Book Review: Legend – Marie Lu

I’m mostly convinced that prior to reading this novel, I’d get myself totally immersed with the world created by the author because a lot of peeps I know are raving about it – a future where America is divided between the Republic and the Colonies. Both of our protagonists hailed from the Republic. They’re both 15-years-old and both are surprisingly good at what they do. Only, they do different things – June’s the republic’s prodigy groomed for greatness in the military whilst Day is the Republic’s most wanted felon.

Their world collided when Day was accused of murdering June’s brother. In the event of Day’s capture, things started to unravel that made them an unlikely ally against the Republic.

I’m not going to lie; I really didn’t like this one as much as I liked other dystopian novels around. There’s nothing new about this book. The rebellion aspect of it reminds me of The Hunger Games, the experimentation points out to The Maze Runner and just the whole vibe seemed to run on a mixed-script from both novels. It doesn’t also sit with me that they’re only 15-years-old and the romance aspect of the story was highly promoted.

This is not to say that it was badly written though, I just find it utterly unoriginal and almost too long for such a premise.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Published November 29th 2011 by Putnam Juvenile

About The Author
Marie Lu (www.marielu.org) is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Legend, Prodigy, and Champion, as well as The Young Elites. She graduated from the University of Southern California and jumped into the video game industry, working for Disney Interactive Studios as a Flash artist. Now a full-time writer, she spends her spare time reading, drawing, playing Assassin’s Creed, and getting stuck in traffic. She lives in Los Angeles, California (see above: traffic), with one husband, one Chihuahua mix, and two Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Book Review: Heat Trap (The Plumber’s Mate #3) – J.L. Merrow

Heat TrapThe main reason I got this book was  to find out things about Tom’s identity – or at least who his real father is. I think that’s what’s keeping me glued at this point in the series. I absolutely adore Tom and his cheeky personality.

The book centered on Tom and Phil trying to help one of their “friend but not exactly friend” lesbian pub owner, Harry on getting one of her customers to back off from one of her barmaids. Then we also have the dealio about Tom’s father’s identity and the couple sorting out their relationship.

This installment however left me at a loss yet again because I couldn’t quite connect (still) with Phil. There’s just something not working for me about their relationship. Now, it’s very understandable for readers like me not to get the couple since apparently, they’re still at the very early stage of their relationship as a couple and we’ve only got the meet and greet with Tom’s weird-ass family and the novel hasn’t even covered Phil’s side of the family. Now I thought that was just way overdue at this point. But yeah, I guess we’d see that one sometime soon in the series.

Now off to some nice parts in the story, Tom’s best pal Gary finally tied the knots with his little darling Darren and as usual, he’s still a drama queen but a good drama queen at that! And outrageous, of course.

I mostly loved the whole relationship “talk” in this book (which I didn’t get much) and didn’t care at all about the mystery part involving Harry’s pub. The only mystery I was curious pre and post-reading the book is all about Tom’s dad! And we’ve got a cliffhanger for that. I was like, OHMYFREAKINGAWD. But after a bit, I was like – okay, I thought it’s a pretty good cliffie and at least we’ve that to expect next time.

As I’ve mentioned, I’m still not convinced with their relationship or maybe I’m just looking for more “Phil time” (maybe a POV from Phil next time?) but I loved that at least they’re progressing in their relationship. This is way better than the last book and was more realistic and I’m hoping next time that it’d capture more romantic time with the couple. Overall, I thought it’s a fun read.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 Published March 17th 2015 by Samhain Publishing

Buy now:
Amazon | Samhain Publishing | Barnes & Noble

About The Author
JL Merrow is that rare beast, an English person who refuses to drink tea. She read Natural Sciences at Cambridge, where she learned many things, chief amongst which was that she never wanted to see the inside of a lab ever again. Her one regret is that she never mastered the ability of punting one-handed whilst holding a glass of champagne.

She writes across genres, with a preference for contemporary gay romance and the paranormal, and is frequently accused of humour. Her novella Muscling Through was a 2013 EPIC Award finalist, and her novel Slam! won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best LGBT Romantic Comedy.

JL Merrow is a member of the UK GLBTQ Fiction Meet organising team.

