Book Review: The Distance (Firsts and Forever Series, #11) – Alexa Land

Posted on May 5, 2016 | Leave a comment

Date of Publication: April 8, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ New Adult, Family, Comedy
Format: 250 pages, ebook
Publisher: Self-Published.
ISBN: 9781311268150
Characters: Jessie James, Malakai “Kai” Kahale

I’ve been waiting for Jessie’s story for a while now and all I can say after reading “The Distance” is that it was so worth the wait! I absolutely loved this story and I absolutely adore Jessie and Kai! I didn’t exactly pictured Jessie as a twink and one who’s into drag racing for that matter but I liked how the author incorporated this aspect into his character. Although, I’ve to say that I’m still a bit clueless how he found himself so into racing and cars in general. He just mentioned that he started with go-cart and it was a bit vague from there and we were told he came out of the closet at 17 with his family disowning and kicking him out. It’s not a very important detail but it’s just so unlikely with his upbringing I think but at the end of the day, I’m still okay with that vagueness. Sort of.

Malakai “Kai” Kahale aka Trigger is a reminiscent of Dare’s character from “Sky Blue.” This is the 12th couple in total so there are 22 guys in the series but for some reason, Kai’s personality reminded me so much of Dare – laidback, silent and determined. He’s got an amazing chemistry with Jessie and although I’m not a big fan of kids in my MM books, I’d say that I am loving how Alexa Land characterized Joshie and Izzy. ( Joshie’s the adopted son of Trevor and Vincent.)

This series is one of those series you’d just have to enjoy and not over-analyzed (hahaha! I know, I just overanalyzed that detail about racing but yeah – you get the drift). The story doesn’t have much of a conflict and is still over the top like the rest of the series but again, it’s very much enjoyable! It’s pretty long for such a plot but of course, we need to get updates every now and then with the other / previous ‘gay homosexuals’ in the series and you simply have to watch out for Nana’s wedding!!!

If you have not read anything from the series, this one is pretty much a  stand-alone read and let me tell you that Alexa Land’s writing is the kind of writing I go to whenever I feel shitty or on the verge of experiencing a book slump. And this book is an example of that kind of writing.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
I write and independently publish M/M love stories. My best-selling Firsts and Forever series includes: Way Off Plan, All In, In Pieces, Gathering Storm, Salvation, Skye Blue, Against the Wall and Belonging. Coming Home will be released in later summer, 2015.

I’ve also published Feral, a paranormal M/M romance, and The Tinder Chronicles, a paranormal trilogy.

For more information, please visit my blog at:http://alexalandwrites.blogspot.com/ Follow me on Twitter @AlexaLandWrites or find me on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?…

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Book Review: The Ongoing Reformation of Micah Johnson (Get Out, #1) – Sean Kennedy

Posted on May 4, 2016 | Leave a comment

Micah JohnsonDate of Publication: April 7, 2016
Genre and Themes: LGBTQ Young Adult, Comedy, Sports, Bullying, Homophobia
Format: 190 pages, ebook
Publisher: Harmony Ink Press
ISBN: 9781634765473
Cover Artist: Catt Ford
Characters: Micah Johnson, Kyle Marks, Declan Tyler

I prayed for this to be as awesome as the Tigers and Devils series and the gods heard my chanting because this one is just fucking marvelous!

First, this one is separate from the Tigers and Devils series but I’d say that it’s in the same universe.

Is it stand-alone? In some way it is, but I think some readers would probably be a bit clueless about who Dec was and the story behind his character (obviously) if they have not read the Tigers and Devils series.

Micah Johnson is the runaway kid / football protégé of Declan Tyler from the last book (Tigers on the Run) of the Tigers and Devils series. Here, Micah is trying his best to ‘reform’ his attitude which dramatically changes after his spectacular ‘coming-out.’ It’s Micah Johnson against the world in his self-pitying opinion but he’s got to keep his opinion to himself if he wanted to get to his goal of getting drafted into the Australian Football League (AFL).

Second, fans of Dec and Simon (especially Dec) would love this one because he’s in here half the time.

Yay! I totally missed these guys! I loved seeing Dec working post-career as an AFL player! I loved what he’s doing for the future ‘gay’ players and especially loved how he’s very supportive with Micah! He’s going to be a great dad and I’d expect a baby in the (hopefully) next Tigers and Devils book!

Third, the genre is young adult so no-excessive ‘sex-ing’ here.

But hello!? We’re talking about Micah Johnson here so expect naughty stuff to come out of his potty mouth! Haha!

Fourth, you wanna see baby Simon? Well, Micah’s basically Simon who plays footy! Hah! You’d definitely loved Micah’s voice. You can feel the angst, his dry humor and his overall Simon-ism.

And the secondary characters aside from Dec: Micah’s parents, Emma, Alex, Jack, Will and even Boyd! Gawd! Perfection! There’s a unique voice in every character and I just totally adore Alex and Jack! Please, tell me Mister Kennedy that we’ll see more of them in the future! Please, please!

