Acquired Tastes XLIII
Gay Pulp Fiction, Part 142
Just Us Guys: Part 2 of 3
In the case of American Arts Enterprises, Inc., the publishers of the Just Us Guys series, sadly, cover art remains quite elusive - only found 26 of the 48 covers, but I did find quite a bit of information about the publisher.
Based on the information I could piece together, American Arts Enterprises, Inc., owned and operated by Milton and Beatrice Luros and under the guidance of Robert Reitman, president of AAE (until July 1971) published books between the years 1965-1993. While they did publish a line of legitimate, mainstream romance novels under the umbrella Carousel, they chiefly dealt in heterosexual smut.
And talk about smut. Here is a list of the heterosexual 'series' I was able to find:
Adult Player, Adulterous Wives, Swap Meat Library, deLUXX Edition, Jaded Journals, Celebrity Library, Straying Wives, Anal Erotic, Sexplicit Library, Nite Lite Library, Oral Erotic, Stratford Library, Dover Library, Bentley Library, The Infidelity File, Swap & Swing Library, Young & Willing Library, Les Parisiennes, Bedtime Books, Body Talk Library, Explicit Family Books, Half Moon Library, Raunchy Readers, Wanton Wife Journals, Lusty Library, Explicit Library, Back Door Books, Eager Wife Books, Anal Library, Fireside Reader, Secret Lust, Gourmet Silver Edition, Gourmet Gold Edition, and Gourmet Edition.
Near the end of their publishing days, they did away with titling the series and simply referred to the books in terms of three initials: WIF (stories about wives), GRL (story about younger girls), GSK, WKG (stories about sex in the workplace), XXE Edition , NUR (stories about nurses), STG, SNM, and SWP (stories about swapping).
The covers of all these books featured pencil/ink drawings or lurid pornographic photos taken from the publishers magazines.
Just Us Guys (1985-1990) appears to be their only foray into the gay pulp fiction market. As such, the covers are remarkably different than their heterosexual counterparts, featuring uniform, colored illustrations and pastel borders. The illustrations bring to mind traditional romance novels or high school Scholastica books, rather than hardcore pornography.
Throughout American Arts Enterprises, Inc.'s history of operation, they claimed residency in a number of locations, including: Chatsworth, CA, New York, NY, San Diego, CA, South Laguna, CA, and North Hollywood, CA. They may have also operated under the moniker Publisher's Consultants, Inc., while republishing titles from Surrey House and Greenleaf Classics. The reason for all this moving around probably has something to do with all the legal headaches one has to deal with when operating a porn empire - as detailed in the case: People ex rel. Van de Kamp v. American Art Enterprises, Inc. (1977).
Today, I failed to find quite a few... and this is the last of the Just Us Guys imprint.
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Jock Itch
Author: Lowell Tessy Wells
JUG-127
Love this illustration. It captures the era as well as a bit of heat.
Ah, a tale of backstage johnnies and the stars they love. Yes, it appears that everything truly is beautiful at the ballet. Thanks to 1977's The Turning Point, 1976's stage show, A Chorus Line, and the likes of Baryshnikov and Nureyev, gay men had a yen for muscular men in tights. So, it's not surprising to find this theme showing up in book form. Swap out jock strap for dance belt and you have the kind of heated, competitive environment that keep testosterone levels higher than the leaps onstage.
Stud Poker
A little ladder love among the theatrical set. I must say, they sure do seem to be skewing things a bit young, don't you think? Unless a power imbalance is implied all the men on these covers appear to be boys. Eighteen plus, of course, but under 24 (which I consider to be boys.)
Being young, gay, and in theatre could be a lot of fun... if you're not hiding in a closet because you're afraid you won't be offered the good roles if you're out and... about. Things were changing a bit by the time this book would have come out and the theatrical community was a lot more tolerant/accepting. Oh, if you were in New York? No problem. But if you were in the Midwest, if you didn't want to end up in the chorus, you kept your rainbow to yourself.
