Lenni Reviews: "Like Heaven on Earth" by Jaime Samms

(Image Source)

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review and is rated 18+.

Cobolt Winslow is involved in an unhealthy, long-distance relationship with Calvin Denvers. Calvin infected Cobolt with HIV, which cost Cobolt his dancing career in their ballet company as his body became too weak to put up with such strenuous activity. The only stable person Cobolt has come to rely on Malory Preston; a driver who works for Cobolt's brother, Azure. As his health takes a turn for the better, Calvin comes back into the picture and Cobolt is faced with choosing between dancing and his growing attraction to Preston.

I cannot go any further without mentioning the naming conventions in this book. Yes, they are a little odd (at least for me) because it was like reading characters from a fantasy novel but this isn't fantasy. I did get used to it as the book went on.

The relationship between Cobolt and Preston works and makes sense the way those characters are written; even if there are times where I felt Cobolt needed a swat of sense on the back of his head. If a character can frustrate you, he/she is well written.

Other than that, this book is short, sweet, sultry when it needs to be, but standard. Cobolt and Calvin's HIV status is handled with maturity and not used as a crutch or a lame gimmick to make the characters act a certain way. The dancing was immersively written and the subtle nuances of stage culture were there but not as dark as something like Black Swan. I enjoyed it and by the end I was cheering for Cobolt but - and it's likely my personal bias here - the attempts to make Calvin a sympathetic character failed miserably. It would take MUCH more than 204 pages for an abusive cheater to redeem himself in my eyes but this is certainly not the book's fault. I'm betting since this is the third in the "Dance, Love, Live" series (and yes, this novel can totally stand on it's own), I'm sure Calvin has or will get an entire book to himself to work out his issues. As for this book, a happy 3.5 out of 5.

Skinit Custom PS4 Skin Review

I check out the Skinit PS4 Custom Skins which is avaialbe at Skinit.com If you like custom skins for tablets, phones, laptops etc this is something you might want to check out. For more details check out the review below. 

Lenni Reviews: "Relative Best" by Pat Henshaw

(Image Source)

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Zeke Bandy believes life's too busy for love. He runs a historical hotel and sings two nights a week at a local saloon. Vic Longbow is in town involved in opening a branch of a brokerage firm and looking for some photos of his Native American ancestor. When they meet, Zeke and Vic discover they have a lot in common and friendship becomes more than they are prepared for.

I wanted to like this more but this was a pretty bland little story. Characters are tossed at you without enough detail so aside for out main beaus, you don't get to know anyone. As a result, the drama in the book falls flat since they're all strangers. Also, this is a pretty tame m/m romance. Other than hold each other and kiss, Zeke and Vic have a PG-13 relationship; so if that's what you're after with this book, you will be disappointed.

This is the 5th in a series of books from A Foothills Pride series and I don't know if this story is better or worse than the others but it can be read as a standalone novella. At only 80 pages it's wobbly on it's own feet, but perhaps this premise would benefit from a longer book. As it is, the whole thing meanders to the conclusion without any real impact. I give it a 2.7 out of 5 for it's competency as a written work even if it was flat.

Want more? See Lenni's blog Haunting Hypatia.

This Week's Comic Book Picks (Week August 17th 2016)

Comics Books are released every Wednesday to the public to purchase and buy. There are so many comic book companies we can't review every single book that comes out. Starting today I will be giving you my top picks each week of comics that you should check out. 

IMAGE Comics

Demonic #1

Description: SERIES PREMIERE! Detective Scott Graves will do anything to protect his family… even bargain away his soul. Now, the only thing to fear isn’t New York’s worst criminals, but what's already raging inside of him. After all, what's the cost of your soul when it's already damaged? 

Mini Review: Demonic #1 is the standout book from Image Comics this week. Story by Christopher Sebela and artwork by Niko Walter and Dan Brown. This story griped me from the beginning with it's gritty artwork and compelling main lead in Scott Graves. Scott is not in the best state of mind. He had a terrible childhood which was hinted at but not explained. His daughter is dying and he is keeping secrets. However the most compelling aspect of his story is that he has a demonic entity that has been attached to him since he was kid. This demon has been watching Scott and waiting for the best moment to strike. This demon wants Scott and offers something that he might not be able to refuse. I like the realism of the demon and how seductive and cunning it is. The relationship of Scott and this demon will have you hook to see if Scott can defeat the beast within. 4.5 out of 5.

IDW Publishing

Powerpuff Girls #2

Description: A hotshot movie director claims that his new movie is so scary, even THE POWERPUFF GIRLS will be too chicken to watch it! Never ones to back down from a challenge, fall into his trap! Using his “movie magic,” he’ll turn the girls into actual chickens so he’ll be free to enact his evil plans! Can the ChickenPuff Girls save the day?!

