Category Archives: Others

Book Review: The Understatement Of The Year (The Ivy Years, #3) – Sarina Bowen

Posted on August 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Undertatement Of The YearI bought this title because I was so impressed with “Him” co-authored by Miss Bowen with Elle Kennedy and how wrong I was in thinking that this book will be at par with Him because it totally failed in everything that the latter managed to accomplish.

The story is about two twenty-one year old boys who fell in love as teens and because of a hate crime, each took their separate ways until their reunion at college where they end up playing at the same hockey team. Only this time, one of them is out and the other one is so deep in the closet he has already developed pussy.

I’m not a big fan of sports-themed stories but when the storytelling is really good, I don’t mind hearing all about the sports involved in it as long as it’s accompanied by great plot lines and characters. The thing is, I never liked both MCs that much. First, Graham (the one in the closet) was irritating as hell and his paranoia doesn’t even make sense. I’m like, sorry what’s the timeline of this story? The 9o’s? Gawd, I was rolling my eyes all over Graham’s bitchin’ towards being caught.

“Not to be dramatic, but I kept thinking about Peter’s denial of Jesus. Except I was worse than Peter. Instead of denying Rikker three times, I denied him every fricking day.”

He was so paranoid on getting caught with Rikker and being called fag, sick or whatever “gay, hateful” things in his face but he was the first one to pounce on Rikker and even gave him a blowjob and that was like his first blowjob. And then, he asked Rikker to top him – Rikker then asked if he’d ever done it before and Graham answered, “Only with toys?” – huh? Where the hell did you get those toys and where are you keeping them Graham? You’re even trying to make your appearance and your stuff inconspicuous in order to not look gay and this revelation surprised the hell out of me. *Rolls Eyes*

Secondly, we have Rikker the martyr.

“When it comes to Graham, I could never keep my head on straight.”

Rikker is stupid for love. Man’ why’d you have to be like that?

“What Am I going to do with you, G?”

My answer: Dump his sorry ass.

Don’t even get me started with Bella. She’s an annoying slut. Period.

And Big-D. The coach and Hartley just let those remarks against Rikker slide so easily like nothing’s happened? Not even a reprimand for his behavior? Those are not fucking jokes. Those are fucking insults disparaging a teammate, attacking him on a personal level. Fucking A.

The book should’ve been edited down by 100 pages to avoid the repetitive ignore, talk, sorry, sex, ignore, talk, sorry, sex theme and it would’ve been much better. The grandma angle was good but not enough to save this story. No can do baby.

I’m sorry (not sorry) but the conclusion didn’t even do it for me. The title should’ve been “the pussy of the year” but that would be awkward I guess. *rolling my eyes again* *smh*

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (I’m adding another star because of Skippy and the cover)

Published October 15th 2014 by Rennie Road Books (first published September 29th 2014)

About The Authors
Sarina Bowen writes steamy, angsty Contemporary Romance and New Adult fiction from the wilds of Vermont.

She is the author of The Ivy Years, an award-winning series set amid the hockey team at an elite Connecticut college.

Sarina enjoys skiing, espresso drinks and the occasional margarita. She lives with her family, eight chickens and more ski gear and hockey equipment than seems necessary.

To be kept abreast of new releases, please feel free to sign up for the mailing list at http://www.sarinabowen.com/contact. Or visit the her Facebook page, or tweet her @sarinabowen. 

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Dear Auteur,

Posted on August 21, 2015 | Leave a comment

 

giphy (1)Dear Auteur,

You’ve already been published by a reputable publishing house – please don’t do this to yourself. I live in a third world country and writing isn’t where I am getting my income – I simply just love to read.  I am only doing it for fun and I’m not even writing in English. I could send you my awful writings in English if you wished to so you can rate it and maybe rant how awful the book was. Also, it’s not even my dream to be known as a writer. Hell, I know I don’t even write that well so who am I kidding? If people loved what I wrote, then thank you very much. If not, thank you very much as well for taking the time to read my “free for all stories.”

I didn’t even attack your book the way other people are so ruthless with their reviews going as far as attacking the author. That is not my style. I even congratulated you for releasing your first book. I don’t understand why you’d have to go and do what you’re doing now.

Here’s my advice, perhaps you can just attack me on a non-conspicuous way because seriously, it’s really starting to look pathetic. It’s fun at first and I could easily laugh it off but it’s getting to a point that it’s annoying especially after enduring a 12-hour trip and you’d be notified by these cheap attacks.  Man’ I don’t even know that you have it in you because you sound really mature on twitter whenever I see your tweets and I feel good when you tweet your support on LGBTQ causes.

