Category Archives: Books

Book Review: The Boyfriend Mandate – River Jaymes

Posted on December 7, 2014 | Leave a comment

22692930[Book 2 of The Boyfriend Chronicle Series]

After a number of failed relationships, Doctor Tyler Hall decided to stick to one simple mandate that is NEVER TO DATE ex-boyfriends. But when his world collides again with his first love and first boyfriend stuntman and cancer survivor Memphis Haines, the doctor’s resolve seems to falter.

Tyler was the douche ex-boyfriend back in the first book in the series, The Back-up Boyfriend which featured his then ex and fellow Doctor Alec Johnson and his now boyfriend Dylan Booth. I didn’t think that Tyler will be able to redeem himself in this book after what he did to Alec. I never liked his character in the first book given that he was portrayed as the villain in it. In this book though, we see the true side of Tyler and why he did what he did to Alec. Here, we get a glimpse of the young mathlete geek who fell in love with his jock roommate in college. It was a nice story but rather long and repetitive.

And can I just mention the excessive use of “Judas Priest”, “Christamighty” “Jesus Fucking Christ” – I feel like reading these expressions every couple of pages and they get annoying at times. I’m like really??? 0_o I ain’t religious or anything but man’ that’s a whole lot of usage which is not necessary at all in some parts.

This was a good book to say the least. I’m not particularly jumping up and down after reading it but it’s alright. Definitely not as good as the first book in the series but it’s good. I’d still read the upcoming books in the series if ever there is another in the future – which I’m guessing will be for their rich, flamboyant gay friend Noah. Yup, I’d definitely read it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Buried Bones – Kim Fielding

Posted on December 6, 2014 | Leave a comment

Buried Bones[Book 2 of the Bones Series]

After killing the guy who turned him into a werewolf and tried to kill his boyfriend, Architect Dylan Warner and handyman Chris Nock knows that they still have a lot to work on with in their relationship what with Dylan’s once-a-month transformation from man to beast and Chris’s difficult childhood. Working on their issues, a ghost haunting in Dylan’s home forced both men to deal with their pasts. Dylan is trying to deal with the aftermath of killing Andy by learning new things about the guy and Chris got face to face with someone from his childhood he’d almost long forgotten. These events led to new discoveries about both men’s pasts that neither of them ever expected.

I am in love with this series and I loved both MCs here. I thought Chris’s character was just way adorable and I love the easy chemistry between him and Dylan. It was instalove for me when I read the first installment of the series and for some reason, I’ve gotten pretty busy doing [or reading] other stuff that I didn’t get back to this until now. It’s wonderful to finally revisit the story of this wonderful couple. I loved how the author made this second installment seamlessly compatible with the first book without missing its charm. Dylan character is still someone you’d root for and his love and patient for Chris was just oh-swoon-worthy. Sometimes, with these sort of books involving supernatural being – there’s always a preconceived idea that there’s going to be a lot of exaggeration and almost ridiculous story-line because it’s fantasy after all but the author made sure that in this book, it feels like living an existing world where the characters just feels like your next door neighbor. Do you get my drift? If not, I rather have you grab a copy of this five-star [from me and from a ton of people] rated series and read it for yourself 🙂

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published May 22nd 2013 by Dreamspinner Press (first published May 21st 2013)

Buy now:
Dreamspinner Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

About The Author
Kim Fielding lives in California and travels as often as she can manage. A professor by day, at night she rushes into a phonebooth to change into her author costume (which involves comfy clothes instead of Spandex and is, sadly, lacking a cape). Her superpowers include the ability to write nearly anywhere, often while simultaneously doling out homework assistance to her children. Her favorite word to describe herself is “eclectic” and she finally got that third tattoo.

All royalties from her novels Stasis, Flux and Equipoise are donated to Doctors Without Borders.

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Book Review: Dominic (Slater Brothers #1) – L.A. Casey

Posted on December 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

“I more than like you but don’t feel near love yet, so I put the word love and life together and got live so I live you. I’m in live with you, pretty girl” – Dominic

From a debuting author from Ireland, the story of Dominic Slater was penned that would surely make the tweens [as of press time, they already are] and not so tween-nation swoon all over this bad-ass, hot, cocky and slightly immature 18 year old American expat in Ireland who tormented Bronagh Murphy’s life and introduced her to the world of underground fighting, his equally demigod-like brothers and found a way to shatter Bronagh’s heavily guarded heart.

