Book Review: Darkest Hour Before Dawn (THIRDS, #9) – Charlie Cochet

Published April 25, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBTQ, Romance, Shifters, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Length: 224 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN/ASIN: B06VVGRHCX
Characters: Sebastian Hobbs, Hudson Colbourn

THIRDS Team Leader Sebastian Hobbs and Chief Medical Examiner Hudson Colbourn are as much in love now as they were nearly seven years ago when a tragic event on the job destroyed their relationship. The two drift together only to be pulled apart time and time again. When Hudson draws the interest of dangerous enemies, both within and outside the organization, Seb wants nothing more than to protect the man who still means everything to him.

As life and death events, an uncertain future, and startling truths draw Hudson and Seb to each other yet again, they must make a choice: trust their love and take strength from what they share, or lose what matters most for good this time.

This is another of my backlogged reviews from the THIRDS series so here is it.

I am very surprised with this one. I wasn’t a big fan of the Hobbs siblings except for Ethan from the very start so I didn’t really expect to enjoy this one as much as I did. I thought Seb was an a-grade a-hole for doing what he did to Hudson but I guess, time really heals all wounds, including a wounded heart.

I loved that we get to see more of Seb’s vulnarability here and why he decided to stay away from Hudson and why Rafe is such an ass to Hudson. Seriously though, I’m still not a fan of the guy. I’m talking about Rafe.

Going back to Hudson and Seb. I loved that there were no unnecessary dramas to their story. It was very straight to the point and who would’ve thought that they will finally do it? I mean, THAT totally surprised me!

And the big reveal at the end was oh-so-satisfying although I’ve already guessed it from the start, it was still very clever!

This is once again, a very enjoyable THIRDS installment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr: http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

The X Factor UK 2017 – Week 7 Recap – Groups’ Six Chair Challenge

Simon is mentoring the Groups category this year and they are probably the strongest category in the competition. Do we have a winner in this batch?

One of the hippest group this year are The Cutkelvins siblings! They’re not the best singer in the competition but they are very, very current and they’re all so fucking beautiful!

Jack & Joel got me feeling all so nervous for them! I loved these guys and really glad they did a cover of Bang, Bang which is absolutely much better than their first song!

Rak-Su are an awesome group vocally but I seriously don’t see them getting a chance to advance into the live show.

Lemonade are amazing as a group but really, someone needs to be their leader… plus, they’re not memorable at all.

New Girl Band – Ekkk…not sure if there’ll be another Little Mix or Fifth Harmony because I just don’t get them because I thought they’re just too much alike and they are like in the group LOL. Apparently, Simon really loves them. And may I add how I loved Jack & Joel’s reaction towards them while they were performing! LOL

Sean & Connor Price – they’re still the frontrunner for me in this category. Again, they’re not the best singer but I can already see them doing concerts! They’re just very charismatic!

Overall, the top 6 are a great choice! The top 3 I will put into the live shows are The Cutkelvins, Sean & Connor Price and Jack & Joel.

 

Vote for WinWyn Marquez in Reina Hispanoamericana 2017!

Make up by the one and only @fannytfserrano  : Fanny Serrano “Cinematique Touch” :Lawrence Leuterio : Rosvic Castro

The international pageant season has begun and to start off my pageant-related posts, I’d like to ask you guys to support Teresita Ssen Winwyn Marquez – our first ever representative to the very competitive Reina Hispanoamericana which will be held in Bolivia on November 4!

All you need to do is go to the official Facebook Page of Reina Hispoanoamericana – simply click the name of the pageant or the image below.

 

Just click her picture. 1 LIKE is equals to 1 vote while a SHARE is for 3 big points! Also, don’t forget to LIKE the page for your votes to be counted!

The Reina with the highest votes will automatically advance to the semifinals! So ano pang hinihintay niyo? Boto na!

Book Review: Thick & Thin (THIRDS ,#8) – Charlie Cochet

Published February 1, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBTQ, Romance, Shifters, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Length: 95 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781635333893
Characters: Dexter J. Daley, Sloane Broady

This is one of my backlogged reviews, err, I keep on meaning to write one but keeps on forgetting it. This one is going to be quick though.

This is a rather sweet and emotional follow up after the events in Smoke & Mirrors. Dex is now engaged with Sloane, he died and was resurrected as half Therian and they know that sooner or later, they would have to come clean with their team.

