Book Review: The Right Words – Lane Hayes

Posted on January 9, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Right Words[Book 1 of the Right And Wrong Series]

I’m not sure if I have the right words to describe how I felt after reading this book. First, I’d like to say how I enjoyed Lane Hayes’s work on her Better than Series. That was an outstanding series over-all. Now this one being the first in the Right and Wrong Series features Luke Preston, an interior designer who recently had a nosedive at his personal and professional life when he stumbled upon the closeted soccer player Michael Martinez getting in the midst of a bad break-up and fixing the latter’s beach house.

The character of Luke and his best friend Brandon reminds me of Aaron Mendez and Jay Reynolds from the Better Than Series. It’s like they just had their names changed and you’ve got Luke and Brandon with different day jobs. Michael on the other hand was like Peter Morgan and his bff Alex was Peter’s ex Jack Farinelli. So you see, there’s a ton of similarities between the author’s two series. Or maybe I’m reading too much into the characters.

Anyways, I enjoyed the first half of this story – at least most of the first half. Sometimes I find myself skipping most of the sex scenes because they drag the whole chapter. I get it that they’re having amazing sex but having to read a whole long chapter of it is way too much for me. The second half of the story was a total drag. The two MCs have too much baggage with them I don’t even know how they’re able to build a healthy relationship. I think I’m more interested with Alex’s character than the MCs and the rest. I’m almost sorry that it didn’t meet my expectation but I still have high hopes for the next book in the series since I know that the author could still deliver an amazing story like her book Better Than Good (which is my favorite from the Better Than Series).

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Tinsel Fish (Tyack & Frayne #2) – Harper Fox

Posted on January 8, 2015 | 1 comment

Tinsel Fish[Book 2 of Tyack & Frayne Series]

It’s going to be Police Constable Gideon Fraynes’s first Christmas celebrating it with a new lover. As he accompanied Lee Tyack during one of his shows in Falmouth, they find themselves in one of Lee’s client houses vanquishing some unwelcome presence. When all goes wrong, strange things started happening with Lee making Gideon confused but still finds himself helping Lee in uncovering what transpired during the ritual.

This series is getting better and better. I loved that in a short period of time, Gideon and Lee’s relationship have developed faster than expected. They surely made a great connection back in the Moor helping find the missing girl. It’s also nice to see how slowly Gideon is coming out of his shell. I loved his easy countenance towards Lee and towards their budding romance.

In the first book, I mentioned that I didn’t get much from Lee because it’s mostly Gideon-centric. Now though, we get tons of Lee moments. We see how he really works and his beliefs at what he does. There’s also vulnerability with both characters that made them more endearing to me.

In the story, Lee was somehow possessed or something like being bullied by a wayward presence. It’s amazing how Harper Fox spin the wheel in this sequel. The mystery in the story was thick, the draw of both Lee and Gideon is still strong and the setting vivid as ever. The conclusion also made me want to know more about Lee and how Gideon will adapt to his lover’s relationship with the unknown.

It’s another great story from Fox who not only delivered a great story but also created a couple you’d root for in a long while!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published March 18th 2014 by Smashwords Edition

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Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Updates: Day 1 of Screening

Posted on January 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

Batch 3Whilst Mary Jean Lastimosa is currently competing in Miami for the 63rd Miss Universe pageant, the Binibining Pilipinas 2015 is on its way into choosing the candidates who will be part of this year’s national edition. Yesterday was the first day of the screening process for the hopefuls this year and most of those who turned out are repeaters from previous batches.

counter-clockwise: Hannah Ruth Sison, Annalie Forbes, Anabel Christine Tia, Kimverlyn Suiza

Hannah Ruth Sison, Annalie Forbes, Anabel Christine Tia, Kimverlyn Suiza

Batch 1

Binibining Pilipinas 2012 First Runner-up and Miss Grand International 2013 Third Runner-up Annalie Forbes

Binibining Pilipinas 2012 First Runner-up and Miss Grand International 2013 Third Runner-up Annalie Forbes

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 candidates and Binibining Pilipinas 2014 2nd Runner-up Hannah Ruth Sison

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 candidates and Binibining Pilipinas 2014 2nd Runner-up Hannah Ruth Sison

The screening process will continue today until the ninth of this month. Now this edition is gearing up to be the battle of the repeaters!

photos via Bb.Pilipinas (Official)

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Book Review: Once Upon A Haunted Moor (Tyack & Frayne #1) – Harper Fox

Posted on January 7, 2015 | 1 comment

Once Upon A Haunted Moor[Book 1 of Tyack & Frayne Series]

A young girl has gone missing in a small village called Dark on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall where folklore is part of its people’s daily lives. Gideon Frayne is their village policeman who easily blames himself for this disappearance under his watch. Then came the clairvoyant Lee Tyack contacted by Truro HQ to help the search which doesn’t sit well with Gideon.

