Customer Reviews

Rough Cut: Vincent Diamond Collected

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Usually I don't like anthologies. The simple reason is that I can't be satisfy by too short stories, and when I like the characters is even worst, since I always felt like they are gone too soon. So it's always with a bit of prejudice that I start an anthology, and the reason why I choose to read it is always different, but usually since there is at least an author in the anthology that I like.

Rough Cut is different so. First of all it's a collection of stories from the same author, Vincent Diamond, ones I had the chance to read and like, especially in the Under Arrest Anthology. One reason more is that, the very story I like in that anthology, was also in this collection and it has also a sequel, so even better, since one of my prejudice falls as I have the chance to read more on two characters I liked very much and way better since the story I read in the past didn't have an happily ever after and I'm a looser for HEA. And finally the big surprise, almost all the stories in the anthology are related one to each other and tell us about the same pair, an ex cops and his bad boy lover, and so it's almost like having a full novel, plus some nice appetizers and desserts.

"Lions and Tigers and Snares" & "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" : Byron is an agent who has to discover an illicit traffic with dying big felines. So he works undercover in a shelter, playing the role of volunteer and looking around. But more than looking to illicit traffic, he is looking at Kendall, the man who leads the shelter and that probably is head to foot involved. But Byron sees how Kendall loves the big cats and he is sure the man can't be the ones who sells them to certain death.

"A Cold Night's Sleep" & "Fire": Sandy is a retired cop. He had a very bad experience during a fire and he still blames himself for the death of a little child. Plus he is scarred by the fire, inside and outside. He prefers to live alone in a cabin with a cat and no one to care who can leave him like his former lover did. Tanner is an ex con who arrives to the cabin during a storm and Sandy offers him a shelter to the bad weather. Also Tanner has his scars, they are only inside, but they are not less painful. And from a scarred man to another, Tanner can see beyond Sandy claims to want to be alone. But probably Tanner needs to set something in his life and it's not time for him to stop with Sandy. And Sandy is not yet ready to forget and move one. Maybe not now, maybe not ever.

"A Cold Night's Sleep" is the short story I remember. In "Fire" Vincent Diamond tells us something more on these two guys, and maybe the romance I thought ended in the first story, could have a "better" end in this second chapter.

"Haunted", "Slide into Desire", "Walking the Blue Line", "Deep Trouble Undercover", "A Question of Taste", "Dangerous Days" & "Tropical Daze": all these stories are about Steven and Conrad. Steven is a undercover cop, he is searching proofs of a drug dealing during the rave parties. Conrad is the man who organizes the raves. It should be a simple mission, not a very dangerous one, they are dealing mostly with young kids, college animals... But Steven cares too much, since he falls in love with Conrad. Conrad is an half spanish half cuban guy, sexy and smooth talking; he lures Steven inside his world and in his bed. Steven is new to all this, he can't even imagine to fall in love with a man, but here he is and in love. But Conrad? it's only sex? and then there is the little problem that Steven should do his work and his work probably will lead Conrad in prison.

I don't want to spoil the story, since probably I will ruin to you the big surprise it revealed me. Reading "Haunted" I almost believed that this one was one of that wonderful but sad story, with two star-crossed lovers condemn to be forever torn apart and instead... read and you will know!

Sheperd: Felipe is a good guy who ends in prison. He is not gay, but two years in captivity could change a man. This is not a love story, maybe it's more a life journey, the surviving tale of a man who sees his world collapse and needs to refocuses his priority and beliefs.

"Bruised", "Back in the Saddle" & "Horsing Around": another pretty long and so very satisfying story. Marcus is a man who has loved and lost. He is still mourning but maybe he is ready to be back in the saddle. David is a vet student who helps Marcus in his horse farm during summer. He is young and innocent and so tempting. He sees and wants Marcus and with his joy of life forces Marcus to live again, to want again, to want David. But David is soo young, and new to real love, plus Marcus is his first man, before him David never thought possible for him to love a man. Family and future seem big handicaps in their ride to life.

