Book Review: Paid In Full – A “Supernatural” Fanfic by nicb0723

Posted on September 29, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I’ve read this “Supernatural” fanfic just right after reading “How To Repair A Mechanical Heart” and I really, really liked it.What with all the fanfic lessons on “…Mechanical Heart,” I suddenly felt old! Yikes!Anyways, this is about Jensen and Jared so let’s get into it shall we? Paid In Full is your regular M/M romance  boy meets boy with a twist story – totally dancing in the world of clicheclub but it’s a wonderful kind of cliche. It’s very light, uber-adorable – oh that ridiculously cute bromance going on between Jensen and Jared is a total mushload of rainbows and unicorns! If you’re up for something feel good and quick… okay that didn’t sound right…lol. Okay so just give it a try since it’s free Okay??

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Here’s the link to download the story: http://archiveofourown.org/works/232505

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Book Review: Aidan and Ethan (Seeking Redemption #1) – Cameron Dane

Posted on September 28, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I loved Cameron Dane’s Dreaming In Color. It was heartwarming and wonderfully written. This, however kinda disappoint me a little.

Aidan and Ethan are best of friends who took refuge from each other during their high school days. The day of their graduation, they finally got the courage to tell how they really feel for each other. It turns out that they’ve been in loved with each other for a while now. To Ethan’ surprise and great dismay, Aidan left the day after leaving him distraught and heartbroken without getting any kind of explanation from the other man. Thirteen years later, Aiden is back as the new chief of Redemption’s Fire Department where Ethan works as a volunteer. Aidan swore that he will do everything to make up to Ethan and get back to his life no matter what.

As much as I loved Cameron Dane’s writing in Dreaming In Color, I find this book a bit lackluster in delivery. The romance didn’t deliver the spark that I was looking for between Aidan and Ethan. The plot was a bit “flat” to begin with and I feel like there should’ve been more to it but the author just fell short in pushing a stronger conflict. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s still an a-ok book. I’m just having a hard time finding that same charm and appeal I felt from the first book I’ve read from Mr. Dane.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Cross & Crown (Sidewinder #2) – Abigail Roux

Posted on September 27, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I’m first to admit that I’m not Nick O’Flaherty’s biggest fan because I find his character a bit overbearing especially after his overexposure in Ball & Chain (Cut & Run #8). In Shock & Awe, Nick was okay but it was the irresistible and uber-adorable Kelly Abbott that made my heart melt like Hershey’s. The first Sidewinder book didn’t impressed me much but it was enough to tease me more in anticipation to its second installment that is Cross & Crown.

Now having read the whole thing, I was somehow at a loss. I don’t know whether I should hate the book or not. In Cross & Crown, Nick O’Flaherty was assigned to solve a homicide that involves a witness with amnesia and his boyfriend / former recon teammate Kelly Aboot acting as his consultant in the case. Then there’s ex-CIA hitman Julian Cross (Warrior’s Cross and Armed & Dangerous) all leading them to a web of treasure hunting, Irish mob and well, some unnecessary brouhaha.

The Irish mob connection  with Nick feels a bit forced and almost unlikely with Nick’s rep from the Cut & Run series. It’s just a bit off, good thing he’s actually Irish.

The movie National Treasure was mediocre at best and this books feels like the movie adapted into a book. I really feel bad saying this. I wished I’ve the same love for Nick and Kelly similar to Ty and Zane but of course Ty and Zane are like in a totally different league. (Oh can I just say that Nick’s totally overreacting on Ty, what a drama queen!) I know that this is Nick and Kelly’s adventure but right in this book, Nick was just beyond oversell.

Now, a bit of a good stuff here is we get a glimpse of Tyler and Zane! Yay! We also have Julian of course who is now married to Cameron! These characters actually made the book attractive because seriously, it’s overload with information – fictional or not.

