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

Barnes & Noble  | Amazon  | Kobo  | Indigo  | Target.Com | Google Play  | Half.com

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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Book Review: Junk – Josephine Myles

Posted on November 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654[Book 1 of the Bristol Collection Series]

I always enjoy reading stuff from Josephine Myles. I love the quirkiness of her characters. This one would’ve been more enjoyable though if not for its lengthy narration. I feel like there’s too much talk in it but less action – less romance, that is. I mean the connection between Lewis (a professional clutter cleaner) and Jasper (a book hoarder) doesn’t seem much at all.  It’s like, that’s the story itself – the Lewis helps Jasper with his hoarding and fell for the guy. Period. I also feel like it was too rushed despite its length and didn’t have a stronger conflict to make it more exciting. Truth be told, I feel like watching an episode of Hoarders minus too much drama. I was even more interested with the story’s secondary characters [Mas] than the couple here. But hey, I’m not saying that it is that bad – not just my thing I guess.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Social Skills – Sara Alva

Posted on November 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654I may have expected too much from this book after reading “Silent” because that one’s incredibly good rendering me heartbroken and hopeful at the same time. This one, however, was kind of just there. It didn’t resonate at all with me and the characters aren’t that interesting to begin with. The main guy Connor sounds like he’s suffering more than his anxiety attacks. It’s almost stressful whenever he’s having an almost-breakdown just for merely saying “Hello” – I was like is he for real? Don’t get me wrong though, it was clearly stated that he’s having anxiety attacks whenever confronted by social situations but sometimes it was almost unbelievable [don’t mean to be dumb about said disorder but this book is just…] I also noticed how unfocused the story was compared with Silent.  Connor and his football jock boyfriend, though in love didn’t have that much chemistry and aren’t likable at all. This book totally reminded me of Play Me, I’m Yours by Madison Parker – Connor reminds me of Tate for some reason. Anyhoo, I really cannot fault the writing style of this one but the story development and its character – I didn’t get them at all.

Music is the only form of communication Connor Owens controls. No matter how badly he wishes to fit in, friendly banter and casual conversations have never been his thing. College is yet another social universe he has no clue how to navigate—until he meets Jared, a football player with chestnut eyes and a cocky grin that holds the power to shatter his self-imposed prison. 

Jared’s attention opens Connor up to a new realm of emotional and physical intimacy. But as Connor’s self-confidence grows, so does his fear that everything will fall apart. Because in this socially stratified world, how long can a relationship between an introverted violinist and a closeted football player really last? Via Goodreads

 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Tin Box – Kim Fielding

Posted on November 16, 2014 | Leave a comment

17364998

The Tin Box may have seemed like a really promising novel but it turns out to be a bit underwhelming. William Lyon is working on his dissertation and took a job as a caretaker of an unused old asylum in the small town of Jelly Valley. With the divorce from his wife being finalized, William is still in the process of coming out of the closet and his very repressive past. While checking out the asylum, he discovered a tin box containing letters from a patient whose plight so clearly reflects his own. Then he meets flamboyant and outgoing Colby Anderson who works at the general store and is very openly gay. Through Colby, William learned to let go and decided to live his life the way he wanted to. With their budding friendship turning into romance, William also needs to prove to Colby that he’s ready to take what they have into the next level and make the owner of those letters from the tin box proud.

There was a really good concept here that somehow failed to materialize. Those letters inside the tin box tore me into pieces and they would have been a great starter for the story to follow a different and more involved romance between William and Colby. It’s just too bad that as the story goes on, it went downhill and became a snoozefest. I feel that there should’ve been more to it in connection with the letters. Sadly, that was not realised at all.

 Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published September 20th 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

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: The Island – Lisa Henry

Posted on November 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

This was an all-too depressing book which I find pretty conflicting and complicated. It’s too dark and disturbing for my taste and I somehow find it a bit repetitive. The first half of the book was astonishing to read because of its subtle description that will let the reader imagine the horrific [graphics] stuff that happened with one of the MCs.

