Author Archives: paddylastinc

Book Review: The Demon You Know – Barbara Elsborg

Posted on June 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Demon You KnowEzra grew-up in Hell and has no memories outside of it. Nobody likes him and he’s yearning to get out and never to return to this tortured life. When he was told the reason he’s in Hell, he was beyond himself and believes that he’s really doomed for all of time.

Roman, leader of policing the paranormal in the UK is consumed by his past. An angel who thinks he’s a failure. When he meets Ezra, instant attraction ensues between them but when he found out Ezra’s true nature, things became far more complicated than a simple hook-up.

What could one sacrifice for love? Is there a chance for an angel and a demon to be together?

I absolutely loved this one! I loved the whole deal about “Angels” policing the paranormal on earth. Ezra’s condition was a tad heartbreaking – what he’s been through all his life in Hell until Roman came along. I loved that we get to see Inigo and Micah again from Bloodline! Inigo’s still awesome and it was such a pleasant surprise that Micah and Ezra have something in common! Real cool!!!

Their situation was both hopeless yet as the old adage go – love truly conquers all.

At the end, I was waiting for a more detailed “reprimand” towards Daniel to be delivered by Archangel Michael but I have a feeling that there’ll be more from this series.

Again, what a fantastic read from Barbara Elsborg!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 28th 2015 by Loose Id LLC (first published April 27th 2015)

Buy now:
Amazon | Loose-Id | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Barbara Elsborg lives in West Yorkshire in the north of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Vulcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they were to write.

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Book Review: Bloodline – Barbara Elsborg

Posted on June 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

BloodlineThere’s something about smart-ass vampires that always get me incredibly turned on. Bloodline has that to offer with Inigo who does tattoos on supernatural skins. When he was “forcefully” commissioned by a faerie king and brought him to Faerieland – he knows that he’s in very big trouble. Then he was thrown into a cell with Micah whose goal is to save his sister and family. Together, they tried to end the king’s oppression but ofcourse, things don’t always go as they planned…

This book was a very good surprise as my very first Barbara Elsborg book. It was highly recommended by a friend [thanks Riina!] and I must say, I was so happy that I took that recommendation. There are a lot of things happening in the story and a lot of characters as well. Although there was a first book before this, I didn’t mind having to read this first. There was no confusion with the flow of the story and there was enough backstory to easily relate with the characters.

As I’ve mentioned, Inigo’s probably the most bad-ass vampire ever! Like not in a Bruce Lee bad-ass but in a sorta quirky bad-ass way! I just totally loved him! Micah’s character was equally lovable and their banter was just sexy, funny and altogether too adorbs!

The story itself was as vibrant as its characters, the plot thick and that conclusion makes me want to yearn for more Inigo and Micah! Seriously guys, this is an amazing book!!!! Please don’t let yourself missed out on this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 1st 2014 by Loose-Id

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Book Review: Kick At The Darkness – Keira Andrews

Posted on June 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Kick At The DarknessAfter a shitty day at school where he got a C- from a TA who’s too sexy for his own good, Parker felt like he woke up in a bizarre universe when people started acting like zombies. When the mob of “zombies” started to attack him, he was saved by none other than Adam; the very TA who refused to change his grade and who also makes his heart skipped a beat.

The chaos even got worst when they found out that this phenomenon has spread all over the continent. And if the zombie apocalypse isn’t enough, Adam’s most kept secret was revealed while saving Parker from the zombies aka “creepers.”

Now, what’s a boy to do with all of these going around him? Parker has no idea but he’s got to do something and simply follow his heart…

Adam + Parker. Sigh. These two just got me from the very first time their name appeared on the page. Parker is a college freshie, an overachiever who wanted to prove something to his family and cute as a button as well! I loved his characterization – it was easily relatable and I loved that he loves talking to himself!! Haha. Massive pep talk or just plain cray-cray?  You gotta admit though, he’s just too adorable!

Then there’s Adam. The sexy, mysterious and zen Adam. His demeanor was a dead giveaway from the very start if you are keen on reading stuff about shifters and all but it’s the good kind of being predictable. What’s not to love about Adam? I was swooning all over the book and those few times he’s blushing were like “awwwee” moments.

All throughout the book leading to the last few chapters, I was worried that this one would have a too hasty of a resolution for my liking but it ended well considering their hopeless circumstances and their hopeful determination. I certainly wouldn’t mind a second book because If I’m being honest – I felt like I was heavily teased by Keira with this book and  REALLY, there should be a second book because one book with Adam and Parker in it isn’t nearly enough!!!!