Mini Review: The Powerpuff Girls #2 is fun for all ages. Parents this is a comic series for your kids to enjoy. The art is work is spot on with the look and feel of the original television show. The writing and dialogue can be a little cheesy and can fall a little flat with it's pop culture references.  However issue #2 has a great lesson for kids about peer pressure and not doing something because of pride. The girls are in fear of the city calling them chicken because they don't want to see a horror movie. Not to be viewed the superheroes who are afraid of something they take the challenge of seeing the film. They end up being part of master scheme by the one who offered them the challenge. The guys motivation is completely silly and makes no sense but for the kids it will be hilarious. 4 out 5 Stars.

Dark Horse Comics

Briggs Land #1

Description: Briggs Land, nearly a hundred square miles of rural wilderness, contains the largest anti government secessionist movement in the United States. When matriarch Grace Briggs wrests control of the operation from her incarcerated husband, she sparks a war within the community—and her immediate family—that threatens to bring the full power of the federal government down on their heads.

Mini Review: Briggs Land is Dark Horse Comics standout book this week. If there is any book to put on your must buy list it's this one. Briggs Land #1 introduces a compelling world of Grace Briggs and she is seeking control of her husband Jim Briggs empire. Jim is locked up in prison for life for an assassination attempt. However Jim still operates the land from prison.  Grace finally fed up with her husband and his lifestyle decides she will start making changes to Briggs Land. For the sake of spoilers I won't go into further details about the plot. Briggs Land #1 setups of this world very nicely. Each member of the Briggs family gets time to get their characters a solid introduction. The relationship between Grace and her family is very fun to read and the ending has me waiting for the next issue. Briggs Land has great artwork and coloring and a compelling story. 4.5 out of 5 Stars.

Marvel Comics

Civil War II: The Fallen #1

Description: s a giant falls, friends and enemies alike gather to mourn his passing. Amadeus Cho, Rick Jones, Betty Ross, Thunderbolt Ross, the Warbound and more. Can they all keep a level head - or will some of them get ANGRY? Plus, what secrets lie in the Last Will and Testament of Bruce Banner?

Mini Review: Out of all the books from Marvel this week Civil War: The Fallen #1 is the standout book. This book packs an emotional punch as we see the Marvel Universe (well most of them) mourning the lost of The Hulk from the actions of Hawkeye. The Fallen #1 has beautiful art work that really brings out the tone and emotion set out to the reader. Seeing how everyone close to Bruce Banner/The Hulk reacts to his death was a treat. Betty reaction, Tony Stark Reaction and the entire Hulk family are spot one. This is an emotional book and will string at the heart for some Hulk fans. Bruce last message his touching and humorous at the same time. Marvel fans this one is the one to put in the shopping bag. 4.5/5 Stars.

DC Comics

Suicide Squad Rebirth #1

Description: “The Black Vault” part one! When a mysterious and definitely super-important cosmic item falls out of the heavens and into enemy hands, America has only one option: Task Force X, Amanda Waller’s strike team of incarcerated super-criminals. A one-stop-shop for plausibly deniable espionage and ultra- violence, this “Suicide Squad” only handles missions they’re not expected to survive. An insane new era of SUICIDE SQUAD begins here with superstar artist Jim Lee and red-hot writer Rob Williams (UNFOLLOW, MARTIAN MANHUNTER).

Mini Review: While some of the DC arcs like Batman are wrapping up. New arcs such as Suicide Squad, Supergirl and Birds of Prey are just beginning. Out of the three new additions to the Rebirth line I found Suicide Squad the most enjoyable. The new rebirth doesn't really add anything you don't already know about the squad and we don't get much of a backstory except for Deadshot. However the art work by Jim Lee is spot on and once again beautiful to see. There are some chuckle moments with Harley but otherwise nothing really new under the sun. 3.5/5 Stars

DC Comics

Lenni Reviews: "Ten Count" volume 1 by Rihito Takarai

(Image Source)

*I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tadaomi Shirotani works as a secretary for a CEO while suffering from germophobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. One day, his boss is nearly hit by a truck and a young man named Riku Kurose; who is a therapist, saves the man from being killed. Kurose notices Shirotani's condition and offers to help him work through it. Kurose has Shirotani make a list of 10 things to get over in order of discomfort from least to most. Shirotani is only able to come up with 9. They make a deal to meet regularly to work through the list then Shirotani will come up with that 10th item, but he finds he develops more than just a friendly attraction to Kurose.

Unlike a lot of yaoi manga with an M rating, this first volume is very innocent. Our two main characters meet, get to know each other, and slowly build what will likely be a deeper relationship. There's an author's note in the back expressing concern that readers will be disappointed with the leisurely pace but I like it. The art is beautiful, the writing on point, and I think I would like to see Shirotani and Kurose take their time so I can enjoy their story. 4.5 out of 5.

For more of Lenni's writing and reviews, head over to Haunting Hypatia.