I’d still recommend for people to read it especially my fellow Cut & Run series disciple. This is after all the Sidewinder team – the team of our very own “doll”

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Nothingness Of Ben – Brad Boney

Posted on September 26, 2014 | 1 comment

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After reading “The Return” a month ago (whose review I’ve lost in a file – to follow,) it became one of my favorite rereads ever since. Brad Boney has written that magical book that made me appreciate the m/m genre even more. The Return was released in 2013, and just a few days ago, I was e-book shopping, and I was able to secure a copy of The Nothingness Of Ben, which precedes The Return, so you can consider it a companion book. The Nothingness Of Ben was released in 2012, and I’m just glad that I thought of Brad Boney while reading some reviews before deciding which titles to acquire.

Now I’m officially a big Brad Boney fan. Like seriously, this author knows how to write some story. He’s simply incredible! His writing is genius! He’s very relevant, has a way of making his characters charming despite showing some pigheadedness (ahem! Excuse me thankyouverymuch) at some point. And fictional or not, regarding everything about it, he sure made me want to visit Austin someday!!!

What a beautiful tale of finding love at the most unexpected places and getting that unconditional love. Ben, Travis, Quentin, Jayson and Caden are LOVE. If The Return took me back through memory lane and gave e that pleasant nostalgia, The Nothingness Of Ben made my heart warm and fuzzy. This is a book well-deserved for its good reviews and high ratings. Thank you, Brad Boney!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Brad Boney lives in Austin, Texas, the 7th gayest city in America. He grew up in the Midwest and went to school at NYU. He lived in Washington, DC and Houston before settling in Austin. He blames his background in the theater for his writing style, which he calls “dialogue and stage directions.” His first book was named a Lambda Literary Award finalist. He believes the greatest romantic comedy of all time is ’50 First Dates’. His favorite gay film of the last ten years is ‘Strapped’. And he has never met a boy band he didn’t like.

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Book Review: Duty & Devotion (Faith, Love, & Devotion #3) – Tere Michaels

Posted on September 25, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I was fairly surprised to learn that there was a continuation to Evan and Matt’s journey. I just assumed everything from the first book’s conclusion. What’s even more surprising is the fact that I actually missed this family and was glad that in the same way “Faith & Fidelity” was written, Tere Michaels managed to reconnect me once again with the story. Tere Michaels does have a beautiful way with her words. There was so much goodness in the writing that it simply flows with each chapter. Each scene depicted realistic family drama and the relationship between the two men who are still in the process of accepting who they are and what they really wanted.

This is yet again a pleasant and relaxing read for all of those who enjoyed the first book from this series. I’d surely check out the next installment and list it on my next e-book to-buy list.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Try (Temptation #1) – Ella Frank

Posted on September 24, 2014 | 1 comment
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This is my very first book by Ella Frank and I didn’t find it that much exciting at first but it’s sure hot as hell. I mean, it’s like a walking porn book! Haha

Logan is a bisexual playboy lawyer-cum-sex on legs who’s used to getting anything he wanter and we have Tate, a “straight” bartender who caught Logan’s attention and desire the very first time they laid eyes on each other. With sexual tensions and all looming in the air, Logan geared up for the hunt and Tate was left succumbing to the other man’s charm.  But remember, Tate’s straight right? Right?

I honestly find it too lengthy and with that thought, I was a bit disappointed with the conclusion. I know that it’s going to be a series but I was under the impression that it’d be for “perhaps” secondary characters with the book which sorely, no one interesting enough materialized.

The book was well-written and like what I’ve said, it’s hella hot! If you’re up for some steamy hunky sex then this is the right fix for you.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Shades Of Gray – Brooke McKinley

Posted on September 23, 2014 | Leave a comment
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 I actually half-expected this to be as good as its review rating so I was sorely disappointed that it didn’t quite meet my expectations.