Irish Cream: an old man remembers a lost lover, a love born and died when they can't even think for it to last, but if death didn't call, what could be? Now he has only memories, sad and cold, but cherished.

What links all the stories? they are sweet and sexy, but a bit sad. Even when there is an happily ever after, and lucky for me, there is often, I always felt like a suffused sadness. Erotic stories sometimes are like a roaring fire, these instead are like simmering ashes, and maybe it is better, since a roaring fire blasts and ends in a blur, and instead the ashes last longer. So these stories, they spread inside you like a comforting warm, and remain with you long before you close the book.

This eclectic collection of stories is aimed at the connoisseur of the m/m reading public. Being my first experience with Vincent Diamond's books I didn't know what to expect and the stories included in this collection gave me a great appreciation of his work and his writing. Most of the background is set in Florida where Mr. Diamond lives and you can feel the sultry, hot, humid heat and air almost like a slow drumbeat in the background.

Every protagonist in his stories would be considered by most to be a man's man - physically strong, sometimes flawed, at times vulnerable and always three dimensional. Almost all of the stories are told in two and three segments making for a much richer experience with the characters that is not typically afforded the reader of short stories. The author makes no apologies for his characters and at times the writing is almost `in your face' because the stories are of people in situations that are harsh and uncompromising. What I'll try to do in this review of ROUGH CUT: VINCENT DIAMOND COLLECTED is give the reader a sense of the stories without being a spoiler

LIONS, TIGERS AND SNARES
COLD HANDS, WARM HEARTS

These two stories feature Byron, an agent for the US government working undercover as a pre-veterinarian summer intern at a big game wild life refuge and Kendall who is in charge of the refuge. In LIONS, TIGERS AND SNARES the electricity between Byron and Kendall is immediate but in the midst of getting to know each other a whole lot better a dangerous situation emerges when the owner of the refuge shows up and all hell breaks loose. In the second story COLD HANDS, WARM HEARTS there is a change of pace. I never knew there were so many uses for a freezer and ice. Oh my! Suffice it to say that I will forever remember Byron and Kendall's adventures but I also love the emotion between them.

A COLD NIGHT'S SLEEP
FIRE

I was really moved by A COLD NIGHT'S SLEEP and the two main characters who were both damaged, physically and emotionally. Sandy, a former policeman had been hurt during a fire and bore the physical scars; he was living like a hermit when Tanner dropped in on him, literally. The attraction between them grew that night fuelled by proximity until they couldn't hold back. When they made love to each other it was as if they were two halves of a whole and the sex was both tender and raw and it didn't matter that they were on different sides of the law.

In FIRE, Sandy and Tanner meet again three years later - Sandy now works for the Florida Parks Department teaching fire prevention to trainees. Changes have occurred in both their lives but the one constant is their overwhelming attraction to each other. I could feel the emotion and almost smell the odours described by the author, both indoors and out. What was amazing was that two such hard-bitten characters could show such feeling and tenderness. Then it is déjà vu all over again for Sandy - another day, another fire. The sex afterward - violent, sweaty and hot as they make love like animals - helps to heal Sandy's wounds.

HAUNTED
SLIDE INTO DESIRE
WALKING THE BLUE LINE
DEEP TROUBLE UNDERCOVER
A QUESTION OF TASTE
DANGEROUS DAYS
TROPICAL DAZE

These 7 stories, easily novella length at 116 pages, are about Steven, an undercover cop sent by the Jacksonville PD and the DEA to sniff out the department's newest target - Conrad, leader of a crew of ravers and a primary suspect in a meth and ecstasy distribution operation. From their first meeting the attraction between Steven and Conrad sizzles and Steven has a hard time at first with the idea of sleeping with a man, something he had never done before as well as getting in bed with the enemy.

