Category Archives: Books

Book Review: Beautiful Disaster – Jamie McGuire

Posted on May 19, 2014 | 1 comment

 Published May 26th 2011 by Jamie McGuire

via goodreads

via goodreads

Can I just tell you guys how I totally adore this book? I’ve read it non-stop in a day and I just couldn’t get over it – not just yet. The story was narrated by Abby Abernathy as a freshman college student in a new place and finding herself getting involved with Travis Maddox – a guy who’s everything that she was trying to escape from her past.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match

Travis is such a character. He’s very relatable, funny, charming, romantic and obnoxious at times. He’s what “realistic- boyfriend characters” are made of. Abby Abernathy on the other hand was a very annoying biatch. Don’t get me wrong though, I loved her character but most of the times – she’s borderline annoying because she’s so dense! At some point of the book I’m like, “WTF? Do you even have a brain girl?” I gotta love her back-story though but ‘am quite disappointed that that part of the book was way too short.

The story was almost on a normal scale – reality wise. The secondary characters are also well-written. The most exciting amongst them are the Maddox Brothers themselves (which I’ve already know that a book was about to be released starting with Trenton! Yay!)

This was overall a very good read. It was mostly romantic that sometimes its borderline cheesy but hey when it comes to the business of love, who isn’t?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Fish & Chips (Book 3 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban

Posted on May 19, 2014 | Leave a comment
via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com

Now, this is easily my favorite amongst the series because this is the part of the series where, finally, one of them (it’s our sweet Ty) uttered those stupid words. Fish & Chips may also be the funniest among the series when the duo was assigned to do an undercover assignment posing as a married couple! Yay! How exciting is that?! Ty especially has to go under some drastic makeover sporting platinum blond hair—whoot hoot! We also learned more about Tyler’s ability to mimic accents! I would love to hear that sexy British accent.

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion. Now they’re assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they’d rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there’s more to being partners than watching each other’s backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty’s life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.






 





Ty’s such a character here, and I love how the two could easily be affectionate with each other (of course with the undercover thingy and all), but it was fun seeing them able to do that without having to worry about the people around them. Ty’s such a sex kitten here, and he’s very funny as well, especially with that “beefcake” question. LOL. That got me rolling on the floor, to be honest. We also see here the sweet side of Zane. C’mon, man, stop over-analyzing everything. Goodness!





It’s ridiculous how both authors could come up with such a good story line! It was concise, yet you won’t ask for more because there was enough stuff going on with our characters. The Italian biatch was really funny as well, and Ty was just hilarious, being crazy and all. Oh, how I totally adore these two. Fish and chips is pure magic! I can’t wait to reread it! Ciao!



		
	
							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Sticks & Stones (Book 2 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban


			

				Posted on May 18, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com






Okay, now we’ve established that I’m totally obsessed with this series, which, by the way, I’ve already finished and am on my way to reading titles under “Cut & Run Network.” Let me tell you a little bit about this second book in the series, though. It’s called Sticks & Stones (yes, from the old adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me). It was yet again another swoony novel from our two lovely FBI agents, partners, lovers, and f-buddies. Here, we witnessed how Ty Grady’s kind of falling in love with his partner, Zane Garrett, especially after what happened in New York.





Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they’re ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone’s sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they’ve so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty’s father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods… where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other. [source]





So Ty took Zane home to take some time off from their traumatic New York adventure. Here, Zane was introduced to the uber-funny Grady family. Oh, I love Ty’s grandpa! And her mother is such a quirky character. His brother Deacon’s so cool, and his dad—agh. I want to punch that guy! Anyways, so they went hiking (which the Grady boys are regularly doing), and they found themselves in danger from treasure hunters and lions! Yikes! This was funnier and more intense than the first one, if I may say so. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and their feelings are blossoming. Oh, and Ty told Deacon that he could love Zane if the guy would let him. How sweet is that? There’s still the rather steamy sex scene (the one in the wood’s rather hawt), and in this book, Zane celebrated his birthday in that hot, hot scene! LOL. More of Ty’s behavior here was also established—his loyalty, his vulnerability, and just how much he cares for Zane. Sticks & Stones was more of a Ty book, to say the least, but it was still awfully good with Zane just adding the right love-jabs!





