If you’ve missed the first episode of the current cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model that aired on StarWorld a couple of weeks ago, don’t fret because it is now available online through their official Youtube channel!!! I know, exciting right? I also expect the upload of the succeeding episodes, naturally. Although it is two episodes delay just like in the previous cycles, I thought it’s a pretty good deal already for those of us who does not have access or doesn’t have the time to watch real-time episode airing.
Lourd Ramos is back ya’ll for the dreaded makeover episode! The TRESemmé top stylist will be spearheading yet again the girls’ new look in the hopes of becoming Asia’s Next Top Model!
The makeover scene as usual is nothing short of a drama-fest with girl crying over their precious hair. Let the pictures speak for themselves yeah?
The photoshoot is for the girls’ comp card (composite card) and a lot of girls are stepping up their game if I may just say! Angie and Sang-In are probably my favorite during the shoot! They’re totally giving it all! Sang In just look flawless, tbh! Julian was a-ok as well as Aldilla but I thought the shots just look meh – I hope the final photos are good tho. Wow at Gwen’s photo! Her makeover just worked for her if I may say so. Alaiza look bored af but and those eyebrows just won’t quit! The good thing about this photoshoot is that the girl were allowed to pick two of what they thought is their best photos to be included in their comp card. Speaking of digging their own graves. LOL One of the remaining girls I didn’t mention are home-bound I guess…
And wouldn’t you know it, my homegirls and my favorite Mai Ngo found themselves at the bottom this week! OMFG!!!!!! I think the spoilers I’ve read from before are correct. This is like the *shittiest* moment of the cycle!
Call Out Order
Sang In – Total score: 40.0
Tuti – Total score: 37.0
Aldilla – Total score: 36.5
Angie – Total score: 32.7
Jessica – Total score: 30.1
Tawan – Total score: 28.5
Patricia – Total score: 27.0
May – Total score: 25.5
Julian – Total score: 25.0
Alaiza – Total score: 23.5
Gwen – Total score: 22
Mai Ngo – Total score: 18
Date of Publication: March 14, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: New Adult LGBT Romance
Length: 108 pages, ebook
Publisher: Kade Boehme
Ebook ISBN: 9781530393770
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan
Characters: Jeremy Burke, Carter Darling
It’s been forever since I’ve read anything from Kade Boehme and Simple Things just reminded me how much I enjoyed his books in the past. So many books and too little time to read but I’m sure glad that I found Kade’s new book!
Simple Things is about two people who used to be friends, had some falling out, reunited some years later, and finally realized that they were actually meant for each other. How can you go wrong with a storyline like this? The great thing though is how Kade so beautifully rendered the story in such a way that it’ll just tickle you to the bones and make you feel all sappy inside.
The depiction of the main characters Carter Darling, a politician son and Jeremy Burke – a musician with a bit of a baggage is quite refreshing in a way that the story didn’t focus much with their profession. It is more attuned to their feelings – that blossoming romance was so palpable that it’s hard not to root for the success of it.
This one’s another hit for Kade. A low-angst, feel-good read that everybody should be able to enjoy.
I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something light to read especially when you’re relaxing at the beach and enjoying the summer sun!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About the Author
Kade Boehme is a southern boy without the charm, but all the sass. Currently residing in New York City, he lives off of ramen noodles and too much booze. He is the epitomy of dorkdom, only watching TV when Rachel Maddow or one of his sports teams is on. Most of his free time is spent dancing, arguing politics or with his nose in a book. He is also a hardcore Britney Spears fangirl and has an addiction to glitter.
It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.
Things aren’t looking good for the Ben Affleck – Henry Cavill superhero flick Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – at least review-wise based on Rotten Tomatoes’ top critics giving Zack Snyder’s film an average of 5.4/10 ratings with 42 reviews as of press time.
New York Post Lou Lumenick wasn’t that impressed with Ben Affleck donning the Batman suit deeming his portrayal as someone who tries hard to project weary gravitas like his immediate successor Christian Bale as an older Batman, but too often comes off like a self-loathing Oscar-winning writer-director cashing a big paycheck
Rafael Guzman from Newsday meanwhile thought it was overlong, underdeveloped and almost entirely humorless.
From the reviews so far, Gal Gadot seems to be getting all the praises along with a solid return of Henry Cavill as the man of steel.
The question now: will I still be checking this one out?
Okay, I know I shouldn’t even ask that question because duh, THAT is Superman and Batman and Zac Snyder! I mean, I don’t think people will give much shit about the negative reviews if we’re to be honest. I know I will still be watching it!
