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Book Review: Tigerland (Tigers and Devils, #2) – Sean Kennedy

Posted on December 30, 2014 | Leave a comment

Tigerland[Book 2 of Tigers and  Devils]

Over three years after coming out of the closet, football god Declan Tyler is now working as a commentator after injuring himself when he left the Devils and went back to play in Melbourne and be with Simon. Simon now works as a producer in a community TV program and they are now comfortably living together. Things are going smoothly for them until Declan’s ex-beau who’s also a football player decided to come out in the closet just before retirement and drag him and Simon into the spectacle.

This was a great follow-up to Simon and Dec’s story. The story was a trying time for the couple and it shows the domestic part of their relationship. I loved that about this couple. It was still surreal in a good way and it’s beautiful to watch them grown into the relationship.

At some point in the book, I’d really like to hit Grey Heyward [Declan’s ex] – Gosh, he’s just a relentless sod. I can’t believe he could be that low. I didn’t even like that it all came out easy for him until the end. I was hoping that he’ll self-destruct until the end but alas – the author went the “right” way. He should’ve given us a little fantasy and have that prick run over by a pick-up truck or a train or something.

So like what I’ve said – the couple had this massive thorn thrown into their relationship but they stayed resilient through it all. It was true love people! The development of the story was still great – Sean Kennedy was able to maintain the charm of all the characters except for the evil ones, of course.

I sure hoped that this isn’t the last installment for our couple. I would’ve liked to see Dec being the green-eyed monster in this book but I guess it was too much to ask with Heyward getting all the press here. I’d really like Simon’s ex’s to haunt Dec in the coming installment – let’s just hope there’ll be one. As expected, Sean Kennedy delivered a superb sequel which I am so thankful because I came to really love Simon and Declan – that easily! People, go buy your copy of this series now!!!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published October 15th 2012 by Dreamspinner Press (first published October 14th 2012)

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

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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Book Review: Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1) – Sean Kennedy

Posted on December 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

Tigers & Devils[Book 1 of Tigers & Devils Series ]

I’ve been meaning to read this book sooner but I never got the chance to do so until the early week of December. It actually took me almost a year to finally get a hold of this one – I remember earlier this year when I first got this along with the Cut & Run series and I decided to go ahead with Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban and I never turned back after that. Now, since I’m on a break from the Cut & Run universe and have read tons of books in between then and now – plus my penchant for books set Down Under (big thanks to the Red Dirt Heart series and to the mouthy Mark Cooper via Mark Cooper vs America – or it simply must be the accent!) I finally decided to give this one a go. And folks, let me tell you loud and clear – the author just totally smash it for me!  Mind you, this was his first novel!!

It introduces us to Simon Murray, a single gay man who manages a film festival and is cynical about life in general and to the football god Declan Tyler who’s also very much in the closet as they foray into a secret relationship that neither of them, their family and friends to come through.

What I really loved about the book was the immediate chemistry between Simon and Declan. Simon’s cynicism and dry humor very well complements Declan’s personality. I loved how they are very much protective of each other even earlier in the stage of their relationship. Roger’s character [Simon’s best friend] kind of irked me though; he was a bit clingy and whiny. I didn’t especially liked the way he acted towards Dec at their first proper meeting but I kind of got his point about him [Dec] dragging Simon back into the closet but still, it was a mutual decision and I feel like kicking the prick out of him.

The outing of Dec was especially scandalous but I loved how the author weaved that part of the story. It was very realistic and I’m so glad that Dec isn’t much of a dick about it. The whole debacle about Simon doing a Yoko Ono on Declan was unfair to say the least but it was the realistic reaction of mindless pricks so it’s perfect in a sense.

I guess the most charming part of the story comes from how Simon sees Dec and vice versa. At first, it was like Notting Hill of some sort and as the story progresses, It became apparent that it’s more of a search for companionship, on that one person who you can trust your life with wholeheartedly and Dec saw that in Simon. It’s truly a beautiful story with inspiring, charming characters to boot – highly recommended and a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published August 31st 2012 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 9th 2009)

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

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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Book Review: Kieran & Drew – L.A. Gilbert

Posted on December 29, 2014 | Leave a comment

“Sometimes you do stay with your first love”

Keiran And DrewKieran & Drew reminds me so much of J.H. Trumble’s angst-filled coming of age debut novel Don’t Let Me Go and Madison Parker’s debut Play Me I’m Yours. There’s the usual high school scenes where the weird, gay, geeky kid is singled out and gets bullied by the self-centered, idiotic jocks – typical but true. It’s the case with Kieran Appleby who cannot wait to escape his small hometown of Keys and who’s only friend is the school janitor who doesn’t speak much.

