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Book Review: Divide & Conquer (Book 4 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban

Posted on May 20, 2014 | Leave a comment
via goodreads

via goodreads

This is the last book that both Abigail and Madeleine co-authored and as usual, the book still has its magic! In Divide & Conquer, Baltimore, Maryland, is a city in alarming distress. Rising violence is fanning the flames of public outrage, and all law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are catching blame. Thus the FBI’s latest ideas to improve public relations: a municipal softball league and workshops for community leaders. But the new commitments just mean more time Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have to spend apart when they’re happily exploring how to be more than by-the-book partners.

Then the latest spate of crime explodes in their faces—literally—throwing the city, the Bureau, and Ty and Zane’s volatile partnership both in and out of the office into chaos. They’re hip-deep in trouble, trying to track down bombers and bank robbers in the dark with very few clues, and the only way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel together requires Ty and Zane to close their eyes and trust each other to the fiery end. [source]

Here, we see a lot of conflicts amongst our characters and we meet the Sidewinder team (Ty’s Recon team). The duo’s affection for each other is growing each day with them being assigned to deskwork after their successful undercover job from the last book. Here, the two are always on the brink of dying after getting the ire of the group terrorizing the city of Baltimore. This was also the part of the series when Ty finally came out to his team and getting the shock of his life when his bestfriend (Nick O’ Flaherty) in the team admitted loving him for a long time now and the sucker kissed him and Ty kissed him back and enjoyed it! WTF?! You see, (now this is getting spoiler-ish) Zane went blind for a time due to an explosion and Ty took care of him and in all fairness to Ty, he admitted the incident to him. Now would this be the reason for Zane not to say I LOVE YOU back to Ty? Now, you’ve got to read the whole thing! It’s maddening, it’s still swoony and you’d learn more about Ty and Zane and the Sidewinder team. Ugh, I’m still upset about the kiss but I guess I’m quite glad it happened…you gotta check it out peeps.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

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Book Review: Something Like Summer – Jay Bell

Posted on May 19, 2014 | Leave a comment

Published January 5th 2011 by Smashwords (first published January 1st 2010)

via goodreads

via goodreads

I truly enjoyed reading this book. I loved all of its characters and its storyline. It started in 1996 as told by Benjamin Bentley, a gay high school student and his young love with the rich, “still in-denial” Tim Wyman.

Love, like everything in the universe, cannot be destroyed. But over time it can change.

The hot Texas nights were lonely for Ben before his heart began beating to the rhythm of two words; Tim Wyman. By all appearances, Tim had the perfect body and ideal life, but when a not-so-accidental collision brings them together, Ben discovers that the truth is rarely so simple. If winning Tim’s heart was an impossible quest, keeping it would prove even harder as family, society, and emotion threaten to tear them apart.

Something Like Summer is a love story spanning a decade and beyond as two boys discover what it means to be friends, lovers, and sometimes even enemies. (source)

The whole high school setting was really well-written. There wasn’t much conflicts in that aspect aside from the ones coming from our main characters themselves (Ben and Tim).

Overtime (in a span of 12 years, ) Ben and Tim broke up, found someone else, they meet again and someone actually got married!

I don’t know why but all throughout this book, my heart’s breaking for Tim’s character. His character was mostly sad, scared and vulnerable mainly because he’s an unwanted child to begin with despite his wealthy family. He practically raised himself. I totally understand why Ben felt the need to protect him.

The whole vibe of the latter part of the book gave me that odd sense of de javu as if I’m watching the movie P.S. I Love You all over again. I just wished though that the ending was a bit longer. I felt that it was rushed (though it works well) because I’m like WTF? So they’re not getting back together???! I’m on the last few pages!!! OMMMMGGGG!!!!!! I’m literally on panic mode!

Written with sincere honesty and relatable characters, you’re sure to enjoy this book and take the journey with Ben and Tim.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Now this was the first book of what the author called “Season” / “Something Like…” series. The second book called Something Like Winter was written in Tim’s perspective and his own life journey. I’ve to see if I’d have the heart to read it since I’m still heartbroken for some reason – mainly for Tim – which is odd. Yeah, I guess I’m Team Tim )

And right now, I’m feeling totally giddy after finding out that Something Like Summer will have its own movie adaptation! OMG!!! #hyperventilating #jumping #screaming #crying #dying #Icant

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Book Review: Beautiful Disaster – Jamie McGuire

Posted on May 19, 2014 | 1 comment

 Published May 26th 2011 by Jamie McGuire

via goodreads

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Can I just tell you guys how I totally adore this book? I’ve read it non-stop in a day and I just couldn’t get over it – not just yet. The story was narrated by Abby Abernathy as a freshman college student in a new place and finding herself getting involved with Travis Maddox – a guy who’s everything that she was trying to escape from her past.

Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate number of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance from the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby wants—and needs—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the ultimate college campus charmer. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his appeal, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’s apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match

Travis is such a character. He’s very relatable, funny, charming, romantic and obnoxious at times. He’s what “realistic- boyfriend characters” are made of. Abby Abernathy on the other hand was a very annoying biatch. Don’t get me wrong though, I loved her character but most of the times – she’s borderline annoying because she’s so dense! At some point of the book I’m like, “WTF? Do you even have a brain girl?” I gotta love her back-story though but ‘am quite disappointed that that part of the book was way too short.

The story was almost on a normal scale – reality wise. The secondary characters are also well-written. The most exciting amongst them are the Maddox Brothers themselves (which I’ve already know that a book was about to be released starting with Trenton! Yay!)

This was overall a very good read. It was mostly romantic that sometimes its borderline cheesy but hey when it comes to the business of love, who isn’t?

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

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Book Review: Fish & Chips (Book 3 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban

Posted on May 19, 2014 | Leave a comment
via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com

Now, this is easily my favorite amongst the series because this is the part of the series where, finally, one of them (it’s our sweet Ty) uttered those stupid words. Fish & Chips may also be the funniest among the series when the duo was assigned to do an undercover assignment posing as a married couple! Yay! How exciting is that?! Ty especially has to go under some drastic makeover sporting platinum blond hair—whoot hoot! We also learned more about Tyler’s ability to mimic accents! I would love to hear that sexy British accent.

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion. Now they’re assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they’d rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there’s more to being partners than watching each other’s backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty’s life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.






 





Ty’s such a character here, and I love how the two could easily be affectionate with each other (of course with the undercover thingy and all), but it was fun seeing them able to do that without having to worry about the people around them. Ty’s such a sex kitten here, and he’s very funny as well, especially with that “beefcake” question. LOL. That got me rolling on the floor, to be honest. We also see here the sweet side of Zane. C’mon, man, stop over-analyzing everything. Goodness!





It’s ridiculous how both authors could come up with such a good story line! It was concise, yet you won’t ask for more because there was enough stuff going on with our characters. The Italian biatch was really funny as well, and Ty was just hilarious, being crazy and all. Oh, how I totally adore these two. Fish and chips is pure magic! I can’t wait to reread it! Ciao!

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Sticks & Stones (Book 2 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban


			

				Posted on May 18, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com






Okay, now we’ve established that I’m totally obsessed with this series, which, by the way, I’ve already finished and am on my way to reading titles under “Cut & Run Network.” Let me tell you a little bit about this second book in the series, though. It’s called Sticks & Stones (yes, from the old adage, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me). It was yet again another swoony novel from our two lovely FBI agents, partners, lovers, and f-buddies. Here, we witnessed how Ty Grady’s kind of falling in love with his partner, Zane Garrett, especially after what happened in New York.





Six months after nearly losing their lives to a serial killer in New York City, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are suffering through something almost as frightening: the monotony of desk duty. When they’re ordered to take a vacation for the good of everyone’s sanity, Ty bites the bullet and takes Zane home with him to West Virginia, hoping the peace and quiet of the mountains will give them the chance to explore the explosive attraction they’ve so far been unable to reconcile with their professional partnership. Ty and Zane, along with Ty’s father and brother, head up into the Appalachian mountains for a nice, relaxing hike deep into the woods… where no one will hear them scream. They find themselves facing danger from all directions: unpredictable weather, the unrelenting mountains, wild animals, fellow hikers with nothing to lose, and the most terrifying challenge of all. Each other. [source]





So Ty took Zane home to take some time off from their traumatic New York adventure. Here, Zane was introduced to the uber-funny Grady family. Oh, I love Ty’s grandpa! And her mother is such a quirky character. His brother Deacon’s so cool, and his dad—agh. I want to punch that guy! Anyways, so they went hiking (which the Grady boys are regularly doing), and they found themselves in danger from treasure hunters and lions! Yikes! This was funnier and more intense than the first one, if I may say so. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and their feelings are blossoming. Oh, and Ty told Deacon that he could love Zane if the guy would let him. How sweet is that? There’s still the rather steamy sex scene (the one in the wood’s rather hawt), and in this book, Zane celebrated his birthday in that hot, hot scene! LOL. More of Ty’s behavior here was also established—his loyalty, his vulnerability, and just how much he cares for Zane. Sticks & Stones was more of a Ty book, to say the least, but it was still awfully good with Zane just adding the right love-jabs!





“I like being able to wake up with you. I like knowing you’ll be there if I need you,” he continued, obviously uncomfortable with what he was saying but refusing to be deterred now that he’d begun. “I like being with you, Zane. And I’d like to keep that up now that you’re here,” he admitted shakily. He met Zane’s eyes determinedly. “I want you.” Who could even resist this guy after saying this?