When I read “The Darker Side Of Trey Grey by Tara Spears,” I thought it’s way too morbid but it was somehow inspiring at the least. This book though, represents a different kind of sadness, absurdity, and hopelessness that I felt for Lee. It was upsetting and I didn’t like that in this book even if things turned out well in the end.

Shaw is in Fiji to sell a stolen painting to the crime boss, Vornis. It will be the deal of a lifetime, if Shaw can pull it off. But then Vornis has to parade his latest toy around in front of him–a captured DEA agent whose time is running out. It’s none of Shaw’s business, and it doesn’t matter that under any other circumstances Lee would be exactly Shaw’s type: he’s young, he’s hot, and he might even have a personality if they hadn’t beaten it out of him. Too bad there’s no way Lee is getting off the island. Too bad there’s nothing Shaw can do for him. And too bad there are some lines that even Shaw won’t cross.

Keeping his hands off Lee proves harder than he thinks, but Shaw’s not stupid enough to fall for the tortured captive of a dangerous crime boss, is he? If he did, it wouldn’t be just his job he would be risking–it would be his life. via Goodreads

Rating: 2 our of 5 stars

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Book Review: Rack & Ruin [THIRDS Book 3] – Charlie Cochet

Posted on November 15, 2014 | Leave a comment

22714908[Book 3 of the THIRDS series]

Ya’ll know how I loved the first and second book of this series and Rack & Ruin is no exception! In this installment, the gang is trying to draw out the mole inside the THIRDS who has been feeding information to the Ikelos Coalition who took upon themselves to annihilate the members of the Order of Adrasteia with no regards to civilian casualties.

We also see here the development of Sloane Brodie [team leader of Destructive Delta] and Dexter J. Daley’s relationship. Dex is still his doofus-self and still very much adorable whilst Sloane’s – well, surprise! – (I very much liked him in this book) making some effort to deserve Dex’s love. He’s still got some hang-ups though but knowing Dex’s way of getting through this broody Jaguar Therian – he’ll surely relent one way or another.

There’s also a surprising turn of events here regarding two of the couples of DD – the slow buildup of their upcoming stories is very palpable here. I’m not sure which couple I loved more aside from Sloane and Dex. I think I’d go for Hobbs & Calvin. Cale is stubborn like Dex but not as adorable – but still, I’m very much looking forward to reading his and Ash’s story. This is just the gayest series ever yeah? LOL And I just loved it!

Going back to the book, it’s simply the perfect follow up to the first two books. I love the story’s consistency and the secondary characters are just so vibrant. I know that the fourth book in the series is slated for February 2015 release and that is like forever if you ask me but I think those who have not read the series would thoroughly enjoy reading – the first, second and then this third book  – until the next book comes out! Gosh, this wait will be too much for me to be honest. LOL. Go! Start reading the series now!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
Kobo

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Book Review: Love & Loyalty – Tere Michaels

Posted on November 14, 2014 | Leave a comment

17798654[Book 2 of Faith, Love, & Devotion Series]

Much in the same fashion the first book was written, Love & Loyalty tells the story of Detective James “Jim” Shea with his seemingly mundane existence as a forty-plus year old police detective who stumbled upon the young and sexy Hollywood screenwriter Griffin Drake who is after the story of his latest case. This book basically narrates the lives of these men as they navigate their way through love – something that neither has had much success in the past. I don’t want to compare this with the first and the third series detailing the much complicated love and family life of Matt and Evan but I’m looking for that extra spice in the story. To begin with, I didn’t get so much feel on both Jim and Griffin. I didn’t feel any attachment at all. I was actually more connected with them when they both appeared in the third book. Secondly, the conflict was a bit weak rendering the story anticlimactic. I was thinking that perhaps Jim’s predicament is way simpler (less complicated, that is) since he’s basically a proud gay man, rich and was just waiting for the right guy – the other couple didn’t get it that easy I guess. Despite all of these criticism, I still enjoyed reading it, though, not as much as the other books from the series.

 Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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