Book Review: Dumped In Oz – Andrew Grey

[Book 1 of Tales From Kansas Series]

Dumped In OzBlurb: Because of an opportunity he’d be a fool to turn down, Lyle Powers transfers to his company’s warehouse in central Kansas. The last thing he expects is to meet another gay man in the small town, let alone one who captures his interest.

Roger Kypers is a recovering alcoholic with a twelve-year-old daughter he only gets to see for part of the summer. Neither Lyle nor Roger is looking for a relationship, and they fumble at the start, yet emotions build as Roger shows Lyle the landmarks of Oz.

But when Roger’s wicked witch of an ex-wife threatens to take his daughter away for good if he doesn’t act “normally,” he’s faced with the challenge of letting her get away with it, or fighting to accept himself and standing up for what he knows is right.

***

I’m not exactly sure how to go with this review – This was my first book by Andrew Grey and I was maybe expecting a bit too much from this that’s why I end up disappointing myself. The book wasn’t so bad – I thought the MCs – Roger and Lyle had great chemistry but the story as a whole didn’t do anything for me. It lacks development and each character is rather forgettable. Halfway through it, I was hoping that there’ll be some sort of drama aside from Roger’s ex-wife but it seems like all the characters went to boringtown until the end of the book. It’s a good thing that it’s not that long because for its thinly veiled plot, it’s a wonder that it went over a hundred pages. ‘Not very sure about this series but I’d probably read more Andrew Grey stories in the future because I’ve read so many positive reviews from his other books.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published January 15th 2014 by Dreamspinner Press

Paolo Ballesteros And The Faces Of Miss Universe 2014!

Filipino TV host and actor Paolo Ballesteros looks like he’s on a mission to impersonate the beautiful queens of the 63rd Miss Universe pageant! He already posted on his instagram account a make-up transformation of Miss Philippines Mary Jean Lastimosa and has since then did four more with Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell, Miss Colombia and the newest Miss Universe Paulina Vega, Miss USA Nia Sanchez and the latest was Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha!

Colombia

as Miss Universe 2014 Paulina Vega

USA

as Miss USA 2014 and Miss Universe 2014 1st runner up Nia Sanchez

Ukraine

as Miss Universe 2014 2nd runner up Miss Ukraine Diana Harkusha

Jamaica

as Miss Universe 2014 4th runner up Miss Jamaica Kaci Fennell

Philippines

Miss Universe Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa (top 10)

Pretty neat make-up transformation yeah? Now all we need is Miss Netherlands Yasmin Verheijen (3rd runner up) to complete the 5 top finishers!

via http://instagram.com/pochoy_29

Book Review: Champion of the Scarlet Wolf Book Two – Ginn Hale

And so the story continues…

Champion Of The Scarlet Wolf Book TwoSkellan saved Milmuraille from the demon Lord and Oesir is now dead. He also found out that he’s actually the stolen son of count Radulf and one of the grimmas. Now, it’s time for him to step up as their leader and with Elezar Grunito in his side along with his “powerful” friends – are they equipped enough to beat the Old gods?

Now, this I enjoyed immensely because it’s so full of action I can’t even turn a page without any sort of chaos ensuing around Skellan and Elezar. It’s also fun to see Elezar finally loosening up and his acceptance towards his true nature. He’s obviously over with Javier but he’s still got a lot to learn about being comfortable with a man. I loved that he and Skellan are so in-synch and it may be because of Skellan’s spells but cmon’ it’s got to be true love right? After all, Elezar is Skellan’s man.

I also loved that in this second book of the Scarlet Wolf – we get to see more of Javier and Kiram affectations towards each other. It was so beautiful to read how they are so comfortable with each other and how through the years, they’ve grown not only as a couple but as individuals. It makes me feel a bit nostalgic thinking back when they were still students of the Sagrada Academy.

At the end of this story, I feel like there’s more to these characters. I may want to have Morisio and Altreau’s story although I’m not that certain about Altreau’s  true orientation – I may have to cross my fingers that this playboy nobleman will give Morision a chance after all. Oh and wouldn’t it be fun to have Kiram’s brother and Altreau fighting for Morisio’s affection? I don’t think it will happen but I want some resolution in this series – I mean, I want Cadeleon to change its law and I want Prince Sevanyo to have his own story. I feel like there’s more that Ginn Hale could explore in this story. In the meantime, go to Amazon and buy this epic series. It’s just so worth it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published October 7th 2014 by Blind Eye Books

BUY LINKS
Amazon
Blind Eye Books

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Official Swimsuit Glam Shots Candidates 18-34!

