Author Archives: paddylastinc

Book Review: Confess – Colleen Hoover

ConfessI confess that I have some hesitations diving into this book because it sounds too heavy for my heart to take.

I confess that I fell in love with Owen when he asked Auburn, “Are you here to save me?”

I confess that I was imagining Anna Kendrick as Auburn – and yes, with the hair and all.

I confess that I wasn’t that sympathetic towards Auburn’s situation because I thought she could’ve easily kick Lydia’s ass.

I confess that I cried a little at this confession: Every night after my son falls asleep, I hide a brand-new toy in his room. Every morning when he wakes up and finds it, I pretend not to know how it got there. Because Christmas should come every day and I never want my son to stop believing in magic.

I confess that I really am dying to know what Auburn and Owen’s written confessions are.

I confess that I wasn’t that happy with what happened with Trey. That A-hole easily got away.

I confess that I almost cried again at the ending because it’s just so heartbreakingly beautiful.

Thank you, Colleen Hoover!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published March 10th 2015 by Atria Books

Book Review: Trust (Temptation #3) – Ella Frank

TrustI’ve always been a fan of Logan and Tate from the very start of this series. They have such explosive chemistry and it’s not hard to really root for them.

As its (seemingly) final book in the series, Trust didn’t exactly draw my enjoyment – at least not nearly enough as the first two books. This is an erotic series and Ella Frank’s a writer of erotica but sometimes, too much is just too much right? Not that the sex scenes aren’t nearly flammable. They’re actually beyond hot but halfway through the story – I started wondering what exactly the premise of the book was.

Some of my issues with this book (aside from the uber-excessive sex scenes) include:

  1. Chris stirring shit up then simply walking away. Gone. Bye. Bitch.
  2. Evelyn’s unnecessary appearance. No. Not relevant at all. Wasted space.
  3. The “accident” was predictable that I find myself rolling my eyes at this.
  4. Daniel Finley. Unnecessary.

The timeline of their relationship was too short for me considering this is the final installment (or not).

This story isn’t that bad though, I still loved Logan and Tate. It’s just a case of “too much of this and too little of that.” Oh well…

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published May 2nd 2015 by Ella Frank

Book Review: Truth & Tenderness (Faith, Love & Devotion #6) – Tere Michaels

Truth And TendernessTruth and Tenderness is the final installment of “Faith, Love and Devotion” series and as a fan from the very beginning; I’d only say that it’s nothing short of perfect!

It feels like years since I’ve read the first book in the series when it’s actually just barely a year that I discovered the wonderful works of Ms. Michaels.

Here, we are yet again confronted by Matt and Evan’s ever challenging life as a couple facing professional and domestic changes. It was nice seeing how they’ve grown so much into their relationship and how deeply loyal and loving they are with each other despite other parties trying to worm their way in without success.

With Jim and Griffin, I’ve never connected well with the younger guy but I’m happy that he and Jim have reached a milestone in their relationship.

It’s also nice to see how grown up Evan and Matt’s kids are. Even Miranda matured tremendously!

I also loved the fact that not every relationship in this series is smooth-sailing. It renders some sense of reality into it.

Finally, I just want to say how sad I am with the conclusion of the beloved series but I guess it’s the happy kind of sad.

The author gave us a tremendously well-written story and well-developed characters thus producing one of the best series’ from this genre.

Thank you Tere Michaels, you are truly one of a kind.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published May 1st 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 – Episode 8 The Girl on a Mission

The result of this episode was almost predictable but it’s still fun to see how Melissa’s (shocking!!!!!) elimination stirred some animosity between the girls.

Gani’s confessions are fun to watch because she’s such a catty diva!!! She really isn’t holding back during confessions. Aimee’s not that happy Melissa went home over Tahlia (ditto girl)

At the challenge, the girls were asked to recreate runway hair trends with Monika impressing Tresemmé stylist Giovanni Wihayak and Gani struggling to recreated her assigned look. This was an important challenge though because the girl who wins this will have an immunity from elimination and that is none other than Monika.