I ordered this one right away when a friend of mine recommended it after discussing the Beautiful Disaster series. I looked it up and with stunning reviews, I figured that this would probably be a good fix after soaking myself up with all the fantasy and sci-fi reads I’ve had so far. And if this is nearly as good as “Beautiful Disaster,” well then, I’ve no problem losing some money over it.

Okay, here we go…

So at first, I wasn’t entirely convinced of Bronagh’s character. I was already expecting that she’d go Bella Swan on me like “I’m a weak girl, I cannot defend myself. I’m such a klutz and can’t live without my man and all” but I was utterly and completely wrong. Bronagh’s everything but weak. What a feisty character and I totally loved her! I mean seriously, she’s like a dream. I’m tired of all the female MC being all so annoying and overly conflicted with themselves but Bronagh’s a refreshing gal that I even find myself comparing her with Pidge of Beautiful Disaster [Hhhmm, Lucky 13 still edge her out though].

Now let’s go over Dominic – it has to be about him mostly right? After all, he’s the guy in the title and well – he’s like the most perfect book boyfriend based on the author’s description – at least physically. See, I’m trying to really assert my thoughts about this guy but I just can’t get over the fact that he’s only freaking 18 years old! I mean yeah, he’s handsome, cocky and all but he’s basically a baby – ugh. No further comment.

Now let’s move on with the rest of the Slater brothers I’m mostly interested more than Dominic himself. Let’s start with Ryder since he’s dating Bronagh’s sister – he’s kind of off limits for now so let’s also not discuss him any further. LOL

We have Kane, the one with the scar in the mouth for apparently doing some of the hoodlum jobs for Marco Miles (See, I really cannot really you more about Marco because then I have to spill everything here). Let’s move forward with their bisexual brother Alex. He’s like my favorite If I’m being honest [perhaps because of my affinity to MM genre] I could just imagine what his story will be, I reckon it’ll be a great idea for the author to cross over the MM genre at least just for this character. [DEAD – apparently, Alec’s story was already released and he was paired with a woman –it sucks I know].

Lastly, Dominic’s twin brother – the white haired Damien. I love his adorable image in the book but for the life of me, I can’t imagine his snow-white hair. The only time I saw a snow-white hair person was while watching Top Model series. Okay, nuff said.

Going back to the story, though I find the premise a bit over the top which was very intentional by the way, I still went along with it because of the smooth way the story was written. Now I’m just a bit worried with the upcoming series because they may be a bit repetitive, I still believe though that the author will rise to the occasion. This first book in this rather exciting series is not that bad. Not bad at all.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Laying Ghosts – James Buchanan

Posted on December 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

Laying Ghosts[Book 3 of the Deputy Joe Series]

Finally settling after getting kick out from his church, living with his boyfriend Kabe and still solving cases after coming out – Deputy Joe Peterson now needs to deal with officially coming to his family with his parents return from their mission and a whole deal of family reunion. It’s also time for both Joe and Kabe to lay all ghost of the past which includes a grim family tragedy that gripped the Peterson family for decades and an unwanted thing from the past that Gabe never wants to remember.

I really do love this series. It’s actually surprising for me because I’m usually not that into reading a book {much more a series] with religious shit all over it and it actually does not have much of it if I’m being honest. The first two books have more of that undertone and this [final book?] has that mere acceptance that one plus one won’t result into two. This third installment definitely showed us the development of Joe’s relationship not only with Kabe but with the rest of his small town involving his work and family. I loved that the consistency of Joe’s POV is still there from the first book up to this one.

I’m still now comfortable with the BDSM aspect of this series to be honest. I still find it slightly odd and rather scary whenever Joe goes all dominant with Kabe during all their sexy times. It was a bit uncomfortable because Joe’s plenty scary and I feel like he might snap (totally) anytime especially with the ever so patient and loveable Kabe. I think this is the only factor which I didn’t like about the series.

