie Author Features

JP MacDougall, author of The Pangean Chronicles, has made the following announcement about free book promotion on his website. Authors looking for more exposure should visit now.

Promoting books online can feel like shouting into the void. That’s why I’m offering FREE promotion on my website, https://t.co/5epWtkHCrr, to help you reach more readers. 📚✨
📩 Send your book details, links, and images to authorjpmacdougall@outlook.com, and I’ll showcase your… pic.twitter.com/UouD1QmEpN

— JP Macdougall (@PangeanChrons) March 25, 2025

About The Pangean Chronicles

Millions of years ago in the time of Pangea, when the continents were still as one, there existed the demon world. A race known as the Sanctorians reigned over a peaceful existence until the mysterious and unsettling birth of a dark demon cast a long shadow over this peace. Following the rise of this dark lord, who became known as Satanicus, a terrible war ensued, with Sanctorians leading a resistance against this new tyranny. By the end of the catastrophic war, with Satanicus incarcerated within 'The Book', the super-continent of Pangea was shattered into its separate continents and human existence, as we know it now, came to be.

Now the human race faces a threat greater than ever before. Lord Masshawus has spent millions of years in the shadows, raising an army and now plots to unify Pangea. It is down to Michael Shaw and his allies to stop the unification of Pangea and to recover 'The Book'. The future of civilisation is in the balance and there are very few who can be trusted.

For Poetry Lovers!

My eBook Selected Poems is part of the Indie Poetry Sale hosted by Author, Poet & Graphic Designer Despoina Kemeridou. Despoina wrote Pieces of my Heart, Of Darkness and Light, and Whispers of the Soul. Though many of the discounts there are temporary, please keep visiting Despoina’s site for more indie writing and resources.

For Your 2025 Dystopian Reading List

If you’re building a 2025 dystopian reading list, please download Degranon for free via B&N, Kobo, or many other online bookstores.

In an alternate reality, the Iroquois scientist Taldra questions her world’s ban on space travel and free speech, but that world funds her research. One of her sons becomes trapped on the other side of a time portal while the other loses himself to the religious cult Degranon. Can they find their way back to each other before the Degrans destroy Valchondria?

2025 Reading List

📚🪐 SciFi fans, give yourself a free eBook for Christmas and your 2025 reading list. A First Nation family gets caught between two worlds in the science fiction adventure Degranon. Read the eBook for free via Barnes & Noble, Kobo, or many other online bookstores.

Book Review of Dark Eyes by Nina Romano

Dark Eyes by Nina Romano
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nina Romano, author of The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley and many other historical novels, combines her love of travel, history, and storytelling to create an exciting thriller set in Leningrad during the 1950s.

Anya, an unwed mother and former ballerina, crosses paths with Andrei, a police photography with ambitions that bring him into treacherous company. Two murders draw the two characters together while also drawing them into the corruption and betrayal of Russian bureaucracy. In their lives, danger unfairly targets those who hold less power than others.

While keeping an emphasis on the romance, mystery, and action, Romano also captures the gritty life of Russia’s everyday people during a turbulent era. Anyone who offers hope also faces threats or maybe poses a threat. It seems hard for Anya to trust anyone, understandably.

The narrative allows readers to see everything through Anya’s perspective. Though she seems judgmental or harsh at times, we learn about the events and people who hardened her. Still, we see her love and devotion for her daughter. Will she also dare to love the possibly duplicitous Andrei? Read this intriguing and sometimes disturbing novel to find out.

In addition to her research and interviews, Romano even traveled to Russia. Romano’s richly descriptive narrative benefits from her devotion to craft and will leave readers happy they read about Anya’s struggles.


View all my Goodreads reviews

#BookTok #SciFi #Diversity #ShortStories and More

@duanesimolke

#BookTok #SciFi #Diversity #ShortStories and More

Featured Author: Maximilian Lopez #ScienceFiction

Maximilian Lopez, a Marine Corps veteran and Hispanic author, wrote the science fiction thrillers Echoes of Etherium Series. Vol 1: The Dreams That Bind Us and Vol 2: The Demons That Save Us.

@maximilian.lopez With book three coming out this summer, get your hands on book one and support an indie author and a talent artist cause this book cover is 🔥 😊 #tbrlist #booktok #readingcommunity #sciencefictionbooks #indieauthorsoftiktok #tbrpilekeepsgrowing ♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] - Elliot Van Coup

The Dreams That Bind Us: Echoes of Etherium Volume One book description:

This sci-fi thriller explores the possibility that when we dream, we're merely glimpsing into an alternate reality. Three strangers bound together by a shared dream fight against the current of fate. Can they come to terms with the truth? Are we the only versions of ourselves? Are you the best version of you to exist? They must find each other without losing themselves. Two universes hang in the balance as external forces vie for control of their ability to peer into an alternate reality.

Illustrator: Lyrica Costello.

The Demons That Save Us: Echoes of Etherium Volume 2 book description:

As the clock ticks toward a multi-universal cataclysm, the dangers in both worlds become increasingly clear. With hopes and dreams on the line, unlikely heroes must confront an unyielding force of destiny that threatens to plunge them into its unforgiving depths.

The five unsuspecting test subjects—Corey, Selene, Joseph, and the Finnish twins—are bound by Dr. Kreiner and his father’s experiment to a fate they can barely imagine. When their consciousness is synchronized into their dream selves, it opens a gateway to an alternate reality. With a secret government agent determined to discover the truth, the stage is set for an epic battle against impossible odds.

Strap in for a riveting sci-fi thriller as dreams come alive and fate draws you ever closer toward its relentless grip in book two of the Echoes of Etherium Series - The Demons That Save Us.

Illustrator: Lyrica Costello.

Visit the author at X, Goodreads, Threads, and TikTok.

Featured Author: Veralyn Keach

Biography (from VeralynKeach.Com):

Veralyn Keach is a writer and author of the new Fiction vampire series, “The Scent Of A Man.” She resides in Port St Lucie, Florida. She enjoys watching Hulu and Netflix when she is not writing.

This has been an exciting time for her to write a book about vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, sci-fi, paranormal, and romance because she grew up reading and watching fantasy, paranormal, and sci-fi.

Give her stories a chance and you’ll agree when she says you WILL want more. Available Now! Romance Novella "Then Came You." and Children's Book "Juri - The Chosen."

The Scent of a Man: Half Vampire/Half Man book description:

This was all Gabriel Stones’ fault!

Ariel Landford realized she was to enter a whole new life when Damian Vanburg suddenly appeared. Half-vampire/half-man.

Will Ariel lose one man to the scent of another, or will she lose everything including her life?

Visit the author at VeralynKeach.Com and X.

Book review: The Right Price by M.G. Cobbett

The Right Price by M.G. Cobbett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The conflict of two people resisting love and even fearing it adds to the tension of this short novel. M.G. Cobbett presents a story of two boys who see each other as threats at times but certainly not as friends, much less boyfriends.

The attraction between them grows amid a series of awkward encounters, with their separate worlds often intersecting. They both try to act tough, often out of perceived necessity. They co-exist in an atmosphere that includes rugby, parties, bikers, tattoo parlors, and broken families, but not one that would seem to support gay romance.

M.G. Cobbett gives distinct voices to Mitchell Price and Owen Andersson, flitting between their perspectives in a way that captures the hesitation, misunderstandings, and joy of starting a romantic relationship. Does that relationship stand a chance? Will their separate worlds keep them separated from their true feelings? Grab this short, engaging read to find out what happens.


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Thanks for visiting my blog! Please read about The Acorn Stories. “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” -Kirkus Reviews.