Tahlia also had some health concerns concerning breast lumps which was really worrying because her mom and granny passed away from breast cancer. 😦

At the photoshoot, the girls showcased their hair while wearing creations by Filipino designer Rajo Laurel (beautiful creations btw!)

The rest of the girls received unanimous praises from the panel save for KB and Amanda.

Tahlia

Tahlia

A well-deserved FCO for Tahlia – girl’s working it!!! That hair! That hair!

Barbara

Barbara

I thought this was Barbara’s best photo next to her Subaru shot! She’s gearing up to go on top! Just amazing!

Aimee

Aimee

Not really loving this shot of Aimee. It’s too bland for me.

Amanda

Amanda

Out of all the girls, I thought Amanda has got all the goods to deliver but this was just mediocre at best. What happened baby A?

Gani

Gani

Gani’s bone structure is to die for and man’ she’s stepping it up. Final Four calling for her???

Monika

Monika

Face-wise, I thought this was her best shot but as a whole – this just didn’t work for the brief of the shoot. Unfair much or girl just didn’t deliver?

KB

KB

About time girl. Bye.

Call Out Order
FCO: Tahlia
Barbara
Gani
Aimee
Monika
Amanda
Eliminated: KB

via Asia’s Next Top Model

Book Review: Untethered – R.A. Thorn

UntetheredBlurb: Determined to help the war effort, Frankie Norris joins the US Air Force in 1943. Braving intimidating drill sergeants and unending marches, Frankie struggles to hide his secret—he’s queer. But having passed basic training, he’s not going to risk an undesirable discharge or any of his fellow recruits finding out. Then he receives word that he’s been granted a position flying the plane he loves, the P-51 Mustang.

But as Frankie finds his wings in the sky, feelings of isolation may keep him grounded. Slowly making friends among his squadron, Frankie realizes he may not be as alone or as abnormal as he thinks. Other queer men have formed a community in the Armed Forces to offer support. Then Frankie meets his crew chief, Jim Morrow. Initially antagonistic, they slowly become friends and a mutual attraction develops as they join the Eighth Air Force in Britain. Confessing their feelings, snatching what time they can together, and wary of discovery, Frankie and Jim are there for each other through dangerous missions and the loss of friends. It’s a long war with enemies on both sides. All they can hope for is to survive long enough for a chance at something more.

Review: After reading this book, my first thought was that the author was perhaps more focused on giving out history lessons than actually telling a story.

First, it feels like forever before we’re introduced to Frankie’s love interest. And when we finally meet Jim, we didn’t really get much from him. The romance was just lacking. There was no chemistry at all between them. It felt like Frankie’s friends Ed or Pete would’ve been better partners for him. I liked Jim but there’s just not enough of him in the story.

I would’ve been okay if the “lack of romance” in the story was sufficiently replaced by something more fulfilling like something that was heart tugging or thought-provoking or just something better! (Although I kinda felt like reliving some scenes from Band Of Brothers).

Even the subject of homosexuality in the war facing our main characters almost became too enclosed if not robotic – it was supposed to be one of the main topics but it kept on veering away to other things. There was no warmth in that part of the story – maybe when Frankie got together with Ed and the others like him – but I don’t think that one actually counted. The ending isn’t even hopeful at all. I usually loved these kinds of stories but this isn’t just one of them. Don’t let me discourage you though, I think a lot of folks into historical mm romance will get a treat out of this debut!

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Published April 6th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Book Review: The Way Things Are – A.J. Thomas

The Way Things AreBlurb: A night of drunken confusion at nineteen resulted in Patrick Connelly fathering a child. Determined to be there for his son, Patrick walked away from a sport he loved and forever hid his sexuality. After Patrick’s brutal divorce and a vicious hate crime, his son, Jay, has become obsessed with graffiti. Hoping for a fresh start, Patrick moves Jay to his childhood home in Seattle. Within two weeks, Jay is arrested again. On his way to pick Jay up, Patrick stops an assault, then finds himself in handcuffs too. Thinking things can’t get any worse, he’s confronted by the sexiest man he’s ever seen—his son’s new probation officer, Ken Atkins.