Find JL Merrow online at: http://www.jlmerrow.com, on Twitter as @jlmerrow, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jl.merrow

Book Review: The Bruise-Black Sky (More Heat Than the Sun, #5) – John Wiltshire

The Bruise-Black SkyNote: This review may contain spoiler/s

I was actually very excited when I started reading this fifth installment of the series More Heat Than The Sun because the last book made me pretty upset so I was thinking that something needs to happen here or something will happen here.

I’ve envisioned Kate getting preggo with Ben’s baby after the incident in the fourth book, This Other Country and with this actually happening, I find myself utterly disappointed because that baby trope just doesn’t work for me. I feel that it was there just to fuck with the readers. And I didn’t like it one bit. Like if I were Nik, everytime I’d look at that baby – who’s got Molly Rose for a name – I’d just see that dark moments of Ben regardless of his condition back then. I loved babies in real life but in books – I’d be okay to have Ben’s baby out of the picture. I thought the inclusion of the baby isn’t a good call for the development of the series.

On a more positive note, I loved the introduction of new characters. Miles Toogood is just too good a character not to revisit further in the upcoming books!

This installment clearly separate Ben and Nik’s power over each other. With this though, Ben ends up getting the upper hand in terms of douche-ness level leaving Nik to be the poor underdog.

I somehow find the storyline here a bit weaker than the rest of the series so far, though the loopholes here will definitely bring about good plot points for the next installments. I for one is very curious about Nik’s son (Mr. Wiltshire – bring it on! And could you please let Ben grovel more?) The “rape” non-rape scene at the end was a very pivotal scene in the development of their relationship and the story I reckon. I feel like Nik being Nik – should’ve exploited that more out of Ben.

I didn’t like this installment very much but overall, I’m still enamored to continue with Nik and Ben’s story and still think that this is one of the best series’ I’ve ever read from any genre.

Additional Notes: I honestly do not expect this series to last until Nik turned 50. Gosh, the timeline was so fast I’m having a hard time grasping it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published March 20th 2015 by MLR Press (first published March 19th 2015)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Books

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

[SPOILER] America’s Next Top Model Cycle 22 Contestants!

ANTM Cycle 22

If you think Tyra and company is done with the Top Model show, nuh-uh. America’s Next Top Model returns for Cycle 22 on Wednesday, August 5! Yay! It’s still a mixed competition with boys and girls hopefuls battling it one for the top prize.

ANTM Cycle 22 Cast 1

Guys
Michael Heverly
Stefano Churchill
Nyle Dimarco
Dustin Mcneer
Devin Clark
Justin Kim
Bello Sanchez

14 contestants are rumored to participate this cycle and based on the “unconfirmed” cast – it looks like the guys will be giving the girls a run for their money. They all look incredibly good! As for the girls, I hope the judges will not have an issue with their height because only two girls are above 5 feet and 8 inches in height.

ANTM Cycle 22 Cast 2

Girls
Lacey Rogers
Ava Capra
Mame Adjei
Delanie Dischert
Courtney DuPerow
Ashley Molina
Hadassah Richardson

For now though, based on these “unconfirmed” contestants – I’m liking Dustin, Mame, Ava, Lacey and Michael.

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 Winner Ayu Gani’s Harper’s BAZAAR Cover!

Ayu Gani

Here’s the newly proclaimed winner of Asia’s Next Top Model gracing the cover of Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore July 205 edition as part of her prize! I think it looks stunning! Again, Congratulations  Gani!

Book Review: This Other Country (More Heat Than the Sun, #4) – John Wiltshire

This Other CountryThis is the fourth book of the amazing series More Heat Than The Sun and I am still enthralled by the author’s writing and depiction of his main characters Nik and Ben from the first three books that this actually came a bit of a surprise for me – it’s a rather brow-raising surprise because I’ve this pet peeve about my characters which I’ll try to discuss in a bit.

Anyways, This Other Country saw the very dignified Nikolas Mikkelsen admitting himself into a gay therapy course for Ben’s sake (he’s with Ben here). And for Ben’s stupid friend Squeezy.

I actually find the whole thing quite amusing at the beginning – Nik being Nik – you just gotta love the guy’s snark! Despite his entire strong exterior, he’s really got a soft spot most especially for Ben.

This time, the story’s not divided into two arcs – it’s a continuous one with the initial premise being the gay therapy session. It’s clearly over the top but again, in a good way.

