‘Illusions & Dreams’ by @ZAllora #LGBT #Transgender #Review

Bethany reviews ‘Illusions & Dreams’ byn Z. Allora (Published by Dreamspinner Press November 17, 2014)

Why I read this book: We were offered a copy in exchange for an honest review. Plus I have heard wonderful things about this author.

Blurb:

Randy Camster failed at being married. His life now centers around work, TV sports, and listening to his friend Jake complain about how Randy’s lack of a sex life will be the downfall of mankind. Not true! Well, not totally. He’s just never understood the fascination with sex until… ladyboy performer Lalana Dulyarat shimmies into his world via an Internet ad for Thailand tourism.

Jake O’Neil’s open pansexuality yields him interesting bedmates, but he’s never chased after the mythical illusion of love. He focuses on others, like his best friend Randy, who needs a Bang-Cock vacation. Finding an adorable little imp named Boon-nam wasn’t on the itinerary. Gay, straight, and undecided, Jake has had ‘em all, but never a virgin aching to take a walk on the kinky side after having her affirmation surgery. Talk about pressure. And what’s with everyone warning him not to break her heart? His is the one in danger.

You must read this book. There is no question that this book needs to be your next read. Go buy it now, I’ll wait…….

Ok here is the thing, I feel as a supporter of the LGBT community I should try reading each letter not just the G in LGBT. And I am ashamed to say that in the 4 years I have been reading MM book, 3 years of JUST MM, I just recently read a FF book, and this is my first Trans book.

All that I can say about it was it was amazing. The imagery is so wonderfully written I feel like I took a trip to Thailand. When I first read the blurb I was confused about whose story we we would be reading about. Here is the thing, you read about both of them. So you are basically getting two books for the price of one. TWO for the price of one people, how can you pass that up?

Ok let me start with Jake and Boon. Like I said I have only read MM for the last 3 years so I was hesitant to read a book which is basically a MF story. But you know what, its ok because Boon is a female, she just started out with the wrong parts. And oh my gosh after I finished I cried. Cried for the men and women who ARE born in the wrong body. Boon was lucky enough to have sexual affirmation surgery so she could finally have the RIGHT body. This was a huge eye opener for me. And I absolutely adored Jake and how he is so open about his pansexuality.

Now Randy and Lalana, well they are quite different than Jake and Boon. What I enjoyed so much about Lala is that she is very confident and refuses to take crap from anyone. While she identifies as a female she has not had affirmation surgery and she doesn’t plan to. Randy has fallen hard for Lala even before the trip. Watching them explore what is between them was refreshing.

This book is educational, there is no other way around that. Z. Allora takes you on this incredible journey but along the way you learn a lot about the transgender world. I was so very lucky I got to read this book. While both couples journey was difficult to get their HEA, she does deliver. That was my only issue with the book, they went through SO much the ending felt rushed to me, cause I wanted more.

Look I could go on and on about how fantastic this book is but I wont. I just have one simple request of you. Try it. Cause we support the LGBT community, lets try all the letters at least once.

Sale Links: Amazon ♥ Dreamspinner

Z. Allora believes in happily ever afters for everyone. She met her own true love and has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore, Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing LGBTQ romance allows her words to open hearts and change minds.

To Contact Z.