Meanwhile, Drew Anderson is the “nice” jock. He’s got an agoraphobic mother to take care of after his father took off. And naturally, he’s still in the closet just to avoid all the hassling. When he discovered Kieran’s long time crush, they started to experiment which led them to discovering sex, intimacy and ultimately love. With Kieran’s plan on escaping Keys and Drew’s obligation to take care of his sick mom – things couldn’t be any easier for them to meet in the middle.

When I started reading this I honestly find it a bit slow and it felt repetitive. Midway through the story, it picked up the pace and was glad that there’s more dialogue between Kieran and Drew. That thing about Kieran’s Dad was almost predictable by the way. [You’d know what I mean once you read this novel]. I would’ve liked for Drew’s Uncle to be present and provide the fatherly figure for him though. It was too crushing for an eighteen year old to be an adult at such a young age. I feel that Drew’s character wasn’t entirely examined here. There wasn’t enough exposure and everything’s so gloomy about him. I was glad that it worked out at the end and the author didn’t see the need to add more “high school jock-bullying” scenes. I was glad that for the rest of the last part of the book, it just revolves around Kieran and Drew. This is another beautiful narration from L.A. Gilbert – it was totally different from The Coil and The Ghost On My Couch in terms of writing style which I think is very unique and I loved that about the author. Please do read this people; it’s a pretty good book.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published March 1st 2013 by Dreamspinner Press

BUY LINKS
Dreamspinner Press HERE
Amazon HERE
Barnes & Noble HERE

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Book Review: Taxes and TARDIS – N.R. Walker

Posted on December 28, 2014 | Leave a comment

Taxes And TARDISAnother beautiful, sexy and adorable story from N.R. Walker!

Seriously, N.R. Walker knows how to tug them hearts from readers.

Logan is an accountant. Geek. Lanky. Pale. Adorable

Brent is an electrician. Former Jock. Broad. Tanned. Sexy

Brent needs someone to fix his taxes. Upon meeting the geek accountant, like a big bad bazooka – Brent was struck speechless unable to form any coherent words in front of Logan. And who would’ve thought that they’ll hit it off big time? Will their differences cause some problems in their budding romance?

Again, I’m just totally in awe with N.R. Walker’s writing style. She make it seemed so easy to write beautiful stories with her beautiful characters with unique individualities. Here, both MCs are just disgustingly adorable!!! I just loved them! The easy-breezy chemistry between them was just electrifying! I loved that there was enough backstory for both Brent and Logan without those backstory dragging the development of their relationship. It was just smooth despite the angst. Sometimes, it’s nice to read stories that don’t require too much thinking. Like, you just have to read it as it is and enjoy it! Taxes and TARDIS is definitely a total must-read!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: The Ghost On My Couch – L.A. Gilbert

Posted on December 27, 2014 | Leave a comment

The Ghost on My CouchThis story reminds me so much of the movie Just Like Heaven starring Reese Witherspoon & Mark Ruffalo. This time though, it was the other way around. The Nurse (not a Doctor this time) is the one who is haunted by a ghost (a patient at the hospital where is he working) at his flat. I think there’s a very limited way to go with this story – it tends to go around the same way and the same plot lines but it’s always refreshing to have different personalities to different characters. I think the author even got his inspiration from said film – I could totally be wrong though.

Alex Tanner is a male nurse who’s got a pretty routine life between the hospital and his television shows. He’s got standards on choosing his partner – tall, dark and handsome. After one of his shitty days at work, he came home and was greeted by no less than a ghost. Sid Jones – the friendly ghost haunting his flat who made him feels special and is no way up to his usual standards. And why would he be thinking of his standards and said ghost?

