Book Review: Collide (Blackcreek #1) – Riley Hart

Posted on November 21, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I kind of enjoyed reading this book. It’s my first from Riley Hart and I thought it actually has a good touch of the usual romance m/m genre. It centers on Noah as he’s returning to his childhood hometown for three years coming from a terrible break-up and is looking to build a new career and settle down. In Blackcreek, he reunited with his childhood best friend Cooper, now a fireman – who is supposedly a straight guy and is also battling his own demon. Although it has a thinly veiled plot, I thought the romance factor was still there. The flashbacks were a bit distracting and the “suddenly-Cooper-is-gay” / “gay-for-you” concept doesn’t sit well with me at all. I mean, seriously? The conflict was weak but nevertheless tolerable because Noah’s a great character. I just wished that there’s more to Noah’s mature backstory. Overall, this was just an okay start of a series – not very promising but its alright.

 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: One Small Thing – Piper Vaugn & M.J. O’Shea

Posted on November 20, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

At first, I thought this is one of those books that I’d hate so much but it was actually surprisingly good! The MC’s (Rue & Erik) here are just uber-adorable! Rue is the sexy bar tender that had a sexperiment with some girl and after nine months, he’s got Alice to take care of! Erik on the other hand is a sci-fi writer who really doesn’t like socializing at all. He’s got his own cocoon and is suffering from OCD and anxiety disorder. Due to unavoidable circumstances, they somehow collided with each other that led to a rather unexpected twist of fate. The question is if they can leave all their issues behind to build a new life as a family?

First, I have to commend the editing of this book! It’s perfect! It’s fast paced without getting the feel of it being rushed. The alternating point of views from both MC’s is also great. I’m also glad that the “coming out” part of this book was perfectly presented by the authors. It’s just all so adorable especially with Erik’s character. You see, I’m down with any characters who love Star Wars! Haha. Dorky characters rules!!!!

I’m glad that I came upon this book. It’s fresh, well written and has a superb story to boot!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Cranberry Hush – Ben Monopoli

Posted on November 19, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I was pretty curious when I’ve read the synopsis of this book because it kinda reminds me of my situation back then [just a tiny bit] pertaining to college void / gap years. I think we all have that at some point in our life – any kind of void that is.

Vince Vandro, a bisexual who lives alone and is working at a comic bookshop is in love with his co-worker but can’t seem to find the courage to tell the guy. His carefully planned confession was halted when his old college roommate / best friend Griff showed up at his doorstep in the middle of a blizzard. This unexpected reunion stirred up a lot of memories and emotions for both men. With both of them struggling to find their place after college, they were confined into a limbo that is their friendship and love for each other. The thing is, Griff is a certified straight guy and Vince now wonders why the former showed up in the first place.

I really wanted to like this book because like what I’ve mentioned, I could somehow relate with their characters at some point in my life. The thing is, I find the characters of Vince and Griff charmless, uninspired and perhaps a bit pretentious. I honestly feel like reading the platonic love story of Frodo and Sam in another universe. The flashbacks weren’t helping at all. They are actually a tad bit confusing. Even I don’t buy the soulmate thingy that was supposed to be between the two MCs. Maybe it’s one of the reasons I find the story pretentious. It was just all over the place if I’m being totally blunt. In a more positive note, I thought Zane’s character [Vince’s co-worker] was incredibly charming!

In saying all these, it’s safe to say that this isn’t your regular MM romance story. It’s far more than the genre’s usual flare. I was not a fan of it but I think some folks would probably enjoy this better.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: An Australian Christmas In New York (Mistletoe Madness) – Sean Kennedy

Posted on November 18, 2014 | Leave a comment

An Australian Christmas in New YorkThis was an oh-so quick romantic story of an Australian guy in New York getting homesick for Christmas down under. Vince has been living in New York for the past four years with his partner Chuck. As Christmas approaches, he found himself missing the tradition of the Aussie holiday. Little did he know, something’s up as the big day arrives…

The title itself was a clear giveaway. I loved short stories like this one. It makes me feel good and happy. It’s only a few months before Christmas and this story makes me homesick for Christmas at home. What a happy shorty. Yup, go read it you saps! *grin*

 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Sean Kennedy was born in Melbourne, Australia, but currently lives in the second most isolated city in the world (although there still seems to be conjecture over whether it is actually number one). Living in such deprived circumstances can only affect his writing, which is published by Dreamspinner Press.