But again, this is Keira and she knows what she’s doing and I’m sincerely hoping that we’d get more… just how do you do a standing ovation on a review???

Keira Andrew, fantastic work yet again!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published May 28th 2015 by KA Books (first published May 26th 2015)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | Scribd | Smashwords

About The Author
After writing for years yet never really finding the right inspiration, Keira discovered her voice in gay romance, which has become a passion. She writes contemporary, historical, paranormal and fantasy fiction, and–although she loves delicious angst along the way–Keira firmly believes in happy endings. For as Oscar Wilde once said, “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.” Find out more about Keira and her books at http://www.keiraandrews.com.

 

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Asia’s Next Top Model Contestants: Where Are They Now? – Stephanie Retuya

Posted on June 11, 2015 | Leave a comment
One of her best photos during the show.

One of her best photos during the show.

After placing runner-up to Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 1 winner Jessica Amornkuldilok, Filipino model Stephanie Retuya booked a campaign for local clothing and apparel brand Natasha.

gracing the cover of Sense & Style magazine a month after her successful finish from the show. via fashionmediaph.blogspot.com

gracing the cover of Sense & Style magazine a month after her successful finish from the show.
via fashionmediaph.blogspot.com

Stephanie is currently the face of SM Aura and is now based in New York and got signed in 2014 with Wilhelmina Models.

[Stephanie’s Stats via Wilhelmina Models NY]

  • Height 5’10”
  • Bust 32″ B
  • Waist 25″
  • Hips 35″
  • Shoes 7.5
  • Eyes Brown
  • Hair Dark Brown

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Book Review: Yes – Brad Boney

Posted on June 11, 2015 | 1 comment

“Every day for the rest of my life, it’ll remind me there’s only one way forward. I’m done being angry. I’m done feeling regrets and living on the sidelines. From now on, if life is a question, then this is the answer.”

During a trip to Denver with his best friend, Mark, Ian Parker buys a bar of enchanted chocolate from a candy store and wakes up two decades younger. Feeling like he was gifted by the universe a second chance to correct past mistakes, he poses as his nephew Ryan who then tried to pursue Bartley James, a regular customer at his La Tazza Magica cafe. Things, though, didn’t go as planned as his Ryan persona’s expectations didn’t bode well with the reality of things. Only what exactly is real and what is not?

You are forty, you have your own business and are successful enough, but you are not happy – you are still searching for that one thing and still feel that past mistakes are holding you back in reaching that.

What if you’ve got a chance for a do-over? Ian was given that chance, and as per Brad Boney’s tradition – magical realism was heavily used here. Yes will introduce you to the characters from the author’s past efforts entitled The Nothingness of Ben and The Return (you can include The Eskimo Slugger even). I’m confident you’ll enjoy reading this more if you’ve read the first three books because familiar characters were heavily featured here. However, I don’t think it’ll be a significant problem if you want to read this one regardless of the authors’ other books. What I can tell you is that this is a brilliant book. The characters are decidedly relatable, and the story was easy.

The whole 17 Again vibe was glaring at me at the onset of the story, and the excessive information dump about porn stars was somewhat informative, and I do like that part for some reason. It was like the pop culture lessons back in The Return.

Although there is one part that irks me, which I thought was intentional – the car sex scene between Ryan and Matthew – I was like, cmon’ man, it’s a do-over, right? —ever heard of protection? That was a ploy to get a rise out of the readers. I know I took the bait.

I think avid fans of Boney (like me) will get a kick out of this in the scope of things. I know I enjoyed this immensely and thought the author’s writing style is one of a kind in this genre. He’s just always on point, and the voices of his characters (especially Ian) speak to you.

Can I also mention how happy I am to hear from Topher and the guys? Ugh. So. Very. Special. And the preamble on Sam and Jeremy’s story. I couldn’t wait!

Yes may not be the strongest amongst Brad Boney’s novels, but it is a solid effort deserving of a five star-ratings like its first three predecessors.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 16th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

About The Author
Brad Boney lives in Austin, Texas, the 7th gayest city in America. He grew up in the Midwest and went to school at NYU. He lived in Washington, DC and Houston before settling in Austin. He blames his background in the theater for his writing style, which he calls “dialogue and stage directions.” His first book was named a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He believes the greatest romantic comedy of all time is ’50 First Dates’. His favorite gay film of the last ten years is ‘Strapped’. And he has never met a boy band he didn’t like.

