Heya baby beans! Yup, it was confirmed yesterday by @astroplus1 that Troye Sivan’s debut album Blue Neighbourhood will finally be available in the Philippines on January 29 at every Astro stores nationwide so be sure to watch out for it!!!
Don’t forget the date folks, January 29 and let’s hope that he’ll bring the Blue Neighbourhood Tour in Manila as well!
RELEASE DATE: Feb 8, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance/Family/Contemporary
Length: 298 pages, ebook
Publisher: Riptide Publishing
Cover Artist: Lou Harper
Ebook ISBN: 1626493553
Print ISBN: 9781626493568
Characters: Archer Noble, Ryan Eriksson
Archie Noblesse did everything to escape his brutal past and leave his family and his Cree heritage behind enabling him to reinvent himself as Archer Noble, a successful blogger and author who lives only for himself.
His world went upside down when he gets a phone call that brings all his plans for his future crashing down. A car accident takes his only sister leaving behind two children who are parentless after they lost their father a few years prior.
Enter Ryan Eriksson, the teacher whose love for his sister and the kids is undeniable and someone who disagree in everything Archer stands for. Despite this, Archer easily agreed on having Ryan help him with the kids, even offering him the custody eventually.
Ryan on the other hand is adamant for Archer to give parenting a chance despite his chance of having a family of his own, something that he’d always dreamed of. He convinced Archer to try being with them for the summer and stay until September, only things turned out unexpectedly for both of them.
This is the first book I have read by Chris Scully. I was interested in the first few chapters but it actually started picking up for me at the latter part of the story. I find it a bit slow in pacing but the writing was very lovely.
I loved the easy chemistry between Archer and Ryan here; they are so opposite (physically and personality-wise) so they really tend to butt head but there’s something very likable about them. Perhaps, it’s how they both have deep longing for something permanent? In Ryan’s case, it is of course a common knowledge but with Archer, he’s unconsciously yearning for it that it’s almost heartbreaking.
Readers, please employ your patience towards Archer in the first few pages at least. The guy is trying and don’t look out for a lot of steamy scenes between Ryan and Archer. There’s just a couple of it which I figured isn’t really necessary in the story but yeah – beware – Archer is described here as a “manwhore” and ya’know what, it’s very easy to judge him at first (I did) and I admit I was wrong to do so.
Ryan is well, he’s almost perfect, and I loved his easy countenance with every situation and just life in general. He’s not boring but he’s what Archer exactly needed.
This family of four and their story is such a joy to read. I’m sure glad that my first book from this author was this wonderful story! I would definitely look out for more of her books within the year!
Highly recommended, this one is.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Chris Scully is a die-hard romantic, a lover of good books, hot men and eighties music. She discovered M/M romance far too many years ago and immediately became an avid reader. Now, trapped in a minuscule cubicle for eight hours a day, this IT professional loves to indulge in the [not so] occasional daydream—and finally gets the chance to commit some of them to paper.
Chris would love to hear from readers at: cscully@bell.net.
Find me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.scully.author
Posted in Books
Tagged ARC, Book Review, Chris Scully, Netgalley, Riptide Publishing, Until September
Happy Birthday Tatay! I love you.
RELEASE DATE: Feb 2, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Historical/Alternate History/Steampunk
Length: 240 pages, ebook
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Cover Artist: Kanaxa
Ebook ISBN: 9781619227231
Print ISBN: 9781619233959
Characters: Johann Berger, Cornelius Stevens
First, let me tell you what I told myself immediately after finishing this book – “I need to reread the whole thing right away and enjoy it all over again!”lol. I just loved it! I feel that no matter how good the previous books of the author are (e.g., Nowhere Ranch, Dance With Me, Love Lessons etc…), this book just totally surpassed them all or maybe I’m still on that after-reading-an-awesome-book glow but seriously man, this is now my favorite book from Heidi Cullinan.
The book is a steampunk novel set in an alternate historical universe involving a beautiful, kinky tinker named Cornelius Stevens who saves an enemy soldier using clockwork parts. The soldier is Johann Berger, who woke up half-human half clockwork and who eventually learned that he’s got the clockwork heart as well – a weapon that their warring countries would kill to get their hands into. Chaos ensues as the enemy hunt Conny, Johann and their pirate crew to obtain the clockwork heart. With their hearts and lives on the line – they both knew that it’s going to be all or nothing for them.
Je te veux dans la bouche. Prends-moi par derrierre, la sur la table, et fais-moi hurler de plaisir. Tu veux bien faire cela pour moi, mon doux Johann?