More boys. Whenever I see a bottom under the age of 25 on Grindr I shake my head - the one I think with, not the who has all the fun. I think, what a waste. During the first half of my gay life, I was a diehard top - because I had the energy and the mojo and got a bit into the whole dom/sub thing. Then I was 'introduced' to bottoming... and it just gradually became something I got more and more comfortable with. Now, I consider myself a vers bottom - which, when I see others advertise themselves as such, I laugh and dismiss them as bottoms - which isn't the case for me. I'd advertise myself as vers - but I can't deal with all the pressure. I've found the guys see my dick pic and then - bam - that's all they think about, that's my assigned role.
Also... it would eliminate the element of surprise - I love nothing more than flipping a dude and have them say at the end that they never saw it coming (and yet, they did!) I find it really depends on the energy generated and... the ass. Some asses? They just deserve to be fucked.
As for those pictured? Too young for me to consider sexual, but I get the titillation factor of first-timers. When I see people advertise themselves as such? Block! I don't inexperience sexy at all. That's for someone else to deal with.
And speaking of bottoming... I just read an article where there's a large percentage of active bottoms who never douche! What in the world? I can't imagine and had a no idea. But then, given the number of nasty surprises I've had when topping... I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. For me, when bottoming, douching is just part of the job description. I think it gauche not to douche (sorry... I really wanted to write that last sentence. Those two words kind of go together.)
I never got to go to music camp or band camp. And I really wish that had been an option. Instead, I ended up going to Boy Scout Camp. I never knew there were other options.
As for this illustration - check out the popped collar on that polo shirt and the white chinos. Cute or tragic? As for that woodwind he's pursing his lips on? I think it's meant to be an oboe, but that's not what they look like at all, so I'm not sure what the artist was going for. The reeds on an oboe are so thin, I know exactly what that cute nerdy pianist is thinking - but, personally, I would not want lips that tight on my dick... ever.
The real boys of summer. There's something incredibly sexy about shirtless men/boys pushing a lawn mower in the heat of summer. Sweat is sexy. And one instantly understand why there is a brand of mowers called Lawn-Boys. Their sleek green chassis are indeed meant to appeal to a certain demographic.
As for blondes? I have to say that 1980's porn killed my taste for blondies. Oh, don't get me wrong, my attraction is based on the individual and their energy, not their hair color - but as far as porn is concerned, I never found those bleach bottle blondes in the early 80's sexy at all. They looked too manufactured. There were exceptions - Rod Phillips is a cutie, but then he has curly blonde hair and I had a thing for curly-headed dudes. But most of them? Hard pass. The tussle-haired hottie pushing that mower? Nice to look at, but not for me to hold.
Another from my favorite author - oh, I've yet to read one of his books, I just really like posting pics of him. Here's another of him and his boyfriend, Rod. 
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The Magic Touch
Author: Connie Johnson
JUG-128
Pay attention to the rather non-gender specific pseudonyms (see 'Tessy' above) and also note how non-sexual they've become - much like illustrations, there is a softness to them which doesn't scream 'hardcore pornography'. I wonder if the writing has also been tempered.
The above illustration doesn't have the sexual potency of past imprints and, with the exception of a tiny bit of indicated predatory behavior on the part of the magician and an implied power dynamic, again, this could just as well be a Hardy Boys Mystery for all we know. And while the title certainly has a sexual component to it, it could just as well refer to something other than sex.
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Return to Love
Author: Connie Johnson
JUG-129
As for our young dancer taking his solo bow, with a booty like that? I bet there's a whole line of men waiting at the backstage door.
As I was writing this post, this one came up for auction on eBay - otherwise, I could not locate it's cover. And check out that print date - June of 1989, much later than I was thinking.
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Terry’s Tropical Cruise
Author: Chip Laney
JUG-130
I guess gay cruises were already a thing by 1989. I was not aware of that at all. I've contemplated going on such a trip and even consulted the boyfriend. We're both a bit leery about being trapped on a floating city with no working toilets - a rare occurrence, I'm sure, but then again, with my luck - I best not risk it. I do understand that the gay ones are a lot of fun, though most of the pictures I've seen it looks like a boat full of circuit queens and that? That I could do without. That said, I'm sure the reality is there's a nice mix of ages and there ae plenty of activities on board to appeal to those of a more mature nature. If you've had any experience on such a cruise, I'd love to hear about it - leave it in the comments section.
