Thursday, March 18, 2010

Tales from the Sexual Underground In Print and Ebook!

UPDATE: I'm happy to announce that Linda Reilly is the winner of the autographed book. Congratulations, Linda!

I'm happy to announced that my new collection, Tales from the Sexual Underground, is now available in both ebook and print editions. It's a collection of my steamiest writings on things your mother most likely wouldn't approve of, and includes both fiction and non-fiction. It's subtitled "Fact, Fiction, and Stranger than Fiction."

Pick up the ebook directly from MLR Press here.

The Kindle version here.

And the trade paperback here.

And if you do slip between my covers, please let me know what you think.

TO WIN YOUR FREE SIGNED PRINT EDITION OF TALES FROM THE SEXUAL UNDERGROUND, LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND A WAY TO REACH YOU SHOULD YOU WIN. 

Please feel free to repost this blog to your own blogs and social networks.

Read on for a synopsis and excerpt.


From the back cover:
I wanted to write about people who were not just out, but out there, people who lived their sexual lives in ways most of us could only imagine...and for whom the flavor vanilla had absolutely no appeal. I interviewed porn stars, prostitutes, self-proclaimed sex pigs, and delved into bizarre sexual practices. It was eye-opening, arousing, and a lot of fun (but never, never good clean fun). I also include here my favorite dirty stories. They all explore a side of life that exists not in the twilight zone, but in my favorite destination...the sexual underground.

Excerpt:
This piece highlights the fact that our most sensitive sex organ is not between our legs, but between our ears. 
(Chicago el photo by my dear friend, Venus Zarris)

Red Lining

The writer sits alone on the train, thinking how the stops between North and Clybourn and Fullerton will bring him from darkness into light: a metaphor for heaven. There’s a book open on his lap, something by Henry James or James Joyce, who knows? The obtuse words and their connections evoke little response when his blood flow is heading southward. Sometimes he thinks about a quote applied to Errol Flynn and how God gave him a brain, and a penis, and only enough blood to run them one at a time.

You get the picture.

He’s sitting in the last car of the northbound train, because there’s always been this vague rumor that the last car is the one to board if you’re gay and want to cruise. He’s never seen much evidence of this, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth giving it a whirl.

And then the book below him blurs even more as the artist boards the train and sits across from him. How does he know he’s an artist? Even though the evidence is circumstantial, it’s pretty convincing. He carries a battered black leather portfolio, his faded jeans spattered fetchingly with paint in various hues. The other accoutrements: shaven head, oval rimless glasses, and an expression of being elsewhere also contribute to this portrait of the artist as a young man. Wouldn’t it be lovely to think that maybe he has boarded this last car for the same reasons as the writer?

Then their eyes meet and all doubt is erased. Gay men, like straight ones, may have scores of lines designed to charm and seduce, but nothing beats the language of the eyes for communicating desire. Forget the smile. There is something in this liquid connection that transcends gestures as pedestrian as words and body language. The eyes have it. The artist’s are pale blue, behind the glass, and his stare, held for a few seconds longer than what’s appropriate for a stranger’s glance, says everything the writer needs to know.

When the train reaches Belmont, the artist gives one more meaningful glance and the writer rises to follow, clutching his James Joyce in front of his loose-fitting jeans. There is a moment when the writer wonders if he is doing the right thing, but when they get off the train, his doubts vanish like an ethereal wisp of smoke. A smile confirms what he’s known all along, and the artist’s question of having the time to stop by, seals the deal.

They walk to the artist’s apartment, a studio above a store on Clark Street. They’re naked in an instant, clothes falling to the floor in a frenzy. Bodies mesh. Lips connect. It’s an old story, and hungry as you are for it, dear reader, the writer leaves the rest to your imagination. Think sinew, skin, muscle and bone connecting, orifices explored, juices released. As the writer says, it’s an old story.

You, dear reader, may wonder what his name was. How the hell should the writer know? That would spoil the reality of the writer’s fantasy.


Pick up the ebook directly from MLR Press here.

The Kindle version here.

And the trade paperback here.


