Book Review: You Can See Me – A.E. Via

Posted on February 21, 2015 | Leave a comment

You Can See MeI’ve mentioned it before that I’m not a big fan ménage stories  but I indulge every now and then because there are some good ones out there that are definitely worth reading. This one is one of them. A.E. Via’s a new author for me so I wasn’t really expecting much from this book. Little did I know though that this would leave me combusting midway to finish! It’s so hawt I’m afraid to tap my reader after finishing it! *wink* *wink*

Prescott Vaughan has everything mapped out in his world. He’s about to go to Paris to work with his idol, he’s got a loving fiancé and he’s a multi-awarded chef at only 27. Everything ended one night in an accident that left him alone the dark…

I loved Prescott’s character here – I’ve met blind people and they always tell me that they hate it when people treat them differently because of their disability. I guess that’s natural instinct for people though. They want to be treated like any normal people – because they are and they simply lost their sight. This is what Prescott simply wanted for people to do around him. He’s still very capable though, I hate that he was so needy for physical contact because he feels so alone. I so feel for him during those times when he was almost begging his girlfriend for sex! Yes, he’s still not sure about his sexuality folks! Closet case? Nope. Just mainly confused if I may say.

When he meets Dr. Rickson Edwards, it was like a ray of sunshine for Prescott. Ric made Prescott feel loved and the latter reciprocated the feelings. But because of a prank, Ric doesn’t think that he could handle Prescott’s carelessness so he kept himself away from the blind guy. WTF?! Yes, a traumatic prank for Ric. He should’ve let Prescott explain first!

Alone and still reeling from their break-up, Prescott finds himself hiring an escort and didn’t expect to hit it off with Blair McKenzie – a sexy Texan culinary student who works part-time as an escort to help pay the bills.

When Ric finally decided to get back with Prescott, things got a little sticky when he realized that Prescott won’t let go of Blair even though they still love each other.

So yes – it’s a bit complicated indeed but I feel like the story is more focused on Prescott and Ric. Blair simply became the third wheel in the relationship. I guess, there weren’t enough scenes for Blair to figure much into the relationship so their whole declaration at the end counted a lot, I guess.

In a ménage story, it’s always the sex that really has to count half the time. This one has it in spades. Oh man, it was hotness overload! The story was well written and I loved all three characters especially the big, bad Ric and if it was just a normal couple story – I guess it would’ve worked as well. I’ve got to say though, this is a really good read for anyone looking for a ménage in a book.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Download you free copy HERE

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Book Review: Temper Sanguine – Lou Harper

Posted on February 20, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 2 of Sanguine Series]

Temper SanguineBLURB: Gabe Vadas’s slayer ancestors would be spinning in their graves if they knew that not only is his boss a vampire, so is his lover. But that lover, Harvey Feng, is cooking something up in his lab that he seems reluctant to disclose.

The secrets they keep from each other and the nightmares they share are driving a wedge between them.

Harvey fell off the vegetarian wagon with one taste of his lover s blood. Except recently it s been having some unusual and disturbing side effects. And he fears their connection has awakened something dark and dangerous.

Sent to New York City to help the new top vamp clean up the mess the old one left behind, Gabe finds more than a few stray feral vampires. A doctor with a dubious history is hell-bent on creating a new race of unkillable bloodsuckers.

The investigation takes Gabe and Harvey across an ocean, and deep into the past. Where they discover demons that have the power to reach across the centuries to destroy them both.

 ***

I’m a big fan of Gabe and Harvey and I just loved their partnership since the very first book (Spirit Sanguine) and its subsequent free short novella (Late Night Snack). I loved how protective they are with each other. There’s actually nothing new about this story – it’s like the gay version of Buffy but more quirky. What’s so good about the series so far is the chemistry between Gave and Harvey and how charming they could get whenever they banter. The story was smooth and continuous. A wee bit predictable but it was tastefully done.

 I also adore the way they just go on with their relationship. No hang ups, they’re just taking it a day at a time. The talks about Gabe being turned was in not yet in the table because Gabe isn’t that sure yet but I was thinking that maybe Gabe’s has some kind of power as well. Now I was thinking if maybe they could grow old together when Gabe could reverse Harvey’s vampirism or perhaps just be with each other as immortal vampires.