So there, there – be sure to catch it on March 25th!
Date of Publication: May 30, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 65000 words, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B014PG5A0Y
Characters: Ravi Tandel, Tristan Jones
This is very exciting for me because I’ve read the first (and just found out about it) book last month and really enjoyed it so I am really looking forward to this installment. So, I was really stoked to get an ARC of the book and dived right into it!
The story centers on Ravi Tandel and Tristan Jones – both are new employees of Space Villager. Ravi is the life of the party. He can charm just about anyone whilst Tristan is his exact opposite – reserved, organized, and uptight. But they’ve got something in common aside from being gay. They’ve been burned before by their exe’s so whatever fire of attraction they mutually feel was easily extinguished.
When they were sent on a road trip to a gaming conference to unveil a top-secret game, they were able to actually work cordially and get to know each other really well leading to some explosive sexy times between them. The question is, after this road trip will they be able to keep up with being just friends/colleagues?
I really loved the slow buildup of their romance. I loved that we get their personality first through alternating point of views and there’s just something nice on how they connected through sex at first but on an emotional level as well. I loved how Ravi brought Tristan’s confidence back and how he didn’t push him too far. I loved that Ravi’s Hindu background was brought up. It was a breath of fresh air when there is diversity with the main characters in books. I loved that he’s not spineless but still very respectful regarding his family situation. It was a really good touch into the book which added much charm into Ravi’s character.
Whilst Tristan could get annoying at some point, it was still nice that he finally stood up at the end. It’s nice to have that feeling of vindication when a character finally found his voice to be himself.
This was a low-angst read that a lot of readers and fans of the first book will thoroughly enjoy. Now, I am looking forward to read the next installment.
I highly recommend this one!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
ARC was provided by Carina Press for an honest and impartial review.
Published December 7, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre and Themes: Contemporary Romance LGBT
Length: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B011IAE2LS
Characters: Adrian Gottlieb, Noah Walters
Blurb: Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.
That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.
Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?
Review:
I thought it’s really cute – I really loved Adrian’s character tho I don’t get the deal with his ex Deron marrying his sister Emily. I supposed Deron’s bisexual? It’s a minute detail but it bothers me a bit.
I loved the underlying sexual tension between them that it’s almost palpable. The friendship that blossomed between Adrian and Noah was wonderful to read. Although they are both feeling the sexual tension in the air, I loved that they let it simmer first.
The story’s really smooth – not too wordy, not ott dramatic. Noah’s situation was quite realistic so plus point for that. I’m sure glad that Noah situation was not drag into hell and back because tho, realistic it was still an overused trope.
And pets! Who doesn’t love pets in a book! And in a romance book!!!
It was a feel-good, cute story – ‘would definitely be reading more from this series
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Date of Publication: May 23, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: New Adult LGBT Romance
Length: 320 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B0176646RS
Characters: Jonas Ashcroft, Tate Dawson
Jonas Ashcroft is a spoiled rich fratboy sent by his controlling father to his aunt and uncle’s after a horrible incident at school led to his expulsion. Jonas doesn’t really give a hoot with anyone weaker than him but deep inside, there’s an insecure boy who suffers from dyscalculia and is almost always looking for his father’s approval. And he is also very much in the closet.
Enter Tate Dawson – he’s everything Jonas’ yearning to be. Tate is confident, caring, responsible, and openly gay who runs an LGBT teen homeless shelter along with his bestfriend Marc.
There’s an instant sparkle of attraction between them that led to something that both didn’t expect but life keeps getting in the way and they may just have to fight harder in order to maintain what they have – come what may.
This was a very quick and easy read. Come What May is a story that feels very current. Perhaps, because the characters are very young and what they have is something that most LGBT young adults goes through life at some point – coming out, dealing with the positive and negative consequences from doing so, making choices and just trying to be themselves.
Jonas is a lovely character whom you want to give a big hug because his vulnerability is palpable on page. There’s the little boy who’ve always wanted to please his parents but to no avail. I’ve said it again and again and I’m still not a parent myself but I couldn’t imagine how you could treat your own flesh and blood, your kid like the way Jonas’s parents had treated him. It’s unfathomable for me although it’s basically, reality kicking me in both nuts!
I loved Tate and I adore his understanding nature. I loved his patience towards Jonas and his voice actually sounded real young than his 24 years of age. I loved that he didn’t push beyond what Jonas is willing to offer.
