Book Review: Lap Dog (Shelter, #2) – Kate Sherwood

Lap DogPublished February 27th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Drama, Romance / Contemporary
Length: 202 pages, ebook
Publisher: KSB (Kate Sherwood Books)
Ebook ASIN: B01CC1DDY4
Cover Artist: A.J. Corza
Characters: Tristan Beck, Simon Yeung

Tristan Beck sells his body for a living – he is a freelance prostitute. Everything is working fine in his life until Simon Yeung decided to swoop in like a boss forcing him into becoming a contracted escort to another high-paying Chinese family which Simon’s family is trying to get in good relationship with. Tristan naturally didn’t like this one bit and along the way, the spineless henchman that is Simon grew some conscience. When shit started to hit the fan, Tristan is still the one receiving the brunt of Simon’s doing. So really, I don’t even have to say how I totally despise Simon 80% of the story. He’s a family robot whose loyalty never faltered until he met Tristan.

I still don’t like Simon by the end of the book unfortunately. Although I really liked Tristan, I thought everything about his job and personality was simplified. He’s obviously a smart boy when he talks “shop” with Micah and I would’ve liked more exploration on his character.

Also, I didn’t feel the romance aspect of the book. I didn’t think there was a really prominent one either. It felt more like a friendship – something similar with Tristan and Shane’s relationship.

To be completely honest, I thought this was a bit of a downgrade from the awesomeness of the first book, Feral with  Shane, Noah and Dodger. I thought their appearance here added to the likability of the book. Not saying this is a total drag but it would’ve been way better for me if there was more to Tristan than his job and friends, and the whole thing about the development of his relationship with Simon was given more space. I’d definitely still read the next book in the series, that’s for sure.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kate’s goal with her writing is to make readers feel, but also to make them think. She works hard to create realistic, flawed characters who are desperate for love, and also terrified of it.

Find more information at http://www.katesherwoodbooks.com

Australia’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 – The Judges

UntitledAustralia’s Next Top Model Season 10 is set to return this year with Jennifer Hawkins still hosting the show and Alex Perry returning as (one of my favorite Top Model) judge (s ever!). They will also have with them former Project Runway Australia host and one of last cycle’s guest judges Megan Gale as this upcoming season’s permanent judge! Isn’t this exciting?

Megan Gale

As of press time, no date has been confirmed yet for the new season’s airing. Be sure to watch out for more updates!

via AuNTM 

Book Review: Feral (Shelter, #1) – Kate Sherwood

FeralPublished December 5th 2015
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 282 pages, ebook
Publisher: KSB (Kate Sherwood Books)
Ebook ASIN: 0988153041 (ISBN13: 9780988153042)
Cover Artist: A.J. Corza
Characters: Noah Reed, Shane Black

I don’t know what’s so different about this book from the author’s earlier efforts because this was surprisingly good! I mean, I didn’t expect it to be so good. I’d even say that this is my favorite book to date from Kate Sherwood! I liked both MCs because they are very likable and realistic. I loved the progression of their relationship – not hurried and very tender. I also liked that despite the super-charged sexual tension between the MCs, it didn’t go overboard with the sex scenes (I don’t even remember if there was any at all which doesn’t bother me at all) – I mean, I’m perfectly fine with romantic stories from this genre and admire a great deal of authors who could write one without inserting heaps and bounds of sex into it.

Noah Reed is trying to get back on track after unfortunate incident happens to him in the past. When Shane Black stumbles into a clinic where Noah volunteers to seek medical help for his puppy, Dodger, they found out that the dog was poisoned. Together, they search its source and both were able to understand each other’s world and somehow found that there could be something more between them.

People will also get a kick out of Dodger’s cuteness! He’s the super-adorable dog that Shane Black found from the dumpster and the reason why he went to the pet clinic in the first place. Dodger keeps on making me grin whenever he’s on the scene.

I would’ve like a longer epilogue or an additional chapter perhaps because I want to see more in-depth interaction between Shane and Noah. I want them to explore their relationship more but I guess we’ll see them in the second book so it’ll do for now. ‘Tis a very solid writing! I’m very much looking forward to reading Tristan’s story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Kate’s goal with her writing is to make readers feel, but also to make them think. She works hard to create realistic, flawed characters who are desperate for love, and also terrified of it.