I loved how Charlie drag their “coming out” to the team like this because it means that we get to see more of Dex and Sloane and the Destructive Delta team.

Here, you get to see how tight they are as a team – as a family. That scene with Ash was a bit uncomfortable but perhaps, if I were him, I’d feel the same way about my best friend.

There are pivotal moments involving the team and what they are about to embark on in the future but mainly, it is more about their acceptance to the changes not only with Dex but the dynamics of their group.

A really good read for the fans of the series! I totally approved!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0711MPWGT/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0711MPWGT&linkCode=as2&tag=paddylastinc-20&linkId=3a7ba1da88cb4e372c69a1ae55c4514a

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr: http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

Album Review: Fifth Harmony by Fifth Harmony

Album: Fifth Harmony
Artist: Fifth Harmony
Release Date: August 25, 2017
Genre: Pop, R&B
Label: Epic, Syco

I’ve never written an album review before but I thought Fifth Harmony’s new album is a fantastic choice for my first one!

‘Fifth Harmony’ is the first studio album of the group after the departure of Camilla Cabello in 2016 and the end-result was nothing short of amazing!

With that being said, let’s start with the album’s first promotional single, ‘Angel.’

This song is a good choice to promote their upcoming release. It has very strong lyrics on breaking women’s stereotyping by chauvinistic men. Vocals are great and each girl is easily distinguishable.

Down featuring Gucci Mane.

This was the first official single off the album. I absolutely loved the melody and its beats. It’s very danceable and again, each girls shines through.

Make You Mad

When I first listened to the album, this song really stood out for me. I thought it has the coolest beats and definitely the most sexual!

He Like That

Now this one is definitely my favorite in the album now. The bass and the beats are just so addictive. It also exhibited the vocal prowess of each girl.

Deliver

Like its music video, this song has a retro vibe. Another empowering song that could’ve been a Beyonce song.

Lonely Night

I find this a bit retro-ish as well or perhaps, retro isn’t the right term since it reminded me of the 90’s song – like a TLC song. I particularly like tha La-la-la- Lonely Night part of it. So catchy!

Don’t Say You Love Me

Now, this should be release as a single because this is a love anthem! This is like the StickWitU, Officially Missing You, and We Belong Together song of the album  that if you were to play it in a concert, every single soul attending it will know every words!

Messy

I’m no expert obviously but I thought this is one of the most vocally challenging songs in the album and I just loved the progression of the beats from start until its abrupt end.

Sauced Up

This is still a good song but probably my least favorite in the album. It feels like a filler in the album more than anything else.

Bridges

Now this one is a really powerful song! This is obviously a response to the douche Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall along the Mexico and US border. I love its message and the vocal harmony of the girls here is just ridiculous.

With this album, it is safe to say that Fifth Harmony has arrived!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

Book Review: Loving Noah – Kenna Knight

Published September 24, 2017
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Young Adult, LGBT
Length: 248 pages, ebook
Publisher: Prim Heart Press
ASIN: B075X1MSBT
Characters: Noah, Liam

A friend saw this first on Amazon and shared the blurb with me which absolutely piqued my curiosity.

BLURB:
Liam

Noah and I became best friends in kindergarten, and I’ve loved him ever since. When his parents sent him away in our junior year of high school, they didn’t even let us say goodbye. It tore my heart to shreds. Years later, I still drink myself to sleep on the anniversary of his departure.

Until now.

I met someone online, and although he is guarded and mysterious, he makes me feel again. He is the first person since Noah that I can imagine a future with.

Noah

Growing up, Liam was the only bright spot in my life. If it weren’t for his friendship and protection, I wouldn’t be here today. He couldn’t be with me all the time, though, and one afternoon during our junior year of high school, a group of bullies decided I needed to be taught a lesson in the form of fists to my face and hurtful words spray painted on my car.

My dad refused to accept that I was gay. Without a goodbye to my friends, he sent me to live with an aunt I never knew. I never contacted Liam after that. It was too humiliating.

Now, after all these years, I may have found him, and we are meeting in person. But he doesn’t know me anymore.

Will he love me when he sees what I have become?

It’s interesting and it sounds like a really cute read. I must say that I loved both protagonists. They are very well-developed and I loved that their backstory didn’t drag the overall story.