So there, folks, Sticks & Stones is the continuation of a beautiful series, and you really need to catch up with it. It’s totally addicting! They are totally my new favorite book couple!





Rating: 5 out of 5 stars!

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Cut & Run (Book 1 Of Cut & Run Series) – Abigail Roux & Madeleine Urban


			

				Posted on May 17, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via dreamspinnerpress.com
via dreamspinnerpress.com






I’m pretty sure most of you guys who love reading books have your favorite characters that you somehow hold dearly in your literary hearts, right? This was the case for me after reading Cut & Run. In case you haven’t heard about it, Cut & Run is a romance/adventure novel that involves two male FBI agents who both have dark histories and were partnered together to solve a serial-killing spree case in New York. This installment was co-authored by Abigail Roux and Madeleine Urban.





A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case. Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He’s cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he’s paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it’s hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer. Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again – this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer’s knife.” [source]





I got this book just this month, and I thought I’d give it a try. I was very surprised to find myself enjoying every bit of it. It’s actually quite good. It’s an M/M romance novel with the right punch of action, comedy and dear old love. I just love the characterization of both guys! Both Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are unbelievably dreamy! They are brave, witty, funny, vulnerable, and charming! You see, it’s fun when a book does that to you. It connects you with the character, and you root for them. I got hooked on both protagonists and promised myself to buy copies of the succeeding books, which I did! like all eight of them, including the newly released eighth book (Ball & Chain). As of this posting, I have actually read the rest of the series in less than two weeks! Can you even believe that? I’m like fangirling here and obsessing; it’s almost ridiculous! LOL [Reviews of the succeeding books will follow]. Cut & Run will leave you breathless (one way or another), awwwee-ing, and falling for these two opposite, uber-adorable guys for a partner. Please, you have to read the book.





Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: Orosa-Nakpil, Malate by Louie Mar Gangcuangco


			

				Posted on April 16, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


Orosa Nakpil Malate






“Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a literary gem woven with humor, insight, heartbreak, and profound contemplation. It is preachy yes, but it is also sincere.





In this novel, Gangcuangco cleverly intertwines romance, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness with vital information about HIV-AIDS. Through engaging storytelling, he presents up-to-date scientific data on the virus in a fresh and factual manner. The narrative delves into issues surrounding HIV-AIDS, particularly among men who have sex with men, maintaining reader interest with its blend of humor and wit. Gangcuangco dispels misconceptions about the virus while reinforcing the importance of safe sex through compelling dialogues among the novel’s diverse and controversial characters.





The protagonists Dave and Ross are very relatable, particularly for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Their love story evokes a poignant sense of nostalgia akin to “Brokeback Mountain,” leaving a lingering melancholy that resonates even after the story concludes.





There are moments of tenderness and selflessness amidst the triggering events in the book, such as Ross’s courageous act of protecting Dave’s reputation and his heartfelt sacrifice to purchase a gift, a gesture that resonates with a poignant sincerity.





One of the most touching moments occurs during the reunion between Dave and Ross, a scene that deeply moves me with its emotional impact. Just as the story appears to follow a predictable path, a surprising twist unfolds, nakakaloka!





Regarding the antagonist, Michael Pundasyon, his character evokes a strong visceral reaction in me—so consider this a trigger warning, folks!





In the hands of Louie Mar, the narrative becomes a vessel through which his experiences are vividly shared, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and share in their joys, sorrows, and triumphs. “Orosa-Nakpil, Malate” is a testament to Louie Mar’s skill in crafting a narrative that not only entertains but also profoundly impacts the soul.





“May mga bagay sa buhay natin na hindi natin kontrolado.May mga pagkakamaling hindi na natin maitatama pa gaano man nating gustuhin. Kaya minsan kailangang gamitin and utak kahit iba ang isinisigaw ng puso. Kahit pa maskit, kailangan nating magtiis.”





Rating: 4 out of 5 stars





Published 2006 by Louie Mar’s Publications





About The Author
Louie Mar Gangcuangco is the author of a Filipino novel Orosa-Nakpil, Malate. In 2008, Louie Mar Gangcuangco published his second book, Gee, My Grades Are Terrific: A Student’s Guide to Academic Excellence, a self-help book for students.





Louie Mar has served as a guest speaker in UP Manila, UP Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, San Beda, Philippine Normal University, and the American Chamber Foundation Philippines on various topics including homosexuality, HIV-AIDS, and gay literature in the Philippines.





Louie Mar passed the Straight Internal Medicine Internship in the Philippine General Hospital. He will be graduating from the UP College of Medicine in 2010.

