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Never Hollowed By The Stare
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  • Home
  • REVIEWS+RECS
    • MANGA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • SOUNDTRACK
    • QUOTE
    • TRAILER
    • FAVORITE BOOK COVERS
    • DESERT ISLAND CASTAWAYS
    • BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
    • Reviews A-Z
    • MINI MOVIE REVIEWS
  • MEMES+TAGS
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    • LAST YEAR I WAS READING
    • FLICKer FADE SUNDAY
    • TAGS
    • MISC POSTS
    • PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
    • FIRST LINES FRIDAY 56
  • TOURS & BLITZES
    • COVER REVEAL
    • GIVEAWAYS
  • About + Ratings
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  • book,  Uncategorized
    June 22, 2018 / 1 Comment

    To My Future Number 1 Fan – L.A. Witt

    Struggling actor Adam Jacobsen was ready to pack up and leave Hollywood when a stranger gave him the encouragement he needed. Five years later, he’s made it, and when he wins his first major award, he dedicates it to the man who said “It could be you.”

    Brian Stewart is stunned by the acceptance speech, and so are Adam’s fans. Immediately, both men find themselves swept up in a media frenzy. Everyone wants to know the man who gave Adam that much-needed boost—including Adam. When the guys finally meet again, a single talk show appearance isn’t enough. Before long, they’re flying to see each other at every opportunity.

    But Adam’s career means being in a fishbowl. When word gets out that America’s biggest crush has a new boyfriend, the press and the public descend on Brian. Adam can’t protect him. Brian can’t handle the constant attention.

    And something has to give before fame costs each man the love of his life.

    This would make a super cute rom-com movie!

    I haven’t read a lot but I think this is one of the better famous person falls in love with non-famous person stories. I’m thrilled with the concept as well as the execution of the plot.

    “I…” He laughed self-consciously and flipped to a blank page. “I realized a long time ago how many servers in Los Angeles are actors trying to break into Hollywood. And it occurred to me that any one of them could be the next big thing. There’s no telling who it’ll be.” Some of the shyness faded as he looked right in my eyes and added, “It could be you.”

    Those opening scenes were simply heartwarming and the acceptance speech got me teary-eyed. I was right there with them when the nerves and anticipation of their talk show meeting was almost too much to bear. It was a major aaw moment when Adam got choked up sharing the story of how a complete stranger turned his life around. Then they were finally face to face for the first time in five years…

    There he was.

    Adam stood up, and he smiled even bigger now. He came around the chairs and threw his arms around me, and all the butterflies vanished as I hugged him. He was shorter than I’d realized—I’d been seated the entire time we’d interacted at the diner—and I had two or three inches on him. We fit together, though. His embrace was tight and strong, and over the roar of the crowd I heard him whisper just loud enough for me and nobody else to hear, “Thank you.”

    It was clear to both parties that the mutual attraction of that fateful day in the restaurant was still there. They decided to meet again and found they just clicked.

    The honeymoon phase was generally smooth sailing which could be a bit boring depending on your taste. While some novels depend on miscommunication for conflict, Adam and Brian talked. They talked about about what they want in a relationship and what their limits are which is quite refreshing. A point of interest for those on a lookout for such things is that Adam, at 28, is still a virgin. I don’t know if this is a point of interest for people in the US but Brian is a male nurse. Male nurses are very common in my country so I’m not sure why Brian said there was a big deal about him being one. Whatever. I think it was pretty sweet how they dealt with each other with infinite patience. They just matched each other perfectly, the story could have ended right there when they first came out as a couple.

    The conflict came in the way of paparazzi and social media. Brian shuns the spotlight, dreads it really due to some childhood experience. When they announced they were a couple, a shitstorm of vitriol from internet trolls hit. Brian claims the unwanted attention was not a deal breaker but it very nearly wrecked them. I was disappointed with Brian for even paying attention to these toxic people but fortunately, our boy rallied.

    Yeah, this was wrong. I’d let the assholes win. It was no different than when I’d let my middle school tormentors chase me off the wrestling team or let the homophobic assholes in high school scare me off the baseball team. Or when, believing the classmates who’d convinced me I was stupid, I’d declined to take a test for Honors classes. Except it was different. This was way worse. I wasn’t just missing out on a sports team or an advanced class—I was missing out on the man I loved.

    Cue: reconciliation scene. We see echoes of that iconic boombox scene except with a selfie. Two years later, Adam and Brian attend movie premieres together and nobody gives a damn. Also, L.A. Witt owes us a wedding scene.