The story isn’t complicated but it’s the idea of it being very realistic that sold me into it. There’s really nothing new to it but the writing was really good and it was very engaging as well. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About A.M. Arthur
No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships and “bromance” (and “The Young Riders”) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she’s an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
ARC provided by Carina Press for an honest and impartial review.
Published March 17, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 168 pages, ebook
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Ebook ASIN: B01CX3TP6G
Cover Artist: Sara York
Characters: Spencer Cohen, Andrew Landon
Warning: This review contain some spoilers.
If you’ve not read the first Spencer Cohen book, I suggest you go directly online [ HERE ] and pick it up because this second book isn’t stand-alone and it picks up where it ended from the first book where Spencer finally accepted the strong feelings he’s developed with Andrew and they are now trying to work out their “new relationship” as a couple in this second installment.
You just gotta love them boys here! This one’s real sweet and very easy to read. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to Spencer about opening up to people especially when you’ve been burned before by someone you loved. I loved that both Spencer and Andrew are really getting to know each other here and they ‘communicate’ like every couples should always do.
Although throughout the story, my mind’s keep wondering about Spencer’s biological family. I think that angle needs to happen in book 3 ^_^ I am thinking that maybe one of his brother will turn out to be gay as well? Or the father dying for real or something? Yes – I can be vindictive like that! LOL I cannot believe they would act like that towards Spencer – I mean, it’s totally nothing new from the stories I’ve read from other books about teens getting kicked-out when they come out to their family and sadly, in real life as well but there was no mention of religious shit and all or Spencer’s family being too conservative whatevs – I dunno, it was just odd and I am freaking mad at how his father could be that evil that he’d call the parent of Spencer’s friends (where he was temporarily staying) to warn them rendering Spencer real homeless before his aunt took over. OMFG I am so mad for Spencer!!!!! I really hope that the third book will tackle Spencer’s family.
I also felt a bit pensive when Spencer mentioned that he doesn’t have to do what he’s doing for a living because he’s got money and he just want to help people. He wanted to help out people, be a relationship fixer and all but I still don’t get why in that particular ‘business’ – it’s a rather odd profession right? Like a less ridiculous version of Millionaire’s Matchmaker or something… (and No, for those who continued reading this despite the spoiler alert – Spencer isn’t a matchmaker! Haha!)
I’ve a feeling tho that the third book will still have a client involved in the story which is not a bad idea at all but I am really hoping that the focus will be more about Spencer’s background. I want some resolution in that area but I know that whatever the author think is best for the story – it will still come out wonderful!
I cannot wait to read the next (final?) installment!!! This is becoming one of my favorite series’ from NR Walker along with Thomas Elkins and Red Dirt Heart!
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
About The Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.
She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
The episode last night was a fairly quick one with a rather predictable call-out order although I’ve to disagree with the girl who got the first call out this time.
Mai Ngo was not a big hit with the girls during the first episode so she apologized to the rest of the girls about her attitude. I honestly thought that she shouldn’t have because she’s just keeping it real. If they cannot handle it, they can just back off. Gwen was all about making up from her epically disastrous first week which almost see her leaving the competition.
The challenge was to test their composure whilst jumping on a trampoline, which is also connected with their next photoshoot. Angie won the challenge deservingly so with Gwen tailing her – good for Gwen! At said challenge, poor Jessica sprained her ankle leaving her with zero and you would think that this is the start of her downfall yeah?
Challenge Scores Angie 8.8 WINNER!
Gwen 8.3
Julian 7.5
Aldilla 7.1
Mai Ngo 7
Alaiza 7
Patricia 6.8
Sang-In 6
Tawan 5.8
May 5
Tuti 4.5
Tugs 4
Jessica 0
As for their photoshoot, the remaining girls are to jump off the trampoline while posing elegantly – basically – the challenge only it is with more make-up and better clothing! Haha! The pictures are pretty good actually and they reminded me of Flights of Fancy episode from the first and (so far) only cycle of the Philippines’ Next Top Model. I thought that is one of the best shoots of any Top Model franchise ever!
Going back to the shoot, it wasn’t a spectacular session for Tuti and Tugs because apparently – they just cannot get in the groove. I honestly thought Jessica should’ve packed her bags right away…oops! I know, spoiler alert! But cmon’ she didn’t actually did the brief of the shoot so even during the challenge, I could understand what Gwen was yapping about.
Okay, as for the first call out. As I’ve said – I disagree with the judges choices and I cannot believe Kelly just gave Mai Ngo an 8!!! Cmon’ Kelly!!! You know, that’s a 10!!!! And of course, Mai Ngo’s challenge score was a deterrent for her to get the top spot. This is why I don’t like this scoring system!!!