Although doubtful at first, Gideon finds himself working together with Lee who happened to awaken some feelings he’s been trying to hide for years. As they work against time to find the girl, Gideon discovered more about the terrifying legend of their village and the terrifying thought of losing the man who’s found its way into his heart.

I became a fan of Harper Fox after reading Brothers of the Wild North Sea and two of her short stories entitled Life After Joe and Nine Lights Over Edinburgh. I loved her writing style – lyrical, commanding and very relatable. I loved the vividness of her characters. In Once Upon A Haunted Moor, Harper Fox gave us Gideon and Lee – two undeniably likable characters bearing something unique in them. Gideon is pragmatic, stoic at times and being a closeted law enforcer gives him an extra edge. His character is never unlikable anywhere in the book. Here’s a strong man who will do everything as long as he thinks it’s the right thing to do. Lee on the other hand was still a mystery in this book. He’s great but I didn’t get much from him – which I think suited the narrative well. Gideon was the one telling the story and his inner monologues at times makes you smile, frown and sometimes you just want to give him a big bear hug.

The story itself has this spooky feel about it with the folklore about the Bodmin Beast and the Halloween season as part of the story – it’s just perfectly balanced. I loved that it’s somehow predictable but you kind of expected that already making it okay instead of having a totally twisted conclusion that doesn’t make sense at all.

The partnership of Gid and Lee is an easy read and I’d definitely read more from there. As usual, another great book – and a series starter from Harper Fox! Congratulations!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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MJ Lastimosa’s Evening Gown Portrait For The 63rd Miss Universe Pageant [2014]

Posted on January 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

MJ EG4

Here’s Miss Universe Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa donning a sheath beaded red gown “allegedly” designed by Cebu-based designer Kim Gan. Red totally works for MJ here – red, pink, purple and its variations are MJ’s color.

MJ EG3

This is a vast improvement in terms of evening gown worn by our representatives from the past years in this pageant. I sure hope that this is a good sign that we’ll be seeing a Filipino-made Evening Gown come finals night for MJ – or better yet, the whole duration of the Miss Universe pageant.

MJ EG1

images via ompb worldwide

MJ in Red Evening Gown

via missuniverse.org

via missuniverse.org

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MJ Lastimosa in Swimsuit For The 63rd [2014] Miss Universe Pageant!

Posted on January 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

Yassss! Heating up the cloudy Miami now is none other than our very own Mary Jean Lastimosa as she’s getting ready for her swimsuit shot for the 2014 Miss Universe pageant. In the photos below, our rep is looking mighty fine and I’m getting more and more excited with each picture published about her! Werq it!!!

that body...yes please!

that body…yes please!

Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa with Bea Toivonen of Finland and Doron Matalon of Israel.

Miss Philippines MJ Lastimosa with Bea Toivonen of Finland and Doron Matalon of Israel.

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Book Review: The Enlightenment of Daniel – Eli Easton

Posted on January 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Enlightenment Of Daniel[Book 2 of Sex in Seattle Series]

There’s something really beautiful about a book that makes you root for its main characters with intensity. The Enlightenment of Daniel is about family, unrequited love, finding the real you and finding real happiness.

When Daniel Derenzo’s dying father reminded him how short life is, he found himself reevaluating his life that led to a startling revelation that he is actually attracted to his business partner and best friend Nick Ross.  Daniel does not leave anything to chances. He’s shrewd and meticulous planning everything up to the smallest details leading him to consult the experts at the Expanded Horizons sex clinic.

Nick Ross on the other hand has been pining for Daniel since their college days but since Daniel was straight, he’s got no choice but to move on and marry Marcia instead. Now with two kids and a troubled marriage, Nick find himself on the verge of filing a divorce but for fear that by doing so – he’ll never get joint custody.

