Sindustry II: Making a Buck the Hard Way by Various Authors

Sindustry II: Making a Buck the Hard Way by Various Authors
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Genre: Erotic, GLBT (M/M) contemporary

Review Copy Received from Publisher

Summary: Rentboys, strippers, hookers, and porn stars--these men are making a buck the hard way. This is Sindustry, where a quick fuck is more likely than a romantic kiss. But while they face the harsh light of reality every day, unexpected love finds them in all sorts of crazy ways. Take a look at Sindustry from the outside in, because for these guys, happily ever after is just around the corner.

Kathy's Overall Review: Anthologies are high on my list of favorites. I often read them because of one or two authors whose writing I love. What makes anthologies so enjoyable is that very often I find at least a couple, or more, new-to-me authors that I need more of. Such is the case with Sindustry II: Making a Buck the Hard Way. I read it late last year, but when I had the opportunity to read both volumes together, I wanted to go through it again. What a treat! And I found that the stories that I loved the first time remain as fresh and enjoyable a second time around. Now that's excellent writing.

Package Boy by Connie Bailey

Summary: When your clients include the most powerful mobsters in Jersey, discretion is a way of life - but for escort Celino Sansone, falling in love with Jacky Niccolo, heir apparent to the deCavalcante crime family, could be deadly for them both. Lino has made up his mind to let Jacky go for his own good when he overhears a client ordering a hit on his lover, and only help from a most unexpected source will get them both out alive.

Kathy's Review: Connie Bailey has concocted a surprisingly sweet story that has a truly wonderful romance. Surprising because stories dealing with mobsters aren't usually my forte. But in Package Boy we are treated to characters that are very likeable and whose romance really touches my heart; and the twist? Perfect!
I loved the twist...

Dance for Me by Maria Albert

Summary: Former marine Michael Carrick is working as a bouncer at a gay erotic dance club when he rescues a young man from an abusive leather daddy. Carlo insists he can earn his way at the club as a dancer, but the attraction that sparks between them may be too much like the past he's struggling to escape.

Kathy's Review: Carlo has experienced way too much in his young life and his ability to trust has been seriously damaged. But from the moment he and Michael meet he feels safer than ever before. Maria Albert's Dance for Me is a superb story on so many levels. Hot and sizzling romance and characters with whom I could fall in love are just the beginning. There is a promise of so much more; while this is primarily Michael's and Carlo's story there are a lot of other characters of whom I'd like to learn more. I'll be checking to see if Ms. Albert has continued with The Tiger Club; if not I'm going to have to make a pest of myself!

Unorthodox Utopia by G.S. Wiley

Summary: Chicago stylist Steve is having trouble making ends meet at his new salon, Utopia, so he takes a second job as a hair and makeup artist for a low-budget Internet pornography operation. Against his better judgement, he develops a crush on one of the actors. When Jeff confides in Steve about an abusive boyfriend, Steve makes it his mission to save Jeff from both the relationship and the porn industry.

Kathy's Review: In many ways Unorthodox Utopia comes across as realistic and correspondingly gritty. But it's also got some humor and characters that I really enjoyed getting to know. Steve is great; he's friendly, loyal and someone that can always be depended on. I especially love his ability to be a friend without judging, and it's because of this that Jeff knows that he can turn to him. A very charming romance and I'm so glad that I already have some of G.S. Wiley's books in my TBR.

Leather Dancer by Andrew Grey

Summary: Denny's been admiring the hot guy in his apartment building from afar, until a chance meeting at the Gay Erotic Expo reveals even more of Robbie than he'd imagined in his fantasies. Despite his friend Kye's encouragement and Robbie's job as a dancer in a leather club, Denny is determined to take things slow, convinced that Robbie could be much more than just a quick hookup.

Kathy's Review: All I can say is that Denny definitely owes Kye big time; but what else are best friends for? I delighted in the relationship that developed between Robbie and Denny. For the most part, Leather Dancer is low key, but quite a bit stronger for that in my opinion. I always tremendously enjoy Andrew Grey's stories be they long or short. His adeptness at involving his readers in the story and the lives of his characters is very much appreciated. They tend to live on long past the closing of the book.

Corona & Lime by Sonia Devereaux

Summary: When James, a quiet, mid-20-something who hasn't been in a relationship in nearly a year, says he doesn't want to be set up anymore, overzealous friend Kyle devises a foolproof plan to help James regain his confidence. Dragging him to a gay sports bar, Kyle arranges for a gorgeous younger man, Race, to hit on James and seduce him. Though James leaves with Race, he realizes that sleeping with a stranger won't solve anything. But Race isn't used to being turned down - especially not when he's been paid for his company.

Kathy's Review: I loved what Kyle was trying to do for James; obviously a good friend. It was quite entertaining as the guys tried to convince James that there really was a hottie checking him out. I really enjoyed this novella; nearly all of it conversation but it flowed and moved ahead wonderfully. Sonia Devereaux is another author whose work I'll be on the lookout for. Great characters, humor and a great grasp on human nature.

Sunshine by J.L. Merrow

Summary: Everyone has secrets. For Rob, it's wanting to get closer to the rent boy he sees every night on his way home from work. But for Daniel, earnng money the only way he can, it's something far more serious.

