one of IGW's most prolific reviewers is back with reviews of
• Assorted Flavours (page 7)
• Stolen Moments Edited by Stacia Seaman and Radclyffe
• Ginger's Fire (page 7)
• Murky Waters (page 7)
• Relationships Can be Murder by Jane DiLucchio
Arlene Germain, for many years a teacher of English and Creative Writing, lives with her partner in Massachusetts. She is a book reviewer for The Midwest Book Review, The Independent Gay Writer, the JustAboutWrite.com Newsletter/E-zine, the Golden Crown Literary Society newsletter, The Crown, and The OutlookPress.com. Arlene is also a fiction editor. She can be contacted at afgermain@townisp.com.
  Stolen
Moments: Erotic
Interludes 2 Edited by Stacia Seaman and Radclyffe Bold Strokes Books ISBN: 1-933110-16-3 Paperback $15.95 288 Pages Erotic Interludes 2: Stolen Moments is an anthology of over thirty stories written by a vastly diverse group of women ranging from the novice writer to the established author. These stories revolve around a central theme, seizing that erotic stolen moment between women. As Radclyffe states in her Introduction, “Merely attempting to define the term ‘erotic’ usually leads to considerable debate. What may be erotic to one person may not be to another” (p.1). As this reviewer is in complete agreement with the latter statement, I will limit my literary critique to three stories which, for me, clearly stand apart from the rest and which demonstrate the adroitly proficient skills of artful composition. “Ride” by J.C. Chen is barely four pages in length, but Chen has captured the very essence of the stolen moment. Her stylistically compressed writing relies upon and owes its success to two key elements—setting and imagery. The evocative description of a New Jersey bar’s patrons is an example of superior writing. “It’s predominantly a bridge-and-tunnel clientele, but the kind of B&T that can’t quite get their acts together to actually make it over the bridges or through the tunnels to Manhattan, where the real action lies” (p.129). The reader recognizes this mundane microcosm of lack of fulfillment. The blaring repetition of a Springsteen song and the shabby felt on the lone pool table contribute to this sensory banality of most bars as the hours wear on. Chen has selected the exact word, composed the specific phrase, and created those memorable sentences with a virtually minimalist technique which crystallizes that fusion of connecting and scoring, of consensual longing and gratification. What distinguishes “Ride” from so many other attempts at erotic storytelling is the subtlety of the literary expression of the experience. Give special attention to Chen’s last sentence for it is especially memorable in its ironic and wry finality. This story is an absolute gem! “Sales Call” by Georgia Beers is an outstanding example of how a particularly consistent point of view is so intrinsically related to a reader’s enjoyment of a story. This reviewer’s immediate identification with Jamie vividly sets the scene for the inevitable sexual encounter. However, Beers has gone to great lengths to tease, torment, and titillate Jamie. Most readers will empathize with Jamie, her reactions, and her confusion. Beers has created a mood of haven’t we all been there at one time? When it comes to instant attraction yet delayed consummation, the author has provided just enough back story to establish Jamie’s as yet unrequited desire. The fact that Michelle, the client, assumes the dominant role contributes to the vulnerability and passion experienced by Jamie and the reader. “Sales Call” is an artfully well-developed and credible vignette. So often there is a fantasy aspect to erotica, but this reviewer prefers a kind of reality wherein the story could happen to anyone in similar circumstances. Beers delivers that expectation in a delightfully satisfying manner. Radclyffe’s “Standing Room Only” is an adept example of how an author is able to take command of the page by carefully developing a sequential storyline and driving it to a plausibly gratifying crescendo. The fluid ease of expression is a Radclyffe trademark, as is crisply nuanced dialogue which rings true with each telling. “If you can find something to smile about today,” a molasses-thick voice drawled, “you simply must share” (p. 195). That is a definite come-on, but what a lovely way to say it. With “Standing Room Only” Radclyffe manages to create a snapshot of an experience; the reader is instantly engaged and the suspension of disbelief is immediately