Find more information at http://www.katesherwoodbooks.com

The Complete List Of Winners at the Oscars 2016 And Some Random Thoughts

Winners oscars 2016Best Picture – Spotlight
Best Director – Alejandro G. Inarritu
Best Actor – Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant
Best Actress – Brie Larson for Room
Best Supporting Actor – Mark Rylance for Bridge Of Spies
Best Supporting Actress – Alicia Vikander for The Danish Girl
Best Original Screenplay – Spotlight
Best Adapted Screenplay – The Big Short
Best Animated Feature – Inside Out
Best Foreign Language Film – Son of Saul (Hungary)
Best Documentary Feature – Amy
Best Documentary Short Subject – A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness
Best Live Action Short Film – Stutterer
Best Animated Short Film – Bear Story
Best Original Score – The Hateful Eight
Best Original Song – Writing’s On The Well OST Spectre
Best Sound Editing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Sound Mixing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Production Design – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Cinematography – The Revenant
Best Makeup and Hairstyling – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Costume Design – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Film Editing – Mad Max: Fury Road
Best Visual Effects – Ex Machina

Seriously tho, I loved Mad Max: Fury Road but to win all (most of) those awards over The Revenant? I just don’t understand! Sure I locked its win for film editing but for the rest of the category? I thought it was absurd! Hell, what do I know right? At least Rylance got the Oscar! Although I’m real sad for Stallone. Ooh, I’m ecstatic about The Hateful Eight win as well. I mean, only three noms for the film? Travesty! And yasss! I knew Sam Smith will win the Oscar for Writing’s on the Wall! And big congrats to Mr. Inarritu! A historic back to back win!!!!! Whoot Hoot! And finally, finally, finally! Leo!!!! Leo!!! Leo!!!!! After so many snubs!!!! finally!!! Crying IRL for you Leo!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

2016 Oscar Predictions – An Almost Sweep For “The Revenant” and Leo’s Own Statuette!

Oscar Predictions 2016 paddylastincOkay, so I may be part of the minority who thinks that The Revenant will make an almost sweep of its 12 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director and the ever-elusive Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. A few hours from now, the winners of the 88th Academy Awards will be revealed at the Dolby Theater in California but before that, let me just present my predictions this year… and see if we’ve the same winners.

Best Picture: The Revenant LOCKED.

Best Director: Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu for The Revenant – I am not doubting a consecutive win for Inarritu although George Miller is not that much behind from him, I still think at the end of the night The Revenant director will end up the victor.

Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio for The Revenant – I think there’s no need to even point out why Leo deserves to win this one.  LOCKED.

Best Actress: Brie Larson for Room – Just like Leonardo DiCaprio, it is almost impossible to upset Larson’s impending Oscar win and the only one who had the .001 percentage to do that is Saoirse Ronan which at this point is very unlikely to happen. LOCKED.

Best Supporting Actor: Mark Rylance for Bridge of Spies – I know, I’d love for Sylvester Stallone to win this category but I thought Mark Rylance was heaps and bounds better than him. Uhm, Just saying.

Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet for Steve Jobs – Yes, Alicia Vikander was totes amazing in The Danish girl but I’ve a feeling that the voters will be in favor of Winslet portraying Joanna Hoffman in the biopic Steve Jobs and is it weird that I’m feeling this “Leo effect” favoring her???!!!!

Best Foreign Language Film: Son of Saul – It has a basic formula. Nuff said. LOCKED.

Best Animated Feature: Inside Out – LOCKED.

Best Documentary Feature: Amy – LOCKED.

Best Original Screenplay: Spotlight

Best Adapted Screenplay: The Martian

Best Cinematography: The Revenant

Best Costume Design: Mad Max: Fury Road LOCKED. As much as I loved Cinderella’s costumes!

Best Original Song: Writing’s on The Wall – OST Spectre (I just loved the song the best amongst the nominees and thought the most predicted winner, Til It Happens to You does not deserved the nomination in the first place)

Best Production Design: The Revenant LOCKED.

Best Film Editing: Mad Max: Fury Road

Best Sound Editing: The Revenant

Best Visual Effects: The Revenant

Best Original Score: The Hateful Eight

Best Hairstyle and Make-Up: The Revenant  LOCKED.