I was really sad for the girl who left last night though but yeah – it’s a competition I know but I thought she deserved another chance!
Call-Out Order
Angie – Total score: 38.8
Mai Ngo – Total score: 35.0
Julian – Total score: 34.5
Alaiza – Total score: 31.0
Sang In – Total score: 27.0
May – Total score: 26.0
Tuti – Total score: 26.0
Tawan – Total score: 24.8
Aldilla – Total score: 23.1
Patricia – Total score: 20.8
hover to see who got the boot
*Gwen – Total score: 20.3 Jessica – Total score: 16 ELIMINATED: Tugs – Total score: 13*
Here are the photos courtesy of ANTM Facebook page which you should like / follow as well. And don’t forget to watch the succeeding episodes every Wednesdays on StarWorld. Also, make sure your vote counts on the poll at the end of this post.
We have to understand that Hillary Clinton may not have been a proponent of same-sex marriage until 2013 but she’s been doing a lot of things in support of the community prior to her complete change of heart. Hillary’s position about marriage equality was aptly pointed by Mark Joseph Stern with his slate.com article stating,
“…when it comes to gay rights, there are two Hillary Clintons: Clinton the politician, a cautious moderate, and Clinton the person, who of coursesupports civil rights for gays. I’m not quite sure that dichotomy holds up to scrutiny. It was, after all, Clinton the person who wrote that she “disagree[d]” with a tiny paperwork revision to accommodate same-sex parents. And it was Clinton the politician whotold the United Nationsthat “gay rights are human rights” in 2011—shortly before the passport kerfuffle.”
Speaking of ‘gay rights are human rights’ which seems to be one of the prevailing slogan by the Clinton campaign, you may all remember her historic speech in Geneva, Switzerland when she claimed that,
“Using religion to justify homophobia was “not unlike the justification offered for violent practices towards women like honor killings, widow burning, or female genital mutilation. Some people still defend those practices as part of a cultural tradition. But violence toward women isn’t cultural; it’s criminal.”
Not only does she support the community in America, but globally she stated:
“To LGBT men and women worldwide, let me say this: Wherever you live and whatever the circumstances of your life, whether you are connected to a network of support or feel isolated and vulnerable, please know that you are not alone.”
“People around the globe are working hard to support you and to bring an end to the injustices and dangers you face. That is certainly true for my country. And you have an ally in the United States of America and you have millions of friends among the American people.”
“Clinton says regulations that denied same-sex couples and their families the same rights and privileges that straight diplomats enjoyed are “unfair and must end,” as they harm U.S. diplomacy.”
And in 2015, she valiantly expressed her support for the “Equality Act which will mean full federal equality of LGBT Americans and stronger anti-discrimination protections for everyone,” making this a priority of her presidency.
The above mentioned are just few of the things she did towards the betterment of our community.
I guess what I’m saying is that let’s all be fair. Stop crucifying her just because you are voting for Bernie Sanders. Making it look like she didn’t do anything for our community isn’t just right. Mr. Sanders has supported the community all throughout his career but he’s not exactly a pioneer of LGBT rights.
“When serving as mayor of Burlington, Sanders told an interviewer that LGBT rights were not a “major priority” for him. Asked if he would support a bill to protect gays from job discrimination, Sanders responded, “probably not.” That was more than 25 years ago. Sanders has, no doubt, come a long way since then: The senator endorsed Vermont’s successful Marriage Equality Act in 2009 and has cheered the Supreme Court’s marriage rulings. And he is co-sponsoring the Equality Act, a sweeping federal LGBT rights bill that advocacy groups place high on their post-marriage agenda. “
My point is, will he be putting enough priority to our causes if he claimed the highest seat in the country?
At least all throughout Hillary’s evolution into supporting the LGBT community, we’ve heard words put into action and with that – we know that we’ll retain whatever rights we rightfully deserved in the first place with the hope that as the first woman president of the most powerful country in the world gets elected, our community will also be part of the progression with total equal rights as everyone.
To support Hillary, you can chip in $1 or more and help her win this nomination. Go to:
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If you’ve missed the first episode of the current cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model that aired on StarWorld a couple of weeks ago, don’t fret because it is now available online through their official Youtube channel!!! I know, exciting right? I also expect the upload of the succeeding episodes, naturally. Although it is two episodes delay just like in the previous cycles, I thought it’s a pretty good deal already for those of us who does not have access or doesn’t have the time to watch real-time episode airing.
PADDYLAST INC. 