Here’s the rest of Binibining Pilipinas 2015 official swimsuit glam shots of candidates number 18-34 shot by famed photographer Raymond Saldaña. Now, for this batch – the best photo goes to candidate number 34! Teresita Marquez or better known as WynWyn Marquez is totally working it here – and she looked absolutely amazing! That long body, bone structure and all – gosh crown her already!

Teresita Ssen Marquez

Teresita Ssen Marquez

via Binibining Pilipinas Official
Photographed by: Raymond Saldaña

Binibining Pilipinas 2015 Official Swimsuit Glam Shots Candidates 1-17!

I totally loved this year’s edition of Binibining Pilipinas official glam shot! This was like Miss Universe glam shot quality! I loved the flowery -summerish swimsuits by the candidates and most of them looks every inch of a beauty queen already! For this batch, my best glam shot goes to Brenna Cassandra Gamboa (#17) – I’m not just sure about the missing hands but overall, girl’s working it!

Samantha Balbin

Samantha Balbin

Jenny Feliz Gonzalez

Jenny Feliz Gonzalez

Ria Rabajante

Ria Rabajante

Renee Soraya Hassani

Renee Soraya Hassani

Cannielle Faith Santos

Cannielle Faith Santos

Toni Alyessa Hipolito

Toni Alyessa Hipolito

Enrica Roxiele Guieb

Enrica Roxiele Guieb

Kimverlyn Suiza

Kimverlyn Suiza

Maolin Yalung

Maolin Yalung

Pia Wurtzbach

Pia Wurtzbach

Janicel Lubina

Janicel Lubina

Kylie Verzosa

Kylie Verzosa

Mae Liezel Ramos

Mae Liezel Ramos

Princess Joy Camu

Princess Joy Camu

Paula Rich Bartolome

Paula Rich Bartolome

Marvi Ann De Lima

Marvi Ann De Lima

 Brenna Cassandra Gamboa

Brenna Cassandra Gamboa

via Binibining Pilipinas Official
Photographed by: Raymond Saldaña

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 (18-3)

 

Book Review: Champion of the Scarlet Wolf Book One – Ginn Hale

Champion Of The Scarlet Wolf Book OneI’m a happy kid yet again after saying temporary farewell to Kiram Kir-Zaki and Javier Tornesal in the Lord of the White Hell book 1 and 2 – Ginn Hale yet again brings us to this world but this time the focus is on Elezar (remember Javier’s bestfriend who’s got this unrequited love for him for years?) Oh yes, good times!

I was not the biggest fan of Elezar since I found out that he’s been pining for Javier (I think we got that memo in the second book of Lord of the White Hell during the  winter’s solstice when Kiram sneaked up to the Hellions’ rooms bearing gifts while the rest are attending some sort of solstice ceremony and he saw a picture of Javier in Elezar’s drawer – that was the time I realized it of course – that was it right?) Anyways, of course he almost killed Javier and was sending dagger looks towards Kiram eversince but since they all went together in the Old Road until the end – I guess, it went okay by then. But of course, Javier and Kiram had to leave which left Elezar in Cadeleon and so the book started five years after the couple flee for their lives.

Things didn’t go easy for Elezar and he always finds himself in trouble – mainly becoming this big, kickass nobleman whose life suddenly spiraled down to a purposeless existence. When he acted to save his dear friend and fellow Hellion Altreau from getting killed – he’s got no choice but to flee Cadeleon with Altreau and was sent on a mission by Fadeles (yup, remember Javier’s possessed cousin?) in the heart of Milmuraille. There he meets Skellan, a street witch whom he initially met and saved as a street hound. There’s more to Skellan than meets the eye and this red head witch awakens something from Elezar that he thought he’d long buried five years ago.

So I won’t into too many details because really, there’s so much in this book that I’d really like to discuss. Case in point, the long babbling I just did. Anyhoo, this story was a signature Ginn Hale book – detailed, deep UST and a lot of feels which I can’t even!

This book will very much remind you of Narnia because of the witch’s familiar and well – the witches. There’s so much magic going on that sometimes it was a bit difficult to catch up. I myself gets confused and had to go back to a certain page.