Then something happened with Daniel that made Nick hope that there must be something in there that may just be what his kids and his heart needed.

I’m really not into characters with kids but sometimes, their characterization in the story makes it all okay to be in the mix between the MCs. Of course it would have to depend on how the author writes it. Nick’s kids are just realistic, fun and are kids of a couple with rocky relationship. I loved the sweet innocence of eight year old Sylvan and the angst and insecurity of Jenny. Even Nick’s wife Marcia’s character was portrayed in a way that you’d feel for her but of course, you’d also want to stab her eyes with a pitchfork.

And we’ve got Daniel. He’s definitely got fierce control of most situations but he doesn’t come off as controlling. I loved that his inner monologue was quite funny. If you’d look beyond, he’s actually a funny guy. I loved how he’s so determine to take Marcia down. He’s one sweet endearing character! Nick character meanwhile was so mellow and a wee-bit weak in my opinion but I respect his decision at the end of not hurting his wife in the process. I didn’t like that Marcia got out so easily but well, what can I do? It’s all about their kids after all.

The ending was just a dream. It’s a sweet dream that left me smiling from ear to ear. I’m glad that Daniel finally found his true self and his happiness with Nick. This is another great story from Eli Easton and I’m just floored – she’s really, really good.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Trouble With Tony – Eli Easton

Posted on January 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Trouble With Tony[Book 1 of Sex in Seattle Series]

I totally enjoyed reading this book. After reading two good books by Eli Easton over the holidays, this didn’t come as a surprise.

Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco is out to solve a murder case of a young woman when he poses as a patient in a Seattle sex clinic where the victim was getting therapy from hot ex-army doctor Dr. Jack Halloran. Upon their first meeting, Tony couldn’t help his attraction and easily figured that the doctor was innocent. But first, he’s got to prove Jack’s innocence before pursuing their seemingly mutual attraction.

I loved how fast paced the story was and how utterly adorable Tony is. I loved when an author does not find the need to resort to a lot of drama to conclude a seemingly complicated plot. It’s always nice when they know how to weave the story well into the development of each character. Here, Eli Easton has proven once again her ability to create loveable characters with a story that easily captivates its readers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Gabriel’s Fall – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Posted on January 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

Gabriel's FallGabriel’s Fall is a short story preceded by Second Time Around but can be read as a standalone. This story is about the ultimate sacrifice for love. I read this after reading Second Time Around featuring the character of Maverick and Ronin – try reading their story first before this one to easily recognize the secondary characters and the whole feel of the accompanying story.

 This time though, angel Gabriel [not THAT Gabriel ^_^] found himself falling for his charge Luke. [Gabriel was the twink angel] in Second Time Around. It was a beautiful story that speaks volume about true love.

I dunno why I’m so into “angels” story now but I just loved me some HEA with these heavenly creatures. It’s  sure gonna be a happy ending after all right? Once again, Sandrine-Gasq-Dion weaved a beautiful novella that perfectly resonates with the whole feel of the, shall I say series or accompanying books? Either way, this one totally made me smile all throughout.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Second Time Around – Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Posted on January 4, 2015 | Leave a comment

Second Time AroundIt’s always nice reading a feel good story that leaves you smiling from ear to ear long after turning its last page. Second Time Around is a short story that tells the story of love lost and love found.

Ronin Eastland lost his partner of 12 years in a drunken driving accident. Truly heartbroken and devastated, he found himself slowly deteriorating determined to follow the love of his life.

Marverick Holliday wasn’t supposed to die just yet – he still got a whole life to spend with Ronin. The twink looking angel told him that he could go back to Ronin but he won’t remember who he was in previous life.

And there’s Maverick Cruise, an ER doctor who winds up treating Ronin Eastand. For some reason, Maverick instantly felt drawn to the handsome widower.

Will they ever reunite again? Is their love strong enough to recognize each other?

Interesting plot yeah? I mean, yes it’s totally cliché and so chick-litish but c’mon – you gotta love a well-written romantic fantasy every now and then. I know I do. It’s a short read but is very satisfying. I loved the whole soulmate thingy and the heaven / angel’s angle was pretty nice. The twink angel was pretty funny though. Sandrine Gasq-Dion is one fine story-teller and if you’re in the mood for some good reading – this one’s definitely for you.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Available in Amazon, Kobo

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