Kathy's Review: J.L. Merrow's Sunshine is a beautiful and truly heartwarming story. Seeing everything through Daniel's eyes gives us a wonderful opportunity to get to know him, but even so, J.L. Merrow is able to keep Daniel's secret. I love the interactions between Rob and Daniel and even though we're only given a short time to get to know them, by the end of the story, know them we do.

Night Moves by Patric Michael

Summary: A cocky, self assured hustler discovers much more in life than just turning tricks when he goes on a date - a real date - with the shy, soft-spoken driver of the black pickup that's often cruised by his corner but never stopped. Until tonight.

Kathy's Review: This story, Night Moves, is phenomenal. I love the way that we are introduced to Jesse, given a glimpse at what his life is like in the first page or two. We also learn a surprising amount about Jesse, who he is, in a remarkably short time. Once again Patric Michael gets right to the heart and I gladly follow along. I laughed, I fumed, I cried and I celebrated ~ all within 33 pages. And I ended up feeling as though all is possible if only you have love. And that's exactly what a great romance should do. Very, very nicely done!

Wanting More by Cari Z.

Summary: After a late-night rendezvous is interrupted by the partner of the man who hired him, stripper and high-end escort Alex Kidman can't get James Fitzgerald out of his head. So when James comes to watch him dance a few weeks later, Alex knows it's time to make his move - but James isn't comfortable with him if he isn't paying for his time.

Kathy's Review: I couldn't see at all how James and Alex would be able to develop any kind of relationship, especially after the initial rather disastrous beginning. But Cari Z. managed to pull it off very nicely. I really liked that Alex was upfront and true to himself. He wasn't into game playing; with Alex what you saw is what you got. And James, I liked him regardless of his desire to protect, while at the same time indulging, himself. Certainly understandable. I'm glad that Alex's openness and honesty was enough, in the end, to get through to him.

The Cowboy and the Movie Star by Kate Roman

Summary: Cowboy Jake Ryder is unimpressed when his boss rents the ranch out to an adult movie crew, but that changes when he meets the angelic, delicate and lonely Matthew Dove. Jake can't get Matthew out of his mind, and a late-night encounter proves Matthew feels the same way. But the next morning, Matthew's back on the set, and Jake feels like an idiot. Can Matthew convince Jake that he wants to quit the business, or will Jake's cowboy stubbornness get in the way?

Kathy's Review: Overall I liked Kate Roman's story about Matthew and Jake. I certainly was feeling all mushy when the two of them got together. The feelings between them were so wonderfully obvious. The only thing I found that was a little off is that things were somewhat bass-ackward and a little unrealistic. Well of course the whole anthology is about fantastic things happening in the name of love. But Jake and Matthew's story was even more of a stretch. Now, that's not to say I didn't like it; on the contrary, Jake coming to the rescue was perfect in the best cowboy-hero tradition. And the end I found quite enjoyable...especially when viewed as a happily-ever-after fairy tale... and NO, not that kind.

The Meaning of Perfection by Taylor Lochland

Summary: Felix and his friend Jack are male escorts who need a discreet place to bring their clients. Hotel owner Julian offers them a discount on rooms in return for Jack servicing him once a week, but it's Felix who wants that honor - he's fallen for Julian.

Kathy's Review: I liked the relationship that developed between Julian and Felix. Yes, there was a strong attraction, but Felix wanted to get to really get to know Julian, the man. And for Julian having someone that sincerely enjoyed talking with him was a gift that he didn't want to lose. There's definitely an emotional minefield and some highly charged scenes that got the tear ducts working once again. But, being romance, everything works out very nicely. This is the first story that I've read by Taylor Lochland; it's only the beginning.

See Me, Feel Me by Zahra Owens

Summary: Demme's only dream was to be a professional dancer, but a back injury put an end to that. Kip is a massage therapist who gives great back rubs... and to Demme's considerable surprise, admits to rubbing other parts of his clients' anatomy as well.

Kathy's Review: The story summary for Zahra Owens' entry in this anthology really doesn't do the story justice at all. I was really taken with Demme from the beginning; he's someone whose dream was shattered, but he didn't let that stop him. I love his openness and his friendliness; he's the kind of person that you want for a best friend.

Kip is fantastic. His humor is somewhat wry, he's very well-read and he's down-to-earth. Their story and romance brings out the best of them both, and I sincerely enjoyed spending time with them both.

Exposure by Marguerite Labbe & Fae Sutherland

Summary: Sebastian Case has been photographing naked male models for years, but he's never had a reaction like the one he does when Angelo "Angel" Ferrara steps onto his calendar shoot. Sassy and flirtatious, the young man was made to be in front of Sebastian's camera and under his control. Angel loves everything about modeling, from following the commands to being naked and naughty for the camera. And as the camera snaps, sparks between them ignite the set, adding a whole new angle to their lives.

Kathy's Review: An intensely sensual story, Marguerite Labbe's and Fae Sutherland's Exposure really ratchets up the heat! Beautifully told and wonderfully detailed, it's like being there. I could see the photographs that Sebastian was taking; I could see Angel as he posed... how much the camera loved him. For a novella these authors got so much into it; it really felt as though it was a much longer story. And the emotional connection between Angel and Sebastian was so strong it just blasted across the pages. Wow!

Rated 4½ Delightful Divas by Kathy!


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