The good thing about this book though was how detailed it was with each character, each event and each minute references. I’ve no problem with the length of the story and I enjoyed reading it that I even find myself skipping a meal to actually get to the main action. O_O

This was Elezar’s story more than Skellan obviously but at some point in the book, I can’t help but feel for Skellan’s character and what he’s endured before he met Elezar. There were some characters whom I’d rather see die in the first book but unfortunately didn’t (yes – I’m bad that way) but overall, it made the story even more exciting.

Milmuraille achieved relative peace at the end – atleast for our characters but it also opened a lot of questions and revelations for the second book to dissect. Now this is what’s so good about the story, it makes you wanna read the next book right away because it makes you anxious to know what will happen with these characters. After this first book, I was so attached with Skellan ( I loved him) and Elezar that I just really want them to be together already without Elezar’s worrying to much about the law and religion (ugh. Like’s he’s a very religious guy to begin with) and yes – this book made me even giddy to read more about Javier and Kiram!

This book is another masterpiece from Ginn Hale. Ugh. Seriously, she doesn’t know how not to deliver!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published October 7th 2014 by Blind Eye Books

BUY LINKS Amazon Blind Eye Books

Book Review: Chance Of The Heart – Kade Boehme

Chance Of The HeartBLURB: Chance Becket’s life was mapped out. He’d one day own the ranch he grew up on, have a family, and be the son he was raised to be, like all good boys in Small Town, U.S.A.

When his high school sweetheart calls for a break during her last semester of college, the last place Chance thought he’d end up was in his old friend Bradley’s bed.

Bradley Heart blasted out of the closet before his family could name him heir apparent to his father’s church. After six years away, a job layoff has him coming home to work behind the scenes. He and his father have little interaction and he’s fine with it staying that way when he returns home. Going back into the closet, for any reason, is not on his list of things to do. But Chance may prove too much a temptation, especially with the simmering feelings they’ve had for one another since they were teens.

Confused over his sexuality, Chance has to decide what’s more important — loyalty to his family and the path set forth, or the promise of happiness with not just the only man, but the only person, he’s ever really wanted.

***

I’m definitely enjoying reading Kade Boehme’s books. His style reminds me a bit of M.J. O’Shea and Piper Vaughn – mostly low-angst but there’s something very Kade about his books. This was his first “cowboy-themed” book – not like hardcore cowboy – I guess, more on country boys suppressing themselves – oh poor boys. Don’t worry though; it’s not that intense when it comes to keeping it inside the closet. Chance Becket is in the closet but upon reuniting with childhood “crush” Bradley Heart, he’s actually getting there and all he’s asking of Brad is time and patience. I thought the whole story was smooth and may have lacked of a stronger conflict. I ain’t complaining though, sometimes I loved such stories to go smoothly and never be bothered about things that would make these lovely characters suffer much. Kade is fast becoming one of my favorite MM authors. He knows how to tickle his readers and this book is another must-read for those who are in need of low-angst, light feels fix – cmon’ ya’ll – check it while it’s hawt [I didn’t just say that?!] ^_^

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Amazon

Book Review: Fit For The Job – Darien Cox

Fit For The JobBlurb: When fitness professional Jay Capello is unexpectedly offered the job of training a movie star’s teenage daughter for the summer, he thinks he’s scored a fairly cushy gig.

But once let inside the locked gates of the actor’s residence, he begins to realize he’s been dropped into a web of family secrets, and the unconventional challenges of this assignment may be more than he can handle.

When he starts to fall for Bodie, the girl’s personal security guard, he tries to stick with it, and his simple summer commitment becomes a struggle to perform his job duties without losing his heart in the process.