Book Review: Spencer Cohen (The Spencer Cohen Series #1) – N.R. Walker

Spencer CohenPublished February 18th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 137 pages, ebook
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Ebook ASIN: B01BOB6L56
Cover Artist: Sara York
Characters: Spencer Cohen, Andrew Landon

First, it should be known that I am  a massive N.R. Walker fan so just simply learning that she would be releasing a new book / series makes me hella giddy because I knew beforehand that it’s gonna be freaking good. And as usual, I am right to assume that the first book of this highly anticipated Spencer Cohen series is so full of promise!

The story is about this “lumbersexual” (yep, Google it!) Aussie named Spencer Cohen whose job is to help people win their ex’s back. He’s hired to pretend as the new beau of the jilted lover and make the ex’s jealous, realized their mistake and come running back. It was going smoothly for Spencer until he took a job from Andrew who’s trying to win back his fiancé that mysteriously abandoned him. Things were going as planned when the involvement of feelings started to become a distraction to Spencer’s job. He was attracted to Andrew and it looks like the feeling is mutual but Spencer knew that this is only a job. Only, that’s what he keeps telling himself.

I was just sailing through the book – turning page after page and waiting for something really big to happen. Spencer is likable and very relatable. There’s something about him that is very fascinating and you just want to dig deeper to know more things about this enigmatic guy. Why is he living in the US? Why did he leave Australia? What’s behind the true Spencer Cohen? It makes for an exciting plot to get to know Spencer little by little as the story goes. His chemistry with Andrew was real awesome! I’d like to think that we’d get more of Andrew in the coming books – perhaps dual POV from both guys? The latter part of the book made me stop on my tracks –  I loved how the author created the build-up to that “semi” big reveal about Spencer. It was then that I realized how I under-appreciated the first half of the book. That scene on chapter nine made me changed everything I initially thought about the book! It was total genius! I don’t think I can say more without spoiling the story so may I suggest that you guys pick this up asap and be one of us who are so yearning for the second and third book to come sooner!!!!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About The Author
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.
She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things…but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Cover Thursday – Troye Sivan’s Youth by Hamilton Troy Hayes

HAZE 2To celebrate Troye Sivan’s release of his Youth music video off his debut album, Blue Neighbourhood today, I am featuring the very same song covered by Hamilton Troye Hayes. I’ve listen to a few covers over YouTube and this has got to be my favorite so get a listen of this great cover folks!

Pretty awesome yeah?

HAZEAbout Hamilton Troy Hayes / Haze
My name is Hamilton Troy Hayes, but most of my friends just call me Troy. If you haven’t already realized, I am a musician with a passion for film and simply speaking to a camera haha! I am so glad that you’ve found my youtube channel since it is my favorite way to interact with you and everyone else that enjoys my work! I hope we can be friends and learn to grow together as a channel and as people! This channel isn’t just for me, it’s for you as well! So please free to talk to me anytime you want to!

Follow him online:  Fb Icon Twitter https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/haze-hamilton-troy-hayes/id962900936 https://plus.google.com/102532540184235473694

Cycle 23 – The Return of America’s Next Top Model on VH1!

ANTM LOGOI’ve been a fan of this show since Adrianne Curry’s win and the show became one of my staple watch when it comes to reality TV shows! So, I was really fucking happy to hear that the show that we all thought has ended with Nyle Di Marco being its last winner is coming back on-air! Yaaaaaasssss!

Tyra with Cycle 22 winner Nyle Di Marco

Tyra with Cycle 22 winner Nyle Di Marco

The show is set to return with its 23rd Cycle but with a different host this time. No names has yet to be named but creator and host for the last 22 cycles Tyra Banks will be spearheading the show as its executive producer whilst the transfer from CW to VH1 is like a rebirth for the show since it was launched by the latter’s station when it started.

“After creating an incredible, global brand, I am beyond excited to have the show reborn,” said the former supermodel. “I will continue as executive producer, but must turn my attention to new business endeavors, so I want to find a new host. I’m pumped to identify that person and bring back the show. Top Model fans, you demanded that the show come back, and VH1 answered the call. Get ready for a fierce-a-fied rebirth!”

So who’s excited for the return of America’s Next Top Model and who do you think should be the new host?

Binibining Pilipinas 2016 – The Official Candidates

From the initial 80 hopefuls who filed their application for this year’s Binibining Pilipinas edition, only 40 made the cut in the hopes of following the footsteps of Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach and the rest of the queens from last year who did the Philippines proud in the international beauty arena! So here are the “final” candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas 2016!

