Winter Song

Winter Song
Barbara Sheridan & Anne Cain
Loose Id LLC
ISBN: 1-59632-387-2
Fiction, Erotic Gay Romance Novella
Reviewed by Shannon Frost

Rhythm guitarist, Koji, and lead guitarist, Jun, have been at each other’s sides long before they ever knew success with their J-rock (Japanese rock) band, ChildsPrey. Early in their career while partying hard, they had an intimate encounter that sparked Koji’s hopes that maybe his dreams of a deeper relationship with Jun would finally be actualized. As the years pass, and the one night becomes only a memory for Koji to cling to, he learns to hide his feelings for Jun believing they will never be returned. When he goes to visit Jun over Christmas, and finds his friend distraught and depressed over his failed marriage, he wants only to comfort Jun, and makes reservations at a hot springs hoping the secluded retreat will not only give Jun peace, but also give him the chance to tell Jun his true feelings.
Fans of J-rock/pop and the sub-genre of Visual Kei, know that androgyny of male performers and homoerotic stage-play among band members is quite common. It’s refreshing to find two authors who are not only writing in the theme of Japanese pop culture, but who also have a good understanding of this aspect of it. Written with a sensual hand, the scenes between the two men are very well executed. Koji is an endearing character, who comes across true as he struggles between expressing his love for Jun, and the awkwardness and fear of being rejected, making him the driving force behind the emotion of the story, and the one who makes the interactions between the two men more passionate. Erotic and touching, Winter Song is a fun and enjoyable read with two heartfelt characters.