Book Review: Dreaming In Color – Cameron Dane

Posted on September 10, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I’ve had this book on my to-read-list for like the longest time and I can’t believe that I’ve waited so long to have a go in it. The book was wonderfully written and I’m rather pleased that my preconceived idea about it was proven wrong.

The sight of the red door saves Colin Baxter in his dream, but very quickly a man appears and the dream becomes a thing of raw sexual need with a person Colin can’t identify. He just knows the man needs him, and Colin aches to find and heal his lover…even if the man doesn’t really exist.

Marek Donovan just wants to be left alone to lick his wounds and recover from a terrible loss. The rundown house in Fiji suits his minimal needs just fine. He doesn’t want to face the world again, and on a small, secluded island figures he’s safe from everyone and everything. Particularly guilt from his past.

Dreams of this nameless man and his house plague Colin for two years, but he’s come to care about his phantom lover so deeply he doesn’t want them to end. Then Colin visits Fiji and comes face-to-face with the house from his visions, prompting him to believe these dreams just might be his destiny.

Colin knocks on the door, determined to find answers. What he finds is a man he already knows. via Goodreads

The setting in Fiji was beautifully imagined and it’s such a great but ironic backdrop for the rather painful pasts of Colin and Marek. It’s a novel that feels like it came out of a movie first. The history behind the house, Colin’s dream, Payton’s death and all – it’s such  a perfect script for a movie which somehow rendered the novel a bit cliche but the good kind of cliche.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Special Delivery (Special Delivery #1) – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on September 9, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

After raving so much about “Nowhere Ranch” and “Dance With Me,” I maybe a bit underwhelmed with this book or it’s simply not just me thing. As I’ve mentioned, I’m not exactly big on bdsm-themed story but I’ve no problem with the subject. The threesome just made me a bit uncomfortable that I caught myself skipping a page or two at the latter part of the book. Don’t get me wrong though, the book was written beautifully but aside from the bdsm aspect of it, there’s just too much sex in it. It’s like 80% sex and the story’s fine and all but I wished there was more “meat” into it. It’s almost pornographic but it’s not because there is still a sense of connection there especially with Mitch’s character. Now I’m not sure if reading the succeeding book in the series would be a good idea soon. So there, if you’re not squeamish like me about group sex and some bdsm stuff, dive in and give this book a go.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars 

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Book Review: The Death Cure (The Maze Runner #3) – James Dashner

Posted on September 8, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

In this final book of The Maze Runner Trilogy, a lot of things have been revealed including the horrors of the Flare, the “Underworld /The Walking Dead” vibe is back and the fate of the characters we’ve come to love from the first book. Those who survived the scorch trials were given a choice to get their memory back (now that apparently all the tests have been completed) and discover the truth about themselves and the world as it is now. That includes Thomas who vehemently refused the offer. Eventually learning that he’s really got no choice in the matter, Thomas devices a plan to escape the WICKED facility and travel to the walled city where the virus was “rumored” to be contained. In the hopes of discovering the cure, Thomas and his remaining ally blended in the city which was eventually overrun by the infected ones. This led to a decision where Thomas has to sacrifice for a cure or sacrifice the lives of people he care about or the world entire that is.

With a conclusion as emotionally charged as this, I can’t help but cry after Thomas had to keep his promise with one of his ally. That was beyond heartbreaking and I think is one of the highlights of the book. The survivors of both mazes came full circle when they returned back to the maze (glade). That particular scene was so riveting that it’s almost depressing. I didn’t quite expect the ending to be like that but I find it pleasant and somehow almost too ideal. There was just too many loves loss and if they (WICKED) could actually create / isolate a safe haven to begin with, such casualties should’ve been avoided. I was thinking all throughout the ending, whatever happened to that bitch who keep sending those e-mails? Oh hell, this one’s a pretty good ending, is all I’m saying. One of the best series I’ve read in a while in this genre.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Dance With Me – Heidi Cullinan

Posted on September 8, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this novel. After reading my first book by the author called “Nowhere Ranch” I was convinced that this would be as good as said book.