1 – Janelle Olafson
2 – Alexandra Faith Garcia
3 – Angela Lauren Fernando
4 – Kimberley Mae Penchon
5 – Riana Pangindian
6 – Candy del Castillo

1-6

7 – Angelique de Leon
8 – Karen Ibasco
9 – Roshiela Tobias
10 – Jeslyn Santos
11 – Nicole Cordoves
12 – Edjelyn Joy Gamboa

7-12

13 – Joanna Louise Eden
14 – Paula Rich Bartolome
15 – Kristine Angeli Estoque
16 – Vina Openiano
17 – Priscilla Kim dela Cruz
18 – Sheena Dalo

13-18

19 – Maria Lina Prongoso
20 – Kim Ross delos Santos
21 – Jessica Gonzales
22 – Apriel Smith
23 – Angela Gene Reeder Valdez
24 – Nica Sabrina Sophia Limjap

19-24

25 – Anjellica Lopez
26 – Jennifer Hammond
27 – Dindi Joy Pajares
28 – Nichole Marie Manalo
29 – Maria Mika Maxine Medina
30 – Crescent Anne Samaco

25-30

31 – Kylie Verzosa
32 – Jennyline Carla Malpaya
33 – Leonalyn dela Cruz
34 – Sarah Christine Bona
35 – Mariella Castillo
36 – Maria Gigante

31-36

37 – Jehza Huelar
38 – Angelica Alita
39 – Ria Ranajante
40 – Christianne Ramos

37-40

I still have not gathered the number of crowns that will be given this year but for now as it is on the website, there are five titles up for grabs which includes:
Miss Universe Philippines
Bb. Pilipinas International
Miss Globe Philippines
Bb. Pilipinas Intercontinental
Bb. Pilipinas Supranational

(Let’s see if the pageant will pursue sending delegates to Miss Grand International)

The finals night will be held on April 2016 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Watch out for more details!

photos via Binibining Pilipinas Official Page / By Bruce Casanova

Book Review: Strong Signal (Cyberlove, #1) – Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

Strong SignalPublished February 15th 2016
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: Romance / Contemporary
Length: 235 pages, ebook
Publisher: Megtino Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781634769099
Cover Artist: Natasha Snow
Characters: Kai Bannon, Garrett Reid

Blurb: I was counting down the months until the end of my deployment. My days were spent working on military vehicles, and I spent my nights playing video games that would distract me until I could leave Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid behind.

That was when I met him: Kai Bannon, a fellow gamer with a famous stream channel.

I never expected to become fixated on someone who’d initially been a rival. And I’d never expected someone who oozed charm to notice me—a guy known for his brutal honesty and scowl. I hadn’t planned for our online friendship to turn into something that kept me up at night—hours of chatting evolving into filthy webcam sessions.

But it did. And now I can’t stop thinking about him. In my mind, our real life meeting is perfect. We kiss, we fall into bed, and it’s love at first sight.

Except, like most things in my life, it doesn’t go as planned.

Strong Signal is a standalone, full-length novel with no cliffhanger

 This is going to be a ‘short’ review because everything I’ve to say about this book is good! It simply is perfection! See, I opted to just post the blurb above. I usually try to rewrite ’em but F it – I’m busy looking for the perfect gifs and basking on its awesomeness!

dancing1

Kai is too adorbs and G is sexy as fuck! Actually, they’re both totes adorbs and just fucking hot together! They are perfect for each other! I’ve never read a single book from the authors so I am happy that my first from them was this fucking amazing book which I need to reread like super-ASAP because it’s just so good. The feels ♥♥♥♥ The gooey-super-cheesy feeling ♥♥♥♥ The tingle from their sexy times ♥♥♥♥ Their banter  I just fucking loved everything about it. ♥♥♥♥

If you’re looking for something that is feel-good, unique and something that will make you really smile so wide like your face will split into two, then I suggest you pick this one now!

Check out Kai’s victory dance!

dancing 2

I’ve a request for Megan and Santino – I want more of Kai Bannon and Garrett Reid so can we at least get a novella before Costigan’s book? I know it’s way too early to ask for this but pretty please ♥

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About Megan Erickson
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

About Santino Hassell
Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

To learn more about Santino you can follow him on:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/santino…
Twitter: @santinohassell
Facebook: theonlysonnyhassell | santinohassellbooks
Instagram: santinohassell
Newsletter:http://santinohassell.com/newsletter/

And at his official website: http://bit.ly/16sgcSu