Book Review: Candy Man (Candy Man, #1) – Amy Lane

Posted on April 16, 2016 | Leave a comment

Candy ManPublished December 03, 2014
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, New Adult, Rom-Com
Length: 136 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781632166791
Characters: Adam Macias, Finn Stewart

Adam Macias is a military vet hurt by circumstances and is losing hope when he showed up in Candy Heaven. There he meets Finn Stewart – the ever so radiant “kid” who seemed to carry all the love in the world. As Adam played the cat and mouse game with Finn, he learned that some wounds can simply be cured by love – something that Finn is so willing to give and share with him.

So, I’ve finally decided to write a review for this book after several rereads since my first one earlier in 2015. I honestly don’t know why I was initially having a hard time coming up with words to describe how I feel when it’s actually one of my favourite books from Amy Lane and also one of my favourites from the LGBT genre.

In Candy Man, each personality is colourful and vibrant that you’d end up rooting for them and want them to just be happy forever and not have any evil villains hurt them in any way!

You know that feeling when you get so invested with your characters? I was that invested with Adam and Finn.

It’s just so damn easy to fall for Adam and Finn separately, and together, they’re just a totally great and an absolutely swoon-worthy couple. And I’m not even talking about their looks, mind you. Adam and Finn is a couple that has a very symbiotic relationship with an awe-inspiring-almost-magical love story. Perhaps, it’s the story in general or the concept of Candy Heaven with the owner Darrin in it being able to glimpse into the future but beyond this premise, I feel like there’s a Finn and and Adam in every one of us that readers alike could easily relate to. I know I did because this is numero uno on my top reread list and whenever I feel like heading on a book slump, I simply pick this one out on my reader and the good vibes will keep pouring in and my energy to pick out something new is renewed. Haha! I know, it’s weird but great books does that to me.

Interestingly, this was my first full-on novel from Amy Lane and I’ve been a fan ever since. I just cannot recommend Candy Man highly enough! Trust me on this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Amy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at http://www.greenshill.com or http://www.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.

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Book Review: Out Of Frame (In Focus, #3) – Megan Erickson

Posted on March 26, 2016 | Leave a comment

Out Of FramePublished March 15, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, New Adult
Length: 202 pages, ebook
Publisher: InterMix
Ebook ASIN: B016JPTQ8G
Characters: Quinn Mathers, J.R. Butler

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this story since I haven’t read a solo book from Megan Erickson. I’ve read Strong Signal which I absolutely loved but Ms. Erickson wrote it along with Santino Hassell (that was my first book from both of them) so I’m going with this one solely through friends’ recommendations and I absolutely enjoyed it!

The story isn’t extraordinarily new – just a cruise ship adventure on a spring break or maybe not so much. It was the first time for the awkward ginger, Quinn Mathers to do something unexpected and he’s doing it with his best friend Jess on a cruise ship. It’s not just any cruise though, since on board are the members of a reality show, Trip League. Enter J.R. Butler, the resident bad boy of the show whom Quinn has been lusting for like forever unbeknownst to his best friend.

J.R. felt instant attraction from the very first time he saw Quinn but due to his contract requiring him to play it straight, there’s no way for him to do something about said attraction. With his career on the line, is he willing to risk everything for the redhead who made him feel that life could still go on even after he comes out?

I absolutely adore Quinn and his geeky side! Actually, he’s not much of a geek looking back. He’s just too sheltered being an only child with uber-protective parents. He’s just so freaking endearing especially with his sea bands! I loved that his character got some fire despite appearing uptight at first.

J.R. is someone whom I’d give my best power-hug ever! Although he reminds me a bit of those crazy punks from Jersey Shore, I find his character mesmerizing. And when he mentioned Idris Elba. Yes. OMFG. I mean, you’ve seen Idris Elba shirtless right? LOL. Imagine 20 years younger Idris with his hotness level until now and you’ve got Jay! I know! Swoonfest!!!

I also want to say how much I appreciate that Jay’s character is black. I don’t often see black MCs’ in this genre. There’s just so few of them that I could easily count the ones that I’ve read over the years. I feel like they are under-represented.

I initially thought that there will be too much drama in it given the reality TV show premise so I’m glad that the whole thing was very much subdued. I loved that the author didn’t see it fit to make the whole thing excessively complicated for the main characters. It went far too easy at the end but I thought it’s a more than deserved ending for both guys.

I think I missed to mention from the start that this was the first book I’ve read out of the series and I’d say that I didn’t miss much since it’s very much a stand-alone story. Now, I know that I need to pick up the first and second book pronto!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Megan worked as a journalist covering real-life dramas before she decided she liked writing her own endings better and switched to fiction.