Please note that this blog is reader-supported. When you buy through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission via Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Father by Tooji – The Brave Pop Star From Norway That Made The Church Angry.

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

stills from his "Father" video which you can watch below

stills from his “Father” video which you can watch below

Norwegian pop star Tooji has recently came out of the closet and made the announcement while releasing his new music video depicting sex with a called Father. Said video apparently angered the church prompting the Bishop of Oslo to release a statement against the pop star’s video.

Tooji Coming Out

“No matter what the video’s message might be or who the artist might be, footage of intimate scenes in front of the altar is unacceptable, and it is an abuse of the church,” he said in a Norwegian ​statement translated by The Huffington Post. “I was informed about the matter after they decided to rent out Frogner Church and had done the shoot. No matter what the content of the video might be, it is not acceptable to perform these types of scenes in front of the altar. It is a misuse of the holy room of the church.” [s]

First, I’ve to say that I really loved the lyrics of the song and the melody’s pretty catchy especially the chorus.

As for the music video, it is indeed a wee bit provocative (totally NSFW) but I seriously do not have a problem with it. I loved that it’s a big FUCK YOU to the church who preach to love everyone but has problems with homosexuals. I also believe that no matter where you are – say you believe in any god – he should be with you whenever and it’s not like he’s got to have a specific place to be considered holy. Diosmio! I do not agree with the bishop. Sorry but not sorry.

I’m glad that I learned about Tooji and is totally in his bandwagon supporting his advocacy for equal rights.

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 Episode 12 – Harper’s BAZAAR Photoshoot & Final Three [June 10, 2015]

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

Final Four GirlsFor tonight’s episode, the final four girls will try to charm their clients as they go into casting and will prove their worth as cover girls as they pose for their “possible” Harper’s Bazaar’s cover which will be part of the winner’s package.

gettin' ready for casting!

gettin’ ready for casting!

Aimee, Barbara, Gani and Monika will be donning fashion styles through the eras and with Kenneth Goh, the Editor-In-Chief of the magazine himself observing the shoot and joining the panel, the girls need to step up their A-game if they want to be part of the series’ finale.

Harper's BAZAAR Singapore Editor-In-Chief Kenneth Goh with host Georgina Wilson

Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore Editor-In-Chief Kenneth Goh with host Georgina Wilson

Tune in tonight at 8:45PM on STAR World Asia but for now, you can check out the Episode 12 promo.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦

The four girls went directly to their go-sees. Kenneth Goh thought Barbara lacks confidence which is her main issue (the girl has been a working model for a long time it’s a wonder why she still lacks self-confidence). The casting includes clients from Pois and Liv Lo, Braun Buffel and Triumph with Barbara and Gani getting the worst critiques from both clients and Kenneth.

As expected, Monika won this go-see challenge – reliable model right? And she got prizes from the clients and wanna know who’s hating?? hahaha

At the photoshoot, the rest of the girls struggles a lot while trying to depict fashion styles from different era. I’m honestly not liking this shoot much and I hope they would re-shoot it whoever wins. By gods, it’s totally not working!

At panel, the judges are trying to analyze the models’ potentials.

Gani Ayu

The best photo went to Gani (garnering her third first call out in the season) – now the question is, will this be a repeat of season 2 and will Gani overcome the panel’s criticism about being of a short stature?

Monika Sta. Maria

Monika took second best photo with Kenneth Goh envisioning her doing well in the European market. Is this an indication for a win and a possible trip to London for Monika in the future? I hope so.

Aimee Bradshaw

The third girl to advance in next week’s final episode is Aimee! I loved Aimee and like Georgina said, I also think that she’s the smartest model in the house.

Barbara Katsuki

Barbara loses her steam for the final stretch in the competition. It’s a sad thing really for her to leave the competition – like she’s almost there. But hey, good things comes for those who waits. I’m pretty sure, a lot of great things are ahead of her future! (it’s like you never stopped working at all) Keep the cash rollin’ girl!

With Barbara leaving us…who do you think will claim victory next Wednesday?

images courtesy of Asia’s Next Top Model

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Book Review: Signs – Anna Martin

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

SignsSigns is a heartwarming story of two 18-year-old boys finding each other through social media and connecting right away with their smiles, thoughts and with their hearts.

Caleb Stone is deaf and has social anxiety issues – he keeps to himself and does shorthand signs with his parents. He does not have friends to really “talk” to except for the people from the local deaf community. A single post on his Tumblr account led to a conversation with Luc Le Bautillier who’s got his own family issues and is looking for someone to “really” understand him. When goth Luc met up with the shy Caleb, there was that instant connection that grew more as they explore their feelings and learned more about each other – when love is already in front of them, looking for signs is just way overrated.