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53 comments:

  1. Yep, my mother would most definitely not approve, LOL. Sounds like a potentially eye-opening read which I'm looking forward to.

    Serena
    www.serenayates.com

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  2. What my mother doesnt know will never kill her or maybe i should tell her *giggles evilly* It Looks awesome!! PICK ME PICK ME PICK ME!!!


    Silver Pixies
    ilovefairymen@gmail.com <--- YES its Real

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  3. Mmmm....I've been waiting for this book. And, ouch, nice excerpt. I'm hooked.

    gigi_1953@yahoo.com

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  4. I'd sure never turn down a Rick Reed book, but this one sounds particularly kinky and delicious. So sign me up. LOL.

    pat.mysterywriter@gmail.com

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  5. FINALLY a book about my years in the 1970s! (Thank God/dess, now I can stop worrying about writing about my sexual underground escapades myself! Thank YOU, Rick!)!!!

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  6. I can't tell you the number of alleged ways to meet up with men, these urban legends, walking on certain sides of the street in SHeepshead Bay Brooklyn, riding that last car, parking in secluded areas and never seem to connect. I need this book!

    Weil512@aol.com

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  7. I'm probably too innocent for this...so um...guess I wouldn't be after reading it. LOL. You always know how to reach me. I feel like I'm all over the place, and I don't just mean online.

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  8. Wow this one looks very interesting. I think I'll check it out.

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  9. Definite shock value

    dthoward64@yahoo.com

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  10. It sounds great. Happy release day!

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  11. Congrats! Looks great!

    Had trouble posting. LOL!

    TreSart L.Sioux

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  12. I'd realy love to read another one of your books. You have such a powerful imagination.

    knbmr1945@yahoo.com

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  13. holy crap. That excerpt leaves me wanting....

    Sounds like a very interesting topic you explored and one that peeks my desire to pick up a copy ;)

    Here's to hoping you sell LOTS!!!

    ~Linda

    lindareillyromance@gmail.com

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  14. also... recommended on :

    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=121643342280

    (Can I find 10,000 people who like gay romance novels?)

    735 members

    cheers :D

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  15. I have just recently got my courage up to venture into the Rick Reed world! Hope I win another walk on the dark side.
    Ro
    dante66@sbcglobal.net

    I already follow you on Twitter (sassymoro)

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  16. Looks very interesting :o) k.vivas@yahoo.com

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  17. Oh Yeah---this would make a fine shocking stocking stuffer! NickYak@aol.com

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  18. One way or another I'll be getting this book; but a signed copy? That's just icing on the cake!

    Congratulations on the release... of the book, and, wow.

    Kathy

    k-kozakewich@shaw.ca

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  19. You know I want this, if for nothing else than picturing you writing it...

    ~ZAM~

    zamaxfield@yahoo.com

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  20. This book looks hot! I recently became a fan of yours, so I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!

    jeffreydc@gmail.com

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  21. This is definitely on my to-get list, and signed?! Oh yeah.

    chris at stumblingoverchaos daht com

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  22. wow I think this is gonna be an eye opener! I can't wait!!

    perpetuaod@yahoo.com

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  23. Want it!!! :)

    Jase
    vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com

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  24. Damn! Sounds like a hot book. Almost like a throw back to John Rechy's "The Sexual Outlaws". I'm looking forward to reading "Tales from The Sexual Underground" because I've always enjoyed sexual stories and exploits that are out of the mainstream vanilla world. Already added to my list!

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  25. Sounds very interesting. Count me in.

    tammy.ames(at)rogers.com

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  26. Happy release day! Hmm, now that takes on a whole new meaning if you think about it :wink:. It's definitely on my to buy list, but a signed copy would be ever so cool! Love Mute Witness.

    kbranfield@gmail.com

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  27. Sounds hot, I will definitely take a look at this one!
    Mark
    citywoof@yahoo.com

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  28. I'm looking forward to reading "Tales From The Sexual Underground"....free and signed copy would be even better!
    Stacy

    staushallee@aol.com

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  29. sounds like a good way to get my Rick R Reed fix until Blue Moon Cafe becomes available in print. And a signed copy would just make it that much sweeter... knowing you physically touched what I would be holding should I win. ;) You know I'd have to sniff it too.