You can find him at http://www.seankennedybooks.com

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Book Review: Pleasures with Rough Strife (Mistletoe Madness) – J.L. Merrow

Posted on November 18, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

There’s really not much to this story. Philip Luccombe is the reclusive owner of the manor and the estate where young Danny Costessey does his poaching. Danny had an accident while picking up mistletoe after poaching and was brought inside the manor where he meets Phillip, the master of the house for the first time. Instead of condemning Danny, Philip surprises himself and Danny with the turn of events that may lead into something unexpected.

It was actually a fairly quick read with succinct narration. Set just a few years after the First World War, it does have a side of bleakness and somehow a glitter of hope concerning both Danny and Philip. It’s an okay read but nothing really special.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Catch My Breath – M.J. O’Shea

Posted on November 18, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654When Danny Bright and four other guys are put together in a boy band, his dream of becoming a singing star seems to be within his reach. He and the shy Elliot Price were the closest in the group, a closeness that blossomed into something they have not expect to find while starting out their careers. This however was discovered by their management resulting to a barrage of lies, deception and cover-ups which put a strain in their relationship – with money as the bottom-line of it all.

I’ve to say that this is by far my most favorite novel by M.J. O’Shea. It’s beautifully written with amazing and interesting characters, very characters and the feels – romantic as hell.

Danny and Elliot are sweet and delightful as a couple. It almost hurt to see them being restraint from declaring their love in the open. I loved how the author made a pretty current and realistic approach in dealing with gay issues involving the couple. I wished, though, that there’s more backstory regarding Danny. I feel like Katie’s [His girlfriend] his only “background” connection and his “wealthy” upbringing. Elliot on the other hand is perfect in every sense. I love his naïve views which totally coincide with his shy and sweet persona.

And don’t get me started with Webb, Reece and Tate. [Danny and Elliot’s bandmates] They’re a bucketful of sweethearts! I was hoping that Webb may not be straight at all and he’d be paired with Chris Collins (a second book perhaps?). Oh well, that’s just me daydreaming. I’d love for such a spin-off to really happen!!! *keeping my fingers crossed*

So there you go folks, if you’re up for some sweet, bubblegum pop romantic story – I guess this one’s the right fix for you. >_@

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Yvethe Santiago’s Back-To-Back Campaign For The Miss Supranational 2014 Crown!

Posted on November 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

Yvethe Santiago

Last Sunday saw the arrival of the Philippines’ rep Yvethe Marie Santiago into this year’s edition of Miss Supranational in Krynica-Zdroj, Poland. The Bicolandia beauty and reigning Binibining Pilipinas Supranational is set to start her campaign for a back-to-back win after fellow Binibini and Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Johanna Datul snagged the crown last year during the fifth edition of the pageant.

Santiago, a favorite to win since the start of the Binibining Pilipinas season is confident that she’ll do well in the pageant having trained by former Binibining Pilipinas winners and getting the encouragement from Mutya Datul herself.

On her way to Poland... Represent girl' via Bb.Pilipinas

On her way to Poland…
Represent girl’
via Bb.Pilipinas

Here she is a week before her departure to Poland telling ANC’s Headstart her preparations and expectations for the upcoming pageant.

I’m sure Yvethe will do her best to represent the country but she’ll also need our support to carry through her campaign of winning it back #forthePhilippines.

Miss Supranational 2014 finals will be held in Krynica-Zdroj, Poland on December 5th.

Good Luck Yvethe! Mabuhay ka!

