Vacay Guest: Tam - Oh Canada Baby!

Today cool and friendly Tam came all the way from Canada to entertain you today over here at my blog. Check out her unique and bodacious m/m blog here>>>

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Janna asked me to do a post while she’s off basking in the sun, drinking wine and eating bread and cheese, so I thought I would take over her blog for the day, and tell you about some m/m books that are set in my country, Canada, specifically in my city, the capital, Ottawa.

911 by Chris Owen

This is a classic story for those who love m/m/m and one of my all-time favourite books. It begins with firefighter Drew asking doctor Scott to move in with him as a roommate. It soon progresses to more and a long while later, paramedic Eric moves in to share the rent, and eventually their bed. It takes place over a couple of years, it’s not insta-love and they have their ups and some serious downs, dealing with family acceptance of three, Drew being injured on the job and the fall-out, insecurity of their place in the relationship, and verge of cheating situations. I think it’s realistic that it’s not all hearts and flowers, but they work through it because they love each other. I just adore all three of them and it’s super smexy.

Cheek to Cheek by Chris Owen

This is set the same world as 911, where bisexual firefighter Mallory breaks up with his long term girlfriend because he’s just not feeling it. He goes to a gay bar and hooks up with Will. When the new guy shows up at work he freaks because it’s Will. Will wants a relationship but Mal is all about no strings, to which Will agrees. The guys from 911 make a cameo appearance and it’s fun to see Mal convince himself that he’s not in a relationship while he obviously is. I liked that Mal’s ex was not a vicious shrew, she knew he was bi, they parted on good terms and she plays a realistic role (although other disagree LOL). They also have to deal with Will’s brother who is NOT pleased that he’s dating a white man. And yes, there is ballroom dancing involved as per the cover.

Loving the Rain by Drew Zachary

Tony, an artist and temporary office worker, and office admin Brendan get caught by a freak rain storm at their usual morning coffee spot. They hit it off and make a date for that night. It’s just a cute 38 page story of Brendan and Tony getting to know each other. Brendan works for a non-profit concerned with the environment and Tony uses found articles in his sculptures so they share a passion for making the world a better place. There is a fisting scene in this one for those who are squeamish but I thought it was well done and not crude. I love both Tony and Brendan, just two young guys falling in love.

P.S. That cover has NOTHING to do with the story. There is no girl related to the relationship nor are there any dogs. Weird.

From the Get Go by Sean Michael

Art gallery manager Jeff meets Texas leather artist Dakin when he participates in a show at their gallery. Dakin is a typical Texas cowboy, and Jeff is smitten. They spend most of the time Dakin is in Ottawa together and after a period of a long distance romance, Dakin asks Jeff to move to Texas with him. I liked this because there are a lot of descriptions of Ottawa which are pretty much spot on and it also deals with the complexities and difficulties of Jeff moving to the US permanently. That is a bugaboo for me, people who just “move” to other countries, so I liked that it was handled realistically. Weird thing to enjoy but hey, what can I say? We all have our quirks.

P.P.S. Another weird generic cover that means nothing.

Now some of you are saying “Yes Tam, Ottawa is a lovely city we’re sure, but what about the rest of Canada? Toronto, Quebec City, St. John’s, Calgary. Where are their stories?” Well do I have a book for you.

Canadian Shots by Drew Zachary (again)

This is an anthology of short stories that covers nearly every single province and territory in Canada. There is even one story about roughing it in the arctic as far from a city as you can get. They range from hot encounters that you know are only going to last the night, to a threesome in a BDSM club in Toronto, to the beginnings of possible romances, to some threesome twincest in the forest, to a long term relationship. The story set in Ottawa takes place on Canada Day and having spent a few Canada Days downtown, I think it’s a great depiction of what it’s like there on our big day (except that I’ve never seen any hot gay boys rubbing off during the fireworks – damn).  Every story might not be for everyone, and while some might be considered more erotica than romance, there is always that undercurrent of liking each other, even if it’s only for a weekend.

So I hope that some of you will check out a couple of stories set in Ottawa or at least in Canada and explore the world via books. It’s much cheaper than an airline ticket and hotel.
Thanks Janna for letting me share my passion for m/m books and Canada. Hope you are having an amazing holiday.

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Contest rules:

Leave a comment on this and/or any other blog post between August 2nd and 20th for a chance to win one of the six Vacay Giveaway prizes.
A comment on one of the posts from August 2-20 gives you 1 entry for the contest, a comment on 2 of the posts 2 entries, a comment on 3 of the posts 3 entries, etc. So, the more frequent you return to show some luv to my guest bloggers the higher your chances to win one of the six prizes! :)
In the weekend of August 21st I’ll announce who the 6 winners are (selected with random.org); winner #1 can choose first, winner #2 second, winner #3 third, etc. from one of the six prizes. Don’t forget to check back then or leave a way for me to contact you in your comment or profile.

The prizes are, in random order:
• A $15 Gift Certificate from any online bookstore I can buy from
• An ecopy of Daughters of Persephone by Julia Rachel Barrett
• One of Mia Watts’ ebooks of choice. Check out her books here
• A book of choice from The BookDepository (of max $10 and only when they ship to your country... sorry)
• One of Bronwyn Green’s ebooks of choice. Check out her books here
• An ebook of choice from DreamSpinner Press

With thanks to DreamSpinner Press, Mia Watts, Bronwyn Green and Julia Rachel Barrett for sponsoring this Vacay Giveaway by donating their prizes!