Their first encounter is raw and rough and Steven is on fire; it's as if the world as he knows it ceases to exist and his entire universe is limited to Conrad. From HAUNTED where Steven and Conrad first hook up to TROPICAL DAZE as the story plays out, the sex and lust between the two protagonists burn up the sheets and anything in their way. As they become more and more entangled Steven falls deeper and deeper for Conrad and begins to fear the emotions developing between them and the impact on his undercover assignment. Each story moves into the other and the intensity heightens until it culminates into a number of surprising events. These 7 stories show what a gifted storyteller Vincent Diamond is as he weaves this sultry tale and ratchets up the excitement to a crescendo, taking the reader along for the ride.

The other stories - SHEPHERD, BRUISED, BACK IN THE SADDLE, HORSING AROUND and IRISH CREAM are all excellent but space will not permit me to expand on them. What impressed me the most is the incredible writing style of Vincent Diamond and the wide range of subjects explored in the book which demonstrates his experience, skill and eloquent voice. Mr. Diamond does not avoid any topic in this book and goes boldly where most authors do not tread. He tackles previously taboo topics and many of the stories are about making choices. From a paroled prisoner in a liaison with a former police officer to an investigator at a big cat reserve getting `jiggy' with his potential mark, to another officer deep undercover in more ways than one with his target and loving it, this book explores the seamy and sensual sides of the Sunshine State.

Fans of Mr. Diamond's work and first time readers will love this book and I have no hesitation giving it 5 stars.

There seems to be a growing divide between what's known as male/male romance and gay erotica, and it's not often that a book can be found that appeals to both audiences. However, Rough Cut strikes me as such a book. The stories contain the rich description, emotion, passionate language, and, mostly, the sweet endings required by romance readers while maintaining the raw, detailed (but not crude) sexuality preferred by gay erotica fans. The author even alternates between third person (more frequently found in male/male romance) and first person (more common in gay erotica.) A number of the stories are linked, and while a couple story arcs may appear to be low stakes when taken individually (for example, a character is afraid to go in the water or a character learns to ride a horse), the pieces work much, much better here in a collection as the reader can experience the blossoming of the relationships and care more deeply about the protagonists.

The male characters in this book are ultra-masculine whether they're caring for captive lions or putting out forest fires. There's rarely any self-doubt or evidence of the scars left by societal or familial disapproval. In fact, a number of these characters most likely wouldn't identify as gay even though they are not abashed about seeking what they want. The tension often comes from falling for the potential villain, be it a former prisoner or an organizer of illegal raves. This creates an aspect of the forbidden that often, but not always, has very little to do with a confusion or fear of one's sexual identity, but still involves a great risk of vulnerability when the protagonist thinks "this could be the absolute wrong person to love, but I can't help it." Rough Cut will especially appeal to fans of Chris Owen's Bareback and Angel Martinez's Aftermath among many others.

Finally - the Vincent Diamond stories all brought together and with a few new gems. My suggestion is that you read every word - from the glowing preface, through the pages and pages of "smut with heft," to the poignant final story about an old man hanging out at a race track and the life he barely had.

Rough Cut is a collection of 17 short stories all written by Vincent Diamond, of which, 15 are connected and tell the continuing story of recurring characters.

In "Lions and Tigers and Snares" and "Cold Hands, Warm Heart" we are introduced to Byron Reese and Kendall Knight. Byron is a former licensed animal handler turned game commission officer working undercover on assignment at the Patacoochee Wildlife Refuge in north Florida. Byron is trying to solve a case of illegal trade of endangered and prohibited big cats. Kendall is the animal handler and co-owner of the refuge. Kendall's business partner Ricardo Lopez is quite a vile man and Byron is trying to figure out whether Kendall is involved in this illegal trade, all the while trying to fight his attraction to Kendall.

I love big cats - lions, tigers, panthers, jaguars. There is an inherent sensuality in these animals, the essence of which is not only captured but also personified by Mr. Diamond in these two stories. I found sensuality in practically every aspect of these stories. Whether it was in the description of the park environment, the big cats, the movement and activities of the animals and humans, but most of all in the actions and interactions of the characters themselves....

