Author Archives: paddylastinc

Book Review: Thick & Thin (THIRDS ,#8) – Charlie Cochet

Posted on October 14, 2017 | Leave a comment

Published February 1, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBTQ, Romance, Shifters, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Length: 95 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781635333893
Characters: Dexter J. Daley, Sloane Broady

This is one of my backlogged reviews, err, I keep on meaning to write one but keeps on forgetting it. This one is going to be quick though.

This is a rather sweet and emotional follow up after the events in Smoke & Mirrors. Dex is now engaged with Sloane, he died and was resurrected as half Therian and they know that sooner or later, they would have to come clean with their team.

I loved how Charlie drag their “coming out” to the team like this because it means that we get to see more of Dex and Sloane and the Destructive Delta team.

Here, you get to see how tight they are as a team – as a family. That scene with Ash was a bit uncomfortable but perhaps, if I were him, I’d feel the same way about my best friend.

There are pivotal moments involving the team and what they are about to embark on in the future but mainly, it is more about their acceptance to the changes not only with Dex but the dynamics of their group.

A really good read for the fans of the series! I totally approved!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711MPWGT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0711MPWGT&linkCode=as2&tag=paddylastinc-20&linkId=3a7ba1da88cb4e372c69a1ae55c4514a

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr: http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com“

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

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Album Review: Fifth Harmony by Fifth Harmony

Posted on October 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

Album: Fifth Harmony
Artist: Fifth Harmony
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Genre: Pop, R&B
Label: Epic, Syco

I’ve never written an album review before but I thought Fifth Harmony’s new album is a fantastic choice for my first one!

‘Fifth Harmony’ is the first studio album of the group after the departure of Camilla Cabello in 2016 and the end-result was nothing short of amazing!

With that being said, let’s start with the album’s first promotional single, ‘Angel.’

This song is a good choice to promote their upcoming release. It has very strong lyrics on breaking women’s stereotyping by chauvinistic men. Vocals are great and each girl is easily distinguishable.

Down featuring Gucci Mane.

This was the first official single off the album. I absolutely loved the melody and its beats. It’s very danceable and again, each girls shines through.

Make You Mad

When I first listened to the album, this song really stood out for me. I thought it has the coolest beats and definitely the most sexual!

He Like That

Now this one is definitely my favorite in the album now. The bass and the beats are just so addictive. It also exhibited the vocal prowess of each girl.

Deliver

Like its music video, this song has a retro vibe. Another empowering song that could’ve been a Beyonce song.

Lonely Night

I find this a bit retro-ish as well or perhaps, retro isn’t the right term since it reminded me of the 90’s song – like a TLC song. I particularly like tha La-la-la- Lonely Night part of it. So catchy!

Don’t Say You Love Me

Now, this should be release as a single because this is a love anthem! This is like the StickWitU, Officially Missing You, and We Belong Together song of the album  that if you were to play it in a concert, every single soul attending it will know every words!

Messy

I’m no expert obviously but I thought this is one of the most vocally challenging songs in the album and I just loved the progression of the beats from start until its abrupt end.

Sauced Up

This is still a good song but probably my least favorite in the album. It feels like a filler in the album more than anything else.

Bridges

Now this one is a really powerful song! This is obviously a response to the douche Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall along the Mexico and US border. I love its message and the vocal harmony of the girls here is just ridiculous.

With this album, it is safe to say that Fifth Harmony has arrived!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

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Book Review: Loving Noah – Kenna Knight

Posted on October 12, 2017 | Leave a comment

Published September 24, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Young Adult, LGBT
Length: 248 pages, ebook
Publisher: Prim Heart Press
ASIN: B075X1MSBT
Characters: Noah, Liam

A friend saw this first on Amazon and shared the blurb with me which absolutely piqued my curiosity.

BLURB:
Liam

Noah and I became best friends in kindergarten, and I’ve loved him ever since. When his parents sent him away in our junior year of high school, they didn’t even let us say goodbye. It tore my heart to shreds. Years later, I still drink myself to sleep on the anniversary of his departure.

Until now.

I met someone online, and although he is guarded and mysterious, he makes me feel again. He is the first person since Noah that I can imagine a future with.

Noah

Growing up, Liam was the only bright spot in my life. If it weren’t for his friendship and protection, I wouldn’t be here today. He couldn’t be with me all the time, though, and one afternoon during our junior year of high school, a group of bullies decided I needed to be taught a lesson in the form of fists to my face and hurtful words spray painted on my car.

My dad refused to accept that I was gay. Without a goodbye to my friends, he sent me to live with an aunt I never knew. I never contacted Liam after that. It was too humiliating.

Now, after all these years, I may have found him, and we are meeting in person. But he doesn’t know me anymore.

Will he love me when he sees what I have become?

It’s interesting and it sounds like a really cute read. I must say that I loved both protagonists. They are very well-developed and I loved that their backstory didn’t drag the overall story.