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: South Of Broad by Pat Conroy


			

				Posted on April 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via goodreads
via goodreads






The characters in this book remind me so much of Beach Music. Leo or the Toad as Jack McCall, Molly as Ledare, Jordan as Niles, Mike as Shebah, etc. It was a bit depressing all through. I was emotionally exhausted after reading it. Unlike Beach Music, it does not have a very happy ending for our dear protagonist, Leo. The lines are, as always, genius, and you’d really be rooting for Leo. The twists were good, although I felt that some of them were told in a rush. I love Pat Conroy’s writing for they take me to places and situations that make me open my eyes in amazement and make me think that life really is unpredictable as it happens, but at the end of the day, we’ve only got one dear life to hold on to. South of Broad makes me want to visit South Carolina someday!





Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry


			

				Posted on April 12, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				

Published in 1993, The Giver is a children’s novel with a considerably thought-provoking theme. I’ve just heard about this book because of its upcoming movie adaptation. I was checking out Meryl Streep’s upcoming movies and got curious about them. It’s a shame that in the public school where I studied, we never had materials like this to read; mostly, they were academic books that were just related to our eight-subject curriculum. This feels like I’m defending myself from not reading this during my earlier years, but yes, I guess I am. I didn’t have the adequacy then to find the best books to read; I’m trying, though, but enough about my blahblahblah of a childhood. lol






my copy of the book with my gohan :)
my copy of the book with my Gohan toy from my childhood 🙂






Prior to reading it in its entirety, I already found it interesting based on its summary and the reviews I’ve been reading on the net. The book focuses on Jonas, who lives in a community they call Sameness. Here, everything is in order, from the creation of a family unit to the educational system, jobs, and even deaths. It’s a seemingly utopian world where everything seems to be running fine until Jonas is selected to be the receiver of memories. They are memories of the world’s past—color, emotions, animals, etc.





After learning or receiving these memories from the Giver, Jonas gained the wisdom to really see beyond his eerily orderly community and decided to seek change. Knowing this was close to impossible, Jonas asked for the help of The Giver, but the only way he could create change was to escape from his community.





The book was surprisingly fast-paced and thoroughly concise. The idea of this utopian society was well dissected. Published several years before The Hunger Games, I could say that there are some sort of similarities, or at least a feeling of similarities, between the two. For one, you could easily compare Sameness to the Capitol and its districts. Perhaps it’s the strict compliance of its law? The advance technology? and even the distribution of jobs. And what’s so profound about the two is the fact that in The Giver, the community was made to forget the memories that they deemed unpleasant or unnecessary, while in The Hunger Games, people in the districts were always reminded of a revolution against the Capitol’s oppression through a cruel game, and its people were deprived of something that they had “the right to” in the past. There is some sort of ironic parallelism between the two that ultimately symbolizes a lot of things that were happening then and now.





Incidentally, the book has three accompanying novels entitled Gathering Blue, Messenger, and Son, which are all set in the same timeline.





It was a nice read that will make you eager to learn more, to continue with the journey with Jonas and Gabriel, and to see what has become of them.





I fervently wished that this book would find its way to the schools here in Pampanga (my province) because this could really set out a great deal of discussion amongst our youth here.

							

	
			

				
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Book Review: The Great Santini by Pat Conroy


			

				Posted on February 15, 2014 | Leave a comment
			


				

				


via barnesandnoble.com
via barnesandnoble.com






Inspired by his life as a kid growing up with a military dad, Pat Conroy delivered a book so surreal that a character like Bull Meecham will stick with you as someone you’d all be willing to hate and all too caring to love. As with most of his books, The Great Santini followed the same structure as some of his equally well-beloved novels. a domineering and most of the time abusive father, a strong-willed yet passive mother, and children whose strengths were formed over the years through a tumultuous childhood.





I became an instant fan of Pat Conroy when I first read one of his novels, Beach Music (my all-time favorite), and I eventually read most of his books I could get my hands on, including The Prince of Tides, The Water Is Wide, The Lords of Discipline, South Of Broad, and this masterpiece published in 1976 and made into a 1979 film starring Robert Duvall.






The film received two Academy Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Duvall and Best Actor in a supporting role for Michael O'Keefe
The film received two Academy Awards nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Duvall and Best Actor in a supporting role for Michael O’Keefe






Based on his experiences, it is always a pleasure to read one of Mr. Conroy’s novels. The Great Santini’s authenticity reduces me to half-hysteria, and more often than not, I find myself all too depressed to continue reading after a chapter yet too eager to know how things turned out for the characters that I came to love and root for. Bull Meecham, or the Great Santini, in the book reminded me so much of my father when I was a little boy, and overtime, I realized how much I missed those days when my Tatay’s words were the law at home, which eventually subsided as he was consumed by age and eventually by death. (I’d take all his orders with glee just to see him now.)





In some ways, I love how I could relate to the Meecham kids. I just love how a book like this could easily place itself in the territory of my heart and evoke certain memories from my long-forgotten yet missed past—that is the power of The Great Santini.





Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

							

	
			

				
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