Ed Maurer’s life would be fine if he could just get Laurie Parker off his back. He’s bounced back, more or less, from the neck injury that permanently benched his semi-pro football career, and he volunteers now at a local community center. It’s just that every time he turns around, that damn professional dancer is in his way, hating Ed right back. But when a bargain Ed strikes at the center lands him as an assistant in Laurie’s ballroom dancing class, their perceptions of each other turn upside down. Both Ed and Laurie have heartbreak in their pasts, but somehow dancing together eases their individual pain. For Ed, dancing with Laurie becomes a way to reconnect with his body after losing football. For Laurie, partnering with Ed has erased some of his fear of performing and brought back joy to a sport he wasn’t sure he could ever truly love again.

As Laurie and Ed lose themselves in dance, their lives continue to spin around them: Ed’s injury makes it clear he’s nowhere near recovery, Laurie feels the pressure by friends and family to perform once more, and the community center that has become such an important part of both their worlds threatens to close. Alone, they haven’t had the strength or spirit to face what life has hurled at them. But as the turns of their personal paths lead them into the arms of love, Ed and Laurie begin to think that if they dance this dance together, they might be able to succeed. via Goodreads

What I really loved about Heidi’s writing style is that she’s never boring. She’s got this ability to write a full chapter with mere narration and no dialogues at all and it’ll be interesting. And being a THE Britney Spears stan myself – this already earn some good points for me. I was so giddy whenever Ed go in the zone with Britney!!!! Too EPIC right? LOL

This is another book I didn’t mind losing some sleeping hours over because it’s really that good. That book has great pacing, great characters and amazing premise! Another “gold” from Miss Heidi Cullinan!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2) – James Dashner

Posted on September 7, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

After escaping from the maze, the test continues for the boys chosen by WICKED in the hopes of finding the “cure.” Thomas along with the rest of the Gladers who survived the escape has no choice but to survive yet another test. Transported in a desert-like hell, the boys had to endure the scorching heat of their new environment and meet another group – this time, they are group of girls who escaped from their own similar maze and were apparently also put to the test and were promised a cure upon completion. Lies, betrayal and some truth were also revealed to Thomas here as his search for Theresa became a catalyst for slowly discovering himself.

I find the whole premise of the book almost too predictable this time. From the accomplices and the betrayals and all, it all feels like playing RPG where the reader becomes the tactician and the outcome is almost resolute because you already have an idea about it.

I also thought that the narrative went too long when the goal was as simple as crossing the desert-like Nowhere Land. The controlled environment reminded me of the “arena” in The Hunger Games. Like seriously, If I were part of WICKED, I will never agree for those kids to undergo such trials because it kinda seem stupid to kill some of them just to see who actually has the survival skills and all regardless if they have the Flare or not.

The book is still a great teaser though for the trilogy’s final book and it actually got me a bit pumped up to know who actually have the cure in the end or if they’ll ever find one to begin with.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Training Season – Leta Blake

Posted on September 7, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I’m not really into BDSM stuff so that chapter in this book made me shudder a bit. And that “enema” scene was downright off for my taste. I also thought that the jump to BDSM was quite off to begin with. The analogy the author was trying to make about it and Matty’s Olympic aspiration was way too trying hard If I may say so.

The first half up to the middle of second half of the novel has a very slow build up and the conclusion didn’t even make up for it. I’m glad though that a character like Matty made it into this genre. I mean there’s also few of them who are that flamboyant and I really want to see more. This is actually my first read with an effeminate and flamboyant gay character and that’s the best part of this novel. Matty’s just fabulous!