The premise of their reunion was a bit of a ‘Stranger Danger’ situation. I mean, since they’ve been chatting for almost a year now so it’s easy for them to plan to meet up but i still find it a bit dubious especially since Liam have not seen any pictures of Noah aka Ben prior to meeting him. It’s just a bit creepy for me.

The other characters especially their friends are equally awesome as well. I thought they’re too ‘developed’ which I appreciate but it’s as if we have a couple of couples (harhar) in the story. It’s all good though.

I guess my only issue about it is the timeline – I don’t know if it’s just whirlwind in a way but I thought with Noah’s condition, they would need to take it one step at a time. The latter part was a bit rushed for me but again – all good.

Overall, it’s a really good read – very quick with very likable characters!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kenna Knight was born and raised in the Midwest and now lives in sunny California with her children and her fur babies. Kenna is a laugh out loud extroverted introvert who has a voracious appetite for reading all types of romance stories.
A former health care professional turned romance author Kenna thrives on working full-time from home where she can keep an eye on her kids. Kenna has been writing contemporary romance for five years under other pen names but only recently read her first m/m romance novel. She liked it so much she decided to try writing the genre herself and found that she loved it.
Kenna enjoys writing emotional stories with a touch of heartache, a pinch of disappointment, a smidgen of healing and a king-sized helping of happily ever after.

Book Review: Struck By Lightning: The Carson Phillips Journal – Chris Colfer

Carson Phillips’ mission in life is to graduate, get the hell out of his small town, and attend Northwestern. He is willing to do everything, including blackmailing his high school ‘peers’—or rather, the people at his school—to achieve these goals.

The writing style of Chris Colfer in this piece is incredibly humorous, boldly sarcastic, and brimming with emotion! The protagonist bears some resemblance to his character in Glee. Essentially, Carson resembles Kurt, with Journalism taking the place of fashion and singing.

What particularly caught my attention about this book is Carson’s pervasive negativity. His superiority complex can be quite unsettling at times. Although I understand that his air of superiority towards nearly everyone is merely a facade to conceal his insecurities, I thought it as somewhat overbearing. Fortunately, the shortcomings of the other characters are more pronounced which make Carson more likable in a away.

What I really love about it though was his bond with his grandmother and his sidekick/assistant/bff Malerie. This dynamic reveals a softer aspect of him—the genuine Carson, devoid of his habitual cynicism towards everything.

I could certainly identify with him to some extent, recalling my own experience as a teenager striving to please while serving as president of our high school student body. I believe if I had come across this book during my teenage years, it would have resonated deeply with me. However, now that I’m no longer a teenager, I found it challenging to connect with Carson and his struggles.

The conclusion didn’t quite satisfy me, though. While his realization offered some redemption, I felt he deserved a respite after enduring so much hardship. Alas, the book wanted to make a bold statement, which I respected. Despite this, I still found it enjoyable and had many laughs, making it a book I’d happily recommend as a great read for young adults.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Published on November 5, 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

About the Author
Chris Colfer is an Emmy-nominated and Golden Globe-winning actor best-known for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the FOX television series “Glee”.

He is also a New York Times bestselling author whose books include the first three novels in the “Land of Stories” series (“The Wishing Spell”, “The Enchantress Returns” and “A Grimm Warning”) as well as “Struck By Lightning: The Carson Philips Journal” which is a novelization based on the script he wrote for the film “Struck By Lighting” (Colfer also co-produced and starred in that movie)

Cover Thursday – Julia Michael’s Issues by Anthony Russell

Issues is one of my favorite songs this year and I’ve seen tons of covers but Anthony’s version just moved me more than anyone on YouTube! The uniqueness and depth of his rendition is just real heart-tugging.

Oh, Anthony also applied in this year’s British X Factor where he was hailed as one of the front-runners until he was unceremoniously kicked out of the competition. Read my X Factor UK posts to know more…

So here’s the complete version of the song and his X Factor audition singing the same song.

Do you like his version of the song?

 

Book Review: Roses in the Devil’s Garden (Fallen Rose, #1) – Charlie Cochet

Published May 15, 2012
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT, Historical Romance
Length: 64 pages, ebook
Characters: Harlan Mackay, Nathan Reilly

Official Description: In a city overrun by lawlessness and corruption, best friends and lovers- Prohibition Agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly, are fighting a losing battle. With bootleggers running amuck and countless speakeasies materializing every day, how can two men possibly hope to make a difference? Especially when they can’t even trust their own bureau? If dealing with hoodlums wasn’t enough, a ghost from Nathan’s past threatens to destroy everything Harlan and Nathan hold dear.