Sex and (almost) magic. Truth. It’s deliciously magical with the steamy sex between Cornelius and Johann and some random… … … … yep, you get the point. The setting was truly fascinating to read I feel like being transported along with the characters. Yes! The old Europe! I can smell the air of Calais, I could see the Austrian Mountains, the Alps etc… The side characters are awesome! At first, I didn’t like Valentin (Conny’s BFF) but he eventually mellowed and I feel like his story needs to be told asap as well. I think I would be seeing his book in the future (with Captain Crawley, hopefully). Oh, and the pirates! Whoop! What a kick-ass crew! They should put a “Love Wins” tagline in their airship to be honest because they’re just so freaking awesome!
I couldn’t stress enough the super-awesomeness of this book! It’s just too lovely! I simply cannot wait what’s next for the series! What an epic start of a series! Heidi, you missy are way too fab! Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Heidi Cullinan has always loved a good love story, provided it has a happy ending. She enjoys writing across many genres but loves above all to write happy, romantic endings for LGBT characters because there just aren’t enough of those stories out there. When Heidi isn’t writing, she enjoys cooking, reading, knitting, listening to music, and watching television with her family. Heidi also volunteers frequently for her state’s LGBT rights group, One Iowa, and is proud to be from the first midwestern state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Posted in Books
Tagged ARC, Book Review, Clockwork Heart, Clockwork Love Series, Heidi Cullinan, Netgalley
My Mom as a young lady playing at a church in Pampanga.
Today’s my Nanay’s supposed 61st birthday. There is not a day in my life that I haven’t thought about her since she died over four years ago. I’m pretty sure she’s happy with my father now and I always wonder what they’ll think of me if they were see me now. If they’re watching from somewhere – if there’s some sort of social media in the afterlife or something where they could see me, I sure hope that they are proud of me. I missed them every day and forever.
Nanay with her first grand daughter, Mariel ♥
Happy Birthday Nanay. Kaluguran da kayu pu.
Kier Mallory is a tree-hugging poet who made a fatal decision on one of their anti-whaling missions that took the lives of his two crewmembers. Disgraced and with everybody turning him away, he found himself heading to Spindrift. The place that is once a lair for artists and such is now deserted and dilapidated save for its lone inhabitant.
Vivian Calder is the son of a local laird. With Asperger’s syndrome, it leaves the young scientist emotionally and socially awkward. His lonesome existence however led him to perfecting cold fusion – a clean, free, and limitless source of power.
With this groundbreaking discovery and their unlikely friendship blossoming into something unexpected, uncertain instances clouded above them that may threaten it and their lives.
At first, Mallory’s character was highly unlikable. I thought he was a real douchebag snapping on Viv all the time. It’s obvious that he’s got some anger management issue or perhaps it’s everything that has happened to him prior to meeting Viv but it doesn’t excuse his behavior towards Viv whose detachment over emotional things made him a clear target for such attitude – I didn’t like it at all. Then when things started to unravel between them, post-Allan’s betrayal – everything seemed perfect and they just easily complimented each other. I liked that despite the insta-love (10 days of knowing each other and love is in the air) in the story, the romance does not feel forced at all.
Viv is a real riot at times. His awkwardness is way too adorable and I loved his forgiving nature. I also loved how he felt comfortable with Mal disregarding all his inhibitions. Love is the ‘cure’ after all. *wink*
“Do you get erections?”
“Yes, at awkward times. Over some things you’d find strange.”
…
“Let me tell you something I never thought I’d share with anyone. When the discovery of the Higgs boson was confirmed in the LHC at CERN, I went upstairs, lock myself in my room, and I came so hard I thought my eardrums would burst. Does that answer you question?”
The science aspect of the story didn’t bother me at all. There was ample amount of explanation that didn’t go beyond info-dump-zone and I loved that the author eventually veered off from it at the latter part of the story.
I thought Alan deserves more than a bruiser. I don’t care if he’s the one who got in contact with Viv’s sister – he’s still a criminal. And a douchebag. Period.
The semi-twist that was conveniently laid out at the second half of the story was a bit surprising to me. I mean, the guy has Asperger’s syndrome (nothing wrong with this but he’s been alone all his life) and then he’s got to suffer that. Poor guy, really.
As usual, the story ended with a very solid conclusion. Harper Fox is one of those authors that does not know how not to write beautifully. Cold Fusion is another wonderful piece of literature! Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Kindle Edition, 297 pages
Published January 5th 2016 by Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
About The Author
Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.