The hardest part of Ken’s job is working with difficult parents, and the undeniably handsome Patrick Connelly is going to be a difficult parent. A chance encounter and steamy hookup with Patrick leave Ken blindsided. As they work together to try to keep Jay on the right path, the passion between them proves impossible to resist. When the assault Patrick prevented comes back to haunt them and Jay gets into trouble again, Ken must convince Patrick that ensuring his son’s happiness doesn’t have to mean sacrificing his own.

Review: The Way Things Are is an easy-breezy read with very solid characters. I loved how Patrick and Ken easily complemented each other. They have regular jobs, regular friends and even things about their past were very much realistic making them both very human balancing each other.

There’s not much to say about the twist in the story since it was really predictable but sometimes predictable is good right? I wish there was more resolution regarding Patrick’s son Jay but I feel okay knowing that he’s getting there.

I also want to have Corbin’s story! His backstory about his closeted ex was so good I feel that there should be more of his story!!! It’d totally be fun to see him and David finally hooking up – or not.

This is a beautiful story from A.J. Thomas that I would gladly recommend to anyone eying for an easy read.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Published January 30th 2015 by Dreamspinner Press

Book Review: My Zombie Boyfriend – T. Strange

My Zombie BoyfriendBlurb: Edward Grey is a medical student by day, necromancer by night. He lives alone with the first zombie he ever raised, his childhood cat, Boo. Edward’s life is simple: studying medicine, training his necromantic powers with his mentor, Mariel, and having weekly dinners with his parents. When he finds a very attractive corpse in a park and brings it home to reanimate, he creates a sassy, free-willed zombie who believes Edward is the one who murdered him.

With no memory of his former life, Edward names the zombie Kit and tries to win his trust. Kit slowly adjusts to his new un-life with Edward’s help, though he’s still suspicious of Edward’s role in his death and is convinced that Edward is hiding his former identity. Edward is very attracted to Kit, but understands why Kit doesn’t trust him. As they become closer to one another, Kit turns to Edward for comfort and love. The fragile trust they’ve built together will be tested when Kit unexpectedly regains his memory and seeks revenge on his murderers.

I absolutely adore this quirky romance between a fashionista zombie and a medical student necromancer! I initially thought I was going to get some sort of variations of “Warm Bodies” but I was rather surprise of its cliché but very much endearing storytelling!

I just loved Edward (the necromancer) and his adorable necromancer ways! I was glad that his character isn’t over the top. I loved it even more that despite his quirks, he’s still very much normal in comparison to similar characters in other literatures. Oh and his chemistry with Kit!!!! *sigh* Speaking of Kit, isn’t he just the cutest and funniest zombie ever?! He’s like 101% adorbs!

Then we have the supporting characters – Edward’s parents, Mariel and Bone (I’d definitely look forward to his story!!!)

I’m still grinning from ear to east thinking about this book. If you want to have a good laugh then this heartwarming, romantic comedy and eccentric love story is definitely for you!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published April 15th 2015 by Torquere Press

Book Review: Blinding Light – Renae Kaye

Blinding LightBlurb: Jake Manning’s smart mouth frequently gets him into trouble. Because of it, he can’t hold a job. Combined with some bad luck, it’s prevented him from keeping steady employment. A huge debt looms over him, and alone he shoulders the care of his alcoholic mother and three younger sisters. When a housekeeping position opens, Jake’s so desperate he leaps at the opportunity. On landing, he finds his new boss, Patrick Stanford, a fussy, arrogant, rude… and blind man.

Born without sight, Patrick is used to being accommodated, but he’s met his match with Jake, who doesn’t take any of his crap and threatens to swap all the braille labels on his groceries and run off with his guide dog unless he behaves.

Jake gets a kick out of Patrick. Things are looking up: the girls are starting their own lives and his mum’s sobriety might stick this time. He’s sacrificed everything for his family; maybe it’s time for him to live his life and start a relationship with Patrick. When his mother needs him, guilt makes his choice between family and Patrick difficult, and Jake must realize he’s not alone anymore

Review: Blinding Light is a beautiful, feel good story typical of Renae Kaye’s works. You just gotta love the MC’s voice here. Jake was different from the MCs of the other three novels I’ve read from the author but there’s the same humor, the feels, and the chemistry between characters.