I so get the magical realism used in this novel and I loved that it didn’t lessen my liking for the characters all throughout the story. There’s a certain charm going on about Alex and his friendly ghost. There were also some funny moments – especially when Sid gets upset and hides in the fridge. That was just funny and so endearing. The whole story may have some sort of loophole at the end – just a few nagging questions but it’s easy to ignore them because this book was written so beautifully. I can’t believe this came from the author who gave us the heart wrenching The Coil. This is definitely a must-read and I’m glad that someone recommended it to me.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Published March 23rd 2011 by Dreamspinner Press

BUY LINK
Dreamspinner Press HERE
Amazon HERE
Barnes & Noble HERE

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Book Review: American Love Songs – Ashlyn Kane

Posted on December 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

American Love SongsAmerican Love Songs has a very nice touch of realism that lets you see the life behind pop superstars and the likes before they became public’s property. The story was told through Jake Brenner’s perspective. He’s an openly gay member of the aspiring rock band Wayward Sons hoping to make it big. Young and “has too many wild oats to sow to fall in love”­ – Jake’s world suddenly turned into oblivion when the band signed their new lead guitarist Parker McAvoy. Dorky, talented and mysterious Parker knows all about Jake’s conquest and he’s not gay as everyone presumed – until Jake discovered all the layers of Parker’s past. What would it take for Parker to overlook Jake’s philandering past and give him a chance in love?

I loved the first half of this novel. I thought Jake’s character was very realistic and very charming. I loved that it’s also relevant and there’s vibrancy with each character – his band members, his family and the rest of the secondary characters. Parker on the other hand was equally adorable but I didn’t get the drift of his past. It was almost predictable at first but for some reasons, it feels like the author decided to go heavy on the religious undertone to his character. I didn’t get that at all. There was no consistency in his character.

The pacing of the latter part also became excruciatingly slow I almost find myself skimming the pages especially with their rather brow-raising sexual arrangement. Perhaps, it was in the characterization of Parker’s character that doesn’t sit well with me very much. I wished it was just the gay thing and not an elaborate story about choosing a boy over his family. The former reason would’ve been sufficient for the plot and it would still blend in beautifully with the development of the story. It’s a good story – not as grand as the Conquest series by SJ Frost but it’s alright. And the title – it’s a beautiful one but totally wasted.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Blame It on the Mistletoe & Unwrapping Hank by Eli Easton

Posted on December 25, 2014 | Leave a comment

Blame It On the MistletoeBlame It On The Mistletoe is the first book I’ve read from the author. Tis’ got me feeling all tingly over the Holidays. Mick and Fielding are just so cute together  I thought Fielding’s character was a bit exaggerated but I still find him overly charming! Pacing was great, story was adorbs to the highest level – the ending I didn’t quite like (view spoiler) but overall, it’s a great novella 🙂

Unwrapping HankPerfect! Just perfect! Unwrapping Hank is just perfection. I’ve read this after reading Blame It On The Mistletoe and this totally put a smile on my face this season. Sloane grew up as the son of two psychiatrists. Pledging for a fraternity in his freshman year at the Penn State Uni, he meets the big, muscled mysterious Hank Springfield who acts dumb but is majoring in Philosophy. There’s more to Hank than meets the eyes so Sloane made it his mission to uncover everything about said mystery. When he got invited to Hank’s family farm in Amish Country over the Christmas break, things became clear to Sloane which also paved the way for Hank to lower his defenses.

 ‘gotta admit that I loved this more than Fielding and Mick’s story. Both Sloane and Hank and even Hank’s big bro Micah are just too much for one book! It’s a very special story and the reason why Hank’s all that was such a tearjerker. I wanna give him the biggest bear hug ever! So, so worth it and will totally have this on my reread list!

 Ratings for both books: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Caught Running – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban

Posted on December 24, 2014 | Leave a comment

Caught RunningThis is definitely one of the most beautiful books I’ve read this year and one of the best from Abigail Roux. I’ve read other stand-alone novels from Abigail Roux and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them and don’t even get me started with the magnificent Cut & Run series which she started with co-author Madeleine Urban. This book is some kind of special. There’s something about this book that took me back in time and realized a lot of things especially remembering the old “idealistic” me. It’s like a bittersweet reminder that once, I dreamt of something different for myself.