The whole family tragedy that got Joe all worked up was quite predictable but it was a great transition for most of Joe’s family to finally accept him and Kabe. What’s really so great about this book and the series in general is how utterly realistic the story was. There’s depth, there’s true emotion and a character like Joe is really quite hard to forget.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Six – Tara Spears

Posted on December 5, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

This story is part of Goodreads Don’t Read In The Closet Event in 2013 – Love Has No Boundaries Volume 2 and is only my second read from Tara Spears who penned the dark and unbelievably stunning “The Darker Side Of Trey Grey”. Again, I’m astounded by how insanely good she tells her story! The title “Six” represents the number of years the two men in the story spent their lives on something that dramatically changed their lives before meeting each other. Angel is a kindergarten teacher who became a single parent after his partner for six years left him bereft but thankful at the same time because of his daughter – a little angel of his own. Marcus on the other hand had stayed married with his wife for six year before realizing that it won’t ever work for them. They divorced but not without his wife leaving him with two young children. I particularly loved these kinds of stories. They’re the kind of stories that goes straight and tug to your heart. I adored Marcus’s character – what an amazing guy! Angel on the other hand was just adorable! This story has everything you could ask for a beautiful romance between two loving men. Their chemistry is strong, their dynamic beautiful and the dialogues are just WOW! The sex scenes are freaking hot and both MCs are just perfect for each other. Tara Spears – you are amazing!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Spin Out (Deputy Joe Book 2) – James Buchanan

Posted on December 4, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

Deputy Joe Peterson understood the risks when he got involved with ex-con Kabe Varghese. He didn’t, however, see fit to warn Kabe. Now, in the middle of searching for the killer of a local boy, he has to contend with his career and his relationship spinning out of control. Solving the case may be easier than repairing broken trust.

After Deputy Joe came out of the closet and was excommunicated by his church, he’s now trying to move on with his life making some major adjustments. He’s now very much involved with ex-convict Kabe Varghese and is trying to make things work with the guy. This was a really good follow up to Hard Fall. The story is more dynamic and we learned more about the couple. I really enjoyed the crime-solving side of this series; it’s very CSI and much more focused this time around. I noticed though, a subtle shift to Kabe’s character. He seemed less masculine compared to his bad-ass characterization in the first book. I really loved it when Dev’s character made an appearance. That hotel room scene with him and Joe was almost sensual. I was like, c’mon guys – just freaking do it already! The other side of my brain though, was like “Joe, you don’t wanna do this to Kabe!!!”. I’m very much happy with it but I’m still uncomfortable with their semi-BDSM set up. Nevertheless, I’m still looking forward to get my hands on the third book of the series. ‘never thought I’d like this series this much.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Hard Fall (Deputy Joe Book 1) – James Buchanan

Posted on December 3, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

Deputy Joe Peterson is Mormon and in the closet. Then ex-con Kabe Varghese lands in town on parole. When a tourist falls off the mountain, Joe finds he needs the help of this cliff climbing adrenaline junky to solve the case. Will Kabe tear him apart or does Joe need to fall hard before he can start living?

This book was very easy to like and both MCs have their unique charm which made them pretty much relatable. I loved Deputy Joe’s character because of his unpretentious way of looking at things. I’m not really a big fan of stories with religion getting in the mix but I’m not against authors who could write well within the subject. James Buchanan explored a lot of things here – the life of a closeted homosexual man in the law enforcement who also practiced his religion and is living in a very small town. Now try to top that picture! That’s a total no-no to read right? Fortunately, the seemingly predictable and boring storyline was saved by the appearance of ex-convict adrenaline junkie Kabe (like Gabe with a K), turning Deputy Joe’s life upside down. The CSI-ish side of the story was a bit predictable but is convincing enough so it was not so bad. I do not like the BDSM undertone of it because it feels a bit off with Joe’s persona but like what they always say – it’s always the quiet ones. J So there, I’d say this was a good first book of a series. The second ought to be better though.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: One True Thing – Piper Vaughn & M.J. O’Shea

Posted on December 2, 2014 | Leave a comment

One True Thing[Book 2 of One Thing Series]

We met Dustin Davis in One Small Thing as Rue’s bestfriend and now that Rue’s all in love with Eric and his daughter Alice, Dustin was left to wonder when his prince charming will swept him off his feet. Then he meets Archer Kyriakides whom he thought was the one when he initially saw the guy but something’s telling him that there was off about their budding romance – until he meets Archer’s identical twin Asher.

 Asher Kyriakides dreams of snapping fashion shots but he’s stuck with a job he hates and with an irresponsible twin brother. He’s got the shock of his life when he saw that he’s playboy twin is dating the cute blond he initially saw and can’t seem to forget. When things goes wrong with Archer and Dustin, the latter took comfort from Asher and that’s when feelings started to bloom between them – but now without his wicked twin getting in the way of their relationship.