The premise of their reunion was a bit of a ‘Stranger Danger’ situation. I mean, since they’ve been chatting for almost a year now so it’s easy for them to plan to meet up but i still find it a bit dubious especially since Liam have not seen any pictures of Noah aka Ben prior to meeting him. It’s just a bit creepy for me.

The other characters especially their friends are equally awesome as well. I thought they’re too ‘developed’ which I appreciate but it’s as if we have a couple of couples (harhar) in the story. It’s all good though.

I guess my only issue about it is the timeline – I don’t know if it’s just whirlwind in a way but I thought with Noah’s condition, they would need to take it one step at a time. The latter part was a bit rushed for me but again – all good.

Overall, it’s a really good read – very quick with very likable characters!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kenna Knight was born and raised in the Midwest and now lives in sunny California with her children and her fur babies. Kenna is a laugh out loud extroverted introvert who has a voracious appetite for reading all types of romance stories.
A former health care professional turned romance author Kenna thrives on working full-time from home where she can keep an eye on her kids. Kenna has been writing contemporary romance for five years under other pen names but only recently read her first m/m romance novel. She liked it so much she decided to try writing the genre herself and found that she loved it.
Kenna enjoys writing emotional stories with a touch of heartache, a pinch of disappointment, a smidgen of healing and a king-sized helping of happily ever after.

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Book Review: Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal – Chris Colfer

Posted on October 12, 2017 | Leave a comment

Carson Phillips’ mission in life is to graduate, get the hell out of his small town, and attend Northwestern. He is willing to do everything, including blackmailing his high school ‘peers’—or rather, the people at his school—to achieve these goals.

The writing style of Chris Colfer in this piece is incredibly humorous, boldly sarcastic, and brimming with emotion! The protagonist bears some resemblance to his character in Glee. Essentially, Carson resembles Kurt, with Journalism taking the place of fashion and singing.

What particularly caught my attention about this book is Carson’s pervasive negativity. His superiority complex can be quite unsettling at times. Although I understand that his air of superiority towards nearly everyone is merely a facade to conceal his insecurities, I thought it as somewhat overbearing. Fortunately, the shortcomings of the other characters are more pronounced which make Carson more likable in a away.

What I really love about it though was his bond with his grandmother and his sidekick/assistant/bff Malerie. This dynamic reveals a softer aspect of him—the genuine Carson, devoid of his habitual cynicism towards everything.

I could certainly identify with him to some extent, recalling my own experience as a teenager striving to please while serving as president of our high school student body. I believe if I had come across this book during my teenage years, it would have resonated deeply with me. However, now that I’m no longer a teenager, I found it challenging to connect with Carson and his struggles.

The conclusion didn’t quite satisfy me, though. While his realization offered some redemption, I felt he deserved a respite after enduring so much hardship. Alas, the book wanted to make a bold statement, which I respected. Despite this, I still found it enjoyable and had many laughs, making it a book I’d happily recommend as a great read for young adults.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Published on November 5, 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About the Author
Chris Colfer is an Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor best-known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the FOX television series “Glee”.

He is also a New York Times bestselling author whose books include the first three novels in the “Land of Stories” series (“The Wishing Spell”, “The Enchantress Returns” and “A Grimm Warning”) as well as “Struck By Lightning: The Carson Philips Journal” which is a novelization based on the script he wrote for the film “Struck By Lighting” (Colfer also co-produced and starred in that movie)

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Cover Thursday – Julia Michael’s Issues by Anthony Russell

Posted on October 12, 2017 | Leave a comment

Issues is one of my favorite songs this year and I’ve seen tons of covers but Anthony’s version just moved me more than anyone on YouTube! The uniqueness and depth of his rendition is just real heart-tugging.

Oh, Anthony also applied in this year’s British X Factor where he was hailed as one of the front-runners until he was unceremoniously kicked out of the competition. Read my X Factor UK posts to know more…

So here’s the complete version of the song and his X Factor audition singing the same song.

Do you like his version of the song?

 

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Book Review: Roses in the Devil’s Garden (Fallen Rose, #1) – Charlie Cochet

Posted on October 11, 2017 | Leave a comment

Published May 15, 2012
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT, Historical Romance
Length: 64 pages, ebook
Characters: Harlan Mackay, Nathan Reilly

Official Description: In a city overrun by lawlessness and corruption, best friends and lovers- Prohibition Agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly, are fighting a losing battle. With bootleggers running amuck and countless speakeasies materializing every day, how can two men possibly hope to make a difference? Especially when they can’t even trust their own bureau? If dealing with hoodlums wasn’t enough, a ghost from Nathan’s past threatens to destroy everything Harlan and Nathan hold dear.

Original Prompt: Dear Author, Please tell me why this man is armed and dangerous and who it is he belongs to. I really would like to know if he is defending his beloved or about to shoot him for cheating. Photo Description: A rugged, muscular man provocatively holds one arm up beside his head as he looks down at you. His other arm is across his chest, and in his hand is a gun. The words I am my beloved’s are tattooed across his forearm. He looks sexy and dangerous. Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 8.