Caught Running tells the story of Jake Campbell, the former school Jock and the former nerd Brandon Bartlett who are now teaching at their old high school ten years after graduation. They were both from totally different spectrum of social circles but when Science teacher Brandon was thrown into coaching with Baseball head coach Jake Campbell, they found that there’s more to learn about each other that neither of them ever expected.

First, I’ve to say how I loved the interchanging POV in almost every paragraph. It’s kind of refreshing in the sense that we get an instant feel from both ends in each situation. In some books, I find this style messy to read but here – it was written in such a way that is very apt with the story and with the characters.

I loved the melancholic vibe of the central characters here. How they both end up teaching instead of doing what they initially dreamt of. That’s how life works right? Things don’t go our way all the time.

I also liked the slow-burn between these two very opposite characters. At first, I thought that my patience was running low but when something finally happened between them – when they both recognized their attraction – I was like, so that’s why it took the author/s too damn long to do it. I realized that I loved the timing then, because it feels just oh so-surreal but good. It’s like the two people you’re rooting for to be together finally had their happy ending – although this was just the start of their relationship as lovers.

It’s mesmerizing to read a book where you don’t get scared of the repercussion of them being lovers despite their status. It was mind-opening and realistic in many levels. There’s imagination offered to the readers to conclude what they want about the couple. I think that’s what I loved most about it. There are a lot of beautiful possibilities about this wonderful couple. This is one book I’ll think about for the longest time. Bravo Abigail and Madeleine!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Thomas Elkin – Sense Of Place – N.R. Walker

Posted on December 23, 2014 | Leave a comment

Sense of Place[Book 3 of the Thomas Elkin series]

Getting the support of their families, Tom and Cooper are at their happiest. They now lived together and nothing will get in their way. But outside influences are trying to tear them apart. Cooper is currently working for a man his age and thinks that he should be dating someone like him and Tom’s facing discrimination at work from a fellow senior partner. These forces won’t easily win though, because Tom and Cooper know that they have something much stronger and they are the real deal.

It’s really nice to see more of Tom and Cooper’s interaction at their respective offices. I loved that Cooper does not get easily swayed. He’s really a stubborn one, isn’t he? It’s funny how he still gets whatever he wants from Tom and how the latter loves spoiling him! I can’t help but grin from ear to ear when Cooper was putting words in Tom’s mouth about marriage. He’s hilarious and I loved how Tom easily relents with this super funny and vibrant young man! It’s also very sweet how Tom lets him fly – I mean, the way he seems to mentor Cooper because he really believed in him. What a really sweet guy.

I really loved this series and although this seemed to be the conclusion of the it, I really still want more of Tom and Cooper. Why is N.R. Walker so freaking amazing? Like seriously? Sixty Five Hours, Heatstroke, Red Dirt Heart, Three’s Company… Gosh, I simply cannot wait to read the next series from her!

A VERY WORTH YOUR WHILE SERIES, this one is.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published February 14th 2014 by Totally Bound

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Book Review: Thomas Elkin – Clarity Of Lines – N.R. Walker

Posted on December 22, 2014 | Leave a comment

Clarity of Lines[Book 2 of the Thomas Elkin series]

Forty-four year old Tom and twenty-two year old Cooper are very much together now. They decided to give their relationship a shot and would now like to share the news with their respective families. They thought their age gap won’t be that big of an issue but their loved ones seemed to think otherwise.

Now, this second installment is where everything hit the fan. Meeting the parents (technically, Tom have already met Cooper’s parents when the latter was still in high school) and telling them about their budding relationship. It was actually rather sweet how Tom and Cooper’s relationship developed in this installment. I loved how they each maintained their individuality without trying to change each other. I thought it was really sweet of Cooper whenever he’s defending his relationship with Tom. It’s true that it’s always the older one who seems to be getting all the blame yeah? Because he’s older and all – but sometimes, that is not always right. Of course, they cannot help the reaction of their respective families but I was sure glad that the story continues to keep its pacing without rushing anything about their relationship. It was really funny how Cooper always gets his way and Tom never wins an argument – funny, cute and very sweet if you think about it. I am totally in love with this series that just got better with this second installment. It’s truly a MUST-READ. Another great series from N.R. Walker.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Published December 13th 2013 by Totally Bound

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