 The good thing about their story so far was that there are still so many things to expect from them. Harvey’s still working on his ala-true blood­ concoction and Gabe’s still processing his history (with the death of his parents and his uncle’s betrayal).

 I’ve no doubt that this story would really flourish if people get to appreciate the development of Gabe and Harvey’s slayer-vampire romance. There’s really something so good about it and although Lou Harper mentioned that at the moment, she’s got no plans of writing a follow up – I sure hope that she’d think about it and perhaps gift us the next book in the series in the near future. People – you gotta read this amazing series!

 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 Published June 3rd 2014 by Samhain Publishing

BUY LINKS
Samhain Publishing
Amazon

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Book Review: A Prairie Dog’s Love Song – Eli Easton

Posted on February 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

A Prairie Dogs Love SongBLURB: Ben Rivers always was a showman. He won awards in 4-H and rodeo competitions from the time he could walk, and he’s happiest in the spotlight. So when he got the chance to be a star—in porn—he took it. He still loves Montana and everything about being a cowboy, but when news of his alternate identity leaks out, he figures he’s lost the town’s goodwill forever. Clyde’s Corner would never accept an openly gay cowboy, even a hometown boy born and bred.

Joshua Braintree always had the notion that he and his best friend’s kid brother, Ben, would end up together. Ben’s always been a diehard cowboy, just like him: they need the land and its freedom as much as they need air. So when Joshua learns Ben moved away from their small Montana town to be a porn star in Vegas, he can hardly believe it. He’s determined to finally declare himself and bring Ben home.

Despite his longtime crush on Joshua, Ben won’t be as easy to tame as Joshua’s “lost cause” horses. It will take a lot of heart and holiday spirit for Joshua to convince Ben that even old prairie dogs can learn new tricks in the name of love.

***

I didn’t like this as much as I loved the previous books I’ve read from Eli Easton but it still has that signature light feels style from the author. I loved the fact that it was not overly angsty or dramatic. It was just right. The whole premise about becoming a porn star was still a bit puzzling for me – I still don’t get whatever happens to Ben? I mean, why, how and why?! It feels like he’s got so many choices but didn’t utilize them although I’m not saying that what he did was an awful thing but I think his choices weren’t exactly the best for him. It also pains me that it took forever for Joshua to finally do something about Ben. There was the little age gap yes and there was the friendship with Ben’s brother and the town’s scrutiny but cmon’ man – really?

I really liked what Joshua did for Ben at the end though. Although they’re becoming pretty annoying midway, I was glad that it picked up a little bit through the end. It was just a happy ever after for both although I would’ve like it for more drama to ensue but this was a Christmas story after all – no need for heavy drama and everything’s all good. In the end, I’d say that this was still a pretty solid holiday story.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published December 1st 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon

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Book Review: My Summer Of Wes – Missy Welsh

Posted on February 18, 2015 | Leave a comment

My Summer Of WesBLURB: I didn’t know. How could I? All through high school, I was beaten up and teased for being gay. But I wasn’t gay. Or didn’t think I was. Now Wes, the guy across the street who’s taken me under his wing and been the best friend I’ve ever had, won’t stop invading my dreams, hell, my every waking thought. Am I gay? Because I’m thinking I’d like to kiss him. Actually, I’m thinking there’s a lot more I’d like to do with his mouth and the rest of that tall, confident, muscular body. Ah, man… I’m so gay!

But what if he doesn’t feel the same way about me? And, Jesus, what about my parents? And those bastards from school are still around. And I’m supposed to go to college this fall… Shit, I need to sit down. I can’t breathe and I’m about to shake apart. Then Wes puts his hand on the back of my neck, gives me one of those encouraging squeezes and his bright smile, and everything’s okay again. Yeah, I’m hooked. Oh, boy.