What happened after the therapy was something I wasn’t expected to come out of this book. Something that will tick-off some readers off of some characters most especially Kate. After reading that “scene” – I went ahead and plan for her demise right away. It was gulag style I reckon. I hate that part. I don’t like it at all and it makes my heart palpitate. I was so mad that Nik was so lenient and understanding towards Ben. I cried for Nik because it was so unfair for him. The author needs to make Ben grovel better come next time because it’s always Nik who’s left crying in the corner – with his gun and stuff for killing. I’m totally disappointed with Ben and I could already see where this will be heading – ugh. I’m calling this installment “Kate Must Die” –Arrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When are the gulag prisoners when you need them?

This book is still great like the rest of the series – with some disappointments that is, but seriously, the writing was so good that it’s unfair to say that I hate it just because what I want to happen with the characters were unrealized.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published November 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published November 21st 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
 Kobo | MRL Books  | iTunes

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.

Get To Know Romeo Crow And His Music!

Heya guys! So I’ve been meaning to post some stuff about this awesome artist I discovered online while – well, checking out stuff and all – and this particular artist just totally blew me away with his songs!!! His name’s Romeo Crow and according to his website –  he’s a singer, writer and producer based in the Battersea area of London, spending my days either relaxing with my family or working on new songs and projects. [s]

Romeo_Crow_-_2015_Thumbnail_Full

So off to the music – I’m telling you guys! This guy’s pretty awesome! I loved the catchy melodies most especially but of course I’m not a music critic or anything so I’d have you listen to him instead and you can actually download 6 of his songs for absolutely fuckin’ free!!! yass! Romeo Crow’s EP of 6 songs includes Fat Freddy, Would You Hold It Against Me, Sharing Time, Still Loving You, Get Like This and my favorite Storm In The City.

You can check this LINK to download ’em.

whilst you are downloading them songs you can watch here

the lyric video of “Remember Your Name” off his album “Sketched Vol.1” [POSTED TODAY! YAY!]

Here’s the lyrics of this song
In Piccadilly there’s a statue
And she’s shooting at the moon
And from all around
The bands arrive to clown about and
You could be like them to

Oh, believe in what you’re dream of
But be careful what you wish for
Fear will have her hand on you
If you don’t stay true

All your lives will drift away
Unless you stop and own your days
Make your dreams mean something
Do your best and we’ll remember your name

In Leicester Square there is a carpet
It glows red beneath the moon
And when the stars come out
They shine so bridge you scream and shout
You could be like them to

So guys, you should totally check him out via his website romeocrow.com or click the following link for his other social media accounts – TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK!!!

Cheers,

Indonesia’s Gani Ayu Wins Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3!

Gani AyuAfter a solid run in the competition, Gani who was touted by judge and host Georgina Wilson as someone they could mold as the Asian Kate Moss was adjudged the new Asia’s Next Top Model!

During the competition, Gani has won a campaign from Zalora online and is consistently getting good praises for her exotic look and undeniable Asian appeal.

As part of her winnings, Ayu will be gracing the cover and will have a spread in Harper’s Bazaar Singapore, a TRESemmé campaign this year and a modeling representation from Storm Model Management. She will also be enjoying her new ride from Subaru.

Gani Wins

Gani, congratulations!

Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 Finale – Gani Ayu Wins!!! (June 17, 2015)

Team AsNTMWho’s excited for tonight’s final episode of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3? Who are you rooting to win the top plum? Are you Team Aimee, Team Gani or Team Monika?

“At the spectacular season 3 finale runway, only one will become Asia’s Next Top Model. Will it be Monika from the Philippines? Gani from Indonesia? Or Aimee from Singapore?”

Check out this finale promo

So folks, don’t miss the finale tonight at 8:45 PM on StarWorld Asia.

***

LIVE BLOGGING

The season started with 14 hopefuls and tonight we’re down to three lovely ladies all vying for the right to be Asia’s Next Top Model!

The three finalists all went to dinner with the panel – Georgina, Alex and Joey – and shared their future endeavors. Awee…

The girls will be having their final “Haute Couture” photoshoot at Fullerton Hotel Singapore.

A rep from Storm Model Management will also be present at the shoot and will be joining the final judging.

Monika’s overthinking the shoot – feeling all the pressure! OMG! C’mon girl!