Why don’t you talk to me directly? You can pm me here and it’d just be between the two of us. I’d love to hear from you and would easily forget everything if you can just be straight with me. No pun intended.

I even bought your book from kobo for P240.99 ($5 and some change) because a friend recommended it. See, I even spent my hard earned-money on your book so of course, I will fucking read it! And I fucking did. I even gave you a 3.5 rating so man’ just stop with what you’re doing now.

JUST. STOP.

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 Episode 6 – The Girl Who Ran Out Of Luck

Posted on April 30, 2015 | 1 comment

This week’s episode was rather uneventful. Eight girls are still in the competition and as per usual, the girls are feeling the pressure and started really throwing shades at each other *cough* tahlia *cough* gani *cough*

As for the challenge, they would have to work as a pair and style themselves with each pair getting a fashion theme.

The winner of this week’s challenge was Tahlia who donned a boho look with Aimee and as for her prize, she was given extra five minutes for the next photoshoot and was then asked to  take five minutes from any of her competition and surprise! surprise! She chose Monika citing the latter’s success from the last two elimination. Unfortunately for Tahlia, it didn’t really work in her favor at all.

GaniGani looks amazing! That jaw! Gawd! Asian fierceness at its finest baby! Commercially Fierce!

AmandaAmanda’s still struggling keeping her eyes open. Ugh, baby A – what’s happening? I honestly loved the results though so boohoo judges!!! I thought her looks are to die for! >_<

AimeeI loved Aimee’s looks the most but I’m kinda distracted with the bangs…uhhmm no. Just no.

BarbaraBarbara looks her age in this shoot. Really, not a good thing. She’s no Jessica after all so she really needs to work on that. This was a bad week for her. Plus that attitude – tons of girls will kill for that spot baby! ugh

MonikaMonika’s having a hard time due to the time constraint but I thought she did okay although her shots are really mediocre. I’m kinda 50% agreeing with
Tahlia about her though. Plus there’s something too studied about her. Sorry boo.

KBKB was wonderful but I’m not really feeling much from her.

MelissaI love Melissa and she’s still one of my favorites in the competition but this is playing safe from her. Gotta agree with the judges though, this was more editorial than commercial! Cmon’ girl you gotta keep it up!

TahliaTahlia’s shots as I mentioned were okay but I’m not really loving the catty attitude.

First Call Out: Gani -yay! and winning a Zalora campaign no less!!!
Aimee
Melissa
KB
Tahlia
Amanda

Bottom Two: Barbara and Monika
Eliminated: NONE.

So there you go peeps! What can you say about the non-elimination episode this week?

pictures via asia’s next top model

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Book Review: Stripped With the Vampire (Austin Immortals #1) – Jax Garren

Posted on April 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

Stripped With the VampireBlurb: Shy vampire Charlie never intended to see Vince again after the bad boy human broke his heart. But when Vince turns up beaten and marked for sacrifice to an Aztec God, Charlie will do anything keep him safe.

Vince has never forgiven himself for the lie that ended things with Charlie. The spark between them is as hot as ever, and Vince would risk body and soul to make it a fire again. But as they hide deeper in Austin’s supernatural society—a world of lies, dark magic, and warring immortals—he finds the path to reconciliation more twisted than he’s ever imagined.

***

I’m a big fan of vampire stories because I’m always fascinated with how each author creates their version of these creatures. This one though isn’t straying too far from the mainstream vampire that we’ve come to know – their fear of sunlight, the vampire royalties, their creation, beauty, wealth, fangs and all. So there’s really nothing new in that regard.

While I appreciate the interchanging POV between Charlie and Vince here, I honestly didn’t feel that much connection from Charlie – like he’s not there at all. When I read the blurb about Charlie being a shy vampire – I thought that would be cute for the story but on the onset of his introduction, the shy vampire was actually a spineless one. So needless to say, it’s a good thing that he’s almost invisible in the story. He’s adorable but annoying at the same time.

I also didn’t get Vince’s logic about his job. It’s almost too immature, IMHO. The interesting part is that he’s actually diabetic and that gave the story a unique take on becoming a vampire or not. I loved that he was very adamant with his decision. And that one is rather refreshing If I may say.

Overall, the story was kind of messy if not predictable. It was also too long for such a premise. I still think that this couple needs a second book because their HFN story isn’t very appetizing for the series.

Given that this is the author’s first foray into the MM genre, I really do commend her effort. It needs some work on the man-on-man action but otherwise, the romance was still there.