She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and two cats. When she’s not tapping away on her laptop, she’s probably listening to the characters in her head who won’t stop talking.

For more, visit meganerickson.org

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Book Review: Between Ghosts – Garrett Leigh

Posted on March 25, 2016 | Leave a comment

Between GhostsPublished March 14, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT Romance, War
Length: 226 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Ebook ISBN: 9781626493513
Cover Artist: Garrett Leigh
Characters: Connor Regan, Nat Thompson

Connor Regan is a journalist who found himself embedded in the war-torn Iraq trying to find closure after his brother’s death three years before. There he meets, Nat Thompson, a veteran SAS soldier who claims to not feel anything anymore until he and Connor started falling for each other.

I thought the whole premise of the story was interesting. At first glance, it was already predictable and when it really did go with the route that I was expecting it to go, I found myself yearning for more. I mean, I love a “good” predictable story and this is one of them, but I also want something that will, perhaps shock me or wow me – just one thing that will make it different from any other stories.

Also, there’s not much to go on with Nat’s character. We only know about how he loves his bestfriend ‘Pogo’ and how he’s been in the military for more than a decade but aside from these information, there’s not much of a backstory. There’s that little tidbits about his childhood but we didn’t really get a feel of the more “civilian” side of him. Although if you look at it in some way, it may not really be that relevant but I figured that since we know so much about Connor throughout the course of the story, why not explore Nat in the process right?

More than the romance, we see here a stark portrayal of the effects of war from both sides of the spectrum. Regardless of which side, war is never good but that’s reality for you.

Garrett Leigh’s Between Ghosts is a very much enjoyable read in a sense that it does not require too much thinking. The whole plot is just there, it was very structure, very predictable but enjoyable nonetheless.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Garrett Leigh is a British writer and book designer, currently working for Dreamspinner Press, Loose Id, Riptide Publishing, and Fox Love Press. Her protagonists will always always be tortured, crippled, broken, and deeply flawed. Throw in a tale of enduring true love, some stubbly facial hair, and a bunch of tattoos, and you’ve got yourself a Garrett special.

When not writing, Garrett can generally be found procrastinating on Twitter, cooking up a storm, or sitting on her behind doing as little as possible. That, and dreaming up new ways to torture her characters. Garrett believes in happy endings; she just likes to make her boys work for it.

Garrett also works as a freelance cover artist for various publishing houses and independent authors at blackjazzdesign.com

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Watch Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Episode 1 Online!

Posted on March 23, 2016 | Leave a comment

Asia's Next Top ModelIf you’ve missed the first episode of  the current cycle of Asia’s Next Top Model that aired on StarWorld a couple of weeks ago, don’t fret because it is now available online through their official Youtube channel!!! I know, exciting right? I also expect the upload of the succeeding episodes, naturally. Although it is two episodes delay just like in the previous cycles, I thought it’s a pretty good deal already for those of us who does not have access or doesn’t have the time to watch real-time episode airing.

 

Click to watch. Subscribe. Share and Enjoy!

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Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 4 Episode 3 Makeovers – The Girl Who Got Cut [Recap]

Posted on March 23, 2016 | 1 comment
Sang-In delivering some Korean fierceness!

Sang-In delivering some Korean fierceness!

Lourd Ramos is back ya’ll for the dreaded makeover episode! The TRESemmé top stylist will be spearheading yet again the girls’ new look in the hopes of becoming Asia’s Next Top Model!

The makeover scene as usual is nothing short of a drama-fest with girl crying over their precious hair. Let the pictures speak for themselves yeah?

The photoshoot is for the girls’ comp card (composite card) and a lot of girls are stepping up their game if I may just say! Angie and Sang-In are probably my favorite during the shoot! They’re totally giving it all! Sang In just look flawless, tbh! Julian was a-ok as well as Aldilla but I thought the shots just look meh – I hope the final photos are good tho. Wow at Gwen’s photo! Her makeover just worked for her if I may say so. Alaiza look bored af but and those eyebrows just won’t quit! The good thing about this photoshoot is that the girl were allowed to pick two of what they thought is their best photos to be included in their comp card. Speaking of digging their own graves. LOL One of the remaining girls I didn’t mention are home-bound I guess…

And wouldn’t you know it, my homegirls and my favorite Mai Ngo found themselves at the bottom this week! OMFG!!!!!! I think the spoilers I’ve read from before are correct. This is like the *shittiest* moment of the cycle!