“I like being able to wake up with you. I like knowing you’ll be there if I need you,” he continued, obviously uncomfortable with what he was saying but refusing to be deterred now that he’d begun. “I like being with you, Zane. And I’d like to keep that up now that you’re here,” he admitted shakily. He met Zane’s eyes determinedly. “I want you.” Who could even resist this guy after saying this?





So there, folks, Sticks & Stones is the continuation of a beautiful series, and you really need to catch up with it. It’s totally addicting! They are totally my new favorite book couple!





Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Cut & Run (Book 1 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban


			

				Posted on May 17, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com






I’m pretty sure most of you guys who love reading books have your favorite characters that you somehow hold dearly in your literary hearts, right? This was the case for me after reading Cut & Run. In case you haven’t heard about it, Cut & Run is a romance/adventure novel that involves two male FBI agents who both have dark histories and were partnered together to solve a serial-killing spree case in New York. This installment was co-authored by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban.





A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case. Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He’s cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he’s paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it’s hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer. Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again – this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer’s knife.” [source]





I got this book just this month, and I thought I’d give it a try. I was very surprised to find myself enjoying every bit of it. It’s actually quite good. It’s an M/M romance novel with the right punch of action, comedy and dear old love. I just love the characterization of both guys! Both Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are unbelievably dreamy! They are brave, witty, funny, vulnerable, and charming! You see, it’s fun when a book does that to you. It connects you with the character, and you root for them. I got hooked on both protagonists and promised myself to buy copies of the succeeding books, which I did! like all eight of them, including the newly released eighth book (Ball & Chain). As of this posting, I have actually read the rest of the series in less than two weeks! Can you even believe that? I’m like fangirling here and obsessing; it’s almost ridiculous! LOL [Reviews of the succeeding books will follow]. Cut & Run will leave you breathless (one way or another), awwwee-ing, and falling for these two opposite, uber-adorable guys for a partner. Please, you have to read the book.





Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

							

	
			

				
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Review: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)


			

				Posted on May 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				
via wikipedia
via wikipedia


Continuing the highly successful reboot of the iconic superhero franchise – the sequel of 2012’s The Amazing Spider-Man saw Peter Parker’s (Andrew Garfield) childhood after being orphaned by his parents and was left to the care of his aunt and uncle. He also ended her relationship with Gwen (Emma Stone) to keep her safe.

Here we see Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) becoming the CEO of Oscorp after his father Norman (Chris Cooper) died. We also have Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) whom Peter saved once and became obsessed with our superhero. Somehow, it stopped there. It’s too boxed for a sequel going around Peter and Gwen’s relationship to the impending attack of Max and Harry. The plot wasn’t much and it was too damn long if I’m being honest (it’s over two hours.)


The one thing that I liked about it is the way they humanized Peter Parker (almost the same way Clak Kent felt vulnerably close to the audience in Man Of Steel). I’ve to admit though that I’m not really digging Andrew Garfield as spidey (or perhaps I’m just unfairly comparing him with Tobey Maguire) but he’s okay I guess. He’s got this charming thing about him. Emma Stone of the other hand was LOVE. (I’m truly biased LOL) I just loved this girl. But hey, adoration aside – Gwen’s character isn’t much that it’s almost comical to think about her but you see, she’s very easy in the eye (Emma that is).


Did anyone thought how creepy DeHaan was as Harry? I think the word’s sinister but not than much. I don’t know what to make of him. I almost wished that James Franco’s brother took over the role. But being in between creepy and sinister could be a good thing right? Foxx’s character though, was simply out of place. It’s just lacking any back story and was just a poor excuse to abuse it’s CGI potentials.


In the scope of things, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was an improvement from its predecessor. It was something a non-Spider-man fan would “perhaps” appreciate although I’m not really sure if they’d be patient enough to sit through it till the end.


Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Colm Feore, Felicity Jones, Campbell Scott, Sally Field

Rating: 6.5/10


similar review posted at the 2014 Pinoy Exchange Movie Challenge.

							

	
			

				
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OMG: The Fault In Our Stars – Extended Trailer


			

				Posted on April 29, 2014 | 2 comments
			


				

				
via impawards
via impawards


Okay, so I just really need to share this one right here. I’ve read the book in a day and fell inlove with the characters right off. The story is narrated by a sixteen-year-old cancer patient named Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she subsequently meets and falls in love with the seventeen-year-old Augustus Waters, an ex-basketball player and amputee. [source]




I mean, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort just have that chemistry you cannot fault! Ofcourse, you probably know now that they played siblings in Divergent and who would’ve thought that they would look really good together? I can tell by now that this would be a cry-fest. And in case that you have not read the book, please take the time to do so – it’s very short so you’d finish it quick. It’s a shame that Manila will have a month delay of showing this! Boo!!!! Anyway, enjoy the trailer you guys…


#Okay




							

	
			

				
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Review: Julie & Julia (2009)


			

				Posted on April 26, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				
Julie and Julia


Based on true events, the film’s a narrative of two very interesting and fascinating women whose passion for cooking taught them more in life than tasting and enjoying the food. Meryl Streep plays chef Julia Child who “taught America how to cook” and Amy Adams, as Julia Powell, a young writer in New York who lives with his husband. Powell with the encouragement of his husband took on the challenge to cook every recipe that Child has published and recounts her progress through a blog. This attracts the attention of many including the media and Julia Child herself.


The film also recounts Julia Child’s experience in France with his husband who works for the US government – as she was introduced to the art of cooking thus producing Mastering the Art of French Cooking and introducing French Cuisine in America.


As usual, La Streep was at her best – yet again. Like how does she do it? Meryl’s a different kind of artist – I mean she’s UP UP there. Like who could even rival her greatness? She’s very enigmatic on the screen and playing Julia Child, it’s like we’re really watching the real Julia Child. I even thought that she should’ve won the Oscars for her performance. Amy Adams on the other hand was equally stunning, this girl simply complimented Streep’s screen prowess. She’d some moments in the film but obviously, it was THE Meryl Streep who carry the film altogether.


Year: 2009

Genre: Comedy

Rating: 9 out of 10

Director: Nora Ephron

Starring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina, Linda Emond, Jane Lynch


via Pinoy Exchange 2014 Movie Challenge

30 Days Movie Challenge – Day 09: A movie of your favorite actress (Meryl Streep) 

							

	
			

				
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WICKED is Good. The Gladers of “The Maze Runner”


			

				Posted on April 23, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				
via wikipedia
via wikipedia


You guys may have heard about the upcoming film adaptation of The Maze Runner – based on the novel of James Dashner. I actually just finished reading the book and I’m just thrilled about its coming movie adaptation. I already know that a film was coming up that is why I decided give the book a go and I got so engrossed and now – aside from the film, I’m also looking forward to read the rest of the trilogy.


Dylan O'Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas
Dylan O’Brien will be playing the lead role, Thomas


For starter, (atleast) for those of you who haven’t read the book or what the movie was about. The Maze Runner focused on Thomas, a young guy who find himself mysteriously delivered to a place they called Glade without remembering anything from his past aside from his name. It so happened that each week, a boy was sent out to this place surrounded by giant walls or if you go beyond those walls – they happen to be a set of confusing Maze. Here, the boys along with Thomas set to find an escape from the maze – an escape from the place that would either keep them safe or deliver them to their demise.


Here’s a very cool website from the “creator” of the maze – WICKED – which they made WCKD in the movie


Here are the actors playing the characters in the film 🙂 – what an amazing casting If I may say!




Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader - Newt
Thomas Brodie-Sangster as one of the Gladers Leader – Newt


Chuck's Thomas' sidekick
Chuck’s Thomas’ sidekick


Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze - also the last person to enter it in the book.
Teresa is the first girl to enter the Maze – also the last person to enter it in the book.