RELEASE DATE: Feb 15, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: New Adult / Romance / Contermporary
Length: 133 pages, ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Ebook ASIN: B018QI6TPM
Characters: Ethan Monro, Wyatt Reese
Charming, quirky, and unpretentious – I didn’t think that I would be describing this book as such when I first read its blurb. I feel like I’ve already read a thousand books like it but you know what – once I started reading it, I just couldn’t seem to stop because it was that good.
The book begins with tall and gangly Ethan Monroe following his high school sweetheart Blake to college only to get dumped on his first day there.
Enter the mysterious Wyatt Reese. Blake’s roommate and possibly his straight roommate. Ethan’s intention upon approaching Wyatt was to get information on how to win Blake back. As he got to know the guy and their friendship deepens, Ethan thought it’s time to move forward from his ex and ventured into a new goal of making Wyatt believe that what they have is worth taking a chance.
I loved that even if the book is told entirely from Ethan’s POV, the author was still able to explore each (other) character and their personalities. I loved the attention the author gave to Waardenburg syndrome. I find it refreshing when the main character/s isn’t all supermodel in appearance where it almost always seemed like the prevailing pattern into describing physical perfection for book characters. Ethan here is not physically godlike here. Wyatt isn’t Christian Grey material either but both guys are realistically regular guys you can easily relate to. So that’s me basically saying that I both loved Ethan and Wyatt and thought they’re perfectly matched because of their opposite personality. Opposites attract yeah?
I also liked Ethan’s friends. Connor and Makayla are fabulous secondary characters! Both should be back for more because what is college life without your regular booze-buddy and your humans vs zombies playmates?
Overall, it was a perfect read for me. I won’t change anything in it because I’m perfectly content with the characters, their personality and the storyline and to where it is going in the future. This one I highly recommend.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Expected publication: February 15th 2016 by Carina Press
About The Author
At a very early age, K.A. Mitchell decided that Ken and G.I. Joe made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie fell off sharply. Today she still loves hanging out with imaginary friends and making up stories. Even better, people pay her to read about them. Now the author of over twenty gay romances, she guarantees happy endings for even the surliest of heroes, despite all their baggage.
I thought it’d be a great intro for those who have not heard of Troye Sivan to have you listen to these fantastic singles off his Blue Neighbourhood debut album.
I myself just found out about him late last year. My good pal Riina from Germany sent me an e-mail with a picture of her and Troye Sivan who just had a concert there and I was like – okay, cute kid but who’s this kid exactly? I googled him (on my laptop – not on my phone – yep, ‘am old hah!) and saw his YouTube videos (and apparently, I’m the only one who’s not watching his channel *wink*) – was instantly charmed and the rest as they say is history.
Seriously though, the first time I listened to Wild – I’m hooked then I got to watch his Blue Neighbourhood trilogy for WILD, FOOLS and TALK ME DOWN. And I’m like, okay I’m super convinced and I know I’ve got to have his full album!!!
[FOOLS] My favorite in the album! The feels!
Since I still have a lot of time in my hands, little ol’ me tried checking out his YouTube channels (the Troye Sivan one and the TroyeSivanVevo) and learned more about him and I know that I’ll be watching this kid from here on. This is a mega-superstar waiting to happen.
So it started that way and here I am, trying to (or bribing a friend to) get me a copy of Rolling Stone Australia’s February 2016 edition because THIS.
His Rolling Stone interview back in September 2015.
Need I say more?
BUY LINKS: BLUE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Tagged Blue Neighbourhood, Fools, Rolling Stone, Talk Me Down, Troye Sivan, Wild
RELEASE DATE: Feb 08, 2016
Format: Novel
Genre: Romance / Historical / Dystopian
Length: 323 pages, ebook
Publisher: Encompass Ink
Cover Artist:Rue Volley
Characters: Spencer, Prosper, Perry, Davian
I’ve been reading a lot of MPREG* books these past few months and I’ve to say this has one of the most unique premises so far and I just loved it! The story was told from multiple POVs where each character has unique voices throughout the book (so it doesn’t get confusing.) There are two main sub-plot involving royal twin vamps and two “human” companions but the story of Prosper (vampire king) and his human companion, Spencer is the focus of the story.
Spencer is deaf and has adoptive parents. When he was fourteen, he went to the prophetess to have his fate read. He was given two choices – a path to death and that of love. His dark and bleak world turned for the better when the vampire king Prosper took him as its companion. Prosper became horribly disfigured after his father’s failed experiments and lives in the shadow until he stumbled upon Spencer who became a beacon for change not only about himself but everything around them.