I’d read the next book in the series only if I’d get to read more of Charlie and Vincent.

Published March 11th 2015 by Valkyrie Books

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Chance Of The Heart – Kade Boehme

Posted on February 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

Chance Of The HeartBLURB: Chance Becket’s life was mapped out. He’d one day own the ranch he grew up on, have a family, and be the son he was raised to be, like all good boys in Small Town, U.S.A.

When his high school sweetheart calls for a break during her last semester of college, the last place Chance thought he’d end up was in his old friend Bradley’s bed.

Bradley Heart blasted out of the closet before his family could name him heir apparent to his father’s church. After six years away, a job layoff has him coming home to work behind the scenes. He and his father have little interaction and he’s fine with it staying that way when he returns home. Going back into the closet, for any reason, is not on his list of things to do. But Chance may prove too much a temptation, especially with the simmering feelings they’ve had for one another since they were teens.

Confused over his sexuality, Chance has to decide what’s more important — loyalty to his family and the path set forth, or the promise of happiness with not just the only man, but the only person, he’s ever really wanted.

***

I’m definitely enjoying reading Kade Boehme’s books. His style reminds me a bit of M.J. O’Shea and Piper Vaughn – mostly low-angst but there’s something very Kade about his books. This was his first “cowboy-themed” book – not like hardcore cowboy – I guess, more on country boys suppressing themselves – oh poor boys. Don’t worry though; it’s not that intense when it comes to keeping it inside the closet. Chance Becket is in the closet but upon reuniting with childhood “crush” Bradley Heart, he’s actually getting there and all he’s asking of Brad is time and patience. I thought the whole story was smooth and may have lacked of a stronger conflict. I ain’t complaining though, sometimes I loved such stories to go smoothly and never be bothered about things that would make these lovely characters suffer much. Kade is fast becoming one of my favorite MM authors. He knows how to tickle his readers and this book is another must-read for those who are in need of low-angst, light feels fix – cmon’ ya’ll – check it while it’s hawt [I didn’t just say that?!] ^_^

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Amazon

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Review: Goodbye America (1997)

Posted on January 27, 2015 | Leave a comment

Director: Thierry Notz
Cast: Alexia Arquette, Alma Concepcion, Angel Aquino, Corin Nemec, James Brolin, John Haymes Newton, Maureen Flannigan, Michael York, Nanette Medved, Daria Ramirez, Wolfgang Bodison

Goodbye AmericaThrough some coaxing, I was able to get a copy of this film which I’ve seen in the late 90’s and I remember liking it back then. Watching it again, I rather find it a wee bit over the top but it’s still an okay film. The story took its premise from the closing of the US naval base in Olongapo City back in 1991.

There’s enough drama going on with most characters [I mean the navy seals] getting friendly with lovely Filipina women and their struggle to deal with their inevitable separation. This didn’t end though with most of them just leaving their Pinay beaus behind. There’s a plan assassination of a US senator which made the film a bit contrived but nevertheless made the plot not too Hallmark-ish. I was confused why said assassination plot became the epicenter of the film’s premise.

The ending was heartwarming yet heartbreaking and interestingly, it was the supporting character of Paul Bladon’s (played by Alexis Arquette) romantic involvement with a Filipina woman Emma (Alma Concepcion), who used to be a prostitute (not Alma, but the character Emma lol) that made the most impact in the film.

It was also such a pleasant surprise for me to find out that Alexis Arquette [sibling of Boyhood star Patricia Arquette] has already transitioned into a woman! Yay!

Alexis Arquette before and after. Alexis Arquette before and after.

Anyways, I guess some people could torrent this since it’s not available on Amazon, if the film interests them. It’s an okay film overall for a minimally budgeted B-Hollywood movie.

Rating: 6/10

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Book Review: Caught Running – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban

Posted on December 24, 2014 | Leave a comment

Caught RunningThis is definitely one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year and one of the best from Abigail Roux. I’ve read other stand-alone novels from Abigail Roux and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them and don’t even get me started with the magnificent Cut & Run series which she started with co-author Madeleine Urban. This book is some kind of special. There’s something about this book that took me back in time and realized a lot of things especially remembering the old “idealistic” me. It’s like a bittersweet reminder that once, I dreamt of something different for myself.

Caught Running tells the story of Jake Campbell, the former school Jock and the former nerd Brandon Bartlett who are now teaching at their old high school ten years after graduation. They were both from totally different spectrum of social circles but when Science teacher Brandon was thrown into coaching with Baseball head coach Jake Campbell, they found that there’s more to learn about each other that neither of them ever expected.