Call Out Order
Sang In – Total score: 40.0
Tuti – Total score: 37.0
Aldilla – Total score: 36.5
Angie – Total score: 32.7
Jessica – Total score: 30.1
Tawan – Total score: 28.5
Patricia – Total score: 27.0
May – Total score: 25.5
Julian – Total score: 25.0
Alaiza – Total score: 23.5
Gwen – Total score: 22
Mai Ngo – Total score: 18

images courtesy of Asia’s Next Top Model

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Book Review: Simple Things – Kade Boehme

Posted on March 23, 2016 | Leave a comment

Simple ThingsDate of Publication: March 14, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: New Adult LGBT Romance
Length: 108 pages, ebook
Publisher: Kade Boehme
Ebook ISBN: 9781530393770
Cover Artist: J.K. Hogan
Characters: Jeremy Burke, Carter Darling

It’s been forever since I’ve read anything from Kade Boehme and Simple Things just reminded me how much I enjoyed his books in the past. So many books and too little time to read but I’m sure glad that I found Kade’s new book!

Simple Things is about two people who used to be friends, had some falling out, reunited some years later, and finally realized that they were actually meant for each other. How can you go wrong with a storyline like this? The great thing though is how Kade so beautifully rendered the story in such a way that it’ll just tickle you to the bones and make you feel all sappy inside.

The depiction of the main characters Carter Darling, a politician son and Jeremy Burke – a musician with a bit of a baggage is quite refreshing in a way that the story didn’t focus much with their profession. It is more attuned to their feelings – that blossoming romance was so palpable that it’s hard not to root for the success of it.

This one’s another hit for Kade. A low-angst, feel-good read that everybody should be able to enjoy.

I highly recommend this one if you’re looking for something light to read especially when you’re relaxing at the beach and enjoying the summer sun!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Kade Boehme is a southern boy without the charm, but all the sass. Currently residing in New York City, he lives off of ramen noodles and too much booze. He is the epitomy of dorkdom, only watching TV when Rachel Maddow or one of his sports teams is on. Most of his free time is spent dancing, arguing politics or with his nose in a book. He is also a hardcore Britney Spears fangirl and has an addiction to glitter.

It was after writing a short story about boys who loved each other for a less than reputable adult website that he found his true calling, and hopefully a bit more class. He hopes to write about all the romance that he personally finds himself allergic to but that others can fall in love with. He maintains that life is real and the stories should be, as well.

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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and its Crushing Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Posted on March 23, 2016 | 1 comment

BvSThings aren’t looking good for the Ben Affleck – Henry Cavill superhero flick Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice – at least review-wise based on Rotten Tomatoes’ top critics giving Zack Snyder’s film an average of 5.4/10 ratings with 42 reviews as of press time.

New York Post Lou Lumenick wasn’t that impressed with Ben Affleck donning the Batman suit deeming his portrayal as someone who tries hard to project weary gravitas like his immediate successor Christian Bale as an older Batman, but too often comes off like a self-loathing Oscar-winning writer-director cashing a big paycheck

Rafael Guzman from Newsday meanwhile thought it was overlong, underdeveloped and almost entirely humorless.

Gal GadotFrom the reviews so far, Gal Gadot seems to be getting all the praises along with a solid return of Henry Cavill as the man of steel.

The question now: will I still be checking this one out?

Okay, I know I shouldn’t even ask that question because duh, THAT is Superman and Batman and Zac Snyder! I mean, I don’t think people will give much shit about the negative reviews if we’re to be honest. I know I will still be watching it!

So there, there – be sure to catch it on March 25th!

images via impawards

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Book Review: Beta Test (#Gaymers, #2) – Annabeth Albert [ARC]

Posted on March 22, 2016 | Leave a comment

Beta TestDate of Publication: May 30, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 65000 words, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B014PG5A0Y
Characters: Ravi Tandel, Tristan Jones

This is very exciting for me because I’ve read the first (and just found out about it) book last month and really enjoyed it so I am really looking forward to this installment. So, I was really stoked to get an ARC of the book and dived right into it!

The story centers on Ravi Tandel and Tristan Jones – both are new employees of Space Villager. Ravi is the life of the party. He can charm just about anyone whilst Tristan is his exact opposite – reserved, organized, and uptight. But they’ve got something in common aside from being gay. They’ve been burned before by their exe’s so whatever fire of attraction they mutually feel was easily extinguished.

When they were sent on a road trip to a gaming conference to unveil a top-secret game, they were able to actually work cordially and get to know each other really well leading to some explosive sexy times between them. The question is, after this road trip will they be able to keep up with being just friends/colleagues?