Minho's the Maze Runner's Keeper
Minho’s the Maze Runner’s Keeper


Alby - one of their leaders
Alby – one of their leaders


Ben
Ben


Gally's the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book
Gally’s the keeper of the Builder and one of the antagonists in the book


Frypan's the keeper of the cooks
Frypan’s the keeper of the cooks


Here’s the official trailer of the film. It’s pretty exciting!




The film was supposed to have its release last February but it was pushed to September 19, 2014.


pictures via themazerunnermovie.com

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Orosa-Nakpil, Malate by Louie Mar Gangcuangco


			

				Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


Orosa Nakpil Malate






“Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a literary gem woven with humor, insight, heartbreak, and profound contemplation. It is preachy yes, but it is also sincere.





In this novel, Gangcuangco cleverly intertwines romance, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness with vital information about HIV-AIDS. Through engaging storytelling, he presents up-to-date scientific data on the virus in a fresh and factual manner. The narrative delves into issues surrounding HIV-AIDS, particularly among men who have sex with men, maintaining reader interest with its blend of humor and wit. Gangcuangco dispels misconceptions about the virus while reinforcing the importance of safe sex through compelling dialogues among the novel’s diverse and controversial characters.





The protagonists Dave and Ross are very relatable, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their love story evokes a poignant sense of nostalgia akin to “Brokeback Mountain,” leaving a lingering melancholy that resonates even after the story concludes.





There are moments of tenderness and selflessness amidst the triggering events in the book, such as Ross’s courageous act of protecting Dave’s reputation and his heartfelt sacrifice to purchase a gift, a gesture that resonates with a poignant sincerity.





One of the most touching moments occurs during the reunion between Dave and Ross, a scene that deeply moves me with its emotional impact. Just as the story appears to follow a predictable path, a surprising twist unfolds, nakakaloka!





Regarding the antagonist, Michael Pundasyon, his character evokes a strong visceral reaction in me—so consider this a trigger warning, folks!





In the hands of Louie Mar, the narrative becomes a vessel through which his experiences are vividly shared, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a testament to Louie Mar’s skill in crafting a narrative that not only entertains but also profoundly impacts the soul.





“May mga bagay sa buhay natin na hindi natin kontrolado.May mga pagkakamaling hindi na natin maitatama pa gaano man nating gustuhin. Kaya minsan kailangang gamitin and utak kahit iba ang isinisigaw ng puso. Kahit pa maskit, kailangan nating magtiis.”





Rating: 4 out of 5 stars





Published 2006 by Louie Mar’s Publications





About The Author
Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the author of a Filipino novel Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. In 2008, Louie Mar Gangcuangco published his second book, Gee, My Grades Are Terrific: A Student’s Guide to Academic Excellence, a self-help book for students.





Louie Mar has served as a guest speaker in UP Manila, UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda, Philippine Normal University, and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines on various topics including homosexuality, HIV-AIDS, and gay literature in the Philippines.





Louie Mar passed the Straight Internal Medicine Internship in the Philippine General Hospital. He will be graduating from the UP College of Medicine in 2010.

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: South Of Broad by Pat Conroy


			

				Posted on April 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via goodreads
via goodreads






The characters in this book remind me so much of Beach Music. Leo or the Toad as Jack McCall, Molly as Ledare, Jordan as Niles, Mike as Shebah, etc. It was a bit depressing all through. I was emotionally exhausted after reading it. Unlike Beach Music, it does not have a very happy ending for our dear protagonist, Leo. The lines are, as always, genius, and you’d really be rooting for Leo. The twists were good, although I felt that some of them were told in a rush. I love Pat Conroy’s writing for they take me to places and situations that make me open my eyes in amazement and make me think that life really is unpredictable as it happens, but at the end of the day, we’ve only got one dear life to hold on to. South of Broad makes me want to visit South Carolina someday!





Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

							

	
			

				
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