"Take another hit," he said, his voice soft now. I did. I held his gaze this time, while the smoke curled into me. Kendall eased closer. "Give me some," and he opened his mouth, and I breathed some back into him. He took it in and stayed close, his lips against mine, just breathing each other for a few seconds. (Taken from "Lions and Tigers and Snares," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

"A Cold Night's Sleep" and "Fire" is the story of Sandy Richter an ex-cop turned Warden in a Florida State Park and Mitchell B. Tanner an ex-con, just out of prison. Sandy was injured in the line of duty while trying to save three children from a burning building. He managed to save two of the children, but the one that was lost haunts him. Sandy was badly burned and scarred in the fire. He now lives a solitary existence in his cabin. Tanner is driving through the park when he crashes his car in a torrential rainstorm. He shows up at Sandy's cabin injured and in need of help....disrupting Sandy's solitude.

For anyone who's ever had a chance encounter with a total stranger (whether sexual or otherwise) that left an indelible mark or changed you in some way by virtue of disrupting the familiar and safe patterns of your life, this story will resonate. Sandy's need for human touch and interaction is palpable in this story yet he is also vulnerable, afraid and proud. Mr. Vincent truly captures the conflicting emotions in this character. Tanner has almost an intuitive sensitivity to what Sandy needs even though they are strangers. He soothes Sandy, encourages him to let himself feel again, be touched again, changes him in some ways and helps him to heal in others.

Sandy's and Tanner's story truly touched my heart. There's a part of me that wants their story to continue and there's another part that doesn't want to know more so I can let my imagination run wild.

"And how long has it been since anyone's touched you?" Sandy shook his head and turned back to the sink. No fair. Tanner stepped closer; the floor creaked as his bulk moved towards Sandy. Sandy felt the hair on his neck rise. When Tanner pressed against him, Sandy fought to stand still. He wanted to run away; he wanted to slap Tanner's face; he wanted to grasp Tanner by the hips and fuck him like a stallion. Tanner slipped his arms around Sandy's waist and just held him in silence.... (Taken from "A Cold Night's Sleep," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

Seven of the short stories - "Haunted," "Slide Into Desire," "Walking the Blue Line," "Deep Trouble Under Cover," "A Question of Taste," "Dangerous Days" and "Tropical Daze" - tell the tale of Steven Pershing and Conrad Stalton. Steven is an undercover cop for the Jacksonville PD and the DEA investigating a meth and Ecstacy ring in the illegal Rave scene. Conrad is a Rave Master DJ and ex-con, he is also Steven's primary suspect. Steven joins Conrad's crew helping set up the DJ table and all the speakers, and clearing the warehouse space for dancing. Steven's never been with a man before but his first sexual encounter with Conrad has him completely tied up in knots - wanting and lusting for more with Conrad, feeling guilty and at the same time trying to do his job.

Of all the continuing stories Steven's and Conrad's is the most expansive in terms of time passage, character development and relationship growth. It is not difficult to fall in love with both these men, and equally to want more of their story. Vincent has mentioned that there will be a future full length book for Steven and Conrad and I most definitely will be reading it.

I lay down gently, tried to settle in without waking him. Conrad pulled me close and spooned against me. He settled one hand around my waist, the other on my shoulder, his lips a comforting touch on my neck. I felt Conrad's toes caress my own, intertwined and rubbing, warming the tops with his soles, holding my feet between his own. The touches were sensual and efficient all at once. It told me what I needed to know. This was something more than mere lust, something precious. I rubbed his toes too, pressed back against his broad chest and fell asleep, knowing he would be there when I woke. How far is too far? This was far enough. (Taken from "Deep Trouble Under Cover," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

In "Shepherd" Vincent Diamond tells the story of Felipe Gonzalez imprisoned for criminal assault for avenging his father's murder and his experiences during his first months of incarceration, including his first sexual encounter with a man named Carlos.