established. Her style of erotic composition appeals to this reader because this author does not settle for the nuts and bolts depiction of sexual activity, never utilizes the repetitive and unimaginative cataloguing of sexual words, and eschews the amateurish construction of sexy prose. For this reviewer, “Standing Room Only” is both a stimulating and arousing read; it is also a perfect example of intelligent and sensual erotica. Erotic Interludes 2: Stolen Moments is well worth the time to read, enjoy, and savor. There is enough variety here to satisfy most readers’ expectations. Also worthy of mention are Sylvie Avante’s “Tour Guide,” KI Thompson’s “The Blue Line, and Ronica Black’s “Ache.” The scope and breadth of this erotica collection will afford the reader many avenues to explore until she finds her own personal gem. Reviewed by Arlene Germain |
 Relationships
Can Be MurderBy Jane DiLucchio New Victoria ISBN: 1-892281-25-2 Paperback $12.95 191 pages Dee DelValle once had a brief yet passionate fling with Los Angeles’ top television newscaster, Sheila Shelbourne. All things considered, it now has become Dee’s most monumental mistake. The dalliance broke up Dee’s longtime relationship with her partner Evie, confounded her closest friends, and now has placed Dee on an administrative leave from her teaching position because she is the LAPD’s prime suspect in Shelbourne’s murder. With the police department’s lead investigators, Gina Quinn and Alex Pierce, convinced of her guilt, Dee decides to enlist the aid of her three best friends, Tully, Felicia, and Jenny. Together they set about trying to clear Dee and find the real killer. Along the way, these women learn that some secrets cannot be kept buried, that friendships will be tested, and that the old cliché is true. Some things just are not what they seem, and this applies to people as well. DiLucchio has created an intriguing and witty character in Dee DelValle, schoolteacher cum sleuth. The author has surrounded Dee with very likable and winning secondary characters as well. Tully, the extrovert of the group, approaches life with a no holds barred, in your face attitude which serves her well, except in matters of the heart. Felicia is an interesting character in that she connects the various suspects through her job at the television studio. Finally, there is Jenny, herself not above suspicion in the investigation. Jenny too has secrets known only to a few, but damning nonetheless. It is this coterie of friends which enables Dee to pursue every avenue in her attempt at clearing her name and getting her life back on track. Each character highlights disparate facets of Dee’s personality, and DiLucchio writes humorously, and at times, poignantly to portray this aspect of her characterization. Plotting and logical progression of events are key elements of any good novel, but they are especially important in the construction of a mystery genre work. DiLucchio has mastered both here. The suspension of disbelief is present and never falters; its reading flows in a most realistic manner. There are the various red herrings and expected twists and turns. However, DiLucchio’s style of writing has such an ease and naturalness, and this definitely keeps the reader challenged, entertained, and completely engaged. The Prelude of the book is definitely an attention-grabber; yet it manages to convey through adept irony the overall tone one can expect to encounter in this novel. “The disarray would normally have perturbed the woman greatly. In fact, she would have been extremely uncomfortable to have anyone see the condo, or herself, in this condition. However, a deep concave dent on the back of her head had ended all her mundane concerns of embarrassment” (page 5). Relationships Can Be Murder is an exemplary and captivating debut novel. It is written with such care for detail of character and plausibility of situation that one can both identify and empathize fully with its protagonist. DiLucchio successfully manages to avoid the pitfalls of so many formulaic mysteries which seem to flood the bookshelves these days. Forthright and endearing main characters, the allusion to violence, which often times is substantially more chilling, and the witty and wry dialogues all contribute to a genuinely rewarding reading experience. This reviewer eagerly awaits Jane DiLuccio’s next novel. Whether it is a sequel or something entirely different, DiLucchio’s dynamic and ebullient style is well worth the wait. Reviewed by Arlene Germain |