I really loved the first book of this series. Rue and Eric are just so adorable and the combo of Piper Vaugh and M.J. O’Shea is just something that has magic in it. This time though, I didn’t quite see that magic from One Small Thing. Dustin’s character came off a bit whiny with very low self-esteem. Of course, I’ve known that he’s got trust issue with the guys he was dating especially after his tumultuous experience with his previous ex but like in the first book, Dustin didn’t deliver the charm. The same could be said about Asher’s character. It was a bit trying hard and his character was even less charming than Dustin. Don’t get me wrong though, I still enjoyed the book but the predictability of it all and my apathy towards the MCs just dampen that enjoyment for me. It’ll still be good for you to try reading it out guys!

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Rifter Series by Ginn Hale (Book 1-10)

Posted on December 2, 2014 | Leave a comment
Rifter Series Book 1-5 Covers

Rifter Series Book 1-5 Covers

[Warning: This review contains spoilers.]

I ought to write my individual reviews for each book in the series but I figured that it’s more proper for me to consider each book as part of a whole saga (containing seven arcs) encompassing thirty years in the life of John, a human transported into another realm – a world where his housemate Kyle came from.

The epicness of this series is just beyond me! I enjoyed and loved every second of reading this ten-part series. What I appreciate most though is the fact that as much as possible, the author tried solving all the loopholes in it. What totally bugs me is the conclusion which I would be discussing a little later on.

So John along with his friends (a couple named Laurie and Bill) were accidentally transported into Basawar (think of a Narnia-like world minus the talking animals), the place where his odd housemate Kyle “apparently” came from. Kyle is the “Kahlil” who was destined / ordained to kill John who’s the incarnation of their god. He’s the human seen by the oracle who will be destroying all of Basawar.

Rifter Series Book 6-10 Covers

Rifter Series Book 6-10 Covers

The plot of the story thickens as John meets the young handsome priest Ravishan who is training to become the next Kahlil. Meeting Ravishan made their tumultuous entrance into Basawar more bearable but their world is about to get more complicated as John and his friends found themselves under the Bousim household where John was forced to accompany Firiki (The son of the lady in Bousim household) into the doors of Rathal’pesha to train as an ushiri (in contention of becoming a Kahlil). There, John meets Ravishan again and has shown potential to become a priest himself. Due to discrimination, he was relegated as some sort of a medic priest. As the story goes by, John was able to piece everything together coming to the conclusion that Ravishan and his housemate were one and the same, although John first meets Kyle as a Kahlil and this kahlil in training – Ravishan is the guy he fell in love with.

At times, the story tends to be a tad bit confusing because of the interchanging timeline in it especially during the second arc but as it went by, it’s just like reading some sort of backstory although at one point – the past and the present (see, Kyle followed the trio into Basawar) meets (ala Lake House meeting of some sort) and their reunion was truly one for the books.

I actually cried a little for John who is now known as J’aitbaya. I cried because he’s been living in Basawar for 30 years and was still nursing his broken heart from his separation from Ravishan. Although one and the same. Kyle still felt different from Ravishan. It’s like he’s simply a replacement of his young self. But all the same, John still love Ravishan and gave the same affection to Kyle.

Now the question bugging me at the end, is Kyle immortal now like John? After he passed on, he was possessed by the holy bones of the young Ravishan. Did he become immortal himself the way the oracles are immortals? I sure hope so because these two more than deserved to be together especially after what they have gone through.

To conclude this, I wished that more people would read this series because of its exceptional story that you’d regret missing. The humanity in it is truly heartfelt and the way John and Kyle have proven their love and devotion for each other was truly an amazing feat. It’s just so beautiful it almost hurts.

‘tis definitely one of my favorite series – another great feat to achieve by one of my new favorite authors – Ginn Hale who brought us the amazing Wicked Gentleman and the stunning Lord Of The White Hell. Indeed, Hail Ginn Hale!

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Book Review: Love Life & Circumstance – V.L. Moon & J.T. Cheyanne

Posted on December 1, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654There’s actually a good story here. Elijah and Seth’s characters were beautifully created and the circumstances that brought them together were just as heartfelt. I find the story predictable and a bit too fast for my taste. The story’s walking on cliché-ville but I loved how the author/s didn’t try to overcomplicate it, otherwise it may sound more like Queer As Folks meets Days Of Our Lives. It’s dramatic enough, what with the all the tragedy and all and was sure glad that it slowed down a little bit at the end. I guess the thinning of the plot didn’t really matter at all in the overall context of the story. I guess what I’m saying is that, it could’ve gotten better but hey, maybe I’m asking too much. After all, the couple got their happily ever after.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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