***

This was just cuteness overload. It’s the kind of story that makes you smile all throughout the day remembering it. Mal and Wes are total babes and you just got to love getting to experience your first time with someone who adores you at no end. Mal was someone who at his age was still very confuse about his sexuality and does see things around him in black and white – his parent are not any help at all and his bullies at school made it even worse. It’s a good thing that he’s finally off to college. Meeting Wes as their next door neighbor was the best thing to happen to Mal – with Wes, Mal was able to truly be comfortable in his own skin.

I loved that they have a little age gap which made Wes the protector of Mal and I loved the fact that there was not much drama involving Mal’s parents. There’s something so beautiful about their chemistry and the fact that they found something within them that connects them so well.  This is another beautiful story from Missy Welsh that you’d always want to reread whenever you feel down because it’ll just make you feel so good deep inside. A total must read!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published August 10th 2010 by Loose Id LLC

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Book Review: Double Up – Vanessa North

Posted on February 17, 2015 | Leave a comment

Double Up“ Fifteen years ago, Ben Warren was a wakeboarding champion: king of big air, ballsy tricks, and boned grabs. Until a career-ending injury left him broken in ways he still has no hope of fixing. Now he takes his thrills where he can get them, and tries not to let life hurt too much.

Then Davis Fox arrives in Ben’s sporting goods store with a plan to get in touch with his estranged brother by competing in the annual wakeboarding double-up contest. The catch? He’s never ridden before. It’s crazy, but Ben’s a sucker for the guy’s sob story—and for his dimples, too—so he agrees to coach Davis.

Davis is everything Ben isn’t: successful, confident, and in love with life. And he wants Ben to love life—and him—too. But before Ben can embrace a future with Davis, he needs to remember how to hope.”

***

What I really loved about this book is how realistic Ben Warren’s character was portrayed. There was no inhibition into his character and it was an honest to goodness look to someone who’s in his situation. How would you feel if a freak accident took that one thing that makes you really happy? I mean, it may not be “that” extreme happiness but you can’t help but think of all the what if’s. In this story, there are those realistic “what ifs” and Ben was a prime example of someone who’s just going through life – though obviously, he’s still holding on a little part of his old self.

I do loved Davis here because he’s what Ben needed – someone who’s confident and does not easily takes shit from others. I also loved that his character is a sensitive one. He’s someone who views having a partner as a sacred thing. Although it feels like the reason he’s enrolling for the tournament was a bit forced – I thought the story smoothly transitioned into their romance and its development towards the end was truly heartwarming. This was a beautiful summer story that I’d always place on my reread list.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Riptide Publishing
Amazon

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Book Review: Rise & Fall (THIRDS, #4) – Charlie Cochet

Posted on February 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 4 of the THIRDS Series]

Rise And FallI was meaning to write my review here since I’ve read this super-awesome fourth installment of the THIRDS series but I just can’t find the right words to describe it’s supah-dupah greatness (okay – I was just really busy – eeekk!) but still, I stand firm that this series has become one of my favorites and this new book from author Charlie Cochet cemented her status as one of the best storyteller in the MM genre.

On with the book, Dexter J. Daley takes center stage this time after the events from the third book (Rack & Ruin) left his work partner and “secret” boyfriend Sloane Brodie critically injured from a bombing attack by the evil Coalition led by Beck Hogan. This incident led Lieutenant Sparks to pull Dex’s Destructive Delta team out from the case and hand it over to Sebastian Hobbs’team. Dex was not happy about this and swears to make Hogan pay for what he did at whatever cost. As Dex plans for his revenge, he also began to spiral out of control missing the real reason of what he’s doing altogether. This made Sloane take some action to intervene and finally comes clean with what Dex really meant to him which could save the latter from danger.

Really, I’ve tried dragging reading this book when I bought my ebook copy. I didn’t want it to finish right away but since it’s a short read – I’m like, shoot – now I’ve to wait for the next book. I mean, the series was so good and I just want to continue reading stories about the characters. Of course I understand that it’ not easy to come out with fantabulous stories like this but Charlie just totally hit every single mark in this story. I’m so greedy and I want more! More! More! There are the usual laughs, the sexy times, the romance and the oh-so good story development from every angle. I seriously cannot fault this book – and this series as a whole. Dare I say that this could even rival the Cut & Run series (although I loved Ty and Zane to death) but of course we’ll have to see the consistency of the series and based on the first four books – this series was simply sublime and just one of the best in the genre.