This one isn’t exactly a short novel – it is rather long but it reads fairly quick because everything in it happens so fast. It may sound a bit odd to say that it’s not historical but it does sound like one based on their speech but there’s a reason behind it and I think it’s a promising plot to explore if ever the author ventured more into this world. It was a bit dystopian-ish but not quite.
I loved all of the characters in it even the evil sister of the vampire twins. Sienna’s a great character but well underdeveloped if I may say. The only reason I’m docking a star off this book is because I was waiting for the big reveal, a twist or some major conflict that will stir shit up which I thought will be caused by Sienna. Alas, it didn’t happen. I mean, I liked that Elaine didn’t see the need to venture into that but I wished it wasn’t just all smooth flowing for our characters.
To finish this off, I’d just like to say (again) that the setting of this story is truly wonderful and I’d love to see more of these characters in the future. Again, wonderful writing from Elaine who gave us The Cellist (one of my favorite reads from last year) and this one will surely tickle the readers who loved their sexy-broody-bloodsuckers! Recommended!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
*Mpreg is the term for a genre of art and literature where a man is pregnant
About The Author
Elaine White was born and raised in the small town of Haddington, Scotland. She began writing from an early age when she thought that she would have written passages from the books she was reading differently.
At the age of 14, she tweaked existing stories to experiment with various writing styles. Eventually, this led to her taking a Creative Writing course and writing her own stories from scratch. Now, she finds inspiration everywhere, which has lead to numerous novels and series ranging from college romance and crime to the supernatural world of witches and vampires.
Elaine currently lives at home in Scotland with her parents and boisterous poodle. She is a full time student and full time writer.
You can find Elaine on the following sites:
Wattpad – http://smarturl.it/ElleLainey
Pinterest –http://smarturl.it/ElainesPinterest
YouTube –http://smarturl.it/ElainesYouTube
Tumblr – http://smarturl.it/ElainesTumblr
Linkedin –http://smarturl.it/ElainesLinkedIn
Google – http://smarturl.it/ElainesGoogle
Published December 17th 2015
Format: Novel
Genre: Paranormal / Romance / Contemporary
Length: 80 pages, ebook
Publisher: Foxtales Publications
Cover Artist: Harper Fox
Ebook ASIN: B019IYQKPM
Characters: Gideon Frayne, Lee Tyack
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Harper Fox released another book on her Tyack & Frayne Mystery series – and I knew I just had to get my paws on it pronto! I’ve re-read the series constantly ever since I got hold of the first book earlier last year and getting a glimpse of ‘em once again just makes me oh-so-happy!
This installment isn’t stand-alone since it includes characters from previous books which made me really happy (much so) since I really loved the “Kitto” one and he’s got a bit of a mention here.
As for the story here, it was all domestic for both Gideon and Lee and their daughter until said daughter started to show her psychokinetic abilities. It was also the winter solstice – also a time for new beginnings and everyone’s becoming what they should be.
I loved how Harper Fox focuses on their family this time and not all the odd things happening around them. I mean, it’s a given they’re an odd family what with all the paranormal stuff but this one feels more emotional in some way. Gideon and Lee’s relationship is stronger than ever, their careers are stable and just the whole domestic side is all so-endearing to read. Their love for their daughter is almost palpable and how they protect each other.
Reading the whole thing was like watching an episode of my favorite TV show. There were some issues at the beginning which got resolved easily at the end and that’s that. Purely enjoyable and you’d definitely want to ask for a repeat or perhaps the new “episode.” Highly recommended for the fans of the series!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
About The Author
Harper Fox is an M/M author with a mission. She’s produced six critically acclaimed novels in a year and is trying to dispel rumours that she has a clone/twin sister locked away in a study in her basement. In fact she simply continues working on what she loves best– creating worlds and stories for the huge cast of lovely gay men queuing up inside her head. She lives in rural Northumberland in northern England and does most of her writing at a pensioned-off kitchen table in her back garden, often with blanket and hot water bottle.
She lives with her SO Jane, who has somehow put up with her for a quarter of a century now, and three enigmatic cats, chief among whom is Lucy, who knows the secret of the universe but isn’t letting on. When not writing, she either despairs or makes bread, specialities foccacia and her amazing seven-strand challah. If she has any other skills, she’s yet to discover them.
Posted in Books
Tagged Book Review, Gideon Frayne, Harper Fox, Lee Tyack, Third Solstice, Tyack & Frayne Series