***

I thought the whole story was awfully long with its thinly veiled plot. The beginning was a bit interesting although the pacing was uber-slow that I’m almost skimming through it. Midway, it became almost unbearable because of its predictability. I kept on turning the pages because I just want to get over Sassy’s histrionics and I when I got to her dealio – I was like, that’s it???! It’s a snooze-fest of a story. The book does not offer anything new. There were unnecessary scenes [mostly prolonged sex scenes] which made the story even more flat.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Published July 14th 2014 by Dusk Notes

About The Author
Darien Cox lives in New England, bouncing back and forth between the mountain and the ocean states, anywhere there’s a wave or a ski slope. A nature lover and thrill seeker, he enjoys exploring the intensity, insanity, humor and chaos that accompanies cupid’s arrow, whether it’s love at first sight or just the overwhelming power of lust.

website: http://dariencox.com

Twitter Fb Icon

Book Review: Coming Home (Rock Bay #1) – M.J. O’Shea

[Book 1 of Rock Bay Series]

coming homeBLURB: Tallis Carrington ruled Rock Bay with his gang of jocks and an iron fist-until a scandal destroyed his family’s name. Ten years later Tallis is dead broke, newly homeless, and on the walk of shame to end all walks of shame. He needs money and needs it fast, and Rock Bay is the only home he knows. But the people of Rock Bay haven’t forgotten him-or the spoiled brat he used to be. The only person in town willing to overlook his past is Lex, the new coffee shop owner, who offers Tally a job even though he appears to despise Tally based on his reputation alone. When Tally discovers his gorgeous boss is the kid he tortured back in high school, Lex’s hot and cold routine finally makes sense. Now Tally has to pull out all the stops to prove he was never really the jerk he seemed to be. After all, if he can win Lex’s heart, the rest of the town should be a piece of coffee cake.

***

I always loved me some M.J. O’Shea’s goody and she’s one of my favorite authors when it comes to light-feels, low-angst stories. This would’ve been perfect if not for the last half. I both loved Lex and Tally and how their relationship developed overtime but midway – the plot went a bit downhill with how childish the conflict was. I am also extremely annoyed with Drew’s character – really brew? balls-less much? I was even thinking that Brock retaliated because he’s actually in the closet himself but that doesn’t matter. The ending was a bit anti-climactic and I thought with the length of the novel, there should’ve been more about the bigots in the story getting served and not just getting a punch in return. There’s definitely more about Tally and Lex here that I would like to read in the future books in the series – I want Tally’s character to get a full-redemption story arc and Broc’s crew get what they deserved. This is what I didn’t get, the coffee shop was thriving and people were very accepting with Lex’s sexuality and liked him so much but a crew of capital A-hole get to harass him almost in their entire encounter? It feels like no one’s siding with Lex at all which is very ironic given how he was very much liked.

I’m not sure if I’ll get the second book in the series because Drew’s awfully annoying, tbh so I’m going to chill it a bit with this series. I’d still recommend this book though because it’s still a good read despite some things I didn’t like about it.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press
Amazon
Barnes&Noble

Review: Ang Lalake Sa Parola [The Man in the Lighthouse] (2007)

Ang Lalake sa Parola has big, big potential. Director Joselito Altarejos could’ve steered this film in a different direction and possibly created a masterpiece. “…Parola” chronicles the journey of Mateo (Harry Laurel), a lighthouse caretaker in a rural town, and Jerome (Justine De Leon), a gay man from the city who seduces the naïve Mateo into a homoerotic relationship.

The plot is deceptively simple yet emotionally complex. It’s a symbolic take on how homosexuality exists even in the most remote corners of society. The myth about fairies serves as significant parallelism to the film’s central theme. And that might be the issue—the film is so full of parallelisms that it fails to deliver a cohesive storyline, resulting in a rather confusing finale.

Probably the best thing about this film is the lead actor. Harry Laurel delivered an incredibly strong performance, especially considering this was his first feature film. His subtle approach to each scene felt natural and believable—you’ll find yourself rooting for him. His slight accent added depth to Mateo’s naïveté, and his occasionally awkward, almost deer-in-the-headlights expressions were oddly charming, fitting the character perfectly.

Justine De Leon, on the other hand, felt a bit forced. While his character was meant to come off as discreet upon arriving in the small town, that restraint quickly faded. He became clingy and overly needy, which didn’t quite align with what the role seemed to demand.

Overall, the film was okay. It may suffer from a weak structure and rely too heavily on symbolism in an attempt to appear intellectually deep, but those flaws are forgivable. The intent was there, and the film still manages to communicate the message it set out to deliver. So yes—despite its shortcomings, it’s still an okay film.

Director: Joselito Altarejos
Starring: Harry Laurel, Justine De Leon, Jennifer Lee, Crispin Pineda, Allan Paule, Sheree, Richard Quan, Dexter Doria

Rating: 6/10