This is a free e-book from the eight volume of Goodreads’ Love Is Always Write. It’s a historical romance from the author with Prohibition agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly trying to make a difference amidst the corruption in their own bureau and a past that’s trying to get between their relationship.

I thought both protagonist are pretty likable, especially Harlan. The story is more about Nathan and Harlan love’s story more than anything else. The dual point of view gives us something to attached ourselves with both MCs. Danny’s appearance was expected from the blurb but I didn’t like him one bit, if I’m being honest. That ‘moment’ in the story didn’t sit well with me because Nathan has got all the time to say no in the first place and Danny was aware of his relationship with Harlan to begin with so I really don’t understand that part.

Overall, it was a good read – not my favorite from Charlie but satisfying nonetheless.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr:http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com”

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

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The X Factor UK 2017 – Week 6 Recap – Girls’ Six Chair Challenge

Posted on October 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

Last Saturday was just a continuation of the Bootcamp challenge where the hopefuls sang individually in front of the judges and a live audience.  Early favorites like Grace Davies, Tracyleanne Jefford, Daniel Quick and bruiser Anthony Russell (such a shame he was kicked off the show) all gave stunning performances!

Then Sunday comes the Six Chair Challenge for the girls. I am now starting to doubt this category. I initially thought that this was the strongest category this year but I’ve a feeling that Grace Davies will be the last girl standing from this group and I’ve a feeling that she won’t even make the top 5. It’s a good thing that she’s so good she might just end up with a recording contract from Simon.

She’s obviously the strongest in this category performing her own song called “Don’t Go.”

She’s got the making of Adele isn’t she?

The beautiful Holly Tandy will also be going through the judges house for her performance.

Not really sold on this performance but she’s like the Britain’s Sweetheart… She’s definitely the Janet Devlin of this season.

Georgina Panton is amazing as usual but sadly for her, she’s not getting any traction from the audience as far as I can see…

Deanna Mussington is very likable but I’m not sure if she’s at the level of Grace to even make the live show.

Youngster Rai-Elle Rai-Elle Williams had to fight for her chair when she was forced to have a sing-off with Alisah Bonaobra and  Scarlett Lee. She sang a song about Jesus and promptly made it. I thought she should’ve been eliminated if I’m being honest.

And last but not the least is Alisah from the Philippines. I am all for giving my support to my home girl Alisah but truth be told, I just don’t think that the judges like her especially Simon and Sharon. Unfortunately, she’s under Sharon’s category so I’ve a feeling that she won’t make the live show. Oh well…

My Top 3: Grace, Holly and Georgina obviously.

Who do you think will make it to the live show?

image via telegraph.co.uk

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Book Review: Invictus – Ryan Graudin

Posted on October 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

Published September 26, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Alternate Universe
Length: 464 pages, ebook
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Ebook SBN13: 9780316503136
Characters: Farway Gaius McCarthy

Blurb: Time flies when you’re plundering history.

Farway Gaius McCarthy was born outside of time. The son of a time-traveling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 AD, Far’s birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he’s ever wanted, and after failing his final time-traveling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuables from the past.

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with knowledge that will bring Far’s very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems.

The first book I’ve read from Ryan Graudin was Wolf by Wolf which thoroughly impressed me. The author created an alternate reality post World War 2 in which the Axis Power won the bloodiest war in human history. With that premise, I didn’t think she’d be able to top it. But lo and behold – another time-related world has been created by her genius and it’s nothing short of amazing!

I loved time-travel stories and I am an avid fan of history so this is definitely a double-win for me!

As for  its characters, I thought it would’ve been tricky for the author because of the multiple point of views of most, if not all of the characters in the book. Usually, I tend to veer away from such style but Ryan just know how to do it right. I love the core team comprising the Invictus. They are all likable except for one. There’s Far’s cousin Imogen whose penchant for hair color is the focal point of her character aside from being the Historian of the team. Gram is the genius engineer.  Priya is the medic and Far’s love interest.  And their newest member, Eliot – the mysterious girl who annoyed me to pieces. Her character just didn’t clicked with me no matter how the author tried to justify her existence.

One of the focal points of the story is its time travel aspect throughout history. There wasn’t much really. Most of their adventures were off-page but I loved how Graudin tried to insert minute details in them . I wished that some of them were longer but I appreciate the fact that the author didn’t indulge too much because methinks it might drag the story somehow.

The ending was a bit anticlimactic but satisfying nonetheless. I felt some sort of relief when I finished it but really, I wanted a longer epilogue. Or maybe, I just want more from this universe because it’s just so fascinating. I cannot recommend this highly enough and I think at this point, overall –  it’s got to be the best book I’ve read this year.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

About The Author
Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of All That Glows and The Walled City. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog. You can find her online at http://www.ryangraudin.com.

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