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Book Review: Double Blind – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on November 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654[Book 2 of Special Delivery aka the uber-kinky series]

Okay, so let me tell you guys first how I’m so not into the first book (Special Delivery) at first because I find Mitch’s voyeurism and their three way special [Mitch, Sam, Randy] a bit too kinky for my taste but after reading this installment, I actually fell for Randy (whom I didn’t like at all in the first book) and now viewed his uberly-weird friendship with Sam and Mitch a lot closer to a family (now this sounds incestuous. Never mind). So this second book is Randy’s very own love story which is way better than Mitch’s. It was a bit predictable, yes but it was predictable in a good way. Here, we see more of why Randy acts that way in the book and just a wee bit of his past growing up.  Then we have Ethan whom he meets at the casino and felt some attraction right away. Then right there – it was sexy times. I loved Ethan’s character as well. I think he’s a perfect balance for Randy’s wild side. The weird thing is I don’t find the sex between them that much enticing than Sam and Mitch (so much for my prude comments about Mitch voyeurism – lol. Sorry)

This book definitely has more personality which not only established Randy’s ability to fall in love (he’s human after all.LOL) but also made Mitch and Sam’s marriage a dreamy one. Again, Heidi Cullinan delivered a total blockbuster. I honestly couldn’t wait to read the next book in the series.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

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Book Review: After The Rain – Renée Carlino

Posted on November 17, 2014 | Leave a comment

After The Rain“But then again, everything reminds me of you…”

There are authors who write stories and authors who tell stories. The latter is where Renée Carlino falls under. In After The Rain, the author enthralled us once again with her ability to weave characters that will stay with us long after reading the whole story. I read the book almost non-stop and had to stop every now and then to really ponder upon what I just read on a particular page or chapter. This book centers on Avelina Belo and Nate Meyers – living worlds apart, both young and full of hopes and dreams. Avelina is an eighteen year old woman who falls for a handsome cowboy and settled into a married life in a ranch in Montana full of hopes for the future until a freak accident halted this dream leaving her unable to move on with life and mend her heart. Nate is following the footsteps of his father who is the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Los Angeles but when he found himself being sued for medical malpractice, he began to doubt himself and relented to take some time off to clear his head and headed to a ranch Montana. There, he meets Avelina and began the journey of healing and understanding the way the heart truly works.

I’ve read all of Renée Carlino’s novels and I am always in awe on how her works influenced the way I appreciate reading a romance novel. This book isn’t just a romantic novel – it’s more profound than that. Avelina and Nate’s story is the testament of how short life really is; how an instant could change everything. This is a book that delivers hope, inspires forgiveness and gives us a guide on letting go.

I adored Mia and Will in the Sweet Thing, I loved Kate and Jamie in Nowhere But Here but Avelina and Nate took me into a deeper journey where you realized that there’s always second chances if you allow your heart to feel and be open about what its saying. It may not always be right but if it feels right, why not take the risk? Let it hurt, let it bleed, let it break because one way or another – someone or something will be able to fix it or put the broken pieces altogether. Avelina and Nate lets their heart be free and somehow, they found each other at the end – rebuilding their future, feeling the beat of their hearts that will only beat for each other – because for me, that is what love is. And yes, sappy as this may sound but there’s a rainbow always after the rain…

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published November 11th 2014 by Atria Books

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About The Author
Renée Carlino is a screenwriter and bestselling author of romantic women’s novels. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on her next project, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.

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Book Review: A Private Gentleman – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on November 17, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I always find period-themed stories fascinating because they give insights of the past that we can very well compared with the present. A Private Gentleman is the story of Lord George Albert Westin who’s suffering from heavy stutter rendering him antisocial and a disgrace to his family. With great affinity to orchids, he visited a local hobbyist’s house to check out an exotic new orchid. There, he found a rather exotic beauty that took his breath away. Michael Vallant is a professional sodomite whose alluring beauty can demand anything. He also hides a secret that is closely associated with the young Lord. As their relationship deepened, they both must overcome their own demon before its too late.

It’s a pretty convincing story actually, though not as good as some of the author’s other novels. The editing was a bit distracting and the romance side lacking. The book was mainly centered with Weston which feels like an addict narrative of his plight. I wished the author provided more back-story for secondary characters like Rodger and his rise to power and all. Penny’s character doesn’t sit well with me. She’s like a fairy godmother, too contrived for me. This for me is fairly passable and yeah, may serve well with readers into this stuff.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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