Aimee’s totally killing the shoot! I loved that dress! And Alex was beaming all over the shoot! The photographer Jean-Baptiste Fort even mentioned that he would like to work with Aimee in the future…yay! Another hometown win??! ^^

Yikes! Is this Gani choking?

The final runway will be held at Chijmes Hall!! Yay!

Eliminated contestants were brought back… where’s Amanda??? Oh and there’s Jodilly and Sheena from the previous season.

Monika’s a natural in the runway. Gani looks short but amazing!

Aimee’s totally getting everything right – even closing the mock runway show! Hhmmm…

Panel time… who’s it gonna be?

MonikaThem judges loved Monika’s photo!!! The rep from Storm thought Monika can do anything! Yay!

AimeeThe also loved Aimee!!! Her shot and her walk!!!! Am I smelling a win from her?

Gani AyuGani’s shot was fantastic and it’s my personal favorite amongst the three! Panel said she’s a classic Asian model… prompting Perry to say that if Gani’s a bit taller – she could walk any runway worldwide.

The panel is now deliberating…

The Storm rep totally loves Aimee!!!! I think she’s winning this…

Panel said Monika want it the most but lacks x-factor. 😦 so not winning this but I hope I’m wrong.

Alex Perry’s harping on Gani’s height. Same issue all throughout the season.  – could win this.

And the winner of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 3 is…

GANI AYU!!!

via Asia’s Next Top Model

Book Review: The Bridge of Silver Wings (More Heat Than the Sun, #3) – John Wiltshire

The Bridge of Silver WingsThis is one of those series that keeps getting better and as my new favorite couple’s (Nikolas Mikkelsen & Benjamin Rider)  relationship reached a new high – a lot of things were also revealed about their past that could have great impact in their relationship but we all know it by now right? – Love conquers all. Period. Stop. Ssshhh.

The Bridge of Silver Wings is part disturbing and part mysterious. When Nik and Ben found themselves in the midst of Gulag prisoner’s territory – they almost lost hope of surviving the brutality of their situation. And there is one thing certain for Nik – he would keep Ben alive at all cost. The whole thing about the first part of this novel is nothing short of shuddering. It was like a nightmare that won’t end for all the characters involved and for its readers. It was like watching Hannibal where you are always at the edge of your seat. At some point, I was almost afraid to turn the next page I’m almost shaking. Here, we see the intensity of Nik’s love for Ben. We see Nik here as someone almost inhuman. He’s been through this place and he survived it then and he’s gonna die trying to get Ben see himself out of this. That part about Ben getting “assaulted” was the most disturbing part for me. The trauma it caused Ben, the denial and just the way John Wiltshire spin that conversation between Nik and Ben just gave me goose bumps all throughout – it’s almost too reverent if you think about it. Not even the gory killings horrify me as much.

The second part of the book detailed Ben’s discovery of his father’s side. I didn’t exactly like this part of the book because Ben started second-guessing things about himself and Nik. I thought what happened with them previously is proof enough that it’s 100% solid with them. Here, Ben was acting like he’s twenty-two. Seriously, I was so annoyed when he got away with it so easily and he doesn’t even have to grovel that much. The whole thing about his “cousin’s death” was a tad predictable but it’s a good predictable. And fuck, I think I started hating Kate here. Is this when she started having her POV? I’m like – bitch please, I know you’re up to something in the next book/s – ugh. Little did I know this would hold true.

I’m weeping with Nik over here. I can totally feel his pain here. I really do love them as a couple but I’m team Nik come hell or high water. He’s like my little baby Nik and I hated the fact that Ben just doesn’t seem appreciate him that much here. He’s very lucky that Nik loves him very much. The ending was beautiful as usual but it just gives me the creep that something wicked is about to happen next.

Man’ what can I say? I’m just totally in love with this series. Get your copy now or you’ll miss out big time!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published August 22nd 2014 by MLR Press (first published August 21st 2014)

Buy now:
All Romance | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
iTunes | Kobo | MRL Press

About The Author
John Wiltshire spent twenty-two years in the military, perfecting the art of looking busy whilst secretly writing. He left as a senior officer when his tunnel was ready for use. He is now living in New Zealand until he can raise enough money to leave. Although he has no plans to return to the army, he can occasionally be caught polishing his medals.