This book is a total must-read and highly recommended one for the lovely readers of the genre. Again, thank you Charlie for this wonderful installment!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner
Amazon

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Book Review: Love You Senseless – Susan Mac Nicol

Posted on February 15, 2015 | Leave a comment

[Book 1 of Men In London Series]

Love You SenselessBlurb: An award-winning chef with his own restaurant and an inexhaustible passion, Gideon Kent once had everything. Then came tragedy. It stole more than Gideon’s home. He hasn’t cooked since.

Until Eddie Tripp. Fun-loving and vivacious, the Norfolk redhead’s a real up-and-comer in Gideon’s kitchen—and other places. Slim where Gideon’s broad, easy-going where Gideon is growly, he and Gideon seem polar opposites, and yet Eddie conjures flavors that would tempt anyone with a taste for perfection. The sauce of love is already simmering, and this pair is about to dine on the most delicious dish they’ve ever prepared. Because Eddie’s been Gideon’s missing ingredient all along.

***

This was my second book by Susan Mac Nicol (the first one being Stripped Bare) and I actually loved its original premise but didn’t really find myself drawn to the main characters. It’s a quick read and I find myself wanting more of Gideon and Eddie. I didn’t feel much connection from both of them and I thought Eddie’s roomates Leslie and Taylor were much more interesting than the main couple. I figured that they’re up next in the series either as a couple or with different partners. I wished that this went well as I’d expected. There wasn’t enough romance for me here and I feel like the focus went to Eddie’s roomies more. I also find Carmen and Sarah pretty annoying. Their characters are one and the same so I rather find their characters unnecessary – or redundant to say the least. The head chef Jerome was already there and I thought he would’ve sufficed for their roles.

Overall, it was a decent start for said series. The MCs are forgettable but I loved the characterization of Taylor and Leslie. Really, they’re the best thing to happen here which made me interested to read their own book in the future.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Published October 9th 2014 by Boroughs Publishing Group

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Review: That Thing Called Tadhana (2015)

Posted on February 14, 2015 | 2 comments

That Thing Called TadhanaGoin’ into the theater, I already expected that I’d love it no matter what since it’s starred by JM de Guzman whom I considered a superb performer and being partnered with the feisty Angelica Panganiban – my impression was solidly cemented for good.

A Thing Called Tadhana isn’t your usual pa-tweetums romantic pinoy flick. It’s sooooo far from it. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, the whole thing was like a local adaptation of Before Sunrise – but definitely has its own charm. Mace (Panganiban) and Anthony (de Guzman) met at an airport in Rome. Both broken-hearted, they decided to take on a road trip in the northern part of the Philippines – a whirlwind trip that went deeper than their new found friendship as they delved into searching where do really broken hearts go?

I just totally loved how their relationship developed throughout their journey. The dialogues weren’t overly dramatic but very memorable. They’re not the usual “one-liners” that border on being contrived. It’s the lines that you’d actually remember the most after watching this film. I especially loved this one  – “Hindi Na Kita Mahal, Makakaalis Ka Na! Yung eight years naming, tinapos niya in seven words!” – I thought it was genius through and through!”

I also loved the fact that it focuses more on dialogues than visuals although it feels like you’re also travelling with them as they went to Baguio, then Sagada (I totally got nostalgic on their way there because Sagada’s one of my favorite places on earth!!!!) – I’m happy that these places were highlighted in the story without out-staging the actors. The only thing I would consider to be an issue about it is the excessive use of profanity which I felt was lazy on the part of the screenwriter. Other than this, it is golden.

JM de Guzman and Angelica Panganiban just had this undeniable chemistry that made the film relatable more than its glaring mass appeal. It’s so refreshing to watch a Filipino film that does not resort to visual grandeur which often does not work in their favor. I loved the film’s simplicity, its funny antics and its touch of nostalgia that everyone could easily relate to. Jadaone created a pierce here that will probably propel her into the mainstream cinema film making. Congratulations!