    If I win, you can reach me at babymoose34@yahoo.com or on facebook.

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  30. Congrats! This sounds really interesting! Can't wait to read it.

    mercedes791@live.com

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  31. Sounds cool. looking forward to reading it. Max G. Bernard maxgbernard@voyager.net

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  32. Sounds like a very interesting book I would love to read it.

    sstrode@scrtc.com

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  33. Semi-Dark - like chocolate syrup mixed with blood. Mmmmm. Should I mention that I have been a victim of the economy for six months now? sh.writings@hotmail.com

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  34. Well anything by you would be a great read Rick. You are one of my favorite MM writers and I always look forward to any of your work that I see is coming. I have had to share {Grin} your name and your bks with many other people. Told them, "You better go check this great author out man or you will be sorry.. LOL.. they agree once they read it that's for sure. So excited for you Rick, another bk to add to your list of releases. Good luck, you deserve it.

    Nicole
    NMHarvey4@gmail.com

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  35. What? A chance to win a free Rick Reed book! Okay, you got me :) I'm here! I hope I'm lucky, but if not I will surely buy it!!
    rebecca@rebeccaleighromance.com

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  36. As a friend of mine heard after she said she was a fantasy writer, "and what kind of fantasies to you write about?" Rick, I can't wait to read yours!

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  37. Love it when you're random and randy!

    You know how to reach me.

    M
    a
    r
    t
    y

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  38. Omg!! if my mother knew such a book exsisted she would turn in her grave!! oh!! wait she's still alive... a book about my generation how delicious!! Sounds almost as sinful as devils food fudge cake!! looking forward to digging right into it!! samuelmartorano@yahoo.com

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  39. Congrats on your release! I hope I win but if not it is on my tbb list.

    Rhonda
    rhondaw1965@yahoo.com

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  40. Mmmmm, I haven't read a Rick Reed story I didn't love - AND he's another Seattle boy - what's not to like?!

    Cheers
    Dane

    d_art@hotmail.com

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  41. Oh, pick me! Pick me!

    writerdg@yahoo.com

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  42. Makes me curious how the book compares to some of my own, um, experiences. ;-)

    Chris

    chrisdooley@aol.com

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  43. Looks Great!

    Dale

    dschafer@sleepyeyetel.net

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  44. Hey Rick , This book sounds interesting and I agree with the comment above not something my parents would approve LOL , but I think it is an amazing topic and is really good to get different viewpoints as it is one of those subjects that is quite common now.
    Cheers , Paula

    beau_angelnz@msn.com

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  45. as always you have outdone yourself and made yet another intriguing, yet erotic read. I can hardly wait to read it!

    Steven

    Withasoul2u@aol.com

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  46. can't wait to add it to the collection, Rick.

    Steve J
    skippyj1955@hotmail.com

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  47. Great to see another book come out from a very articulate writer. I have enjoyed your books over the years and I am sure this will be fantastic as well. I love reading erotic books. Just the thought of reading an erotica type of book and knowing most people would be shocked to know what is being read. But the shocked ones are also the ones leaning over to you and trying to read the story as well.

    Roger Howell
    201 Bargain Road
    Warner Robins, GA 31093

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  48. Good luck! Sounds like something I might enjoy.

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  49. Heh.. reve.garrison@gmail.com
    Forgot my profile has that bit of info blocked.

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  50. Rick,

    You are one of my favorite writers because you are thought provoking and explore issues with an honesty and humor that is appealing.

    Gregg
    gjdwriter@gmail.com

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  51. If only the vanillas knew just how many of us were out there... ;)

    mdwartistry at yahoo dot com

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  52. Hi Rick, it's David BearinFL from Myspace and F/B you have my contact info already. Look forward to reading it.

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  53. Thanks for the tantalizing excerpt. I can hardly wait to read the rest. I wish you every success with this antidote to the antisepsis of American culture.

    Best, Jim
    jim@freebaran.org

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