It’s just too bad that there was too much going on with the characters and the pacing of the story didn’t help at all. I’m not quite sure if there’ll be a reread for me but I’d definitely consider.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Know Not Why – Hannah Johnson

Posted on September 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

I cannot for the life of me recall a book that feels like it’s written in a foreign language but it’s so damn clear that somehow it make sense (that sentence made sense right? LOL). It’s funny, clever to the nth degree and just oh-so-damn charming! There’s a whole set of vocabulary here and I totally dig every single words in it. Howie’s character reminds me so much of Drew (Tangle – Emma Chase) for his appeal, candor and his dry humor – just perfection. He’s immature and all for a college boy but hey, no complain there for his character.

Although it was maybe a bit too long, the story was able to maintain the great flow of the MC’s quirky narrative. Like seriously, the main character and the secondary ones are just perfect! Every single one of them made an impact so make the story so great. Some people may not appreciate the way the book was written and its feel good, way too ideal ending but I think it’s kind of refreshing. This is definitely a must read for just about everyone. #scawesome

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner #1) – James Dashner

Posted on September 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

I’m one to admit that I’ve read some of the books because of my initial interest for its impending film adaptation. The Maze Runner is one of them. I’m not even aware of James Dashner prior since I’m not really into his genre. I’ve got to admit though, the book’s actually pretty cool!

“If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.”

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers–boys whose memories are also gone.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out–and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. – via Goodreads

I loved the whole premise of the book. The maze was a thrill to imagine and each character are clearly unique from each other. I’m just so in love with Chuck’s character. He’s such a doll and some of his moments are just so very human – perhaps, the most emotional in the book. I also loved how the author keeps it subtle when it comes to revealing something from each character. It’s very hard to predict what’s coming up next.

What I didn’t like about it is the “Underworld” vibe I’ve got at the latter part of the book. The e-mailing thingy was like – seriously?

Overall, the cool factor wins over and there’s definitely more to look forward in this trilogy.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Hold on Tight (Take My Hand #2) – Nicola Haken

Posted on September 5, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

In this second installment of the series, Dexter fell apart yet again pushing everyone away. His addiction took a toll in his relationship with Emily who still supported him regardless – the question is will Dexter still be able to come out of this black hole or will he drag Emily down to its core? This is the continuation of Dexter and Emily’s story from Take My Hand picking up the story after the death of Dexter’s mom and the appearance of his Dad who’s supposed to dead.

This is actually slightly better than the first installment only because it’s meatier and it clearly shows a very realistic portrayal of someone in Dexter’s condition. I find some parts of it a s bit “over the top Days Of Our Lives” dramatic but overall, it explains a lot about Dexter which I appreciated. The latter part became painfully predictable but with all the drama going on, the predictability seems like a smart option for the author. I’m still not sure if I’m gonna hang on with the series… perhaps another time.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Only Love – Garrett Leigh

Posted on September 5, 2014 | Leave a comment
via Goodreads

via Goodreads

This is my first book by Garrett Leigh and I just really find it a  wee-bit depressing – it being written in a melancholic fashion.

The diagnosis of a chronic stomach condition leaves thirty-two-year-old Sergeant Jed Cooper with little choice but to call time on his Army career. Then on the dusty streets of Kirkuk, an ambush gone tragically wrong decimates his team, and he returns to the US with a shattered leg and the memory of his best friend dying in his arms.

Life in his sleepy hometown proves intolerable until he finds solace in a lakeside cabin with vivacious young carpenter, Max O’Dair. In the shadow of the epilepsy that periodically plagues Max, he and Jed form an unspoken bond. After a late night episode, Jed realizes how much Max means to him, and life has taught him not to waste time.

But the lines between contentment and complacency are blurred. Things left hidden resurface to tear through their world, and before they can repair the damage, death comes to call again. Faces, past and present, rally around them to weather the storm, but before long, they are left with only love. via Goodreads

I loved both MC’s and the tenderness of how they have found solace from each other but I can’t seemed to let go of that ill-feeling about their future. The way it was written was like that. The pacing isn’t a problem at all. The flashbacks were properly positioned. I guess what I don’t like about it is the approach of the author on her main characters. Overall, the book is a well written story that I believe still deserves a good read.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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