Director: Antoniette Jadaone
Cast: Angelica Panganiban, JM de Guzman

Rating: 6/10

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Film Review: Fifty Shades Of Grey (2015)

Posted on February 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

Fifty Shades Of GreyI’m probably one of the minorities in the country that does not (or will not) hate the censorship the Movie And Television Review And Classification Board (MTRCB) has added into this film – ugh! I kind of expected it so I just went through it and tried to disregard the fact that I paid money “to see everything” but I figured that If I wanted to watch gritty-bitty sexy parts – I’d go watch porn but no, I’d like to watch how a book which I liked (yeah blah-blah-blah-so what) was transformed into the big screen.

I enjoyed reading the “Fifty Shades” trilogy and was rather excited to watch it since Charlie Hunnam was chosen and then ceremoniously dumped from the role of BDSM-loving billionaire Christian Grey and was eventually replaced by Jamie Dornan. I got even more excited when Dakota Johnson was announced for the role of Anastasia Steele – a naïve college student on her foray into the dark and se[x]nsual world of the impossibly rich and controlling and more stoic than Edward Cullen, Christian Grey.

yeah... more or less

yeah… more or less

Okay, so on to the movie itself. I was not a happy kid after sitting through the whole thing + the credits! I felt like the book was murdered into pieces and the screenwriter made some sort of raffle which scenes should be included in this first installment (okay, so yeah – they will be making the next two films as well, yeah right). There’s just not enough of Jamie Dornan who will do fine as a crazy stalker in another film but here – it was just totally off. I guess that is what irks me the most about the film – Christian Grey was not properly portrayed here.

stalker alert

stalker alert

I’m not blaming Jamie; I’m blaming the script because there’s not much to work on it aside from all his kinky times with co-star Dakota. There’s just not enough angst from where his character’s love for BDSM was coming from – it was all too bland If I may say it so bluntly. It was such a shame really because his character didn’t build up into anything that is remarkable and not even the cliffie at the end could get me excited for the next film!

*stammering*

*stammering*

Johnson on the other hand was a surprise here despite her deer-in-the-headlights-oh-shoot-what-the-fuck-did-I-just-sign-up-to expression 80 percent of the time – I was rather impressed by her portrayal as the uber-innocent Anastasia Steele. There was tenderness in her attack and that naivety that the role was asking for. (no fun inner goddess though –boohoo!)

Britney Not That Innocent

This film wasn’t so bad. It was like a trial of some sort whether us audience will bite into it and devour its characters up to its second and final installment. Unfortunately, I didn’t like the way they made this one like an appetizer – I did after all pay for the main course. I was disappointed yes but there’s a slight chance that I may consider re-watching it given the proper incentive. Okay, I’m still going to watch it on DVD. *wink*

Rating: 6/10

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Based on the book by E.L. James
Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Eloise Mumford, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora, Victor Rasuk, Max Martini, Dyan Neal, Callum Keith Rennie, Jennifer Ehle, Marcia Gay Harden

p.s. a friend asked me about the soundtrack – I’m like, no I didn’t notice it at all. Ugh. I mean, this isn’t Step Up or something. Okay..ta’

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Henry Cavill And The Man from U.N.C.L.E. First Official Trailer!

Posted on February 13, 2015 | Leave a comment

The Man From UNCLE posterWho isn’t excited about this film? Finally, after Man of Steel we’ll see something from Henry that will show his versatility as an actor. I mean cmon’ he’s great and all but post- Superman­-blitz, I was thinking that he’d be stuck as just the Superman which isn’t such a bad thing at all to be honest. And it’s fun to see him getting all down and (dirty?! – nah) and suave for his role as Napoleon Solo and ofcourse, he’s co-starring here with the charming Armie Hammer ^_^

So let me cut this short now and check out the trailer of the film that was released yesterday 🙂

Here are some of the movie stills released by Warner Bros. Pictures

The film is slated for release August 14 of 2015!

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