First, I’ve to say how I loved the interchanging POV in almost every paragraph. It’s kind of refreshing in the sense that we get an instant feel from both ends in each situation. In some books, I find this style messy to read but here – it was written in such a way that is very apt with the story and with the characters.

I loved the melancholic vibe of the central characters here. How they both end up teaching instead of doing what they initially dreamt of. That’s how life works right? Things don’t go our way all the time.

I also liked the slow-burn between these two very opposite characters. At first, I thought that my patience was running low but when something finally happened between them – when they both recognized their attraction – I was like, so that’s why it took the author/s too damn long to do it. I realized that I loved the timing then, because it feels just oh so-surreal but good. It’s like the two people you’re rooting for to be together finally had their happy ending – although this was just the start of their relationship as lovers.

It’s mesmerizing to read a book where you don’t get scared of the repercussion of them being lovers despite their status. It was mind-opening and realistic in many levels. There’s imagination offered to the readers to conclude what they want about the couple. I think that’s what I loved most about it. There are a lot of beautiful possibilities about this wonderful couple. This is one book I’ll think about for the longest time. Bravo Abigail and Madeleine!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Jurassic World’s Hybrid Dinosaur (?)

Posted on November 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

I’ve just been watching all of the trailers I’ve missed over the last few weeks and of course, the fourth installment of the Jurassic Park film series, Jurassic World got me all pumped up since I first saw its teaser – then its trailer [and got to see it first on TV over the news – mind you] I’m like, OMG. Tis’ makes me feel really old though. 🙂

Here’s the official trailer

I was kinda wondering though about the hybrid dinosaur they were talkin’ about and saw this “alleged” leaked image of the hybrid dinosaur called the D-REX (?)

DRex

via comicbookmovie.com

But really, more than anything else…I’m just really excited for the whole thing. I still remember my amazement the first time I’ve seen Jurassic Park and The Lost World on VHS! Yay! Now this…its gonna be a crazy 2015 with all these movies coming up!

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Book Review: After Ben – Con Riley

Posted on November 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

first book of the Seattle Series

via Goodreads

via Goodreads

The whole premise of this book was extremely interesting that is why I was so damn excited to read it and didn’t think that it would actually disappoint me so much. It centers on Theo, an executive who’s now dealing with life after his partner of fifteen years Ben passed away. He actually found some sort of solace through the internet. By participating through forums, he somehow feels alive. Online, he meets Morgan and shared intimate information with the guy. In real life, a year after Ben’s death – he’s dealing with Peter (a guy he met at the gym) and is willing to wait and try things with him but Theo doesn’t feel ready yet. He finally succumbs with Morgan and actually fell for the guy without even meeting the guy. I was almost certain that I wouldn’t finish the book but since I’m 25 pages away from it, I decided to just get over with it. I just can’t get over how extremely repetitive the story has become.

Morgan’s character isn’t exactly an exciting character. Despite his internet affiliation with Theo, there’s nothing really interesting about him. The characterization was flat and he’s almost predictable (when he was finally revealed).

Reading through it felt like the author was trying too hard to input too much sex. I get it that it’s the genre but it’s just a bit unnecessary with some scenes. The beginning of the book was alright and it went downhill from there. The flashbacks about Ben are the only good thing about this book and his trip in Italy where Marco De Luca (Ben’s youngest brother) was introduced. I’m actually just plain disappointed with it. I wish the author didn’t linger much with the online character of Morgan. It’s just a bit too much. Ugh. Repetitive. Boring. Slow-paced. It lost all its potential.

 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Three’s Company – N.R. Walker

Posted on November 21, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654This isn’t the first book I’ve read that tackles a polyamorous relationship or a ménage à trois no matter what you call it but it’s definitely one of the best I’ve read so far. The relationship between Simon and Adam is just beautiful – it being so protective of each other and how welcoming they are with Wil was just achingly sweet. The connection of these three guys is so powerful – complimenting each other in every way. I also loved how Simon and Adam easily developed a support system that now includes Wil. It was beautiful and touching.

The sex part was definitely good – more than good actually. I appreciate the fact that every time they do it, their intimacy feels like more than sex – more than physical that it’s almost reverent.

The premise of this book isn’t really my thing but it being written by one of my favorite authors, might as well go for the ride and enjoy it. I’m always up for some N.R. Walker goodies after all. The author sure knows how to tickle her readers. This story is a sweet affirmation of how good it is to live and love so freely regardless of gender, background and identity.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

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