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Author: J.W. Scooter
JUG-131
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Carpenter’s Apprentice
Author: Larry Woodward
JUG-132
Wow, I like the fit of those yellow jeans. And it must be nice to be the boss - you apparently can order all your employees to work sans shirt. Also, it appears they only hire porn models to work this particular jobsite. Based on what I've seen in movies and television shows from that period, that was standard form in the 1980's. Nice work if you can get it.
That said, I'm sure somebody's gettin' it - gettin' it good and hard.
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Sex Club
Author: Adrian Noel LeChance
JUG-133
Like 'Tessy' before him, this authors name made me giggle. With the Reagan years, there came a dramatic increase in worshipping the wealthy, thanks to shows like Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous, Dynasty and the books of Dominick Dunne. Many of the characters had three names and it became a standard way of indicating affluence.
The illustration for this novel also seems to indicate a degree of affluence; pretty yuppie boys with perfect hair and bodies to match. Those speedos! Though, it's actually rather difficult to determine if the young man on the right is actually wearing a suit; those may be tan lines - a holdover from '70's porn and still in style to this day.
A historic note: about the time this novel came out, many cities where passing ordinances closing all gay bathhouses in an effort to stem the destruction of AIDS. This occurred in Minneapolis due to a popular gay city council member, Brian Coyle, dying from the disease. It was his wish that such establishments be closed and the city council complied, naming the ordinance after him. To this day, the ordinance stands and to this day there are no legal bathhouses in either of the Twin Cities.
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Frat House Quarterback
Author: Lee Ryder
JUG-134
As I was writing this post, this one came up for auction on eBay - otherwise, I could not locate it's cover. And check out that print date - August of 1989, much later than I was thinking.
Regular readers know how much I adore locker room action, sigh. And I do get into undergear, such as jock straps... but those dudes who collect shoulder pads and helmets and pads? Look, to each their own, but that's too much costuming for me. I love some good role play - but I'd rather use my imagination than have to deal with all that cumbersome gear.
Another title from one of my favorite 1980's porn stars... and a great excuse to share yet another picture of him!
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Beach Buddies
Author: Paul J. Simon
JUG-135
More swimsuit fun, except someone seem to have forgotten his, something that does not escape the notice of our speedo-clad blondie. I wonder if he has a spare in that little man bag he's carrying. In any event, I'm thinking he's more than willing to help that dark-haired preppie in the blue shades in anyway he can.
The illustrations continue to ride a line of respectability with a nice air of sexual possibility. And that appears to be true of the books' titles as well. Suggestive? Yes. Pornographic, No. I think the imprint is attempting to bring an air of class to the genre.
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Fly Boys
Author: Tony Moore
JUG-136
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Passion’s Prisoner
Author: Hugh Johnson
JUG-137
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War Games
Author: Jodie Bishop
JUG-138
No question here... those are definite tan lines. I tell you, ever since those early Coppertone ads certainly awoke something in the minds of people throughout the world. As for gay porn, I recall both Jeff Stryker, Alex Carrington, Kevin Williams and many more sporting that look. Frequently, the model would have spent too much time in the sun the day before the porn shoot and the contrast between his sunburn and white buns, while fetching, appeared horrible uncomfortable. Ah, the price of stardom!
As for war games, 1980's mainstream cinema inodiated the market with such fare thanks to Tom Cruise's bit hit, Top Gun. And wherever Tom Cruise would stray? Gay porn was quick to follow.
As for our our man in uniform on the cover of this offering? He appears about to spout that old marching chant... "This is my rifle, this is my gun. This is for fighting... and THIS? Is for fun!
Available as a PDF or ebook download at Hommi Publishing.
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Range Hands
Author: Lee Ryder
JUG-139
Mr. Ryder had quite the romance with another hugely popular gay porn star, Rod Phillips. The two actually met, not on a porn shoot, but the old-fashioned way - in a gay bar. It was love at first sight. Needless to say, they did indeed appear in a few features together... in fact, here's a photo of Rod giving his boyfriend some special attention outdoors.
Now, I don't know about you, dear reader... but I'm sure hoping Mr. Ryder has written at a few more books for this imprint. He certainly keeps things... interesting.