    Rating:
    4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits 

    Soundtrack: Actors
    Artist: Bravestation
    Album: V

    (source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40508649-to-my-future-number-1-fan)

    Read More
    neverhollowed

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    October 1, 2022

    BLOG TOUR: Enchanted Ink by Robin Lynn (Excerpt & Giveaway + Q&A with Author)

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    NEW RELEASE BLITZ: Moonlight and the Monarch by Evelynn Carver (Excerpt & Giveaway)

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  • song,  Uncategorized
    June 22, 2018 / No Comments


    [spotify id=”spotify%3Atrack%3A3VCQp7KRubiMLW1tAO2TOf&view=coverart” width=”540″ height=”620″ /]

    Soundtrack to To My Future Number 1 Fan by L.A. Witt

    Read More
    neverhollowed

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  • Uncategorized
    June 22, 2018 / No Comments

    Sometimes when you meet someone, there’s a click. I don’t believe in love at first sight but I believe in that click.

    Ann Aguirre
    Read More
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  • Uncategorized
    June 22, 2018 / No Comments

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOGilZA3kbg?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=http://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque&w=500&h=375]

    Read More
    neverhollowed

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  • manga,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    Hakanakumo – Akizuki Ichiha

    Miogi tries to take his life after hearing his lover is engaged.

    At first glance, sensei seemed cold-hearted but then I realized, our little drama queen needs someone to talk some sense into him

    (source: https://mangadex.org)

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  • manga,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    Hakanakumo – Akizuki Ichiha

    Miogi tries to take his life after hearing his lover is engaged.

    At first glance, sensei seemed cold-hearted but then I realized, our little drama queen needs someone to talk some sense into him

    (source: https://mangadex.org)

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    November 19, 2020

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    February 21, 2024

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    August 12, 2021
  • manga,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    Hakanakumo – Akizuki Ichiha

    Miogi tries to take his life after hearing his lover is engaged.

    At first glance, sensei seemed cold-hearted but then I realized, our little drama queen needs someone to talk some sense into him

    (source: https://mangadex.org)

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  • manga,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    Hakanakumo – Akizuki Ichiha

    Miogi tries to take his life after hearing his lover is engaged.

    At first glance, sensei seemed cold-hearted but then I realized, our little drama queen needs someone to talk some sense into him

    (source: https://mangadex.org)

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  • manga,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    Hakanakumo – Akizuki Ichiha

    Miogi tries to take his life after hearing his lover is engaged.

    At first glance, sensei seemed cold-hearted but then I realized, our little drama queen needs someone to talk some sense into him

    (source: https://mangadex.org)

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  • book,  Uncategorized
    June 20, 2018 / No Comments

    A Tender Curiosity – Charlie Cochet

    Take a journey into the past and meet the men who laughed, lived, and loved in a bygone era. This collection includes three short but sweet tales of infatuation, adventure, humor, and even a dash of the paranormal.

    When Love Walked In
    Private investigator Bruce Shannon’s cases of missing persons and infidelity don’t inspire warm feelings around Valentine’s Day. Luckily Bruce is quite happy with only his cat for companionship—until handsome Jace Scarret wanders off the street and into Bruce’s life.

    In His Corner
    Former world heavyweight boxing champion Jessie “the Demon” Dalton needs a cornerman, and Eli jumps at the chance, hoping for answers about why Jessie broke his heart years ago. It soon becomes clear that Jessie needs Eli in his corner—and in his life. Now all Eli has to do is convince Jessie.

    Believe Me, Beloved
    Robert Bradley dreams of singing on the radio, and when he attends the masked ball of handsome station owner Gabriel Chase, Robert has no idea his dream is about to take an unexpected paranormal turn.

    In His Corner originally published by Torquere Press, Inc., September, 2012.
    When Love Walked In originally published by Torquere Press, Inc., February, 2012.
    Believe Me, Beloved originally published in Masks Off Anthology by Top Shelf, An imprint of Torquere Press Publishers, 2012. 

    A collection of historical stories set in the same era as The Auspicious Troubles of Love series.

    Two were set in the real world while one had paranormal elements.

    All three featured age-gap which is catnip to some but not really my thing. 

    When Love Walked In: Mittens and her human, Bruce Shannon, pick up jobless Jace. They fed him, clothed him, housed him and gave him a job. Throughout all these, Bruce and Jace dance around their mutual attraction. Well-paced, well-developed and sweet. Comes with Mittens’ seal of approval.

    In His Corner:  Washed up boxer Jesse Dalton tries to deal with his feelings for Eli as the young man whom he had pushed away comes back to his life as his new cornerman.

    A story about second chances with fully-fleshed out background and convincingly delivered romance. 

    Believe Me, Beloved: Aspiring singer Robert Bradley was invited to a posh ball hosted by his boss and crush Gabriel Chase. There he discovers a different kind society. Weakest story for me. I must have bad luck with Cochet’s shifter stories because this one did not work. It seemed nothing more than a set-up for a human/were-jaguar mating.

    Rating:
    When Love Walked In – 

    4 Stars 
    In His Corner  – 

    3 Stars

    Believe Me, Beloved – 

    2.5 Stars

    Overall: 

    3 Stars – not exactly setting my world on fire but I liked it

    Soundtrack: First Day of My Life
    Artist: Bright Eyes
    Album: I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning

    (source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39722627-a-tender-curiosity)

    Read More
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