One would be able to totally relate with these two young boys as they learn how to take in the outside world and accept things about themselves. When you’re young, everything seems to be easy because you have people who you can depend on – parents, caretaker, teachers etc… but when you’re on your own – it’s actually a ton harder than you expected. Signs isn’t exactly a heavy book about teen struggles. It’s actually a book that is more on acceptance and being able to be yourself regardless of what other people say. It’s also about equality – like with Luc and Caleb – the latter’s deafness isn’t a deterrent to pursue their connection. Rather than be discouraged, in the story Luc learned how to use American Sign Language (ASL) in order to communicate better with Caleb in person. I thought that was really sweet –that gesture alone makes me want to squeeze Luc so hard and kiss his adorable little goth face.

There is no angst in this story, there’s just the comfortable transition of Caleb and Luc from being total strangers to friends and to being lovers. As young as they are, both were incredibly mature about a lot of things. They know what they want out of life and they have the courage to pursue whatever that is.

This story just makes my heart incredibly light and just happy. And that ending was just a movie moment when you just go awwee…

“Hi,” Luc said.

One word, but loaded with emotion that felt like a punch right to Caleb’s chest. Luc looked the same as he always did: dark hair, pale skin, the silver loop through his bottom lip. He’d known all this about Luc, and so much more, but not what his voice sounded like. Not until now.

“Hi,” he said back.

Anna Martin, thank you for this wonderful, wonderful book!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 20th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Buy now:
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Anna Martin is from a picturesque seaside village in the south west of England. After spending most of her childhood making up stories, she studied English Literature at university before attempting to turn her hand as a professional writer.

Apart from being physically dependent on her laptop, she is enthusiastic about writing and producing local grassroots theatre (especially at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she can be found every summer), travelling, learning to play the ukulele, and Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk.

Anna claims her entire career is due to the love, support, pre-reading and creative ass-kicking provided by her closest friend Jennifer. Jennifer refuses to accept any responsibility for anything Anna has written.

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Book Review: Secret – Kindle Alexander

Posted on June 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

Secret is a social media application that allows its users to communicate without being traced, and Tristan Wilder, owner of Wilder-Nation, wants to buy it badly.

Dylan Reeves, the creator of said app, didn’t anticipate the explosive chemistry between himself and Tristan. But he has his own secret to keep—a devoted husband with three kids. Dylan’s world is suddenly in turmoil when he gives in to the intense attraction he feels for someone else for the first time. How long can he keep his secret, and is there a chance for him to explore what he feels so deeply in his heart?

Now, here’s an author you can rely on to deliver a story that leaves you smiling from ear to ear for hours, or even days, after reading. Readers will enjoy the realistic yet unique approach the author takes toward Dylan Reeves’s character. You can’t help but feel for him, especially considering how much he has sacrificed— even his personal happiness—to keep his family intact and happy over the years. At times, it seemed like there was no way for him to emerge from his very deep closet without causing a major scene, but he’s a good guy who deserves good things in his life.

Then there’s Tristan. Between the two main characters, I’d say I’m more sympathetic toward him. I mean, these guys are both saints, but Tristan is like Mr. So Perfect—so patient and understanding throughout the book that I sometimes felt bad for him because of how uptight Dylan could be about his secret.

Readers were curious about the whole setup of Dylan’s relationship with his wife. Don’t worry too much, people; there was no major drama in this book. Just a little pinch of angst from Dylan’s part, which is totally understandable, but overall, it’s still decidedly a comfort read. And have I already mentioned the steamy scenes between Dylan and Tristan? Oh. My. God! I need some cool drinks right here!

With that being said, I highly suggest you get your copy of this book. It’s totally worth your money, and come on, you can’t go wrong with Kindle Alexander. With each new book released by her, you know you’ve got a winner—no questions asked. But I guess that’s not a secret anymore…

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published June 9th 2015 by Kindle Alexander LLC

 

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First Official Trailer of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2!!!

Posted on June 9, 2015 | Leave a comment

via Forbes

I’ve been waiting for this for ages and it’s finally here! Yay!  I’m freaking right now! Can’t wait to see the death sentence scene of President… *toot* if you’ve read the book – I’m pretty sure you’re familiar with that scene…

Katniss

Mockingjay Part 2 is scheduled to be released on November 20, 2015 in the United States.

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