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Freshman Outfielder
Author: Derek Olson
JUG-140
This one just came up for auction on eBay, so adding cover now.
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On Stage / Off Stage
Author: Mark Andrews
JUG-141
Being young, gay, and in theatre could be a lot of fun... if you're not hiding in a closet because you're afraid you won't be offered the good roles if you're out and... about. Things were changing a bit by the time this book would have come out and the theatrical community was a lot more tolerant/accepting. Oh, if you were in New York? No problem. But if you were in the Midwest, if you didn't want to end up in the chorus, you kept your rainbow to yourself.
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Starting At The Bottom
Author: Adrian Noel LeChance
JUG-142
Also... it would eliminate the element of surprise - I love nothing more than flipping a dude and have them say at the end that they never saw it coming (and yet, they did!) I find it really depends on the energy generated and... the ass. Some asses? They just deserve to be fucked.
As for those pictured? Too young for me to consider sexual, but I get the titillation factor of first-timers. When I see people advertise themselves as such? Block! I don't inexperience sexy at all. That's for someone else to deal with.
And speaking of bottoming... I just read an article where there's a large percentage of active bottoms who never douche! What in the world? I can't imagine and had a no idea. But then, given the number of nasty surprises I've had when topping... I guess I shouldn't be too surprised. For me, when bottoming, douching is just part of the job description. I think it gauche not to douche (sorry... I really wanted to write that last sentence. Those two words kind of go together.)
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Student Activities
Author: not found
JUG-143
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More Than Brothers
Author: Jon Hartley
JUG-144
This just became available at Hommi Publishing.
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Music Camp
Author: Andrew Martin
JUG-145
As for this illustration - check out the popped collar on that polo shirt and the white chinos. Cute or tragic? As for that woodwind he's pursing his lips on? I think it's meant to be an oboe, but that's not what they look like at all, so I'm not sure what the artist was going for. The reeds on an oboe are so thin, I know exactly what that cute nerdy pianist is thinking - but, personally, I would not want lips that tight on my dick... ever.
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Peter and Wolf
Author: Lee Ryder
JUG-146
As for blondes? I have to say that 1980's porn killed my taste for blondies. Oh, don't get me wrong, my attraction is based on the individual and their energy, not their hair color - but as far as porn is concerned, I never found those bleach bottle blondes in the early 80's sexy at all. They looked too manufactured. There were exceptions - Rod Phillips is a cutie, but then he has curly blonde hair and I had a thing for curly-headed dudes. But most of them? Hard pass. The tussle-haired hottie pushing that mower? Nice to look at, but not for me to hold.
Another from my favorite author - oh, I've yet to read one of his books, I just really like posting pics of him. Here's another of him and his boyfriend, Rod.
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Yearling Lovers
Author: Adrian Noel LeChance
JUG-147
Adrian Noel has been shortened to A.N. When it came to other imprints, he'd lose the middle name altogether and go by Adrian LeChance.
A fancy anniversary dinner! Oh, for the number of times I got to that one-year milestone with visions of forever in my head. It's all good. Eventually, there would be a red flag so large it obscured whatever attracted me to the person in the first place. When that occurred, I rarely hesitated to leave. I would offer them a solution, but therapy isn't for everyone, I guess. In the end, it was always my anger which drove us apart. I don't put up with crap well. And somewhere along the line, I stopped tolerating being treated like crap - period.
Anyhoo... these too preppies seem appear to be wearing identical designer suits. They probably both have perfect jobs and perfect apartments. Sigh. Some guys have all the luck.
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Fun Time Resort
Author: not found
JUG-148
This brings to mind a certain campground in Pennsylvania and the adventures of our own Miss Maddie. Oh, the stories that one could tell!
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And that's it for this imprint.
Until next time...
Thanks for reading!
Started From The Bottom - Drake
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2 comments:
Lovely stuff. Abd, boy-oh-boy, I remember Lee.
Nowadays, much of the M-M porn is written by women. And a lot of women buy it.
You are right: the covers are less smutty but still sexy. The artist seems to be the same throughout, no?
And I love the love story between the two porn stars!!!
XOXO
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