Original Prompt: Dear Author, Please tell me why this man is armed and dangerous and who it is he belongs to. I really would like to know if he is defending his beloved or about to shoot him for cheating. Photo Description: A rugged, muscular man provocatively holds one arm up beside his head as he looks down at you. His other arm is across his chest, and in his hand is a gun. The words I am my beloved’s are tattooed across his forearm. He looks sexy and dangerous. Download the story, read it online or find it in Love Is Always Write: Volume 8.

This is a free e-book from the eight volume of Goodreads’ Love Is Always Write. It’s a historical romance from the author with Prohibition agents Harlan Mackay and Nathan Reilly trying to make a difference amidst the corruption in their own bureau and a past that’s trying to get between their relationship.

I thought both protagonist are pretty likable, especially Harlan. The story is more about Nathan and Harlan love’s story more than anything else. The dual point of view gives us something to attached ourselves with both MCs. Danny’s appearance was expected from the blurb but I didn’t like him one bit, if I’m being honest. That ‘moment’ in the story didn’t sit well with me because Nathan has got all the time to say no in the first place and Danny was aware of his relationship with Harlan to begin with so I really don’t understand that part.

Overall, it was a good read – not my favorite from Charlie but satisfying nonetheless.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr:http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com”

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com

Book Review: The Impetuous Afflictions of Jonathan Wolfe (The Auspicious Troubles of Love #2) – Charlie Cochet

Published November 8th 2013
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT, Historical Romance
Length: 204 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781627982979
Characters: Henry Young. Jonathan “Johnnie” Wolfe

Blurb: Eight years after leaving the deserts of Africa and the French Foreign Legion behind, Jonathan Wolfe has settled into life at Hawthorne Manor in the English countryside. Johnnie helps his adopted family run the manor and provide a safe, loving home for a new generation of “brats”: boys mistreated and discarded for their homosexuality—something all too familiar to Johnnie. Although no longer an unruly youngster, Johnnie is as stubborn, foul-mouthed, and troublesome as ever. His recent rash behavior becomes a concern for those closest to him, especially Dr. Henry Young, the only man ever to capture Johnnie’s heart. Instead of soothing him, their closeness brings Johnnie’s insecurities from an unsettling past to the surface, and leads to an explosive situation that threatens to tear them apart. Then Henry’s past catches up to them….

This review is going to be real quick. First let me tell you the one thing I didn’t like about this story – it’s the hot tempered Johnnie who’s now several years older but still none the wiser. His constant misdemeanor towards Henry and the rest of the people in the manor just rubs me up the wrong way especially when they keep on forgiving him without actually letting him learn a lesson or two. I understand that what he’s been through during his youth was traumatic, I get that he’s insecure and all but didn’t all the boys in the manor went through the same thing one way or another? I don’t know, it’s just so annoying. Aside from this, the book is still semi-gold for me.

I loved that we see Chance and Jacky again with Bobby and Alexander and the “brats.” I just absolutely adore the scenes with them especially with little Elliot. What a sweetheart! They’re the one thing that got me going with the story. Truth be told, I wasn’t even paying attention to Henry and Johnnie’s love story. It was almost secondary. It’s as if the story revolves around the household of Chance and Jacky. It’s a beautiful story nonetheless so if you’ve read the first book, make sure to read this follow up!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Charlie Cochet is an author by day and artist by night. Always quick to succumb to the whispers of her wayward muse, no star is out of reach when following her passion. From adventurous agents and sexy shifters, to society gentlemen and hardboiled detectives, there’s bound to be plenty of mischief for her heroes to find themselves in, and plenty of romance, too!

Currently residing in Central Florida, Charlie is at the beck and call of a rascally Doxiepoo bent on world domination. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading, drawing, or watching movies. She runs on coffee, thrives on music, and loves to hear from readers.

Website: http://www.charliecochet.com
THIRDS HQ: http://www.thirdshq.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/charliecochet
Facebook Author Page: http://www.twitter.com/charliecochet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/charliecochet/
tumblr:http://www.charliecochet.tumblr.com”

Email: charlie@charliecochet.com