I really loved the slow buildup of their romance. I loved that we get their personality first through alternating point of views and there’s just something nice on how they connected through sex at first but on an emotional level as well. I loved how Ravi brought Tristan’s confidence back and how he didn’t push him too far. I loved that Ravi’s Hindu background was brought up. It was a breath of fresh air when there is diversity with the main characters in books. I loved that he’s not spineless but still very respectful regarding his family situation.  It was a really good touch into the book which added much charm into Ravi’s character.

Whilst Tristan could get annoying at some point, it was still nice that he finally stood up at the end. It’s nice to have that feeling of vindication when a character finally found his voice to be himself.

This was a low-angst read that a lot of readers and fans of the first book will thoroughly enjoy.  Now, I am looking forward to read the next installment.

I highly recommend this one!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

ARC was provided by Carina Press for an honest and impartial review.

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Book Review: Status Update (#Gaymers, #1) – Annabeth Albert

Posted on March 21, 2016 | Leave a comment

26162169Published December 7, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre and Themes: Contemporary Romance LGBT
Length: 189 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B011IAE2LS
Characters: Adrian Gottlieb, Noah Walters

Blurb: Adrian Gottlieb is winning at life. He’s a successful video game designer with everything a man could ask for, including a warm comfy ride to Denver and a date for his sister’s wedding. But he finds himself in need of a total reboot when he’s left stranded at a snowy campground in Utah. Holiday plans? Epic fail.

That is until Noah Walters offers him shelter for the night and a reluctant cross-country ride. Nothing about the ultraconservative geoarchaeologist should attract Adrian, but once he discovers Noah’s hidden love for video games, the two connect on a new level. Soon, a quiet but undeniable chemistry sparks.

Something doesn’t add up, though. As the miles accumulate and time runs out, Noah must face the most difficult choice of his life. Meanwhile, Adrian must decide whether he’s ready to level up. Is their relationship status worth fighting for, or has this game ended before it’s even begun?

Review:

I thought it’s really cute – I really loved Adrian’s character tho I don’t get the deal with his ex Deron marrying his sister Emily. I supposed Deron’s bisexual? It’s a minute detail but it bothers me a bit.

I loved the underlying sexual tension between them that it’s almost palpable. The friendship that blossomed between Adrian and Noah was wonderful to read. Although they are both feeling the sexual tension in the air, I loved that they let it simmer first.

The story’s really smooth – not too wordy, not ott dramatic. Noah’s situation was quite realistic so plus point for that. I’m sure glad that Noah situation was not drag into hell and back because tho, realistic it was still an overused trope.

And pets! Who doesn’t love pets in a book! And in a romance book!!!

It was a feel-good, cute story – ‘would definitely be reading more from this series

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Frequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

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Book Review: Come What May (All Saints, #1) – A.M. Arthur [ARC]

Posted on March 20, 2016 | Leave a comment

Come What MayDate of Publication: May 23, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: New Adult LGBT Romance
Length: 320 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B0176646RS
Characters: Jonas Ashcroft, Tate Dawson

Jonas Ashcroft is a spoiled rich fratboy sent by his controlling father to his aunt and uncle’s after a horrible incident at school led to his expulsion. Jonas doesn’t really give a hoot with anyone weaker than him but deep inside, there’s an insecure boy who suffers from dyscalculia and is almost always looking for his father’s approval. And he is also very much in the closet.

Enter Tate Dawson – he’s everything Jonas’ yearning to be. Tate is confident, caring, responsible, and openly gay who runs an LGBT teen homeless shelter along with his bestfriend Marc.

There’s an instant sparkle of attraction between them that led to something that both didn’t expect but life keeps getting in the way and they may just have to fight harder in order to maintain what they have – come what may.

This was a very quick and easy read. Come What May is a story that feels very current. Perhaps, because the characters are very young and what they have is something that most LGBT young adults goes through life at some point – coming out, dealing with the positive and negative consequences from doing so, making choices and just trying to be themselves.

Jonas is a lovely character whom you want to give a big hug because his vulnerability is palpable on page. There’s the little boy who’ve always wanted to please his parents but to no avail. I’ve said it again and again and I’m still not a parent myself but I couldn’t imagine how you could treat your own flesh and blood, your kid like the way Jonas’s parents had treated him. It’s unfathomable for me although it’s basically, reality kicking me in both nuts!

I loved Tate and I adore his understanding nature. I loved his patience towards Jonas and his voice actually sounded real young than his 24 years of age. I loved that he didn’t push beyond what Jonas is willing to offer.

The story isn’t complicated but it’s the idea of it being very realistic that sold me into it. There’s really nothing new to it but the writing was really good and it was very engaging as well. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About A.M. Arthur
No stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships and “bromance” (and “The Young Riders”) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she’s an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com

ARC provided by Carina Press for  an honest and impartial review.

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