I loved this short story and although it is difficult to choose among the others, I believe it is my favourite in this collection. As the child of immigrants who struggled in a new land, and where the roles of parent and child were often reversed because of stark reality and necessity I completely related to Felipe's character even though I am not of Latin origin. Mr. Vincent gives us much insight into Felipe through a very richly written POV. I love who this character is and what he represents (to me) - strength, perseverance, a deep sense of self and family, honour and dignity.

Sheep or wolf? Splotches of blood marked the concrete near the weight bench. Neither, Felipe decided. Shepherd. (Taken from "Shepherd," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

"Bruised," "Back in the Saddle" and "Horsing Around" tell us of the continuing story of Marcus Denton and David Livingston. Marcus owns a stud farm where he also trains horses for competition and David is a young veterinarian working as a vet on Marcus' farm helping to take care of his horses. David has realized that he is gay and very attracted to Marcus. Marcus is gay, somewhat in the closet and still mourning the loss (through death) of his long-time partner. David helps patch up Marcus after he is thrown from his ride and the sparks begin to fly.

I had previously read "Bruised" and "Back in the Saddle" as Amazon Shorts and they were my introduction to Vincent Diamond. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting Marcus and David. Their story is still as romantic as ever, easing, fluid.

David ran his hands over Marcus's shoulders--`shush, shhh...' the same way he settled a nervous horse, hands-on, hi voice quiet. As much as he wanted to push Marcus down on the desk, he moved with care, watching Marcus's eyelashes flutter, brushing his fingers against eyebrows and cheeks and lips until Marcus gasped harshly and pulled David to his mouth. Marcus thumbed open David's lips and when Marcus deliberately thrust in with his tongue, David felt his knees weaken... (Taken from "Bruised," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

"Irish Cream" is the final story in this compilation and perhaps the most bitter sweet and emotional. It is the story of an older man remembering his young lover Liam and how they met and came together during the 1950s - a time of repression. "Irish Cream" will make you both wistfully smile and tear.

I completely lost myself in this collection of short stories. Each profoundly erotic, sensual and arousing in its own right and each standing on its own in terms of quality and strength, whether as part of a continuing story or as a stand-alone work. The writing in these stories is exquisite and the characters sublime.

Richard Labonté, well-known and respected editor of gay erotica collections and anthologies contributed the foreword to this book, entitled, "Smut with Heft" and his introduction to the compilation quite eloquently captures the essence of this collection of stories, that they are "...linked by the passage of time, by emotional growth, and by the ebb and flow of homo relationships." (Taken from "Smut with Heft," Rough Cut © Richard Labonté, 2008)

I leave you with the final (and perhaps my most favoured) passage in this brilliantly written compilation of short stories:

In the morning mist, the thunder of hooves came toward me, almost ominous. The horse whuffs and snorts and then she comes out of the fog, ghost-like, the rider balanced over her, back flat, rear out, legs bent, riding the rock of her gallop. Her nostrils flare open as she gouges in the ground. Dirt kicks up. I see them pass by and then they're gone. And the wet on my face is just the mist. (Taken from "Irish Cream," Rough Cut © Vincent Diamond, 2008)

If you are gay and you dont like to read, I dare you to give this book a chance. The only bad part is that it's hard to read with just one hand.

I was a little disappointed with this anthology. I liked the idea of following the same two characters throughout a majority of the stories, but the sex was for the most part luke warm. A lot of foreplay without the big finish.

I enjoyed several of the stories in this book. Not all of the stories were great but a fair percentage were pretty good. The length of the tales varied from short to novella. Some were hotter than others. Would I recommend it, probably not, but I would suggest reading J.L.Langley's, Without Reservation, and Tin Star just two of the many that I have enjoyed by this author. The books I suggested are not short stories but novels but I found them most enjoyable.