Miller Sutton, a by-the-book FBI agent, is starting to see some troubling shades of gray in his black-and-white world. He comes face-to-face with his doubts in the person of Danny Butler, a mid-level drug runner Miller hopes to use to catch a much larger fish: Roberto Hinestroza, a drug lord Miller has pursued for years. Danny has no interest in being a witness against his boss, both out of a sense of twisted loyalty and because he knows double-crossing Hinestroza is a sure death sentence. But he reluctantly agrees to cooperate, and as he suspects, it doesn’t take long for Hinestroza to figure out the betrayal. Miller is surprised to discover Danny’s not the career-criminal lowlife he expected; at the same time, Danny finds himself helplessly attracted to Miller’s innate goodness. They barely begin to explore the sparking attraction between them when Hinestroza’s hitman tracks them down, and then they’re on the run, both for their lives and for any kind of love. Via Goodreads

I guess my main concern about the book is how the author dragged the latter part of the story that ultimately resulted to a weak ending rendering its conflict forced and almost unnecessary. I wished I could’ve given this a higher rating but it just didn’t work for me. Danny Butler would’ve been an amazing character if not for the story’s weak storyline.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Obsidian (Lux #1) – Jennifer L. Armentrout

Posted on September 22, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Bunch of beautiful aliens and Bella Swan-like female mc and you’ll get Obsidian. I think by now I’m over female mc’s who are almost always ogling their male counterpart who all seemed to look like male supermodels from Brazil. Like seriously?

This is my very first book by Jennifer L. Armentrout and I really am disappointed with it having all the cliché of a young adult pseudo-non human romantic story (perhaps in honor of Twilight, Hush Hush and the likes?)

I didn’t exactly hate it since I find the whole X Files / Roswell vibe in it interesting but for the love of E.T., I feel like taking a stroll in clicheville trying my darnest to make it through the far end of it.

To keep this short, if you’re some spare time during commercial breaks of your favorite TV series, perhaps you can try scanning this one. So there, consider yourself warned!

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Into Deep Waters – Kaje Harper

Posted on September 21, 2014 | Leave a comment
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Into Deep Waters is a story between two men whose love has endured the test of time. They were young, gay, in love and in the midst of war. This Kaje Harper penned novel is sweet, beautiful and almost melancholic as its relives a part of that ugly World War Two era while narrating the love that ensues between the gorgeous California babe Daniel Acardi and the sweet, scrawny and sensitive Jersey boy Jacob Segal.

What readers like myself would enjoy about this book is the great pacing of the story. Harper quickly and smoothly transitioned from one chapter of this two men’s journey to another spanning over six decades. Most conflicts were played down which I deemed very pleasant as the story centers mostly on the beauty of their enduring love.

If you’re up for a quick and feel good reading, you can download this free ebook on this LINK via Goodreads. Enjoy you guys!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Where You Are – J.H. Trumble

Posted on September 21, 2014 | Leave a comment
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I’ve read this book right after finishing “Don’t Let Me Go” by the same author. Luke a secondary character from “Don’t Let Me Go” was also present here. (I actually lost my copy of Luke’s story  – Just Between Us but I ought to buy it one of these days) This for me is way better than Ms. Trumble’s debut novel because it’s more controversial, it’s rich and feels more utterly authentic.

I for one believe that student-teacher relationship should and must remain strictly professional regardless of any nature. Andrew should’ve been more responsible being the adult in the relationship. I don’t however in anyway disregard the fact that they truly loved each other. I was like, can this shit wait for just four more months? But ofcourse, it’s a book so where’s the fun in that right? The school environment in this book also made me think how different the scenario is from the public school I came from with regards to student-teacher relationship ( (at least from my high school) where it’s almost too personal (which I really didn’t like at all. LOL) US schools are too structural for my taste and this book just enhanced that belief for me. I’m not saying that is bad but I’m sure glad that it’s so unlike my high school.

Overall, Where You Are scrutinized a controversial issue that will leave its readers with polarizing views but with a consensus that it is a truthful, well written book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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