I’m not sure how comfortable I am regarding that big decision concerning the couple and Jake’s mother. I just don’t buy the “gift” thingy. I thought that was just selfish and way too premature considering Patrick’s blindness.

Other than that, I thought the rest of the story was solid albeit the weak (or rushed) ending.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Published July 14th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

Book Review: The Cellist – Elaine White

The CellistBlurb: After six years, cellist Roman returns home with boyfriend Ben, in search of more than just international fame. There’s one complication he didn’t count on. His high school crush, the straight, untouchable, Jaxton is there when he arrives.

One performance at local club Crimson 8, stirs emotions that were better left forgotten.

With prior warning that the club is a gay man’s fantasy come true, where anything and everything can happen, Jaxton is dragged along with a group of his friends, to see Roman play.

What happens next, will change the course of all their lives forever.

Review: This is probably my favorite if not the strongest story I’ve read involving a polyamorous relationship in this genre. For male to male ménage stories, it’s always difficult to separate the sex from the “actual story” – that’s just dumb I know since they should go hand in hand but you get the drill right?

The chemistry between Roman, Ben and Jaxton was just off the chart I feel like combusting and that was just the effect of the sexual tension between these guys. At the beginning, I thought it would be better if Roman will just end up with Ben because the latter was just perfect and it hurts that he’s hurting. Initially, I thought Roman was being stupid for even thinking about Jaxton when he’s got the most perfect guy waiting for him at home. But then, this was supposed to be a ménage right?

Along with Roman’s backstory as a sixteen year old cello player unloved by his parents, we also got to know Jaxton as his first love. In Roman’s case, first love never dies and luckily for him, he was also Jaxton’s first love. Their bittersweet history was all we need to know why they can’t seem to let go of each other.

And we have the handsome and ever-helpful Ben. This guy was just perfect in every sense! I loved that he accepted Jaxton wholeheartedly into their relationship. That is true love he’s got there for Roman. Although I find their first get together and the decision making a bit too fast, I thought it was just too sweet at the same time.

The conclusion was just as perfect as the trio and I’d definitely love to read more from them because it feels like there’s more to their story that they need to share.

Miss White, this was a truly masterful piece! Congratulations!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars                                                       

Published April 10th 2015 by Hot Ink Press

Buy now:
Amazon US| Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
Elaine White grew up in a small town on the east coast of Scotland. She is an author of paranormal romance, crime and MM romance.

Fighting cancer in her early teens taught her that life is short and dreams should be pursued. She lives vicariously through her independent, and often hellion characters, while living comfortably at home with a pack of wolves cleverly disguised as one standard poodle.

A self-professed geek, Elaine has fallen in love with the research linked with her novels. The more obscure the better. She has recently delved into reading and writing MM romance/erotica and is now a happy addict of the genre.

National HIV Testing Week by DOH from May 11-15, 2015

The Department of Health is offering free HIV testing from May 11 to 15 in various social hygiene clinic nationwide.

HIV AIDS

FYI – as of February 15, 2015 the Department of Health has reported a total of 23,709 confirmed HIV cases since it started its survey in 1984.

There were 646 new recorded cases in February 2015, of which:

28% are aged 15-24;
51% are aged 25-34; and
96% are males.

The testing is also in lieu of the AIDS candlelight memorial to be held on May 17 to remember folks who died of AIDS.

To locate social hygiene centers nearest you, call any of the following 24/7 hotlines: (02) 256-3472; (0915)198-6978; (0922) 635-0270; (0936) 183-8963; and (0919) 638-5401.

Wag kayong mahiya na magpunta sa mga lugar na ito mga kababayan. Ako mismo eh nagpapasuri twice a year just to be safe. Mas mabuti ng may peace of mind at alam mo kung may dapat kabang alalahanin o wala. Besides, ang mga gagawing pagsusuri ay pawang confidential at ikaw at ang mga tagasuri lamang ang makakaalam. Kung kayo o may kakilala kayo na kinakailangan ang ganitong pagsusuri – makipag ugnayan lamang po sa mga numerong nasa itaas.

via http://www.doh.gov.ph/