What an amazing, amazing story! I cannot wait for the follow-up! Hurry-up pleasssseee!!!!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Sean Kennedy was born in Melbourne, Australia, but currently lives in the second most isolated city in the world (although there still seems to be conjecture over whether it is actually number one). Living in such deprived circumstances can only affect his writing, which is published by Dreamspinner Press.

You can find him at http://www.seankennedybooks.com

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Film Review: Gods of Egypt (2016)

Posted on April 21, 2016 | Leave a comment

Gods of EgyptTitle: Gods of Egypt
Year: 2016
Director: Alex Proyas
Cast: Brenton Thwaits, Nikolak Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler, Geoffrey Rush, Elodie Young, Courtney Eaton

Gods of Egypt may just be the worst film I’ve seen this year or from the last two years if I’m being honest. The whole thing was just horridly executed with a very weak storyline, unimpressive CGI’s and overall performances of actors who didn’t quite deliver the goods.

I am so much up for epic films. I loved me some mythical creatures – fiction or nonfiction and loved my history lessons but this didn’t quite get me to that place where I was left in awe-inspiring wonder of the world the film was trying  to create.

Let me just say how awfully off the humor was. It’s just all awkward and wished that it was just all grit. Why does it have humor in the first place?

Speaking of grit – it was zero. Nada. Nil. I would appreciate a grittier execution ala-300 than the awful, puke-inducing cheesy lines from each character with the rather dull CGI’s.

Meanwhile, lead stars Gerard Butler (Set), Brenton Thwaits (Bek) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Horus) were like one actor with multiple roles (just ridic af) and that’s not good in my book. Not even Geoffrey Rush whom I loved dearly could save the film because he’s just all kinds of out of place here.

One thing that may have some merit here is the costume design and absolutely nothing else.

There may be some people who may enjoy this one but I honestly cannot fathom why they would…just saying.

 Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Stones in the Road (Sugar Tree, #2) – Nick Wilgus

Posted on April 17, 2016 | Leave a comment

Stones In The RoadPublished January 30, 2015
Format: Novel
Genre And Theme: LGBT  Romance, Family Drama, Homophobia, Death, Drug Addiction
Length: 300 pages, ebook
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Ebook ISBN: 9781632167293
Characters: Wiley Cantrell, Jackson Ledbetter, Noah Cantrell

I’ve finally decided to give this a go after finishing its sequel Got Tell it on the Mountains. I find this too heartbreaking because once again, I am reminded of how lovely Noah was, mostly his relationship with his dad yet when I started reading it, I just can’t seem to stop until I turned its last page. I’ve also read this backward just like its third book ( I know, it’s weird – will come up on a different post soon). I don’t know why I didn’t feel comfortable reading it from the start – I guess I just want to know first that everything was okay. Upon finishing it though, I figured that it won’t make that much of a difference because this book is just freaking good. The first book, Shaking the Sugar Tree was too heavy for me but I still liked it. In Go Tell It on the Mountains, I was able to really appreciate Nick Wilgus’s writing style. This one just reinforced my admiration towards the author and the series. It’s just overall lovely and it’s crazy to think that it’s just now that I was able to read it. Well, mostly because I thought it’s too heavy a book for me but truth be told, it is not. It is more enlightening in such a way where you will yet again witness how Wiley’s love for Noah is so great that it’s almost unreal. You’d want to lit some characters on fire and you’d want to just keep Noah in your pocket and make everything safe and happy for him.

I didn’t really think that Nick Wilgus will be able to come up with a wonderful sequel because at times, the premise of the first book although full of humor seems a bit harrowing but this follow-up showcased how the author has masterfully crafted the wonders of storytelling particularly when fleshing out the ways of the great South. I cannot recommend this enough, though, it is a must for you to read the first book before heading into this one.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

About The Author
Nick Wilgus is the author of the best-selling romantic comedy SHAKING THE SUGAR TREE about a gay single father raising a deaf child in the South. His other novels include STONES IN THE ROAD, GET YOUR SHINE ON and BILAL’S BREAD.

He is also the author of the Father Ananda murder-mystery series: Mindfulness and Murder, Sister, Suicide, Killer Karma, and The Curious Corpse. His works have been translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish.

He also wrote the script for the award-winning film Sop mai Ngeap, based on Mindfulness and Murder, produced by DeWarrenne Films in Bangkok, nominated for Best Screenplay by the Thai Film Association.

Under the pen name Sulayman X, he is the author of several novels, including TEARS OF A DRAGON and KING OF STORMS. Under the pen name Jerome Wilde, he is the author of BOY CRUCIFIED: A THOMAS NOEL MYSTERY.

Wilgus sold his first short story, The Boogeyman in the Closet, to The Horror Show when he was 17.

He lives in Tupelo, Mississippi.

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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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